DANGEROUS fire conditions tomorrow has prompted authorities to declare a Total Fire Ban for the Mallee and Wimmera. Saturday's conditions will be hot and dry statewide with extreme fire danger in the two districts. Maximum temporaries will reach 38...

THE new and highly anticipated Swan Hill District Health emergency department will officially open and be accepting patients from 8.01am on Wednesday, December 11. In the lead-up, SHDH is opening the doors for the community to celebrate...

TWO new members have been inducted into the Mallee Regional Partnership to help advocate on behalf of the region. Water industry representative Paul Northey and mining industry representative Bernie Hyde are the new appointees to the six member...

STUDENTS across the Swan Hill and Mallee regions were hit with NSW Open fever after attending the school and junior activation zone at Murray Downs Golf & Country Club. Groups of students from St Mary’s Primary School, Lake Bog...

MEMBER for Murray Helen Dalton will soon table a private member's Bill to compel gambling companies to return proceeds of crime to victims. Ms Dalton has joined forces with federal MP Andrew Wilkie and Tasmanian MP Kristie Johnston to concurrently...

MURRAY Downs Golf Club was the place to be on Friday evening, with almost 2000 people attending the Swings and Strings Festival in the idyllic setting of the greens. The festival, part of the NSW Open calendar, was a chance for locals to get...

MEMBER for Murray Helen Dalton says it's time to “draw a line in the sand” at Balranald Council after the recent election. Ms Dalton said she had met the mayor, Louie Zaffina, last week.“He's all pumped and ready to go,” she said.“I also...

Moving into a new rental can be an exciting, yet overwhelming experience. Whether you’re relocating to a rental apartment in the heart of Melbourne or settling into a home in regional Victoria, ensuring a smooth transition is key to avoiding disruptions. To help make the process easier, we’ve put together an essential checklist that will guide you through each step of moving into your rental. This checklist covers everything from legal requirements to moving tips, ensuring you’re fully prepared to settle into your new home. ## 1. Review your current rental agreement Before moving in, it’s important to thoroughly review your current rental agreement. This document outlines the terms and conditions of your lease, including the length of your tenancy, costs, and any specific rules or notice periods for the property. Make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, which governs rental laws in Victoria. Additionally, confirm the details with your property manager or landlord and find out who their preferred end-of-lease-clean provider is. This will ensure you have the best chance at getting your bond back in full. ## 2. Conduct a detailed inspection Before officially moving in, conduct a thorough inspection of the new rental. This step is important to ensure the property is in good condition and to avoid being held responsible for any pre-existing damage. Walk through the property, checking for any issues such as: * Leaking taps or faulty plumbing * Cracks in walls or ceilings * Broken fixtures or windows * Scratches and marks on floors or walls Be sure to document any problems you find with photos and report them to the landlord or property manager right away. This will help avoid disputes when your lease ends, particularly regarding the return of your bond. ## 3. Set up your utilities A key part of your moving-in checklist is ensuring all essential utilities are set up before your move-in day. This includes electricity, gas, water, and wifi. Some rental properties may include utilities in the rent, so check your lease to confirm what's covered. If you're responsible for setting up utilities, contact local providers ahead of time to avoid any delays. Victoria has a range of utility providers, so compare options to find the best deal. Websites like Compare the Market can help you find the best services for your budget. ## 4. Check safety features It’s important to make sure your new rental is safe and secure. As part of your checklist, check that all smoke detectors are working and ensure that all mandatory safety checks such as gas and electric checks, have been conducted in a timely manner. If you identify any safety concerns, notify your landlord right away, as these are legal obligations that need to be addressed immediately. ## 5. Change your address Don’t forget to update your address for important organisations. This includes your employer, bank, and any subscription services you’re signed up for. Australia Post also offers a mail redirection service, which will ensure that any mail sent to your old address is forwarded to your new home. You’ll also want to update your details with the Australian Electoral Commission and other governmental agencies. ## 6. Plan for moving day Moving day can be stressful, but with a bit of planning, you can make the process smoother. Start by booking a reliable moving service or organising transportation for your belongings. Declutter your current home by selling, donating, or recycling items you no longer need to reduce the number of boxes you'll need to move. Prepare an essentials box with items you’ll need immediately after moving, such as toiletries, cleaning supplies, and kitchen utensils. Label your boxes clearly to make unpacking easier in your new rental. ## 7. Set up your home for comfort Once you've moved in, it’s time to turn your rental into a home. While you may not be able to make major changes to the property, there are still plenty of ways to personalise the space. Add decor like rugs, cushions, and artwork to add a touch of you. Many rentals allow for temporary solutions such as peel-and-stick wallpaper or hanging pictures with removable hooks, so explore your options for making the space feel truly yours. ## 8. Familiarise yourself with local spots Finally, get to know your new neighbourhood! Familiarise yourself with the important amenities such as supermarkets, parks, public transport, and doctors. If you’ve moved to a new area in Victoria, local community groups on Facebook can help you find the best local hotspots. Don’t be afraid to say hey to your new neighbours and join local social groups to get to know your community. By following this checklist, you’ll be well equipped for a smooth and stress free move into your new rental. Good luck.

MURRAY River Council is making efficiencies by reducing customer service hours across all its locations, including some libraries, from January 6. Acting chief executive Sarah Ryan said the council would reduce face-to-face opening hours at customer...

CEASING of the dingo unprotection order in north west Victoria in March continues to threaten the livelihoods of livestock producers, according to the National Wild Dog Action Plan Coordination Committee. There have been several reports of producers...

DOZENS of new members have been appointed to the nine Regional Partnerships, which advocate for regional communities. Regional Development Minister Gayle Tierney and Regional Development Victoria chief executive Xavier Csar this week announced the 42...

ST MARY McKillop student Indi O’Brien spent her holidays learning about the agriculture industry at Longerenong College in Horsham as part of the Defying the Drift program. Indi was sponsored by the Swan Hill Sunrise Rotary Club to attend the...

SWAN Hill Rural City Council has joined forces with Swan Hill Incorporated to encourage not-for-profit groups and organisations to register Christmas events happening across the region in 2024. The initiative aims to bring the community together to...

AFTER a successful Anti-Poverty Week Food Drive, four local organisations have put their hand up to become permanent drop-off points for community donations of non-perishable food items. The organisations that will become permanent food donation...

THE Victorian Government has been urged to reform the way authorities assess the safety of women experiencing family violence after the brutal murder of former Swan Hill College dux Samantha Fraser. State Coroner Judge John Cain recommended changes...

BEVERFORD Primary School has hosted the first Active Youth Program in conjunction with Mallee Sports Assembly-Wycheproof for students in Grades 4, 5 and 6. The four-week program was part of the VicHealth Future Healthy initiative which aims at...

WHAT began in 2022 as a way to support local small businesses affected by floods has now become a key part of the holiday season in Swan Hill. There will be 21 local market stalls at this year's Christmas on Karinie St market on this...

THE 2024 NSW Open Golf is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the Swan Hill region. Business development manager at Swan Hill Incorporated Stephen Colombo said the influx of visitors to the region would result in a boost to...

IT may be competitive among the golf pros on the course today, but they have already left a lasting impression on some of our local amateur players during Wednesday’s Pro-Am event at Murray Downs. Nonie Domaille had the opportunity to play...

Swings and Strings Festival at Murray Downs Golf and Country Club. Meet the players, enjoy the village atmosphere and watch the pro's longest drive comp. Enter a putting comp for cash, food stalls, drinks and live music featuring Tony...

FRUIT Fly Murray Valley has conceded there was no guarantee of ongoing government funding but said growers shouldn't pick up the bill. The Fruit Fly Murray Valley Advisory Group, made up of industry and local government representatives, has been...

TOOLEYBUC Country Club Hotel finished as a finalist in five categories of the Australian Hotels Association NSW Awards for Excellence 2024. Publican Laurene McKenzie said she and the team are very proud of getting the recognition above all pubs in...

Purchasing a boat can be a significant financial commitment and, for many, a long-time dream. From fishing vessels to luxury yachts, buying a boat opens opportunities for relaxation, adventure, and recreation. However, without adequate financing, acquiring a boat can be financially challenging. By understanding the basics of boat financing, potential buyers can navigate this complex process with ease and confidence, ultimately securing the best deal available for their lifestyle and budget. Read on to learn what every buyer should know. ## Assessing the Costs Involved in Boat Ownership Boat ownership goes beyond the upfront purchase price and includes ongoing costs that should be carefully considered in the financing decision. Some typical expenses include: * ****Insurance:**** Boat insurance is essential for protecting against accidents, theft, and liability, but premiums vary widely based on the vessel’s size, age, and location. * ****Maintenance:**** Regular maintenance is necessary to keep the boat in prime condition, especially for saltwater use. * ****Storage and Docking Fees:**** Unless there’s private storage available, many boat owners will need to rent a storage facility or pay for dock space. * ****Fuel:**** Fuel costs can quickly increase, particularly for larger boats or those used frequently. Factoring these additional expenses into the financing process allows for a more realistic budget and prevents financial strain later on. Also, while diving into financing options, buyers should take time to compare lenders, loan types, and interest rates to find a solution that suits their financial goals. Lower rate boat finance options, for instance, are readily available, offering better terms and affordability than traditional loans. Furthermore, using boat loan calculator can be valuable for potential buyers to estimate monthly payments based on loan amount, term length, and interest rate. They can give a clearer picture of monthly payments and total loan costs, aiding in the decision-making process. To find the best tool, one may perform a quick web search using keywords like “Boat loan calculator” to gain more search results. ## Types of Boat Loans Available Boat loans come in various forms, each with unique terms and benefits. The different types of boat loans include: ### Secured Boat Loans A secured loan uses the boat as collateral, meaning the lender can repossess the boat if the borrower defaults. Secured loans feature lower interest rates and longer repayment terms, making them popular for boat buyers seeking affordability over time. ### Unsecured Boat Loans Unlike secured loans, unsecured boat loans do not require collateral, which reduces the risk for borrowers. However, due to the lack of security for lenders, these loans typically come with higher interest rates and shorter repayment periods. Unsecured loans may also be appropriate for buyers purchasing smaller or less expensive boats who wish to avoid risking collateral. ### Fixed vs. Variable Rate Loans Boat loans can have fixed or variable interest rates. A fixed rate means that the interest remains constant throughout the loan term, offering predictability in monthly payments. Conversely, a variable rate may fluctuate with market conditions, potentially lowering payments during favourable economic periods. Hence, boat buyers should consider the stability of their finances and their comfort with variable payments before selecting an interest rate type. ## Understanding Loan Terms and Repayment Periods The loan term, or the time over which a loan is repaid, plays a significant role in determining monthly payments. Boat loan terms can range from as short as three years to as long as 20 years, depending on the lender and loan type. For instance, shorter repayment periods mean higher monthly payments but lower total interest over the life of the loan. A shorter term may be ideal for buyers who want to build equity in their boat quickly. On the other hand, longer terms reduce monthly payments but increase the overall interest paid, making the total cost of the boat more expensive. Buyers on a tight budget prefer longer terms to keep monthly payments manageable. ## Credit Score Requirements and How They Impact Interest Rates Just as with car or home loans, credit scores can significantly impact interest rates for boat loans. Generally, a higher credit score will result in lower interest rates, while a lower credit score may lead to higher rates or even loan rejection. Here’s how credit scores influence boat financing: * ****Excellent Credit (750+):**** Borrowers in this range are likely to receive the best rates and terms, allowing them to save significantly on interests. * ****Good Credit (700-749):**** A good credit score will also yield competitive rates, though not as low as those with excellent credit. * ****Fair Credit (650-699):**** While financing is still accessible, borrowers with fair credit may encounter higher interest rates. * ****Poor Credit (Below 650):**** Financing a boat with a poor credit score is possible but often comes with higher interest rates or more stringent terms. Therefore, improving one’s credit score before applying for boat financing can lead to better loan offers, saving money over the loan’s duration. ## Factors That Influence Boat Loan Interest Rates Interest rates for boat loans depend on several factors that vary from lender to lender. Some of the most important factors include: * ****Boat Age and Condition:**** Newer boats are generally easier to finance and come with lower interest rates, while older boats may present higher risks for lenders, leading to higher rates. * ****Loan Amount and Down Payment:**** Larger down payments can result in lower interest rates, as lenders view buyers with substantial down payments as lower risk. * ****Loan Term:**** Shorter loan terms carry lower interest rates, as lenders face less long-term risk. However, shorter terms require higher monthly payments, which may not be suitable for all buyers. By understanding these factors, borrowers can choose the boat financing option that suits their needs and personal preferences. ## Key Takeaways Boat financing can make boat ownership accessible for many people, but understanding loan types, terms, and associated costs is essential for a successful purchase. Therefore, by keeping the information mentioned above in mind, buyers can make well-informed decisions.

BALRANALD Shire Council has deferred making a decision on the renaming, rezoning and heritage listing of a number of properties in the municipality. A planning proposal to amend the Balranald Local Environmental Plan (LEP) was brought to a council...

THE Victorian Government is set to introduce a plethora of new rental reforms to ensure a “fairer go for renters”.Consumer Affairs Minister Gabrielle Williams recently announced renters would soon have an easier way to resolve landlord disputes...