FAIR TRADING AND OTHER ACTS AMENDMENT BILL

I am also pleased to rise to speak in support of the Fair Trading and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2008. I would clearly argue that the bill does a number of key things. Firstly, it strengthens enforcement capacity and it updates and amends definitions in the Fair Trading Act 1999. It also inserts an unfair…

NATIONAL CELTIC FESTIVAL, PORTARLINGTON

On another matter, I must mention that hard work is well and truly under way by Una McAlinden and the organising committee who, along with visitors and local committee community members, will make this weekend the best ever National Celtic Festival in Portarlington. Last week I had the great pleasure of announcing a $22 500…

Ashby Primary School, Geelong West

Since the last sitting week we have had National Volunteers Week and Education Week. I had the good fortune of officially launching Education Week at Ashby Primary School in Geelong West. This is a school that clearly knows that high levels of literacy and numeracy are imperative, but it is also committed to nurture a…

VICTORIANS CAN CLEAN UP WITH $100 APPLIANCE REBATE

Western Victorian residents will be able to clean up with a $100 discount on the cost of energy and water efficient washing machines and dishwashers through a $1 million Brumby Labor Government initiative announced by the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today. Starting on World Environment Day (June 5) and running until June 28,…

$210,000 GRANT TO NEW HAWKESDALE STREETSCAPE

A $210,000 Brumby Government grant to enable the construction of a new streetscape in the township of Hawkesdale was announced today by the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney. This project will reinvigorate Hawkesdale by providing improved infrastructure and social interaction spaces in the business area. “Work will focus on the public space surrounding the…

UPGRADE WILL KEEP WARRNAMBOOL AIRPORT FLYING HIGH

The Brumby Government is supporting a major upgrade of Warrnambool Airport with a $492,000 grant announced today by the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney. Ms Tierney said the upgrade would position Victoria’s fastest growing regional city for future growth by providing the infrastructure to underpin the airport’s development and enabling the operation of Air…

LOCAL HEALTHCARE VOLUNTEERS HONOURED FOR THEIR EFFORTS

Dedicated volunteers from Portland District Health have been honoured in the inaugural 2009 Minister for Health Volunteer Awards. In a special awards ceremony, Health Minister Daniel Andrews paid tribute to Telecare Volunteers from Portland for making a selfless contribution to public healthcare. “These awards are a first for this state, and they recognise the vital…

LAKE BULLEN MERRI BOAT RAMP UPGRADES COMPLETE

Upgrades to the boat ramps at Lake Bullen Merri are now complete thanks to a grant awarded by the Brumby Government. Corangamite Shire received just over $51 000 for the upgrades through the 2008 – 09 round of the Victorian Government’s Boating Safety and Facilities Program. The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said…

NEW SYNTHETIC SURFACE FOR BIRREGURRA BOWLS CLUB

The Birregurra Bowls Club will have a new synthetic surface following a $60,000 boost from the Victorian Government’s Synthetic Surfaces Program (SSP). The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said the club was among eight projects to share in $960,000 for the installation of synthetic turf.  This funding is part of the $27.7 million that…

$75,000 PARK UPGRADE GRANT TO BOOST BIRREGURRA

A makeover and new infrastructure for an Otways park popular with tourists and residents is being assisted with a $75,000 grant announced today by the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP. She said the Birregurra Park upgrade would revitalise one of the town’s most important community assets. Apart from increased use by visitors and…

$800,000 GRANT BACKS STEP UP FOR SURF COAST WALK

An $800,000 Brumby Government grant is backing a major upgrade to one of Australia’s most popular surf walks. The Surf Coast Walk from Torquay to Lorne – the walker’s equivalent of the Great Ocean Road – will be improved and extended under a $1.35 million Surf Coast Shire works program. The Member for Western Victoria,…

GREAT OCEAN ROAD EVENTS RECEIVE FUNDING BOOST

The Great Ocean Road region will receive a $15,000 boost through a Brumby Government program to support a number of events in regional Victoria, said Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP. Ms Tierney welcomed the support for the Portland Bay Upwelling Festival, the 2009 Vic Bream Classic Series, the Australian Whale Boat Racing Championships…

WARRNAMBOOL KINDER TEACHER GETS INCENTIVE

The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today that local Warrnambool Kindergarten teacher Ms Kara Thompson has received a $12,000 incentive from the Brumby Government for Early Childhood Teachers in Rural Sessional Kindergartens 2008/09. Ms Tierney congratulated Ms Thompson from the Lions Hopkins Kindergarten on the award and said she was proud to have…

PORTLAND KINDER TEACHER GETS INCENTIVE

The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today that local Portland Kindergarten teacher Ms Naomi Monk has received a $12,000 incentive from the Brumby Government for Early Childhood Teachers in Rural Sessional Kindergartens 2008/09. Ms Tierney congratulated Ms Monk from the Kalbarri Kindergarten on the award and said she was proud to have such…

SOCIAL AND SPORTING HUB IN VICTORIA’S

Alvie’s Football Netball Clubrooms will soon be redeveloped into a vibrant new social and sporting hub, and the Forrest Netball Club will be upgrade, thanks to a Brumby Government funding boost. Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney MP said the Brumby Government would provide $170,000 to Colac Shire Council to build a new multipurpose facility…

WORKPLACE RIGHTS ADVOCATE (REPEAL) BILL

I am pleased to rise and make a contribution in respect of the bill before us, the Workplace Rights Advocate (Repeal) Bill 2008. The intention of this bill is to repeal the Workplace Rights Advocate Act 2005 and to make consequential amendments to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998 and the Public Sector…

KYNETON DISTRICT HEALTH SERVICE: REPORT 2007-08

I rise to make a statement on the Kyneton District Health Service annual report 2007-08. The chief executive officer of the health service, Jennifer Gale, indicates in the report that the service was brought in without a deficit, largely due to a substantial funding allocation from the Department of Human Services as well as to…

ECONOMY: GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE

The motion before the house today, moved by the opposition, contains charges of the government having squandered its opportunities; of having failed to capitalise on historic opportunities; of having failed to deliver in key services which Victorians deserve and expect; and further, of having failed to provide critical infrastructure, thereby failing to provide Victoria with…

BUDGET: BUSHFIRE PREPAREDNESS

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings. Can the minister update the house on how the Brumby Labor government is taking action through the package for parks and biodiversity that was announced in yesterday’s state budget to reduce the risk of bushfires across Victoria…

PAUL TURNER

I take this opportunity to speak on the passing of Paul Turner, an active and energetic community member in Geelong, an Australian Labor Party member and a wonderful friend to the many who knew him. Paul was a regular contributor to the Geelong Advertiser ‘letters to the editor’ column, demonstrating his vigour and energy to…

2009 STATE BUDGET: BUILDING LOCAL JOBS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today welcomed the Brumby Labor Government’s 2009 State Budget and its record $11.5 billion infrastructure investment that will secure up to 35,000 jobs in the next financial year. Ms Tierney said the Brumby Labor Government was taking action by investing in infrastructure to secure jobs and stimulate the…

BUDGET BOOST FOR POLICE TO KEEP STATE SAFE

The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today said the record $1.9 billion Victoria Police budget unveiled in today’s State Budget 2009 highlights the Brumby Labor Government’s commitment to investing in our police force to deliver a safer Victoria, now and into the future. Ms Tierney said as part of this record funding an additional…

BUDGET BOOST FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES TO KEEP STATE SAFE

A record investment in new vehicles, equipment and communications has highlighted the Brumby Government’s commitment to supporting our volunteer emergency services throughout the Victoria, the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP announced today. Ms Tierney said the record $215.5 million emergency services budget centres on ensuring Victorian communities are better prepared to address future…

BUDGET BOOST FOR POLICE TO KEEP STATE SAFE

The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today said the record $1.9 billion Victoria Police budget unveiled in today’s State Budget 2009 highlights the Brumby Labor Government’s commitment to investing in our police force to deliver a safer Victoria, now and into the future. Ms Tierney said as part of this record investment, funding would…

INTERPRETER SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today congratulated three Colac recipients of Brumby Government scholarships that assist students gaining qualifications to be a qualified interpreter. Ms Tierney said 26 scholarships were awarded to students studying Karen – a language spoken in Burma and Thailand – and 14 scholarships for those studying interpreting in Nuer…

PUBLIC TRANSPORT TRAVEL MADE EASIER IN COLAC

Colac residents have been urged to keep an eye out for a new guide to local public transport services arriving in their letterboxes in the coming days. Upper House Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said the new ‘Your guide to local public transport’ booklet will provide people in Colac with vital information about…

$300,000 TRAINING BOOST FOR SOUTH WEST HEALTH CARE

South West Health Care will receive $300,000 to increase training for medical specialists to help ease the shortage of doctors, nurses and other health professionals. Announcing the funding from the Strengthening Medical Specialist Training Program, Gayle Tierney, Member for Western Victoria, said the funding boost was part of a $21 million Brumby Government funding boost…

$4 MILLION ROADS BOOST FOR FARMERS, INDUSTRIES

Road upgrades across regional Victoria to help the competitiveness of agricultural and horticultural industries will be backed by almost $4 million in funding recently announced by Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan. $479,500 has been committed to the Moyne Shire Council for a number of projects which will upgrade roads for B-double access including:– $257,000…

BRUMBY GOVERNMENT BACKS GROWTH IN WARRNAMBOOL

The City of Warrnambool will support strategic economic development and investment opportunities in the region with the help of a $30,000 grant announced today by the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP. Ms Tierney said the council would use the Provincial Economic Partnerships funding to employ a Business Support Officer for 2 years. “Council…

HEALTHY FUNDING BOOST FOR POLWARTH

Four Primary Schools in the Polwarth electorate will benefit from a Brumby Government boost through the ‘Go for you life’ Healthy Start in Schools Grants for 2009, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said today. These Primary Schools were a number of the schools who had responded with an outstanding application for the ‘Go for…

HEALTHY FUNDING BOOST FOR SOUTH WEST

Four Primary Schools in the South West will benefit from a Brumby Government boost through the ‘Go for you life’ Healthy Start in Schools Grants for 2009, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said today. These Primary Schools were a number of the schools who had responded with an outstanding application for the ‘Go for…

FUNDING TO SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS IN MOYNE SHIRE

The Basalt to Bay Landcare Network Inc. in the Moyne Shire has received a $3,308 Brumby Government funding boost to encourage people to volunteer. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP announced today that Basalt to Bay Landcare Network Inc. had received the grant from the latest round of Victorian Volunteer Small Grants. Ms Tierney…

FUNDING TO SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS IN COLAC OTWAY

The Forrest MTB and Cycling Club Inc, and Otway Health & Community Services in the Colac Otway Shire have both received a Brumby Government funding boost to encourage people to volunteer. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP announced today that The Forrest MTB and Cycling Club Inc had received a $2,500 grant, and Otway…

NEW $10,000 BOOST TO TRANSPORT PARTNERSHIPS IN GLENELG

South West Transport Connections has received a $10,000 Brumby Government grant to help continue delivering better community transport services to the Glenelg community. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said the $10,000 Transport Connections Project Partnerships grant would allow the South West Transport Connections team to run workshops to learn strategies and identify resources…

NEW $10,000 BOOST TO TRANSPORT PARTNERSHIPS IN CORANGAMITE, MOYNE AND WARRNAMBOOL

“Getting There and Back” Corangamite, Moyne and Warrnambool has received a $10,000 Brumby Government grant to help continue delivering better community transport services to the Corangamite, Moyne and Warrnambool community. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said the $10,000 Transport Connections Project Partnerships grant would allow the “Getting There and Back” Corangamite, Moyne and…

NEW $10,000 BOOST TO TRANSPORT PARTNERSHIPS IN COLAC OTWAY AND SURF COAST

Bringing Communities Together has received a $10,000 Brumby Government grant to help continue delivering better community transport services to the Colac Otway and Surf Coast community. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said the $10,000 Bringing Communities Together Partnerships grant would allow the Bringing Communities Together team to run workshops to learn strategies and…

SOLAR HOTWATER INVESTMENT TO MAKE STIMULUS LAST

The Brumby Government has called on the Western Victorian community to consider spending their Commonwealth Stimulus payments on solar hotwater systems and other investments that cut costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said the stimulus payments, combined with Brumby Government rebates are a great opportunity for households to make a…

MELBOURNE CRICKET GROUND BILL

It is a pleasure to rise and speak in favour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground Bill 2008. Many say the Melbourne Cricket Ground is the heart of Melbourne. Whether they are sporting fans, music fans or interested in the history of this great city, for many people the MCG holds a special place in their…

FILM VICTORIA: REPORT 2007-08

I rise to make a statement on Film Victoria’s annual report for 2007-08. It is obvious that film is an important medium, a medium that is accessible to all, regardless of one’s socioeconomic background. Film provides entertainment, information and pushes the boundaries of our imagination. It is a great vehicle for phenomenal acting, but it…

APOLLO BAY MUSIC FESTIVAL

Many of us in this chamber have a number of music festivals held in various communities in our electorates. In Western Victoria Region we have along the coast the Port Fairy music festival, the Portarlington Celtic festival and the Apollo Bay Music Festival, just to name a few. Last weekend was the 17th annual Apollo…

U3A GRANTS HELP SENIORS EXTEND HORIZONS

Senior Victorians in Colac will have greater access to lifelong learning programs through the latest round of grants to the University of the Third Age (U3A), Minister for Senior Victorians, Lisa Neville said. “U3A Colac Otway Inc will benefit from an additional $2,400 in funding from the Victorian Government which will go towards supporting existing…

WOMEN: SUFFRAGE CENTENARY

My adjournment matter this evening is for the Minister for Women’s Affairs, Maxine Morand. I request that she attend a particular conference in south-western Victoria with me later this year. By way of background, it is worth noting that on this day 100 years ago the Adult Suffrage Bill received royal assent, giving for the…

UNITED WAY GEELONG: CAMPAIGN LAUNCH

I would also like to take this opportunity to mention the United Way Geelong campaign launch for 2009, which was held at the Ford Discovery Centre. I encourage employees to approach their employers to organise payroll deductions for donations to the campaign and to join the workplace giving program. People are feeling the effects of…

SWAN MARSH: COMMUNITY HALL

Halls in small communities are often the focal point of social, organising and emergency support activities. The hall at Swan Marsh is a prime example. Over the years the local community has determined that it is an important community asset and has raised money to assist with its maintenance. Over the last 27 years members…

BRIDGES: BARWON HEADS

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is also for the Minister for Planning, Justin Madden. Can the minister update the house on how the Brumby Labor government is taking action to deliver its commitment to improve infrastructure, particularly in regional Victoria? Hon. J. M. MADDEN (Minister for Planning) — I welcome Ms Tierney’s interest…

$40,000 FOR POINT GREY AND SLAUGHTERHOUSE SITES PLAN

A masterplan for Lorne’s Point Grey precinct and Slaughterhouse site will be developed with the help of a $40,000 Victorian Government grant announced today by the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney. Ms Tierney said the masterplan would guide redevelopment of the Point Grey and Slaughterhouse sites, which are located on the Great Ocean Road.…

COLAC OTWAY SCHOOLS SHARE IN $4M SCHOOL-BASED

A program supporting young people to volunteer in their local communities will again be rolled out to over 400 schools this year with a $4 million boost, forming part of the Victorian Government’s Respect Strategy.  Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said five Colac Otway Shire schools would each receive up to $9,725 to help…

CELTIC FESTIVAL BOOSTED BY STATE GOVERNMENT FUNDING

The 2009 National Celtic Festival has received a boost thanks to $22,500 in State Government funding from Tourism Victoria’s Events Program. Western Victoria MP, Gayle Tierney, announced the funding, saying it would help promotethe arts and cultural event, which will draw new and return visitors to the region. “Held over the long weekend in June,…

NEW ‘TOP-UP’ SCHEME FOR COMMUNITY HERITAGE PROJECTS

Community groups in Western Victoria working to preserve our local heritage will be eligible for a new fundraising assistance program launched by the Brumby Government and the National Trust. The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney encouraged local heritage custodians to consider whether ‘Top-Up: The Community Co-Contribution Heritage Funding Scheme’ could assist with heritage places…

GRANTS TO BUY EQUIPMENT FOR LOCAL LEARNING

Victoria’s adult learners will soon be using new, modern equipment, thanks to a $2 million Brumby Government. The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said community learning centres across the State will receive more than 1000 grants to make learning easier. “The Brumby Government is taking action to create more jobs and provide more opportunities…

GRANTS TO BUY EQUIPMENT FOR LOCAL LEARNING

Victoria’s adult learners will soon be using new, modern equipment, thanks to a $2 million Brumby Government. The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said community learning centres across the State will receive more than 1000 grants to make learning easier. “The Brumby Government is taking action to create more jobs and provide more opportunities…

GRANTS TO BUY EQUIPMENT FOR LOCAL LEARNING

Victoria’s adult learners will soon be using new, modern equipment, thanks to a $2 million Brumby Government. The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said community learning centres across the State will receive more than 1000 grants to make learning easier. “The Brumby Government is taking action to create more jobs and provide more opportunities…

TIERNEY TO OPEN 17TH APOLLO BAY MUSIC FESTIVAL

International, interstate and local musical talent will again converge at the town of Apollo Bay for the 17th Apollo Bay Music Festival. The Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney will officially open the 2009 Apollo Bay Music Festival on the 27th of March, 2009. “This year’s lineup of international and national musical talent is the…

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR LOCAL CEMETERY TRUSTS

Panmure cemetery is set to benefit from a Brumby Government funding boost the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today. The Brumby Government has provided the money for maintenance grants to small and medium-sized Victorian cemetery trusts, Ms Tierney said. Ms Tierney said ten cemetery trusts State-wide will share $72,776 in grants, including Panmure…

VICTORIAN SCHOOL SPORTS STARS SHINE

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today congratulated Ursula Hughson from Warrnambool Collage on winning the soccer award at the 15th annual Victorian School Sports Awards. The 2008 Victorian School Sports Awards (VSSA) recognise the sporting achievements of staff, students and volunteers in primary and secondary schools across the state. “Ursula is among 43…

$31,500 GRANT GIVES NEW LIFE TO SWAN MARSH HALL

The community life of Swan Marsh will be revitalised with an upgrade to the township’s hall helped by a $31,500 Victorian Government grant announced today by the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney. Painting, improved access and lighting, new heating and cooling systems and fencing are part of an overhaul designed keep the 76-year-old hall…

WESTERN VICTORIA REGION: HEALTH SERVICES

The matter I raise is for the Minister for Health in the other place, Daniel Andrews, and is in relation to ensuring that health services in western Victoria continue to have access to high-quality medical equipment and facilities. I am aware that this government has invested $4.1 billion in the largest capital works program the…

SHERIFF BILL

I also rise to speak in support of the Sheriff Bill 2008. This bill will consolidate the powers of the sheriff and the sheriff’s office. A number of acts have provided powers for that office over a period of time, and that has been recognised as a piecemeal approach to the various legal sources governing…

EMPLOYMENT: GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Industry and Trade, Martin Pakula. Can the minister outline to the house how the Brumby Labor government is cooperating with the commonwealth government, businesses and unions to support and secure jobs in these difficult economic times, and is he aware of any impediment…

CORANGAMITE CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY: REPORT 2007-08

 I rise to comment on the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority annual report for 2007-08. First I will briefly describe the geographic boundaries of the catchment management authority (CMA). It essentially begins in the west, just west of Port Campbell, and moves right along the coast, around the Surf Coast, around the Bellarine Peninsula to Geelong…

MACARTHUR BOWLS CLUB: SYNTHETIC PLAYING SURFACE

Part of the privilege of being a member of Parliament is dealing with an extremely wide range of issues and a wide range of groups within our communities. An afternoon’s activities can range from handling early childhood issues and access to technology and presenting school prizes to formally opening synthetic greens at bowls clubs. Each…

CATTLE STORIES AND BUSH YARNS

Later that day I assisted in the launch of the DVD Cattle Stories and Bush Yarns. The Brumby Labor government contributed $5000 towards this project to record the living history of livestock agents, cattlemen, drovers and women who were involved in the history of livestock selling in the district. The Brumby Labor government knows it…

HEYWOOD WOOD, WINE AND ROSES FESTIVAL

The 17th Heywood Wood, Wine and Roses Festival on Saturday, 28 February, was a wonderful success, with over 10 000 people attending. Congratulations must go to the organisers and in particular, Mrs Elaine Evans, president and organiser of the street procession. On the day, my toughest job was assisting in the judging along with the…

SUPPORT FOR WILDLIFE CARERS AFTER VICTORIA’S BUSHFIRES

The Brumby Government is providing up to $350,000 in cash grants to wildlife carers in Western Victoria to support their rescue and rehabilitation effort in Victoria’s devastating bushfires. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said the fires had led to an influx of injured animals that needed treatment and this was placing an extra pressure…

LOCAL COMMUNTIY HEALTH GROUPS GET FUNDING HELP

Community self-help health groups in the South West will share in a $158,700 Brumby Government funding boost to help them with their important tasks, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today. Ms Tierney said more than 190 groups across Victoria would benefit from these grants. Many of the groups involve people with a chronic…

GLENELG LIBRARIES GET TECH SAVVY WITH $26,829 GRANT

Visitors to Glenelg libraries will soon benefit from the Victorian Government’s $26,829 grant to fund initiatives that support wireless internet and information security. The member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced the funding for the Glenelg Library Service as part of the Computer Management and Wireless Internet in Public Libraries Grants Program.  “This grant…

CORANGAMITE LIBRARIES GET TECH SAVVY WITH $46,562 GRANT

Visitors to Corangamite libraries will soon benefit from the Victorian Government’s $46,562 grant to fund initiatives that support wireless internet and information security. The member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced the funding for the Corangamite Library Service as part of the Computer Management and Wireless Internet in Public Libraries Grants Program.  “This grant…

LORNE: MOUNTJOY PARADE UPGRADE

On 17 February I was in Lorne to announce the Brumby Labor government’s contribution to the second stage of the Mountjoy Parade streetscape upgrade. The $500 000 for the second stage will be used to expand and improve the public open space along the Great Ocean Road within the retail and commercial centre of Lorne.…

BUSHFIRES: VICTORIA

I rise to lend my support to the condolence motion before the house. From the outset I also express my condolences to the families who have lost loved ones — 210 people confirmed dead so far; 210 people who were and will continue to be cherished. Hundreds of people have been injured, and many remain…

BRUMBY GOVT BACKS LORNE STREETSCAPE UPGRADE

One of Australia’s best known beach streetscapes will be remodelled with the help of a $500,000 Victorian Government grant announced today by the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney. The 1.2 kilometre section of the Great Ocean Road through Lorne – 140 km from Melbourne – will be completely upgraded under a $5.2 million Surf…

FINANCE FOR WESTERN VICTORIAN SMALL BUSINESSES

A timely new loan finance service will benefit small businesses across Western Victoria, the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said today. “Small businesses can quickly and easily compare business loan options using Business Loan Finder, a new Victorian Government website,” Ms Tierney said. “Just go to www.business.vic.gov.au/findaloan and you can compare a vast range…

LAKE PURRUMBETE: BOAT RAMP

My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Agriculture in the other place and is in relation to the boat ramp at Lake Purrumbete. At present the boat ramp at Lake Purrumbete is not in use due to the lake’s low water level. Under Marine Safety Victoria’s 2008-09 boating facilities and community harbours program, this…

GREAT SOUTH COAST: STRATEGIC PLAN

Last Friday I was in Portland with the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Jacinta Allan, when she announced a Brumby Labor government injection of $280 000 for the region, specifically for the Great South Coast strategic plan. Great South Coast councils include the Colac-Otway, Corangamite, Glenelg, Moyne and Southern Grampians shire councils, along with…

POLWARTH RECEIVES $870,000 ROAD SAFETY GREYSPOT BOOST

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced five new road safety projects worth $870,000 for Polworth, as part of the Brumby Government’s Greyspot Program that targets intersections on outer metropolitan and rural arterial roads. Ms Tierney said the Victorian Greyspot Program was launched in 2006 to specifically target intersections where the possible risk of…

CRIMES LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (FOOD AND DRINK SPIKING) BILL

I am very pleased to rise to speak in support of the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Food and Drink Spiking) Bill 2008. It is a very important piece of legislation, and it further demonstrates this government’s commitment to protecting Victorians, particularly those who are potentially in vulnerable situations, in circumstances where people are out supposedly attempting…

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY: GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria) — My question is to the Minister for Industry and Trade. Will the minister update the house on how the Brumby Labor government is taking action to ensure that Victoria remains the engine room of the automotive industry, and in doing so will the minister outline the challenges the industry is…

HI-TECH MINI NETBOOKS TO BOOST LEARNING IN 2009

All year 5 students in government schools in the Barwon South Western region will each receive a mini netbook computer to boost their learning. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said that 110 schools in the Barwon South West region will receive the netbooks as part of a state-wide project including over 344 schools. “This latest…

ECOLIVING FUNDING FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY HUBS

Community groups and organisations from Western Victoria are being encouraged to apply for a second round of funding for the Brumby Government’s EcoLiving program. Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said more than $1 million in grants will be available for organisations and community groups to establish EcoLiving Centres in their local communities. “The Brumby…

BOOST FOR GOLD, COPPER EXPLORERS IN WESTERN VICTORIA

More than $145,000 in grants have been awarded to four companies to search for gold, copper and other mineral resources in western Victoria, Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney announced today. ”We are standing up for Victorian jobs by driving investment in communities across Victoria and that’s why we are supporting companies search for undiscovered…

APOLLO BAY RECEIVES $16,000 HERITAGE BOOST

The Colac Otway Shire Council has received a $16,000 heritage grant, sharing in more than $1 million worth of new grants to protect and conserve heritage across Victoria, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today. The $16,000 heritage grant to the Colac Otway Shire Council will be for roof repairs, to address ongoing water…

WARRNAMBOOL RECEIVES $19,100 HERITAGE BOOST

Warrnambool has received two heritage grants, sharing in more than $1 million worth of new grants to protect and conserve heritage across Victoria, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today. The Warrnambool City Council will receive $13,600 for the conservation of cannon and artillery pieces in Warrnambool. Ms Tierney said these pieces, located at…

PORTLAND RECEIVES $110,000 HERITAGE BOOST

The Glenelg Shire Council has received two heritage grants worth $110,000, sharing in more than $1 million worth of new grants to protect and conserve heritage across Victoria, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today. A conservation management plan has been completed on Portland’s Former Drill Hall and identified a number of works. The…

CAMPERDOWN RECEIVES $23,000 HERITAGE BOOST

Camperdown has received two heritage grants, sharing in more than $1 million worth of new grants to protect and conserve heritage across Victoria, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today. The Corangamite Shire Council will receive $18,000 for structural and flashing repairs to the Camperdown Clock Tower Ms Tierney said. “The Camperdown Clock Tower…