Regrettably many people have also been disadvantaged , including our neighbours and ourselves, through intolerable noise (agreed spasmodic) and a reduction in land value.

The AWF made two written commitments to our neighbours and ourselves to assist with difficulties incurred

1.On 1/02/16 the AWF in a signed letter committed to undertake Noise Monitoring Data and the provision of such unprocessed data on the completion of monitoring.

2.On the 13/09/16 and 27/10/16 AWF recommitted to Landscape Planting of trees on our and adjoining properties, either  by tree planting or financial support for such planting.

Neither commitment has been met. AWF has failed to respond to  written requests and telephone messages.

At the same time a number of local Councillors have continued to lavish praise on AWF . None of these  Councillors have provided any assistance to those adversely affected.

Even more significantly, such Councillors have continued to extoll the financial benefit to the Council of the AWF ( with 60% of power produced provided to the ACT).

The Council having allegedly received such financial benefit from AWF have now decided to raise more funding and  penalise the affected farmers with significant increase in Council Rates

John Stewien – Mt Cole Creek

I encourage community organisations to apply for grants to assist projects that deliver support services for our younger veterans.

The Supporting Younger Veterans grants program, recognises the importance of

adequate support for Australian Defence Force personnel when they return to our local

communities after leaving military service.

Round two of the program, has $1 million available for projects that aim to build

community support and assist younger veterans as they transition back to civilian life.

The support offered to our more senior veterans, may not be suitable for our younger

service men and women when they leave the military.

Times have changed and it is important that our support services meet the needs of all our veterans.

This program is a great opportunity for community organisations across the Wimmera,

Mallee and Mildura regions, to think outside the box and offer support services that they

believe will be beneficial to our young veterans, as they take the next step in their lives.

Previous projects supported by the program include support for emergency accommodation, art and writing projects, as well as research and higher education programs.

Having visited our troops serving in the Middle East region last year, I was impressed with the level of service and dedication of these young Australians.

We must ensure the Australian community stands by them and supports these returned service personal.

Applications for this round of Supporting Younger Veterans grants will close on 1 September 2017, with successful applicants announced later in the year.

More information about the Supporting Younger Veterans grants program, including how to submit an application can be found online at www.dva.gov.au/consultation-and-grants/grants, or by contacting the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 133 254.

Member for Mallee Andrew Broad