Press Releases

New air services means Mildura is ‘open for business’

Tue, 22 May 2012 03:50:00 GMT

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan and Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher have welcomed today’s announcement that Regional Express (Rex) will launch a range of new passenger services connecting Mildura with Adelaide, Sydney and Broken Hill.

Mr Ryan said the expansion of air services from July this year would have significant benefits for Mildura and the wider region.

“This is exciting news for Mildura, providing residents with greater access to flights to Sydney, Adelaide and Broken Hill, as well as making it even more convenient for people from interstate to visit the many attractions in the region,” Mr Ryan said.

Mr Ryan said the announcement from Rex followed a commitment from the Victorian Coalition Government and the Mildura Rural City Council to fund the $6.4 million Mildura Airport Terminal Redevelopment project.

“The Coalition Government contributed $5.2 million through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund towards the airport redevelopment project which is scheduled to be completed by mid-2013,” Mr Ryan said.

“The redevelopment project will include remodelling of the check-in area, redesigning the baggage system and increasing the floor-space to support the flow of inbound and outbound passengers.

“Our support for the Mildura Airport redevelopment is a clear example of how the government’s strategy of investing in targeted projects that support jobs, growth and development in regional and rural areas can have major flow-on benefits,” Mr Ryan said.

Ms Asher said the Coalition Government would continue to work with Mildura Rural City Council and Mildura Airport to grow visitation and maximise the new services.

“Travellers from New South Wales and South Australia represent a high percentage of Victoria’s interstate overnight visitors. With re-established and expanded air services we now have an opportunity to attract these sorts of visitors to Mildura in even greater numbers,” Ms Asher said.

“With many great attractions such as the beautiful Murray River, the Mildura Country Music Festival and other major events it is no surprise that Rex has chosen to invest in expanding services to this great area.”

Member for Mildura Peter Crisp said there were many great projects underway in Mildura that would help strengthen and grow the local economy and reinforce the city’s reputation as an important tourism hub.

“In addition to new flights in and out of Mildura and major improvements at the airport, the $13.3 million Mildura Riverfront redevelopment project will transform Mildura’s riverfront into a world-class destination and reconnect the city’s CBD with the river,” Mr Crisp said.

“Whether it’s the award-winning slow food, locally produced wine or the natural beauty of the Murray River, Mildura is primed and ready to welcome more interstate visitors both for leisure and business.”

Direct flights between Mildura and Adelaide and Sydney will begin on 9 July, in addition to two daily return flights to Broken Hill. Broken Hill will also receive air services to Melbourne via Mildura.

Media contact: Clare Siddins 0429 507 541

Be vigilant and keep fire out of your home this winter

Tue, 22 May 2012 03:45:00 GMT

Deputy Premier and Minister for Emergency Services Peter Ryan today urged Victorians to be vigilant against fire this winter when the likelihood of house fires can increase by up to 20 per cent.

Mr Ryan joined a young burns victim at the Royal Children’s Hospital burns unit to officially launch the joint CFA and MFB Winter Fire Safety campaign and warn Victorians about the high fire safety risks this time of year.

“The Royal Children’s Hospital burns unit is a stark reminder of the human cost of fire ,” Mr Ryan said.

“In 2011 six people tragically lost their lives in residential fires in Victoria, three more than in the year prior. There were 1,04 2residential fires in total last winter causing $20 million worth of estimated damage.

“This winter the CFA and MFB have a very clear message to Victorians – they have an individual responsibility to be vigilant to help minimise the fire risk.”

Mr Ryan said unattended cooking remained the single biggest cause of domestic fires throughout the year with more than one-third of residential fires started in the kitchen.

“The number of fires in bedrooms, caused by heating equipment, also increases dramatically during the winter months, while blocked chimneys can also be a hazard,” Mr Ryan said.

Mr Ryan said the Winter Fire Safety campaign would use a combination of advertising and educational materials that focused on fire prevention in the home.

“The CFA and MFB will be targeting key community groups including schools and maternal child health centres as well as vulnerable groups such as the elderly,” Mr Ryan said.

The CFA and MFB are asking everyone across the state to start their own winter safety campaign by being vigilant, planning ahead and:

• checking that the smoke alarms in your house work;
• plan how you would get out of your house if there was a fire; and
• be aware of fire risks in the home.

For more information visit www.homefiresafety.com.au.

Media contact: Sonia Heath 0413 485 526

Innovative respite for people with disability in Gippsland

Wed, 16 May 2012 08:10:00 GMT

Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan today announced that Interchange Central Gippsland would receive $139,542 in funding as part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s $21 million plan to improve disability respite and carer support services across the state.

“Interchange Central Gippsland provides respite and support to families with children with disabilities throughout Gippsland,” Mr Ryan said.

“It offers recreation programs ranging from day activities to overnight camps for teenagers with autism spectrum disorders or an intellectual, physical or sensory disability.

“The $139,542 in funding provided to Interchange Central Gippsland by the Victorian Coalition Government will be used to provide a number of activities within the local community including camps for Aboriginal families”.

Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge said that more than 30 service providers had been selected to deliver innovative respite support and school holiday respite support as part of the funding program.

“By making it easier to access a broader range of respite support services, the government is providing people with a disability, their families, and carers more choice,” Ms Wooldridge said.

“The Victorian Coalition Government’s commitment to improving respite support services will ultimately lead to improved quality of life for Victorians with a disability.”

Ms Wooldridge said innovative respite and school holiday respite support delivers on an election commitment made at the 2010 Victorian State Election.

Media contact: Ben Bulmer 0437 108 870

History of Bena More than just a memory

Tue, 15 May 2012 07:52:00 GMT

The Bena Community Group has secured a Local History Grant worth $7,600 for the publication of the Bena and District History Book and DVD, Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan announced today.

Mr Ryan said the funding would be used to design the book’s layout, pay for printing and distribution costs as well as the production of DVDs containing a digital version of the book.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to the preservation of local history, and grateful for the hours contributed by historical societies and community groups in achieving that goal,” Mr Ryan said.

“The Bena Community Group has already produced a manuscript with the aid of a Local History Grant it received in 2006–2007, with this year’s funding enabling the group to complete this worthwhile project.”

Premier of Victoria and Minister for the Arts Ted Baillieu said 58 Victorian community groups would undertake important local history projects this year thanks to more than $340,000 in grants through the Local History Grants program.

The projects include writing and publishing books, developing displays and exhibitions, oral histories, heritage trails and multimedia projects.

“The Victoria of today has been shaped by the aspirations and actions of millions of people and groups with a range of backgrounds – all with a fascinating story to share,” Mr Baillieu said.

“These community-based projects are driven by volunteers, whether through historical societies, community museums, cultural centres or primary schools. These groups work hard to gather and preserve historical materials and memories, and are passionate about telling their local stories.”

A full list of grant recipients is available on Public Record Office Victoria’s website www.prov.vic.gov.au.

Media contact: Ben Bulmer 0437 108 870

Every volunteer counts: Deputy Premier

Tue, 15 May 2012 03:44:00 GMT

Victoria’s army of dedicated volunteers have been formally thanked for their contribution to the State at the launch of National Volunteer Week in Melbourne today.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan officially launched volunteer week celebrations during a visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Red Cross Australia headquarters.

Mr Ryan said volunteers came from all walks of life and were often the lifeblood of Victorian communities.

“More than 1.5 million Victorians make a huge contribution to our local communities as volunteers, doing important work across a range of sectors such as emergency services, in health and ageing, education, social justice, heritage and culture, and sport and recreation,” Mr Ryan said.

“The courageous and sensitive support of local volunteers both during and following devastating emergencies such as bushfires and floods has been particularly highlighted in recent years.

“This year’s theme for National Volunteer Week is ‘every volunteer counts’ and there are many people in our community who know first-hand just how valuable volunteers can be, and for that we are very thankful.”

Mr Ryan said volunteers often got as much out of the experience as the communities that they supported, and took the opportunity to encourage more people to volunteer.

“Volunteers participate in a range of areas and often pick up new skills, extend networks and enjoy a sense of fulfillment through helping others,” Mr Ryan said.

“I’d encourage everyone to consider volunteering and have a look at the many opportunities that are available on Victoria’s Volunteering Portal,” Mr Ryan said.

“The volunteering portal has more than 3,500 volunteering opportunities on offer from more than 500 organisations – from fire fighting, floods recovery and lifesaving, to pre-school care, adult education, sport and recreation, health, arts, heritage, tourism and local government.”

For more information visit: www.volunteer.vic.gov.au.

Media contact: Clare Siddins 0429 507 541

Major boost for Mildura’s natural gas capacity

Tue, 15 May 2012 03:33:00 GMT

Residents of Mildura will soon have greater access to natural gas for domestic and industrial use, with a major upgrade of the city’s gas distribution network announced today by Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan.

Mr Ryan said the Coalition Government had reached agreement with Envestra Limited for the $10.1 million Mildura gas capacity expansion project, which was among the first to be delivered under the $100 million Energy for the Regions program.

“This is wonderful news for the residents of Mildura, who will soon have much more reliable and expanded access to natural gas, which is a cheaper energy source that is also better for the environment,” Mr Ryan said.

“This project will increase the capacity of the Mildura Transmission Pipeline by 50 per cent and enable the connection of new domestic and industrial customers to the network,” Mr Ryan said.

"Subject to the outcome of a final engineering and design study, it is expected that the project will be completed by late 2013.”

Member for Mildura Peter Crisp welcomed the announcement and said it would have major economic benefits for the region.

"Natural gas is a cheaper and cleaner source of energy that can lower annual household costs by anywhere between $600 and $1200,” Mr Crisp said.

“The expanded capacity will also give local industry greater opportunity to capitalise on a cheaper energy supply, which will have significant flow-on benefits.”

Mr Ryan said the Coalition Government’s $100 million Energy for the Regions program would help build greater prosperity and better quality of life for regional Victorians.

“The government will now focus on the delivery of natural gas to other priority communities including Avoca, Lakes Entrance, Invermay, Winchelsea, Heathcote, Orbost, Warburton, Marong, Bannockburn, Terang, Wandong-Heathcote Junction and Maldon,” Mr Ryan said.

The Energy for the Regions program is funded through the Coalition Government’s $1 billion Regional Growth Fund.

Media contact: Clare Siddins 0429 507 541

Huntly and natural gas to make a great connection

Tue, 15 May 2012 03:37:00 GMT

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan today announced that agreement had been reached with SP AusNet to connect Huntly to Victoria’s natural gas network.

Mr Ryan said the $4.5 million project was one of the first to be delivered under the Coalition Government’s $100 million Energy for the Regions Program.

“This is wonderful news for the residents of Huntly, who will soon have access to a dependable energy source that is cheaper and better for the environment,” Mr Ryan said.

“Under the project, SP AusNet will connect the community to Bendigo’s gas network through the construction of new pipelines including:

· laying approximately 3. 5 kilometres of 125mm supply pipeline; and
· laying approximately 13.1 kilometres of 63mm reticulation pipeline.

“While the project is subject to approval by the Australian Energy Regulator, it is expected that natural gas will be available to Huntly and its residents by the winter of 2014.

“In addition to the Huntly project, the Coalition Government has also announced a major upgrade of Mildura’s gas supply capacity today.”

Mr Ryan said the Coalition Government’s $100 million Energy for the Regions Program would help build greater prosperity and better quality of life for regional Victorians.

“Natural gas is a cheaper and cleaner source of energy that can lower annual household costs by anywhere between $600 and $1200,” Mr Ryan said.

“These savings have major economic benefits, boosting the prosperity of towns and making it easier to establish and grow businesses in regional Victoria.

“The government will now focus on the delivery of natural gas to prioritiy communities including Avoca, Lakes Entrance, Invermay, Winchelsea, Heathcote, Orbost, Warburton, Marong, Bannockburn, Terang, Wandong-Heathcote Junction and Maldon,” Mr Ryan said.

The Energy for the Regions Program is funded through the Coalition Government’s $1 billion Regional Growth Fund.

Media contact: Clare Siddins 0429 507 541

Delivering energy for the regions

Tue, 15 May 2012 03:41:00 GMT

The Coalition Government has today announced details of the next phase of the rollout of its $100 million Energy for the Regions program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said the innovative strategy would explore new opportunities to get energy and infrastructure sectors focused on delivering natural gas to communities in regional and rural Victoria.

“Over the past 12 months, Regional Development Victoria and its independent technical advisers have been engaged in a rigorous process of reviewing bids received from gas suppliers as part of the first direct negotiation phase,” Mr Ryan said.

“We are very pleased to announce that through this process, the Coalition Government has successfully reached agreement for two regional gas projects in Mildura and Huntly.

“Now the government is stepping up its campaign with a broadened strategy to engage natural gas suppliers to deliver natural gas to other priority areas.”

Mr Ryan said the expanded strategy would explore both conventional and alternative options for the delivery of reticulated natural gas to communities and industry in regional Victoria.

“The uncertain economic climate impacted on the direct bidding process, which ultimately did not elicit the strong response we had anticipated for a number of communities,” Mr Ryan said.

“This new strategy will look at a wider range of options, such as proposals to decant and transport Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to the outskirts of regional towns or industrial estates, reducing the significant costs involved in the construction of major pipelines and associated infrastructure.”

Mr Ryan said the expanded strategy, due to commence in the second half of 2012, would include a plan to offer gas distributors a fixed subsidy ‘bounty’ amount to supply priority towns.

“The ‘bounty’ offer will utilise information gained through the process to date along with work separately completed by RDV’s technical advisers,” Mr Ryan said.

“In addition, bids will be invited from the market for a CNG/LNG delivery system and local town reticulation networks.”

Mr Ryan said the Coalition Government remained strongly committed to providing more regional Victorians with access to natural gas.

“Connecting homes and businesses to a more dependable energy source that is cheaper and better for the environment will have many benefits to regional and rural Victorians,” Mr Ryan said.

“With a positive result for the people of Huntly and Mildura now achieved, the government will focus on the delivery of natural gas to other priority communities including Avoca, Lakes Entrance, Invermay, Winchelsea, Heathcote, Orbost, Warburton, Marong, Bannockburn, Terang, Wandong-Heathcote Junction and Maldon.”

Media contact: Clare Siddins 0429 507 541

$2.6m works set to boost netball and football at Bendigo’s Queen Elizabeth Oval

Fri, 11 May 2012 02:04:00 GMT

Bendigo’s growing sports community can look forward to even more netball and football action at Queen Elizabeth Oval (QEO) with work almost complete to upgrade the netball facilities at the iconic ground; as well as a major overall redevelopment.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty today joined Deputy Premier Peter Ryan and Member for Northern Victoria Damian Drum to inspect the works.

Mr Ryan said the Victorian Coalition Government contributed $300,000 towards the QEO netball redevelopment project from its flagship $1 billion Regional Growth Fund.

“The upgrade to netball facilities at QEO are in addition to other major improvements including to the oval, lighting to accommodate future AFL pre-season night matches, tiered spectator seating and relocation of coach’s boxes,” Mr Ryan said.

“Once completed QEO will be equipped to strongly support and encourage broad participation across various sports in Bendigo and help secure major sporting events for the iconic oval,” Mr Ryan said.

Mr Delahunty said new and improved netball facilities at QEO would provide women with a better quality and safer surface for netballers, especially for developing juniors.

“The installation of a new netball court and lighting for both courts is almost finalised, as is the replacement of the oval scoreboard with an electronic LED system,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The new netball facilities will reposition the QEO as the perfect place for local netball associations and clubs to build on memberships, competitions and player, coach, referee and volunteer development initiatives.”

The City of Greater Bendigo contributed just over $800,000 to the project and the Federal Government provided $812,000.

“Working together we can ensure QEO continues to be a focal point for grassroots and elite sports, providing even more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy a wider range of sports,” Mr Delahunty said.

Media contact: Clare Siddins 0429 507 541

New sirens policy to warn Victorians of emergencies

Fri, 11 May 2012 02:01:00 GMT

Sirens will be used across Victoria to alert communities to emergencies and possible danger under a new policy announced today by Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan.

Mr Ryan said the new policy would ensure fixed public sirens and CFA Brigade sirens could be made available to alert communities about all emergency incidents including bushfires, storms and floods.

The policy, Use of Sirens for Brigade and Community Alerting, has been developed by Victoria’s Fire Services Commissioner with the CFA and the Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner.

Mr Ryan said it significantly built on recommendation 4.7 of the Bushfires Royal Commission Interim Report which stated: ‘The Office of the Emergency Services Commissioner and the CFA develop guidelines for the use of sirens in communities that decide to use a siren as part of their response to bushfires’.

“The Victorian Coalition Government has gone a step further than the Bushfires Royal Commission recommendation by adopting an ‘all-hazards and all-emergencies approach’ around the use of sirens,” Mr Ryan said.

“This policy, which will be in place prior to the next bushfire season, will add value to Victoria’s existing network of 600 community and CFA sirens which are currently under-utilised. It provides an additional tool for emergency services to practically and effectively warn people about impending danger.”

Under the Policy, if a siren is activated, the sound will indicate one of two scenarios:

· A short, 90-second signal will indicate a CFA Brigade has responded to an emergency incident nearby (alerting fire brigade members to attend emergency callouts); or

· A prolonged, five-minute signal will indicate a current emergency has been identified in the local area and people should ‘seek further information’.

Mr Ryan said sirens would not be suitable for all communities and that they were not a stand-alone warning system but part of a suite of tools the emergency services could use to communicate with the public.

“A siren is a signal for individuals to seek more information about an emergency incident but it will not tell you what type of emergency has occurred or transmit specific details about an incident,” Mr Ryan said.

“Emergency services use a range of channels to provide warnings and alerts to communities, including Victoria’s emergency broadcasters, the CFA and SES websites, as well the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.”

Mr Ryan said the new sirens policy and guidelines offered advice to communities on how to go about establishing a Community Alert Siren where no CFA siren existed.

“Victorian Coalition Government grants are available for bushfire safety initiatives, including through the $5 million Fire Ready Communities grants,” Mr Ryan said.

“Looking to the future, the Coalition Government plans to integrate Victoria’s network of sirens with the telephone-based Emergency Alert system to ensure individuals have access to multiple, simultaneous alerts about emergency incidents in their area.

“We need to create an emergency system that Victoria can use for the long-term and relevant to the demands of the 21st century.

“The Coalition Government is also in the process of developing an emergency management White Paper which will act as a blueprint for the reform of Victoria’s emergency management arrangements to better serve all Victorians, and to develop a real ‘all hazards, all agencies’ approach,” Mr Ryan said.

For more information please visit www.firecommissioner.vic.gov.au.

Media contact: Sonia Heath 0413 485 526

$3.25 million Bendigo Showgrounds development gets underway

Fri, 11 May 2012 01:56:00 GMT

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan and Member for Northern Victoria Damian Drum joined representatives of the Bendigo Show Society today to inspect the commencement of works on the city’s new $3.2 million exhibition pavilion.

Mr Ryan said the construction of the 6,150 square metre exhibition space was part of Stage 2 of the Bendigo Showgrounds Masterplan and would build on Bendigo’s reputation as a major events destination.

"The new free span exhibition pavilion will ensure the city has a leading-edge location for its three largest annual regional events – the National Swap Meet, Bendigo Agricultural Show and the Australian Sheep & Wool Show,” Mr Ryan said.

“The new pavilion will also secure Bendigo as the home of the largest sheep and wool show in the world and help build further on the city’s success in hosting major regional, national and international events.”

Mr Ryan said the Coalition Government understood the important role played by showgrounds in regional communities.

“Events at the Bendigo Showgrounds attract visitors from all over Australia and generate around $3 million every year for the local economy,” Mr Ryan said.

"It is anticipated that this major expansion will support even greater returns for the local tourism market and local businesses in the future.”

Mr Ryan said the Coalition Government contributed $2 million towards the Stage 2 development from its $1 billion Regional Growth Fund (RGF).

“The RGF is playing a key role in driving growth and prosperity in regional cities and country communities,” Mr Ryan said.

“In addition to funding from the Coalition Government, the new pavilion project received funding from the Australian Sheep Breeders Association Inc ($650,000), Bendigo Agricultural Show Society ($350,000) and City of Greater Bendigo ($250,000).”

Media contact: Clare Siddins 0429 507 541

Gippsland South students set to Advance

Thu, 10 May 2012 08:17:00 GMT

Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan announced that eight Gippsland South Schools would receive funding for students to volunteer in their communities as part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s $4.5 million Advance program.

“Local volunteers do a fantastic job protecting communities during fire, storm and flood events. They also provide important support in the areas of health, education, social justice, sports, heritage and culture as well as the environment and conservation,” Mr Ryan said.

“The Victorian Coalition Government’s Advance program is designed to encourage more of our young people to become involved in their communities in a voluntary program or project.

“Students have a wide range of options available to them including joining their local Surf Life Saving club, helping the Red Cross, becoming a Girl Guide or Scout, working at a local community radio station or learning life saving skills through St John's Ambulance and the State Emergency Services.”

Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith announced that more than 420 schools and 17,000 young people would participate in the Advance program in 2012.

“Advance is a fantastic program that encourages young people to get involved in their local community and strengthens local partnerships between schools and local community organisations and services,” Mr Smith said.

“The program also provides young people with practical opportunities for mentoring and gaining new skills and training whilst learning more about their local community.

“Supporting young people to volunteer has a positive and lasting effect, not only on the individual, but the whole community.”

Mr Ryan said Advance was a $4.5 million flexible school-based program offered annually in Victorian Government secondary schools. It engages and provides opportunities for young people between the ages of 14-18 to actively participate in their community through volunteering, while learning valuable transferable skills.

The eight schools in Gippsland South that are involved in the program include: Korumburra Secondary College, Leongatha Secondary College, Mirboo North Secondary College, Sale College – Guthridge Campus, Sale Specialist School, South Gippsland Secondary College, South Gippsland Specialist School and Yarram Secondary College.

“I congratulate these schools and the initiative they have shown in putting their hands up for this program,” Mr Ryan said.

For more information on the Advance program go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/advance.

Media contact: Ben Bulmer 0437 108 870

Gippsland residents encouraged to support Do Not Knock campaign

Thu, 10 May 2012 07:36:00 GMT

Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan has encouraged Gippsland residents to support the Consumer Law Action Centre’s Do Not Knock campaign.

“The Do Not Knock campaign gives householders a say in whether door-to-door salespeople visit their homes by providing a sticker that clearly tells salespeople they are not welcome on their doorstep,” Mr Ryan said.

Mr Ryan said residents, particularly the elderly and those living on their own, often find being visited by unsolicited sales people as unnerving and even frightening.

“For many people, door-to-door salespeople are simply an unwanted intrusion and having valuable time at home with family and friends interrupted by pushy salespeople is simply an unwelcome distraction,” Mr Ryan said.

Mr Ryan said the Consumer Law Action Centre was distributing Do Not Knock stickers which, when displayed in a prominent location, send a clear message to salespeople.

“The Centre reports that door-to-door salespeople often use high-pressure tactics to get people to buy products they don’t want, don’t need, and can’t afford,” Mr Ryan said.

“Often there are cases where people have been deliberately misled, and even unwittingly signed up to high cost financing to pay for the product.”

Mr Ryan said Do Not Knock stickers were available at his Electorate Office located at 54b Cunninghame Street, Sale or could be ordered online via the Consumer Law Action Centre’s website, www.donotknock.org.au.

Media contact: Ben Bulmer 0437 108 870

Torquay VICSES receives a lifeline

Thu, 10 May 2012 07:12:00 GMT

Deputy Premier and Minister for Emergency Services Peter Ryan has today announced $850,000 in funding to construct a much-needed new base for the Torquay SES.

Mr Ryan said the $850,000 project would be funded jointly with contributions from the Victorian Coalition Government, the Surf Coast Shire Council and the Torquay SES Unit.

“Surf Coast Shire Council is experiencing strong population growth and in particular, Torquay and Jan Juc are increasing in population by five per cent each year,” Mr Ryan said.

“The new Armstrong Creek development is expected to house around 60,000 people and this major investment will ensure the community has access to the important services of the local SES for many years to come.”

Member for South Barwon Andrew Katos said he was pleased the government, local council and community had stepped-in to assist the SES and prevent the closure of the Torquay unit.

“Without this funding, the Torquay unit would have been forced shut with the closest units up to 45 minutes away at Winchlesea and Lorne,” Mr Katos said.

"While improvements and upgrades to SES facilities are generally not funded by government, both the Coalition Government and the local council wanted to secure the future of the Torquay SES and ensure its important services continued in such a rapidly growing region.”

Mr Ryan said natural disasters, including floods, had devastating consequences causing widespread damage and loss of property, valuables and in some cases loss of life.

“Victorians have experienced multiple major flood events recently and the response of the SES has been critical in minimising the damage and loss to communities,” Mr Ryan said.

“More than 5,500 SES volunteers work tirelessly and contribute many hours of their time in different ways, so it is imperative that we provide them with the resources necessary.”

Mr Ryan said the new Torquay SES building would provide a modern and user-friendly space to support local operations.

“The new facility will also support an expansion in the unit’s capabilities to include vertical rescue response, as well as road rescue, search operations and flood response.”

Media contact: Clare Siddins 0429 507 541

Regional achievement awards call for nominations

Wed, 09 May 2012 06:01:00 GMT

Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan today called for Gippsland’s high-achievers to be nominated for the 2012 Regional Achievement & Community Awards.

Mr Ryan said Gippsland was home to a diverse and innovative range of businesses, a highly skilled workforce and proactive community groups that would be worthy nominees in this year’s Regional Achievement & Community Awards.

“These awards have built a prestigious reputation over the past 10 years and I strongly encourage people to consider nominating for one of the eight award categories on offer this year,” Mr Ryan said.

“The Coalition Government is pleased to provide $78,500 to sponsor five awards which recognise regional businesses, individuals or groups that make significant contributions to their communities or lead the way in sustainability and water efficiency.”

Mr Ryan said the government was committed to ensuring regional and rural Victoria remained a key contributor to the state’s future growth and prosperity.

“The Coalition Government’s centrepiece for regional and rural Victoria is the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund which is being used for strategic initiatives to accelerate population and business growth outside of Melbourne,” Mr Ryan said.

“We recently provided $3 million from the Regional Growth Fund for the first ever Regional Victoria Living Expo to encourage Melburnians to consider a move to regional and rural Victoria.

“This is being backed by the Coalition Government’s Good Move Campaign which promotes the benefits a regional lifestyle offers.”

The 2012 Regional Achievement & Community Awards will be presented in Bendigo on 13 October.

The list of award categories include:

· Regional Development Victoria Business Achievement Award
· Regional Development Victoria Trade and Career Achievement Award
· Parks Victoria Regional Achiever Award
· Parks Victoria Environment and Sustainability Award
· Medibank Healthy Participation Award
· Bluescope Distribution Leadership and Innovation Award
· Department of Sustainability and Environment Water Efficiency Improvements Award
· Prime Super Community Group of the Year Award

Media contact: Ben Bulmer 0437 108 870