Light at end of tunnel for train travellers

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes met with Minister for Public Transport, Lynne Kosky yesterday to discuss significant local concerns regarding train services in North East Victoria.

The meeting was arranged by the Nationals Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell. Also in attendance were Nationals MP’s Paul Weller (Rodney), Ken Jasper (Murray Valley) and Labor MP Ben Hardman (Seymour).

Local MP’s advised the Minister that North East Victorian and Goulburn Valley users of the V/Line service deserve and expect a safe, reliable, comfortable and responsive train service. The Minister said she had asked V/Line and the Department of Infrastructure to develop options to improve services to the region.

The Minister advised that an afternoon train/coach service to Shepparton could begin on 18 June 2007, leaving Southern Cross Station at 4.32pm and arriving in Seymour at 6.05pm, then a 6.10pm coach from Seymour arriving in Nagambie at 6.35pm and Murchison at 7.00pm.

“This service was removed in 2006 and I look forward to it being reinstated, however the Minister did state that it would not be an off-peak service. I welcome feedback from the community about the proposed re-introduction of this train because I am concerned that if the service is not well patronised we may lose it again”, Dr Sykes said.

The Minister has also agreed to look at a similar arrangement for travellers on the Wodonga line highlighting the level of patronage would be a key determinant in the future of any such service.

“It was also explained to the Minister the problems with the current 6.33pm train service, that by stopping at all stations the train journey is much slower and the train rarely leaves Melbourne on time and arrives in Nagambie, Murchison and Shepparton up to an hour later than the previous good Shepparton service”, Dr Sykes said.

The Minister also advised that further opportunities would be examined upon the completion of the Craigieburn Electrification Project, which should be completed by September 2007 reducing the amount of stops on the Shepparton line.

Other issues raised with the Minister included the poor state of repair of carriages, the lack of seating and shelter on platforms at Southern Cross Station and the confusion travellers encounter when trying to determine which platform trains leave from.

Dr Sykes concluded, “The Minister has given an undertaking that she will look into the matters raised and look at improving the platform information display screens advising of platform changes.”

Events funding jazzes up Victoria's High Country

FROM THE MINISTER FOR TOURISM
DATE: Wednesday, May 23, 2007

A blues and jazz festival is one of three events in Victoria’s High Country to benefit from a Bracks Government boost to tourism in regional communities, Minister for Tourism Tim Holding said today.

Mr Holding said Beat the Winter Blues ‘n Jazz ($5000), Benalla Botanica ($5000) and Euroa Show ‘n’ Shine ($3000) have been funded through the Country Victoria Events Program (CVEP), which assists with the development of growing regional festivals and events.

“Victoria’s High Country has a fantastic range of diverse attractions and events – whether you are interested in food and wine, nature-based activities, skiing, or a short break,” Mr Holding said.

“The Bracks Government recognises that regional tourism is one of the most important sectors of the tourism industry in Victoria, which is why more than half of Tourism Victoria’s $1.5 million annual events funding is used to support events staged throughout regional Victoria.

Mr Holding said tourism was worth $3.4 billion annually to regional Victoria and responsible for 61,000 jobs.

Northern Victoria MP Candy Broad said the Beat the Winter Blues ‘n Jazz festival would be held in the Milawa Gourmet Region on the first weekend of July.

“The event will showcase a range of blues and jazz, against the backdrop of the area’s gourmet food and wine,” Ms Broad said.

“It will help to build the Wangaratta region as a year-round destination and as a leader in blues and jazz events.”

She said Benalla Botanica, a conference to be held in late October, would help Benalla to become known for its cutting edge ideas in the environmental management of its community spaces and help identify Benalla as the horticultural hub of Victoria.

The 5th Euroa Show ‘n’ Shine will be held from 6-7 October and offers visitors a classic ‘country style’ display of rare and vintage vehicles as well as a farmers and craft market showing off the gourmet food and wine of the Strathbogie Ranges.

Funding for the CVEP is made available through the State Government’s Living Regions Living Suburbs and is managed by Tourism Alliance Victoria. More than 30 regional community events each year are funded through the CVEP.

Commonwealth must rethink Wangaratta Decision

FROM THE MINISTER FOR REGIONAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
DATE: Tuesday, May 22, 2007

The Minister for Regional and Rural Development, John Brumby, today accused the Howard Government of turning its back on regional Victoria after it refused to provide funding for the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre.

Mr Brumby said the Bracks Government had already committed $4.5 million towards the project and the Commonwealth was being asked to contribute $500,000.

He said the Commonwealth’s claim the project was not value for money was insulting.

“As the home of the Wangaratta Jazz Festival, the region has built a strong reputation as one of regional Australia’s premier arts destinations. The new Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre will enhance this reputation.

“The community has been waiting many years for a new arts centre that will provide the town with the capacity to stage major festivals and events and attract more visitors to the region.

“The Bracks Government is a strong supporter of regional arts and has provided $4.5 million for the new centre under the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund.

Mr Brumby called on the Federal Member for Indi, Sophie Mirabella, to start working for Wangaratta by securing Commonwealth funding for the new centre.

The proposed 530-seat performing arts centre was the first capital works project to be announced as part of the Bracks Government’s $28 million commitment to boosting regional arts and cultural facilities, which includes $20 million from the RIDF to build new facilities.

The new centre, to be designed by Harmer Architecture, involves replacing the outdated 1960s former Town Hall and “Playhouse Theatre” buildings on the corner of Ovens and Ford streets with a new Hall and a purpose built theatre.

Mr Brumby said the new venue would meet contemporary standards for performing arts facilities and would help to attract high quality touring events to Wangaratta.

“The centre will secure Wangaratta’s place in Victoria’s network of arts centres and host a number of key regional and cultural festivals, including the hugely popular and successful Wangaratta Jazz Festival,” Mr Brumby said.

New Fire Station opened in Tolmie

FROM THE MINISTER FOR POLICE & EMERGENCY SERVICES
DATE: Sunday, May 20, 2007

The Minister for Police & Emergency Services, Bob Cameron, today officially opened a new fire station in Tolmie, North East Victoria – an area hit hard by last season’s bushfires.

Mr Cameron said the Tolmie Country Fire Authority (CFA) brigade has about 70 volunteer members and has served the local community for more than 55 years.

“The new fire station at Tolmie delivers on the commitment we made to Victorians to meet the challenges of the future and invest in the services that matter to their families,” Mr Cameron said.

“We promised to support our volunteers and strengthen their capacity to respond to emergencies, and today we are delivering.

“The Tolmie area was badly burnt during last season’s fires, with about 12,160 hectares burnt – representing more than 40 per cent of the brigade’s response area.

“Five homes were lost and brigade members did an extraordinary job to prevent further losses.”

In the past year, the brigade has been called out 34 times – compared to a previous annual average of between five and eight call-outs.

As drought conditions continue in regional Victoria, investment in new infrastructure is vital.

The new station includes a motor room with two truck bays, a large turn-out area, a storeroom, a kitchen and a multi-purpose area that will be made available for broader community use.

Emergency services received a boost in this year’s Budget.

The Budget includes $73 million for emergency services initiatives – including $9.8 million for 18 new and upgraded CFA stations, and two MFB stations.

Zuvele Leschen to run against Sophie for Indi

Alpine councillor Zuvele Leschen has won the pre selection ballot as the ALP candidate for the Federal seat of Indi at this year’s election. She defeated former Benalla Mayor John Brownstein for the nomination in fairly convincing style. Now she must take on the controversial sitting Liberal member Sophie Mirabella in what shapes as a fairly lively campaign.

Ms Mirabella’s involvement with the closure of the local tobacco industry and the later revelations of secret donations she received from the tobacco company seems certain to be one of the main issues, on a local level at least.

Win or lose it seems Cr Leschen will be obliged to step down from her role as councillor prior to the election, meaning a new Alpine councillor would have to be found from the seven unsuccessful candidates at the 2005 election. Here is the official press release kindly supplied by Cr Leschen.

LESCHEN TO RUN FOR INDI
John Williams, President of the Indi FEA for the Australian Labor Party, today announced that Alpine Shire Councillor, Zuvele Leschen, had been selected as the ALP candidate for the upcoming Federal election. Mrs Leschen, a resident of Buffalo River near Myrtleford, has previously contested the seat of Indi in 1996 and 1998. She has served on the Alpine Shire Council for seven years, having first been elected in 2000. Besides her current work as a casual teacher, Mrs Leschen has taught full time, run a second hand bookshop, worked as an electorate officer and is currently involved with a study of the effects of climate change on the Alpine shire for Monash University. She is involved in the life of her local community. She served for six years on the Board of Alpine Health and is currently secretary of the Myrtleford Savoy Soccer Club. Zuvele is also involved with the Buffalo River CFA, Friends of Reform Hill and the Buffalo River LandCare group. Mrs Leschen is secretary of her local ALP branch, a delegate to State Conference and is President of the Country Labor Executive, which advises the State Labor Party on rural and regional affairs. She has been married to Jon for twenty five years and has two sons who attend school in Myrtleford.

“I’ve worked with Zuvele in past campaigns,” Mr Williams said. “I know that she’ll be a terrific candidate for the local Labor Party in what will be an important election.”

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Reprinted from Alpine Opinion, Ray Dixon’s blog about Bright, the Alpine Shire & other things

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Nats leader welcomes prescribed burns

Friday, 18 May 2007

Leader of The Nationals Peter Ryan has urged the State Government to continue providing additional resources for a statewide fuel reduction burning program.

Mr Ryan said the mild autumn weather had provided an ideal opportunity for fuel reduction burns in many parts of the state.

“From the reports I have received, the fuel reduction burns have been very successful in many areas,” Mr Ryan said.

“While it is inevitable that some people will be inconvenienced by the smoke, the comparatively short-term annoyance is outweighed by the benefits to the wider community.

“The Nationals have consistently called for more resources to conduct fuel reduction burns to protect communities. It makes more sense to employ additional resources for the fuel reduction burns than spend hundreds of millions fighting wildfires in the summer.

“When it comes to bushfires, there’s no question that prevention is better than cure. We are always going to face a bushfire risk in Victoria but the public land management strategies can help to reduce the risk to life and property.

“I am pleased to see that the government finally appears to be listening to the concerns of locals and placing a greater emphasis on fuel reduction activities.”

The State Government has claimed that 118,000 hectares, out of a targeted total of 130,000 hectares, has been burned in 2006-07.

Mr Ryan said it was a vast improvement on previous years and proof that fuel reduction burns could be achieved with greater commitment from the government.

“The experience of the past few months suggests that if the government is committed to a policy of fuel reduction burns and provides the necessary resources, the men and women on the ground can get the job done,” Mr Ryan said.

“It must remain a high priority in the future in the interests of protecting country families from the ravages of bushfires.

“For the present though this is a case of credit where due and both the Government and DSE are to be commended for the work to date”.

The time is now to act on climate change

FROM THE MINISTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
DATE: Wednesday, May 16, 2007

A new report released today emphatically sets out why Australia needs urgent national leadership on climate change, Acting Premier John Thwaites said today.

Mr Thwaites said governments had a duty to act in climate change now, rather than leave future generations to deal with its devastating impacts.

“The science is in. The time for climate change scepticism is over. We need urgent action now to cut greenhouse pollution and to adapt to the reality of climate change,” Mr Thwaites said.

“I urge the Federal Government to follow the lead of the States and implement a National Emissions Trading Scheme, which caps Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, as a matter of urgency.”

Climate Change and Infrastructure – Planning Ahead, the first study of its kind in Australia, examines the potential risks to key infrastructure areas such as water, power, telecommunications, transport and buildings.

The study highlights a number of climate variables and potential effects including bushfire damage to water catchments, power shortages, storm impacts on ports and coastal infrastructure and increased flood damage to buildings.

“As Sir Nicholas Stern found – the future costs of inaction on climate change will far outweigh the costs of taking the necessary steps now,” Mr Thwaites said.

“Climate change goes right to the heart of the necessities of life and future generations will mark harshly any government that fails to act.”

CSIRO project leader for the study Paul Holper said that most infrastructure had been designed and maintained on the premise that future climatic conditions would be similar to the past.

“We can’t simply assume that the way we built offices and factories, roads and railway lines, water supply and stormwater systems in the past will be right for the future,” Mr Holper said.

Mr Thwaites said the study was part of a broader Bracks Government initiative to bolster the State’s leadership in dealing with climate change.

“The Climate Change and Infrastructure study only underlines the critical importance of getting a national emissions trading scheme up and running quickly, so that we can work towards significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Thwaites said.

“The onus is now on Mr Howard to establish a fair dinkum emissions trading scheme that makes substantial reductions to Australia’s greenhouse emissions and safeguards our economic and environmental future, when his Task Group tables its report this month.”

For more information on climate change and a copy of the study, visit www.greenhouse.vic.gov.au

Works to improve north east train travel times

FROM THE MINISTER FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT
DATE: Thursday, May 17, 2007

Minister for Public Transport, Lynne Kosky announced today new maintenance works to begin next month to improve travel times on train services to Seymour, Shepparton and Albury/Wodonga.

Ms Kosky said the $4 million maintenance works would target many of the speed restrictions that have delayed services on the popular train line.

“The Bracks Government is committed to revitalising Victoria’s rail network and we are investing millions of dollars to deliver maintenance works that will improve rail travel for regional Victorians,” Ms Kosky said.

“With the buy back of the regional rail network now complete, over the coming years there will be further improvements for both freight and passenger services throughout Victoria.

“Just like a country road, our regional railway lines need regular maintenance to make sure they can be used safely at the speeds they were designed for.

“Passengers have experienced slower train services on some sections of the north-eastern line because the track condition has required the speed to be reduced from 130 kph to as low as 50 kph in some parts.

“That’s a major reason the Bracks Government took back control of the regional rail network last month and gave V/Line the ability to directly target and improve infrastructure problems such as this.”

The works would include:
· Major repairs to the Dry Creek Bridge near Kilmore East, including the complete removal of track and ballast to renew the bridge deck and make structural improvements;
· Sleeper maintenance (partial removal and replacement) on the out-bound track between Donnybrook and Seymour; and
· Concrete resleepering through Tallarook Station.

Ms Kosky said while there would be some disruption for passengers while the maintenance works were underway, the benefits would be significant.

“Once the works are complete, the speed restrictions currently in place on that section of the track can be lifted, resulting in improved travel times,” Ms Kosky said

“At the last election, we promised to invest in the services that matter to all Victorian families and improvements to the train services to Seymour, Shepparton and Albury/Wodonga shows we are delivering on that commitment.
“Speed restrictions have been an issue on the North East corridor, particularly over summer when a number of heat speed restrictions had to be enforced.

“Passengers have been extremely patient so I’m delighted that these works will help address some of these issues and start to improve train punctuality.”

The works will require the closure of the line between Kilmore East and Seymour from Saturday 2 June to Sunday 10 June, 2007.

A three-day closure of the line will also be required from Friday 25 May to Sunday 27 May to allow for signalling commissioning of the Craigieburn electrification project.

A temporary timetable will be available to customers from Monday 21 May.

Ms Kosky said with the Craigieburn electrification project proceeding well and the upcoming Wodonga Rail Bypass project, the future of rail in the North East was positive.

“When metropolitan trains start operating to Craigieburn, we expect more seats to be available for people travelling to Seymour, Shepparton and Albury / Wodonga,” she said.

“With this project, we are making a major step in delivering on the commitment we made to Victorians in the $10.5 billion Meeting Our Transport Challenges to meet future challenges in public transport.”

Passengers wanting more information about the affected services can get a copy of the temporary timetable from Monday 21 May online at vline.com.au, by calling V/Line on 136 196 or visiting any staffed station.

New Wangaratta nursing home open for Christmas

FROM THE MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES
DATE: Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Aged care services in Wangaratta could get an early Christmas present with Northeast Health’s new, 62-bed nursing home set to be completed in November.

Community Services Minister Gavin Jennings today inspected work on the $11 million project being built on a two hectare greenfield site in College Street, Wangaratta.

“This 12-month project was due to be completed in late December,” Mr Jennings said.

“However, the there is now a good prospect that it will be completed in late November, allowing the residents to move in before Christmas.”

Mr Jennings said the new development contained a number of environmentally-friendly initiatives.

“Large water saving measures will be a feature of this new nursing home,” he said.

“Three underground tanks will store 315,000 litres of roof rain water for use on the garden and for flushing toilets.”

Mr Jennings said local road improvements, including a turning lane, additional curb and guttering, would assist residents, their families and visitors to enter the residential site.

He congratulated the Roman Catholic Trust of Sandhurst Diocese for providing the land to the Department of Human Services under a long-term lease.

“Because the project did not need to purchase land, that funding was invested in two more respite beds for the nursing home,” Mr Jennings said.

Mr Jennings said the Bracks Government had invested $424.1 million to redevelop 45 public sector residential aged care services. Of these, 42 services are in country Victoria.

“All this investment has one aim: to provide better care for older Victorians, wherever they live,” he said.

Upper House Member for Northern Victoria, Kaye Darveniza said Northeast Health Wangaratta also provided other aged care services, including Extended Aged Care in the Home packages and Community Aged Care packages.

“This project will provide Northeast Health with a residential aged care service to complement the wide range of health, rehabilitation and community-based support now provided,” she said.

“With an ageing population, particularly in country Victoria, Wangaratta’s new nursing home will help meet future demand for quality care for older Victorians.”

Rural Fire Volunteers Rebel Over Cattle Evictions

EXCLUSIVE REPORT:

This is a copy of a letter to be sent to DSE Benalla, Region 22 Headquarters, local members of Parliament. It was sourced from Bundarrah Days Blog

To Whom It May Concern:

We, the volunteer members of the Picola Rural Fire Brigade, have serious concerns in regards to the future management of the Barmah Forest, should the cattle be removed in the future.

Our concerns are as stated:

Lack of management of the undergrowth and fuel loading due to removal of cattle
Lack of consultation with local fire brigade members
Lack of access tracks and bridges
Future maintenance of these tracks and bridges
Reference areas

In regards to the management of the undergrowth and fuel loading should the cattle be removed, the Parks past history, for example the high country, shows us that they do not have a workable plan in action to reduce large fire risks.

Generally, the local volunteer CFA members are first called to incidents in the forest, however, our input into safety and time is not taken into consideration. As locals, our knowledge is invaluable in relation to this issue.

We feel that the tracks are not being maintained adequately to allow fire trucks safe access to and from incidences as CFA policy states that for safety purposes, we need at least two escape routes.

Bridges also are a concern in that they are not being replaced or maintained quickly enough to provide safe access for not only the fire trucks but also the safe exit of campers and tourists. The Bendy Bridge at Hut Lake has not been replaced; Top Island has only two other access points. Also the bridge at Tarmah has been out of action for many years, McDonalds Bridge over smiths creek is in dire need of replacement. This is just to name a few.

At a recent fire where a Reference area was involved, Parks Victoria would not allow DSE to put an access track/fire break in high ground as this was in the reference area, hence sending the trucks through low wet ground causing a truck to become bogged. The CFA need to have unrestricted access to all areas should they be expected to put their lives on the line and fight fires in the bush.

Our members have voiced their concerns that if the cattle are removed from the forest and fuel loadings increase, we will seriously consider not going out there due to increased risks to our safety and accessibility.

We hope these concerns are given high priority when decisions on the forest are made in the future.

Picola Rural Fire Brigade
Secretary Jack Corry

What's on around Wangarata - 18 May 2007

This is edition 92 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.

Mokoan Meeting Progress

Broken Valley Irrigators are cautiously optimistic that the Government departments are starting to recognise the merit of their proposal for a mini Lake Mokoan in lieu of full decommissioning of the lake.

A deputation of irrigators led by Wayne Spinks met with senior DSE, GMW and water consultants on Friday, 11 May.

Mr Spinks was satisfied with the outcome of the 2½ hr meeting which resulted in another meeting in 2 weeks to further clarify issues arising from discussions.

Nationals MP for Benalla, Bill Sykes, shared the irrigator’s cautious optimism. Dr Sykes said, “Given the unsavoury actions on the part of the Government leading up to the meeting, I held grave concerns about their commitment to consider the irrigator’s proposal.

“However, it is clear that there is acceptance by Government departments of most of the key aspects of the proposal, most importantly the fact that the water savings delivered by the irrigator’s proposal are very close to the water savings that would be achieved by the full decommissioning of the lake.

“Given that the irrigator’s proposal costs about $20m less, provides greater security of supply and has strong community support, common sense dictates that it appears to be a much better option than full decommissioning.”

Dr Sykes congratulated irrigators Wayne Spinks, Ray Henderson, Peter Ryan, David Rush and Mike Reid on their untiring efforts on behalf of the families and communities of the Broken Valley.

“These men have made an enormous personal and financial contribution to this project proposal. They and others working on other aspects of the fight for justice for the Broken Valley must continue to be given our full support.”

Dr Sykes also warmly thanked Dick Thompson, Chairman of Murrumbidgee Irrigation Ltd and Engineer, Mr Manics. “The contribution to the project by Mr Thompson and Mr Manics far exceeds their contracted responsibilities – they are putting in extra because they believe in the project based on their recently completed, National environmental award winning project at Barren Box Swamp.”

Dr Sykes concluded, “Given the history of the Mokoan project, I will continue to keep in close contact with proceedings to ensure that the process is not derailed by individuals with a vested interest in protecting their original proposal which was clearly based on flawed and incomplete information.

“Part of my involvement includes meeting with the Minister for Water’s office next week to seek an assurance that the Minister will personally listen to a final presentation of the proposal by irrigators in conjunction with DSE staff.

Bill Sykes discusses progress on local issues

Over the past couple of weeks the Parliamentary Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) of which I am a member has interviewed the Premier, Treasury and key Ministers regarding the State Budget.
I have used the process to raise a wide range of issues on behalf of country Victorians.
Some of the issues and outcomes are summarised below. Full transcripts are available from www.parliament.vic.gov.au.

Drought
Issue – Insufficient assistance.
Response very disappointing – The Premier and Treasurer both maintain that the Victorian Government has provided very generous drought assistance and dismiss calls for extra measures such as $20,000 cash grants and freight subsidies for fodder.
The Treasurer’s 2007/08 budget is based on a full recovery from the drought within the next few months.
Clearly, they don’t understand that farm dams are still empty, there is no water yet for irrigation next season and many livestock owners are financially and emotionally desperate.
I will raise these issues again when we interview the Minister for Agriculture, the Minister for Water and the Minister for Mental Health.

Bushfire
Issue – Cost of fences damaged by back burning.
Response – The Treasurer has agreed to ‘look at’ Government policy which pays for the cost of rehabilitation of fire control lines on private land and repairs of fences damaged when making the control lines but which does not pay for the cost of fences destroyed by back burns from the control lines to halt the fires on Crown Land.

Issue – Councils are out of pocket for expenses associated with bushfires in that the salaries of staff transferred to bushfire response activities during normal working hours are not eligible for reimbursement.
I have asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer to request a review of the National Policy on this matter and for the Victorian Government to make a one off payment to bushfire affected Councils to offset these costs which will otherwise be passed onto ratepayers who simply cannot afford the extra costs.

High Country Road Deaths
Issue – Need for increased funding to fix country roads to save country lives.
Response – The Premier, Minister for Roads and Minister for Police are all reluctant to acknowledge the fact that country road deaths now account for approximately 57% of road deaths in Victoria compared with about 37% six years ago.The Premier and Minister for Roads are adamant that the State Government has invested a lot more in country roads than acknowledged by the National Party.The figures presented by the Minister for Roads are being analysed.

Dangerous Intersections
Issue – Black spot funding/Grey spot funding
The Federal Government recently committed around $245m extra for the upgrade of intersections and roadways which had caused deaths.
Grey spot funding – The State Government has allocated $15m to upgrade of intersections about which there are concerns but at which no deaths have been reported.
Local intersections such as Baddaginnie Road/Hume Freeway; Witt Street/Old Sydney Road, Samaria Road/Kilfeera Road are examples of intersections which may qualify for Grey spot funding.
I encourage local councils to liaise with VicRoads about applying for Grey spot funding and Black spot funding.

Education
Issue – Poor retention rate of country Year 12 students
Response – Education Services Minister and Education Minister gloss over the fact that retention rates of Year 12 students in country Victoria is around 69% compared with the State average of 85%.
There appears to be limited commitment to addressing this serious problem.
Claimed relevant Government initiatives need to be fully analysed.

Issue – Low funding of Non Government schools (Victoria’s Non Government schools historically have the lowest level of Government funding per student in Australia).
Response – Government have committed $110m for Non Government schools this year.Government to provide further information on contribution per student.

Issue – Tawonga Primary School – replacement of relocatable buildings with permanent buildings.
Response – Treasurer emphatically confirmed his pre election promise that Tawonga Primary School’s relocatable buildings would be replaced with permanent buildings in the next four years.

Health
Issue – Limited funding of Bush Nursing Hospitals (BNH’s)
Response – Minister for Health – BNH’s are classified as private hospitals therefore State not responsible for funding. However, about $7m has been allocated over the next four years – about the same as last four years.
I requested that this amount be substantially increased as communities who build and operate BNH’s eg Euroa and Nagambie are being discriminated against because they showed initiative and invested in their own hospitals.

Volunteer Police Checks
Issue – Apparent requirement for volunteers working with children to have separate police checks for each organisation with which they work with children.
Response – Secretary, Department of Justice to follow up but the problem appears to be largely a misunderstanding of the legal requirements by volunteer organisations highlighting a need for improved communication.
I also requested that the process be reviewed and if problems are identified they be addressed.
Water

Issue – Community Grants for Water excludes communities not on reticulated water supplies.
Response – Premier agreed to have issue investigated.

Issue - $1,000 tank rebate excludes householders not on reticulated water supplies.
Response – Premier didn’t recognise problem. I will pursue with the Minister for Water.
Public Transport

Issue – Poor train services in Northern and North East Victoria – Reduced train frequency, less convenient timetables, trains running late, poor carriage maintenance eg. Air conditioning failure.
Response – Minister for Public Transport has received many complaints – agreed to investigate problems and work with local MPs to come up with practical solutions.
Dangerous Railway Level Crossings

Issue – Poor maintenance of railway level crossing road surfaces, poor visibility at crossings and insufficient or non functioning signage/warning devices, currently difficult to identify authority responsible for specific problem.
Response – discussions in progress re greater liaison between Local Government and railway management agencies on maintenance issues.
I requested name of one person to contact on problems.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989

Thwaites warns Bangerang off Mokoan

Local Bangerang Elder, Sandy Atkinson, has been warned by a staff member of the Minister for Water, John Thwaites that, “It is not in your Bangerang’s interests to support the Broken Valley irrigator’s water saving proposal for Lake Mokoan.”

Mr Atkinson said that he received a telephone call in response to a letter which he had sent to Mr Thwaites in which he pointed out that the adoption of the plan proposed by the Justice for the Broken River Group (ie. the alternative plan) was closely aligned to their criteria for the protection of culturally important sites and artefacts.

Mr Atkinson’s response to the telephone call was to advise the Minister’s staff member that he stood by the content of his letter and that the Bangerang trusted the local landholders and had a good working relationship with them.

Mr Atkinson suggested that the staff member put the warning in writing. This has not occurred.

Thwaites holds gun at Mokoan irrigators heads

THWAITES HOLDS GUN AT MOKOAN IRRIGATOR’S HEADS

‘It’s like having a gun held at your head’ is the way one Broken Valley (Mokoan) irrigator described how he felt when reading a letter from the Government this week offering to buy his water.

The irrigator wishes to remain anonymous because he is concerned about possible consequences on the Government’s consideration of the Broken Valley irrigator alternative water saving proposal for Lake Mokoan.

However, Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said, “Yesterday, Broken Valley irrigators received a letter from the Government offering to buy their water.

“The letter stated that there would be a significant rise in the price of water up by $40 to $50/ML from the current price of $6/ML.

“This price rise is said to be a consequence of a move to basin pricing where each irrigation district’s cost of supplying water is calculated and charged separately rather than the cost being averaged over the whole Goulburn Irrigation District.

Dr Sykes continued, “This price rise breaks a written commitment by the Minister for Water, John Thwaites and his predecessor, Sherryl Garbutt that water would remain available to irrigators at a price acceptable to them.

“That says something about the Bracks Labor Government but the fact that the Broken Valley is to be the first to have such a price increase and that the announcement coincides with their so called consideration of the irrigator’s alternative water saving proposal, raises further doubts about the Bracks Government’s integrity and method of doing business.

“The Member for Indi referred to the last letter form the Government, offering to buy water, as an ‘act of political bastardry’ because of the untruths which it contained in misrepresenting the Federal Government’s position on Lake Mokoan.

“This latest letter could be described as an ‘act of political thuggery’ as irrigators still in the midst of a severe drought feel that a gun is being pointed at their heads to persuade them to sell their water and give up the wealth generation potential of the Broken Valley for future generations.

Government moves forward on Lake Mokoan

The Bracks Government has taken the next step in decommissioning Lake Mokoan with the Minister for Planning declaring that there is no need for an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) and that he will take control of planning issues from the Benalla Rural City Council.

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, disputes this decision by the Bracks Government which is based on their claims that, “environmental investigations undertaken to date have been comprehensive and provide an adequate base upon which to assess potential environmental effects” and “the project is unlikely to give rise to significant adverse environmental effects and is expected to provide a clear net benefit for the Broken, Goulburn Murray and Snowy Rivers and Winton Wetlands.”

Dr Sykes said, “I do not believe that there has been a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of decommissioning Lake Mokoan on the Broken River.

“In addition, other environmental studies such as those relating to the impact on Latham Snipe and Aboriginal heritage sites are yet to be completed according to the Bracks Government’s submission to the Federal Government.

“A Freedom of Information request will be submitted this week seeking all documents related to environmental studies to check how comprehensive the studies have been and what the findings are.”

Dr Sykes continued, “Irrigators are presenting their alternate water saving proposal to senior Department of Sustainability and Environment staff this week.

“I would be extremely disappointed if this is yet another example of the Bracks Government going through the motions of consultation whilst proceeding with their original plan to fully decommission Lake Mokoan.”

“Watch this space!”

What's on around Wangaratta - 4 May 2007

What's on in Wangarata This is edition 91 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.

State Budget - Limited benefits for country Victoria

Country Victoria has missed out on its fair share of the $34 billion 2007 State budget according to Member for Benalla and Nationals Treasury Spokesperson, Bill Sykes.

Dr Sykes welcomed investments in school upgrades, public housing and increased support for kindergartens, neighbourhood houses and respite care, noting however that until the details are made public, the exact benefits to country Victoria remain unclear.

On the other side of the coin, Dr Sykes expressed strong disappointment about Government failure to provide additional drought assistance measures or to fund the securing of water supplies for Bright, Wangaratta, Mansfield and Euroa/Violet Town.

Dr Sykes said, “The Government continues to hope for more rain rather than take decisive action to provide support such as fodder freight subsidies, cash grants for drought affected farmers and businesses and to fund projects such as expanding Lake Buffalo and Lake William Hovell”.

Dr Sykes also noted that the Government’s financial management skills remain questionable.

He said, “The Bracks Government’s expenditure has exceeded budget by $9 billion over the past seven years. Their books have been balanced by unexpected and unbudgeted windfall gains from land tax and traffic fines in particular”.

Dr Sykes continued, “As a member of the Parliamentary Public Accounts and Estimates Committee I will have the opportunity to question all Government Ministers over the next few weeks starting with the Premier and the Treasurer this week.

“I will be asking them to clarify what is specifically in the budget for country Victoria, that is, the area outside Melbourne and the major provincial cities of Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.

“I will also seek clarification on yet to be delivered pre election promises including:-
• Tawonga Primary School’s portable buildings being replaced with permanent buildings; and
• $50,000 grant to upgrade public toilets at the Euroa Memorial Park.