General News
2 February, 2026
News in brief: water saving rules and mosquito safety in summer
Here's some new we wanted you to know.
Take sting out of trips
VICTORIANS heading to holiday hotspots are being urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites and stay safe in the heat to keep themselves and their families well.
Japanese encephalitis was detected in a mosquito trap in the Horsham area in early December.
Wearing long loose-fitting clothes, using repellent and avoiding the outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active can greatly reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease.
Travellers are advised to pack repellent containing picaridin or DEET before leaving home, ensure accommodation, caravans and tents have intact mosquito screens, use mosquito coils, and camp away from rivers and lakes, where mosquitoes breed.
Water saving rules
GWMWater is reminding customers across the Wimmera, Grampians and Mallee that Permanent Water Saving Rules are in place every day of the year.
This includes:
Water gardens between 6pm and 10am using sprinklers and drippers
Use a broom instead of a hose for outdoor cleaning
Ensure all fountains and water features recirculate the water.
The rules apply to mains supplied water only.
Read More: Local