Press Releases

A new guide to landscaping and designing gardens to best defend homes against bushfires has been launched by Deputy Premier and Minister for Emergency Services Peter Ryan at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show today.

Mr Ryan said the 65-page publication called Landscaping for Bushfire: Garden Design and Plant Selection was developed by the CFA in response to Recommendation 44 of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission and would be an invaluable resource.

“With the right advice, landscaping and garden design can minimise the effects of direct flame contact and radiant heat on a house during a bushfire,” Mr Ryan said.

“Even though all plants burn in severe bushfire conditions, greater understanding of vegetation, suitable plant choices and more practical garden layouts can help reduce the likelihood of losing a home.”

CFA Chief Officer Euan Ferguson said the booklet and associated online tools would further educate people living in high-risk areas of simple measures to reduce the impact of bushfires.

“The booklet will demonstrate planning and design principles for gardens in coastal, hilly, rural and suburban environments,” Mr Ferguson said.

“It also discusses the importance of appropriate water supply, access, house construction and general property maintenance, as well as keeping areas around homes and other structures free of plants that could easily catch fire and ignite a building.

“For the first time, people can also assess the flammability of certain plant species using the plant selection key, which is available in the booklet as well as on the CFA’s website.

“The plant selection key will help guide decisions about the suitability of trees, plants or shrubs in gardens in areas of high bushfire risk.”

Mr Ryan said improved garden landscaping and design could help protect property, but on severe, extreme and code red days, leaving early was always the safest option.

To download a copy of the booklet or use the online plant selection tool visit: http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firesafety/bushfire/prepare-your-property/prepare-garden.htm.

Media contact: Sonia Heath 0413 485 526 Read More

Planning Minister Matthew Guy has streamlined the planning process to enable the development of the Wilsons Promontory Gateway Tourist Facility at Yanakie.

“The amendment to the South Gippsland Planning Scheme facilitates the development of an environmentally responsive tourist precinct on the doorstep of the iconic Wilsons Promontory at 4215 Meeniyan-Promontory Road.

Tourism and Major Events Minister Louise Asher welcomed the amendment as it would contribute to the long term economic growth and sustainability of Gippsland by encouraging returning visitors, increasing both tourism and job opportunities.

“Investment attraction and development of our tourism infrastructure plays an important part in retaining Victoria’s competitiveness as a leading tourist destination,” Ms Asher said.

Mr Guy said the amendment would allow for the new tourist facility and subdivision to provide a significant local economic stimulus.

“Rezoning the land allows for individual cabins but excludes use of the land for permanent residences ensuring the integrity of the resort. The proposed development consists of 50 cabins, 20 semi-permanent safari tents, as well as a conference and restaurant facility,” Mr Guy said.

The tourist development has the support of the South Gippsland Shire Council, Parks Victoria and Tourism Victoria.

Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan said the tourism proposal had been long awaited, regionally significant and represented a turning point in the Prom’s history.

“The Coalition Government continues to provide for local employment opportunities by improving regional tourism, which in turn directly benefits Gippsland South,” Mr Ryan said.

Earlier this month Mr Guy brought forward the long awaited South Gippsland Rural Land Use Strategy 2011, which now provides very clear direction to support growth of dwellings and tourist activities in identified areas.

Amendment C57 will be gazetted shortly and available at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/planning/planningschemes.  Read More

Landowners in South Gippsland Shire now have more certainty following action by Planning Minister Matthew Guy to bring forward the long awaited South Gippsland Rural Land Use Strategy 2011. Read More

Leaders of business and industry in the Gippsland region gathered at Monash University’s Churchill campus today for the fourth Gippsland Major Projects and Opportunities Summit.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan officially opened the biannual event and acknowledged the region’s ongoing potential as an industry and business powerhouse.

“Historically, the Gippsland region supported a wide range of successful business and industry investments and the projects being highlighted at the summit today further reinforce the strength of the region,” Mr Ryan said.

“The summit will include a detailed showcase of six key projects in the Gippsland region worth more than $1 billion combined to the Victorian economy.

“The summit also acts as an important networking opportunity linking key stakeholders such as suppliers, sub-contractors and government agencies with project managers.

“By showcasing the range of exciting current and future local investment opportunities, the many benefits of Gippsland as an attractive location for business investment, relocation or establishment will be on display.”

Member for Morwell and Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business Russell Northe also attended today’s Summit.

“With introduction of the Federal Labor Government’s Carbon Tax and the impact it was likely to have on this region, the summit provides an important opportunity to continue developing business-to-business networks,” Mr Northe said.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is actively working to support the region through this period of transition with a range of measures including the development of the Latrobe Valley Roadmap and delivering the $25 million Latrobe Valley Advantage Fund.

“This summit will also support ongoing dialogue with government on the issues and projects that will address the future development and investment within Gippsland.”

The half-day summit included speakers representing Advance TAFE, Independence Group, Department of Defence, Thiess, GippsAero, ESSO and the Department of Primary Industries.

Media contact: Clare Siddins 0429 507 541 Read More

Labor’s criticism of the Coalition Government’s extra funding to rural and regional councils through the new Local Government Infrastructure Program (LGIP) is lazy, baseless and shows just how out of touch Labor is with the needs of country communities Acting Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said today. Read More