Blog service

News Blog, April 20: Vaccination entry requirements removed, isolation rules changed

Shepparton youngster Kobe Minion, 6, wades through his flooded street on Tuesday morning. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Tune into the news blog to read the latest headlines from the Goulburn Valley.

Hi Shepparton,

Georgia Rossiter at the keyboard this cool and sunny Wednesday.

The temperature is expected to peak at 19 degrees today.

UPDATE, 11:15 a.m.: Foley announced the COVID changes

Health Minister Martin Foley spoke to the media this morning to announce significant changes to the coronavirus rules.

From 11:59 p.m. Friday, people will no longer be required to have two doses or show their vaccination status before entering the premises.

The requirement for venue staff and customers to register using the Vic Services app will end and operators will not be required to keep attendance records.

Masks will no longer be required in elementary schools, early childhood settings, retail businesses or events of any size.

UPDATE, 9.45am: Big ideas for Shepparton ‘transformation’

Transport infrastructure, housing and education, supported by water, are key pillars. Members of the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry believe the region can build a bright future.

House Speaker John Anderson this month responded to the federal government’s announcement that its $2 billion regional accelerator program was available to fund “transformative” projects in Australia.

“To develop the economy, you have to make sure that we have excellent means of transport for people and goods,” he said.

“Hence road infrastructure, such as the Shepparton Bypass, and more rail services, and eventually a bigger and better airport for bigger planes.”

UPDATE, 8:45 a.m.: CODzilla conquered, Shepparton gets a soaking, Priestly has yet to decide on allegiance

It’s huge: Brendan Leitch is all smiles with his 1.21m Murray cod, which has been measured and returned safely to the Goulburn River.

Brendan Leitch had never competed in the Toolamba Easter Fishing Classic, but on Good Friday he had risen early and was determined to have a chance.

He left with the prized 1.21m cod.

“It probably took 20 minutes to land, but it wasn’t until towards the end, when it got closer to the boat, that it really bent the rod,” Mr Leitch said.

Back in Shepparton you might have thought over the last few days ‘well it’s been raining a lot’.

And you’d be right ‒ Shepparton recorded its wettest day since April 2020 on Monday, with a total of 40.8mm of precipitation.

Press photographer Rechelle Zammit captured 6-year-old Kobe Minion having fun on his flooded street (see above).

And in politics, the first major poll conducted during the federal election campaign revealed pressure on the major parties’ primary vote and the prospect that independents could control a hung parliament.

And Nicholls independent candidate Rob Priestly has yet to say who he would support if that is the outcome.

“It’s a Conservative electorate and I come from a farming and business background and I will respect those Conservative values; however, the coalition will not get my support unless it deserves it,” he said.