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Reopened VGBO in Jakarta presents new opportunities for Victorian businesses

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:28:00 +10:00

Victorian industries will establish new and productive relationships with Indonesia through the reopened Victorian Government Business Office in Jakarta, Premier Denis Napthine said today.

Initial growth presents significant opportunities for Victorian businesses.

“Unfortunately, the previous Labor Government closed the VGBO in Jakarta in 2002 just as this enhanced period of growth began to accelerate.

“The Coalition Government is committed to re-establishing this relationship and facilitating positive relationships between Victorian businesses and the Indonesian market,” Dr Napthine said.

Dr Napthine is the first Victorian Premier to visit Indonesia in nearly 15 years.

“Indonesia is a key part of the Victorian Government International Engagement Strategy, and is at the forefront of Victoria’s relationship with South East Asia,” Dr Napthine said.

“The Coalition Government has identified three key areas that will provide opportunities for Victorian organisations in Indonesia: Infrastructure and urban development; food security; and education and training.

“The VGBO in Jakarta will provide invaluable support for Victorian companies seeking to access these fast-growing Indonesian markets.

“Victoria has a growing trade and investment relationship with Indonesia and there are many opportunities for further growth and to develop new relationships to better understand Indonesian business and culture, with a long term view to the future,” Dr Napthine said.

The Premier’s Super Trade Mission is the largest ever to visit South East Asia from Australia, with 450 delegates representing 300 Victorian businesses.

The mission will showcase 10 major sectors of the Victorian economy including automotive, aviation, education, food and agribusiness, health and aged care, ICT, tourism, wealth and funds management, wine, urban design and infrastructure.

Community emergency management plan for Harrietville

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:26:20 +10:00

The Harrietville community will work with Victoria’s fire agencies to develop a community emergency management plan for the area, ahead of the next fire season.

Minister for Emergency Services and Bushfire Response Kim Wells said the Harrietville community emergency management plan would be an important step in building relationships between Victoria’s fire agencies, emergency services partners and the community.

The development of the plan was a key outcome from a community meeting with the Fire Services Commissioner on June 5 this year, after last month’s release of the Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner’s report into the Harrietville fire.

The Harrietville fire which started on 21 January 2013 as a result of a lightning strike was the third major fire in the area in ten years and caused the community significant distress.

Development of the community emergency management plan, which will be facilitated by the Fire Services Commissioner in the initial stages, will be under-way in the next few weeks to be in place before the next fire season.

Mr Wells, who today visited the Harrietville community and toured the fire ground, said local knowledge was a vital part of fire and land management and was top priority for the Harrietville plan.

“This is about improving relationships and understanding between the fire services and the local community, and putting the community at the centre of everything we do, right across the State,” Mr Wells said.

“The questions raised around the fire services’ management of the fire period overnight on January 21 has caused the Harrietville community stress and anxiety, and this has been recognised.

“We acknowledge the distress the fire caused this community and are always sorry when Victorian communities suffer from the devastating effects of bushfire.

“There is always something to learn from every fire across the State and these learnings are important for the fire services and the community.”

“It’s important to acknowledge that the fire fighters and incident management personnel did the best they could, with the information they had at the time, in the initial stages of the fire fight,” Mr Wells said.

Fire Services Commissioner Craig Lapsley said the Harrietville fact-finding report had allowed CFA and the Department of Environment and Primary Industries to consider the actions undertaken in the initial stages of the fire, and in hindsight allowed agencies to consider alternative actions that may have changed the fire development.

Aboriginal leaders shape agenda

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:24:17 +10:00

Leaders from Victoria’s Aboriginal community participated in a Ministerial Roundtable in Geelong today, hosted by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell.

Minister Powell said the draft Victorian Aboriginal Economic Strategy was the key focus of the discussion.

“This strategy commits to increasing the number of Aboriginal people in rewarding jobs and operating profitable businesses by building stronger foundations in education and skills, as well as growing opportunities for employment and viable business ventures,” Minister Powell said.

Minister Powell said removing barriers to employment is central to the Victorian Coalition Government’s approach towards life-long change and closing the gap.

“People’s ability to have a job increases their self-esteem and self confidence and allows them to be economically independent,” Minister Powell said.

“Victoria’s young and growing Aboriginal population should have the opportunity to access adequate training and education to ensure they can enter the workplace and enjoy a successful career path.

“The Coalition Government is committed to building strong and inclusive communities and we have shown our commitment to Reconciliation by returning funding to Reconciliation Victoria, which was cut by the former State Labor Government.”

Today’s Roundtable builds on last year’s Aboriginal Economic Development Summit and the focus on economic development in the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework 2013 - 2018.

The Roundtable discussions will inform the development of the Victorian Aboriginal Economic Strategy, which will be released later in 2013.

Coalition delivers $9.3 million for cancer research

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:22:16 +10:00

Victorian cancer researchers will receive $9.3 million to support groundbreaking research programs and to support talented and emerging cancer researchers as part of a $14.9 million Victorian Coalition Government boost to cancer research in Victoria.

Minister for Health David Davis announced funding for a range of prestigious grants and scholarship programs.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to reducing the burden of cancer on the community by supporting our world-leading cancer research,” Mr Davis said.

“Victoria’s reputation and track record in cancer research is impressive, but we can and will do more to improve outcomes for Victorians with cancer.

“That is why we have delivered $14.9 million to the Victorian Cancer Agency, a key funder of innovative translational cancer research,” Mr Davis said.

Seven initiatives sharing in a $9.3 million boost to translational cancer research include:

$1.5 million to support the ASPREE (Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) research program led by the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University, building the capacity of the ASPREE regional clinical trial centres across Victoria;
$500,000 to ensure the world-class work of the Palliative Care Research Network Victoria can continue, directly benefiting quality of life for many Victorians;
$4.5 million to support health services research and patient treatment at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre through the funding of a stereotactic radiotherapy machine;
$2 million to support health services research at Southern Health and Alfred Health through the funding of cancer equipment;
$300,000 for an Early Career Researcher program at the Monash Comprehensive Cancer Consortium;
$250,000 for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre Supportive Care Scholarship program; and,
$250,000 for the Palliative Care Research Network of Victoria Palliative Care Scholarship program.

Mr Davis said this significant funding would bolster Victoria’s international reputation as a leader in translational cancer research that would directly benefit cancer patients.

“This commitment made by the Coalition Government will help ensure Victoria continues to lead the fight against cancer,” Mr Davis said.

This funding builds on the commitment of $1.7 million to Victorian Academic Health Science Centres for a Clinical Research Fellowship program and the $1.7 million commitment to Cancer Council Victoria for an e-Pathology system and a mesothelioma research project.

“We are also supporting the $1 billion Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre which is a purpose-built facility for cancer research, treatment, care and education, as well as delivering the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre in Heidelberg and $15 million for a new radiotherapy service in south-west Victoria,” Mr Davis said.

Recent data shows the five-year survival rate for Victorians diagnosed with cancer is now 65 per cent. This survival rate is in contrast to 60 per cent just five years ago and 47 per cent twenty years ago.

Burke Road level crossing removal – contract for designs and options awarded

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:20:15 +10:00

Works to remove the Burke Road level crossing at Glen Iris are one step closer with VicRoads awarding the contract to prepare the designs and develop options to Hyder Consulting, Minister for Roads and Public Transport Terry Mulder said today.

Mr Mulder said the Burke Road level crossing removal forms part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Metro Level Crossing Blitz – the largest crossing removal program in Victoria’s history, which received a further $52 million funding boost in May this year.

“This location is one of four main arterial roads in Melbourne where trams cross the railway lines, and we will make it both safer and less congested,” Mr Mulder said.

“This section of Burke Road carries approximately 25,700 vehicles, 150 trains and 95 trams every day. During peak times, trains cross the tram tracks every two to three minutes, causing the boom gates to come down for up to 38 minutes an hour.

“Trains are currently reduced to safe speeds of 15km/h as they travel across the tram tracks, creating longer boom gate closures. This is frustrating to all commuters and can affect queuing and traffic flow on the Monash freeway.”

Member for Malvern Michael O’Brien said progressing work to remove one of the worst level crossings in the electorate will be welcome news for the local community.

“I have been working hard for the people of Malvern for this level crossing to be removed and the Coalition Government is able to progress this through our $52 million Metro Level Crossing Blitz program,” Mr O’Brien said.

Over the next six months VicRoads will be working closely with the City of Stonnington and key stakeholders to develop design options for the level crossing removal.

“Feedback from the local community is an important part of the design process to ensure the right outcome for the people of Malvern,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Residents, businesses, road and public transport users will be invited later in the year to discuss the project with VicRoads and to provide input into the project.”

Baby Royale food deal delivers jobs for Victoria

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:16:41 +10:00

Premier Denis Napthine has announced that Traralgon baby food company, Baby Royale, has secured a major contract to supply its world-class products to around 350 supermarkets in Malaysia.

The announcement was made yesterday at the Victorian Food and Wine Product Showcase in Kuala Lumpur.

Dr Napthine said the launch of the products in around 350 Malaysian retail outlets would create jobs and millions of dollars of investment in regional Victoria.

“Baby Royale manufactures natural and organic baby food products in Traralgon. First year sales arising from this contract are estimated to reach $2 million growing to $20 million over five years,” Dr Napthine said.

“The roll-out of Baby Royale products in Malaysia’s modern supermarkets such as Cold Storage, Giant and Tesco is expected to commence in June 2013.

“This announcement is an example of the massive opportunities South East Asia presents for Victorian companies and this is why the Victorian Coalition Government is leading the State’s first Super Trade Mission to this region,” Dr Napthine said.

The Super Trade Mission is the largest ever Australian trade mission to South East Asia and is showcasing 10 major sectors of the Victorian economy including food and agribusiness.

“It is great to see a regionally-based, Victorian company, making such significant inroads into the South East Asian market, and we will be encouraging similar deals as part of the Victorian Food and Wine Product Showcase component of our Super Trade Mission,” Dr Napthine said.

“The Product Showcase is an opportunity to increase the exposure of Victorian food and wine products to the Malaysian market and create opportunities for these companies to meet with prospective buyers.

“The rise of Asia and a rapidly growing consuming class across the region presents enormous potential for Victorian producers and an opportunity to build on our food and fibre exports, which increased by 11 per cent in the 2011-12 financial year.

“The Super Trade Mission to South East Asia is a key component of the Coalition Government’s plans to expand Victorian food exports while boosting jobs and investment across the State,” Dr Napthine said.

Approximately 300 firms and around 450 delegates from ten industry sectors are participating in more than 1,500 business matching meetings during the Super Trade Mission. This includes automotive, aviation, education, food and agribusiness, health and aged care, ICT, tourism, wealth and funds management, wine, urban design and infrastructure.

Grants support multicultural seniors to remain socially engaged

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:11:56 +10:00

Seniors from multicultural groups will share in $233,000 in Victorian
Coalition Government funding across the state to help them remain active
and participating community members and enjoy the spoils of a life well
earned, Minister for Health and Ageing David Davis announced today.

Mr Davis said 50 groups and agencies across Victoria would receive grants
from the second round of the Participation for Culturally and
Linguistically Diverse Seniors grants program.

“These grants deliver on our election promise to increase support for
isolated seniors from CALD backgrounds, and encourage them to participate
more fully in their community,” Mr Davis said.

“The Coalition Government has committed $1.6 million over four years to
support older Victorians from all cultural backgrounds live independent,
active and healthy lives.

“Our older people offer a wealth of life experience, and it is important
they are sharing and enjoying this with other seniors from their
multicultural background and from the wider community.”

A further $165,000 has been committed this year to provide assistance to
grant applicants and recipients through partnerships with the Ethnic
Communities Council of Victoria, U3A Network, the Centre for Cultural
Diversity and Ageing, the John Richards Initiative and Seniors Information
Victoria.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Nicholas Kotsiras said he was pleased to
see the grants widely spread among 26 different multicultural groups.

“Australian Institute for Health & Welfare data shows nearly a third of all
Victorians aged over 65 are from a CALD background,” Mr Kotsiras said.

“These are people who have contributed significantly to making Victoria a
world-class state rich in culture, produce and skills. They have played a
major role in establishing Victoria’s rich cultural fabric for which it is
proud of and famed for.”

Referendum ‘yes’ and ‘no’ cases deserve equal taxpayer funding

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:07:33 +10:00

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell has slammed the Gillard Labor Government’s proposal to disproportionately fund the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ cases for the forthcoming referendum.

“It is treating the Australian people with disrespect to run such a lop-sided propaganda campaign in a desperate bid to sway voters before the September referendum,” Mrs Powell said.

“The fact that the Gillard Labor Government has to bias funding by such a degree shows a lack of confidence in the strength of their referendum argument.”

Mrs Powell said funding should be equally allocated to both the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ campaigns given the opposition of the states to Labor’s referendum question.

“The most heavily populated states have announced they are opposed to the wording of the Labor referendum and this should be respected by Canberra in funding any education campaign.

“The Gillard Labor Government cannot justify the funding split based on votes in the House of Representatives when it knows a number of states are opposed.

“If tax dollars from Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia are to be used to fund an education campaign about the referendum then both the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ cases should get equal treatment,” Mrs Powell said.

Mrs Powell said she had asked her Department for advice on possible legal action Victoria could take to ensure the states’ case against the referendum is as fairly and equally publicly funded, as the Gillard Labor Government’s case.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is opposed to the referendum because there is a great risk that Victoria’s councils will be worse off,” Mrs Powell said.

“Victoria’s relatively efficient and effective local government sector would almost certainly lose money to weaker councils in other states, under a federally controlled funding system.”

Mrs Powell said the referendum question would also create legal uncertainty and a blurring of responsibilities which could stop the Victorian Coalition Government from intervening in poorly governed councils.

Victorian Coalition Government renews calls for negotiations on Gonski model flaws

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:05:41 +10:00

Victorian Education Minister Martin Dixon has called on the Gillard Labor Government to return to negotiations and address flaws in its proposed school funding reform model that will leave 249 Victorian Government schools worse off.

In recent days the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments have provided details of the modelled impact of the school funding reforms on Victoria’s schools. Both provide for increased funding over the next six years. However the proposed model will see hundreds of needy Victorian schools receive less funding than they would if no reform was introduced and the current arrangements continued.

“From the beginning we said two things – we will seek to negotiate in good faith, and there can be no disadvantage to any Victorian family or school as a result of these changes,” Mr Dixon said.

“Commonwealth figures show that compared to the current arrangements hundreds of schools will lose out under the proposed funding reforms, which means we cannot sign onto these reforms.

“At the same time the Gillard Labor Government is making it almost impossible to maintain good faith in these negotiations.

“The Gillard Labor Government’s actions on Sunday are yet another example of the farcical process we have endured for two years. The goalposts shift on a regular basis, politically-motivated deadlines are prescribed and key information is given to the media before it comes to us.

“Victoria has not even formally received the most recent Commonwealth school-by-school data which was released to the media, making it impossible for us to comment or respond to that data,” Mr Dixon said.

Under the current arrangements Commonwealth and State funding for education is distributed according to need including students with disability, students from a low socio-economic background and students learning English as a second language.

If there is no change to the funding arrangements, it is reasonable to presume Commonwealth funding will be indexed at 4.7 per cent a year and Victorian funding at 3 per cent.

Under this no change scenario, many of Victoria’s most needy schools receive more additional funding in coming years than they would under the Gillard Labor Government’s funding reform model. This is because under the proposed model schools including specialist autism and disability specific schools, are considered to be “over funded” and stand to lose some of their funding.

The Gillard Labor Government has argued that if there is no change to the funding arrangements, Commonwealth funding will be indexed at three per cent a year. This argument was comprehensively disproved in Senate Estimates a fortnight ago, where it was revealed that the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations had effectively made up that indexation rate.

Mr Dixon said this is not only about money, but local school leaders and system managers having a say over the way schools are run.

“We are not just looking for a quick fix where Victoria gets a bag of short-term cash to buy political support – we want to discuss how the Gillard Labor Government’s proposed model will affect Victorian schools.”

“The Gillard Labor Government’s legislation – despite claims by Federal Minister for School Education Peter Garrett – proposes major interventions into the decision making of school leaders. It gives the Federal Education Minister the power to direct the State Government, or even an individual school or school principal, to comply with its requests on school direction or the provision of data – potentially including student and family background or financial information.

“This should seriously concern all schools and all school sectors,” Mr Dixon said.

Despite his concerns, Mr Dixon said his door is open to the Gillard Labor Government, and he has written to Mr Garrett today seeking clarification on the information released to the media on the weekend.

“We want to negotiate a positive outcome for all Victorian families. This is a major reform, and if we don’t have the time or capacity to consider it carefully, flaws in this complex model could mean hundreds of Victorian schools will lose out,” Mr Dixon said.

“I once again call on the Gillard Labor Government to return to the negotiating table and work with us to reach a deal that will ensure no Victorian schools, students or families will be worse off under the proposed Gonski model.”

Commonwealth cuts funding to Victorian councils

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:04:10 +10:00

The Gillard Labor Government has cut $13.4 million from Commonwealth grants to Victorian councils in 2013-14 whilst spending $55 million on its referendum for Constitutional recognition of local government.

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell said the cuts are a major blow for both rural and metropolitan councils.

“These funding cuts will have a significant impact on Victorian councils, with some losing up to almost half a million dollars in Commonwealth funding,” Mrs Powell said.

“The City of Greater Geelong will be hit hardest with a loss of $483,000, followed by Casey City Council which will lose $434,000.”

Bendigo, Melton, Yarra Ranges and Whittlesea councils are amongst ten Victorian councils facing funding cuts of over $300,000 each.

Mrs Powell says at the same time the Gillard Labor Government is taking the knife to budgeted Commonwealth funding for Victorian councils, it is spending millions on selling its campaign in the lead up to the Referendum.

“If the Gillard Labor Government can find $55 million to fund a completely unnecessary referendum on local government then they can restore this critical funding back to local councils,” Mrs Powell said.

“The bitter irony of Labor’s referendum is that many local government councillors mistakenly believe their sector would be entitled to more money from Canberra, when they are getting less.

“Recent history shows Commonwealth funding to local government has progressively shrunk as a proportion of total taxation revenue from 1.02 per cent in 1996-97 down to about 0.65 per cent in 2011-12.”

Mrs Powell has written to the Federal Minister for Local Government Anthony Albanese, requesting that the $13.4 million in lost funding be returned to the Victorian local sector for the 2013-14 year.

Victorian food exports to Malaysia set to grow

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:00:54 +10:00

A new Free Trade Agreement between Australia and Malaysia will see exports
of Victorian food and beverage to the country begin to increase, as tariffs
and non-tariff barriers are reduced and removed.

In Kuala Lumpur as part of the Victorian Super Trade Mission to South East
Asia, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said the Malaysia
Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) came into force on 1 January 2013.

Mr Walsh said the MAFTA provided significant market opportunities for
Victorian producers, particularly in the dairy sector, as well as many
other non-food related industries.

“The continuing reduction in trade barriers like the MAFTA will assist
Victoria’s food and fibre producers to find more consumer markets for their
produce, further helping them to achieve the Victorian Coalition
Government’s aim of doubling food production by 2030,” Mr Walsh said.

“The high population and economic growth rates of Malaysia, particularly
in the middle-class, means it is seeking high-quality and reliable imports
of food – which Victoria is well-placed to provide.

“The removal of tariffs on most Australian agricultural products being sent
to Malaysia will allow Victoria to become more competitive in the export
market and increase the amount of produce exported to the country.

“For the dairy industry, domestic Malaysian demand for dairy products is
growing at 10 to 15 per cent a year, while the country only supplies 5 per
cent of that demand itself.

“Malaysia’s growth rate is in excess of what the country can supply
domestically, so Victoria can assist the country by helping to fill that
gap with quality produce.

“Victoria currently exports about 13,621 tonnes of dairy to Malaysia, which
is about 12 per cent of Malaysia’s total amount of imported dairy.

“Malaysians recognise that Australia’s dairy products are extremely high-
quality, safe and reliable imports. The removal of these tariffs will allow
us to capitalise on this reputation.

“The MAFTA will also mean dairy processors could potentially send branded
whole milk to be placed straight on the shelves in Malaysia, instead of
sending milk to be re-packaged,” Mr Walsh said.

“This will provide greater financial returns for Victorian dairy
processors, while also spreading Victorian brands further across the globe.

“For the wine industry, Australian exporters are guaranteed the best tariff
treatment by Malaysia compared to any other country.

“For processed foods, virtually all tariffs will be removed.

“This Free Trade Agreement is a milestone for Victoria’s food and wine
sectors and the current Super Trade Mission will strengthen what has
already been achieved even further,” Mr Walsh said.

Lessons to learn from Stevie’s scam school

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:58:11 +10:00

Reformed scammer “Stevie” is back with six fresh videos to help Victorians avoid common scams.

Minister for Consumer Affairs Heidi Victoria today launched a new series of Stevie’s Scam School videos from Consumer Affairs Victoria to mark National Consumer Fraud Week.

“Stevie’s new videos will help Victorians ‘outsmart the scammers’ – the theme of this year’s Fraud Week,” Ms Victoria said.

“Scams are becoming more sophisticated as scammers go to greater lengths to convince us that the documents they provide and the deals they offer are real.

“These two-minute videos reveal the tricks that scammers use to rip off Victorians through romance, lottery, online selling, investment, reclaim and rental scams.”

In 2012, Consumer Affairs Victoria received more than 3,350 reports of scams.

“The cost of scams is not just financial, although this alone can be devastating for individuals,” Ms Victoria said.

“There is an emotional cost – many people are embarrassed and lose confidence after being scammed – and they are also likely to get more scam approaches as their details may be sold to other scammers.

“By reporting their experience, they can help to protect themselves from future scams and warn others.”

Ms Victoria urged Victorians to report scams to Consumer Affairs Victoria at www.consumer.vic.gov.au

Consumer Affairs Victoria created Stevie in 2012 to help educate Victorians about scams. His first video series about scams targeting small businesses has been viewed more than 207,000 times since March last year.

According to the CEO of the Consumer Action Law Centre Gerard Brody, one in twenty Australians will fall victim to a scam in one guise or another.

“As technology grows so does the number of ways scammers can fool you. Fake websites, text messages, and emails can be very convincing and trick even the most tech savvy consumers,” Mr Brody said.

“It’s important to remember that scammers aren’t your run-of-the-mill criminals, they’re clever, manipulative and target your weakness. Regardless of your age or education level, everyone should take a few classes at Stevie’s Scam School.

“Scammers work across international borders and are experts at making themselves invisible, so arresting them is not always possible. That’s why public awareness is so important, and why education campaigns like Stevie’s Scam School are often our best weapon against this type of crime,” Mr Brody said.

To watch Stevie’s Scam School videos, visitwww.consumer.vic.gov.au/scamschoolconsumer

For the latest scam information, follow Consumer Affairs Victoria on Facebook and Twitter.

Background: Stevie’s Scam School videos

The new videos cover six ‘advance fee fraud’ scams that target consumers.

Advance fee fraud happens when people are tricked into providing money ahead of a promised payment that never arrives.

Stevie’s new videos explain the scammers’ tricks and give tips to avoid the most common types of advance fee fraud:

Online selling scam: Posing as buyers, scammers pretend to have overpaid for items – even providing fake emails from what seems to be a reputable money transfer company to support their claim. Unsuspecting sellers who send their items then reimburse the ‘overpayment’ lose both their money and goods. In 2012, Consumer Affairs Victoria received 223 reports of shopping and trading scams.

Romance scam: A scammer uses a fake profile on a legitimate dating website to build a relationship, then quickly shifts to using private email, phone or instant messaging. They make up a story that exploits emotion to get money. The scammer will be persistent and, if successful, will continue to exploit the relationship. In 2012, Consumer Affairs Victoria received 27 reports of romance scams.

Rebate scam: A scammer says you are owed money but must pay an administration fee to release or ‘reclaim’ the money. These scams use names of governments, banks and other well-known companies and institutions to gain legitimacy. The scammer may even refer to a government incentive or rebate scheme. In 2012, Consumer Affairs Victoria received 635 reports of rebate or reclaim scams

Investment scam: Scammers offer ‘get rich quick’ schemes or ‘investments’ based on ‘secret’ information or sources – for example, expensive software packages that promise to predict sporting event results or share market movements. The upfront payments are high and the promised returns never eventuate. In 2012, Consumer Affairs Victoria received 325 reports of investment and financial scams.

Lottery scam – A scammer says you’ve won a lottery or sweepstake but must pay to claim the prize – for example, a holiday, smart phone or shopping voucher. Neither the lottery nor prize exists. The scammer may use the names of legitimate overseas lotteries to make the scam seem real. In 2012, Consumer Affairs Victoria received 364 reports of bogus lottery scams.

Rental scam: Scammers advertise bogus rental properties on legitimate websites. They make the offer look genuine by including photos, using real property addresses and other tricks. They ask for upfront payment of rent or deposit via money transfer, and for personal details that they can use to commit credit card and identify fraud. In 2012, Consumer Affairs Victoria received 28 reports of rental scams.

Enhanced Victoria-Malaysia relationship leads to jobs boost for Melbourne

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:55:10 +10:00

Victoria is set to welcome an exciting new investment from Malaysia with Premier Denis Napthine today announcing that Australia’s first pay-as-you-use Tune Hotel will be opening in Melbourne.

Dr Napthine, who is in Kuala Lumpur as part of the Victorian Government’s Super Trade Mission to South East Asia, said Melbourne’s new Tune Hotel would open its hotel doors in Melbourne’s CBD in November to coincide with Victoria’s world famous Spring Racing Carnival.

Dr Napthine also welcomed the decision by founder of Tune Group and Group CEO of AirAsia, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, to set up Tune Group’s Australian and New Zealand Operational Headquarters in Melbourne. Together with the opening of the Tune Hotel, the investment is expected to create up to 100 jobs.

“These are two exciting initiatives that represent significant opportunities for the State and confidence in Victoria’s economy,” Dr Napthine said.

“Tune Hotel Group has made a big impact in South East Asia with its minimally priced, pay-as-you-use system. The company’s decision to locate its headquarters in Melbourne as it expands into the Australian market is a tremendous boost for Victoria.”

Tune’s flagship Melbourne hotel will include more than 200 rooms, a restaurant, café and residential apartments. The hotel will have an average room rate of $60-$70 per night with guests paying for services such as air conditioning, TV, daily room cleaning and towels.

Tan Sri Fernandes said he was pleased that Tune Hotels would now have a presence in Melbourne.

“The Melbourne Tune Hotel will give visitors to this wonderful city a truly compelling accommodation alternative,” Tan Sri Fernandes said.

Tune Hotel’s sister company Air Asia X also runs 9 direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne each week, promoting visitation and linkages between Malaysia and Victoria.

Dr Napthine said the strong air connections arising from AirAsia X services between Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne was great news for Victoria.

“Approximately 40,000 Malaysians live in Victoria, almost 8,000 students study in our State’s world-class universities and more than 90,000 Malaysians visit Victoria each year,” Dr Napthine said.

“These services will further enhance our links with Malaysia and provide a greater incentive for consumers across the region to visit Victoria and experience our liveability, our impressive major events calendar and our culturally diverse community.”

This is Victoria’s first and Australia’s largest trade mission to South East Asia, with approximately 300 firms and 450 delegates participating in more than 1500 business matching meetings.

Coalition Government’s $1.5 million boost to build new Men’s Sheds across Victoria

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:52:17 +10:00

Grants of up to $60,000 are now available to help local communities build new Men’s Sheds across Victoria, Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge announced today.

Ms Wooldridge said that $1.5 million is available to build up to 25 new sheds through the latest round of grants from the Victorian Coalition Government’s Strengthening Men’s Sheds initiative.

“Men’s Sheds are valuable community facilities that give men a place to meet, establish social networks and work on meaningful projects that benefit the community,” Ms Wooldridge said.

“They also provide a place where men can discuss important wellbeing and health issues and develop new skills.”

The new funding round is part of the $4 million Strengthening Men’s Sheds initiative introduced by the Coalition Government.

“Through the first two rounds of funding we have provided $290,000 to strengthen the sustainability of Men’s Sheds and $700,000 for the refurbishment of existing Men’s Sheds,” Ms Wooldridge said.

“Now we are supporting the establishment of new sheds in areas where they are most needed.”

Victorian Men’s Shed Association President Paul Sladdin said the funding was an outstanding opportunity to expand the Men’s Sheds program into new communities across the state.

“Demand for Men’s Sheds continues to grow in both regional and metropolitan areas,” Mr Sladdin said.

Applications for grants open on 17 June 2013 and close on Friday 6 September 2013.

More information, including details of information sessions, is available at:

www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-business-and-community/community-involvement/men-in-the-community/strengthening-mens-sheds

Putting Victoria’s food on Malaysian tables

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 19:19:23 +10:00

Malaysian food industry leaders have had a taste of Victorian food at a special showcase lunch prepared by Melbourne food icon Daniel Wilson, head chef and owner of Huxtable and the Huxtaburger outlets.

The event was the first of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Super Trade Mission to South East Asia with the menu featuring produce sourced from Victoria and available locally in Kuala Lumpur.

Premier Denis Napthine said the lunch was designed to highlight Victoria’s strengths in food and agribusiness and tap into Malaysia’s increasingly lucrative consumer market.

“This fantastic event was a great way to showcase Victoria’s top quality produce, prepared by one of Victoria’s leading chefs and matched with some of Victoria’s famous wines,” Dr Napthine said.

“South East Asia’s demand for fresh quality produce is growing exponentially and Victorian producers are well-placed to expand into these markets.

“The Coalition Government has recently announced the development of a food plan for Victoria, which will position the state as a major supplier of food to Asia, and this event was a good opportunity to give key decision makers in the Malaysian hospitality industry a taste of what we have to offer.

“We wanted to send the message that safe, quality produce is available right on their doorstep with increasing direct transport links from Victoria to Malaysia and right across the South East Asia region,” Dr Napthine said.

The menu featured premium Victorian seafood, beef and other fresh produce.

The lunch was prepared at a purpose built restaurant and kitchen in the Berjaya University College of Hospitality, which has recently partnered with Melbourne’s William Angliss Institute to offer students an opportunity to study hospitality in Malaysia.

Over the next five days, Super Trade Mission delegates will visit six countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

“The Super Trade Mission is an important first step for Victoria to establish and nurture the relationships that are required to grow trade and investment with the rapidly growing economies of South East Asia,” Dr Napthine said.

“Victorian food is increasingly available in major supermarkets and restaurants across the world, with Victorian food and fibre exports up 11 per cent last year reflecting unprecedented global demand for the state’s produce.

“The Super Trade Mission to South East Asia will help tap into a region characterised by rapid economic growth and a growing middle class that is increasingly consuming premium food products at supermarket chains and western style food outlets,” Dr Napthine said.

As part of the food and agribusiness stream of the Super Trade Mission, there are approximately 60 companies and more than 80 delegates.

Building closer relationships with key Asian markets

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 19:18:26 +10:00

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh is this week attending a Super Trade Mission to South East Asia to help Victorian food and fibre producers open new food export markets.

Mr Walsh will visit Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines with 85 Victorian food and beverage representatives during the week-long Super Trade Mission, which is being led by Premier Denis Napthine and is the largest to ever travel to South East Asia from Australia.

They will meet with key Government and industry representatives in South East Asia, and the Victorian Coalition Government will also host Dairy Australia forums, agribusiness roundtables and a food and beverage product showcase.

“Much of South East Asia does not have the capacity to produce its own food, and relies on a significant amount of imports to meet the gap,” Mr Walsh said.

“Victoria exported just over $1 billion worth of food and fibre to Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines during 2011/12 – more than half of what we exported to all of South East Asia.

“There is absolutely no doubt these are key markets we need to be developing closer relationships with. We need to continue to show these countries the exceptional quality and reliability of Victoria’s food exports.

“I am particularly excited to see what great new opportunities arise from this trip for Victorian food producers,” Mr Walsh said.

Mr Walsh said the horticulture, grains, dairy and meat sectors would be the focus of the Super Trade Mission.

“The predicted population growth of South East Asia is astounding – the middle-class of Indonesia is tipped to triple from 50 million in 2009 to
150 million by 2014, while the Philippines has the fastest population growth rate in South East Asia, expected to reach 140 million by 2030,” Mr Walsh said.

“It is vital we do as much as we can to take advantage of the increased demand for food that will come with this population boom.”

Hamilton hockey celebrates new $1.2 million synthetic pitch

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 19:17:21 +10:00

More people in and around Hamilton will be getting more active, more often following today’s official opening of the new synthetic hockey pitch at Pedrina Park by Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty.

Mr Delahunty joined Member for Western Victoria David O’Brien, Southern Grampians Shire Mayor Albert Calvano and members of the Glenelg Region Hockey Association at Pedrina Park to launch the new synthetic pitch, complete with training standard lighting.

“A key objective of the Victorian Coalition Government is to build healthy and active communities,” Mr Delahunty said.

“To achieve this goal, we need community facilities that encourage local people to play the sports they love rain, hail or shine.

“That’s why the Coalition Government was proud to have provided $500,000 towards the project from the Community Facility Funding Program.

“This new pitch provides the perfect year-round facility for hockey players of all ages and levels.

“Synthetic surfaces are fantastic because they’re more durable, easy to maintain and can handle greater usage in the toughest conditions.

“As a result of the new pitch the Glenelg Region Hockey Association and its clubs will be able to attract more players by providing the opportunity to use the pitch throughout the day and night,” Mr Delahunty said.

Mr Delahunty said the project included the construction of a new synthetic hockey field with fencing, and training standard lighting.

“Our investment in this project is part of our plan to build more sustainable venues that make a difference to local people,” Mr Delahunty said.

Mr Delahunty thanked the Southern Grampians Shire Council for securing the funding and contributing more than $473,000 as well as the Glenelg Region Hockey Association for providing more than $312,000 to the project.
“This has been a real team effort and it’s fantastic to see this important project come to fruition,” Mr Delahunty said.

“This is just one way we are delivering on the Coalition Government’s strategy to build for future growth, boost the economy, build infrastructure and contribute to the health and wellbeing of the State.”

For more information about community sporting facility funding programs on offer, please visit www.sport.vic.gov.au

Marine Bill passes unanimously through Parliament

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:16:19 +10:00

Minister for Ports David Hodgett has welcomed the passage of the Marine (Domestic Commercial Vessel National Law Application) Bill, noting that it passed unanimously through both Houses of Parliament, with passage in the Legislative Council this week.

“The passage of this Bill is the culmination of two years of strong advocacy by the Victorian Coalition Government to ensure the best outcomes for those commercial vessels covered by the national scheme,” Mr Hodgett said.

“The Victorian Coalition Government has raised concerns, both at COAG and at several Ministerial Council meetings, regarding the initial reach of the national scheme.

“The Victorian Government is now satisfied that many of its concerns with the national scheme have been resolved.

“Throughout all of this, over the past two years, the Victorian Opposition has made no contribution at all to this issue. In fact, they have been missing in action.

“Even though the Bill has now been passed in the Parliament, it is disappointing that the Opposition totally misunderstood its purpose.

“The Opposition claimed that we must explain the impact of this Bill on stakeholders. That is what we have been doing for the past two years.

“Consultation with industry stakeholders has been ongoing, and Victoria has been the only jurisdiction to have consistently raised its concerns with the Commonwealth.

“The Labor Opposition tried to delay passage of this bill. If that had been successful, we would have ended up with a ridiculous situation with the national scheme coming into effect on July 1, and some 100 vessels still falling under a state scheme. This would have led to an untenable situation with two bureaucracies, and endless red tape.

“During the course of the debate, the Opposition claimed the Bill would impact on recreational boating and boat building.

“In fact the Bill will have no impact on recreational boating. It transfers responsibility for around 100 commercial vessels – not recreational vessels – from the State to the Commonwealth.

“Furthermore, there have been no changes to commercial vessel standards, so there is no impact on boat builders.

“The Shadow Minister claims that the Bill will impact on commercial operators of small hire and drive vessels. Again this shows the Opposition’s complete lack of understanding of this Bill.

“Even if this Bill did not pass through Parliament, the majority of such operators would be covered under the new national law that commences on July 1, 2013.

“The Opposition has also claimed that the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) is opposed to this Bill. That is wrong. The General Manager of the BIAV has written to me, advising that BIAV supports the legislation.

“Despite the lack of research and misleading statements put forward by the Opposition, I am pleased that this Bill has now been passed by the Parliament and will be assented to before the National Scheme commences on July 1, 2013,” Mr Hodgett said.

Coalition funds Victorian screen projects

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:15:02 +10:00

Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher today announced that the Victorian Coalition Government, through Film Victoria, has provided more than $1.2 million in funding for seven local screen projects.

Ms Asher said the seven projects supported through Film Victoria’s Production Investment program will spend an estimated $26.9 million in Victoria, creating around 950 jobs for Victorians.

“This latest round of Production Investment funding will support the local production of television shows and documentaries,” Ms Asher said.

The seven projects receiving Production Investment funding are:

Documentary feature films
- The Earth Wins – Helifilms Australia Pty Ltd
- Electric Boogaloo – Wild Fury Pty Ltd
Documentary one-off (television)
- Body Line: The Ultimate Test - Serendipity West Pty Ltd
Documentary – six part series (television)
- Judith Lucy is All Woman – Bearded Lady Productions Ltd Pty
Telemovie
- Jack Irish: Dead Point – Essential Media and Entertainment Pty Ltd
Fiction television series
- Offspring (Series Five) – Southern Star Entertainment Pty Ltd
- The Doctor Blake Mysteries (Series Two) – December Media Pty Ltd

Ms Asher said that by supporting the local screen industry, we are providing many opportunities for small businesses and individuals.

“Since December 2010, the Coalition Government, through Film Victoria, has supported 91 film and television projects which are estimated to generate around $350 million in production expenditure in Victoria,” Ms Asher said.

“To ensure our industry remains strong, we have allocated $8.5 million over four years as part of the 2013-14 Victorian Budget to deliver a suite of support to Victorian screen practitioners in the areas of television production, animation and games industry development.

“This new funding will provide increased support for local and footloose television productions to shoot in Victoria,” Ms Asher said.

Film Victoria CEO Jenni Tosi said Film Victoria was proud to support local screen businesses producing high-quality screen content across television drama, documentary and feature film.

“Our talented local practitioners have driven the high level of production activity that we’ve experienced in Victoria during 2012-13 and it's great to see this is set to continue in 2013-14, across all the genres,” Ms Tosi said.

“We’re thrilled to end the financial year with investment funding to support these compelling and diverse projects.”

Latrobe Valley gets another boost to public safety

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:13:52 +10:00

The Victorian Coalition Government today announced a further Public Safety Infrastructure Fund (PSIF) grant to boost public safety in the Latrobe Valley.

The $79,425 grant to the Latrobe City Council will be used to install lighting at MERA Park in Morwell and the Churchill Underpass.

Crime Prevention Minister Edward O’Donohue and Member for Morwell Russell Northe visited MERA Park today to make the announcement.

“These sites are poorly lit, which has contributed to safety concerns for residents. There have also been incidents of assault and vandalism, particularly in MERA Park,” Mr O’Donohue said.

Mr Northe welcomed the funding announcement for the Morwell area..

“I am pleased that Latrobe City Council has taken this opportunity to partner with the Coalition Government to make our communities safer,” Mr Northe said.

“We know that individual communities are best placed to come up with local solutions for local problems, with the Coalition Government here to help make it happen.”

Today’s announcement follows the awarding of a $117,000 Public Safety Infrastructure Fund grant to the council last year to install eight CCTV cameras in Traralgon’s CBD.

Mr O’Donohue and Mr Northe also visited Traralgon to see the CCTV in use at the police station.

“The cameras are helping to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour in the Traralgon CBD and entertainment precinct,” Mr O’Donohue said.

“CCTV cameras are a strong deterrent for people who seek to vandalise public property, commit crimes, and engage in anti-social behaviour in our streets.

“They can be monitored by the local police, are regularly used for identification of suspects and assist in prosecution of offenders through the courts.”

Mr O’Donohue said PSIF grants enabled councils to improve community safety and confidence in public places and reduce opportunities for crime and anti-social behavior.

“The Coalition Government is committed to making Victoria safer, as evidenced by our $35 million Community Crime Prevention Program,” Mr O’Donohue said.

“The Public Safety Infrastructure Fund grants are an important part of that overall strategy.”

Mr O’Donohue said the highly successful Public Safety Infrastructure Fund program had allocated $3.1 million for a total of 23 projects in the current round of funding.

“To be eligible, councils need to work closely with their local communities to identify and respond to local issues, and councils can also apply for more than one PSIF grant,” Mr O’Donohue said.

For further information on the Public Safety Infrastructure Fund grants and other crime prevention initiatives go to www.crimeprevention.vic.gov.au

Sustainable Cities finalists announced

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:12:23 +10:00

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith today announced the six finalists for the Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Sustainable Cities Awards 2013.

Mr Smith said the cities of Brimbank, Monash, Yarra, Frankston, Melton and Moreland would compete for this year’s title with the overall winner to represent Victoria in the national awards in November.

“It is great to see such a high standard of finalists from right across Victoria represented in this year’s awards and I look forward to announcing the winner at the end of July,” Mr Smith said.

“The Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Awards are now in their ninth year and play an important role in celebrating and recognising positive practical actions taken by Victorian communities to enhance their environment.

“The Sustainable City of the Year Award recognises the urban community that best represents the 10 award categories of Active schools; Clean beach; Community action and leadership; Community government partnerships; Cultural heritage; Litter prevention; Pam Keating environmental sustainability; Protection of the environment; Resource recovery and waste management; and Young leaders,” Mr Smith said.

Last year’s winner of the Victorian Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable City Award was the City of Boroondara.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Friday 26 July and the overall winning city will go on to represent Victoria at the National Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable City Awards in November 2013.

For more information about the Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Sustainable Cities finalists or to purchase awards ceremony tickets go to www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/kabv

Victoria’s boating capabilities on show

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:11:36 +10:00

Victoria’s reputation as a high-quality boat building centre will go on show this weekend at the Melbourne Boat Show.

Minister for Manufacturing David Hodgett officially launched the show today saying that Victoria had some of the world’s most beautiful boating locations and a vibrant boating industry.

“In Victoria there is strong community interest in recreational boating activities, with about 360,000 boat licence holders and more than 170,000 vessels registered,” Mr Hodgett said.

“There are challenges for recreational boating which the Victorian Coalition Government is seeking to address, including manufacturers contending with cheaper imports, due in part to the high Australian dollar. We are also looking to ensure continued improvement for boat ramp and car and trailer parking facilities.

“In the 2011 State Budget, the Victorian Coalition Government provided $20 million for the Boating Safety and Facilities Program. This initiative is delivering $5 million each year over four years to benefit recreational boaters and local communities throughout Victoria,” Mr Hodgett said.

Boating businesses can access support to lift their productivity and improve their competitiveness through the following programs provided by the Victorian Coalition Government:

Investing in Manufacturing Technology;
Manufacturing Productivity Networks; and
Innovation Vouchers.

“I encourage all Victorians to come down and discover all that our boating and fishing industry has to offer,” Mr Hodgett said.

The Melbourne Boat Show runs until Monday 17 June 2013.

Coalition support for technology collaboration

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:10:42 +10:00

Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips today announced that Victorian corporate, work and school wear importer and wholesaler Shiny Pty Ltd is one of the successful first round applicants to be awarded funding from the Victorian Coalition Government’s $11 million Digital Futures Fund.

The Fairfield-based company will receive a share of $900,00 from the fund to work collaboratively with Federation Logistics, RMIT University, CSIRO and the Australian Production and Inventory Control Society to develop an application for smartphones and tablet devices that displays real-time maps of stock locations in warehouses.

Mr Rich-Phillips said the Digital Futures Fund supported the collaborative development of innovative information and communication technology (ICT) projects with the aim of changing current business practices and demonstrating productivity benefits to Victorian businesses.

“Shiny Pty Ltd will collaborate with key partners to deliver the Intelligent Warehouse Management with Smartphones project over two years,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

“Shiny’s initiative will not only benefit textiles and clothing warehouse and logistics operators in terms of productivity and cost savings, but this system can also be replicated in other industry sectors.”

Other projects to receive funding include the Power Management for Crash Repairers project led by Industry Power Pty Ltd. Industry Power will collaborate with Phil Munday’s Panel Works, Fleetwood Banner Pty Ltd and Suncorp Insurance to deliver a new tool that will provide information to up to 50 vehicle repair businesses to assist them in improving efficiency, sustainability and viability of their businesses.

Geelong-based Air Radiators Pty Ltd also received funding to deliver the Quality Data Collection and Tracking System for Manufacturing SMEs. This project will involve the development of a mobile software platform that will provide manufacturing SMEs with an improved and accurate real time understanding of their production processes and assist them to implement changes to deliver productivity gains to enhance their competitiveness.

Air Radiators will work with Backwell IXL Pty Ltd, Deakin University, Geelong Quality Council, the Geelong Manufacturing Council and ICT Geelong to implement the project and share the benefits with other manufacturers.

“By encouraging collaboration between business and industry to address key business barriers and challenges, the Digital Futures Fund ensures better outcomes that can be applied across all sectors,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

“The Digital Futures Fund provides a catalyst for Victorian businesses to increase productivity, drive growth and improve their competitiveness through collaborative projects that harness the benefits of ICT.”

The $11 million Digital Futures Fund is a key initiative of the Coalition Government’s Victoria’s Technology Plan for the Future – Information and Communication Technology – an $85 million plan to promote ICT-enabled innovation and support Victoria’s ICT sector.

Minister Rich-Phillips will lead 53 ICT and technology organisations participating in the Victorian Coalition Government's trade mission to South-East Asia, commencing over the weekend.

Little artists make a big impact at Atherton Gardens

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:09:39 +10:00

The smallest residents at Fitzroy’s Atherton Gardens estate have made a big impact with the launch of a new community arts project – Building Community One Sculpture at a Time.

The project collaboration between the Department of Human Services and Arts Victoria was launched today by Minister for Housing Wendy Lovell and Minister for the Arts Heidi Victoria.

Ms Lovell and Ms Victoria said the two year project was part of the Fitzroy Renewal Project, that showed how the arts can help strengthen communities and bring creativity and colour into communal spaces.

Ms Victoria said the project drew people together to tell their stories, learn new skills and connect with each other.

“This wonderful project has provided an opportunity for local children to unleash their inner artist,” Ms Victoria said.

“It has also harnessed the creativity of residents of all ages, resulting in three wonderful artworks that will have an ongoing impact on the community.

“The children and community members worked with artist Deborah Halpern in a series of artistic workshops, and the resulting three artworks were chosen to be translated into sculptures – a boat, a robot and a ‘vampire fish’,” Ms Victoria said.

Ms Lovell said the project had been welcomed by the local community.

“Local school children joined forces with members of the Atherton Gardens community and Deborah Halpern to design, create and install three sculptures,” Ms Lovell said.

“It’s appropriate that the name of the project is Building Community One Sculpture at a Time, given the collaborative effort.

“As Minister for Children as well as Minister for Housing, I know how important art is in a child’s learning process, so this is a wonderful project for children on the estate,” Ms Lovell said.

The event also marked the launch of Making Art with Communities: A Work Guide, a new publication developed by Arts Victoria, with VicHealth and Victorian community arts network, Castanet.

“Community art projects are multilayered and, like this project, are most successful when they are a true partnership between the artist and the community,” Ms Victoria said.

“This step-by-step guide, the first of its kind in Australia, navigates the complexities of embarking on community arts projects and provides expert, practical advice for artists and communities.

“We hope it will inspire many more community building projects like this one in the future,” Ms Victoria said.

Making Art with Communities: A Work Guide can be downloaded at www.arts.vic.gov.au/communityarts

Building Community One Sculpture at a Time was managed on behalf of the Victorian Coalition Government by Fitzroy Adventure Playground (Cubbies) and was also supported by Abigroup.

Technology vouchers foster innovation in Victorian ICT companies

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:07:23 +10:00

Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips today announced eight companies that have been awarded Technology Development Vouchers worth up to $50,000 as part of the Victorian Government’s $8 million Technology Voucher Program.

Mr Rich-Phillips said the funding would allow each of the eight companies to collaborate with suppliers in order to develop, adapt or adopt new products and processes using industrial biotechnology, small technologies or information and communication technology (ICT).

“This is a responsive funding model to drive the use of cutting-edge technologies, enabling Victoria’s companies to compete in today’s global economy,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

“The vouchers will help innovative companies to connect with high-tech service providers and absorb new technologies to improve their productivity and competitiveness,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

The Technology Voucher Program supports projects that involve the development of new technology or explore the application of existing technologies in innovative or novel ways.

The eight companies to receive a Technology Development Voucher are:

Scientific Technology Pty Ltd (with RMIT) – for applying watermarking to audio files that will detect whether an original file has been tampered with, edited or changed.
Lignor Ltd (with Dieffenbacher, Germany) – for the development of cross-laminated strand timber to produce shipping container flooring to an international performance standard.
I C One Two Pty Ltd (with Involve Audio Pty Ltd) – to produce a commercial LED camera flash unit.
Spuds R Us Pty Ltd (KMH Environmental Engineering) – to trial technology to enable the removal of solids from wastewater using a small technology based membrane.
Evado eClincial (with Logical Tech Digital) – to further develop a functional prototype of a new architecture for developing mobile applications.
Samaran International Pty Ltd (with Monash University) – to develop a remote monitoring and decision support system, using sensor and communication technologies, for real time data on milk volume and temperature prior to collection.
Carbon Revolution Pty Ltd (with Insight Engineering Australia Pty Ltd) – to design and implement a novel system for whole of life tracking of individual components using radio frequency identification (RFID) chips embedded in carbon fibre wheels.
UoM Commercial Ltd (with Planet Innovation Pty Ltd) – to enable a working prototype of a unique sound recognition software program for application in security monitoring devices.

Mr Rich-Phillips said applications for the Technology Development Vouchers would remain open to ensure companies could utilise the program at a time that suited them.

“As part of the Technology Voucher Program, we have also established a searchable directory of Technology Capabilities and Suppliers, listing companies and organisations that can provide services to voucher applicants,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

“The directory includes more than 180 Technology Voucher Program listed suppliers and enables users to easily connect applicant needs with supplier capabilities.”

Minister Rich-Phillips will lead 53 ICT and technology organisations participating in the Victorian Coalition Government's trade mission to South-East Asia, commencing over the weekend.

For mre information visit www.business.vic.gov.au/tvp

Elmhurst brigade boosted with new tanker

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:06:14 +10:00

The Victorian Coalition Government has delivered a new ultra-light vehicle to the Elmhurst fire brigade and paid tribute to the service of local CFA volunteers.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Kim Wells said the vehicle would boost efforts by the brigade to protect lives and property in the Pyrenees region.

“The Pyrenees Ranges are a popular destination in summer but the region contains significant fire risks due to the rough terrain and fuel loads, so this tanker will significantly increase the brigade’s ability to protect both visitors and locals,” Mr Wells said.

The vehicle was purchased using funding from the Coalition Government, the Wimmera Hills Winery, the Sporting Shooters Association of Victoria and the Elmhurst brigade itself.

“The Coalition Government has made more than $72,000 available for the Elmhurst brigade to buy this vehicle through the Victorian Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP),” Mr Wells said.

“The VESEP funding supports the crucial role of local volunteer groups in protecting lives and property by providing vital equipment specifically suited to volunteers’ needs.

“The brigade have also done an excellent job by raising an incredible $17,333 within the local community, while the Wimmera Hills Winery contributed $10,000 and the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia donated $8,000,” Mr Wells said.

Parliamentary Secretary for Police and Emergency Services David Southwick handed over the $107,667 Nissan Patrol ultra-light vehicle in Elmhurst today.

“The ultra light vehicle is designed to be used as the first attack on fires burning in remote or steep terrain as well as in patrol and mopping up operations,” Mr Southwick said.

“The ultra-light tanker carries 550 litres of water and is equipped with a diesel powered pump; sirens and emergency lights; a foam system; and a CFA radio.”

During the handover of the new vehicle, 40 volunteers were recognised, some who have been with the brigade for as long as 50 years.

Mr Southwick said that in 2013-14, the Victorian Coalition Government was supporting the state’s emergency services volunteers with a record $12.23 million in VESEP grants, for the acquisition of emergency services vehicles, operational equipment and amenities upgrades.

Mr Southwick said the Coalition Government was proud of the vital work performed by CFA, one of the world’s largest volunteer organisations with more than 60,000 members – 98 per cent volunteers.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is proud to support CFA volunteers by providing them with the facilities and equipment they need to save lives and property,” Mr Southwick said.

Minister welcomes recruits and new uniforms for Victoria Police

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:05:20 +10:00

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Kim Wells joined ceremonies at the Victoria Police Academy today when 24 police recruits graduated in new dark blue police uniforms.

The rollout of the ‘salute’ blue is the first overhaul of the police uniform in more than 30 years, and will be worn by more than 13,000 police members and 940 Protective Services Officers, with the PSOs retaining a white shirt for operational duties.

“The uniform is functional, cost-effective and was developed using feedback from both police and industry experts, but wearing this uniform also carries with it an enormous responsibility,” Mr Wells said.

“Particularly for police and PSO graduates, it tells your fellow Victorians that you have made a commitment to serve your community and to uphold the law.”

As well as the change from light blue to dark blue, other main changes include:

the introduction of tactical trousers, giving police members the choice to wear office or tactical trousers;
shirt pockets for women;
long sleeve shirts for all police; and
summer and winter undergarments to wear under the Integrated Operational Equipment Vests.

Members of Victoria Police command, including Chief Commissioner Ken Lay, appeared in the new uniform during two graduation ceremonies today for 24 new police members and 21 Protective Services Officers.

“The 24 new police officers graduating today are part of our commitment to deliver an additional 1,700 police to Victorian streets – the largest recruitment of police in one term of government in the history of the state,” Mr Wells said.

Mr Wells said the PSO squad was the twenty-first to graduate as part of the Coalition Government’s $212 million commitment to recruit and deploy 940 PSOs across the metropolitan rail network and four regional railway stations by November 2014.

“This latest deployment means we will now have 397 PSOs targeting crime, violence and anti-social behaviour at 52 rail stations from 6pm until after the last train at night, every night,” Mr Wells said.

The police and PSO graduations occurred as 15 new firefighters also joined the ranks of the Country Fire Authority at a graduation ceremony and passing out parade at Fiskville Training College.

“These firefighters will take up postings at nine stations across Victoria including Traralgon, Warrnambool, Cranbourne, Swan Hill, Belmont, Patterson River, Hoppers Crossing, Mildura and Morwell,” Mr Wells said.

Mr Wells said the Victorian Coalition Government would continue to deliver on its community safety agenda.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to making Victoria safe and secure for everyone,” Mr Wells said.

New Food Taskforce to boost exports to growing Asian markets

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:02:33 +10:00

Premier Denis Napthine will chair a new special taskforce of Coalition Government Ministers and business leaders to develop a food strategy that positions Victoria as a food bowl to Asia.

“Food production is critical to Victoria’s future prosperity, and the scale of demand for quality food from Asia’s growing middle-class is growing exponentially,” Dr Napthine said.

“By the year 2050, Asia’s consumer class is set to reach 3 billion people. This presents an enormous opportunity for our food industry and the Victorian economy.

“Developing an effective food strategy that positions Victoria’s food and agriculture industries as Asia’s food bowl has the potential to drive the state’s growth for decades to come.

“Increasing Victorian food exports to Asian markets will generate massive growth in employment and investment right across the state, particularly in regional areas with 55 per cent of all food export industry jobs located in country Victoria.

Delivering his 100 days in office State of the State address to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) in Melbourne, Dr Napthine said the taskforce would develop and identify practical actions that will form the basis of a Food and Agriculture into Asia Strategy.

“The Taskforce will comprise industry leaders from across the food supply chain who have expertise in primary production, food processing, logistics, branding, investment and exporting to Asian markets,” Dr Napthine said.

“Victoria produces almost 30 per cent of Australia’s food and fibre exports despite covering just three per cent of its land mass.

Promoting Victoria’s food credentials in Asian markets is a key part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Super Trade Mission to South East Asia, which the Premier will lead from 16 – 21 June. Around 300 Victorian firms and 450 delegates will participate in this mission, including over 80 world-class food and wine businesses.

“The Super Trade Mission to South East Asia is an important step for Victoria – to begin expanding the ties required to grow trade and investment in our state,” Dr Napthine said.

Dr Napthine also launched the Coalition Government’s Market Engagement Plan for South East Asia, which outlines a strategy to deepen Victoria’s long-term economic, institutional and people-to-people links with one of the world’s fastest growing regions.

“South East Asia is Victoria’s largest merchandise export market, with goods exported to the region valued at $3.8 billion in 2011-12,” Dr Napthine said.

The Super Trade Mission will showcase 10 major sectors of the Victorian economy, including automotive; aviation; education; food and agribusiness; heath and aged care; ICT; tourism; wealth and funds management; wine; urban design; and infrastructure.

The trade mission will visit six countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines and target markets valued at $2.3 trillion.

A copy of the Market Engagement Plan can be found at www.export.business.vic.gov.au

Members of the Food and Agriculture into Asia Taskforce include:

Dr Denis Napthine, Premier of Victoria (Chairperson)
Mr Peter Walsh, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security (Deputy Chair)
Ms Louise Asher, Minister for Employment and Trade
Mr Greg Bourke, Chief Executive and Managing Director of Patties Foods Ltd
Mr Stephen Bradford, Chief Executive, Port of Melbourne Corporation
Mr Ross Brown, Executive Director of Brown Brothers
Mr Frank Costa AO, Chairman of CostaGroup Australia and member of Committee for Geelong
Ms Rebecca Dee-Bradbury, President, Developed Markets, Asia Pacific, Kraft Foods Australia and New Zealand
Mr Grant Dooley, Co-Head, Asia, Hastings Fund Management and former Australian Consul-General in Guangzhou, China
Mr Gary Helou, Managing Director of Murray Goulbourn Co-operative Australia
Mr Barry Irvin, Executive Chairman of Bega Cheese Limited
Mr Colin McKenna, Founder and Managing Director of the Midfield Group
Mr Alan Oxley, Managing Director of ITS Global and former Australian Ambassador to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (now World Trade Organisation)
Mr Anthony Pratt, Executive Chairman of Visy Industries
Ms Gaye Tripodi, Partner of Murrawee Farms and Vice President of the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) Horticulture Group
Mr Andrew Weideman, Manager at Weidemann Pastoral Co, grain grower and President of VFF Grains Group

Funding support to preserve war history in Nhill

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 19:01:23 +10:00

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Hugh Delahunty today joined members of the Nhill RSL Sub Branch to announce $8,200 to clean the soldier’s statue on the local memorial located at Goldsworthy Park.

The upcoming restoration works on the Soldiers Memorial in Nhill is one of 39 projects across Victoria to share in $240,000 from the 2012-2013 Victorian Coalition Government’s Restoring Community War Memorial GrantsProgram.

“The Coalition Government is committed to preserving the memories and deeds of our veterans for current and future generations,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The record number of people throughout the state that attended recent ANZAC Day services highlights just how important war memorials and honour boards are to communities when it comes to honouring the service and sacrifice of local veterans.

“That is why we are delighted to announce that even more Victorian communities will benefit from this program that helps local communities repair, protect, restore, and enhance their local war memorials and honour boards.

“These grants provide a timely boost for communities like Nhill, who are determined to uphold the memories of their local veterans and their stories of courage and sacrifice for future generations.”

Mr Delahunty congratulated the Nhill RSL Sub Branch and Hindmarsh Shire Council for their work in securing the funding and for their efforts to restore the statue and preserve the legacy of local veterans.

“We will continue to work with local governments, ex-service organisations and community groups to ensure the service and sacrifice of our veterans is never forgotten, especially in the lead up to the ANZAC Centenary commemorations,” Mr Delahunty said.

A complete list of the 2012-2013 Restoring Community War Memorials Program grant recipients is attached.

New EcoLiving Centre for Melbourne’s West

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:59:57 +10:00

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith today opened a new EcoLiving centre in Albion.

Mr Smith, who was joined at the opening by Members for Western Metropolitan Region Bernie Finn and Andrew Elsbury, said the Albion Community House – An EcoLiving Centre – would be a valuable resource for the local community.

“This new facility, a retrofitted 1920s house, will operate as a community meeting place and information centre whilst demonstrating practical ways for households to improve energy and water efficiency and reduce waste,” Mr Smith said.

“Features of the house include reflective roofing, new gutters and rain water pipes to improve rain water collection, water wise plants, compost bins and double glazed windows – all practical measures that can be taken in any household.”

Mr Smith said the project was a great example of environmental partnerships in action.

“The centre was made possible through a partnership between Brimbank City Council and Victoria University with support from the Victorian Government’s Sustainability Fund, which provided $300,000 towards the retrofit and community education,” Mr Smith said.

“This is one of 11 EcoLiving Centre projects throughout Victoria, which demonstrates the Victorian Government’s commitment to making it easier for communities to take practical action to support our environment.”

Chair of the Panel of Administrators at Brimbank City Council, John Watson said he was delighted to see the EcoLiving Centre complete.

“This important project informs, educates and demonstrates the benefits of sustainable living and could not have been achieved without the great partnership between Brimbank City Council, Victoria University and support from the Victorian Government,” Mr Watson said.

Victoria University Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Bentley said pre-apprentices and apprentices from Victoria University’s Trades College had performed an ‘eco-facelift’ on the Centre. -

“Our electrical apprentices rewired the house and installed energy efficient lighting, and our carpentry students replaced the exterior weatherboards and internal floorboards, as well as replaced part of the existing conventional roof structure with new trusses, gutters and metal roof sheets,” Professor Bentley said.

“The University’s Trades College managed the project with the assistance of our students, who have gained foundation skills and experience as well as a more realistic expectation of the work involved in their particular trade.

“Ultimately this house will serve as a practical demonstration of what can be achieved in terms of upgrading the performance of existing housing stock, similar to many houses in the area,” Professor Bentley said.

The community will have the chance to inspect the completed EcoLiving Centre for the first time at an open house on Saturday 22 June.

Bendigo manufacturer Thales reaches 1,000th Bushmaster milestone

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:59:04 +10:00

Minister for Manufacturing David Hodgett today congratulated defence firm Thales on the successful delivery of its 1,000th Bushmaster vehicle to the Australian Government’s Defence Materiel Organisation.

Mr Hodgett toured the Thales Bendigo facility where the Bushmaster – aninfantry mobility vehicle used predominantly in army service – has been built since 2004.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is delighted that such a successful vehicle is manufactured in this state, and we greatly value the economic benefits that flow from work on the Thales Bushmaster,” Mr Hodgett said.

“We are proud that the Bushmaster has been used by Australian troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, where it has saved lives and been an invaluable part of daily service.

“In addition to the many local jobs and economic benefits Bushmaster work provides, Thales’ close engagement with Victorian SMEs makes a valuable contribution to sustaining the diversity and capabilities of our manufacturing industry.”

Bushmasters are proven to be resistant to blasts from ballistics, mines and improvised explosive devices, and are designed to carry and sustain a nine-man infantry section with room for one passenger.

Each vehicle weighs around 12,500 kilograms, has an operational range of 800 kilometres and has a maximum speed of just over 100 kilometres per hour.

The Bushmaster has been exported to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, with Thales’ success in manufacturing world-class military vehicles confirmed last year when it secured a $205 million contract to supply the Australian Army with an additional 214 Bushmasters vehicles.

Mr Hodgett said the Coalition Government is committed to strengthening the local defence industry.

“The defence industry is important to Victoria, delivering major economic benefits in its own right, with an annual turnover of around $1.5 billion,” Mr Hodgett said.

“However, we know there are challenges including reduced Defence budgets, demand fluctuations caused by Defence purchasing patterns and pressure to source equipment from the international market.

“As outlined in Victoria’s Defence Industry Strategy, Securing the Future, we are targeting opportunities that will enhance the State’s position as a critical part of Australia’s defence industry capability.

Of particular importance to Victoria’s defence industry are military vehicle projects, such as the $1.5 billion LAND 121 Phase 4 program to provide up to 1,300 new protected and unprotected light vehicles to the Australian Army.

“The Coalition Government is thrilled that Thales’ outstanding design, development and manufacturing capabilities were recognised by the Commonwealth Government in its selection of the Hawkei vehicle as the preferred Australian option for LAND 121 Phase 4,” Mr Hodgett said.

“We will continue advocating to the Commonwealth Government to commit, without delay, to the LAND 121 Phase 4 Project and look forward with confidence to a decision later this year.

“The Coalition Government will also continue to push for a ‘fair go’ for manufacturers in Bendigo and regional Victoria through access to public and private procurement and supply chain opportunities,” Mr Hodgett said.

Canberra’s health cuts continue to hurt patients

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:58:04 +10:00

The Gillard Labor Government must immediately revoke $99.5 million in health funding cuts to Victoria or else accept direct responsibility for cuts to patient services, Health Minister David Davis said today.

The Gillard Labor Government cuts will have a direct impact on elective surgery waiting lists and hinder efforts by Victorian hospitals to improve federally-set performance targets.

Talking before a meeting of Health Ministers at the Standing Council on Health in Sydney, Mr Davis said all States stood to lose funding under the cuts.

Mr Davis said Victoria strongly endorsed Queensland’s stance to restore $1.5 billion in health funding nationwide. This funding was promised to the states for public hospital services.

“Victoria’s share of these cuts totals $99.5 million over the next year and $368 million over the next three years,” Mr Davis said.

“The States are united in pushing to have this funding restored, yet despite the weight of evidence Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek continues to deny she has cut our budgets.

“She has no credibility on financial matters and we have no confidence in her arithmetic or her mathematical abilities.

“We only have to recall Minister Plibersek’s repeated denials at the end of last year that she had cut $107 million from Victoria’s hospitals, based on dodgy population statistics.

“Then, Prime Minister Julia Gillard begrudgingly announced, in February this year, that she would return the $107 million that Minister Plibersek denied had been ripped away from us.

“Minister Plibersek is continuing to play politics with Victorian patients and Victorian hospital funding and needs to revoke these cuts.

“We may need to go over her head again and call on Prime Minister Gillard to overrule her own Health Minister, who clearly doesn’t have a grip on her portfolio,” Mr Davis said.

Mr Davis said if the cuts aren’t revoked, thousands of Victorians will miss out on elective surgery, hospitals will have to close beds and restrict access to emergency departments and ervices will have to be cut.

Victorian company to offer Australian first in general aviation flight simulator training

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:51:45 +10:00

Minister for the Aviation Industry Gordon Rich-Phillips today officially opened AVIA Aircraft’s new Training and Simulator Centre at Moorabbin Airport.

Mr Rich-Phillips said the simulator offered Australia’s most realistic general aviation flight simulation training.

“I am excited to open this $4 million world class facility here at Moorabbin that will further add to Victoria’s and Moorabbin’s world-wide reputation as a centre of excellence in flight training,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

“Victoria is a great place to train as a pilot, offering good terrain and weather, uncongested airspace and accessible training infrastructure.

“AVIA Aircraft’s Training and Simulator Centre will help to attract even more local, national and international trainees to Victoria by providing the most up-to-date flight instruction in current model aircraft, as well as the latest in simulation training.

“The new AVIA Motion Sim flight simulator offers access to the latest and safest technology in aviation training, will boost Victoria’s training capacity and has already helped generate two new pilot and instructor jobs, with more planned over the next 12 months.

“Aviation services is a focus of the Coalition Government’s trade mission to South-East Asia taking place next week in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and I am taking a number of aviation sector delegates to meet with industry representatives in those two countries.

“Being able to demonstrate our capabilities with facilities such as this simulator is an advantage in promoting the attractiveness of pilot training in Victoria,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

The simulator is the first of its kind to be used in general aviation training in Australia.

Training can take place for a range of aircrafts including the Beechcraft King Air 200, Cirrus SR20 and SR22, Embraer Phenom 100 and the Boeing 737NG.

“To support further skills development, the Victorian Government will invest part of the $4.5million announced in the May Budget on programs that encourage new entrants into aviation-related careers,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

Transport Solutions provides $1.2 million for bridge upgrades in Bendigo region

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:49:14 +10:00

The Victorian Coalition Government is providing $1.2 million for bridge upgrades on Bridgewater-Maldon Road and Bendigo-Pyramid Road as part of its $28 million Transport Solutions regional freight initiative, Minister for Ports David Hodgett announced today.

Member for Northern Region Damian Drum said the project will improve the efficiency of freight movement in the area and support growing export businesses in the region.

“The $573,000 Bridgewater-Maldon Road and $612,000 Bendigo-Pyramid Road bridge upgrades are part of a package of Coalition Government funded works to increase the load capacity and width of bridges and culverts on key freight routes to improve the capacity and function of the roads. They are expected to be completed within 2014-2015,” Mr Drum said.

Minister for Roads Terry Mulder said that the average age of Victoria’s bridges on arterial roads is 40 years and this investment will prolong the service life of these two bridges to 100 years.

“This is a well thought-out and smart investment which has been developed through extensive consultation with industry,” Mr Mulder said.

“Transport Solutions targets 30 projects throughout Victoria incorporating and supporting recommendations from the Timber Action Plan, Regional Growth Plans and Grain Logistics Taskforce. The projects are designed to provide the maximum benefit for the state’s regional freight network by boosting productivity and efficiency.”

Mr Hodgett said trade through our ports is continuing to grow at record rates and Transport Solutions provides network improvements that will ensure freight continues to move as efficiently as possible throughout the state.

“This initiative is one of the key components of the Coalition Government’s vision for freight and logistics which will be outlined in the Victorian Freight and Logistics Plan,” Mr Hodgett said.

“Transport Solutions is the short term kick-start that will provide long-term benefits to improve freight networks throughout Melbourne and Victoria. It will unlock the potential of our broader freight network that is essential in ensuring our export economy continues to thrive.

“Providing an efficient freight transport network will improve productivity and also quality of living for all Victorians.”

Transport Solutions projects will be delivered by VicRoads and local government, and rolled out progressively over the next two years.

For more information on each project please visit the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure website at www.transport.vic.gov.au

Jobs and training assistance for Goulburn Valley

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:45:14 +10:00

The Victorian Coalition Government will establish a Goulburn Valley Fruit Growers Strategic Stakeholder Group and will fund a $2 million employment program for the region, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh announced today.

Mr Walsh said the support for fruit growers and the wider Goulburn Valley was needed following the decision by SPC Ardmona to reduce fruit intake.

“The Strategic Stakeholder Group will be chaired by Peter Ryan, former principal of Dookie College and chief executive of the Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE,” Mr Walsh said.

“Mr Ryan has a strong understanding of skills requirements in the Goulburn Valley, and is also a board member of GV Health and chair of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority.

“Membership is being finalised and will include fruit growers, local government, Rural Finance and senior representatives from Goulburn Murray Water, Regional Development Victoria and the Department of Environment and Primary Industries.

“I have informed Mr Ryan that I want the working group to help develop a roadmap for an industry-led response to ensure the Goulburn Valley region maintains viable and productive farms.

“This roadmap will include potential new opportunities as well as identifying risks including economic, biosecurity and social issues.

“I will also ask this group to provide advice on potential roles for the State Government and its agencies."

Mr Walsh said the Victorian Coalition Government would further assist by directing resources from the Industry Transition and Specialist Training Initiative to the Hume region.

“This initiative can provide workers with expert assistance and advice on vocational training options, and Government-subsidised training will assist eligible workers to build the skills they need to transition to new employment,” Mr Walsh said.

Mr Walsh said the Goulburn Valley fruit growers would also be further supported through a $2 million employment program also announced today.

“The Fruit Industry Employment Program will provide paid work and training for fruit growers to work on environmental restoration and protection projects such as weed and pest management, fencing and erosion control,” Mr Walsh said.

“This will be a 12 month program similar to other previous successful schemes which provided temporary income for food and fibre producers affected by drought, floods and bushfires.

“This program is not a permanent solution to the challenges facing the Goulburn Valley fruit industry but it will play a valuable role in offering an alternative income in the short-term.”

The employment program will be delivered by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and the Department of Environment and Primary Industries.

Mr Walsh said the three assistance measures announced today were in addition to the Goulburn Valley Support Services package announced earlier this week.

The package includes resources that will give growers a single point of contact for financial counselling and for health and social services, as well as horticultural technical and marketing advice and targeted group workshops and information sessions.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is continuing to work with the Commonwealth to finalise arrangements for the Farm Finance concessional loans and we are also exploring further potential actions that can provide support to the Goulburn Valley’s local economy,” Mr Walsh said.

“The Victorian Coalition Government will continue to work with the Goulburn Valley fruit growers and local community in this tough time.”

New partnership approach to help protect Leadbeater’s Possum

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:38:23 +10:00

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith today announced the establishment of a Leadbeater’s Possum Advisory Group to support the recovery of the species – one of Victoria’s faunal emblems – including funding of $1 million to implement immediate actions arising from the process.

The advisory group was established at the request of Mr Smith and Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh and will be jointly convened by Zoos Victoria and the Victorian Association of Forest Industries.

“It’s clear that we need to carefully consider the best ways to ensure the future of the Leadbeater’s Possum,” Mr Smith said.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to balancing biodiversity outcomes with a sustainable timber industry, which is why the Coalition Government has set up a Leadbeater’s Possum Advisory Group.”

The group’s focus from June to September will be on drafting recommendations aimed at supporting the recovery of the possum.

“A partnership approach to this important issue is key, all stakeholders will be asked to share their knowledge and views to ensure a co-ordinated approach,” Mr Smith said.

“The group will gather expertise from a range of stakeholders and draw on the latest research and science to inform the development of its recommendations.”

The Coalition Government recently completed research focused on threatened vertebrate species as part of a $1.86 million investment under the Timber Industry Action Plan.

The plan outlines the Coalition Government’s commitments for ensuring a productive, competitive and sustainable Victorian timber industry.

“The results of this research, which includes the Leadbeater’s Possum, will provide important input into this work,” Mr Smith said.

The Leadbeater’s Possum is listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and as endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

The recommendations of the Advisory Group are expected to inform the revised Victorian Action Statement and the revised Commonwealth Recovery Plan for the Leadbeater’s Possum under these two Acts.

Latest NGV exhibition showcases Australia’s impressionist pioneers

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:16:06 +10:00

Sixty-three Victorian community groups are set to delve into the State’s history, thanks to the latest round of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Local History Grants Program.

Announcing the grants, which total almost $350,000, Minister for the Arts Heidi Victoria said the supported projects are from right across the state and will ensure that the legacy of Victoria’s fascinating past is preserved, recorded and shared with the community.

“Victoria has a rich and diverse history with significant local collections, stories and important cultural treasures spread across the State,” Ms Victoria said.

“In addition to showcasing the places and people who have made Victoria what it is today, the program recognises the work of the passionate volunteers and community organisations who ensure our remarkable history is recorded and shared with future generations.”

Ms Victoria said this year’s supported projects range from oral history recordings and books; to digitisation and multimedia projects; the creation of exhibitions and heritage trails; and even the creation of an app for mobile devices.

“It is wonderful to see organisations working to connect our history with the community in new and diverse ways,” Ms Victoria said.

Supported projects for 2013 include:

developing an interactive digital timeline documenting the 100 year history of the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre building;
recording and preserving the 150 year history of Framlingham Aboriginal Trust;
the publication of a book of ‘letters to home’ sent by soldiers and nurses from the Pyramid Hill region during the first world war; and
the creation of an interpretive display that details the life of pioneering Gippsland pastoralist Agnes Buntine.

“I look forward to seeing the outcomes of these projects in the year ahead,” Ms Victoria said.

“History projects like these not only help us to discover things about the people, the places and the world around us, they also illustrate the important role that the arts can play in our everyday lives.”

The Local History Grants Program is made available through Public Record Office Victoria. A full list of grant recipients is available on Public Record Office Victoria’s website www.prov.vic.gov.au

New Tourism Victoria board members appointed

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:15:31 +10:00

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher today announced three new Tourism Victoria Board appointees.

“I am delighted to announce that Mr Peter Crinis, Mr Andrew Dwyer and Ms Helene Bender OAM, have been appointed to the Tourism Victoria Board,” Ms Asher said.

Mr Crinis is the Group Executive General Manager, Hotels, Retail and Food & Beverage, Crown Melbourne Limited. He is responsible for Crown Towers Melbourne, Crown Metropol, Crown Promenade Hotel and Crown Entertainment Complex’s retail precinct.

Mr Dwyer is the Managing Director, Diamantina Touring Company, one of Australia’s leading outback adventure companies. Previously, he was a producer / presenter for a number of media and advertising companies focused on travel.

Ms Bender is the Director and Proprietor of Pendent Pty Ltd, trading as Allabout Tours and Travel. She is a member of several Boards and Committees including Barwon Health Foundation (Chair), Deakin University Council (also Deputy Chancellor), Geelong Cats Sports Foundation, Dental Health Services Victoria and Geelong Grammar School.

“I congratulate the new Board members on their appointments, which will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge in strategic planning, management and marketing across a number of industries.

Ms Asher also announced that Ms Wendy Smith, a Board member since 2011, has been appointed to the position of Deputy Chairman

“I would like to formally thank Ms Pamela Catty for her leadership and strategic guidance on a range of matters over a period of thirteen years. During this time, she served as Board Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Board’s Risk and Audit Committee.

“I would also like to thank Mr Chris Woodruff and Mr John Mitchell for their significant contribution.

Ms Asher said that the Tourism Victoria Board will benefit from the depth of tourism experience that each new Board member brings.

“I look forward to working with them and the Tourism Victoria Board to enhance the reputation and performance of the State’s $15.9 billion tourism industry,” Ms Asher said.

Road trauma victims to benefit from record-breaking number plate auction

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:14:26 +10:00

Premier Denis Napthine has congratulated a generous bidder and Radio 3AW’s Neil Mitchell program for raising an unprecedented $170,000 for the Alfred Trauma Centre.

Dr Napthine said the price paid for 1AA 1AA – the very first number plate carrying the new combination and the “Stay Alert Stay Alive” message – was believed to be an Australian record for a general issue plate.

The Victorian Coalition Government released the new look combination on Monday this week, before announcing it would be sold in an on-air auction, in conjunction with the Neil Mitchell program this morning.

Dr Napthine said the Coalition Government had decided that any money raised would go towards buying vital medical equipment for the Alfred Hospital’s Trauma Unit.

“We had no idea how popular 1AA 1AA would be, but we knew there would be interest in securing the first new number plate,” Dr Napthine said.

“We were astonished at the pace of the bidding among so many callers who were delighted to compete for the number plate, knowing it was going to such a worthwhile cause.

“Within 35 minutes the price had gone from an opening bid of $2,000 to the eventual result of $170,000 which had us all in amazement.”

“I’d like to thank the very modest Dave from the Yarra Valley – which is how he wants to be referred to – for his generosity, which will have a major impact in helping the medical staff at the Alfred continue their incredible, lifesaving work.”

Prof Mark Fitzgerald, Director of Trauma Services at the Alfred Emergency and Trauma Centre thanked the Victorian Coalition Government for directing the proceeds from the auction to new equipment for the Centre.

“Each year, several thousand trauma patients are brought to The Alfred, with many of the most critically injured being the result of serious accidents on our roads,” Professor Fitzgerald said.

“The better we can equip our talented staff with the latest and best equipment, the more likely it is that we can make a real difference to the recovery of those who urgently need our care.”

The Alfred will buy six bronchoscopes with these funds which is their number one equipment priority for treating road trauma victims

Bronchoscopes are lifesaving equipment: that help the treatment of trauma victims by removing blood clots from lungs. They also have broader uses in lung transplants too.

Dr Napthine also paid tribute to Neil Mitchell, Justin Smith and 3AW for organising the highly successful auction.

“We would not have got this result for the Alfred without Neil Mitchell and his listeners,” Dr Napthine said.

“To all of those who bid for the number plate, we are extremely grateful for your generosity – and especially to Dave from the Yarra Valley.”

3AW's Neil Mitchell was genuinely shocked at the result.

“I'm rarely speechless but several times this generosity left me without words,” Mr Mitchell said.

“We had four or five people still bidding over $100,000 and the reputation of the Alfred was a big part of the reason. Everybody, from the $1,000 bidders up, loved the idea this helped the hospital. Let's hope now it helps to save lives.

“The successful bidder is a generous man, proud of his business and his state. He wanted the plates but he also wanted to help.

“Victorians are great people. This proves it. Thanks to all involved. We have never had a charity auction like it,”Mr Mitchell said.

Minister for Roads Terry Mulder said it was especially pleasing that the first new general issue number plates in 60 years were carrying a road safety message.

“Earlier this year, the Coalition Government released a ten year strategy to further reduce our road toll,” Mr Mulder said.

“As part of this, we have pledged to use every opportunity to talk about road safety and to highlight the need for all road users to stay alert.

“It’s a fantastic result that the money from the sale of the first new road safety number plate is being used to help treat road trauma victims.”

“Our road toll is currently 21 below this time last year and we want to keep seeing it dropping. One road death is one too many.

“I’d urge all Victorians, particularly during the heavy rain which we are now experiencing, to take extra care to get home safely,” Mr Mulder said.

Victoria’s Skillaroos farewelled

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:13:26 +10:00

Some of Victoria’s most skilled individuals are preparing to represent Australia at the upcoming 2013 International WorldSkills Competition in Germany.

Minister for Higher Education and Skills Peter Hall last night officially farewelled the five vocational students and four experts whose performance and knowledge in their chosen skill or trade is at an international level.

Mr Hall joined WorldSkills Australia CEO Mark Callaghan to present the competitors – known as Skillaroos – with their Team Australia uniforms.

Nine Victorians will represent 2013 Team Australia in their chosen skill or trade. They are:

Skillaroos (competitors):

Mr Alden Meale – Landscape Gardening, NMIT;
Mr Ryan Dahlblom – Landscape Gardening, NMIT;
Mr Dayne Ciborowski – Autobody Repair, Chisholm Institute;
Ms Dayne Robinson – Floristry, Box Hill Institute; and
Mr Timothy Taylor – Automobile Technology, University of Ballarat TAFE.

Experts:

Mr Grant Petch – Automobile Technology;
Mr Phil Austin – Compatriot Automobile Technology;
Ms Sarah Jones – Graphic Design Technology; and
Mr Steve Bulman – Expert Team Coordinator.

Mr Hall congratulated the Skillaroos on their achievements to date and wished them success throughout the competition.

“Learning a skill has provided these Victorians with the opportunity to showcase their talent on an international stage,” Mr Hall said.

“The Skillaroos demonstrate what can be achieved through vocational education, and serve as excellent role models for young Australians.

“Their achievements provide another endorsement of Victoria’s world-class vocational training system, which is providing a wide range of pathways and diverse opportunities for people across the state.”

Mr Hall said the Victorian Coalition Government was investing a record $1.2 billion a year in vocational training, with $4.8 billion to be invested in training subsidies alone over four years.

Innovation and structural reform at TAFE institutes will be further supported through the $200 million TAFE Structural Adjustment Fund, with funding guidelines and application forms now available.

The Victorian Coalition Government is a sponsor of WorldSkills Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that promotes excellence in vocational education and training.

The 42nd International WorldSkills Competition will be held in Leipzig, Germany from 2 July to 7 July.

New regulations for Lake Eildon houseboats

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:09:31 +10:00

New regulations for houseboats on Lake Eildon which balance recreational activities with the need to protect water quality take effect today.

Water Minister Peter Walsh said the new houseboat regulations replace previous regulations which expired this year.

“Lake Eildon is one of Victoria’s most popular holiday destinations, and the only inland waterway in Victoria that allows houseboats,” Mr Walsh said.

“There are currently some 700 houseboats on the lake and the current common practice of disposing untreated grey water directly into the Lake presents a risk to water quality and public health."

“The new regulations will require all houseboats to be fitted with grey water treatment systems by 1 July 2020.

“This new measure will ensure the community can continue to enjoy houseboating and recreational activities, while also ensuring the local environment is protected.

“The new regulations are part of a whole-of-catchment approach for protecting water quality, and are consistent with the requirements for grey water management on land.

“The regulations contain a seven year transition period to allow houseboat owners to adjust, and includes a two year grace period for existing boat owners who want to transfer their licensed houseboat without a grey water treatment system to a new owner.

Other changes include:

the creation of a formal process for Goulburn-Murray Water to set houseboat numbers for Lake Eildon;
the creation of a formal process for the revocation of a houseboat licence following a breach of a condition on the licence
the creation of new offences of discharging blackwater or untreated grey water (in cases where the houseboat has a greywater treatment system) into the lake.

More information about the new regulations is available at http://www.g-mwater.com.au/

Victoria’s employment growth leads the nation

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:08:47 +10:00

Treasurer Michael O’Brien has welcomed today’s labour force figures as a vote of confidence in the Victorian economy, showing that Victoria continues to be a great place to invest and grow a business.

“Employment in Victoria rose by 11,400 in the past month and we led the nation in job creation. There are now more people employed in Victoria than ever before,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Today’s labour force figures show that the Victorian Coalition Government’s economic strategy is building for growth and demonstrates the strong fundamentals of the Victorian economy.”

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data saw Victoria’s unemployment rate falling to 5.4 per cent for May, down from 5.8 per cent the previous month.

Victoria’s unemployment rate is the lowest of any state, bar Western Australia. Victoria’s job growth in May was the highest of any state in the nation, noting that state employment figures are always subject to some degree of volatility in the data.

“Nationally, there was a modest increase of 1,100 jobs last month. Victoria’s contribution of 11,400 new jobs demonstrates that our state was the jobs engine room of Australia in May,” Mr O’Brien said.

Victoria is the only state to have an unemployment rate lower than one year ago, and there are 66,500 more people in jobs now than when the Coalition Government came to office.

“Today’s figures are a vote of confidence in Victoria and a vote of confidence in the Coalition Government’s decisive action to drive growth and productivity,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Today’s strong jobs result follows other recent positive signs for the Victorian economy including strong consumer confidence, increased lending approvals and the strongest increase in state final demand across the country.

“Today’s figures are good news for Victoria and highlight the fact that the Coalition Government’s economic strategy is driving growth and prosperity for all Victorians.”

$10 million in medical conference wins for Melbourne

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:07:52 +10:00

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher today announced Melbourne has secured the rights to host two major medical conferences – the 8th Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society Scientific Session for 2015 and the Congress on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) for 2017.

Around 1700 delegates will converge on the city for the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society Scientific Session, while 900 scientists, patients and medical professionals are expected to attend the Congress on SLE. Both events will be held over four days at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and will generate approximately $10.5 million for the State economy.

“These recent successful bids add to some of the world’s largest and most prestigious medical conferences Melbourne has won in the last few years, including the International AIDS Conference and the World Congress of Cardiology, both of which will be held in 2014,” Ms Asher said.

Since December 2010, the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) has secured 56 International Association meetings estimated to attract more than 77,000 delegates and forecast to generate around $370 million worth of economic impact for the State of Victoria.

MCB Chief Executive Officer Karen Bolinger said that working collaboratively with the organisation’s partners was the key to success.

“Our proven bidding strategy, working with local hosts such as the Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA) in the case of the Lupus bid, has seen Melbourne secure a further two medical events that will create a number of flow on business opportunities for the city, including an estimated 7,800 room nights for our accommodation providers,” Ms Bolinger said.

“We are extremely proud of the results we have achieved for the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and the State of Victoria, and I would like to thank the Victorian Coalition Government for their ongoing support of our organisation.”

MCEC Chief Executive Peter King said MCEC was delighted to host these two medical conferences.

“These are key wins for Melbourne and Victoria, bringing almost 3,000 delegates to the venue over their duration and contributing a significant amount to the State’s economy,” Mr King said.

“The attraction of Melbourne and MCEC continues to be a major drawcard for business events.”

For further information visit www.melbournecb.com.au

Protection for Melbourne’s world-class arts precinct

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:06:58 +10:00

The future of Melbourne’s thriving arts and entertainment precinct is more secure, thanks to mandatory height controls approved by Planning Minister Matthew Guy.

Mr Guy today approved City of Melbourne planning scheme amendment C171 that allows areas of Southbank to be included within the Capital City Zone and reinforces the protection of its future streetscape.

“This amendment highlights the significance of our city’s much loved arts precinct by setting a 24 metre mandatory height limit around Hamer Hall, the Spire, the Arts Centre and adjoining area,” Mr Guy said.

“The streetscape and built form controls are a sensible approach that will enable the area to thrive and achieve the right balance for this growing precinct.”

There will continue to be mandatory height controls for the Dodd Street residential area that will transfer to a mixed-use zone, to protect the low scale nature of the area.

Mr Guy said Southbank was a natural extension of the CBD and included a number of high-quality public and private buildings which made a wider contribution to the whole of Southbank, such as Eureka, Freshwater Place, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Southbank Boulevard and Queensbridge Plaza.

“The site is in one of the best locations for high density living, taking the pressure off Melbourne’s suburbs, being within easy walking and cycling distance of the CBD and on the doorstep of major tram and train routes, with shops, entertainment and an array of services,” Mr Guy said.

The decision follows a public exhibition of the amendment and an extensive and thorough process of evaluation by an independent panel. Mr Guy considered the panel report and the City of Melbourne’s response to the panel report.

The City of Melbourne-initiated amendment is supported by extensive strategic work on the Southbank Structure Plan 2010 which is guiding Southbank’s future development so that it can become a lively, accessible, liveable and sustainable neighbourhood.

The amendment introduces design controls to encourage active streetlife and to manage the interface with traffic. Car parking spaces provided will strike a balance between encouraging walking, cycling and public transport use and catering for residential and commercial needs.

“In a rapidly evolving area like Southbank it is critical that we plan to protect the quality and street life of the area by providing more services and more public spaces while being sympathetic to the neighbourhood,” Mr Guy said.

Innovation focus of new Tourism Victoria campaign

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:06:22 +10:00

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher today announced the Coalition Government has allocated $350,000 for innovative tourism initiatives across regional Victoria to promote tourism to the intrastate and interstate markets.

Ms Asher said the new Regional Cooperative Marketing Innovation Fund would provide for innovative projects that generate more opportunities for tourism in regional Victoria.

“Consumer behaviour in accessing tourism information has changed dramatically and the increased use of digital media has meant that tourism regions need to incorporate this activity into their marketing campaigns,” Ms Asher said.

Working with Tourism Victoria, the Regional Tourism Boards will deliver a diverse range of programs across the state, from technological applications such as free WiFi networks at key visitor locations to mobile applications and mobile-optimised websites.

There is also a marketing campaign for a new digital platform and social media campaigns, all highlighting strengths of the regions.

These innovative projects will ensure wider awareness of regional Victoria’s many attractions and provide a better and more informed experience for visitors.

“Our aim is to partner in projects that will inspire people from metropolitan Melbourne and from interstate to get to know the beautiful regions we have in Victoria, and enjoy the outstanding experiences on offer,” Ms Asher said.

“We want them to discover the stunning diversity of our landscape, the quality of our food and wine and the high standard of accommodation that can be enjoyed, only a few hours from Melbourne.”

Tourism is an important economic contributor to regional Victoria. The combined spend of international overnight, domestic overnight and domestic daytrip visitors to regional Victoria was more than $7.3 billion in 2012. This equates to an average spend of $20 million a day in Victoria’s regions, generating significant economic benefits for regional communities and businesses.

Strengthening governance of Aboriginal land

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:20:50 +10:00

The Aboriginal Lands Amendment Bill passed in the Victorian Parliament today will improve safeguards to protect community assets at both Framlingham and Lake Tyers Aboriginal trusts.

The Victorian Coalition Government’s reforms will enable Lake Tyers to transition from State administration to a board of administrators, comprising community members, for the first time since 2004.

The legislation will also ensure that Framlingham residents and shareholders will benefit from the same protections available to Lake Tyers.

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell said the Coalition Government is committed to improving the lives and wellbeing of Aboriginal Victorians living on the trusts, and has worked closely with these communities to modernise the 1970 Aboriginal Lands Act.

“In the last two years I have been working with the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust to enhance their capability of returning to self-governance,” Mrs Powell said.

“Finally with the passing of this Bill, the Coalition Government can call for nominations from the community to serve on the board of administrators to help the Lake Tyers community prepare for self-governance.

“I also wish to congratulate the new Framlingham committee of management and Chairman Jim Berg for his leadership and good governance.”

Mrs Powell said the original Aboriginal Lands Act was ground breaking legislation when established by the Bolte Government in 1970 and the Coalition Government was proud to continue the great tradition of securing the financial and social health of these communities.

Accolades flow for Chelsea Flower Show winners

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:19:21 +10:00

Water Minister Peter Walsh today hosted an official reception for Trailfinders Australian Garden team who won Best-in-Show at this year’s prestigious Chelsea Flower Show.

Mr Walsh said Fleming’s Nurseries, Phillip Johnson Landscapes and the many other contributors deserved congratulations for their success which put Victoria’s skills in horticulture, landscaping and water cycle management on the world stage.

“The award winning exhibition was not only a triumph of Australian design and innovation, it was also a model of sustainability,” Mr Walsh said.

“The Trailfinders Australian Garden was centred around a water-wise design, with the hard surfaces in the garden channelling water into two primary catchments, where it was filtered and then re-used to keep the garden alive and healthy.

“There are lessons that Victoria can take from this award-winning garden. We need to be much more sophisticated in the harvest and use of all available water supplies if we want to ensure Victoria has liveable, sustainable and productive communities into the future.

“Just like the Trailfinders Australian Garden, we need to be harnessing the water that runs off the city – more water runs off Melbourne rooftops and streets every year into the bay than the city’s population draws from the Melbourne Water supply system.

“The Trailfinders Australian Garden is a perfect example of the Victorian Coalition Government’s integrated water management policy, Living Victoria, which is driving generational change in the way Victorians use water and is promoting greater use of recycled stormwater, rainwater and waste water for non-drinking purposes.”

Minister Walsh said with the Chelsea Flower Show attracting nearly 150,000 visitors, widespread media coverage and millions of TV viewers world-wide, the win would boost Victoria’s credentials in horticulture, landscaping and water cycle management.

“Trailfinders’ groundbreaking success has lifted the national and international profile of the Victorian horticultural, landscaping and water management industries and it will help connect the State to new markets for our plants, skills and services,” Mr Walsh said.

The Victorian Government provided $350,000 to support the Trailfinders Australian Garden entry at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Loopholes to go so towing industry is safer & fairer

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:18:35 +10:00

A change to close loopholes in road legislation will prevent rogue operators from trying to muscle in on other operators’ areas, allow more towing services near the Victorian border and clear up property rights.

Minister for Roads Terry Mulder today introduced the Road Legislation (Use and Disclosure of Information and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, to make life easier for road users and the towing industry.

Mr Mulder said clarifying a number of towing laws would lead to better service for customers and fairer business practices for towing operators.

“By confirming that towing companies are restricted to specific areas of operation, we can crack down on stand-over tactics and conflicts stemming from multiple tow trucks arriving at crash scenes and causing major disruptions to the travelling public,” Mr Mulder said.

“This will reward the vast majority of operators who play by the rules, ensuring a fair and enforceable system.

“Motorists involved in a collision will no longer be subjected to the tough guy tactic of a few rogue operators who have been giving the industry a bad name.”

The Bill also provides clear directions for the retrieval of personal property left in towed vehicles.

“The Bill confirms that the tow truck operators are not entitled to keep or deny access to personal property within towed vehicles. However, they are entitled to retain the damaged vehicle until all outstanding fees have been paid,” Mr Mulder said.

The Bill will also allow VicRoads to approve tow truck driver accreditation to drivers from New South Wales and South Australia for towing close to the Victorian border. It also makes provisions to improve the regulation of the use and disclosure of personal information held by VicRoads as part of their licensing and registration requirements.

“This simply further secures personal information that warrants a high degree of protection due to its potential for criminal use, such as for identity fraud purposes,” Mr Mulder said.

Government delivers largest planned burns program in three decades

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:17:23 +10:00

The Victorian Coalition Government has achieved the largest amount of planned burning on Victoria’s public land in 30 years.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) and Parks Victoria fire crews had reached the planned burning target of 250,000 hectares for 2012/13 and were still carrying out planned burns where possible.

The figure far exceeds the efforts of the previous Labor Government, which in 2002/03 and 2005/06 only managed to burn 49,000 hectares and repeatedly failed to reach the 100,000 hectare mark.

“This huge amount of work will go a long way to reducing bushfire risk to people, property and communities, both around the fringes of Melbourne and in regional Victoria,” Mr Smith said.

“The preparation and hard work of our DEPI and Parks Victoria firefighters and public land managers has allowed us to reach the 253,000 hectare mark, which is the largest area of public land treated with planned burns in three decades.

“What is most impressive is the fact that this target has been reached by our outstanding crews in a year when they have battled some of the largest bushfires the state has seen in recent years and have also had to contend with heavy rainfall.”

Mr Smith said conditions were now becoming too wet to continue burning in the North East and Gippsland, but there may be opportunities for more planned burns in the west.

“The planned burning program is a year-round program and we’ll continue to take every opportunity to carry out this important work,” Mr Smith said.

Planned burning is part of an integrated strategy to reduce bushfire risk and is complemented by other work to reduce fuel loads, such as slashing, mowing and clearing.

“All of this work has been carried out under a strategy that is based on evidence and risk-analysis, so we can focus fuel reduction activities where they are most likely to reduce the impact of major bushfires,” Mr Smith said.

“Combined with community and householder preparedness, planned burning is a very effective way to reduce the threat of severe future bushfires to communities.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Victorians for their patience while this work is being carried out. We appreciate that sometimes it can be smoky, but this is important work to reduce fuel loads and bushfire risk,” Mr Smith said.

Last year DEPI and Parks Victoria crews carried out planned burns across197,000 hectares of land. At the time it was the largest area covered in the past 21 years.

DSE works closely with industries such as the wine, apiary and tourism industries to reduce the impacts of smoke from planned burning on businesses, and provides advice directly to communities ahead of each burn.

To find out where and when planned burns are happening, visit www.depi.vic.gov.au/burns or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667. If you have a smartphone, download the free FireReady app to view maps showing planned burning locations each day.

Support services for Goulburn Valley fruit growers

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:15:06 +10:00

Growers in the Goulburn Valley area affected by the SPC Ardmona fruit intake reduction will be able to access support services through a $100,000 package announced by the Victorian Coalition Government today.

Fruit Growers Victoria has provided the Victorian Government with a report detailing the regional impact of SPC Ardmona’s decision to reduce fruit intake by up to 50 per cent.

Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh said the Victorian Government was acutely aware that SPC Ardmona’s decision would have deep impacts on 114 growers, their families and the wider community.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is acting to support this community in need,” Mr Walsh said.

“When unexpected hardship hits, it is vital to ensure there are clear pathways to essential information that can help with decision-making and wellbeing.

“Through the Goulburn Valley Support Services Package, affected growers have a single point of contact for financial counselling, and for health and social services.

“There will be one-on-one visits between growers and staff from the Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI), and referrals can be made for other support agencies depending on the needs and circumstances of individuals.

“The Support Services Package will also include provision of horticultural technical and marketing advice, and targeted group workshops and information sessions.”

Mr Walsh said the Victorian Government was also working with the Federal Government to expedite arrangements for Victorian farmers to apply for concessional loans under the Commonwealth Farm Finance package.

“We are also exploring other measures that might provide sustained economic support to the Goulburn Valley area as growers make decisions about transition to other crops or exiting the industry,” Mr Walsh said.

“I appreciate the efforts of local MPs Jeanette Powell and Tim McCurdy on behalf of their communities as we all work together to assist growers impacted by SPC Ardmona’s decision.”

The Gouburn Valley Support Services Package will be managed by DEPI, and will be delivered in partnership with other departments and agencies including the Victorian Department of Human Services, Goulburn-Murray-Hume Rural Financial Counselling Service, Fruit Growers Victoria, Ethnic Council of Shepparton, Centrelink and Goulburn Valley Family Care.

Red tape cut to pave way for major projects

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:19:11 +10:00

Red tape will be cut and approval processes streamlined to ensure major projects in Victoria are delivered as efficiently as possible, Premier Denis Napthine announced today.

Dr Napthine said legislation to be introduced into Parliament today would ensure significant projects did not become bogged down in red tape, while preserving important requirements around environmental and social impact assessments.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to delivering major transport infrastructure projects that are essential to our economic future and our liveability,” Dr Napthine said.

“The Major Transport Projects Facilitation Amendment Bill (East West Link and other projects) 2013 will reduce project delays and costs by providing a more streamlined approval process.”

Specifically the proposed legislation includes provisions that:

enable early works such as relocating drains and moving gas pipes to be done before major tunnelling or construction works start, while still retaining necessary planning approvals;
bring the impact assessment process up to best practice standard by making it a risk-based assessment, consistent with the changes proposed for environmental assessments under the Environment Effects Act;
shorten statutory timeframes, simplify administrative processes and remove the need for the internal administrative burden of exchanging letters between Ministers that add no value to the process; and
increase project flexibility – for example, allowing reasonable variations to project designs to be considered during the approvals process, as was the case with EastLink.

“This legislation will ensure state-significant projects such as the East West Link, the Port of Hastings Development and Melbourne Metro are not held up by onerous administrative processes,” Dr Napthine said.

Dr Napthine said the bill importantly did not reduce opportunities for community input into the project approval process.

“This bill retains requirements for public exhibitions and public hearings,” Dr Napthine said.

“This is not about removing the level of rigour that is applied to major projects, it’s about ensuring that processes occur in a streamlined way.”

The proposal does not change the social impacts of the assessment regime and does not reduce any of the planning, cultural heritage or environmental requirements or safeguards contained in the Act.

“The bill does not water down requirements, but it removes duplication and double-handling,” Dr Napthine said.

“We want to deliver projects such as the East West Link project as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible, for the benefit of all Victorians.

“This bill will enable early works to occur on the East West Link project and ensure we can get on with the job of delivering this major project,” Dr Napthine said.

Victoria’s former fire chief recognised with prestigious Australian Fire Services Medal

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:18:30 +10:00

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith has congratulated former Department of Sustainability and Environment Chief Fire Officer Ewan Waller who was recognised yesterday for his outstanding service to fire management, when he was named as an Australian Fire Services Medal recipient.

The Australian Fire Services Medal is awarded on Queen’s Birthday and Australia Day to members of the Australian fire services who have provided distinguished service.

“I am delighted that Ewan has been named a recipient of the Australian Fire Services Medal, and I have no doubt all who know him will be pleased,” Mr Smith said.

“Only a handful of people receive this medal each year, which serves as further testament to Ewan’s achievements.”

Mr Smith said Mr Waller had been influential in helping to shape and change the way bushfires are managed in Victoria.

“In his forty year career, Ewan worked in everything from forest management to land use planning, before moving into bushfire management,” Mr Smith said.

“Ewan had worked on the frontline as a firefighter for several years before becoming Chief Fire Officer, the most senior operational firefighting role within DSE (now the Department of Environment and Primary Industries).

“In the seven years that he was Chief Fire Officer, Ewan displayed outstanding leadership and direction, supporting the department and its staff through several tough fire seasons and bushfire events including Black Saturday.

“As Chief Fire Officer, Ewan made a commitment to expand the state’s planned burning program to help protect lives and property. This commitment remains a priority for the department today, and the increase in planned burning has helped reduce fire risk for numerous communities,” Mr Smith said.

The Australian Fire Services Medal was introduced in 1988. The medal will be presented by the Governor General to recipients at a ceremony later in the year.

Queen’s Birthday Honours for VicRoads staff – for young driver safety and better traffic management

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:15:03 +10:00

Two VicRoads employees have been awarded Queen’s Birthday Honours for outstanding achievements in the fields of young driver safety and traffic management.

Minister for Roads Terry Mulder and VicRoads Chief Executive Gary Liddle congratulated Antonietta Cavallo, Manager Road User Behaviour and Andrew Wall, Director of Network Policy and Standards on being named in this year’s honours list.

“Andrew and Antonietta are very deserving of these awards, having delivered some outstanding innovation in their fields of road safety and traffic management,” Mr Mulder said.

“Their work has had a significant but, until now, largely unrecognised impact on the Victorian community.”

Mr Mulder said Ms Cavallo had been honoured for her achievements in major policy changes to improve safety for novice and young drivers, while Mr Wall had developed and implemented a number of programs and initiatives, including in particular the SmartRoads program.

“Ms Cavallo’s key achievements include introducing the requirement for learner drivers to have 120 hours of supervised driving practice before sitting for their licence, bans on mobile phones and limited peer passengers for novice drivers, and a four year probationary period known as red P plates and green P plates,” Mr Mulder said.

“Ms Cavallo has been relentless in her drive to improve road safety for young people and these changes have helped to establish Victoria as a world leader in improving the ability of young people to drive safely.

“Ms Cavallo has also overseen the establishment of the L2P learner driver mentor program which now runs in 65 communities across Victoria. L2P is a community-run program to provide disadvantaged young drivers, particularly those in Indigenous communities, with access to a vehicle and mentor driver to gain the required 120 hours driving practice,” Mr Mulder said.

Mr Liddle said Mr Wall was another outstanding employee who has been at the forefront of original thinking over a long period.

“Mr Wall is being recognised for developing and implementing programs and initiatives which have improved traffic flow in Melbourne,” Mr Liddle said.

“In particular, Mr Wall developed the award-winning SmartRoads program to make Victoria’s road network safer and more efficient.

“SmartRoads manages competing interests for limited road space by giving priority use of the road to different transport modes at particular times of the day.”

“As our city and population grows and we are competing for road space, this initiative will lead Melbourne and hopefully the rest of the world to better ways of managing roads.

“We are already seeing huge benefits in many practical ways. The continual review of traffic light operations using the SmartRoads system has resulted in travel time improvements of between 5 and 30 per cent. This translates to an estimated $7 million in ongoing benefit to road users.

“Mr Wall was also behind an innovative technique for developing signage on EastLink through the use of driver simulation tests to assess how effective signs were in directing drivers to the most appropriate exits.

“Mr Wall and Ms Cavallo have the ability not only to see and identify problems but also to develop and implement solutions. Both are invaluable, not only to VicRoads, but to the whole community,” Mr Liddle said.

For more information about young driver safety, L2P or SmartRoads, visit the VicRoads website at www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

Historic change to Victoria’s number plates

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:14:22 +10:00

Victoria will have a new number plate series for the first time in 60 years with the announcement of the next combination of letters and numbers that will appear on plates featuring the road safety slogan “Stay Alert Stay Alive”.

Premier Denis Napthine today unveiled the new combination of Number, Letter, Letter, Number, Letter, Letter – for example 1AA 1AA – to replace the current three letter, three number series, which will end with ZZZ 999 in coming weeks.

Dr Napthine said the change was the most significant for number plates in more than half a century.

“The last time the format of number plates changed was 1953, the year Queen Elizabeth was crowned and three years before the Melbourne Olympics,” Dr Napthine said.

“While people have been able to purchase custom plates in recent years, the standard issue plate for millions of other vehicles rolling off the production line has remained the same combination of letters and numbers.”

Dr Napthine said the new combination had been carefully chosen to keep up with Victoria’s growing needs and ensure it wouldn’t need to be replaced for many decades.

“The new generation series will be compatible with current and future databases,” Dr Napthine said.

“VicRoads estimates it has more than 37 million possible combinations and the format will last for more than half a century before it will need to be changed.

“The next series of number plates is unique in Australia and will ensure that Victorian vehicles are easily identified.

“Today’s announcement of a new combination of letters and numbers represents a milestone in Victorian motoring history.

“I am especially pleased that the next generation plates will carry the road safety slogan unveiled last year – Stay Alert Stay Alive – to remind all drivers to be careful on our roads,” Dr Napthine said.

Dr Napthine said the Victorian Government and its road safety partners, Victoria Police, the TAC, VicRoads and the Department of Justice, were committed to promoting key road safety messages as broadly as possible.

“What better way to get the road safety message out there than have it displayed on the number plates of every new vehicle in Victoria?” Dr Napthine said.

The new number plate format and slogan will begin appearing on vehicles in coming weeks.

“This is a key change for Victorian drivers, and it’s fantastic that the new look plates will feature an ever-present reminder of the need to be vigilant on our roads and to stay safe,” Dr Napthine said.

Fake websites rip off real shoppers

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:13:46 +10:00

Scammers are setting up fake online shopping sites, which mimic those of legitimate businesses, to rip off Victorian consumers.

Minister for Consumer Affairs Heidi Victoria said a number of shoppers have complained to Consumer Affairs Victoria after buying electronic products from what they thought was a genuine online seller but then their products never arrive.

When they use the contact details on the fake website, they’re connected to the real company, which has no record of the order made through the bogus website.

“This is a sophisticated scam, where the scammers use the details of a legitimate business including its name, address, contact details and ABN to convince shoppers they’re dealing with a legitimate business,” Ms Victoria said.

“This warning is as much for businesses as consumers, to be wary when buying from online shopping sites and to report it immediately if phantom orders are reported to your business.

“A tell-tale sign that you are dealing with one of these fake websites is how they ask you to pay. Often they will request a direct money transfer and be wary if they have no refund policy or dispute resolution information on their website.”

During 2012, Consumer Affairs Victoria recorded around 220 cases of shopping and trading scams, these include cases where a scammer advertises fake goods to trick consumers into sending money, use fake cheques to buy from genuine sellers and other means to rip off consumers.

Consumer Affairs Victoria has recently worked to shut down a fake website called directdiscountwarehouse.com.au, via the website’s hosting service but there are concerns that similar scams could be operating. There are some helpful tips to identify fake websites:

Be suspicious if the only payment method offered is direct money transfers. If you pay this way, it is almost impossible to get your money back.
Check if the business is registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
Research the business – read the ’about us’ or ‘contact us’ information on the website. See if the contact details and descriptions match details you find through an independent online search or through organisations such as ASIC.
Check that website links work. While it is common for an occasional link to fail, be suspicious if a high proportion of links on the website do not work.
Click on any social media links to see if these accounts exist and, if so, that they have recent posts. Be wary if the accounts were recently established.
Check if the business has a refund policy and find out how they resolve disputes.
Search the website name with the word ‘scam’ to see if anyone has posted reviews or alerts about the business or website.
Be wary of websites that sell popular high-end products such as smart phones, tablets and luxury goods at heavily discounted prices.
Check that the website has a Secure Socket Layer (SSL), which helps to ensure that any data you submit through the website is encrypted and secure. Look for ‘https’ in the prefix of the webpage address and click on the ‘lock icon’ in the status bar of your browser to see details of the site’s security.
Check if there are a lot of spelling or grammatical mistakes or if the images presented are blurry. Professional websites generally provide accurate content with high-quality images.

For more information on protecting yourself against scams visit www.consumer.vic.gov.au

To report a scam call Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81.

Doubling jobs in the Docklands

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:12:39 +10:00

Docklands continues to strengthen its position driving growth and business opportunities in Melbourne’s CBD following today’s announcement of a $110 million investment.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy has approved a 23 storey office tower at 1000 Latrobe Street, Docklands, bringing the number of office towers approved by the Minister to nine, with capacity to accommodate a total of 30,000 additional workers in the precinct.

According to ABS figures, there were 30,000 jobs in the Docklands in 2011. These office tower approvals will double the employment capacity to 60,000 jobs.

“1000 Latrobe will stimulate continued growth in the Docklands commercial centre and will deliver substantial flow-on benefits to the Victorian economy through new construction activity and new jobs,” Mr Guy said.

The new development will create an additional 60,000 square metres of office space in the Docklands, with 471 car parking spaces and 110 bike spaces.

The 93 metre office building has ground floor retail space and above-ground multi-level car parking. The ground floor will include an entrance lobby, four retail tenants, car park access and supporting services and the level below will feature a loading dock, bike parking and change facilities and waste storage areas. The building will provide high quality office and retail space, confirming Docklands as Melbourne’s 24 hour central activities district.

“This new tower is clear evidence of the growth of this area and the role of the Docklands as the premier commercial precinct in Australia,” Mr Guy said.

“Docklands continues to make a valuable contribution to the Victorian economy and this development complements the $300 million community infrastructure plan announced in 2012.

“Today’s announcement reinforces and builds further on the work te Coalition Government has done to secure Docklands as Victoria’s prime location for commercial investment,” Mr Guy said.

Escape the scammer’s phishing net

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 11:11:15 +10:00

Victorians should be careful when revealing personal information online to avoid ending up on scammers’ target lists, Minister for Consumer Affairs Heidi Victoria has warned.

“Scammers are not just after your money; they also want to steal your personal details,” Ms Victoria said.

“They go phishing – that is, they set up fake websites and emails, tricking people into revealing personal information.

“Even if you don’t lose money the first time, responding to a scam email or online promotion means your details could end up on a scammer’s target list.”

She said scammers could use personal information to try another scam, or might sell the list to other scammers for future use – so people hit by one scam are likely to receive further dodgy offers.

A common trick for scammers is to call people on a list and pose as an enforcement officer or private investigator.

“They tell the person that they have been scammed and request payment to investigate the incident, or claim to have caught the scammer and that a refund is possible for an up-front fee,” Ms Victoria said.

Last year, Consumer Affairs Victoria recorded more than 200 cases of phishing, including phishing by SMS text messaging (smishing). From January to March 2013, the regulator has recorded nearly 50 cases.

Ms Victoria said there were some warning signs and ways people could protect themselves from phishing. Signs that you may be on a scammer’s list:

You suddenly receive a number of offers/scam approaches.
Within a year of falling for a scam, you receive a similar approach.

Protect yourself:

Do not respond to scam emails, even to unsubscribe or to say you know it is a scam.
If you have fallen for a scam or you receive a lot of unsolicited emails and phone calls, consider changing your email address and phone numbers.
Never give your details to a company, regardless of what they are offering, unless you are sure they can be trusted.
Keep your postal mail safe by placing a lock on your mailbox.
Always shred/destroy personal documents before you dispose of them.
Be cautious. If you receive any offer that seems too good to be true, it probably is.

To find out more and report scams, visit www.consumer.vic.gov.au/scams or the national website www.scamwatch.gov.au

$60,000 boost delivers showcase of elite ski events to Victoria

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 11:02:36 +10:00

This weekend’s launch of Victoria’s 2013 Alpine ski season has got off to a flying start with the Victorian Coalition Government today announcing a $60,000 package towards a top line-up of Continental Cup ski and snowboard events in the coming months.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith, who today officially opened the 2013 ski season at Mt Buller, made the funding announcement on behalf of Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty.

Events to be supported include:

FIS ANC Giant slalom at Mt Hotham, 29 July - 2 August 2013
FIS ANC Skier Cross at Mt Hotham, 16 -18 August 2013
Kangaroo Hoppet Cross Country at Falls Creek, 24 August 2013
FIS ANC Snowboard Cross at Mt Hotham, 25 -28 August 2013
Moguls Challenge at Mt Buller, 31 August 2013

“Events like these go a long way towards further establishing the reputation of Victoria’s Alpine region as a bustling international ski and ski board hub and a must-see tourist destination,” Mr Smith said.

“As well as showcasing some of Australia’s up and coming ski talent, these events are a boon for the local regional economies, attracting large crowds.”

Mr Delahunty said the Coalition Government was committed to maintaining, developing and attracting top sporting events and athletes to the state.

“With the next Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia less than a year away these elite ski events provide the perfect platform for aspiring world champions to impress for national team selection and follow in the footsteps of Victorian ski legends such as 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics champion Lydia Lassila,” Mr Delahunty said.

“That’s why the Coalition Government is proud to invest in these events through our Significant Sporting Events Program.”

Mr Delahunty said the funding package would also assist event organisers Ski and Snowboard Australia to develop a 3-5 year event plan and marketing strategy to secure even more major international and national events for Victoria’s ski fields.

“Through initiatives like the Significant Sporting Events Program we can work together to develop and support a wide range of events like these top ski events that help keep Victoria in the national and international spotlight,” Mr Delahunty said.

Chief Executive Officer of Ski & Snowboard Australia, Michael Kennedy said Victoria had a proud tradition of hosting world-class events, none more so than the World Cup Aerial events which ran at Mt Buller for a decade from 1997.

“Ski & Snowboard Australia is delighted that the Victorian Coalition Government has recognised the potential of our current Winter event series and we look forward to working with them to develop a long-term strategy for world-class winter events into the future,” Mr Kennedy said.

“The new Olympic disciplines in particular offer excellent opportunities for our resorts, as the infrastructure required is within the scope of our resorts’ current capacities.

“There is no reason why Victorian resorts including Mt Buller, Falls Creek and Mount Hotham can’t be World Cup venues in the years to come.

“Australia goes into the Sochi Olympic Winter Games with our largest and probably strongest team ever. It is fitting that we explore the possibility to give our world-class athletes a chance to perform at the highest level on home snow,” Mr Kennedy said.

For more information about the Significant Sporting Events Program go to www.sport.vic.gov.au

Minister launches Victoria’s snow season at Mt Buller

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:03:47 +10:00

The scene is set for another great year at Victoria’s alpine resorts, with Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith officially opening this year’s snow season at Mt Buller today.

Mr Smith has encouraged everyone to come and enjoy Victoria’s spectacular alpine environments this season.

“The resorts have all been working hard in the ‘green’ season to provide even better experiences for winter visitors, delivering extensive upgrades to visitor facilities and infrastructure,” Mr Smith said.

“Last year’s bumper snowfalls brought visitors to the slopes in huge numbers.

“The six resorts – Mount Hotham, Falls Creek, Mount Buller, Mount Stirling, Mount Baw Baw and Lake Mountain – recorded more than 1.5 million visitor days, a 20 per cent increase on 2011 and a 14 per cent increase on the 10 year average.

“According to the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research, Mount Buller chalked up 472,575 visitor days in 2012, the highest visitation of the Victorian resorts.

“Victoria’s alpine resorts make a substantial and growing contribution to their local regions and the state’s economy. Last winter alone our resorts generated $647 million in Gross State Product and around 6,000 jobs. Much of this benefit flows directly to regional areas.

“We’re hopeful of another great season and even more visitors coming to enjoy the slopes in 2013,” Mr Smith said.

In recent months on Mount Buller, work has proceeded on lift upgrades, increased snowmaking and upgraded toboggan slopes, and there have been improvements to roads, trails and other infrastructure at nearby Mount Stirling.

“The reinvigorated snow play zone at Mount Buller is ideal for visitors enjoying their first snow experience, with a new snowball and snowman-building area, new picnic area and photo points,” Mr Smith said.

Other ski resorts have also invested in improving their visitor experiences with additional snow making equipment at most resorts and better facilities and activities.

Among this year’s offerings are:

dog sled tours and reduced mid-week ticket prices at Mount Baw Baw ;
additional facilities and mobile coffee outlets, along with no trail fees at Lake Mountain;
Falls Creek has removed cross country trail fees and developed dedicated snow shoe trails; andMount Hotham and Falls Creek have introduced a new Snow Pass system – a fully automated, reloadable access card for lift tickets, lessons and equipment hire.

“The Victorian Government is working hard together with partners in the industry and in the regions to make these resorts vibrant, growing and sustainable places,” Mr Smith said.

“Each year the resorts work hard to improve the visitor experience, and it keeps getting better and better.

“Whether it’s your first time at the snow or you’re a seasoned skier or boarder, 2013 is a great time to experience these magnificent places first hand,” Mr Smith said.

CFA brigades gear up for ski season

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:01:19 +10:00

People heading to Victoria’s Alpine region for the ski season are encouraged to learn some fire safety tips and stay safe this winter, Minister for Police and Emergency Services Kim Wells said today on the eve of the opening of the ski season.

“Many people think CFA brigades wind down over the winter months, but our Alpine brigades are gearing up for the annual tourism boom that comes with the ski season,” Mr Wells said.

“Most winter fires are preventable and are caused by dangerous mistakes such as overloading a power board or drying clothes too close to heaters.

“We want everyone to have a good time this winter. No one wants their lodge or holiday accommodation to suffer fire. The CFA has a couple of very simple precautions people need to take to ensure, what should be, a happy holiday does not turn into tragedy.”

CFA officers were stationed at Mount Buller, Mount Hotham and Falls Creek this week to assist local brigades with emergency management and community liaison throughout the ski season.

“These brigades are an integral part of the Alpine communities and our firefighters do an excellent job giving fire and emergency safety advice to residents and visitors in our alpine areas,” Mr Wells said.

Holiday-makers and residents at Mount Buller can access free fire safety advice from 10am until 2pm at the Mount Buller fire station in Cow Camp Lane on Saturday 8 June 2013.

“Tens of thousands of people will be visiting our mountain resorts this winter, so I want to encourage holiday-makers, lodge owners and accommodation managers to chat to the brigade members about fire and emergency safety,” Mr Wells said.

“If you’re visiting the region and staying in a chalet or holiday accommodation, know the exit routes and escape plan.

“If you’re returning from the slopes with wet clothes, don’t leave them drying on a heater because there could be disastrous consequences.”

Fire safety tips include:

Never leave cooking, heaters, open fires or candles unattended;
Don’t overload power boards;
Keep electrical appliances in good working order;
Ensure cigarette ash and butts are extinguished. Never smoke in bed;Dry clothing at least one metre away from heaters;
Clean lint filters on clothes dryers after every use and always let dryers
complete the cool-down cycle;
Store all matches and lighters out of reach of children;
Clean and test your smoke alarms regularly and make sure they are working;
·Install a fire extinguisher and fire blanket and know how to use them; and
Have a fire escape plan and practice it regularly.

“The Alpine ski fields are a beautiful place to experience winter, but even when it’s cold Victorians still need to protect themselves from the dangers of fire,” Mr Wells said.

“By following these simple tips holiday-makers can experience the beauty of our ski fields while staying safe.”

For more information go to: www.cfa.vic.gov.au

Aboriginal youth honoured for outstanding achievements

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:59:56 +10:00

Three outstanding young Aboriginal Victorians were honoured today with the annual Ricci Marks Award at the Korin Gamadji Institute in Richmond.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Jeanette Powell said this important award recognises individual achievements of young Aboriginal people in a number of fields including education, arts, sport, culture, and community leadership.

“The calibre of the 21 candidates nominated from across the state for this year’s Ricci Marks Award has been very high,” Mrs Powell said.

Nominations were received from Ballarat, Bendigo, Mildura, Morwell, Wodonga and metropolitan Melbourne.

“I am proud to present the 2013 Ricci Marks Award to Bronwyn Mongta, from East Gippsland, and Nayuka Gorrie, from Brunswick,” Mrs Powell said.

“Mason Peter from Meringur in north-west Victoria is the winner of the Encouragement Award.”

The Ricci Marks Award is a bursary used to support further development in the chosen field of the two award winners who receive $5000 each. The award is named after the late Ricci Marks, who in 2000 received what was then the Aboriginal Young Achiever Award. In 2004 the award was renamed to honour Ricci Marks following his accidental death in 2004 at the age of21 years. The winner of the Encouragement Award receives $500.

Mrs Powell said the award provides recognition for the hard work and achievements of young emerging leaders within the Victorian Aboriginal community.

“Every Victorian deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential and the Victorian Government is working with Aboriginal people to create a better future for them and their families,” Mrs Powell said.

“The Ricci Marks Award is funded by the Victorian Government to recognise, support and celebrate young Aboriginal leaders.

“These young achievers bring energy and enthusiasm to challenges faced by our community today, they are inspirational role models within the Aboriginal and broader Victorian communities,” Mrs Powell said.

2013 Ricci Marks Award recipient biographies

Ricci Marks Award

Bronwyn Mongta, from Cann River, is a trainee at the Victorian Government Department of Justice. She was employed as a Koorie Support Worker mentoring young girls, and she established the East Gippsland Koorie Youth Council to provide a platform for young Aboriginal people.

Nayuka Gorrie from Brunswick West is studying at the University of Melbourne, completing her Bachelor of Arts. She is a member of the Youth Lobby Committee for the National Congress of Australia’s First People and is currently researching Aboriginal engagement in the protection of the environment. Nayuka is currently representing Australia at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous issues in New York.

Encouragement Award

Mason Peter, from Meringur, in the Mildura region, is school captain at Werrimull P-12 School where he is studying for his VCE. He is Youth Ambassador for the Mildura Rural City Council, a member of the Mildura Koorie Emerging Leaders, and a participant in the National Indigenous Youth Leadership Academy.

New appointments to alpine boards greet the new ski season

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:57:54 +10:00

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith today announced new appointments to Victoria’s Alpine Resorts Coordinating Council and the five Alpine Resorts Management Boards.

Mr Smith, who will officially open the 2013 ski season at Mt Buller on Saturday, said there were seven new appointments, four new Chairs, and 14 members that had been reappointed to the state’s alpine boards.

“The calibre of applicants was very high and I am looking forward to working with a group of people who have the passion and the expertise to drive the management of Victoria’s alpine resorts,” Mr Smith said.

“I welcome Michael Marasco as the new chair of the Alpine Resorts Coordinating Council who will be responsible for driving the implementation of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Alpine Resorts Strategic Plan 2012.

“Mr Marasco has a career history in local government, most recently as Chief Executive Officer at the City of Maroondah. He was also the independent Chair of the Peninsula Link Community Advisory Group.

“Our Alpine Resorts are special and unique places that are an important part of Victoria’s economy and tourism industry. They are good examples of how people can enjoy the natural environment in an appropriate and sustainable way.

Mr Smith said the new appointments would bring fresh ideas and innovation while building on the good work of the current members.

The appointments were chosen after an expression of interest and interview process earlier this year. There were 119 applicants in total.

The Chair position for the Mt Buller and Mt Stirling board was not up for renewal this year.

The appointments will run until September 2015.

Vixens and Tigers get sneak peek of new Margaret Court Arena

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:56:13 +10:00

Members of the Melbourne Vixens netball team and Melbourne Tigers basketball team have taken a first look at the new Margaret Court Arena during a site tour with the Minister for Major Projects David Hodgett today.

“Most people would associate the upgrade of Margaret Court Arena with tennis and the Australian Open, but both netball and basketball are also set to benefit,” Mr Hodgett said.

“With its new operable roof and expanded seating capacity of 7500, Margaret Court Arena will provide a great mid-size venue for both teams, as well as providing an exceptional experience and comfortable viewing for their fans.

“The design for Margaret Court Arena features a glass curtain wall around its exterior that will open the building up to the outside and give people a sense of excitement about the activities going on inside.

“The arena will also feature a new high quality playing surface that will be more comfortable and reduce injury, allowing players to perform at their best.

“When visiting the site you really notice how much is going on. Lend Lease has done a fantastic job to maximise the amount of work that can be done at once, using innovative building techniques such as the ‘race track’ for boom lifts around the seating bowl.

“Margaret Court Arena is the only building project in the world where work stops each year for two months to hold an international sporting event.

The pressure is constant to make the most out of each working day.

“The work is all part of the $366 million first stage of the Melbourne Park Redevelopment project which is upgrading the whole precinct for the Australian Open as well as the hundreds of other sporting and entertainment events held here each year,” Mr Hodgett said.

The Chair of the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust, Russell Caplan, said the redevelopment was coming along nicely and would add another fantastic dimension to the world-class precinct.

“Margaret Court Arena will now be an iconic and exciting venue in its own right, befitting the wonderful sporting legend whose name it carries,” Mr Caplan said.

“It will offer a great new option in Melbourne Park, in addition to Rod Laver Arena and Hisense Arena.

“This new venue presents a raft of new possibilities for events, concerts and sport here at Melbourne Park, not least for Vixens and Tigers matches,” Mr Caplan said.

Chief Executive Officer of the Melbourne Vixens, Michelle Plane, said the Vixens were thrilled to have access to the redeveloped facility.

“Margaret Court Arena is a fantastic addition for the netball community, providing another great venue for us to utilise in the same precinct. It is the perfect size for us to create a really intimate experience for our fans at our smaller games,” Ms Plane said.

Chief Executive Officer of the Melbourne Tigers, Michael Slepoy, said they were looking forward to being able to maximise the seating potential the state-of-the-art facility offered.

“We look forward to the completion of the redevelopment, and both players and supporters of the Melbourne Tigers eagerly await our first game at Margaret Court Arena,” Mr Slepoy said.

Recognising technology in Victorian manufacturing

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:55:37 +10:00

Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips today congratulated Rowville-based medical diagnostics manufacturer Universal Biosensors for being awarded the 2013 Manufacturing Hall of Fame Technology in Manufacturing Award, at the Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards held last night.

Minister Rich-Phillips said the Technology in Manufacturing Award was established this year as a new category at the Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards.

“The Coalition Government is committed to increasing innovation in technology to grow the role of technology in manufacturing, particularly through micro and nanotechnology, and it is very fitting that this new award has been established as part of the wider awards program,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.

“Universal Biosensors operates from a highly automated manufacturing plant and research development facility in Rowville – which is a great example of how technology has been utilised to its full capacity to improve productivity, enable the company to generate more than $30 million in revenue last year and keep over 100 jobs in Victoria.

“I not only congratulate Universal Biosensors on their win, but also extend my congratulations to all the winners from last night’s ceremony, who were presented with their awards by Minister for Manufacturing David Hodgett,”
Mr Rich-Phillips said.

Universal Biosensors is a success story in Victorian technology and is working with global manufacturers Johnson and Johnson through their subsidiary company LifeScan Inc to develop a blood glucose monitoring product.

In 2011, the Victorian Coalition Government launched the $150 million Victoria’s Technology Plan for the Future to support the growth of the technology sector in Victoria.

Nine surplus school sites in rezoning pilot

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:54:00 +10:00

The Victorian Coalition Government is seeking to rezone nine disused school sites as part of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) Surplus Land Rezoning Project.

Education Minister Martin Dixon said the pilot program would provide the community with greater certainty on the future of surplus Government-owned land and a boost to funding for public infrastructure.

The Minister for Planning Matthew Guy will establish an independent Ministerial Advisory Committee to consider submissions from DEECD, local councils, residents and other interested parties on the proposed rezoning of nine sites deemed surplus to educational requirements.

“There are hundreds of thousands of dollars that can be saved every year on the maintenance costs Victorians are currently paying on surplus sites, some of which have become a magnet for vandalism and rubbish dumping,” Mr Dixon said.

“The Coalition Government is committed to selling these unused sites with proceeds of land sales prioritised towards creating, maintaining and improving public infrastructure, including the provision of education.”

“These nine schools were closed following decisions by the former Labor Government, and have sat idle and open to vandals for years.”

Councils or interested parties have the opportunity to create new residential developments, or community or health facilities such as medical centres on these sites and Mr Dixon encouraged community feedback on the proposed rezoning.

“These sites present opportunities for economic growth and job creation By rezoning these nine sites in a timely manner, we can provide greater certainty for the community, and encourage investment and jobs through the development of disused land,” Mr Dixon said.

Residents and other interested parties can have their say on the proposed rezoning at http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/panelsandcommittees/current/deecd-surplus-land-rezoning

Former school sites in the DEECD Surplus Land Rezoning Project include:

•   Casey Council area: Doveton SC, Doveton North PS, Eumemmering PS;
•   Monash Council area: Brandon Park SC, Clayton PS, Clayton West PS,
      Monash Special Development         School, Oakleigh South PS; and
•   Bendigo Council area: Bendigo South East College (Golden Square
     campus).

$90,000 boost to improve safety at Colac taxi rank

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:53:13 +10:00

Colac’s major taxi rank on the corner of Murray and Gellibrand Streets will be significantly upgraded thanks to a Victorian Coalition Government
$90,442 funding boost announced by Public Transport Minister and Member for Polwarth Terry Mulder.

“The Coalition Government’s $90,000 funding injection will be used to provide a substantially larger sheltered seating area, improved access to the road for passengers as well as increased lighting,” Mr Mulder said.

“The improvements will make it easier and safer for people to catch a taxi in Colac.

“As a purpose-built facility, the site will also include pram and mobility access.

“This upgrade will be very welcome for users of Colac’s taxi service. It’s another example of the Coalition Government’s commitment to rural communities like Colac.”

The grant allocation is part of the Coalition Government’s Taxi Rank Safety Program (TRSP) where councils can apply for funding for new taxi ranks or improve infrastructure and amenities on existing facilities.

Mr Mulder said the TRSP had already delivered enormous benefits to local communities across Victoria.

“In this round, the Taxi Rank Safety Program has provided $890,000 to local councils across the state to help them improve safety at taxi ranks,” Mr Mulder said.

“This is part of the Coalition Government’s commitment to building better taxi services for passengers, taxi drivers and the local community.”

The Taxi Rank Safety Program is administered by the Victorian Taxi Directorate.

For further information please visit www.taxi.vic.gov.au

$93,000 for new dedicated taxi rank for Churchill

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:52:21 +10:00

Churchill residents will enjoy a dedicated taxi rank thanks to a Victorian Coalition Government funding boost, Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder said today.

“The $93,000 funding injection will be used to build a taxi rank facility in a high traffic location in the town centre,” Mr Mulder said.

“The permanent rank will make it easier and safer for people to catch a taxi.

“A prominent taxi rank will be built in the heart of Georgina Place, with shelter, a canopy and lighting. It will provide protection for passengers and drivers from extreme weather conditions.

Each of the design features installed in the new taxi rank will be Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) compliant.

Mr Mulder said the TRSP had already delivered enormous benefits to local communities across Victoria.

“In this round, the Taxi Rank Safety Program has provided $890,000 to local councils across the state to help them improve safety at taxi ranks,” Mr Mulder said.

“This is part of the Coalition Government’s commitment to building better taxi services for passengers, taxi drivers and the local community.”

Member for Morwell Russell Northe said the investment would boost community safety and improve access to taxi services in Churchill.

“Under previous funding rounds the George Street taxi rank in Morwell received funding to provide shelter, seating and complete road treatment.
Stockland Plaza and Seymour Street in Traralgon also received funding to install CCTV cameras,” Mr Northe said.

The Taxi Rank Safety Program is administered by the Victorian Taxi Directorate.

For further information please visit www.taxi.vic.gov.au

New lighting to boost safety at Torquay taxi rank

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:41:52 +10:00

Safety for taxi passengers in Torquay will be significantly improved thanks to a Victorian Coalition Government funding boost announced by Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder.

“The $3,100 funding will be used to install a dedicated evening taxi rank, with strong lighting in the heart of one of Torquay’s major restaurant districts,” Mr Mulder said.

“The addition of the new site along the Esplanade in Torquay will complement the existing Bell street site by giving patrons safe options to catch a taxi.”

The sites location was identified and endorsed by the Geelong taxi network who said that the increased visibility of the taxi rank would benefit passengers and drivers alike.

Mr Mulder said the TRSP had already delivered enormous benefits to local communities across Victoria.

“In this round, the Taxi Rank Safety Program has provided $890,000 to local councils across the state to help them improve safety at taxi ranks,” Mr Mulder said.

“This is part of the Coalition Government’s commitment to building better taxi services for passengers, taxi drivers and the local community.”

Member for South Barwon Andrew Katos welcomed the announcement.

“This funding is welcome news for the Surf Coast community and provides more and safer options for catching a taxi in Torquay, particularly near the restaurant areas,” Mr Katos said.

The Taxi Rank Safety Program is administered by the Victorian Taxi Directorate.

For further information please visit www.taxi.vic.gov.au

Have your say on Victoria’s energy efficiency scheme

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:39:10 +10:00

Victorians have a chance to have their say on the Victorian Energy Saver Incentive Scheme (ESI) with public comment being sought on the performance of the scheme to date and on what its future should be.

Energy and Resources Minister Nicholas Kotsiras encouraged Victorians to take the opportunity to give their views by commenting on an issues paper released today as part of a review of the scheme.

“Energy efficiency is one of the best ways households and businesses can reduce their energy use and keep their power bills down,” Mr Kotsiras said.

“It is therefore important that we have effective programs to help Victorians improve the energy efficiency of their homes and make the best use of the energy they are paying for.

“The Energy Saver Incentive Scheme has been the Coalition Government’s key program for driving energy efficiency and we want to hear whether this scheme has been working for you, and what you think its future should be.

“The Coalition Government believes that to get the most out of programs such as the ESI we need to listen carefully to what the public and stakeholders have to say about their real life experiences of these programs,” Mr Kotsiras said.

Submissions are being sought on barriers to the take up of efficiency measures, the performance of the ESI to date and on the future of the scheme. The submissions will inform the preparation of a Regulatory Impact Statement, which is being prepared to develop new regulations for the future of the scheme, with its current phase ending by the end of 2014.

The issues paper and details of how to make a submission are available at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/energy

Latest grants to preserve Victoria’s local history

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:16:26 +10:00

Sixty-three Victorian community groups are set to delve into the State’s history, thanks to the latest round of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Local History Grants Program.

“Victoria has a rich and diverse history with significant local collections, stories and important cultural treasures spread across the State,” Ms Victoria said.

“It is wonderful to see organisations working to connect our history with the community in new and diverse ways,” Ms Victoria said.

Supported projects for 2013 include:

developing an interactive digital timeline documenting the 100 year history of the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre building;
recording and preserving the 150 year history of Framlingham Aboriginal Trust;
the publication of a book of ‘letters to home’ sent by soldiers and nurses from the Pyramid Hill region during the first world war; and
the creation of an interpretive display that details the life of pioneering Gippsland pastoralist Agnes Buntine.

“I look forward to seeing the outcomes of these projects in the year ahead,” Ms Victoria said.

The Local History Grants Program is made available through Public Record Office Victoria. A full list of grant recipients is available on Public Record Office Victoria’s website www.prov.vic.gov.au

Shepparton library transforms for future generations

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:15:45 +10:00

Shepparton library is about to undergo a major transformation to become a library loved by local young people and people who are young at heart, thanks to a funding boost from the Victorian Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.

Minister for Local Government and Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell said the Victorian Coalition Government would contribute $433,000 toward a $697,000 upgrade of the Shepparton library.

“This upgrade will be great for the children who love the Rhyme and Story Time each week and the young people who want to make the most of the free wifi and the study and reading areas,” Mrs Powell said.

“The many young at heart people who come to the library for the Friday knitting group will also appreciate the extra space for activities.

“Around a third of Shepparton’s 61,000 residents are aged under 24 years – which includes a boom of babies during the past few years – so it has never been more important to provide the best facilities and services for future generations.

“With this funding Shepparton library will receive a facelift and be able to increase its available floor space by about 45 per cent,” Mrs Powell said.

Mrs Powell said the $433,000 grant to the Greater Shepparton City Council was one of the projects to be funded through the third round of the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.

“This initiative has been possible because of strong community support, with the Greater Shepparton City Council contributing $243,665 and the Goulburn Valley Regional Library Corporation providing an extra $20,000 towards the redevelopment,” Mrs Powell said.

“Libraries are a valued part of the lives of many Victorians and we are proud to support them.”

Work on the major upgrade of the Shepparton library is expected to start in early 2014.

Popular Landmate program to continue

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:15:21 +10:00

Corrections Minister Edward O’Donohue has announced a renewal of funding for the Landmate community works program.

Visiting Wangaratta today, Mr O’Donohue said the program will now be funded through the Department of Justice, ensuring its continuation.

“Landmate has been a very valuable program in our regional communities for more than 20 years,” Mr O’Donohue said.

“It is important to both the communities that receive assistance and to the prisoners who provide it.”

Local Member for Murray Valley Tim McCurdy said Landmate’s retention will be warmly welcomed in his electorate.

“Landmate has been of enormous benefit to people and community organisations in the north-east for a long time, and I know there’s strong support for it to continue,” Mr McCurdy said.

Landmate sees teams of prisoners from Beechworth, Ararat and Langi Kal Kal prisons going out into the community carrying out environmental and agricultural work.

Over the years, Landmate participants have taken part in fence building and mending; large-scale tree planting; weed removal; and other activities of benefit to nearby communities and the environment.

Landmate crews have also been on hand to assist in the flood emergencies which have devastated parts of Victoria over the past three years.

“Victoria’s recidivism rate is the second-lowest in the country and well below the national average,” Mr O’Donohue said.

“It’s programs such as Landmate that contribute to that good result. People serving sentences in our prisons are given new skills and a sense of purpose that help them travel a new path once they’re released. In doing so, they are also contributing to the communities in which Landmate’s work is done.”

Coalition Government meets with global industry leaders to kick start East West Link

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:14:39 +10:00

Treasurer Michael O’Brien and Minister for Roads Terry Mulder will today meet with national and international organisations interested in partnering with the Victorian Coalition Government to deliver stage one of the East West Link.

The industry briefing has attracted over 80 organisations and is designed to ‘ready the market’ with financiers, engineering consultants and construction firms who have expressed interest in delivering the project all attending.

Mr O’Brien said significant interest both domestically and internationally, from some of the world’s leading organisations, to deliver this project demonstrates the demand is there to deliver this nation-building project.

“The East West Link is one of the largest infrastructure projects ever contemplated in Victoria with an estimated cost of $6 to $8 billion and there is a strong appetite from the private sector to deliver this project,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Engaging with business and industry at the earliest possible stage is a clear indication that the Coalition Government is committed to delivering the East West Link.

“The 2013-14 Victorian Budget has allowed for the State’s full contribution for the delivery of stage one of the East West Link.

“Business, industry and the community can be assured that our commitment is real and we are ready to partner with business, industry and the Commonwealth Government to deliver this project,” Mr O’Brien said.

Mr O’Brien said that the project is proposed as an availability model Public Private Partnership (PPP), with financing sourced from the Victorian Coalition Government, Commonwealth Government and the private sector.

“Victoria has an excellent track record in delivering successful PPPs including CityLink,” Mr O’Brien said.

“There are many benefits to this model, which encourage market innovation to deliver the best possible project.”

Mr Mulder said engaging with industry early means that construction of this city-shaping and nation-building project can commence as quickly as possible.

“Last year, the Coalition Government carried out initial market soundings and the feedback helped to develop the business case,” Mr Mulder said.

“We now need to make sure the industry is fully aware of our procurement process and timelines so they can be responsive when we release the tender.

“Over the next two financial years we will complete the planning processes, the procurement process, and start constructing the first stage of the road and tunnel,” Mr Mulder said.

Mr Mulder said that the statutory planning process is now commencing and the project is expected to go to market for procurement in the second half of 2013.

Basin Plan Inter-Governmental Agreement signed

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:13:53 +10:00

The Victorian Coalition Government has signed the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the Murray Darling Basin Plan’s implementation and an associated funding agreement, Minister for Water Peter Walsh announced today.

“The two agreements between Victoria and the Commonwealth settle the responsibilities and costs of putting the Basin Plan into action,” Mr Walsh said.

“While consensus on the agreements has taken some months to achieve, it was very important for Victoria that all of our key concerns were addressed.

“The IGA and the funding agreement were the next important steps for an agreed approach to securing the health of the Murray Darling Basin in a way which also ensures a future for Basin communities.

“Victoria has always maintained that a healthy Basin can be achieved alongside sustainable, productive and modern irrigation, and we are committed to supporting regional communities and the industries they rely on for their livelihoods,” Mr Walsh said.

The IGA and funding agreement provide Victoria with:

$14.3 million over three years to develop offset projects to reduce the volume of water required to be recovered from productive use under the Basin Plan;
$47.4 million over eight years for costs associated with implementing the Basin Plan; and
a commitment from the Commonwealth that it will consult with states on the details of its $100 million Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program, to provide assistance to communities affected by the Basin Plan.

The IGA also outlines agreed arrangements for:

operation of the sustainable diversion limit (SDL) adjustment mechanism, which recognises the beneficial impact works and measures can have in river and floodplain health. The SDL adjustment mechanism can potentially reduce the amount of water needed to be taken out of productive use by up to 650 GL;
co-operative management of water for the environment, including the involvement of local communities; and
a clear transition process for Basin Plan implementation, including a commitment by the Commonwealth that its responsibility to ‘bridge the gap’ will not be passed to states.

Mr Walsh said the Victorian Coalition Government also reinforced support for previous Commonwealth commitments that will help ensure future water recovery from Victoria does not undermine investment in irrigated agriculture, and the communities which rely on food and fibre production. These include:

$1.2 billion for the Goulburn-Murray Water Connections Project;
purchase of the Wimmera Irrigation System’s 23 GL of water; and
the $103 million Sunraysia irrigation modernisation project.

“Victoria will continue to work with Basin governments and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to deliver a Basin Plan that balances the interests of communities, irrigators and the environment and which is balanced between the states,” Mr Walsh said.

“Following the signing of these agreements, Victoria will now focus on finalising its offset proposals as a matter of urgency and on working closely with the Authority to settle implementation arrangements

Basin Plan Inter-Governmental Agreement signed

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:13:53 +10:00

“The two agreements between Victoria and the Commonwealth settle the responsibilities and costs of putting the Basin Plan into action,” Mr Walsh said.

“While consensus on the agreements has taken some months to achieve, it was very important for Victoria that all of our key concerns were addressed.

The IGA and funding agreement provide Victoria with:

$14.3 million over three years to develop offset projects to reduce the volume of water required to be recovered from productive use under the Basin Plan;
$47.4 million over eight years for costs associated with implementing the Basin Plan; and
a commitment from the Commonwealth that it will consult with states on the details of its $100 million Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program, to provide assistance to communities affected by the Basin Plan.

The IGA also outlines agreed arrangements for:

operation of the sustainable diversion limit (SDL) adjustment mechanism, which recognises the beneficial impact works and measures can have in river and floodplain health. The SDL adjustment mechanism can potentially reduce the amount of water needed to be taken out of productive use by up to 650 GL;
co-operative management of water for the environment, including the involvement of local communities; and
a clear transition process for Basin Plan implementation, including a commitment by the Commonwealth that its responsibility to ‘bridge the gap’ will not be passed to states.

$1.2 billion for the Goulburn-Murray Water Connections Project;
purchase of the Wimmera Irrigation System’s 23 GL of water; and
the $103 million Sunraysia irrigation modernisation project.

$92,000 for community projects in East Reservoir

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:12:50 +10:00

Disadvantaged communities across the East Reservoir will benefit from more than $90,000 in Victorian Coalition Government funding for three innovative projects, Minister for Housing Wendy Lovell announced today.

Ms Lovell joined representatives of Melbourne Citymission and local residents at the Reservoir Neighbourhood House to release details of the new projects for the East Reservoir Neighbourhood Renewal area.

“These exciting new initiatives are aimed at tackling pockets of disadvantage in the Victorian community,” Ms Lovell said.

“The Coalition Government is looking at innovative, flexible ways of supporting and encouraging people to get involved in their local community and the three projects I’m announcing today are an important part of that.”

Projects funded in the East Reservoir Neighbourhood Renewal areas are:

$30,000 for Family Violence Prevention and Community Empowerment playgroup. Around 10 separate local agencies will provide a co-ordinated approach to reduce family violence in East Reservoir. The program will consist of play and educational sessions for children up to four years old and will work with vulnerable parents and carers to provide information and resources to minimise family violence;
$32,000 for “Work and Learning 3073”. Melbourne Citymission and E-Focus in West Heidelberg have established a “Work and Learning Advisory Team” to support groups of at-risk and unemployed people in the East Reservoir and West Heidelberg areas. The project is linked to the West Heidelberg Employment Support Initiative; and
$30,000 for the “Road to Independence” initiative in East Reservoir. Based around the East Reservoir Community Garden and in partnership with Darebin City Council, the project will support local families, with younger children, to work as a family group on and around the community garden to encourage healthy eating.

Ms Lovell said the funding for the East Reservoir projects was part of more than $500,000 in Coalition Government money to boost and support local communities.

“The new money consists of $420,000 for 12 projects in Neighbourhood Renewal areas and $114,000 for six Urban Renewal initiatives,” Ms Lovell said.

Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Craig Ondarchie said the grants would see local communities working closely with the public and community sector.

“The grants will make it easier to tackle the issues – in community building and employment support – that the community has identified as being important to them,” Mr Ondarchie said.

“The Coalition Government believes in tackling the root causes of disadvantage in partnership with the local community and the funded projects in this package are an important part of this.”

Foot patrol stamps out crime at Footscray and heads for Highpoint Shopping Centre

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:12:10 +10:00

A Victoria Police foot patrol that has played a major role in driving down crime in the Footscray CBD will be expanded to Highpoint Shopping Centre from July this year.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Kim Wells welcomed the announcement today as he joined the foot patrol in Footscray to congratulate Inspector Tony Long and his local officers on their efforts to stamp out alcohol and drug-related crime that has plagued Footscray.

“Victoria Police introduced the Footscray Public Assistance Team to the Footscray CBD last October and it has been a huge success story, so much so that the initial three-month trial was extended and is now permanent,” Mr Wells said.

“For the first two weeks of June, a Victoria Police mounted patrol has also been assigned to assist the operation.”

Next month, the foot patrol model will be trialled at Highpoint Shopping Centre in Maribyrnong.

“A large number of people visit this shopping centre in their vehicles, and the foot patrol will create a visible police presence to address public order issues and deter crimes including vehicle and shop theft,” Mr Wells said.

“This foot patrol model is community policing at its best and the outcomes in Footscray are a true reflection of the continued success of the Victorian Coalition Government’s rollout of 1,700 new police officers in our communities and 940 Victoria Police Protective Services Officers at our railway stations,” Mr Wells said.

Victoria Police Division 2, North West Metro – which includes Maribyrnong PSA – has been allocated 62 additional police officers from the 1,700 additional police.

Between 8 October 2012 and 8 April 2013, the Footscray foot patrol team issued 306 penalty infringement notices including 255 for public drinking, nine for being drunk in a public place and seven for possession of a controlled weapon. Since April the foot patrol has handed out a further 32 penalty notices.

The foot patrol success has been mirrored by Protective Services Officers (PSOs) at Footscray Railway Station who have handed out 543 infringement notices between May and December 2012.

Mr Wells said that police were also using new powers introduced by the Coalition Government, which allowed them to ban alcohol-fuelled troublemakers for up to 72 hours from licensed premises, or from the entire Footscray CBD.

Drug crime, which has plagued Footscray for years, is also the focus of covert operations.

“Heroin is a significant problem in Footscray, driven by people who generally don’t live in the area,” Mr Wells said.

“Specific covert police operations have been put in place supported by 32 CCTV cameras situated at various locations around the CBD and railway station, which are streamed into Footscray police station and monitored by police.”

Between 8 October 2012 and 8 April 2013, three people were charged with trafficking a drug of dependence, while 16 people were detected possessing drugs.

The total crime rate per 100,000 in the Maribyrnong Police Service Area – which includes Footscray – decreased by 6.2 per cent in comparison to the March quarter of the previous year, bucking the state-wide figure which rose 3.8 per cent.

March quarter crime statistics released last week show the Maribyrnong PSA had a significant fall in the rate of property damage, residential burglary, and robbery.

“This is a promising trend, and the Coalition Government is proud of the work being done by Victoria Police to drive down crime. We look forward to seeing results as more work is done to tackle drug offences and motor vehicle theft,” Mr Wells said.

Minister opens new $800,000 Fawkner Kinder

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:11:27 +10:00

Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Wendy Lovell today officially opened the new $800,000 facility for Fawkner Kindergarten at St Mark’s Catholic Parish Primary School.

The Victorian Coalition Government invested $300,000 to build the centre, which will provide Fawkner children with a state-of-the-art learning environment in the crucial years before school.

“Opening this brand new home for Fawkner Kindergarten marks the beginning of a new chapter for early learning in Fawkner,” Ms Lovell said.

“The new centre has two play rooms and is on the same site as St Mark’s Primary School.”

The project has allowed Fawkner Kindergarten to offer 15 hour programs for four-year-olds in the year before school without displacing its valuable three-year-old program.

Ms Lovell congratulated St Mark’s Catholic Parish for its $500,000 contribution towards this project.

“This project is a great example of what can be achieved when the Coalition Government works hand-in-hand with the local community,” Ms Lovell said.

“It’s also pleasing to know that the Coalition Government’s record investments in early childhood infrastructure will enable many more communities to follow Fawkner’s lead in 2013.

“To ensure we can offer 15 hours of kindergarten per week, we have invested $93 million in state and national partnership funding since December 2010 increasing capacity by building or upgrading early years services across the state.

“More than 93 per cent of Victorian services are now delivering 15 hour programs, and we are working with the remaining services to help them to deliver a 15 hour program as soon as possible,” Ms Lovell said.

Ms Lovell said the benefits of investing in early years capital projects were shared

Premier announces jobs boost for Ballarat

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:10:10 +10:00

Ballarat’s reputation as an innovative technology hub has been enhanced with a new agreement between the Victorian Coalition Government, University of Ballarat and Primary Health Care, delivering 60 new jobs for the region.

Announcing the agreement at the University of Ballarat Technology Park today, Premier Denis Napthine said Primary Health Care had established a Specialist Diagnostic Services Innovation Centre in Ballarat to support the company’s laboratories and pathology collection centres located throughout Australia.

“This IT services operation is another great addition to the Ballarat Technology Park and will create 60 new information and communication technology (ICT) jobs in Ballarat over the next three years,” Dr Napthine said.

“Jobs will be in the areas of software development, solutions architecture and project management.

“The Ballarat-based Specialist Diagnostic Services Innovation Centre will provide cutting edge software development capabilities and eHealth technical support functions for Primary Health Care’s pathology division, including Dorevitch Pathology within Ballarat.

“It also includes the establishment of a graduate collaboration program between Primary Health Care and the University of Ballarat to access skilled technology staff.

“This is yet another example of how the University of Ballarat is partnering with businesses at the Technology Park to deliver highly trained graduates to local industry and to make sure these skilled individuals remain in the region following their study.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is proud to provide financial support and planning support to the University of Ballarat Technology Park as it has proven to deliver successful outcomes for the city over a period of many years,” Dr Napthine said.

Primary Health Care Business Development Manager Carl Adams said the company is investing in a region that has supported it.

“Dorevitch Pathology has been a pathology provider to the Base hospital in Ballarat for 18 years and has been supported by regional Victoria for many years. When we looked around Australia for a place to invest millions of dollars in this innovation centre, we didn’t have to look far,” Mr Adams said.

“We saw that Ballarat was building on its IT hub expertise, and that the University of Ballarat was able to supply us with a strong stream of talented software developers. Ballarat offered us a stable, skilled and dedicated workforce.

“We have been strongly supported in this community by the hospital, the university, the City of Ballarat and the State Government,” Mr Adams said.

Professor David Battersby, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ballarat, said the University’s capacity to attract business investment and create quality jobs has been validated.

“We have been working with Primary Health Care on this exciting development over the past 12 months, and we are delighted with the outcome,” Professor Battersby said.

“They have moved quickly and have already employed about 30 people, about a quarter of which are IT graduates of the University.”

Police enforcing road safety this long weekend

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:09:11 +10:00

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Kim Wells has urged Victorians to drive safely and avoid tragedy on the roads this Queens Birthday long weekend.

“We all have a responsibility to keep our roads safe this Queens Birthday long weekend,” Mr Wells said.

“As families head off for their annual long weekend holiday, there will be more vehicles on the road and I urge drivers to stay alert and reach their destinations safely,” Mr Wells said.

Mr Wells joined Road Policing Command Operations Superintendent Neville Taylor at a police operation in Dallas today to launch Operation Regal, which officially kicks off tomorrow and will finish at midnight on Monday.

“Operation Regal will see police out in force on Victoria’s roads to target the main causes of fatalities during holiday periods – particularly speed, driver distraction, failing to wear seatbelts, fatigue and sadly drugs and alcohol,” Mr Wells said.

Along with mobile speed cameras and booze and drug buses, Police will use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology across the state this weekend to track illegal drivers and vehicles.

“These cameras send a message to Victorians that unlicensed drivers and unregistered vehicles won’t be tolerated on our roads,” Mr Wells said.

“The ANPR technology operates from a custom-fitted van constantly scanning number plates to detect unregistered vehicles and vehicles connected to unauthorised drivers.”

Since the launch of ANPR in December 2010, the technology has detected in excess of 5,000 people driving while disqualified.

“If you’ve lost your licence it’s for a very good reason, and Police can detect you if you shouldn’t be behind the wheel this weekend,” Mr Wells said.

Victoria’s State Emergency Service (SES) is also working to reduce the road toll by urging drivers to stop at Driver Reviver roadside operations across the state during the long weekend.

“With an estimated 17 per cent of motor vehicle fatalities related to fatigue, it is important to remember to take a break every two hours if planning a long drive,” Mr Wells said.

“Taking a break at one of the Driver Reviver rest stops will help motorists to refresh, stay alert and significantly reduce the likelihood of having an accident.”

Mr Wells said that last month Victoria recorded its lowest May road toll since records began in 1952.

“While reducing the road toll is our aim, it’s still unacceptable that 18 people lost their lives on Victorian roads last month,” Mr Wells said.

“The Queens Birthday long weekend is one of the busiest times on the state’s roads and sadly, holiday periods are traditionally a time when motorists and their passengers are at greater risk.

“I encourage all drivers to plan their journey with rest stops, obey the road rules and ensure they reach their destination to enjoy this holiday weekend with family or friends and return home safely.”

The Coalition Government has released a 10-year Road Safety Strategy to further reduce deaths and injuries on our roads.

“Through this strategy we hope to achieve a more than a 30 per cent reduction in road deaths and injuries over the next decade through a combination of road safety cameras, education, advances in technology and road infrastructure upgrades working to reduce the road toll,” Mr Wells said.

For more information visit www.roadsafety.vic.gov.au

Premier returns to visit bushfire affected community in Dereel

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:08:48 +10:00

Premier and Minister for Regional Cities Denis Napthine today visited the fire affected community of Dereel, which was devastated by bushfire on 27 March 2013.

The bushfire, 100 kilometres west of Melbourne, burnt through approximately 1,300 hectares and damaged six homes, with a total of 124 properties affected.

Dr Napthine visited Dereel the day after the bushfire, attending a community meeting and speaking with locals affected by the fire.

Today, Dr Napthine returned with Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Jenny Blake, and met with the local community to discuss how the recovery was progressing.

“It is heartening to see that through adversity, the people of Dereel continue to demonstrate resilience and optimism,” Dr Napthine said.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to ensuring communities affected by natural disasters are able to access financial assistance and support.

“The Coalition Government has made available grants of up to $30,000 per household under the Personal Hardship Assistance Program, and low interest concessional loans of up to $200,000 for primary producers and small businesses affected by the fires.”

Dr Napthine said 47 Emergency Relief Payments totalling $42,240 have been provided, and two Re-establishment Assistance Repayments were paid to households.

Dr Napthine also discussed his concerns about the telecommunications black spots in rural and remote areas.

“Telecommunications black spots in rural and remote Victoria were discussed at COAG in April this year, and we agreed that the Commonwealth, States and Territories would work collaboratively with the telecommunications industry to reduce mobile phone and internet black spots,” Dr Napthine said.

People seeking emergency support or advice about their eligibility for financial assistance under the Victorian Personal Hardship Assistance Program should contact their local council or the Victorian Emergency Relief and Recovery Information Line on 1300 799 232.

Information about the Personal Hardship Assistance Program isalso available at www.dhs.vic.gov.au/emergency

Protection for the final resting place of loved ones

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:06:24 +10:00

The Victorian Coalition Government has rejected a push for expiry dates on grave sites at cemeteries, Minister for Health David Davis said today.

Speaking at the first annual cemeteries forum, Mr Davis said the Coalition Government had no plans to change the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2003 to introduce limited tenure for the interment of bodily remains in Victorian cemeteries.

“The Coalition Government acknowledges the unique role cemeteries play in documenting the history and heritage of Victoria, along with individual family histories,” Mr Davis said.

“This is of primary importance and must be protected."

Mr Davis said the Coalition Government was preparing a new Metropolitan Planning Strategy to manage growth and change over the next 30 to 40 years.

“The strategy will consider the additional land needed for cemetery purposes, particularly in growth areas,” Mr Davis said.

“Unlike the previous Labor Government’s Melbourne 2030, this strategy will address the requirements of cemeteries.”

Mr Davis said the Coalition Government was committed to working with the sector to develop a strategic approach to addressing challenges identified in a review of Class A Cemetery Trusts.

“A Ministerial Advisory Committee for Cemeteries and Crematoria will be established to advise me on measures to strengthen sector wide planning and governance, and improve the sustainability and efficiency of the sector, to better meet the needs of the community,” Mr Davis said.

“The Ministerial Advisory Committee will strengthen engagement between the sector and the Coalition Government.

“It will have a broad membership that brings skills in corporate governance, finance, law, business, management, community services, land planning, environmental management and industry.

“We know that we need to find more land, and we know we need to look at other innovative solutions. Land acquisition for cemeteries has increased under the Coalition Government.”

Victoria celebrates the champions of manufacturing

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 16:05:36 +10:00

The Victorian Coalition Government has honoured 13 of Victoria’s most inventive, productive and resilient manufacturers in this year’s Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame awards.

Minister for Manufacturing David Hodgett today congratulated the champions of the Victorian industry whose creative solutions to manufacturing challenges have identified innovative pathways for a generation of new manufacturers to follow.

“This year’s winners have demonstrated an extraordinary capability across the electronics; engineering; automotive; telecommunications; power and energy; chemicals and plastics; defence and security; packaging; and confectionary industries,” Mr Hodgett said.

“The awards, now in their thirteenth year, celebrate manufacturing excellence in Victoria. Over that time the awards have acknowledged the achievements of 131 innovative companies, added 26 outstanding individuals to the Honour Roll and recognised 10 Young Manufacturers of the Year.”

Mr Hodgett acknowledged the vital contribution to the Victorian economy made by this year’s winners of the Small, Medium and Large Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards – Integra Systems, AW Bell and Qenos – in the face of a high Australian dollar, global economic uncertainty and increased competition.

“These innovative companies are at the top of their game. Their productivity, creativity, energy and diversity confirm that our manufacturing industry is not only resistant to challenge but competes, creates and trades profitably in a variety of niche markets both here and overseas.

“Congratulations also go to the Chairman and Managing Director of Wilson Transformer Company (WTC), Robert Wilson, who has been inducted into the Hall of Fame’s Honour Roll.

“Mr Wilson oversees Australia’s largest manufacturer of power and distribution transformers which has expanded the supply of state-of-the-art equipment to New Zealand, South East Asia, the Middle East and the United Kingdom with exports totalling hundreds of millions of dollars.

“Special credit should also go to our new Young Manufacturer of the Year Award winner, Stephen Murtagh, who is the Design Engineer at AW Bell. Stephen is responsible for the design, development, manufacture, sales and service of AW Bell Machinery globally.

“Mr Murtagh is recognised internationally for his expertise and his outstanding contribution that has seen company sales double in each of the last three years – with 95 per cent of that being exports.

“Congratulations to the winner of a new award this year, the Technology in Manufacturing Award, which went to Universal Biosensors.

“Great respect and recognition must be given to this year’s Hall of Fame company inductees, ADA (Australian Defence Apparel), Assa-Abloy (Lockwood), Al-KO International, BOC Limited, DVR Engineering, Ferndale Confectionary and Extel Technologies,” Mr Hodgett said.

Victoria at the fore in UN environment awards

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 17:32:47 +10:00

Water Minister Peter Walsh and Environment and Climate Change Minister Ryan Smith have congratulated the 23 Victorian finalists in this year’s United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards.

“The entries from Victoria have made us proud this year with 23 finalists in total and representation across most award categories. On behalf of the Victorian Coalition Government, we wish them the best of luck in the final round of judging,” Mr Walsh said.

“These nominations show that Victorian individuals, businesses, organisations and schools are committed to ensuring that our environment is healthy and that our diverse landscapes, waterways, plants and animals are looked after.”

The awards celebrate World Environment Day, which is today, and recognise innovative and outstanding environmental programs and initiatives across Australia, as well as the important work of environmental leaders.

“One of the Victorian finalists that exemplifies that is Melbourne Cricket Club and Tenix’s innovative Yarra Park Water Recycling Facility,” Mr Walsh said.

“The project includes Victoria’s largest underground water recycling facility which is supplying water for irrigation in Yarra Park, and also for cleaning and toilet flushing at the MCG and at nearby Punt Road Oval.

“This project was a finalist in the Excellence in Sustainable Water Management Award category.

“The Victorian Coalition Government contributed $6 million towards the project which will produce more than 180 million litres of recycled water a year, reducing the MCG’s water use by about 50 per cent.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to supporting projects that provide alternative water supplies to help green Melbourne’s open spaces, parks, sports fields and streetscapes.”

Minister Smith said Bentleigh West Primary School’s worthy nomination in the Biodiversity Award and Environmental School Award category was a great example of co-operation and collaboration between different groups who have common environmental values and goals.

“The Coalition Government has contributed more than $28,000 to Bentleigh West Primary School’s Locals Creating Wildlife Passages which is revegetating areas to enhance existing wildlife habitat and connect habitat areas to develop wildlife pathways from different locations,” Mr Smith said.

“The project has brought together two primary schools, three local councils, local community and indigenous groups and all up will potentially involve 250 volunteers from five organisations, clocking up around 4,000 volunteer hours.

“We are proud to support projects like this that encourage local action, foster good environmental citizenship and build environmental partnerships between the Government, community and industry.”

The World Environment Day Award winners will be announced at a presentation dinner to be held on Friday 7 June.

Other Victorian projects and individuals nominated as finalists include:

Peter Dann, Phillip Island Nature Parks
Don Henry, Australian Conservation Foundation
Amelia Telford, Australian Youth Climate Coalition
Gemma Borgo-Caratti, Australian Youth Climate Coalition
Lucy Manne and Kirsty Albion, Australian Youth Climate Coalition
Andrew Maynard, Zero Waste Table
Brightgreen, DR700
Zoos Victoria, Becoming Carbon Neutral
Synergetics Environmental Engineering, Positive Energy Places
Australian Ecosystems, Brendan Condon
Nature’s Organics, Inspiring Change
Cassina Environmental, Biolinks and Carbon Sinks
Bentleigh West Primary School, Locals Creating Wildlife Passages
Mallee Catchment Management Authority, Restoring Life to the Hattah Lakes
system
Melbourne Cricket Club and Tenix, Yarra Park Water Recycling Facility
City of Yarra, Zero Carbon: Victoria’s First Accredited Carbon Neutral
Council
Hume City Council, Hume Environmental Champions Program
City of Melbourne, Urban Landscape Adaptation
City of Yarra, Yarra Environment Strategy 2008-2012: From Good to Great
Australian Youth Climate Coalition, Start the Switch

25 km Peninsula Link bike and walking trail opens

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 17:10:02 +10:00

Locals are dusting off their bikes, lacing up their runners and getting the dog lead out, as Minister for Roads Terry Mulder announced the official opening of the Peninsula Link Trail today.

Mr Mulder was joined by keen cyclists today to ride on the new 25 kilometre trail, which is the biggest addition to Melbourne’s shared-use path network since the EastLink Trail.

“Pedestrians and cyclists are now able to walk, run or ride on a new three metre wide path all the way from Moorooduc to Patterson Lakes, and then onto the CBD through various other trails,” Mr Mulder said.

Mr Mulder said that safety for walkers and cyclists and direct connections were major considerations in the design of the Peninsula Link Trail.

“The Peninsula Link Trail was designed and constructed to improve connections for the community, as it links with many open spaces, other trails, parks and reserves,” Mr Mulder said.

“It has also been built to a very high standard with minimal impact of the environment.”

The majority of the trail was opened along with the 27 kilometre Peninsula Link freeway in January this year, with the final elements being completed over the last few months.

“It’s great to see so many people are already using the Peninsula Link Trail, being active and visiting some fantastic attractions along the Mornington Peninsula through to Langwarrin, Frankston, Seaford and Patterson Lakes,” Mr Mulder said.

Bicycle Network CEO Craig Richards welcomed the trail’s completion.

“This project has created wonderful opportunities for local communities to get more physical activity by riding their bike,” Mr Richards said.

“The Peninsula Link Bike Trail is health infrastructure just as much as it is recreational infrastructure. People are increasingly aware of the health benefits of cycling and they are desperate for safe places to ride.”

The final sections completed this year included two pedestrian bridges, boardwalks and traffic signals near the Moorooduc Tourist Railway, and finally the unsealed path through the Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve.

Mr Mulder said the latest sections had been built through some challenging terrain, particularly at the southern end near the Moorooduc Tourist Railway.

“We have recently switched on new traffic signals at the southern end of the Peninsula Link Trail, so that people can safely connect from the park and use the new trail,” Mr Mulder said.

“We also included boardwalks and structures through here as this area can get quite boggy through winter.”

The new path also includes distinctive logos painted on the ground to help cyclists and pedestrians find their way. The logo was chosen by a public vote earlier in the year, and is designed to capture the spirit and purpose of the Peninsula Link Trail.

Mr Mulder thanked the various organisations who contributed to the path, including Linking Melbourne Authority, Southern Way, Abigroup and local councils.

“Whether you’re going for a leisurely picnic, visiting one of the reserves or taking the healthy route to work, the new trail is bound to please,” Mr Mulder said.

“I encourage people to check out what their local area has to offer, including the McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park, Ballam Park Homestead, Sages Cottage in Baxter and the Mornington Tourist Railway train.”

To view a map of the path please visit www.linkingmelbourne.vic.gov.au/PeninsulaLinkTrail

Victorian economy continues to grow

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 16:53:59 +10:00

Victorian state final demand increased by 0.8 per cent in the March quarter, recording the strongest outcome of all States and Territories, Treasurer Michael O’Brien said today.

“Victoria’s growth has been driven by a significant increase in private business investment (+57.1 per cent) and smaller gains in public consumption (+2.6 per cent) and household consumption (+0.6 per cent),” Mr O’Brien said.

“Our export performance also shone in the March quarter, rising by 5.3% against a national average of 1.1%.

“We are fortunate in Victoria that we have a diverse and flexible economy that responds well to challenging global conditions.

“The strength of the Victorian economy confirms the Victorian Coalition Government’s responsible financial management is encouraging greater business investment,” Mr O’Brien said.

Victorian public investment decreased in the March quarter, due to the unwinding of large increase from the desalination plant transfer. Public investment is now 19.3 per cent lower than one year ago due to a 29.1 per cent fall in Commonwealth investment in Victoria.

Dwelling investment grew by 4.3 per cent over the year and remains larger than any other State or Territory, despite a softening in the March quarter.

“Victoria’s record $6.1 billion infrastructure program, announced in the
2013-14 State Budget, will continue to drive economic growth and boost productivity in the short to medium term,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Victoria is moving in the right direction and we expect further strengthening of the state’s economy over the coming year.

“Consumer confidence is also returning in a low interest rate environment, encouraging consumption, which should increase steadily in 2013-14.”

Morwell kicks off 2013 Regional Achievement & Community Awards

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:50:36 +10:00

Nominations are being sought for the 2013 Regional Achievement & Community Awards, officially launched in Morwell today.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan, patron of the awards, said the event aimed to acknowledge the valuable contributions that organisations, communities and individuals made throughout regional Victoria.

“Since 2002, the Regional Achievement & Community Awards has been an anticipated event on the regional Victorian calendar, offering a fantastic opportunity to increase the profile of country Victoria, its communities, its people and its businesses,” Mr Ryan said.

Mr Ryan said the Victorian Coalition Government was proud to sponsor two awards this year, the Regional Victoria Living Expo Business Achievement Award and the Regional Victoria Living Expo Leadership and Innovation Award .

“The Regional Victoria Living Expo Business Achievement Award acknowledges successful businesses providing opportunities for regional growth, productivity, leadership, training and employment,” Mr Ryan said.

“The Regional Victoria Living Expo Leadership and Innovation Award acknowledges role models who through their leadership, innovation and driving force pave the way for others to follow in successful careers or community ventures.”

Mr Ryan said the awards also aimed to promote regional Victoria as a great place to establish a home, and take up employment, business or education opportunities.

“The Coalition Government showcases regional Victoria through initiatives such as the Good Move campaign and the Regional Victoria Living Expo,” Mr Ryan said.

“This year’s expo attracted 9,500 Melburnians interested in relocating to country Victoria, which is well positioned to grow, innovate and create more jobs and career opportunities.

The 2013 Regional Achievement & Community Awards will be presented in Bendigo in October.

Victoria’s newest prison takes another step forward

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 14:28:46 +10:00

A new 500 bed medium-security prison will be built in Melbourne’s north-west with the Victorian Coalition Government today calling on the private sector to provide Expressions of Interest in the Ravenhall prison project.

Premier Denis Napthine joined Corrections Minister Edward O’Donohue today to visit the Ravenhall site and said the Coalition Government was seeking interest from industry to build, maintain and operate the state’s newest prison as part of a public private partnership (PPP).

“The project will provide a much needed boost to the capacity of our prison system while also creating hundreds of new jobs, both during the construction phase and ongoing operation of the facility,” Dr Napthine said.

“Labor was advised to build a new prison three times, and three times they refused. The Coalition Government is now building this much-needed piece of infrastructure to help keep Victorians safer,” Mr O’Donohue said.

As part of the PPP, the private sector will be responsible for the design, construction, finance and maintenance of the new facility as well as the delivery of correctional services.

“Drawing out the best in local and international expertise will allow us to deliver this project in a way that represents industry best practice and value for money,” Dr Napthine said.

This will also be the first project to implement the Coalition Government’s recent reforms to PPP requirements, which provide a stronger framework for such projects to ensure the delivery of high-quality infrastructure and services.

Mr O’Donohue said the Ravenhall prison project would be a state-of-the-art corrections facility providing more than just additional capacity to the existing system.

“This development will also include 75 mental health beds and capacity for ongoing treatment for another 100 mainstream prisoners,” Mr O’Donohue said.

“The Ravenhall project will focus heavily on innovative programs to help reduce re-offending.

“The new prison will also be built on a large footprint to facilitate future expansion as the need to provide additional capacity increases,” Mr O’Donohue said.

Dr Napthine said the local community has an important role in the planning and development of the prison and the Coalition Government has established a Community Advisory Group to co-ordinate local input into the planning for the prison.

Expressions of Interest in the project will be assessed by an evaluation panel. Invitations to submit proposals will be issued to shortlisted respondents later in the year.

Responses are due by Thursday 18 July 2013.

Premier honours VCE’s best and brightest

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:53:07 +10:00

A budding digital animator from Wangaratta, a young deaf woman who aspires be an accountant and a Glen Waverley student whose perfect score has opened doors, are today among the 286 students honoured at the 2013 Premier’s VCE Awards.

Premier Denis Napthine congratulated the students for performing at the very highest levels in VCE in 2012.

“Completing VCE is no small feat, but doing so with a top score is a tremendous achievement,” Dr Napthine said.

“Today is a wonderful occasion to celebrate these students, who are an inspiration to their peers, schools and communities.

“I wish them all the very best on the next exciting stage of their life journey.”

A total of 310 awards were presented in three categories: Study Awards, Top Three International Student Awards, and Top All Round High Achiever Awards for students who received a study score of 46 or above in at least five subjects.

Five top all-rounders attended Scotch College, four attended Methodist Ladies College and three attended Melbourne High School, including Varun Peri who received a perfect ATAR score of 99.95.

Varun – who is on a University of Melbourne science scholarship – said the support from his family and teachers was central to his success.

Year 12 hearing-impaired student at Forest Hill College, Jaimilee Armstrong, received a perfect 50 in Auslan in 2012 and is working hard at her maths this year to realise her long-held ambition to become an accountant and work in business.

Jaimilee’s road to top scorer has not been without its challenges. She overcame the difficulty of moving from Queensland to Victoria by herself at age 16 and attributed her achievements to hard work and determination.

Former Wangaratta High School student Ben Steer said that doing subjects he loved – not just based on how they are scaled – was key to his success.

Ben is pursuing his dream to become a game designer at Swinburne University after receiving top marks in interactive digital media and having his animation work selected as part of the VCE Season of Excellence.

Dr Napthine said the breadth of talent on display at the Awards was good news for the state’s future.

“If these students are Victoria’s best and brightest, then we are in very safe hands indeed,” Dr Napthine said.

For a full list of 2013 award recipients and their top tips for VCE success, visit www.education.vic.gov.au/vceawards

Backstage pass for young industry hopefuls

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 11:03:36 +10:00

A number of music industry experts are giving up their time to share their knowledge with a small group of young Victorians.

Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith said 31 young people would get a backstage glimpse of the industry thanks to the Victorian Coalition Government’s FReeZA mentoring program operated by The Push.

“The likes of performer Jordie Lane, Big Day Out’s Susan Forrester and triple j presenter Stuart Harvey, are generously giving up their time because they know these young people not only have a keen interest in the music industry, but are also the future of it,” Mr Smith said.

“The FReeZA mentoring program has matched 31 young people with individual mentors from different areas of the music industry giving them the chance to develop practical skills and networks through mentoring and tailored training master classes.”

Mr Smith said the team of young people would also have the opportunity to help plan and run a number of high profile music events, such as the annual Push Over Youth Music Festival and complete a recording project.

“The mentoring program is an exciting addition to the Victorian Coalition Government’s $2.4 million annual FReeZA program providing around 140,000 young Victorians with affordable and accessible music, cultural and artistic events in safe venues across the state,” Mr Smith said.

“The FReeZA mentoring program opens up a whole new world for the aspiring artist, composer, producer, sound engineer or event manager and will hopefully provide an insight into the music industry, with mentors offering them the benefit of their considerable experience.”

The Push Executive Officer Peter Chellew welcomed the mentoring program saying it was great to be able to provide young people with the opportunity to build on their FReeZA experience through one-on-one industry mentoring and a range of advanced training master classes.

FReeZA is an important part of the Coalition Government’s Engage, Involve, Create Youth Statement providing young people the opportunity to actively engage in creating enterprise and culture.

For program and participant details contact: Mel Krause from The Push on 9380 1277 or at mel@thepush.com.au

For information on the FReeZA program visit: www.freeza.vic.gov.au

Guy locks in CBD heritage protection

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 11:03:01 +10:00

The Minister for Planning Matthew Guy has paved the way to protect some of Melbourne’s most significantly historic buildings.

“Norman’s Corner Stores at 180-182 Bourke Street and the former Argus building in La Trobe Street are several of the most magnificent examples of our rich public legacy in this city. They are an important part of the physical and cultural heritage of Melbourne and must be protected,” Mr Guy said.

Mr Guy has approved heritage overlay controls over 87 buildings, under the Planning Scheme Amendment C186.

Under this Amendment, these heritage buildings in Melbourne’s CBD were assessed by the City of Melbourne and an independent Planning Panel. The study reviewed the heritage significance of these buildings to see whether they warranted heritage protection in the Melbourne Planning Scheme.

“The buildings recall decades of Melbourne history from the 1850s through to the 1930s. They range from stately buildings such as the Commercial Union building in Collins Street and the first major city office built for the State Savings Bank, to well known pubs such as the Waterside Hotel and Sir Charles Hotham Hotel which is principally intact but in poor condition,” Mr Guy said.

These properties have been identified as potentially locally important heritage places for many years and been part of several heritage studies on central Melbourne.

Ten other buildings will be further assessed by the Department of Planning and Heritage Victoria.

“As part of the approval of this Amendment, I have asked my department to further consider the heritage merits of ten buildings constructed in the post World War II period. While a building’s age is not the only consideration in heritage protection, it is vital that there is consistency in what we protect and preserve,” Mr Guy said.

The Amendment originally included the former Commonwealth Bank at 219-225 Bourke Street, which has since been listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, giving it the highest level of heritage protection in the state.

“It’s important in an evolving city like Melbourne to retain and protect the buildings and places that preserve our city’s cultural identity,” Mr Guy said.

$440,000 for Geelong Regional mobile library

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 10:23:44 +10:00

Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast residents will welcome the arrival of a big new library truck rolling into local towns from next year, thanks to a Victorian Coalition Government funding boost.

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell joined Member for South Barwon Andrew Katos at the Waurn Ponds Library to announce a $440,000 Coalition Government grant to the Geelong Regional Library Corporation to provide a new mobile library.

“Library services are important community infrastructure that help connect communities and encourage lifelong learning,” Mrs Powell said.

“The Greater Geelong and Surf Coast region comprises many vibrant and growing communities that have relied on the existing mobile library service for around 25 years.”

Mrs Powell said the new mobile library would provide a quality service across a wide area of Greater Geelong and the Surf Coast, including Aireys Inlet, Anakie, Anglesea, Deans Marsh, Leopold, Lorne, Portarlington, St Leonards and Winchelsea.

Member for South Barwon Andrew Katos welcomed the Coalition Government’s funding announcement.

“The Geelong Regional Library Corporation, supported by its partner councils, has waited a long time for this new mobile library service,” Mr Katos said.

“The new mobile library will have a larger floorspace for activities and will feature the introduction of roll-on, roll-off collections to enable easier rotation of books, providing something fresh for people to borrow each time the library truck rolls into town,” Mr Katos said.

Mrs Powell said the funding represented the lion’s share of the cost of the new $589,000 fully disabled-accessible mobile library truck, with the Library Corporation contributing $144,000 and the Greater Geelong City Council providing $5,000 in kind.

The $440,000 grant to the Geelong Regional Library Corporation has been funded through the third round of the Coalition Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.

Mrs Powell said the Coalition Government was pleased to partner with the local community on the purchase of the new mobile library, which was expected to hit the road in April 2014.

195 Victorian schools log-on to water savings

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 10:17:37 +10:00

Minister for Water Peter Walsh visited Big Hill Primary School in Bendigo today to see first-hand how the school is saving water and money through the Victorian Coalition Government’s Schools Water Efficiency Program (SWEP).

Mr Walsh said 195 Victorian schools had signed up for the voluntary program, which was a finalist in the innovation section at the 2013 National Australian Water Association awards.

“SWEP is an excellent example of the Coalition Government’s integrated approach to improving Victoria’s water sustainability and resilience,” Mr Walsh said.

“Schools taking part in SWEP are using subsidised water data loggers and a web tool to monitor their water usage and detect and rectify leaks, which has helped many schools reduce their water bills.

“Students can also use data from their own school to learn about water efficiency in the classroom in a way that’s relevant and meaningful for them.

“SWEP provides an outlet for Victorian schools to drive generational change in the way water is valued by our school students. I encourage all schools to consider taking up this great initiative.”

Big Hill Primary School Principal Peter Milich says through SWEP, the school identified a leak of more than 700 litres an hour caused by faulty cisterns in the school’s toilets.

“If this leak was not detected and rectified it could have resulted in nearly 500,000 litres of water being wasted,” Mr Milich said.

“SWEP has helped us avoid being shocked by a large loss of water and the associated cost to our school.”

Up to 500 places are available on SWEP, and it is open to all schools in Victoria. The program is free to schools for the first year with the following two years costing approximately $150 per-year.

Authorised school representatives can register by visiting www.myswep.com.au

Coalition Government ensures young people get involved in decision making

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 09:42:44 +10:00

A group of 19 young people from across the state will have the chance of a lifetime to represent the views of other young Victorians as members of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Youth Advisory Committee – Involve.

In announcing this year’s Involve committee, Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith said the members would provide a direct conduit between young people and the government, helping shape a range of youth policies and raising issues of concern to young people.

“I’m delighted to be able to announced the 19 young people who have been appointed to the Involve Youth Advisory Committee,” Mr Smith said.

“This is a great opportunity for young people to influence government decision making by providing advice and feedback on issues that directly affect them.

“The Involve members will be the voice of young people and enable me, as Youth Affairs Minister, and the Coalition Government to have greater insight into their concerns and how they can be best addressed.”

The Involve Committee comprises eight young people aged 12 to 17 and eight people aged 18 to 25, as well as three representatives from the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, the Centre for Multicultural Youth and the Koorie Youth Council.

Mr Smith said the committee would meet with and hear from other young people across the state.

“Committee members will attend 12 meetings on a Friday evening over an 18-month period, and take part in training and other sessions,” Mr Smith said.

“The Committee is further evidence of the Coalition Government’s commitment to delivering on our Youth Statement Engage, Involve, Create and is based on the belief that giving young people a say in the decisions that affect them builds stronger communities and creates future leaders.”

Members of the Involve Committee will:

meet with the Minister for Youth Affairs and share their insights and advice;
meet and hear from other young people across Victoria;
gain an inside view of how change happens in Government; and
use and build their skills to benefit the community.

Last year's Committee provided government with advice on topics including social media; career support; the role of families as informal mentors; and mental health.

Mr Smith said the Committee's research informed the development of the It's There for Life! social media campaign.

“The Involve Committee plays an invaluable role, and their research on mental health has seen an invitation to consult with Youthbeyondblue, where their findings will be used to inform the redevelopment of the organisation's website,” Mr Smith said

World Environment Day a great time to nominate your local Victorian Landcare heroes

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 09:36:57 +10:00

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith has used World Environment Day to remind Victorians to nominate volunteers who are making a positive difference to their local environment for the 2013 Victorian Landcare Awards.

“Volunteers dedicated to protecting and restoring Victoria’s natural environment deserve to be recognised, and with today being World Environment Day I can’t think of a better time to nominate the people and groups in your community who are making a real difference,” Mr Smith said.

“All Landcare volunteers give up their time to enhance, protect and restore Victoria’s natural environment and the Victorian Landcare Awards are a great opportunity to recognise their invaluable contribution.

In Victoria there are around 60,000 Landcare volunteers involved in activities including tree planting, controlling soil erosion, implementing sustainable agriculture practices, protecting Victoria’s native wildlife and helping to eradicate weeds and pests.

There are 12 award categories including three Victorian specific awards:

Individual Landcarer Award;
Partnerships with Landcare Award;
Innovation in Sustainable Farm Practices Award;
Landcare Facilitator or Coordinator Award;
Coastcare Award;
Qantas Landcare Innovative Community Group Award;
Junior Landcare Team Award;
Indigenous Land Management Award;
Westpac Agribusiness Innovative Young Landcare Leader Award;
Landcare Network Award (Victorian Category only);
Dr Sidney Plowman Travel and Study Award (Victorian Category only);
and
VFF/FTLA Heather Mitchell Memorial Fellowship (Victorian Category
only).

Winners of the nine national categories will represent Victoria in the biennial National Landcare Awards, which will take place in 2014.

“The Victorian Coalition Government recognises the outstanding contribution of Landcare and has provided $12 million to fund 68 Landcare facilitators across the state to support Landcare groups and networks, build expertise and partnerships, and assist with advice on project development,” Mr Smith said.

“The Victorian Landcare Awards are a great opportunity for individual Landcarers, groups, networks, organisations and schools to gain recognition for their hard work.”

Nominations in Victoria are open until 30 June 2013. For nomination forms,categories and criteria visit www.landcarevic.net.au

Associated Kiln Driers receives $250,000 GGIF support for expansion

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 17:21:09 +10:00

Associated Kiln Driers (AKD) will receive a $250,000 grant, which will help create up to 15 new full time jobs, Minister for Manufacturing David Hodgett announced today.

Announcing the support at the AKD facility in Colac, Mr Hodgett said the funding is part of the Coalition Government’s Greater Geelong Industry Fund (GGIF) and will contribute to a $947,500 project to upgrade equipment at the company’s Irrewarra Sawmill.

“Associated Kiln Driers are a 100 per cent Australian-owned business that employ 260 people across three Victorian sites,” Mr Hodgett said.

“This $250,000 grant from the Greater Geelong Industry Fund will help AKD to upgrade equipment at its Irrewarra Sawmill, enabling the financial viability of a second shift to run and creating up to 15 new full time jobs.

“The Victorian Coalition Government support will also provide AKD with the capacity to become more competitive with larger European mills importing lumber into Australia.

“Adding a second shift at Irrewarra will enable AKD to produce an additional 20,522 cubic metres of sawn timber for the domestic market and an additional 15,000 tonnes of woodchip for export out of the Port of Geelong to markets in China and Japan,” Mr Hodgett said.

Member for Polwarth Terry Mulder said that AKD was established in 1955, and is a fully integrated plantation pine forestry and sawmilling company producing structural timber for the housing marketing and other value-added pine products.

“The company’s primary manufacturing site is based in Colac, with other sites located in Irrewarra, Geelong and Heywood. The Irrewarra project will include the upgrade and investment of a range of equipment with the project to be completed by 30 June 2015,” Mr Mulder said.

Mr Hodgett said the $4 million Greater Geelong Industry Fund recognises that manufacturing in the Geelong region is experiencing significant challenges.

“The Coalition Government has made a clear commitment to work with the people of Greater Geelong to find practical, long-term initiatives to help secure a vibrant, strong and productive local manufacturing industry,” Mr Hodgett said.

Lloyd Street Primary School $650,000 funding boost for urgent upgrades

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 17:20:20 +10:00

Treasurer and Local Member for Malvern Michael O’Brien joined Education Minister Martin Dixon today to announce that the Victorian Coalition Government will fund a $650,000 investment in capital works upgrades for Lloyd Street Primary School and a state-of-the art two-storey relocatable building to meet growing enrolment demands.

“We have more young families living in our local area, and they deserve the best educational facilities for their children and I am delighted to deliver this important investment for Lloyd Street Primary School,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Funding for upgrades to existing school facilities and the addition of this new relocatable building will support the growing school population.”

Mr O’Brien said the Coalition Government’s $13.7 million investment in two-storey relocatable buildings is a state-wide resource provided as part of the Coalition Government’s Relocatable Classroom Renewal Program in response to growing enrolment pressures on mainly inner-city primary and secondary schools.

“These buildings are a great way of ensuring inner urban schools like Lloyd Street Primary can maintain as much open space for students to play as possible,” Mr O’Brien said.

The new two-storey buildings have been designed with the following state-of-the-art features:

improved floor, wall and roof thermal insulation;
double glazed windows to reduce heat loss;
thermal chimneys for passive ventilation of hot air;
energy efficient design to reduce energy usage;
external window shades;
inclusion of a ramp and lift; and
mobile storage units to allow various teaching layouts.

Mr Dixon said Lloyd Street Primary School would greatly benefit from the new two-storey relocatable building.

“This new two-storey relocatable building ensures students at Lloyd Street Primary School will continue their studies in start-of-the-art educational facilities,” Mr Dixon said.

“The Coalition Government is working hard to ensure students and their families continue to have access to a great educational environment.”

Coalition Government funds major electrical upgrade at Malvern Primary School

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 17:19:27 +10:00

Treasurer and Local Member for Malvern Michael O'Brien joined Education Minister Martin Dixon today to announce $100,000 for an electrical upgrade at Malvern Primary School as part of the 2013-14 Victorian State Budget.

The announcement is in addition to almost $162 000 in maintenance funding the school has received, since the Victorian Coalition Government came to office in 2010, to repair or replace buildings on site.

“I am delighted to be announcing funding to complete a much-needed electrical upgrade at the school, resolving a long-standing power supply issue,” Mr O’Brien said.

“I have worked with the local school community, including Principal Richard Bennetts and School Council President Jodi Fullarton-Healey, to make the case for this funding to be available. “I am delighted that the Coalition Government has delivered for the students and staff of Malvern Primary School.

“This work will ensure the school can operate at capacity and help students achieve their full potential,” Mr O’Brien said.

Mr O’Brien said funding for the electrical upgrade formed part of $611 million in school capital works and school land purchases since November 2010.

Mr Dixon agreed the upgrade would be of great benefit to students.

“The Coalition Government is committed to bringing all school buildings and associated infrastructure up to an acceptable standard,” Mr Dixon said.

“The Coalition Government is proud to deliver for school students across Victoria, and we will continue working to move Victorian Education into the global top tier.

“Since coming to office the Coalition Government has provided an initial $51.5 million in funding to repair or rebuild almost 570 buildings at 250 schools.

“This follows an independent state-wide condition assessment of every government school, which revealed a $420 million maintenance backlog left by the former Labor Government,” Mr Dixon said.

Balaclava Station makeover underway

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 17:18:49 +10:00

Balaclava railway station is receiving a comprehensive $13.3 million makeover with Premier Denis Napthine and Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder today inspecting works and announcing that the construction contract had been awarded to McConnell Dowell Construction (MacDow).

Dr Napthine said that this was great news for commuters in the inner southern suburbs.

“Since coming to office the Victorian Coalition Government has introduced 1,078 extra weekly suburban train trips, and the rebuilding of Balaclava station will improve peak hour train frequency on the Sandringham line,” Dr Napthine said.

Mr Mulder said it was great to see that these vital works are already underway at the station.

“Balaclava station is used by more than 3,000 passengers each weekday and these vital works will improve the station for commuters with new stairs, wider platforms with wheelchair shelters, improved passenger information, waiting rooms and toilet facilities. Importantly, new station canopies will be installed to improve weather protection and ramps will be changed so that the station is DDA compliant,” Mr Mulder said.

“In addition, the works will also ensure a safer station for commuters with a new booking office to be staffed from first to last train, improved CCTV cameras and facilities for Protective Services Officers (PSOs) to patrol from 6pm until the last train.

Mr Mulder thanked the local community for providing feedback during consultation last year, which he said played a key role in shaping the station’s final designs.

“Travellers will now benefit from an additional six myki validators across both platforms, helping to improve passenger flows during the busiest times,” Mr Mulder said.

Member for Caulfield David Southwick said the upgrade would improve safety and security.

“The Coalition Government’s PSOs have already shown their value at many Melbourne stations. Their great work will be complemented by wider coverage from more modern CCTV cameras, while the wider platforms should help to reduce crowding during the morning and afternoon weekday peak period,” Mr Southwick said.

Member for Prahran Clem Newton-Brown welcomed the capital works.

“The station upgrade will not only benefit passengers from Balaclava and East St Kilda but also complement other local initiatives, such as the City of Port Phillip’s ‘Balaclava Walk’ project that is improving the walkway between Carlisle and Nightingale Streets,” Mr Newton-Brown said.

MacDow will undertake the works in partnership with Metro Trains Melbourne and Public Transport Victoria (PTV).

Works are underway, and will be completed in early 2014.

PTV encourages residents with any questions about the project to call 1800 800 007 (6am - midnight daily) or email ptvprojects@ptv.vic.gov.au This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Further information is at the project website at http://ptv.vic.gov.au/balaclavaupgrade .

Ararat voters go to the polls

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 17:18:08 +10:00

Residents and ratepayers in Ararat are reminded to check their mailboxes this week, with ballots for the local government by-election being posted to all 9,122 people entitled to vote.

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell said a by-election was required due to an extraordinary vacancy at Ararat Rural City Council.

“Ararat Rural City Council voters were not required to go to the polls with the rest of the state last year, because they had exactly the same number of candidates for council as there were vacancies,” Mrs Powell said.

“Unfortunately, Councillor Murray Woods is not able to continue his role as a Councillor and I wish him the best for his future.

“Councillor Woods’ resignation has triggered the need for a by-election, which is being conducted by postal ballot this month.

“Voters can expect the by-election ballot papers from the Victorian Electoral Commission to start arriving in their mailboxes this week.

Mrs Powell said there are seven candidates for the one vacancy on Ararat Rural City council.

“I encourage all voters to make an informed decision at this election when voting on which of the seven new candidates will best represent them,” Mrs Powell said.

Ballots for the Ararat Rural City Council by-election must be returned before 6pm on Friday 21 June 2013. Vote counting will commence on Saturday 22 June 2013.

The 2012 local government elections were held in October, and Ararat was one of only two councils not required to go to the polls.

“It’s really important for all voters in the Rural City of Ararat to vote and have their say.”

For more information about the Ararat Rural City Council by-election, please visit https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/Current/AraratRuralCityCouncilByElection.html