Feral pigs prey on native animals and plants and cause severe habitat degradation through extensive rooting and wallowing, which impacts on water quality, triggers soil erosion and weed spread.
They can also host diseases that can be deadly for native animals and livestock, including avian flu.
Feral deer can degrade biodiversity by overgrazing, ringbarking trees and wallowing in muddy areas.
People are encouraged to download the free FeralScan Pest Mapping app or go to feralscan.org.au and record what they see.
The data will give NCCMA a picture of how pigs and deer are using the forest, highlighting areas of high activity.
Buses to replace train again
Coaches replace trains for part of the journey on the Echuca and Bendigo train lines next month due to metropolitan maintenance and renewal works.
From 8pm to last service on Friday, June 5, coaches replace all trains between Southern Cross, Bendigo, Epsom and Eaglehawk.
The 7.55pm Epsom to Southern Cross service will run as a train to Bendigo, then coaches from Bendigo to Southern Cross.
On Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, coaches replace trains between Gisborne and Southern Cross. Trains will run between Gisborne, Bendigo and Echuca.
Coaches will be a mix of express, semi-express and stopping all stations.
Temporary timetables will be in place.
Passengers with accessibility needs are advised to call 1800 800 007 before travelling so we can provide the best possible service for your journey.
Community satisfaction survey
Murray River Council residents are encouraged to take part in a community satisfaction survey if contacted by researchers.
The survey aims to capture perceptions of council services, facilities and communication while identifying emerging needs across the region.
Independent research agency Taverner Research will conduct the survey through phone interviews with randomly selected residents to ensure a broad and representative sample across different communities and demographics.
The survey will measure satisfaction across council service areas and identify community priorities. Surveys will now be undertaken every two years to track progress.
The survey period runs from May 25 to June 11, 2026. Participants will not be asked for financial information or passwords.
Locust alert. Report activity now
Agriculture Victoria is urging land holders and land managers to report locust activity to support reducing the risk of damaging infestations this spring.
Adult locusts are active in north-west Victoria following favourable conditions, with numbers above usual levels for this time of year.
Adult locusts will lay eggs during May and into June, which will remain dormant over winter and hatch in spring if rainfall conditions are favourable.
Early intervention such as treating hoppers before they can fly is critical. Identifying potential egg laying sites will help plan for targeted management of the hoppers following hatching in spring.
You can report locusts using the online locust reporting form www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/reportlocusts or by calling the exotic plant pest hotline on 1800 084 881.
Friends of Old Moama open day
The Captain’s Cottage in Chanter St, Moama, will be open to the public on Sunday, June 7.
Cared for by the Friends of Old Moama, the open day runs from 10am to noon.
If anyone is interested in preserving history, or talking about the good old days, come and join the group.
Members meet the first Tuesday of each month at 10am at the Captain’s Cottage.
For more information, contact Sue Shaw at shawsue949@gmail.com or Mary Ledwidge on 0408 505 385.
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