Media Releases

Jeanette went to Tat. That's all.

Residents of Tatura will be better placed to access information and communication technology opportunities thanks to a $25,000 Victorian Coalition Government grant provided to the Tatura Community House, Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell said today.

Mrs Powell said funding has been provided under the government’s Community Information and Communication (ICT) Technology Skills Grants program.

“The Tatura Community House will purchase 10 new computers and a multi-function printer to provide ICT access and training opportunities to those in the community who do not have ready access to this technology,” Mrs Powell said.

“Many residents in Tatura and district are not currently involved with computer training due to the cost and time of travelling to venues, relevance of courses and the cancellation of courses due to small numbers.

“The Tatura Community House will run training programs in Tatura, providing access in a local setting as well as increasing uptake and commencement of classes due to the proximity of the centre,” Mrs Powell said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said the Community ICT Skills Grants program supported community organisations to increase and develop the use of information and communication technology.

“It is particularly important in assisting those groups within the community who have been traditionally unable to access the benefits of computer technology,” Mr Ryan said.

“Through this program, senior citizens, people with a disability, migrant and refugee communities and Victorians living in remote and isolated locations are being encouraged to get online and develop their skills and knowledge using computers and the internet.

“Effective use of technology not only promotes increased independence, it also provides another setting for social interaction and expands opportunities for employment and education.

“The Victorian Coalition Government is proud to support communities across the state through programs such as this which enable individuals to access resources and make the most of opportunities that might otherwise not be available,” Mr Ryan said.

Tatura’s Lake Bartlett will be upgraded and beautified with the help of a $50,000 Victorian Government grant, State Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell said today.

The money fulfils an election promise Mrs Powell made prior to the Coalition’s election victory last year.

“The money will be provided to Greater Shepparton City Council to allow the council to act on community concerns and improve access to the water for recreational activities and the safety and visual amenity of the area,” Mrs Powell said.

“Lake Bartlett is a very important community asset for the Tatura community.

“After it was transformed into a wetland in stage 1 of Tatura’s Community Plan between 2002 and 2006, residents expressed concern about the restriction in access to the water for recreational purposes such as fishing and boating.

“Stage 2 of the plan has not been completed to date, but with our government contributing $50,000, this work will be able to be completed and help transform Lake Bartlett.

“This will be a significant community asset which all members of the Tatura community and visitors to the district can enjoy,” Mrs Powell said.

Member for Shepparton, Jeanette Powell today presented the Tatura & District Historical Society with a $3000 grant from the Victorian Coalition Government’s Local History Grants Program.

Mrs Powell said the Local History Grants help local communities record and preserve their local stories allowing them to be shared with future generations

“The Tatura Historical Society will use the funds to preserve its valuable collection through the scanning and digitising of its photos and records, bringing it into the 21st Century,” Mrs Powell said.

“The Society has a unique archive of records, photos and memorabilia which covers the history of irrigation in the area, local and family histories since white settlement and the prisoner of war and internment camps established during World War 11.

“It is a valuable source of research material for academics, school students and families and by scanning and digitising the records it will allow worldwide access to the collection.

“This grant will ensure the many amazing stories of our past held at Tatura are preserved and able to be shared with the community.”

“It also recognises and celebrates the valuable contribution made by the volunteers of the Tatura Historical Society in preserving our local history and heritage.

“They hold a wealth of stories which cover the rich and diverse history of our great region which will be preserved and eventually available for worldwide access,” Mrs Powell said.

November 18th 2010

COALITION GOVERNMENT WILL COMMIT $50,000 FOR LAKE BARTLETT REDEVELOPMENT - POWELL

A Liberal Nationals Government will commit $50,000 to assist with the redevelopment of Lake Bartlett at Tatura, State Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell announced today.
Mrs Powell said whilst the lake has been transformed into a significant wetland, concerns have consistently been expressed by members of the Tatura community about access, safety and the visual amenity of Lake Bartlett.
“This funding will assist the Greater Shepparton City Council as it is already committed to a risk assessment in relation to the safety of the lake,” Mrs Powell said.
“It will allow the Council to act on community concerns and improve access to the water for recreational activities and the safety and visual amenity of the area.
“Lake Bartlett is a very important community resource for the Tatura community.
“Since being transformed into a wetland in stage 1 of a plan between 2002 and 2006, residents have expressed concern about the restriction in access to the water for recreational purposes such as fishing and boating.
“Stage 2 of the plan has never been completed and residents are angry at the lake’s deterioration and condition as it is unsuitable for recreational activities.
“Greater Shepparton City Council has committed $7,000 to review the community concerns in relation to the safety of the lake and our funding will allow council to implement stage 2 of the plan.
“This will restore the balance between recreational use and environmental performance.
“The funding will help transform Lake Bartlett into a significant community asset which all members of the Tatura community and visitors to the district can enjoy,” Mrs Powell said.


Media Contact: Jeanette Powell 58316944 0419518434