Big wet is fast becoming big dry

Only 0.4mm of rain has been recorded so far in January up to Monday with that being registered on Tuesday, January 3.

The average January rainfall for Kyabram is 35mm.

Since Christmas Eve only 5.4mm has been recorded

Maximum temperatures have been on the rise with four readings over 30℃ and a top of 36.7℃ on January 1.

The minimum temperature dropped to 11℃ on January 6.

Carp explosion

Footage has emerged of mass carp spawning events in rivers across the Murray-Darling Basin, causing fear of an ecological disaster.

The carp explosion comes after widespread flooding caused hypoxic blackwater events, providing the ideal breeding environment for the introduced species.

Federal agencies have described carp — which now make up 80 to 90 per cent of fish biomass in the basin — as one of the worst introduced species in Australia, due to the destructive impact they have on water quality and on native fish species.

Moulamein irrigator Jeremy Morton posted footage on social media last week of thousands of carp in a drainage line on his property.

Speaking to the Deniliquin Pastoral Times, Mr Morton said it was the first time he had seen mass spawning to this extent.

“We’ve been trying to get yabbies out of the lake next to this drainage line, and every time we put the net in we’re pulling out at least 50 carp,” Mr Morton said.

More than 2100 billion litres of water has been taken out of the irrigated agriculture pool as a result of the water policy, more than four Sydney Harbours.

Shire support for Southern 80

Campaspe Shire Council has chipped in $50 000 — $25,000 in cash and $25,000 in support — to the Moama Water Sports Club — to assist running the iconic Southern 80 ski race.

The club recently announced the Southern 80 has been rescheduled to March instead of the traditional second weekend in February to allow the Murray River to return to normal flows and the reopening of forests by Parks Victoria.

Missing sign returned

A bit of a Yarroweyah’s history has been returned to the town.

The wooden sign which announced the former railway station at Yarroweyah is now being displayed in the local hall.

The sign disappeared 43 years ago when it was removed along with the station and ended up with Mal Patchett, who was given the sign by Jim Sutton, who along with his brother Don owned the Yarroweyah Garage at the time and won the tender to remove the station.

Mr Patchett has had the sign since and recalls the time when he was travelling by train and knew he was home when he saw the sign at the Yarroweyah station.

He recently decided it should be returned home and displayed in the Yarroweyah Hall and all that came to fruition at a ceremony prior to Christmas.

Strathmerton river mural

Strathmerton is boasting a stunning new mural featuring the Murray River and its surrounds and local wildlife in the public area on the side of the Murry Valley Hwy across from the town’s pub.

It is the work of local Wiradjuri artist Tiarne Hall with the ceramic work completed by the community under the directions of Cobram mosaic artist Kerrie Murrell.

A $5000 donation from Mac Inc along with funding from Moira Shire Council and local sponsorship was able to see the project completed.

Conditional bail granted

A 31-year-old man has been granted conditional bail following the death of a young boy in a roll-over at Moulamein on December 22.

A six-year-old boy died after a Hilux ute rolled on the Moulamein Rd.

The male driver faces several charges, including not having a child between four and seven years old restrained and negligent driving.

Play on the Plains festival

Deniliquin’s Play on the Plains festival is going ahead this year over the long weekend in March.

Based on reduced numbers in 2021 and last year presumably due to COVID-19, there was some doubt about whether the event, arranged by the same committee that runs the iconic Deni Ute Muster, would be staged.

But it’s all stops out now and tickets will be on sale this month.

More speed limit changes

Be careful when you are driving into Kyabram from the west and north, new speed limits have recently been introduced to reduce the entry speed into the town. First it was Graham and McEwen Rds, but now the speed limit on John Allen Rd has also undergone the same changes — reducing from 80km to 60km significantly further to the north of the town.

Ram Raid in Allan St

Detectives are appealing for public assistance following a ram raid burglary at Kyabram Motorcycles and Mowers in Allan St on January 3.

A video showing two people using a white Nissan Navara twin cab to ram into the building at about 4.15am featured on Facebook.

They allegedly stole a Sherco brand motorcycle and towed it behind the ute, the $20,000 robbery involved the offenders later returning to steal motorbike gear and another Sherco motorbike before driving off again.

Officers believe one of the motorbikes may have been seen in the Mooroopna area.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Details at: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/kyabram-motorcycle-burglary

Norm’s message remains

It was almost 50 years ago that a “pot-bellied’’ couch potato named Norm first appeared on our television screens — extolling the virtues of Life Be In It.

A group of Norm’s closest friends have recreated the iconic original TV ads, which were considered possibly the most effective health initiative ever in Australia.

Roy Morgan, the Foundation Partner in the rejuvenation of this important community health initiative has announced a new Index to track Australians’ health. ‘The Life Be In It Wellness Index’. Roy Morgan data scientists have analysed more than a quarter of a million in-depth interviews with Australians since 2007.

This exceptionally robust study shows that the lockdowns have had a negative impact on Australians’’ choices in terms of food and exercise resulting in a decline in overall health and wellbeing.

‘Norm’ and many endearing characters of Life Be In It are now on our screens thanks to the generosity of all major Australian television networks who have enthusiastically embraced the relaunch campaign.