Public Transport Users Association VIC

Outer East Convenor Jeremy Lunn

Doncaster Rail Announcement Welcome

Victor P Taffa

The Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has welcomed the Liberal Party’s announcement on the Doncaster railway line, while slamming the government for refusing to make a better offer. The PTUA believes that the line, which has been promised for over 40 years would be a fraction of the cost of a North-East link and offer far more benefits.

“The announcement on the Doncaster railway is exactly the kind of foresight that we need to see from our politicians in this election year.” PTUA’s Outer East Convenor Jeremy Lunn said today.

“It’s certainly a step ahead of the Brumby Government, which took over a decade to install Four Paltry Bus Routes.”

“We have no doubt that a comprehensive study will find a train to Doncaster viable and economically sound.” Mr. Lunn said.

Mr. Lunn rejected any suggestion that the Eddington study evaluated the rail proposal in detail.

“We have high rise buildings going up on Doncaster Hill.  The study is flawed and did not give proper consideration for rail to Doncaster.”

“Bus Operations between the end of the eastern freeway and the city are both slow and cumbersome- train services would operate through the inner suburbs at a third to half of present operating times.” Mr. Lunn said.

Mr. Lunn said that the line would make use of land in the middle of the Eastern Freeway, which was designed to include a railway line as part of the 1969 Transport Plan.

“The Brumby Government has really lost its way if they can support a $20 Billion White Elephant like North-East Link but not the Doncaster railway line. The government is trying to pour more cars onto our roads which will generate worse congestion in Melbourne.”

“After decades of transport neglect it is now a matter of playing ‘catch up’ by fixing all the transport woes that plague residents in the east. Nothing else is likely to have the same impact as building the Doncaster Railway Line.” Mr. Lunn concluded.

ABOUT THE PTUA:

Founded in 1976, the Public Transport Users Association is the recognised consumer organisation representing passengers of public transport. The PTUA is a non-profit, voluntary organisation with no political affiliation, which lobbies governments and public transport authorities in the interest of all users of public transport. Our web site is: www.ptua.org.au

Responsibility for Election Comment

Under the provisions of the relevant Electoral Act responsibility for all election comment is assumed by Editor Victor P Taffa. The Registered office of The Southern Thunderer is at 4/69a Darvall Road, West Ryde NSW 2114.

Victoria Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu

Victoria Shadow Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan

MORE FLEXIBILITY UNDER COALITION’S REGIONAL PLANNING PLAN

Victor P Taffa

A Baillieu Government will give Regional Councils the flexibility to alter land use within Farming Zones to Protect Prime Farmland for Agriculture while respecting the rights of landholders.

 Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Leader Ted Baillieu announced today that as part of an overhaul of Victoria’s planning system, a Coalition Government will allow regional councils to examine and alter land use within Farming Zones.

 “Victoria’s future is being damaged by Labor’s Planning Failures and Incompetence.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“Councils should have the ability to deliver a zone that best suits their Municipality’s current and future requirements.”

“The Coalition fully supports the need to protect Victoria’s Prime Agricultural Land for Agricultural purposes, but simply changing the name from Rural Zones to Farm Zones has not protected agricultural land as was originally intended.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“Farm Zones should achieve the right balance of farmers’ rights and land protection to ensure that all premium farming land is identified and protected.”

“The key to any reform of Victoria’s farm zones is achieving the right balance between the need to preserve good-quality agricultural land and respecting the reasonable rights of landholders.”

“Under a Coalition Government Local Councils will be given the flexibility to review the operation of their farm zones and in particular whether the 40-hectare minimum subdivision rule is appropriate across all non-township areas of their municipality.” Mr. Baillieu said.

The Coalition does not endorse John Brumby’s inflexible one size fits all 40 hectare approach, and will instead give councils the right to set a planning scheme that suits their own municipality’s character while ensuring that the right to farm is retained where appropriate.

The Coalition’s Regional Planning Plan also includes increasing flexibility and housing choice on the outskirts of our cities and towns – especially regional cities – by introducing a new Urban Interface Zone (UIZ).

The new UIZ will allow councils to establish a lower density residential buffer between farming zones and residential zoning and will encourage a diversity of development on the edges of our cities and towns.

The UIZ will allow for housing on a minimum lot size of two hectares and will be determined by local government. In addition under a Coalition Government, Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) will no longer have the power to override the planning decisions of local councils and will act as information and advisory bodies rather than referral authorities.

The Coalition will also examine the ability for councils in interface (rural/urban fringe or “peri-urban”) areas to split their municipality into urban and rural for state government funding purposes. Any such examination would include consideration of the needs of Victoria’s 48 regional and rural councils and would ensure that they would not be any worse off under such flexible arrangements.

This approach will include the establishment of a new Peri-Urban Council Unit of the Department of Planning and Community Development, designed to help peri-urban councils by:

• Assisting in long-term strategic planning and long-term structure planning of towns and future communities;

• Assisting these councils with long term population management;

• Assisting with environmental and biodiversity issues being faced in long term planning;

• Being a first port of call for these councils when interacting with the Department.

VIC Shadow Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan

Shadow Minister for Regional and Rural Development and Leader of the Nationals Peter Ryan said a Coalition Government will also support detailed coastal mapping of our coastline in preparation for storm surges and possible increases in the sea level.

“In government, we will respect existing land rights for owners of private coastal land and where a local permit is granted, we will ensure that sustainable private development can occur, but at private risk.” Mr. Ryan said.

“Our approach will allow some development, all of which would occur fully at landowners’ liability for any loss or damage caused by future impacts.”

“All Victorians should be prepared for the impacts of climate change on our coastal regions in both Public and Private Land Areas.” Mr. Ryan said.

“Recent examples along the Victorian coast from Portland to the Ninety Mile Beach and Lakes Entrance have shown how Labor’s planning policies have hurt Victorian families.”

“If people have an existing permit and comply with all local requirements, they should be able to build upon their land at their own risk.” Mr. Ryan said.

Responsibility for Election Comment

Under the provisions of the relevant Electoral Act responsibility for all election comment is assumed by Editor Victor P Taffa. The Registered office of The Southern Thunderer is at 4/69a Darvall Road, West Ryde NSW 2114.

Victoria Shadow Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan

MORE INDUSTRY, JOBS UNDER COALITION’S MURRAY NATURAL GAS PLAN

Victor P Taffa

The Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition today unveiled the first step in building a Natural Gas Pipeline along the Murray River as part of a clear plan to boost industry and jobs in Northern Victoria.

Shadow Minister for Regional and Rural Development and Leader of The Nationals Peter Ryan said a Coalition Government would invest up to $1 Million to fund a feasibility study into the provision of Natural Gas to Victoria’s six Murray River Regions to drive new industry, business and employment opportunities.

Making the announcement in Swan Hill with local Nationals Members Peter Walsh and Paul Weller, Mr Ryan said towns like Swan Hill and Businesses along the Murray should be able to access Natural Gas.

“In the 21st century, it is absurd that this vast area of Regional and Rural Victoria is not connected to Reticulated Natural Gas.” Mr. Ryan said.

“After 11 years, Labor has neglected this Region and its economic potential. A lack of Natural Gas limits a Region’s capacity to attract new industry, encourage economic growth and create career opportunities.”

“The Coalition’s pledge to fund a feasibility study for a Natural Gas Pipeline Project is the first step in ensuring Murray River communities will be able to access a vital cost-effective energy source alternative to electricity and LPG.” Mr. Ryan said.

“A ready supply of Natural Gas will create exciting new tourism and career opportunities and bring more industrial investment into Northern Victoria for years to come.”

“Delivering the cheaper, more environmentally friendly energy source of Natural Gas will also ease the cost of living for local families in Northern Victoria.”

“The Coalition is committed to supporting the needs of our Regional Communities and we believe residents and businesses along the Murray deserve speedy access to Natural Gas.” Mr. Ryan said.

Communities along the Murray River advocating an Extension of the Natural Gas Network are:

• Swan Hill Rural City Council;

• Mildura Rural City Council;

• Gannawarra Shire Council;

• Shire of Campaspe;

• Moira Shire;

• Loddon Shire.

Victoria Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu

COALITION TO SUPPORT VIC STUDENTS WITH EXPANDED WELFARE OFFICER PLAN

Victor P Taffa

• 150 Extra Primary Welfare Officer Positions in First Term of Coalition Government

A Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Government will increase support for Primary School Students with a $34 Million investment to massively increase the number of student Primary Welfare Officers in Victorian Government Primary Schools.

Under the Coalition’s Plan, more Primary Welfare Officers will be employed to provide early diagnosis and referral for students with behavioural, mental health and welfare problems, and co-ordinate support for students and their families.

Announcing the Coalition’s plan at Berwick Lodge Primary School this morning, Coalition Leader Ted Baillieu said Teachers and Principals needed more support to help Victorian students grow and learn.

“Under John Brumby, most Victorian Government Primary Schools have no Primary Welfare Officer support despite Teachers and Principals being forced to deal with growing behavioural problems.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“John Brumby does not understand that students cannot learn in a positive environment without adequate support.”

“Our plan means principals and teachers will get the help they need so they can assist students who need direct support and attention.” Mr. Baillieu said.

The Coalition’s Plan will increase the number of schools receiving Primary Welfare Officer Support from 520 to more than 800 schools over four years, increasing support for students with behavioural and family problems across Victoria.

Within the first term of a Coalition Government, two out of every three Government Primary Schools will receive support from Primary Welfare Officers, compared with fewer than half of schools under Labor’s current scheme.

Under the Coalition’s Plan, suitably qualified Primary Welfare Officers will be chosen by principals and will specialise in areas of priority student welfare needs such as mental health problems, family issues and student behaviour management.

Principals will be invited to pool their resources with other schools so Primary Welfare Officers can work on shared needs.

Primary Welfare Officers will specialise in a range of areas including:

• Early identification of Student Behavioural, Health and Social Problems;

• Referral for Students and Families needing Expert Assistance;

• Student Behaviour Management and School Discipline;

• Social work;

• Primary Health and Mental Health Care.

Primary Welfare Officers currently work in fewer than half of Victoria’s Government Primary Schools, focusing much of their efforts on disadvantaged areas despite an increase over the last decade in students with behavioural problems from different socio-economic backgrounds.

Victoria Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu

Millions in Unclaimed Dividends to be Returned to Racing and Breeding Industries

Victor P Taffa

A Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Government would in its first term provide an extra $40 Million to boost Victorian Breeding Industries and improve racetracks, Coalition Leader Ted Baillieu said today.

Mr. Baillieu said a Coalition Government would allocate all of the unclaimed dividends collected each year by the State Government to the Victorian racing industries. Totalisator customers currently have six months to claim their winnings after which, it is returned to consolidated revenue.”

“Each year about $14 Million is taken from Victorian Punters by the State Treasury in the form of unclaimed dividends.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“These are winning TAB tickets which punters have lost or forgotten to claim within the required six month period.”

Mr. Baillieu said this money belonged to Victorian racing, not the State Treasury, and a Coalition Government would re-invest 100 % of unclaimed dividends back into racing.

“The Coalition will provide $10 Million to boost funding via the very successful VOBIS*, GOBIS and VICBRED schemes.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“These schemes promote and support the Victorian Thoroughbred, Greyhound and Standardbred Breeding Industries.”

“These breeding industries generate significant economic benefits and jobs across Regional and Rural Victoria.” Mr. Baillieu said.

Mr. Baillieu said $30 Million would be provided to improve Race Tracks, Facilities for Racing Patrons and Racing Infrastructure across the State.

“The Coalition strongly supports a vibrant and growing Racing Industry.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“We understand that racing contributes significantly to the Victorian economy and provides around 70,000 jobs, many in country Victoria.”

“Our initiative will boost our breeding industries and help improve Racing Facilities.” Mr. Baillieu said.

*VOBIS – Victorian Owners and Breeders Incentive Scheme, GOBIS – Greyhound Owners and Breeders Incentive Scheme, VICBRED – Standardbred Racing and Breeding Incentive Program

Victoria Shadow Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan

YARRA FLOODS WHILE BRUMBY POURS BILLIONS OF DOLLARS DOWN THE DRAIN

Victor P Taffa

Victoria Premier John Brumby is Pouring Billions of Dollars down the Drain while Billions of Litres of Water run unchecked out to sea.

Shadow Minister for Regional and Rural Development and Leader of The Nationals Peter Ryan said heavy rain at the weekend was further proof that the North-South Pipeline and the Wonthaggi Desalination Plant was never needed.

“Melbourne’s storages have risen to more than 50 % and flood alerts have been issued for the Yarra River.” Mr. Ryan said.

“While billions of litres of water go flooding out to sea John Brumby is wasting Billions of Taxpayers’ Dollars on massive Infrastructure Projects.”

“Labor has desperately tried to sell the North-South Pipeline and the Wonthaggi Desalination Plant to Victorians as a necessary source of ‘non-rainfall dependent’ water.”

“We need to address the challenges of a changing climate by using rain where it falls and meeting Melbourne’s water needs by substituting the drinking water used on our parks and gardens with stormwater harvested from Melbourne’s Streets.”

“It’s sustainable, good for the environment and it secures a long-term supply of water in our reservoirs.”

“Instead of investing in stormwater harvesting and recycling, Labor has locked Victorians into an expensive and energy-intensive Desalination Plant.”

Mr. Ryan said Victorian families could face water bills of up to $2000 a year to pay for John Brumby’s Mismanagement and Waste.

“The Auditor-General has told us Melbourne water users will pay $650 Million every year for the life of the Wonthaggi Desalination Plant contract – even if the plant never delivers a single drop of water.” Mr. Ryan said.

“John Brumby has bungled the delivery of water infrastructure, just like he has bungled myki,smart meters and the rollout of HealthSmart.”

“At a time when cost of living pressures are uppermost in the minds of struggling Victorian families, the energy consumption of this massive facility will be a huge drain on our State’s Power Generation.”

“Victorians will be paying for the incompetence of this Government for years and years to Come.” Mr. Ryan said.

Victoria State Election 27 November 2010

Victoria Electoral Commissioner Steve Tully

Victorian State Election for Saturday, 27 November

Victor P Taffa

The Victorian Governor, Professor David de Kretser, has officially signed a writ calling for the State election to be held on Saturday, 27 November 2010.

The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is now urging eligible Victorians to check their enrolment details are up to date by close of rolls on Tuesday, 9 November.

Electoral Commissioner, Steve Tully said: “People will find it much quicker to have their say on Election Day if they are correctly enrolled. Details can easily be checked online at 131VEC.com.au.”

Enrolment forms are also available from the VEC website – 131VEC.com.au – or at any Australia Post Office or Centrelink office. For the first time, Victorians can SMS the word ‘state’ to 131 832 for a form to be sent to them.

From today, candidates can nominate to stand for election to either the Upper or Lower House. Independent candidates have until 12.00 noon, Friday, 12 November to nominate through their local Election Manager’s office.

Victoria Electoral Commissioner Steve Tully Receives Writ For State Election

Emirates Melbourne Cup 2010

Victor P Taffa

The system that I have employed for picking Melbourne Cup winners is as inexact and random as that used by most Australians. Matters such as weight, name of trainer, jockey, and barrier draw are considered.

1988 represents the first year that I placed a bet at the TAB.

 My success or otherwise for tipping winners is as follows:

 Year                Winner                       Weight (Kg)   Placing         Other Place Getters

 1988                Empire Rose                53.5                 1st

1989                Tawriffic                        54.0                 1st

1990                Kingston Rule             53.0                 1st

1991                Let’s Elope                    51.0                 1st

1992                Subzero                         54.5                 1st

1993                Vintage Crop              55.5

1994                Jeune                             56.5                 2^nd               Paris Lane

1995                Doriemus                     54.5                 2^nd               Nothin Leica Dane

1996                Saintly                          55.5                 1st

1997                Might and Power      56.0                 1st

1998                Jezabeel                       51.0                 2^nd                Champagne

1999                Rogan Josh                 50.0                 1^st, 2^nd       Central Park

2000                Brew                             49.0

2001                Ethereal                       52.0                 1st

2002                Media Puzzle              52.5

2003                Makybe Diva              51.0

2004                Makybe Diva              55.5                 1st

2005                Makybe Diva              58.0                 1st

2006                Delta Blues                 56.0

2007                Efficient                      54.5                 2^nd                Purple Moon

2008                Viewed                        53.0

2009                Shocking                     51.0                 3^rd                 Mourilyan

2010                Americain                    54.5                 2^nd, 3^rd     Maluckday, So You Think

Of the 23 Melbourne Cups from 1988 until 2010 I have picked the following:

 11                    1^st Placing

6                      2^nd Placing

2                      3rd Placing

Whether you back the winner or if the horse is still finishing, the race that captivates Australia comes but once a year on the first Tuesday in November from Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse and is a whole lot of fun.

Melbourne Cup 2010 TAB Victor P Taffa Picks

Victor P Taffa

Jockey Gerard Mosse has taken out the Emirates Melbourne Cup for 2010. Gerard Mosse ran a brilliant race with a sprint down the last few hundred metres to claim the Cup on board Americain and after weeks of hard work brought home the silverware for Trainer Alain De Royer-Dupre and Connections.

Leading into the Straight, Americain made a sprint for the line and overtook Maluckyday in the late stages to claim First Prize. Maluckyday races strongly and was unlucky not to claim the Cup and finished in Second Place. So You Think led early on and was not able to sustain the effort and finished in Third Place. Zavite finished last.

Emirates Melbourne Cup 2010 Place Getters Are:

                                                Jockey                                          Trainer

1. AMERICAIN         Gerard Mosse                            Alain De Royer-Dupre
2. MALUCKYDAY   Luke Nolen                               Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes
3. SO YOU THINK    Steven Arnold                           Bart Cummings

Last Place:  Zavite

Congratulations Winning Horse Americain, Jockey Gerard Mosse and Trainer Alain De Royer-Dupre.

Victoria Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu

COALITION TO PLAN FOR DONCASTER RAIL LINK

Victor P Taffa

Planning for a new Heavy Rail Line to Doncaster will begin under a Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Government.

Speaking at Doncaster Shoppingtown this morning, Coalition Leader Ted Baillieu said Labor had left Doncaster families isolated without Rail or Tram Access.

“Under the Coalition’s Plan, the new line would link Doncaster with the City via Clifton Hill and North of the City with consideration of a further link to Ringwood in the East.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“We will Plan for a Rail Link to Doncaster to help the people of Doncaster who have been denied adequate Public Transport by John Brumby.”

“Labor has had 11 years to plan for Rail to Doncaster but has failed to do so, instead wasting taxpayers’ money on the myki ticketing fiasco and fairy lights for the West Gate Bridge.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“The Coalition has listened to locals and will invest $6.5 Million in the first two years of Government to Plan for this new Rail Line.”

“We will consult with local communities and stakeholders on the route and location of new railway stations and maximise the opportunities for passengers to transfer between train lines to integrated tram or bus services or private vehicles.” Mr. Baillieu said.

A completed new line would provide a vital public transport alternative for families in North-Eastern Melbourne who currently lack any form of Rail or Tram Access.

“A Baillieu Government will fix the problems by planning for further Public Transport Infrastructure in this area because we believe local families deserve better services.” Mr. Baillieu said.

Mary Wooldridge Doncaster MLA

Liberal Member for Doncaster Mary Wooldridge said she had made Public Transport her number one local priority.

“Only the Coalition has a plan to improve public transport options for Doncaster-area residents.” Ms. Wooldridge said.

“The Coalition will plan for safe, reliable and clean train services, which will be critical to encouraging Doncaster-area residents to leave their cars at home and use public transport.”

“A new Rail Line will move thousands of Passengers per Hour.” Ms. Wooldridge said.

Nicholas Kotsiras Bulleen MLA

Liberal Member for Bulleen Nicholas Kotsiras said the Coalition’s Doncaster Train Plan would provide better links for residents in the area who have been neglected by John Brumby.

Public Transport Patronage in the Doncaster area is about 15 % below the Melbourne average and less than that of neighbouring Municipalities that have Fixed Rail.

Residents in the Doncaster area also own more cars and have a greater reliance on private car travel than the Melbourne average.