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Stuarts Smallgoods

Media Releases

Victorian councils awarded for excellence

 Thursday, August 30, 2012

Five regional Victorian councils shared a prestigious national award at the annual Procurement Australia Awards in recognition of their efforts to get better value for ratepayers.

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell congratulated the five neighbouring councils of Ararat, Ballarat, Golden Plains, Hepburn and Pyrenees for their outstanding leadership on the collaborative procurement road sealing project.

“Once again, Victorian local governments are leading the way with innovative solutions to the financial pressures Victorian householders face,” Mrs Powell said.

“The Procurement Australia Collaboration and Innovation in Procurement Award acknowledges the significant cost savings – estimated to be more than $630,000 a year – these councils will now share by combining their purchasing power for road re-sealing.”

“Roads don't end at municipal boundaries, and through this collaborative project, the five councils have been able to reduce their costs while providing great value for their residents and guaranteed work for local contractors.”

“With an annual combined revenue of more than $5.8 billion, Victorian councils are a significant contributor to the Victorian economy and I encourage more councils to look to examples such as this for inspiration,” Mrs Powell said.

Mrs Powell said the successful project can be repeated throughout Victoria by using the associated tools and templates that are available through Local Government Victoria.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is reviewing and updating the Best Practice Guidelines for Local Government Procurement so that the local government sector can continue to lead the way.”

The closing date for submissions to the review of the draft Best Practice Guideline for Government Procurement is Monday 15 October 2012.

For more information about local government procurement, please visit www.dpcd.vic.gov.au and follow the links to local government reform.

Shepparton district residents to benefit from Coalition’s decision to abolish unfair fire services levy

 Tuesday, August 28, 2012

The Victorian Coalition Government’s decision to abolish the unfair insurance-based fire services levy will save households and businesses more than $100 million across the state Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell said today.

Mrs Powell said the change was a big win for residents of the Shepparton district who would – on average – pay less under the new property based levy.

“By 1 July 2013 the existing fire services levy will be replaced with a property-based levy which will see the cost of funding fire services more equitably distributed across the state,” Mrs Powell said.

“Under the current system, only those who insure their property contribute funding to the fire services.

“The new property-based levy is a fairer and more transparent system which will see everyone contribute to the state’s fire services – instead of just those who insure.

“Unlike the insurance fire services levy there will be no GST or stamp duty on the new property levy. This abolishes an unfair tax-on-a-tax.

“This will lower the cost of insurance and see a reduction in the average contribution households and businesses make to fund the fire services.

“Based on the average residential property value of $242,000 in Greater Shepparton, households are estimated to save an average of $95 through the introduction of the new property based levy.

“That is an average saving of 42 per cent on last year’s fire services levy.

"The appointment of a Fire Services Levy Monitor to oversee the phase out of the fire services levy will ensure insurance companies genuinely pass on these savings to residents in the Shepparton district.”

Mrs Powell said the Coalition Government was also investing $20 million to provide concessions to pensioners and veterans.

“This is a big win for pensioners and veterans who currently receive no concession when they pay the fire services levy through their insurance premiums,” Mrs Powell said.

To find out more about the new property based levy, visit www.dtf.vic.gov.au/firelevy

Extra ambulance staff for Shepparton district

 Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell said today the Victorian Coalition Government is committed to ensuring all Victorians have access to the highest quality ambulance service delivering timely responses during emergencies.

Mrs Powell said ambulance services in Shepparton have received 6 extra paramedics, which has resulted in service improvements to the Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance and Single Responder Units.

“Thanks to the Victorian Coalition Government’s $151 million commitment to boost ambulance services across the state these extra paramedics have been added to the Shepparton district service,” Mrs Powell said.

“The Shepparton Ambulance Service is providing an excellent service to the region and the Coalition is committed to improving their conditions.

“We are delivering on our election commitment to employ 310 additional paramedics and 30 patient transfer officers over five years.

“So far 143 new ambulance staff had been deployed to ambulance stations across Victoria, including 113 paramedics of which 95 have been deployed to ambulance stations in rural Victoria.

“This will be the biggest single increase in additional staffing for the ambulance service in the state’s history.”

Mrs Powell said the additional 30 patient transport officers across regional Victoria will relieve pressure on paramedics so that they are available to respond to life threatening emergencies.

Patient transport officers provide non-emergency patient transport (NEPT) services. NEPT crews undertake the non-emergency transfer of patients, typically between hospitals, nursing homes and other health care providers, which in rural areas frees-up emergency ambulance crews.

“Every Victorian, no matter where they live, deserves a well-funded and well-resourced ambulance service,” Mrs Powell said.

More frontline police for Greater Shepparton - Powell

 Friday, August 24, 2012

Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell said the announcement of the allocation of an additional 16 frontline police for Greater Shepparton, Mitchell and Benalla districts will be welcomed by their communities.

Mrs Powell said these new officers will help improve community safety and provide the local police command with greater flexibility in deploying resources across the district.

“This is another substantial and important investment by the Victorian Coalition Government in additional frontline policing to help fight crime in the Shepparton District,” Mrs Powell said.

“Additional police on the beat will help reduce anti-social behavior, make our streets safer and our community feel more secure.

“The Coalition is determined to make the Shepparton District a safer place by ensuring Victoria Police is properly resourced to tackle crimes against the person and property crime.

“This commitment began last year with an increase in police numbers to Greater Shepparton and is continued with the construction of the new police station at Mooroopna.

“This state of the art building boasts a modern design, self sufficient power usage and will accommodate increased police numbers thus allowing for a stronger police presence within the community,” Mrs Powell said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Peter Ryan said this is a huge step towards improving people’s safety and reversing the previous Labor Government’s 11 years of neglect and under-investment in Victoria Police.”

An additional 350 frontline police officers will be allocated to Police Divisions across Victoria by the end of June next year, as the Victorian Coalition Government’s historic boost to police resources continues to be implemented across the state.

Mr Ryan said the Coalition Government had allocated $602 million towards the recruitment and training of new police and a further $54.6 million towards new and upgraded police stations.

“This is a huge investment and one that is making a real difference in supporting Victoria Police in their ongoing efforts to fight crime and anti-social behaviour,” Mr Ryan said.

“The recruitment of additional police personnel is going extremely well, and Victoria Police will allocate a further 500 frontline police by November 2014 in line with the Coalition’s commitment.

“By November 2014 the Victoria Police organisation will enjoy an overall boost to its ranks of 1,700 frontline personnel above attrition, in the biggest boost to frontline police resources in a single term of government in Victoria’s history.”

A Busy Seniors Week for October - Powell

 Friday, August 24, 2012

State Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell is encouraging local seniors to get involved in Victorian Seniors Festival events.

Mrs Powell said there would be an opportunity to attend an event in the Shepparton district, Melbourne or anywhere throughout the state as there were many events happening throughout the week, October 7-14, 2012.

“The festival provides a fantastic opportunity for seniors to enjoy a range of activities, perhaps try something new and meet new people,” Mrs Powell said.

“In the Shepparton district, there will be an opportunity to play mid-week tennis or attend a music event at the Mooroopna Hub.”

The key theme of this year’s festival is to celebrate good eating. As part of the 30th year of celebrations there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy good food with cooking demonstrations and lunches using local produce at various venues throughout the state.

Mrs Powell said a great incentive for many senior Victorians to attend festival events was the offer of free public transport on regional town bus services, metropolitan transport and V/Line rail and coach services during the festival.

In Melbourne, there will be free Tai Chi in Federation Square every Tuesday morning in October, a free tour of the Immigration Museum, or free lunchtime concerts at the Melbourne Town Hall, among many other events.

For a complete program of events, go to www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au or collect a program from Mrs Powell’s electorate office at 5 Vaughan St, Shepparton.

Latest round of boating safety grants now open - Powell

 Friday, August 24, 2012

The Nationals Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell today announced that applications are now open for the latest round of the Boating Safety and Facilities Program (BFSP).

Last year through the BFSP, the Coalition Government funded more than 60 initiatives right across the state, including new boat ramps and jetties, enhanced navigation aids and new equipment and training programs for marine rescue groups.

Mrs Powell said with our rivers and lakes back at full health recreational boaters and communities will benefit from the increased tourism recreational boating generates.

“Recreational boating plays an important part in the lives of many in the district and is an important tourist attraction,” Mrs Powell said.

“With such wonderful waterways as the Goulburn and Broken Rivers along with the many creeks and streams in the district this is an excellent opportunity for local groups to apply for funds which will improve safety and accessibility of the many waterways within the Shepparton district.

“Last year the Greater Shepparton City Council received $12,310 for navigation aids on Victoria Park Lake as part of this program.

“I encourage local waterway managers, local councils and community groups to lodge applications for projects,” Mrs Powell said.

The Boating Safety and Facilities Program is funded through recreational marine licensing and vessel registration fees, providing money for grants and state wide initiatives.

Examples of projects the BFSP previously funded include:
• new vessels, equipment and training for recognised search and rescue
groups;
• boating facilities;
• boating safety and education programs;
• navigation aids and signage; and
• marine communications.

Interested parties are encouraged to visit the Department of Transport website where they can download the information guide and application forms. The closing date for applications is 28 September 2012.

For more information about the 2012-13 Boating Safety and Facilities Program contact the Grants administration team on 1800 337 222, email boating.grants@transport.vic.gov.au or visit www.transport.vic.gov.au.

More frontline police for Greater Shepparton - Powell

 Friday, August 24, 2012

Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell said the announcement of the allocation of an additional 16 frontline police for Greater Shepparton, Mitchell and Benalla districts will be welcomed by their communities.

Mrs Powell said these new officers will help improve community safety and provide the local police command with greater flexibility in deploying resources across the district.

“This is another substantial and important investment by the Victorian Coalition Government in additional frontline policing to help fight crime in the Shepparton District,” Mrs Powell said.

“Additional police on the beat will help reduce anti-social behavior, make our streets safer and our community feel more secure.

“The Coalition is determined to make the Shepparton District a safer place by ensuring Victoria Police is properly resourced to tackle crimes against the person and property crime.

“This commitment began last year with an increase in police numbers to Greater Shepparton and is continued with the construction of the new police station at Mooroopna.

“This state of the art building boasts a modern design, self sufficient power usage and will accommodate increased police numbers thus allowing for a stronger police presence within the community,” Mrs Powell said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Peter Ryan said this is a huge step towards improving people’s safety and reversing the previous Labor Government’s 11 years of neglect and under-investment in Victoria Police.”

An additional 350 frontline police officers will be allocated to Police Divisions across Victoria by the end of June next year, as the Victorian Coalition Government’s historic boost to police resources continues to be implemented across the state.

Mr Ryan said the Coalition Government had allocated $602 million towards the recruitment and training of new police and a further $54.6 million towards new and upgraded police stations.

“This is a huge investment and one that is making a real difference in supporting Victoria Police in their ongoing efforts to fight crime and anti-social behaviour,” Mr Ryan said.

“The recruitment of additional police personnel is going extremely well, and Victoria Police will allocate a further 500 frontline police by November 2014 in line with the Coalition’s commitment.

“By November 2014 the Victoria Police organisation will enjoy an overall boost to its ranks of 1,700 frontline personnel above attrition, in the biggest boost to frontline police resources in a single term of government in Victoria’s history.” 

Latest round of boating safety grants now open - Powell

 Friday, August 24, 2012

The Nationals Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell today announced that applications are now open for the latest round of the Boating Safety and Facilities Program (BFSP).

Last year through the BFSP, the Coalition Government funded more than 60 initiatives right across the state, including new boat ramps and jetties, enhanced navigation aids and new equipment and training programs for marine rescue groups.

Mrs Powell said with our rivers and lakes back at full health recreational boaters and communities will benefit from the increased tourism recreational boating generates.

“Recreational boating plays an important part in the lives of many in the district and is an important tourist attraction,” Mrs Powell said.

“With such wonderful waterways as the Goulburn and Broken Rivers along with the many creeks and streams in the district this is an excellent opportunity for local groups to apply for funds which will improve safety and accessibility of the many waterways within the Shepparton district.

“Last year the Greater Shepparton City Council received $12,310 for navigation aids on Victoria Park Lake as part of this program.

“I encourage local waterway managers, local councils and community groups to lodge applications for projects,” Mrs Powell said.

The Boating Safety and Facilities Program is funded through recreational marine licensing and vessel registration fees, providing money for grants and state wide initiatives.

Examples of projects the BFSP previously funded include:
• new vessels, equipment and training for recognised search and rescue
groups;
• boating facilities;
• boating safety and education programs;
• navigation aids and signage; and
• marine communications.

Interested parties are encouraged to visit the Department of Transport website where they can download the information guide and application forms. The closing date for applications is 28 September 2012.

For more information about the 2012-13 Boating Safety and Facilities Program contact the Grants administration team on 1800 337 222, email boating.grants@transport.vic.gov.au or visit www.transport.vic.gov.au. 

$5.53 million in funding for living libraries

 Friday, August 24, 2012

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell has approved $5.53 million in funding for 22 library projects across Victoria as part of the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program 2011-12: Round 2 Recipients.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to the continual renewal of Victoria’s much loved and heavily patronised public library network by assisting in the cost of upgrading existing libraries and building new ones,” Mrs Powell said.

“These 22 projects will deliver local communities with improved facilities that will meet the changing needs of library users in the 21st century.

“Libraries have become the heart of many communities providing a welcoming environment for a range of activities including student research, children’s story time or meeting places for
community groups.

“In addition to the book lending services our public libraries now offer connection to the internet, the ability to borrow DVDs and CDs, support for book clubs, events for seniors and programs aimed at school age children.

“The Coalition Government is committed to improving life long learning opportunities for Victorian by improving access to the range of services that libraries offer across the state.

“Three councils each received the maximum $750,000 funding for a new library for Braybrook, a refurbished library for Bairnsdale and a relocated library for Dandenong.

“Other councils received varying amounts of funding for projects ranging from new libraries, to new carpet, to purchasing a new mobile library prime mover.

“The grant applications are assessed by an independent committee with representatives from the Department of Planning and Community Development, Municipal Association of Victoria and the State Library of Victoria, who evaluate the projects against the guidelines which has set criteria for assessment including lasting social and economic benefits, improved library services and improved community access.

“The fact that almost 50 per cent of Victorians are members of their local library augers well for the future of our public library network and the level of literacy in Victoria.

“Libraries are important community hubs that bring the community together and connect it to the wider world and the Coalition Government will continue to make a substantial investment in Victoria’s public library network,” Mrs Powell said.

Campaspe Regional Library blends local history with modern facilities

 Friday, August 24, 2012

Campaspe Shire Council residents can now enjoy the best of modern library facilities while acknowledging the rich history of the area at the new $5.1 million Campaspe Regional Library in Hare Street, Echuca.  

The new Campaspe Regional Library was officially opened today by the member for Rodney Paul Weller representing the Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell. 
 
“The Victorian Government contributed $500,000 to develop the new library that is part of the ongoing upgrade of Victoria’s much-loved and well-used public library network,” Mrs Powell said. 
 
“Today’s libraries are about more than books – although the collection here is really impressive – they are hubs that become the heart of many communities by building connections,” Mr Weller said.  

“The new library will help local people connect with the rest of the world by giving them access to some great modern technologies: such as free wifi, access to iPads and Smart Televisions, a Broadband for Seniors kiosk and adaptive technologies for people who are visually impaired. 
 
“There’s a children’s area, and even dedicated spaces for young people that includes interactive and online games stations for fun and learning.  

“Spaces for private study and reading will help promote and support life-long learning. 
 
“Flexible meeting spaces can be used outside normal hours for meetings and gatherings of local community groups.  

“All of this is available in a fabulous building that brings together the proud history of our riverfront through the use of wharf wood, redgum and ironbark and looks out over the Port of Echuca. 
 
“I encourage local people to come and see it for themselves,” Mr Weller said.

Minister for Local Government Jeanette Powell said the Victorian Government’s $500,000 contribution to the new library complement the more than $4.6 million from the Campaspe Shire Council, and donations from the Echuca Friends of the Library and Lions groups to build a first-class facility.

“Almost 50 percent of Victorians belong to a library, which is a good measure of how much the community values the broad range of today’s library services,” Mrs Powell said.

“The Victorian Government is investing in the future of our communities by building first class community assets like the great Campaspe Regional Library, and we have committed $17.2 million over 4 years through the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.

“Libraries are a valued part of the lives of a great many Victorians of all ages and backgrounds so we are proud to support them.

“I congratulate the Campaspe Shire Council and the local community for their hard work to give this community the fantastic contemporary library they deserve,” Mrs Powell said.

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Contact: Electorate Office: 5 Vaughan Street SHEPPARTON 3630. Phone: (03) 5831 6944 Fax: (03) 5831 6836