Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes welcomes the removal of understory and dead timber from 10 cross over points on the Hume Freeway near Longwood.
“This work is being done in response to local CFA brigade requests to improve safety of the cross overs for when they are attending fires and motor vehicle accidents.”
Dr Sykes said VicRoads have undertaken these works in consultation with the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Strathbogie Shire and are ensuring the protection of endangered flora whilst removing the understory which presents an unacceptable risk to emergency service and other vehicles.
Longwood CFA captain, Graeme Seach said, “I am extremely pleased that VicRoads have undertaken this work as the local CFA are often called to attend accidents on the freeway and bushfires.
“The removal of the understorey will allow CFA and other emergency service vehicles to safely cross the north and south bound lanes of the freeway during emergencies.”
Dr Sykes said that it is anticipated that the vegetation clearance will also make it safer for other heavy vehicles to use the cross overs in the event of Hume Freeway closures due to accidents or fires.
Regional Manager VicRoads, Graham Freestone said, “The work involves the removing the middle shrub layer, fallen timber, stumps and lower branches on mature eucalypts, while still retaining the ground cover and trees.
“The ten crossings will undergo fuel reduction for 60 metres either side of the crossing. Significant ground cover exists on all uncleared areas which requires the removal of vegetation by hand to minimise disturbance to the area.
“Environmental field assessments have been carried out and DSE has granted approval to remove some native vegetation for the purpose of bushfire risk mitigation.
“The works are supervised by a VicRoads environmental officer to ensure areas with protected flora and fauna are identified and preserved. Areas where protected species are located will be permanently defined to protect against any inadvertent slashing in future.”
Mr Freestone said that a number of flora and fauna have been identified for protection, including the Euroa Guinea Flower, Black-anther Flax-Lily, Acacia penninervis and Mitchell's Wattle.”

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said today that almost $12 million would be made available under the 2012/2013 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP).
Dr Sykes said, “These grants provide our local volunteer emergency service groups the opportunity to apply for equipment, facility upgrades, vehicles and appliances.
“It is important our volunteer groups such as SES and CFA are supported through grants like VESEP so that they can continue to do what they do best – protecting lives and property throughout north east Victoria.
“Our emergency services in the Benalla Electorate have had to deal with a number of significant emergencies in recent years including fires, storms and flooding.
“In each of these emergencies our volunteers have played a crucial role in protecting communities and people.”
Under the program emergency services volunteer groups can access grants of up to $100,000 for operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and minor facility improvements.
VESEP will contribute $2 for every $1 of funding up to $100,000. Applicants must meet a range of criteria and will be assessed by a panel comprising representatives from government and respective emergency services organisations.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Emergency Services Peter Ryan said, “Our volunteers are the backbone of Victoria’s emergency services so we want to ensure they have the best equipment available to help them carry out their vital work.
“The Coalition Government’s VESEP initiative will ensure our emergency services are better equipped to respond safely and effectively to emergencies, whether it be floods, heat waves, storms or bushfires.”
For more information to go www.justice.vic.gov.au or email vesep@justice.vic.gov.au.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes today welcomed the return of the third V/Line train from Sunday 22 April 2012.
Dr Sykes said, “The State Coalition Government has now returned all three daily services along the Albury to Melbourne line after the former Labor Government left north east Victoria without local V/Line trains from more than two years.”
The third daily return V/Line ‘local’ train will return between Southern Cross and Albury departing Southern Cross at 7.10am and Albury at 12.45pm.
Dr Sykes said he was delighted that the State Government had kept its promise to return all three daily V/Line services.
“This will have enormous benefits for people living in north east Victoria who need to travel to Melbourne for work and appointments or to just enjoy the fantastic sights and sounds of the State’s capital.”

Southern Aurora 50th Anniversary
Dr Sykes said there was also good news for train enthusiasts as this week the Southern Aurora will pass through Benalla as part of the 50th anniversary tour itinerary.
Dr Sykes said, “The Southern Aurora will pass through Benalla on Thursday 19 April 2012 in the morning on day four of the train’s special 11 day Grand Rail Cruise.”
The train will visit Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and recreate the inaugural departure from Sydney 50 years ago.
The Southern Aurora ran nightly between Sydney Central and Melbourne Spencer Street Station from 1962 to 1986 offering all sleeper accommodation.
It was noted for its gleaming, stainless steel appearance with a dining car and lounge car on every train. The train carried 98 passengers and was very popular with businessmen and women for many years.
From 1986 to 1993 it became a trimmed down ‘Melbourne (or Sydney) Express and was a combined sleeping and sitting car train, will with a dining car. In 1993 XPT railcars commenced operation, replacing the Expresses.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes today welcomed the announcement that councils in the Benalla electorate are to receive a share of $10.5 million provided to support the highly successful L2P program.
The announcement by Minister for Roads, Terry Mulder, will mean significant funds will be available to continue the program in the Alpine, Strathbogie and Mansfield Shires and Benalla Rural City.
Dr Sykes said the learner driver mentoring program operating in these areas in conjunction with VicRoads provides communities with the resources needed to assist disadvantaged learners to become safer drivers.
“We know that learners who complete 120 hours of supervised on-road driving experience have a 30 per cent lower crash rate for the first two years on their P-plates, compared with those who have only 50 hours of practice,” Dr Sykes said.
“However some young learners in the community simply do not have access to a vehicle or supervising driver to achieve the 120 hours practice required. This program addresses that issue.”
Dr Sykes continued, “I have personally seen how well this program operates and I understand how important this funding boost will be to ensuring it continues,” he said.
“It is vitally important for our young drivers to gain all the necessary experience and be able to practice their developing skills before they gain their licence and become regular road users.”
The L2P program was launched with the help of VicRoads and offers support to learners preparing to sit their probationary licence test by pairing them with a trained supervising driver and providing access to a vehicle to clock up 120 hours of on-road driving experience.
“There is a team of 1400 volunteer mentors operating in programs in 60 local government areas across the state,” Mr Mulder said.
“The program is highly valued by the communities in which it operates and this funding will assist learners gain experience behind the wheel providing them with the opportunity to get their licence and the freedom to access work and education opportunities.”
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The Victorian Government will provide $20,000 towards a project aimed at redeveloping the Moyhu Memorial Soldiers Hall into a learning and health service hub, Member for Benalla Bill Sykes announced today on behalf of the Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan.
“The Rural City of Wangaratta has proposed to redevelop the Memorial Soldiers Hall to meet the needs of Moyhu and the surrounding communities into the future, all at the one site,” Dr Sykes said.
“This project will enhance the strong sense of community at Moyhu which includes an active football and netball club, gymnastics club, tennis and bowls club, primary school and kindergarten.
“The Moyhu Community Hub Facility Project proposes a feasibility to look at the redevelopment of the Hall as a one-stop community hub, which will incorporate the King Valley Learning Exchange, Ovens and King Community House and the local Men’s Shed, which is currently planned to be built at the rear of the Hall site.
“The combining of education, health services and the Men’s Shed all at the one site will have the benefit of an integrated and consolidated approach for local services and facilities.
“The forming of a community hub such as this will provide an improved service for Moyhu, which is a central service area for communities in both the King Valley and Greta Valley, as well as Myrrhee and Carboor.”
Peter Ryan said the overall $30,000 project would assist in providing architectural designs and professional planning and advice for the project, and would ensure consultation with stakeholders and local community.
Mr Ryan said the Rural City of Wangaratta would provide the $10,000 balance of the overall project.
“The $20,000 in Victorian Government support is funded through our Putting Locals First program through the Local Initiatives stream of the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund,” Mr Ryan said.
“The Regional Growth Fund (RGF) supports the continued economic development of regional Victoria by investing in infrastructure and services.
“It is about strengthening local communities by building networks and creating opportunities, delivering growth, employment and improved facilities.
“The Victorian Government constantly aims to create new opportunities for economic growth in regional towns,” Mr Ryan said.
“Strong growth and prosperity across the state can only be achieved with additional investment in the regional areas, and the Victorian Government takes pride in delivering on this.”
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Alpine Shire Council will formulate an urban design strategy for Mt Beauty with the help of Victorian Government funding of $25,000 Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes announced today.
Dr Sykes said the Mt Beauty Urban Design Strategy would revitalize the Alpine town and help ensure the provision of appropriate well-planned public and community assets well into the future.
“I am impressed by Mt Beauty’s renewed sense of community, driven by community services such as the Mt Beauty Neighbourhood Centre and local residents and other community groups.
“I was pleased to be able to attend the Mt Beauty Playscape Twilight Festival held in February which was a fantastic community event and a great example of the local spirit.
“This planning will complement the town’s growing sense of community.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said, “Originally planned and built as a company town for the Victorian Alps Hydro Scheme, Mount Beauty has evolved into a unique lifestyle village and tourist destination.”
“As a result, the layout of the township requires change to support contemporary and sustainable living.
“The Mount Beauty Urban Design Strategy will identify key opportunities for improving pedestrian connectivity between the town centre and other activity areas including the recreation precinct, education precinct as well as Tawonga South.
“The strategy will consider the function and location of community facilities and also focus on ways to improve access, awareness and investment attraction in the town’s commercial precinct.”
Mr Ryan said the Mount Beauty Urban Design Strategy would give Alpine Shire Council and the local community clarity on the achievable options for delivering improved connectivity and sense of place for the town.
“The Strategy will build on current and past initiatives including the 2002 Mount Beauty Masterplan and Mount Beauty Community Facilities Strategy by providing greater detail of the achievable options for improving access and town character,” Mr Ryan said.
“While earlier studies have made general recommendations, further assessment and detailed design will help the council plan the financial and human resource required to deliver the improvements.”
Mr Ryan said the Victorian Government funding for the Mt Beauty Urban Design Strategy would be provided to Alpine Shire Council through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund’s Putting Locals First Program.
“Putting Locals First is a $100 million initiative to enable regional communities to devise and deliver service and infrastructure responses which reflect local priorities,” Mr Ryan said.
Media enquiries Bill Sykes MP 0427 624 989

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.

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.

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”.

In a move that has been welcomed by the Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, Victoria will soon have legislation that sets out clear expectations for organisations that engage with carers.
The Carers Recognition Bill 2012 recognises all carers, including young carers, kinship and foster carers, and people providing support and assistance for someone with a mental or chronic illness and those supporting ageing parents, the frail aged or a person with a disability.
Dr Sykes said, “The Coalition Government has honoured an election commitment with the introduction of the Carers Recognition Bill 2012 and I welcome the legislation which sets out clear expectations on the treatment of carers throughout Victoria.
“In my electorate, for example, there are many individuals who care for loved ones with a disability, people who open their doors to give young people a home and organisations such as Mansfield Autism Statewide Services who provide support for parents and their children with autism spectrum disorders.
“These people make an enormous contribution to the community and they deserve support and recognition for what they contribute,” he said.
The Bill will bring Victoria into line with legislation in other states and territories and the Commonwealth.
Community Services Minister, Mary Wooldridge said that the Bill will raise the status of carers and care relationships in the community and sets out principles recognising carers for their contribution.
“The Bill is unique in recognising care relationships. Carers and the people they care for are in a shared arrangement and if the care relationship is strong, the carer and the person being cared for will have better lives.
“This approach to recognising the significance of care relationships has been the subject of extensive consultation.”
The legislation requires government and funded agencies to reflect on care relationship principles in the conduct of their business and report annually on the actions they have taken to comply with the principles.
The Victorian Charter Supporting People in Care Relationships will be updated to reflect the new legislation and will support implementation of the Bill.