Mildura deputy mayor joins climate-driven challenge to Nationals in Mallee

The deputy mayor of Mildura, Jason Modica, will become the second independent candidate to challenge the National party in the seat of Mallee – running on the issues of water, climate change and people power.

 The deputy mayor of Mildura, Jason Modica, will become
 the second independent candidate to challenge the
National party in the seat of Mallee.

Known as “Jake the Tradie”, Modica served on Mildura council with Ali Cupper, who unexpectedly won the state seat of Mildura last year as an independent, a seat held by the Nationals on a 8% margin.

Modica enters the field after the sitting Nationals MP, Andrew Broad, a vocal supporter of traditional marriage, announced his retirement following New Idea allegations he met up with a younger woman in Hong Kong via a sugar daddy dating website.

Read the story from The Guardian by Gabrielle Chan - “Mildura deputy mayor joins climate-driven challenge to Nationals in Mallee.”

Climate change impacts on Northern Victoria

Climate change will significantly alter the life and culture of human societies.

Australia is no exception. When we discuss climate change on the global level we begin to see overall trends but may lose sight of the local detail. For example, we know that, globally, 2015 was the hottest year on record but we must ask what this means for local communities.

It is clear that these global changes will play out locally. In central and northern Victoria, it is important that we understand how climate change will impact on our future, so we can plan for it. As a trend, annual rainfall has significantly decreased in the region and the average temperature since 1950 has already increased by between 1 and 1.5 degrees Celsius. Based on projections provided by the State of Victoria the regions of the Loddon and Mallee will be a hotter and drier place than it has already become. This will involve significant challenges for people living in the north of the state.

Read the report by the Friend of the Earth (Melbourne) - “Climate change impacts on Northern Victoria.”

Total fire bans in much of Victoria this weekend

Total fire bans in much of Victoria this weekend.

Total fire bans have been declared in much of northern Victoria on Saturday as the state braces for severe fire danger.

Total fire bans have been declared in the Mallee, Northern Country, North East and North Central districts – campfires cannot be lit and solid and liquid fuel barbecues and ovens are also banned.

Bushfire conditions will ramp up tomorrow with temperatures in the high 30s and winds.

Read the Melbourne Age story - "Dangerous bushfire weekend for parts of Victoria.”