Media Releases

East Gippsland Institute of TAFE in Bairnsdale has a new name to reflect its dynamic role in the region.

Minister for Higher Education and Skills Peter Hall today announced Advance TAFE as the new name for East Gippsland TAFE during a visit to the Bairnsdale campus.

“Advance TAFE will continue to build on its proud tradition of educational excellence in the East Gippsland region supporting the vocational and training needs of business, industry and the local community,” Mr Hall said.

“Today’s launch is a milestone for vocational education in Gippsland and comes at an important time for the region with the development of the Gippsland Tertiary Education Plan, which provides for a major expansion of tertiary education and training across the region.”

Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull also praised Advance TAFE for its commitment to innovation and community engagement.

“The review and design process to arrive at the new name and brand has been more than two years in the making and involved extensive consultation with around 1,500 current and past students and business and industry representatives,” Mr Bull said.

“The new corporate design reflects the vision of a dynamic, professional educational organisation focused on growth within and beyond the region.”

Both Mr Hall and Mr Bull paid tribute to the role played by the institute since it was formally established in 1986.

“This region has a rich history of vocational education and training extending over more than 100 years with the former Bairnsdale School of Mines and both the Bairnsdale and Sale technical schools. This wonderful tradition continues today with Advance TAFE,” Mr Hall said.

During his visit Mr Hall also discussed progress on the Gippsland Tertiary Education Plan and a range of other government led initiatives to boost vocational education and training in the region.

The Victorian Coalition Government will make a record investment of around $1.2 billion in vocational training this year, with the figure expected to increase to around $1.3 billion in 2012.

The Brumby Government must act quickly to allow the clearing of trees on a runway approach at the Mallacoota Airport, Nationals candidate for Gippsland East Tim Bull and Eastern Region MP Peter Hall said today.

Mr Bull said it was The Nationals understanding that the trees were inhibiting the operation of Fire Fighting aircraft out of Mallacoota.

“With the fire season fast approaching it is absolutely vital that the Brumby Government work with East Gippsland Shire to resolve the issues involved in having the vegetation cleared,” Mr Bull said.

He said the matter was particularly urgent as Mallacoota had been declared a ‘Fire Prone Area’.

“Anything that hampers potential lifesaving fire fighting efforts must be addressed as a matter of urgency,” Mr Bull said.

“Fire fighting aircraft must be able to operate at full capacity otherwise lives could be put at risk,” he added.

Mr Hall has been in discussions with East Gippsland Shire, which owns and manages the airfield, along with the Minister for Environment and Climate Change Gavin Jennings, in regard to the clearing of native vegetation at the airport which is inhibiting the North South runway.

Mr Hall said negotiations between the shire and Government which involved the provision of native vegetation offsets, needed to be expedited.

“The Brumby Government can’t drag its feet on this one,” Mr Hall said.

“I understand the shire is seeking certain exemptions in relation to the requirements for the removal of native vegetation and these need to be assessed as quickly as possible.

“Mallacoota residents and visitors need assurance from the Government that they will be provided with adequate fire protection over the summer and for this to happen the issue at the Mallacoota airport must be resolved,” Mr Hall said.

THE Liberal Nationals Coalition will boost funding to save the VICSWIM Summer Kidz learn-to-swim holiday program which is run at many aquatic centres in East Gippsland, Nationals Eastern Region MP Peter Hall said today.

“Coalition Leader Ted Baillieu has announced a $1.6 million commitment over four years as part of a new era in prioritising learning to swim for Victorian children,” Mr Hall said.

Under Labor the long-standing VICSWIM holiday program has slumped to its lowest participation rate since it started in the mid 1970s, down to just 4,200 in 2008/2009 after peaking at around 20,000 in the 1980s.

“The Brumby Government has all but abandoned the program, instead leaving the responsible body – Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) – to chase corporate sponsors for support,” Mr Hall said.

“Without government support VICSWIM’s summer program will fold.”

Mr Hall said it was irresponsible of the State Government to turn its back on an established, recognised and respected drowning prevention program.

“Learning to swim is one of the most valuable life-skills we can provide for our children and with summer fast approaching it is a real concern that this program may not be available for the children of East Gippsland, as it has been in the past,” Mr Hall said.

Mr Hall said the VICSWIM program provided children with basic skills and confidence across a variety of aquatic conditions and activities.

He said the Coalition would not only boost funding to the VICSWIM Summer Kidz program, but also revamp the funding model and subsidise costs to families.

“We plan to overhaul the way this program is funded by subsidising the cost so that participants will pay just $5 a day – down from the current charge of $11,” he said.

“Affordability means accessibility for families, and it’s our priority to make it easier for mums and dads to familiarise children with safety around pools, beaches, dams, creeks and rivers.

 “If we want to reduce tragic and unnecessary drowning deaths we have to invest in aquatic-based learning for children, which VICSWIM has been providing for more than 30 years.”

New State Government restrictions on the amount of snapper caught by Commonwealth-licensed trawl fishers will have a huge impact on the viability of the Lakes Entrance Fishing Co-operative, according to Eastern Region MP Peter Hall.

The Nationals MP is now calling on the State Government to overhaul its planned restrictions for Commonwealth-licensed commercial trawl fishers which involve enforcing a 50 kilogram limit on the amount of snapper by-product caught by the trawlers in one trip.

“The new restrictions have many commercial fishermen in East Gippsland rightly frustrated,” Mr Hall said. “These fishermen are not targeting snapper but some of this species of fish inevitably gets caught up in their nets.”

Speaking in parliament this week Mr Hall said the DPI’s proposal could affect the viability of the Lakes Entrance Co-op.

“Just this week one of the bigger trawlers that fish out of that port landed a catch of 13,000 kilograms of fish, of which 130 kilograms – only one per cent – was snapper,” Mr Hall said.

“If there were a 50 kilogram limit on the amount of by-catch then the options available to that trawler would be to either dump 80 kilograms of fresh premium snapper overboard, to come to port and take the risk of being fined and a potential loss of licence, or the more likely outcome of taking the catch to Eden in New South Wales.

“If that were to occur, it would have a significant impact on the viability of the fishing cooperative at Lakes Entrance.”

Mr Hall said the option of throwing good fish overboard seemed like such a waste.

“The South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association says this will result in 10 tonnes of snapper off Lakes Entrance being discarded at sea, and all will be dead,” he said.

But Mr Hall believes there is a solution which involves establishing a management zone outside of Port Phillip Bay during certain times of the year.

Mr Hall has asked the Minister for Agriculture Joe Helper, to not persist with the 50 kilogram by-catch limit universally across Victorian waters.

“If there are any restrictions at all then those restrictions should be confined to trawlers operating in a management zone outside of Port Phillip Bay only,” Mr Hall said.

“As all Commonwealth vessels are subject to electronic vessel monitoring, it’s not a difficult task to impose a by-catch limit purely on those who fish in that area outside Port Phillip Bay.”

Nationals Eastern Victoria MP Peter Hall and Nationals candidate for Gippsland East Tim Bull, have scoffed at suggestions by the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) that would see much of East Gippsland’s coastal areas turned into Marine National Parks.

“It is ludicrous to suggest that without any scientific research or strong community support, large areas of the Gippsland Lakes, Bemm River, Mallacoota Inlet and the Ninety Mile Beach could be closed to all forms of fishing,” Mr Hall said.

“Recreational fishing alone contributes nearly $200 million to the Gippsland economy and generates more than 1000 jobs. The professional fishing industry generates as much economic activity again.

“From a tourism and economic perspective this region would be devastated if the VNPA got its way.”

Mr Hall said East Gippsland already had substantial areas of marine national parks at Cape Howe and part of the Ninety Mile Beach, as well as a number of marine sanctuary areas.

“It is not so much fishing activity but on-shore land management that impacts on our waterways,” Mr Hall said.

“Every time it rains rubbish from our streets and gutters, run-off from various land uses and soils from erosion end up in coastal lakes and inlets.

“Our efforts to protect the marine environment should be directed first and foremost at coastal development and land use.”

As a recreational angler and avid user of the Gippsland Lakes, Nationals Candidate for East Gippsland, Tim Bull recognises the need to preserve this unique environment.

“I have no doubt the majority of recreational and commercial anglers and boaters feel the same but barring them from areas is clearly not the answer,” Mr Bull said.

“Any concerns over fish populations are addressed by catch and bag limits which can be altered if need be. Totally dismissing industries and user groups is ridiculous.                                                                                                                                                   

“We cannot have a situation where we are continually having requests for areas of our waterways and fisheries to be closed down and important industries marginalised,” he added.

Mr Bull said the Labor Government’s introduction of Marine Parks in 2002 caused much angst within the tourism, commercial and recreational fishing industries.

“Both sides of parliament agreed at the time that the areas put aside would not be expanded upon – that would be it,” Mr Bull said.

“The initial round of marine parks identified areas of unique habitat to be preserved and I feel they are more than adequate.”

Eastern Region MP Peter Hall is pleased to advise that a Victorian Legal Aid Child Support lawyer will visit Bairnsdale, Sale and Morwell this month to provide free legal advice.

“It is important that people have access to this type of service in Gippsland and this legal advice is free to parents or other persons who require assistance with child maintenance or child support problems including proof of paternity,” Mr Hall said.

The Child Support Legal Service of Victoria Legal Aid assists parents with legal problems relating to:

• Getting or paying child maintenance (including “over 18” maintenance)
• Getting or paying child support
• Parentage testing
• Changes of assessment

“I’m sure there are a number of parents in Gippsland who could benefit from free legal advice in regard to Child Support and it is pleasing to see this can be obtained in our local area,” Mr Hall said.

“I think it’s very beneficial that people can actually sit face-to-face with a Child Support Lawyer to discuss their legal matters rather than having to do so over the phone.”

A Child Support Lawyer will visit Bairnsdale and Sale on 20 July, 21 September and 16 November. Visits will be made to Morwell on 21 July, 18 August, 22 September, 13 October and 17 November.

For information regarding venues and to make a booking contact 1800 677 402 or (03) 9269 0408 during office hours.

Recreational fishers across Gippsland will have the opportunity to ‘have their say’ on local fishing issues with the launch of The Nationals recreational fishing survey.

The Nationals Eastern Region MLC Peter Hall joined with The Nationals Leader and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan and The Nationals Candidate for Gippsland East Tim Bull in Sale today to launch the survey and raise awareness of the recreational fishing industry.

“Recreational fishing is not just a great pastime – it is also a major industry in Victoria,” Mr Hall said.

“The Nationals team in Gippsland are strong supporters of the recreational fishing industry and we are determined to ensure recreational fishers get a bigger say in issues that affect their interests. 

“John Brumby has largely ignored recreational fishers and important industry infrastructure such as boat launching facilities and jetties.

“There are thousands of Victorians who enjoy throwing a line in and it is important local communities have the right infrastructure and resources to enhance the enjoyment of this pastime.”

Mr Ryan said The Nationals were seeking feedback from the community on such important issues as boat ramps, jetties and other public infrastructure needs.

“Everyone who has a fishing licence pays into the fund that Recreational Fishing Grants are drawn from and it is important that this money is well spent,” Mr Ryan said.

“It is essential that recreational fishers have a say on whether they feel they are getting value for money or whether there should be increased funding for information programs or on building better infrastructure such as more boat ramps.”

Mr Bull, a keen recreational fisherman himself, said that The Nationals team would be handing out surveys in communities across Gippsland in the coming weeks so that as many people as possible could have their say.

“Whether you’re a fisherman, tackle shop owner, boat builder, owner, or retailer, The Nationals want your input to ensure this great pastime is made even better in the future,”     Mr Bull said.

“Please take just one minute to fill out the survey that is broadly circulating across the region and return as per the details on the survey sheet.” Mr Bull said.

www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au however applications can be emailed, faxed or mailed to the Grants Unit.

More information can be found on the grants website or by phoning 1300 366 356.

Hard copies of the applications are also available from Peter Hall’s office at 181 Franklin Street Traralgon or by phoning him on 5174 7066.

Grants of up to $50,000 are available from the Department of Planning and Community Development to assist in the establishment of Men’s Sheds which support men’s participation and volunteering in their community.

Member for the Eastern Region, Peter Hall, is encouraging groups considering establishing or upgrading a men’s shed in their community to take advantage of this grant.

“These sheds provide spaces for men to become involved in their communities in a meaningful and positive manner and help to reduce isolation encouraging social interaction for men,” Mr Hall said.

“Since first being established these Men’s Sheds have been instrumental in assisting older men to realise their value to their communities and assisted them in maintaining their health and well-being.

“I encourage interested groups to liaise with their local Government Authority or other relevant organisations to take advantage of this grant offer and submit an application,” he said.

www.donotcall.gov.au or call 1300 792 958. Fax numbers can only be registered online.