BLUE-green algae levels have increased in the Metung area, leading to authorities to warn against contact with the water.
Warnings have been triggered by high readings in the Metung Marina, Tambo Bay, Chinamans Creek and Metung beach areas.
Lakes Entrance, Eagle Point and Jones Bay and areas west of Paynesville are safe for recreational water use.
Lake Tyers is free of blue-green algae.
Mussels, prawns and crabs caught in the Lakes system are not safe for human consumption, the Health Department advises.
People can eat fish from the area, but they are advised to remove gills and guts before cooking.
Dog on show
AUSSIE film Red Dog will be shown at Victoria Park Lake on an 8m screen on the eve of Australia Day as part of the Greater Shepparton Summer Film Festival.
The free screening starts at 8.30pm with short film Tulip, directed by Rachel Griffiths and starring Bud Tingwell, and then the film Red Dog. People are invited to bring pillows, rugs and chairs to the park for a night under the stars.
Greater Shepparton Mayor Michael Polan said: "Last year's Greater Shepparton Summer Film Festival was a great success and we are pleased to present these events again this summer."
COLES and Warrnambool Cheese and Butter yesterday announced a joint venture to create dairy brand Great Ocean Road.
It will require WCB to source 50 million litres of milk a year to meet the five-year contract.
Great Ocean Road will launch with Tasty, Extra Tasty, Vintage and Light 500g cheddar cheeses and a Tasty and Light 500g shredded cheese, and milk and cream.
The range will hit the shelves in May.
Grass advice
THE Department of Primary Industries dairy services is running a series of free seminars to assist dairy farmers find the ideal proportion of perennial ryegrass for their farm.
The department's dairy extension officer, Tom Farran, said that with improved seasonal conditions and greater water availability, many farmers had begun to tinker with their systems to move away from farming designed for drier years.
Mr Farran said many people were cautious after the drought years, during which perennial pastures were expensive in summer if farmers did not have a relatively cheap water source. Seminars will be held at Cohuna Bowls Club on Monday, February 6, the Kyabram Club on February 7 and the Katunga Recreation Reserve on February 8.
Call Mr Farran on (03) 5833 5297.
