Media Releases

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI), with assistance from the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Victoria Police, continues to investigate an incident on private property near Boort, in north-west Victoria.
Investigating officers have retrieved approximately 760 game ducks and 155 non-game birds that were shot at the wetland and left in the water on the opening weekend of the 2013 duck season.
The 155 non-game birds include protected Freckled Duck, coot and Australian Grebe.
All birds retrieved have been identified, photographed and catalogued prior to sanitary disposal as part of the investigation. The dead birds hold no forensic value and were disposed of for health reasons.
Shooting of non-game species is a serious offence and will not be tolerated.
It is also a serious offence to shoot more than the daily bag limit of 10 game ducks.
The private wetland was closed for shooting last week, and it will remain closed for the remainder of the duck hunting season.
DPI, with assistance from DSE and Victoria Police, is investigating the matter and intends to prosecute those responsible.
Duck hunting in Victoria is strictly controlled and heavy penalties apply to hunters who contravene the regulations. One hunter at the wetland had his firearm seized for taking in excess of the daily bag limit of 10 and will be charged on summons.
The Coalition Against Duck Shooting (CADS) has made allegations about the propriety of this investigation.
Any suggestion that this matter is not being investigated appropriately is without foundation and rejected. DPI, with the assistance of DSE, acted immediately on uncovering the alleged illegal
activity and has moved swiftly to close the wetland and collect evidence.
Likewise, making unsubstantiated allegations against DPI staff is an unjustified attack on professional individuals and the department.
While CADS members assert they are acting in the public interest, exaggerating and making inaccurate claims undermine the group’s credibility and, in this instance, is unhelpful to the investigation underway.

Protestors who illegally enter operational logging coupes and endanger themselves and others are on notice that the Victorian Coalition Government has introduced new on-the-spot fines.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said the on-the-spot fines under the Safety on Public Land Act 2004 have had an immediate impact, with four protestors in East Gippsland fined a total of almost $3,000 the day after the changes came into effect.
Those protestors did not return to the coupe the following day.
“Timber harvesting coupes are dangerous work sites and protestors risk their own safety when they break the law,” Mr Walsh said.
“Trespassers also endanger forest workers who are legally going about their jobs, as well as the enforcement officers who must attend to ensure their removal.
“New penalty infringement notices came into effect on 13 March to help enforce public safety zones for timber harvesting operations.
“These new notices equip law enforcement officers with effective deterrents to improve public safety and reduce disruptions to VicForests operations,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh said trespassers committing multiple offences on operational coupes could now receive on-the-spot fines of more than $1,400.
The introduction of penalty infringement notices follows changes to State forest public safety zones in December last year that prohibits access within 150 metres of operational timber harvesting coupes.
Mr Walsh said it was now an offence to enter a public safety zone if timber harvesting operations were occurring. Previously, trespassers only faced charges if they interfered with timber harvesting.
“The changes to the public safety zone declaration and the introduction of on-the-spot fines are improving public safety in our state forests and minimising disruptions to timber harvesting operations by more effectively deterring illegal protest activity,” Mr Walsh said.

Victoria’s world-class skills and capability in agricultural science were recognised today at the 2013 Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Science Awards at Parliament House.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said the awards rewarded research,
development and extension talent within DPI and Victoria’s agricultural community.
“Whether it is preventing and managing grain diseases, improving the taste of wine, or restoring marginal and unproductive land, the awards show how the Government is partnering with industry
to improve productivity and profitability in agriculture,” Mr Walsh said.
The 2013 winners are:
Hugh McKay Award DPI Industry Partnership Award (a $5,000 grant for an individual or industry partner’s contribution to RD&E projects) - Rick and Jenny Robertson of Gracemere fine wool merinos, for improving on-farm management, working with DPI scientists and sharing knowledge and experience with Victorian producers.
Daniel McAlpine DPI Science Award ($5,000 grant to a DPI staff member or team for outstanding achievement in science) - the DPI Cereal Pathology Project Team for research, training and education about prevention and management of grain diseases.
Nancy Millis Postgraduate Thesis Award ($5,000 grant for the best thesis (PhD or MSc) by a DPI staff member) - shared by Dr Rachel Kilmister for work on tannin extraction from wine grapes and Rachel Mann for research on the bacterium that causes fire blight in fruit.
Samuel Wadham DPI Practice Change Award ($5,000 grant for a DPI staff member or team for leading practice change in farm businesses and primary industries) - the Native Pasture
Management Team for work on restoring marginal and unproductive land using native grasses.
Mr Walsh said the Victorian Coalition Government was committed to doubling Victoria’s agricultural production by 2030, and research and partnerships with industry are critical to achieving this goal.
“I would like to congratulate all the award winners and thank the countless other researchers and scientists in DPI for their work which ultimately underpins growth in our agricultural sectors and
Victoria’s economy,” Mr Walsh said.
For more information about the winners and their projects visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/scienceawards

Authorities have reported responsible behaviour by hunters and high levels of compliance on opening day of the 2013 Victorian duck season.
Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh said an estimated 15,000 of Victoria’s 25,000 licensed duck hunters took to wetlands across the state this morning.
“More than 120 police and government agency staff were operating today at 25 major wetlands across Victoria and reports from the field were of excellent behaviour from hunters,” Mr Walsh
said.
“The hunting has been good and full bags were reported from many areas.
“The vast majority of hunters did the right thing, acting safely, responsibly and in accordance with the law. Hopefully hunters will maintain this high level of compliance for the remainder of the season.
“Until 11am this morning, 19 hunting offences had been detected, including failure to retain a wing on a harvested duck and using lead shot.
“I was disappointed to hear there were still some unauthorised people who risked public safety by illegally entering specified hunting waters during prohibited times.
“All members of the public who are on wetlands where duck hunting is permitted must ensure they are acting safely and legally. Safety is the number one priority,” Mr Walsh said.
Three protesters were fined and two will face court charges after breaking the law.
Compliance activities will continue throughout the 12 week duck season.
The 2013 duck hunting season ends on June 10. For more information go to www.dpi.vic.gov.au

Changes to the focus of research at the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will see 13 new roles created at its Grains Centre of Excellence in Horsham, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said today.
Mr Walsh said the Victorian Coalition Government was refocusing research to the grains industry, where there was a major opportunity for increased production and exports by Victorian farmers.
“These 13 new positions at Horsham DPI will focus on grain genetic improvement and cereal pathology to help ensure Victoria’s grains industry can grow in line with global demand for our produce,” Mr Walsh said.
“This will mean more disease-resistant crop varieties and new, more productive varieties of pulses, oilseeds and cereals.
“This is great news for the Horsham region, as the 13 new roles are all full-time positions.
“It is also great news for the grains industry, which experienced a 61 per cent growth in exports in 2011/12 after the drought, worth $1.8 billion. This should grow even further with the help of research such as this.”
Mr Walsh said while the refocus meant some bioscience research roles were ending, there would be no net loss of jobs to DPI and there would actually be additional jobs for regional Victoria.
“Almost half of the bioscience roles ending were based in Melbourne, which means there is a net gain in jobs for regional Victoria out of this research refocus,” Mr Walsh said.
“The Coalition Government invests in areas of research where the relevant industry is prepared to co-invest, and that is why we have chosen to prioritise and refocus on grains.
“The horticulture industry has chosen to scale back their co-investment with the Coalition Government and that sends a signal that the research was not a priority to them.”
Mr Walsh said the Coalition Government was still spending $8.1 million over four years on the horticulture industry through the Growing Food and Fibre initiative and would explore market access opportunities in Indonesia and China as part of the Super Trade Missions.

As the start of the 2013 duck hunting season nears, the Victorian Coalition Government is providing a timely reminder to all involved to act safely and legally.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said it should be a good season, with recent surveys showing duck numbers to be among their highest levels in almost 30 years.
“There has been significant breeding in recent years and surveys show duck numbers across eastern Australia are at their fourth highest since 1984,” Mr Walsh said.
“Hot weather has dried up some duck habitats, but unlike last year when rain in northern states saw many birds leave, there are plenty of game birds in Victoria where there is water.”
Mr Walsh said game hunting was a popular recreational activity and an important traditional sport, with families often going on hunting trips together.
“Duck hunting provides a significant economic benefit to Victoria, generating about $100 million annually,” Mr Walsh said.
“It also supports jobs in hospitality and recreational supplies, such as vehicles, boats, fuel, firearms and ammunition, and camping and hunting equipment.”
Given the risks to public safety by people illegally protesting during the duck hunting season, only licensed duck hunters can enter the water and be within 25 metres of the shoreline between sundown and 10am.
The exclusion only applies to 227 (or six per cent) of the state’s 4,000 public wetlands during the three-month duck season.
Mr Walsh said hunting was a legal activity and hunters should be able to do so safely.
Likewise, protestors equally have a right to protest but must do so safely and legally.
“The recent court case where two protestors were convicted, fined and ordered to pay costs for a total of close to $10,000 is a reminder to protestors to adhere to the law,” Mr Walsh said.
The 2013 duck hunting season will open on Saturday 16 March at 7.10am in the eastern zone, 7.20am in the central zone and 7.30am in the western zone. It will close half an hour after sunset on Monday 10 June.
“Victoria has some of the best game hunting opportunities in Australia. We are committed to encouraging people to support our regional economies and to participate in what is part of our heritage,” Mr Walsh said.

Dear Editor,
Last week I was part of a Super Trade Mission to the Middle East led by the Victorian Coalition Government and I am pleased to report it was a resounding success that will open up new business opportunities for Victorian farmers and exporting companies.
A total of 75 Victorian food and beverage businesses were provided a great opportunity to showcase their products to significant importers, while Innovation, Services and Small Business Minister Louise Asher and I met with key Ministers and stakeholders to strengthen ties between Victoria and the Middle East.
Increasing export markets for Victorian food and fibre producers is a key focus of the Coalition Government and I am excited at the opportunities this Super Trade Mission has presented already.
During a meeting with the Australian Ambassador to Iraq Lyndall Sachs in Dubai, I was told there were considerable opportunities for Iraq to become a major market for Victorian food and fibre.
Victorian food and fibre companies are already beginning to capitalise on the growing demand for our products in the Middle East, with Australian-brand products being stocked in some supermarkets.
During the week I officially opened Murray Goulburn Co-operative’s new office in Dubai, which confirms the company’s plans to significantly expand its presence in the region. The company recognises substantial opportunities for export growth in the Middle East region and the establishment of a strategic business unit in Dubai will help drive its expanded presence in this rapidly developing market.
While in the Middle East I was also pleased to announce that Echuca-based irrigation technology company WiSA Irrigation is opening an office in the region to service large-scale government infrastructure and agricultural projects.
WiSA also expects to significantly increase its staff levels at Echuca as a result of establishing the new Middle Eastern office. This is an exciting and admirable step for what began as a local, family-run business from regional Victoria.
The opportunities these trade missions present for our meat, dairy and grain industries endorse the Coalition Government’s investment and I was very pleased to be a part of a delegation that will clearly bring new business to Victoria.

Victorian food and wine is playing a leading role in the meals served to millions of people travelling on Emirates Airlines flights around the world every year.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh visited Emirates Airlines’ flight catering operations at Dubai International Airport on Tuesday during the Victorian Coalition Government’s Super Trade Mission to the Middle East.
Mr Walsh said during the visit he was given a firsthand view of the headlining act that Victorian produce plays in the thousands of meals prepared by the airline’s flight catering division at its headquarters in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
“Emirates Airlines runs the largest flight catering operations in the world at Dubai, preparing 155,000 meals a day for its own flights together with those of other airlines,” Mr Walsh said.
“Visiting the facility provides a unique glimpse, not just of the sheer scale of the operation, but also the key role that Victoria plays in the meals it produces.
“Emirates’ flight catering division is currently using 135 tonnes of butter and 90 tonnes of full cream milk powder supplied by Victoria’s Murray Goulburn Co-operative Ltd each year.
“The division’s Dubai operations each year also uses 24 tonnes of lamb rack and 1.8 tonnes of lamb shank from Victoria.
“Emirates is also currently serving more than 43,000 tins of Yarra Valley Dairy’s Persian fetta cheese each year to its first class passengers.
“A further 235 tonnes of carrots and 14 tonnes of rockmelons are also being sourced annually
from Victoria and other parts of Australia for the airline’s passengers.”
Mr Walsh said he was told during the visit that Victorian food was highly prized by Emirates for its world-class quality, consistency and reliability.
“Victoria’s relationship with Emirates is highly important to our state’s economy and those links are underpinned by the ability of our farm sector to consistently supply large volumes of high-quality food,” Mr Walsh said.
“Emirates is currently building another flight catering facility at Dubai which, when operational, will see the number of meals it prepares every day increase to 260,000.
“This is expected to result in a corresponding increase in orders for food from Victoria which is already one of the airline’s key suppliers.”
Exports of food and fibre from Victoria to the Middle East and North Africa region increased 17 per cent in 2011-12 to reach $1.1 billion, making the region our state’s third most important export destination.
The Super Trade Mission to the Middle East is being led by Innovation, Services and Small Business Minister Louise Asher and is the largest ever undertaken by Victoria.
More than 250 people representing 170 Victorian companies spanning a wide range of industries are participating, including 75 from the food and agribusiness sector.
A record $9 billion of food and fibre was exported from Victoria to 168 countries in 2011-12, an 11 per cent increase on the previous year.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh has met with senior government officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss adding an agricultural dimension to what are already close educational ties between the two countries.
Mr Walsh met with Vice Minister of Higher Education Dr Ahmad Al-Saif and other Ministry officials in Riyadh this week while leading the Saudi leg of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Super Trade Mission to the Middle East.
The two Ministers discussed forging strong links in agricultural education that could lead to Saudi agricultural and veterinary science students studying in Victorian agricultural colleges.
“Saudi Arabia is already highly important for the Victorian education sector and the State's broader economy with around 2,700 students enrolled in our universities, many of whom are accompanied by family members acting as guardians,” Mr Walsh said.
“There is a total of 12,000 Saudi students studying in Australia who together with their guardians are worth $500 million to the nation’s economy. Dr Al-Saif told me that Saudi Arabia considers its educational ties with Australia to be among the strongest of any country.
“Dr Al-Saif said his Ministry had already signed 15 service agreements with Australian universities and he is keen on sending senior university deans and Ministry representatives from the Ministry of Higher Education of Saudi’s 10 agricultural schools, as well as its veterinary schools, to visit Victorian universities and research centres.
“We believe there are significant opportunities for their students and researchers to take the knowledge they can obtain at our world-class research centres and apply it in Saudi Arabia to achieve major benefits for their expanding agricultural sector.
“By virtue of its agricultural expertise Victoria is extremely well positioned to provide this kind of assistance to Saudi Arabia to the benefit of both our economies,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh said agricultural schools such as Longerenong and Dookie colleges and centres of expertise such as the Red Meat Innovation Centre at Hamilton could provide highly valuable opportunities for further research and collaboration between Victoria and Saudi Arabia.
“The Victorian Coalition Government will now actively target key agricultural colleges in Saudi Arabia to partner with Victorian colleges and research centres,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh said the Coalition Government had also scheduled a follow-up mission of Victorian universities and vocational education and training providers to visit Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Co-operation members in April this year.

Record levels of Victorian food exports have been the major factor in air freight exports from Melbourne airport overtaking those from Sydney for the first time, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said today.
Speaking from Riyadh in Saudi Arabia during the Victorian Coalition Government’s Super Trade Mission to the Middle East, Mr Walsh said air freight exports from Melbourne Airport increased 8 per cent last year and for the first time exceeded exports from Sydney Airport.
Mr Walsh said exports from Melbourne Airport had risen 21 per cent between 2008 and 2012 and that 36 per cent of all exports sent by air from Australia last year had come from Melbourne.
In contrast, air freight exports from Sydney Airport had only increased one per cent over the same period.
“The significant increase in food exports, in particular shipments of meat to the Middle East, is the major factor in Melbourne Airport overtaking Sydney for the first time,” Mr Walsh said.
“Exports of food and fibre from Victoria increased 11 per cent to reach a record $9 billion in 2011-12, reflecting unprecedented global demand for our farm produce.
“The Middle East and North Africa region is the third biggest market for our farm sector, purchasing $1.1 billion of food and fibre in 2011-12.”
Aviation Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips said the jump in food exports had underpinned Melbourne Airport’s rise to become Australia’s air freight gateway of choice.
“The fact that aircraft can arrive at and depart from Melbourne Airport 24 hours a day without restriction also provides it with a significant competitive advantage,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
Mr Walsh said 38,000 tonnes of meat were exported from Melbourne Airport in 2012, representing 38 per cent of total Melbourne air freight and more than 50 per cent of Australia’s total meat exports sent by air.
“Meat exports air freighted to the Middle East totaled 29,259 tonnes – around 68 per cent of all meat exported from Melbourne Airport.
“The Gulf region is clearly driving the growth in air freight exports of meat out of Victoria and we are seeing more dedicated freighter aircraft arriving in Melbourne to carry meat exports to Gulf markets.”
Mr Walsh said the key markets for air freight meat exports from Melbourne Airport were the United Arab Emirates (5,747 tonnes), Bahrain (6,180 tonnes), Iran (5,945 tonnes) and Qatar (5,371 tonnes)
“The significant increase in air freight exports from Melbourne is a great result for Victorian exporters and food producers,” Mr Walsh said.
“It is also a strong reminder of just how important the Victorian food and fibre sector is to the economic wellbeing of this state.”
Mr Walsh said the Super Trade Mission to the Middle East, the largest ever undertaken by Victoria to the region, was another example of the Coalition Government’s efforts to help exporters take full advantage of the on-going increase in global demand for the state’s food and fibre and other goods and services.