Media Releases

A young and passionate forester from Alexandra has been named winner of the 2013 Victorian Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) Rural Women’s Award.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh today announced Michelle Freeman as the winner of the prestigious award at a ceremony at Parliament House in Melbourne.
An independent panel chose Ms Freeman from a field of four finalists. She has been awarded a $10,000 bursary to support her leadership development and implement her proposed award project.
Jo Clifford, a wine grape, cattle and sheep producer from Faraday in Central Victoria, was named runner-up.
Congratulating each of the finalists, Mr Walsh said the award recognised the significant contribution that women made to their communities and the broader farm sector.
“The RIRDC Rural Women’s Award honours and recognises the hard work, perseverance and dedication of rural women to their industries and communities,” Mr Walsh said.
“The award pays tribute to women with a strong, positive vision for the future of the farm sector and who demonstrate a significant contribution to shaping that future.
“On behalf of the Victorian Coalition Government I would like to congratulate Michelle Freeman for winning this year’s award.”
Minister for Women's Affairs Mary Wooldridge said she was honoured to be a part of the awards.
“It's great to recognise the achievements of rural women, who regularly display great tenacity, resilience and leadership in their communities.” Ms Wooldridge said.
“These finalists are strong and influential women who clearly demonstrate the important contribution women play in the rural sector. I congratulate them all.”
Ms Freeman is the Director for Youth and Women on the board of the Institute of Foresters of Australia and also a harvesting forester with VicForests. Ms Freeman and Ms Clifford will now attend the prestigious Australian Institute of Directors’ Course in Canberra.
Ms Freeman will join winners from other states and territories as finalists, for the national award to be announced in Canberra on 10 September.

More than 22,000 Macquarie perch were recently stocked into four Victorian waters to help rebuild stocks of this endangered freshwater fish.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said fish had been released into Expedition Pass Reservoir (5,000), Lake Dartmouth (5,000), the Ovens River near Myrtleford (6,320) and the Goulburn River near Trawool (6,320).
Mr Walsh said the fingerling perch had been produced at the Department of Primary Industries’ Snobs Creek hatchery, near Eildon, which also grew other native fish such as Murray cod and trout cod.
“Wild Macquarie perch populations were once very common but have declined, so these stockings should assist the recovery of the species,” Mr Walsh said.
“In recent years, some Macquarie perch have been sourced from Lake Dartmouth for our breeding program so our stocking there this year was to acknowledge that contribution.
“Lake Dartmouth is home to Australia’s largest population of Macquarie perch although a strong translocated population also exists in the mid-sections of the Yarra River,” Mr Walsh said.
“Native Fish Australia and researchers from the Arthur Rylah Institute contributed to the breeding program by collecting Macquarie perch broodfish from both waters.”
Mr Walsh said Fisheries Victoria had been working hard to develop several new fisheries for Macquarie perch where anglers could catch the species on a limited basis.
“Expedition Pass Reservoir, near Castlemaine, is one such example that is progressing well. A survey last year revealed Macquarie perch as long as 28 centimetres, a sign that some of the 10,000 fingerlings stocked over recent years have survived and grown,” Mr Walsh said.
“Fisheries managers hope to open the fishery at Expedition Pass Reservoir in coming years. For now, anglers can only take Macquarie perch from Lake Dartmouth, the Yarra River and the Upper Coliban Reservoir in accordance with strict bag, size and season limits.”
The Macquarie perch breeding program is funded by the Victorian Coalition Government’s $16 million Recreational Fishing Initiative, which has also funded the installation of fish cleaning tables, expansion of angler access, construction of fishing reefs, improvement of fish passageways and strengthened fisheries enforcement and education.
For more about the Recreational Fishing Initiative visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/betterfishing

The Victorian Coalition Government has proposed a new approach to managing the risk posed by Potato Cyst Nematode that reduces the regulatory burden on growers without compromising biosecurity safeguards.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said Victoria had made a proposal to other states to remove unnecessary quarantine controls imposed on growers and businesses while continuing to regulate the movement of potatoes from infested and linked properties.
“Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) is a microscopic organism which is predominantly a pest of potatoes and is commonly transferred on waste organic matter and soil,” Mr Walsh said.
“PCN was first detected in Western Australia in the 1980s and is now known to occur in potato production areas including Thorpdale, Kooweerup and Gembrook.
“In order to access interstate markets, growers without PCN in these regions must currently have their properties tested and their produce certified as being free of PCN,” Mr Walsh said.
“Since 1994 Victorian potato growers have spent approximately $2.7 million to have tests conducted on nearly 21,000 soil samples.
“The Coalition Government believes there is no valid scientific reason why growers on an uninfested property should have to continue spending money on these tests to access interstate markets, particularly given the number of tests already carried out in Victoria.
“Our proposed model recognises that the PCN status of Victoria’s potato districts is already well known and that PCN, being a soil-borne organism, is restricted in its capacity to move.
“Therefore we believe the current treatment and certification arrangements should only be maintained for infested farms and other properties that are linked by the movement of soil.”
Mr Walsh said criticism of the Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI) moves by AusVeg were unfounded.
“Victoria’s proposal is consistent with the new National Potato Cyst Nematode Management Plan,” Mr Walsh said.
“The Coalition Government will ensure the risks posed by PCN continue to be controlled; however the new management regime will remove the current over-regulation that is imposing an unnecessary cost burden on potato growers both in Victoria and potentially, interstate.”
DPI has presented the proposal to other potato-producing states and is now waiting for their response.

Three new appointments to the Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group will help provide the best advice to the Victorian Coalition Government on how to spend fishing licence revenue.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said the group consisted of seven recreational fishers appointed for a three-year term, along with one person nominated by VRFish and one person representing recreational fishing businesses.
Mr Walsh welcomed new appointees Matthew Harrington to represent inland fishing, Neville Dance to represent south west Victoria, and John Higginson to represent the marine/coastal fishery.
They join independent chairperson Robert Loats and reappointed members Russell Conway, Philip Weigall and Jennifer Allitt, along with VRFish representative Stephen Relf, and business sector representative Lynette Hogan.
“The Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group encompasses a wide range of fishing sector knowledge and experience, providing advice to Government on how to improve recreational fishing opportunities in Victoria by spending fishing licence funds,” Mr Walsh said.
“The group assesses applications for funding from angling clubs, community groups, councils and other government agencies.
“Examples of past projects include fish stocking into lakes and rivers; improved angler access including fishing platforms; family fishing days; fish habitat improvement; and the installation of fishing reefs in Port Phillip Bay,” Mr Walsh said.
“The Coalition Government recognises the significant contribution recreational fishing makes to the state’s economy. Fishing is a popular pastime for over 720,000 Victorians and supports regional businesses ranging from hotels to bait and tackle stores.
“The Coalition Government is committed to putting fishing licence fees to work to deliver the best outcomes for recreational fishers across the state,” Mr Walsh said.
Mr Walsh thanked outgoing working group members Shane Korth and Martin Ellul, as well as outgoing chairperson John Diplock, for their contribution to the group.

Department of Primary Industries field teams have made a second round of visits to properties affected by the Aberfeldy-Donnellys fire in Gippsland to assess animal welfare needs, provide advice to landholders and collect more detailed loss and damage information.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said six field teams travelled to 67 affected properties on Monday to assist stock owners and conduct detailed damage assessments, and had been visiting a similar number of properties today.
“Mapping undertaken by DPI indicates there are approximately 170 properties covering about 10,000 hectares that have been affected by the fire, mainly in the Seaton/Glenmaggie area,” Mr Walsh said.
“DPI field teams began visiting properties in the affected area on the weekend as soon as it was safe to do so to make rapid impact assessments and assist landowners with urgent animal welfare needs.
“DPI staff are now attempting to visit every property in the area to conduct more detailed loss and damage assessments and provide more assistance to livestock owners.”
Mr Walsh said data collected by DPI to date indicated that at least 222 cattle, 6 sheep and 11 horses and donkeys had been lost, together with 218 kilometres of fencing, 12 haysheds, 12 machinery sheds and 1195 hectares of grazing pasture.
“DPI’s focus is now on providing animal welfare support to stock owners, collecting further details of loss and damages and liaising with other government agencies to ensure landowners receive the support they need,” Mr Walsh said.
“If the forecast hot conditions on Thursday lead to more risk to farm assets, DPI animal health staff will be ready to travel to affected properties as soon as possible to provide more help with urgent animal welfare needs.”
Mr Walsh said the Victorian Government was working with the Victorian Farmers Federation in organising a fodder drive to source and deliver donated fodder to stock owners in urgent need of supplies.
Landholders in the Gippsland region who can donate fodder can contact the VFF on 1300 882 833.
Fire affected farmers in need of emergency fodder can contact the VFF on the same number.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh today announced a full 12-week duck hunting season for 2013.
Mr Walsh said above-average rainfall between 2010 and 2012 had significantly increased game duck numbers throughout eastern Australia.
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, and close half an hour after sunset on Monday 10 June.
“Game duck numbers are at their fourth highest level in 30 years,” Mr Walsh said.
“The Victorian Coalition Government recognises that game hunting is a popular recreational activity in Victoria, with about 43,000 people licensed to hunt game.
“Game hunting generates around $100 million annually and supports jobs in hospitality and recreational supplies, such as vehicles, boats, fuel, firearms and ammunition, plus camping and hunting equipment.
“The Victorian Coalition Government encourages hunters to make the most of the opportunities to hunt, fish and enjoy these recreational activities, which form part of our heritage.”
There will again be a bag limit of 10 game ducks which includes no more than two Australasian (Blue-winged) Shovelers this season.
“Any hunter wishing to go duck hunting in Victoria must pass a Waterfowl Identification Test, which examines a hunter’s ability to identify waterfowl species,” Mr Walsh said.
“This helps to ensure that duck hunting remains sustainable and prevents non-game birds from being mistakenly taken.”
Mr Walsh said the 2013 Victorian Hunting Guide would be available before the start of the season and mailed to all licensed hunters. The Game Hunting Victoria smart phone application will also be updated to reflect the current hunting arrangements.

Member for Swan Hill and Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Peter Walsh, is reminding recreational fishers to pick up their free copy of the 2013 Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide.
Also available as a free downloadable app the guide includes details on licence information, regulation enforcement, restricted areas, protected fish and general fishing rules and tips.
“The information in this guide has important information to help you to fish safely and responsibly in Victorian waters,” Mr Walsh said.
The guide is available free at 900 tackle shops throughout the state and includes important information about size and bag limits, permitted equipment and closed seasons.
It outlines rules that currently apply as well as new rules introduced since last year’s guide including those relating to yabbies such as:
 A daily bag limit for yabbies of 30 litres of whole yabby or 200 whole yabbies (whichever is the lesser), and a requirement to release all yabbies carrying eggs
 The permitted use of open top lift nets to collect yabbies
“The Victorian Government is demonstrating its strong commitment to improving fishing opportunities by investing $16 million over four years,” Mr Walsh said.
“Recreational Licence Fees have been used to stock more than two million fish over the past two years.
“Recreational fishing generates enormous economic activity and growth to regional Victoria while providing social benefits for families and the community.
“I encourage all fishers to access this important reference and get out and throw a line in,” Mr Walsh said.
Funded by the sale of Victorian recreational fishing licences, the guide can also be viewed online at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishingguide and the app can be downloaded free from the iTunes store and Google Play.

The Victorian Coalition Government is taking a tougher approach towards people who trespass in operational timber harvesting coupes.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said trespassers put everyone on the harvesting site in danger, including themselves and the officers who must attend to ensure their safe removal.
“Operational coupes can be hazardous worksites and require careful management due to the large equipment, heavy logs, noise levels and the nature of the activity,” Mr Walsh said.
“The Coalition Government has remade the declaration for public safety zones for timber harvesting to place a clear and certain prohibition on access within 150 metres of operational timber harvesting coupes.
“It is now an offence to enter a public safety zone if timber harvesting operations are occurring. Previously, trespassers only faced charges when they interfered with timber harvesting. Trespassers can also be charged if they cause an object or substance to enter a public safety zone.
“Trespassers who engage in disruptive or dangerous actions may also face charges under existing offences which include failing to comply with the direction of an authorised officer to leave a public safety zone, and re-entering a public safety zone contrary to the direction of an authorised officer,” Mr Walsh said.
Forestry public safety zones within State forests now encompass any coupe specified in a Timber Release Plan or Wood Utilisation Plan plus a 150 metre safety buffer, where public access is prohibited from the start until the end of timber harvesting operations in that zone.
“However, the new public safety zones will now take up less area in our State forests as they more accurately reflect coupe boundaries, with a buffer, and will only apply when timber harvesting operations are occurring,” Mr Walsh said.
“This will benefit recreational forest users as they no longer block out big squares of State forest as occurred under previous arrangements where four square co-ordinates defined the boundaries.”
Mr Walsh said the new approach opens up more forest for recreational users and provides a clearer regulatory framework to ensure better public safety and a more productive industry.
“This is a win for local communities, recreational forest users and the timber industry,” Mr Wash said.
Mr Walsh said the Coalition Government was working hard to maintain public safety and protect the rights of Victorians to conduct lawful commercial activities in State forests.
“Victoria’s native timber industry provides important economic support to many of our regional towns and employs around 11,000 Victorians,” Mr Walsh said.
“The timber from our native forests is sourced sustainably and plays a crucial role in Victoria’s forestry industry and in providing renewable products.”



The Victorian Coalition Government is doubling its bounty on wild dog pelts from $50 to $100 to provide additional incentive for hunters to shoot the destructive pests.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said the Coalition Government recognised the devastating impact wild dogs had on livestock and the significance of the problems they caused for farmers, particularly in North East Victoria and Gippsland.
“The vicious and extremely difficult to hunt pests prey on vulnerable livestock, particularly newborn lambs and calves, wandering mostly North East Victoria and Gippsland in search of their next meal,” Mr Walsh said.
“It is not only a financial burden but also a trauma for farmers to find their animals suffering, or killed, from a wild dog attack. Wild dogs also prey on native animals, particularly around National Parks.
“The Coalition Government wants to provide additional incentives for hunters to get out and help reduce wild dog numbers, and to recognise the time and skill involved in shooting the cunning pests,” Mr Walsh said.
“I’ve said before that the only good fox is a dead fox. Well, the only thing better than a dead fox is a dead wild dog.
“The only way we can make a significant impact on wild dogs is through a co-ordinated effort by the Coalition Government, communities and landholders.
“The Coalition Government has responded to community needs and significantly bolstered control measures during 2012, including community baiting programs, increased ground baiting, and baiting deeper into public land.
“Increasing the wild dog bounty to $100 is another step in our fight against wild dogs in Victoria,” Mr Walsh said
The Coalition Government’s four-year $4 million bounty on foxes and wild dogs was introduced in October 2011 and has seen 430 wild dog pelts and more than 133,000 fox scalps handed in so far.
“There has been an overwhelming response from Victorian hunters to the fox and wild dog bounty, with more than 3,000 hunters taking part across the state,” Mr Walsh said.
The increased wild dog bounty will begin when collections resume in March 2013. For more information visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/bounty

Dear Editor,
Timber harvesting is often attacked by fringe environmental groups and grossly misrepresented as an industry that is wiping out our native forests, with no regard for sustainability. This is simply not true.
Three independent, EPA-approved audits of commercial timber harvesting in Victoria’s State forests were released by Environment and Climate Change Minister Ryan Smith recently. All three reports show an extremely high level of industry compliance with regulatory framework.
In other words, Victoria’s commercial forestry industry is meeting the strict rules and requirements for the planning of timber harvesting, harvesting operations, and forest regeneration.
Ninety-nine per cent of forestry coupes regenerated by VicForests satisfied the performance standards.
These reports show that Victorians can be confident in the integrity of our commercial forestry industry, and that Victorian forests are being managed sustainably and according to regulation.
Victoria’s native timber industry provides important economic support to many of our regional towns and employs around 11,000 Victorians.
The timber from our native forests is sourced sustainably and responsibly, ensuring our forests remain renewable assets.
The Victorian Coalition Government proudly supports the State’s commercial timber industry, and these latest reports again confirm our forests are among the best and most sustainably managed in the world.