Member for Benalla and Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Industries, Bill Sykes said today that the 2012 Victorian Hunting guide is now available online and thousands of copies are being mailed to Victoria’s 40,000 licensed hunters over the coming week, just in time for the start of the upcoming duck season.
“Victoria and many parts of the Benalla Electorate offer a diverse range of hunting opportunities from deer hunting in the alpine regions to duck hunting on selected wetlands. The Alpine National Park and Lake Eildon National Park, for example, allow hunting but subject to various conditions.
“The Victorian Government is committed to providing even better opportunities for licensed hunters to enjoy their recreation and to promote the growth of hunting businesses in regional areas across the state.
“The Coalition is encouraging more people to interact with the natural environment and to take advantage of the outstanding opportunities for hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities that we have to offer.
“However it is important that we work closely with the hunting community to achieve these outcomes, based on the sustainable management of our game species,” Dr Sykes said.
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Peter Walsh said, “The Victorian Coalition Government produces the Hunting Guide each year to provide the hunting community with important information on game hunting laws, including open season dates and bag limits, hunter ethics and firearm safety.
“The free guide is an important link between the industry, hunting organisations and the government. It also provides information about the newly created Game Victoria, which is the body responsible for managing game hunting in the state.
“I urge all new and experienced hunters to familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations for the coming hunting seasons,” Mr Walsh said.
Dr Sykes concluded that it is important to ensure the sustainability and safety of game hunting in Victoria, but there are heavy financial penalties for those who do the wrong thing, as well as the possibility of losing game and firearms licenses and firearms.
The Hunting Guide will be sent free of charge to all licensed game hunters while a further 10,000 copies will be available at Department of Primary Industries (DPI) regional offices and an online version is available at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/game-hunting.
The 2012 duck season opens on 17 March and finishes on 11 June.
For further information on game hunting in Victoria contact the DPI customers service centre on 13 61 86

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes today welcomed a new community program by St John Ambulance Victoria to giveaway 100 lifesaving defibrillators and provide training to grass roots Victorian sporting clubs.
Dr Sykes said, “This is an issue which has been raised with me by a number of football and netball clubs in my electorate.
“I am very impressed that St John Ambulance has the long term vision to supply defibrillators to the 2,300 identified football and netball, rugby, athletics, cricket and basketball clubs throughout Victoria by the start of the 2014 sport season,” he said.
“Highest priority is being given to clubs in regional Victoria as they are more likely to have longer response times when an ambulance is called.”
Dr Sykes said that the need for access to emergency services in rural Victoria is just one of the many challenges faced by people living, working and playing sport in country areas.
“Having a defibrillator at grass roots sporting clubs means that immediate help is available in the event of a cardiac arrest.”
In 2011 there were a significant number of sudden cardiac arrest-related incidents at local sporting clubs throughout Victoria and unfortunately three fatalities.
Dr Sykes said that the availability of this type of equipment at sporting clubs was also important due to campaigns initiated by the Victorian Government, local government and community groups to encourage community members to ‘get active and stay active’.
Clubs wanting to apply for a defibrillator and associated training can register online at www.defibssavelives.com.au and fill out an application form by 30 March 2011.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes announced that the Nagambie Scout Group will soon be enjoying improved facilities thanks to a grant of $25,000 from the Victorian Coalition Government.
The Nagambie Scout Group will receive the funding to upgrade the hall in Goulburn Street including replacement of external weatherboards and associated repairs as well as major painting works.
“Scouting and guiding play an important role in our rural communities in helping young girls and boys gain practical social and life skills as well as providing a safe environment for adventure.”
“The new facilities are a great boost to the Nagambie community and to the scouting community in particular,” Dr Sykes said.
Nagambie Scout Group Leader, Steve Hall said, “The grant will be a benefit to all Nagambie scouts and the wider community as we share our facilities with the local schools. We will now be able to upgrade the facility, which was formerly the Nagambie Fire Station, and build an extra shed in the back yard to allow space for cubs and scouts to spread out during learning and active times.
“Nagambie Scouts are the only active scout group left in the Strathbogie Shire and gives cubs and scouts an opportunity to improve social skills, team work and learn life skills which can be used in all stages of their future achievements.”
Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith said the $4 million program delivered on the Government’s election commitment to upgrade Scouts and Girl Guides facilities across the state.

“With this new 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.

“This funding also ensures that these facilities are still available for other community needs, such as accommodating local not-for-profit organisations working with young people,” Mr Smith said.

Girl Guides Victoria’s State Commissioner Robinette Emonson said: “We are looking forward to working closely with the state and local governments and the community to achieve outcomes which will be of benefit to everyone.”

Chief Commissioner of Scouts Victoria, Bob Taylor, said: “It is fantastic that the Victorian Government has recognised the importance and benefits of Scouting and Guiding in today’s society and are providing funding to assist us in upgrading our facilities across the state.”

To get involved with your local Girl Guide or Scout group visit www.guidesvic.org.au or www.vicscouts.com.au.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes announced that the Mansfield Scout Group will soon be enjoying improved facilities thanks to a grant of $25,000 from the Victorian Coalition Government.
The Mansfield Scout Group will receive the funding to fit out the new building in Collopy Street, including internal walls and plastering, toilets, shower, kitchen, shelving, water tank and outside grounds works.
“Scouting and guiding play an important role in our rural communities in helping young girls and boys gain practical social and life skills as well as providing a safe environment for adventure.”
“The new facilities are a great boost to the Mansfield community and to the scouting community in particular,” Dr Sykes said.
Mansfield Scout Group leader Sonia Lewis said, “As a leader this funding means that the Mansfield Scouts will now be able to be offered so much more from Scouting in Mansfield. Now our local youth will be able to enjoy a full and exciting personal development and training program within the appropriate and safe facilities that they deserve.
“I am particularly looking forward to our first cooking extravaganzas, visits from other Scout Groups to our community and ‘sleep over’ activities in the complete new hall.”
Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith said the $4 million program delivered on the Government’s election commitment to upgrade Scouts and Girl Guides facilities across the state.
“With this new 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.
“This funding also ensures that these facilities are still available for other community needs, such as accommodating local not-for-profit organisations working with young people,” Mr Smith said.
Girl Guides Victoria’s State Commissioner Robinette Emonson said: “We are looking forward to working closely with the state and local governments and the community to achieve outcomes which will be of benefit to everyone.”
Chief Commissioner of Scouts Victoria, Bob Taylor, said: “It is fantastic that the Victorian Government has recognised the importance and benefits of Scouting and Guiding in today’s society and are providing funding to assist us in upgrading our facilities across the state.”
To get involved with your local Girl Guide or Scout group visit www.guidesvic.org.au or www.vicscouts.com.au. 

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes has again urged people hit with massive flood insurance premiums to explore all options.
Dr Sykes has renewed this advice following a meeting with SunCorp Insurance representative and fellow Nationals MP’s including Tim McCurdy, Member for Murray Valley.
Dr Sykes said, “It is clear that different insurance companies have different policies with respect to assessment of flood risk and premium setting.
“Some insurance companies are insisting on compulsory flood insurance while others allow clients to opt out of flood insurance.
“Some have factored extreme flood events (for example, up to a 1/10,000 year flood event), whereas others are working on the more commonly used 1/100 year event.
“Similarly insurance premium increases for flood cover vary from very little up to 1000 per cent.
Dr Sykes also said that people should explore accepting a larger excess on their insurance cover or capping flood damage payouts.
Dr Sykes concluded, “Shop around for the flood insurance cover which best suits the risk of flood, your attitude to risk and what you can afford and make sure you fully understand the extent of insurance cover when you make your choice.”

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes today handed over the keys for the new Murchison VICSES Unit heavy rescue truck to support its emergency services operations.
Representing Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan, Member for Benalla Bill Sykes said the new vehicle would enable the unit to respond more efficiently to emergencies in the local community.
“Murchison is a dedicated Unit with a team comprising 16 volunteer members, who go above and beyond the call of duty to protect life and property,” Dr Sykes said.
While the unit’s previous rescue truck was unable to exceed speeds of 85 kilometres an hour, this state-of-the art replacement provides improved speeds and the additional man space and equipment storage to support a growing team.
“I am delighted to announce that the unit will also shortly be joined by a further four new recruits, who will commence training during the next month.”
Dr Sykes said that the Murchison VICSES Unit had demonstrated exceptional courage and dedication during the January 2011 floods, evacuating residents to higher ground and providing recovery support to the local community.
“The Murchison Unit’s specialised expertise in storm, flood and road rescue enabled them to offer much needed assistance during a very difficult time in the community’s recent history.”
He said members regularly visited schools to educate students and in addition to providing advice on storm and flood preparation at community events, had also attended annual ANZAC dawn services and operated a Driver Reviver site.
Minister Ryan said it was vital that brigades such as Murchison had the best equipment possible to continue their essential work in the local area.
“Local agencies are the backbone of Victoria’s emergency services and the State Government recognises the important role emergency services volunteers play,” Mr Ryan said.
“I applaud Murchison VICSES Unit and its members for their ongoing dedication and commitment, particularly during challenging times.”
He said VICSES had 5,500 dedicated volunteers who between them delivered more than 135,000 volunteer hours across Victoria last year.
“The State Government will continue to support the selfless and important role of our volunteers in responding to all emergencies, including fires, heat waves, floods and storms, or rescuing people in trouble or on the water,” he said.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes today welcomed funding from the Victorian Government of $25,000 to improve the skills of Goulburn River Valley tourism businesses.
Dr Sykes said Goulburn River Valley Tourism’s Business Development and Training Program would improve coordination and promotion of tourism attractions across the Strathbogie, Murrindindi and Mitchell Shires and the City of Greater Shepparton.
He said, “This initiative is a proactive way to promote and strengthen tourism opportunities and events in the Strathbogie and Murrindindi Shires, both of which offer some fantastic natural attractions including Lakes Eildon and Nagambie and many rivers, rail trails and National Parks. The region also has excellent local festivals, markets and events, wineries and restaurants.
“The region will benefit from this project by offering training in packaging and promotion and event management as well as the Visitor Information Centre (VIC) Summit to train volunteers and staff about the product and attractions of the Goulburn River Valley region.”
Member for Seymour, Cindy McLeish said, “The Goulburn River and the valley is one of the truly gorgeous parts of Victoria.

“I’m pleased the Coalition Government can provide this opportunity for local tourism businesses which will be of benefit to the towns and the many Goulburn communities.”
Jeanette Powell, Member for Shepparton said, “This is great news for Goulburn River Valley Tourism as it will enable it to further develop its cooperative approach to tourism across the region.”
The project follows a survey by Goulburn River Valley Tourism of its stakeholders to determine industry training and development needs, which identified event development and packing and promotion as the two key training needs.
The Visitor Information Centre (VIC) Summit is expected to attract more than 100 participants and provides volunteers the opportunity to better understand the region’s tourism offerings and to share information and network.
The project will build the capacity of tourism operators to meet tourist needs and grow the local economy and to improve business connectivity to create a more robust and diverse tourism sector in the region.
The Victorian Government funding for the Business Development and Training Program is provided to Goulburn River Valley Tourism through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund’s Putting Locals First program.

Funding of $3,050 has been granted to the Violet Town Men’s Shed to strengthen its long-term viability, Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said today.
Dr Sykes said the support has been provided under the Capacity Building Fund, which supports activities such as helping Men’s Sheds to organise training sessions on occupational health and safety, first aid, governance, and to host networking events with sheds in neighbouring communities.
The grant will be used by the Violet Town Men’s Shed to build on governance and sustainability and to convene a shed strategic planning workshop.
Dr Sykes said, “I continue to be impressed with the contribution that Men’s Sheds throughout north east Victoria make to the broader community. This includes repairing community infrastructure such as park benches and mentoring students from local schools.
“The continued sustainability of the Violet Town Men’s Shed is important as it provides benefits to not only members but the local community as well.”
Coordinator of the Violet Town Men’s Shed, John Broadhurst said, “We are very pleased that the application has been successful and I thank the Violet Town Community House for the work they did on the application.”
Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge said the Victorian Men’s Shed Association (VMSA) was playing an increasing role in ensuring new and growing Men’s Sheds can become sustainable.
“Volunteers contribute countless hours to supporting their members, and the Coalition Government is pleased to support their efforts,” Ms Wooldridge said.
VMSA president Paul Sladdin said Men’s Sheds were increasingly being recognised as valuable to older men’s wellbeing, particularly to their social enjoyment, ongoing learning capacity, and ability to contribute to their community.
“These grants are welcomed by the VMSA as they will provide opportunities for members to network with other sheds, as well as providing training opportunities in areas that will assist in ensuring the sustainability of the shed,” Mr Sladdin said.
“Men’s Sheds provide an environment where productivity and being of value to the community contribute to a man’s feeling of self-worth and help to develop a sense of meaning in the years following retirement, loss or other hardship.”
More than $88,000 from the Capacity Building Fund is being distributed across Victoria in partnership with the VMSA to support activities that build the skills and knowledge of supervisors and volunteers.
The funding will be used to support:
• 40 training sessions ranging from governance to finances to first aid;
• up to 20 community partnership building events, such as men’s health awareness; and
• up to 50 shed groups participate in activities funded through the program.
There are about 160 Men’s Sheds in Victoria. The Coalition Government has committed a further $4 million in the 2011-12 Budget to continue to strengthen Men’s Sheds for the next four years.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes announced today that VicRoads have started maintenance and repair work on the Benalla Monash Bridge, on the Midland Highway.

The bridge traverses Lake Benalla, which is being drained by Benalla Rural City Council in an attempt to help control the noxious Cabomba weed.

“VicRoads will take advantage of the lake being drained by repairing sections of the road bridge that are otherwise difficult to reach - such as under the bridge decks and abutments,” Dr Sykes said.

Crews will repair eroded and cracked concrete sections. General maintenance, such as joint repairs, will be undertaken at the same time.

“This type of maintenance work can only be performed if the lake is empty and crews are able to evaluate the impact of water flow on the bridge structures,” he said.

Sediment and rocks will be removed from around the bridge abutments to maintain the integrity of the structure.

Heavy rock beaching will be installed in the river bed to minimise scouring of the bridge, caused by fast-flowing water.

“VicRoads’ quality control together with regular maintenance and inspection will ensure the bridge is kept strong and functional,” Dr Sykes concluded.

The works are scheduled to be completed by 9 March, weather permitting.

There will be no impact on the traffic flow during the repair works.

The Victorian Coalition Government will provide a grant of $560,000 over 4 years to support a leadership program for the Alpine Valleys’ brightest talent, Member for Benalla Bill Sykes announced today.

Representing Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan, Dr Sykes said the annual Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program would cater for up to 24 emerging and current business and community leaders from the region.

“The Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program focuses on local issues and opportunities within the region, with mentoring and experiential education making up part of the program,” Dr Sykes said.

“The program comprises 24 days of activity, including workshops, seminars, industry visits, weekend retreats, a program launch and a graduation evening.”

Member for Murray Valley, Tim McCurdy said the Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program had a track record of delivering wonderful results to businesses and communities across the region.

“It is very encouraging to see the amount of people who come out of the program with a whole new leadership mindset, gained from the experience,” Mr McCurdy said.

“Within twelve months of completing the program and utilising new skills and networks, graduates also participate in projects that benefit communities in the Alpine Valleys region.”

Mr McCurdy said the program provided a significant contribution to the leadership of the Alpine Valleys region, taking into account the need for diverse leaders who come from different areas and backgrounds.

Mr Ryan said funding for the program would be provided to the North East AgCare Inc from the Regional Community Leadership Program which is part of the Coalition’s $1 billion Regional Growth Fund.

“The Regional Community Leadership Program provides $6 million over 4 years to support Community Leadership Programs to plan, develop and deliver leadership programs throughout regional and rural Victoria,” Mr Ryan said.

“The Regional Community Leadership Program will strengthen the leadership capacity of the businesses and community organisations in regional and rural Victoria and facilitate the emergence of local leaders in business and the broader community”.