Media Releases

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said the Victorian Government will provide $25,500 towards a plan to stimulate economic growth and encourage new businesses to set up shop in the Nhill.
“Investment opportunities in the district would be identified and marketed outside the region.  This plan will be a blueprint for growing the local economy and will showcase Nhill as a desirable place in which to do business,” Mr. Delahunty said.
“A detailed analysis of existing services will be conducted, to ensure that the town has everything it needs to support increased economic activity, including availability of suitable premises and high-quality community infrastructure.
“A marketing strategy will also be developed to promote the region and highlight its potential, not only as a place to live and work, but also as a tourist destination.”
Mr. Delahunty said the $55,500 project would be managed and jointly funded by Hindmarsh Shire Council and undertaken by external experts who would consult widely with local stakeholders.
“The Wimmera Development Association’s Strategic Plan and the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Plan both identify this project as a key priority to encourage new investment and population growth in the region,” he said.
“Nhill has an unprecedented opportunity to become a town of thriving business precincts and attractive streetscapes, with a strong economy that supports job creation.”
“The groundwork is being done to build a more liveable and economically-sustainable community which offers the best environment in which to run a business or raise a family.”
Mr. Delahunty said Coalition Government support for the project was being provided through the Putting Locals First program, a component of the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund.
“By providing local communities with ownership of projects, we can help them increase business and employment opportunities and contribute to a better quality of life for regional Victoria,” Mr. Delahunty said.
For more information about the Putting Locals First program, please visit
www.rdv.vic.gov.au/putting-locals-first

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty is encouraging Councils and trader or business associations in the Lowan electorate to make an application for funding under Round Two of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Streetlife program are now open.

“Councils and trader or business associations in western Victoria are eligible to apply for funding under the program, which supports projects that aim to revitalise shopfront trading activity in local business districts,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Streetlife is a $6 million initiative that has funding over four years to 2016 to help small traders in community shopping precincts improve their business and retail management skills,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Working in partnership with their local council or representative business or trader group, retailers will participate in projects designed to attract more customers to their area and generate increased sales and revenue.”

Mr Delahunty said applications are now being sought for round two funding, and councils and trader groups are encouraged to submit their proposals for individual program grants.

Mr Delahunty said up to 35 grants will be offered to councils on an 80:20 co-funding basis and up to ten grants will also be offered to trader and business associations to support smaller, more localised projects, and also to establish new trader groups.

“We have listened to the needs of small retailers in western Victoria and created a new Streetlife category for prospective traders associations to apply for funding to assist with legal and strategic advice,” Mr Delahunty said.

“By broadening the reach of Streetlife funding and supporting smaller projects, we are ensuring that an even greater number of retail businesses have the opportunity to gain valuable skills under the program,” Mr Delahunty said.

Streetlife was launched by the Victorian Coalition Government in September 2012, with 24 Victorian councils and 8 trader or business associations offered First Round funding in March this year.

Projects under Streetlife will enable small retailers to develop better marketing strategies, grow their online presence and capability, and build more sustainable business practices.

Applications for Round Two funding close at 5 pm on 23 July 2013. Further information on Streetlife, including the eligibility criteria and application process for Round Two, as well as the Streetlife Information Sessions can be found at: business.vic.gov.au/streetlife

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 today announced a $100,000 grant from the Victorian Coalition Government to improve accessibility to the Wimmera Library, Horsham Mibus Centre.

“An upgrade of the existing building, through the addition of a new lift and toilet facilities, would provide much needed access to the centre’s first floor amenities, including the local library,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The Mibus Centre is an important local asset – attracting over 350 visitors a day – but is a major public facility in Horsham that does not have universal access,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The first step in the Victorian Government’s aim to provide sustainable infrastructure, facilities and services for regional communities is to ensure that existing centre amenities are accessible to all, including people with a disability.

Mr Delahunty said by improving the centre’s entrance hall, and providing a new lift and toilet facilities, would encourage more people to explore its many facilities and resources.

The $155,000 project had been developed with $55,000 funds put in by Horsham Rural City Council and local community groups.

Mr Delahunty said the Horsham community has dug deep into their own pockets to get this project off the ground.

“Once it is completed, early next year, these community groups will be able to reap the rewards of their investment – with increased visitation to the centre and greater involvement by the local community in activities.”

Mr Delahunty said the project had received funding through the $100 million Putting Locals First program – a component of the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund.

“The Putting Locals First program supports local development and planning projects, to improve the lives of regional Victorians.  By helping local communities to be more resilient we can contribute to a better quality of life for regional Victoria,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has announced the school crossing supervisor subsidy has been secured for all Local Government areas in the Lowan electorate.

“Funding for the School Crossing Supervisor Subsidy Scheme has increased from $9.7 million in 2012-13 to almost $10million next financial year,” Mr Delahunty said.

“This includes a funding increase to each Council to pay for additional costs associated with the scheme,” Mr Delahunty said.
“This will ensure the region’s supervisor can continue their important work.”
“Our priority is keeping Victorians safe,” Mr Delahunty said.
Mr Delahunty said to apply for the subsidy, councils are required to review the eligibility of all crossings each year in line with the guidelines and submit an application to VicRoads.
The guidelines ensure that the state’s road safety resources are being directed to the highest risk sites, where they are most needed
“The subsidy is provided as a bulk allocation and as council know the needs of the local community best, councils determine the number of supervisors to allocate and the locations,” Mr Delahunty said.
During the school terms, speed limits will be reduced to either 40km/h or 60km/h outside schools in the morning from 8am to 9.30am and in the afternoon from 2.30pm to 4pm.
The school speed zone limits are clearly signposted with permanent speed limit signs, advance warning signs, time based signs or electronic variable signs.
“School speed limits exist because young children are the most vulnerable of all road users. Children can be unpredictable and difficult to see and I urge drivers to take extra care around schools, and slow down.  A small reduction in speed can dramatically increase the chance of a child surviving if hit by a car,” Mr Delahunty said.

The Nationals member for Lowan and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Hugh Delahunty today announced that Victoria’s local councils would be provided with funding through the new Anzac Commemorative Naming Project, designed to encourage communities to honour Victorian service personnel during the Anzac Centenary.

“Lowan communities can now pay tribute to their local Anzacs thanks to today’s announcement of a $100,000 funding allocation from the Victorian Coalition Government for a state-wide program to name roads, suburbs or other geographic features in honour of local veterans,” Minister Hugh Delahunty said.

“From 2014 to 2018, Victorians will join the rest of the nation in commemorating the 100th anniversary of the First World War and remembering those servicemen and women who served during one of the darkest chapters in modern history,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Australia’s Anzac Centenary 2014-18 commemorations will provide all Victorians with the perfect opportunity to tap into, and rediscover, our proud Anzac legacy.”

“That’s why the Coalition Government is proud to provide this opportunity to local governments and communities.  The project is just one of the many Coalition Government initiatives that will build and maintain the legacy of our war veterans during the Anzac Centenary and beyond.”

Mr Delahunty said the Anzac Commemorative Naming Project builds on the success of a 2011 pilot project that saw five Victorian councils name 39 new roads and one new suburb after Victorian veterans, as well as civilians who served during wartime.

“Thanks to the pilot project the City of Ballarat has a new suburb called ‘Lucas’, named in honour of local textile company owner Eleanor Lucas,” Mr Delahunty said

“Back in 1917, she and her 500 employees planted more than 3,000 trees that now make up Ballarat’s iconic Avenue of Honour. They did so in honour of the selfless sacrifice made by the Ballarat District WWI soldiers on behalf of our nation.

“I encourage councils in the Lowan electorate to follow the City of Ballarat’s lead and sign up to the new Anzac Commemorative Naming Project,” Mr Delahunty said.

The project would be administered by the Office for Geographic Names Victoria, part of the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

Councils seeking more information can visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/property-titles-and-maps/naming-places/contact-us
 

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty said local library lovers have until Thursday 16 May 2013 to have a say on the future of public libraries in Victoria.

“The Coalition Government is committed to supporting local councils to ensure public libraries remain a vibrant, modern and effective resource for all Victorians,” Mr Delahunty said.

“We know Victorians people love local libraries, so it’s important for people to have a say on what they would like to see in the library of tomorrow,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Publishing its landmark research in December last year, the Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries (MAC) proposed the concept of the ‘Victorian Library’ as a way to meet future needs.”

“This concept has the potential to break down borders and open up new opportunities for library providers and users alike, so we’d like to know what people think about it.”

“This second stage of consultation will assess the ‘Victorian Library’ concept and review public library funding.”

“I encourage people to provide their feedback online, and answer a few simple questions about e-books and online resources, a single library card for all Victorian libraries, and access to resources anywhere in the state from here in western Victoria,” Mr Delahunty said.

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell said public libraries in Victoria provided a range of important services and welcomed 1.1 million visitors last financial year.

“Libraries are at the heart of Victorian communities.  We love them and we use them often,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Through this public consultation process we hope to find out more about what people think of the ‘Victorian Library’ concept and whether it will meet the needs of future generations.”

“In coming months the MAC will meet with local councils, regional library corporations and other key library stakeholders to talk about what needs to happen at the ‘back end’ of the library if we are to implement the recommendations,” Mr Delahunty said.

Feedback and submissions can be made online before 5.00pm on Thursday 16 May 2013 at www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/tomorrowslibrary  Submitters providing their name and address will go into the draw to win a 32GB iPad valued at $649.

 

Nationals Member for Lowan, Hugh Delahunty is encouraging residents and ratepayers to keep an ear out for a telephone survey of Local Government performance, via an annual community satisfaction survey. 
Mr Delahunty said “400 residents from each participating Shire will be randomly contacted and asked to comment on the performance of their local Council.”
Through this survey, people get the chance to make their views known in four main areas: council performance, consultation, advocacy and customer service.
“This information is very important for Councils, helping to assess how well they are interacting with their communities, as well as providing important feedback about how the can improve,” Mr Delahunty said.
“I encourage anyone who receives a phone call to take the opportunity to make comment,” Mr Delahunty said.
Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell said last year’s state-wide survey showed 49% of respondents rated their councils as good or better with 36% as average.

“Another 13% rated their councils as poor or very poor and 1% couldn’t say either way,” Mrs Powell said.

While rate increases remain a significant community concern, Mrs Powell said the Coalition Government is placing downward pressure on council rates through important funding initiatives including:
• $160 million Country Roads and Bridges Program
• $1 billion Regional Growth Fund delivering $100 million for capital works
projects
• $46.7 million annually, to support public libraries and
• $7.9 million for roadside pest weed and rabbit control.

For more information on the survey, visit www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/localgovernment/publications-and-research/data,-directories-and-surveys.

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has welcomed the announcement that the West Wimmera Shire Council will be offered an $18,000 grant as part of the first round of funding under the Victorian Coalition Government’s $6 million four-year Streetlife program.

“West Wimmera Shire Council, in collaboration with four other municipalities in the Wimmera region, is one of 32 councils and trader associations across Victoria that will be offered grants under Streetlife to support local initiatives aimed at revitalising trading activity in main street business districts,” Mr Delahunty said.

“West Wimmera Shire will work with Hindmarsh, Horsham, Northern Grampians and Yarriambiack councils to deliver the Wimmera Online Precinct – a program to facilitate the incubation of online businesses, and increase the online activity and capabilities of local retailers.

“I congratulate West Wimmera Shire Council and its partner councils on this vital project which will provide greater confidence for retailers throughout the region,” Mr Delahunty said.

This round of Streetlife funding will distribute more than $500,000 over the next six to 12 months to assist councils and trader groups in working directly with small retail businesses to develop marketing strategies, new skills and online capabilities.

Councils are eligible for grants of up to $20,000 on an 80:20 co-funding basis, while business and trader associations qualify for up to $5,000. The individual grants are invested into new local projects tailored to the specific needs of retail businesses in community shopping precincts.  

The Coalition Government’s support of retail businesses in West Wimmera through the Streetlife grant will be an important boost for the regional economy.

“By working in conjunction with West Wimmera Shire Council, shopfront traders will have access to new tools and resources that they can adapt to build a stronger and more sustainable future for their business and the local community,” Mr Delahunty said.

For more information on the Streetlife program and how to apply for funding, visit business.vic.gov.au/streetlife

The Nationals member for Lowan Hugh Delahunty has welcomed the announcement that Hindmarsh Shire Council will be offered an $18,000 grant as part of the first round of funding under the Victorian Coalition Government’s $6 million four-year Streetlife program.

“Hindmarsh Shire Council, in collaboration with four other municipalities in the Wimmera region, is one of 32 councils and trader associations across Victoria that will be offered grants under Streetlife to support local initiatives aimed at revitalising trading activity in main street business districts,” Mr Delahunty said.

“Hindmarsh Shire will work with Horsham, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack councils to deliver the Wimmera Online Precinct – a program to facilitate the incubation of online businesses, and increase the online activity and capabilities of local retailers.

“I congratulate Hindmarsh Shire Council and its partner Wimmera councils on this vital project which will provide greater confidence for retailers throughout the region,” Mr Delahunty said

This round of Streetlife funding will distribute more than $500,000 over the next six to 12 months to assist councils and trader groups in working directly with small retail businesses to develop marketing strategies, new skills and online capabilities.

Councils are eligible for grants of up to $20,000 on an 80:20 co-funding basis, while business and trader associations qualify for up to $5,000. The individual grants are invested into new local projects tailored to the specific needs of retail businesses in community shopping precincts.  

The Government’s support of retail businesses in Hindmarsh Shire through the Streetlife grant will be an important boost for the regional economy.

“By working in conjunction with the council, shopfront traders will have access to new tools and resources that they can adapt to build a stronger and more sustainable future for their business and their local Wimmera community,”   Mr Delahunty said.

For more information on the Streetlife program and how to apply for funding, visit business.vic.gov.au/streetlife