What's on in Wangaratta - from 1 Dec 2006

This is edition 81 of the Rural City of Wangaratta E-Newsletter "Cultural Capers". If you would like to subscribe simply enter your email address in the subscription box at the bottom of the newsletter and it will be sent upon publication.

Mansfield water shortages - be fair, think laterally

Fairness and lateral thinking must be applied when managing Mansfield’s tight water supplies, according to Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes.

Several Mansfield District householders have contacted Dr Sykes concerned about advice that they will have to have water carted from as far away as Benalla and Alexandra at an extra cost of up to $300 per tanker – instead of water tanks being replenished with local supplies.

Dr Sykes said, “I have spoken to both Mansfield Shire and Goulburn Valley Water and three major issues exist…

• GVW’s legal obligation to supply their regular clients requires refusing to supply water to “outsiders” in times of severe water shortages;
• Government requirements for environmental flows in the Delatite River prevents diverting water from the Delatite to Mansfield water storage during periods of low flow;
• Legal standards for the quality of drinking water inhibits simple options such as taking water direct from Lake Eildon and subjecting it to a brief chlorine treatment while in transit to the domestic tank.

Dr Sykes said, “The State Government must show leadership on this issue.

“Environmental flow requirements must be reduced before the water situation of rural communities reaches crisis point.

“There may also be a need for legislative changes to enable GVW to ensure that all householders in the area have access to domestic water rather than people not connected to urban schemes being discriminated against.

There is also a need for a pragmatic approach to water quality requirements in some water shortage circumstances – after all most of us have survived drinking tank water flavoured with the odd dead possum!

Dr Sykes concluded, “I will support the efforts of GV Water and Mansfield Shire to ensure provision of basic water requirements to all local householders.

“It is essential that the Bracks Government immediately address any legal and policy obstacles which currently exist and that they also provide significantly greater financial assistance to ensure that all Victorians have access to portable quality water through the impending severe drought.

Looking for the "silver lining" from a terrible spring

By Ross Brown

The drought and associated spring frosts have taken the Australian wine industry into new territory. Previous droughts and frost in spring have generally been localised and regional, however this year the impact is across virtually all of the cool climate growing areas of NSW, Victoria and South Australia. This will have an enormous impact on production across Australia and the viability of a significant number of grape growers already weakened by low returns and an over produced industry.

Nature's hand moves in mysterious ways, as in one year, the industry could well come back into supply and demand balance, when some are predicting this could be years away.

The last two vintages have been generous crops and above average production of about 1.95 million tonnes, when an average year is estimated at 1.75 million tonnes. We have therefore had two vintages at more than 10% above the long term average and 15% above market demand, that is estimated at 1.65 million tonnes and growing at about 3% per year.

The market demand for domestic and export sales is therefore about 1.7 million tonnes and early estimates are that production nationally from the 2007 vintage will fall below l.5 million tonnes. This is more than 10% below total annual sales replacement.

The industry's other issue in understanding the supply demand balance is the level of stock held by wineries and how long it will take for this production bulge to be absorbed. On this front there are also significant changes. The sale of bulk wine to China in the year ended 2004 was less than 1 million litres, however year to date, this is 14 million litres and is expected to top 20 million litres by year end. While not significant against overall production it is important in reducing the 15% industry over stock position.

It is therefore conceivable that this time next year there will be shortages emerging for grapes and a stronger demand as supply and demand come into line. This will see the beginning of retail prices strengthening and the dumping of stock and clean skins reducing. This will hopefully signal a new cycle of growth for the industry.

(Reprinted from Brown Bros Grapevine - Edition 27 Number 23 - 23 November 2006)

Bill Sykes responds to re-election for Benalla

“A resounding endorsement of The Nationals strong representation of country Victoria. Those are the words of Nationals Member for Benalla Bill Sykes following his re-election with a massive 14% swing.

Dr Sykes said “My staff and I are grateful for the public confirmation of their support for the work that we have done in representing the electorate over the past four years.

“I am also extremely pleased with the statewide swing to The Nationals of around 14%, the picking up of two lower house seats (Mildura & Morwell) and returning two upper house seats".

So much for the prophets of doom – The Nationals live to fight another day.

And we will continue to fight for a fair share of Victorian wealth for country people.

Dr Sykes continued: “My immediate focus is to help people through the drought, for more equitable management of water and equitable sharing of the tobacco industry exit package".

The critical drought assistance issue is ensuring that the Federal government assistance measures do get to all people and businesses who need the assistance – this may require reformatting of existing guidelines. The Bracks Government also needs to increase its support starting with freight subsidy for fodder.

On the water front the key issue is a sensible solution for Lake Mokoan – partitioning of the Lake into part water storage part wetland is the commonsense solution.

Securing water supplies for Bright by the construction of a water storage and expansion of Lake Buffalo and Lake William Hovell are more commonsense solutions to long term water security issues.

Dr Sykes concluded: “The Bracks Government has won the right to govern for the next four years; with the right goes the responsibility to live up to their name to govern for all Victorians.

I will do my best to ensure that Country Victorians get their fair share.

Exploring Peter Andrews 'Drought Proofing' system

The "Natural Sequence Farming" drought-proofing philosophy was developed by Peter Andrews and explained in his book, "Back from the Brink" published by ABC Books in October 2006. A basic understanding can be had by visiting the Natural Sequence Farming website

In essence, the concept revolves around biodiversity (trees/plants that add fertility to the soil) and hydrology (managing the movement of water on and in the soil).

Each of his techniques enhances the biodiversity and/or the management of the land's hydrology. His techniques include:

• Planting deciduous trees on the high land - to provide decaying organic matter that can be carried downhill by gravity and rain.
  
• Planting reeds and willows in creek beds - to slow the flow of water retaining it as long as possible on the property.
• Contouring channels - to collect rainwater on the high ground for slow release through mulch beds to the flood plain below.
• Mulch Farming - to add organic matter and act as a slow release water storage after rains.

Caringbush is an ideal candidate to explore Peter Andrews methodology as it is located on and in a natural gully being the floodplain for Stoney Creek. From the high ground, one can see the layout of the creek and can photographically record the results of the works.

Stoney Creek is a spring fed stream that runs in an eroded channel up to 3 metres deep averaging about 1.5 metres deep. During the 1993 floods, landslides occurred at the bottom of the property and below the house. Another flood of that magnitude could place the house in jeopardy. Natural Sequence farming techniques will de-energise the creek flow preventing further erosion to the banks. The water table can never be higher than the creek level as it will drain out into the creek bed. At that level, the ground water is inaccessible to the ground cover.

The water table needs to be at a height where it can travel through the topsoil - typically over a metre deep on the floodplain - by capillary action. Water availability can also be enhanced through surface mulching and contouring.

To achieve sustainability at Caringbush Natural Sequence Farming will be utilised:

• The flow of the creek needs to be slowed down to keep the water on the property for the longest available time.
• Contouring to collect and distribute surface runoff from the paddock above Caringbush
• Windrow mulching across the floodplain to store rainwater runoff
• Selective bank bulldozing to raise creek bed levels.
• Planting of deciduous trees along the hilltops and gully slopes to increase organic matter for fertility enhancement

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Drought and frost assistance concerns

Strict eligibility criteria appears to be severely limiting the number of farmers and small business able to access recently announced drought/frost assistant measures according to National’s Member for Benalla Bill Sykes.

Dr Sykes heard of grape growers concerns about the strict eligibility criteria when he attended the AGM of the King Valley Vignerons last week.

Dr Sykes said “Off farm income of $10,000 or more limits access to exceptional circumstances assistance as does income from cellar door sales”.

“This means that many grape growers who are working off farm to keep their farm business afloat are going to miss out. Similarly grape growers who have diversified into cellar door sales to spread their risks are going to be disadvantaged”.

Dr Sykes continued “Similar concerns have been expressed to me by livestock producers who work off farm or have a wife who works off farm. I acknowledge that the government has to manage tax payers money responsibly but given the severity of this drought massive farm costs are going to consume a lot of the off farm income and proceeds from cellar door sales”.

This will leave hardworking farmers and their families struggling to survive yet ineligible for assistance measures intended to help them.

Dr Sykes concluded “I will continue to work with both Federal and State Governments to ensure equitable assistance to those people and businesses severely impacted by the worst drought in living memory and the associated severe frosts”.

Access to public and community transport

Public transport in rural areas is a joke. With the municipality being 100 kilometres from north to south, a third of the population are isolated.

There needs to be a concentrated effort to provide commuter access to the many school buses that service Wangaratta's secondary school system. There needs to be a way for visitors arriving by train to reach their final destination in rural areas. Our ageing population needs public transport to access basic health services as required. Most of all, we need community consultation before decisions are taken otherwise we will suffer the fate of the King Valley community.

Last November, the State Government promised a thrice weekly bus service linking the King Valley to the Hume region. The DOI, RCoW and O&K Health Services devised a pseudo-public transport service to meet this need. It was expected to be in operation this month but we have had no further news.

The scheduled Monday service will be reserved for Ovens & King Health clients and only the extra seats - if any - will be available to the public. None of the three services will service the railway station.

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RCoW November Council Meeting Business Paper
Item 10.2.3 HUMAN & CULTURAL SERVICES
10.2.3.1 TRANSPORT CONNECTIONS PROGRAM
Community Development Information/Issues 68 010 002

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Background
The Department for Victorian Communities (DVC) has recently announced funding for a Transport Connections 2007-10 Grant Program. The program aims to help local communities find practical solutions to enhance existing transport services by creating partnerships between community organisations, transport
providers, business and local government.

Access to public or community transport has been consistently raised as an issue in consultation with older people, people with disabilities, young people and financially disadvantaged people living in rural communities.

The Transport Audit undertaken by Council in early 2006 indicated that there were gaps in service delivery and a need for greater community awareness of what transport services do exist.

The Program has a budget of $14.15 million and an allocation of $120,000 on average will be available for each project, with the expectation of about 30 projects in regional Victoria and metropolitan interface areas. It is anticipated that each project will cover two to three local government areas and DVC appears keen to ensure the whole state is covered.

Each grant will fund a community development position who will work within the community to address identified issues. Their role is not to coordinate transport services, but to work together with transport providers and the community on flexible solutions. Brokerage funding of up to $10,000 is also available to trial solutions for identified gaps. The model is based on nine pilot projects funded three years ago, one of which was located at Mount Beauty.

As a result of the project at Mount Beauty, the Hume Transport Forum was established. Membership includes transport providers, community agencies and local government in Alpine, Indigo and Towong Shires, the City of Wodonga and the Rural City of Wangaratta. Council has been actively involved in this Forum.

Issues
Our Transport Audit and community consultation have identified gaps in access to transport. As part of the ongoing enhancement of existing services, it is important that Council play an active role in a local partnership applying for Transport Connections funding Expressions of Interest close on 1 December 2006 for the first round of available funding.

The natural transport catchment for the Rural City includes the Ovens and King Valleys, Beechworth, Yarrawonga and, to some degree, Benalla and Mansfield.

We have also had discussion with Benalla Rural City, Mansfield Shire and approached Moira Shire regarding the development of a project in this catchment.

While some work appears to be occurring in these areas, it does not appear to be at the same level of readiness as that being undertaken by the Hume Transport Forum.

Council has also been approached to be a partner in a large submission being developed by the Hume Transport Forum, where a strong partnership and knowledge of the program already exist. As this submission covers five local government areas within the Forum, the model may not be permitted under the DVC guidelines.

To ensure the Rural City is covered by the program, it would seem appropriate for Council to continue to support the submission being developed in Upper Hume (the Hume Transport Forum). This would cover Wangaratta, the Ovens and King Valleys, and areas adjacent to Indigo Shire. Council should also continue to build a partnership with Benalla Rural City, Moira and Mansfield Shires to ensure links to all areas within this catchment. This may involve a second partnership or alternatively a second stage expanding on the Hume Transport Forum project.

Consultation
The Program and Expression of Interest have been discussed with transport providers and community agencies within the Rural City all of whom give in principle support to an application. This has also been discussed with the Hume Transport Forum and our neighbouring councils.

Implications
Council Plan Objectives
The Council Plan has an objective of working in partnership with other agencies to advocate for flexible transport options to support identified needs.

Community Outcomes
The Rural City has an ageing population which will increase the need for public transport in the coming decades. This project provides additional resources to support flexible responses to existing gaps and enhance services in the future.

Financial Impact
The Transport Connections program is funded by DVC and there are no financial impacts associated with this matter, although continued input from Council Officers will be required.

Recommendation:
That Council:
1. support the submission of an Expression of Interest for the Transport Connections 2007-10 Program.
2. support continued liaison with the Hume Transport Forum, the Benalla Rural City, Mansfield and Moira Shires to ensure partnerships and the development of a model or models which cover the whole Wangaratta transport catchment.

Communication
Council will communicate its decision to the Hume Transport Forum, Benalla Rural City, Mansfield and Moira Shires and local transport providers and community agencies.

Wangaratta economy on the up and up

In these times of drought and economic downturn, it is encouraging to find the RCoW economic development unit working hard to meet the challenge. Some of the highlights of their work include:

The proposed Wine Bottling, Warehousing and Distribution Facility would boost the local economy by retaining the profits currently lost through bringing in outside contract organisations.

With global warming being the major news topic, it is good to see our municipality making a start with the Wangaratta Wastewater and Re-use Study.

The growth of Burder Industries in Sinclair Drive and their expansion into freight and logistics is a local success story with the land near the airport being valued for use as a road based logistics centre.

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RCoW November Council Meeting Business Paper
Item 10.2.1.2 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UNIT REPORT
Development Unit Administration 25.007.001.

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Background
The following is the economic development unit report for the month of October
2006.

Economic Development
Wine Bottling, Warehousing and Distribution Facility
Following the support given by stakeholders in the wine industry a justification for funding from the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development has been prepared for a feasibility study to establish the need and likely benefits.

A request for quotations has been prepared and sent to a number of consultants. We have received 2 replies and there will be a steering committee established to review the submissions and decide which consultant company has the best fit for our requirements. The steering committee will be established by 17 November 2006 after discussion between the Rural City of Wangaratta, Alp Valleys Agribusiness Forum and Regional Development Victoria.

Wangaratta Wastewater and Re-use Study
The workshop with the relevant stakeholders and key agencies took place on 17 October 2006 when the further assessment and prioritisation of the recommendations from the Stage I Scoping Study undertaken by GHD was considered. Consequently the Economic Development unit prepared a discussion paper based on the industry feedback and taking on board the wider economic and community benefits. This will form the basis for further discussion by stakeholders and refinement of the project brief to move the project to the next
stage.

Industrial Land
Work is under way to prepare for Stage II subdivision in Sinclair Drive to accommodate the Burder Industries initiative for the trades cluster and production facility. In addition a 14 lot industrial subdivision with lots varying from 1900sqm to 4816sqm, will be created as part of the total project.

A valuation is currently being undertaken on the 25.4 hectare council owned property adjoining the Wangaratta Aerodrome to enable a formal Expression of Interest process to be undertaken to establish a road based logistics centre on the site.

Beef Industry Forum
Wangaratta Unlimited together with the Victorian Farmer’s Federation (VFF) cohosted the Beef Industry Forum on Thursday 12 October 2006 at the Wangaratta Gateway Quality Hotel. Key speakers from Security Foods, VFF and Department of Primary Industries provided an ideal forum for the regions beef industry producers to gain an insight into the Security Foods project and the opportunities it could provide for the agribusiness sector.

The forum was an outstanding success with in excess of 160 attendees and fullfilled part of Wangaratta
Unlimited’s communication strategy to support the planned process for the development.

Tobacco Industry Closure
The Rural City of Wangaratta has been collaborating with the Alpine Shire and the Department of State and Regional Development to determine a range of appropriate strategies to address the immediate, medium and long term issues which will confront all stakeholders impacted by the planned cessation of tobacco production in the region.

This formal reference group has established a Post Tobacco Working Party to implement the actions from the determined strategy. The Executive Manager – Economic Development is the Rural City of Wangaratta’s representative on the working party.

Tourism
Visitor Information Centre
Numbers through the Visitor Centre are down on last October by approximately 5% due to the Jazz Festival being held in that month.

The Visitor Centre will be the ticket and information collection point for the Jazz Festival this year. Council’s IT staff have been integral in setting up a dedicated ticket sales desk which provided a more professional and collaborative approach to meeting visitor expectations.

Great Victorian Bike Ride (GVBR)
The Great Victorian Bike Ride will begin in Wangaratta on Saturday 25 November 2006. The Tourism Unit has been working with Bicycle Victoria and community groups to encourage participants to arrive in Wangaratta a day or two earlier.

The Rural City of Wangaratta is holding a ‘mini-jazz festival’ in King George Gardens on Friday night, 24 November 2006. We anticipate around 3,500 riders will participate in the GVBR.

Jazz Festival Strategic Review
Consultants have been appointed to undertake the strategic review and business plan for the Jazz Festival. Interviews with key stakeholders have been held. The consultants will be attending the Festival and then holding a workshop with the Board post the event. A final report is due in February and will be provided to Council for consideration.

RCOW Sponsorship of La Dolce Vita
In recognition of the severe frost and drought impact on the King Valley viticulture sector, Council have provided an additional one off marketing grant to the organisers of the La Dolce Vita event to be held on 18-19 November 2006. The specific marketing initiative will focus on visitors from the Melbourne and Shepparton regions.

Skilled Migration
Working collaboratively with the Industry Development Officer we have established a closer relationship with Bruck Textiles. This has resulted in a work placement of a fork lift driver from Sudan, and the advertising of several other skilled positions.

Eight Nurses from Deakin University are travelling to the North East by mini bus on Wed 8 November to meet health sector employers from Mansfield, Benalla, Wangaratta, Alpine and Indigo. It is hoped to establish an ongoing relationship with Deakin University to assist in addressing the nursing shortages within the region.

15 skilled vacancies are currently advertised on the www.liveinvictoria Web site and the Provincial Victoria web site. These web sites are heavily promoted and are providing an excellent pathway to matching skilled migrants with potential employers.

Recommendation:
That the report be noted.

RCoW grants $10,000 to La Dolce Vita Festival

The RCoW has been extremely generous to the King Valley wine industry in granting $10,000 towards the promotion of the La Dolce Vita festival.

However, to call it "Exceptional Circumstances Support" is questionable. EC support for the man on the land is the equivalent of the dole and interest payment relief together with some irrigation cost relief for some. For his laid off employees, it is the dole conditional upon working 15 hrs/week free for another farmer.

La Dolce Vita is a successful commercial tourism event held at individual wineries for the commercial benefit of the wineries. It is no different to the commercial side of the Wangaratta Jazz Festival and deserves to be funded in its own right alongside the Jazz Festival.

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RCoW November Council Meeting Business Paper - Item 10.2.1.1
EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES SUPPORT – LA DOLCE VITA
Tourism Information/Issues 25.040.001

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Background
Having regard to the devastating impact of unprecedented frost damage to vineyards and the impending impact of minimal water allocations for irrigation, the viticulture enterprises and broader community of the King Valley are confronting the most challenging circumstances experienced in decades.

The Rural City of Wangaratta has been working collaboratively with the key industry representative associations to seek practical support and resources to enable viticulturalists and wine producers to manage in these circumstances and support the longer term sustainability of the industry within the King Valley.

Tourism is seen as a key plank in the health of the King Valley economy. A successful strategy implemented by both the viticulture industry and tourism sector within the King Valley to grow the tourism market has been the hosting of focussed special events. These events include Weekend Fit for a King, End of Harvest Fiesta, Shed Show and their hallmark event, La Dolce Vita planned for 18-19 November 2006.

The Rural City of Wangaratta has provided practical input and support into the development of these events over the past five years in close co-operation with the event management committees.

Issues

Given the extensive media attention focussed on frost devastation and drought impact, cellar door operators and La Dolce Vita event managers were concerned the broader regional community and metropolitan market perceived that the “King Valley Experience” in 2006 would be negative and the vital visitation numbers
would decline. In recognition of the current exceptional circumstances a submission from the La Dolce Vita event managers outlining practical support that would provide industry and community economic benefit was requested by Rural City of Wangaratta’s Economic Development Unit on 16 October 2006 – four weeks prior to the event.

The submission requested additional financial resources to fund an extensive regionally focussed marketing campaign targeting the Albury/Wodonga and Shepparton Goulburn Valley markets.

The Rural City of Wangaratta has an established Special Events budget from which allocations are traditionally drawn. In normal circumstances this would be accessed via advertised funding rounds together with a formal evaluation process and council ratification.

Further traditional sources of event funding through Tourism Victoria or Regional Development Victoria require a minimum sixteen week lead time and are extremely competitive. Circumstances did not allow this timeframe.
Having regard to the exceptional circumstances that prevailed and the demonstrated need for a swift response, a decision was taken to allocate $10,000 as a special one-off grant for promotional activity.

The Rural City of Wangaratta has been advised additional funding will be allocated within the State Government’s “drought support package” for events and an application to access these resources will be favourably considered in due course. Accordingly, the overall financial impact on Council is expected to be
minimal.

Consultation

The proposal to provide an out of round “exceptional circumstances” marketing support contribution to the La Dolce Vita event management committee was duly considered and supported by the Rural City of Wangaratta’s Tourism Advisory Board on the understanding it would be drawn from the Tourism Special Events budget.

Implications

Council Plan Objectives
A key objective nominated in the 2005-09 Council Plan states that the Rural City of Wangaratta will support and encourage sustainable tourism development throughout the municipality.

A key strategy is to increase the length of stay, yield and number of visits through strategic marketing of key product strengths, these being Food and Wine, Jazz, Cycling and Ned Kelly.

Community Outcomes
The La Dolce Vita event is the major collaborative marketing initiative undertaken by all stakeholders in the King Valley and stimulates substantial economic activity and consumer awareness of the regions key attributes. This leads to further employment, new investment and community pride within the King Valley region.

Financial Impact
The funding contribution of $10,000 has been allocated from within Council’s established Special Events budget. It is expected that with funding available through drought support initiatives, the overall financial effect on Council is expected to be minimal.

Recommendation:
That:
1. having regard to the exceptional circumstances prevailing at the time, the actions of the Chief Executive Officer in approving a special oneoff $10,000 allocation from the Special Events budget to support the marketing of the 2006 La Dolce Vita event be ratified;
2. the necessary representations be made to Regional Development Victoria to access financial resources and support through the State Government’s “Drought Support Package”.

King Valley stages La Dolce Vita Festival

THEY will be celebrating the sweet life in the King Valley this weekend.

The annual La Dolce Vita Festival features delicious Mediterranean al fresco dining, new-release wines and warm King Valley family hospitality.

The range of new releases highlights the region’s viticultural diversity and family winemakers.

There will be wines from Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and French varieties for tasting at 16 wineries which also will host lunches and events.

Leading Australian chef, Tony Bilson will return to King River Estate tomorrow for the annual Jazz in the Vines lunch to celebrate the vineyards 10th anniversary.

Bilson, who is an Age Good Food Guide three-hat chef, is world-renowned for his unique cooking style which is classical French cuisine combined with Mediterranean flavours and local produce.

He will be joined by wine writer, judge and educator, Peter Bourne.

The five-course lunch will be matched by King River Estate wines made using traditional French winemaking techniques.

King River Estate winemaker Trevor Knaggs said the presence of two such highly-esteemed wine and food industry champions was testament to the King Valley’s reputation as Australia’s most dynamic and diverse wine region.

“The quality and range of the region’s locally grown produce, plus the great wines and King Valley hospitality keep bringing Tony Bilson back to the region,” Mr Knaggs said.

The lunch is $110 per person, for bookings call (03) 5729 3689.

Other highlights include a Taste of the Mediterranean, with a selection of Italian and Spanish dishes and entertainment by guitarists Doug de Vries and Diana Clark at Avalon Wines.

Boggy Creek Wines will hold a vignerons’ lunch, Brown Brothers will celebrate its 20th food and wine festival and Chrismont Wines will hold Eat Italy, Drink Italy with guest chefs Patrizia and Anthony Simone from Simone’s preparing Italian dishes.

There will be a Gnocchi Festival at Pizzini Wines, delicious seafood and Italian gourmet food and entertainment at Politini Wines.

Dal Zotto Estate will hold a festival of flavours, a two-day market-style event showcasing the finest regional produce created by chef Adam Pizzini of Rinaldo’s.

For more details phone 1800 801 065 or winesofthekingvalley. com.au

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Published in Border Mail 17 Nov 06 - Archived 17 Nov 06

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Government committment to local hospitals

Nationals member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, has obtained a commitment from the current Minister for Health that Local Hospital Boards will be retained.

Dr Sykes wrote to the Premier on the 2nd of November this year, requesting that…

“In the event that the ALP is elected to Government on 25 November 2006 he assure us that there will be no change to governance arrangements and powers of Local Hospital Boards for the term of the next Parliament.”

Dr Sykes’ actions followed concerns being expressed to him by several Local Hospital Boards regarding board members only being reappointed for 4 months rather than the usual 3 years.

Dr Sykes said, “I was contacted by one Hospital Board chairman who was concerned that the short term of reappointment was part of a strategy to “clear the decks” and sack Local Hospital Boards and replace them with Regional Hospital Boards after the election.”

Several other local hospitals confirmed that they had similar concerns.

These concerns were influenced by the Government’s termination of local Doctors’ appointments on Hospital Boards a couple of years ago on the grounds of potential conflicts of interest.

Dr Sykes concluded, “I am pleased that the Minister for Health has given her verbal commitment to reappoint local boards if the ALP is re-elected. However, I am disappointed that the Premier has not yet given me a written response to the specific assurance which I sought from him.

I will continue to pursue a written assurance from the Premier as local management of hospitals ensures practical local input, a sense of ownership, and the gateway to hundreds of thousands of funds raised by local volunteers.

What's on in Wangaratta - November 17

This is edition 80 of the Rural City of Wangaratta E-Newsletter "Cultural Capers". If you would like to subscribe simply enter your email address in the subscription box at the bottom of the newsletter and it will be sent upon publication.

ABC Mokoan Forum highlights differences

The key difference between the supporters of the total decommissioning of Lake Mokoan and those wishing to retain it in some form were highlighted at a public forum held in Benalla, attended by nearly 300 people, and organised by the ABC.

Nationals member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, said… “It was clear to me that irrigators such as Wayne Spinks really know their stuff, having worked on the issue for over five years. Wayne and his fellow farmers know the issues and offer a practical common sense solutions to make water savings, while retaining security of supply of water, enhancing the environment, providing flood prevention to Benalla, protecting Aboriginal heritage sites and ensuring a bright future for our young families.

It is a different situation with many who support total decommissioning.

The Government are peddling half truths and straight out factually incorrect statements.

Some environmentalists have a dream about returning the wetlands to their original state - an impossible dream. At best a new wetland will need to be created but it will need a lot more money than is currently allocated and will take many decades to achieve.

Dr Sykes continued, “Fortunately, there is an opportunity to work together as Charles Jones of Benalla District Environmental Group indicated his preparedness to consider other options such as partitioning the lake into a water storage and wetland as has occurred at Barren Box Swamp, NSW. Mr Jones support is conditional on the proposal meeting water saving and environmental needs.

Benalla Rural City Council Mayor, John Brownstein, expressed a similar view and the ALP candidate said that he was prepared to “take” a proposal to the Minister for Water although he doubted that any proposal would meet all identified needs.

Dr Sykes concluded, “I congratulate Joseph Thomsen and his ABC colleagues for initiating and conducting the forum.

I will continue to work with the local community to achieve the ‘win win’ outcome that we all so desperately want.”

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    Big crowd airs Lake Mokoan views
Thursday, 16 November 2006. 15:09 (AEDT)Thursday, 16 November 2006.

Nearly 300 people attended a community forum last night about Lake Mokoan in Benalla, in north-east Victoria.

The crowd was feisty and the discussion divisive.

The panel included representatives from local and federal governments, environment groups, irrigators and Benalla's state political candidates.

There were voices in favour of the decommissioning in the crowd, but they were in the minority.

The Labor candidate for Benalla, Rob Mitchell, told the forum decommissioning is the only way to secure water for the future.

"This is the right thing to do," he said.

Benalla Mayor John Brownstein was less sure about the community's and the council's support.

"Council can change its position at any time it chooses to," he said.

Other members of the crowd voiced concerns over the future security of their water and criticised the planned wetlands to replace the lake when it is drained.

The Nationals' Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, says the proposed wetlands for the site have not been thought through.

"What we are going to end up with is a weed infested jungle," he said.

He told the forum a good alternative to decommissioning would be to partition the lake into water storage and wetlands.

He says a similar model in New South Wales has achieved water savings and water security.

Mr Sykes says despite the Labor Party's claims, there is no other way to achieve both those things.

The Liberal candidate for Benalla, Hamish McMillan, agrees with Mr Sykes.

He says alternatives to the decommissioning of Lake Mokoan must be considered.

"The Liberal Party have been committed to retaining Lake Mokoan for six years since the whole fight started, and it's just unfortunate that we've, until next Saturday, been in Opposition and hopefully we can turn that around," he said.

The Justice for the Broken Valley Group is preparing its own proposal, which will keep some water storage at Lake Mokoan. It hopes to have an initial plan by next month.

Mr Mitchell says he would take any reasonable alternative plan to the Water Minister.

King Valley Wineries await cyclists

ALMOST 4000 riders will enjoy the thrills of the North East hills when they take on the VicRoads Great Victorian Bike Ride this month.

Starting on November 25, the 512km bike ride will begin at Wangaratta, stop overnight at Beechworth before continuing through Tallangatta, Mt Beauty and over the Tawonga Gap to Myrtleford.

Riders will then wander past the wineries of Whitfield and the King Valley, pace around the hills of Mansfield and Yea before enjoying a downhill surge into Whittlesea.

Lavington’s Trish Daniel is looking forward to completing the challenge after a mishap forced her out of the event on the Great Ocean Rd in 2003.

“There were more than 8000 people that year and a little boy in front of me stopped and I had nowhere to go,” she said.

“I broke my thumb and had to pull out of the ride, so I missed all the views.”

This will be the third time Ms Daniel has joined the nine-day event.

Celebrities Sue Stanley, a world aerobic champion, and Artie Rocke, a contestant on The Biggest Loser, will join the ride to raise money for diabetes.

A fundraising concert for the ride featuring James Morrison and guitarists Slava and Leonard Grigoryan will be held at Gapsted Winery on November 28.

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Published in the Border Mail, 15 Nov 06. Archived 16 Nov 06

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Vaile supports Mokoan Irrigators

Deputy Prime Minister and National Party Leader, Mark Vaile, today endorsed Mokoan irrigators’ calls for an independent assessment of the current security of supply of water as a critical step to resolving the dispute over the proposed decommissioning of Lake Mokoan.

Mr Vaile met irrigators Wayne Spinks, Ray Henderson and Peter Ryan and local Nationals MP, Bill Sykes at Shepparton.

Mr Vaile said, “I fully support the position of my Nationals colleague, Mr Peter McGauran, Minister for Agriculture, that any Federal Government support for the decommissioning project is conditional on the Victorian Government honouring its commitment to maintain the current security of supply of water to irrigators.

“To this end, given that there is a dispute about what is the current level of security we require an independent assessment of the current level of security of water.

“There are also concerns about the cost of the Victorian Government proposal and the inability to meet current water security.

“I support investigation of alternative options such as partitioning of the Lake into a water storage and wetland, as has been done recently at Barren Box Swamp in New South Wales.

“It is also critical that the conditions of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act are met particularly in relation to the Latham’s Snipe and Murray Cod.”

Dr Sykes and the irrigators were very pleased with Mr Vaile’s further confirmation of the Federal Government’s commitment to justice for all in the implementation of water savings projects.

Dr Sykes and Mr Henderson said, “Mr Vaile’s endorsement of the commitment given earlier by Mr McGauran is very reassuring to irrigators facing the worst drought in living memory.”

Mr McGauran’s commitment follows similar commitments made two years ago by Mr John Anderson, then Deputy Prime Minister and Mr Warren Truss, then Minister for Agriculture.

Mr Henderson said, “This Federal Government support is a great boost to irrigator’s morale.

“Former Deputy PM Anderson, Minister Truss, Minister McGauran and Deputy Prime Minister Vaile are great allies to have with us.

“They are welcome back up to our Local MP Bill Sykes and Victorian Nationals Leader, Peter Ryan who has been with us all the way in our fight for justice for the Broken Valley.”

Sustainability and Global Issues - November 2006

Climate change conference agrees to Kyoto review

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Stem militancy or face war: General

18.Nov.06: THE top US general in the Middle East has said that if the world does not find a way to stem the rise of Islamic militancy, it will face a third world war. ... more

Dirty Water Kills 5,000 Children a Day

18.Nov.06: Nearly two million children a year die for want of clean water and proper sanitation while the world's poor often pay more for their water than people in Britain or the US. ... more

Santos oil discovery fuels expansion plans

18.Nov.06: OIL and gas producer Santos Ltd says it has intersected oil at its Blackbird well off the coast of Vietnam, fuelling its expansion plans in the region. ... more

Carbon cuts set for 2008 talks

18.Nov.06: THE 168 members of the United Nations' pact for cutting greenhouse gases will launch negotiations in 2008 over the next round of pledges for tackling global warming, a worldwide conference on climate change decided overnight. ... more

Biofuels Discovery May End Dependence on Natural Gas

18.Nov.06: Researchers have developed a new, carbon-neutral way to convert vegetable-based fuels to syngas, a breakthrough that could allow producers to power hydrogen fuel cells or create a replacement for America's dwindling supplies of natural gas, all without relying on fossil fuels. ... more

Global energy atop G20 agenda

18.Nov.06: Finance ministers from the worlds biggest economies will meet in Melbourne this weekend to discuss foreign aid, climate change and global energy issues. ... more

Seafood Faces Collapse by 2048

18.Nov.06: If current trends of overfishing and pollution continue, the populations of just about all seafood face collapse by 2048. ... more

New York oil price slumps

18.Nov.06: THE price of crude oil in New York sank overnight beneath $US55 per barrel, striking a level last seen in June 2005 amid concerns over the full implementation of a recent cut in OPEC oil output. ... more

House water ‘revolution’

18.Nov.06: BORDER firm Milspec is aiming to revolutionise the way Australians use household water with a new grey-water recycling unit manufactured in Albury. ... more

Benalla faces new restrictions

18.Nov.06: The same restrictions would apply at Oxley and Moyhu from Monday as the level of Lake William Hovell fell. ... more

Arctic Reserves Won't Replace OPEC Crude

18.Nov.06: There isn't enough oil under the Arctic Circle to replace crude from OPEC, according to new research. ... more

Australia may introduce Kyoto measures

15.Nov.06: AUSTRALIA will probably have to introduce new measures to meet its Kyoto target on greenhouse gas emissions, Environment Minister Ian Campbell has revealed. ... more

New Kyoto hard to live up to: Murdoch

15.Nov.06: NEWS Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch has said it is "going to be hard" for all countries to sign and adhere to a new Kyoto agreement. ... more

Preliminary carbon trading meeting 'productive'

15.Nov.06: The Prime Minister, John Howard, has held a preliminary meeting today with key players in the move to create a task force to look at a carbon trading scheme. ... more

Vic parties fight over energy targets

15.Nov.06: The Victorian Labor and Liberal parties have locked horns over the merits of the state government's renewable energy targets. ... more

National day of prayer called for rain

15.Nov.06: CHRISTIAN church leaders will pray for rain in a bid to help drought-affected Australian farmers. ... more

Nature of climate change debate changing: Gore

15.Nov.06: Former US vice-president Al Gore says Australia has experienced a recent and significant shift in focus on climate change. ... more

Kofi Annan to open global climate talks

15.Nov.06: United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan will open high-level talks in Nairobi on combating climate change on Wednesday night. ... more

PM \'holds key to climate crisis\'

15.Nov.06: CLIMATE campaigner Al Gore not only forgives John Howard for panning his documentary film about impending planetary catastrophe, he nominates the Prime Minister as the key to a global effort to solve the crisis. ... more

Firms\' eco impact 'a growing concern'

15.Nov.06: As concerns surrounding global warming and water shortages mount, businesses may find they are faced with increasing pressure from the public to disclose their environmental impact. ... more

Bush administration face climate lawsuit

15.Nov.06: Environmentalists have filed a law suit against the Bush administration for failing to produce a report on global warming's impact on the United States' environment, economy and public health. ... more

Government to push for 'new Kyoto'

13.Nov.06: Australia's push for its desired "new Kyoto" at a major climate change conference in Africa will be hobbled from the start because it has not ratified the Kyoto Protocol on easing global warming, critics warn. ... more

Howard supports Costello's carbon talk

13.Nov.06: PRIME Minister John Howard has denied any shift in government policy on climate change following Peter Costello's talk on carbon trading. ... more

States shouldn't rely on rain for water supply: Turnbull

13.Nov.06: The parliamentary secretary for water, Malcolm Turnbull, says the states need to find new sources of water that are not dependent on rainfall. ... more

Plans for new dam in NSW

13.Nov.06: PLANS are under way to build a $342 million dam in NSW's Hunter Valley region as the long-running drought tightens its grip on the state. ... more

Campbell rejects Govt dragging its feet on carbon trading

13.Nov.06: Federal Environment Minister Ian Campbell has hit back at claims the Commonwealth is dragging its feet over the issue of carbon trading. ... more

Howard to pursue climate change at APEC meeting

13.Nov.06: Prime Minister John Howard has listed climate change as the major issue to be discussed at this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Meeting in Vietnam. ... more

Costello backs carbon trading

13.Nov.06: AUSTRALIA will have to sign up to a global carbon trading scheme to tackle climate change, Treasurer Peter Costello has said. ... more

Democrats win 'won't see US withdrawal'

13.Nov.06: THE Democrats' victory in the US election will not see an immediate American troop withdrawal from Iraq, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer says. ... more

Report tips uranium mining shake-up

13.Nov.06: A think tank largely made up of uranium industry executives has called for a shake-up of the way uranium ore is regulated and mined in Australia. ... more

Contingency plans for water supplies: PM

07.Nov.06: Contingency plans are being drawn up to secure water supplies during the current drought, Prime Minister John Howard says. ... more

Water shouldn't be federal: farmers

07.Nov.06: The Murray-Darling Basin should not be controlled by one federal body, the NSW Farmers Association says. ... more

Premiers call for faster water funding

07.Nov.06: State premiers have called for faster funding decisions under a national water program as they head into an emergency summit. ... more

Vics urge PM on 'super-pipe' pledge

07.Nov.06: Victoria's Water Minister John Thwaites has called for federal government support for the construction of a "super-pipe". ... more

Aussies will pay to go green: poll

07.Nov.06: Almost two-thirds of Australians are prepared to pay higher taxes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new poll. ... more

Icebergs threaten shipping near NZ

06.Nov.06: Authorities have issued a marine hazard warning as huge icebergs drift towards international shipping lanes south of New Zealand. ... more

Rainfall to drop 40 per cent by 2070: study

06.Nov.06: A new study showing the regional impact of climate change in New South Wales suggests that annual rainfall could drop by as much as 40 per cent by the year 2070. ... more

SA irrigators urge summit to address water 'inequality'

06.Nov.06:The head of the South Australian Murray Irrigators is calling for tomorrow's water summit in Canberra to consider more equal water restrictions for both rural and city areas. ... more

Leadership needed on water, Labor says

06.Nov.06: Federal Opposition Leader Kim Beazley says the Commonwealth must show leadership to deal with the nation's growing water problems. ... more

Australia, US in focus at climate meeting

06.Nov.06: AUSTRALIA and the US will come under pressure to fall into line as a global climate summit beginning in Nairobi today starts to debate the future after the Kyoto Protocol expires. ... more

Oil prices fall in Asian trading

06.Nov.06: FALLING petrol prices offset the rising cost of fruit and vegetables, holiday travel and financial services to keep consumer prices steady in October. ... more

Water meeting 'must include climate'

06.Nov.06: GOVERNMENTS must develop water plans that took into account dramatic changes in the Australian climate, a water economics expert said today. ... more