Media Releases

Victoria’s aquaculture industry has bounced back from the impact of the 2009 bushfires and other challenges to post a 27 per cent increase in production in 2011.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said aquaculture production in Victoria had increased from 1969 tonnes in 2010 to 2503 tonnes in 2011.
Mr Walsh said the increase was largely attributable to the sector’s recovery from drought and bushfires as well as the benefits flowing from the establishment of a new shellfish hatchery in 2008.
“An unreliable supply of wild juvenile mussels had been threatening the viability of the Victorian mussel sector until a joint effort by mussel growers and Fisheries Victoria saw the hatchery established at Queenscliff,” Mr Walsh said.
“Largely thanks to production getting in to full swing at the hatchery, Victorian mussel production surged 68 per cent in 2010-11 to 951 tonnes.
“The production of juvenile mussels at the hatchery has allowed the industry to overcome a major obstacle. This collaboration is now reflected in much improved mussel production figures, which are expected to further improve next year.”
Mr Walsh said Victorian trout growers were also continuing to recover from the impact of several years of drought and the 2009 fires, increasing production by 13 per cent to 968 tonnes in 2010-11.
“Several trout farms in the Goulburn Valley were damaged in the 2009 bushfires with most having endured years of drought and warmer water temperatures before that,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh said it was great to see trout production figures on the rise again and he was pleased that Fisheries Victoria had helped by donating eggs from its Snobs Creek hatchery in 2009.
“Increased production of farmed seafood is good news for lovers of fresh and local product, and it’s good news for regional communities because aquaculture employs people regionally,” Mr Walsh said.
Victoria’s aquaculture farmers grow a variety of species including trout, abalone, mussels, Murray cod, goldfish and yabbies.

Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, is thrilled with today’s funding announcement by Minister for Health, David Davis, for a new Charlton hospital.
“This commitment of $22.7 million will ensure that the residents of Charlton will receive a fully functional hospital to replace the one destroyed in last year’s floods,” he said.
“The settling and purchase of the site for the new hospital was a major step forward in the replacement process and now this funding commitment to ensure a modern, first-class hospital is returned to the Charlton community is excellent news.
“With building now scheduled to commence early next year the whole community can look forward to the future with growing confidence.
“The new hospital will provide residential aged care, hospital bed-based services, ambulatory care services and improved access to health services and will well service the Charlton community for many years to come,” Mr Walsh said
“The resilience shown by the Charlton community has been extraordinary and today’s announcement , I am sure, will be met with a great deal of relief and satisfaction by everyone associated with the hospital replacement project.”

Exciting careers in the food and fibre sector are being served up to a city-based audience at the Regional Victoria Living Expo to be held in Melbourne this weekend.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said the expo was about enticing city people to move to the country by promoting what country Victorians already know: regional Victoria is a great place to raise a family and grow a rewarding career.
“The Victorian Coalition Government encourages more young people to consider a career in the industry that feeds, clothes and houses us all,” Mr Walsh said.
“There is a great range of career opportunities available in the food and fibre sector and there has never been a better time to enter the industry.
“Last financial year Victoria saw record export figures of $8.07 billion and with global food demand tipped to be 70 per cent higher by 2050, the future of the sector is bright.”
Mr Walsh said the increasing complexities of business and technology meant the range of career opportunities in food and fibre production had broadened and now included roles in information and mobile technologies, engineering, business services and a range of specialist roles.
“The industry is now much broader than just farming and there are many highly skilled service industries that support producers in what is now a sophisticated business,” Mr Walsh said.
“Promoting the industry in this way is very important as we strive to meet the demands of a global business.
“The expo provides a great opportunity to showcase the food and fibre industry, while highlighting the positive leisure and lifestyle associated with regional areas,” Mr Walsh said.
Those wanting to discover some of the opportunities available in regional Victoria’s most vibrant industry can attend the Regional Victoria Living Expo from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 April at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre. Entry is free and more information is available at www.rdv.vic.gov.au/expo
Visit the DPI website at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/grow to view stories of young people who have followed a range of pathways to their exciting food and fibre career.

Minyip is one of more than 20 Victorian towns to receive improved access to quality drinking water supplies and wastewater services, through the latest round of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Small Towns Water Quality Fund.
A 20 kilometre pipeline and an expanded Murtoa wastewater treatment plant, totalling $2.7 million, will be constructed to supply 245 residential and 39 business allotments in Minyip with fully treated water.
Water Minister Peter Walsh said by improving water quality in Minyip, the growth and development of the wider region would also improve.
“The combined efforts of local government, water corporations, community and the Coalition Government mean that drinking water quality improvements through upgrades and new facilities are big wins for these small towns,” Mr Walsh said.
“We recognise that investment in Victoria’s rural towns is needed and we are doing this by improving access to good quality drinking water and sewerage networks.”
Minyip Progress Association representative and Minyip resident Peter Bridgland was thrilled with the news of the funding.
“It is great to hear that the pipeline from Murtoa to Minyip to bring drinking quality water to the township is going ahead,” Mr Bridgland said.
“This is one of the best things that has happened to Minyip in a very long time.
“The Coalition Government and Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water are to be congratulated for their commitment to this project.”
This latest round of works under the Small Towns Water Quality Fund includes eight projects, which involve the building of pipelines, upgrades to water treatment plants and installation of a UV-treatment system.
More information about the Small Towns Water Quality Fund is available at www.water.vic.gov.au/saving/towns/small-town-water-quality-fund

Rupanyup is one of more than 20 Victorian towns to receive improved access to quality drinking water supplies and wastewater services, through the latest round of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Small Towns Water Quality Fund.
A 20 kilometre pipeline and an expanded Murtoa wastewater treatment plant, totalling $2.7 million, will be constructed to supply 201 residential and 52 non-residential allotments in Rupanyup with fully treated water.
Water Minister Peter Walsh said by improving water quality in Rupanyup, the growth and development of the wider region would also improve.
“The combined efforts of local government, water corporations, community and the Coalition Government mean that drinking water quality improvements through upgrades and new facilities are big wins for these small towns,” Mr Walsh said.
“We recognise that investment in Victoria’s rural towns is needed and we are doing this by improving access to good quality drinking water and sewerage networks.”
Local Yarriambiack councillor and community member Cr Ray Kingston was delighted with the announcement.
“This is very exciting. Of all the essential services, having good quality drinking water straight from the tap is absolutely vital,” Cr Kingston said.
“Prior to the floods and bushfires having such a devastating effect on our water supply, our water was nearly pristine, and to be able to return to having high quality water is a huge boost for the whole community.”
This latest round of works under the Small Towns Water Quality Fund includes eight projects, which involve the building of pipelines, upgrades to water treatment plants and installation of a UV-treatment system.
More information about the Small Towns Water Quality Fund is available at www.water.vic.gov.au/saving/towns/small-town-water-quality-fund

More than 20 rural and regional Victorian towns will receive improved access to quality drinking water supplies, Water Minister Peter Walsh announced today.
Mr Walsh said more than $11 million would be spent in the most recent round of grants from the Victorian Coalition Government’s Small Towns Water Quality Fund.
Mr Walsh said local government, water corporations, community and the Victorian Government were working together to improve drinking water quality and upgrade, monitor and improve wastewater management in Victoria’s small towns.
“The government is committed to ensuring that people who live in small towns still have access to quality drinking water,” Mr Walsh said.
“Improved water quality and access to sewerage will also help to increase growth and development in these areas.”
This round of works includes building of pipelines, upgrades to water treatment plants and installation of a UV-treatment system. Towns to receive funding include Rupanyup, Minyip and Donald.
Located in the state’s north-west, Donald’s 1400 residents will receive a $3.9 million local treatment plant to improve the local drinking water supply. The government has contributed
$1 million while Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water (GWMW) has contributed $2.9 million.
“The quality of the water supply in this area has a history of being poor and was affected even more after the January 2011 flood, that’s why this investment is top priority,” Mr Walsh said.
“The local water quality has been temporarily controlled through chlorination, but there is a real need to protect the water in this town for future generations.”
The treatment plant will be complete within three years and is based on Dissolved Air Filtration Floatation (DAFF) technology, on a site already owned by GWMW. DAFF technology minimises the use of chemicals in the purification process.
GWMW Customer Consultative Committees will also have a say in the project.
“We considered several ways to upgrade the water quality in Donald and the best option is to build a local treatment plant. By keeping the solutions for water at a local level, we are able make sure that we get the best outcomes for these towns,” Mr Walsh said.

Geelong household and business water bills will increase to pay for the Melbourne Geelong pipeline commissioned by the former Labor Government.
Water Minister Peter Walsh said the Essential Services Commission (ESC) had released a draft decision today which would see Barwon Water’s water charges jump by 10 per cent before inflation from 1 July 2012.
“Geelong families will suffer pricing increases to pay for Labor’s water mistakes,” Mr Walsh said.
“The former Brumby Government panicked during the drought and decided to build an $80 million pipeline to pump water from Melbourne to Geelong.
“The Melbourne Geelong interconnector was the mechanism the former Labor Government introduced so Geelong and Colac households would also pay for the desalination plant at Wonthaggi.
“Labor has condemned Geelong water customers to years of increased prices for a pipe that may never be used.”
Mr Walsh said in analysing the cost impact of the Melbourne Geelong pipeline, the ESC had uncovered $130 million in additional capital expenditure by Barwon Water that was not approved as part of the current five-year pricing plan.
Mr Walsh commended the new Barwon Water board for committing to fund almost half the cost of the Melbourne Geelong pipeline through internal cost savings and efficiencies.
The draft ESC decision has been released for public consultation before a final determination in June 2012.

The Victorian Coalition Government has today unveiled a new vision for Melbourne’s water future.
Releasing the final report from the Living Victoria Ministerial Advisory Council, Water Minister Peter Walsh said the Coalition Government supported the vision, objectives and broad directions the council had set out in the plan.
“The Victorian Coalition Government committed before the election to change the way we plan for Melbourne’s future water needs,” Mr Walsh said.
“We now have a substantial reform process ahead of us to overhaul the urban water system and place a 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.
“Fit-for-purpose solutions to re-use stormwater and recycled water will reduce the pressure on our potable water supply by providing water for non-drinking purposes,” Mr Walsh said.
“The Office for Living Victoria will be established as a cross-government agency to cut red tape and drive the integration of water and urban planning.
“In the first 12 months, OLV 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 amend the Victorian Planning Provisions to improve stormwater management.”
Mr Walsh said the vision and objectives of Living Victoria would be used to align Melbourne’s future development with Living Victoria.
The Coalition Government will also:
• seek ways to give water customers greater control over their water bills by providing more tariff choices;
• develop investment guidelines to better reflect the value that the community places on urban amenity and the environment;
• work with local government and the water authorities on approaches to extend Melbourne Water’s stormwater licensing arrangements to cover all government-owned stormwater infrastructure;
• release sewer mining guidelines to increase investment in wastewater re-use; and
• cut red tape to increase the use of alternative water sources and reduce pressure on catchment and desalinated water.
Mr Walsh said communities had suffered from Labor’s failure to undertake the long-term planning required for population growth and climate change.
“The decade-long drought left many urban parks, gardens and sports fields as dustbowls,” Mr Walsh said.
“Although we have moved out of a period of drought, the Coalition Government is determined to protect the amenity of open spaces for the enjoyment of our local communities.”
Mr Walsh said the report included a number of longer-term recommendations designed to increase competition within the water sector.
“Given the essential nature of water services, we believe these recommendations require further work and community consultation,” Mr Walsh said.
“We support a more competitive environment where it is in the best interests of the community, however we are committed to keeping water in public ownership.”
Mr Walsh thanked Mike Waller, chair of the Living Victoria Ministerial Advisory Council, and members Rob Skinner, Sue Holliday and Rob Adams for their hard work and commitment to a better water future for Melbourne.
The Living Melbourne, Living Victoria Implementation Plan is available at www.water.vic.gov.au/livingvictoria

The Victorian Coalition Government, with Glenelg Shire Council, has commissioned a study to assess the economic value of the recreational southern bluefin tuna fishery to South West Victoria, and in particular, the Portland community.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said while southern bluefin tuna supported a significant commercial fishery in South Australia, it was also highly valued by the recreational sector in Victoria.
“The recreational southern bluefin tuna fishery provides significant flow-on benefits to the Portland community and wider regional economy,” Mr Walsh said.
“The Victorian Government and Glenelg Shire Council believe it is important to quantify that economic contribution to help guide future planning, infrastructure development and policy and decision making in relation to this highly valuable resource.”
Mr Walsh said recreational southern bluefin tuna fishing had increased considerably over recent years, with up to 300 trailer boats observed operating out of Portland in 2011 and 28 charter boats operating out of the region.
“However the significance of recreational fishing for southern bluefin tuna is poorly understood and quantified and has not been recognised in the national allocation of the global southern bluefin tuna catch limit by the Federal Labor Government,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh said the study would help reveal the total economic value of recreational southern bluefin tuna fishing by both charter operators and private fishers to the Portland community and the regional economy.
“As well as providing the data and analysis to ensure informed, evidence-based planning and investment decisions are made, the study will play an important role in informing resource sharing decisions to secure a long term share of the southern bluefin tuna fishery for recreational fisheries,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh said the study was expected to be finalised later this year. The Victorian Government will also be working with the Commonwealth to secure long term access to the southern bluefin tuna resource for recreational fishers.

The Victorian Coalition Government will re-establish the out of use Silvan weather station and donate it to the community to support local farmers.
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh said the $15,000 weather station would provide micro-climate weather data to assist local farmers to plan their business operations.
"The Victorian Government is delivering on its election commitment to Silvan district farmers to activate the weather station that was built and promptly abandoned by the Labor Party,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh said the Silvan weather station has had limited use despite having been installed at the Wandin-Silvan field day site in 2006 to provide irrigators with valuable climate driven crop water data.
“This weather station is yet another example of the waste and mismanagement of the former Labor Government: taxpayers’ money was spent, the station was built but it was never switched on,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh said the Department of Primary Industries would bring the station back to working order, hand ownership back to the community and provide $6000 over the next three years to help deliver data services to local farmers.
Member for Eastern Victoria Ed O’Donohue welcomed the announcement and congratulated local farmers and the Silvan field days committee on campaigning for the weather station.
“The local weather data provided by this station will help on-farm decision making especially in relation to scheduling of irrigation watering,” Mr O’Donohue said.
“The Coalition will dust off the weather station and get it up and running for the benefit of Silvan horticulturalists,” Member for Eastern Victoria Philip Davis said.
Mr Walsh said the weather station would be an important tool for farmers to more professionally and profitably plan their businesses and supply customers.