GEELONG RING ROAD: SECTION 4C ALIGNMENT

My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy, and it is in relation to the alignment of section 4C of the Geelong Ring Road. In saying that, I stipulate to the house that this is not just any old road; this has been a burning political issue in the Geelong region for…

SURF COAST TEACHERS UNDERVALUED BY BAILLIEU

The Baillieu Government should use World Teacher’s Day to explain to Surf Coast teachers why it has broken its promise to make them the highest paid in Australia, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said today. Ms Tierney said UNESCO’s World Teachers’ Day will be celebrated this Friday October 28 in over 100 countries,…

POLWARTH TEACHERS UNDERVALUED BY BAILLIEU

The Baillieu Government should use World Teacher’s Day to explain to Polwarth teachers why it has broken its promise to make them the highest paid in Australia, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said today. Ms Tierney said UNESCO’s World Teachers’ Day will be celebrated this Friday October 28 in over 100 countries, and…

TORQUAY: SECONDARY COLLEGE

It has come to my attention that the Baillieu government’s promise for a new, fully operational, stand-alone secondary school in Torquay by the first day of term one in 2013 is now in tatters. With a site for the school yet to be purchased, it is now near impossible for Torquay families to send their…

BATESFORD COMMUNITY PLAYGROUND: FUNDING

My adjournment matter is directed to the Minister for Sport and Recreation. Like Mr O’Brien, the matter I raise is centred on the Golden Plains shire but is in relation to the Batesford community playground project. I recently met with representatives from the council, including the CEO and the mayor. We dealt with a number…

POLICE: GEELONG

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — A month out from last year’s state election the Premier was quoted in the Geelong Advertiser as having said: “There’s still very much a law and order issue in Geelong and there’s a shortage of police … We need more of them in the street …” That was on 1…

TIERNEY TALKS UP EQUESTRIAN CENTRE UPGRADE

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP this week recommended State Government funding for the Golden Plains Shire’s priority sport and recreation project, the Woady Yaloak Equestrian Centre Upgrade. Speaking in Parliament, Ms Tierney urged the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hugh Delahunty to support the Shire’s application to fund this important project. “The centre…

ANGLESEA RIVER: WATER QUALITY

My adjournment matter this evening is short and sweet, although the content of it is certainly not short and sweet — in fact it is a saga. It is about fish kills in the Anglesea River. Nearly 12 months ago fish kills became evident in Anglesea, and there was a lot of reportage of them…

PLANNING: AMENDMENT VC82

I rise to support Mr Tee’s motion, and in doing so I support regional jobs, regional development, renewable energy, investment in regional Victoria and sustainable communities and families. I will start by talking about jobs. We all understand that the creation of jobs and the investment of industry and jobs in regional Victoria is often…

CHILDREN: TAKE A BREAK PROGRAM

To the Legislative Council of Victoria: The petition of certain citizens of the state of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that funding for the Take a Break occasional child-care program, which is provided at more than 220 neighbourhood houses and community centres across Victoria, will cease after 31 December 2011. The…

LESLIE FISHER

In the time that remains I would like to pay tribute to Portland’s newest centenarian, Leslie Fisher, who celebrated 100 years on 27 September. After spending decades farming in the district, Mr Fisher is happily retired and leads a busy life, playing bowls and gardening regularly. He is an inspiration to everyone.

MATTHEW RYENBAKKEN AND TYLER BOOTS

I also want to bring to the attention of the house two year 11 Portland Secondary College students, Matthew Ryenbakken and Tyler Boots. These young men are among the 19 high-performing Koori students to be awarded the Wannik education scholarship. This scholarship is a fantastic initiative that was initially introduced by the Brumby government and…

GEELONG PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE: AWARD

I also mention the Geelong Performing Arts Centre, which was awarded the Australian Performing Arts Centres Association’s 2011 Drover award for best presenter. GPAC is the cultural heart of the Geelong community. It is the premier performing arts venue in the G21 region, and this award is extremely well deserved.

SOUTH WEST TAFE: AWARD

I take this opportunity to congratulate the students and staff of South West TAFE, who recently celebrated a big win. The institute, which offers more than 400 nationally accredited qualifications, was awarded the Victorian Large Training Provider of the Year award. The award recognises the TAFE’s commitment to delivering high-quality education programs and highlights its…

SURF COAST UNPREPARED FOR BUSHFIRE SEASON

The Baillieu-Ryan Government is refusing to fund upgrades to four local CFA stations across the Surf Coast, the Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Danielle Green, said today. Visiting Jan Juc with Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney, Ms Green said the Government’s refusal to provide funding for local fire stations comes on top of maps…