Victoria Minister for Water Peter Walsh

Victoria Rejects Draft Basin Plan

Victor P Taffa

The social and economic impacts of the proposed Murray Darling Basin Plan are too costly for Victoria, Water Minister Peter Walsh said today.

Releasing the Victorian Coalition Government’s submission to the draft plan, Mr. Walsh warned the Gillard Government against taking more water from Victoria.

“This debate is not just academic – it’s about real communities and real people fighting for their very survival.” Mr. Walsh said.

“Further cuts to consumptive water will reduce employment, put pressure on families to seek off-farm income, place downward pressure on house and land values and increase welfare dependency.”

“The impacts of these cuts will not just be confined to agriculture but will also affect larger communities like Swan Hill, Kyabram, Rochester and Tatura.”

“As agriculture declines, towns lose their critical mass and the provision of essential services including education, social services and health care will be threatened.”

Mr. Walsh said under the proposed Basin Plan, water available for consumptive use would be reduced by 2750Gl.

“Our modelling shows northern Victoria’s dairy industry would decline by 12 % or $54 Million. Grape production would fall by 11 % or 38 Million and mixed grazing would take a hit of 31 % or $38 Million.” Mr. Walsh said.

“Victorian communities have already done their share of the heavy lifting. Between the contributions they have made since 2000 and the water being returned under current agreements, northern Victorian irrigators have already given up 1,040Gl.

“Instead of clawing back more water, the Gillard Government should fund environmental works and measures to make effective use of the water they already have.” Mr. Walsh said.

To view Victoria’s submission to the Murray Darling Basin Authority visit www.water.vic.gov.au/basin-plan-response

Victoria Premier Ted Baillieu

Victoria Minister for the Arts Ted Baillieu

Golden Oldie: Old Treasury Building Celebrates 150 Years

Victor P Taffa

Premier and Minister for the Arts Ted Baillieu visited the Old Treasury Building yesterday to mark its 150th anniversary and launch a new biography on the life and work of the building’s architect, JJ Clark.

“It was the gold rush in colonial Victoria that spurred the construction of a Treasury Building for Melbourne and 150 years on, the heritage-listed building remains one of our city’s most iconic and historically significant public sites.” Mr. Baillieu said.

Built to store the colony’s gold, complete with a metre thick floor above the barrel-vaulted basement, the Old Treasury Building also provided offices for Victoria’s Governor, Premier, Treasurer, Registrar-General and the Registrar of the Supreme Court.

“The Old Treasury Building was the headquarters for Victoria’s political and administrative leaders, making it second only to Parliament House as the centre of state affairs in Victoria.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“The building that remains is one of the finest examples of Renaissance Revival architecture that exists today.”

“What is even more extraordinary about the building, is that it was designed by a teenager, 19 year old JJ Clark.”

“This says as much about Clark’s own remarkable talents as it does about the youthful energy and aspirations of Melbourne in the mid 1800s, an energy that is very much still alive today.” Mr. Baillieu said.

John James Clark (1838–1915) immigrated to Melbourne from the UK when he was 14 years old and just five years later began work on the Old Treasury Building. Some of his other landmarks include the Melbourne City Baths, Customs House, Royal Mint, Melbourne Hospital for Women (later Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital), parts of Victoria’s Government House and the Melbourne and Pentridge Prisons, as well as numerous other public buildings interstate and in New Zealand.

The biography, JJ Clark: Architect of the Australian Renaissance by Dr. Andrew Dodd, is the first to document Clark’s life and work.

To coincide with the 150th anniversary, a free exhibition – Gold and Governors: 150 years of the Old Treasury Building – opens today at the Old Treasury Building, providing visitors with a glimpse into the history of the building and the development of Melbourne.

A series of events will accompany the exhibition, including lectures and seminars, heritage walking tours and education programs.

Gold and Governors: 150 years of the Old Treasury Building will be open at the Old Treasury Building, located at 20 Spring Street, Melbourne, until 30 November 2012. Entry is free.

For further information and to view opening times visit www.prov.vic.gov.au or www.oldtreasurybuilding.org.au

Victoria Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business and Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher

Melbourne Secures The Logies And Screen Producers Association Of Australia Conference

Victor P Taffa

Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business and Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher today announced that Melbourne has retained the TV Week Logie Awards for the next five years, and has secured the Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) Conference for an initial period of three years.

Speaking at an industry event on the eve of the TV Week Logie Awards, Ms Asher said the Victorian Coalition Government had secured the SPAA Conference, the southern hemisphere’s largest and Australia’s premier business and networking conference for film, television and new media producers.

Ms. Asher also announced that Melbourne will retain the Logies, the most important event of the year for Australia’s television community.

“I am delighted that the Coalition Government has been able to secure the SPAA Conference, and that the Logies will remain in their rightful home in Melbourne for another five years.” Ms. Asher said.

“Attracting a high profile event such as the SPAA Conference to Melbourne and retaining the Logies shows the Coalition Government’s ongoing commitment to the screen industry.”

“Since December 2010, the Coalition Government has supported more than 40 film and television productions which are expected to generate more than $200 Million in production expenditure for the state.” Ms. Asher said.

Based on 2009/10 data, Access Economics estimates that the total value-added contribution of the Victorian screen sector is approximately $1.4 Billion.

Ms. Asher said securing hosting rights for these two major screen industry events was a further vote of confidence in the strength of Victoria’s local screen industry, as well as Melbourne’s reputation as a creative and innovative major events hub.

“As well as providing a unique opportunity to promote Victoria’s screen industry, the Logies and the SPAA Conference will be instrumental in attracting key interstate and international screen industry decision makers to Victoria.” Ms. Asher said.

“Securing these important screen industry events in Melbourne will ensure our local practitioners have the opportunity to engage with high profile industry practitioners and participate in a range of strategic opportunities, enabling them to showcase their extraordinary talent and their diverse slate of projects.”

The Nine Network’s Managing Director Jeffrey Browne said he was delighted that with the support of the Coalition Government and Crown, the hugely successful TV Week Logie Awards would remain at Crown for the next five years.

“This is despite interest from other states to move the awards ceremony away from their traditional home.” Mr. Browne said.

“The TV Week Logie Awards ceremony is truly television’s night of nights and all of us who are privileged to work in our industry are very proud to be able to showcase the best that television has to offer, at Crown, in Melbourne, for the next five years.”

The Screen Producers Association of Australia’s Executive Director Geoff Brown said the SPAA Conference was returning to Melbourne after an absence of ten years.

“I’d like to thank the Victorian Coalition Government for supporting this initiative.” Mr. Brown said.

“Melbourne, with its variety of first class venues and its dedicated arts precincts, presents itself as the best venue in Australia for the SPAA Conference. We look forward to hosting Australia’s premier film and television conference in Australia’s cultural and innovation capital.”

The 2012 SPAA Conference will be held over three days in November and the 2012 TV Week Logie Awards are on Sunday 15 April. Hamish Blake won the Gold Logie.

Victoria Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Nicholas Kotsiras

Communities Across Victoria Unite For Anzac Day

Victor P Taffa

Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Nicholas Kotsiras today encouraged all communities across Victoria to participate in this year’s Anzac Day.

Mr. Kotsiras said the annual commemorations on 25 April were a day for all Australians to honour the sacrifices of those who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peace-keeping operations.

“Though the Anzac legend has its origins in the Gallipoli campaign of 1915, the meaning of Anzac Day extends far beyond that.” Mr. Kotsiras said.

“On Anzac Day we commemorate the fallen, acknowledge the service of our veterans and cherish the freedoms secured on our behalf by so many in the diverse theatres of war and peace keeping missions since 1915.” Mr. Kotsiras said.

“From the European trenches in WWI, to campaigns in the Middle East, Europe and Asia in WWII, the Korean War, the Malay Emergency, the Vietnam War, and recently, peacekeeping and policing missions in Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands, and engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan, Australian men and women have fought and many have laid down their lives for us to enjoy freedoms others can only imagine.”

Mr. Kotsiras said Anzac Day represented the freedom of each and every Australian and the upholding of our democratic principles and way of life.

“I encourage all Victorians to pause and acknowledge the contribution of those who fought and died for the freedoms we enjoy.” Mr. Kotsiras said.

Mr. Kotsiras said Victoria was a harmonious and cohesive society where culturally diverse communities united in their commitment to Victoria’s democratic institutions and values.

“In honouring those who served and died in the throes of war since the landing on Gallipoli we ensure the meaning of Anzac Day is neither diminished nor forgotten.” Mr. Kotsiras said.

“On Anzac Day, we measure ourselves against the sacrifice of others and renew our commitment to freedom and democracy.”

Victoria Minister for Crime Prevention Andrew McIntosh

Chapel Street Safety Boosted With Funding For CCTV

Victor P Taffa

The Victorian Coalition Government is providing $330,000 to install CCTV cameras in Melbourne’s famous Chapel Street entertainment precinct.

Crime Prevention Minister Andrew McIntosh made the landmark announcement in Chapel Street today, fulfilling a key Coalition election promise.

“Chapel Street attracts visitors from all over Melbourne and the world.” Mr. McIntosh said.

“It has so much to offer and now it will be safer too.”

The precinct’s bars, restaurants, nightclubs and boutiques can attract as many as 10,000 people at once in peak times. With the influx though, comes the threat of street violence – a threat which has all too frequently become a reality.

For several years the City of Stonnington and local traders have been crying out for assistance to install CCTV cameras. The Coalition made an election promise that help was on its way, and is today delivering on that promise.

“This money will pay for the installation of 10 CCTV cameras in Chapel Street’s worst hot spots for crime and anti-social behaviour. Prahran Police will monitor and store the footage, which will assist in investigation and prosecution and help deter crime.” Mr. McIntosh said.

Also attending the announcement were Member for Prahran Clem Newton-Brown and Stonnington Mayor John Chandler. Council will also contribute $90,000 to the project, as well as the ongoing costs.

“The City of Stonnington welcomes the Coalition Government’s funding contribution which will help ensure the Chapel Street precinct is a safe and well-managed place to visit, work and live.” Cr. Chandler said.

“The funding will extend the coverage of CCTV in the area from five to 10 cameras at key locations – determined in consultation with local Police – from South Yarra to Windsor. The new equipment will ensure up-to-date technology and improved image clarity.”

Clem Newton-Brown Prahran MLA

Member for Prahran Clem Newton-Brown, who campaigned heavily on this issue, applauded the announcement, congratulating the Minister for Crime Prevention and the Mayor of Stonnington for their contribution to this important initiative.

“The people of Stonnington made it very clear to me safety in and around Chapel Street was a key issue. The Coalition promised these cameras while in Opposition and we are now delivering on that promise. I am delighted to be standing here today with the Crime Prevention Minister, Andrew McIntosh as we announce this historic funding.” Mr. Newton-Brown said.

The Chapel Street project is part of the Coalition Government’s strong commitment to crime prevention measures.

In this term of government, $39 Million has been allocated to fund lighting, improve urban design, CCTV infrastructure, graffiti removal projects and programs to prevent violence against women and children.

Just this week Mr McIntosh announced grants worth a total of $2.4 Million to fund crime prevention infrastructure projects across Victoria.

“The key is to listen to communities.” Mr. McIntosh said.

“Local communities are best placed to identify crime problems in their midst and decide on the solutions which will best suit them, and with these grants the Coalition Government is supporting their efforts.”

Victoria Minister for Crime Prevention Andrew McIntosh

Massive Boost For Public Safety In Glenferrie Road Precinct

Victor P Taffa

The Coalition Government today announced funding to install CCTV cameras in the entertainment precinct in Glenferrie Road Hawthorn.

Crime Prevention Minister Andrew McIntosh made the $245,000 announcement in Glenferrie Road this morning.

“This part of Glenferrie Road has joined other famous strips in Melbourne as a vibrant and popular place to spend time in restaurants, bars and nightclubs.” Mr. McIntosh said.

“With that popularity, though, has come an increase in unacceptable behaviour causing injury and damage, and causing members of the public to have concerns for their safety.”

Public safety in Glenferrie Road has increasingly been threatened by assaults, anti-social behaviour and public order offences.

The Coalition Government’s funding, along with almost $100,000 from Boroondara Council, will pay for the installation of eight CCTV cameras in Glenferrie Road.

Footage from the cameras will be monitored and stored at Boroondara Police Station, allowing enhanced Police response and assisting in prosecutions.

The grant has been provided from the Coalition Government’s Public Safety Infrastructure Fund, and is one of 24 grants totalling $2.4 Million.

“The Coalition Government believes communities are best placed to identify their own public safety problems and suggest their own solutions.” Mr. McIntosh said.

“With these Public Safety Infrastructure Fund grants, the Coalition Government is supporting those communities with their efforts.”

 In this term of government, $39 Million has been allocated to fund lighting, improved urban design, CCTV infrastructure, graffiti removal projects and programs to prevent violence against women and children.

Victoria Minister for Water Peter Walsh

No Water Ordered From Desalination Plant This Year

Victor P Taffa

The Victorian Government has placed a first water order of zero gigalitres from the Wonthaggi desalination plant for the coming financial year.

Water Minister Peter Walsh said Melbourne’s water storages were at 64.8 % thanks to good rainfall and the water saving efforts of Melburnians.

“Melbourne’s dams are holding almost 1200Gl and we are coming into the winter/spring filling season with wet catchments.” Mr. Walsh said.

“It’s also clear that the plant will not be fully completed by the original completion date of 30 June 2012.”

“AquaSure has advised the plant is not expected to be fully completed and have passed all reliability tests until February 2013, well into the financial year, although the plant will produce water until reliability testing is complete.” Mr. Walsh said.

Mr. Walsh said the contract signed by the former Labor Government locked water users into paying an annual security payment once the plant was fully commissioned.

“Under Labor’s contract, Melbourne water users would be required to pay $654 Million in the 2012-13 financial year if the project was complete by 30 June 2012.” Mr. Walsh said.

“The cost of purchasing water taken from the plant is in addition to the annual security payment.” Mr. Walsh said.

Under the contract, each year by 1 April the government must place a water order of either 0 GL, 50 GL, 75 GL, 100 GL, 125 GL or 150 GL for the coming financial year.

“It would cost an extra $25 Million to purchase 50 GL from the plant, while an order of 150 gigalitres would cost $109 Million.” Mr. Walsh said.

“Given we don’t need the water and we are already contractually obliged to pay for water produced during commissioning, we believe the most responsible course of action is to save this money.”

Water orders are determined based on a range of factors including the cost to customers and the need to manage water security through the analysis of supply and demand, water storage levels and management, and a range of future weather scenarios.

Victoria Minister for Crime Prevention Andrew McIntosh

Government Boosts Public Safety In Ballarat

Victor P Taffa

The Coalition Government is providing new CCTV cameras for Ballarat’s bus interchange, substantially improving public safety, and fulfilling a key election promise.

 Crime Prevention Minister Andrew McIntosh made the $200,000 announcement in Ballarat’s entertainment precinct today, along with the city’s Mayor Cr Mark Harris.

“The high volume bus interchange in the Ballarat CBD and the wider Bridge Mall precinct are hotspots identified by locals as areas that would greatly benefit from new CCTV cameras.” Mr. McIntosh said.

“This major new investment by the Coalition Government will provide families in Ballarat with more confidence in the safety of these local areas and provide assistance to the City of

Ballarat by strengthening local crime prevention measures.”

The city’s surveillance cameras will be monitored by the local Ballarat Police and will provide a valuable evidence gathering tool. They are regularly used for identification of suspects and assist in prosecution of offenders through the courts.

“This helps provide a strong deterrent for those who vandalise public property or those who commit crimes and engage in anti-social behaviour in our streets.” Mr. McIntosh said.

Mr. McIntosh said the funding was an election commitment and part of the Coalition Government’s Community Crime Prevention Program which aims to make communities safer through practical local solutions such as investing in security infrastructure.

“The Coalition Government recognises that local communities are best placed to identify and prioritise local crime and safety issues and is committed to supporting them to do so.” Mr. McIntosh said.

The City of Ballarat has committed a further $200,000, matching the Coalition Government funding.

The Coalition Government is committed to investing a further $2.4 Million in public safety infrastructure initiatives across Victoria as part of its PSIF grants, which will be announced shortly.

These grants are part of a four-year $39 Million statewide agenda to build safer communities.

Victoria Minister for Ageing David Davis

Minister Welcomes National Alzheimer’s Report

Victor P Taffa

The Victorian Minister for Ageing David Davis today welcomed the launch of the Alzheimer’s Australia national report on services for people with dementia.

“This report again affirms what has been known for years – that Australia’s health and aged care services have not been adequately designed to meet the needs of rapidly increasing numbers of people with dementia, and the needs of their carers.” Mr. Davis said today.

“Alzheimer’s Australia itself has been established for decades and has made a significant contribution.”

“Governments have known for decades the growth of older Australians would bring a parallel growth in the numbers of people with dementia – and yet this report now demonstrates how Commonwealth funded and regulated aged care services still fail to meet these needs.” Mr. Davis said.

“Victoria led the way in dementia care two decades ago by ensuring hospital services are tailored to meet the needs of older people through the provision of sub-acute inpatient care specifically for older people.” Mr. Davis said.

“These services, with the co-location of specific residential services, have made it possible for older Victorians to leave acute care as soon as they are well enough to do so.”

“Despite this, the Commonwealth Government has consistently failed to recognise the value of these services to older Victorians and Commonwealth funding for Victorian services has been restricted and not supported sufficient innovation.”
 
“More than 69,000 Victorians are living with dementia and about 56 people develop dementia every day.”

“About two thirds of Victorians with dementia live in metropolitan areas, and about 22,000 live in country areas. There are also families, carers and friends who feel the impact of dementia.”

“Alarmingly, the report by Alzheimer’s Australia estimates there will be almost 100,000 Victorians living with dementia by the year 2020 – a short time away. And, for these individuals, there will be many families and carers that are also living with the impact of dementia.” Mr. Davis said.

Mr. Davis said Victoria had worked to provide adequate health and community care services for people with dementia over many years.
“The Victorian Government funds services to support people with dementia, their families and carers.” Mr. Davis said.

“Of critical importance is access to early diagnosis, advice, treatment and support – and in the 1990s Victoria established Cognitive Dementia and Memory Services (CDAMS) with 15 of these specialist clinics now providing diagnosis and treatment services for people concerned about memory loss or changes to thinking and those who support them.” Mr. Davis said.

Mr. Davis said the CDAMS were located in metropolitan and country Victoria and provided individuals and their families with a timely opportunity to learn about their condition, understand changes as they occur and cope with day-to-day issues of cognitive impairment. CDAMS can be accessed by self-referral, or through general practitioners and community services.

“It is time that governments worked together, and not competitively, to support our older Australians.” Mr. Davis said.

“The Alzheimer’s Australia report makes it clear the fragmentation and separation of services may be a factor in exacerbating the difficulties faced by people with dementia and their carers.”

“When services are inadequate, it is often acute health services, including emergency departments that patients and their families end up turning to for help.”

“It is time the Commonwealth, which has historically funded residential care for older people and shared the cost of community service supports for older people, worked positively and collaboratively with the states and territories to achieve a strong aged care system that puts people first.” Mr. Davis said.

“This report should be considered alongside last year’s report of the Productivity Commission into aged care services as clear indications that aged care reform is a national priority.”

Victoria Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder

$220M New Train Maintenance Facility = 120 New Jobs

Victor P Taffa

Investment in a state-of-the-art train stabling and maintenance facility will help bring train travel to three new stations and provide the biggest boost to weekend travel in a generation.

Transport Minister Terry Mulder said the completion of the $220 Million Craigieburn Train Stabling and Maintenance Facility would create 120 ongoing jobs in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

The project is a vital piece of infrastructure to allow more trains onto the network and ensure Metro has improved facilities to clean and maintain our rolling stock.

The facility has been completed ahead of the introduction of a new timetable on April 22 which will create a 10-minute daytime frequency on the Ringwood, Dandenong and Frankston lines.

The new timetable will also integrate the historic extension of the Epping train line to South Morang and the introduction of new stations at Lynbrook and Cardinia Road.

In total 353 new services will be added to the network. This will ensure more services will be run than ever before.

“This is a landmark time for Melbourne’s train network. These projects will help more people access our public transport network and provide greater capacity and reliability to the network as well.” Mr. Mulder said.

“The Craigieburn facility is a vital cog to allow more trains on the network and improve services across Melbourne.”

The new timetable will mark the delivery of services to the new South Morang Railway Station following the successful extension of the rail line from Epping.

Following this historic work which has come in ahead of time and within budget, the Epping train line will be renamed when the new timetable begins as the South Morang line.

More than 280 services will be added to weekend travel to create a 10-minute daytime frequency on the Ringwood, Dandenong and Frankston lines.

It is the first stage of a planned network-wide 10-minute frequency at key off-peak periods across the network.

For the first time, large scale changes will be made to timetables on almost half of Melbourne’s bus routes to provide better connections between buses and trains.

A variety of changes will take place on 140 bus routes, with commuters encouraged to visit the PTV website for full details.

The new timetable capitalises on a range of improvements to the rail network, which has already delivered 38 new X’Trapolis trains, new maintenance facilities at Craigieburn and three new stations.

“Bringing extra services for Melburnians requires a range of investment in infrastructure, staff and planning.” Mr. Mulder said.

“The Coalition Government is committed to the necessary work to give Victoria the public transport system it wants.”