VLPA Update (Issue 54)
PETER MCCLUSKY provides an update on the Victorian Limestone Producers Association.
THE Annual General Meeting and Conference of the VLPA was held at the Waltzing Matilda Hotel/Motel in South Springvale on 16 November 2010.
The conference was addressed by Debbie Shea, a Glenelg Hopkins Catch Management Authority Board Member who spoke on successful land rehabilitation projects she has been involved in using lime and the CMA’s support for combating acid soils.
Rob Shea, Project Manager of Perennial Pasture Systems based out of Ararat, spoke on the use of lime in agriculture especially its ability to counteract harmful effects of aluminium on root systems.
An important topic of discussion was the successful acid soils project, which has started in conjunction with Southern Farming Systems and the Glenelg Hopkins CMA.
The acid soil work was subsequently extended to be included in seminars and field days run by Perennial Pasture Systems and the North East Catchment Management Authority.
A Department of Primary Industry web seminar on weather patterns and prospects which was shown to the conference has proven accurate with recent rains having been predicted during the seminar.
The office bearers and committee for 2011 are as follows:
- Bruce Couch (Chairman)
- Tim Gibson (Secretary)
- Trevor Tovey (Treasurer)
- Noel Letcher (Technical Member)
- Graeme Heywood (Public Officer)
- Peter McCluskey (Business Manager)
The VLPA is currently concerned that the Murray Darling Basin Authority draft plan for water allocations with its emphasis on priority for environmental flows ahead of economic and social considerations would threaten the future of agriculture in the region.
For further information contact Peter McCluskey 0408 496 588
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