A TASKFORCE has recommended standardising Victoria's rail network and upgrading lines to increase axle loads to improve grain movements.
The recommendations were two of 14 made by the Grain Logistics Taskforce to improve the movement of grain from country storage to ships.
The taskforce said there was support for standardising the rest of Victoria's rail network.
It said if a rail link between Mildura and Broken Hill went ahead, that would force standardisation of the Mildura to Dunolly line, with the Sea Lake and Robinvale lines to follow.
"If the northwest lines are standardised, consideration would need to be given to standardising the northeastern broad gauge lines through Seymour to Shepparton, Tocumwal and Echuca\Deniliquin to avoid them being isolated broad gauge lines," the report said.
Ideal conditions see rabbit numbers rise
RABBIT numbers are increasing this summer because of high rainfall and strong pasture growth across Victoria.
Department of Primary Industries biosecurity manager for established invasive animals John Matthews said data indicated rabbit numbers were starting to rise from a 15-year low.
He said analysis of the 2011 spring program indicated an increase in both population and active warrens.
The DPI rabbit monitoring program covers 17 sites on farmland including Manangatang, Beechworth, Harcourt, Yambuk and Swifts Creek, and has been running since 1998.
"It appears a high proportion of rabbits have antibodies to the biological control agent rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHDV), released in 1995-96," he said.
Landholders need to start control programs, such as ripping up warrens, during summer while rabbit numbers were low, Mr Matthews said.
Flood repair jobs program boosted
A FLOOD recovery employment program in the Mallee has been extended with a $550,000 boost from the Victorian Government.
The Mallee Flood Recovery Environmental Employment Program has employed 44 irrigators and one dryland farmer since it started last July.
The program employs farmers up to three days a week to clear debris and rubbish from along the Murray River, repair flood-damaged fences and infrastructure, and control weeds.
Mallee Catchment Management Authority board chairman Sharyon Peart said the program's extension was a boost for the region.
"We recognise that money is very tight across the spectrum, from government to farmers, and this is great recognition of the achievements of our flood recovery employment program team," Ms Peart said.
Ignore algal bloom signs at your peril
PEOPLE are risking their health by ignoring warnings to avoid contact with water affected by a blue-green algal bloom in the Gippsland Lakes.
Incident management team regional co-ordinator Daniel Mainville said signs had been installed in the area to protect the health of people and animals.
Although the Health Department has given the all clear to cook fish with gills and guts removed, a ban on prawns, mussels and crabs from the Lakes system remains.
"There are signs where you should not come into contact with the water. These areas are mainly east of Paynesville and across Lake King to Lakes Entrance," Dr Mainville said.
"Also remember affected water is not good for animals, so don't let your pets swim in it. The toxin can affect liver function if you swallow water or consume mussels, prawns or crabs."
