Media Releases

Jock Granter remembered in State Parliament

Fri, 25 May 2012 00:10:00 GMT

May 22, 2012

Both Houses of State Parliament unanimously honoured the life and times of the late Jock Granter from Heathcote today.
A Member of Parliament for 24 years and a former Minister for Water and Forests and for Police and Emergency Services, Mr Granter died on May 14 and was given a State Funeral at the Heathcote RSL yesterday.
Motions moved simultaneously in the Lower House by Premier Ted Baillieu and in the Upper House by Government Leader David Davis were followed by a minute silence and hour-long adjournments.
During the debates, Mr Granter was widely praised by speakers from all political parties for his open, gentle nature, his passion for his community and his very wide range of community involvements.
Among contributions made in the debate both Houses were:
Premier Ted Baillieu: “He was instrumental in the establishment of the Thomson dam, Melbourne’s principal water storage. All Victorians can be grateful for Jock’s stewardship as Water Minister.”
Government Leader in the Upper House David Davis: “Jock epitomised many of the strengths of this House .. and remains a role model for many Members.”
MP for Northern Victoria Region Donna Petrovich: “His door was always open.”
Deputy Premier Peter Ryan: The Thomson Dam and Lake Eppalock … “There can be no greater legacy.”
Opposition leader Daniel Andrews: Noted that Mr Granter had selflessly given up a career in banking for a five year commitment to the Australian Army.
Member for Northern Victoria Region Damian Drum: “The words most often used to describe Jock were kind, humble, a gentleman and honesty … his humility has meant he has not been in the limelight as much as a person of his achievements could expect.”
Member for Rodney Paul Weller: Right to the last few days of his life, Jock was pushing for developments in his community. “He was one of the region’s greatest philanthropists … he will be a fine example for generations to come.”
All speakers offered their condolences to Mrs Ena Granter and the family’s wide circle of friends.

Coalition funding supports 150 new jobs in Central Goldfields

Fri, 25 May 2012 00:08:00 GMT

More than 150 jobs are expected to be created through the development of two new industrial sites in Carisbrook, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Development Damian Drum announced today.

Representing Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan in Carisbrook, Mr Drum announced $1.53 million Victorian Coalition Government funding would be provided to the Central Goldfields Shire Council as part of the $3.4 million initiative.

“The Carisbrook Renewal Park will promote industrial activity and attract new investment to the region through the expansion of existing businesses and the addition of new businesses and industries,” Mr Drum said.

Mr Drum said the Carisbrook Renewal Park comprised of council-owned land at Tullaroop Road (Site 1) and the Penny and Lang site (Site 2).

“The council proposes developing eight lots at Site 1 and three super-lots at Site 2 and estimates that the Park will retain 15 existing jobs, assist in the creation of 98 new direct jobs and 35 indirect jobs, as well as an additional 18 jobs through the construction phase.”

The Carisbrook Renewal Park project works across the two sites includes:

• site establishment;
• traffic and environmental management;
• road works including intersection, service roads, curb and channeling;
• stormwater drainage and associated works;
• land preparation including sub-grade removal and replacement;
• service trenching and conduits ;
• connection to utilities (water, gas and power) and relocation of existing infrastructure;
• retardation basin for flood mitigation purposes; and
• fencing and landscaping

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan $1.53 million Coalition Government funding for the project would be made to the Central Goldfields Shire Council with the balance provided by the council and sales of the serviced lots.

“The Coalition Government’s is pleased to provide funding through our $1 billion Regional Growth Fund’s Economic Infrastructure Program, which aims to improve the productive potential of regional Victoria by strengthening regional industries,” Mr Ryan said.

“The fund is about supporting and growing local economies and providing opportunities for regional Victoria through investment in enabling strategic infrastructure.

“Our support for the Carisbrook Renewal Park is a clear example of how the Coalition Government’s strategy of investing in targeted projects that support jobs, growth and development in regional and rural areas can have major flow-on benefits,” Mr Ryan said.

Healthy Minds Network unveils new initiative

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:34:00 GMT

A new five-year strategic plan and website for Loddon Healthy Minds Network has been launched today by Northern MLC Damian Drum.
Speaking at the launch in Bridgewater on behalf of Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge, Mr Drum said the Loddon Healthy Minds Network has played a significant role in promoting good mental health and wellbeing in the Loddon Shire since its establishment in 2007.
“Healthy Minds plays an important role in building awareness about mental health issues and educating consumers, carers and community groups about mental health services available in the Loddon Shire,” Mr Drum said.
“The development of a five-year strategic plan by the Loddon Healthy Minds Network is a significant achievement and will play a crucial role in guiding the direction of the Network over the next five years. It identifies the key goals and priorities to address and improve mental health and wellbeing in the Loddon Shire.”
Mr Drum said goals of the Network include building awareness in the Loddon community about mental health issues and advocating for the best possible outcomes for Loddon residents in relation to mental health.
“The strategic plan outlines the actions to be undertaken by the Network to achieve the goals and priorities by 2016,” Mr Drum said.
“Development of the Loddon Healthy Minds Network website is also a significant achievement.
“The website is an information portal for consumers, carers and community members wanting to access information about mental health issues.
“It contains a comprehensive database of mental health service providers available in the Loddon Shire and provides links to mental health peak bodies such as beyondblue.
“This website is an excellent mental health and wellbeing resource for consumers, carers, community members and service providers in the Loddon Shire.”
Mr Drum said completion of the strategic plan and website builds on other key achievements of the network, which include hosting mental health week activities such as the annual ‘Sunshine Breakfast’ and the development of Healthy Minds Community Forum in 2009.
“The work of the Loddon Healthy Minds Network in the Loddon Shire is especially important after the impact of the 2011 floods in the Shire,” Mr Drum said.
“Promoting good mental health and wellbeing in our flood-affected communities has been essential in improving community spirit and building community resilience in the Shire.”

2012 Regional Achievements Awards open for nominations

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:32:00 GMT

The 2012 Regional Achievement & Community Awards officially opened for nominations today and the Victorian Coalition Government is calling on individuals and groups to apply.

Representing Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan, Mr Drum said the Regional Achievement & Community Awards had eight categories highlighting success in important areas including business, environment, participation, leadership and innovation.

“Since 2002, these awards have become a renowned event on the regional calendar, and last year 300 nominations were received across eight categories,” Mr Drum said.

Mr Drum said Regional Development Victoria would continue its long association with the awards, sponsoring two categories this year.

“Regional Development Victoria has provided $31,000 to sponsor the Regional Business Achievement Award and the Regional Trade and Career Achievement Award,” Mr Drum said.

“The Regional Business Achievement Award acknowledges successful businesses that are making a significant contribution to regional and rural Victoria, while the Regional Trade and Career Achievement Award will promote individuals who are enthusiastically pursuing a trade or career.”

Mr Ryan said the awards recognised the hard work and commitment of people in regional and rural communities and their contribution towards the economic development of the state.

“The Coalition Government is committed to driving development and growth in regional areas and ensuring the regions continue to be a key part of Victoria’s economic success,” Mr Ryan said.

Winners of the 2012 Regional Achievement & Community Awards will be announced at at a gala dinner in Bendigo on 13 October.

Nominations close on Tuesday 17 July. For more information about awards categories and nominations visit: http://www.awardsaustralia.com/RACA_vic.html

Police boost for Axedale

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:06:00 GMT

Member for Northern Victoria Damian Drum joined representatives of Victoria Police and the community to celebrate the official opening of the new Axedale Police Station today.

Representing the Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan, Mr Drum said the new $750,000 station provided a modern facility that would support community policing in the area for many years to come.

“Police members at one man stations such as Axedale provide a very important service to small regional communities which often goes well beyond normal policing duties,” Mr Drum said.

“The Coalition Government is committed to supporting the maintenance of one man police stations and ensuring Victoria Police members have the resources they need to keep our communities safe.

“The new 147m2 station replaces the old station which operated at the site since 1972.

The new facility includes:

• an entrance foyer and reception counter;
• general office, meeting room, interview room; and
• lock-up garage.

“It also uses environmentally sustainable design features that will reduce both the station’s impact on the environment and running costs.”

Mr Drum said the Coalition Government was also investing in new police accommodation at Axedale

“Funding for a new police residence at Axedale was one of the key police infrastructure initiatives highlighted in the Coalition’s 2012-13 Budget,” Mr Drum said.

“The much-needed new police residence will provide a modern and comfortable home that will provide greater support for Axedale’s station officer.

“Ensuring there is a viable permanent police presence in the community will help deter criminal activity and build greater bonds between the station officer and the Axedale residents into the future.”

Mr Ryan said Victorian Coalition Government was delivering the largest boost to frontline police resources in a single term of government in Victoria’s history.

“Strengthening community safety in regional Victoria is one of this Coalition Government’s highest priorities,” Mr Ryan said.

“The 2012-13 Budget includes $56 million to continue upgrading police stations and infrastructure across the state.

“The government is also delivering on its commitment to roll-out 1,700 additional frontline police across Victoria by November 2014.”

Coalition delivers on regional projects

Tue, 01 May 2012 06:26:00 GMT

May 1, 2012

The Liberal/Nationals State Government has confirmed its rock-solid commitment to Central Victoria in today’s State Budget, Damian Drum said today.

Mr Drum, who is also Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development, said the Budget invested more than $30 million in major projects in Bendigo and Castlemaine.

“It is a testament to the Coalition Government’s regional resolve that we have been able to deliver on these vital projects – even though Victoria is facing enormous financial challenges from outside forces,” he said.

“Despite having billions of dollars ripped out of our economy by the Federal Government’s GST changes, the world economic slowdown and the inherited bungling from the previous Labor Government, our local communities are still being backed totally.”

Among the projects in today’s Budget are:

• $10 million to Castlemaine Hospital
• $7 million to Castlemaine Secondary College
• $5 million to redevelop Golden Square Primary School
• $7 million (approx.) to develop a new Multi-Disciplinary Centre in Bendigo to improve care for sexual assault victims and their families.

“I would like to pay tribute today to Steven Oliver, the Nationals candidate for Bendigo West at the last State election. Steven pushed very hard for the Castlemaine Hospital and Secondary College, and the Budget commitments are due – in no small part – to him.

“This is on top of funding commitments from Steven which have already been delivered, such as the 24-hour ambulance service, and the upgrade of the QEO football and netball facilities.”

The Coalition Government remained focussed on delivering on its election promises.

“It must be recognised that today’s announcements come on top of last year’s Budget which:
• delivered on the funding of the $630 million Bendigo Hospital,
• the Bendigo airport redevelopment funding,
• which paved the way to deliver more police to our region,
• and which set up the $1 billion Regional growth Fund,” Mr Drum said.

“That is an outstanding track record of regional support.”

The Castlemaine Hospital funding would allow it to press on with much needed improvements identified in the hospital’s own master plan.

“The hospital serves a catchment area of about 60,000 people, and has been working towards projects such as a second operating theatre, a new hydrotherapy centre, and better access to existing medical units,” Mr Drum said.

Castlemaine Secondary College would use the $7 million to consolidate its junior and secondary campuses at Blakely Road.

“Again, this helps the community achieve its own ambitions. The college plan sets out the plans for consolidation.”

Mr Drum said the Golden Square Primary School had been pushing hard to complete the merger first agreed two by the Laurel Street and Maple Street schools in 2009, but which had remained unfunded by the previous Labor Government.

“I was particularly delighted to see the funding for Bendigo’s Multi-Disciplinary Centre against sexual assault in this year’s State Budget.

“It allows various state agencies and regional organisations to unite to provide a better co-ordinated care for sexual assault victims and their families.

“Bendigo shares in a broad push by the Liberal/Nationals Government to come up with better approaches to deal with the deep-seated problems of sexual assault,” he said.

Other Budget items which would be of enormous importance to our region included a major new investment in V/Line carriages for regional Victoria.

Country puts on a welcoming face

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 07:01:00 GMT

April 30, 2012

Central Victoria could expect a flood of inquiries from potential new residents and businesses following the outstanding success of the Regional Living Expo in Melbourne this weekend, according to Damian Drum MP.

Mr Drum, who is also Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development, said organisers were overjoyed at the number of people who visited the Expo in Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Expo was promised by the Liberal/Nationals Coalition in the lead up to the last state election. “We said we’d hold it, and we did, and it was fantastic,” Mr Drum said.

“It was designed to be the showcase for regional Victoria, helping people who were considering a move to the regions.

“The level of inquiry was huge.”

Just days before the Expo, a survey by ShopScience, commissioned by Regional Development Victoria, showed 11 per cent of Melburnians planned to move to regional Victoria while 39 per cent said they liked the idea of moving “one day”.

“The crowd reactions at the Expo certainly supported that survey,” Mr Drum said.

He said while the regions generally put on a very attractive face at the weekend, Central victoria was a particular star, with strong showing from local government, education and key industries and businesses.

“I would be very surprised if places such as Bendigo and Castlemaine don’t have record levels of inquiries about moving to the region over the next few months.

“This can only be a great outcome for all involved: for regional businesses, councils, retailers, schools and colleges … as well as for Melbourne which is already bursting at the seams,” Mr Drum said.

“I want to congratulate everyone involved in the Expo. They all made us proud.”

Restored Kyneton Mechanics Institute opens

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 23:36:00 GMT

The historic township of Kyneton was abuzz today with the official opening of restored, heritage-listed Kyneton Mechanics Institute and Reserve.

Representing Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan, Parliamentary Secretary Damian Drum officially opened the new facilities and congratulated the local community on their restored prized asset.

Mr Drum, who was joined by Macedon Ranges Shire Mayor Cr Henry McLaughlin, said the $2 million upgrade had ensured the Kyneton Mechanics Institute was once again a place of information sharing and a hub of social activity.

“When the Kyneton Mechanics Institute was built back in the 1850s one of its objectives was to help spread knowledge and now more than 150 years later this upgrade has ensured its purpose stays the same,” Mr Drum said.

“The redevelopment, made possible in part with $980,000 in Victorian Government funding, has improved accessibility to the facility, refurbished the stage and main hall, provided additional community spaces and a new kitchenette, and funded additional landscaping to the adjoining Reserve, for civic occasions and celebrations.

“A whole range of local community groups will benefit from the upgraded facilities, including local arts and theatre groups, the historical society, Lions Club, Friends of Kyneton Botanical Society to name a few.”

Mr Drum said the Kyneton Mechanics Institute upgrade had assisted contemporary community use of facilities that had been an integral part of the historic Victorian town of Kyneton for a very long time.

“The redevelopment has transformed the old facility into an accessible community centre where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can now participate in a host of educational, leisure and social activities under the one roof,” Mr Drum said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said the redevelopment was also made possible thanks $1 million from the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, making it a real partnership project.

“Across the state, all levels of government are working together and with local communities to make sure Victorians get the services and facilities they need to make their communities liveable, prosperous and sustainable,” Mr Ryan said.

Mr Ryan said community facilities such as the Kyneton Mechanics Institute were more than just buildings.

“When people have places like this in which to gather, we know that it helps their communities become stronger, more connected, inclusive and better places to live,” Mr Ryan said.
For information about Department of Planning and Community Development grants, including guidelines and application forms visit www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/grants.

Bendigo hosts fisheries forum

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 23:33:00 GMT

Bendigo will host one of a series of forums next month to help shape the future of recreational fishing.

The Department of Primary Industries has partnered with the VRFish organisation to stage the recreational fisheries forums around the state.

One will be held at the meeting place of the Bendigo Legion Angling Club, Getaway Rotary Park in Kangaroo Flat at 7pm on Wednesday, May 9.

MP for Northern Victoria Region, Damian Drum, said it was a great opportunity for people to have a say about recreational fisheries, network with DPI and VRFish and learn how the Coalition State Government was working hard to improve recreational fishing.

“The Government has expressed a strong commitment to broadening engagement with recreational fishers and to provide improved opportunities for recreational fishing.

“I encourage as many as possible to attend the forum, especially people from multicultural communities.”

Our region Expo-ses its delights to the city

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:19:00 GMT

Central and Northern Victoria will be “front and centre” in more ways than just geographically at this weekend’s Regional Victorian Living Expo in Melbourne’s Exhibition Centre.

The Expo will showcase all that is great about living in regional Victoria, and will give people a taste of the benefits of relocating their families, and businesses to the regions.

Among the 130 exhibitors will be a broad range of central and northern Victorian organisations, including the City of Greater Bendigo, Campaspe Shire, Central Goldfields Shire, Bendigo TAFE, LaTrobe University, the Bendigo Students Association, Hazeldenes, Grill’d, and the Castlemaine Hot Rod Centre.

MP for Northern Victoria Region, and Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development, Damian Drum , said the Expo was a unique opportunity for Regional Victoria to show city people a slice of life outside metropolitan Melbourne.

“This is the first ever Regional Living Expo. Deputy Premier and Regional Development Minister Peter Ryan promised it would happen and we are delivering on that promise.

“I believe it will be very popular.”

Mr Drum said the Expo not only showed people what lifestyle, business and education opportunities existed in the regions.

“It celebrates the achievements of regionally based people, such as Bendigo’s own Margot Spalding, co-founder and owner of the nationally famous Jimmy Possum furniture company.

“The Jimmy Possum company will be a presenter at the Expo.

“As an Expo ambassador, Margot is an outstanding example of the drive and enthusiasm so often found in regional communities.

“Margot and other Expo ambassadors such as Athol Guy, Cameron Ling, Billy Brownless and Rick and Todd Kelly draw a lot of their inspiration from their regional communities.

“They then inspire the rest of us, and now they’re inspiring Melbourne folk,” Mr Drum said.

He urged regional people to visit the Expo as well, if only to reminded of how good it feels to go home.

Mr Drum said he was very happy that the broader region had embraced the Expo concept so enthusiastically and he congratulated everyone involved in the massive undertaking.
The Expo is at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 2 Clarendon St, Southbank
It will be open: Friday 27 April, 12pm - 5pm, Saturday 28 April 10am - 5pm, Sunday 29 April, 10am - 4pm. Entry is free.

Major highway works near Newbridge

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:18:00 GMT

Northern Victoria Region MP Damian Drum today announced that $230,000 of road rehabilitation works had started on a weather-affected section of the Wimmera Highway.

“These works involve repairing storm damaged sections on a stretch of the Wimmera Highway, approximately 10km east of Newbridge near Woodstock on Loddon,” Mr Drum said.

“The Wimmera Highway was one of many arterial roads affected by storm and flood events in 2011.

“The rehabilitation works will involve strengthening and stabilising the road pavement and applying new line-marking.

“The works are being undertaken as part of a package of road upgrades to flood impacted roads within the Loddon Shire, which also includes the Loddon Valley Highway and sections of the Boort-Pyramid Road,” he said.

The works are expected to take about two weeks to complete.

Motorists are asked to observe changed traffic conditions as the highway will be under speed restrictions.

Mr Drum thanked the community for their patience while the works are carried out.

Grant helps fund Faith of the Goldfields museum study

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 01:23:00 GMT

The City of Greater Bendigo in association with the Diocese of Sandhurst will explore the feasibility of a Faith of the Goldfields Interpretive Centre in central Bendigo with the help of $16,500 in Victorian Government funding, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Development Damian Drum said today.

Mr Drum, who is MP for Northern Victoria Region, said the potential centre was part of a much larger multi-million dollar redevelopment plan for the area around the Sacred Heart Cathedral.

He made the announcement today on behalf of the Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Development, Peter Ryan. The funding will be matched by the City of Greater Bendigo.

The Interpretive Centre will present the cultural heritage of the Goldfields region from the 1850s gold rush

“The feasibility study will examine how the proposed Centre could potentially function as part of, and engage with, a larger redevelopment of the entire Cathedral precinct,” Mr Drum said.

“The feasibility study findings will form the basis of a business case for philanthropic and government funding for the realisation of the Interpretive Centre and potentially leverage private investment in the much larger precinct redevelopment.”

Mr Ryan said developing the Interpretive Centre would help the City of Greater Bendigo and the Sandhurst Diocese take advantage and benefit from the growing market for heritage or ancestral-based tourism.

“Access to historical records and genealogical research has been a major driver for this growth, encouraged by the plethora of television programs and internet resources devoted to this interest,” Mr Ryan said.

“Providing an opportunity for engagement beyond walking through the Cathedral building - through tours; interpretive exhibitions and access to research collections will enhance the existing tourism experience.”

Mr Ryan said the Faith of the Goldfields Interpretive Centre Feasibility Study project would help inform planning capability for new tourism and community infrastructure and provide information to attract, inform and direct commercial investment in the precinct. Funding was coming from the Planning for Tomorrow fund.

“The project will also deliver better economic development outcomes by capitalising on the strength of genealogical tourism and adding to Bendigo's reputation and positioning as a destination for cultural heritage tourism,” Mr Ryan said.

Mr Drum said Victorian Government funding for the Faith of the Goldfields Interpretive Centre Feasibility Study project would be provided to the City of Greater Bendigo working in association with the Diocese of Sandhurst.

The study is expected to be completed by June.

$954,000 improved Bendigo level crossing

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:55:00 GMT

The Coalition Government has completed the installation of boom barriers to improve safety at the Nelson Street, California Gully and Prouses Road, Bendigo North level crossings between Bendigo and Eaglehawk, Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder said today.
Member for Northern Victoria Damian Drum welcomed the close to a million dollars spent locally on level crossing safety upgrades.
“Bendigo is continuing to grow with the latest ABS figures showing that Greater Bendigo had 1500 more residents by June 2011 compared with June 2010,” Mr Drum said.
“New residents may incorrectly believe that trains between Bendigo and Eaglehawk only operate during daylight hours. This could not be further from the truth. The boom barriers and associated flashing lights and warning bells may operate at any time of the day or night.”
Mr Mulder said that these level crossings were upgraded at a cost of $945,000 under the Coalition Government's ongoing level crossing upgrade program.
"The crossings have been upgraded with boom barriers adding to the previous flashing lights and warning bells, markedly improving safety for people who use the crossings," Mr Mulder said.
“The pedestrian crossings at these locations now meet DDA requirements. They now have new fencing, signs and asphalt across the tracks to make crossing easy for residents using bicycles, prams, wheelchairs and scooters. Both pedestrian crossings now have tactile tiles installed to assist the vision impaired.”
Mr Mulder said that there were at least 43 publicly timetabled V/Line passenger trains and a varying number of Pacific National grain trains through these Swan Hill line level crossings every week, as well as occasional works trains.
"This ongoing level crossing program is in addition to the Coalition Government’s new $47 million Fix Country Crossings program that will improve safety at up to 75 country level crossings. . Both programs are a vital part of the Coalition Government's aim to accelerate improved level crossing safety across Victoria. It is important that Victorians continue to take care at all level crossings, whether or not crossings have give way or stop signs, or flashing lights with or without boom barriers,” Mr Mulder said.
.Further Information about level crossing upgrades is at www.transport.vic.gov.au

Ironbark Road Works completed

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 23:58:00 GMT

Monday, April 2, 2012

Long-running works on the final stage of the Ironbark Road duplication have been completed, MP for Northern Victoria Region, Damian Drum, announced today.

“The $1.8 million project provides motorists with a four-lane divided road along Ironbark Road, from Eaglehawk Road to Barnard Street in Bendigo.

“The project is an important addition to Bendigo’s major road network. The duplication between Don Street and Barnard Street will improve travel time and safety in Bendigo," Mr Drum said.

"A significant volume of traffic in and around Bendigo is managed through a network of linked roads known as the Bendigo Box. The Box plays an important function in diverting outer city traffic away from the CBD to improve traffic flow.

"The duplication and upgrade of Ironbark Road will further improve connectivity from the Bendigo Box to the Midland Highway, providing a clear link for heavy vehicles and traffic travelling through the outskirts of Bendigo,” he said.

Extra lanes along Ironbark Road will complement previously completed duplication works along sections of Barnard Street, Don Street and Eaglehawk Road.

“The extra lanes will help provide safer and more efficient traffic movements for motorists around the centre of Bendigo,” he said.

“I’d like to thank the local community for their patience while these important works have been carried out. I am aware that some people have experienced extended inconvenience.”

Motorists are reminded that due to the nature of the recently completed works, some sections of the road may still be under changed traffic conditions. Motorists are asked to obey any signs and reduced speed limits in place.

Letter to the Editor

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 05:24:00 GMT

Letter to the Editor, March 6, 2012.
Dear Editor,
Like many others, I am sick of the constant strident negativism coming from Labor Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards and the rest of her Party about Bendigo health issues.
There’s no health matter she won’t try to pervert into an opportunistic media hit, or a whining letter to the editor, constantly warping history and inventing weird conspiracies.
On the matter of the future of pathology services, Ms Edwards and Labor show they have no regard for the thousands of extra elective surgery procedures or the amount of other extra services the hospital will be able to offer because of the savings over the next 10 years.
I have been told these savings will be in the tens of millions of dollars over the life of the contract. What’s more, Ms Edwards has been told that as well. She was given a full briefing by the hospital on the day the decision was announced and she was shown the figures and the savings.
What she is advocating now – that despite the freeing up of many, many millions to provide life-saving services, the hospital should keep its old system – is nothing more than economic vandalism.
But Ms Edwards always tries to warp our hospital board’s decision into an anti-Coalition conspiracy. The fact is that the review of pathology services began under the previous Labor Government.
She and her leader, the fumbling Daniel Andrews, wanted the Coalition Government to improperly interfere in the hospital board’s processes and tell it what to do. We declined.
This is the same Daniel Andrews who once again has come to Bendigo to show “solidarity” with the nurses union against the hospital and against the courts which keep ordering nurses to drop their industrial action.
And it’s the same Daniel Andrews who, back in August 2007 when he was Health Minister facing similar nurses industrial strife, told the nurses union to abide by the umpire’s decision and drop the action.
He also demanded more flexibility in the nurse-patient ratio.
People are sick of the hypocrisy and double standards of Labor when it comes to Bendigo health.
Their two-faced negativity has been shown on the nurses issue, on pathology and on whether Bendigo people should get the $630 million the Coalition Government is building.
Labor is trashing the Bendigo Health brand, and it will cost our community in terms of attracting the best possible staff, community confidence, money and in health outcomes.
If Labor has nothing positive to contribute to the issue of Bendigo health, it should just back off.
Damian Drum MLC
Member for the Northern Victoria Region