Media

FOUR-month-old children will receive a free DVD and supporting booklet as part of a Brumby Government drive to boost literacy and encourage parents to read to their children.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the It’s Rhyme Time DVD and booklet, launched by Children and Early Childhood Minister Maxine Morand as part of Children’s Week celebrations, built on the Brumby Government’s Young Readers Program

“Reading to a child stimulates the child to develop communication skills that will get them off to the best possible start in life,” Mr Hardman said

“Learning begins in the home and the Young Readers Program will give parents practical information about how to help children understand literacy skills from a young age.’

Ms Morand said the Young Readers Program was an important part of the Brumby Government’s commitment to give children the best start in life by connecting parents with good programs and organisations as early as possible

“Through the Young Readers Program, almost 40,000 two-year-olds have already received a free picture book this year and their parents encouraged to take advantage of literacy activities,” she said.

“Now the program will be able to reach younger children, a series of information and a gift certificate will be given to parents at their child’s four-month-old check-up with their Maternal and Child Health nurse, parents will then be encouraged to visit their local library to redeem the certificate for the It’s Rhyme Time DVD and accompanying booklet.”

Presenters onthe It’s Rhyme Time DVD demonstrate singing songs and sharing books with young children using English, Vietnamese, Arabic and Auslan. There are also tips on reading to children with special needs

The supporting booklet provides the words for the nursery rhymes and songs and a list of recommended books for children aged up to five.

Mr Hardman said the DVD and booklet were the final component of the Young Readers Program in which the Brumby Government has invested $2.1 million over four years to give every child every opportunity to thrive, learn and grow

“Seventy five per cent of brain development occurs between birth and three years old, with early experiences determining whether or not a strong foundation will develop for future learning, behaviour and health,” Mr Hardman said.

“For some parents, this DVD and supporting booklet will help them provide their child’s first introduction to the exhilaration of language which can open up their world.

“Babies at four months old are fascinated by everything around them and discovering fresh rhythms in life through the fun of rhyme is something I’m very pleased to encourage.

The Young Readers Program is a partnership between the Brumby Government, the State Library of Victoria and the Municipal Association Victoria.

27 October 2008

$250,000 GRANT TO UPGRADE HADFIELD PARK, WALLAN

A project to upgrade Hadfield Park at Wallan will go ahead with the help of a $250,000 Victorian Government grant announced today by the Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman.

“Hadfield Park is the most central area of public open space in Wallan and is widely used by local residents and the travelling public for passive and active recreation,” Mr Hardman said

“Since 1981, Wallan has experienced population growth of 6.7 per cent per annum. In 2001, the town had a population of less than 4000 people; the town now has a population of more than 7000 and is continuing to grow rapidly.

“With such residential growth occurring, it is important to make sure that the standard of community facilities also grows to meet community needs and expectations.

“This project will deliver on the Master Plan for Hadfield Park which was developed by the Mitchell Shire Council in 2007 following detailed consultation with the local community.”

The project proposes to undertake significant development of the unimproved open space areas and provide a high quality and environmentally sustainable park that meets the community needs.

The project includes:

Installing three 247,000 litre water tanks to harvest water from the roofs of the RB Robson indoor stadium and the Wallan Multi Purpose centre including associated pumps and plumbing;
Installing a water efficient irrigation system to water tree plantings and new gardens which will be established;
Utilising Water Sensitive Urban Design principles to improve the quality of storm water run-off from the Hadfield Park car park prior to it entering the Wallan Creek;
Planting drought resistant native gardens and trees in the park;
Developing a network of walking trails through the park and linking the Wallan shopping centre;
Installing park furniture and solar lighting along walking paths;
Protection for the existing Wallan ‘Avenue of Honour’; and
Installation of interpretive signage.

Mr Hardman said the State Government supported the project because Hadfield Park is an important facility for the community and the project would significantly improve the area using non-potable water to support park development.

The Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan said the grant for the $345,000 project would be provided through the Small Towns Development Fund to Mitchell Shire Council, which was contributing $100,000 to the project.

An extra $15,000 of in-kind labour will be contributed by local groups such as Wallan Scouts, the Friends of Wallan Creek, RB Robson Stadium Committee of Management and Wallan Tennis Club.
“The Small Towns Development Fund is helping Victoria’s smaller towns create jobs, drive economic growth and improve community infrastructure,” Ms Allan said.

“The Government has provided $61 million to the Small Towns Development Fund since it was established in 2003.

“That includes an extra $5 million and an improved funding ratio for small municipalities as part of Moving Forward: Update The Next Two Years.

“Moving Forward: Update The Next Two Years, is a $68 million Brumby Government package that sets out a series of Victorian Government actions in regional and rural Victoria from now until 2010.”

23 October 2008

READING CHALLENGE SETS NEW RECORD

SEYMOUR Special School students were among a record number of Victorian students to have met the challenge set by Premier John Brumby to read more books.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, visited the school last week to present achievement certificates to the students who participated in this year’s Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge.

School Principal Julie Atkins said the majority of the student population took part in the challenge.

“Congratulations to each and every student who had a go at the challenge – you are well on your way to developing a life-long love of reading,” Mr Hardman said.

“We believe that the best education occurs when it is viewed as a shared responsibility between schools, teachers, students, parents and the broader community and the Premier’s Reading Challenge certainly reflects that thinking.

“Teachers, parents, Premier’s Reading Challenge ambassadors and librarians played an important role in motivating and inspiring students to discover the joys of reading.”

The Premier, John Brumby, said he was pleased that more than 210,000 students across the state participated in this year’s challenge, turning the pages of a staggering 3.6 million books between them.

“Education is Victoria’s number one priority and our recently released Education Blueprint shows we’re serious about lifting literacy rates through a variety of modern programs for students such as this reading challenge,” Mr Brumby said.

“Victoria’s recent report card from Australia’s first national testing of students (NAPLAN) showed that Victoria was among the highest-performing jurisdictions in Australia in a number of areas including literacy.

“Along with all our other initiatives, this challenge encourages our young people to read more and enjoy reading more which in turn improves their literacy levels.”

The Premier’s Reading Challenge has grown in popularity since it began in 2005, with Victorian students reading more than 10 million books over the past four years.

The Challenge asked all students in Years 3 to 10 to read 15 books or more by August 31. For students in Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 the challenge was to read or ‘experience’ 30 books by August 31.

Photo attached - students at Seymour Special School receiving their certificates

20 October 2008

FENCE LAWS TO BE OVERHAULED

RESIDENTS will benefit from a review of Victoria’s fence laws, the Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman said today.

The reforms, announced by Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls, are part of Justice Statement 2, the Brumby Government’s next chapter of reform for Victoria’s justice system.

Mr Hardman said a dedicated review of the Fences Act would seek to minimise disputes over shared fences by applying appropriate dispute resolution procedures where necessary.

“Shared fences can cause long, bitter disputes between neighbours and can become a headache for all involved,” Mr Hardman said.

“Renewed legislation can ensure these time-consuming disputes are significantly reduced, with each neighbour’s rights and obligations clearly defined from the outset.”

This is one of a series of initiatives in Justice Statement 2, that focus on expanding Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Victoria so the community, business and industry have better options for resolving disputes quickly and cheaply.

“Given that each year 35 per cent of Victorians find themselves involved in legal disputes ranging from neighbourhood complaints to injury claims, we must find better ways of resolving disputes,” said Mr Hulls.

“Mediation in the community will be encouraged and if people do need to go to court, the courts will continue to seek out better ways to identify the core issues in dispute and resolve them using ADR.”

Justice Statement 2 outlines 35 projects to update and modernise our justice system, focusing on the themes of Modernising Justice, Protecting Rights, Addressing Disadvantage, Reducing the Cost of Justice and Creating and Engaged and Unified Court System.

Key projects include a boost to services for victims of crime and improvements to the availability of support information, an overhaul of Victoria’s equal opportunity laws to address systemic discrimination and consideration of a new approach for the courts to better address mental illness, including the possible establishment of a mental health list.

“Justice Statement 2 affirms the Brumby Government’s commitment to a fair, accessible and responsive justice system for all Victorians,” Mr Hulls said.

17 October 2008

PIPELINE JOBS FULL STEAM AHEAD

OPPORTUNITIES locals for participate in works surrounding the construction of the Sugarloaf pipeline are progressing rapidly, the Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman said.

Mr Hardman said he had been informed that of the applications received so far, more than 700 were related to field workforce positions, with the order of about 200 positions available to be filled directly.

“I understand that more than 1000 applications to work on the project as either employees or service providers have been received as of the first week of this month, largely from local applicants,” Mr Hardman said.

“More than 200 expressions of interest have been received from companies, although it is difficult to assess the percentage of local suppliers as many are from large companies with local branches that would benefit directly from any work awarded.

“I am informed that we are going well to meet targets of 85 per cent local value added content under the Victorian Industry Participation Policy

“Contracts have already been awarded with regional businesses for the construction of site offices, including related plumbing; electrical activities; hardware services; quarry products; concrete supply; and transport services.

“As well, negotiations are now being finalised that should award a range of extra work to regional suppliers and subcontractors.”

Mr Hardman said the Opposition preferred to ignore the reality that many people were making the most of the opportunities the project offered, and choosing only to denigrate the immediate and long term economic benefits for the region for cheap political point scoring.

The Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan, told Parliament earlier this month that the investment being made by state and federal Labor governments in the Food Bowl modernisation project was an important part of the State Government's plan to secure Victoria's water supplies into the future.

“It is also a very important part of our plan to secure more jobs and more investment across regional and rural Victoria.” Ms Allan told Parliament.

We will see very considerable benefits from this $2 billion upgrade -- benefits for the environment, benefits for industry and benefits for regional communities from this modernisation of Victoria's food bowl.

“We also have evidence from Deloitte, which has shown us that from stage 1 of the project more than 700 full-time jobs will be generated -- 700 full-time jobs. It will also give a boost to our annual gross state product that will peak at $121 million.

“So with 700 new jobs and $121 million added to our gross state product that is a significant benefit to the region. “

Ms Allan said she saw first hand the benefits for local companies after visiting Shepparton-based company Rubicon, which won the contract to construct and install the first 1500 flume gates for the project.

“This has been a great boon for the company and a great boon for the region, because in the last 12 months Rubicon has increased its staff to 70 and more than doubled its turnover, and it is now able to undertake a $2 million expansion of its Shepparton plant -- a significant investment for Shepparton alone,” Ms Allan said.

“We have gone on to commit a further $1 million to a Food Bowl marketing prospectus, which will attract even more jobs and more investment into the region.

“While the Liberal Party tries to work out a policy position and then tries to stick to it, it will be the Brumby Government that will deliver this vital infrastructure project for northern Victoria that will also be critical to driving further jobs and further investment across regional and rural Victoria.”

15 October 2008

GRANT FOR REPAIRS TO RESERVE

ACCESS gates and the cricket practice nets at the Harley Hammond Reserve in Broadford are to be repaired with the help of a State Government grant.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the grant of $10,000 was made under the State Government’s 2008-09 Stewardship in Action program.

“In 2005 the State Government announced that $1.75 million would be provided over four years from the Provincial Victoria Growth Fund under the Moving Forward statement,” he said.

“This is aimed at supporting the work of volunteer committees in improving assets, infrastructure and public facilities on Crown land in provincial Victoria.

“The Harley Hammond Reserve is a vital reserve and focus for sports and recreation in Broadford and the wider region.

“It is used all year round by a variety of users including footballers and cricketers from right around the district.

“It is fantastic to see the work of the reserve’s committee of management supported by the State Government.”

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said more than $625,000 had been provided to community volunteers under the program in which the Department of Sustainability and Environment works with local committees of management to identify priority projects.

“Over the past three years 193 projects have been completed,” Mr Jennings said.

“Victoria has about 1300 Committees of Management made up of volunteers and municipal councils, who on behalf of all Victorians, manage more than 4500 Crown land reserves.

“Community facilities and assets play an important role in the lives of local communities, particularly in small towns in regional Victoria.

“Crown land reserves have a multitude of public benefits, providing tourism, sport and recreation venues, supporting our libraries and cultural activities and providing habitat for our native wildlife.

“Feedback from volunteers indicates that the Stewardship in Action program helps them to raise revenue for vital projects. The aim of the grants is to support the hard work by so many local Committees of Management and volunteers to enhance community assets.”

15 October 2008

FUNDS FOR NEW BIKE SHEDS

STUDENTS at Worawa Aboriginal College and Badger Creek Primary School will soon be able to use a new secure bike shed following the announcement of over $200,000 in grants under the second round of the Brumby Government’s Go for your life Bike Shed Seeding initiative.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, welcomed the announcement of funds to the two local schools.

He said Badger Creek Primary School is to receive $4705 and Worawa is to receive $5000 for new bike sheds.

Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino said the grants were an important part of the campaign to curb obesity rates in children and promote an active, healthy lifestyle.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure all Victorians have every opportunity they need to encourage healthy, active involvement in sport and recreation,” Mr Merlino said.

“Research tells us that providing secure bike storage facilities increases the number of students who ride to school.”

Ride2School and the Bike Shed Seeding Grants are part of the Victorian Government’s Go for your lifeinitiative.

Mr Hardman said the Badger Creek community would also benefit from a State Government grant of $6000 to help with costs associated with a new toilet block at the Badger Creek Hall.

The grant was made under the 2008-09 Stewardship in Action program.

“The Department of Sustainability and Environment has allocated $125,000 to the Stewardship in Action Program to support the work of volunteer committees in improving local assets, infrastructure and public facilities in its Port Phillip region,” Mr Hardman said.

“I am pleased to see the Government supporting the fantastic work being done in our communities.”

14 October 2008

GRANTS TO WIPE OUT GRAFFITI

A $300,000 State Government grants program to help communities wipe out graffiti is now open.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said grants of between $5,000 and $25,000 were open to all Victorian councils under the latest round of the Graffiti Clean-up Community Grants Program.

Mr Hardman urged Mitchell Shire to establish local graffiti removal initiatives by partnering with community and traders groups.

“This program goes a long way towards enhancing the look of local neighbourhoods and feelings of safety in the community,” he said.

“It helps deliver on the Brumby Government’s commitment to build friendly, confident and safe communities across Victoria.”

Mr Hardman said that under the first funding round, more than 24 initiatives were rolled out across the state, including two projects in the Shire of Yarra Ranges.

The shire received $11,400 for paint vouchers to be used by residents, business, schools and service groups to paint out graffiti, and a second grant of $24,830 helped with the purchase of graffiti removal kits to be used by local schools and business in the Yarra Ranges.

“This second round of funding is vital to continuing to fight the graffiti scourge in our local neighbourhoods and will go directly towards helping communities buy graffiti removal equipment, including high visibility trailers,” he said.

“It will help councils work with police, local schools, community groups and businesses to clean-up their neighbourhoods and send a strong message to vandals that graffiti will not be tolerated.”

Mr Hardman said the grants program was part of a $4.5 million Brumby Government action plan to tackle graffiti, supporting the introduction of tough new anti-graffiti laws this year.

“Police now have specific powers to search for and seize graffiti-related instruments including spray paint cans,” he said.

“The Brumby Government understands community concern about graffiti and is working on a number of levels to prevent and remove graffiti as well as detect and deter offenders.”

For information on the Graffiti Clean-up Community Grants visit www.justice.vic.gov.au/graffiti

14 October 2008

FUNDS BOOST FOR PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICES

MORE terminally ill Victorians in Seymour will be able to stay at home with loved ones thanks to a $4 million funding boost to community palliative care.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said Seymour District Memorial Hospital would share in an extra $81,236 from the Brumby Government, bringing total 2008-09 funding to the five Hume region services to $1,302,550.

“This funding boost will improve access to home-based palliative care for people with a terminal illness” Mr Hardman said.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure all Victorians have access to the highest-quality palliative care services, no matter where they live” he said.

Health Minister Daniel Andrews said the $4 million funding boost would support an extra 1500 to 1700 episodes of palliative care, with about $1 million to be allocated to rural community palliative care services.

The Brumby Government increased total funding to palliative care services in the 2008-09 state Budget to $78 million, providing almost 3000 additional palliative care bed days in 2008-09, he said.

“To meet growing demand, the Government delivered an extra $4 million to community palliative care services as part of the 2008/09 State Budget and Victoria’s Cancer Action Plan,” he said

“This extra funding represents a 16 per cent increase to the total funds for community palliative care services in Victoria.

Mr Andrews said research showed between 56 and 70 per cent of people with a terminal illness would prefer to spend their last days at home.

“Community palliative care services help terminally ill patients stay at home through 24 hour nursing care, allied health, respite care, practical support and information, equipment and medication,” he said.

Mr Andrews said the Brumby Government’s new $150 million Cancer Action Plan aims to increase cancer survival rates for Victorians by a further 10 per cent by 2015.

“About 80 per cent of people accessing community palliative care have been diagnosed with cancer,” he said.

“The Government aims to increase the number of cancer patients supported at home by 10 per cent each year until 2010, as well as the number of people accessing community palliative care.”

13 October 2008

BIKE GIVEAWAY POWERS LOCAL STUDENTS

STUDENTS from five local schools are to receive free bicycles as part of the Brumby Government’s 1000 bike Ride2School giveaway.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said two lucky recipients from Seymour East, Broadford Pyalong and Puckapunyal primary schools and Seymour Special School were nominated for the prize by their school for their leadership qualities.

All nominees were selected as a reward for either participating in their school bike club or taking part in a bicycle education program.

Mr Hardman said the students were leading the way in the Brumby Government’s ‘Go for your life’ Ride2School program, being run with support from Bicycle Victoria.

“We want to give our kids the best start in life and that means keeping them healthy and encouraging them to be more active – and cycling is a great way to do that,” Mr Hardman said.

“Studies show that kids who are involved in sport and recreation at a young age are more likely to remain active as adults.

“The Brumby Government’s $150 million Go for your life program aims to tackle the growing problems of obesity and diabetes and help those at risk of developing these preventable diseases.”

Two students from 500 Government schools across the state will receive free Malvern Star bicycles before Christmas as part of the Ride2School 1000 Bikes Student Leadership Reward giveaway.

Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino, said figures showed the number of children walking or riding to school had dropped sharply since the 1970s, from 80 per cent to just 20 per cent today.

“We want to provide more opportunities for our children to stay healthy and active, which is what our Go for your life campaign is all about – getting more Victorians involved in sport and recreation in their local community,” Mr Merlino said.

"Walking or riding to school is a very easy way for young people to get some of the 60 minutes exercise they need every day just to stay healthy.

“These bikes will help the Year 6 students who receive them make an active transition to secondary school and hopefully encourage them to continue to ride and stay fit throughout their lives.”

Mr Hardman said that two students at Buxton Primary School and Kinglake Primary School were also to receive bikes under the program.

10 October 2008

CONGRATULATIONS TO TRACTOR PULL ORGANISERS

THE State Government was pleased to be among the contributors helping to make the inaugural Alexandra Tractor Pull and Speedway event a success, the Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman said.

The tractor pull, held earlier this month at the Alexandra Speedway, attracted a huge crowd and helped to cement the town’s reputation for high quality, family-orientated entertainment, he said.

“We are looking forward to an even bigger event next year, as Alexandra has shown it has the capacity for fantastic specialised vehicle-focussed entertainment, such as the Alexandra Truck, Rod & Ute Show, the Alexandra Motorcycle Show and speedway events.

“I am pleased the State Government was able to support the event with a grant of $5,200 to help the Rotary Club of Alexandra stage its first ever tractor pull.

“It provided great entertainment and boosted the local economy with well over 1,000 people coming to enjoy the event – some for the first time - and seeing all the great things the town has to offer.

“Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Alexandra and the many volunteers who put in considerable time and effort to stage the event.

“Thanks also to the Shire of Murrindindi for its support and all the local organisations and businesses who worked co-operatively to benefit the town.

“I look forward to this becoming a firm fixture on Alexandra’s calendar.”
The grant was made under the Provincial Victoria Events Program which is a key element of Moving Forward, the Government’s $502 million plan to make provincial Victoria the best place to live, work, invest and raise a family.

10 October 2008

YEA RECREATION RESERVE UPGRADE FULL STEAM AHEAD

THE Yea Recreation Reserve upgrade is now well underway with the help of local volunteers, Murrindindi Shire and a grant of $47,500 from the Victorian Government.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said he was pleased to see the upgrade of the reserve which plays an important role in the daily life of the Yea community.

“This project has improved the appearance, safety and functionality of the main recreation reserve,” he said.

“The works help make the town more attractive and appealing for local residents and those who use it every week, as well as for those visiting or passing through the town.

The $72,000 project involves construction of 1000 metres of cyclone wire boundary fence rehabilitation of the boundary fence line, improvements to drainage on and around the reserve, and the creation of a raised picnic area including a retaining wall and tables and bench seats.

Yea Recreation Reserve Trust secretary Gary Pollard thanked the 14 members of the Rotary Club of Yea, led by Les Hall, plus members of user groups who volunteered their time and considerable effort to demolish the fence at working bees last Monday and Tuesday.

He said the contractor was due to begin work on the new fence in the coming weeks.

“We have 12 to 18 months to complete the project but we’d like to get the rest of the work wrapped up by early next year,” Mr Pollard said.

The $72,000 project includes $2000 from the Shire of Murrindindi through its Community Grants Program, a seeding grant from the FRRR program and financial contributions from the Lions Club of Yea and local user groups, Mr Pollard said.

Mr Hardman said the State Government supported the project because it would provide essential facilities for residents and prospective residents of Yea.

“Yea and the surrounding district is experiencing steady population growth and good quality community facilities that encourage a wide range of social and recreational pursuits are essential to attract and retain new residents,” Mr Hardman said.

“The project, funded through the Small Towns Development Fund, will also improve the financial viability of clubs and organisations using the reserve by controlling unpaid access when events are being held.”

“The Small Towns Development Fund is helping Victoria’s smaller towns create jobs, drive economic growth and improve community infrastructure,” Mr Hardman said.

“So far, the fund has provided $38.5 million toward 418 community and social infrastructure projects worth $82.7 million right across provincial Victoria.

“The Government provided an extra $25 million to the fund and extended it for five years through Moving Forward, the Government’s $502 million action plan to make Provincial Victoria the best place to live, work, invest and raise a family.”

3 October 2008

COMMUNITY BENEFITS START TO FLOW

THE on-going work to bring benefits to communities affected by the construction of the North South Pipeline is beginning to show results, the Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman said.

Mr Hardman said his statements to Parliament in an adjournment debate last month on the need for CFA access to water in the pipeline during emergencies came after more than a year of lobbying on this and many other opportunities for local towns.

“For the 15 months since the announcement of the Foodbowl Modernisation Project and the North South pipeline, I have continued to work with government departments, ministers’ offices and the Sugarloaf Alliance to ensure that the Seymour electorate gains as many immediate and long term benefits and opportunities from this project ,” Mr Hardman said.

“I have been working with local community members, groups and organisations and the Murrindindi and Yarra Ranges shires to put forward ideas, suggestions and projects that they believe constitute fitting advantage and compensation for our communities.

“It is my role as the local Member of Parliament in Government to ensure the Government supports these ideas and suggestions for projects that come from the community that I represent.”

He said the Government and its agencies had been investigating many of these suggestions “in good faith with people from the local community, who have knowledge and understanding of the needs and aspirations of our area”.

“There are people, organisations and the shires that will be very aware of the work that is going on to help bring local proposals to fruition for our communities.

“A great deal of work is being done to ensure proposed projects are viable and worthwhile and all create positive, lasting community benefits.

“Other things that have come to fruition partly as a result of my advocacy include the $5 million regional benefits package; prioritising employment of local services and products, organising the Industry Capability Network to work with local government to ensure local benefits from pipeline works; and a major route alteration in the Yarra Valley at the request of the local community.

“I have organised delegations and ministerial visits so that local community representatives have an opportunity to put their views directly to key people and that those people get first hand information about the projects that can be implemented.

“This is on top of diligently forwarding, in writing, information on local projects to ensure substantial consideration of and response to these proposals by all relevant ministers.

“This is the way I work and have worked for the past nine years in order to deliver significant upgrades to State Government and community services and infrastructure right across the Seymour electorate.”

Mr Hardman said the efficacy of this way of working could be judged by visiting his website: www.benhardman.com.au under Your Neck of the Woods.

“My work is in stark contrast to that of my political opponents who have been destructive, pitting people against each other as well as those representatives whose job is to evaluate and progress proposals put forward by the local community,” he said.

“They are continuing to ignore the reality that 12 years of drought has seriously eroded water security for the whole state.

“The Liberals and Nationals are also now demonising those people doing their jobs working on construction and belittling the economic benefits to this area with more spin about mere ‘pie sales’.

“We are already seeing considerable economic benefit in terms of fuel sales, accommodation, employment, service and product sales and there is possibly much more to come.

“Moreover, the Liberals and Nationals are asking voters to support them while failing to explain what they would do to ensure water security for all Victorians if they are successful at the next election.”

3 October 2008

LOCAL NAMED IN SENIOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS

MOIRA Waye of Pyalong, has been recognised by the Premier with a Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Award.

Mrs Waye, 69, received one of eight COTA Victoria Senior Achiever Awards at a ceremony at Government House today, in the lead-up to the Victorian Seniors Festival.

Premier John Brumby said Mrs Waye had made an outstanding contribution to the small, rural community, volunteering to coach children in reading and mathematics, organise activities and raise funds for their school as well as encouraging community involvement and helping establish an emergency medical response team.

“Mrs Waye is an inspiration to the Pyalong community in central Victoria and to seniors across the state,” Mr Brumby said.

Mr Brumby presented Jean McKendry-Paterson with the Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year and Minister for Senior Victorians, Lisa Neville, presented Joan Graves, of Bairnsdale, with the Seniors ‘Go for your life’ Award.

Ms Neville said the Award recognised a senior who best personified the key messages of the Victorian Government’s ‘Go for your life’ initiative: to keep active, eat healthy food and maintain social contacts with friends and family.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the award recognised Mrs Waye’s contribution to her community.

“As well as playing a vital role at the school, Moira advocates for community services and local participation and is President of the Pyalong Neighbourhood House,” he said.

“Moira was instrumental in establishing the local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to provide time critical 24hour/7day coverage before an ambulance arrives on scene and has organised fundraising activities to purchase life-saving equipment and training aids.

“The awards give people the chance to say thank you to inspirational older people such as Moira who deserves statewide recognition.”

Ms Neville said she was delighted by the quality of nominations – received from people across metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria.

She said the festivities would continue with the Victorian Seniors Festival, from October 5 to 12.

Now in its 26th year, the Victorian Seniors Festival includes more than 1000 free and low-cost events across the state.

For more details visit the Office of Senior Victorians website: www.seniors.vic.gov.au/seniorsfestival or phone 9208 3053.

29 September 2008

MAKE THE MOST OF PIPELINE OPPORTUNITIES: MP

THE Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman has urged local businesses to make the most of the opportunities available during construction of Sugarloaf Pipeline.

“As one of the biggest projects in the area for some time, it is expected to create a range of opportunities for local business and local communities along the 70 km pipeline,” Mr Hardman said.

“While I understand that the project is not welcomed by the whole community, it will provide a fantastic injection into the local economy and it is an opportunity for the town to benefit economically in the short and longer term.

“It’s fantastic opportunity to showcase our region and show what great towns we have to the hundreds of workers involved in the project.”

It is expected that the pipeline will employ about 400 people during construction.

Mr Hardman said some aspects of the project would require specialist skills and experience which may not be available in the region.

“However our preference is for as many jobs as possible to be filled by people from our local communities,” he said.

“One example is that the office space in Yea will hopefully be fitted out by local tradespeople; carpenters, electricians and painters are likely to be needed, and up to 20 staff are expected to be working out of the office at any one time.

“A local cleaning contractor will also be required to maintain the offices once the refurbishment is complete.

“I would also expect that as well as employing local people, local food outlets, accommodation places, retailers and other businesses will be called on to provide goods and services needed by those working on the project.”

The Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance expects to be operating from the office for around 18 months.

“I would like to encourage people to register their interest with the Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance by phoning 1800 453 753,” Mr Hardman said.

23 September 2008

MP CALLS FOR CFA ACCESS TO PIPELINE

THE Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, has urged the State Government to ensure Country Fire Authority access to water along the North South pipeline during fire emergencies.

Mr Hardman, in an Adjournment in Parliament earlier this month, asked the Minister for Water, Tim Holding, to ensure the CFA had the opportunity to access to water flowing through the Sugarloaf interconnector when fire threatens surrounding districts.

“The ongoing drought and climate change increases the likelihood of bushfires in the Seymour electorate,” Mr Hardman told Parliament.

“Along the 70-kilometre corridor of the pipeline there is very little area with reticulated water.

“The area is surrounded by farmland, state forest and national parks, most of which land has been impacted or threatened by wildfire in recent years.

“The sources of water to fight fire in this area are limited and difficult to access.

“An easily accessible off-take would reduce risk for CFA volunteers, who often have to access farm dams, creeks and rivers to refill their tankers.”

“By providing CFA off-takes in strategically placed locations, we can do one small thing that will help protect property, stock, homes, beautiful forests, wildlife and perhaps lives in the area of the pipeline corridor.”

Recent fires threatened Yea and burnt up to the town boundary, Mr Hardman told Parliament.

“Great areas of farmland between and around Glenburn and Yea were burnt and wildfire tore through the Kinglake National Park, threatening many people's homes close by in Kinglake and worrying people to the south in Dixons Creek and Yarra Glen,” he said.

“I urge the Minister to ensure the opportunity to provide a direct benefit that will help protect the community along the Sugarloaf interconnector corridor by providing CFA off-takes to allow access water to fight bushfires.“

23 September 2008

YOUTH ENCOURAGED TO MAKE A MOVE

YOUNG people with big ideas on how to inspire their peers are being encouraged to apply for National Youth Week Grants from the Brumby Government to organise and host events for the 2009 celebration.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, encouraged local youth to make the most of the celebration, which will run from 28 March to 5 April next year.

“It is the biggest celebration of young people in Australia and a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the contributions and achievements of young Victorians in their communities,” Mr Hardman said.

The Brumby Government is offering grants of $2000 and $5000, in partnership with beyondblue: the national depression initiative, for young Victorian to organise events for people aged between 12 years and 25 years as part of National Youth Week 2009

Youth Affairs Minister James Merlino said the new $5000 grants category was introduced this year for projects run in partnership with two or more community organisations.

“These events allow young people to develop planning and management skills as well as providing an outlet for them to express their creativity, meet new people and have their voice heard,” he said.

“During the 2008 celebrations thousands of young people attended 80 events held across Victoria, which is a credit to the young organisers and shows the level of enthusiasm young people have to get involved.”

National Youth Week is run by young people for the benefit and enjoyment of young people, with the 2009 theme: Make a Move.

“I encourage all young Victorians to make their own move towards getting involved in a National Youth Week activity in their local area,” he said.

“I look forward to seeing young people across the state celebrate their youth by getting involved in a range of events ranging from forums and art exhibitions to sports, music and film festivals.

For more details visit www.grants@dpcd.vic.gov.au or phone 1300 366 356. Closing date for applications is Friday, 24 October, 2008. Visit www.youth.vic.gov.au for more information about National Youth Week 2009.

19 September, 2008

TURNBULL BACKFLIPS INTO TROUBLED WATERS

Former Water Minister Malcolm Turnbull has done his first back flip as Federal Liberal Leader by turning his back on the $2 billion investment in irrigation upgrades in northern Victoria.

Water Minister Tim Holding said Mr Turnbull supported investing in irrigation upgrades and sharing water savings between farmers in the Goulburn–Murray region and cities in 2006 but today he has changed his mind.

"As Water Minister Malcolm Turnbull talked about the national interest but as Opposition Leader he is only interested in the Liberal Party interest,” Mr Holding said.

“Like every silver tongue lawyer, Malcolm Turnbull is capable of arguing both sides of any issue if he thinks it suits his interest.

“What was the point of Malcolm Turnbull's speech in Queensland? He advocated a project that had already occurred and recommended a project that he now claims to reject.

“Malcolm Turnbull was unambiguously advocating the Goulburn-Murray irrigation system when he talked about shared investment in irrigation infrastructure upgrades, which leads to farmers and cities sharing the water savings.

“Now Malcolm Turnbull employs weasel words to back track on his word. The transcript is explicit and unambiguous.”

“The first thing to remember is that the amount of water needed by cities and towns is very small compared to the amount of water used in irrigation agriculture. To put it in the right perspective, Goulburn Murray Water’s CEO has told me that his authority loses every year through inefficient distribution infrastructure around 900 GLs; about twice the water Melbourne consumes.

“Now, there is no doubt irrigation areas can save a lot of water by more efficient infrastructure both in the distribution system and on their farm. If the cost of saving a GL in an irrigation area is a fraction of the cost of making a GL in the city (through recycling or desalination) then a commercial opportunity is created from which farmers can benefit…

This type of win-win partnership between city and country should not be overlooked as a real option.”

- Malcolm Turnbull, Queensland Rural Press Club, 22 September, 2006

Mr Holding said Malcolm Turnbull’s comparison yesterday between Melbourne’s major storage the Thomson Reservoir and Lake Eildon is nonsensical and as a former Water Minister he should know this.

“Turnbull misses the point. The issue is not water levels in one storage or another, but water availability and this project will make more water available for irrigators, the environment and Melbourne,” he said.

“The premise that water to be shared from Lake Eildon comes from natural inflows (rainfall) is incorrect. In fact anyone with even a passing interest in the Food Bowl Modernisation Project knows the water that is to be shared comes from savings generated from irrigation upgrades.”
“This is water that is currently lost through outdated and inefficient infrastructure regardless of the inflows and ongoing drought.”

Malcolm Turnbull’s support for the Brumby Government’s Food Bowl Project and the Sugarloaf Pipeline can be found on his website:
http://www.malcolmturnbull.com.au/pages/article.aspx?id=552

18 September, 2008

TURNBULL MUST BRING BAILLIEU INTO LINE ON FOOD BOWL

Malcolm Turnbull must demand Ted Baillieu support his position on the Food Bowl Modernisation Project and Sugarloaf Pipeline and stop his cynical political opposition to projects which will secure water supplies across Victoria.

Water Minister Tim Holding welcomed support for the project from new Federal Liberal Leader.

“Malcolm Turnbull has on many occasions talked up irrigation upgrades to capture massive water losses and share this water between farmers and cities,” Mr Holding said.

“Malcolm Turnbull was specifically highlighting the Goulburn-Murray Water region when he advocated what is now the Brumby Government’s Food Bowl Modernisation project.

“The $2 billion Food Bowl Modernisation Project will capture around 425 billion litres of water that is currently lost through seepage, evaporation and system inefficiencies in the Goulburn-Murray region.

“Malcolm Turnbull clearly supports Victoria’s plan to invest $2 billion to upgrade outdated irrigation systems and share the water savings with farmers, rivers and Melbourne households.

“Melbourne water users and Victorian and Commonwealth taxpayers are contributing around 95 per cent of the cost of the irrigation upgrades and Melbourne will receive around 18 per cent of the savings.

“Ted Baillieu’s cynical politics has been exposed by none other than his Federal Leader and former Water Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Ted Baillieu is now not only at odds with Victorian Government policy but also his Federal Leader.”

“Now, there is no doubt irrigation areas can save a lot of water by more efficient infrastructure both in the distribution system on their farm. If the cost of saving a GL in an irrigation area is a fraction of the cost of making a GL in the city (through recycling or desalination) then a commercial opportunity is created from which farmers can benefit.

“A good example of this is seen in the Harvey Irrigation Area south of Perth where Water Corporation (the WA water utility) is paying for the replacement of open channels with pipes. The consequence is that Perth will get an extra 45 GL of water at an acceptable cost, the farmers get the same amount of water at their farm gate as they did before . . . This type of win-win partnership between city and country should not be overlooked as a real option.”

- Malcolm Turnbull, Queensland Rural Press Club, 22 September, 2006

Irrigators will receive 175 billion litres of the savings as additional, tradeable entitlements, from the project while the 175 billion litres for the environment is more than Adelaide consumes in a year and will make a real difference to the health of the Murray River and its Victorian tributaries.

Melbourne will receive 75 billion litres a year through the $750 million Sugarloaf Pipeline.

18 September 2008

BRUMBY GOVT UNTANGLES PLANNING RED TAPE

The Brumby Government has acted to remove unnecessary planning permits for some residential and commercial work, including rain water tanks and sheds in regional areas.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, welcomed the announcement of the Cutting Red Tape in Planning exemptions which are part of the Brumby Government’s commitment to cut planning red tape.

He said the Brumby Government wanted to improve Victoria’s planning system to make it efficient and effective, saving residents and council’s time and money.

“It is estimated that up to 2,000 planning applications will no longer be required as a result of these changes,” Mr Hardman said.

“I encourage people to contact their local council to confirm what permits are required before they start any work so they fully understand the changes.”

Acting Planning Minister Richard Wynne said the implementation of Cutting Red Tape in Planning coincided with a reduction in permit application numbers from 54,788 to 49,587 over four years despite strong activity in the building industry.

“Notably in 2006-7, applications for residential alteration and additions, specifically targeted by the cutting red tape initiatives, dropped by over ten per cent,” he said.

“However, in the same period there has been ongoing increase in the number of building permits now at slightly over 100,000 reflecting Victoria’s growth.

The new exemptions will mean that:

Rain water tanks in rural areas no longer need a planning permit regardless of size;
Rain water tanks in industrial areas on longer need a planning permit provided they meet site and height requirements;
Domestic sheds under 50 m2 no longer need a planning permit in farming zones; and
Minor domestic building work such as a pergola, deck, swimming pool no longer need planning permit in most areas that are not in a flood prone, heritage or environmentally significant area.

Cutting Red Tape in Planning is the Brumby Government’s plan from which key improvement in planning have originated including Planning Applications Online, Making Local Policy Stronger and the review of the Planning and Environment Act.

18 September, 2008

NEW WATER TREATMENT PLANT FOR ALEXANDRA

Alexandra households are enjoying improved water quality thanks to a $3.45 million regional water treatment plant.

Water Minister Tim Holding officially opened the Alexandra Water Treatment Plant today and said the new plant replaced the town’s outdated water treatment plant which was unable to meet growing demand

“The Brumby Government is working to provide safe, reliable and high quality drinking water to all Victorian communities,” Mr Holding said.

“The unprecedented drought and the impacts of climate change mean it is more important than ever for communities to have sustainable water services.

“The new plant will also cater for future supply to the towns of Eildon and Thornton via a pipeline from Alexandra scheduled for completion by 2009 providing these residents with fully treated water for the first time.”

Mr Holding said the $3.45 million project also included a $100,000 upgrade for the Goulburn River Pumping Station to match the capacity of the new plant.

“The plant will provide fully treated water all year round and help meet increased demand from projected population growth in the three towns over the next 20 years and support ongoing investment in the region,” he said.

“The old plant only had a capacity of 1.6 million litres per day and was unable to effectively address water quality risks.

“The new plant has a capacity of 6.7 million litres per day and will meet the future needs of Alexandra and surrounding areas.”

Goulburn Valley Water Managing Director Peter Quinn said the dissolved air flotation filtration (DAFF) treated water to world’s best water quality standards.

“The old plant did not have the capacity to provide treated water for peak demand periods,” Mr Quinn said.

“The fully automated plant is monitored on a 24 hour basis to ensure a secure and continuous supply of high quality water for Goulburn Valley Water’s customers which was completed earlier this year and is now fully operational.”

The new plant can be remotely operated via Goulburn Valley Water’s supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system.

The Victorian Government recently called on local councils and water authorities to register their interest in the $20 million Small Towns Water Quality Fund by nominating projects which provide public health and environmental benefits to small towns throughout Victoria.

17 September 2008

PLANNING STRATEGY FOR KINGLAKE TO GO AHEAD

MURRINDINDI Shire Council will develop a comprehensive planning strategy for Kinglake with the help of a $20,000 State Government grant announced by Regional & Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman welcomed the funding which would enable the council to better plan for the Kinglake community as it continues to grow.

“Kinglake’s relatively close proximity to Melbourne and the Whittlesea growth corridor will result in increased pressure from residential and commercial development over time,” Mr Hardman said.

“With no strategy developed specifically for Kinglake, planning in the region has historically been inconsistent and ad hoc, resulting in zoning and planning anomalies that create tensions between farms, lifestyle properties and township.

“There is a strong need to guide development for the next 20 years and a strategic plan will help Murrindindi Shire Council address the community, social, infrastructure and environmental impacts of potential population growth.”

Murrindindi Shire Councillor Peter Beales said the funding would allow the shire to plan with input from the community.

“I am very excited about this project which was identified as a priority project by the Community Building Initiative (CBI),” Cr Beales said.

“With funding from Murrindindi Shire Council this State Government grant will enable the community to have their say in the way Kinglake will look in the future instead of the ad hoc process that has occurred during the past few years.

“With a community supported plan council can set in motion a staged process giving everyone in the community certainty as to how our community will look in the future.”

Mr Hardman said the State Government was supporting the development of a strategic plan for Kinglake as it would help create the vision and strategic direction for business people, potential investors and tourist operators.

“Developing a plan for Kinglake will establish a clear vision for the future of Kinglake, including the extent and nature of urban form,” Mr Hardman said.

“The plan will also help establish a local ‘identity’ or brand for the area for business and tourism and community development.

“It will also benchmark a new level of community engagement in the strategic planning process by creating a plan in partnership with the community.”

Ms Allan said the project was an important part of the Victorian Government’s $13.5 million Provincial Planning initiative that is helping councils like Murrindindi work to attract new investment into the regions.

“The Provincial Planning initiative is part of Moving Forward, the Victorian Government’s $502 million plan to make Provincial Victoria a great place to live, work, invest and raise a family,” Ms Allan said.

Photo attached caption: Murrindindi Shire Councillor Peter Beales and Anne Leadbeater with Ben

15 September 2008

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL

Congratulations to the Alexandra and District Hospital for being recognised as the Rural Health Service of the Year at the 2008 Public Healthcare Awards on September 10.

The Alexandra and District Hospital is an outstanding health service and this award recognises the exemplary work being undertaken every day by more than 100 staff of the hospital.

The Alexandra and District Hospital was commended for a range of programs and initiatives including achieving a 10 per cent increase in attendance at the hospitals breast-screen service; promoting men’s health; involvement with local schools and kindergartens through the ‘Go for your life’ program; and the continuing Alexandra Eye Care and Urology Service.

Since 1999, the Victorian Government has increased funding to the Alexandra and District Health Service by 64.9 per cent. It is great to see the results of this record support for our health services.

I congratulate all the staff and the Board of Management of the Alexandra District Hospital for their hard work and dedication to the community they serve so well.

15 September 2008

APPLY NOW FOR LOCAL HISTORY GRANTS

COMMUNITY groups across Victoria are being urged to apply for a share of $350,000 funding to tell their stories.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said grants of up to $12,000 were now available for individual projects as part of the latest round of the Brumby Government's Local History Grants Program.

‘’The Local History Grants Program helps communities tell their stories by writing histories, preserving documents, making use of new technologies or passing on skills needed to commemorate and share the past,’’ Mr Hardman said.

"For generations networks of volunteers and community organisations have taken on the responsibility of telling local stories and ensuring that these stories are not lost.

“These stories and the documents, objects and photographs that support them, reflect our rich and diverse society and build understanding of the many strands that have been woven into our collective culture."

Last year groups to receive funding include Marysville & District Historical Society which received $2500 to conserve and catalogue documents and objects, and the Wandong Heathcote Junction Community Group Inc which received $5000 to help collate information and publish a book on the history of the area and its once thriving timber, brick and mining industries.

Other projects funded have included newspaper microfilming and digitising; work on archives of historical societies, churches, schools, fire brigades and other groups; Projects for exhibitions in community halls and other public facilities; school-based projects; historical murals and signage projects; and many book publishing projects.

Applications close on Monday 24 November.

For details, visit www.prov.vic.gov.au or phone the grants administration officer at Public Record Office Victoria on (03) 9348 5691.

14 September, 2008

NEW FIRE STATION AND TANKER FOR BADGER CREEK

Badger Creek will be better prepared for summer with the official opening of the new $495,000 fire station and the handover of keys to a new $257,000 medium tanker.

Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron opened the station and said the state of the art facility and new tanker would enhance the brigade’s ability to respond to incidents into the future.

Mr Cameron said the new fire station was funded as part of a Victorian Government election commitment, with the tanker purchased thanks to the Brumby Government‘s Community Safety Emergency Support Program (CSESP), CFA funding and money raised by the brigade.

“The Brumby Government has delivered $18.3 million in grants through CSESP to emergency services since 2000,” said Mr Cameron.

“The new facility has space to house the brigade vehicles, improved storage and maintenance areas, secure parking and a large space for meeting and training requirements.

“The new 4WD tanker is capable of delivering 900 litres of water each minute and includes improved safety features such as a cabin sprinkler system, heat-shielding curtains and low-level water warning system.“

Mr Cameron said Badger Creek, part of the Shire of Yarra Ranges, had 29 volunteer brigade members who attended more than 150 incidents annually and, in recent years, volunteers have attended all major Victorian bushfires.

“Within the Brigade’s area is the Healesville Sanctuary, historic sites, farm land, part of Melbourne's water catchment area and the Badger Weir Park.

“About half the brigade are firefighters and the other members undertake important community education, conducting fire safe programs in the local school and kindergarten.”

The Member for Seymour Ben Hardman said the Brumby Government was proud of the vital role brigade members played in the community and was committed to ensuring our emergency services were well equipped.

“The 2008/09 State Budget provided $20.5 million in funding for emergency services which is another example of the Brumby Government’s continued support for CFA volunteers.

“Since 1999 the Victorian Government has provided CFA with an additional 607 fire trucks at a cost of nearly $129 million,” said Mr Hardman.

Mr Cameron thanked CFA volunteers for their fantastic efforts in protecting the community and property from fire and other emergencies every day.

14 September, 2008

KINGLAKE WEST FIRE STATION EXTENSION OPENED

Kinglake West Fire Brigade will have their firefighting and emergency response capability strengthened with today’s official opening of the extension to the fire station.

Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron opened the $50,000 extension funded by CFA and the local community.

Mr Cameron said the station’s extension would help meet the needs of the growing community.

“The Kinglake region is experiencing steady population growth and an increase in tourists to the Kinglake National Park.

“The extension included a new meeting and training room, kitchen, bathroom and external refurbishment of the building.”

He said throughout the brigade’s 30-year history it had provided an outstanding service to the community and the new station would enhance the brigade’s ability to respond to incidents.

“Kinglake West Fire Brigade comprises 28 volunteer members who attend an average of 60 incidents a year,” he said.

“The Brigade had a very busy summer in 2005/06 when fire broke out in the Kinglake National Park.

“After the fires, there was a strong recovery effort in the region with an excellent partnership between CFA, DSE, Parks Victoria, Education and other recovery agencies.”

The Member for Seymour Ben Hardman said the Brumby Government was proud of the vital role brigade members played in the community and was committed to supporting CFA.

“The emergency services’ core budget has more than doubled since 1999 – from $254 million to $585 million this year,” he said.

“The 2008/09 State Budget provided $20.5 million in funding for emergency services which is another example of the Brumby Government’s continued support for CFA volunteers.

“Since 1999 the Victorian Government has provided CFA with an additional 607 fire trucks at a cost of nearly $129 million,” said Mr Hardman.

Mr Cameron thanked CFA volunteers for their fantastic efforts in protecting Victorians and property from fire and other emergencies every day.

12 September 2008

LIBS IGNORE ROAD SAFETY FOR EMPTY POINT SCORING

THE Liberals attack on the highly successful program that has saved the lives of many Victorians shows their ignorance and desperate need to score empty political points at the expense of public safety, the Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman said.

Mr Hardman said the Shadow Minister Terry Mulder should consider the many families in Mitchell and Murrindindi Shires who rely on their breadwinner who commutes to work to come home safely each day.

“The glaring omission in the Liberals release is that no mention is made of the purpose of speed cameras, which is quite simply to save lives,” Mr Hardman said.

“And they have been proven to do so - a lot of lives.

“The traffic camera program is designed to reduce speed and therefore the number of vehicle collisions and the incidence of road trauma and death.

“This program is about saving lives and we reject suggestions that it is about revenue raising.”

Mr Hardman said an independent Auditor General’s report in 2006 also rejected the perception that the speed camera program was aimed at revenue raising.

“It suggested that speed enforcement initiatives were primarily directed at reducing road trauma, rather than raising revenue,” he said.

“The number of deaths on roads has more than halved in Victoria since the introduction of speed cameras in 1989.

“Furthermore, this reduction in death and serious injury has been sustained against a background increase in road use - there are many more people and more cars on Victorian roads now than in 1989.

“The Brumby Government is working to save lives while the Liberal Party is undermining the life-saving road safety message that it is not okay to speed. They want to blame the speed camera for the fine rather than the speeding driver.”

Mr Hardman called on the Liberal Party to cease their populist position of taking responsibility of speeding away from the driver or start taking responsibility for the lives lost and families left as a result of speeding drivers.

“It is also important to note that it is local police who choose where mobile cameras are placed, taking into account crash history. This is so that cameras can be situated where there is a direct correlation with road safety,” he said.

“Typically police will focus on known danger spots. In the case of Seymour Police Division, which the Shadow Minister thinks is being unfairly picked on, I would note that in the 12 months to May this year there were 22 fatalities. This compares to 18 in the corresponding period in 2006/07.

“The Coalition is clearly divided on this issue. You cannot on one hand have the National Party constantly criticising the country road roll, and yet the Liberal Party undermining efforts to reduce deaths and serious injuries on country roads.

“I fully support the local police in their efforts to tackle these deaths. It’s a pity that the Shadow Minister won’t do the same.

“Speed cameras achieve casualty reductions by deterring speeding - when drivers receive a speeding fine they subsequently tend to drive slower. A slower average fleet vehicle speed translates into reduced crashes.

“Fundamentally road safety is a numbers game. Seemingly small reductions in speed – just a few km/h - when aggregated across Victoria’s 3.6 million registered drivers will pay big dividends in lives saved.

“Excessive or inappropriate speed was identified as a contributing factor in 111 fatalities, or 33 per cent of the road toll in 2007, based on the preliminary assessment made by police at the crash scene.”

Mr Hardman said the effectiveness of speed enforcement programs in Victoria has been the subject of a significant body of research by the Monash University Accident Research Centre.

“These reports consistently tell us that the introduction of speed enforcement technologies from 1989 has significant reduced crashes, deaths and injuries,” he said.

“For example, a report on ‘Speed camera enforcement and related mass media publicity in Victoria’ provides definitive evidence on the effectiveness of speed cameras in reducing road casualty rates in Victoria.

“The study compared the number and severity of road casualties between areas with and without heightened speed camera activity. In areas where there were very high levels of speeding enforcement, the fatality risk was reduced by 41 per cent.

“Conversely, where there were relatively low levels of speed camera fines in following months, the fatality risk increased by 44 per cent.”

“Moreover, the Shadow Minister is out of touch with Victorians on this issue. Most Victorians know the value of speed enforcement with 62 per cent agreeing that increasing the amount of speeding enforcement will make our roads safer.

8 September 2008

MP BACK TO SCHOOL

IT WAS back to school for the Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, as he stepped into Alexandra Secondary last Tuesday as part of the successful Principal for a Day program.

The annual event this year involved more than 100 business and community leaders across Victoria getting a first-hand glimpse of a school day in a government primary, secondary, P-12 or specialist school.

Former Highlands Primary School head teacher and Flowerdale Primary School principal, Mr Hardman said the day was a great way to strengthen ties between government schools, business and the wider community.

“This program gives business, community and political leaders the opportunity to work together and become involved in modern learning, by sharing resources and broader educational experiences to the classroom,” Mr Hardman said.

“It gives community leaders a better understanding of what is happening in our classrooms.

“It is also a very interesting day talking with students about what they do and what they’re interested in, as well as getting a better perspective from staff.

“I’d like to thank the school for the invitation and the opportunity to participate in this program at Alexandra.”

Others to join the program across the state were celebrity chef Gabriel Gate, ABC radio presenter Derek Guille, Western Bulldogs CEO Campbell Rose, Olympic rower Pauline Frasca and entertainer Wilbur Wilde.

Education Minister Bronwyn Pike said Education was the Brumby Government’s number-one priority.

“We believe that through a broad range of initiatives such as this, we can provide Victorian children with every opportunity to have the best start in life through a great education.”

“Participants in this program are all successful leaders and champions in their own field and can serve as inspirational role models for our students and encourage them to strive to reach their own goals,” Ms Pike said.

The Principal for a Day program, this year themed ‘A Shared Leadership Experience’ has grown in popularity since its introduction in 2001.

“Today gave me a further insight into the rewards and challenges of the job and how principals and school leaders are making a huge difference to the lives of students,” Ms Pike said.

“Inspiring and committed teachers and principals and a world class curriculum are crucial to shaping how education is delivered in Victoria and the Brumby Government is taking action to support our teachers and principals to deliver great outcomes for students.

“We have the $1.9 billion Victorian Schools Plan to rebuild, renovate or extend all Victorian government schools so that teachers and students can work in modern spaces to reflect modern teaching practices.

“We have also announced a $10 million Institute of Educational Leadership will be built to develop current and aspiring school leaders because we know that great teachers and great leaders deliver better results for students.

“The Education and Early Childhood Development Blueprint shows that Victoria is education revolution ready and well ahead of the pack when it comes to taking action to deliver every Victorian child every opportunity to have the best possible start in life.”

3 September 2008

FREE TRAVEL FOR SENIORS FESTIVAL

SENIOR Victorians will be able to travel free on the state’s public transport network as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival celebrations during the week October 5 to 12.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said all Victorian Seniors Card holders could travel free on metropolitan buses, trains and trams and regional town bus services.

He invited seniors to explore Victoria with free travel on V/Line rail and coach services on Tuesday October 7, Wednesday October 8, Thursday October 9, Saturday October 11 and Sunday October 12.

“These services are extremely popular and so many - especially longer-range services - need to be pre-booked so book tickets as soon as possible,” Mr Hardman said.

Bookings can be made at staffed V/Line stations or V/Line ticket agents, metropolitan Premium stations or by phoning 136 196.

Seat reservations are now compulsory on all long-distance V/Line rail services and some coach services. Bookings are also required on all journeys marked with an ‘R’ in V/Line timetables.

Seniors travelling on services to and from Albury/Wodonga, Ararat, Bairnsdale, Echuca, Shepparton, Swan Hill and Warrnambool will need to book a seat.

On unreserved V/Line train and coach services, travellers can simply show their Victorian Seniors Card to the conductor or coach driver. Unreserved V/Line services include V/Line rail services commencing or terminating at Ballarat, Bendigo/Eaglehawk, Geelong, Seymour, Traralgon and most V/Line coach services.

Minister for Senior Victorians Lisa Neville said that last year about 200,000 free trips were made as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival.

“The Brumby Government is pleased to be able to offer seniors free travel as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival,” Ms Neville said.

“The free transport recognises the wonderful contribution that Senior Victorians have made to Victoria over many years.

“Seniors do not even need a ticket to travel on the metropolitan transport system or regional town bus services; they just simply show their Victorian Seniors Card upon request.

TRAVEL TIPS FOR SENIORS

Travel outside the weekday morning and evening peak hours.
Book ear