Media Releases

The 2012 Victorian Hunting Guide is now available online and thousands of copies are being mailed to licensed hunters, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said today.
Mr Walsh, visiting a camping store in Swan Hill, said there were more than 40,000 Victorians licensed to hunt those species of deer, duck and quail declared as game.
“The Victorian Coalition Government produces the Hunting Guide each year to provide the hunting community with important information on game hunting laws, including open season dates and bag limits, hunter ethics and firearms safety,” Mr Walsh said.
“The free guide is a vital link between the industry, hunting organisations and the government.
“It also provides information about the newly created Game Victoria, which is the body responsible for managing game hunting in the state.”
The Hunting Guide will be sent free of change to all licensed game hunters, while a further 10,000 copies will be available at Department of Primary Industries (DPI) regional offices and an online version is available at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/game-hunting
“I urge all new and experienced hunters to familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations for the coming hunting seasons,” Mr Walsh said.
“Not only will it ensure the sustainability and safety of game hunting in Victoria, but there are heavy financial penalties for those who do the wrong thing, as well as the possibility of losing your Game and Firearms licences and/or your firearm.”
The 2012 Victorian Hunting Guide will be mailed to hunters over the coming weeks, in time for the start of the upcoming duck season which starts on 17 March and finishes on 11 June.
For more information on game hunting in Victoria contact the DPI customer service centre on 136 186.

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.

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.

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.

The Victorian Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to targeting recalcitrant landowners who fail to control invasive plants and animals on private property.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) had more than doubled property inspections in a major crackdown on agricultural pests such as blackberry, gorse, ragwort and thistles.
“The government allocated an additional $21.2 million in the State Budget to boost the fight against weeds and pests and this investment is paying off,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh said DPI officers inspected 2,768 properties from July to December 2011 compared to just 1,290 for the same period in 2010.
“As a result of this crackdown, 12 property owners have been hit with fines and another will be prosecuted through the courts by DPI inspectors,” Mr Walsh said.
“Some 633 landowners have received land management or directions notices over the period, demanding they take action to clean up their properties or face penalties. This is up on 288 notices issued the previous year.
“This government is committed to taking action on those landholders who allow their properties to become a haven for pests and weeds.”
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.

There has been a huge response to the Victorian fox bounty by landowners, with 10,000 fox scalps collected in 11 weeks.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh visited Holt’s Gun Shop in Colac with Member for Polwarth Terry Mulder today to discuss the fox bounty with hunters.
“The overwhelming response of more than 10,000 scalps in such a short time shows just how much farmers needed this bounty as a long-term control measure for wild dogs and foxes,” Mr Walsh said.
“The Victorian Coalition Government’s fox bounty has quickly surpassed the former Labor Government’s flawed FoxStop program, which only claimed about 6,000 foxes per year.”
The bounty is $10 per fox and $50 per wild dog, with more than $100,000 flowing into hunters’ pockets already.
“Collections resumed on Monday and I expect to see large numbers of fox scalps delivered to Department of Primary Industries sites over the next few weeks,” Mr Walsh said.
Hunters need to submit an entire fox scalp, including both ears and the skin surrounding the eyes and the nose in an air-dried, fresh or frozen condition to collect the reward.
Mr Mulder said there had been a noticeable increase in spotlighting activity across the south west since the introduction of the fox bounty.
“Most farmers agree that the bounty is effective at reducing fox numbers and have welcomed the Victorian Government’s introduction of the scheme,” Mr Mulder said.
“There are lots of foxes around but some shooters have reported a reduction compared with the same time last year, which is being attributed to the bounty.”
Mr Walsh also released a full schedule of fox bounty collection points from January through until April 2012. Hunters can view the list at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/bounty.

Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh has welcomed a partnership between Coles and Warrnambool Cheese and Butter that will see about 35 new jobs created in regional Victoria.
Visiting Warrnambool Cheese and Butter at Allansford today, Mr Walsh said the launch of Great Ocean Road milk and cheeses in Coles supermarkets highlighted the strength of Victoria’s dairy industry.
“This partnership is a very positive announcement for south west Victoria and will create more jobs in the region,” Mr Walsh said.
“Dairy is Victoria’s largest agricultural industry and significantly contributes to the state’s economy, and this partnership reflects that.”
Mr Walsh said Dairy Australia figures showed that the consumption of milk across Australia was increasing.
He said in Victoria in particular, milk sales had increased from 545 million litres in 2009/10 to 566 million litres in 2010/11.
“This is an increase of almost four per cent and shows Australians are drinking more milk, which is great news for the dairy industry, but also great for the health of Australians,” Mr Walsh said.
“Consuming two and a half serves of milk, cheese and yoghurt each day in a balanced diet can help lower your risk of osteoporosis and prevent tooth decay.
“However, not all Australians are consuming the recommended servings per day.
“I look forward to seeing Great Ocean Road milk and cheeses on the shelves, enticing more people to consume Victorian dairy products,” Mr Walsh said.