Media Releases

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has announced that community groups from the
Lowan electorate will receive $135,166 as part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s $20 million
Communities for Nature grants program.
Local projects to be funded in the Lowan electorate include the Laharum Landcare Group who will
receive $131,837 and the Natimuk Pre School Centre will receive $3,329.
The Laharum Landcare Group project was for community involvement in conservation, revegetation,
control of weeds and pest animals, biodiversity and habitat preservation.
The Natimuk Pre School Centre project “Red-Tailed Black Cockies for Kids” is to provide preschool
students with the opportunity to participate in endangered species conservation, to increase community
awareness of vegetation requirements for (Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo) RTBC habitat and food sources,
to increase the community's awareness of the role of DSE in addressing the RTBC status, and to create
a RTBC niche in a rural township through tree planting.
“These are two very worthwhile projects and this funding will help the local landcare groups in their
important work in enhancing the local environment,” Mr Delahunty said.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith highlighted the important role Victorian
communities’ play in protecting our environment and delivering on-the-ground environmental works.
“Communities for Nature delivers on the Coalition Government’s election commitment to provide
practical assistance to local communities so that they can improve, protect and conserve our
environment,” Mr Smith said.
A total of 117 projects will be supported in this funding round. This includes funding of up to $10,000 for
58 small projects and funding between $10,000 and $150,000 for 59 large projects across the state.
“I congratulate community groups and land managers across Victoria for participating in this funding
round and for their ongoing hard work in protecting our environment and delivering on-the-ground
environmental works.
“We received more than 300 applications for this first round of grants and the high quality of those
applications is yet another demonstration of the significant environmental works that are being carried
out by community groups across Victoria,” Mr Smith said.
“I congratulate the Laharum Landcare Group and the Natimuk Pre School Centre on their projects and I
am looking forward to seeing practical environmental outcomes from their work in preserving the
environment,” Mr Delahunty said.
For more information about the program, please visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/communitiesfornature

Western Victorian hunters are reaping the benefits of the Victorian Coalition Government’s fox and wild dog bounty, which has easily outdone the former Labor government’s Fox Stop program.
The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said 5292 fox scalps had been collected  throughout the Western Victorian Region since the bounty began in October last year.

“Foxes and wild dogs can devastate wild life populations, flocks and in some cases wild dogs attach young cattle,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The response to the Coalition’s decision to reinstate a true and proper fox and wild dog bounty has been overwhelming.”

“Total collections across Victoria are nearing 30,000, which speaks volumes about how badly this bounty was needed.”

Mr Delahunty said the previous government had all but ignored the pleas of farmers and landholders who were fighting a losing battle against rising fox and wild dog numbers.
“The bounty is not a total solution, but it’s playing an important part in our efforts to reduce the impact of foxes and wild dogs on food and fibre producers throughout the Western Victorian region, Mr Delahunty said.

“Not surprisingly I have received extremely positive feedback from local hunters who had been calling for an end to the previous ad hoc and inconsistent fox control programs.”

The Coalitions’ $4 million bounty has already seen 27,824 fox scalps and wild dog skins handed in across Victoria, compared to just 20,034 foxes killed over the life to Fox Stop.

“We are delivering on our key election commitment to reinstate a true fox and wild dog bounty by offering Victorian farmers and hunters $10 for each fox and $50 for each wild dog,” Mr Delahunty said.

For opening times and full details of the terms and conditions for the fox and wild dog bounty, go to www.dpi.vic.gov.au/bounty or contact the DPUI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Panyyabyr Landcare Group has received an extra Landcare Facilitator as part of the Victorian Government’s Victorian Local Landcare Facilitator Program.

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said the new facilitator reflected the government’s commitment to preserving the environment of Panyyabyr area.

“Landcare facilitators are an integral part of the on-ground support for Landcare groups and networks throughout Victoria.  The facilitators assist these groups with their all-important work for the environment and community,” Mr Delahunty said.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith announces the Panyyabyr area was one of eight areas to receive an additional facilitator.

“Given that we are at the halfway mark, with 30 of the 60 positions already filled, it’s great to be able to announce an extra eight facilitator positions have been funded by the Government.”

“These eight positions are on top of the new Landcare Facilitator positions that have been filled, a Victorian government funding commitment I announced in September last year.”

“I’m also pleased to announce that each of the Landcare groups and networks that received funding for one of the 68 facilitators will also receive $2,000 each to fund a project for on-ground works as part of the initiative.”

“This money will help the facilitators and the groups to immediately begin works where needed in their local community.”

“Landcare facilitators are an integral part of the on-ground support Landcare groups and networks throughout Victoria need to do their all-important work for the environment and community.”

Mr Delahunty said, he welcomed Mr Smith’s announcement to the Panyyabyr Landcare Group during his 2 day visit to the Wimmera Region.  The best results for our community and environment are achieved through a partnership approach – where we work together to develop soils and implement the most effective way to manage and protect Victoria’s plants, animals, waterways.  We all share the responsibility of looking after our environment and assets.

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty announced that a number of communities in the Lowan electorate will receive funding to help rebuild and repair public infrastructure after torrential rain and flooding took place across Victoria from September 2010 to March 2011.

"This funding will be of great benefit to communities throughout the Lowan electorate to assist in restoration works," Mr Delahunty said.

Local projects to be funded in the Lowan electorate include:

Apsley Recreation Reserve Inc	Apsley Recreation Reserve	$19,715.00
Cavendish Recreation Reserve CoM	Cavendish Recreation Reserve – repairs to netball and tennis courts and replace seating and court lighting	$129,834.00
Cavendish Townscape Association Incorporated	Cavendish Settlers Walk	$2,214.00
Chatsworth Rec Reserve Committee of Management	Chatsworth Rec Reserve	$7,238.00
Dooen Rec Reserve CoM	Dooen Recreation Reserve	$28,484.94
Dunkeld Public Lands Committee	Dunkeld Public Park	$10,940.00
Hindmarsh Shire Council	Dimboola Recreation Reserve	$40,608.00
Horsham Showgrounds Committee of Management Incorporated	Horsham Show Grounds	$38,572.73
Jeparit Recreation Reserve CoM	Jeparit Recreation Reserve	$12,471.80
Johnny Mullagh Recreation Reserve Committee Inc	Johnny Mullagh Recreation Reserve	$29,700.00
Lake Bolac Foreshore Committee Inc	Lake Bolac Foreshore Reserve	$12,720.00
Noradjuha Memorial Hall Committee Inc	Noradjuha Memorial Hall Reserve	$18,723.65
Old Riverside School Recreation Reserve CoM	Old Riverside School Recreation Reserve	$10,774.50
Pimpinio Sports and Community Centre Inc	Pimpinio Recreation Reserve	$500.00
Riverside Recreation Reserve CoM	Riverside Recreation Reserve, Horsham – replace clubrooms, reinstate reserve infrastructure used for Horsham Riding for the Disabled and other equestrian user groups	$225,555.00

"The floods had a significant impact on communities in the Lowan electorate and this funding will go a long way to getting those communities back on their feet."

"Our local recreation reserve are an invaluable facility for country communities and provide a meeting place for local residents and visitors alike, and the funding of these rebuilding projects will restore not only confidence, but will be a great boost to civic pride exhibited by these communities," Mr Delahunty said.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said the $15.4 million funding package would be shared by around 28 local communities across Victoria. This funding is part of the $30 million Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund run jointly with Regional Development Victoria.

"The Victorian Coalition Government is standing by Victoria's flood damaged communities to ensure they can get back to business and their lives as quickly as possible.

"This funding is going directly toward re-building vital community assets so that our flood-affected regions can again enjoy their recreation spots and public meeting areas.

"I have been to see a lot of affected communities throughout this year and each time I go I am heartened by their spirit and resolve to get things back on track.

"The Coalition Government is proud of their resilience and is delighted to be able to assist them with this funding support," Mr Smith said.

"Our local recreation reserves are maintained by hardworking volunteers who give up their time to ensure these areas are ship shape for their communities. I take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers whose tireless contributions go to the upkeep of these vital community assets," 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

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has welcomed the Coalition Government abolishing the need for permits for collection of firewood in designated firewood collection areas on public land.

 

“The abolition of permits will make firewood collection more affordable and more convenient for those who rely on this resource for heating,” Mr Delahunty said.

 

“On top of the cost factor, there were situations where those who wanted to collect firewood would have to drive to a certain location to obtain a permit and then often travel many miles in a different direction for collection.

 

Mr Delahunty said this reduced the burden of red tape put in place under the previous government and is a vastly improved system on what was previously in place.

 

“It makes it easier and cheaper for the community to access an annual supply of firewood,” Mr Delahunty said.

 

In making this announcement Minister for Environment, Ryan Smith, said firewood is an important source of heating for many Victorians during winter and this new policy approach will make sure that it continues to be available.

 

Mr Delahunty said residents can collect firewood for domestic use during autumn and spring, between March 1 and June 30 and 1 September and November 30.  This approach will make the rules consistent wherever you are in Victoria and reduce safety and environmental risks.

 

Firewood collected without a permit could not be sold and there was a cap on the amount each household could collect, particularly in areas where firewood was limited.

 

Designated firewood collection areas and seasons, with no permit requirements, will come into effect on September 1, 2011 – the start of the spring collection season.

 

For further information and directions to designated firewood collection areas visit website www.dse.vic.gov.au/forests/firewood

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has welcomed the Victorian Coalition Government’s announcement of a plan to help householders affected by today’s switching-off of analog television in regional Victoria to recycle their unwanted televisions”.

 

Mr Delahunty said, “The Coalition Government would implement a transitional recycling program because a planned national recycling scheme was yet to commence”.

 

“The Victorian Government will invest $285,000 for a program that will allow people to drop off their old analog televisions for recycling,” Mr Delahunty said.

 

We don’t want an influx of unwanted televisions in local landfill sites across regional Victoria.

 

The analog signal has been turned off in the Lowan Electorate, but the national recycling is not under way.

 

Collection points have been be set up at the Transfer Stations in Southern Grampians Shire, Horsham Rural City Council and Hindmarsh Shire Council.

 

Legislation for the National Television and Computer Stewardship Scheme was only recently introduced into Federal Parliament, meaning the actual start of the recycling program is still some way off.

 

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty in Parliament this week has called on the Brumby Government to be a good neighbour and to compensate a Hamilton business for property loss.

“I was contacted by the owners of the Lake Hamilton Motor Village and Caravan Park last year when in August their barbecue rotunda was destroyed by a falling tree from an adjoining Crown land reserve,” Mr Delahunty said.

The park owners contacted the Southern Grampians shire and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE). They were informed that the tree was on Crown land, that the shire is the committee of management but that it is indemnified by the Department of Sustainability and Environment for any injury or damages.

Mr Delahunty said shire staff took photos and removed this tree and other trees posing a safety risk. Quotes to repair the rotunda and fittings totalled about $20 000. The rotunda had to be demolished as it was a safety hazard.

“The loss of this facility would have affected the viability of the park's operation and it had to be replaced immediately, as failure to do so would affect not only the park's financial operations but also its reputation, advertising and star rating,” Mr Delahunty said.

In response to the claim the DSE said the shire had implemented a regular and reasonable tree maintenance program despite limited financial resources and that there was no evidence the tree had shed its limbs because of any negligence on the part of the shire or the department. DSE suggested that the park owners refer this claim to insurers.

“I believe this is wrong. I wrote to the responsible minister in early December last year, and neither I nor the owners have received a response. I am calling on the state government to be a good and responsible neighbour and compensate these people for the damage,” Mr Delahunty said.