Public Land Firewood Strategy must be practical

Source: Sykes media release

“The proposed new Victorian Firewood Strategy for Public Land must remove impractical and unnecessary restrictions imposed on firewood collection by the Brumby Government in recent years,” Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said this week.

In a statement issued by the Brumby Government, Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said the development of a new statewide strategy would;

1. ensure firewood collection from public land has a sustainable future
2. that people could conveniently access firewood
3. ensure an efficient and practical system for the pricing and distribution for commercial and non-commercial firewood sourced from public land
4. review the firewood sales system and make it easier to purchase licenses and permits
5. consider better ways to manage the collection of firewood from roadside reserves; and
6. consider the impacts on the environment, particularly the value fallen trees and branches hold as habitat for native species

The Victorian Firewood Strategy for Public Land is to be developed in collaboration with firewood managers, representatives of interest groups (government and other organisations). Firewood collectors and users and the broader public will be given an opportunity to input and identify issues during the development of the strategy. It is proposed a discussion paper will be released before the end of June for public comment and that the strategy will be completed by the end of 2009.

“I never cease to be amazed by the lack of forward thinking in relation to this issue,” Bill Sykes said. “The State Government proposed a Victorian Firewood Strategy back in 2002 and produced a discussion paper, with regional strategies developed within the North East and Bendigo regions. The outcome has been the implementation of impractical and unnecessary restrictions which should never have been enacted in the first place,” Bill Sykes continued. “Now this new strategy is looking at ways to address shortfalls in the current system.”

“One of the biggest issues raised in the aftermath of Black Saturday is fuel load reduction along roadsides. My office has received copies of a lot of submissions to the Bushfire Royal Commission from many areas of the Benalla Electorate and beyond, including Marysville, Goughs Bay, Mt Beauty, Boho, Tawonga, Lima East, Euroa, Strathbogie (and I could go on) – which identify major concerns with the lack roadside clearing in relation to fire safety,” Bill Sykes said.

“It is vitally important the statewide strategy provides a no-nonsense means of accessing wood from public land including roadsides,” he concluded.

For more information on the Victorian Firewood Strategy for Public Land visit www.dse.vic.gov.au or call 136 186 or email firestrat.publicland@dse.vic.gov.au.

Sykes: Commonsense needed in post fire clean up

Source: (State MP for Benalla) Bill Sykes Media Release

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, in Parliament on Thursday 26 February called for commonsense to prevail as the massive clean up of fire damaged areas heads into full swing in many parts of Victoria.

“A key activity is making our roadways safe by the removal of burnt and dangerous trees,” Bill Sykes said. “Unfortunately VicRoads’ efforts in making roads safe in the Flowerdale area have been hampered by an overzealous interpretation of dubious Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) guidelines.”

“Post fire falling tree limbs can be dangerous. It’s a danger I am well aware of. In the past I narrowly missed serious injury myself by a falling limb during a fire mop up operation in bush land near Benalla,” Bill Sykes continued. “We need to ensure the safety of our fire fighters and the public is not compromised by the restricted removal of roadside trees.”

Bill Sykes said, “I call on the Minister for Environment and Climate Change to show leadership on this issue and immediately instruct DSE staff to apply common sense rather than zealously implementing guidelines which will be subject to intense scrutiny in the forthcoming Royal Commission. I remind the Minister that as his staff seek to protect a few hundred trees, government policies are being held responsible for the destruction of millions upon millions of trees in the fires of 2003, 2006-07 and 2009.”

The clean up and repair of fences and fence lines on properties bordering Crown Land is also of issue and demands a similar commonsense approach.

“I also call on the Minister for Agriculture to stand up for farmers and commit the Government to meeting 50 per cent of the cost of fencing between Crown Land and private property. This is what good neighbours do and what was recommended by the all-party Parliamentary Inquiry into ‘The Impact of Public Land Management Practices on Bushfires in Victoria’,” he said.

The Government is also been called to meet 100 per cent of the cost of replacing boundary fences against Crown Land which are destroyed by CFA/DSE instigated back burns from control lines on private property.

The Bushfire Royal Commission will provide a much needed opportunity to review and investigate existing DSE guidelines in relation to public land management practices; a likely outcome will see the implementation of revised guidelines and a reduction of the restrictions currently imposed on the removal of native vegetation.

Bill Sykes concluded his Parliamentary statement saying; “Now is the time for common sense and equitable sharing of the costs of recovery from these tragic fires. I call on the Brumby Government to step up to the mark.”

Sykes: how the bushfire Royal Commission will work

Source: (State MP for Benalla) Bill Sykes Media Release

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, has endorsed the establishment of a Royal Commission into Victoria’s bushfires.

“These bushfires have caused unprecedented harm to Victoria, not only through the loss of life, property and livestock but also through the emotional trauma caused to survivors and the families of victims. Now that the Royal Commission has released the terms of reference I encourage people to contribute to the inquiry,” Bill Sykes said.

The Commission, led by Justice Bernard Teague, will operate under broad terms of reference including the cause and circumstances of the bushfires, the prevention, management and communication of bushfire threats and risks, immediate management, response and recovery in the event of a bushfire, communication and equipment systems, land use planning and management, fireproofing of housing and other buildings and public communications and community advice systems.

The Commission has the scope to include any other matters deemed appropriate in relation to the 2009 bushfires.

Justice Bernard Teague has said the Commission will include first person accounts by bushfire survivors. These accounts will be collected during round table hearings at locations throughout fire affected areas to commence early March 2009.

“I encourage people who have been directly impacted upon by these bushfires to make every effort to attend these meetings. In the past week I have visited bushfire affected and threatened areas in Bonnie Doon, Strathbogie, Merton, Yarck, Eildon, Thornton, Alexandra, Myrtleford, Bright, Rosewhite and Mudgegonga and have first hand knowledge of the issues faced by people. I will continue to address these issues but urge people across the Benalla Electorate to also contribute to this important inquiry,” Bill Sykes said.

The Royal Commission will provide an interim report by 17 August 2009 to enable early recommendations to be implemented before the next bushfire season. A final report will be due by 31 July 2010.

Written submissions by the public have been invited by the Royal Commission with a submission address to be announced by early next week.

“I will be advising all media, community and professional organisations and agencies throughout the Benalla Electorate where they can send submissions to as soon as this information becomes available and to advise the dates, times and locations of all round table hearings,” Bill Sykes said.

To view the Terms of Reference visit http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/images/stories/media/mediareleases/160209_-_elizabeth_the_second_by_the_grace_of_god_queen_of_australia.pdf

Sykes welcomes return of fox bounty

Source: Sykes Media - 2 Feb 09

The Labor Government’s wilting to an ongoing campaign to re-instate the fox bounty has been welcomed by Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes.

Dr Sykes said, “The Brumby Government’s back flip on fox bounties is most welcome.

“It’s amazing how some poor polling results can change Mr Brumby and Minister for Agriculture, Joe Helper’s thoughts on the fox bounty.

“Mr Helper has repeatedly said that a fox bounty is ineffective and that it only gets a run because of political pressure.

Dr Sykes continued, “I, along with my Nationals colleagues and hunting groups have continually argued that fox (& dog) bounties are an integral part of coordinated fox and dog control – only to have Mr Helper dismiss this point of view.

“Now Mr Helper is adopting Nationals policy – to which I say, well done and we have a few more sound policies available for adoption!”

Sykes: Country action grant scheme for 2009

Source: Sykes Media - Jan 30

Regional sporting and recreational organisations have all been affected by the State’s economic downturn. Funding, through the 2009 Country Action Grant Scheme is now available for sporting groups throughout the Benalla Electorate. Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, urges sporting and clubs not to overlook this funding opportunity.

Dr Sykes said this Sport & Recreation Victoria round of funding is to be distributed in grants of up to $5,000 and aims to increase the capacity of sport and active recreation organisations in regional and rural Victoria.

Types of projects to be funded include:

• Initiatives to improve the operational effectiveness and efficiency of organisations eg. Preparation of a business plan, development of policy and procedure manuals or websites and incorporation of a new organisation.

• Initiatives to improve the skills of club members through providing training for coaches and officials, administrative staff and management committee members eg. Participation in coaching or umpiring accreditation courses, first aid, workshops for committee members in financial management or information technology.

• Initiatives to increase community participation by providing accessible sport and active recreation opportunities eg. Sessions of sport or active recreation for older adults, young mothers or people with a disability.

For projects planned to commence between 1 July 2009 – 31 December 2009 the applications close on 16 April 2009.

Applications can be lodged on-line, via email, fax or post with applications being received by Thursday, 16 April 2009 will be considered for the second assessment phase for 2009.

Further details are available from the grant information line at The Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) free call 1300 366 356 or via their web site on www.dvc.vic.gov.au/grants or by contacting Peta Clark at Bill Sykes’ office ph: 5762 2100.

Warren Woos 'em

Source: Bill Sykes - 12.09.08

Warren Truss, Leader of the Federal National Party entertained over 130 people at Benalla last night with his insightful commentary on climate change and recent political events.

Mr Truss drew on his nearly 30 year experience in Federal politics to highlight the deficiencies between the election promises of the Rudd Government and the realities post election.

Similarly, in relation to climate change, Mr Truss highlighted the importance of global participation in emission reduction programs and the potentially very significant costs of emission trading schemes. Mr Truss said that Australia clearly needs to participate but Australian emission controls will have little impact unless large emitters such as China also implement strict emission controls. That said, low cost, no regret actions need to be taken by individuals and organisations.

Nationals MP for Benalla, Bill Sykes said, “Many people were amazed at Mr Truss’ breadth of knowledge and his ability to deliver an entertaining and informative 30 minute talk without once referring to speaking notes.”

People attending the evening travelled from Myrtleford, Wangaratta, Mansfield, Alexandra, the Strathbogie’s, Euroa, Nagambie, King Valley and Benalla.

Dr Sykes said, “Clearly when you have a speaker of the calibre of Warren Truss people are prepared to travel to hear him.

“It is also evident that recent political events in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and New South Wales primed people’s interest in the political aspects of Mr Truss’ talk.

“It’s great to have quality people like Warren Truss visit North-East Victoria.

Dr Sykes concluded, “I understand that Malcolm Turnbull is going to speak at Mansfield on 5 November. I’m looking forward to hearing his perspective on Federal issues.”

Drought Assistance - North East Victoria

Source: Parliamentary Member’s Statement 21/8/08

Things are looking pretty good in NE Victoria at the moment.

Good rains and mild weather have been ideal for the crops, pastures and trees and the Alpine Resorts are blanketed in over one metre of snow.

However, August has been relatively dry so far and people are worried that we may be heading towards yet another failed spring.

It is absolutely critical that we have heavy rains soon to fill our dams and provide water for the irrigators who are currently on zero allocation – that’s right, zero allocation.

Farmers, local businesses and local communities are financially and emotionally very fragile.
Increased input costs – fuel, fertilisers and chemicals have all increased 50 to over 100% in the past 12 months will mean the end of many farmers if we have another failed spring.

With this uncertainty playing on peoples mind the last thing they need is for the uncertainty about drought assistance measures.

We all welcome the Federal Government’s announcement this week that the Exceptional Circumstances status will be rolled over for another six months.
It is now critical that the State Government immediately announce continuation of assistance measures which it funds.

In particular, the Local Government municipal rate rebate and the irrigation water rate rebate must be continued.

It is also absolutely critical that the State Government confirms continuing funding for financial counsellors and mental health workers – to provide job security to existing employees who are doing such a great job.

This is a small measure in dollar terms but a very, very large measure in terms of getting people through the toughest time in living memory.

Bill Sykes MP

Continuing underfunding of Catholic schools exposed

Source: Sykes Media Release

The Brumby Government’s underfunding of Catholic schools was further exposed in Parliament this week in a debate initiated by Nationals MP for Eastern Victoria, Peter Hall.

Local Nationals MP, Bill Sykes in strongly endorsing Mr Hall’s comments said, “Figures provided to me by the Minister for Education 12 months ago confirmed that students attending Catholic schools in Victoria receive State Government support which is well below the national average.

This week in Parliament, Mr Hall, quoting from The National Report on Schooling in Australia 2006, highlighted that Catholic students receive $1,283 per year compared with the Australian average of $1,666.

Dr Sykes continued, “The impact on local Catholic schools of this continued underfunding is significant. It means that Catholic schools have to self fund important services such as support for students with special needs (State schools are funded $15,000 per student with special needs whereas the corresponding amount for Catholic schools is $5,000).

“Claims by the Government that they have increased funding for Catholic schools by 60% are not disputed – the problem is that costs have risen by 69% over the same period leaving the schools 9% worse off in real terms.

“The Brumby Government’s response to this situation is to say, “It’s the parents choice – they can pay higher fees”.

“This ignorant and callous response ignores the financial hardship being experienced by many Catholic families (along with non Catholic families), especially in country Victoria.

“22% of students in Victoria are educated at Catholic schools – this results in a significant saving to the Victorian taxpayer.

“The least the Brumby Government could do is to increase State Government grants for Catholic students to the Australian average.”

Dr Sykes concluded, “The Liberal-National Coalition solution to this injustice is for an extra $390 million to be allocated to Catholic schools over the next four years. I call on Mr Brumby to adopt the Coalition policy.

Sykes: North East Rail upgrade

Source: Bill Sykes Media Release 1.08.08

Benefits of the recently announced upgrade of the railway line between Seymour and Wodonga could be further maximised according to Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes.

In welcoming the proposed North East Rail Upgrade in Parliament this week, Dr Sykes highlighted three issues in particular that had been brought to his attention recently by constituents.

“First is the re-opening of the Glenrowan Railway Station. Things have changed since it was closed in the 1980’s. The population of Glenrowan and the surrounding area has increased as has the need for public transport as the population ages and the cost of fuel rises.

“Glenrowan is the hub of regional tourism with Ned Kelly as the focus with other attractions such as the Warby Ranges National Park and wineries and restaurants in both the Warby Ranges and the King Valley.”

Dr Sykes referred to the investment of millions of dollars of Local, State & Federal funding in Glenrowan including further plans to spend more on the provision of reticulated water and sewerage to facilitate growth of the Glenrowan community as a place to visit and to live.

“A functional railway station at Glenrowan is obviously a key part of the future of Glenrowan, especially given the recent announcement that the State Government plans to spend $20m on the rehabilitation of the nearby Mokoan Wetlands with the expectation of attracting 300,000 people per year”, he said.

He continued, “Another issue is the need to standardise the Oaklands-Benalla Railway line. Failure to do so will result in hundreds of thousands of tons of grain being transported by roads at great cost to local roads and to the grain producers.

“My colleague, Mr Ken Jasper, Member for Murray Valley this week led a deputation which discussed this issue with staff of the Minister for Transport. The response was encouraging but much more work needs to be done.

“The third issue is the strong desire of local people at Benalla to have input into the reconfiguration of the Benalla Railway Station. Discussion between Benalla Rural City and the Department of Transport on this matter are progressing satisfactorily.”

Dr Sykes concluded, “I look forward to working with the Minister for Transport and Department of Transport staff to achieve the best possible outcomes on these issues.”

New information for home buyers and retirees

Source: - Bill Sykes Media Release - 23 July 2008

Two new booklets have been put out by the Australian Bankers’ Association as a service to members of the community.

The Planning for Home Ownership publication looks at the range of issues associated with buying a home, including how to decide on the property you want, how much you can afford, how to finance your purchase, and what is the right time to buy.

The process of both buying and selling will be covered, with advice on how to get the most out of your home once you have bought it.

Understanding retirement is another big issue facing Australians.

Life expectancy has increased dramatically; for example, a 55 year-old man today has a life expectancy of around 26.7 years, giving a total life expectancy of 81.7 years. A 55 year-old woman today has a life expectancy of around 30.4 years, giving a total life expectancy of 85.4 years.
That means there is a longer period in later life that needs to be funded, after a person finishes working.

The Planning for Retirement publication provides advice and information about what to expect and how to plan for it.

As the booklet says: “Like it or not, money is just as important in retirement as it is during your working life - perhaps even more so, as you no longer derive a regular income from employment. The good news is that by planning ahead, you can ensure that you are well placed financially to have the lifestyle you want and enjoy the final stage of your life.”

They are available direct from Bill Sykes office at 2/55 Carrier Street, Benalla or by telephoning 5762 2100, or on line at The Australian Bankers Association website.

Sykes supports recycled water for Melbourne

Compulsory increased usage of recycled water in Melbourne proposed by a Liberal-National Coalition Bill introduced in Parliament today has been welcomed by Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes.

Dr Sykes said, “The Bill initiated by Peter Hall, Nationals Member for Eastern Region provides a cost effective, environmentally friendly solution to Melbourne’s water needs.

“The operation of the Bill is based on the Government’s Mandatory Renewable Energy Legislation.

“The Bill sets targets for the use of recycled water, including storm water, in lieu of potable water by the major Melbourne water retailers and the 1,500 or so large users of water.

“Importantly, the Bill does not require Melburnians to drink recycled water but for recycled water to replace potable water currently used in parks and gardens, industry and other situations which don’t involve human consumption of the water.

Dr Sykes concluded, “This Bill provides a common sense alternative to the ludicrous proposal to pipe water from dry Northern Victorian to Melbourne.

“I challenge the Government to allow the Bill to be debated in the Parliament.”

Sykes: Victalent grants for sports clubs

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, reminds sporting and recreational clubs in the Benalla Electorate that the popular Victalent Grants are once again available.

Victalent encourages and supports developing athletes, coaches, officials and teams who travel extensively to train and compete in rural and regional Victoria.

“The grants are particularly helpful to country clubs and individuals”, explains Bill Sykes, “because of the distances between venues and the high cost of fuel.”

Applications for phase two of funding for travel between 1 July 2008 – 31 December 2008 are to be submitted by 11 April 2008.

Grants of up to $500 are available. Guidelines and application forms can be found at www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au.

Applications can be submitted in a number of ways:

Preferred method: online at www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au

By email to: grantsapplications@dpcd.vic.gov.au

By fax to: 03 9208 3680

By mail to: Grants Unit, Department of Planning and Community Development, GPO Box 2392, Melbourne Vic 3001

Information about the program can be obtained by contacting the Grants Information Line on 1300 366 356 between 8.30 am and 10 pm or contact Peta Clark at Bill Sykes’
office ph 5762 2100.

Funding to encourage a healthy lifestyle

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes encourages community groups in partnership with secondary schools or councils to apply for grants of up to $5,000 to promote healthy lifestyle choices and a positive body image in young people.

Dr Sykes said the ‘Go for your life’ Positive Body Image Grants aims to build self esteem and confidence and are available for groups who work with young people, especially those aged between 12-25 years.

“Research has shown that young people who get positive messages about their health and appearance are less likely to become depressed about their looks or develop eating disorders”, he said.

Dr Sykes said that suitable projects could include skill development for young people such as leadership, informal support and mentoring, peer group support, innovative activities conducted either in school or out of school that stimulate young people and practical programs that encourage healthy eating and physical activity.

Applications for Positive Body Image Grants 2008 must be submitted online at www.grants.dpcd.gov.au by Friday 18 April 2008. Guidelines are available from Peta Clark, Grant Researcher at Bill Sykes’ office telephone 5762 2100.

For further information applicants are encouraged to contact the Grants Information Line on 1300 366 356.

GMW - Mokoan piping costs unknown

The Bracks Government’s mismanagement of the planned decommissioning of Lake Mokoan has reached another low with the statement this week that the costs of piping water to people who currently pump direct from Lake Mokoan “are yet to be determined”.

This is another example of either gross incompetence and/or ongoing deceit by GMW, DSE & GBCMA with the Mokoan Decommissioning Project.

This statement, in response to a request under the FOI Act, comes on the heels of two refusals to provide information on increased flood risks (reason given - terrorism risks) and several other refusals for reasons such as, “don’t have the time”; “don’t have the information”; or “not in the public interest”.

How can a Government agency justify its decision to decommission Lake Mokoan in preference to leaving it as is, or building a mini Lake Mokoan when it is clear that its original cost benefit estimates, which favoured decommissioning, were based on flawed and incomplete information?

It is particularly galling to be told that the Government doesn’t have this information at a time when they have been pressuring the advocates of Mini Mokoan to provide costings for exactly the same project so that their proposal can be considered as a possible alternative to decommissioning.

This is another example of unbelievable hypocrisy on the part of GMW and GBCMA & DSE.

This is not an isolated case. The Government’s estimated cost of rehabilitating the wetlands was $1 million. Further Government funded studies have calculated this to be between $24 million and $33 million!

I call on the Minister for Water to sack the Mokoan Decommissioning Project Team and others who have been party to flawed decisions and the associated withholding of information and deliberate peddling of half truths and lies.

I further call on the Government to listen to the local community and either leave the Lake as it is and make water savings by managing it as it was originally intended or implementing the Mini Lake Mokoan proposal developed by the local community.

Yours sincerely

BILL SYKES MP
Member for Benalla

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Declaration of the polls - Benalla electorate

Bill Sykes was confirmed as the Member for Benalla for the next four years at the Declaration of the Polls at Benalla this week.

Dianne McMillan, Benalla Election Manager, Victorian Electoral Commission, made the declaration to a small gathering in front of the ‘Weary’ Dunlop statue in Benalla.

The final results were

Bill Sykes (Nationals)- 42.13%
Robert Mitchell Labor)- 25.20%
Hamish McMillan (Liberal)- 23.02%
Kammy Cordner Hunt (Greens)- 7.10%
James Rainey (Family First)- 2.55%

Dr Sykes acknowledged the support of his staff and his wife Sally and congratulated the Electoral Office staff on their work efficiency and friendly manner.

Dr Sykes also thanked the people of the Electorate for their endorsement of his team’s efforts to help local people and his ongoing battle for a fair share of Victoria’s $100 million per day income for country Victoria.

Later Dr Sykes reflected, “It has been gratifying to help many individuals and community organisations.

“It is unfortunate that much of my team’s energy has gone into stopping things like the toxic dump at Violet Town and the decommissioning of Lake Mokoan.

“I hope that over the next few years I will be able to focus on proactively working with the Government of the day to achieve the best possible outcome for country Victorians.”

Dr Sykes continued, “The first issues which need addressing include ensuring fair and helpful assistance to people affected by the drought, frost, tobacco industry closure and bushfires.

“There is also a need for funding to catch up the backlog of school maintenance and significant funding needs to people with disabilities.”

At the Victorian National Party meeting this week, Dr Sykes was nominated as party spokesperson on Treasury matters as well as continuing his role as spokesperson for Police & Emergency Services.

Dr Sykes said, “I am looking forward to these challenging roles and I will draw heavily on the 30 years experience of my colleague Bill Baxter (the Upper House Member for North Eastern Province until 2006).”

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.