Victoria Minister for Planning Matthew Guy

A Bright Future For Residential Land Supply In The Latrobe Valley

Victor P Taffa

Planning Minister Matthew Guy has approved the rezoning of 228 hectares of residential land in thriving areas across the Latrobe Valley, including Churchill, Moe, Newborough, Morwell and Traralgon.

The planning amendment requested by council will allow for more than 2,600 lots and follows last year’s release of 562 hectares of land supply, bringing the potential number of new homes in the region to 6,500 across almost 800 hectares.

“In less than a year, the Victorian Government has addressed the Valley’s low supply of residential land, which will also contribute to greater housing affordability and diversity.” Mr. Guy said.

Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood and Member for Morwell Russell Northe welcomed the land release and said it would be a boon for the region’s economy.

“Increasing the land supply in the Latrobe Valley will improve housing affordability and importantly, will provide more opportunities for the local construction industry. A number of businesses have expressed concern about the lack of land available, so this is a welcome announcement for the community.” Mr. Northe said.

Mr Blackwood welcomed the initiative for Moe and Newborough.

“Moe and Newborough are important towns that have a lot to offer people who work in the Latrobe Valley or Melbourne, but want to live in an attractive rural town setting. This land release will be advantageous for the local economy and provide important jobs at an important time for the region.” Mr. Blackwood said.

Mr. Guy said the amendment rezoned land from Rural Living, Low Density Residential and Farming to Residential 1.

“The amendment also applies Development Plan Overlays which ensure future infrastructure needs are addressed through the local planning permit process.” Mr. Guy said.

The amendment process involved consultation with landowners and agencies, including the Department of Sustainability and Environment, the Department of Primary Industries, Gippsland Water, the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and the Environment Protection Authority.

Latrobe Planning Scheme Amendment C58 has rezoned 53.5 hectares in Churchill, 15.1 hectares in Moe and Newborough, 37.8 hectares in Morwell and 115.9 hectares in Traralgon.

Victoria Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips

GSK Injects $60 Million And 58 Jobs At Boronia Site

Victor P Taffa

Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips today announced that one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, GlaxoSmithKline Pty Ltd (GSK), will invest $60 Million to expand its Boronia site, creating 58 new highly-skilled jobs by 2017.

Mr. Rich-Phillips said the Victorian Coalition Government was supporting GSK to expand its manufacturing and new drug development activities in Victoria.

“This investment by GSK is of major significance to Victoria’s pharmaceutical industry, and the Victorian economy.” Mr. Rich-Phillips said.

GSK is a significant contributor to the Victorian economy in terms of employment, exports, manufacturing and local R&D investment, expending on average more than $30 Million a year on R&D in Victoria and consistently exporting more than $300 Million p.a. in pharmaceutical products from the state.

GSK’s manufacturing plant in Boronia is the company’s largest site globally for the production of sterile and non-sterile liquid products that utilise state-of-the-art ‘blow-fill-seal’ (BFS) technology.

Mr. Rich-Phillips said the $60 Million investment would allow GSK to potentially double its current BFS manufacturing capacity by installing new BFS production technology, as well as supporting the creation of a pilot scale industrialisation facility for the development of new powder and sterile liquid pharmaceutical products.

“The industrialisation facility will also support the continuation of GSK’s successful R&D collaboration with the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences in developing next generation pharmaceutical products.” Mr. Rich-Phillips said.

“GSK also plans to make this new facility accessible for local companies for contract manufacturing, further supporting skills development and technology transfer opportunities for Victorian researchers and companies.”

“The Victorian Coalition Government is investing in the life sciences sector to ensure that the right conditions exist in Victoria to support the growth of life sciences companies, such as GSK.”

“We recently released Victoria’s Technology Plan for the Future – Biotechnology – a $55 Million plan to promote biotechnology-enabled innovation and support the growth of Victoria’s life sciences sector.”

“With a focus on capability development, the plan provides support to develop the necessary talent pool in Victoria, capitalise on our world-class R&D base, and pursue international trade and investment opportunities.” Mr. Rich-Phillips said.

Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva said this announcement built on the release of the Coalition Government’s manufacturing strategy that would strengthen Victoria’s manufacturing industry to secure jobs and grow business investment.

“A more competitive manufacturing industry will strengthen Victoria’s manufacturing industry to create more opportunities for businesses to grow and become more productive and competitive in a tough global market.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

“GSK’s $60 Million investment and commitment to creating 58 new jobs in product development and manufacturing in Victoria is a major boost for pharmaceutical manufacturing in Victoria.”

GSK Boronia Site Director Troy Webb said this was a unique opportunity to put Victoria and Australia on the map when it comes to scientific innovation, particularly around ophthalmic, biological and consumer healthcare products.

“With the Victorian Government as a key supporter, this investment will build a sustainable manufacturing capability within the local community while driving manufacturing technology.” Mr. Webb said.

Victoria Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder

New Easy Access Tram Stops Open Near Parliament House

Victor P Taffa

Two upgraded tram stops have opened in the CBD as part of the Victorian Coalition Government’s continuing efforts to improve accessibility on the network, Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder said today.

The easy access tram stops have been built on Macarthur Street between St Andrews Place and Spring Street, a busy pedestrian hub.

Mr. Mulder said the design of easy access tram stops improved safety and accessibility for all passengers, including those with a disability, the elderly, people with mobility aids or wheelchairs and parents with prams.

“Easy access tram stops are located on the side of the road. The road pavement is raised to allow passengers level access from the footpath waiting area across the road to the tram.” Mr. Mulder said.

“Tram passengers use an easy access tram stop like a kerbside tram stop. Waiting passengers hail the tram and cross the road from the footpath to the tram when it stops.”

Mr. Mulder said improving accessibility on Melbourne’s tram network was a key priority for the Coalition Government.

“The easy access stop design offers a range of benefits for tram stop upgrades.” Mr. Mulder said.

“Cars, bicycles and other vehicles can travel over the stops, maintaining road space. The road side design also integrates well into most streetscapes.”

Road rules for motorists are the same for easy access tram stops as they are at other kerbside stops.

“Motorists, cyclists and other road users must continue to obey the road rules for sharing the road with trams. All vehicles and bicycles must stop at the rear of the stationary tram for passengers to safely board and get off the tram.” Mr. Mulder said.

Yarra Trams Chief Executive Officer Michel Masson said the Macarthur Street stops serviced two busy routes – Route 109 (Port Melbourne- Box Hill) and Route 112 (West Preston –St Kilda).

“A total of 16.1 Million commuter trips are made on Route 109 each year. Route 112 has a patronage of 12.9 Million p.a. Many commuters are set to benefit from these upgraded stops.” Mr. Masson said

The stops are also used by passengers on Route 11 (West Preston – Victoria Harbour Docklands) and the popular lunchtime service Route 31 (Victoria Harbour Docklands – Hoddle Street) via Collins Street.

VicRoads managed the project in partnership with the Department of Transport and Yarra Trams.

For more information please visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/thinktram or call 1300 309 571.

Victoria Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder

Westgate Ferry Attracts 5,000 In Little More Than Three Months

Victor P Taffa

The Coalition Government’s fulfilled election commitment of a new weekday Westgate Punt ferry for cyclists and pedestrians to cross under the West Gate Bridge has attracted more than 5,000 users in a little more than three months, Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder said today.

Mr. Mulder said the Westgate Punt allowed cyclists and pedestrians to cross under the West Gate Bridge for $2 each way on weekdays.

“The $1.4 Million investment ($350,000 p.a.) the Coalition Government made in the 2011/12 Budget is starting to pay dividends. The Westgate Punt previously operated only on weekends with a $5.00 single or $7.00 return fare that continues to apply.” Mr. Mulder said.

“The Westgate Punt now also operates on weekdays between 6.30am and 9.10am from Spotswood to Fisherman’s Bend and from 4.00pm to 6.40pm in the opposite direction for peak hour commuters. Cyclists and pedestrians may also travel in the counter peak direction.

The lower $2 weekday fare is due to the Coalition Government’s funding commitment.”

Mr. Mulder said that since the weekday timetable commenced on 10 October 2011, 94 % of Westgate Punt patrons had been cyclists, with the remainder pedestrians.

“It is pleasing that despite relatively limited promotion, the Westgate Punt is carrying good numbers of cyclists with the busiest times just before 8am from Spotswood and just before 6pm departing from Fisherman’s Bend. The Department of Transport will shortly install permanent signs at the Punt’s landing sites. This will help cyclists and pedestrians to easily identify its departure points.” Mr. Mulder said.

Mr. Mulder thanked operator Mr Rob Horner and the Port of Melbourne Corporation for their assistance in facilitating the ferry’s operation.

“Bicycle Victoria has also publicised the Westgate Punt.” Mr. Mulder said.

“Travellers can view the full timetables at www.westgatepunt.com Metlink will also shortly publicise the ferry to a wider audience.”

“I encourage local tourism organisations to also assist in spreading the word as the Westgate Punt is a fun alternative to using Metro’s trains or a car to enjoy historic Williamstown.

Visitors can enjoy a round trip by ferry one way and train the other.” Mr. Mulder said.

Victoria Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade, Richard Dalla-Riva

Labor’s Betrayal Of Defence Workers In Bendigo

Victor P Taffa

The Victorian Government is deeply disappointed that Thales has been forced to announce a redundancy program at their Bendigo facility.

Unfortunately, these job losses are a direct result of a decision by the Commonwealth Government to source overseas its entire $1.9 Billion purchase of new military trucks for the Australian Defence Force.

Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade, Richard Dalla-Riva said today he had warned in December that the Commonwealth’s decision would result in uncertainty for the future of the Thales workforce in Bendigo.

“As I said at the time, this was a significant missed opportunity for the Commonwealth to guarantee investment and jobs growth in the defence industries of regional Victoria.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

“That decision did not provide long-term certainty and continuity to this important defence manufacturer and its skilled workforce.”

“Thales Bendigo has a proven track record in designing and building the iconic Bushmaster vehicle, which has saved the lives of Australian troops and other allied soldiers in some of the world’s most hostile zones of conflict.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

“As a result of the Commonwealth’s decision to source overseas the Land 121 Phase 3 vehicle program, it is now uncertain whether the Bushmaster vehicle will continue to be built in Bendigo beyond the end of 2012.”

Today Labor MHR for Bendigo, Steve Gibbons, was quoted in the Bendigo Weekly saying today’s job announcements were “a consequence of Thales being overlooked for a contract” when, in December, the Commonwealth decided to award the Land 121 Phase 3 contract, to the German company Rheinmetall MAN.

Mr. Dalla-Riva noted that Mr Gibbons’ Victorian ALP colleagues had been silent on the issue, including member for Bendigo East, Jacinta Allan.

“It is a pity that the Victorian ALP appears to have nothing to say about the federal Labor Government’s failure in this instance to support local manufacturing and local jobs.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

Victoria Minister for Manufacturing Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva

Call To Nominate Victoria’s Manufacturing Heroes

Victor P Taffa

Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva today called on the heroes of Victoria’s manufacturing industry – both companies and individuals – to nominate for the 2012 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame awards.

Speaking during a site visit to Ecotech in Scoresby, Mr. Dalla-Riva said the awards celebrated manufacturing excellence in Victoria.

“They showcase locally based manufacturers whose creative solutions to manufacturing challenges have proven to be world class.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

“They recognise the skill, achievement and contribution made by Victorian manufacturers to the Victorian and national economies in the face of a high Australian dollar, ongoing global uncertainty and increased competition.”

Ecotech, a previous inductee of the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame, specialises in the design, manufacture and maintenance of environmental monitoring systems and exports to some 70 countries around the world.

“Ecotech’s well-earned place in the Hall of Fame reflects the significant contribution it makes to manufacturing in Victoria.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

“Now in their eleventh year, the awards have recognised a total of 116 innovative companies, added 24 recipients to the Honour Roll and acknowledged eight young Manufacturers of the Year.”

“These award winners have demonstrated a depth and diversity of capability across the manufacturing sector including aeronautical, automotive, telecommunications, printing, textiles, scientific instruments, health, packaging, marine, recycling and food.”

“The Victorian Coalition Government will be engaging with companies like these as it delivers on its recently launched Manufacturing Statement to strengthen Victoria’s manufacturing industry to secure jobs and grow business investment.”

Judging will be carried out by a panel of industry experts which will select the 2012 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame inductees, new additions to the Honour Roll, the Enabling Technology Company of the Year, the Enabling Technology Entrepreneur of the Year and the Young Manufacturer of the Year.

In 2012, three new awards will be introduced to recognise the Manufacturer of the Year in each of the categories of small, medium and large businesses. These awards are open to previous Hall of Fame inductees as well as manufacturers not yet recognised by the program.

Nominations will close on 29 February 2012 and the awards will be announced at a Gala Dinner to be held on Thursday 3 May 2012 at the Palladium Ballroom, Crown Entertainment Centre. Visit http://www.business.vic.gov.au/halloffame for further details.

Victoria Deputy Premier Peter Ryan

Victoria Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan

Bushfire Communities Stronger Three Years On

Victor P Taffa

Victoria’s bushfire-affected communities have made significant progress on their road to recovery since the 2009 bushfires, Deputy Premier and Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan said today.

Releasing the Victorian Bushfire Recovery Three Year Report at the Yarra Glen Memorial Hall with Member for Seymour Cindy McLeish, Mr. Ryan said much had been achieved across the 33 impacted communities in the past 12 months and ongoing assistance would continue to help families and individuals rebuild their lives.

“This report looks at progress made during the past 12 months around reconstruction efforts, economic recovery for business and tourism development, environmental and farmland recovery and the continuation of support programs for 2012.” Mr. Ryan said.

Mr. Ryan said at least 77 % of the 1,500 households who lost their principal place of residence in the 2009 bushfires had rebuilt, purchased a new home or were in the process of rebuilding.

“The Victorian Coalition Government continues to work with those remaining families and individuals to help them make decisions around rebuilding through the Rebuilding Advisory Service.” Mr. Ryan said.

“Another housing survey will be conducted in the early part of this year to determine the rebuilding status of each household in our bushfire-affected communities.”

Mr. Ryan said 2011 saw a number of important reconstruction milestones including the completion of the Marysville Community Centre, the new Middle Kinglake Primary School and Children’s Centre, as well as several other community halls.

“The Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund (VBAF), which has raised a total of $400 Million including interest thanks to generous donations, has continued to help recovery efforts with the extension of valuable services and programs including the Further Housing Assistance Gift.” Mr. Ryan said.

“During 2011 the Coalition Government-Fire Recovery Unit replaced the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority (VBRRA) to assist with ongoing recovery of bushfire affected communities.”

“While progress has been made, it is important to acknowledge that communities continue to recover at their own pace and emotional and financial recovery will still take some time.”

“For this reason the Coalition Government introduced a number of new bushfire initiatives in 2011, many of which will continue into 2012.”

“New programs include the $50 Million voluntary Bushfire Buy-back Scheme which delivers on a key Bushfires Royal Commission recommendation, the $5.2 Million Marysville and Triangle Economic Recovery Package, and the $2.7 Million Bushfire Communities Support Program which was established to respond to the changing needs of affected communities.”

Mr. Ryan said the Coalition Government had made a firm commitment to continue to support the changing needs of communities and people affected by the 2009 bushfires.

“Those impacted upon can continue to contact the Bushfire Community Support Helpline on 1800 050 400 for further information, referral and advice for a range of issues including accommodation, personal assistance, counselling, legal and health support.” Mr. Ryan said.

The Victorian Bushfire Recovery Three Year Report can be downloaded from www.rdv.vic.gov.au/fire-recovery-unit/policy-and-coordination/3-year-report

Victoria Minister for Education Martin Dixon

Triplets Among 70,000 Preps Starting School Today

Victor P Taffa

The first day of school is as easy as eins, zwei, drei for triplets starting prep at Bayswater South Primary School where they will participate in the school’s German Bilingual Program.

The triplets are among 70,000 preps due to begin school life at schools across the state, with 46,800 of those starting at a Government school.

Education Minister Martin Dixon will visit Bayswater South Primary School this morning to wish the triplets good luck on their first day.

“Starting school is one of those special times in life, both for the students and their proud Parents.” Mr. Dixon said.

“These children are embarking on an education journey that they will continue for the rest of their lives.”

Bayswater South Primary School is one of 12 Government schools in Victoria that has a bilingual program where students are taught in both English and another language – in this case German.

Mr. Dixon said the Victorian Coalition Government’s long term vision was for all students from Prep – Year 10 to be learning a language by 2025, starting with all Preps learning a language in 2015.

The move is part of the government’s long term strategy to ensure the state’s education system is ranked among the best in the world and to enhance Victoria’s economic competitiveness in an increasingly global market.

“To help achieve our goal, the government will be offering Languages Teaching Scholarships to teachers and undergraduate students who want to become languages teachers so that more qualified languages teachers are available to schools.” Mr. Dixon said.

“Learning a second language has a range of benefits, it improves students’ first language, helps develop problem-solving skills and opens up a world of possibilities for understanding and interacting with other cultures.”

Minister responsible for the Teaching Profession Peter Hall has also welcomed the state’s teachers back from their well-deserved break, including around 2,500 new graduate teachers who will take up posts in Victorian Government schools for the start of the 2012 school year.

In 2012:

• 866,000 students will attend a Victorian school

• 543,600 students will attend a government school

• 475,300 primary and 390,800 secondary students will attend school

• 70,000 preps are enrolled, with 46,800 in government schools

• 65,900 year 7 students are enrolled, including 36,200 in government schools

• There are 1,539 government schools, including 1,138 primary schools, 247 secondary schools, 74 primary-secondary schools, 76 special schools and four English language schools

• There are 34,600 primary teachers and 37,500 secondary teachers, including 22,200 primary teachers and 19,790 secondary teachers at government schools

*These figures are based on projections

Victoria Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips

Research Collaboration Creates 15 New Jobs For Victoria

Victor P Taffa

Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips today welcomed a partnership between The Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (MIPS) and a leading European pharmaceutical company Les Laboratoires Servier (Servier) to undertake cutting-edge drug discovery and research activities in Victoria.

Mr. Rich-Phillips said the collaboration with Servier reinforced MIPS’ position as the largest and most successful pharmaceutical sciences research institute in Australia and consolidated Victoria’s leadership in pharmaceutical sciences.

“The collaboration will result in the creation of up to 15 new, highly skilled jobs for Victoria, and cements Victoria’s reputation as a leading life sciences location.” Mr. Rich-Phillips said.

“This major research collaboration between MIPS and Servier is a result of ongoing Victorian Government support and investment in MIPS, as a platform for engagement with industry and the development of Victoria’s pharmaceutical science skill base.”

The collaboration will initially run for three years and focus primarily on the identification of G-Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR) targets that will support the development of new therapies to treat a range of human diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, central nervous system disorders, and oncology.

Mr. Rich-Phillips said MIPS’ world-class research facilities, expert technology and existing strengths in early stage drug discovery, make it an ideal partner to support Servier in the design of new therapies.

“The partnership will also have skills development outcomes for Victoria, with MIPS and Servier to undertake employee exchange placements during the collaboration period, growing collective capability in drug discovery and development.” Mr. Rich-Phillips said.

“This will benefit not only the company’s product development capability, but also strengthen skills for MIPS researchers, and in turn local PhD students in Victoria.”

“The Victorian Coalition Government is investing in the life sciences sector to ensure that the right conditions exist in Victoria to support the growth of life sciences companies.”

“In 2011, we released Victoria’s Technology Plan for the Future – Biotechnology – a $55 Million plan to promote biotechnology-enabled innovation.”

“A key focus of the plan is on capability development and ensuring the necessary talent pool exists in Victoria to capitalise on our world-class R&D base, something the MIPS / Servier collaboration supports.” Mr. Rich-Phillips said.

Professor Bill Charman, Director of MIPS and Dean of Monash University Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences said MIPS were delighted to partner with Servier to advance early stage drug development programs.

“We are fortunate to have access to a good R&D skills base in Victoria, and the support MIPS have received from the Victorian Government over the years has gone a long way to securing this partnership with Servier.” Professor Charman said.

Emmanuel Canet, M.D. Ph.D., Head of Servier R&D said Servier was a company dedicated to the discovery and research of novel therapeutics for the treatment of human disease.

“This alliance with MIPS, an acknowledged leader in the field of GPCR biology, will significantly enhance our capacity to identify and address original targets that may lead to therapies for untreated needs.” Dr. Canet said.

About Servier

Servier is the leading independent French pharmaceutical company with a 2011 turnover of €3.9 billion. The Servier Group is established in 140 countries with its main therapeutic products used to treat diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, CNS disorders, oncology and rheumatological diseases. Servier is a Foundation and as such all profit of Servier’s revenue is invested in Research & Development. Servier has 20,000 employees worldwide, including nearly 3,000 in R&D. Servier Australia is based in Melbourne. For further information, please visit www.servier.com.

About MIPS

MIPS are the largest and most successful pharmaceutical sciences research institute in Australia. Over 160 scientists and 120 PhD students undertake basic and translational drug discovery, delivery and development research in new, well equipped laboratories. Major therapeutic areas of interest include oncology, infectious disease, pain and inflammation, neuroscience and metabolic disease. For further information, please visit www.pharm.monash.edu.au/mips

Victoria Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher

Victorian Coalition Government Launches Drive For More New Zealand Tourists

Victor P Taffa

The Victorian Coalition Government has launched the next phase of Tourism Victoria’s Jigsaw campaign Play Melbourne in New Zealand, aimed at attracting even more New Zealand visitors to the exciting city of Melbourne.

Tourism and Major Events Minister Louise Asher said the next important phase of the Victorian Government’s Jigsaw marketing campaign promoted Melbourne as a must-visit destination and as a gateway to regional Victoria.

New Zealand is the largest source of international visitors to Victoria, with 259,000 overnight visitors to Victoria for the year ending September 2011.

“A quarter of all New Zealand visitors to Australia come to Victoria. For the year ending September 2011, New Zealand tourists spent $307 Million here, and this new campaign promotes the incredibly rich offerings of Melbourne.” Ms. Asher said.

“Play Melbourne invites New Zealanders to awaken their curiosity, be spontaneous, and explore Melbourne on a whim. With so much to see and do throughout the year, Melbourne is a great destination for all travellers.”

Ms. Asher said the Play Melbourne television commercial will commence on New Zealand’s national broadcaster TVNZ on Sunday 5 February as part of a coordinated campaign across all media including print, online and cinema advertising.

“A key feature of this campaign will be a three month competition, where New Zealanders can win a Melbourne weekend holiday.” Ms. Asher said.

“In keeping with the campaign’s theme of exploring Melbourne on a whim, the winner will be drawn each week on Tuesday, and will fly to Melbourne for their weekend away just three days later, on Friday.”

Ms. Asher said Melbourne had a reputation in New Zealand for being Australia’s most cultural, stylish, and events-focused city.

“Melbourne is a creative, exciting, ever-changing city with surprises around every corner. From our world-class theatre productions, exclusive exhibitions and major sporting events to our boutique shopping, cafes and hidden bars, Melbourne offers something new to discover on every visit.” Ms. Asher said.

Tourism Victoria’s highly successful Jigsaw campaign is the longest-running destination marketing campaign in the world.