Media Releases

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty today announced $500,000 in funding from the Victorian Coalition Government for streetscape enhancement around the planned Horsham Performing Arts Centre and Art Gallery.

“The proposed improvements to Pynsent and Wilson streets will complement Government and community investment in the redevelopment of Horsham Performing Arts Centre and Art Gallery,” Mr Delahunty said.

“This area of Horsham is set to become an exciting new focal point for locals and tourists in the Wimmera region,” Mr Delahunty said.

The project will be managed and jointly funded by Horsham Rural City Council and will include landscaping and laneway improvements.

 “The streetscape enhancement project will result in a more pleasant and attractive environment that can comfortably accommodate increased pedestrian traffic.   Importantly, it will address drainage issues in the area and remove overhead power lines,” Mr Delahunty said.

A verandah will also be added to the Performing Arts Centre in Pynsent Street to provide shelter around the entrance.”

Mr Delahunty said that funding for the project would be provided from the Putting Locals First program ¬— a component of the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund that was devised to support improvement projects that reflected local priorities.

“By providing local communities with ownership of projects, we can help them improve local infrastructure and facilities and contribute to a better quality of life for regional Victoria,” Mr Delahunty said.

 

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has congratulated the Friends of Yatmerone, the Lake Bolac Eel Festival and St Brigid’s College on receiving a 2013 Healthy Parks Healthy People community grant from the Victorian Coalition Government.
“The Healthy Parks Healthy People grants program primarily focuses on areas of park management including environmental protection, developing recreation facilities, heritage, community awareness and disability and multicultural access and aims to improve the health of Victoria’s parks and the health of volunteers and visitors who contribute to and visit them,” Mr Delahunty said.
The Friends of Yatmerone have received $1,200 for their revegetation of Yatmerone Swamp Wildlife Reserve which is for weed removal and to maintain areas of previous revegetation.
The Lake Bolac Eel Festival will receive $2,000 for its “Parks Victoria Festival Marquee and Stage” project which will be the focal point for the festival which celebrates indigenous culture, art and music and highlights environmental issues in the Lake Bolac Catchment.
St Brigid’s College Horsham received $2,500 for the rehabilitation of Stapleton Campground in the Grampians Nationals Park.  This project will see the installation of fencing to prevent the expanding impact of campers, the relocation of plants from old plantations near the campground and the removal of Sallow Wattle.
 “These projects are among 120 across the state that will share in $381,000 of Coalition Government funding aimed at supporting the work of volunteers in parks and reserves across the state,” Mr Delahunty said.
“The Healthy Parks Healthy People community grants program is an example of the Coalition Government’s commitment to fostering environmental partnerships and supporting practical on-the-ground activities.”
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said the Coalition Government’s environmental action plan, known as Environmental Partnerships was based on the fundamental principle of building strong partnerships between government, communities and business to maintain a healthy environment.

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has congratulated the Barenji Gadjin Land Council (BGLC) on receiving a $10,000 Victorian Coalition Government environmental grant for its “Restoring Country” project.

“BGLC is one of 86 Victorian community groups to share in $700,000 under the Coalition Government’s Communities for Nature small grants program,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The Communities for Nature small grants program supports local community groups by providing grants to complete on-ground works to conserve and enhance their local natural environment.”

“The BGLC “Restoring Country” project is to assist with rabbit control and supports the long term pest animal program of the Dimboola-Antwerp Landcare group.”

“The project area adjoins areas of native Title and outcomes will protect and enhance the cultural value of the area,” Mr Delahunty said.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Ryan Smith said the $20 million Communities for Nature program was at the forefront of the Coalition Government’s focus on building practical and meaningful partnerships between government, business, community and environmental groups

Mr Delahunty said the Coalition Government’s funding will see 86 groups each receive a grant of up to $10,000 to undertake small projects, which are to completed within 12 months,” Mr Smith said.

“This is one very tangible way in which the Coalition Government is able to directly support local groups, such as Barengi Gadjin Land Council and landcare groups to continue carrying on their outstanding work,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Communities for Nature program delivered on the Coalition Government’s commitment to take practical local action to address environmental issues across the state.

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has congratulated the Hamilton Conservation Volunteers on receiving $9,510 and the Friends of Yatmerone, Penshurst $6,590 as part of the Victorian Coalition Government environmental grants program .
“The Hamilton Conservation Volunteers and the Friends of Yatmerone are two of 86 Victorian community groups to share in $700,000 under the Coalition Government’s Communities for Nature small grants program,” Mr Delahunty said.
 “The Communities for Nature small grants program supports local community groups by providing grants to complete on-ground works to conserve and enhance their local natural environment.”
“The Conservation Volunteers project aims to protect the endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoot and its last stronghold on south west Victoria,” Mr Delahunty said.
“The project area adjoins areas of native Title and outcomes will protect and enhance the cultural value of the area,” Mr Delahunty said.
“The Friends of Yatmerone project, under the auspice of Advance Penshurst Inc, aims to protect, enhance and revegetate Yatmerone Reserve through weed removal as well as raise awareness about the environmental, cultural and social values of the reserve through such activities as school programs and community forum,” Mr Delahunty said.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Ryan Smith said the $20 million Communities for Nature program was at the forefront of the Coalition Government’s focus on building practical and meaningful partnerships between government, business, community and environmental groups
Mr Delahunty said the Coalition Government’s funding will see 86 groups each receive a grant of up to $10,000 to undertake small projects, which are to completed within 12 months,” Mr Smith said.
“This is one very tangible way in which the Coalition Government is able to directly support local groups, such as Hamilton Conservation Volunteers, Friends of Yatmore and other landcare groups to continue carrying on their outstanding work,” Mr Delahunty said.
The Communities for Nature program delivered on the Coalition Government’s commitment to take practical local action to address environmental issues across the state.

 

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Hugh Delahunty has expressed his support for community members alarmed about the harsh pruning of street trees by Powercor in main streets and townships across the electorate of Lowan.

“I am very concerned about the devastating impact pruning is having on the streetscapes and appeal of our rural townships,” Mr Delahunty said.

“I have been attempting to work through the electricity regulator Energy Safe Victoria, Powercor officials and Ministerial channels to improve the situation, but while these discussions are ongoing, trees continue to be scalped.  It is simply not good enough.”

The Government has in place a code of practice for tree pruning that is centred on safety, amenity and managing risk, including fire risk.  This code of practice, which is not new, includes a requirement that those responsible for tree pruning to seek to minimise the impact of pruning on trees of cultural or environmental significance.

“However, the pruning protocol being undertaken by Powercor fails the test of balancing community values with risk,” said Mr Delahunty.

“Powercor’s consultation is not good enough with the community and the Councils, and their communication strategy is equally poor in informing the community of decisions made.

I would encourage Powercor to consider its responsibilities to the community, and work positively with councils to achieve a more respectful outcome for the streetscapes of our rural towns.”

 

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said Horsham’s Wimmera River foreshore will soon become a more family friendly destination thanks to $177,000 in infrastructure improvements.

“The Wimmera River is Horsham’s greatest natural asset, flowing through the centre of the city, and is a big draw card for the local community and tourists.  The Coalition Government funding would be used to enhance community facilities from McBryde Street to Weir Park, damaged during the 2011 floods,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The 2011 floods caused significant damage to turf around the Weir Park playground, which will be rectified through the installation of an irrigation system, fencing and barbeque shelters, to provide year round, all-weather use for all the family.”

“Man’s best friend will also benefit with two off-leash dog areas in Windsor Park, to come equipped with fencing and signage.”

Mr Delahunty said safety improvements would also be made to the most popular area of the foreshore, from Wimmera River Bridge to McBryde Street.

“The project will transform an unsealed stretch of bike path into a universal access track and increase lighting to enhance safety for people using the trail in the evenings.”

Mr Delahunty said the project would primarily be managed by funding partner Horsham Rural City Council, in collaboration with the Wimmera River Improvement Committee, made up largely of community volunteers.

“I would like to the commend Horsham Rural City Council and Wimmera River Improvement Committee for their hard-work and dedication to this project,” he said.

“It is by involving communities in the early stages of projects that we can help them to devise and deliver service and infrastructure responses that reflect local priorities.”

Mr Delahunty said funding for the project was being provided from the $100 million Putting Local First program - a component of the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund.

“The Putting Locals First program was devised to help local communities be more resilient and contribute to a better quality of life for regional Victoria,” he said.

For more information about Putting Locals First, please visit www.rdv.vic.gov.au/putting-locals-first

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty this week in Parliament said that many good things had happened in the Lowan electorate in the past few weeks.

“I have been fortunate to have attended many functions and made many announcements of Coalition Government funding during January and early February,” Mr Delahunty said.

“On Sunday 2nd February I opened the $311,000 Nareen CFA Fire Station which is fitting recognition of the Brigade’s important contribution to the local community.  The Brigade currently has 28 proud members in a proud western Victorian community,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Recent funding announcements have included $3.46 million in Coalition Government funding to repair the Dimboola and Jeparit weirs which were extensively damaged in the 2011 Wimmera River floods.”

Mr Delahunty said these valuable assets are being restored after a lot of work by the town committees, the Hindmarsh Shire and GWM Water.  

“Also while I was visiting Dimboola I announced $29,186 for the Dimboola Boat and Water Ski Club to upgrade the existing boat ramp at Picnic Point on the Wimmera River and make boating a safer and more enjoyable experience for the Dimboola community,” Mr Delahunty said.

Boating is a popular pastime, and we have some magnificent waterways in the Wimmera region which are enjoyed by many locals and attract thousands of tourists every year.

“Men’s Sheds are important facilities in Lowan and I was pleased to be able to announce Hamilton will receive $30,000, Natimuk $15,566 and Edenhope $25,000,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The Victorian Coalition Government recognises the significant role that Men’s sheds play in local communities, by engaging a wide range of men, including those with a disability, farmers, war veterans, retirees and the unemployed.”

Mr Delahunty said he was delighted to be able to attend the Australia Day celebrations held in Horsham, Cavendish, Hamilton and Glenthompson.  

“Each celebration was well attended and I congratulate the Councils and organising committees on the success of each of these events.  I also take this opportunity to congratulate to all the Australia Day award recipients,” Mr Delahunty said.

“There has been much good news for the Lowan electorate but the down side, Lowan health services have taken a hit from the Federal Government not honoring its health budget by cutting $107m from health services across Victoria; this is in contrast to the State Coalition Government which is honoring our health budget.”

“This cash grab by the Federal Government is impacting on the five health services in Lowan and ultimately it is the patients who will suffer with longer waiting times for elective surgery or the closure of beds and wards and may even lead to job losses,” Mr Delahunty said.

 

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said that the recent launch of the $1 million in community grants would support a range of environmental partnership initiatives.

“The Victorian Coalition Government’s Environmental Partnerships plan, focuses on building strong partnerships between government, business, community groups and individuals to play a more active role in protecting and enhancing the environment,” Mr Delahunty said.

“I encourage western Victorians to put in their submissions for the latest round of funding under the Coalition Government’s $20 million Communities for Nature program and the Healthy Parks Healthy People community grants program,” Mr Delahunty said.

In announcing the grant program Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said a total of $700,000 in round two funding is available as part of the Communities for Nature program and $300,000 for Healthy Parks Healthy People.

Mr Delahunty said the Healthy Parks Healthy People Grants provided funding for projects that provide mutual benefit to Parks Victoria managed areas and the health and well-being of volunteers and their communities.

“We all have a part to play in keeping our environment healthy. The Coalition Government is focused on practical local action that delivers on-the-ground results for our community and the environment, now and into the future,” Mr Delahunty said.

“It was pleasing to see that Laharum Landcare Group and the Natimuk Pre-School Centre were successful in the 2011 Communities for Nature funded projects.”

Mr Delahunty said the grants programs will help local groups deliver projects that protect and enhance the natural, cultural and heritage values of our parks, reserves, waterways and bays as well as benefit local economies and the people that take part in them.

“The grants highlight the Coalition Government’s commitment to work more closely with volunteers, community and Landcare groups, councils, industry and schools to create strong partnerships that deliver real results for the environment and the community,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Healthy Parks Healthy People program targets areas of park management, including environment, recreation, heritage, community awareness, and multicultural access.

Information on the Coalition Government’s environmental community grants programs is available on the following websites:
http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/get-involved/healthy-parks-healthy-people-grants (Parks Victoria)
http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/conservation-and-environment/biodiversity/communities-for-nature-grant-program  (DSE).

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has announced that the Victorian Coalition Government is offering a new service to residents of the Southern Grampians Shire to safely dispose of old cleaning products, left-over paint, dead batteries and weedkiller stored around their home.
The Detox Your Home program provides a free service in partnership with the Southern Grampians Shire Council to collect potentially dangerous and unwanted household chemical products on Saturday 1st December, 2012 in Hamilton between 1.30 pm and 4.30 pm.
Mr Delahunty said this is an important service funded by the Victorian Government through the Victorian landfill levy, which ensures collected materials are treated and recycled, or disposed of safely by a specialist team.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said the Government was committed to protecting Victoria’s environment and ensuring communities are free of harmful chemicals.
“Over time we all develop a collection of old paints and chemicals that are no longer needed,” Mr Smith said.
Mr Delahunty said it is important that these items are disposed of correctly to avoid contaminating the environment which we all share and enjoy.
“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 Delahunty added.
“I encourage residents to register with the Southern Grampians Shire to participate in this collection, it is a great way to clean out those tins of paint, weed killers, chemicals and the like and make your home safer;” Mr Delahunty said.
For more information about the Detox Your Home program or how to safely dispose of chemical waste, residents can call 1800 35 32 33 (toll free) or visit www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au

The Nationals Member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said a project to highlight new opportunities arising from mining activities in the Wimmera is being supported with $20,000 in Coalition Government funding.

“The Wimmera Southern Mallee Mining Sector Plan would produce a key evidence base to support future economic and investment decisions in the region’s mining sector,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The plan will inform local councils, regional businesses and communities, potential investors and property owners about new opportunities through exposure to a potential increase in mining activities in the region,” Mr Delahunty said.

“It will also inform and enable appropriate planning and investigation of skills and workforce planning development, infrastructure and investment opportunities.”

Mr Delahunty said the Wimmera Development Association would auspice the project on behalf the Horsham, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh and Northern Grampians councils.

“The project will engage a consultant to work with the councils and other stakeholders across the region to gather the baseline data and present a case back to Wimmera Development Association as a tool to assist with Economic Development opportunities in the region,” Mr Delahunty said.

The project involves assessing the importance of mining sector to the Wimmera economy; mapping current mining activity (visual mapping / GIS); conducting industry interviews; identifying industry development opportunities; identifying the relationship between mining and agriculture in relation to workforce, labour, skill development; identifying constraints and enablers; and mapping business development opportunities.

Victorian Coalition Government funding towards the $42,000 Wimmera Southern Mallee Mining Sector Plan would be provided through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund’s Putting Locals First Program to the Wimmera Development Association Incorporated.

“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.  It is supporting stronger and more sustainable regional communities by building their capacity to drive development in their region,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Wimmera Southern Mallee Mining Sector Plan is expected to be completed in March 2013.