Home » 2017 » Food for thought

Food for thought

Firefighters are preparing for potentially one of the worst bushfire seasons across north-west Victoria with above-average rainfall producing excessive fuel loads. 

Swan Hill Fire Brigade captain Dennis Turner said the amount of fuel load in grasslands meant it was likely to be one of the worst seasons since 2012. 

“With the dry summer in 2015-16, when nothing grew, and 2016, when we had all the rain in winter and spring, the fuel load is probably the worst in about four years, no matter where you are in the state,” Mr Turner said. 

“I would strongly suggest that, if people have not done anything about fire prevention works, they start now. 

“Fire restrictions have been delayed this year because it has been wet and not many people have been able to do any preparation work this spring.”

To read more about this story, grab a copy of Wednesday’s Guardian (October 19). 

Digital Editions


  • Telstra upgrades improve connectivity

    Telstra upgrades improve connectivity

    TELSTRA is in the process of upgrading its mobile base station that services Balranald to bring a better 4G/5G user experience. Telstra said the upgrades…

More News

  • Drawing cultural connections

    Drawing cultural connections

    Sora Shim grew up in Seoul, South Korea, in a bustling household with five siblings. By age six, her family had moved 12 times, shaping her sense of responsibility and…

  • Raiders rout Roodogs

    Raiders rout Roodogs

    Barham-Koondrook have stormed their way into this year’s SHDCA A grade grand final after a comprehensive eight-wicket win over a disappointing Ultima-TUF on Saturday. In a ruthless display of skill…

  • Ley officially resigns

    Ley officially resigns

    SUSSAN Ley has formally quit Parliament, two weeks after being ousted from the Liberal Party’s top job. Her resignation as the member for Farrer will trigger a by-election in her…

  • Breast screening visit

    Breast screening visit

    WOMEN over 40 can book in for their free regular breast screen at the mobile van in Balranald between Saturday 11 April and Saturday 18 April. BreastScreen NSW manager Deon…

  • Record rainfall recorded

    Record rainfall recorded

    AN unseasonal downpour over the Mallee marked the transition from summer to autumn this weekend, as the tropical low and trough that caused flash flooding in parts of South Australia…

  • Rams make history

    Rams make history

    MURRAY Downs have claimed victory their very first Northern Valley premiership with a nail-biting finish that went down to the very last end. The final score was 52 shots to…

  • Questions over AI in basin review

    Questions over AI in basin review

    THE Murray Darling Basin Authority has confirmed that generative AI is not being used in the processes to assess submissions to the current Murray-Caring Basin Plan review. Consultations for the…

  • Mayors briefed on basin plan

    Mayors briefed on basin plan

    NORTHERN Victoria’s council chiefs have fired a warning shot over the future of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, declaring their communities cannot afford another hit. The Murray River Group of Councils…

  • Tourism program sparks fresh ideas

    Tourism program sparks fresh ideas

    MORE than 50 tourism operators from across the Murray and Riverina regions gathered in Sunraysia recently to learn, connect, and explore ways to enhance or expand tourism offerings in the…

  • Landmark launch for tourism

    Landmark launch for tourism

    THE long-awaited revival of the heart of Swan Hill’s tourism and culture precinct came to fruition this week as community and stakeholders joined together for its official launch. Swan Hill…