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 early to travel in the country.
Plan your trip before you travel.
Carry your Victorian Seniors Card at all times.

FAST FACTS

Seniors can book one return journey for up to four Victorian Seniors Card holders.
Seniors should confirm their entire journey at the time of booking.
Free travel will be available on all regional town bus services from October 5 to 12. Seniors planning to travel in groups of 12 or more should phone V/Line to ensure seats will be available. Limits to group travel may apply if space is not available. Phone 9619 2338 after 10am on September 2.
Tickets must be collected no later than 48 hours after booking.
Travellers who have a booking but find they are unable to travel, should phone 13 6196 as soon as possible so the ticket can be re-allocated.
Free travel is valid on economy class services only.

Now in its 26th year, the Victorian Seniors Festival, from October 5 to 12, includes more than 1000 free and low-cost events across metropolitan Melbourne and regional and rural Victoria.

For more details about the festival visit the website www.seniors.vic.gov.au/seniorsfestival or phone 9208 3053.

2 September, 2008

VICTORIA REVS UP FOR SPORTS ASSOCIATION GRANTS

Young motorcycle riders will benefit from special access to the State Motorcycle Sports Complex at Broadford thanks to a program funded with $65,000 from the Brumby Government’s State Sporting Association Support Grants program (SSASG).

Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino visited the Victorian motorcycle complex at Broadford today and said the initiative was one of more than 70 across Victoria to benefit from a $4.14 million SSASG funding package.

“These special ‘ride days’ are part of Motorcycling Victoria’s Youth Motorcycling Safety and Education Program for 14-to 30-year-olds,” Mr Merlino said.

“Through the program, young people who are currently riding illegally on the roads and off-road in delicate environmental areas, will be encouraged to redirect their activities to Motorcycling Victoria’s club facilities and ride days at Broadford’s State Motorcycle Sports Complex.”

Some of the other projects funded in this round of grants include:

Yard Ball - Baseball Victoria’s introductory program for school students;
Go Sailing Day - A statewide initiative to encourage all Victorians to try sailing on 9 November, 2008;
Deaf and Access For All Abilities Skating Program - Skate Victoria to organise learn to skate opportunities for the deaf and hard of hearing people; and
Girl’s Golf Network - Women’s Golf Victoria developing pathways and opportunities for children under-18 to play golf.

Member for Seymour Ben Hardman MP said the Broadford motorcycle sports complex was an important facility for the local area and Victoria.

“The State Motorcycle Sports Complex is a wonderful facility and this new program introducing ride days for young people provides a great opportunity to get people riding in a monitored and safer environment,” Mr Hardman said.

Mr Merlino said the SSASG funding encouraged sporting associations to create new activities that appealed to a broad range of Victorians.

“As well as supporting the traditional sports such as netball, football, basketball and cricket, this program is about promoting some of the less common sports such as orienteering, parachuting and water polo,” he said.

“By providing the financial resources to develop new programs, these grants also help clubs to gain more members and volunteers.”

The latest round of grants now takes the Victorian Government’s direct support to State Sporting Associations to over $26 million since 2000.

For information on case studies of successful projects from previous SSASG funding, visit www.sport.vic.gov.au or contact Sport and Recreation Victoria on 9208 3333.

29 August 2008

AG SOCIETIES REAP MORE GRANTS

ALEXANDRA and Yea agricultural societies will be able to improve facilities for visitors and exhibitors at their next shows following successful grant applications to the State Government.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the Alexandra Pastoral & Agricultural Society would receive $6,667 to help purchase portable steel pens and the Yea Agricultural & Pastoral Society would receive $3712 to help purchase extra display stands for local arts, crafts and photography.

Alexandra Pastoral & Agricultural Society secretary Gail Kneeshaw said the society was “very excited” that it could go ahead with plans to complete the portable pens.

Yea Agricultural & Pastoral Society committee member, Kimm Noonan said the society was pleased to receive support for further improvements. She said a recent flier to attract more members was also successful.

Mr Hardman said it was pleasing that the State Government continued to support rural and regional groups such as the Yea and Alexandra agricultural societies that were vital to local communities.

He said the Yea society had received a grant of $9566 in 2005 to upgrade its power supply to trade space and amusement area, and a grant of $9500 in 2006 to upgrade its commercial cattle facilities through the construction of a permanent laneway and holding pens.

The Alexandra Pastoral & Agricultural Society received $5368 in 2005 to help upgrade the cattle pavilion; $4810 to help complete the commercial cattle yards and $10,000 in 2007 towards portable steel pens.

Agriculture Minister Joe Helper announced in June that grants of up to $10,000 were available to develop facilities at showgrounds throughout the state and for business activities linked to the running of shows.

“These grants would provide valuable funds to agricultural and pastoral societies for small-scale projects, which are of direct benefit to rural communities,” Mr Helper said.

“Almost $2 million in grants have been awarded in this program since 2000 and it recognises the important role that agricultural and pastoral societies play in local communities.

“Showgrounds are a much valued asset providing recreational opportunities for local communities and are the centrepiece for the agricultural and pastoral industries to display their products.

“The Brumby Government is committed to boosting farming services, driving growth and innovation in agriculture and helping the sector respond to new challenges.”

The latest round of agricultural and pastoral society grants comes on top of a $500,000 Rural Infrastructure Development Fund boost to improve facilities at rural show societies and field days.

28 August 2008

GOVT PUMPS FUNDS INTO CATCHMENTS

THE Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority is to receive $5.3 million as part of a State Government boost for land, biodiversity, native vegetation and salinity control projects across Victoria in 2008/09.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the Brumby Government announced $35 million for a range of projects that are part of a larger government commitment of $80 million for regional Victoria.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to protect our catchments and help communities to address the legacy of past damage to our land and water systems,” Mr Hardman said.

“We’re helping to protect biodiversity driving projects that benefit ecosystems and communities.”

Mr Hardman said the funding for the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority included $595,000 for Sustainable Rural Landscapes, $525,000 for Landcare; $284,000 for native vegetation and $2,936,000 for its Natural Resources Investment Program.

Environment and Climate Change Minister, Gavin Jennings said that this year CMAs across Victoria would protect and rehabilitate more than 160,000 hectares of land for biodiversity.

“This will include conservation agreements with landholders to protect native bush, and putting up protective fencing for native vegetation along waterways and within farmland,” Mr Jennings said.

“By helping the Goulburn Broken CMA to protect and enhance habitat, we’re also protecting the threatened plants and animals that live in our catchments as well as tackling salinity, erosion and weeds.

“The CMAs do a great job by delivering environmental improvements and forging effective partnerships with local communities.

“We understand the challenges CMAs face, particularly with changes to Federal Government funding.

“The Brumby Government is the major source of funding to CMAs and will continue to support their invaluable work amid changes to the Commonwealth’s contributions.”

Many projects receiving State Government funding are run in partnership with other funding programs or with landholders and groups that supply extra money or labour, all adding up to contributions worth millions more.

The organisations that deliver the projects include community and landholder groups, non-government organisations, the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and the Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

“Each CMA region has a community-driven catchment investment plan, providing the ‘big-picture’ direction for the hundreds of projects we’re helping to fund,” Mr Jennings said.

28 August 2008

SAFETY BOOST FOR MAROONDAH HIGHWAY

MOTORISTS using the Maroondah Highway will benefit from $2.861 million State Government boost to improve road safety.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said proposed improvements to the Maroondah Highway from Healesville to Coldstream included shoulder sealing, improved signage, installation of guard fence and wire rope barriers between St Huberts Road and Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road to reduce the number of run off road crashes.

Mr Hardman said the Brumby Government was taking action to improve roads in communities across metropolitan and regional Victoria.

“Roads are the key to Victoria’s economic and social development – connecting our towns and suburbs, ensuring efficient freight movement and creating jobs,” he said.

“A range of projects will be delivered to make our roads safer, help tackle congestion and aid development in our local community.

“As well, the Government is delivering projects from the Safer Road Infrastructure Program, funded by the Transport Accident Commission, to introduce safety improvements on country and outer metropolitan roads.

“The Brumby Government is delivering transport links that enhance tourism, improve the efficiency of our freight operations and ensures the best transport system for all Victoria.”

Works on the Maroondah Highway project are expected to start in late 2008.

27 August 2008

ENERGY REBATES FOR LOW INCOME VICTORIANS

LOW-income Victorian households on non-mains energy are expected to benefit from the increase and introduction of a fourth tier in State Government rebates available from 1 September.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the implementation of a fourth tier provided a fairer and equitable rebate value for concession cardholders who were highly dependant on non-mains energy use for domestic purposes.
Concessions households who use bottled LPG or non-mains metered power for cooking and heating between May and October 2008 will be eligible for the 2008 Non-Mains Winter Concessions program.

The annual rebates for concession households available from 1 September will be:

$35 for households spending between $88 to $200 on LPG;
$105 for households spending between $201 and $600 on LPG;
$175 for households spending between $601 to $1000 on LPG; and
$250 for households spending more than $1001 or more.

The rebate also applies to alternative fuel such as heating oil and to eligible caravan park and retirement village residents who buy individually metered non-mains electricity from accommodation proprietors between May and October 2008.

“The Brumby Government is focussed on helping Victorian families and this is another demonstration of the practical assistance we are providing to families who need it most,” Mr Hardman said.

“This new tier of energy rebates is on top of the $82.3 million support package unveiled in this year’s State Budget, which included a $41.3 million boost to the water and sewerage concession caps.”

Commonwealth cardholders such as Centrelink and Department of Veterans’ Affairs pensioners, Centrelink Health Care Card holders and Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card holders are eligible for the concession.

Those eligible can lodge an application form with the Department of Human Services before 31 January 2009.

Application forms are available from LPG distributors, local councils, caravan park proprietors and the Department of Human Services.

For more information on concessions contact the DHS Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521.

25 August 2008

WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR GRANTS OPEN

APPLICATIONS are open for a second round of grants for Victorian wildlife rehabilitators.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said grants were available under the Brumby Government’s Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants Program.

Grants up to $5000 are now available to assist with the important task of rehabilitating sick, injured or orphaned wildlife.

“This initiative recognises the hard work and dedication of accredited wildlife rehabilitators by providing grant payments to help with the cost of equipment, enclosures, fencing, bedding and storage,” Mr Hardman said.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to help injured wildlife and the people that work so hard to care for them. These Victorians dedicate time and money to delivering this service to our state’s precious wildlife, providing a valued service to the community.

“Accredited Victorian wildlife rehabilitators will receive a letter this month calling for their applications.

“Accredited wildlife rehabilitators with two or more years’ experience who did not secure a grant payment in round one are still eligible to apply for grants of up to $5000 during this second round.

“I urge wildlife rehabilitators to pay careful attention to the selection criteria and provide as much detail as possible to maximise the opportunity to secure a grant payment.”

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said the first round of the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants Project resulted in 64 successful applicants receiving a grant.

“All successful applicants from both rounds will enter into service delivery agreements with the Brumby Government and will report on their expenditure outcomes.

“A total of $500,000 is committed to the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants Program by the Brumby Government.”

For more details, contact the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

22 August 2008

CLUBS RACE TOWARDS COMMUNITY BENEFITS

HEALESVILLE Amateur Racing Club and Yarra Valley Racing Club are among country racing clubs and rural communities to benefit from $400,000 in Brumby Government funding for capital works and community projects.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the Living Country Racing Program (LCRP) supported country racing infrastructure and focussed on projects that would benefit local communities.

Yarra Valley Racing Club is to receive $30,000 to purchase portable equipment and Healesville Amateur Racing Club is to receive $7,500 for a roof for the bookmaker’s area.

Yarra Valley Racing Club Chief Executive Officer, Brett Shambrook, said the club was “grateful for this valuable support”

“The purchase of this high-use portable equipment, which we would otherwise have to hire, will not only improve our club’s profitability but ultimately our long term sustainability,” Mr Shambrook said.

“It is estimated that the purchase of this equipment will save the club $74,000 in the first year and provide ongoing financial benefits moving forward.”

Mr Hardman said Yea Racing Club would receive $7,800 to upgrade the power supply/switchboard and complete some landscaping.

“As part of the 2008/09 LCRP funding allocation, 28 regional racing clubs will receive a total of $400,000 for important projects that will enhance the amenity and infrastructure of their facilities,” Mr Hulls said.

“This funding will be used for projects such as new seating, building construction and repairs, road sealing and purchasing equipment for clubs that, in some cases, otherwise could not afford them.”

“This project will be an asset to the club and the community members who use the facilities,” Mr Hardman said.

Since 2001 the Living Country Racing Program has funded 275 projects worth more than $3.15 million at Victorian country racing clubs across all three racing codes.

The Minister for Racing, Rob Hulls, said clubs from all three racing codes could apply for funding of up to $30,000 for projects to improve venues for racegoers and to enhance facilities available for the community. Clubs match the Government funding allocation dollar for dollar.

“Regional Victoria – with 95 per cent of the state’s racing clubs and 80 per cent of the race meetings – is the breeding ground on which Victoria’s racing industry is sustained,” Mr Hulls said.

“Racing in regional Victoria generates more than $1.1 billion in economic benefit to the state and each race club brings with it a unique, lively atmosphere and a strong connection to the local community.

“The Living Country Racing Program is part of the Brumby Government’s commitment to, and belief in, racing in regional Victoria.”

The funding announcement follows the recent announcement of the Brumby Government’s $2.1 million boost for thoroughbred training facilities in Yarra Glen, Seymour, Bairnsdale, Ballarat, Stawell, Wodonga, Kyneton, Warrnambool, Mornington, Sale, Moe and Cranbourne funded through the Racing Industry Development Program.

Photo attached caption - Yarra Valley Racing CEO Brett Shambrook with Ben

22 August 2008

JOIN VICTORIA’S FIRE FIGHT

MORE than 500 people will be recruited for Victoria’s bushfire fighting force under a new campaign.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman encouraged fit and healthy Victorians to play their part in the firefighting effort with the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) by becoming Project Firefighters (PFFs).

“Applications are now being accepted for more than 500 people to help with track clearing, road maintenance, putting out bushfires, controlled burning and fire recovery activities,” Mr Hardman said.

“The Project Firefighters will join more than 1300 permanent, on-ground firefighters preparing for and suppressing bushfires in our parks and forests.

“It’s great to see motivated people step forward each year to make a difference in their community and develop their abilities.

“Last year, more than 680 Project Firefighters were recruited and we expect about 70 per cent of these to return to battle the bushfire threat in the coming fire season.

“We routinely see CFA members who work as Project Firefighters as a way of building on their bushfire skills while still serving their community.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to protect our communities, environment and strengthen cooperation between the two fire agencies.”

Applications close on Sunday, 7 September, 2008.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said successful applicants must hold a current manual driver’s licence and pass a fitness and medical test to ensure they can cope with the physically demanding work.

They will be well trained and skilled to be able to work as part of a team, which is critical for working at fires.

Most PFFs work from November or December until the end of March, and many positions continue to assist with planned burns in autumn.

DSE has introduced a web-based, e-recruitment system, which helped to streamline the application process last year, and will be used again this season.

For more details and to submit applications visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires

Application kits can also be obtained by phoning the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186, by emailing pff.positions@dse.vic.gov.au or by visiting a local DSE office.

22 August 2008

TIPS TO LIMIT PRIVACY RISKS

THE Brumby Government has released a list of security tips to help Victorians protect their privacy on online social networking sites.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman said the tips would be posted on the Department of Justice website (www.justice.vic.gov.au) ahead of Privacy Awareness Week 2008 from August 24-30.

“Social networking sites such as Facebook are a fast-growing phenomenon,” Mr Hardman said.

“While these networks are a great way to keep in contact, many people don’t recognise the inherent privacy risks associated with their use.

“Social network users need to realise that the information and photos they put into cyberspace in some cases can be seen by others and can leave a digital tattoo that can be difficult to erase.

“This can affect them in the real world – if not immediately, then sometime in the future. The latest research from the US suggests 44 per cent of employers are now using sites like MySpace and Facebook to research job candidates.”

Mr Hardman said two of the biggest risks associated with these sites were not being able to effectively control who has access to the information you post, or the information others post about you. Anyone thinking of using a social networking site should plan ahead to help prevent privacy breaches.

“It’s good to ask someone who uses the site about their experience first and think about what information you will include in your profile – as a general rule, it’s best not to publish information you would not want the world to know,” he said.

“Ensure privacy settings are adequately adjusted and try to respect others’ privacy by asking permission before posting something relating to them.

“Avoid responding to messages from people you don’t know. Any attempts to threaten or harass someone through these sites should be reported to the police.”

Privacy Awareness Week coincides with the anniversary of the introduction of the Information Privacy Act, which created a transparent regime for the management by government of personal information.

As part of this year’s Privacy Awareness Week activities, the Department of Justice and the Department of Education & Early Childhood Development will host an Online Privacy Seminar on the Implications of Social Networking Websites for Victorian public sector staff.

Details of Privacy Awareness Week events and activities are available at www.privacyawarenessweek.org

Tips to minimise the risks of online networking sites

Plan before you start. If you are thinking about joining a particular site, ask someone you know who already uses it to demonstrate its features and how they use it.

Consider your profile. In order to interact online with a friend, either one of you must usually send the other person a request via the website and this request must be accepted. Once accepted, the technology permits each person to view the other’s profile, pictures and send messages. As a general rule, don’t publish information you want the world to see.

Protect your privacy. Whilemost sites have privacy settings you can adjust to control others’ access to your profile and the information you post, the default setting is usually set to open access. If you only want your profile to be accessible to those you have registered as ‘friends’, make sure you adjust it. You might need to click on a link to a privacy page.

Guard against identity theft. Don’t assume that anything you post online is completely private or limited to certain groups, or that the passwords you set up cannot be accessed through inadequate software protection. Even basic information, such as an address, birthday, photo, or mobile number can be coupled with other public information, enabling someone to steal your identity.

Respect the privacy of others. Remember that everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to their privacy. Ask permission before posting information, photos or videos, and respect the choices people make.

Stay safe. In the vast majority of cases, people’s experiences of social networking are positive and fun-filled. But it’s best to avoid responding to messages from people you don’t know. If you feel threatened or harassed by a contact, you can remove that person as a friend, preventing them from interacting with you. If the matter escalates, you can report persistent or unwelcome contact to the police.

Use the most appropriate method of communication. When you want to communicate with a single friend or select group of people only, it may be better to communicate directly by email. If you advertise a party on your Facebook or MySpace page, for example, you might run a risk of a lot of unexpected guests.

Understand the site’s privacy policy and privacy settings. Consider the strength of assurances given about privacy and security on the sites you visit, and the conditions of acceptance. You might find that you are being asked to consent to wider commercial uses of your information.

Remember that it’s hard to control the information once it is out there. In the online environment, privacy once lost can be extremely hard to retrieve. You can update your profile, but the comments you publish on your space or on someone else’s will probably stick around for a long time, even if you de-register your profile.

Report Abuse or misuse. All websites have ‘Contact Us’ sections. Use these details to report abuse or misuse.

22 August 2008

GRANTS OPEN TO IMPROVE SPORT FACILITIES

COMMUNITY organisations are being urged to work with their local council to apply for funding to improve local sport and recreation facilities.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said applications for the 2009-2010 round of the successful Community Facility Funding Program (CFFP) were now open.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure all Victorian communities have the facilities they need to encourage healthy, active involvement in sport and recreation,” Mr Hardman said.

“These grants are a chance for local people and community organisations to take stock of the sport and recreation facilities in their area and identify what could be improved.

“Our local sports clubs and groups are often a focal point of a community – offering a place where social activities are as much on the agenda as sport.

“The CFFP offers a chance for local councils and community organisations to work together to upgrade or improve current facilities, which encourage people to become active and involved in their community.”

The grants are designed to help local government develop new or upgrade existing minor and major facilities across Victoria and improve access for the community.

The 2009-2010 Community Facility Funding Program categories include:

Planning – Grants of up to $30,000 for recreation facility planning or feasibility studies;
Minor Facilities – Grants of up to $60,000 to develop and upgrade community facilities;
Major Facilities – Grants of up to $500,000 for the development of major facilities;
Aquatic Access/Better Pools – Grants of up to $2.5 million to provide quality aquatic leisure facilities; and
Seasonal Pool Renewal – Grants of up to $200,000 to rejuvenate seasonal swimming pools in rural and regional communities and in outer suburban Interface council areas.

Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino said that since 2000 the Victorian Government had invested $170 million through the CFFP to improve 1870 sport and recreation facilities across the state.

“Grassroots sport is at the heart of community life in Victoria and our local pools, clubs and facilities provide gathering places where people can swim, play, exercise, socialise, volunteer and be part of their community,” he said.

“By providing opportunities to enjoy active sport and recreation we can positively influence people’s health and enjoyment of life, supporting the Brumby Government’s $150 million Go for you life strategy for a healthy and more active Victoria.”

Guidelines and applications forms are available online at www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au

18 August 2008

NEW PROJECT TO TACKLE PROBLEM GAMBLING

THE Seymour Residents Action Group is set to launch a two-year project to address problem gambling thanks to a Brumby Government grant.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the group would receive $120,000 as part of the new Place Based Initiatives Pilot program - a partnership between the Office of Gaming and Racing in the Department of Justice, the Department of Human Services’ Neighbourhood Renewal Program and the Community Building Initiative (CBI) in the Department of Planning and Community Development.

Seymour Neighbourhood Renewal Project Officer, Graeme Coppel, said the funding as “very exciting” for the group (RAG) as it “fits perfectly with the aims of the Neighbourhood Renewal in the bottom-up approach to community residents engaging in local social issues”.

“Seymour RAG is using the theme 'Isolated Women in Seymour' with the aim of creating a series of programs and events over the next two years that are designed to engage with and encourage isolated women in the Seymour area to become aware of healthy alternatives to gambling,” Mr Coppel said.

“RAG will be active in inviting a group of outside agencies to help form a steering committee which will then oversee the various projects that have been created.”

Gaming Minister, Tony Robinson, said the Place Based Initiatives provided an innovative response to problem gambling issues by using existing community projects to encourage people to gamble responsibility and to reduce the effects of problem gambling.

“The Place Based Initiatives concept will use the strengths of these programs to encourage communities to help reduce the impact of problem gambling,” Mr Robinson said.

“In 2007, the CBI Interim Steering Committee conducted a survey which identified a need for more leisure, recreational and physical activity options,” Mr Batchelor said.

“The activities we are funding will provide recreational alternatives to gambling, while community educators will provide advice on the impact of problem gambling and on counselling and support services for people with gambling-related problems,” Mr Robinson said.

Mr Hardman said the Neighbourhood Renewal Program targetted urban and regional sites with high levels of disadvantage and public housing, while the Community Building Initiative targets sites in rural and regional communities with high disadvantage but low levels of public housing.

Projects in other areas include community kitchens, walking groups, arts programs and health and education activities.

Photo attached - contributed by the Seymour Telegraph. Caption - from left, Seymour Neighbourhood Renewal Project Officer, Graeme Coppel, Ben, Seymour RAG President, Paul Weston

15 August 2008

MITCHELL COMMUNITY TO BENEFIT FROM LIBRARY BOOST

RESIDENTS with speech, language and learning difficulties will have better access to learning and communication software thanks to a $20,000 State Government grant, the Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said.

Mitchell Shire, in partnership with Goldfields Library Corporation, will receive $20,000 to install Boardmaker software on to public library computers in all libraries throughout the region as part of the 2008 Small Grants Program for Public Libraries.

Boardmaker creates printed materials with symbols and graphics to allow visual communication for children and adults with speech, language and learning difficulties.

“With more than 50 per cent of Victorians belonging to their local library, there is no doubt that they are important places where people come to learn and connect,” Mr Hardman said.

“Libraries are of central importance to local communities so it’s important they have access to the proper resources and services to maintain their place in the community and in people’s lives.

“The Victorian Government recognises local libraries help give local communities access to educational and life-long learning opportunities as well as modern technology.”

Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr Bob Humm said the grant would contribute to the well-being of the Mitchell Shire community and enable greater participation by all residents.

“This funding will equip our libraries with technology to better serve the local community and ensure that people don’t miss out due to speech, language or learning difficulties.”

The 2008 Small Grants Program for Public Libraries offers funds of up to $10,000 or up to $30,000 for joint council/regional library project.

Minister for Local Government Richard Wynne said the Victorian Government had continued to demonstrate its commitment to the state’s public libraries through the 2008-09 State Budget,

“Our Government has provided record recurrent funding for public libraries across Victoria.” Mr Wynne said.

“ As well, a total of $5.28 million was provided to 16 library services during the first year of the Living Libraries Program. $15 million has been allocated to councils and regional facilities over four years, building on the $16.5 million already allocated to 70 projects across the state.

“These grants have provided new or improved library infrastructure and supported the role of public libraries in strengthening communities as a meeting place, fostering life-long learning and as providers of free access to information resources.”

15 August 2008

TRAINING HELP FOR COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAMS

KINGLAKE and Nagambie volunteer Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) will benefit from new Brumby Government-funded training packages.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the Brumby Government would spend almost $4 million this year as part of the Pre Ambulance Basic Life Support Strategy, to ensure CERT members were able to continue meeting the needs of their local communities.

The State Government has expanded the CERT program to include 29 teams with about 580 volunteers operating in rural areas and the outer metropolitan fringe.

The locally-based volunteer crews are dispatched at the same time as a qualified ambulance crew to accidents and on other urgent calls

“The Brumby Government knows how important ambulance services are to Victorians, and our CERT volunteers play a key role in their communities,” Mr Hardman said.

“This year, the Government will spend $125,000 to introduce two new training packages – a leadership, training and support package for female volunteers and a mental health first aid program for all CERT volunteers.

“The training package for women will provide extra skills development to give women greater opportunities for growing into leadership roles within their team as well as the wider community.”

Mr Hardman said the mental health training would also help CERT volunteers responding to calls.

“While people often know a lot about common physical health problems, there is less certainty in how to respond to mental health problems,” he said.

“Our CERT volunteers are well placed to be able to provide mental health first aid as part of their formal first response role.”

Victoria’s Community Emergency Response Teams are based at Kinglake, Lavers Hill, Buchan, Blackwood, Lang Lang, Nangiloc, Maldon, Nagambie, Birchip, Boort, Port Campbell, Halls Gap, Hawkesdale, Wedderburn, Leigh Catchment (Dereel), Nullawarre, Walwa, Grantville, Snake Valley, Chiltern, Pyramid Hill, Jeparit, Berringa, Moira West, Dunmunkle, Tongala, Meredith, Craigieburn and Venus Bay.

11 August 2008

INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY CENTRE VIABILITY TESTED

HEALESVILLE could soon be home to a new Indigenous Community Centre, following the announcement of a $30,000 grant.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the Victorian Community Support Grant was part of a $37,500 project to investigate the viability of building a new Indigenous community centre which has wide ranging community support.

“This grant will fund the development of a comprehensive business plan for the construction of a new Indigenous community centre in Healesville that will bring a range of Indigenous services and businesses together under one roof,” Mr Hardman said.

“It will also provide a much needed meeting place for all members of the local community.

“The business plan will clarify and further develop funding models, financial viability, governance arrangements and facility management plans for the centre.”

Mr Hardman said it would also capitalise on a shared vision by a range of local organisations and individuals.

The Gumeril Aboriginal Health Service is another funding partner, contributing $7,500 to the project.

An initial scoping and feasibility study has been completed, supported by philanthropic funding. This research identified the former Toorong Aboriginal Corporation site at 161 Maroondah Highway as the optimal location for the new centre. This property was granted to Galeena Beek Pty Ltd by the Victorian Government and its proposed use as an Indigenous community centre is consistent with the original grant.

“Good quality community facilities are a common feature of strong and vibrant communities and the Victorian Government is delighted to support the development of this business plan and to test the viability of the centre,” Mr Hardman said.

The Indigenous Community Centre Project is one of 18 projects to share in almost $3.5 million in the latest round of Victorian Community Support Grants.

Mr Hardman said the grants were provided through the Community Support Fund to communities that need it most – and to projects that deliver the best results for local people.

“From the development of plans and priorities for the future through to the creation and upgrade of community facilities, these grants help communities achieve the outcomes that mean the most to them,” Mr Hardman said.

Since 2004, the Victorian Community Support Grants program has supported 400 projects – worth nearly $70 million – to bring an exciting array of community-based activities to life.

For more details about the Victorian Community Support Grants visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au

6 August 2008

RENOVATION RESCUE FOR TOOLANGI HALL

A NEW kitchen will give Toolangi’s popular CJ Dennis Hall a new lease of life, following the announcement today of a $45,000 grant by the Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman.

Mr Hardman said the CJ Dennis Hall was the main community meeting and function space for the communities of Toolangi and Castella and was in need of a major kitchen renovation.

“This hall is a focal point for the local community and is the venue of choice for everything from functions and school concerts to the designated meeting point during bushfires and other emergencies,” Mr Hardman said.

“A new kitchen will mean the local community will be able to organise catering beyond basic tea and coffee, creating opportunities for the hall to be hired out and help to generate revenue.

“It will also provide a chance for local learning activities such as cooking classes, cheese and jam making and food safety courses.”

Murrindindi Shire Councillor Peter Beales said the funding would help make the hall a more versatile and serviceable community asset.

“As a member of the hall committee, I am very aware of the hard work put in by the community and the committee towards this project,” he said.

“The kitchen will enhance the ability of the community to hold functions and respond to emergencies. I would like to thank the committee members for their hard work and Ben for his support from the very beginning.”

The CJ Dennis Hall Committee of Management and its kitchen sub-committee are very pleased to be one of the first of 14 Community Building Initiative (CBI) Action Teams to receive funding for its priority project, committee spokeswoman Joanne Priestley said.

“The renovation will see the kitchen nearly double in size, with modern fittings, appliances and a functional work environment that will comply with Food Safety Standards. The project will include building a covered walkway to the external toilets. The project will expand possible uses for the hall and make it a valuable asset to our community, Ms Priestly said.

“The committees would like to thank the Department Planning and Community Development, the Murrindindi Shire Council, the Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Toolangi community for their support.”

The upgrade of the kitchen was one of the highest community priorities identified as part of the Kinglake Ranges Community Building Initiative and a detailed project plan has already been achieved.

Other funding partners include Murrindindi Shire ($15,000), the Department of Sustainability and Environment ($7,500) and community in-kind support of $1,920.

The CJ Dennis Hall renovation is one of 18 projects to share in almost $3.5 million in the latest round of Victorian Community Support Grants.

Mr Hardman said the grants were provided through the Community Support Fund to communities that need it most – and to projects that deliver the best results for local people.

Since 2004, the Victorian Community Support Grants program has supported 400 projects – worth nearly $70 million – to bring an exciting array of community-based activities to life.

For more details about the Victorian Community Support Grants visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au

Photo attached caption - from left - Joanne Priestley, Anne Leadbeater, Peter Beales, Nicola Rose, Ben, Jack Walhout, Rosie Gegenhuber, Gordana Saric, Ernst Gegenhuber

1 August, 2008

RECORD FUNDING FOR ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL

The Brumby Government has provided a massive funding boost to Alexandra Hospital with the vital health service to receive $4.69 million this financial year, about $158,000 more than in 2007/08.

Health Minister Daniel Andrews said the boost means Alexandra Hospital has had its funding increased by 64.9 per cent since 1999.

Visiting the hospital, Mr Andrews said the money was part of the Government's record investment in health services for all Victorians – a 112 per cent increase in hospital funding since 1999.

“Alexandra Hospital will this financial year receive $1.84 million more than what it was given in 1999/2000,” Mr Andrews said.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to deliver quality health services for all Victorians.

“Record funding enables Alexandra Hospital to treat record numbers of patients, whether it’s emergency procedures, elective surgery or other vital health services.”

While visiting the hospital, Mr Andrews also announced $54,000 in extra funding to buy specialised surgical equipment for the operating theatre.

Mr Andrews said Alexandra Hospital played an important role in its community, which was recognised by being a finalist for the second year running last year in the Premier’s Award for Rural Health Services in the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards.

He said the hospital admitted 1337 patients in the 2007/08 year, and its theatres performed 793 operations. The hospital saw 1896 patients in the emergency department, and provided 2721 outpatient appointments.

Mr Andrews said Victoria’s hospitals will this year get a combined $5.562 billion in recurrent acute funding – up by $311.6 million on the previous year, an overall increase of 5.9 per cent.

The funding boost will enable hospitals to provide an extra 33,500 outpatient appointments and treat an additional 60,000 patients in emergency departments.

“Hospital budgets are now in the black and more than 60 hospitals and aged care facilities have been rebuilt or upgraded as part of our capital works program,” Mr Andrews said.

1 August, 2008

RECORD FUNDING FOR SEYMOUR HOSPITAL

The Brumby Government has provided a massive funding boost to Seymour Hospital with the vital health service to receive $7.79 million this financial year, about $426,000 more than in 2007/08.

Health Minister Daniel Andrews said the boost means Seymour Hospital has had its funding increased by 91.9 per cent since 1999.

Visiting the hospital, Mr Andrews said the money was part of the Government's record investment in health services for all Victorians – a 112 per cent increase in hospital funding since 1999.

“Seymour Hospital will this financial year receive $3.73 million more than what it was given in 1999/2000,” Mr Andrews said.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to deliver quality health services for all Victorians.

“Record funding enables Seymour Hospital to treat record numbers of patients, whether it’s emergency procedures, elective surgery or other vital health services.”

He said the Brumby Government had given Seymour a further $123,500 in equipment funding this year.

The equipment comprises a neonatal resuscitaire, a cardio toco graphic machine and two sonacaid baby heart monitors for the maternity area, and an emergency electrical generator to ensure power was always available to the hospital.

The cardio toco graphic machine, more commonly known as a CTG machine, monitors the heartbeat of an unborn child and measures the strength of a mother’s contractions to help maternity staff recognise if a baby’s at risk. If it is, delivery can then be expedited.

Mr Andrews said the Seymour Hospital played an important role in the provision of healthcare in the region.

The hospital admitted 3,672 patients for the 2007/08 year and saw 5,661 patients in its emergency department. It also saw 5074 outpatients.

Mr Andrews said Victoria’s hospitals will this year get a combined $5.562 billion in recurrent acute funding – up by $311.6 million on the previous year, an overall increase of 5.9 per cent.

The funding boost will enable hospitals to provide an extra 33,500 outpatient appointments and treat an additional 60,000 patients in emergency departments.

“Hospital budgets are now in the black and more than 60 hospitals and aged care facilities have been rebuilt or upgraded as part of our capital works program,” Mr Andrews said.

Photo attached - contributed by the Seymour Telegraph. Caption - from left, SDMH Board Chairman John Keeffe, CEO Doreen Power, Health Minister Daniel Andrews and Ben

31 July 2008

ACCORD FUNDS SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIPS IN MITCHELL

COMMUNITIES in Mitchell and Strathbogie shires will benefit from funding through the Brumby Government’s $1.3 million dollar Victorian Local Sustainability Accord program.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman said Mitchell Shire would receive $165,650 to run regional community sustainability workshops in partnership with Strathbogie Shire.

“The regional community education program will run in partnership with Strathbogie Shire, the Department of Defence at Puckapunyal, Resource GV, BEAM Mitchell Environment Group, Goulburn Valley Water and Yarra Valley Water. It will feature behaviour change workshops to support the take-up of more sustainable living options in the areas of waste, recycling, water, green purchasing and sustainable transport use,” he said.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr Bob Humm welcomed the announcement and said the funding would help keep environmental sustainability at the top of community and council agendas.

“This program will help rural residents and businesses take action towards making their homes, workplaces and communities more sustainable. The goal is low-cost, sustainable and practical advice so people have the knowledge to make a difference locally. Workshops will take place throughout the Mitchell and Strathbogie shires.”

Mr Hardman said the funding would enable 11 councils, including Mitchell Shire, to work in partnership with a further 31 councils to undertake local and regional projects addressing a range of environmental issues affecting local communities.

“The Local Sustainability Accord is a landmark agreement between the Brumby Government and local government representatives to work together towards a more sustainable future for all Victorians,” he said.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to protect Victoria’s environment with funding of up to $5 million over three years committed for projects undertaken as part of the Accord program through Our Environment, Our Future Sustainability Action Statement 2006.

“A key objective of the accord is to encourage local governments to work together, build partnerships with the community and share their experiences in addressing local sustainability issues.

“The funding is aimed at enabling councils to undertake projects that will not only improve sustainability in their local area but will also serve as useful models for other councils dealing with similar issues in their own communities.”

62 councils have joined the Accord and 23 have received funding to lead projects in partnership with an extra 19 local governments.

Two rounds of funding are already completed, and projects are well underway, delivering important environmental outcomes across the state.

For a copy of the accord document visit www.dse.vic.gov.au

31 July 2008

FUNDS TO SUPPORT VULNERABLE YOUNG PEOPLE

COMMUNITY organisations working to help at-risk and vulnerable young people can now apply for funding of up to $150,000 over three years from the Brumby Government.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman said three-year funding of up to $50,000 a year was available for programs starting in January 2009 as part of the Brumby Government’s $12.3 million Youth Participation and Access (YPA) program.

Mr Hardman said applications were now open for the YPA program and encouraged community organisations and local governments to apply.

“Indigenous young people, newly arrived Victorians and those from diverse communities often face barriers to participation in the broader community and the YPA program provides vital assistance for those who support them,” Mr Hardman said.

Other target groups include young Victorians living with a disability, those in isolated rural communities or in rapid growth areas, those who are same-sex attracted or experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.

The YPA program aims to support vulnerable young people to get involved and potentially make a difference in their community.

Youth Affairs Minister James Merlino said the funding would help develop stronger relationships between young people, organisations and local communities for more positive outcomes.

“Through these programs young people develop the confidence and the skills they need to make informed choices and lead fulfilling and productive lives. It is a proven strategy for helping young Victorians to reach their potential in life,” he said.

“Since 2005, the YPA program has been helping deliver innovative programs that develop the capacity and skills of people aged between 12 and 25 years.”

As well as YPA, under the Brumby Government’s Mentoring and CapacityBuilding Initiative 2009-2011 funds are also available for up to 12 targeted youth mentoring projects.

Not-for-profit community organisations and local governments can apply for grants through www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au Applications close on Friday 5 September 2008.

For more details phone the Grants Information Line on 1300 366 356.

30 July 2008

GRANTS OPEN FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES VOLUNTEER GROUPS

LOCAL emergency services volunteer groups are being urged to apply for the 2008 round of Community Safety Emergency Support Program (CSESP) grants.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said cornerstone of this year’s $3.75 million CSESP round was special purpose funding of $1.3 million for slip-on units for CFA brigades, following consultation with the CFA, volunteer associations and volunteers across Victoria.

Mr Hardman particularly encouraged local CFA brigades to apply for the Brumby Government’s special allocation of funding for slip-on units - small fire fighting vehicles with a 400-litre water capacity designed to get to a fire quickly and suppress it.

“The usefulness of the slip-on units was demonstrated during the 2006-2007 fire season, when they were able to access difficult areas, which couldn’t be accessed by a large fire truck,” Mr Hardman said.

“Priority will be given under the special purpose program towards funding slip-on units for those brigades with the greatest operational need.”

He said local emergency services volunteer groups had already received grants including:

$73,500 to Tooborac CFA for the purchase of a medium tanker last December;

$28,959 towards an emergency response vehicle for Seymour SES unit in October 06; $35,833 towards a light tanker for Nulla Vale CFA October 06;
$50,572 towards an emergency response vehicle for Healeville SES unit October 06 ;
$66,333 towards a heavy tanker for Badger Creek CFA October 06 ; and
$42,833 towards a dual cab Land Rover for Toolangi Rural Fire Brigade October 06.

The CSESP grants program is open to local CFA brigades, VICSES Units and CERT teams.

Mr Hardman praised the tireless efforts of local volunteers and encouraged them to apply for the program so they would benefit from extra equipment.

“Our local emergency services volunteers do an outstanding job, often under very difficult conditions,” he said.

“They risk their lives not only protecting our community, but assisting other communities around the state during times of extreme emergency, like major bushfires, floods and storms.

“This funding program is about giving them the opportunity to buy specialist equipment to help them carry out their important work.”

Mr Hardman said that since the State Government’s CSESP program began in 2000, it had funded 730 grants to local emergency services groups, which together with contributions from volunteers and communities, had allowed the purchase of new vehicles, buildings and equipment worth more than $39 million.

“The CSESP grants program was designed to provide extra assistance to emergency service volunteers over and above the State Government’s record resourcing of Victoria’s emergency services,” he said.

“The combined budgets of Victoria’s emergency service agencies have more than doubled since 1999 – from $254 million to $585 million this year. This has allowed these agencies provide their brigades and units with the essential equipment needed for them to do their job.”

Mr Hardman said this year’s State Budget year’s alone delivered an extra $20.5 million towards emergency services initiatives across Victoria.

“The grants program helps build successful partnerships between communities, volunteers, emergency service organisations and Government,” he said.

“The CSESP grants are just another way we support those who support their communities every day of the year.

“Together we’re making our world-class emergency services even stronger.”

29 July 2008

REBATE TO SWITCH TO SOLAR

REGIONAL Victorians are being urged to switch to solar hot water to save money and help the environment.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said country Victorians could claim up to $2500 back on the purchase of their solar hot water system.

“Switching to solar hot water is now much easier for country Victorians, thanks to the Brumby Government’s $33 million Regional Solar Hot Water rebate,” Mr Hardman said.

“The rebate effectively means that householders will pay around the same for a solar hot water system as they would pay for a traditional gas or electric system.

“Over the next three years we’ll encourage regional and rural Victorians to replace their gas or electric hot water systems with the more energy efficient solar hot water systems.

“The Brumby Government is taking action on climate change and help regional communities to do their bit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Mr Hardman said those taking up the rebate could expect to save about $245 off their electricity bills each year.

To support the rebate, more than 1000 plumbers will undergo training and ongoing professional development to help with the increased business expected as a result of the rebate.

More than 50 suppliers are now participating in the scheme, with more being added every day.

The rebate is expected to help save regional and rural households between 50,000 and 72,000 black balloons of greenhouse gas each year.

Householders who want to check their eligibility can go to: www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au/rebates or phone 1300 363 744.

For the best advice on the system to suit your family and home talk to a participating plumber or retailer.

24 July 2008

$280,000 FOR CONNECTING MITCHELL TRANSPORT PROJECT

Residents of Mitchell will benefit from improved transport options, thanks to a funding boost of $280,000 from the Brumby Government, Planning Minister Justin Madden announced today.

Visiting Broadford to launch the Connecting Mitchell project, Mr Madden said the project would improve transport options and access to transport for people living in the Mitchell Shire.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to help people without a car participate in community life,” Mr Madden said.

“It is vital people have other transport options so they can access community services. This project will enable the people who know the community’s transport needs to identify ways that existing transport assets can be developed.

“With a focus on pedestrians, cyclists and community transport users, the project will have environmental as well as transport benefits.”

Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman also welcomed the project.

“Mitchell is a growing community, and Connecting Mitchell will make sure we have an integrated local transport system that enables everyone in the area to access the services they need,” Mr Hardman said.
The Connecting Mitchell project is one of 32 programs to have received a total of $18.3 million in 2006, from the Brumby Government as part of its Transport Connections program. There is a Transport Connections project active throughout all Victorian rural, regional and interface municipalities.

“Local partnerships with taxis, school and community buses as well as volunteers, are helping people get around their community,” Mr Madden said

“This is another example of how the Brumby Government is working with communities across the state to provide quality services that meet the needs of local people.”
Transport Connections is a joint initiative of the Department of Planning and Community Development, Department of Transport, Department of Human Services and Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
For more information about Connecting Mitchell, please contact Lisa Linton, Mitchell Shire Council on (03) 5734 6313.

Photo attached - contributed by the Seymour Telegraph. Caption - Ben, Planning Minister Justin Madden, MBUG President Greg Jones, Mitchell Community Health Services Chris McDonnell and Mitchell Shire Mayor Bob Humm

22 July, 2008

MERLINO INSPECTS KINGS PARK UPGRADES IN SEYMOUR

Seymour residents will have more opportunity to enjoy Kings Park with a number of upgrades being made to the park and its sport and recreation facilities.

Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino, who inspected the progress at Kings Park today, said some upgrades were already complete, with more to come.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure all Victorian communities have the facilities they need to encourage healthy, active involvement in sport and recreation,” Mr Merlino said.

“The Kings Park oval has been renovated and fitted with removable goal posts, a new netball court with lighting has been constructed and importantly an automatic watering system to better utilise recycled water has been installed.

“And this is just the beginning with more improvements to come. These project shows that great results can be achieved when the Victorian Government, local council, businesses and sporting clubs work together to benefit the community.”

Mr Merlino said the upgrades would provide positive and lasting outcomes for the community, in particular for members of the Seymour Football Netball Club, Eastern Hill Cricket Club and the Seymour Little Athletics.

The Brumby Government has provided more than $400,000 since 2003 for various projects at Kings Park.

Member for Seymour Ben Hardman MP said the next phase of the project included enhancements to the environmentally significant wetland area for the park.

“Kings Park is the centrepiece for sport and recreation in Seymour and it is wonderful to see the upgrade to its facilities and the surrounds taking shape,” Mr Hardman said.

“Our local sports facilities and parklands are vital to the social fabric, strength and wellbeing of our community and by improving the quality of those facilities we are encouraging greater participation and healthy lifestyles for people across the region.”

Mr Merlino said the recent upgrades to the oval and watering system utilising recycled water would assist in the management of the effects of the on-going drought to Kings Park’s grounds and wetlands.

“Managing the effects of the drought is a challenge for all Victorians. That’s why the Brumby Government has been working in partnership with local councils and their communities to keep sport participation alive and meet the challenges of the drought,” Mr Merlino said.

“We want Victorians of all ages to remain physically active and involved in their communities, which is what our Go for your life campaign is all about.”

Photo attached caption - Ben and the Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs with members of the Kings Park Committee of Management, Bill Rucker, Ken Daniel and Peter Robinson

21 July 2008

MITCHELL SHIRE HERITAGE TO JOIN DIGITAL AGE

HERITAGE places in the Shire of Mitchell will be listed on a new state-wide online database, thanks to a $3,000 grant through the Brumby Government’s Victoria’s Heritage Grants program.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said Mitchell Shire was one of 13 local councils to receive a heritage study digitisation grant in a special ‘early bird’ round of grants offered to all councils.

“This grant will see information from the shire’s heritage study digitised and stored electronically in an online database being managed by the State Government agency Heritage Victoria,” Mr Hardman said.

“It’s basically taking important paper-based information about our local heritage and saving it in a secure, accessible way, so that it can’t be damaged or lost over time.”

Planning Minister Justin Madden said the information would eventually be available to the public through the new searchable online tool, the Victorian Heritage Database at www.heritage.vic.gov.au

“By making state and local government heritage information available on the one site, we hope to build an invaluable resource for heritage professionals and the general public,” Mr Madden said.

“For example, if you are considering buying a property, you could use the site to identify whether it has state or local heritage protection and find out more about its history and significant features.”

As well as information about places and objects with state heritage protection, the Victorian Heritage Database already includes heritage places in the City of Greater Geelong and Hobsons Bay City.

“These two councils were the first to take up the opportunity to be part of the online Victorian Heritage Database, making their heritage listings available to the general public,” Mr Madden said.

“These digitisation grants are the first step in assisting other local councils to join this fantastic internet resource, and we hope all 79 councils will be on board within five years.”

A major benefit of the digitisation grants is the transfer of old and often fragile hard-copy records to digital, thereby enhancing the security, permanency and accessibility of the information.

The heritage studies of previous grant recipients are currently being digitised and will be available to the public online at the discretion of each local council.

21 July 2008

GRANTS TARGET RECYCLING AND LITTER IN PUBLIC PLACES

THE Shire of Yarra Ranges and Healesville Sanctuary will benefit from the Brumby Government’s Public Place Recycling and Litter Prevention Grants.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the Shire of Yarra Ranges would receive a grant of $10,000 for its Dumped Rubbish Action Program and Healesville Sanctuary would receive $10,000 for a recycling project.

“Healesville Sanctuary attracts more than 300,000 visitors a year and is working to minimise waste and maximise recycling,” he said.

“To complement its waste collection and recycling facilities, it will construct a facility to demonstrate organics recycling.

“The Shire of Yarra Ranges will use its grant to implement a program targetting illegal dumping within the shire.”

Mr Hardman said the grants supported litter prevention and recycling activities in public places and at events across Victoria.

“Although Victorians are excellent recyclers at home, we need to encourage residents and visitors to take the same action when they are out in public places,” Mr Hardman said.

“Major sporting, recreational venues and shopping centres can help educate the community, with flow on benefits to stakeholders and contractors in relation to catering, waste management and cleaning.”

Across Victoria 11 projects will receive a total of $168,802 to support recycling in public places and 13 projects will receive a total of $161,850 to reduce litter and illegal dumping.

“The litter prevention program will help meet the 25 per cent litter reduction target of the Towards Zero Waste Strategy,” Mr Hardman said.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to protect our environment and keep Victoria clean and Public Place Recycling and Litter Prevention Grants also aim to foster sustainable resource use and benefit the community.”

Since 2004, the Public Place Recycling Grants have helped public venues to install recycling bins and services with supporting community education programs.

“The grant applications represent the broad range of litter prevention and recycling projects being supported across Victoria as we continue on the path to becoming a ResourceSmart state,” he said.

The Public Place Recycling and Litter Prevention Grants are managed by Sustainability Victoria.

17 July 2008

BUILDING A FUTURE FOR SEYMOUR’S YOUNG PEOPLE

A COMMUNITY enterprise dedicated to boosting the employment prospects of local young people will expand its business, thanks to $50,000 in funding.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the Community Enterprise Grant would help UnitingCare Cutting Edge buy equipment and tools and employ extra staff and trainees from Seymour and surrounds to expand its Renovation for Renewal enterprise.

“Renovation for Renewal is a community enterprise set up by UnitingCare Cutting Edge in partnership with Seymour Neighbourhood Renewal,” Mr Hardman said.

“This fantastic enterprise provides training and job opportunities to local young people and at the same time addresses a local need for more skilled tradespeople, particularly in the housing industry.”

UnitingCare Cutting Edge Employment and Learning Co-ordinator, Lesley Cooper, said
Renovation for Renewal was a business established to support local tradespeople by training residents of Seymour in the building and construction sector.

“Although initially funded by the State Government, the enterprise has grown to employ nine residents through obtaining local contracts and general maintenance work,” Lesley said.

“A focus of the enterprise is to provide support and work experience to residents of Seymour who may not normally have the opportunity to gain employment in this sector.

“Renovation for Renewal is constantly looking for different types of maintenance and construction work that will give our apprentices experience in all facets of the industry.

“The enterprise aims to assist in building upon the strengths of our residents to build a better community.”

Mr Hardman said the Brumby Government supported the development of sustainable business ideas that delivered real results for local communities.

“Community enterprises are not-for-profit businesses that meet local needs and are run by local people, providing opportunities for them to build skills, confidence and community connections,” Mr Hardman said.

“Projects such as Renovation for Renewal are a really good way of giving people a chance to develop the skills and confidence they need to enter the workforce.

“Support for community enterprises is an important element of A Fairer Victoria, the Brumby Government’s action plan to address disadvantage and create opportunity,” he said.

Mr Hardman said the Victorian Government’s Action Plan: Strengthening Community Organisations included $2 million for a Community Enterprise Catalyst, in addition to $3 million already committed to support community enterprise development during 2008-11.

“The Community Enterprise Catalyst will be established in partnership with philanthropic and community organisations to provide emerging community enterprises with business support services to help them get started and succeed,” Mr Hardman said.

For a copy of the Victorian Government’s Action Plan: Strengthening Community Organisations visit www.dpcd.vic.gov.au

Photo attached caption - from left - Ben with UnitingCare Cutting Edge Employment & Learning Co-ordinator Lesley Cooper, UCCE building & Maintenance Supervisor Karl McGhie and the Renovation for Renewal team

16 July 2008

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR OUTSTANDING WOMEN

Nominations for the 2009 Victorian Honour Roll of Women are officially open.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the Victorian Honour Roll for Women recognises and celebrates the achievements of women from all walks of life who have made a significant contribution in a particular field or made a lasting contribution that benefits the lives of other women and our communities in Victoria, Australia and Internationally.

With Victoria celebrating 100 years of women’s suffrage this year, there has been increased focus on the achievements of women, but it is important this recognition continues beyond this historic year.

“I encourage all Victorians to not only reflect on the achievements of the generations of women who have gone before us but to recognise and celebrate the work of inspirational women in our community today,’’ Mr Hardman said..

Women can be nominated for their contributions in a diverse range of fields from education, social justice and science to medicine, human rights, media, literature and arts, sport and recreation, as well as involvement in ethnic and indigenous communities.

Victorian Honour Roll inductees will be announced on International Women’s Day, 9 March 2009.

Nominations for the 2009 Victorian Honour Roll of Women close 26 September 2008. For nomination forms and more information visit www.women.vic.gov.au

Friday, 11 July, 2008

BRUMBY GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN SEYMOUR ROADS

The Seymour region will benefit from more than $4.6 million of projects to improve the safety and efficiency of the local road network, Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas announced today.

Mr Pallas said that the Brumby Government was taking action to improve roads in communities across Victoria.

“Roads are key to Victoria’s economic and social development – connecting our towns and suburbs, ensuring efficient freight movement and creating jobs,” Mr Pallas said.

“A range of projects will be delivered to help tackle congestion, make our roads safer, and aid regional development in communities across the State like Seymour.

“In addition, the Government is delivering projects from the Safer Road Infrastructure Program, funded by the Transport Accident Commission, to introduce safety improvements on country and outer metropolitan roads.”

Roads projects in Seymour include:

$1.9 million project for the Hume Freeway to provide 9.1 kilometres of wire rope safety barrier and 230 metres of guard fence on the northbound carriageway between Seymour and Avenel;
$998,000 project to widen High Street to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. Works include widening of the road pavement to better cater for heavy vehicles and separation of cyclists from through traffic;
$730,000 safety upgrade to the northbound carriageway of the Hume Freeway between Tallarook and Seymour. Works include the installation of 2.6 kilometres of wire rope safety barrier and 840 metres of guard fencing;

$642,000 project to widen North Mountain Road at Heathcote Junction;
$377,000 for pavement rehabilitation project on Ennis Road, south of Tallarook.

Member for Seymour Ben Hardman, MP said these projects are the result of consultation with the community and local councils about their transport needs.

“The Brumby Government has committed to provide transport links that enhance tourism, improve freight operations and safety and connect communities across regional Victoria,” Mr Hardman said.

“This $4.6 million investment is in addition to the $9 million committed by the Brumby Government for the Yarra Glen Bypass.”

The Government has also allocated $180 million has been allocated to asset maintenance works across regional Victoria, to further improve the safety and operation of our roads.

Photo attached caption - VicRoads Regional Manager Mal Kersting, Ben and Minister for Roads and Ports Tim Pallas

Friday, 11 July, 2008

BRUMBY GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN WALLAN ROADS

The Wallan region will benefit from more than $250,000 of projects to improve the safety and efficiency of the local road network, Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas announced today.

Mr Pallas said that the Brumby Government was taking action to improve roads in communities across Victoria.

“Roads are key to Victoria’s economic and social development – connecting our towns and suburbs, ensuring efficient freight movement and creating jobs,” Mr Pallas said.

“A range of projects will be delivered to help tackle congestion, make our roads safer, and aid regional development in communities across the State such as Wallan.

The major new road safety project in Wallan is the $240,000 works to install new intersection signals at Northern Highway and William Street.

The new traffic signals will improve traffic flow and improve safety for commercial and local vehicles accessing the Northern Hwy and nearby side roads.

Works will also be undertaken to upgrade the traffic signals at the Rutledge Street and Northern Highway intersection.

Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman said the $39,000 upgrade would improve safety for pedestrians and improve traffic movements at the intersection, particularly during school times.

“They will also allow Kilmore CFA to activate the Rutledge Street lights to access the intersection during an emergency,” Mr Hardman said.

“These projects are the result of consultation with the community and local councils about their transport needs.

“The Brumby Government is delivering improved transport links to enhance tourism, make freight operations more efficient and deliver a better transport system for all Victorians,” Mr Hardman said.

In addition, more than $180 million has been allocated to asset maintenance works across regional Victoria, to further improve the safety and operation of our roads.

11 July 2008

FUNDING TO SHAPE UP BODY IMAGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

HEALESVILLE Living and Learning Centre is to receive new funding to help promote positive body image in young people.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman said the Healesville Living and Learning Centre would receive $5000 under the State Government’s ‘Go for your life’Positive Body Image program.

The project – Blacked out Mirrors - aims to raise awareness of body image issues with local women through innovative sessions at local school leading to creation of a digital story and resource kit for other students and young people.

Mr Hardman said the Victorian Government was taking the lead on promoting healthy body image and working to reduce the effect unrealistic and unhealthy images in the media can have on young people.

“The Positive Body Image grants of up to $5000 are offered directly to community organisations to undertake and promote positive body image activities to young people, with a particular focus on those aged 12-16 years,” he said.

The Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs, James Merlino said last year’s grant recipients had conducted an incredible and varied range of activities in 2007.

“With a focus on healthy eating, physical activity and self-esteem, the first year of the "Go for your life' Positive Body Image program has really made a difference,” Mr Merlino said.

“These issues can have devastating effects on young people’s lives so we’re really proud that Victoria is responding with a range of initiatives to tackle them and help teach young people to be happy with who they are.”

The Brumby Government’s Go for your life $2.1 million commitment to positive body image includes community awareness programs in regional and metropolitan Victoria, media and industry awareness partnerships and voluntary media code on body image.

The Victorian Voluntary Media Code of Conduct on Body Image seeks to make the media, fashion and advertising industries more aware of their effect on young people’s self-esteem.

For more details on the Body Image Strategy and Victorian Voluntary Media Code of Conduct on Body Image, visit www.goforyourlife and www.youthcentral

10 July 2008

CALL FOR SPORT AWARDS NOMINATIONS

LOCAL sporting heroes, clubs and organisations can share in $50,000 in cash prizes as part of the 2008 Sport and Recreation Awards.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, is encouraging people to nominate sporting clubs, organisations and individuals who had invested their time and energy to make a difference in their local communities.

“The Sport and Recreation Awards, now in its 12th year, is a great way to acknowledge and reward those dedicated individuals and organisations who work so tirelessly for their club or organisation, often behind the scenes, Mr Hardman said.

The 10 awards categories are:

Amateur’s Achievement Award;
Go for your life Community Participation Award;
Sport and Recreation Education Award;
Community Event Award;
Sport and Recreation Research Award;
Young Person in Sport Award;
Community Facility Design Award;
Club and Organisational Management Award;
Volunteer Involvement Award; and
Minister’s Award for Lifetime Achievement

Sport and Recreation Minister James Merlino said taking part and nominating for the awards was also an opportunity to celebrate local achievements, as well as unsung heroes.

“I encourage members of our thriving sporting community to consider their contribution and involvement, and that of their family, friends and colleagues, who have helped to create opportunities for people to participate in sport and physical activity,” Mr Merlino said.

“Winners of these awards could provide the inspiration others around them need to pursue healthy and active lifestyles, and get more involved in their communities.”

For more details or a nomination kit, phone Awards Coordinator, Shannon Stacey, on (03) 9208 3614, email shannon.stacey@dvc.vic.gov.au or visit www.sport.vic.gov.au

Nominations close on 22 August, 2008.

8 July 2008

GRANTS TO STRENGTHEN VIBRANT ARTS SECTOR

The Brumby Government’s 2008-09 arts funding programs are now open for applications.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman urged local artists and arts organisations to apply for funding through the Arts Victoria-run programs.

“The funds will help provide opportunities for artists and audiences right across Victoria and support projects that reflect and celebrate the diversity of our state,” he said.

Funding is available for Victoria’s professional artists, arts organisations and community groups, across a number of competitive funding programs.

The range of arts activities could include the creation and presentation of new work, programming, education and community partnerships, regional and international touring and cultural exchange.

2008-09 program categories include:

Arts Development - supporting Victorian professional artists and arts organisations in the creation, presentation and programming of works;
International program - supporting opportunities for cultural exchange, touring and export by Victorian artists and arts organisations;
Touring Victoria - supporting touring activity that brings the arts to regional and outer metropolitan Victoria;
Victoria Rocks - supporting contemporary musicians and band and strengthening the growth and viability of the local music sector;
Community partnerships - supporting collaborations between artists, arts companies and Victorian communities;
Artists in Schools - supporting professional artists to work with primary and secondary school students and teachers on an arts project;
Sector Development Partnerships - supporting larger-scale projects that strengthen and raise the profile of particular arts sectors in Victoria; and
Annual Operations - providing operational support for arts organisations for the development, delivery and promotion of arts and cultural programs.

Closing dates for most programs are in August and September 2008, with a second round of applications closing in March 2009.

Program details, application forms and guidelines can be found on the Arts Victoria website www.arts.vic.gov.au or phone 1800 134 894 or 9954 5000.

4 July 2008

NEW WATER SUPPLY FOR BROADFORD

Construction of the new Broadford water supply pipeline and pump station has commenced. A pumping station on the Goulburn River near Tallarook will be built in the coming months and a pipeline connecting the pump station to the Broadford water treatment plant is currently underway.

Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, Goulburn Valley Water’s Chairman, Don Cummins and Managing Director Peter Quinn recently visited the site where DigRite Excavations were laying a section of pipe.

Mr Cummins was very impressed with the progress to date and is looking forward to reporting back to the Board on the project.

The pipeline is some 23.5 kilometres long and wherever possible the route follows the GasNet pipeline to Broadford. This alignment was selected as the route as it is cleared of vegetation and the pipeline can be located within the GasNet easement, to minimise the impact on landowners.

The pipeline route through the Broadford township is along existing water main easements and will reduce the construction impact on the Broadford community.

This project will ensure the security of water supply for Broadford and will increase the security in the Sunday Creek System. The estimated capital cost of the entire project is $15.2 million.

DigRite Excavations are the contractors for the pipeline and Leed Engineering and Construction will be constructing the pump station. Both these contacts commenced in mid June and we anticipate completion by November 2008.

The timing is dependent on weather conditions. If we receive a lot of winter rain then there may be some delays. If there is inclement weather delays let’s hope that there is a lot of rain, resulting in the filling of Sunday Creek Reservoir.

Photo attached - contributed by the Seymour Telegraph. Caption - GVWater Managing Director Peter Quinn, Chairman Don Cummins, Ben, DigRite Managing Director Doug Kindred and GVWater Project Manager Lachlan McGregor

1 July, 2008

SPRAY CAN RESTRICTIONS TO HELP TACKLE GRAFFITI

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman today announced that new laws have come into force to help keep spray paint cans out of the hands of young graffiti vandals.

Mr Hardman said retailers will now be restricted from selling spray paint cans to under 18 year-olds unless they produce a letter or statutory declaration from their employer declaring the paint is for their work.

Retailers and their employees who sell spray paint cans to minors without that proof face on-the-spot fines of up to $226 or fines of up to $2,268.

Employers also face fines of up to $2,268 for failing to take reasonable precautions, such as staff training, to prevent an employee from selling spray paint cans to a minor without proof.

Mr Hardman said retailers had been sent resource kits to advise them of the new laws and help them inform their employees and customers.

“Our community is sick and tired of graffiti vandals ruining their private property,” Mr Hardman said.

“These tough new laws will help keep spray cans out of the hands of minors, who are the largest group of apprehended graffiti vandals.

“Research shows that graffiti offending is evolutionary in nature, with offenders following a developmental cycle that commences with tagging in early adolescence,” he said.

Mr Hardman said the new restrictions form the second stage of tough measures introduced in April this year as part of the Brumby Government’s Graffiti Prevention Act 2007.

In April new laws came into effect making graffiti a specific offence for the first time in Victoria resulting in tougher penalties, with graffiti offenders now facing up to two years jail and hefty fines.

“A person can now be given an on-the-spot fine of $550 for possessing a spray can or other graffiti implement on or around public transport, or while trespassing, without a lawful excuse,” Mr Hardman said.

Mr Hardman said the Brumby Government is also taking action to clean up graffiti, last year expanding its Graffiti Removal Program which puts offenders to work cleaning up graffiti.

He said the Brumby Government’s $4.5 million anti-graffiti package had added six purpose-built clean-up trailers to the program, resulting in a total of 14 trailers now operating across Victoria.

“Since it began in November 2005, the Corrections Victoria Graffiti Removal Program has removed over 300,000 square metres of graffiti – that’s equivalent to an area the size of 13 MCG playing fields, he said.

1 July, 2008

VICTORIANS URGED TO NOMINATE OUTSTANDING SENIORS

Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman invites Victorians to nominate older people who have made an outstanding contribution to the community for the Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year 2008.

Minister for Senior Victorians Lisa Neville launched the statewide search today and urged community members, service organisations and local councils to put forward names of seniors who have worked to make a difference in their community.

“If you know about an ordinary senior who does extraordinary things as a volunteer then the Premier’s annual Senior of the Year Award is one way you can celebrate their achievements,” Ms Neville said.

“The award gives people the chance to say thankyou to an inspirational older person who deserves statewide recognition.

“People are invited to nominate seniors who are contributing in any walk of life.”

All nominees for the Premier’s Award are also eligible for the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Awards.

There is also the ‘Go for your life’ Award which recognises a senior who best personifies 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.

Nominations for all awards close at on 10 August 2008.

Last year’s Senior of the Year was Ronald Palmer, aged 82, known locally as “Mr Footscray”.
Mr Palmer has been an active volunteer in his community for more than 40 years, through his involvement in the Footscray Yarraville City Band, Footscray Rotary, the Footscray Historical Society and a life member of the Footscray Football Club, now the Western Bulldogs.

To be eligible for the Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year, the nominee must be an Australian citizen, a resident in Victoria, aged 60 years or more, and who, in the past two years, has achieved something extraordinary or performed exceptional service to the community.

The Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year 2008 and the COTA Victoria Senior AchieverAwards will be presented at a special reception at Government House on 3 October 2008, in the lead up to the Victorian Seniors Festival, which runs from 5 to 12 October.

Nomination forms can be obtained from Seniors Information Victoria, phone 1300 135 090 or be downloaded from the Office of Senior Victorians website: www.seniors.vic.gov.au

1 July, 2008

BIGGER WATER CONCESSIONS FOR LOW-INCOME VICTORIANS

Low-income Victorians have access to one of the most comprehensive concessions packages available in Australia under a new range of concessions coming into effect from today.

Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman said the water and sewerage concession cap increased by 19.6 per cent and will continue to be reviewed annually in line with inflation. This concession provides a 50 per cent discount on water bills, up to the new limit of $189.70, and will benefit 632,000 households.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure that low-income families can get cheaper access to essential services,” Mr Hardman said.

“We have allocated an additional $41.3 million to enhance our water and sewerage concessions programs and will continue to monitor this, and a range of other concessions, to ensure that low-income Victorians get the support they need into the future.”

The Home Wise: Appliance and Infrastructure Grant, formerly known as the Capital Grant Scheme, has now been expanded from 1 July to enable eligible customers to apply for one grant every five years, or two grants simultaneously every 10 years.

“Under the old system, eligible customers could only receive one grant a lifetime,” Mr Hardman said.

“This change will help low-income Victorians to purchase essential appliances, such as washing machines or refrigerators.”

In addition, households of five or more people, where the bill payer holds a concession card, will be able to apply for a grant to install ceiling insulation.

The Appliance and Infrastructure Grant will pay for the entire cost of replacing the appliance or installing insulation.

Further concessions will be expanded over the coming six months, as announced in the 08/09 budget, and new initiatives include the WaterWise program that will provide free water audits and retrofits to low-income households up to the value of $500.

Mr Hardman said these programs were specifically designed to help concession card-holders become more energy efficient.

25 June, 2008

NEW AMBULANCE VICTORIA BOARD UNVEILED

Victoria’s new statewide ambulance service will be headed up by representatives of the Metropolitan Ambulance Service, Rural Ambulance Victoria and Alexandra District Ambulance Service when it commences operations on 1 July.

Announcing the Ambulance Victoria board, Premier John Brumby said current Bendigo Health Group chair Marika McMahon, a former board member of Rural Ambulance Victoria (RAV), would chair the new board and Metropolitan Ambulance Service (MAS) CEO Greg Sassella had been appointed CEO.

“This Government is committed to ensuring Victorians have access to the best ambulance service, no matter where they live,” Mr Brumby said.

“That’s why in this year’s State Budget we announced a record $185.7 million investment to boost ambulance services including two new medical helicopters, 59 new and upgraded services and the creation of one single integrated state wide service to help us to deliver the highest quality health services to communities across Victoria.

“It is only fitting that the new Ambulance Victoria service, which will serve of all Victorians, both rural and metropolitan, be led by representatives of the services it is replacing.”

Five of the board members are from regional and rural areas serviced by RAV and six of the nine are women.

The other newly appointed members of Ambulance Victoria are:

Kevin Boote
Jean Sutherland
Professor George Braitberg
Rosalyn Buchanan
Rhonda Whitfield
Jan Moffatt
Alison Teese
John Frame

Previous chair of the RAV board, Leigh Hocking, has also been appointed by Health Minister Daniel Andrews as a delegate to the board.

Mr Andrews thanked the outgoing members of the RAV, MAS and Alexandra District Ambulance Service boards for their contributions to ambulance services in Victoria.

“Ambulance Victoria would build on a long and proud history of emergency health provision in this state,” Mr Andrews said.

“When the Public Health Department began funding an ambulance service delivery in 1919, it had 85 drivers; today Victoria is covered by 2016 paramedics and more than 500 state of the art road ambulance vehicles, helicopters and planes.”

Next month will also be the 21st anniversary of the recruitment of the first female paramedics in Victoria.

One of the first recruits, Andrea Wyatt, went on to become the first female Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance paramedic and Clinical Support Officer.

“She is currently the education services manager for paramedics, ensuring the clinical skills of future Ambulance Victoria paramedics and, therefore, the health of all Victorians,” Mr Andrews said.

25 June 2008

AN EXTRA PUBLIC HOLIDAY FOR MITCHELL SHIRE

MITCHELL Shire residents will be among almost 500,000 Victorians to enjoy an extra public holiday each year after the Brumby Government moved to formalise the state’s public holiday arrangements.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman welcomed the Public Holidays Amendment Bill, being introduced into Parliament today, to correct a situation where some regional councils observed 11 public holidays while others observed only 10.

All areas will now benefit from a Melbourne Cup Day public holiday, unless their council nominates a different day of regional significance to celebrate a public holiday, he said.

Small Business Minister Joe Helper said the new legislation meant that Victorians living in 28 regional council areas will now be able to enjoy Melbourne Cup Day as a public holiday this year.

The 28 councils had not gazetted an alternative day as a public holiday.

“While all of Melbourne’s 31 metropolitan councils celebrate the first Tuesday in November, there was a gap where some regional councils had not selected an 11th public holiday for this year,” he said.

“So the residents of those shires will be able to enjoy the race that stops a nation as a public holiday.

“The Brumby Government believes that all Victorians should be able to enjoy the same number of public holidays a year no matter where they live.”

Mitchell and Strathbogie Shire Councils were among those councils who had not gazetted a public holiday and will therefore now celebrate Melbourne Cup Day as a public holiday.

Mr Helper said the bill also addressed uncertainty surrounding the treatment of public holidays when they fall on weekends, including New Year’s Day, Australia Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

The Public Holidays Amendment Bill 2008 will amend the act to provide automatic extra public holidays when New Year’s Day and Boxing Day fall on a weekend, so that the following Monday is a public holiday; and automatic substitute public holidays when Australia Day and Christmas Day fall on a weekend.

23 June 2008

NURSE-ON-CALL HELPS PATIENTS AND HOSPITALS

THE Nurse-On-Call service has become a vital resource for Victorian families, taking more than 740,000 calls since it began two years ago.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said that since June 2006 the service had taken more than 1000 calls a day or about one call every 90 seconds.

Mr Hardman said there had been 3182 calls over the two years from residents in Mitchell Shire and 696 calls from residents in Murrindindi Shire.

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

“This 24-hour advice and information line is a trusted resource for Victorian families, helping them decide if they need to attend hospital or a doctor straight away, whether their illness or condition could be treated by a GP the next day, or if they can manage it themselves.

“More than 10 per cent of the callers who had intended to care for themselves were told that they needed emergency treatment, and just over one in five callers who planned to ring an ambulance or go to the hospital emergency department were advised they could manage their condition at home.”

Mr Hardman said weekends had proven the busiest days for calls to the service, with the heaviest volume of calls on Sunday evenings.

Health Minister Daniel Andrews said Nurse-On-Call had also helped save precious hospital resources, with hospitals diverting more than 88,000 calls to the service.

“That represents more than 11,800 hours of time – 492 days – that hospital nurses would otherwise have spent speaking to these patients,” he said.

“Customer satisfaction surveys show that 99.1 per cent of respondents were satisfied with the service they received from Nurse-On-Call and 98.5 per cent felt that Nurse-On-Call was a valuable step in accessing health assistance and advice.”

Around four out 10 of the people whose illness or injury was the subject of a call were aged under 15.

The most common ailments about which calls were made were vomiting and fever among children, abdominal pain or discomfort, adult nausea and vomiting and chest pain.

Mr Andrews said Nurse-On-Call deserved accolades for providing Victorians with top-level, round-the-clock healthcare.

People can ring Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24 direct, or can be transferred through if they ring a hospital and their query can best be handled by Nurse-On-Call.

16 June 2008

NEW OPTIONS FOR RESPITE CARE IN THE GOULBURN REGION

FAMILIES needing respite care in Mitchell Shire will be able to take advantage of the new Goulburn Options facility in Seymour as a result of partnership between the State Government and Seymour doctors Andrew Slutzkin and Bill Dwyer.

The doctors’ generosity was recognised by the Brumby Government which matched their gift to Goulburn Options of $15,000 to complete a 25-year project to provide a respite care facility.

Goulburn Options Board of Management President, Janice Kemp, said the $30,000 would be used to purchase of furniture and curtains for the two units, plus fencing, painting and landscaping. The units are expected to be ready for use in the next month.

The units offer the first respite care facility in the Lower Hume Mitchell Shire Council area, Ms Kemp said. The project was initiated after a generous anonymous donor provided funds. Many hours of work by volunteers has followed to bring the project to fruition.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the Goulburn Options facility would provide a much-needed break for families and carers of locals with disabilities.

“I congratulate Goulburn Options on the construction of this new facility, and I am confident it will provide a valuable service to Goulburn Options members and the wider community.”

Dr Dwyer and Dr Slutzkin said their contribution was a clear recognition of the vital role Goulburn Options has in caring for local people with disabilities.

“It is vital that we support these families,” Dr Slutzkin said.

“The completion of the facility is great news for the Seymour community.”

Goulburn Options is a small disability service provider based near Seymour. Its principal activities are day programs and Futures for Young Adults. It also provides some community options, outreach and HomeFirst services.

“The Brumby Government recognises the needs of Victorians with disabilities, and also the needs of their families and carers,” Mr Hardman said.

“In the recent State Budget we delivered a record $233 million for disabled Victorians and their carers. This money includes $12.5 million over four years to deliver flexible respite that is responsive to individual families’ needs, and $1 million to establish a centralised respite information service.

“These services will help ease the pressure on carers and provide extra support for these unsung heroes.”

Photo attached caption - from left - Janice Kemp, Ben, Dr Bill Dwyer, Elly Fisher, Dr Andrew Slutzkin and Rosemary Sheppard

13 June 2008

VEHICLE SCHEME FOR PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY

MORE than 220 Victorians with a disability and their families are set to benefit from easier vehicle transport under a new Brumby Government subsidy.

The Member for Seymour Ben Hardman welcomed the $2.5 million scheme which will provide for the first time financial assistance for private vehicle modifications.

“The vehicle modification subsidy scheme is an important initiative in increasing independence and community participation for those with a disability,” he said.

“It continues the Brumby Government’s commitment to providing more support for people with a disability and easing the pressures on families and carers.”

The subsidy will help people with a disability who require modifications to drive or travel as a passenger in their vehicle, and a maximum subsidy of up to $10,000 can help people with a disability to convert their car for wheelchair access.

Mr Hardman said the subsidy could also provide assistance with specialised lifters, carriers and trailers for wheelchairs, ramps fixed to a vehicle and modified driving controls to enable a person with a disability to drive

Community Services Minister Lisa Neville said the Ballarat Health Services Aids and Equipment Program would administer the $2.5 million vehicle modification subsidy scheme on a statewide basis.

“This is long awaited assistance for people with a disability in helping them to maintain their independence through motoring,” Disabled Motorists Association president, Rosslyn Pickhaver, said.

For more details phone 1800 995 009 or email vmss@bhs.org.au

10 June 2008

FIREWOOD SALES A BURNING ISSUE

Victorians should be wary of underweight firewood and dodgy firewood traders this winter,

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman said Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) trade measurement inspectors conducted regular inspections to make sure pre-packaged firewood was correctly weighted and were focussing on pre-packaged firewood and firewood suppliers following an increasing trend for pre-packaged firewood to be sold at retail outlets such as service stations

Firewood sold in bags as a pre-packed article must have the name and address of the packer on the outside wrapping, as well as a price and weight statement.

Mr Hardman encouraged consumers who believe they have been sold underweight wood to immediately contact their local CAV Trade Measurement Inspector on 1300 365 500

Consumers should also be on the lookout for fly-by-night firewood traders and arrange to be home when wood was delivered.

“Rogue operators sell underweight firewood to unsuspecting consumers, often after advertising in local newspapers and only offering a mobile phone number as a point of contact,” he said.

“Once sales have been made these mobile numbers are disconnected, making sellers difficult to trace. They also tend to deliver when no one is home, which can create more difficulties in tracking them down.”

In Victoria, firewood can be sold by mass, volume or by the lot (a stack, trailer load or truck load). Firewood sold in Victoria must meet the following requirements:

If the firewood is sold by measurement, the measurement must be made in the presence of the purchaser or the purchaser must be supplied with a written statement of the measurement; and
If the transaction is more than $50, a record of the transaction must be provided.

Mr Hardman said any traders caught selling underweight firewood would face prosecution.

Under the Fair Trading Act 1999, traders who mislead and deceive consumers about the weight of firewood could face maximum fines of more than $125,000 for a company and more than $62,000 for an individual.

Tuesday, 3 June, 2008

PARKING UPGRADE COMPLETE AT WALLAN STATON

A new carpark at Wallan is now open offering V/Line commuters 240 parking spaces as part of a $5 million package to improve public transport amenities across regional Victoria.

Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said the first stage of the Wallan Railway Station upgrade was now complete.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to improve regional public transport services and our investment is paying off with V/Line carrying more than 1 million passengers in April,” Ms Kosky said.

“The new car spaces at Wallan will allow commuters to park their vehicles safely and conveniently.

“This is a $2 million project funded through the Brumby Government’s, Moving Forward in Provincial Victoria statement.”

Member for Seymour Ben Hardman said Wallan Station now had a new lease on life.

“The first stage of this project is now complete, with a brand new car park open providing parking for 240 vehicles,” Mr Hardman said.

“A new bus bay and shelter has been provided, as well as improved lighting and CCTV coverage. A covered walkway will be added shortly.

“Previously the station car park was completely unsealed, with no dedicated car spaces, so I’m sure the new ‘Parkway’ facility will be welcomed by regular commuters and occasional passengers alike.”

Parkways facilities are now open at Wallan, Bacchus Marsh, Gisborne, Lara and Drouin and Ballan.

“Through our Parkways projects we are making it easier for people in regional growth areas to connect with existing public transport systems,” Ms Kosky said.

Ms Kosky said work was also progressing on the station upgrade which would improve the comfort and amenity for passengers including waiting areas on both platforms and an air conditioned waiting room.

“With petrol prices continuing to climb, people are increasingly turning to public transport so it is important that we provide first class passenger facilities,” Ms Kosky said.

“Improved parking and station facilities at Wallan will make it easier for existing passengers to connect with public transport services and hopefully encourage more people to leave the car at home and catch a train or bus instead.”

The Wallan Station upgrade is due to be completed by the end of the year.

Friday, 30 May, 2008

SEYMOUR PASSENGERS TO BENEFIT FROM $501 MILLION NORTH-EAST RAIL LINE UPGRADE

SEYMOUR train passengers can look forward to extra daily services as part of a major $501.3 million Rudd and Brumby Government project to revitalise Victoria’s north-east corridor.

Premier John Brumby said following the completion of the North-East Rail Revitalisation Project, passengers travelling to and from Seymour would have an extra five return services each day.

“We are taking action to improve public transport for people no matter where they live,” Mr Brumby said.

“Once this project is complete, interstate CountryLink XPT services will stop at Seymour for the first time meaning passengers will be able to choose between boarding a V/Line and CountryLink service.

“It means people living and working in the Seymour region will have an extra five return train services each day that will be faster, more comfortable and reliable.”

The North-East Rail Revitalisation Project will remove the rail line from the centre of Wodonga and convert 200-kilometres of broad gauge track to standard gauge along the north-east corridor. This will deliver a first-class passenger and rail freight link between Australia’s economic hubs, Melbourne and Sydney and improved passenger rail services between Melbourne and Albury-Wodonga.

As part of the agreement, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will take on responsibility for the ongoing operation of the new north-east standard gauge rail line under a 45-year lease agreement with Victoria.

Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said the North-East Rail Revitalisation Project would provide a high-quality rail link between Melbourne and the north-east corridor including Broadmeadows, Seymour, Wangaratta, Benalla and Albury-Wodonga.

“Up to 30 per cent of the line between Seymour and Albury is currently subject to speed restrictions and the rail line is a single track which means services have been experiencing delays,” Ms Kosky said.

“Once this project is complete there will be a parallel standard gauge track sharing the rail traffic, both to be operated by the ARTC. This will provide significantly more capacity on the two rail lines so passengers and freight services will operate far more reliably.”

The Member for Seymour Ben Hardman said the project was great news for Seymour and surrounding communities.

“This exciting project will greatly enhance Seymour’s status as a major transport hub for the region and I look forward to seeing the benefits it brings to the community,” Mr Hardman said.

“It means Seymour will now have a direct link with the CountryLink service to Melbourne and north to NSW and Sydney, securing the region’s future and making it an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Ms Kosky said there would be temporary disruptions to passengers while the project was carried out but the long-term benefits would far outweigh the short-term inconvenience.

“We will work closely with V/Line to communicate these changes as early as possible and to minimise the impacts,” Ms Kosky said.

“It is expected that V/Line rail services between Albury and Seymour will be replaced with air-conditioned coaches for between 12 and 18 months.

“We will be looking closely at the experiences of the regional fast rail project to assess how we can minimise the impacts on rail passengers.”

Works are already underway between Melbourne and Seymour to build new passing loops and upgrade the rail line with new sleepers.

Major works between Seymour and Albury-Wodonga will commence later this year and are expected to be completed in 2010.

The project is jointly funded with the Rudd Government providing $55 million, the Brumby Government $195 million and the ARTC contributing $300 million.

Photo attached caption- Ben making the announcement at Seymour Railway Station and with commuters Val Pinder and Robyn Steele

29 May 2008

$10,000 GRANT FOR THE ALEXANDRA TRUCK ROD AND UTE SHOW

THE iconic Alexandra Truck Rod and Ute Show will be expanded this year with the help of a $10,000 Victorian Government grant announced today by the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan.

“This year’s event on June 7 and 8 June will mark the 12th anniversary of the Alexandra Truck Rod and Ute Show, which is one of the largest events in Murrindindi Shire,” Ms Allan said.

“The Alexandra Truck Rod and Ute Show historically attracts 10,000 visitors to the free Sunday program, but this year the event will be bigger with the addition of a Saturday night Country Music feature.

“Funding from the Government will help to develop the two-day format for the event, attracting more visitors to the town, with a particular emphasis on attracting visitors to stay overnight in the district.”

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the past few years had been difficult for many businesses in the region due to the impact of the ongoing drought, and the event would lift the spirits of the Alexandra community and help boost the local economy.

“For many retailers in the town, the Truck Rod and Ute Show represents their biggest trading period of the year,” Mr Hardman said.

“The Truck Rod and Ute Show continues to raise the profile of the town and also provides an opportunity for local service clubs and organisations to undertake important fundraising activities.

“It also showcases the district to new visitors and helps promote it as a future holiday destination.”

Ms Allan said the State Government funding would be provided to Alexandra Traders and Tourism Association Inc through the Brumby Government’s Provincial Victoria Local Events Program.

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

“The Government is committed to working in partnership with local councils and communities to drive new growth and investment opportunities across provincial Victoria.”

19 May 2008

HERITAGE GRANTS OPEN

LOCAL communities can now apply for $2 million worth of grants to help them conserve, manage and interpret Victoria’s heritage.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the 2008-09 grants were part of the Brumby Government’s $20.5 million, four-year heritage strategy Victoria’s Heritage: Strengthening our communities, being implemented by Heritage Victoria.

The grantsprovide funding for heritage places and objects, as well as community collections and heritage interpretation.

Heritage study grants are also available to help local councils identify and manage heritage assets in their municipality.

Mr Hardman said community groups, collections managers and local councils had until 24 July 2008 to apply.

“Victoria’s Heritage Grants empower local communities to care for Victoria’s heritage, while receiving guidance from the State Government agency Heritage Victoria,” Mr Hardman said.

“It’s very important we support our local heritage custodians, as without their dedication many of our precious places, collections and stories would certainly be worse off.’’

Planning Minister Justin Madden said grants were available for a diverse range of heritage projects, from conserving buildings to managing collections and interpreting historic places.

Mr Madden said Heritage Victoria was interested in supporting innovative approaches to using new media such as podcasting.

For the first time, grant applications can this year be submitted online from the website at www.heritage.vic.gov.au, as well as by post or email.

For more details phone Heritage Victoria on (03) 9637 9281 or email them at heritage.grants@dpcd.vic.gov.au

19 May 2008

CFA VOLUNTEER WELFARE FUND ESTABLISHED

A $2 million welfare fund supporting CFA volunteers will be established following a grant from the Brumby Government in this year’s State Budget.

Emergency Services Minister Bob Cameron said the Government worked with Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) to establish the fund which will start later this year.

“CFA’s 60,000 volunteers often respond to calls for help from others, now this funding will mean they can seek assistance should they need help themselves,” Mr Cameron said.

Mr Cameron said the fund would be run by VFBV which will use the grant to establish a self-sustaining program of assistance for CFA volunteers and their families in times of financial hardship.

“In my experience CFA volunteers get on with the job and don’t ask for much but this fund will mean brigades can offer assistance when they fall on hard times,” Mr Cameron said.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the funding was part of the $20.5 million committed in the 2008/09 State Budget for emergency services and is another example of the Brumby Government’s continued support for CFA volunteers.

Funding in this year’s Budget will deliver rescue trucks, emergency response trucks, road accident rescue kits and rescue boats.

As well, all CFA operational radios will also be replaced across Victoria as part of a $12.8 million CFA emergency radio replacement package to secure the CFA emergency communications network for the next decade.

“Since coming into office, the Brumby Government has provided CFA with an extra 520 fire trucks and delivered 181 new paid firefighters integrated with volunteers at selected fire stations,” he said.

Victoria’s fire services attended more than 5370 fires over this fire season despite it being a milder summer than previous years.

Mr Hardman thanked CFA volunteers for their fantastic efforts in protecting Victorians and property from fire and other emergency every day of the week.

19 May 2008

FUNDING TO BOOST PUBLIC INTERNET ACCESS

Victorian Government funding is now available to boost free or affordable public Internet access.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the latest round of Public Internet Access Program grants were now available to community organisations to help increase public Internet access for local residents.

“The Public Internet Access Program is designed to bring all the benefits of the Internet to people who currently have difficulty accessing it, particularly senior Victorians, recent migrants, those outside the education system, the unemployed and people with a disability,” Mr Hardman said.

Grants of up to $7500 are available to community organisations to purchase or upgrade computers and software, pay for Internet connections and cover costs associated with other relevant equipment.

The Public Internet Access Program is a key initiative of the Victorian Government’s $9 million Connecting Communities: the second wave strategy to address the barriers to Internet uptake in Victoria.

“Connecting Communities: the second wave is helping to bridge the digital divide by providing Internet access and training to many thousands of people across the state,” Mr Hardman said.

“As technology continues to evolve, the Internet is becoming an essential resource and a gateway to all sorts of opportunities.

“The Public Internet Access Program is one way the State Government is working to ensure all Victorians, no matter what their circumstances, have the opportunity to get online to access information that is meaningful and relevant to them.”

Not-for-profit organisations and local government authorities that provide or intend to provide public Internet access for the specified target groups are eligible to apply for a Public Internet Access Program grant.

Applications close Friday, 27 June 2008.

For more details visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au or phone the Grants Information line on 1300 366 358.

7 May 2008

IMPROVEMENTS FOR MARYSVILLE POLICE STATION

MARYSVILLE Police Station will receive important improvement works following the allocation of $20,000 in the State Budget, handed down on Tuesday.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman said the funding was part of a Brumby Government $10 million Police Station Priority Upgrade Program.

The Marysville station upgrade will include a portable building which will incorporate a change room, mess and toilets.

Mr Hardman said the program would be rolled out over three years and would provide much-needed refurbishments to police stations, with the majority of upgrades focusing on security.

“Community safety and reducing crime are at the top of the Brumby Government’s priorities,” Mr Hardman said.

“The Brumby Government supports the great work of Victoria Police and we are working to ensure our police have access to the best training, increased resources and equipment and the right powers to help them fight crime.

“Victoria now has its lowest crime rate in more than a decade with a 23.5 per cent reduction since this government came to office.”

Mr Hardman said the State Government had given Victoria Police its largest ever budget of $1.75 billion.

“We now have more police than ever before, with an extra 1400 police officers added to the beat since 1999, and a further 350 to be added by 2010,” he said.

The Brumby Government has taken action to rebuild or refurbish police stations across the state as part of the largest police station construction program in Victoria’s history.

“We have committed more than $400 million to the construction and refurbishment of over 140 police stations.

“We will continue to resource Victoria Police to reduce crime levels year on year.”

Mr Hardman said that the Seymour electorate under the Labor Government now had vastly improved police stations at Seymour, Broadford, Kilmore, Wallan and Yea, as well as a new station at Kinglake.

Tuesday, 6 May 2008

BUDGET DELIVERS FOR OUR REGION

COMMUNITIES across the Seymour electorate will benefit from the State Budget which has delivered on several election commitments and improves the services being delivered, the Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman said today

“The Brumby Labor Government’s Budget is an action plan that builds on what we have done to improve services and infrastructure across Victoria and meets the challenges of the future,” he said.

“Over 73,700 births were recorded last year in Victoria – the highest since 1971 and we are rolling out initiatives to make sure families have the services they need for their children.” Mr Hardman said

Key initiatives in the 2008-09 State Budget for the Seymour electorate are:

$1 million for planning for the Alexandra District Hospital redevelopment;
$1,250,000 for paramedics with Alexandra Ambulance;
$2,740,000 for a night crew at the Kilmore Ambulance;
$20,000 for improvements to Marysville Police Station;
$9 million for the Yarra Glen Bypass;
$2 million for a major upgrade to Upper Plenty Primary School; and
$8 million for stage 3 construction at Wallan Secondary School.

Mr Hardman said that $30.2 million had been allocated for an extra track crossover at Craigieburn to reduce the bottleneck with V/Line trains.

“A total of $254.5 million has been allocated for maintenance on country passenger rail, with the maintenance program to include all regional rail lines,” he said.

“As well, the Nightrider bus service from Lilydale will be extended to Healesville as part of a $22.5 million initiative to improve the Nightrider and other bus services.”

Other key initiatives in the Budget include:

An extra $3000 bonus for people purchasing a new home in regional Victoria.
new assistance to first home buyers representing a 17 per cent saving – $2460 – on a median first home, including stamp duty cuts and new eligibility for stamp duty and first home buyers assistance;
$1.43 billion in new tax cuts and reduced business costs, including cuts to stamp duty, land tax, payroll tax and WorkCover premiums – and $94 million to improve workforce skills;
a record $1.8 billion investment in transport, delivering extra morning peak train services, station upgrades, significant road projects and new transport services in the regions;
$815.6 million boost to education including funds to rebuild, renovate or extend 128 schools and an education reform program to lift standards for students;
$702.9 million for hospitals to treat an extra 16,000 elective surgery patients, an extra 33,500 outpatient appointments and an extra 60,000 patients in emergency departments;
$233.3 million for preventative health measures and cancer prevention and treatment;
The $37.2 million Alcohol Action Plan to create safer streets and address excessive alcohol consumption;
A $185.7 million boost to ambulance services, delivering two new rescue helicopters, station upgrades and extra services;
$294.6 million for climate change initiatives to drive renewable energy and clean coal projects;
$99.1 million to improve liveability in the suburbs and regions, including $51.9 million for the Transit Cities plan to improve the liveability of Broadmeadows, Dandenong and Geelong;
A Fairer Victoria initiatives totalling more than $1 billion to address disadvantage; and
$204.6 million to help Victorian farmers and agricultural sector.

“Our Government’s eight years of investment in liveability – in key services and infrastructure – have made Victoria a great place to live, work and raise a family,” Mr Hardman said.

“This budget is an action plan to maximise the opportunities and address the challenges of a growing population by providing the best possible services and infrastructure for local families.”

For more budget information visit www.budget.vic.gov.au

Friday, 2 May, 2008

COUNTRY RACECOURSE UPGRADES PROVE A WINNER

Victoria’s county racecourses are setting the pace with more than $500,000 in upgrades, Deputy Premier and Minister for Racing Rob Hulls said today.

Mr Hulls said $510,000 in Racing Industry Development Program (RIDP) grants had funded projects at 20 regional racecourses.

The Seymour Racing Club will receive almost than $43,000 for renovations which will support the growing popularity of local race meetings.

“Country racing is the backbone of the Victorian racing industry,” Mr Hulls said.

“The Brumby Government is committed to a sustainable country racing industry, and these upgrades have ensured the industry continues to be on track for a winning future.”

The funded projects include:

Replacing seven stewards towers at Ararat, Colac, Donald and Seymour;
Replacing starting stalls at Benalla and Cranbourne; and
Installing safety barrier fencing and gates at Avoca, Bairnsdale, Benalla, Bendigo, Casterton, Colac, Echuca, Edenhope, Mortlake, Pakenham, Penshurst, Sale, Seymour, Terang, Traralgon, Wangaratta and Warrnambool.

“These grants are part of $9.3 million RIDP funding allocated by the Brumby Government in 2007/08 as part of our strong commitment to the Victorian racing industry,” Mr Hulls said.

Mr Hulls said the funding program was providing essential resources for country clubs to address occupational health and safety issues and the projects had improved safety conditions for workers.

“Country racing clubs, such as the Seymour Racing Club, play an essential role in the social and cultural life of rural and regional communities across Victoria,” Mr Hulls said.

“This funding, through the Racing Industry Development Program, is securing the future of country racing facilities and infrastructure, not just for race-lovers but for the wider community to use for social, sporting and business events.”

Victoria’s racing industry generates $2.1 billion to the state’s economy each year and helps create 74,400 jobs.

Country racing accounts for half of the economic activity and two-thirds of employment within the industry.

22 April 2008

BOOST TO AMBULANCE SERVICES

TWO new medical helicopters, 59 new and upgraded services and the prospect of a single statewide ambulance service headline a $185.7 million Budget boost announced by the Brumby Government today.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said that this represented the single biggest investment into Victoria’s ambulance services.

“This record investment will deliver comprehensive health care benefits to all Victorians and is further evidence that the Brumby Government is taking action to deliver quality health services for Victorian families,” Mr Hardman said.

New or expanded ambulance services will also be rolled across 48 towns and suburbs across Victoria.

Mr Hardman said the announcement would also see benefits for Kilmore and district residents, with a new night crew at the Kilmore ambulance station.

Mr Hardman said he was pleased that the announcement included the addition of paramedics to the Alexandra ambulance.

“This renewed investment builds on previous achievements made by the Brumby Government for rural and regional Victorians,” Mr Hardman said.

“Since 1999 the Bracks/ Brumby Government has supported our local ambulance services with the introduction of two-officer crewing for both the Seymour and Kilmore stations, upgrades to Kilmore, and Yea ambulance stations and a new ambulance station for Seymour.

Mr Hardman said that as well as 59 new and upgraded ambulance services across Victoria, today’s announcement would deliver:

A $185.7 million budget boost over four years;
258 extra paramedics;
44 extra ambulance vehicles;
13 new peak period units;
nine new/refurbished stations;
two new air ambulance helicopters;
12 upgraded services;
eight new 24/7 paramedic teams;
19 new MICA services;
20 extra paramedics to allow rural station officers to have “off roster” time to manage staff; and
Continued support for fixed wing air ambulance services.

As well as a new, improved air ambulance fleet, a consultation paper was also released today proposing that Victoria’s ambulance services would become one organisation – Ambulance Victoria – to operate a strengthened new statewide service.

“This is the biggest single investment into the state’s ambulance services in Victoria’s history, and the results will be far reaching, with new and extra services throughout the state,” Health Minister Daniel Andrews said.

“By listening to community and paramedic concerns around the state, we are proposing to reshape Victoria’s ambulance service and deliver two air ambulance helicopters to provide the best emergency medical coverage both in the air and on the ground.”

One of the new choppers – to transport ill and injured babies, children and adults as part of the statewide retrieval system – will be based at Essendon airport, while the other will be based at Warrnambool to provide additional coverage to south-west Victoria.

Mr Andrews said transferring responsibility for the adult retrieval services to the Metropolitan Ambulance Service last November would further support improvements in retrieval services which was expected to lead to an increase in air ambulance resources to transport patients.

Mr Andrews said the Budget would include $5.5 million to continue running the fixed wing service of Air Ambulance Victoria.

An $8.3 million component of the Budget would help employ 20 dedicated off roster rural/regional paramedics across the state, over and above a recent regional campaign to recruit an extral 100 paramedics into country Victoria to release rural station officers from their operational roster to dedicate more time to manage staff.

“Before this Budget our investment in ambulance services across the state had increased by $112 million since 1999,” Mr Andrews said.

“This previous investment has seen 25 new ambulance branches started across the state, including nine in country Victoria. We have also upgraded 48 stations, including 35 in rural areas and the Brumby Government will continue to build on this.”

The consultation paper is available on the Department of Human Services website, www.health.vic.gov.au/ambulance. Responses close on 20 May 2008

22 April 2008

SPEED LIMITS TO BE CUT AT LEVEL CROSSINGS

ROAD speed limits will be lowered on approach to two local level crossings to give motorists greater reaction time and alert them of rail lines on some of the state’s busiest freight routes.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the speed limit would be dropped at the level crossing on the Wallan-Whittlesea Road and the Epping-Kilmore Road (Lightwood Crossing).

Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky announced this week that the road speed limit would be reduced at 72 level crossings across Victoria and almost all sites would have the speed limit dropped from 100km/h to 80km/h.

“We know that reducing speeds has a positive road safety impact as it gives drivers more time to respond to hazards,” Ms Kosky said.

“By reducing the speed limit and supporting this with increased enforcement we hope people will heed the message – slow down, obey the signs and be prepared to stop.”

A new partnership between the Brumby Government and the Municipal Association of Victoria to establish a program to close some remote crossings has also been finalised.

“In some rural areas, there are several level crossings located in very close proximity to one another. By eliminating some crossings, risk is also eliminated,” Ms Kosky said.

“No crossing will be closed without the consultation of the local council and community. In most cases rural councils are the road authority.

“Often in regional and remote areas there are crossings which are seldom used and we want to explore the potential to close these crossings, particularly if there is an alternative crossing point nearby.”

Mr Hardman said the Brumby Government was getting on with the hard work of improving safety features of regional crossings.

There are more than 2000 road rail level crossings across the state. When Labor was elected in 1999, 285 of these crossings had boom gates and today that number is 364.

“Over the last two financial years, the safety of 153 road and pedestrian level crossings has been upgraded and we are on track to upgrade 46 crossings this financial year,” Mr Hardman said.

“All road users need to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others and ensure they use crossings appropriately and obey warning signals.

“My message to all Victorian’s is that when it comes to level crossings, Don’t Risk It!”

The Transport Accident Commission is also researching driver behaviour in regard to level crossings upon to make Victorian roads even safer.

The new speed signs are all expected to be erected by the end of the year.

21 April 2008

FUNDS TO BUILD MEN’S HEALTH AND WELL BEING

MATURE aged men in the Kilmore district will have a new place to build skills, friendships and useful bits and pieces, thanks to a grant from the Brumby Government to help get them started.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said a grant of $7000 would help employ local contractors to connect power to the shed the group is refurbishing as a place to get together, be creative and get involved in community activities that interest them.

“The Kilmore Men’s Shed will give older men in the area a relaxed place to learn new skills while working on projects that provide practical benefits to the local community – such as fixing tables and chairs at the local school,” Mr Hardman said.

“By helping men get involved in community projects, education programs and volunteering, the project will have great benefits for the individual health and well being of local men and for the wider community.”

Most men involved in men’s sheds are aged over 50 years, with many having experienced life changing circumstances, such as leaving the paid workforce or health problems.

“Through partnerships with local community services and organisations, the Kilmore Men’s Shed will help men access health-related information and support services, which they often don’t actively seek out,” Mr Hardman said.

Minister for Senior Victorians, Lisa Neville, said the Kilmore Men’s Shed was one of 25 projects across the state to share in $1 million in the first round of Men’s Sheds Program grants.

“The Brumby Government is investing $2 million over two years to expand Victoria’s existing network of men’s sheds and ensure they are available to men in communities that need them most,” Ms Neville said.

“This is a great example of what can be achieved when governments work in partnership with the community to address local needs.

“Our Men’s Sheds Program is one way the Government is making sure Victorians get the local facilities and services they need the most,” Ms Neville said.

For more information about the Victorian Government’s Men’s Sheds Program visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au

Photo attached caption- Men's Shed steering committee executive members (from left) Dr Jeffrey Robinson, John Perrett, Ben Hardman, Kilmore & District Hospital president Peter Appleton and steering committee executive member Philip Clancy

18 April 2008

CASH TO HELP COUNCIL CLEAN UP GRAFFITI

THE Shire of Yarra Ranges is to receive two grants totalling $36,230 from the Brumby Government for community graffiti clean-up projects.

The Member for Gembrook, Tammy Lobato, and the Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the grants recognised the efforts of community, trader and council partnerships to tackle graffiti.

Mr Hardman said the Brumby Government had allocated $600,000 over two years for community graffiti clean-up projects across the state. This year 20 councils will receive more than $320,000 in grants to deliver 24 graffiti clean-up projects.

Ms Lobato said the shire would receive $11,400 for paint vouchers that would be used by residents, business, schools and service groups to paint out graffiti.

“This project will involve Belgrave and Lilydale Police, local trader associations and chambers of commerce, the Yarra Ranges Business Network, local paint stores, the Yarra Ranges Graffiti Working Group and the Eastern Region Graffiti Network,” Ms Lobato said.

“The second grant of $24,830 is for graffiti removal kits that will be used by local schools and business in the Yarra Ranges.

“It is great to see so many sectors across the Yarra Ranges involved in tackling the problem of graffiti.”

Mr Hardman said the grants would help local communities improve the way their area looks and support sustainable clean-up solutions.

“Residents have pride in where they live. These grants will go towards cleaning up areas which have been vandalised by graffiti and help increase community confidence.”

Mr Hardman said through these graffiti clean-up projects, 20 local councils will have the use of six graffiti removal trailers, four portable washer units and more than 3200 removal kits for residents and traders to help clean-up graffiti in their neighbourhoods.

He said the Brumby Government had also expanded the Community Correctional Services Graffiti Removal Program where graffiti vandals and low-risk offenders are made to clean-up graffiti.

An extra six new graffiti clean-up trailers will be built for use in graffiti clean up programs, bringing the total to 14 operating across the state.

Ms Lobato said the grants were part of the Brumby Government’s crackdown on graffiti which includes the introduction of harsher penalties for offenders.

Tough new anti-graffiti laws which come into effect last week (April 17) give police greater powers to catch graffiti vandals and jail time and hefty fines for offenders.

Police Minister Bob Cameron said vandals charged with the new marking graffiti offence could now face up to two years’ jail and a fine of more than $26,000.

“Police will be able to issue an on-the-spot fine of $550 to anyone carrying spray paint cans on or adjacent to public transport without a lawful excuse or anywhere a person is trespassing,” Mr Cameron said.

Mr Cameron said the new laws were part of a Brumby Government anti-graffiti package giving councils greater powers to remove graffiti from private property and expands a program in which offenders could be forced to clean up graffiti.

The Brumby Government passed new legislation late last year with tough new offences for graffiti including:

Marking graffiti on property without the property owner’s consent, which carries a penalty of up to two years jail or a maximum fine of $26,428.

Possessing a spray paint can, without lawful excuse, while on or next to public transport property or infrastructure, or when trespassing, carries a fine of up to $2,753.

Selling a spray paint can to a minor other than when they can show they need the paint for employment purposes, carries a fine of up to $2,202.

Under the new legislation police can search and seize spray paint cans they suspect are being carried without lawful excuse on or around public transport infrastructure, or while a person is trespassing. Anyone under 14 years of age cannot be searched for graffiti implements.

Mr Hardman said the laws and clean-up grants send a message to graffiti vandals that the community is fed up with graffiti.

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

18 April 2008

GRANT TO HELP STAGE GARDEN EXPO

THE inaugural Alexandra Garden Expo will be launched with the help of a $3,000 State Government grant.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the grant would be provided to Alexandra and District Open Gardens Inc through the Brumby Government’s Provincial Victoria Local Events Program for the Alexandra Garden Expo to be held on the weekend of April 26 and 27, 2008.

“Gardening is one of the most popular leisure activities in Australia and gardens have been especially hard hit by the drier than normal conditions,” Mr Hardman said.

“The Alexandra Garden Expo will have something to offer the many Victorians who enjoy their gardens, including advice on how to develop and maintain environmentally sustainable gardens in the face of a climate with increasingly variable conditions.

“It will also showcase the region and its local produce, giving visitors the opportunity to sample what the area has to offer.”

Mr Hardman said the last few years had been difficult for many businesses in the region and the expo would lift the spirits of the Alexandra community and help boost the local economy.

“The expo has been timed to attract visitors to the town for Anzac Day long weekend, a time when the district will be a picture of autumn colour,” Mr Hardman said.

“The expo will raise the profile of the town and the district and also provide an opportunity for local service clubs and organisations to undertake fundraising activities.”

Mr Hardman said the expo would feature a workshop on Saturday 26 April involving guest speakers who are experts in their respective fields of garden design, rare plants and water wise garden development, as well as a large market of gardening related items and local craft and produce.

On Sunday 27 April, six local gardens in Alexandra will be open to visitors, with expert advice available.

“The event will add to the reputation of Alexandra as an event town, leveraging off the profile of the highly regarded Alexandra Truck Rod and Ute Show which attracts an estimated 10,000 people each year,” Mr Hardman said.

Mr Hardman said the Provincial Victoria Local Events Program was part of Moving Forward, the Government’s $502 million plan to make Provincial Victoria the best place to live, work, invest and raise a family.

“The Government is committed to working in partnership with local councils and communities to drive new growth and investment opportunities across provincial Victoria,” Mr Hardman said.

18 April 2008

NEW EXCELLENCE PROGRAM FOR TOURISM OPERATORS

TOURISM operators across Victoria are being urged to get involved in the Tourism Excellence program.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the final module of the program, Participation – Getting Involved, would focus on nurturing the development of industry leaders.

The Tourism Excellence program provides online training and tools for tourism operators to enable them to get the best from their workforce, deliver the best possible visitor experience and increase visitor numbers and expenditure, he said.

The Tourism Excellence Program provides tourism operators and their staff with the opportunity to develop a competitive edge over other destinations.

The new module will encourage Victoria’s tourism industry to share information, promote joint regional tourism products and foster professional development.

Participation – Getting Involved is one of seven modules - each provides a focus on one of the key areas that contribute to a complete tourism experience. The first module was launched in October 2006.

All of the modules are supported by a constantly developing tool kit and website with case studies and information on resources, programs and grant opportunities.

The six other Tourism Excellence modules are:

Understanding visitor needs and expectations;
People excellence - valuing your people;
Business excellence - maximising business performance;
Growing destinations - highlighting the complementary nature of products and services within a destination;
Fostering innovation; and
Sustainability in tourism.

For more details on the Tourism Excellence program, visit www.tourismexcellence.com.au

17 April 2008

VICTORIAN SCHOOL CHILDREN DROUGHT ART EXHIBITION

ARTWORK by Victorian schoolchildren responding to life in drought and bushfires is now on display in Spring Street, Melbourne.

‘Drought Through the Eyes of a Child’ was developed to give children an opportunity to express themselves and make sense of the hardship being suffered by many families in regional Victoria.

School students from 25 localities throughout North-Eastern Victoria submitted 1001 pieces of artwork responding to the theme of life in drought and bushfire-ravaged rural Victoria.

This exhibition will display a selection of these works.

The Department of Primary Industries is hosting the exhibition at the ground floor lobby of 1 Spring Street until next Thursday 24 April.

The exhibition was officially launched by Anglicare Victoria’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ray Cleary and Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Ben Hardman last Monday (April 14).

Mr Hardman said the exhibition showcased some creative and inspiring works from young Victorians.

“I am very proud of the efforts of these school children from 25 localities across north east Victoria, a part of the state that I know well,’’ Mr Hardman said.

“Drought Through the Eyes of a Child’ is a terrific initiative giving children an opportunity to express themselves and make sense of the hardships being endured by many families in regional Victoria.”

The project is run by Anglicare and supported by DPI through its drought programs.

For more information on services supporting Victoria’s drought affected communities contact the Victorian Drought Information Line on 136 186.

Tuesday, 15 April, 2008

SAFETY UPGRADES ON GOULBURN VALLEY HIGHWAY AND BROADFORD-KILMORE ROAD

The Minister for Road and Ports, Tim Pallas, today announced a $1.5 million contract for safety improvements on the Goulburn Valley Highway and Broadford-Kilmore Road.

Mr Pallas said the Brumby Government was taking action to deliver safer roads and a more efficient road network for Victoria.

“Maintenance works minimise transport operating costs, improve road safety and ensure the community receives maximum benefit from investment in road infrastructure,” Mr Pallas said.

“The safety upgrades on the Goulburn Valley Highway and Broadford-Kilmore Road are expected to lower the incidence of drivers running off the road and reduce accident severity.

“Improving safety on these roads will benefit the local community and thousands of motorists in the area.

Improvement works also include landscaping, including the addition of more than 1000 plants to improve amenity.

The upgrades include:

sealing work on the road shoulder of both sides of the Goulburn Valley Highway, providing a continuous sealed shoulder from Seymour to Trawool;
safety fencing on 3.35 kilometres of the Broadford-Kilmore Road and 3.3 kilometres of the Goulburn Valley Highway, to protect road users and vehicles from roadside trees, deep embankments and other roadside fixed objects;
upgraded line markings for sections of the Goulburn Valley Highway; and
landscaping, including the addition of 1,250 new plants to the Goulburn Valley Highway and 1,500 new plants to Broadford-Kilmore Road.

This contract follows the completion of the $40.55 million duplication of the Goulburn Valley Highway between the Murchison East deviation and the proposed Shepparton Bypass, just north of Ross Road.

Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman said that the works would improve safety on the Goulburn Valley Highway and Broadford-Kilmore Road and provide added comfort for thousands of motorists.

“These works will significantly reduce the incidence of accidents in the area, particularly when visibility was poor due to fog,” Mr Hardman said.

The safety works are due to start later this month, and finish in September 2008.

11 April 2008

PUCKA SCHOOL UPGRADES

PUCKAPUNYAL Primary School will receive $400,000 as part of the Brumby Government’s new $10.2 million school upgrade works.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said Puckapunyal was among those to benefit from funding as part of the Better Schools Today initiative to modernise classrooms, staff and administrative areas and indoor and outdoor teaching spaces.

The funds will be used to modernise existing permanent classroom spaces and create indoor/outdoor learning areas, he said.

Puckapunyal Primary School Principal Kevin Warne said the funds would be used to give the school a facelift as well as increasing the size of some classrooms.

“The front of the school has always been an issue for us as 50 per cent of our families are new every year so to give it a facelift would be great,” Mr Warne said.

“Some of our classrooms are fairly small so that another issue we’ll be looking to address.”

Mr Hardman said he was pleased to see Puckapunyal Primary School one of 23 schools to receive State Government funding under this program.

“The Brumby Government is committed to providing all Victorian children with a great start in life in high-quality schools equipped for modern teaching and learning practices,” Mr Hardman said.

“Education is the Brumby Government’s number one priority,” Mr Hardman said.

“We have restored public confidence in public education with more than 8000 additional teachers and staff and $6.1 billion worth of additional investment since 1999.”

A program manager and architect will be appointed to work with each school to design the most innovative and practical facilities to benefit both students and staff.

The projects are part of the Brumby Government’s $1.9 billion Victorian Schools Plan to rebuild, renovate or extend 500 schools over this term of government and every Victorian government school by 2016.

Photo attached caption - Ben Hardman MP met with Puckapunyal Primary School Council President Carol Tullett, Principal Kevin Warne and school captains Samantha Harscedt and John Frankel.

7 April 2008

SKATE PARK SET TO ROLL

BOLLYGUM Adventure Park is another step closer to becoming a reality, this time thanks to a $60,000 grant from the Brumby Government to improve community recreation facilities.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the project was one of 130 across Victoria to share in almost $5.5 million from the latest round of the 2008-2009 Community Facility Funding Program – Minor Facilities and Planning Categories.

“The funding will go towards developing a multi-use skate park to better cater to the needs of the local community members,” Mr Hardman said.

“The project will involve young people across the communities of the Kinglake Ranges in the development and management of a multi-use skate park which will be an integral component within the Bollygum Adventure Park.”

Bollygum Park Reserve Committee of Management President Cheryl Phillips said the committee was pleased with the grant.

“The committee thinks that it’s fantastic to have received this funding,” Ms Phillips said.
“Murrindindi Shire Council has been extremely helpful with its support to secure the much-needed funds, because not only will it build a skate park, it also lets our teenage kids, who can at times be very disconnected from the wider community, know that they have not been forgotten in our master-plan.

“It will provide them with an informal sport that they can enjoy in a safe environment.

“The consultants will develop the skate park in full consultation with our local youth through the Lakers FReeZA Committee, primary and secondary schools, incorporating a multi-use design for all wheeled sports, ages and abilities. The kids will be so excited!”

Murrindindi Shire Councillor Peter Beales said the grant was “exciting news” for committee members.

“As a member of the committee we can now see the end in sight after many years of hard work,” Cr Beales said.

“Congratulations and thanks to Ben for his support and hard work.”

Murrindindi Shire Mayor Lyn Gunter said the project would be a great benefit to the Kinglake community. “Our thanks for the government’s support for this project,” Cr Gunter said.

Bollygum Park Reserve Committee of Management was successful in obtaining a grant of more than $148,000 in January under the State Government’s Victorian Community Support Grants Program.

The 2008-2009 Community Facility Funding Program – Minors Category provides grants of up to $60,000 to upgrade local sporting facilities across Victoria. Projects are funded in partnership with local councils, helping to deliver better sporting infrastructure for local communities.

The Minister for Sport and Recreation, James Merlino, said the grants were helping Victorians from every corner of the State to enjoy better sport and recreation facilities.

“Beyond the obvious health advantages, there were clear social benefits to getting active,” Mr Merlino said.

“Through the Community Facilities Funding Program, which has invested $169 million towards 1850 projects since 2000, we are helping make sure communities have the facilities they need to encourage healthy, active involvement,” he said.

“Quality, accessible community sport and recreation facilities play an important role in building stronger communities across the state.

“These grants will help improve existing clubs, giving communities more opportunities to stay involved in the sports and activities they love, and to lead healthy and active lifestyles,” he said.

For more details on the Community Facility Funding Program visit www.sport.vic.gov.au.

Photo attached caption - Ben met with members of the Bollygum Committee of Management: (from left) David Johns, Tim Huggins, Suzanne Hyde and Cheryl Phillips and local young people Alysha, Peter, Kyle & Sean who are giving their input.

3 April 2008

BMX ON TRACK FOR PYALONG

PYALONG youngsters are a step closer to getting a BMX track thanks to a boost from a Brumby Government funding package to improve community sporting facilities across the state.

“The funding of $16,529 will go towards construction of a BMX facility which will enable the children and young people of Pyalong and surrounding rural districts to engage in non-structured physical activity,” Mr Hardman said.

“The project will include construction of the track, installation of park furniture and bollarding and some native planting.

“Quality, accessible community sport and recreation facilities play an important role in building stronger communities across the state.

“These grants will help improve existing clubs, giving communities more opportunities to stay involved in the sports and activities they love, and to lead healthy and active lifestyles.”

The Minister for Sport and Recreation, James Merlino, said the grants were helping Victorians from every corner of the State to enjoy better sport and recreation facilities.

“Beyond the obvious health advantages, there were clear social benefits to getting active,” Mr Merlino said.

“When people get involved in sport, they become better connected and form stronger links to their local communities.

“Through the Community Facilities Funding Program, which has invested $169 million towards 1850 projects since 2000, we are helping make sure communities have the facilities they need to encourage healthy, active involvement,” he said.

For more details on the Community Facility Funding Program visit www.sport.vic.gov.au.

Photo attached caption- Mitchell Shire Mayor Bob Humm and Ben Hardman with (from left:) Jack Stephens, Mary-Ann McCue, Nikayla Gray, Molly Stephens, Michelle Harris, Cr Carmel Barrott with grandson Dylan Johnson, Shawnah Gray, Casey Gray and at front: Jessie Green

31 March 2008

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY BOOST

The Brumby Government has given pedestrian safety in Seymour a boost, announcing a $53,000 grant for a pedestrian refuge in Anzac Avenue, between Howard Place and Anglesey Street.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman said a pedestrian refuge in this location would provide a safer crossing for people using the local shopping strip and school children.

“Anzac Avenue is a busy two lane highway carrying a lot of local traffic as well as traffic from the Goulburn Valley Highway,” Mr Hardman said.

“Because of its location to the shops, it is a popular crossing point for residents, primary and secondary school students and shoppers, and there have been many concerns about pedestrian safety in the past.

“The construction of the new pedestrian refuge will provide a convenient and safe crossing point for locals, meaning improved safety for users of the local shopping strip, which has many elderly customers, as well as school children.”

The improvements in this area also include the relocation of the bus stop so that it is clear of the crossing point.

Work is expected to begin in April and be finished in mid-2008.

28 March 2008

ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS BENEFIT ALL

THE announcement last week of significant funding to improve safety for motorcyclists using the Maroondah Highway over the Blackspur is fantastic news for all.

The $547,000 announced by the Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallas, will allow for significant safety improvement works on this scenic tourist route which is especially popular among motorcyclists enjoying the ride on winding roads through mountainous terrain.

Works will include shoulder sealing at some curves, which gives motorcyclists recovery areas and reduces loose gravel being swept on to the road; guard rail with rub rail that will lessen the severity of motorcyclist run-off road crashes; and extra warning signs and guide posts.

The most significant measure, however, is the reduction of the speed limit from 100 km/h to 80 km/h.

This will benefit all road users, and will be welcomed by local residents who use the road to get to school, work and around their area, emergency service workers who are called out to assist in the unfortunate event of crashes and the many tourists who come to enjoy the beauty of our area.

The stark reality is that less speed makes for safer roads and the state’s road tolls reflect this.

Since the Victorian Government’s road safety strategy arrive alive! was introduced in 2002, - the road toll has decreased by around 18 per cent. Under this strategy, an estimated 467 deaths have been prevented, including an estimated 46 deaths prevented in country Victoria.

More than $9.5 million has now been allocated to improve riding conditions at locations where there had been high numbers of motorcycle crashes.

As well as road improvements, several education, research and development initiatives have been undertaken to address other safety issues for motorcyclists including the improvement of rider skills and enhancing driver awareness of motorcyclists.

This announcement comes on top of previous projects in the area to improve road safety in the area.

Earlier this month, we announced funding of $1,878,000 to improve safety on the section of the Maroondah Highway between the Melba Highway and St.Huberts Rd.

Last December we announced two new road projects worth almost $200,000 for Marysville and Toolangi as part of the Better Roads Victoria Rural Local Timber Roads Program.

Other road safety improvement projects in our area include a 230-km section of Eltham-Yarra Glen Road; a three kilometre section of the Maroondah Highway near Mount Dom Dom; the Marysville-Woods Point Road between Marysville and Lake Mountain Road, the
Heidelberg-Kinglake Road between Ninks Road and the Nillumbik/Murrindindi municipal boundary, and along Healesville-Kinglake Road between Eleva Road and Heath Road.

There have also been smaller improvements - guide posts, curve warning signs and speed advisory signs at three sites on the Healesville-Kinglake Road between Old Toolangi Road and two kilometres south of Myers Creek Road, plus curve warning signs, speed advisory signs and guide posts at two sites on Extons Road in Kinglake Central near Powers Road.

Since 2000 we have invested an average of more than $250 million every year on county roads. In the 2006/07 financial year alone, we invested $341 million.

This Government has invested $4.8 billion on roads since coming to office in 1999, $2.1 billion of which has been spent on country roads.

Of course there is still much to be done in our area and I continuing to lobby for funding for the Yarra Glen Bypass to be included in the State Budget when it is handed down early May.

Friday, 28 March, 2008

BRUMBY GOVERNMENT BOOSTS BLACKSPUR MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

The Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallas today announced $547,000 to improve motorcycle safety on the Maroondah Highway through the Blackspur.

Mr Pallas said the Blackspur was a popular spot for motorcyclists yet the crash rate was too high.

“The Maroondah Highway, north of Healesville is a narrow, two-way, winding road through mountainous terrain,” Mr Pallas said.

“While it provides a beautiful ride for motorcyclists and attracts riders from around the state, the country, as well as some international motorcycle enthusiasts, the roadside is particularly hazardous.

“The road is in close proximity to surrounding embankments and mature trees.

“In the five years to December 2006 there were 82 casualty crashes, and 43 per cent of these were motorcycle crashes. Of the motorcycle crashes, 74 per cent did not involve any other vehicle.”

Works to improve safety in this area include:

shoulder sealing at some curves;
provision of additional curve alignment markers;
installation of guard rail with protection for riders (rub rail);
installation of rub rail on some existing guard rail;
installation of motorcycle high-risk area warning signs;
installation of additional guide posts; and
speed reduction from 100km/h to 80km/h.

Mr Pallas said the most significant measure to reduce crashes was the reduction in the speed limit.

“Recent community consultation showed 70 per cent of people in the area support a speed reduction from 100km/h to 80km/h because it will save lives,” Mr Pallas said.

“The shoulder sealing works will provide motorcyclists with recovery areas and reduce the incidence of loose gravel being swept onto the road.

“Guard rail with rub rail will lessen the severity of motorcyclist run-off-road crashes and additional guide posts will reduce the number of these types of crashes.

“These new safety works come on top of previous projects along the Blackspur, including pavement resurfacing, the installation of new advisory speed signs, curve alignment markers and rub rail on a section of existing guard rail.

“These projects demonstrate the Brumby Government’s ongoing commitment to motorcycle safety.”

27 March 2008

TRAINING AWARDS NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

Now is the time to nominate an outstanding student, trainee, apprentice, trainer, employer or training organisation to be recognised in the 54th Victorian Training Awards.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman said the awards, were a great opportunity for all Victorians to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the many outstanding people and organisations within the Victorian vocational education and training system.

“I urge them to share their successes and stories by getting involved in these prestigious awards,” he said.
The awards provide a great boost for winning individuals and organisations and act as inspiration for others striving for excellence within the Victorian VET system.”

Mr Hardman said the awards highlighted the vital importance of the Brumby Government’s $1.1 billion investment in training and skills since 1999.

“Victoria's continuing success as a knowledge-based, innovation-focused economy depends on us being able to develop a workforce with the right mix of skills to thrive in a rapidly changing, globally competitive economy,” he said.

“The Brumby Government is taking action for families and communities by creating a skilled workforce of young Victorians with the right skills to face the future with optimism.”

The award categories for the 2008 Victorian Training Awards include: School-based New Apprentice of the Year, Koorie Student of the Year, Trainee of the Year, Vocational Student of the Year, Teacher/Trainer of the Year, VET Client Service/Support Excellence Award, Large Training Provider of the Year, Small Training Provider of the Year, Training Initiative of the Year, VET in Schools Excellence of the Year, Employer of the Year and Small Business of the Year Award.

Winners of 10 of the 2008 awards will be eligible for $10,000 study or professional development fellowships and winners in 11 categories could represent Victoria at the 2008 Australian Training Awards. There are also awards of $500 each for finalists in student categories.

Nominations close on May 12, 2008, with winners to be announced at a gala presentation dinner in Melbourne on August 21.

For more details visit www.otte.vic.gov.au/awards or phone 9637 2000.

20 March 2008

BODY IMAGE GRANTS SHAPING UP FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, is encouraging community-based organisations working with local young people to apply for new funding to help promote positive body image.

Mr Hardman said the Brumby Government was taking the lead on promoting healthy body image and working to reduce the effect of unrealistic and unhealthy images in the media on young people.

“The Positive Body Image Small Grants programs offers $5,000 directly to community organisations to undertake and promote positive body image activities to young people, with a particular focus on those aged 12-16 years,” Mr Hardman said.

"This grants program has already led to some fantastic success stories all over the State, so I urge local organisations working in partnership with young people to apply.

“Young Victorians have said that they are concerned about body image and the Brumby Government’s positive body image strategy is addressing this.”

Minister for Youth Affairs, James Merlino, said last year’s grant recipients had conducted an incredible and varied range of activities in 2007.

“With a focus on healthy eating, physical activity and self esteem, the first year of the ‘Go for your life' Positive Body Image program has really made a difference,” Mr Merlino said.

“We’re really proud that Victoria is leading the way on promoting positive body image for young people and we are responding with a range of initiatives to tackle these issues, which can have devastating effects on the lives of young Victorians.”

The grants are part of the Brumby Government’s $2.1 million Teenagers ‘Go for your life’ – Positive Body Image Strategy.

For more information or to apply for grants, please visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au

18 March, 2008

NEW WEBSITE GIVES VICTORIANS MORE ACCESS TO PREMIER

Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, believes residents in the Seymour Electorate will have better access to Government information than ever before with the launch of the Premier’s new website today.

Mr Hardman said Premier John Brumby’s new website had been redesigned and updated after originally being launched five years ago, and now offered the site’s visitors new ways to interact with the government.

Mr Hardman agreed with Mr Brumby’s comments that, ‘the rapid increase in internet use means Victorians now expect to find up to date information, communicate and engage on the issues that are important to them online.’

As well as giving visitors access to speeches, media releases and interview transcripts, the site will also enable Victorians to get a whole new view of Government with new video and audio content.

“The new video section will enable Victorians to see members of the government make major speeches and announcements,” Premier Brumby said.

“People should be able to see the Government making announcements even if they can’t be in the room when the announcement is made.

“It will also enable reports from our regular Community Cabinets to be done in a whole new way.

“The Building Victoria section allows Victorians to see what is happening in their part of the state including information on new schools, and police stations being built, environmental projects, job creation and investments in regional Victoria.”

Most importantly the site will enable Victorians to more easily have their say on matters before the government.

“By using the Your Voice section of the site Victorians will be able to share their views on the government’s Statement of Legislative Intent, provide suggestions on what they would like to see done in their part of Victoria and get in contact directly with ministers,” Premier Brumby said.

Mr Hardman said, “this new website is part of Premier Brumby’s open and transparent government which provides more information on our work than ever before.”

The website is now available at www.premier.vic.gov.au

18 March 2008

SEYMOUR WEBSITE TO BOOST LOCAL BUSINESS

Victoria’s Minister for Small Business, Joe Helper MP, today announced a $10,000 grant to help hundreds of Seymour businesses boost local shopping and promote local tourism ventures.

Following a meeting with Mitchell Shire Council and Seymour MP Ben Hardman, Mr Helper announced the grant for the Goulburn River Ranges E-Portal project.

Over two days Mr Helper is visiting Seymour, Benalla (for a roundtable discussion with local business people), Euroa, Goorambat, Numurkah, Katanga and Tatura.

“The Seymour project will create a dynamic, new, eye-catching website that provides information in one place about all business and tourism activities in and around Seymour,” Mr Helper said.

“By encouraging residents to shop locally we are helping to keep money in the region.”

Ben Hardman congratulated the Seymour Chamber of Commerce, which will develop the new website for townships within a 50km radius of Seymour.

“This new website will provide fantastic opportunities to promote some of the wonderful but perhaps hidden tourist attractions in the region,” Mr Hardman said.

“The project will also provide local businesses, community groups and tourism operators with access to cheap, wide-reaching advertising - and help to fill a void in the region created by the lack of a dedicated commercial radio or television station.”

The Seymour e-portal will be based on a similar and extremely successful initiative in Gippsland that is called www.gippsland.com.au and will include:

A directory of all business and community groups and services available within the region;
Opportunities for local businesses to promote their services better within the region;
Regional news updates and important local weather and event information;
A one-stop connection for anyone interested in the region; and
A unified, single address to promote the region across all business and tourism categories.

Victoria’s Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan, said the project was in line with the recently-completed Seymour Economic Opportunities Study that identified the need to promote new tourism opportunities, particularly in the northern end of the Mitchell Shire.

The grant is provided through the Brumby Government’s Provincial Victoria Buy Locally program.

“The Government is providing $600,000 over three years to encourage regional businesses and organisations to source and buy products from their communities and regions,” Ms Allan said

“This program is part of Moving Forward, the Government’s $502 million plan to make Provincial Victoria the best place to live, work, invest and raise a family.”

5 March 2008

DOUBLE THE FREEZA FUN FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

TWO years’ worth of music and cultural events funding for the Shire of Mitchell will be music to the ears of the district’s younger residents.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman said the council would receive $38,900 to run events in 2008 and 2009 through the Brumby Government’s FReeZA program.

“This funding is a great boost for the region and I’m looking forward to our local groups planning and delivering even more great events for young people in the area over the next two years.”

Mitchell Shire Council will provide five events per year for young people to be spread among local towns, Mr Hardman said.

“Events currently being considered by Mitchell’s committee include Mitchell’s fantastic Battle of the Bands, MYTE productions, dance parties, arts festivals, band nights and open jam sessions,” he said.

“The type of events will be determined in consultation with young people on the FReeZA committees. The projects will ensure access for young people with a disability.”

Mr Hardman said FReeZA grants encouraged young people, particularly in regional and outer metro areas, to organise and perform at drug, smoke and alcohol-free music and cultural events.

“The FReeZA program offers young people a chance to not only put on music and cultural events for their friends and peers but provides great opportunities for individual skill development,” he said.

Up to 150,000 young Victorians across the state attend FReeZA events and about 800 participate on a FReeZA committee each year.

The Minister for Youth Affairs, James Merlino, said young Victorians can become involved in all aspects of organising FReeZA events, including selecting and booking bands, negotiating agreements, promoting events, managing venues, budgeting and administration.

“Over its 10-year history the popular FReeZA program has provided opportunities for tens of thousands of young Victorians to participate in the artistic and cultural life of their local communities,” Mr Merlino said.

“And the recent shift to two-year funding will assist FReeZA groups to better plan the delivery of events in their local communities,” he said.

Mr Hardman said Murrindindi Shire Council would also receive $38,900 to hold 10 events in Yea, Alexandra and Kinglake.

For more details visit www.freeza.vic.gov.au

3 March 2008

CALL FOR INPUT ON GROCERY PRICING INQUIRY

LOCAL primary producers and other members of the community are being urged to make submissions to the recently announced inquiry into grocery pricing.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman said the Australian Government directed the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to inquire into the competitiveness of retail pricing for standard groceries.

“Local farmers play the most critical role in the grocery industry by producing the food that feeds Australia,” Mr Hardman said.

“The ACCC needs to hear from farmers their perspective on the grocery supply chain, as it is critical that farmers and farming communities have their say on important factors such as the nature of competition at the supply and wholesale stages of the grocery industry.

“There are allegations that price rises at the checkouts of major grocery retailers are not reflected at the farm gate. When prices fluctuate due to factors that affect supply, such as the current drought, the allegation is that retail prices can rise while farm gate prices can remain at lower levels.

“These allegations should be investigated by the ACCC.

“Victorian farmers are some of the most efficient in the world and are the backbone of our rural economy.

“It is important that the efficiency and productivity of our farmers is recognised by the ACCC as part of the inquiry.

Written submissions are due by 11 March. The ACCC will also hold public hearings in selected rural and regional centres.

Details on making a submission are available on the ACCC website at www.accc.gov.au or phone 1300 302 502.

3 March 2008

1080 BAIT TRAINING FOR RURAL VICTORIANS

THE not-for-profit organisation, ChemCert Victoria, will manage 1080 pest animal bait user training in Victoria until the end of 2010.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said ChemCert Victoria specialised in supporting agricultural and veterinary chemical training and would deliver quality training in this area to landowners

“ChemCert will have flexible training arrangements for delivering training across Victoria at a wide range of locations,” Mr Hardman said.

“ChemCert works with training providers who have experienced trainers, many of whom conducted the 1080 training in late 2007.”

Mr Hardman said 1080 baits were now a commercially available product from accredited retailers and licensed perishable bait manufacturers across the state.

“There are now 41 retailers offering shelf stable 1080, with another 24 due to begin selling it in the next few weeks,” he said.

“1080 is a vital part of Victoria’s pest animal management and the new system allows for better access to products by allowing bait users to buy them from local accredited retailers.

“Improving access to 1080 bait means that it is extremely important that users know how to use it safely and that is why we have engaged ChemCert Victoria to manage the delivery of this training.”

State Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) had passed on its 1080 user training waiting list to ChemCert Victoria and training courses would begin within the next couple of weeks.

ChemCert will contact all people on the list and advise them of the course schedule.

ChemCert Victoria Chairman, David Phillips, said the organisation was pleased to have been given the task of managing this project.

“ChemCert Victoria is committed to providing the best possible service to the rural community in gaining access to this training and making sure that the courses are high quality.”

Course schedules are available on the ChemCert Victoria website www.chemcertvic.org.au and participants should register on line or by phoning (03) 5622 2055.

For more details on changes to Victoria’s 1080 pest animal bait system, visit the Department of Primary Industries’ website at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/1080 or call the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

15 February 2008

GRANT HELPS SENIORS IN LIFELONG LEARNING - HEALESVILLE

SENIOR Victorians in the Healesville area will have a greater opportunity to join in lifelong learning programs through a grant to the Healesville & District University of the Third Age, announced today by the Minister for Senior Victorians, Lisa Neville and the Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman.

Ms Neville said the Healesville & District U3A was one of 30 U3As across Victoria to share in grants totalling more than $76,000.

Mr Hardman said it would receive $3,500 to buy new digital audio-visual equipment for a program involving a new partnership with Golden Wattle Aged Care and Support Learning Centre, the Healesville Senior Citizens club, Holm and Monda Lodge Healesville Aged Care Centre and Swinburne College of TAFE in Healesville.

The equipment will help with new courses in photography, armchair travel and computer usage, plus ‘train the trainer’ courses to better facilitate the U3A operations, Mr Hardman said.

U3As are part of a world-wide network which promotes healthy ageing by enabling members to share many educational, creative and leisure activities.

Ms Neville said the latest round of the Program Grants Support Fund would help the U3As develop more than 70 new programs, ranging from exercise classes and environmental sustainability to arts and crafts and computer courses.

Mr Hardman said there were 82 U3As in the Victorian network. In each of the U3As volunteer members organise classes and activities to share their knowledge with people aged 55 years and over.

“U3As don’t confer degrees or pass out diplomas, but each U3A is a university in the original sense of the word: a community of people devoted to learning and sharing knowledge,” Mr Hardman said.

“They received the grant to set up new partnerships with local seniors organisations as part of the Victorian Government’s four year commitment of $1.2 million to boost support for U3As throughout the State,” Mr Hardman said.

The four year Program Growth Support Fund aims to help U3As promote innovation and growth in areas of greatest need, focussing on program development, participation of under-represented groups and/or the development of partnerships with local community organisations.

Announcing the grants to the 30 U3As, Ms Lisa Neville said the grants for innovation and growth were in addition to the Victorian Government’s existing annual funding for U3As.

Mr Hardman said getting involved in a U3A was a stimulating, satisfying and productive way for seniors to spend their time.

“Victoria’s U3As have been providing stimulating courses and programs for seniors in ‘active retirement’ for more than 25 years,” he said.

“This new funding model shows the Victorian Government is responding to the needs of the U3A network by providing targeted support to help U3As meet the increased demand of our growing seniors’ population.”

15 February 2008

GRANT HELPS SENIORS IN LIFELONG LEARNING - SEYMOUR

SENIOR Victorians in the Seymour district will have a greater opportunity to join in lifelong learning programs through a grant to the Seymour & District University of the Third Age, announced today by the Minister for Senior Victorians, Lisa Neville and the Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman.

Ms Neville said the Seymour & District U3A was one of 30 U3As across Victoria to share in grants totalling more than $76,000.

Mr Hardman said it would receive $2,470 to buy promotional and advertising material, in partnership with Avenel and Nagambie Senior Citizens and Seymour Aged Care residents.

U3As are part of a world-wide network which promotes healthy ageing by enabling members to share many educational, creative and leisure activities.

Mr Hardman said there were 82 U3As in the Victorian network. In each of the U3As volunteer members organise classes and activities to share their knowledge with people aged 55 years and over.

“U3As don’t confer degrees or pass out diplomas, but each U3A is a university in the original sense of the word: a community of people devoted to learning and sharing knowledge,” Mr Hardman said.

“It received the grant to set up a new partnership with the Avenel and Nagambie senior Citizens and Seymour Aged Care residents as part of the Victorian Government’s four year commitment of $1.2 million to boost support for U3As throughout the State,” Mr Hardman said.

Announcing the grants to the 30 U3As, Ms Lisa Neville said the grants for innovation and growth were in addition to the Victorian Government’s existing annual funding for U3As.

Mr Hardman said getting involved in a U3A was a stimulating, satisfying and productive way for seniors to spend their time.

“Victoria’s U3As have been providing stimulating courses and programs for seniors in ‘active retirement’ for more than 25 years,” he said.

21 January 2008

GRANT TO BOOST INVESTMENT IN SEYMOUR

A PROJECT to generate new investment and promote Seymour’s attributes to a wider audience has been boosted by a $25,000 State Government grant.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman, said the grant, under the Brumby Government’s Provincial Economic Partnerships (PEP) program, would help Mitchell Shire Council employ a business development officer.

“In an effort to attract more interest and investment in and around Seymour, the council has resolved to commit more resources to realising the town’s potential,” Mr Hardman said.

“The appointment of a business development officer will further the council’s plans to generate specific projects able to reinvigorate local businesses and attract new business ventures.

“A recent Seymour Economic Opportunities study, which revealed a strong potential for enhancing tourism opportunities in particular, will be useful in helping to build a program to stimulate investment and create greater awareness.”

Mr Hardman said the business development officer’s tasks would include:

establishing and hosting commercial forums with local chambers of commerce, business leaders and community groups;
conducting a business audit for the Seymour region to identify and prioritise major areas of economic opportunity; and
developing a marketing strategy to promote business and relocation opportunities.

“Seymour is a strategically significant town, at the junction of the Hume and Goulburn Valley Highways on the banks of the Goulburn River, with a proud military and cultural heritage,” Mr Hardman said.

“It is home to an array of activities and attractions from scenic heritage parks and wineries to the Royal Hotel, which features in Russell Drysdale’s celebrated painting Moody’s Pub.

“However, while other parts of the shire have enjoyed high levels of growth in recent years, Seymour and its hinterland have not developed at the same pace.

“This project will certainly provide new impetus to stimulate economic growth and development in Seymour, and the Brumby Government is pleased to be supporting it.”

Mr Hardman said the Provincial Economic Partnerships (PEP) program provided funding to councils to enhance and promote economic development opportunities consistent with the Government’s Make it Happen campaign that is encouraging more people to live, work and invest in Provincial Victoria.

“The campaign continues to be very successful in raising the awareness of lifestyle, employment and business opportunities in Provincial Victoria,” Mr Hardman said.

Photo attached caption - (from left) Cr Bill Melbourne, Ben, Mitchell Shire's Shane Stanford and Seymour Business and Tourism Inc. President Graeme Dove

21 January 2008

DROUGHT RELIEF FOR LOCAL SPORTS FACILITIES

RESIDENTS in Kilmore and Wandong areas will benefit from a Brumby Government grant of $88,155 to support local sporting grounds and facilities affected by drought conditions.

The Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman said the grant to Mitchell Shire Council was part of a $12.9 million Drought Relief for Community Sport and Recreation Program recently announced by the Premier John Brumby and the Minister for Sport and Recreation, James Merlino.

Mr Hardman said the grant would go towards further improvements at Kilmore Leisure Centre Indoor Pool, the JJ Clancy Reserve in Kilmore and the LB Davern Reserve in Wandong.

The grant will be used to:

install an UV filtration system at the Kilmore pool;
install a tank to collect rainwater from the new sports pavilion at JJ Clancy Reserve with connection to toilets, and install shower timers and sub-metering; and
install a tank and plumbing as first stage of planting drought-resistant couch grass and a fully automated sprinkler system at the LB Davern Reserve.

Mitchell Shire Community & Recreation Manager, Michelle Harris, said Mitchell Shire was committed to finding ways to improve the sustainability of its recreation and sporting facilities.

“The drought assistance funding will help us with a number of key projects that will bring about some measurable water savings,” Ms Harris said.

Mr Hardman said the drought relief package provided funding to the shire to help keep sporting facilities and grounds fit for use, while implementing water saving projects to provide long term reductions in water usage.

“The grants program built on last year’s successful round of grants, which saw communities across Victoria receive a total $6.7 million to help protect community sporting facilities.

“These projects are about supporting sport at the grassroots level, to encourage active participation in sport and the local community,” he said.

“Our sports grounds and recreation facilities are vital to the social fabric, strength and wellbeing of all communities.

“By helping our community to invest in water-efficient assets for our sports facilities, we are making a difference now and into the future.”

The State Government has previously assisted Mitchell Shire under the Drought Relief for Community Sport & Recreation Program, including $50,000 last May for improvements to Kilmore and Broadford golf clubs, the Harley Hammond Reserve in Broadford and the LB Davern Reserve.

Improvement works have included installing and reinstating bores, installing drought-resistant turf and extra water storage.

The Minister for Sport and Recreation, James Merlino, said the first round of the Drought Relief for Community Sport and Recreation Program would fund more than 70 projects across 42 local government areas.

“Managing the effects of the drought is a challenge for all Victorians. That’s why the Brumby Government has been working in partnership with local councils and their communities to keep grassroots sport alive and meet the challenges of the drought,” he said.

The grants program is available to all councils on Stage 3 or higher water restrictions. Applications for second round funding close on 25 February, 2008.

Details of the grants available under the program are available at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au

Photo attached caption - (from left:) Mitchell Shire Community & Recreation Manager Michelle Harris, lifeguard Adam Brown, Ben and Mitchell Shire Mayor Bob Humm