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 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 visited the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s (DSE) refurbished office and depot in Ovens today.
Dr Sykes said the completed works will increase the capacity and efficiency of the Level 3 Incident Control Centre and provides a modern centre to boost local fire fighting capabilities.
The works have included an upgraded IT system and the provision of increased room for emergency service organisations in the event of an incident and provides better capacity for joint operations between DSE and the Country Fire Authority (CFA).
Dr Sykes said, “As highlighted in the Bushfire Royal Commission recommendations it is vitally important that communications between emergency services are efficient and timely; this upgrade will enable better communications between DSE, CFA and other emergency service organisations.”
The new shed is purpose built to provide specialist rappel crews based at Ovens with a safe, modern and well laid out facility.
Dr Sykes said, “The fire fighting centre is one of just two sites in Victoria that has rappel fire fighting crews and it is important that the facilities meet the needs of these specialist teams.
“The completion of these works is very timely in light of warnings from CFA and DSE to expect increased fire danger, particularly grass fires, over summer due to good spring rains.”

The community of Thornton will be better protected from bushfires following the official opening of the new $383,000 fire station on Sunday 16 October, Member for Benalla Bill Sykes said today.
Officially opening the station on behalf of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Bushfire Response, Peter Ryan, Dr Sykes said the new building provides brigade members with a modern base, which replaces an outdated galvanized shed built in the 1960s.
Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said the building would better equip brigade members to continue providing essential emergency services to the community.
“For the residents of Thornton and the surrounding region, the new station represents an investment in the safety of the community,” Dr Sykes said.
“Thornton brigade’s 42 members work tirelessly to protect life and property and I am confident that the new station will serve the brigade for many years to come and ensures that its members are equipped to continue serving the local community.”
Dr Sykes said the 72 year-old brigade had made a significant contribution to major fires across the state, including the 2009 Black Saturday fires, as well as interstate, and provided invaluable support to surrounding communities as part of the Alexandra Group of Brigades.
He said many long serving members have given significant and valuable service to their community.
The new station will for the first time house the brigade’s tanker and ultra-light tanker under one roof.
It also includes a meeting room, kitchen, office area and other support facilities and incorporates the latest in environmentally sustainable building design.
Dr Sykes said the residents of Thornton have shown great community spirit over the years by raising thousands of dollars to improve the station.
“Recently the Brigade Auxiliary raised $10,000 over two years, which is a commendable effort.”
“CFA brigades have a critical role in fostering community networks, and that is evident in the tremendous fundraising efforts of the Brigade’s Auxiliary,” Dr Sykes said.
The function was attended by CFA Operations Officer John Leben, life members Bill Rollason and Jack Robb with Dot Willingham, the widow of past captain Peter Willingham, travelling from Melbourne for the occasion. Peter Rice AFSM, represented the Alexandra Fire Brigades Group and neighbouring brigades were also present and Captain Phil Cox spoke on behalf of the brigade.
The official opening also included the presentation of Life Membership to Graeme Robb who has achieved 45 years of service, was an officer of the brigade for 41 years and captain for 10 years. The brigade has only awarded four life memberships in its 72 years existence and has had only eight captains in that time.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan said local volunteer agencies such as the Thornton CFA were the backbone of Victoria’s emergency service response.
“CFA is one of the world’s largest volunteer-based emergency service organisations with 59,000 members,” Mr Ryan said.
“Victoria is proud to support more than 90,000 emergency services volunteers by equipping them with the essential tools and equipment they need to save lives and property.”
The station was funded under the State Government’s Rural Fire Stations Program.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes this week welcomed new legislation introduced into Parliament that clarifies the leadership and organisational responsibilities in relation to emergency management.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday 11 October 2011 Dr Sykes said, “The Emergency Management Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 puts in place some very simple principles in relation to emergency management.
“The bill being introduced reflects the leadership of the Premier and the Deputy Premier. They have assessed the situation, recognising that the Bushfires Royal Commission made 67 recommendations.
“They then made a commitment to deliver on each and every one of those recommendations. There was no wishy-washy ‘may’ or ‘may not’; they stood, and they will deliver.”
Recommendation 11 highlights that operational responsibilities do not rest with the minister but with the operational managers.
Dr Sykes said, “Under this bill it is clear that the minister will not be responsible for operational management issues; that will be up to the operational management experts.”
The bill also addresses Recommendation 54 regarding the ability to delegate and ensure that appropriate decisions are made under appropriate circumstances.
Dr Sykes said, “This is extremely important because in emergency situations those at the top cannot be everywhere, cannot make every decision and cannot be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“The bill makes it clear when powers can be delegated, and that when the delegation of power and the responsibility shifts to the shoulders of another person, they must deliver.
“This approach will enable that decision making and responsibility happen closer to the grassroots so that we can have the appropriate action taken at the appropriate time and help avert tragic consequences as seen during the 2009 bushfires, which in part, were caused by a failure to take the right decisions at the right time.
“The bill also broadens the power of the State Emergency Service (SES) director of operations and provides the ability to delegate in general.”
Dr Sykes said the Baillieu-Ryan Government is taking an all-inclusive approach to emergency management including putting the volunteers charter in legislation.
“This legislation recognises the efforts of people like Tom Brodie and Max Cox in Longwood, Peter Rice from Alexandra and many others who have put their lives on the line, not just for a moment, not just for 24 hours, but day after day.
“In addition to the efforts of volunteers, which we recognise, I acknowledge the efforts of our salaried CFA people, such as Sooty Kreltszheim and Gary Cook, who stood shoulder to shoulder with our volunteers through some very tough times.”
Dr Sykes concluded by reinforcing his strong support for the Emergency Management Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 to ensure its swift passage through the Parliament.

Euroa residents will be better protected against fire with the official opening of the new Euroa fire station and handover of a new tanker today.
Representing Deputy Premier and Minister for Emergency Services Peter Ryan, Member for Benalla Bill Sykes opened Euroa Fire Brigade’s new $1.2 million station which would ensure the brigade was better equipped to continue providing essential emergency services.
“For the residents of Euroa and the surrounding region, this new station represents an significant investment in the safety of the community,” Dr Sykes said.
“The new station will be the headquarters for the Euroa Group of Brigades, and a Level Two Divisional Command. It includes facilities for planning, logistics, communication and incident control.”
Dr Sykes said the meeting and training room could fit up to 70 people and included the latest in audio visual equipment.
“Having venues such as this where the entire community can congregate is especially important in rural areas,” Dr Sykes said.
“The services that CFA provide go above and beyond fighting fires; they also have a critical role in bringing people together and fostering community networks.”
“Euroa brigade’s 54 members make a significant contribution to the wellbeing and safety of Victorians.”
Euroa Fire Brigade raised $100,000 towards the construction of the new station’s three bay drive-through engine room.
Dr Sykes also officially presented a new Hino tanker to the brigade on behalf on the Deputy Premier.
Deputy Premier Peter Ryan said it was vital that brigades such as Euroa had the best equipment possible to continue its essential work in the community.
“The tanker is fitted with a 1,200 litre water tank and 2,500-litre capacity pump and it boasts the latest features including radiant heat shields and positive ventilation fans for burn-over protection,” Mr Ryan said.
The 119 year-old Euroa Fire brigade is responsible for all fire fighting and prevention activities locally and also provides support to surrounding communities. It has been involved in many major fires and incidents, most recently during the Black Saturday campaign fires where crews and a tanker operated for successive days.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes has welcomed a reduction in Ambulance Membership fees in the State Budget which halves the cost by 50 per cent.
“This means that families and individuals will get relief with ambulance membership fees being cut in half.
“As of 1 July 2011 a one year single membership will cost $37.50 and a one year family membership will cost $75,” Dr Sykes said.
Dr Sykes said the key points on how the fee reduction will operate are;
• Membership fees will take effect from 1 July, 2011;
• New members, who want to take advantage of the reduction, can sign up now for a quarterly payment option where the first payment after 1 July 2011 will be at the reduced rates; and
• Members who have recently joined or renewed memberships can request a full refund in writing if there is more than six months left on the membership and rejoin at the discounted fee (however a qualifying period may apply).
For further information on Ambulance Victoria Membership fee reduction go to www.ambulance.vic.gov.au or email feedecrease@ambulance.vic.gov.au.

The local communities of Taminick, Miepoll and Gough’s Bay will benefit from a new/upgraded Country Fire Authority (CFA) station as part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s significant investment in the CFA in the 2011-2012 State Budget.
Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said these stations were three out of 60 in Victoria which would be rebuilt or upgraded as part of the Coalition Government’s $65.8 million package to fast-track CFA station and equipment upgrades.
“This is great news for these local communities. The Government’s Budget announcement actually surpasses our election commitment by pledging to build 250 new or upgraded stations, including six co-located with the Victorian State Emergency Service (VICSES) facilities, over the next four years,” Dr Sykes said.
“The funding will also go towards the roll-out of 101 new firefighting vehicles statewide including 74 light tankers, 20 heavy tankers and seven other specialist appliances.”
Dr Sykes said the $65.8 million investment would provide a massive boost to CFA infrastructure and resources and that CFA volunteers around the state could look forward to further support during the next four years.
“CFA volunteers work tirelessly to protect their communities and the Coalition Government’s Budget announcement reflects this. I am sure local volunteers will be thrilled with the new station.”
“Taminick, Miepol and Gough’s Bay will now have the facilities to be better able to respond to fires and emergency situations to the benefit of the local community and visitors.
“It is expected that the new CFA sheds will be built in the 2011/2012 financial year.
“The Coalition Government has pledged to offer a new level of support and commitment to the CFA and its volunteers, and funding to upgrade and build new stations and provide additional equipment demonstrates we are delivering on that promise,” Dr Sykes said.
“New and upgraded CFA stations and all equipment purchases were made in accordance with the CFA's asset replacement program to ensure equity among brigades, to meet service delivery requirements and provide value for money.
“The CFA is an integral part of rural/regional communities like Taminick, Miepol and Gough’s Bay and the Coalition Government will continue to respect and acknowledge the hard work CFA volunteers contribute,” Dr Sykes concluded.

Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said volunteer fire fighters throughout the Electorate will have the chance to help inform an independent inquiry into the effect of arrangements on CFA volunteers with the call for submissions now open.
Dr Sykes said, “Volunteer fire fighters have raised a number of issues with me over the years and I encourage these people to consider making a submission to the inquiry.
“It is important that this inquiry provides an opportunity to hear from volunteers across the state who risk their lives and give up their time to help protect Victorians.”
The Independent Inquiry into Effect of Arrangements on Country Fire Authority Volunteers has launched a dedicated website to help keep Victorians informed about the inquiry.
“The website provides CFA volunteers easy access to information about the inquiry as well as the Terms of Reference and how to make a submission,” Dr Sykes said.
Retired Country Court Judge, the Honourable David Jones, is conducting the inquiry which will examine the effect of CFA arrangements on the recruitment, training, deployment, utilisation and support of CFA volunteers.
Submissions are open until 5pm, Monday 23 May 2011 and further information is available from www.cfavolunteersinquiry.vic.gov.au.
A final report will be delivered to the Minister for Emergency Services and Bushfire Response, Peter Ryan by 30 June 2011.