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

Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan will officially open next week’s Prom Coast Seachange Festival, which will feature more than 40 events to showcase the creativity, culture, lifestyle and landscape of the Prom Coast region.

“The Seachange Festival is a great example of communities coming together, pooling their talents, and building an event that draws wide attention to this magnificent region," Mr Ryan said.

“Events such as the Sunday Street Food Festival, the Port Franklin Fresh Fish Lunch and the Sustainable Farm and Food Tour are great examples of how local producers and traders can promote their wares and provide an authentic and enjoyable experience for festivalgoers.”

Chair of the festival organising committee Deb Bray said the Prom Coast Seachange Festival celebrates the Prom Coast as a region with a diversity of opportunity that made it a great place to live or visit.

“What better way to get to know an area and its community than to join in when there’s an event that showcases its people, products and places,” Mrs Bray said.

“The festival’s program of events is rich and wide-ranging and is a result of the enthusiasm and hard work of locals, community groups, traders and regional agencies in organising and supporting events.

“Equally, we have to thank our sponsors Tourism Victoria, Esso and BHP Billiton, Toora & Foster Community Bank® branches and South Gippsland Shire Council for their funding and support.”

The festival will run from April 25 to 29 and program brochures are available from a variety of local shops, galleries, cafes and from Bendigo Bank branches.

Mr Ryan will officially open the festival at 6pm on Friday 26 April at the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre.

Further details about events and bookings can be found online at www.promcoastseachangefestival.org or via the festival’s Facebook page.

Media contact: Stephanie Nicholls 0437 108 870 stephanie.nicholls@parliament.vic.gov.au. Read More

Vintage train enthusiasts will make tracks to Donald on Saturday with more than 200 people set to board a diesel locomotive for a special trip to celebrate the town’s 150th birthday.  Read More

Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan said Victoria would be able to compete with other states to gain a market share in the lucrative eco-tourism sector, with guidelines allowing environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism in national parks released on Sunday.

Mr Ryan said eco-tourism was an important driver of jobs and income for local communities, and the changes would allow Victoria to improve its offering to travellers to induce them to stay longer in regional areas.
Mr Ryan said the guidelines followed the release of an independent report by the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission which recommended ‘sensible and sensitive developments in national parks’ as a measure to unlock Victorian tourism.

“The Victorian Coalition Government has embraced the recommendations to stimulate and drive a new era of eco-tourism in Victoria,” Mr Ryan said.

“Victoria’s national parks are important public assets and, just as occurs in other states and territories, should be open to the public so they can be enjoyed in a responsible and sustainable way.

“The more that people have access to their natural environment the more they will come to appreciate, respect and care for it.”

Mr Ryan said the guidelines would provide strict environmental protections as part of a comprehensive approvals process.

“Proposals for major new tourism projects would require a detailed environmental management plan supported by an independent environmental risk assessment and auditing of the plan,” Mr Ryan said.

“There must also be proper community consultation and projects will be asked to generate a net public benefit for the community use of the park.

“The Coalition Government will encourage proposals that complement the values of national parks, broaden the appeal of our great natural assets and allow more people to experience these unique places.”

Mr Ryan said the Coalition Government had also agreed to exclude investment proposals in certain areas, such as wilderness parks, wilderness zones and remote and natural areas.

“The release of the guidelines is about making the most of these beautiful natural places and making Victoria’s national parks more accessible to more people,” Mr Ryan said.

“We value our environment and we are working to ensure all Victorians can enjoy it.”

Mr Ryan said the guidelines were available online at: www.dse.vic.gov.au.

Media contact: Stephanie Nicholls 0437 108 870 stephanie.nicholls@parliament.vic.gov.au  Read More

Stage One of the $6.4 million Mildura Airport Terminal Redevelopment project is complete, with Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan inspecting the completed works today, paving the way for Stage Two of the project to take off.  Read More