Snowy River Interstate Landcare has received an extra Landcare facilitator as part of the Victorian Government’s Victorian Local Landcare Facilitator Program.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the new facilitator reflected the government’s commitment to preserving the environment and welcomed the announcement that East Gippsland was to receive an additional facilitator.

"Snowy River Interstate Landcare is a volunteer, cross border organisation, responsible for nine landcare groups in the far northern reaches of East Gippsland and the southern Monaro.

“Landcare facilitators are an integral part of the on-ground support that Landcare groups and networks throughout East Gippsland need to undertake their all-important work for the environment and community,” said Mr Bull.

Andrea Mitchell, Landcare Co-ordinator, said the Snowy River Interstate Landcare committee appreciates the opportunity to continue its cross border partnership with the funds provided through the Victorian Local Landcare Facilitator Program.

“The organisation has been in place for over 20 years and relies on funding in order to successfully support the nine Landcare groups in this unique cross border situation.

“The four year program will provide stability, allowing the Landcare facilitator to support the isolated communities of Tubbut, Bonang and Bendoc in dealing with issues relating to their natural resources.

“It’s particularly important, geographically isolated communities such as Tubbut are given continued support to undertake environmental projects and improve farming technologies and practices on their land.

“The landcare network also provides latest information relating to natural resource management and provides a platform that brings land owners together to find solutions to local issues,” said Ms Mitchell.

"Landcare groups and networks that received funding for one of the 68 facilitators will also receive $2,000 each to fund a project for on-ground works as part of the initiative and this money will help facilitators and groups to immediately begin works where needed in their local community, said Mr Bull.

East Gippsland hunters are making the most of the Victorian Coalition Government’s fox and wild dog bounty with 75 wild dog skins handed in at local collection centres and 168 state-wide since October.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said while the magnitude of the problem was huge, it was good to see local hunters targeting wild dogs.

"Every scalp helps and that is 75 less we have to worry about.

"There is also some great results from the fox bounty. Figures across the State show the scheme has easily outdone the former Labor government’s ‘Fox Stop’ program.

“Total collections for fox scalps and wild dog skins across Victoria are nearing 30,000, which speaks volumes about how badly this bounty was needed.

“Not surprisingly I have received feedback from local hunters who had been calling for an end to the previous ad hoc and inconsistent fox and wild dog control programs.”

Mr Bull said, Labor had all but ignored the pleas of farmers and landholders who were fighting a losing battle against rising fox and wild dog numbers.

“The bounty is not a total solution, but it’s playing an important part in our efforts to reduce the impact of foxes and wild dogs on food and fibre producers.”

“Other steps that have been taken in the battle against wild dogs are:

 Maintaining of 72 hour trap checking for doggers (rather than move to 24 hour checking as was proposed by the previous government) to allow doggers more flexibility to go about their business,

 The restructure of the wild dog management group to give local communities more of a say in dog control, and

 The establishment and growth of community baiting programs.

"The other pre-election commitment that was made related to the introduction of aerial baiting and it is probably the most important of the measures we planned to introduce in relation to wild dog control. The applications to commence are in, but the process is being held up by the Federal Government. Negotiations continue and we hope to have approvals shortly, so we can undertake aerial baiting as is allowed in other states," Mr Bull said.

For further information go to: www.dpi.vic.gov.au/bounty or contact the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Croquet will soon have a new and dedicated home in Lakes Entrance with the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hugh Delahunty and Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull today announcing $100,000 towards a new croquet facility.

Minister Delahunty and Mr Bull visited the proposed site to announce the contribution from the latest round of the Community Facility Funding Program.

“Since 2005, the dedicated members of the Lakes Entrance Croquet Club have organised tournaments, fundraising events, and social activities based around croquet; all without a permanent base,” Mr Bull said.

“This funding boost ensures the club and community have a quality facility to grow their sport and cater for more people in the Gippsland region to play croquet.”

“Once complete, the new facility will include three courts, a clubroom and a storage shed.”

Mr Delahunty said, it would provide the perfect foundation to build on club initiatives, including the establishment of local competitions, social croquet events, as well as player and volunteer development initiatives.

“By investing in projects like these, we are providing more reasons for residents and tourists to visit our seaside towns like Lakes Entrance, especially over the summer months.”

“That is why the Victorian Coalition Government is proud to invest in sport and recreation facilities across the state that enables more Victorians to be more active, more often,” Mr Delahunty said.

Mr Bull commended the East Gippsland Shire Council for contributing $60,000 to the project, the Lakes Entrance Croquet Club for its contribution of $40,000 and the local Volunteers Charity Store for its donation towards the project.

Deputy Mayor, Cr Marianne Pelz, thanked the State Government for its commitment and contribution to the Lakes Entrance Croquet Club and more generally, the sporting public of Lakes Entrance.

“The croquet project will complement the current tennis court and Lakes Aquadome leisure facilities also located on the proposed site, adding to the recreational precinct for the enjoyment of residents and visitors,” Cr Pelz said.