BALNARRING Picnic Racing Club will receive $14,000 from the State Government for a new toilet block.
Racing Minister Denis Napthine yesterday announced 10 picnic race clubs would share in $50,000 for improvements.
Other clubs to get money include Merton Amateur Turf club, Buchanan and Gelantipy, Woolamai and District, Mansfield and District, Dederang Picnic Race Club, Omeo and District Racing Club, Tambo Valley Racing Club, Alexandra Race Club and Yea Racing Club.
End for pine trees
ABOUT 240 pine trees will be removed from Morwell's Maryvale Reserve for safety reasons.
Latrobe City infrastructure operations manager Jody O'Kane said many of the trees were in poor health.
"The trees in their current condition pose a risk to the users of the reserve," Mr O'Kane said.
"Some of the trees have already dropped branches and with public safety being our first priority, clearly, something has to be done."
The council is planning to replant trees in the area during winter.
Rangers take the lead
AN increase in stray dogs roaming the streets in Murchison, Dookie and Tatura has prompted Greater Shepparton City Council to increase ranger patrols.
Greater Shepparton animal management and local laws team leader Mark Eade said the increase in stray dogs was an indication the animals were not properly confined to properties.
Fines for having a dog at large during the day are $183 for a first offence and $244 if the dog is on the loose at night.
Fruit fly sparks alert
A NEW Queensland fruit fly outbreak has been detected near Kenley.
The pest was found in a nectarine tree in the garden of a house on a commercial orchard. Department of Primary Industries project manager Bill Ashcroft said growers should be on high alert.
"Growers need to treat host fruit trees on their property for QFF, not just their orchards," he said.
"Growers need to check whether their properties fall into a QFF suspension zone before they consign fruit to a sensitive market."
