Landholder guide launched

By Lachlan Ellis

A new guide for Moorabool landholders, sponsored by the Bacchus Marsh Rotary Club and National Landcare Program, was officially launched last Thursday.

The ‘Moorabool Healthy Hectares’ booklet was unveiled at 10am at the CWA rooms at the Darley Civic and Community Hub, with morning tea provided by the CWA ladies.

Inspired by similar guides available in other regions, the idea for a Moorabool version was thought up several months ago, but was only able to be funded and produced more recently.

Around 20 people attended the launch event, ranging from Rotary and Landcare members to local business owners, and Moorabool Shire Councillors, Deputy Mayor Cr Ally Munari and Cr Moira Berry.

Environmental consultant Helena Lindorff, who helped compile the details of the booklet, said it was fantastic to have the resource made available to Moorabool landholders.

“This has been an idea in Alan [Morton’s] head for years, so it’s nice to finally make it reality. I’ve been working for over 20 years in this area, working with landholders…having really good resources to provide to landholders is a must. To be able to give them something like this book that’s got all the information consolidated in one format, is really worth it,” Ms Lindorff told the Moorabool News.

“It’s taken quite a number of months to get it to this stage. Thanks to Russell and Alan for getting me on board with this project…when Alan’s got an idea, you have to say yes and join forces with him. We all want to leave our bit of land in better condition for future generations, and this is a great start in terms of the information in this book, which is tailored to this region for local landholders.”

Bacchus Marsh Rotary Club President Donna Martin said it was fantastic to have such a dedicated team putting the book together.

“Bacchus Marsh Rotary Club are absolutely privileged to have the likes of Mr Alan Morton on board. He is passionate and so enthusiastic; we are just delighted to have him. We thank Alan, Russell [Dodemaide], and Helena for the tireless hours they’ve put into this publication, and their persistence. We now have a wonderful resource that will be very easily obtained,” Ms Martin said.

“As a small landholder myself, I just think it’s wonderful to have this book close by. It covers so many topics.”

The Moorabool Healthy Hectares booklet will be available at What Knots Printing & Framing and the Bacchus Marsh Newsagency for $30.