$1.1M to fix black spots

Labor candidate for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, and Member for McEwen, Rob Mitchell, at the corner of Egans Lane at the intersection of Dons Road and Three Chain Road, Newham, which has been awarded Black Spot funding.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese, and Member for McEwen, Rob Mitchell, have welcomed the Federal Government's Budget allocation of $1,100,000 to fix three dangerous black spots in the Macedon Ranges.

The funding is the one significant cash injection from the Budget awarded to local projects.

The approved projects are:

· Three Chain Road, near Dons Road, at Newham: $814,000 to widen and seal the shoulder, install a skid-resistant seal, seal bellmouths and bus-bays, install a guardrail, line marking and signage and remove obscuring trees and vegetation;

· Romsey Road, near Mt Macedon to Hanging Rock Road, at Newham: $186,000 to widen and seal the shoulder, seal intersection approaches, remove an embankment and tree, install line marking and signage and complete drainage works.

· Burke & Wills Track, between Showlers Road and Wescott Lane, at Lancefield: $98,000 to install guardrail on all bends, improve signage, install curve advisory markers, and widen the seal on the western approach bend.

The projects were recommended by a panel of independent road safety experts and will be delivered during the course of the coming financial year (2013-14).

Mr Mitchell said since being elected in 2007, the Federal Labor Government has allocated over $8.2 million to fix 26 black spots across the McEwen electorate.

"This investment is helping to make our local roads safer for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, with 23 of these projects already completed," said Mr Mitchell.

"And the good thing about our Black Spot program is that anyone can suggest an intersection or section of road they believe should be considered for a safety upgrade.

"Nomination forms are available from my office. Alternatively, they can be downloaded from: www.nationbuildingprogram.gov.au."

Mr Albanese said a recent evaluation of the program found that fatal and casualty crashes are reduced at treated sites by 30 per cent, which translates to the saving of one life per year for every 84 projects. It also returns around $7.70 for every $1 invested by reducing the number and cost of crashes.

"That's why nationally we've doubled the program's funding to half a billion dollars - more than honouring all our election commitments."

Labor's candidate for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, said the funding for works at Newham were a much-needed safety boost for roads in the local community.

Budget fails our schools

Kylie Kitchen

High priority education projects have been overlooked in the Victorian budget, to the detriment of schooling in the Macedon Ranges. 

The budget, released on Tuesday night, has failed to fund the K-12 Kyneton Education Plan, failed to commit to the Federal Government's National Plan for School Improvement (Gonski reform), and failed to reinstate TAFE funding. 

Australian Education Union Victorian Branch president, Meredith Peace, said this government has cut public education funding in real terms by at least $155 million over the next 12 months.

"The AEU has repeatedly called on the State Government to invest in public education, which is critical to the state's economic and social future," Ms Peace said.

Local Labor members of parliament have criticised the budget and its impacts on education in the Macedon Ranges. 

Labor State MP for Ballarat East, Geoff Howard said the budget is a huge letdown for the region.

"I am very disappointed that the K-12 Kyneton Education Plan did not receive any funding. For the third year in a row no school in the entire Ballarat East electorate has been listed to receive any major upgrade funding," he said.

"Our education system deserves better."

Mr Howard raised concern about the overall $69 million cut to education which is declared as 'savings' or 'reprioritisation and adjustments'.

Federal Labor Member for McEwen, Rob Mitchell, said the state's reduction in education spending proves the urgent need to reform school funding.

That is the aim under the National Plan for School Improvement. It is the Federal Government's response to the Gonski Review of Funding for Schooling.

The plan is a partnership project in which the Federal Government is awaiting state governments across the country to sign up to. So far only NSW has signed up. 

This budget was Victoria's opportunity to be part of the Gonski plan, with the agreement time closing on June 30.

Under the plan, schools across the country (in states that are signed up) would benefit from an extra $14.5 billion in public investment over the next six years along with better funding indexation. The NPSI would provide $9,271 per primary school student and $12,193 for high school students.

"If Premier Napthine will only act and sign up to our plan for better schools then there will be $4 billion more flowing to Victoria schools over the next six years, and the targeted funding available under national partnerships will be permanently locked in," Mr Mitchell said.

"But if we don't change the current school funding system, then our schools will miss out on $1.2 billion over the coming years due to expiring national partnerships and lower indexation rates."

Federal Labor candidate for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters said the state's decision not to invest in education is devastating for central Victorian schools, parents and children.

"(On Wednesday), I was in Kyneton meeting with school principals, teachers and students about the urgent needs of their schools. To be frank, their urgent needs list is just too long."

"This is on top of the $555 million the State Government has already ripped from our schools since coming to power."

Ms Chesters said if Mr Napthine refuses to sign up to the Labor Government's National Plan School Improvement, Victorian schools and students will be hit twice as hard.

"The Federal Government has put a fair deal on the table for Mr Napthine - offering to invest two dollars for every extra one dollar they put in."

State Liberal Member for the Northern Victoria, Donna Petrovich is yet to comment on the issues with education funding, but said the government is committed to improving Victorian lifestyle by investing in education, infrastructure, health, transport, environment and the economy.

"The Victorian Coalition Government's 2013-14 Victorian State Budget invests in major infrastructure and high-quality services for all Victorians, while ensuring Victoria's finances remain the strongest in the nation," Ms Petrovich said.

Rates to rise

A 6.9 per cent residential rate increase is proposed in the Macedon Ranges Council 2013/14 Draft Budget.
The rate increase will cover $2 million extra investment in public land, infrastructure and facilities, the draft report explains.
It is the first time in six years council has increased its rates above five per cent. The last budget increased rates by 4.8 per cent (average of about $81).
A ratepayer living in a median valued property will pay $1,691 this year compared to $1,582 last year - a difference of $109.
"Once again, this budget is a balanced one. Our recurrent operating income is $63 million and our recurrent operating expenditure is $57.36 million, this means we generate an operating surplus of $5.4 million of which $4.5 million will be invested in capital works and $0.9 million will be spent on new initiatives," mayor, Cr Roger Jukes said.
Council adopted the draft budget, council plan, strategic resource plan, and mayoral and councillor allowances at its special meeting on Wednesday night.
The documents are now open for public comment until Friday May 31.
Cr Jukes said the proposed budget will strengthen livability in the Macedon Ranges.
"The budget includes a $16.6 million capital works program and a range of new initiatives to improve the natural environment and enhance services for families, children, young people and older persons.
"Over $6.2 million has been allocated for the construction and improvement of our road network. It also includes continued investment in our walking and cycling network, with over $400,000 allocated for footpath upgrades across the shire.
"We are also proposing to inject over $2.8 million for the construction of playgrounds, netball courts and sports ovals, plus a further $1.6 million for infrastructure at Hanging Rock-although this is dependent on attracting a government grant to assist."
The council plan 2013-2017 sets out council's vision, goals and objectives over the next four years and for the first time it also incorporates council's public health and wellbeing plan.
The draft budget includes 26 new initiatives including climate change ($40,000), a Trust for Nature covenant for UL Daly Reserve Gisborne ($23,000), community awareness in relation to waste reduction ($20,000), and improving service for planning applications and permits ($85,000).
The capital works program includes roads and bridges construction works ($6.2 million), footpath upgrades ($430,000), developing infrastructure at land to the east of Hanging Rock ($1.55 million) and purchasing land for an early years centre in Gisborne ($700,000).
"We recognise there is a fine balance to be achieved in addressing the environmental, infrastructure and social needs against the economic constraints within the community. I think this draft budget does this and I am pleased with it," Cr Jukes said.
"Although our debt will increase, it is still below prudential levels and it will enable us to invest in some important projects that will provide benefits to the community for many years to come.
"This draft budget is the result of a team effort from all councillors and I'm looking forward to receiving comments and discussing it with the community over the next four weeks."
These documents will be on public display in council offices and at the council website.
Written submissions will be accepted until Friday May 31, and will be considered at a meeting in June.

Minister visits to talk planning

Planning Minister Matthew Guy met with Macedon Ranges councillors and Member for Northern Victoria Donna Petrovich in Gisborne on Wednesday.
West ward councillor John Connor said a number of key planning matters were discussed in the minister's visit.
"We were basically discussing C84 (planning policy review), the Loddon Mallee Regional Plan, res codes, and township zones. Just general conversation about what would be right for our area in containing growth," Cr Connor said.
"(Minister Guy) basically was saying it is up to us to make decisions, he's given us the tools to decide what the community wants."
Mr Guy and Ms Petrovich (centre) are pictured with councillors John Letchford, Roger Jukes, Graham Hackett, Sally Piper, Jennifer Anderson and John Connor. Photo: Chris Fleming

Finally funded

State Education Minister Martin Dixon visited Macedon Ranges schools including Woodend Primary School to announce maintenance funding on Wednesday. Mr Dixon met school vice-captain Jack Hansford, school captain Emily Hoey, and student representative Maggie Clune. Photo: Chris Fleming

School maintenance has finally hit the State Government's priority list in a funding announcement this week.

Education Minister, Martin Dixon, toured local schools on Wednesday as he revealed funding allocations with Member for Northern Victoria, Donna Petrovich and Federal candidate for Bendigo, Greg Bickley.

The minister announced $51.5 million to be shared across the state for school maintenance needs identified in an audit last year.

"The independent maintenance audit of schools across the state has been an essential part of understanding what schools had not received maintenance funding under the previous Labor Government," Ms Petrovich said. 

Kyneton Secondary College (KSC) will receive this shire's most significant amount, an allocation of $627,726. 

The college has been calling for desperately needed maintenance for years, while also enduring years of State Government knock backs for the K12 (kinder to year 12) Kyneton Education Plan. Without either solution, parents, teachers and committee members resorted to undertaking their own maintenance works in late 2010.

This funding allocation has come as relief to KSC, principal Mark Ridgeway said.

"We were very, very happy and very excited. It's great news," he said.

"It's going towards major maintenance of a number of our buildings; the English wing, the woodwork wing, food technology wing and the arts/textile/music wing." 

Mr Ridgeway said the K12 project was discussed at the minister's visit.

"What we've been campaigning for is the Kyneton Education Plan. The minister indicated that that would be separate to this main funding," he said.

"What he was saying was that they support our plans for the Kyneton K12 plan and it was not a question of if, but more of when."

Woodend Primary School, another school that has led a strong campaign for maintenance, will benefit from $308,384.

In 2011 and 2012 the school lobbied for state funds.

"While we all worked and waited for a response, the school's fabric continued to decay and the associated safety risks increased," Woodend Primary School parent, Rebecca Colless said. 

Ms Colless, a former school council member, attended the announcement on Wednesday. 

"This isn't a special gift or new grant, it's the money owed to the school for a long time," she said.

"It is the government's responsibility to maintain our public schools in a safe and presentable condition, in a timely fashion. I can't congratulate the government for doing their job: (a) when we have had to nag them to do it; and (b) late."

Other local schools to benefit from the funds are Sunbury and Macedon Ranges Specialist Schools ($416,055), Gisborne Secondary College ($73,134), Romsey Primary School ($22,148), Bolinda Primary School ($55,876), and Clarkefield Primary ($3,824).

Peace message to the PM

 Gisborne students Vanessa Bolton and Naomi Keane, Riddells Creek GP Dr Jenny Grounds and Japanese teacher Noriko Ikaga with the 2,000 hand-folded peace cranes presented to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister this week.

Gisborne Secondary College students have urged the Federal Government to sign a treaty against nuclear weapons.
A group of 13 students from the year 10 and 11 Japanese class presented 2,000 peace cranes to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Senator Jan McLucas, on Monday morning.
The Gisborne students went on a school trip to Japan last September/October as part of their Japanese studies.
They spent time in the city of Hiroshima learning from local students about how the city was destroyed by a nuclear bomb in World War II, killing 140,000 people. 
"We saw how the city was damaged and thought, 'this is so wrong and this shouldn't happen anywhere in the world'," GSC Japanese teacher, Noriko Ikaga said.
Following the bombings, paper cranes became a symbol of world peace for Japanese people.
The Gisborne students would like to see the Australian Government join other nations in calling for negotiations on a treaty to outlaw and eliminate nuclear weapons.
"Although we don't have nuclear weapons here we still haven't signed a treaty against them," Ms Ikaga said.
The Gisborne students made 1,000 of the paper cranes, most while on the Japan school trip. 
They agreed to make the cranes as a gift and peace message to Prime Minister Julia Gillard, at the suggestion of ICAN organisers (International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons). ICAN plans to have bundles of 1,000 cranes - symbolising support for nuclear disarmament - delivered to every president and prime minister worldwide.
The students had already made 1,000 hand-folded paper cranes at home to bring to Japan as a traditional peace symbol before ICAN made the proposal.
"It's tradition to make 1,000 cranes when we go to Japan to show you support world peace. Many people in Japan do this," Ms Ikaga said.
"When we got this invitation from ICAN we were just finished making 1,000 cranes to take to Hiroshima where the bomb was dropped.
"(The idea) came from ICAN. They though it would be good to have local students get involved, it would be nice to have support from kids here. When I asked them I wasn't sure if they would want to make 1,000 more cranes, but they said, 'yeah, yeah, we want to do it'.
"Once we got to Japan we bought paper, most of them we made in Japan. (The students) just found time on the train when we were going to a different city."
The remaining 1,000 peace cranes were hand-folded by Hiroshima students.
Riddells Creek GP and Medical Association for Prevention of War president, Dr Jenny Grounds, presented the 2,000 peace cranes to Senator McLucas at Gisborne Secondary College this week.
Senator McLucas travelled from Queensland to accept the cranes on the Prime Minister's behalf. 
"She was a lovely, lovely lady. She told us the reason why she became a politician is she is against uranium mining," Ms Ikaga said.
"She said she will get a response from Julia Gillard for the students."
More than 140,000 paper cranes have already been delivered to leaders worldwide, and messages of support have been received from the presidents of Afghanistan, Cyprus, Greece, Kazakhstan, the Marshall Islands, Mozambique, Slovenia, Switzerland, Tunisia and Vanuatu, as well as the Secretary General of the United Nations.
www.icanw.org/resources/paper-crane-project