Peter Ryan MLA
Member for Gippsland South | Deputy Premier
Minister for State Development | Minister for Regional and Rural Development
Press Releases
Sustainable rural communities on summit agenda
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
The future is clear for the Gippsland Lakes
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
The Victorian Coalition Government’s Gippsland Lakes Environmental Strategy was launched
in East Gippsland today, along with a range of new projects that will benefit the iconic
Gippsland Lakes. Read More
$100,000 boost puts local Anzacs on the map
Monday, April 22, 2013
Mansfield makeover to connect community
Tuesday, April 02, 2013
A project to better connect Mansfield and improve its liveability will soon
be completed with the help of $100,000 in Coalition Government funding,
announced today by Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes on behalf of the Deputy
Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan.
Dr Sykes said Mansfield Shire was one of Victoria’s fastest growing rural
municipalities, attracting more than 1.2 million visitors annually and
boasting population growth of 18 per cent over 10 years.
“The Mansfield Landscaping and Pathways to Connect Community project will
consolidate Mansfield’s place as a prime tourism and rural/residential
lifestyle destination, supporting social and economic growth in the
community,” Dr Sykes said.
“The project will improve key areas of public open space in the township,
building on its physical features and liveability.
“Works will include improvements to the Botanical Gardens and the town
amenities used most by residents and tourists alike.
“The project is consistent with Mansfield Shire’s strategic plans and
policies in relation to the preservation and enhancement of the key
characteristics of the town, which make it a prime tourism and lifestyle
destination.”
Mansfield Shire Council’s Mayor, Cr Russell Bate said, “This particular
funding allows council to undertake works at Mansfield Botanic Park that
will make the Park more enjoyable for locals and visitors. In particular it
will allow the development of a series of connecting pathways that will
inter-connect community centres of activities around the greater Mansfield
township area.”
Mr Ryan said the Victorian Coalition Government funding towards the $152,000 project
would be provided through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund’s Putting
Locals First Program to Mansfield Shire Council, who will contribute the
remaining funding.
“Putting Locals First is a $100 million initiative designed to enable
regional communities to plan and deliver the services and infrastructure to
meet local priorities,” Mr Ryan said.
“It is supporting stronger and more sustainable regional communities by
building their capacity to drive development in their region.”
The Mansfield Landscaping and Pathways to Connect Community project is
expected to be completed in October 2014.
For more information about the Putting Locals First program, please visit
www.rdv.vic.gov.au/putting-locals-first Read More
Deputy Premier opens $3.3 million aerodrome upgrade
Thursday, March 28, 2013
A $3.3 million upgrade to West Sale Aerodrome has modernised the facility’s ageing infrastructure and brought it into the contemporary aviation world, Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan said today. Read More
Wellington Shire Council performance survey underway
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
Residents and ratepayers from across the Wellington Shire Council will have their say on local government performance by taking part in the annual community satisfaction survey, Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan said today. Read More
South Gippsland Shire Council performance survey underway
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
Residents and ratepayers from across the South Gippsland Shire Council will have their say on local government performance by taking part in the annual community satisfaction survey, Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan said today. Read More
Have your say on differential council rates
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Gippsland Shire ratepayers are being asked for their views on the application of differential rates by Victoria’s 79 local Councils, Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan said today.
Mr Ryan invited all Gippsland ratepayers, Councils and other interested organisations to participate in the state-wide consultation process.
“The Local Government Act 1989 previously provided Councils with insufficient guidance regarding the application of differential rates,” Mr Ryan said.
“Councils could levy differential rates as long as the highest rate was not more than four times the lowest, was calculated using the capital-improved-value, and contributed to the Council’s efficient and effective operation.
“There has been a significant increase in the use of differential rates and in the inconsistency of their application, raising a number of community concerns. As a result, it is important to establish consistent principles to guide Councils in their use.
“A number of farmers throughout Gippsland have expressed concerns regarding the importance of differential farm rates, so the consultation paper specifically seeks community feedback on whether Councils should be required to use reduced farm land rates.”
Mr Ryan said the Victorian Coalition Government last year amended the Local Government Act 1989 to allow the Minister for Local Government to set differential rating guidelines, and empower the Minister to seek an Order in Council to prevent the application of inconsistent differential rates.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to helping guide Councils on the equitable and appropriate application of rates, while making it easier for ratepayers to understand how Council rates are applied,” Mr Ryan said.
“I encourage people to have a look at the draft documents, attend one of the public forums or make a written submission, and have a say on differential rates.
Mr Ryan said the draft guidelines were prepared by the Differential Rates Ministerial Committee, comprising Chairman and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government David Morris, and Member for Western Victoria David O’Brien.
Mr Morris said the feedback received at forums, meetings with key stakeholders and through the written submission process would be considered when making a recommendation on the final guidelines for Councils.
“The guidelines and practice notes should provide Councils with information on what they must consider when deciding whether to apply differential rates, and how differential rates will help them to meet the objectives of their community,” Mr Morris said.
The Draft Ministerial Guidelines on Differential Rates and the accompanying discussion paper are available at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/localgovernment/projects-and-programs/differential-rates-guidelines.
Mr Ryan said anyone wishing to provide written feedback on the draft was encouraged to do so though the website before Thursday, 28 February 2013. Read More
Mr Ryan invited all Gippsland ratepayers, Councils and other interested organisations to participate in the state-wide consultation process.
“The Local Government Act 1989 previously provided Councils with insufficient guidance regarding the application of differential rates,” Mr Ryan said.
“Councils could levy differential rates as long as the highest rate was not more than four times the lowest, was calculated using the capital-improved-value, and contributed to the Council’s efficient and effective operation.
“There has been a significant increase in the use of differential rates and in the inconsistency of their application, raising a number of community concerns. As a result, it is important to establish consistent principles to guide Councils in their use.
“A number of farmers throughout Gippsland have expressed concerns regarding the importance of differential farm rates, so the consultation paper specifically seeks community feedback on whether Councils should be required to use reduced farm land rates.”
Mr Ryan said the Victorian Coalition Government last year amended the Local Government Act 1989 to allow the Minister for Local Government to set differential rating guidelines, and empower the Minister to seek an Order in Council to prevent the application of inconsistent differential rates.
“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to helping guide Councils on the equitable and appropriate application of rates, while making it easier for ratepayers to understand how Council rates are applied,” Mr Ryan said.
“I encourage people to have a look at the draft documents, attend one of the public forums or make a written submission, and have a say on differential rates.
Mr Ryan said the draft guidelines were prepared by the Differential Rates Ministerial Committee, comprising Chairman and Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government David Morris, and Member for Western Victoria David O’Brien.
Mr Morris said the feedback received at forums, meetings with key stakeholders and through the written submission process would be considered when making a recommendation on the final guidelines for Councils.
“The guidelines and practice notes should provide Councils with information on what they must consider when deciding whether to apply differential rates, and how differential rates will help them to meet the objectives of their community,” Mr Morris said.
The Draft Ministerial Guidelines on Differential Rates and the accompanying discussion paper are available at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/localgovernment/projects-and-programs/differential-rates-guidelines.
Mr Ryan said anyone wishing to provide written feedback on the draft was encouraged to do so though the website before Thursday, 28 February 2013. Read More
Ryan addresses Murray River Group of Councils
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
$377,000 to upgrade three Corner Inlet halls
Friday, May 25, 2012
The Victorian Coalition Government will contribute $282,750 towards the redevelopment of three community halls in the Corner Inlet region, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan announced today.
Speaking at Mount Best, Mr Ryan said the $377,000 Corner Inlet Halls Network Redevelopment Project would redevelop and upgrade community halls at Toora, Mount Best and Hedley.
“Redeveloping and upgrading the three halls is crucial to improving their condition and ensuring they provide improved accessibility and usability,” Mr Ryan said.
“This project will deliver improved community infrastructure, activities and services, and will also generate opportunities for new programs and activities.”
The Toora Hall component includes the replacing the existing asbestos roof with a functional and safe roof, including the safe removal of the asbestos.
The Mt Best Hall component is for a major extension to the eastern side of the present structure, including a meeting room, toilets, storage area and upgrade to kitchen facilities.
The Hedley Hall component is for the redevelopment of the existing public amenities to provide accessible and serviceable standards.
Mr Ryan said project would be funded through the Victorian Coalition Government’s $1 billion Regional Growth Fund Putting Locals First Program, with the South Gippsland Shire Council to contribute a further $34,250 towards the project.
“The remainder of the project will be funded by the local hall committees, with the Toora Hall Committee contributing $40,000, the Mt Best Hall Committee contributing $15,000 and the Hedley Hall Committee contributing $5,000,” Mr Ryan said.
Mr Ryan also announced an additional $139,650 toward restoration of the Meeniyan Mechanics Institute Hall, which would support the structural longevity of the popular entertainment venue.
“The Meeniyan Mechanics Institute Hall Committee is also providing $26,550 towards this project, as well as $20,000 from the South Gippsland Shire Council,” Mr Ryan said.
The Corner Inlet Halls Network Redevelopment Project is scheduled to be completed in March 2013.
Read More
