Arrival of spring is a busy time of year

DARRELL TIEMENS, MAYOR, NARRABRI SHIRE COUNCIL

Spring has sprung, and there are plenty of busy farmers and gardeners across the shire. I hope the season is treating you well. It is a busy time of year, and we all need to be mindful of some important things.

H5 bird flu is spreading. This virus can affect dogs, so dog owners need to take extra care with their animals.

Please ensure when you are out and about that your dog remains on a lead, particularly near wetlands, parks, farms, and places where wild birds gather. It is also important to ensure they are secure at home.

These actions will help prevent them from coming into contact with or eating sick or dead wildlife.

If you come across sick or dead birds, or other animals, do not touch them or get too close. If you see several, take photos or a video from a safe distance, note the location, and call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

The fires that have broken out in the northern part of the state recently should give us a nudge to check our fire preparations. Everything may look green now, but there is plenty of growth that could become fuel once it dries out.

Now is the time to update your Bush Fire Survival Plan. Talk it through so everyone in your family knows when you will leave, where you will go and what you will take. Make sure pets and livestock are included in those arrangements.

For those on farms and on acreage, dust off the firefighting trailer and give it a run. Check that the pump starts, the hoses are sound, the tyres are right and the water supply is ready. These jobs are easy to put off, but it is far better to find and fix a problem now.

Council crews have been busy across the shire. Gravel resheeting continues on Millie Road, with work on Waiwera Lane, Sunnyside Road and Spring Plains Road now complete. On Rangari Road, tree clearing is finished and the tender for the concrete floodway has been awarded.

Work is also progressing at Violet Street Bridge. Two piers are complete, and beams are due to start being lifted into place for the first two spans in the coming week. Thank you for your patience while this work continues.

I encourage local employers, workers and business owners to attend council’s Industry Conversations on Tuesday 15 September at The Crossing Theatre. Sessions will be held at 11.30am and 5pm, with catering provided. It is a chance to tell us what you think our region needs. Please register through council’s events page.

CREATE Festival Opening Night is on Friday 2 October at The Crossing Theatre. It is always a popular event and a great way to catch up and support our local artists. Tickets are available through the festival website or theatre box office.

There is plenty happening across our shire. Please take care, keep your dogs under control, and make time for those fire checks before the weather heats up.