Media Releases

Walsh Urges Cancer Support And Awareness

Wed, 23 May 2012 03:29:00 GMT

Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, is urging all residents of the region to involve themselves in cancer awareness programs and cancer support activities.
“This Thursday is Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea which aims to raise money to support cancer research and raise awareness of cancer and how it affects so many of our residents,” Mr Walsh said.
“Cancer can affect anyone of any age group, men or women, but in many cases it can be prevented or cured if identified early enough.
“Whilst bowel, breast and prostate cancers are the most common affecting people throughout our region, we are not immune to others such as melanoma, lymphoma and lung cancer to name a few.
“Activities such as Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and Daffodil Day in August help to raise funds and develop awareness and I encourage everyone to take time out to support these events.
“However, it is just as important to monitor your own health by having regular health checks and attending facilities such as the Mobile Breast Screening Unit which is visiting our region over the next few weeks starting in Kerang on June 7,” Mr Walsh said.
“Lifestyle is also a major factor in cancer prevention.
“Eating healthily, exercising regularly, being SunSmart, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake all help to reduce our cancer risk.
“Over the next few weeks, take time out to assess your lifestyle and make changes where appropriate, consult a health specialist if you are concerned or have any questions regarding your own health, and support a cancer fundraising or awareness program.
“We are all responsible for our own health but positive actions can also have a major impact on the lives of others,” Mr Walsh said.

Nominations For Regional Achievement Awards

Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

High-achievers throughout the region can now be nominated for the 2012 Regional Achievement and Community Awards.
Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, in recognising the range of businesses, skilled workforce and proactive community groups that exist throughout the region said that there were many worthy nominees for this year’s awards.
“These awards have built a prestigious reputation and I would strongly encourage people to consider nominating for one of the eight award categories on offer this year,” he said.
“The awards recognise regional businesses, individuals or community groups that make significant contributions to their communities or lead the way in sustainability and water efficiency.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is especially pleased to provide $78,500 to sponsor five of the awards on offer,” Mr Walsh said.
The Government, through Regional Development Victoria, Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment is providing $15,500 for each of these.
The 2012 Regional Achievement & Community Awards will be presented in Bendigo on October 13 and the award categories are:
• Regional Development Victoria Business Achievement Award
• Regional Development Victoria Trade and Career Achievement Award
• Parks Victoria Regional Achiever Award
• Parks Victoria Environment and Sustainability Award
• Medibank Healthy Participation Award
• Bluescope Distribution Leadership and Innovation Award
• Department of Sustainability and Environment Water Efficiency Improvements Award
• Prime Super Community Group of the Year Award

2100GL reduction will secure Basin health

Tue, 22 May 2012 00:01:00 GMT

Modelling by the Victorian Coalition Government has revealed the health of the Murray River can be secured using far less water than that proposed under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
Water Minister Peter Walsh said the findings would save the Commonwealth up to $1.3 billion if they were adopted.
The Coalition Government used data provided by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to determine what the environmental outcomes would be if consumptive water use was reduced by 2100 gigalitres instead of the proposed 2750 gigalitres.
“The modelling shows very little environmental gain is achieved by the extra cuts to consumptive water,” Mr Walsh said.
“The health of the Murray, including the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth can be secured by using less water than what has been proposed by the draft Basin Plan.
“This would leave more water for food production and provide a future for the hundreds of communities that rely on the Murray for their livelihoods.
“It would give the Commonwealth an extra $1.3 billion which could be invested in infrastructure works to improve the management of environmental flows,” Mr Walsh said.
The modelling shows that if the Commonwealth adopted this approach, the major threats to the health of key sites such as the Ramsar-listed wetlands and the Lower Lakes would be addressed.
“It will make no significant difference to the Lower Lakes if the Commonwealth takes 2100 gigalitres instead of 2750 gigalitres of water off food producers.
“It will also make little difference to maintaining environmental values through dry periods or to how many hectares of floodplain can be targeted.
“The Commonwealth can maintain the Basin’s environmental values by using the environmental entitlements it has more effectively.
“This modelling is clear evidence that the money the Commonwealth plans to use to purchase more water to make up the 2750 gigalitres should instead be invested in works to improve the river’s management,” Mr Walsh said.

Fishing licence fees fund new angling opportunities

Fri, 18 May 2012 01:47:00 GMT

The Victorian Coalition Government has allocated almost $1.6 million for 17 new projects that will improve recreational fishing opportunities across the state.
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh said money from the sale of recreational fishing licences would be spent on stocking fish, building fishing platforms, improving access to fishing spots, enhancing fish habitat and undertaking important research.
“Fishing is a popular pastime for more than 720,000 Victorians and supports regional businesses ranging from hotels to bait and tackle stores,” Mr Walsh said.
“Not only is the Government providing immediate benefits such as fish stocking and the construction of platforms, it is also looking to the long-term future of recreational fishing in Victoria by funding a rock fishing safety campaign, assessing the post-release survival of southern bluefin tuna and installing fishing reefs in the Kerang Lakes.
“More than $330,000 will also be spent on educational products including 300,000 copies of the Recreational Fishing Guide, 200,000 fish length rulers, 20,000 abalone, rock lobster and spiny crayfish measures in three languages, 500 metal fish length rulers, 6000 abalone pocket cards, 1000 abalone dive tags and 30,000 pocket cards.
“This work, along with other Victorian Government directly funded projects, benefits all those who fish and will ensure that Victoria remains a top fishing destination,” Mr Walsh said.

Truth the first casualty of Labor’s shameful jobs scare

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:48:00 GMT

Labor’s blatant lies about Department of Primary Industries (DPI) job losses are proof of why the Opposition has no credibility in rural Victoria and among the state’s farmers.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said Daniel Andrews should be ashamed of the outrageous scare campaign being waged by his shadow ministers who were seeking to raise fear and uncertainty in regional Victoria.
“Labor’s employment spokesman has killed and cremated the truth in his jobs scare,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Pallas today claimed: ‘… at least direct 400 (sic) jobs will be lost in regional towns due to the Baillieu-Ryan Government’s decision to close seven Department of Primary Industry offices’.
“Mr Pallas’s claim that 400 DPI staff will lose their jobs in regional towns as a result of the decision to close seven small offices is completely false and he knows it,” Mr Walsh said.
“The offices that will be closed have only a combined total of 36 staff working in them who will not lose their jobs.
“Many of those staff spend the vast majority of their time out of the office visiting farmers and all will be able to base themselves from neighbouring DPI offices in regional Victoria.
“The savings from these office consolidations are being reinvested back into research and development and extension, employing skilled DPI staff and delivering services to agriculture to keep the sector strong,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh said there was a very positive story in regional Victoria with new figures this week showing growing food and fibre exports reached a record $8.7 billion in 2011.
“This export success has helped to inject money, jobs and renewed optimism into regional Victoria,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh said employment figures released by the ABS today showed an extra 8,600 people in regional Victoria found work in April.
“The unemployment rate in regional Victoria fell from 6.3 per cent to 5.2 per cent last month.
“The Victorian Coalition Government has announced a record $5.8 billion state infrastructure spend in this year’s Budget to boost productivity and generate jobs,” Mr Walsh said.

Yarriambiack Shire Public Holiday Arrangements Set

Thu, 17 May 2012 06:36:00 GMT

Member for Swan Hill Peter Walsh today announced that Yarriambiack Shire Council’s local public holiday arrangements to celebrate local Show Days had been gazetted.
Following last year’s amendment to the Public Holidays Act 1993, regional councils now have the ability to nominate a full-day public holiday or two half-day public holidays in different parts of their municipality in order to observe the various local agricultural and pastoral shows or regional race days.
Mr Walsh thanked Innovation, Services and Small Business Minister Louise Asher for offering councils the chance to nominate an alternative public holiday to the Melbourne Cup Holiday.
Mr Walsh said he was delighted that Yarriambiack Shire had nominated holidays to recognise the importance of local Show Days in the townships of Murtoa, Rupanyup, and Warracknabeal.
“As we know, many agricultural and pastoral shows and regional race days are often relevant to only one part of a Shire,” Mr Walsh said.
People in the township and district of Murtoa in Yarriambiack Shire can now celebrate the Murtoa Show Day with a public holiday on Friday 5 October 2012.
People in the township and district of Rupanyup in Yarriambiack Shire can now celebrate the Rupanyup Show Day with a public holiday on Wednesday 10 October 2012.
People in the township and district of Warracknabeal in Yarriambiack Shire can now celebrate the Warracknabeal Show Day with a half-day public holiday on Thursday 11 October 2012, and a half-day public holiday on Tuesday 6 November 2012 for the Melbourne Cup.
"Under Labor, the Yarriambiack Shire Council was prevented from offering a part-shire public holiday for the Warracknabeal Show. The Coalition promised to change these laws before the last State Election and we kept that promise,” Mr Walsh said.
“The remaining parts of Yarriambiack Shire will continue to observe the Melbourne Cup Day public holiday on Tuesday 6 November 2012.”
Thanks to Coalition Government reform, all regional Councils have the ability to nominate the public holiday arrangements best suited to them, in lieu of Melbourne Cup Day, providing the choice that regional communities need.
“Other regional Councils can arrange for multiple substitute holidays in different parts of the Shire, just as Yarriambiack Shire has done,” Mr Walsh said.
These arrangements do not change the overall number of public holidays to which Victorians are entitled. All Victorians will still enjoy the same number of public holidays each year.
Regional Councils which wish to make any requests for alternative arrangements for Melbourne Cup Day 2012 must do so at least 90 days prior, which is no later than Wednesday 8 August 2012.

CEO announced for Office of Living Victoria

Wed, 16 May 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Minister for Water Peter Walsh today announced Chris Chesterfield as Chief Executive Officer of the newly-established Office of Living Victoria.
The Office of Living Victoria has been created by the Victorian Government in response to independent advice from the Living Victoria Ministerial Advisory Council contained in the Living Melbourne, Living Victoria Implementation Plan.
Mr Walsh said the Government supported the vision outlined in the implementation plan for creating a smart resilient water system for a liveable, sustainable and productive Melbourne.
“The Office of Living Victoria will be established to drive reform by co-ordinating water and urban planning,” Mr Walsh said.
“The Government is committed to changing the way we plan for Melbourne’s future water needs and I believe the appointment of Chris Chesterfield as CEO will help drive this reform.
“In the first 12 months, the Office of Living Victoria will focus on integrated water planning, including the development of integrated water cycle plans for inner Melbourne and the city’s four main growth areas.
“It will also prepare a regulatory impact statement for building controls to improve the water performance of new buildings and work with the Department of Planning and Community Development to amend Victorian planning provisions to improve stormwater management,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Chesterfield is currently the general manager of waterways at Melbourne Water, a position he has held for eight years.
“Chris’ experience in the water sector and working with the urban planning sector will assist in leading reform and change to the way we manage water in our urban spaces,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh said the Government had a substantial process ahead to overhaul the urban water system and place greater focus on local solutions instead of costly, large-scale infrastructure such as desalination.
“These reforms will drive generational change in the way Melbourne uses rainwater, stormwater and recycled water and provide Victoria’s next major water augmentation,” Mr Walsh said.
The Living Melbourne, Living Victoria Implementation Plan and the Victorian Government response is available at www.water.vic.gov.au/livingvictoria

Coalition aims to double food and fibre production

Wed, 16 May 2012 03:27:00 GMT

The Victorian Coalition Government will aim to double the state’s food and fibre production by 2030, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh announced today.
In a landmark address to the Rural Press Club this morning, Mr Walsh said Victoria was perfectly positioned to help meet the growing global demand for food and fibre.
“Our latest figures show Victoria’s agricultural exports increased by 17 per cent in the 2011 calendar year to a record $8.7 billion, compared to $7.4 billion worth in 2010,” Mr Walsh said.
“The global demand for food and fibre is rising steadily and Victoria has already responded with huge growth in production levels.
“Over the next 20 years agriculture could be to the Victorian economy what mining has been to Western Australia and Queensland over the last decade.”
Mr Walsh said the Coalition Government had placed a stronger focus on targeted research and development within the Department of Primary Industries, to help the state’s food and fibre producers meet world demand for food.
“Agriculture is one of this state’s great success stories which is why the Coalition Government is investing $61.4 million through the Growing Food and Fibre initiative,” Mr Walsh said.
“By focusing our efforts in research and development to increase productivity and profitability, I believe doubling our agricultural production over the next 20 years is an achievable target. It is also a necessity if we are to meet the needs of a growing world population.”
Red meat was one of Victoria’s major agricultural exports last year, generating $1.6 billion. As part of the Growing Food and Fibre initiative, Mr Walsh today announced a $3.45 million investment in research and development to establish the new Red Meat Innovation Centre at Hamilton.
“This funding is in addition to the $2.3 million investment we made last year to recruit new lamb researchers and build new animal handling facilities at Hamilton DPI,” Mr Walsh said.
“Scientists at the centre will work to discover how beef and lamb producers can produce the best quality meat in the most efficient way.
“This kind of DPI research supports Victorian agricultural industries to increase their productivity and profitability levels in coming years.”

Walsh Urges Parents To Attend Teen Drinking Information Forum

Tue, 15 May 2012 23:31:00 GMT

Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, is encouraging local parents, teachers and health workers to attend a forum about teen drinking and Victoria’s new secondary supply law in Swan Hill on Wednesday May 23rd.
“The problems of alcohol abuse by young people is becoming more and more evident in society and new law introduced by the Victorian Coalition Government is aimed at assisting young people through a very impressionable period of their lives,” Mr Walsh said.
“The influence of parents on their children in regards to decisions about alcohol use is paramount and the new law is very important in empowering parents to make decisions about if and when their child drinks alcohol.
“The forums that are being conducted throughout the State are designed to assist parents in getting a better understanding of how the law applies, as well as learning more about young people and alcohol generally’” he said.
The new secondary supply law makes it illegal to serve alcohol in a private home to anyone under 18 years unless their parent or guardian has given permission. Adults who break the new law face fines of more than $7,000.
The two hour forum, to be held at the Swan Hill College on May 23rd and commencing at 7pm, is part of an interactive education program being rolled out by the Victorian Coalition Government, in conjunction with the Australian Drug Foundation and VicHealth, to guide parents and adults as they navigate the issue of alcohol with young people.
The two-hour forums will be presented by the Australian Drug Foundation and the Barwon Adolescent Taskforce (BATForce) and will include information about:
• alcohol related harms in young people
• the new secondary supply law and
• parenting strategies to prevent alcohol problems in young people.
The forums are free and are open to all.

History Grants Announced

Tue, 15 May 2012 06:09:00 GMT

Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, has welcomed the announcement of three history grants to the Swan Hill electorate.
“I am very pleased that three projects to preserve the history of our region have been recognised through the Victorian Government’s Local History Grants program,” Mr Walsh said.
“Projects such as these are vital in ensuring our links with the past are not forgotten.
“The communities we live in today are a result of what our predecessors have done before us and it is important that we preserve and record the events, people and places that shape the way we now live.
The three local projects that have received funding are –
Warracknabeal Anzac Memorial Park Trustees - Awarded: $2,390 to print a booklet documenting the historical elements of the original construction of Anzac Memorial Park, and the ongoing developments through to the present day with particular emphasis on the commemorative plaques, buildings, artifacts and gates located throughout the Park.
Inglewood District Historical Society Inc - Awarded: $2,400 to edit and reprint the book Inglewood in The Scrub a section which will be made available on the Inglewood District Historical Society website.
Charlton 2013 Back-to Committee - Awarded: $8,000 to publish a book celebrating the history, stories and images of Charlton from the last 150 Years.
“These projects have all been developed by volunteers and are further examples of the important and necessary work done by volunteers throughout the region which is particularly being recognised during this year’s National Volunteer Week,” Mr Walsh said.

Statement on wild dog aerial baiting

Tue, 15 May 2012 01:52:00 GMT

The Federal Labor Government’s rejection of Victoria’s application for aerial wild dog baiting – and its request for additional and unnecessary survey work – is extremely frustrating.
As we have now missed the optimal time for aerial baiting this season, the Department of Primary Industries is responding with increased ground baiting in targeted areas across East Gippsland and North East Victoria.
The Victorian Coalition Government will continue to push for aerial baiting to be approved by the Federal Labor Government. However, in line with advice received from the Wild Dog Control Advisory Committee, funds allocated for aerial baiting will be directed towards additional ground baiting and not at extra survey work.
The clear priority at this time is to get bait on the ground to help control the wild dog population, which currently seems to be of historically high prevalence and aggressiveness.
It is hypocritical for Victoria’s application to be rejected when New South Wales, just kilometres over the border, has been approved for aerial baiting. Wild dogs do not respect state borders.

TELSTRA RECOGNISES OUTSTANDING BUSINESS WOMEN

Thu, 10 May 2012 23:30:00 GMT

Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, today called for public recognition of the many outstanding local business women by urging the community to nominate them for the 2012 Telstra Business Women’s Awards.
“This prestigious award is an excellent opportunity to recognise our outstanding business women and to acknowledge the contribution they make to our community,” Mr Walsh said.
“There are many local business women who make a positive impact on countless lives every day.
“By nominating them for these awards we are not only acknowledging the excellent work they do but we are also recognising the inspiration they provide to other women in our community to reach and exceed their goals,” he said.
Award categories are:
1. Commonwealth Bank Business Owner Award
Owners with a 50 per cent share or more in a business with responsibility for key management decision-making.
2. Hudson Private and Corporate Sector Award
Employees in the private and corporate sectors, or owners with less than a 50 per cent share of a business.
3. White Pages Community and Government Award
Employees in government departments, statutory bodies or not-for-profit organisations.
There are also two specialist categories:
4. Nokia Business Innovation Award
This recognises successful innovation within a business or workplace.
5. marie claire Young Business Women’s Award
Entrants are eligible for this Award if aged 34 years or younger as at 30 June 2012..
Nominations for the Awards can be made at www.telstrabusinesswomensawards.com or by calling 1800 817 536 with entries closing on June 19.

DPI increases wild dog baiting efforts

Thu, 10 May 2012 23:06:00 GMT

The Victorian Coalition Government will increase wild dog baiting across North East Victoria and East Gippsland, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said today.
The Government is implementing a recommendation from the Wild Dog Control Advisory Committee to use funding allocated to aerial baiting for additional targetted ground baiting, rather than spending it on more survey work to satisfy the Federal Labor Government.
The Commonwealth has rejected Victoria’s application for aerial baiting, which was planned to begin this month but now will not be conducted this season, despite New South Wales having a near-identical aerial baiting program already in place.
Mr Walsh said aggressive baiting campaigns were needed to reduce wild dogs, which predate native fauna and lambs.
The additional ground baiting will be on top of already increased ground baiting in North East Victoria as part of the government’s Wild Dog Management Program.
Mr Walsh said autumn was an ideal time to target wild dogs with bait, as they were more mobile during the mating season.
“Wild dogs are often visible at this time of the year as they are actively moving around looking and competing for mates,” Mr Walsh said.
“Our extra ground baiting programs during this period are designed to have maximum impact on wild dogs and provide additional protection for livestock.
“While it is frustrating that our application for aerial baiting has been denied, it is important we respond quickly and put funding to effective use.”
Mr Walsh said autumn was also a good time for landholders to increase their own efforts in protecting their properties from the impacts of wild dog activity, by conducting community baiting programs with their neighbours.
Mr Walsh said landholders could also take advantage of the Victorian Government’s fox and wild dog bounty, with the behaviour of wild dogs during the mating season making them more vulnerable to hunters.

Wedderburn Community House To Receive Major Funding Boost

Thu, 10 May 2012 23:03:00 GMT

The Wedderburn Community House has received a grant of $50,000 to further expand its programs says Member for Swan Hill, Mr Walsh.
The funding is part the State Government’s Adult, Community and Further Education Board Capacity and Innovation Fund which has provided funding grants totalling $2.3 million to 60 Learn Local organisations in Round 3 of its grants program.
The grants help adult community education Learn Local organisations to expand their services, improve efficiency, offer new courses and increase the participation and attainment of community participants.
“The Wedderburn Community House is seeking to expand its services by developing linkages between itself and similar organisations throughout the Loddon and Buloke Shires,” Mr Walsh said.
“Its aim is to strengthen existing cooperative programs and to identify means to increase student numbers and participation as well as expand the range of programs that can be offered in the local communities.
“As well, an e-learning platform will be established to allow trainers to engage with learners in different locations simultaneously,” Mr Walsh said.
In the 20 years of the community-based adult education, countless thousands of people have been helped along an education and employment pathway.
With 310 Learn Local organisations across the State, more than 95,000 people each year access vocational, language, literacy and numeracy and work-skill courses each year.
The Capacity and Innovation Fund is an initiative that encourages and supports this vital education sector for adult learners.
“This fund is enabling Learn Local organisations such as the Wedderburn Community House to enhance the supply of education and training our state needs to continue to provide the workforce our knowledge-driven economy needs,” Mr Walsh said.
“I congratulate the organisation on the work it is doing and its successful application for funding and look forward to seeing the development of the programs being offered to the communities of Wedderburn, Boort, Wycheproof and their surrounding communities,” he said.

Fox and wild dog bounty scalps 50,000 foxes

Mon, 14 May 2012 22:52:00 GMT

Victorian hunters have already received in excess of $500,000 for handing in more than 50,000 fox scalps in just the first seven months of the Victorian Coalition Government’s fox and wild dog bounty.
At The Nationals State Conference in Bendigo, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said the milestone was reached this week after hunters handed in large numbers of fox scalps at collection centres at Horsham, Bendigo, Swan Hill and Ouyen.
“The reinstatement of a genuine fox and wild dog bounty was a key Coalition election promise designed to help reduce the impact of foxes and wild dogs on food and fibre producers,” Mr Walsh said.
“The overwhelming response we have received from hunters since the bounty began in October last year shows just how important a role this scheme has to play in an integrated approach to fox and wild dog control.”
Mr Walsh said so far, the Government’s $4 million bounty had seen 51,919 fox scalps and 214 wild dog skin pieces handed in to Department of Primary Industries collection centres around the state.
“In comparison, just 20,034 foxes were killed over the entire three-year period of the Labor Government’s ad-hoc Fox Stop program,” Mr Walsh said.
This week hunters handed in 2,264 fox scalps to the collection centre at Horsham, 1,419 at Bendigo, 1,152 at Swan Hill, 953 at Ouyen and 636 at St. Arnaud.
Mr Walsh said since the scheme had begun operating, a total of 9,499 fox scalps had been handed in to the collection centre at Bendigo, 6,784 at Horsham, 6,121 at Ballarat, 4,685 at Swan Hill, 4,583 at Hamilton, 3,449 at Ouyen, 3,336 at St Arnaud and 2,311 at Broadford.
The Victorian fox and wild dog bounty rewards eligible Victorian hunters with $10 for each fox killed and $50 for each wild dog killed.
There are 21 collection centres across regional Victoria accepting entire fox scalps and eight collection centres accepting wild dog skin pieces.
For opening times and full details of the terms and conditions for the fox and wild dog bounty, go to www.dpi.vic.gov.au/bounty or contact the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.