Federal Member for Gellibrand Nicola Roxon

Victoria Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder

New Contract Moves Regional Rail Link Into High Gear

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The Regional Rail link moved into high gear today with the announcement of a $570 Million construction contract by Federal Member for Gellibrand Nicola Roxon and Victorian Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder.

This is the second last contract to be awarded for the multi-billion dollar project and covers the track works between the City (Southern Cross Station) and the Maribyrnong River including a new 1 kilometre rail overpass over the Maribyrnong River which will facilitate the movement of regional trains between the inner west and Southern Cross Station.

“The Gillard Government is investing in our future by partnering with the Victorian Government to build Australia’s largest public transport infrastructure project to service our regional centres and Melbourne’s growing population in the north and west.” Ms. Roxon said.

“This project is a key pillar of Labor’s Nation Building Program and will significantly improve the frequency and reliability of services for passengers on the Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat lines.”

“Today’s announcement will deliver more jobs to the local construction industry and once complete, the Regional Rail Link will attract employers, workers and visitors into the vibrant Footscray Activities District.”

Victorian Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder said Regional Rail Link was an important piece of infrastructure for the state and when complete in early 2016, would remove major bottlenecks from the state’s public transport system by separating regional and metropolitan trains.

“The project will expand the rail network to increase connections between Victoria’s communities, and will link more people to jobs, education, recreation and vital services, providing Melbourne with its first new major rail line in 80 years.” Mr. Mulder said.

“2,900 direct jobs and 2,700 indirect jobs are expected as part of the Regional Rail Link project, a total of 5,600 jobs.”

The $570 Million contract was awarded to a consortium consisting of: John Holland, Abigroup, Coleman Rail, AECOM & GHD, who will partner with MTM, V/Line and the Regional Rail Link Authority to deliver the works between the City and the Maribyrnong River.

The scope of works includes:

• Construction of a new 1 kilometre rail overpass over the Maribyrnong River area;
• A rail-over-rail flyover between the Maribyrnong River and Hopkins Street Footscray;
• 4.5 kilometres of new tracks to separate metropolitan and regional trains within Melbourne’s busiest rail junction;
• Extensive track reconfiguration and major upgrades to the existing North Melbourne rail-over-rail flyover which will be used to access platforms 1-8 at Southern Cross Station;
• Major bridge modifications at Dynon Road, Moonee Ponds Creek, Lloyd Street and Dudley Street;  
• A new twin track rail bridge over Dudley Street in West Melbourne.

Federal Member for Gellibrand Nicola Roxon

The announcement follows the three contracts awarded in December last year for signalling and design and construction works between Footscray and Werribee.

The Regional Rail Link project is being built with $3.2 Billion in funding from the Australian Government and the Victorian Government contributing the balance.

Delivery of the Regional Rail Link project involves a total of six major packages of work, with the only remaining contract at West Werribee Junction to be awarded in the middle of 2012.

Victoria Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O’Brien

Consumers Urged To Shop Smart This Mother’s Day

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Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O’Brien is encouraging Victorians to shop smart this Mother’s Day and download the Consumer Affairs Victoria smartphone application MyShopRights before buying a gift for mum.

The MyShopRights application has been downloaded over 15,000 times and explains consumer shopping rights and retailer responsibilities. It can be downloaded to android or iPhone.

Mr. O’Brien said the free application gave consumers and traders access to on-the-spot information about Australian Consumer Law (ACL), including consumer rights to refunds, repairs and exchanges.

“With MyShopRights, you can access information while you’re standing in the store making a purchase, keep photos of receipts to show proof of purchase, and set reminders for when laybys and payments are due or when gift vouchers expire.” Mr. O’Brien said.

With gift vouchers being a popular Mother’s Day gift, the Minister advised Victorians to understand the terms and conditions when considering buying one for their mum.

“Remember to check the gift voucher expiry date and whether the voucher is refunded if the service provider goes out of business before the voucher is redeemed.” Mr. O’Brien said.

Mr. O’Brien also reminded online shoppers that they have the same rights and entitlements as if they would in a bricks and mortar store.

“For those who didn’t leave it too late and purchased a gift online for their mum, don’t forget that Australian Consumer Law applies to any products purchased online from an Australian service provider.”

“If you have any difficulties with your online purchase, MyShopRights will give you the confidence to resolve disputes directly and know when you have a legitimate claim.” Mr. O’Brien said.

To download the MyShopRights application, visit www.consumer.vic.gov.au

Victoria Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher

New Business For Victorian Exporters In Middle East Market

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The largest ever Australian trade mission to the Middle East, led by the Victorian Coalition Government, is now expected to lead to an annual increase in exports of at least $137.4 Million according to the participating Victorian companies.

Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher said the Coalition Government-sponsored trade mission was an overwhelming success for local businesses and a boost for the Victorian economy.

“The Coalition Government is working to increase exports, and the Middle East trade mission along with the two India trade missions, the China trade mission last year and the upcoming China mission this year are designed to do this. These results from the Middle East mission show the Coalition’s strategy is working.” Ms. Asher said.

“The 100 companies that joined me on the trade mission to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia in February 2012 have reported immediate export sales of more than $17.2 Million.”

“This includes outcomes of $3.5 Million over two years for 2011 Governor of Victoria Export Award winner, Longwarry Food Park, and $3 Million over two years to regional abattoir CRF Colac.”

“This is an excellent result for the companies that have expanded their export business into the Middle East and an important development for the Victorian economy.”

“These results are an update on the interim $92.4 Million figure I provided to Parliament in March.” Ms. Asher said.

The Middle East is now Victoria’s largest market for food and beverage, and a significant market for Victorian education, agribusiness, water, infrastructure, tourism and skilled migration. The Middle East is also the world’s second largest dairy import market, with Victorian exports to the region growing by 18 % last year, to a total of $272 Million in 2010/11.

“Significantly, iconic Victorian dairy company Murray Goulburn Co-operative has announced plans to immediately establish a strategic business unit based in Dubai to develop strong relationships with key customers and market the Devondale brand to consumers in the region.” Ms. Asher said.

“Iconic dairy brand Bega and its wholly owned subsidiary Tatura Milk Industries will also spend $7.8M on expanding their Tatura facility to accommodate increased demand from the Middle East for dairy products.”

Ms. Asher said the mission included a Victorian Government stand at Gulfood in Dubai, the largest annual food and beverage trade show in the world, which was used by Warrnambool Cheese and Butter to launch its award-winning products world-wide.

“More than 80 Victorian companies exhibited at Gulfood to more than 65,000 buyers from around the world. Last year Victorian companies attending the Gulfood exhibition reported $57 Million in estimated export outcomes.” Ms. Asher said.

Ms. Asher said the mission was also the platform to launch the Victorian Connection Program, an initiative to assist people who have lived and studied in Victoria to stay connected and to act as ‘ambassadors at large’ for Victoria.

Victoria Minister for Health David Davis

Hospital Projects Deliver Jobs For Victoria

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The Victorian Coalition Government’s massive $364 Million investment in hospital redevelopments will pave the way for the creation of more than 700 jobs during the construction phase of the projects.

Minister for Health David Davis today visited Sunshine Hospital which received a $15.1 Million boost in the 2012/13 State Budget to expand its critical care and maternity capacity.

“Hospitals and aged care capital works projects funded in the Budget will deliver a significant jobs boon across Victoria, with the creation more than 700 new construction jobs.” Mr. Davis said.

“Here at Sunshine Hospital, a new intensive care unit and expanded maternity services will generate 17 new jobs during construction.”

“There will be 105 jobs created by Frankston Hospital’s $40 Million emergency department expansion and more than 560 jobs created by upgrades to hospitals across rural Victoria.”

“These new jobs come on top of the 500 new jobs created through the billion dollar Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre project, 250 new jobs at the $447.5 Million Box Hill Hospital redevelopment and 735 jobs at the $630 Million Bendigo Hospital redevelopment.”

“New health infrastructure projects across the state are not only vital in boosting access to health services, but are also important in stimulating Victoria’s economy and creating more jobs.”

“These projects deliver substantial economic benefits for Victoria and the local community, with additional flow-on jobs supported in offsite industries such as design and manufacturing.”

Mr. Davis said the 2012/13 State Budget delivered $15.1 Million for Sunshine Hospital’s long awaited Intensive Care Unit, more maternity services and the first steps towards an interventional cardiology service.

“The increased maternity capacity at Sunshine Hospital, which will include two new labour delivery rooms, will cater for the expected baby boom in Melbourne’s west.” Mr. Davis said.

“The critical care expansion at Sunshine will include up to 13 intensive care beds, as well as an expanded pathology service.”

“This project is a significant step in sustaining key construction jobs in our state, while at the same delivering even more health services to residents in Melbourne’s west.”

Mr. Davis inspected construction works for the new $90.5 Million Acute Services Building at Sunshine Hospital, which is due to be completed in December.

“This project includes a four level inpatient wing with 128 beds, ambulatory care facilities including 30 day medical and chemotherapy chairs, outpatients clinic, a special care nursery and clinical support services.” Mr. Davis said.

“The project generated 210 construction jobs at its peak, with about 90 workers still on site.”

Victoria Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty

Melbourne Scores International Hockey Coup

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Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty announced today that Melbourne has secured the exclusive rights to host the International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) most important annual tournament, the 2012 Men’s Champions Trophy.

The tournament brings together the world’s top six ranked nations plus two invited teams, including the current champions, the Australian Men’s Hockey Team – the Kookaburras – to compete over nine days in December this year, to contest the coveted Champions Trophy.

“December is a great month for sport in Melbourne, with international events in sailing, dancesport and of course the Boxing Day Test.” Mr. Delahunty said.

“The Champions Trophy will add even more excitement to a blockbuster month providing spectators with the opportunity to cheer on some of the best hockey players in the world at Victoria’s premier hockey venue, the State Netball Hockey Centre (SNHC).”

“The tournament also provides fans with a chance to welcome back our Kookaburras in the first major hockey tournament to be held after the 2012 London Olympic Games.” Mr. Delahunty said.

“In securing the FIH Champions Trophy for Melbourne, up to $5.6 Million in economic benefit will be delivered to Victoria, reinforcing our reputation as the sporting capital as well as providing significant benefits to the hockey community.” Mr. Delahunty said.

The last time Melbourne hosted the FIH Champions Trophy was in 2009 and the event attracted capacity crowds of more than 21,000, including interstate and international visitors, providing a boost for local business and the Victorian economy.

“With the Kookaburras ranked number one in the world and being reigning Champions Trophy, World Cup and Commonwealth Games title holders, the sports community is expected to strongly support this world-class hockey event.” Mr. Delahunty said.

The Kookaburras have won medals at each of the past four Olympic Games, earning them a reputation as one of Australia’s most consistent performers in Olympic team sports and arguably one of the most recognised national teams.

Hockey Australia CEO Mark Anderson thanked the Victorian Major Events Company which, in partnership with the Victorian Government and Hockey Australia, secured the 2012 FIH Champions Trophy for Melbourne.

“We greatly appreciate the Victorian Government’s support, ensuring that Australia and Melbourne has the opportunity to host this feature hockey event.” Mr. Anderson said.

“Melbourne hosted a tremendously successful Champions Trophy in 2009.”

“The crowds were large, loud and supportive and all the international teams had a fabulous experience both on and off the field.” Mr. Anderson said.

Based on results from the 2011 Champions Trophy, the nations set to battle for the prestigious title include Australia, Spain, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Germany and Belgium. The final two nations will be announced at a later date.

Victoria Minister for Planning Matthew Guy

Metropolitan Planning Vision Gets Underway

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Victorians are encouraged to have their say on metropolitan planning in the next step towards a shared vision for Victoria.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy urged everyone to give their ideas so that Melbourne’s future can be informed by a diverse range of possibilities.

“We need to build on the best of past planning strategies and bring fresh thinking to our consideration of projected growth and change and to how we address the challenges in front of us.” Mr. Guy said.

“The next 12 months will be critical to the successful development of the metropolitan strategy, as we embark on further consultation across the broader community.”

“Strong linkages with the Regional Growth Plans will be key to integrating Melbourne with the rest of the state.”

“Our new strategy must showcase our city’s outstanding reputation for liveability and productivity. It must be able to be rolled out in a visible, tangible way that meets short, medium and long-term goals, and above all, unites our community.”

Mr. Guy launched a dedicated website www.planmelbourne.vic.gov.au and online forums and fact sheets around ten key themes including people, housing, transport, environment, economy, communities, freight, infrastructure, regional areas and peri-urban areas.

“We are working with local councils, industry and peak bodies to provide input to the development of a discussion paper.”

“Research is also underway into issues such as land supply and housing affordability, and opportunities for employment, transport and infrastructure. Projected population growth and trends in housing, demographic and economic change will also be considered.” Mr. Guy said.

Mr. Guy also announced the establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Committee to direct the development of the strategy, chaired by Melbourne-based international urban planner Professor Roz Hansen and including members Brian Haratsis, Chris Gallagher, Professor John Stanley, Tony Nicholson and Bernard McNamara.

The metropolitan planning strategy will be focused on land use and transport options that respond to and integrates social, economic and environmental issues facing the metropolitan region.

The strategy will take a long-term view of growth and change across Melbourne and its influence on and relationship with regional Victoria, other Australian capital cities and internationally.

More information is available at www.planmelbourne.vic.gov.au and Victorians can join the discussion through online forums, regular polls and on Twitter with the username @planmelbourne and hashtag #planmelbourne.

Victoria Minister for Manufacturing Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva

New High-Tech Manufacturing Plant For Ballarat Company

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Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva today officially launched a new $3.5 Million automatic hot moulding press at the FMP Australia plant in Ballarat.

Mr. Dalla-Riva said the new technology was part of an overall $8.8 Million redevelopment of the company’s operations that would boost production and safeguard jobs in Ballarat.

“The Coalition Government is pleased to have contributed to the overall investment that FMP Australia has made as part of our firm commitment to the manufacturing industry in regional Victoria.”

“FMP has been a local manufacturing institution in Ballarat for more than 50 years and has grown to become a leader in designing and delivering brake pads to the Australian and international market.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

“This new facility is an example of how investing in technology can enable local manufacturers to increase efficiencies, boost production and generate additional employment.”

“The benefits of becoming high-tech are what we are seeing today and this is why the Coalition Government announced in the budget this week the Investing in Technology fund as part of our A More Competitive Manufacturing Strategy that will assist small and medium businesses to acquire new technology and help them emulate the success of FMP.”

While in Ballarat today Mr. Dalla-Riva also visited Haymes Paints Pty Ltd, a fourth generation family company that now supplies and distributes paint products around Australia, and MaxiTRANS Australia Pty Ltd, Australia’s largest supplier of road transport trailers.

Mr. Dalla-Riva congratulated Haymes Paints on being inducted last night into the prestigious Victorian Manufacturers Hall of Fame.

“Haymes is a great Victorian and Australian company, which has delivered innovative, competitive and profitable manufacturing. Victorian manufacturing is our single largest full-time employer with over 25,000 businesses.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

Victoria Minister for Racing Denis Napthine

Warrnambool Racing Carnival A Resounding Success

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Bigger crowds, increased TAB turnover and a fantastic display of horsemanship by jockey Steven Pateman has capped off a memorable Warrnambool May Racing Carnival, Minister for Racing and Member for South West Coast Denis Napthine said today.

“This year’s Warrnambool May Racing Carnival has been a huge success and a testament to the hard work of the Warrnambool Racing Club, Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria.” Dr. Napthine said.

“The Victorian Coalition Government and the racing industry have worked together closely throughout the previous 12 months to make this event even bigger and better and I’m pleased to say we’ve achieved a fantastic result.”

“Accommodation across the region was booked to capacity, crowd numbers were up and there was an increase in TAB turnover. It is absolutely fantastic to see such positive support for country racing.”

“These magnificent results are proof that the investments made by the Coalition Government and the racing industry to improve track safety, fund education programs for jockeys and to boost prize money have paid off.” Dr. Napthine said.

Dr. Napthine also congratulated jockey Steven Pateman and the connections of Dance With Her for their fantastic results at the carnival.

“Steve Pateman has once again proved why he is regarded as the nation’s premier jumps racing jockey.”

“Still fresh from being honoured as last season’s jumps racing jockey of the year, Steve has finished the Warrnambool carnival with the formidable record of a second place to go with his five wins including victory in the prestigious Grand Annual Steeplechase with last year’s runner up, Awakening Dream.”

“I’d also like to congratulate jockey Steven Arnold, trainer David Brideoake and the connections of $25 chance, Dance With Her, who has backed up her impressive wins in the Bendigo Golden Mile and Pakenham Cup with a thrilling victory in the $200,000 Warrnambool Cup.” Dr. Napthine said.

Victoria Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher

Coalition Government Funding Provides Fringe Benefits To Melbourne Arts Festival

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The Victorian Coalition Government announced today $22,500 in funding to attract more interstate visitors to one of the country’s leading events for independent artists, the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher said the funding through Tourism Victoria’s Events Program would build on the Festival’s reputation as a prominent arts festival, as well as enhancing Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s cultural capital.

The $22,500 in funding is in addition to Arts Victoria’s contribution of more than $343,000 to this year’s Melbourne Fringe Festival.

“Freedom of expression, arts and culture are an integral part of Melbourne’s culture and are strongly supported by the Victorian Coalition Government.” Ms. Asher said.

Ms. Asher said Melbourne’s vibrant and internationally renowned cultural calendar of events was one of the reasons it was the world’s most liveable city.

“The Melbourne Fringe Festival is a successful showcase of Melbourne’s broad cultural tourism appeal. It also aligns with the Government’s highly successful Play Melbourne tourism campaign which is enticing more interstate and New Zealand visitors to experience our exciting and dynamic city.” Ms. Asher said.

In 2011 the Festival attracted more than 4,000 artists, performers and designers, with research showing the total audience grew by about 25 % on 2010 attendance figures.

Of the total number of visitors from outside Melbourne, nearly 60 % said attending the Melbourne Fringe Festival was the main purpose of their visit and the majority intended to stay between three and five nights.

Ms. Asher said funding would enable festival organisers to develop tourism marketing campaigns that focused on key interstate markets Adelaide and Brisbane.

Member for Prahran Clem Newton-Brown said the core of the Festival would be an Independent Artists Program to showcase new performing and visual art throughout 120 venues across Melbourne.

“The much-loved Melbourne Fringe Festival provides opportunities to promote and develop creative talent emerging from Victoria’s diverse and complex independent arts scene.” Mr. Newton-Brown said.

“Over 19 days the Festival will showcase more than 300 new shows covering every conceivable art form, from circus to cabaret, dance to design.”

The Melbourne Fringe Festival will run from 26 September to 14 October 2012.

Victoria Minister for Manufacturing Exports and Trade Richard Dalla-Riva

Manufacturing Awards Recognise Local Success

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Minister for Manufacturing, Exports and Trade, Richard Dalla-Riva, last night announced the winners of the 2012 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards at a ceremony that brought together more than 800 industry leaders.

Mr. Dalla-Riva said the awards were an important part of recognising the strength and success of Victoria’s manufacturing capabilities.

“We have examples of manufacturing companies here in Victoria that lead Australia in sectors such as aerospace and defence, engineering, food processing, fashion and textiles and others that continue to be successful in challenging economic circumstances and these awards celebrate that leadership and innovation.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

“The Coalition Government is committed to ensuring growth in our manufacturing sector and we are assisting manufacturers to invest in technology to progress from medium enterprises to high-performance companies, working alongside our world-leading research institutions and also by offering support and assistance to enter new growth markets overseas.”

Mr. Dalla-Riva honoured Dandenong bus company maker and principal of the Grenda Corporation, Ken Grenda AM, as the 2012 Honouree, adding his name to the Awards’ Honour Roll.

“Ken has not only shown a life-long commitment to manufacturing in Victoria, but became an Australian hero earlier this year when his family owned company sold its transit operations after 66 years and decided to hand over part of the profits to its 1800-strong staff as a token of thanks.” Mr. Dalla-Riva said.

Winners of the 2012 Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards include:

• Mr. Ken Grenda, AM, Honouree
• Dr. Erol Harvey, CEO MiniFab, Enabling Technology Entrepreneur of the Year
• Matt Nettleton, Business Manager Concept Recycling, Corex Plastics, Young Manufacturer of the Year
• Coating and Industrial Technologies, Manufacturer of the Year (small business)
•  Koko Black, Manufacturer of the Year (medium business)
• Marand Precision Engineering (large business)
• Hydrix, Enabling Technology Company of the Year
• Boss Polymer Technologies, Inductee into Manufacturing Hall of Fame
• Corex Plastics, Inductee into Manufacturing Hall of Fame
• Fantech, Inductee into Manufacturing Hall of Fame
• Henry Haymes Pty Ltd (Haymes Paint), Inductee into Manufacturing Hall of Fame
• Hospira (Australia) Pty Ltd
• NHP Electrical Engineering
• PACCAR
• United Bonded Fabrics