This Matter Does Not Fall Within My Portfolio Responsibilities and the Member Should Refer the Question to the Appropriate Minister

2/24/2021 Parliament of Victoria

Question: 415 QUESTION ON NOTICE — Ms Sandell to ask the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water — What is the Minister doing to protect the Hooded Plover, particularly on the Mornington Peninsula.

Answer: Parks Victoria's management of the Mornington Peninsula National Park is undertaken in accordance with the approved management plan which establishes a framework for management activities within the park, including environmental programs, providing for appropriate public recreation and working closely with community groups and other partners.

Consistent with the approved park management plan and the 2013 Birdlife Australia ‘Managing the Hooded Plover in Victoria' scientific report, Parks Victoria staff monitor and manage Hooded Plover populations in accordance with the recommended Birdlife Australia management strategies, and in close partnership with the Friends of Hooded Plovers.

Additional restrictions on where dogs can walk were introduced in 2013 and the two year review of the regulations will be completed later this year.

If this review demonstrates continued significant implications on environmental values and non- compliance with the regulations then further restrictions may be considered.

Parks Victoria delivers the following monitoring and management actions on an annual basis:

Employment of additional staff over the peak summer period to enhance education and enforcement patrols of key breeding areas. Dissemination of educational materials including on- site signage, media releases, newsletters and information brochures. Monitoring of Hooded Plover breeding activity throughout the breeding season and recording data on the statewide data portal (managed by Birdlife Australia). Protection of Hooded Plover nests and chicks with signage, temporary fences, and chick shelters. Provision of weekly updates to volunteers and Birdlife Australia on breeding activity, with direction on management actions required and compliance patrol priorities. Partnering with the Friends of Hooded Plover to support the volunteer activities and grant funding submissions to enhance protection outcomes. Participating in Hooded Plover conferences, workshops and season debriefs along with Birdlife Australia and Friends of Hooded Plover. Implementation of extensive fox control programs during the breeding season targeted to areas of known breeding activity. Meeting with surf lifesaving clubs and horse riding tour operators to confirm permit conditions and response to non-compliance.

Hon Lisa Neville MP Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Attachments: No Attachments Answer Published Date: 25/09/2015

Question: 416 QUESTION ON NOTICE — Ms Sandell to ask the Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing — What are the exact numbers of properties acquired for the East West Link project that are currently available for private lease.

Answer: This matter does not fall within my portfolio responsibilities and the member should refer the question to the appropriate minister. Attachments: No Attachments Answer Published Date: 03/09/2015

Question: 417 QUESTION ON NOTICE — Ms Sandell to ask the Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing — With reference to properties acquired for the East West Link project:

(1) How many of the properties will the Government make available for public housing.

qon.parliament.vic.gov.au/PARLIAMENT/General/QoN/PROD/qonarchive.nsf/printAllQuestions.xsp 1/10 2/24/2021 Parliament of Victoria (2) Where the original owners do not wish to return, will the Government commit to transferring all the acquired properties to public housing.

Answer: The Government is currently looking at innovative ways to use vacant properties acquired for the East West Link project to provide support and assistance to some of the most vulnerable people in our community. I am working with my colleagues in Government to identify properties that may be suitable for social housing. Attachments: No Attachments Answer Published Date: 09/09/2015

Question: 418 QUESTION ON NOTICE — Ms Sandell to ask the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs — Will the Minister consult with the Victorian Aboriginal community on whether to fly the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on Victorian Parliament House, and with their support advocate to the Speaker, President and House Committee for the flags to fly permanently on Victorian Parliament House.

Answer: I'd like to note the Member for Melbourne's interest in having the Aboriginal flag permanently flying at Parliament, a practice that is currently in place across a wide range of government buildings.

I have found in my consultations with numerous Aboriginal Victorian people and organisations that there is strong support for this idea. It was a point I raised in my letter to the Presiding Officers requesting that the flag be flown, and sent on 30 July 2015.

As I'm sure the Member is aware, we are a government committed to listening to Aboriginal voices - and not merely paying lip service. We've made a commitment to ensuring Aboriginal people are at the centre of decision making and we intend to honour it.

; HON NATALIE HUTCHINS MP Minister for Aboriginal Aﬀairs Attachments: No Attachments Answer Published Date: 14/09/2015

Question: 419 QUESTION ON NOTICE — Ms McLeish to ask the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water — What is the estimated total population of Leadbeater's possums throughout Victoria.

Answer: There are varying estimates of the Leadbeater's Possum population that range between 1,000 and 10,000 individuals.

Hon Lisa Neville MP Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Attachments: No Attachments

Answer Published Date: 25/09/2015

Question: 420 QUESTION ON NOTICE — Ms McLeish to ask the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water — What proportion of the Leadbeater's possum population exists in areas harvested for timber in the 1980s, 1990s or burnt in the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires.

Answer: It is not known what proportion of the Leadbeater's Possum population exists within areas harvested for timber in the 1980s, 1990s or burnt in the 1983 Ash Wednesday as the sampling basis for population estimates have not been sufficiently uniform to assess the distribution of the population across different forest age classes.

Hon Lisa Neville MP Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water

Attachments: No Attachments Answer Published Date: qon.parliament.vic.gov.au/PARLIAMENT/General/QoN/PROD/qonarchive.nsf/printAllQuestions.xsp 2/10 2/24/2021 Parliament of Victoria 25/09/2015

Question: 421 QUESTION ON NOTICE — Ms McLeish to ask the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water — Are sites in national parks being continually surveyed for Leadbeater's possums; if so —

(1) How many sites have been surveyed since 29 November 2014.

Answer: A number of the surveys for Leadbeater's Possum undertaken by the Victorian Government comprise a one-off survey of a site. The revisiting of a survey site is only done as part of an ongoing monitoring program.

Since 29 November 2014, 178 sites in national park have been revisited to inspect nest boxes.

Inspections planned for future years include:

Approximately 180 in 2015/16; Approximately 120 in 2016/17; Approximately 100 in 2017/18; Approximately 100 in 2018/19.

Hon Lisa Neville MP Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Attachments: No Attachments Answer Published Date: 25/09/2015

Question: 422 QUESTION ON NOTICE — Ms McLeish to ask the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water — Are sites in state forests being continually surveyed for Leadbeater's possums; if so —

(1) How many sites have been surveyed since 29 November 2014.

Since 29 November 2014, 58 sites in State forest have been monitored.

Planned inspections of nest boxes for future years include:

Approximately 45 in 2015/16; Approximately 60 in 2016/17; Approximately 60 in 2017/18; Approximately 60 in 2018/19.

Hon Lisa Neville MP Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water qon.parliament.vic.gov.au/PARLIAMENT/General/QoN/PROD/qonarchive.nsf/printAllQuestions.xsp 3/10 2/24/2021 Parliament of Victoria

Attachments: No Attachments Answer Published Date: 25/09/2015

Question: 423 QUESTION ON NOTICE — Ms McLeish to ask the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water — (1) How many hectares of national park are there in Victoria.

(2) How many hectares of national park have been surveyed for Leadbeater's possums.

Answer: There are 2.5 million hectares of national park in Victoria, of which 69,000 hectares is within the range of the Leadbeater's Possum.

Approximately 854 hectares of national park has been surveyed for Leadbeater's Possum.

Hon Lisa Neville MP Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Attachments: No Attachments Answer Published Date: 25/09/2015

Question: 424 QUESTION ON NOTICE — Ms McLeish to ask the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water — (1) How many hectares of state forest are there in Victoria.

(2) How many hectares of state forest have been surveyed for Leadbeater's possums.

Answer: There are 3.14 million hectares of state forest in Victoria, of which 135,200 hectares is within the range of the Leadbeater's Possum.

Approximately 1,468 hectares of State forest has been surveyed for Leadbeater's Possum.

Hon Lisa Neville MP Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Attachments: No Attachments Answer Published Date: 25/09/2015

Question: 425 CONSTITUENCY QUESTION — Mr Southwick to ask the Minister for Planning — My question is to the Minister for Planning. The previous government reformed residential planning zones by working with local councils to provide clarity of residential growth and protection from overdevelopment. As a result, the municipality of Glen Eira, which covers the majority of my electorate of Caulfield, is 78 per cent neighbourhood residential 'no-go' zone, where only two-storey developments are allowed. I understand it is the government's intention to review these planning rules and residential zones, and I ask if the minister will guarantee that the 'no-go' zone in Glen Eira, which protects 80 per cent of the municipality from overdevelopment, will remain.

Answer: The Victorian Government has committed to conduct an independent review of the process of applying the residential zones. The review will commence in the second half of the year. This will allow the current zones to settle and to ensure relevant data is available to provide a more holistic response to municipal housing needs. It is anticipated that outcomes of the review will also provide protocols for best practice consultation and the appropriate role of the Minister, councils and the community in the planning process. The government will ensure that any future application of the residential zones throughout Glen Eira and other municipalities will be undertaken in a clear, consultative and transparent manner.

Attachments: No Attachments

Answer Published Date: 02/09/2015

Question: 426 CONSTITUENCY QUESTION — Mr Richardson (Mordialloc) to ask the Minister for Public Transport for the Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade — qon.parliament.vic.gov.au/PARLIAMENT/General/QoN/PROD/qonarchive.nsf/printAllQuestions.xsp 4/10 2/24/2021 Parliament of Victoria My constituency question is to the Minister for the Small Business, Innovation and Trade. It relates to the need for businesses in Braeside and other south-eastern industrial areas to access the national broadband network (NBN) in the face of the automotive industry shutting down. More individuals are coming forward to highlight the substantial impact that the lack of access to the NBN is having on their businesses. The executive officer of the South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance, Adrian Boden, is on the record as stating that slow internet speeds are stifling productivity in the region.

A recent report of Regional Development Australia for the southern Melbourne area concluded that delaying the connection to the NBN would constrain innovation and stifle growth and diversification, particularly in advanced manufacturing in the region, and see an exodus of businesses. It is estimated that the inability to access the NBN will cost businesses millions of dollars annually and prevent the creation of 1000 jobs for the region. I ask the minister to advise how the Victorian government is advocating to prioritise the rollout of the NBN based on employment and investment opportunities.

Answer: The Victorian Government recognises that high quality broadband infrastructure and aﬀordable broadband services are needed to support Victoria's compeveness, producvity, economic development, business investment and jobs growth. This is true for businesses across the economy, including those in emerging and transioning industries.

In relaon to south-eastern industrial areas, The need for High Speed Broadband in SE Melbourne's Industrial Precincts highlights that approximately one third of the enterprises in the region have poor or very poor internet service. This is enrely consistent with the Government's understanding of broadband supply across the state, which is that around 34 per cent of Victorian businesses cannot access the broadband services they want to. This is clearly an economic priority for Victoria.

As the Minister for Small Business, Innovaon and Trade, the Premier has charged me with the responsibility of advocang to the Commonwealth Government to ensure Victoria beneﬁts from the rollout of the Naonal Broadband Network (NBN), parcularly in areas of current and future economic growth.

The recent nbn 2016 Corporate Plan highlights some major project changes impacng Victorians, including that there is less ﬁbre being constructed, there are increasing project costs, and that Victoria is receiving a slow rollout relave to other jurisdicons, with almost 60 per cent of Victorian premises in the ﬁxed line rollout not being constructed unl aer mid-2017. This is of concern for Victoria. I will be taking these issues up with the Commonwealth and nbn, and working to achieve the best outcomes for Victoria.

Hon Philip Dalidakis MP Minister for Small Business, Innovaon and Trade Attachments: No Attachments Answer Published Date: 16/09/2015

Question: 427 CONSTITUENCY QUESTION — Mr Northe to ask the Minister for Planning — My constituency question is to the Minister for Planning. By way of background, and in response to Latrobe City Council's Traralgon Growth Areas Review, it recently came to light that Planning Panels Victoria has made recommendations to expand buffer zones on land adjoining both Australian Paper and AGL's Loy Yang mine, east of Traralgon. The land immediately outside the existing buffer zones has in some instances been earmarked for future residential development and also includes the gazetted Traralgon bypass route.

My office has been approached by many landowners who could be impacted by the extension of these buffers, many being extremely upset by the lack of information and communication. Unfortunately it appears many were alerted to these matters only following the publication of an article in the Latrobe Valley Express on 27 July. Can the minister explain why landowners have not received any information whatsoever from state government departments or agencies on what the Planning Panels Victoria recommendations mean for their land? qon.parliament.vic.gov.au/PARLIAMENT/General/QoN/PROD/qonarchive.nsf/printAllQuestions.xsp 5/10 2/24/2021 Parliament of Victoria

Answer: Latrobe Planning Scheme Amendment C87 (the amendment) proposes to introduce changes to the Latrobe Planning Scheme that reflect the recommendations of the Traralgon Growth Areas Review Framework (the framework). The framework has assessed where future urban growth can best be accommodated around Traralgon while taking into account the need for buffers around major industries such as the Loy Yang Power Station and mine and the Australian Paper Mill. Both the preparation of the framework and the amendment have been the subject of considerable community consultation by the Latrobe City Council (council) with land holders and government agencies. The amendment was formally exhibited between September and October 2014 with 42 submissions being received by council. An independent planning panel which heard from submitters and council has recently released its report on the amendment. The panel has made recommendations on the extent of the urban amenity buffer surrounding the Australian Paper Mill and the introduction of a strategy into the planning scheme to increase the width of the Environmental Significance Overlay between the Loy Yang mine and Traralgon township. Both these recommendations have potential implications that could restrict the extent of urban development that was proposed in the framework. The council is now consulting with government agencies so it can make an informed decision about the progress of the amendment. As the framework and amendment are both currently the responsibility of council it is appropriate that council is the lead authority for informing its community about these matters. Attachments: No Attachments Answer Published Date: 15/09/2015

Question: 428 CONSTITUENCY QUESTION — Ms Kilkenny to ask the Minister for Industrial Relations — My question is to the Minister for Industrial Relations. In my electorate of Carrum many of my constituents, particularly young, casual and part-time workers, rely on penalty rates to support themselves and their families. In early August, Tony Abbott's Productivity Commission report on industrial relations recommended removing Sunday penalty rates for workers in the retail and hospitality industries. In the south-eastern suburbs there are 37 000 retail workers and 21 000 hospitality workers who would be directly affected by this policy.

I have had a number of conversations with residents in Carrum who work on weekends and rely on Sunday rates to make ends meet. They are really worried about this. These people have families. They sacrifice time with loved ones to ensure that the bills are paid. They often miss milestones and special events. Can the minister explain to my constituents and the house what impact the recommendations of Tony Abbott's Productivity Commission report would have and what the Andrews Labor government is doing to protect workers' rights?

Answer: The Producvity Commission has released its dra report of the workplace relaons framework. The report makes a number of recommendaons that if implemented could be devastang for workers. The Victorian Government made a submission to the Inquiry, and will be responding to the dra report.

The Victorian Government believes that penalty rates have a legimate role in compensang employees for working long hours or at unsociable mes and that they should be maintained. The Victorian Government strongly rejects the concept that some workers should receive lower penalty rates than others, based solely on the industry in which they work - seriously disadvantaging vulnerable, low paid workers who have lile bargaining power.

The Commission's recommendaon that Sunday penalty rates be reduced to the Saturday rate in some sectors, is not backed by evidence that this will increase employment or producvity. This recommendaon, if implemented, would have a signiﬁcant impact on employees. Junior retail employees, some of the lowest paid workers in the country, could face an 11 per cent pay cut, or up to ﬁve thousand dollars per year, if the Commission's recommendaon is taken up.

The retail and hospitality sectors are a signiﬁcant source of employment in Victoria. Cung penalty rates is also likely to reduce the amount of disposable income within the economy. The Retail Council point out that 30 per cent of retail jobs are located in regional and remote areas and that the wages earned by retail staﬀ in those communies is spent in those communies. Cung wages will only hurt local businesses, which rely on the custom of local workers. qon.parliament.vic.gov.au/PARLIAMENT/General/QoN/PROD/qonarchive.nsf/printAllQuestions.xsp 6/10 2/24/2021 Parliament of Victoria

HON NATALIE HUTCHINS MP Minister for Industrial Relaons Attachments: No Attachments Answer Published Date: 17/09/2015

Question: 429 CONSTITUENCY QUESTION — Ms Victoria to ask the Minister for Roads and Road Safety — I rise to ask the Minister for Roads and Roads Safety to give permission for VicRoads to come to meet me and concerned residents at the intersection of Bedford and Canterbury roads in Heathmont to discuss safety concerns. In particular we would like to find solutions regarding the pedestrian crossing on Canterbury Road, on the western side of Bedford Road. The situation is incredibly complex because of the position and camber of Bedford Road in relation to Canterbury Road, and the only way to really understand it is to actually inspect it.

The site has very real potential for fatalities. Whilst I was there inspecting the crossing with concerned constituents I witnessed at least six cars going through lights that had already turned red. On top of that, I was nearly run over while using the pedestrian crossing. Locals have told me of many near misses, one involving a woman who was eight months pregnant being missed by mere centimetres. It is only a matter of luck that no lives have been lost. I do not want that luck to run out before action is taken. I therefore ask the minister to have VicRoads meet with me to inspect and ultimately correct the situation as soon as possible.

Answer: VicRoads is pleased to meet with you and the residents in the area to discuss pedestrian safety concerns at the intersection of Canterbury Road and Bedford Road/Aringa Court in Heathmont. VicRoads will arrange the meeting with your office. The issue of motorists ‘running' the red light at this intersection is an enforcement matter for Victoria Police. Accordingly, VicRoads has discussed your constituents' concerns with Victoria Police and requested that appropriate enforcement be undertaken.

Hon Luke Donnellan MP Minister for Roads and Road Safety Attachments: No Attachments Answer Published Date: 05/10/2015

Question: 430 CONSTITUENCY QUESTION — Ms Couzens to ask the Minister for Local Government — My constituency question is to the Minister for Local Government. The previous government left a lot of uncertainty around the management of weeds and pests. Many of my constituents were pleased to see funding secured for the roadside weeds and pests management program in Labor's first budget. All rural and interface councils have responsibility for rural roads, and tackling roadside weeds and pests is a significant issue for our environment. Gorse is one of the weeds Geelong council uses this funding for. Gorse increases the risk of bushfires, provides shelter for pests and competes with native vegetation. That is why it was so disappointing that the former government did not provide funding for this program beyond the 2014–15 budget. Can the minister detail what the Andrews Labor government funding means for local councils in my electorate?

Answer: The Roadside Weeds and Pests Program provides valuable support to councils to clear weeds and pests from rural roadsides. This roadside treatment is essenal to protect the State's $11.4 billion per annum agricultural producon.

That is why so many Victorians were disappointed and confused as to why the previous Liberal Government did not fund the program beyond 2014-15.

I am pleased to announce the Andrews Labor Government is providing $5.2 million over the next two years for the connuaon of the program. Under this program, a number of new iniaves have been approved, including an increase in the maximum grant from $50,000 to $75,000 per year and an expansion of eligible weeds to include ‘restricted weeds'. This increases the number of weeds that can be treated by 85 across the State.

The City of Greater Geelong will receive an addional $3,906 under the new program, receiving $19,953 in both 2015-16 and 2016-17. This will be valuable in treang the wide array of weeds that are found across Geelong's rural roads. I understand the City of Greater Geelong treats over 300 kilometres of road for serrated tussock, as well as other weeds such as Chilean needle grass and woody weed. The boost of funding under the 2015-2017 program will be of great assistance in treang weeds and pests in the Geelong electorate.

qon.parliament.vic.gov.au/PARLIAMENT/General/QoN/PROD/qonarchive.nsf/printAllQuestions.xsp 7/10 2/24/2021 Parliament of Victoria Increasing this vital funding is just one of many ways in which the Andrews Labor Government is supporng Victorian councils and their communies. This stands in stark contrast to the Federal Government which has cut Financial Assistance Grants, cosng Victorian councils over $200 million over 3 years.

HON NATALIE HUTCHINS MP Minister for Local Government Attachments: No Attachments Answer Published Date: 20/10/2015

Question: 431 CONSTITUENCY QUESTION — Dr Napthine to ask the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water — My constituency question is to the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water. It raises the need for toilets that are accessible for people with disabilities at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve. Tower Hill is a very popular national park on the busy Princes Highway between Warrnambool and Port Fairy. It attracts more than 200 000 visitors per year seeking the unique volcanic geomorphology and beautiful native flora and fauna.

The park and facilities — managed by the Worn Gundidj Aboriginal Cooperative — provide wonderful indigenous history, culture and foods. There are popular barbecue and picnic facilities, walking tracks and car parking, but the current toilet facilities are not appropriate for people with disabilities. I ask the minister to fund at Tower Hill the installation of toilets that are suitable for people with disabilities, so that people of all abilities can access this beautiful national park.

Answer: Revised answer received on 17/09/2015:

The amenities block in Tower Hill Reserve was built in 1969, prior to community expectations, legislation and government policy requiring the provision of accessibility for public buildings. Accessible toilets at Tower Hill Reserve will be built soon as part of Parks Victoria's state-wide schedule of built asset renewal. The new facilities will be in accordance with Australian Standard 1428, as required by the Building Code of Australia. In the meantime, people who require all-access public toilets may visit facilities at Koroit and Dennington townships, each within a ten-minute drive from the reserve.

Hon Lisa Neville MP Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water

Previous answer received on 16/09/2015:

Hon Lisa Neville MP Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water

Attachments: No Attachments

Answer Published Date: 18/09/2015

Question: 432 CONSTITUENCY QUESTION — Ms Thomas to ask the Minister for Local Government — My constituency question is to the Minister for Local Government. As the minister and many of my constituents would be aware, the previous government left a lot of uncertainty around the management of weeds and pests. Many of my constituents, as well as the councils in my area, were pleased to see funding secured for the roadside weeds and pests management program in Labor's first budget. I know that Macedon Ranges Shire Council spends a lot of time treating serrated tussock in the Riddles Creek and Clarkefield areas. Serrated tussock colonises pastures and is particularly aggressive in native pastures. It is not palatable for livestock, making infested pastures unsuitable for feeding livestock. Hepburn Shire Council has to battle against weeds such as blackberry which can degrade grazing land and prevent the regrowth of forests. Can the minister detail what the funding means for local councils in my electorate?

Answer: qon.parliament.vic.gov.au/PARLIAMENT/General/QoN/PROD/qonarchive.nsf/printAllQuestions.xsp 8/10 2/24/2021 Parliament of Victoria The Roadside Weeds and Pests Program provides valuable support to councils to clear weeds and pests from rural roadsides. This roadside treatment is essential to protect the State's $11.4 billion per annum agricultural production.

That is why so many Victorians were disappointed and confused as to why the previous Liberal Government did not fund the program beyond 2014-15.

I am pleased to announce the Andrews Labor Government is providing $5.2 million over the next two years for the continuation of the program. Under this program a number of new initiatives have been approved, including an increase in the maximum grant from $50,000 to $75,000 per year and an expansion of eligible weeds to include ‘restricted weeds'. This increases the number of weeds that can be treated by 85 across the State.

The Macedon electorate includes five local councils that receive funding under the Roadside Weeds and Pests Program. Each of these councils has received an increase in funding under the 2015-2017 program to treat a range of roadside weeds and pests:

Hepburn Shire Council - increase of $5,350 over two years with a total grant of $56,010 Macedon Ranges Shire Council - increase of $8,708 over two years with a total grant of $68,596 Melton City Council - increase of $1,420 over two years with a total grant of $22,644 Moorabool Shire Council - increase of $7,304 over two years with a total grant of $70,656 Mount Alexander Shire Council - increase of $5,512 over two years with at total grant of $62,686.

Councils in the Macedon electorate use the program funding to treat a range of roadside weeds, with gorse being a particular issue in the electorate. Hepburn is particularly affected by gorse and blackberry, while Macedon Ranges focuses funding on treating gorse, blackberry and serrated tussock. Moorabool is largely affected by gorse, serrated tussock and rabbit activity, while Melton is most affected by Chilean needle grass. Mount Alexander's longest stretch of treated roads is treated for horehound, broom, African boxthorn, blackberry and sweet briar. The provision of additional funding under the 2015- 2017 program will be of great assistance in treating weeds and pests across the Macedon electorate.

Increasing this vital funding is just one of many ways in which the Andrews Labor Government is supporting Victorian councils and their communities. This stands in stark contrast to the Federal Government which has cut Financial Assistance Grants, costing Victorian councils over $200 million over 3 years.

HON NATALIE HUTCHINS MP Minister for Local Government Attachments: No Attachments Answer Published Date: 20/10/2015

Question: 433 CONSTITUENCY QUESTION — Mr Mulder to ask the Minister for Public Transport for the Minister for Regional Development — My question is to the Minister for Regional Development. I ask that the minister consider the development of a small contingency fund within a regional infrastructure fund to assist community groups that encounter cost variations as a result of unforeseen problems arising during the construction phase of projects. These projects have been costed with the assistance of councils and approved for funding through the minister's department. I have encountered two such projects where every endeavour was made to accurately cost the project before going to the community for assistance and applying to the department for funding.

These communities are small farming communities that have endured tough financial conditions and have already made significant commitments to these projects. With the Simpson and District Community Centre hub, ground conditions required extensive alterations to foundations and footings instead of the concrete slab that formed part of the original costings. I am not talking about an opportunistic change to scope or a mechanism by which proponents could ratchet up requests for more money but rather a situation whereby the department could identify a genuine case and provide assistance to these small communities.

Answer: Thank you for your question regarding funding opportunities for cost variations for projects approved under the Regional Infrastructure program stream of the $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund (RJIF).

Applicants for funding from this program stream are provided with guidance from Regional Development Victoria (RDV) in the development of project scope.

qon.parliament.vic.gov.au/PARLIAMENT/General/QoN/PROD/qonarchive.nsf/printAllQuestions.xsp 9/10 2/24/2021 Parliament of Victoria In the case of the Simpson and District Community Centre hub project, the Corangamite Shire Council has advised RDV that there is a $55,000 cost overrun on the project, however, Council is working with the sporting club to raise the additional amount required and is confident of achieving the required outcome.

RDV staff work closely with the applicants throughout the project development and implementation phase to ensure that projects are completed to budget and to work through other issues as they arise.

It is not proposed to develop an additional contingency funding stream.

Hon Jaala Pulford MP Minister for Regional Development Attachments: No Attachments Answer Published Date: 05/10/2015

Question: 434 CONSTITUENCY QUESTION — Mr Pearson to ask the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water — I direct my constituency question to the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water. The electorate of Essendon is home to the wonderful environment of Moonee Ponds Creek. The upper reaches of the Moonee Ponds Creek to the north of the electorate are in a very natural environment with lots of wildlife and its habitat. That is a consequence of the wonderful work done by a number of local community groups. To the south of Moonee Ponds Creek in my electorate, mainly as a consequence of the construction of the Tullamarine Freeway and CityLink in the 1990s, there is concrete lining in the creek which makes it difficult for native wildlife habitat in that part of the reaches of the Moonee Ponds Creek. I invite the minister to visit the southern reaches of the Moonee Ponds Creek to find out what initiatives might be available to address the issues for wildlife habitat in that area.

Answer: Thank you to the Member for Essendon for his constituency question. I commend the local groups for the fantastic work they have done to improve the Moonee Ponds Creek for native wildlife and for community to enjoy. I have requested that the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and Melbourne Water investigate what opportunities are available to improve vegetation for native wildlife around the south section of the Moonee Ponds Creek and I will keep the Member updated on these investigations.

Attachments: No Attachments Answer Published Date: 16/09/2015

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