Algae alert still current for lower Murray River from Red Cliffs to Mildura and downstream at Wentworth.

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A red alert level warning (high alert) remains current for the lower Murray River from Red Cliffs to Mildura and downstream at Wentworth.

The results of water quality monitoring conducted by WaterNSW shows potentially toxic blue green algae are now dominant within the algal assemblage.

A red alert level warning indicates that people should not undertake recreational activities where they may be coming into direct contact with the water. Contact with the water may also pose a threat to livestock, and pets.

People should not eat mussels or crayfish from Red Alert warning areas.

A precautionary approach should be applied to fishing during bloom events.

Any fish caught should be cleaned and washed thoroughly in uncontaminated water and any internal organs disposed of before consumption.

Fish fillet meals from algal bloom affected areas should be limited to 1-2 servings per week.

Avoiding fishing in a bloom location is the best way to minimise risk, particularly catching and eating fish from locations with severe blooms that last extended periods of time.
Blue-green algae usually appear as green paint-like scums on the water, near the edges, or as greenish clumps throughout the water.

The water can appear to be dirty, green or discoloured and a strong musty or earthy odour may be noticed.

Potentially harmful algal blooms tend to occur when there are warm water temperatures and sunny days, low turbidity and calm water conditions where water may stratify.

It is not possible to predict how long the algae will remain at high levels.

Regular monitoring will continue, and the alert will be lifted as soon as the high levels of algae dissipate.

People who believe they may have been affected by blue-green algae are advised to seek medical advice.

Updates about blue-green algae blooms and red level warning areas can be obtained by calling 1800 999 457 or visiting – http://www.waternsw.com.au/water-quality/algae

Junction Junk on this weekend

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Wentworth Shire Council Tourism Officer Hannah Gebert (right) showing local resident Julie Douglas the sites registered for this weekend’s Junction Junk Easter Garage sale in Wentworth.

WENTWORTH is all set for Easter Sunday’s annual Junction Junk Easter Garage sale.

After the 2020 edition was called off due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, 30 stallholders have come on board to revive the popular event.

Wentworth Shire Council has provided stallholders a COVID-19 fact sheet, signage and contact-tracing documents as part of their registration pack to ensure the event is run in a COVID-safe manner.

Maps detailing where to find the sale sites will be available from Ruby’s Cargo on Sunday 4 April from 9:00am.

Wentworth Shire Council Mayor Susan Nichols encouraged all to support this year’s sale.

“It’s junk to some people, treasures to others,” Cr Nichols said.

“Come to Wentworth, have a great day, and find some more treasure.”

Bendigo Bank Agency Open at Midway Centre

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Wentworth Shire Council Team Leader Customer Service Annette Fraser (right) with Customer Service Officers Julie Simpson and Mel Hoskin at the Midway Centre Bendigo Bank Agency Buronga.

A Bendigo Bank Agency is now open at the Midway Centre in Buronga.

The agency, operated by the Community Bank Wentworth and District and staffed by Wentworth Shire Council’s Customer Service Team, offers core day-to-day banking facilities to existing and new customers of Bendigo Bank.

“We are super excited to be able to offer real time banking services in the Buronga and Gol Gol area and we look forward to re-investing local dollars back into the local community,” Wentworth Shire Council Team Leader Customer Service Annette Fraser said.

The agency’s hours are Monday to Friday 10:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

Public asked to donate to flood appeal through GIVIT

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The New South Wales Government is urging people to take advantage of its official partnership with national not-for-profit charity platform GIVIT when donating money and goods and services to those affected by the state’s floods.

The NSW Government and GIVIT will work together alongside charities to assess and advise what critical and immediate material support is needed.

They will also assist with managing donated money and offers of goods and services.

Resilience NSW Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said people are encouraged to help communities in times of need and the best way they can do this is via the official donations channel.

“Our partnership with GIVIT allows councils, outreach teams, local charities and community groups to tell us exactly what’s needed.

Then, we work to meet these needs through an online warehouse or by purchasing requested items locally using donated funds,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said one of the key things is that people don’t take unrequested items into storm and flood-impacted areas.

“We need to ensure local charities and recovery organisations aren’t inundated with donations they don’t need,” Mr Elliott said.

Donate and learn more about GIVIT’s ‘Severe Storms and Flooding’ appeal

Puppet Show at Pooncarie a success

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School of the air student Monty and Palinyewah students Arden, Issy and Millie play musical chairs while waiting for the show
Jenny Ellis of Little Wing Puppets
Little Wing Puppets’ Jenny Ellis is given a hand during the show by student Ethan

A little bit of the arts was brought to Pooncarie on Thursday 18 March when Jenny Ellis of Little Wing Puppets performed “A Little Bit of Blue” at Pooncarie Town Hall for students from Pooncarie Public School, Palinyewah, Pomona and the School Of The Air as well as some of their family members and staff.

The 46 gathered students, many of whom live remotely on stations or outback properties, were treated to an excellent show.

Pooncarie Public School’s Adele Fernandez was integral in coordinating the schools and barbeque luncheon afterward

The event was funded by a Restart Arts Grant awarded to West Darling Arts and facilitated by Wentworth Shire Libraries.

“To be able to come together and watch a live performance, especially in a small town like Pooncarie was really special,” Wentworth Shire Libraries’ Gabrielle Murphy said.

“The show was really engaging and the puppetry quite mesmerising to watch.

“To have the event come together after so many things being cancelled for so long was wonderful. It was just a really brilliant day.”

The show was also rolled out to Wentworth and Gol Gol public school students, with the latter show including students from Dareton Public School.

Stormwater construction works – Buronga

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Wentworth Shire Council will be undertaking stormwater construction works through Pitman Avenue, east of Midway Drive, Buronga.

Construction is planned to start on 22 March 2021, weather dependent, and is expected to be complete within five working days.

This section of the road will be closed while works are being completed.

KW Earthmoving and Concreting has been contracted to undertake the works on Council’s behalf.

For more information contact Wentworth Shire Council Subdivision Officer Rachael Withers or Project Engineer Taygun Saritoprak 03 5027 5027.

Council Connects March 2021

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Council-Connects-March-2021Download

Wentworth Shire Council’s March newsletter

Algae alert for lower Murray River

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A red alert level warning (high alert) has been issued for the lower Murray River from Red Cliffs Water Treatment Plant to Mildura Weir inclusive.

In addition, downstream locations at Wentworth, Fort Courage and the outlet at Lake Victoria remain on high alert.

WaterNSW and Lower Murray Water will continue to monitor sites in the area and report the results as soon as they become available.

A red alert level warning indicates that people should not undertake recreational activities where they may be coming into direct contact with the water.

Contact with the water may also pose a threat to livestock, and pets.

People should not eat mussels or crayfish from Red Alert warning areas.

A precautionary approach should be applied to fishing during bloom events.

Any fish caught should be cleaned and washed thoroughly in uncontaminated water and any internal organs disposed of before consumption.

Fish fillet meals from algal bloom affected areas should be limited to 1-2 servings per week.

Avoiding fishing in a bloom location is the best way to minimise risk, particularly catching and eating fish from locations with severe blooms that last extended periods of time.
Blue-green algae usually appear as green paint-like scums on the water, near the edges, or as greenish clumps throughout the water.

The water can appear to be dirty, green or discoloured and a strong musty or earthy odour may be noticed.
Potentially harmful algal blooms tend to occur when there are warm water temperatures and sunny days, low turbidity and calm water conditions where water may stratify.

It is not possible to predict how long the algae will remain at high levels. Regular monitoring will continue, and the alert will be lifted as soon as the high levels of algae dissipate.

People who believe they may have been affected by blue-green algae are advised to seek medical advice.

Updates about blue-green algae blooms and red level warning areas can be obtained by calling 1800 999 457 or visiting – http://www.waternsw.com.au/water-quality/algae

Floodplain Harvesting in the Macquarie Water Sharing Plan on public exhibition

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The proposed floodplain harvesting rules in the Macquarie water sharing plans are on public exhibition from 22 March – 18 April 2021.

The NSW Government is hosting an online information session on 22 March 2021 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and face-to-face community consultation sessions in Warren on 31 March 2021 and Narromine on 1 April 2021 where you can learn more about the proposed water sharing rules for floodplain harvesting licences for the Macquarie Valley.

Attend the sessions to find out more about the proposed rules and how you can have your say about:

• account management rules

• available water determinations

• permanent trade rules

• amendment provisions.

Register for the online session here.

MURRAY REGION OVERLOOKED IN FEDERAL TOURISM SUPPORT PACKAGE

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Murray Region tourism businesses have been overlooked in the recently announced Federal Government Tourism Support Package.

Murray Regional Tourism Chair Wendy Greiner was disappointed at the announcement Albury and Mildura’s airports would not be included in the $1.2 billion cut-price flights scheme.

Prior to COVID-19 and border closures the region would welcome annually 6.5 million visitors across our river communities supporting around 2,500 tourism businesses and providing over 18,000 jobs in the region.

Visitors spent nearly $2 billion in direct expenditure and enjoyed 10 million nights in the region.

“The Murray region’s tourism industry has been decimated by COVID-19 and the border closures unlike any other location in Australia,” Ms Greiner said.

“With two regional airports servicing the Murray region from key source markets we are extremely disappointed to have again been overlooked for vital support for our region.

“We implore the Federal government to review the current arrangements and urgently request Mildura and Albury are added to the list of eligible destinations in the support package. These short sighted and unfair subsidies as they currently stand will reduce visitation, net visitor spending and only lead to an alarming increase in job losses”.

Tourism operators in the Murray have endured the highest lockdown measures in Australia with over 41 weeks of interrupted trade in the past 12 months as a consequence of Coronavirus restrictions implemented by both the NSW and Victorian governments.