Residents living in Geelong’s Multicultural Aged Care Centre Services (MACS) will soon have access to cheaper energy, thanks to a 520-panel solar project funded by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio joined Member for Geelong Christine Couzens to open the project, which will reduce MACS’s operating costs.
The Labor Government provided $188,000 to Geelong Sustainability Group for the project, with more than $150,000 raised by the local community.
The funding was provided through the Labor Government’s New Energy Jobs Fund, which has already awarded more than $12.6 million to 45 projects.
Minister D’Ambrosio also announced that Geelong Sustainability Group will receive $300,000 for its Climate Safe Rooms project.
This initiative will provide 20 vulnerable households in the Geelong area with energy-efficiency upgrades to make their homes comfortable during the temperature extremes of summer and winter.
The rooms will be fully insulated and draught-proofed with high efficiency air-conditioning and a small solar system to offset running costs.
Geelong Sustainability Group will work with the City of Greater Geelong, Kildonan Uniting Care and EcoMaster to create the safe havens in the homes of people most at risk of serious illness or death from climate extremes.
The City of Greater Geelong’s Community Care department will identify 20 of the most vulnerable households to receive the free home energy audit and retrofit package.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“This project highlights the potential for community-owned solar to help drive Victoria’s transition to renewable energy.”
“The Climate Safe Rooms project is another fantastic initiative that will help protect some of our most vulnerable from extreme weather.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“Geelong Sustainability Group is part of a broad network of businesses, community groups and individuals which are doing great work to reduce the impact of climate change.”
Residents living in Geelong’s Multicultural Aged Care Centre Services (MACS) will soon have access to cheaper energy, thanks to a 520-panel solar project funded by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio joined Member for Geelong Christine Couzens to open the project, which will reduce MACS’s operating costs.
The Labor Government provided $188,000 to Geelong Sustainability Group for the project, with more than $150,000 raised by the local community.
The funding was provided through the Labor Government’s New Energy Jobs Fund, which has already awarded more than $12.6 million to 45 projects.
Minister D’Ambrosio also announced that Geelong Sustainability Group will receive $300,000 for its Climate Safe Rooms project.
This initiative will provide 20 vulnerable households in the Geelong area with energy-efficiency upgrades to make their homes comfortable during the temperature extremes of summer and winter.
The rooms will be fully insulated and draught-proofed with high efficiency air-conditioning and a small solar system to offset running costs.
Geelong Sustainability Group will work with the City of Greater Geelong, Kildonan Uniting Care and EcoMaster to create the safe havens in the homes of people most at risk of serious illness or death from climate extremes.
The City of Greater Geelong’s Community Care department will identify 20 of the most vulnerable households to receive the free home energy audit and retrofit package.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“This project highlights the potential for community-owned solar to help drive Victoria’s transition to renewable energy.”
“The Climate Safe Rooms project is another fantastic initiative that will help protect some of our most vulnerable from extreme weather.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“Geelong Sustainability Group is part of a broad network of businesses, community groups and individuals which are doing great work to reduce the impact of climate change.”
The widespread power outages during the 2018 Australia Day weekend heatwave were due to failures in privately-owned distribution networks, not lack of energy supply, a new report has confirmed.
Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio today released the Victorian Government review, which has made 15 recommendations to prevent similar events from happening in the future.
The recommendations focus on clearer and faster communications to customers and require distribution businesses to put in place low-cost, innovative solutions to manage high-demand periods.
These recommendations include that distribution networks:
inform the Government of their plans to address network weaknesses
communicate with DHHS and vulnerable customers (such as those on life support equipment) about extreme weather events that might cause an outage
develop a single website for Victorians providing up-to-date information before, during and after outages.
Electricity distribution businesses have committed to implementing all the review’s recommendations.
Following the January outages, the Labor Government brokered a deal with Powercor, CitiPower, United Energy, Ausnet Services and Jemena to provide a $5 million relief package to around 50,000 affected customers.
Customers off supply for between three and 20 hours received $80 while those between 20 and 30 hours received up to $180.
These one-off payments went above and beyond the Guaranteed Service Level payments, which normally only apply where customers lose supply for at least 12-18 hours, rather than three hours.
For more information on the review, visit energy.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“This review confirms what we already know: that the widespread outages on Australia Day were the result of failures in the privately-owned distribution networks, not supply.”
“Only Matthew Guy thinks privatising energy companies has been good for consumers.”
“Distribution businesses need to plan more carefully for heatwaves and make sure their networks are more reliable and resilient before next summer.”
The widespread power outages during the 2018 Australia Day weekend heatwave were due to failures in privately-owned distribution networks, not lack of energy supply, a new report has confirmed.
Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio today released the Victorian Government review, which has made 15 recommendations to prevent similar events from happening in the future.
The recommendations focus on clearer and faster communications to customers and require distribution businesses to put in place low-cost, innovative solutions to manage high-demand periods.
These recommendations include that distribution networks:
inform the Government of their plans to address network weaknesses
communicate with DHHS and vulnerable customers (such as those on life support equipment) about extreme weather events that might cause an outage
develop a single website for Victorians providing up-to-date information before, during and after outages.
Electricity distribution businesses have committed to implementing all the review’s recommendations.
Following the January outages, the Labor Government brokered a deal with Powercor, CitiPower, United Energy, Ausnet Services and Jemena to provide a $5 million relief package to around 50,000 affected customers.
Customers off supply for between three and 20 hours received $80 while those between 20 and 30 hours received up to $180.
These one-off payments went above and beyond the Guaranteed Service Level payments, which normally only apply where customers lose supply for at least 12-18 hours, rather than three hours.
For more information on the review, visit energy.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“This review confirms what we already know: that the widespread outages on Australia Day were the result of failures in the privately-owned distribution networks, not supply.”
“Only Matthew Guy thinks privatising energy companies has been good for consumers.”
“Distribution businesses need to plan more carefully for heatwaves and make sure their networks are more reliable and resilient before next summer.”
The Andrews Labor Government has announced almost $2 million in funding for Victoria’s Landcare and other environmental volunteers in the latest round of the Victorian Landcare Grants program.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio joined Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green to welcome the establishment of a new Landcare group in Whittlesea and to announce successful grant recipients across the state.
The Labor Government will fund 363 applications through the Victorian Landcare Grants program, including 143 project grants, 218 support grants and two start-up grants.
The funds are used to support on-ground works and community projects including weed control, pest animal control, protection of habitat, revegetation, and community education.
The support grants will assist Landcare groups with insurance, incorporation and operating costs.
The Victorian Landcare Grants are helping to implement the Government’s long-term biodiversity plan – Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037.
In 2016-17 the Labor Government committed $18 million over four years to increase support to Landcare, bringing investment in Landcare support to more than $9 million per year.
This includes funding for 78 local Landcare Facilitators across the state to support groups and build the capacity of environmental volunteers.
For the full list of successful Landcare grant recipients visit: environment.vic.gov.au/grants/victorian-landcare-grants-2018-19
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re investing in the work of volunteers because they’re at the front line in protecting Victoria’s environment.”
“These grants will allow our volunteers to keep making a big difference at a grassroots level.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green
“It’s fantastic to see a new Landcare group established here in Whittlesea.”
“We’re proud to support this group with a start-up grant so our volunteers can begin work in caring for our natural environment.”
The Andrews Labor Government has announced almost $2 million in funding for Victoria’s Landcare and other environmental volunteers in the latest round of the Victorian Landcare Grants program.
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio joined Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green to welcome the establishment of a new Landcare group in Whittlesea and to announce successful grant recipients across the state.
The Labor Government will fund 363 applications through the Victorian Landcare Grants program, including 143 project grants, 218 support grants and two start-up grants.
The funds are used to support on-ground works and community projects including weed control, pest animal control, protection of habitat, revegetation, and community education.
The support grants will assist Landcare groups with insurance, incorporation and operating costs.
The Victorian Landcare Grants are helping to implement the Government’s long-term biodiversity plan – Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037.
In 2016-17 the Labor Government committed $18 million over four years to increase support to Landcare, bringing investment in Landcare support to more than $9 million per year.
This includes funding for 78 local Landcare Facilitators across the state to support groups and build the capacity of environmental volunteers.
For the full list of successful Landcare grant recipients visit: environment.vic.gov.au/grants/victorian-landcare-grants-2018-19
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re investing in the work of volunteers because they’re at the front line in protecting Victoria’s environment.”
“These grants will allow our volunteers to keep making a big difference at a grassroots level.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green
“It’s fantastic to see a new Landcare group established here in Whittlesea.”
“We’re proud to support this group with a start-up grant so our volunteers can begin work in caring for our natural environment.”
A project funded by the Andrews Labor Government to help stop powerlines from sparking bushfires has had an early breakthrough.
Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio approved a $650,000 grant to Melbourne-based technology company IND Technology to fund its Early Fault Detection system (EFD) on the Victorian Electricity Network.
One year into the two-year research trial, results have indicated the EFD has the ability to discover faults that are difficult to detect by current protective systems.
On 28 May, 2018, the EFD system identified a fault on the network at Ross Creek where there was a broken strand on the line. This hard-to-find fault is the exact type of failure that sparked the Kilmore East fire during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.
The trial has placed 61 EFD devices on two separate 80-kilometre Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) networks in western and north-eastern Victoria.
With almost 30,000 kilometres of SWER electrical lines across Victoria, this technology presents a ground-breaking solution to the challenge of reducing the risk of bushfires from powerlines.
Research trials will continue to monitor and investigate faults picked up by the EFD system to gather evidence-based data to assess whether the EFD system device can be brought to market.
The trial is part of the Labor Government’s $750 million Powerline Bushfire Safety Program delivering safer communities from bushfires.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We know the devastating impact of bushfires in Victoria – if these positive results continue, this technology could be lifesaving.”
“We’re investing in projects like these to keep Victorians safe and to reduce the risk of powerlines causing bushfires.”
A project funded by the Andrews Labor Government to help stop powerlines from sparking bushfires has had an early breakthrough.
Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio approved a $650,000 grant to Melbourne-based technology company IND Technology to fund its Early Fault Detection system (EFD) on the Victorian Electricity Network.
One year into the two-year research trial, results have indicated the EFD has the ability to discover faults that are difficult to detect by current protective systems.
On 28 May, 2018, the EFD system identified a fault on the network at Ross Creek where there was a broken strand on the line. This hard-to-find fault is the exact type of failure that sparked the Kilmore East fire during the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.
The trial has placed 61 EFD devices on two separate 80-kilometre Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) networks in western and north-eastern Victoria.
With almost 30,000 kilometres of SWER electrical lines across Victoria, this technology presents a ground-breaking solution to the challenge of reducing the risk of bushfires from powerlines.
Research trials will continue to monitor and investigate faults picked up by the EFD system to gather evidence-based data to assess whether the EFD system device can be brought to market.
The trial is part of the Labor Government’s $750 million Powerline Bushfire Safety Program delivering safer communities from bushfires.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We know the devastating impact of bushfires in Victoria – if these positive results continue, this technology could be lifesaving.”
“We’re investing in projects like these to keep Victorians safe and to reduce the risk of powerlines causing bushfires.”
The Andrews Labor Government will provide $500,000 to help transition one of Victoria’s strongest renewable energy regions towards a thriving low-carbon economy.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio was in Ballarat today to announce that Grampians New Energy Taskforce (GNeT) will use the funding to develop a roadmap to transition the region to a low-carbon economy by 2050.
GNeT is made up of local government representatives, regional partnership members, industry and community groups, and will investigate new economic and investment opportunities as part of the roadmap.
The Labor Government will also provide $50,000 to Federation University TAFE Australia to develop a business case for an Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre in Ballarat.
The proposed training centre would produce an industry-recognised skilled workforce to construct, install and maintain renewable energy infrastructure.
The Grampians region has emerged as Victoria’s engine room of renewable energy generation and associated economic growth.
Almost $3 billion-worth of wind farm developments are currently under construction in the Grampians region this month alone.
Victoria continues to lead the way in developing new energy policy to reduce greenhouse gases, tackle climate change and deliver Victorian Renewable Energy Targets of 25 per cent by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2025.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“The Grampians region is already a leader in renewable energy – and this funding will help it transition to a low carbon future.”
“The proposed Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre has the potential to boost local jobs in the renewable energy sector – that’s why we’re supporting it with this funding.”
The Andrews Labor Government will provide $500,000 to help transition one of Victoria’s strongest renewable energy regions towards a thriving low-carbon economy.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio was in Ballarat today to announce that Grampians New Energy Taskforce (GNeT) will use the funding to develop a roadmap to transition the region to a low-carbon economy by 2050.
GNeT is made up of local government representatives, regional partnership members, industry and community groups, and will investigate new economic and investment opportunities as part of the roadmap.
The Labor Government will also provide $50,000 to Federation University TAFE Australia to develop a business case for an Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre in Ballarat.
The proposed training centre would produce an industry-recognised skilled workforce to construct, install and maintain renewable energy infrastructure.
The Grampians region has emerged as Victoria’s engine room of renewable energy generation and associated economic growth.
Almost $3 billion-worth of wind farm developments are currently under construction in the Grampians region this month alone.
Victoria continues to lead the way in developing new energy policy to reduce greenhouse gases, tackle climate change and deliver Victorian Renewable Energy Targets of 25 per cent by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2025.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“The Grampians region is already a leader in renewable energy – and this funding will help it transition to a low carbon future.”
“The proposed Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre has the potential to boost local jobs in the renewable energy sector – that’s why we’re supporting it with this funding.”
The Andrews Labor Government is delivering a new plan for the future of recycling to strengthen the sector.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today announced a $37 million package that will increase the quality of recycled materials in Victoria and develop new markets for them.
The Recycling Industry Strategic Plan is a blueprint for a safe, resilient and efficient recycling system in the medium to long term.
The Government will help drive greater demand for products containing recycled materials through procurement.
Sustainability Victoria, in consultation with the Department of Treasury and Finance, will assist government departments and agencies to identify opportunities and, where appropriate, develop their own targets to increase procurement of recycled content.
It will boost investment in recycling infrastructure through an $8.3 million expansion to the Resource Recovery Infrastructure Fund – which will improve the quality of up to 100,000 tonnes of recycled material.
A further $2 million will go towards market development for recycled materials by identifying new and innovative uses – boosting the current market development program to $4.5 million.
An education program will improve understanding of what can and can’t be recycled, to help reduce the contamination of kerbside recycling. This has the potential to reduce the amount of contaminated recycling going to landfill, by around 40,000 tonnes each year.
The Landfill Levy Relief Program will also receive an $800,000 boost to ensure the National Association of Charitable Recyclers can continue to ensure that charities can focus their efforts on charitable work.
The holistic plan will be delivered by consumers and waste producers, the resource recovery industry and manufacturers, and all levels of government.
It includes the $13 million temporary relief package announced in February for councils and industry to support the ongoing kerbside collection of household recyclable waste – following China’s decision to restrict the import of recyclable materials.
The Labor Government has invested record funding of more than $100 million over the last four years to improve the waste and resource recovery system.
To learn more about the plan go to: environment.vic.gov.au/sustainability/victorians-urged-to-keep-recycling
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re delivering a new plan for the future of recycling in Victoria – to reduce waste and costs to households, and build a more resilient recycling sector in Victoria.”
“This plan will create a more stable and productive recycling sector, improving the quality of recycled materials and developing new markets for them.”
The Andrews Labor Government is delivering a new plan for the future of recycling to strengthen the sector.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today announced a $37 million package that will increase the quality of recycled materials in Victoria and develop new markets for them.
The Recycling Industry Strategic Plan is a blueprint for a safe, resilient and efficient recycling system in the medium to long term.
The Government will help drive greater demand for products containing recycled materials through procurement.
Sustainability Victoria, in consultation with the Department of Treasury and Finance, will assist government departments and agencies to identify opportunities and, where appropriate, develop their own targets to increase procurement of recycled content.
It will boost investment in recycling infrastructure through an $8.3 million expansion to the Resource Recovery Infrastructure Fund – which will improve the quality of up to 100,000 tonnes of recycled material.
A further $2 million will go towards market development for recycled materials by identifying new and innovative uses – boosting the current market development program to $4.5 million.
An education program will improve understanding of what can and can’t be recycled, to help reduce the contamination of kerbside recycling. This has the potential to reduce the amount of contaminated recycling going to landfill, by around 40,000 tonnes each year.
The Landfill Levy Relief Program will also receive an $800,000 boost to ensure the National Association of Charitable Recyclers can continue to ensure that charities can focus their efforts on charitable work.
The holistic plan will be delivered by consumers and waste producers, the resource recovery industry and manufacturers, and all levels of government.
It includes the $13 million temporary relief package announced in February for councils and industry to support the ongoing kerbside collection of household recyclable waste – following China’s decision to restrict the import of recyclable materials.
The Labor Government has invested record funding of more than $100 million over the last four years to improve the waste and resource recovery system.
To learn more about the plan go to: environment.vic.gov.au/sustainability/victorians-urged-to-keep-recycling
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re delivering a new plan for the future of recycling in Victoria – to reduce waste and costs to households, and build a more resilient recycling sector in Victoria.”
“This plan will create a more stable and productive recycling sector, improving the quality of recycled materials and developing new markets for them.”
Victorians can now register for the Andrews Labor Government’s $50 Power Saving Bonus when they visit the Victorian Energy Compare website and search for a better deal on their gas and electricity bills.
Premier Daniel Andrews encouraged households across the state to get online and register for the bonus, which will encourage more people to compare their energy deal and save money.
Hundreds of thousands of Victorians are expected to compare deals and receive the bonus over coming months as a result of this new initiative.
On average, Victorians who use the independent comparison website save $330 on their energy bills in the first year alone – with seven out of 10 finding a better deal by switching retail offers.
Energy retailers are expected to bring prices down to entice this surge of potential new customers – easing the cost of living for Victorian households.
To be eligible for the $50 bonus, households will simply have to use the website between 1 July and 31 December 2018. People just need to compare deals – they are not required to take up an offer or switch plans.
The scheme includes rigorous security measures to ensure that the bonus is only eligible to energy customers in each Victorian household.
The new online system will check hundreds of thousands of electronic bills and energy metre numbers to verify details provided, and cheques will be mailed to make sure the bonus is only received by Victorian energy customers.
The Labor Government funded the $48 million Power Saving Bonus in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 to encourage Victorians to get a better deal on their energy bills.
To search for a better energy deal and register for a $50 Power Saving Bonus, visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“I encourage people to get online, get the bonus and save money on their energy bills.”
“We’re delivering for all Victorians – reducing power bills and the cost of living by helping households get a better deal.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“The best way to bust energy bills is to look for a better offer – that’s what this Power Saving Bonus is all about.”
“Hundreds of thousands of Victorians have already slashed their gas and electricity bills by visiting Energy Compare – with the $50 bonus, there’s never been a better time to log on and save.”
Victorians can now register for the Andrews Labor Government’s $50 Power Saving Bonus when they visit the Victorian Energy Compare website and search for a better deal on their gas and electricity bills.
Premier Daniel Andrews encouraged households across the state to get online and register for the bonus, which will encourage more people to compare their energy deal and save money.
Hundreds of thousands of Victorians are expected to compare deals and receive the bonus over coming months as a result of this new initiative.
On average, Victorians who use the independent comparison website save $330 on their energy bills in the first year alone – with seven out of 10 finding a better deal by switching retail offers.
Energy retailers are expected to bring prices down to entice this surge of potential new customers – easing the cost of living for Victorian households.
To be eligible for the $50 bonus, households will simply have to use the website between 1 July and 31 December 2018. People just need to compare deals – they are not required to take up an offer or switch plans.
The scheme includes rigorous security measures to ensure that the bonus is only eligible to energy customers in each Victorian household.
The new online system will check hundreds of thousands of electronic bills and energy metre numbers to verify details provided, and cheques will be mailed to make sure the bonus is only received by Victorian energy customers.
The Labor Government funded the $48 million Power Saving Bonus in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 to encourage Victorians to get a better deal on their energy bills.
To search for a better energy deal and register for a $50 Power Saving Bonus, visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“I encourage people to get online, get the bonus and save money on their energy bills.”
“We’re delivering for all Victorians – reducing power bills and the cost of living by helping households get a better deal.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“The best way to bust energy bills is to look for a better offer – that’s what this Power Saving Bonus is all about.”
“Hundreds of thousands of Victorians have already slashed their gas and electricity bills by visiting Energy Compare – with the $50 bonus, there’s never been a better time to log on and save.”
The Andrews Labor Government has announced the members of a new independent body to manage the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve.
The Caulfield Trust will focus on improving public access and use of the Reserve, while ensuring the Caulfield Racecourse continues to be one of Australia’s premier racing facilities.
In September 2017 – on the recommendation of a bipartisan working group – legislation was introduced to establish a transparent and modern governance model for the Reserve.
The trust will be chaired by Mr Sam Almaliki and comprise six other members, who bring a diverse range of experience in land management, planning, business administration and community participation.
Mr Almaliki is a commissioner on the Victorian Multicultural Commission, former head of community engagement at Cricket Australia and a business leader with expertise in sporting, corporate and not-for-profit sectors.
Danni Addison, Greg Sword, Peter Watkinson, Joanne Butterworth-Gray, Julie Busch and David Mandel have also been appointed to the trust.
The Trust comes into effect from 1 August and will work with the Victorian Planning Authority, Glen Eira City Council and Stonnington City Council to build on previous engagement with the community.
An evening meet and greet event will be held on 9 August with a range of stakeholders to hear about the community’s priorities.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Suburban Development Lily D’Ambrosio
“The Caulfield Racecourse Reserve provides an unprecedented opportunity for community recreation and public space in Melbourne’s inner south-east.”
“I congratulate the trustees on their appointments and I know that we have the right mix of skills and experience to manage this iconic piece of public land.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for the iconic Caulfield Racecourse Reserve.”
“The new Trust is charged with managing Caulfield Racecourse Reserve as a place for everyone – residents, racing enthusiasts, and community groups – to ensure our community is getting the most out of it.”
The Andrews Labor Government has announced the members of a new independent body to manage the Caulfield Racecourse Reserve.
The Caulfield Trust will focus on improving public access and use of the Reserve, while ensuring the Caulfield Racecourse continues to be one of Australia’s premier racing facilities.
In September 2017 – on the recommendation of a bipartisan working group – legislation was introduced to establish a transparent and modern governance model for the Reserve.
The trust will be chaired by Mr Sam Almaliki and comprise six other members, who bring a diverse range of experience in land management, planning, business administration and community participation.
Mr Almaliki is a commissioner on the Victorian Multicultural Commission, former head of community engagement at Cricket Australia and a business leader with expertise in sporting, corporate and not-for-profit sectors.
Danni Addison, Greg Sword, Peter Watkinson, Joanne Butterworth-Gray, Julie Busch and David Mandel have also been appointed to the trust.
The Trust comes into effect from 1 August and will work with the Victorian Planning Authority, Glen Eira City Council and Stonnington City Council to build on previous engagement with the community.
An evening meet and greet event will be held on 9 August with a range of stakeholders to hear about the community’s priorities.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Suburban Development Lily D’Ambrosio
“The Caulfield Racecourse Reserve provides an unprecedented opportunity for community recreation and public space in Melbourne’s inner south-east.”
“I congratulate the trustees on their appointments and I know that we have the right mix of skills and experience to manage this iconic piece of public land.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for the iconic Caulfield Racecourse Reserve.”
“The new Trust is charged with managing Caulfield Racecourse Reserve as a place for everyone – residents, racing enthusiasts, and community groups – to ensure our community is getting the most out of it.”