DEECA Loddon Mallee

DEECA Loddon Mallee Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action - Loddon Mallee region This page keeps you informed of DEECA's activities in the Loddon Mallee region.

Our climate is changing and the effects are being felt around the world. Victoria has set an ambitious climate action agenda with a strong focus on establishing a renewable energy sector, reducing emissions and preparing for a future with less water. At the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, we will lead this exciting work, bringing together the energy, environment, climate acti

on, water, agriculture and resources portfolios, in addition to its vital role in emergency management. We are working to meet strong targets to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. We are rapidly progressing work to grow a strong renewable energy sector here in Victoria to support our solar, battery and offshore wind initiatives, ensuring that people have access to reliable and affordable energy. We are supporting our agricultural, water and resources sectors to adapt and become more resilient to the effects of climate change while driving sustainable production and economic growth. Victoria has an unmatched native landscape and we continue to work with Traditional Owners and other partners to protect and preserve it, ensuring a healthy, resilient and biodiverse environment. Bringing these portfolios into a single department allows us to draw on knowledge and expertise of these critical sectors and work together to deliver the Victorian Government’s leading climate action and environmental protection agenda. The northern part of the Loddon Mallee region extends 400 kms along the Murray River from the South Australian border in the west to Echuca in the east. The southern part of the region is the geographic centre of Victoria and extends as far south as the Macedon Ranges, within 50kms of Melbourne. Larger population centres are Bendigo, Mildura, Swan Hill and Echuca. There are ten local government areas. We value the comments and contributions we receive on social media. While we encourage people to join the conversation, we will not tolerate disrespectful, offensive, crude, hateful or irrelevant comments, or comments that make another person feel unsafe. Please keep all comments and discussion respectful and courteous. You can view our full social media policy on our website.

Spring is the ideal time to replenish firewood stocks for next winter.Firewood collection areas are now open and maps ar...
01/09/2026

Spring is the ideal time to replenish firewood stocks for next winter.

Firewood collection areas are now open and maps are online - https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/find-a-firewood-collection-area

Some firewood collection areas will change due to the creation of new national, state and regional parks.

Firewood collection is not permitted in the new national parks and conservation parks including the new Cobaw Conservation Park. In the new addition to Bendigo Regional Park, firewood collection from designated areas will continue during spring and autumn until 1 July 2029.

Designated Firewood Collection Areas in state forests in Central Victoria will be restricted to residents of specific local shires.

These changes aim to ensure that local communities have greater access to available firewood into the future. While firewood is free to collect, supply is not unlimited. This means firewood needs to be managed responsibly to ensure environmental sustainability.

Remember:
🚧 Check daily fire conditions and road closures before travelling to collection areas.
🔥 Firewood collection rules and limits apply – please do the right thing and follow them. Penalties apply for those caught breaking the rules.
💲 Financial assistance is available for people on low incomes who rely on firewood as their sole source of heating and buy firewood: www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support or https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/non-mains-energy-concession

Welcome home 👨‍🚒The first contingent of 28 Victorian firefighters and specialists has returned from North America, where...
31/08/2026

Welcome home 👨‍🚒

The first contingent of 28 Victorian firefighters and specialists has returned from North America, where they supported wildfire operations across Canada and the United States🔥

Representing Forest Fire Management Victoria, CFA (Country Fire Authority) and Parks Victoria, they helped manage more than 200 fires that have burnt nearly 12 million acres.

Thank you for stepping up to support communities across the globe 🌏

VicEmergency - Loddon Mallee

Human cases of H5 bird flu are very rare and it has not been shown to spread easily from person to person. As a precauti...
30/08/2026

Human cases of H5 bird flu are very rare and it has not been shown to spread easily from person to person.
As a precaution, people who regularly work or interact closely with birds, particularly sick or dead birds, should follow standard safety advice and hygiene measures.
If you come into contact with sick or dead wildlife and you develop flu-like symptoms, call your doctor for medical advice and let them know about any contact with sick or dead wildlife in the last 10 days.
If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife:
AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment
RECORD what you see
REPORT it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or online through the Agriculture Victoria website: agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu
For more information about H5 bird flu and human health visit: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/bird-flu-avian-influenza

Victorian Department of Health

🖥️ Webinar – H5 bird flu in backyard poultry and pet birdsDo you have backyard poultry or pet birds? Are you keen to fi...
26/08/2026

🖥️ Webinar – H5 bird flu in backyard poultry and pet birds

Do you have backyard poultry or pet birds? Are you keen to find out more about how to lower the risk of H5 bird flu spreading to your flock?

Join the H5 bird flu in backyard poultry webinar
📅 Friday 28 August
🕚 1.30 pm to 2.30pm
🔗 Click to register: go.vic.gov.au/4wLtX9g

In the meantime, you can help by continuing to:

🚫 AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment.
📝 RECORD what you see, including:
• Location
• Species
• Number of animals affected
📞 REPORT online or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

👉 More information: agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu
If you notice something unusual, talk to your local vet or call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

Read more 🔗 go.vic.gov.au/4gNznME

While the risk of H5 bird flu in pets is extremely low, it's best to take precautions. If you're out walking your dog or...
26/08/2026

While the risk of H5 bird flu in pets is extremely low, it's best to take precautions.

If you're out walking your dog or spending time outdoors:

✅Keep dogs on a lead in areas with native wildlife
✅ Don't allow pets to investigate or eat dead animals
✅Stop cats from roaming and hunting wildlife

These simple actions help protect pets, wildlife and curbs the spread of disease.

If you suspect H5 bird flu in birds, mammals, poultry or other captive birds, report it immediately by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or to DEECA online.

Find out more at agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu

More information about responsible pet ownership and legal requirements: agriculture.vic.gov.au/animalwelfare

🔥 Thinking about a new career?Come and meet the team from Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) at the Training & Ski...
25/08/2026

🔥 Thinking about a new career?

Come and meet the team from Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) at the Training & Skills Fair Central Victoria in Castlemaine.

Stop by and learn about careers in forest firefighting and land management.

Ask questions, explore opportunities and discover how you can make a difference.

📅 Wednesday 2 September 2026
⏰ 10am to 2pm
📍 Castlemaine Town Hall
🎟️ Free entry
✅ Register now: https://events.humanitix.com/training-and-skills-fair-cv

VicEmergency - Loddon Mallee
Mount Alexander Shire Council
Rochester Community Page

What happens when cultural fire practitioners from opposite sides of the country come together?From Victoria to Western ...
25/08/2026

What happens when cultural fire practitioners from opposite sides of the country come together?

From Victoria to Western Australia, cultural fire practitioners are coming together to share knowledge, strengthen relationships and support cultural burning on Country🔥

A recent cultural fire knowledge exchange brought Victorian and Western Australian practitioners together to share knowledge, learn from Traditional Owners and strengthen approaches to cultural burning.

From visiting Nowanup Country to presenting at a workshop attended by more than 60 people, the exchange highlighted the power of partnerships and shared learning.

For more information and stories about cultural burning visit https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/bushfire-fuel-and-risk-management/cultural-fire

Planning on collecting firewood this spring for next winter?The spring firewood collection season starts on Tuesday 1 Se...
23/08/2026

Planning on collecting firewood this spring for next winter?
The spring firewood collection season starts on Tuesday 1 September.
Maps of designated firewood collection areas will go online on that date at ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood.
Some firewood collection areas will change due to the creation of new national, state and regional parks.
Firewood collection is not permitted in the new national parks and conservation parks including the new Cobaw Conservation Park.
In the new addition to Bendigo Regional Park, firewood collection from designated areas will continue during spring and autumn until 1 July 2029.
More information on the new parks - https://www.forestsandreserves.vic.gov.au/land-management/managing-crown-land/victorian-environment-assessment-council/new-parks-central-west-victoria

20/08/2026

Behind every fire prediction is more than maps and data. It's science helping firefighters make better decisions, protect communities and care for Country🔥

🤓This National Science Week, get your nerd on and get a behind-the-scenes look at how Phil Brien uses fire behaviour modelling to understand how fires may spread and turn complex data into practical action on the ground👨‍🚒

His work is proof that science isn't just done in a lab; it can help protect lives, the environment and shape the future of bushfire management.

If you're passionate about science, technology or the environment, this could be the career you never knew existed🖥️

To read Phil's story, visit
https://www.deeca.vic.gov.au/ourpeopletheirstories/stories/predicting-the-unpredictable,-the-science-behind-bushfire-decisions

VicEmergency - Loddon Mallee
Rochester Community Page

🐦 Magpie swooping season is here As spring approaches, some native birds become protective of their nests and young. Swo...
18/08/2026

🐦 Magpie swooping season is here

As spring approaches, some native birds become protective of their nests and young. Swooping is a natural and temporary behaviour that helps keep eggs and chicks safe.

If you're out walking, riding or enjoying local parks, remember to:

✅ Avoid known swooping hotspots
✅ Move calmly and quickly through the area
✅ Wear protective head and eye coverings if needed
✅ Never harass birds or disturb nests

Help others stay informed by reporting swooping bird incidents on Victoria's interactive map: https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/swooping-birds

All native wildlife is protected under Victorian law.

Address

189/229 Lyttleton Terrace
Bendigo, VIC
3550

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61136186

Website

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