Wild weather: Monster storm threatens 20 per cent of Australia's wheat crop

Heavy rains in eastern Australia could wipe out or damage up to 4 million tonnes of wheat due to be harvested shortly, forecasters said on Friday.

Farmers have been working round the clock to harvest
their crops before the wild weather strikes. 

The "major weather event" being faced by most of Victoria and parts of South Australia and NSW this weekend poses a major threat to the countries grain harvest.

"The main concern is that these are the areas where crops are still being harvested," said James Maxwell of Australian Crop Forecasters, which expects to downgrade its national wheat forecast of 21.7 million tonnes once the damage is assessed.

"At the moment, we estimate that around 4 million tonnes will be affected," Mr Maxwell said.

It was not yet possible to determine how much of the crop would be wiped out and how much is downgraded due to the onset of re-sprouting, or premature germination, resulting in lower yields.

Read the story in the Melbourne Age - “Wild weather: Monster storm threatens 20 per cent of Australia's wheat crop.”

Big gathering today to hear all nine candidates for Murray

More than 100 people were Beneath the Wisteria
in Shepparton's Maude St Mall to hear eight
candidates for the Seat of Murray in July 2 election.

More than 100 people gathered today Beneath the Wisteria to hear from all eight candidates nominated for the Seat of Murray in the July 2 Federal Election.

All nine candidates had five minutes to explain who they were, why they had nominated for the northern Victorian seat of Murray, why they should be elected to represent the near 100 000 electors who live in the nearly 20 000 square kilometre area based on sheep, wheat, dairy, viticulture and fruit processing industries.

Speakers today included independents Nigel Hicks, Andrew Bock, Fern Summer and Dianne Teasdale (just nominated), and Damian Drum (Nationals), Ian Christoe (Greens), Alan Williams (Labor), Robert Danieli (Country Party) and Duncan McGauchie (Liberals).

Each speaker was allowed five minutes to present their arguments and each took two or three questions from the crowd.

The event, the first public appearance of the candidates en masse, was greeted with enthusiasm by the crowd, which demonstrated respect for the speakers and treated the public meeting, in a public space (Shepparton’s Maude St Mall) with the civility.

Master of ceremonies for the day, John Pettigrew, was thrilled with the outcome of the gathering.

The next Beneath the Wisteria gathering on Saturday, June 25, will allow reflection on what was discussed today, and by whom, and those attending will be able to articulate their views on who should represent Murray after July 2 and why.