Media Releases

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty welcomed the funding that has flowed from the Victorian Coalition's first state budget of $20,000 the Youth and Community Mobile Centre bus in Horsham.

"This project will be of great benefit and support to the young people in the Wimmera Region," Mr Delahunty said.

"The Youth and Community Mobile Centre bus project is a joint initiative of Wimmera Uniting Care and Grampians Community Health and will support the youth of the region.

"Young people aged between 12 and 24 comprise about 18% of Victoria's population and there are approximately 4,400 young people aged between 10 and 17 and a further 1,400 aged between 18 and 21 live within the Wimmera region."

"Our young people, wherever they live, are keen to create a sense of belonging, but young people in outlying areas are at risk due to isolation, boredom, lack of social opportunities, drug and alcohol issues and distance should not mean disadvantage," Mr Delahunty said.

"The Wimmera Youth and Community Mobile Centre will service communities in Hindmarsh, West Wimmera, Horsham Rural City, Yarriambiack, Northern Grampians, Ararat Rural City and Buloke Shires.

"I am a strong supporter of our young people and this $20,000 will be a great boost to this important project for the region and will deliver positive outcomes for young people.

"The Coalition Government is committed to providing young people with valuable social and recreational opportunities in their communities and this important initiative will provide entertainment and much needed services to rurally isolated young people in the Wimmera," Mr Delahunty said.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has welcomed grants to Learn Local Organisations in the Lowan electorate.

"More than 80 Lean Local organisations across Victoria will share in grants totalling $3.78 million and I'm pleased that Wimmera HUB has been successful in gaining funding of $49,070 for quality systems to support quality learning," Mr Delahunty said.

This project aims to review existing administrative systems, staffing skill sets, and organisational and governance arrangements to ensure consistent quality compliance and the effective transition to a new data management system.

The re-alignment of existing administrative systems will be supported by policy and procedure development and a program of professional up skilling to embed and integrate quality improvement into all aspects of business.

Mr Delahunty said good governance, enhanced financial viability and efficient administration systems will ensure quality outcomes for learners throughout the local community.

"The Learn Local grants help adult community education organisations such as Wimmera HUB to expand their services, improve efficiency, offer new courses and increase the participation and attainment of learners," Mr Delahunty said

Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty is encouraging local residents to take advantage a mobile collection service to detox their home. 

“Old cleaning products, left-over paint, dead batteries and weedkiller stored around your home can now be safely disposed of without putting a strain on the environment with a collection service being held on Saturday 15 October at Council Works Depot, Selkirk Drive, from 8am – 11am,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Victorian Coalition Government, through Sustainability Victoria, provides the Detox Your Home free service in partnership with Horsham Rural City Council to collect potentially dangerous and unwanted household chemical products. The service is funded by the Victorian landfill levy.

“There are all sorts of old products hiding away in back cupboards, which, left over time can become a silent hazard. Only when a mischievous pet or curious child explores in those forgotten places does it become evident just how dangerous these products can be,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The Detox Your Home collection service tackles this dilemma head on by making it easy for people to dispose of their unwanted waste via a drive through collection with trained specialists on hand.”

Mr Delahunty said Detox Your Home was a responsible Victorian Government initiative that allowed collected materials to be treated and recycled, or disposed of safely by a specialist team.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said the Coalition Government was committed to maintaining a safe urban and natural environment for Victorians.

“Detox Your Home recognises the value of a combined effort between government, households and local councils to act responsibly in disposing of potentially harmful and dangerous waste,” Mr Smith said.

Residents of Horsham can dispose of their unwanted household chemicals on Saturday 15^th October, 2011 at the Horsham Rural City Council Works Depot, Selkirk Drive, Horsham between 8 am and 11 am.

Residents of Stawell will be also able to get rid of unwanted house chemicals on Saturday 10^th October, 2011 at the Northern Grampians Shire Council works Depot, Wilson Street Stawell between 1.30 pm and 4.30 pm. 

A similar service will be available in Nhill residents will have until Friday 16^th March, 2012 to gather there unwanted household chemicals for disposal at the Hindmarsh Shire Council Transfer Station, Nhill-Netherby Road, Nhill between 4 pm and 7 pm. 

For a full list of accepted products and further information contact Sustainability Victoria’s Infoline on 1800 35 32 33, or visit www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au or phone your local council.

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty welcomed the announcement that western Victoria will receive 12 out of 45 new 'burn mix' trailers to be built and distributed by the Victorian Coalition Government for use in planned burning operations across Victoria.

"Western Victoria has suffered many bushfires over the past and the allocation of the "burn mix" trailers will go a long way to making the region fire safe," Mr Delahunty said. 

'Burn mix' trailers are critical to the planned burning process with each trailer consisting of 10 drip torches, two x 200 litre drums, jerry cans, a spill kit, toolbox, bonding cable and a hand pump allowing crews to decant and mix the diesel petrol solution used in planned burning.

The drip torch is the main tool used for the safe lighting of large areas in the planned burning process – it allows the operator to manage directly how much bush is lit depending on the conditions.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said that the new trailers are worth more than $500,000 and will provide additional assistance to the Victorian Government's planned burns program.

"The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to implementing the 67 recommendations of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, including increasing planned burning across the state. 

"In 2010-11 more than 188,000ha of planned burning was completed. This is the largest program completed in more than 20 years. These new trailers will assist us with the planned burns program," Mr Smith said. 

The Department of Sustainability and Environment has already built 15 of the new units and they are now ready for use in planned burning operations across Victoria.

It is anticipated that all 45 'burn mix' trailers will be finished, delivered and ready for use by the end of October.

The Victorian Coalition Government's planned burn program helps protect life, property and the environment by reducing fuel levels and maintaining the health of plants and animals.

For more information about upcoming burns and the planned burns program, please visit www.dse.vic.gov.au

One of the most popular Spring Racing Carnival Country events, the annual Dunkeld Cup, is to have its racing grounds overhauled through a $124,000 project for new roads and footpaths funded by the Victorian Government.

The Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hugh Delahunty, inspected Dunkeld racecourse today to announce the development project on behalf of Minister for Racing Denis Napthine and cup organisers, Dunkeld Racing Club.

“Dunkeld is one of the flagship events for country racing with crowds in excess of 12,000 now the norm at this unique and picturesque race meeting,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The funding will assist in the installation of 2,600 square metres of sealed roadways and pathways throughout the venue and provide race day patrons with comfortable and safe means to move around the venue.

“The facilities will significantly enhance the customers’ race day experiences which will have a very positive impact on the reputation of Country Racing at small one day a year venues in the South West,” Dunkeld Racing Club spokesperson Karen Van Kempen said.

The State Government contributed $60,000, while Racing Victoria Limited and Country Racing Victoria jointly contributed the remaining $64,000.

“We are delighted that the State Government has agreed to fund with Country Racing Victoria and Racing Victoria the construction of roads and pathways throughout the Dunkeld racecourse and we thank them for their contribution,” Country Racing Victoria CEO Scott Whiteman said.

“Dunkeld is living proof that racing is a viable community asset with many local community groups receiving benefits. It is further evidence that small communities are more than capable of conducting significant local events.

“Last year terrible weather meant a reduction in numbers but all early indicators are that crowd numbers will return to 2009 levels this year and these upgrades will be welcomed by all,” Mr Whiteman said.

Minister for Racing Denis Napthine congratulated the Dunkeld Racing Club for gaining TAB status for the Dunkeld Cup this year, which includes a significant increase in prize money for owners and trainers, and will assist the club in continuing to attract a diverse crowd to the annual event.

“The Victorian Government is firmly committed to supporting country racing, and to help Victoria’s $2 billion racing industry grow and continue its enormous economic contribution to Victoria,” Dr Napthine said.

“The State Government is committed to Victorian racing, and has established the $79.5 million Victorian Racing Industry Fund through which unclaimed wagering dividends and on-course wagering taxes are returned to the racing industry through projects such as this.”

Over the next four years, the VRIF will be a source of at least $30 million in funding for significant improvements to racetracks, training infrastructure and public facilities at racing venues across Victoria.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said today the Victorian Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to invest $4 million over four years to upgrade Scouts Victoria and Girl Guides Victoria facilities across the state.

“Scouts and Girl Guides groups in the Lowan Electorate can now apply for funds to improve the safety, functionality and longevity of facilities through the Scout and Guides Facilities Grants Program,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Western Victorian scout groups do an impressive job at providing top quality activities and programs for our local Scouts and Guides. This funding will go a long way to ensuring all members have a welcoming and comfortable environment in which to learn and grow,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Many of our local scout and guide facilities are in aging buildings that require upgrading and in some cases new buildings are currently not complete.”

Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith said both organisations have played a significant role in shaping young Victorians for more than 100 years and deserved modern facilities to attract a new generation of Scouts and Guides.

“With this funding, Scouts Victoria and Guides Victoria will be able to modernise facilities and to continue their fantastic work in supporting, training and mentoring young Victorians,” Mr Smith said.

Scouts and Guides groups are required to apply directly through their central organisations which will present submissions to the Office for Youth.

Mr Delahunty said it would be wonderful to see our local Scout and Guide groups benefit from this opportunity and I hope our local leaders will take the time to submit an application.

“The Victorian Government’s Scouts and Guides Facilities Grants Program (SGFGP) provides the opportunity to upgrade facilities while at the same time helping to meet the challenge of attracting and supporting membership.”

“Scouts and guides provide a wonderful opportunity to our young people to be involved in their community and to build skills and I urge groups across western Victoria to apply for funding through the SGFGP,” Mr Delahunty said.

For further information on the grants program please visit www.youth.vic.gov.au  www.vicscouts.com.au or www.guidesvic.org.au

Applications for the Scouts and Guides Facilities Grants Program close on 1 November 2011.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said today that rural and regional community radio stations can now apply for grants of up to $5,000 each to provide training and mentoring for young people enabling them to produce live-to-air shows as part of the Be Heard! program.

“The Be Heard program provides an opportunity for young people to develop their talent and develop leadership skills as well as contributing to their community and I am encouraging local radio stations and young people to participate in program,” Mr Delahunty said said.

The Victorian Coalition Government’s Be Heard! program aims to increase volunteering opportunities for young people whilst providing them with increased skills and career pathways in the broadcasting industry.

Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith said the four year program will provide grants for community radio stations to train and mentor young people.

“The Victorian Coalition Government has delivered on its election commitment to provide $200,000 over four years to encourage youth participation in rural and regional community radio and $200,000 over four years to support the successful youth-led Student Youth Network (SYN) radio station.

“The Be Heard! program provides volunteering opportunities for young people and aims to increase the skills of young people seeking a career in radio broadcasting.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is strongly committed to providing young people with an opportunity to have their say and in this case, it’s on community radio,” Mr Delahunty said.

For further information on the Be Heard! Program or to download an application form, please visit www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au

Expressions of Interest for the Be Heard! grants close on 21 October 2011.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said today that foxes and wild dogs now have a price on their head.

“The Victorian Coalition Government’s fox and wild dog bounty started on Saturday 1^st October and the $4 million bounty would be open statewide over the next four years,” Mr Delahunty said.

Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh said the Victorian Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to reinstate a true and proper fox and wild dog bounty.

“The bounty will reward Victorian farmers and hunters with $10 for each fox and $50 for each wild dog that is killed from 1 October.”

Hunters will need to submit an entire fox scalp, including both ears and the skin surrounding the eyes and the nose in an air-dried, fresh or frozen condition to collect the reward.

To collect the reward on wild dogs, a single piece of skin including the skin and fur running from the snout, including the ears, along the animal’s back and the tail is required.

“There are 21 collection points across regional Victoria for fox scalps and eight collection centres for wild dogs with collections to start from 17^th October,” Mr Delahunty said.

Collection centres in the Lowan electorate are located at:

HAMILTON - DPI CENTRE, MOUNT NAPIER ROAD – 1.30 – 3.30 PM

19 OCTOBER; 16 NOVEMBER; 14 DECEMBER

HORSHAM – RMB 5384 NORADJUHA ROAD – 1.30 – 3.30 PM

26 OCTOBER; 23 NOVEMBER; 21 DECEMBER

RAINBOW (WILD DOG COLLECTIONS ONLY – TAVERNER STREET – 9 – 11 AM

(MUST BOOK IN PRIOR TO DAY OF COLLECTION)

Specialist DPI staff will visit each location monthly in order to collect the skins and pay the bounty.

Any Victorian can collect the fox bounty, however only landholders in designated wild dog control areas and financial members of the Sporting Shooters Association Victoria, Field and Game Australia and the Australian Deer Association will be eligible for the wild dog bounty.

“The reinstatement of the fox and wild dog bounty will give community groups, landholders and shooting organisations an active role in controlling Victoria’s fox problem.

“The bounty is a long-term, year-round commitment to pest control. The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to ensuring fox and wild dog control is not funded on a temporary, ad-hoc basis,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The fox and wild dog bounty replaces Labor’s ineffective FoxStop program which saw just 17,146 foxes submitted over three years, compared with 198,000 foxes killed when the fox bounty was last trialled in 2003.

“The Coalition is delivering for regional Victoria by reintroducing the fox bounty program eight years after it was scrapped by the previous government,” Mr Delahunty said.

Full details of the Victorian Fox and Wild Dog Bounty, including terms and conditions and monthly collection times, are available at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/bounty or by contacting the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

 

 

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty is encouraging all seniors in western Victoria to participate in this week’s Victorian Seniors Festival.

‘This is a great time for our seniors and an opportunity to acknowledge older Victorians.” Mr Delahunty said. 

There are many activities being held across the State during this week including tours, concerts, and exhibitions.

Regardless of age or ability, participating in an active lifestyle is a healthy thing to do and as Minister for Sport and Recreation I want to see more people more active more often.

“I hope our older residents will participate in Seniors Week whether it be visiting one of the many activities or taking the opportunity to get together with friends, I encourage you to get involved,” Mr Delahunty said.