A monthly report on state parliamentary matters by Member for Burrinjuck Katrina Hodgkinson.
THE recent rain was perfect for farmers’ winter sowing programs which are now well underway.
I hope that some areas may have had enough to drown or at least slow mice which are causing concern in many districts.
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I am pleased to say that the NSW Department of Primary Industries is assisting with the co-ordination of mouse control measures.
My department is working with farmers to provide whatever assistance it can and production of poison has been ramped up to meet the massive demand.
Livestock Health and Pest Authorities are providing ‘at cost’ bromadiolone to poison grain supplied by landholders for perimeter baiting.
Mice are attracted to newly sown seed and can cause massive damage to new crops if left unchecked.
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This month in the electorate I officially opened the Harden Debutante Ball.
Congratulations to the 12 beautiful debutantes and their partners, and the organising committee for a very successful evening.
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Parliament
I raised the looming mouse plague in Parliament bringing to the attention of the House the potential threat to the State’s bumper cereal and oil seed crops.
The event is shaping up to be the worst mouse plague in nearly a decade.
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Business Women Awards
I urge Burrinjuck electorate residents to nominate outstanding local business women for the 2011 Telstra Business Women’s Awards.
Celebrating the achievements of inspirational business women, the awards are open to all business women to participate.
Nominations are open until June 20, 2011 and can be made at www.telstrabusinesswomensawards.c om or by calling 1800 817 536.
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Community Awards Open
Nominations are now open for the NSW/ACT Regional Achievement Awards which encourage, support and reward local individuals and groups who make valuable contributions in regional and rural areas.
If you know of someone who deserves recognition, I encourage you to nominate them.
Prizes include a share in $40,000 courtesy of the Commonwealth Bank or an advertising package on PRIME7 and a hand crafted glass trophy.
More information and nomination forms can be obtained from the awards office on 1300 735 445 or at www.awardsaustralia.com Nominations close on Friday, August 5.
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ANZAC Community Grants Program
I am pleased to announce that a new grants program has been established by the NSW government that will help young people and multicultural communities participate in the ANZAC traditions.
The ANZAC Community Grants Program will comprise a youth component and a multicultural component of $50,000 each.
More information on the program guidelines, including when and how to apply will be issued in the near future.
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Gold Trail
A brochure on the Gold Trail is now available from Visitor Information Centres along the Trail, which stretches from Adelong in the south to Forbes and Bathurst in the north.
The Gold Trail showcases our colourful gold rush history and promotes the historical attractions of each district.
Ten local government areas are involved in a wonderful co-operative effort to generate increased interest in the rich history of the region.
The 28-page brochure is free and includes maps and details of historic attractions in each town and village on the trail.
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