Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith has congratulated Euroa Secondary College for winning a Special Incentive Grant worth $2,000 as part of the 25th annual Fire Awareness Awards.
Minister Smith said that Euroa Secondary College won for its participation in the Victorian Coalition Government’s Advance Program which promotes young people’s engagement in volunteering.
“Euroa Secondary College should be congratulated for this outstanding achievement.
“Twenty year nine students at the school have had the opportunity to be mentored and instructed by local CFA brigade members and obtain qualifications including the Certificate of Wildlife Fighting.
Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said well done to the school, CFA and in particular the students for participating in such a worthwhile program.
"I encourage more students to participate in future programs and to go on to do 'their bit' for the community as volunteer members of the CFA and other community groups.
“Euroa Secondary College will provide the CFA with the next wave of firefighters with an estimated 20% of participants in the Advance Program joining the CFA as a direct result of the program, with many more expected to follow suit as the program continues.
“This experience was made possible by the Coalition Government’s highly successful Advance Program which assists young people to participate as volunteers in their community
“This year more than 16,000 students in over 420 state secondary schools will benefit from the Coalition Government’s $4 million Advance program, learning vital life-skills and contributing a range of benefits to their local community.
“Euroa Secondary College is a fine example of the success of the Advance Program and I commend the participants for this award and for their solid contribution to the community and their own self-development,” Mr Smith said.
For more information about the Advance Program please visit www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/advance. Fire Awareness Awards, visit www.fireawarenessawards.com.au or call (03) 9412 4465.

Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, representing the Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Peter Ryan officially opened the new $211,000 fire station at Wahring today.
Dr Sykes said the new station replaced the original station built in the 1950’s and will enhance community safety and help protect local lives.
“This new station is a big step forward for the safety of the local community and fire prevention in the Strathbogie area,” Dr Sykes said.
“The new station’s much improved facilities include a double bay vehicle room, racks for protective clothing, electronic station doors, map boards and work benches and will help to strengthen the brigade’s relationship with the local community.
“The new station accommodates the Brigade’s fire truck and an extra bay provides a safer working environment which will also allow for any future expansion for the brigade.”
“I am confident that the new station will serve the community well and enable the brigade’s 34 members to better protect property, homes and lives in the event of an emergency as well as providing for the brigade’s future needs,” Dr Sykes said.
Dr Sykes said rural community brigades such as Wahring, which was formed in 1926 and incorporated into a CFA brigade in 1945, were key to the success of CFA and Victoria’s emergency service response.
“CFA gains its strength from its volunteers and their dedication and commitment to protecting Victorian lives. I applaud the work of all CFA volunteers who make such an important contribution to the wellbeing and safety of Victorians,” he said.
The Minister, Peter Ryan said that State Government funding would deliver upgraded fire stations across Victoria and ensure that the CFA continued its critical role for years to come.
“By building new fire stations such as here at Wahring and investing $65.8 million towards 60 new or upgraded CFA stations across Victoria, the State Government is truly delivering on its commitment to support CFA,” he said.
“This commitment will also see the Government deliver 101 new firefighting vehicles this financial year as part of an overall commitment to build and upgrade 250 CFA stations across Victoria by November 2014.”
The funding and construction of the new fire station is part of the State Government’s Rural Fire Station Program.

The commencement of the slashing of the Hume Freeway this week has been welcomed by Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes.
Dr Sykes said, “With the massive build-up of dry matter this spring it is essential that public and private landholders reduce fuel loads wherever possible.
“VicRoads have confirmed that slashing along the Hume Freeway will involve cutting the full width of roadside reserves where physically possible.
“The slashing has commenced with a three metre cut each side of the northbound freeway with the job to be continued and completed over the next few weeks.”
Dr Sykes said VicRoads has taken a proactive approach and encouraged landholders to take a leaf from VicRoad’s book and start now to reduce fuel loads in order to protect lives, homes, stock and other property assets.
He said, “Farmers whose properties adjoin roads, other than the Hume Freeway, who are concerned about fuel loads should talk with the relevant road manager (VicRoads or local government) about the most appropriate way to reduce fuel loads being mindful that some roadside sections are classified as having high conservation value.
Dr Sykes said that many farmers would be experiencing high fuel loads as a direct result of a great season and in some cases low stocking rates as people recover from over 10 years of drought.
“Landholders are encouraged to talk with neighbours who have stock to see if they could use their stock to graze down fuel loads in strategic paddocks.”
Dr Sykes also put out a timely reminder for anyone working with farm machinery to be ultra careful, in light of several recent accidents involving slashers and other farm equipment.

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.

Bill Sykes, Member for Benalla is encouraging residents throughout North East Victoria who would like to find out more information about planned burns in Victoria’s parks and forests to attend a community information session.

A number of community information sessions are scheduled throughout North East Victoria in mid August.

Dr Sykes said, “Local communities and industry groups, particularly grape growers, have raised a number of concerns with me regarding controlled burns.

“Some of the suggestions that have been passed on to DSE include that burning should be spread over more days rather than doing several major burns at the same time and fire wood collection should be allowed in areas designated to be burnt.

“I am encouraged by the DSE’s response to these concerns.”

Each District in the state develops a Fire Operations Plan for the coming three years which shows planned burns and other fire prevention works such as slashing, track works and construction of fire breaks.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith confirmed the Victorian Coalition Government’s commitment to consulting with local communities about their fire operations plans.

“The Victorian Coalition Government committed prior to the last election to increase planned burning annually and so we will work closely with local communities to ensure that this is achieved effectively,” Mr Smith said.

Proposed new fire management zones for public land are also being displayed at the same time and are available for public comment.

“Local knowledge is critical to ensuring that the proposed changes to zones will help fire managers decide where, when and how often to burn and to ensure that Victoria is best prepared to protect communities from bushfire,” Mr Smith said.

DSE Fire Operations Plans are developed in consultation with communities, special interest groups, local councils, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, forest managers, CFA, flora and fauna specialists and any other parties who register their interest.

District Fire Operation Plans are available for viewing online at www.dse.vic.gov.au, by calling 136 186 or by visiting your local DSE or Parks Victoria Office.

Comments will be received until 29 August 2011.

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 has tabled a further 200 signatures in Parliament this week in response to the Brumby Labor Government’s unfair Fire Services Levy (FSL).

The petition calls for the State Government to immediately review the tax on fire services and implement a fairer model of funding as is the case in other states of Australia.

Victoria’s FSL has been strongly criticised by peak bodies such as the National Insurance Brokers Association, Country Fire Authority, Victorian Farmers Federation and the Insurance Council of Australia.

A lack of action by the Brumby Government on introducing a more equitable FSL has also angered householders and community organisations.

“The Country Women’s Association recently tabled a resolution at its State Conference that ‘everyone who benefits from fire services should contribute to its funding not just those who take out insurance’ and that the ‘State Government (should) make it mandatory that all ratepayers pay the Fire Services Levy’.

“The resolution was carried unanimously by the 800 plus delegates present.”

Dr Sykes said that in October 2009 the Government announced a long overdue review of the FSL and released its Green Paper for wider community consultation.

At the time Dr Sykes was critical of the review process because while formal submissions on the Green Paper are open between June and July 2010, the Brumby Government has made no commitment to release the final White Paper before the next State Election.

The White Paper is due to be released within six months of the Bushfire Royal Commission handing down its final report on 31 July 2010.

“I am concerned that this government is not genuinely committed to change as the White Paper will not be available when Victorians go to the polls later this year,” Dr Sykes said.

Dr Sykes said the Brumby Government has known for years how unfair and inequitable the FSL is but has done nothing.

“Everyone but this government acknowledges that the current FSL has many deficiencies.

“The Victorian Liberal-National Coalition in government is committed to implementing a fairer system.

“I challenge the Brumby Government to release the findings of the White Paper prior to the upcoming State Election,” Dr Sykes concluded.

Written submissions in response to the ‘Fire Services and the non-insured’ Green Paper are open until 15 July 2010 and can be provided to: Fire Services Funding Review, C/- Department of Treasury and Finance, 1 Treasury Place, East Melbourne 3002 or email to fireservicesproject@dtf.vic.gov.au.

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes said he was pleased to hear the lawyers for the Bushfire Royal Commission have joined with the Victorian Liberal National Coalition in acknowledging the current Fire Services Levy (FSL) model is inequitable and should be changed.
“For a long time I have been calling for changes to the Fire Service Levy (FSL) and I welcome the Counsel Assisting’s submission to the Royal Commission today which states that the current FSL model should be abandoned and replaced with a property based model,” Dr Sykes said.
Dr Sykes said the current FSL, which funds fire services including the Country Fire Authority, is grossly unfair in its current form because it encourages people to under-insure or to not insure at all.
“Only those who take out insurance actually contribute to fire services by way of an additional tax on insurance premiums,” Dr Sykes said.
“The Brumby Government has refused to act despite growing anger and frustration over the FSL expressed by businesses and home owners,” Dr Sykes said.
“The Brumby Government has known for years how unfair and inequitable the FSL is but it has done nothing – everyone except John Brumby acknowledges that his government’s Fire Services Levy is a tax.
“The Victorian Liberal National Coalition in government is committed to implementing a fairer system than the one that currently stands,” Dr Sykes said.