April 2012
Friday, 13 April 2012 15:14

Toorloo Arm brigade latest to get retrofit

Toorloo Arm CFA has had its tanker retrofitted with heat shields thanks to a State government grant.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull said fire-fighters play such an important role in protecting our communities, in many cases putting their lives before others at times of high risk and bushfire threat.

“The government is committed to providing modern facilities and equipment, so they are better protected when performing those duties,” said Mr Bull.

“Upgraded features for Toorloo Arm include radiant heat protective curtains, water-spraying systems, heat-shielding panels and intercom communications.

“The addition of these important and effective protective features on all CFA trucks built prior to 2006 will better equip our dedicated crews when confronted with bushfires throughout East Gippsland,” said Mr Bull.

Brigade captain, Wayne Johnston said, “our tanker 90 per cent of the time is called out on strike teams and the heat shield is a great asset in better protecting the safety of our volunteers.”

The program will see the upgrade all CFA trucks built prior to 2006 with a capacity of a 1,000 litres of water or more. All vehicles produced after 2006 were already fitted with crew protection systems.

“This program is delivering vital safety upgrades to Victoria's fire-fighting fleet to reduce the risk of injury to fire-fighters if they get trapped in a burn-over situation,” said Mr Bull.

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Thursday, 12 April 2012 15:15

$2.7m for disability accommodation in Bairnsdale

A total of $2.7 million in State and Federal Government funding has been allocated to Noweyung Services to provide shared and independent living arrangements for seven individuals with severe or profound disability.

Chief executive officer, Ernie Metcalf, today joined with State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, to look over plans and the prospective site of the development at the rear of the Noweyung Centre in Gould Street.

“Noweyung and Housing Choices Australia wish to thank the Commonwealth and State Governments for their support. The new accommodation will provide real opportunities to close the gap on unmet need across East Gippsland,” Mr Metcalf said.

“The concept design and proposed support structure allows a flexible approach to support individual resident's needs and community inclusion. The new accommodation will allow a mix of residents with diverse needs who are looking for an option between independent living and supported accommodation.

“The 'Supporting Pathways for Disability Accommodation in Bairnsdale' project delivers on this innovative concept,” said Mr Metcalf

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said there was an increasing need for independent living and supported accommodation options locally and this will provide a big step in catering for this requirement.

“It really is exciting news and will make a big difference to a number of families in the region over a long period of time.

“Members of the community with a mental illness and disability; young people at risk of going into a nursing home and young people with autism who display challenging behaviours are among those who will benefit from this project.

“The funding will assist Noweyung to continue its fantastic work and implement a range of innovative and flexible accommodation options to meet the diverse and growing needs of people with a disability,” Mr Bull said.

Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester said there was a critical need in regional communities to provide improved accommodation and support services for people with disability and their families.

“Noweyung Services has a proud history of supporting people with disability in the East Gippsland for almost 60 years and I’m pleased that both the State and Federal Government are supporting such a worthwhile project.

“I know the funding will be welcomed by the organisation as well as prospective residents and their families and I look forward to continuing to support the work of Noweyung in the future.”

The site of the development at 84 Gould Street, Bairnsdale is close to public transport, medical facilities, the local hospital and other community services.

Published in Media
Thursday, 05 April 2012 00:00

$5000 to support East Gippsland’s heritage

East Gippsland Shire Council will be better placed to provide free advice to owners of heritage properties following $5,000 in funding towards the provision of Heritage Advisory Services for 2011-12, Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull announced today.

Mr Bull said funding was used to provide Heritage Advisory Services through the appointment of an experienced professional to assist council with the management of heritage assets and promote heritage conservation in the municipality.

“The benefits of these services are now evident in many towns with restored heritage buildings, appropriate signage and upgraded streetscapes,” Mr Bull said.

“These services have helped people to recognise the importance and role of early buildings in our social lives and how they can enhance our townships and enrich our understanding of the past.

“Heritage advisors help councils make appropriate decisions on restoration and development plans for heritage sites,” said Mr Bull.

The funding was based on previous expenditure, reflecting each council’s commitment to preserving local heritage and council supplemented the funds with a minimum $1 for $1 expenditure.

Shire chief executive, Steve Kozlowski, said the funding gesture by the State government was appreciated.

“This is a valuable service and will complement the range of improvements that have recently been adopted and implemented by the Shire to streamline planning processes,” Mr Kozlowski said.

Planning Minister, Matthew Guy, said the programs provided by heritage advisory services, first trialled in Maldon in 1977, had been successful in developing a positive attitude towards heritage through the provision of free heritage advice to councils, communities and owners and managers of heritage properties.

Mr Guy said the Heritage advisors would also be used to assist councils with the development of a Municipal Heritage Strategy for their municipality, a Coalition planning commitment.

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