The Mansfield Bowls Club are among 30 sporting venues across the state to benefit from a $1.9 million Victorian Coalition Government funding boost to help councils and clubs implement sustainable water management practices.
Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, said the Mansfield Bowls Club would receive $100,000 as part of the latest funding from the Sustainable Sports Ground Program.
Dr Sykes said the funding would benefit not just the members of the local clubs but the whole community, including nearby schools and community groups.
Mansfield Shire Council Mayor Jeff Whyte agreed, “Lawn bowls provides an important physical and social activity for a broad cross sector of the Mansfield community in both age and ability.
“This project will allow for year-round participation and will increase the current participation across the community”
The Mansfield Bowls Club project will replace a current turf green with a synthetic surface green.
Julie Holland from Mansfield Bowling Club explained, “We identified this project a number of years ago and have developed a well-researched business plan and have achieved significant fundraising of $65,000 towards the project.
“Our dream is now becoming a reality and with the State Government’s contribution of $100,000 towards the project we will be able to improve our facilities so that we can attract regional competition to Mansfield, building visitation and further enhancing the profile and participation of Lawn Bowls in the Shire”, said Mrs Holland.
Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty said the Victorian Government has invested more than $1.9 million in the program towards 30 projects across Victoria for sports such as soccer, football, netball, lawn bowls and tennis.
“Across the state, sport and recreation facilities provide vital community hubs where people can join together and be more active, more often,” Mr Delahunty said.
“From water recycling and storm water harvesting to drought resistant turf and the installation of synthetic playing surfaces, the Sustainable Sports Ground Program is helping local sport to not only survive, but thrive.
“We are working together with local clubs and councils to support higher levels of use and participation at local sporting facilities, whatever the weather brings.
“Unfortunately in the last few years some Victorian clubs and councils struggled with the impact of extreme weather, especially floods and drought, on their sports facilities and this funding will assist local clubs.
“By improving the quality, water efficiency and sustainability of these local facilities, we are encouraging more people to be more active and boost their health by becoming involved in community sports at their local clubs,” Mr Delahunty said.
For more information about the Sustainable Sports Ground Program, visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au

Member for Benalla Bill Sykes joined representatives of the Alpine Shire Council and the community to officially reopen the much-loved and newly renovated Happy Valley Hall today.

Representing the Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan, Dr Sykes said the hall had been a place of refuge for local residents during the 2009 bushfires and a place of community healing in the aftermath of the fires.

“The Alpine Shire suffered significant damage through the Black Saturday bushfires, with a total of 257 properties impacted,” Dr Sykes said.

“The Happy Valley Hall was used as a relief and recovery point during the 2009 fires and has since been a focal point for the local community.”

Dr Sykes said renovations to the hall included:

• Upgrade of the kitchen facilities;
• Construction of new toilets and storage area;
• Installation of diesel generator with solar charger;
• Installation of gas hot water and plumbing;
• Ceiling insulation and lighting;
• A new barbecue area and pavilion;
• Water tank, pump, piping; and
• Children’s playground.

“I am very pleased to be able to celebrate with local residents and acknowledge all the hard work and effort that has gone into the new and improved hall,” Dr Sykes said.

“It is also great that the event could coincide with the annual Christmas tree and family gathering and the iconic arrival of Santa Claus on a fire truck.”

Mr Ryan said the Coalition Government was committed to supporting the changing needs of communities and individuals impacted by fires.

“The $285,000 hall renovation project received over $15,000 Victorian Government’s Community Recovery Fund, $250,000 from the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund and over $19,000 from the Bushfire Memorial Fund,” Mr Ryan said.

“The Coalition Government will continue to work with local councils and community groups to support these types of initiatives.”

The Victorian Coalition Government is giving doggers greater arsenal in the fight to control wild dogs by reintroducing Lane’s leg-hold traps.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said Department of Primary Industries (DPI) doggers would be able to use modified Lane’s traps from 1 January next year.

Mr Walsh said Lane’s traps were banned by the Brumby Labor Government in December
2008.

“Wild dogs cost Victorian farmers $18 million each year in lost livestock,” Mr Walsh said.

“It is vital that we do all we can to reduce the impact of these predators, particularly in Gippsland and the north east where they are the most severe.

“Some farmers have been so devastated by wild dog attacks they have left the farming industry entirely. This cannot continue.

“Wild dogs also change the natural environment by killing vulnerable native fauna like spotted quoll.”

Primary Industries Parliamentary Secretary Bill Sykes said Lane’s traps that are not used by DPI doggers would be modified to meet regulations and offered to landowners as part of an exchange program to remove old, rusty traps.

“The modified traps will be shortened and will feature pads instead of serrated jaws, to improve trap technology and animal welfare outcomes,” Dr Sykes said.

The Victorian Coalition Government will also maintain 72 hour trap checking to give doggers greater flexibility to bait over a wider area and utilise other strategic control methods.

Mr Walsh said the reintroduction of Lane’s leg-hold traps, coupled with the introduction of the wild dog bounty and an aerial baiting scheme to start next May, showed the Victorian Coalition Government was serious about controlling wild dogs.

“These measures show we are acting on landholders’ concerns about wild dogs, which went
ignored for years under Labor,” Mr Walsh said.

The Victorian Government is supporting the establishment of a monthly farmers’ market in Euroa with funding of $20,000 welcomed today by the Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes.

Dr Sykes said the market would be managed by the Euroa Rotary Club and the funding used to buy small-scale infrastructure and to promote the market which would be held in parkland between Kirkland Avenue and Seven Creeks.

Dr Sykes said, “Farmers’ markets are important as they provide both a social and economic boost to their local communities as well as attracting visitors from other regions.

“The Euroa Rotary Club members will set up and clean up the site, assist with parking, hold sausage sizzles and undertake all activities required to achieve a successful market,” Dr Sykes said.

“The market will provide fresh and locally grown produce direct from the farmer to the consumer.

“It will give local producers an additional opportunity to sell their produce and also provide and an opportunity to attract market visitors to shop in the main street of Euroa.

“Stallholders will be sourced from a list of local producers contained in a market feasibility study and from other known sources.”

Strathbogie Mayor, Mick Williams, said this funding would go towards, “Supporting the development and marketing of the long awaited farmers’ market to Euroa, which will be organised by a dedicated group of Rotarians. This market is an excellent opportunity to not only support our local growers, but to attract further tourism into the Strathbogie Shire.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Peter Ryan said farmers’ markets provided a fantastic opportunity for producers to sell their produce directly to consumers.

“Farmers’ markets provide a healthy, affordable and fresh food supply for the local community, and enable people to get more information about the availability, seasonality and origins of their food,” Mr Ryan said.

“Farmers’ markets also provide producers in a region with an opportunity to work together in identifying new business prospects, particularly in relation to supply chains.”

Mr Ryan said the Victorian Government funding would be provided to Strathbogie Shire Council through the $2 million Farmers’ Markets Program.

“The Farmers’ Markets Support Program aims to help develop Farmers’ Markets across the State that can grow and operate as economically sustainable community events to bring clean, green, local produce direct from farmer to consumer,” Mr Ryan said.

“The Victorian Government is committed to creating new prosperity, more opportunities and a better quality of life for regional Victoria.”

Key strategies for the management of one of Victoria’s best fishing regions are now in place.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said the Goulburn Broken Fishery
Management Plan would guide the management of fisheries in the Goulburn River, Broken
River and Broken Creek catchments over the next five years.
Member for Benalla Bill Sykes said the Goulburn Broken region was one of Victoria’s most
popular fishing regions.
“The Goulburn Broken region includes trout, native and mixed fisheries in Lake Eildon, the
Goulburn and Broken rivers, Broken Creek and the Nagambie Lakes,” Dr Sykes said.
“Fishing supports many small businesses and is vital to the economies of regional
communities. Studies have shown recreational fishing brings millions of dollars to the Eildon
region.
“The Goulburn Broken Fishery Management Plan encourages responsible fishing behaviour,
outlines fish stocking plans and examines ways to improve access to fishing areas to
maximise this economic value to the area.”
Key strategies in the plan include:
assessing the status of the Goulburn Broken fishery;
understanding the economic value of recreational fishing to Goulburn Broken
communities;
promoting Goulburn River and Eildon Pondage as premier fishing locations;
Stocking native species into Nagambie Lake;
developing Macquarie perch and trout cod stocking programs; and
stocking threatened species to re-establish viable native populations.
The plan was developed with a stakeholder based steering committee which included
representatives from VRFish, the Australian Trout Foundation, Native Fish Australia, the
Victorian National Parks Association, the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management
Authority, Goulburn Murray Water, Mansfield Shire, local businesses and DPI.
The Goulburn Broken Fishery Management Plan is available from the DPI Customer Service
Centre on 136 186 or at http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fisheries

Neighbourhood houses in the Benalla Electorate have been encouraged to apply for funding under a Victorian Coalition Government program that will help modernise centres in north east Victoria.
Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said the $700,000 Creating Modernised and Inclusive Neighbourhood Houses grant program could benefit centres in Avenel, Bonnie Doon, Mansfield, Mt Beauty and Murchison and others.
Neighbourhood houses and Learning Centres and Neighbourhood House Networks that are part of the Neighbourhood House Coordination Program can apply.

Dr Sykes said, “The funding could be used to support small scale infrastructure and governance improvements.”
He said the grants are also available to help Neighbourhood houses expand their facilities for young children and families, improve disability access, improve information and communication technology infrastructure or training to strengthen governance.
“I would encourage centres throughout my Electorate to consider making an application.”
Community Services Minister, Ms Wooldridge said the Coalition Government recognises the vital contribution that Neighbourhood houses make to families and communities.
“These centres provide a mix of social, educational and recreational activities, especially in rural communities where they may be the only community facility,” Mr Wooldridge said.
The Victorian Government is providing $21.6 million to Neighbourhood houses and learning centres in 2011/2012 to enable community engagement, planning and service delivery through the Neighbourhood House Coordination Program.
The State Government strongly supports 373 Neighbourhood houses and 16 Neighbourhood house networks across Victoria.
Applications for Creating Modernised and Inclusive Neighbourhood Houses grants close on 27 February 2012.
For further information go to www.dhs.vic.gov.au/neighbourhoodhousesgrants.

Christmas is the time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus and throughout the month of December communities and families prepare in different ways to celebrate this special occasion.
That may include buying presents, planning shared meals, travel and organising community parties and commemorative church services.
My hope this year is for everyone to embody the true spirit of Christmas, not just on 25 December but also in the weeks and days leading up to Christmas Day and after.
This may include supporting local businesses by shopping local and using local goods and services for work and community parties.
Or supporting charities who work hard to make Christmas Day a little brighter for someone less fortunate than us by donating money, food or a present.
There may be an opportunity to invite neighbours who have no one to celebrate Christmas Day with over for a cuppa or shared meal.
There are many little things that we as individuals and communities can do to make sure that the spirit of Christmas is shared and celebrated throughout the Benalla Electorate.
My other hope this year is for families to remain safe, whether travelling to holiday destinations or enjoying our beautiful lakes and rivers. It is particularly important that parents are vigilant and keep a close eye on young children around water and in long grass to avoid snake bites.
The real work of Christmas is beautifully described by Howard Thurman who wrote: “When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and the princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flocks, the work of Christmas begins; to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among brothers and sisters, to make music in the heart.”
I look forward to returning after the Christmas break to continue to serve the people of the Benalla Electorate.

Best wishes to everyone for a safe and happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Bill Sykes MP, State Member for Benalla
Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Industries

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell today announced $33,000 in Victorian Coalition Government funding from the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program for the refurbishment of the Bright and Myrtleford libraries.
“The Coalition Government is committed to the continual upgrade of Victoria’s world-class public library network to ensure life long learning opportunities for all Victorians,” Mrs Powell said.
“Libraries are essential public infrastructure that bring the community together and connect it to the wider world and the Coalition Government is making a substantial investment in these community hubs.”
Member for Benalla Bill Sykes welcomed the funding for Bright and Myrtleford libraries as another example of the Coalition Government investing in the local community.
“I am pleased the Minister has provided this funding for Bright and Myrtleford libraries, which was a matter I raised in the Parliament on 23 November,” Dr Sykes said.
“This funding will make a big difference in the delivery of library services in the Alpine Shire. Libraries are an important part of our community; they are learning centres and places where people can gather.
“With this funding, the Bright and Myrtleford libraries will now have new carpets, new book chutes and minor building repairs, resulting in an improved appearance of both libraries to make them vibrant, clean and safe places for the community to enjoy.”
Mrs Powell said through the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, $17.2 million was being invested over four years to improve Victoria’s public library structure by delivering at least 40 new or upgraded library facilities across the state.
“The purpose of the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program is to improve the infrastructure of Victoria’s public libraries to make them more accessible and to meet the changing needs of communities.”
The first round of funding will result in $3.4 million being invested in the rebuilding or refurbishment of Victoria’s public library network.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes today said changes to the Youth Allowance independence criteria was a win for students living in ‘inner regional’ areas throughout north east Victoria.
Dr Sykes said, “This week students will receive their VCE results and start the process of contemplating their options for next year.
“Affordability, for the many students who will need to move away from home in order to undertake tertiary study, is a major consideration.
“Legislative changes, which were passed in the Federal Senate on 25 November, are good news for many rural students and means that at long last regional students have certainty when it comes to independent Youth Allowance.”
Check out the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website for more detail on the Student Income Support Reforms 2012 – Questions and Answers: www.deewr.gov.au

Lake Eildon and Lake Nagambie will receive funding through the 2010-11 round of the Victorian Government’s Boating Safety and Facilities Program (BSFP), Member for Benalla Bill Sykes announced today.
Dr Sykes said, “Both Lake Eildon and Nagambie have enjoyed increased usage by recreational fishers, boaters and tourists as a result of good lake levels and it is important that facilities are safe for users; this funding will help to ensure this.”
Funding has been allocated for the following projects:
• Lake Nagambie - $14,643 – new navigation buoys for the lake
• Lake Eildon - $21,340 – new navigation buoys for the lake
• Lake Eildon - $113,461 – upgrade boat ramps, access tracks and trailer parking at Lakeside, Main Ramp and Burgan Point boat ramps.
Senior Boating Safety Officer at the Strathbogie Shire, Steve Parsons said, “From our point of view this funding is a great result as it allows improvements in signage and safety aids which will ensure boaters know where they can go and what they can do on Lake Nagambie.”
Jeff Harrison, Co-ordinator Land and On Water at Goulburn Murray Water said the funding for new navigation aids will ensure that Lake Eildon is compliant with Marine Safety regulations.
“The purpose of the buoys and signs on water ways is to make it safer for boaters and assist them to understand the zoning rules that apply.”
Ranger in Charge at the Lake Eildon National Park, Julie Flack said the funding will mean carparks at ramp areas will be able to be resealed and relined making it safer and quicker for the launching and retrieval of boats.
“The number of visitors has been increasing steadily over the last three years with a lot of fishers and recreational users of the lake visiting the area. It will be good to get these projects up and running with works to commence prior to Christmas. It is hoped to complete the works by Easter 2012.”
Dr Sykes said, “This funding is an opportunity to provide great facilities for Victoria’s boating and fishing enthusiasts and to ensure our waterways are safe for all users over the popular summer months.”
The BSFP is funded through a portion of recreational boat operator licensing fees and vessel registration fees, providing money for grants and statewide initiatives. The aim of the program is to make recreational boating safer and more accessible for all Victorians.
For more information about the 2011-12 Boating Safety and Facilities Program contact the Grants Administration Team on 1800 337 222, email boating.grants@transport.vic.gov.au or visit www.transport.vic.gov.au/grants.