Media Releases

WELLER TO ATTEND BRIDGE RALLY

Thu, 24 May 2012 23:49:00 GMT

Local Member for Rodney, Paul Weller has supported action by the community to voice their opinion on the second river crossing for Echuca Moama ahead of a planned rally.

The rally is being organised by The Committee 4 Echuca Moama (C4EM) and is scheduled for Thursday June 28.

“I support action by the community to voice their opinions on this most important issue” Mr Weller said.

Mr Weller said the Victorian Coalition Government went to the last election with a commitment to pursue the Mid-West 2 option.

“We believe this to be the best option that accurately reflects community sentiment and allows the community to move forward,” Mr Weller said.

“The government remains committed to exploring all proper avenues for a route west of the cemetery and the planning investigation for all four alignment options needs to be completed,” he said.

Mr Weller paid tribute to the group of local residents who have voluntarily committed their time, experience and expertise to the current community consultation process.

“I thank this group for the crucial role they are playing in ensuring the selection of the overall best performing and most beneficial alignment option west of the cemetery,” he said.

Mr Weller said he shares the determination of The Committee 4 Echuca Moama (C4EM) to see the process through and deliver a much needed bridge for our community.

“I know how badly the people of Echuca-Moama want a new river crossing, but I also know that they want it to be built in the best possible location to meet the overall balanced needs of this community well into the future,” he said.

Mr Weller said he looks forward to attending the rally.

MAJOR WORKS FOR MURRAY VALLEY HIGHWAY

Fri, 25 May 2012 00:04:00 GMT

The National’s Member for Rodney, Paul Weller has welcomed road surface improvement works on the Murray Valley Highway, near Echuca.

Mr Weller has commended the State Coalition Government for vital pavement repair works in the Rodney Electorate to maintain safety for all road users.

The works will see major pavement rehabilitation carried out on the mid-section of the highway, 15km east of Echuca between Tehan Road and Fraser Road.

“The $661,000 works are vital in maintaining one of Victoria’s longest arterial roads and once completed the road will be smoother, stronger and have greater skid resistance,” Mr Weller said.

“These pavement works will restore the surface, ensuring the longevity of the highway and improving the safety of the road for all motorists,” he said.

Mr Weller said road pavement can crack, rut or become potholed for a range of reasons including through prolonged or extreme weather conditions.

“The Murray Valley Highway is one of our state’s most important routes and high rainfall events after a decade of drought, combined with heavy vehicle traffic has caused significant deterioration,” Mr Weller said.

The State Government works have been provided by maintenance funds and will take approximately four weeks to complete.

STATE FUNDS TO SUPPORT CHARITY ORGANISATIONS

Fri, 25 May 2012 00:15:00 GMT

The Victorian Coalition Government has announced a $2 million plan to help charities in response to calls from across the state, including in Echuca, of illegal dumping at their outlets.

The Nationals local Member for Rodney, Paul Weller has announced the funding to support charity organisations to reduce dumping and to cover the cost of disposing of waste.

“It is pleasing that the Echuca community responded to calls from local charities to stop dumping items such as old televisions at outlets in the area that had caused additional work for volunteers and increased unwanted costs for appropriate disposal,” Mr Weller said.

Mr Weller said charities do a fantastic job in supporting the community and staff and volunteers should not have to spend their precious time or charitable funds acting as waste disposal outlets.

“These funds will assist charities in the future with the problem of unwanted rubbish as they must also pay for rubbish to be sent to landfill,” he said.

Mr Weller said the message was clear that broken, old, stained or out-dated items such as televisions, computers, fridges, beds, mattresses and sofas and even building waste or chemicals should not be dumped at charity outlets and should go to an official recycling and waste facility.

The State Government package for charity organisations includes $500,000 for efforts to help stem the flow of illegally dumped waste and $1.5 million in landfill levy relief to help pay for rubbish sent to landfill.

“We will work with the National Association of Charitable Recycling Organisations (NACRO) on the best ways to effectively solve this problem – including community education, signage, lighting, fencing and security,” Mr Weller said.

“We want to end the practice of people dumping waste on charities so they can devote their precious time and resources to help families in need,” he said.

Mr Weller said the community needed to be aware that illegal dumping at any charity outlet is classified as littering and can attract fines as well as a potential report to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA hotline for illegal dumping is 1300 372 842 and if you see someone dumping waste you can report it by recording the offender’s vehicle registration number.

Mr Weller also encouraged local residents to use their regional official recycling and waste facility and to find out more information for their town to contact their local council.

RODNEY STUDENT VOLUNTEERS TO BENEFIT FROM FUNDING

Thu, 24 May 2012 23:55:00 GMT

Four secondary schools across the Rodney Electorate will benefit from State Government funding to encourage teenagers to become more involved in their local community.

Member for Rodney, Paul Weller has announced funding for the Echuca College, Cohuna Secondary College, Kyabram P-12 College and Nathalia Secondary College to take part in the Coalition Government’s successful Advance volunteering program.

Advance is a $4.5 million flexible school-based program offered annually in Victorian Government secondary schools to provide, encourage and support 14 -18 year olds to volunteer in their community.

Across the state 420 schools and 16,000 young people will participate in the Advance program in 2012, which coincides with National Volunteers Week from May 14th-20th.

“Advance is a fantastic program that encourages young people to get involved in their local community and strengthens local partnerships between schools and the community,” Mr Weller said.

“Supporting young people to volunteer has a positive and lasting effect, not only on the individual, but the whole community as students learn valuable transferable skills in the process.

“The Advance program provides young people with practical opportunities for mentoring and gaining new skills and training whilst learning more about their local community,” he said.

Mr Weller thanked the many volunteers from within the community who give up their time to support initiatives such as Advance and who volunteer to protect and enhance Victorian communities.

For more information on the Advance program and how it could benefit your school community go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/advance.

EMERGENCY SERVICES GRANTS FOR VOLUNTEERS

Thu, 10 May 2012 06:20:00 GMT

Member for Rodney, Paul Weller has announced emergency services grants to support local volunteer emergency groups across the region.

Mr Weller said the grants, totally $12 million across the state, would assist volunteer emergency groups in the Electorate to apply for funds to assist with the purchase of equipment, vehicles and appliances and with facility upgrades.

“It is important our volunteer groups such as the SES and CFA are supported through grants like these so they can continue to do what they do best – protecting lives and property throughout our region,” Mr Weller said.

“Our emergency services in the Rodney Electorate have dealt with a number of significant emergencies in recent years with floods and storms and in each of these emergencies our volunteers have played a crucial role,” he said.

The funds have been made available through the 2012/13 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) and under the program emergency service volunteer groups can access grants of up to $100,000.

The grants can potentially cover the cost of operational equipment, vehicles and appliances and minor facility improvements with VESEP committed to contributing $2 for every $1 of funding up to $100,000.

Applicants for the grants must meet a range of criteria and will be assessed by a panel comprising of representatives from government and respective emergency service organisations.

“Our volunteers are the backbone of emergency services and the Coalition Government wants to ensure they are better equipped to respond safely and effectively to any emergency,” Mr Weller said.

“Volunteers give selfless service and are dedicated to helping keep our communities safe and equipment grants such as these are a great example of the way the community, government and emergency service agencies can work together to ensure safety for all,” he said.

For more information about applying for the grants go to www.justice.vic.gov.au or email vesep@justice.vic.gov.au.

'DO NOT KNOCK' STICKERS AVAILABLE

Thu, 10 May 2012 06:29:00 GMT

The Nationals Member for Rodney, Paul Weller has encouraged members of the Electorate to support the Consumer Law Action Centre’s Do Not Knock campaign.

The Do Not Knock campaign gives householders a say in whether door-to-door salespeople visit their homes by providing a sticker that clearly tells salespeople they are not welcome on their doorstep.

Mr Weller said that residents, particularly the elderly and those living on their own, often find being visited by unsolicited sales people as unnerving and even frightening.

“For many, door-to-door salespeople are simply an unwanted intrusion and having valuable time at home with family and friends interrupted by pushy salespeople is simply an unwelcome distraction… that’s why I’m supporting the campaign,” he said.

Mr Weller said the Consumer Law Action Centre is now distributing Do Not Knock stickers which, when displayed in a prominent location, send a clear message to salespeople.

The Centre reports door-to-door salespeople often use high-pressure tactics to get people to buy products they don’t want, don’t need, and can’t afford.

“Often there are cases where people have been deliberately misled, and even unwittingly signed up to high cost financing to pay for the product,” Mr Weller said.

In addition, it has been reported some unscrupulous salespeople will target new Australians or people with limited English, signing them up for contracts without fully explaining the details, costs and cooling-off rights.

Mr Weller said it is hoped the Do Not Knock campaign will not only significantly reduce the inconvenience of having people bother you at home, but it will help stop some of the poor sales techniques used in this form of selling.

More information on the Do Not Knock campaign and stickers, including information on your legal rights and how to make a complaint, is available at www.donotknock.org.au.

MAY 14TH - 20TH IS NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

Thu, 10 May 2012 06:15:00 GMT

Local Member for Rodney, Paul Weller has spoken in the Victorian Parliament about the importance of volunteers in our Electorate and how they are the heart and soul of our communities.

May 14^th - 20^th is National Volunteer Week and this year’s theme, Volunteers – Every One Counts, is aimed at acknowledging the efforts of every single volunteer in our community.

“Volunteers make an important contribution to the broader community and there are many groups, organisations and services that would simply not exist if not for the hard work of our countless volunteers,” Mr Weller said.

“Across the Rodney Electorate volunteers give their time on our sporting fields, in our schools, at our festivals and events, in our hospitals and importantly, offer important support to our State Emergency Service and the Country Fire Authority during emergencies and natural disaster recovery efforts,” he said.

It is estimated that 6 million Australians volunteer every year and to support this volunteer effort, the Victorian Coalition Government has released a Volunteering Portal.

The Portal has been set up to help attract, recruit, retain and manage volunteers across the state and since the free online community resource was launched in September 2010 there have been 510,000 searches by potential volunteers.

The resource aims to support volunteering by informing, supporting and inspiring people to volunteer, as well as provide tools and resources for volunteer-involving organisations in all sectors.

In addition, the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) has established an Emergency Volunteer Register as a resource for local councils in the event of an emergency.

This Emergency Volunteer Register is available on the Volunteering Portal and has been implemented to manage the registration of spontaneous volunteers who want to help with disaster recovery and clean up.

The Register aims to help reduce the number of well-intentioned spontaneous volunteers coming to areas affect by an emergency, which can potentially add to the pressure on local councils and those managing a disaster.

Members of the public who wish to help in emergency recovery efforts are encouraged to register their details with the Register on the Volunteering Portal instead of contacting local councils or travelling straight to affected areas.

Members of the community can visit www.nationalvolunteerweek.com.au to learn more about activities and events for this year’s National Volunteer Week and for information about the Volunteer Portal and Emergency Volunteer Register.

STATE GOVERNMENT FUNDS FOR KYABRAM RACECOURSE AND RECREATION RESERVE

Thu, 10 May 2012 05:33:00 GMT

State Government funding to the tune of $93,140 has been allocated to the Kyabram Racecourse and Recreation Reserve Trust Committee following an announcement by Member for Rodney, Paul Weller.

The allocation of funds, to be used for a car park resurface at the site, comes on the back of a five year campaign by the Trust Committee to state government representatives including the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hugh Delahunty.

Trust Secretary, Ian Purdey said the committee was thrilled with the funding and had additional good news with an offer to hold the Victorian Ladies Par 3 Tournament at the Kyabram Parkland Golf Club – where the Victorian Men’s Par 3 is held annually, delivering an estimated economic benefit of $250,000 to the town of Kyabram.

“Securing funding for the car park works has been a major long term priority for the Trust since it won the rights to hold the Victorian Men’s Par 3 Championships five years ago,” Mr Purdey said.

According to Mr Purdey the unfinished surface of the car park had become an unpleasant and dangerous muddy area following any significant rainfall and created a dust hazard in the dry summer months for users and neighbouring properties.

Mr Purdey said the ability to improve the car park facility will allow the Trust to continue to host two major Victorian golf championships, provide the wider community with a top class facility and also eliminate the annual $2000 cost to grade and re-gravel the car park.

“We received many knockbacks during the process to seek funding, but would like to thank local Member for Rodney, Paul Weller and his staff for their ongoing support and encouragement to keep going,” Mr Purdey said.

Mr Weller said the Government had recognised the car park at the site was highly frequented by its four major tenants - the Kyabram Parkland Golf Club, the Kyabram Trotting Club, the Small Bore Rifle Club and the Kyabram Urban Landcare Group - as well as many other local residents.

“These works will greatly improve the standard and accessibility of the site which attracts more than 19,000 visitors annually and hosts in excess of 170 meetings and events,” he said.

Mr Weller praised the Trust for its ongoing hard work and professionalism in seeking the appropriate funds.

Kyabram Racecourse and Recreation Reserve Trust Chairman, John Elborough publicly congratulated Parkland Golf Club Treasurer, Glen Smith and Trust Secretary Ian Purdey on their wonderful efforts in putting forward the submission on behalf of the Trust.

“Funds for the car park works have been provided through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund’s Putting Locals First Program, a $100 million State Government initiative that enables regional communities to devise and deliver service and infrastructure responses that reflect local priorities,” Mr Weller said.

FUNDS FOR HEATHCOTE LEARN LOCAL ORGANISATION

Thu, 10 May 2012 05:41:00 GMT

Member for Rodney, Paul Weller is pleased to announce $6,500 in State Government funding for the McIvor Neighbourhood House Learner Marketing and Promotional Project.

The McIvor Neighbourhood House was one of more than 60 Learn Local organisations across the state to receive grants totaling $2.3 million.

The Heathcote-based organisation hopes to better serve the needs of adult learners in the local region.

Mr Weller said the grants will help adult community education Learn Local organisations like the McIvor Neighbourhood House to expand their services, improve efficiency, offer new courses, increase participation and retain learners.

"As a knowledge-driven economy, Victoria will increasingly need a workforce with higher levels of qualifications and skills and these funds will help further enhance education and training,” Mr Weller said.

“I pass on my congratulations to all successful applicants from this third round of funding” he said.

The funds for the Heathcote-based group were provided through round three of the State Government's Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board Capacity and Innovation Fund.

"The ACFE Capacity and Innovation Grants have been designed to help Learn Local organisations to develop new programs and to boost participation and learning," Mr Weller said.

"The Capacity and Innovation Fund is an initiative that will encourage innovation within adult education and support a sector of the Victorian education system that already does vital work in supporting adult learners,” he said.

Each year the state's 310 Learn Local organisations provide education and training to more than 95,000 people, offering vocational, language, literacy and numeracy and work-skill courses.

In the 20 years that the community-based adult education sector has been recognised in Victoria by legislation, these organisations have helped thousands of people to new education and employment pathways.

RODNEY ELECTORATE LOCAL HEROES TO BE PRAISED

Thu, 10 May 2012 05:27:00 GMT

Member for Rodney, Paul Weller has invited members of the local community to nominate a local hero to be profiled on his website.

Mr Weller said the Local Hero initiative provides a platform for individuals to be recognised in the community for their outstanding contribution.

“Local heroes can be recognised for their volunteer work of for their efforts on the job,” Mr Weller said.

“The initiative also allows for the hard work of many groups and organisation to be profiled and for them to gain exposure they might not usually receive,” he said.

“Through my work I meet many amazing individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes and many who do not expect recognition or accolades for the outstanding work they do throughout the Rodney Electorate,” Mr Weller said.

“The Local Hero initiative is a great way to profile those individuals who deserves acknowledgment for their commitment to put something back into our communities,” he said.

“And this acknowledgement is an important tribute to all those individuals who inspire us to give our time and energy for the benefit of others.”

Any member of the community can nominate a local hero and the website is updated regularly to profile people from all corners of the Rodney Electorate.

Anyone who would like to nominate someone can do so by completing the form under the Local Hero tab on the website at www.paulweller.com.au.

For additional information you can contact Paul Weller’s office in Echuca on 03 5482 2039.

LOCAL SPORTING CLUBS RECEIVE VICHEALTH GRANTS

Thu, 10 May 2012 05:08:00 GMT

National’s Member for Rodney, Paul Weller has announced nine sporting groups from across the Electorate have received funding from the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth).

Grants of up to $2,500 have been awarded to groups in Cohuna, Rushworth, Lancaster, Nathalia, Echuca, Leitchville and Stanhope to help train volunteers and to purchase essential sports equipment for injury prevention and management.

Mr Weller said the funds, provided through the VicHealth Active Clubs Grants program, were designed to get more people in the community physically active and to support smaller regional and rural clubs that often need extra support.

“In Victoria, half of all adults do not get enough exercise. As well as the physical benefits, research also shows that sport builds community pride and loyalty and offers people the chance to get involved, providing them with a positive sense of self-worth,” Mr Weller said.

“Regular physical activity not only protects against many illnesses, it also makes us mentally healthy, alert and resilient against the stresses of modern-day life,” he said.

Across the Rodney Electorate, the Cohuna Pony Club and Golf Club have received VicHealth funds as well as the Nathalia Little Athletics Club and Pony Club.

Other clubs to receive funds include the football and netball club at Rushworth and Lancaster, the Rich River Ram Superules Club at Echuca, the Leitchville Bowls Club and the Stanhope Cricket Club.

This year’s VicHealth grants were prioritised to support people over 60 years, who traditionally have low rates of sports participation, as well as young people aged five to 17 years.

For the first time, 64 sporting clubs across the state received defibrillators to better respond to on-field emergencies.

Mr Weller said the grants were aimed at creating a healthier sporting environment for all people to participate and VicHealth acknowledged the importance of continued funding to all sporting groups across the state.

“The funds allow all our sporting clubs to continue to provide a valuable service in the Rodney Electorate, not just for sport and fitness, but for getting people together as well,” Mr Weller said.

“The social interaction of sporting groups provides friendship and a strong sense of community, also an important ingredient for good health,” he said.

COALITION BUDGET SECURES FUTURE FOR VICTORIANS

Thu, 03 May 2012 03:33:00 GMT

Residents living in the Northern Victoria, including Rodney, will benefit from the Coalition Government’s 2012-13 Budget, with a focus on statewide investment in agriculture and transport improvements to secure Victoria’s future and drive economic activity, productivity and create jobs, Member for Rodney Paul Weller said today.

Today, the Treasurer Kim Wells announced the Coalition Government’s 2012-13 Budget which sets out a clear plan to meet Victoria’s challenges and position the state to take full advantage of current and future economic opportunities.

“This Budget focuses on securing the future and rebuilding the state’s finances,” Mr Wells said.

Residents in the Rodney electorate will benefit from statewide investment of:

$10.58 million to accelerate innovation to boost productivity and profitability in Victoria’s grains industry;
$14.3 million to boost the productivity and profitability of the Victorian dairy industry;
$8.94 million to boost productivity and profitability in Victoria’s red meat (lamb and beef) industry;
$8.11 million to secure a long-term future for Victorian horticulture; and
$19.5 million for a biosecurity program.

The Corop West, North West Mooroopna and Merrigum CFA Stations have been identified by the CFA to be upgraded or built in the 2012-13 financial year as part of the Government’s $22 million Budget investment.

“This important funding will ensure local CFA volunteers have the best facilities to help them do their great work in protecting local communities,” Mr Weller said.

“A further $12.3 million has been allocated to fleet infrastructure upgrades across the state to help the CFA best deliver on a range of services it provides such as road rescue, hazardous materials response and structural collapse.”

“The funding will mean the CFA will be better resourced to enable a more effective and efficient firefighting service, whilst providing enhanced safety for crews,” said Mr Weller.

Mr Wells said the 2012-13 Budget is shaped by the challenges of the present and in the short-term, Victoria faces global and national economic factors which have resulted in a softer economy and significant reductions in government revenue.

“This Budget takes a responsible and necessary approach to these forces which are placing real pressure on Victorian employment, small business and industry,” Mr Wells said.

“We cannot ignore those realities, nor can we afford to simply accept them.

“As a state and as a community, we will be defined not by the challenges we face, but by the collective actions we take to address them,” Mr Wells said.

MINISTER FOR REGIONAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN RODNEY ELECTORATE

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:24:00 GMT

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan held several meetings today in Echuca.

Nationals Member for Rodney Paul Weller extended the invitation to Minister Ryan to spend a day in the Rodney Electorate.

Mr Ryan met with the Shire of Campaspe and a cross section of business and community organisations including the executive members of Committee for Echuca-Moama (C4EM).

“I am immensely impressed with the professionalism and enthusiasm of C4EM,” Mr Ryan said.

The Baillieu Government was pleased to support C4EM with funding of $20,000 to develop their strategic plan and today’s meeting provided the Deputy Premier with an update on the progress of that Plan.

“I have met a number of times with the executive but today’s meeting provided a terrific opportunity to discuss in detail the important priorities which C4EM has identified in the development of their strategic plan.” Mr Ryan said.

Local Member Paul Weller said that C4EM is working with local government and the community on a range of issues which are crucial to the future economic and social prosperity of Echuca-Moama.

“The government remains focused on the needs of regional Victoria and today’s meetings were pivotal in meeting that objective, Mr Weller said.

NATIONAL YOUTH WEEK FORUM IN RUSHWORTH

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:16:00 GMT

Rushworth P-12 College recently celebrated National Youth Week with a day of activities aimed at engaging young people.

The College received a State Government grant of $2000 to hold a Youth Mental Health Forum in partnership with Goulburn Valley Health (GV Health).

In announcing the funding Member for Rodney, Paul Weller said Rushworth students from year’s seven to 12 had the opportunity to take part in the Youth Forum, which was aimed at creating and promoting youth awareness of depression and anxiety and strengthening social connectedness.

The theme of the Youth Forum was Look, Listen, Talk and Seek Help and this was explored by students on the day through artistic expression and the written word.

Mr Weller said it was important for initiatives like National Youth Week and the Youth Forum to provide creative ways to raise awareness of important youth health issues, like depression and anxiety.

“Around 160,000 young people aged between 16 and 24 live with depression each year and it’s important to create opportunities for awareness and targeted action,” he said.

A major highlight of the Youth Forum was a visit by former AFL player and founder of Whitelion, a youth support service that runs programs to meet the needs of young people, Glen Manton.

Keynote speakers from Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Bendigo and a representative from Headspace, an organisation supporting 12-25 year olds with mental and other health issues, were also accessible to the students.

While Dr Rachel Adams from GV Health showed support through her Adolescent Health in Schools program.

Students were provided with information about issues like anxiety and its triggers and about the importance of wellness and who they might turn to when they are seeking help.

Local community members were also on hand during the Youth Forum to encourage students to participate in activities such as yoga, meditation and line-dancing.

GV Health Community Health Coordinator, Michele Hanson said one of the main focus points for the day was to provide students at the school with various avenues to express how they felt and where they can seek help.

Adolescent Health Nurse at Rushworth P-12 College, Leanne James said the day was successful in providing a safe and non-confrontational environment for to talk about and share their experiences of mental health issues.

Funding for the Youth Forum was made available through a joint partnership between the Victorian Coalition Government, the Federal Government and youthbeyondblue.

COMMUNITY GROUPS IN RODNEY ELECTORATE WIN STATE ENVIRONMENT FUNDS

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 04:07:00 GMT

National’s Member for Rodney, Paul Weller has announced three Rodney Electorate community groups will share $806,185 in Coalition State Government funds for continued environmental works, including close to $90,000 for the Cohuna area.

The Cohuna Neighbourhood House as well as the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and the Harston Community Landcare Group have all received funds through the Victorian Coalition Government’s $20 million Communities for Nature grants program to carry out on-the-ground environmental works.

Mr Weller said the Communities for Nature grants program delivers on the Coalition Government’s election commitment to provide practical assistance to local communities so they can continue to improve, protect and conserve our environment.

“I congratulate these three groups and land managers across Victoria for participating in this funding round and for their ongoing hard work in protecting our environment and delivering on-the-ground environmental works,” Mr Weller said.

The Cohuna Neighbourhood House plans to use its $89,840 to enhance the remnant indigenous vegetation in the Gilrole Park through weed management and various other methods and hopes to increase community understanding of local environmental issues.