Guest Speaker: Jan Beer: The Murray Darling Basin Plan and its implications. Jan spoke passionately about increasing understandings of the devastating impact of the MD Basin Plan and how the recent deep cuts in water 
allocations to irrigated food production have been destructive for regional economies and communities – particularly in the irrigation districts in the southern Basin. Jan has contributed to the ‘Caught in the Current’ book published by a small group in the Southern basin community seeking to educate the broader community on issues with the Basin Plan, its history and implementation, as well as providing potential solutions.
allocations to irrigated food production have been destructive for regional economies and communities – particularly in the irrigation districts in the southern Basin. Jan has contributed to the ‘Caught in the Current’ book published by a small group in the Southern basin community seeking to educate the broader community on issues with the Basin Plan, its history and implementation, as well as providing potential solutions. Jan provided some facts about the MDBP · The MDB covers 14% of Australia’s land mass and is home to 2.45million people. · The southern Basin produces 40% of the food grown in Aus, yet 82% of the water taken, recovered, acquired under buybacks by the Federal Govt. for the environment has come from the southern Basin. · Many farmers now rely on buying low security water but while affordable at $140 per ML; it is not at $400-$500 per ML.
After the Millenium drought (1997-2009) the Federal Howard Govt legislated that the 2007 Water Act would include international water treaties, such as Ramsar, taking over control of water from the Basin states and recovering large amounts of water for the environment to satisfy these treaties. Instead of a 50/50 arrangement, the environment now has 72% of all basin surface flows, while consumptive use is restricted to 28%. Jan provided examples of the Basin Plan’s negative impacts on the dairy, vegetable, fruit and rice industries.
In summary, Jan believes that we now have a perfect storm approaching with war in the middle east, with oil shortages casing fuel and fertiliser prices to escalate, bird flu, disastrous Govt policies, and inevitably a prolonged drought, leading to food shortages.
Rotarian Hennie thanked Jan for her willingness to share her knowledge with the Club and her tenacious and passionate advocacy.
3 minuter Glenda Woods. Glenda spoke of the significant ‘tribes’ she belongs to — two of which are Rotary (20-year member) and Golf (45 years). Glenda played her first competitive event (with a handicap of 36) at Seymour Golf Club in 1981 and was immediately hooked. For the next decade or so she only played club golf but in 1995 Glenda had the opportunity to take leave from her employment to travel – and play golf. Her handicap improved down to 9 and she discovered a wider golf world with the Dalhousie District Golf (covering central Vic). For the next 15 years Glenda played 3 days of country teams golf all over Victoria, every year. Now she has graduated to the position of Dalhousie team manager and just recently returned from three days in Ballarat. Team management involves not only team selection but fund raising, uniform selection, and administrative tasks. Glenda has made many lifelong friends through her love of golfing and ‘wouldn’t swap it for quids’
Secretary’s Report: Glenda Woods No mail per se received but Glenda read out the contents of two emails received by the Garden Expo Chair Tony Jacobs. The emails were from two first-time vendors who thanked the club for their invitations to attend. Both vendors were effusive in their praise, commenting on the friendly country hospitality extended to them and they will definitely be returning next year. Glenda, on behalf of the Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre thanked the club for the opportunity to cater at the Garden Expo. The crew in the kiosk were kept busy all weekend (Glenda made 40 dozen scones!) and approx. $1800 was raised. This will be directed to fund weed management in the Wetlands
Any Other Business:
Garden Expo: Chair Tony Jacobs reported that the Garden Expo weekend was most successful with a great range of vendors and bumper crowds visiting from all over the state. Many positive comments were received from both vendors and visitors alike. Tony thanked all members for their contributions.
Glenn also reported that the Two Open Spring Gardens were very well attended. $500+ was raised for the Yea Fountain Appeal from Devonshire teas at The Grange (Glenn & Denise) and at David and Rosemary’s garden from the sale of coffee bags.
Foundation Snapshot
SUPPORTING COMMUNTIES WHEN DISASTER STRIKES
SUPPORTING COMMUNTIES WHEN DISASTER STRIKES
The Rotary Disaster Response Fund is one of the four main funds of The Rotary Foundation that Clubs and individuals can support financially. This Fund allows Rotary districts to access up to USD $25,000 that support critical situations on the ground. Contributions empower Clubs and Districts to address urgent needs through disaster response grants. Our District 9790 received two Disaster Response grants for the recent Longwood bushfire catastrophe.
BBQ team working hard catering for the Rogaining event in the Tallarook Ranges on
Friday 25th Sept. Thank you Darryl, Ann, Jill and Les
Our caterers, Kerry, Nicole and Kat