Media Releases

Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, is calling on local communities to consider nominating for the 2012 Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria awards.
“Under the Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Award there are 11 separate awards including the Victorian Tidy Town of the Year,” Mr Walsh said.
“This is an excellent opportunity for our communities to demonstrate the pride that we all share in the towns in which we live,” he said.
“Last year Wycheproof Vision Inc won the Community Leadership Award whilst Lake Boga featured as finalists in a number of awards and St Arnaud was a finalist in the Community Action Award.
“This goes to show that regardless of the size of the community we can all participate successfully in these Awards,” Mr Walsh said.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said the awards were a great way to recognise Victorians who take practical action to improve their local environment.
“For thirty years these awards have been encouraging Victorian communities to look after their local environment and be proud of the community they live in.
“I support these awards because they encourage practical and local efforts to improve our environment,” Mr Smith said.
Entries for the Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards close on 11 May.
For more information visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/kabv.

Almost 700,000 trout and salmon were stocked into 135 waters last year by the Victorian Coalition Government to improve fishing opportunities for freshwater fishers.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said 2011 was a big year for trout production at the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Snobs Creek fish hatchery, as many lakes had filled following drought-breaking rains and were in terrific condition to be stocked.
“Several of our newly filled lakes produced outstanding fishing last year so it made sense to stock them again with help from revenue obtained through the sale of recreational fishing licences,” Mr Walsh said.
The stand-out performer in 2011 was Lake Bolac, which produced large numbers of rainbow trout between 2kg and 3kg.
Other standout performers last year were Lake Tooliorook, Hepburn Lagoon and Lake Elingamite which provided exceptional trout fishing for fly, bait and lure anglers.
Further afield, several waters received trout for the first time in years including Lake Toolondo in the Wimmera, which was once one of Victoria’s most productive and popular trout fisheries.
It was stocked with 40,000 brown trout and 5,000 rainbow trout.
“Before the drought, Lake Toolondo was known to produce brown trout over 4kg so there are many people hoping our stocking pays dividends in years to come,” Mr Walsh said.
Lake Marma, near Murtoa, and Pykes Creek Reservoir, near Ballan, were also additions to the stocking list in 2011, receiving 1,000 and 5,000 trout respectively.
All trout stocked this year were produced at the Snobs Creek hatchery which has greatly benefited from recent upgrades.
For more about fish stocking and a full list of waters stocked with trout and native fish, such as Murray cod and golden perch, visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing

Victorian food and fibre exports grew by 19 per cent last year despite a tough economic climate and parity Australian dollar.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said a new Department of Primary Industries (DPI) report found Victorian food and fibre exports jumped $1.3 billion to reach $8.07 billion in 2010-11.
“This demonstrates the high quality and high demand for Victorian food, wine and fibre, and is a fantastic result for our farming communities,” Mr Walsh said.
“But what is most pleasing is that our exports have increased during a difficult economic time, when the Australian dollar reached parity with the US dollar.
“The end of the drought and stronger commodity prices, together with new access to the Indian market for Australian dairy farmers, are the key factors in an exceptionally strong showing for Victorian food and fibre producers.”
Mr Walsh said the Victorian Food and Fibre Export Performance 2010-11 showed Victoria remained Australia’s leading agricultural exporter, accounting for 28 per cent of farm exports.
Victoria made up 86 per cent of the value of Australia’s dairy exports alone with $1.96 billion worth, while the value of grain exports jumped sharply from $442 million to $1.13 billion.
Mr Walsh said the findings were a resounding demonstration of the importance of rural Victoria to the state’s economy.
The report found that fibre exports, including wool, skins and hides, were valued at about $1.77 billion in 2010-11, an increase of $470 million from the previous financial year.
Demand for wool remained strong despite higher prices, with volumes exported to China increasing by 14 per cent and shipments to Italy more than doubling.
Mr Walsh said a total of 412,000 tonnes of meat products worth approximately $1.66 billion were also exported, an increase of $110 million.

Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, today congratulated Jody Croft from Swan Hill on being one of twenty artists shortlisted for prizes totalling more than $50,000 as part of the Victorian Government’s 2012 Victorian Indigenous Art Awards.
Announced this week by Premier and Minister for the Arts Ted Baillieu, the Victorian Indigenous Art Awards play an important role in celebrating and promoting the work of the State’s Indigenous artists and our unique Koorie culture.
Twenty-seven works were selected from 132 entries for this year’s awards, with Mrs Croft shortlisted as a finalist for her work Rainbow Energy.
“This quite large painting by Mrs Croft is very striking and expressive,” Mr Walsh said today.
“Its depiction of a rainbow using indigenous forms rather than the more traditional structure is particularly notable and very appealing.
“I wish her the very best in the final judging process and I look forward to viewing all the artist’s works at the fortyfivedownstairs gallery later in March,” he said.
Mr Baillieu said the shortlisted artists worked across a variety of mediums, from traditional painting and weaving techniques to photography, sculpture, video and street art.
“There are many voices and many generations of Indigenous artists in Victoria working to uphold traditions and to express their culture in new and distinct ways,” Mr Baillieu said.
The awards, which give prizes across five categories, are open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists living in Victoria and, now in their seventh year, profile the diversity of Indigenous arts practice in Victoria and showcase the uniqueness of south-east Australian Aboriginal art.
This year’s finalists include both regional and metropolitan artists, past winners and several who have not been shortlisted before. Seven of the shortlisted artists have two artworks on the shortlist.
The finalists were selected by an expert judging panel comprising Dr Treahna Hamm, an Aboriginal artist; Clinton Nain, a Torres Strait Islander artist; and Jason Smith, Director of Heide Museum of Art.
The winners of the 2012 Victorian Indigenous Art Awards will be announced on 9 March 2012 and the finalist exhibition will be open to the public from 10 to 31 March 2012 at the awards partner gallery, fortyfivedownstairs at 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.

February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, part of an international campaign to raise awareness of the disease and its associated symptoms and Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, is urging women to be aware of the signs.
“It is imperative that all women know the symptoms of ovarian cancer and are able to recognise the warning signs if they occur,” Mr Walsh said
“There is no detection test for ovarian cancer which is why it is so important for women to recognise the symptoms.
“More than 1,200 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year in Australia – that’s three women a day. This is a startling and worrisome fact.”
The 4 types of ovarian cancer symptoms most frequently reported are:
1. Abdominal or pelvic pain
2. Increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating
3. Needing to urinate often or urgently
4. Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
During February, Ovarian Cancer Australia invites the community, volunteers and friends to raise vital funds for support programs and resources for women and their families affected by ovarian cancer and for a national research program into the disease.
“2012 Teal Ribbon Day is Wednesday, 29 February, when Australians are encouraged to purchase and wear a teal ribbon to raise awareness of ovarian cancer,” Mr Walsh said.
“Show your support this February, buy a teal ribbon, host a morning tea, or simply talk about the symptoms of ovarian cancer with the women in your life.”
For more information visit www.ovariancancer.net.au or call 1300 660 334

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh has recognised the contribution Victorian
farmers make to the country’s economy this Australia Day.
”This year, 2012, is Australian Year of the Farmer and there is no better time to focus on past achievements and also the future of our farming industries, communities and the businesses that support them,” Mr Walsh said.
“Victoria has much to boast about when it comes to agriculture, but our farmers also put in a lot of hard work to achieve that great reputation for quality food.
“Food does not just miraculously appear – it needs hard work, land, water, plants and animals. The Victorian Coalition Government supports farmers and sees a vibrant future for the agricultural sectors across the state.”
Victoria was Australia's largest producer and exporter of sheep meat in 2010-11, accounting for 41 per cent of Australian lamb production with a farm gate value of around $1 billion. It is also the largest vegetable exporting state and accounts for 24 per cent of total Australian production.
The Victorian dairy industry produces 65 per cent of Australia's milk production and 86 per cent of its dairy product exports, while the beef industry is the second largest agricultural industry and exported $615 million worth of exports in 2010-11.
Mr Walsh said the whole community benefited from the contribution farmers made, not just to the economy but through volunteer participation with Landcare groups, CFA brigades and sporting bodies.
“Farmers are the nation’s most dedicated carers for the environment and have a financial interest in maintaining the health of the land they manage,” Mr Walsh said.
“Also, we know Victoria’s farmers uphold the world’s highest standards of animal welfare, underpinned by rigorous codes of practice and processing standards.”
Mr Walsh said the Victorian Government was committed to encouraging and supporting local farmers so they could continue to do what they do best; producing high quality food and fibre not only for Australia but the rest of the world.

Victorians now have another reason to love their lamb this Australia Day, as new research reveals the secret to boosting the meat’s healthy qualities.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said scientists from the Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI) had achieved a world-first by increasing the healthy omega-3 fatty acids in lamb meat.
By adding a small amount of a natural algae supplement into a moderate quality ryegrass and clover hay diet, scientists dramatically increased long chain omega-3 levels in the lamb.
Mr Walsh said the development was a win-win for both Victorian producers and consumers.
Victoria is Australia’s largest prime lamb producer, and Victorian sheep meat producers exported around 121,000 tonnes of lamb and mutton in 2009/10, worth $616.3 million.
“Studies have shown that half of Australians aren’t consuming enough long chain omega-3 fatty acids in their diets,” Mr Walsh said.
“These particular fatty acids are essential for growth as well as brain and eye development, and are linked to reducing the risk of heart disease, arthritis, depression and dementia.
“There is no better reason to throw some lamb on the barbecue this Australia Day.”
The DPI scientists fed the lambs 20g of a dried algae supplement daily over eight weeks and found a 240 per cent increase in healthy omega-3 fats in the lambs’ muscle compared to those eating a moderate quality ryegrass/clover hay diet.
A 135g serve of meat from algae-supplemented lamb provided 129 mg of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which is more than the minimum daily recommended amount for women and 80 per cent of what’s required for men.
DPI senior research scientist Dr Eric Ponnampalam said the research results were just the beginning and DPI would continue research in conjunction with its partners to improve the productivity, profitability and competitiveness of lamb meat.
“We will continue to investigate the best forages and supplements to increase productivity and optimum lamb nutrition for high quality lamb meat,” Dr Ponnampalam said.

 St Augustine’s Church, Inglewood has received an $8,000 grant towards the restoration of its Fincham Organ, Member for Swan Hill Peter Walsh announced today.
Mr Walsh said the grant would restore the pipe organ to full working condition.
He said the organ at present was only partially playable and required an extensive clean of various operating elements. The grant would facilitate repairs to wind leakage, non-functional keys and fine tuning and regulation of pipework and action.
“The pipe organ was built by leading Victorian organ builder, George Fincham in 1878 and installed in that year. It remains in a highly intact condition.
“However the restoration will enable greater use of the organ for recitals, which in turn will draw greater numbers of visitors to the town,” Mr Walsh said.
Planning Minister Matthew Guy said the grant was one of 13 community projects around Victoria being funded to preserve and protect significant heritage places and objects.
He said Victoria’s Heritage Grants supported local communities to care for and manage the state’s rich and diverse heritage, with this year’s program totalling $1.13 million.
Mr Guy said the grants recognised and supported the enthusiasm and commitment of many dedicated volunteer organisations which worked to preserve and safeguard our shared history.
Victoria’s heritage grants support the repair and restoration of publicly accessible and important heritage places and objects managed by local government and community not-for-profit organisations and are provided for places in the Victorian Heritage Register or included in a Heritage Overlay. Funding for heritage place grants totalling $500,000 was provided by the Victorian Property Fund.

The Victorian Coalition Government has reinstated more than 90 bee licences on public land that had been lost to the industry.
Visiting a Castlemaine honey business today, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said 92 sites had been returned to beekeepers based on a fair ballot as part of the $400,000 Putting the Buzz Back into Agriculture initiative.
“I am pleased to announce these ‘lost’ sites will return to the industry. It has been a long time coming,” Mr Walsh said.
“The former Labor Government shut down hundreds of beekeeping sites on public land.
“Our $400,000 investment to reinstate these sites will help protect and grow Victoria's valuable beekeeping sector and safeguard our horticultural industries.
“Victoria has about 3,600 designated bee sites which are on public land. They provide an important nectar and pollen resource for honey production and condition bees for pollination of Victoria’s economically important horticultural and seed crops.”
Mr Walsh said the 92 sites were allocated to apiarists through a ballot involving 202 beekeepers in December last year.
“This is a very positive outcome that opens up viable bee sites that were just sitting there doing nothing for such a long time,” Mr Walsh said.
“We are delivering on our election commitment to reinstate the bee site licences on public land that were banned by the former Labor Government.”
The Putting the Buzz Back into Agriculture initiative will also fund an increase in Victoria’s capacity to quickly detect and respond to the exotic honey bee parasite, varroa mite.
Australia is the only continent in the world still free of this pest. The varroa mite has the potential to decimate the country’s honey bee population.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh visited Glenlyon Upper Landcare today to discuss the success of the Victorian Coalition Government’s crackdown on pests and weeds.
The Landcare group wrote to Mr Walsh early last year with concerns about an inadequate response to gorse infestations by the former Labor Government.
“I am now pleased to say that thanks to an additional $21.2 million we allocated in the State Budget to boost the fight against pests and weeds, the situation has improved dramatically,” Mr Walsh said.
“Department of Primary Industries (DPI) officers have inspected 143 properties in the Glenlyon, Lauriston and Ashbourne areas since July 2011.
“We take the issue of weed control very seriously and DPI officers will be returning to the inspected properties in February to follow up on compliance,” Mr Walsh said.
Across Victoria, DPI officers inspected 2,768 properties from July to December 2011 compared to just 1,290 the previous year.
“The government is committed to taking action against those landholders who allow their properties to become a haven for pests and weeds,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh said the former Labor Government had walked away from controlling widespread weeds such as gorse and blackberry.
“The fact that more than one in five properties inspected required an improvement notice is proof the state went backwards under Labor’s lax approach,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh said DPI inspectors would target weed enforcement actions to support communities where landholders were working together to co-ordinate pest control action, for example through Landcare groups or weed taskforces.
The department is implementing 90 weed enforcement projects across Victoria to support community-led action on weeds.