Press Releases

February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, part of an international campaign to raise awareness of the disease and its associated symptoms and Member for Mildura, Peter Crisp, is urging women to be aware of the signs.

 “It is imperative that all women know the symptoms of ovarian cancer and are able to recognise the warning signs if they occur,” Mr Crisp said. 

“There is no detection test for ovarian cancer which is why it is so important for women to recognise the symptoms. 

“More than 1,200 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year in Australia – that’s three women a day. This is a startling and worrisome fact.” 

The 4 types of ovarian cancer symptoms most frequently reported are: 

1. Abdominal or pelvic pain 

2. Increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating 

3. Needing to urinate often or urgently 

4. Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly 

During February, Ovarian Cancer Australia invites the community, volunteers and friends to raise vital funds for support programs and resources for women and their families affected by ovarian cancer and for a national research program into the disease. 

“2012 Teal Ribbon Day is Wednesday, 29 February, when Australians are encouraged to purchase and wear a teal ribbon to raise awareness of ovarian cancer,” Mr Crisp said. 

“Show your support this February, buy a teal ribbon, host a morning tea, or simply talk about the symptoms of ovarian cancer with the women in your life.” 

For more information visit www.ovariancancer.net.au or call 1300 660 334

“The Planning Minister, Hon. Matthew Guy, has asked me to announce Planning Amendment C72 which addresses transitional subdivisions caught by Planning Amendment C58.” Member for Mildura, Peter Crisp, stated today. 

“Transitional subdivisions are those that had been lodged with the Titles office or had been prepared in various professional offices and were about to be transmitted to the Titles office for approval. Amendment C58 which was introduced in 2009 stopped all current and future subdivisions within the farming zone.

 “The Coalition Government responded to this anomaly and sought the cooperation of the Planning Minister to resolve this issue.  

“A great deal of hard work with the Planning Minister was required in order achieve this amendment and involved discussions at the highest levels in the Minister’s office over an extended period to progress the issue. Without the cooperation of the Minister and his senior staff this amendment would have taken considerably longer to achieve.” Mr Crisp said.

“I am sure Mildura Rural City Council will be relieved that the transitional issue has been resolved and those people affected can get on with their lives. There are still significant planning issues to be resolved with the farming zones and I will continue to work with Council and the community to support the process that will be required to solve this complex issue.

 “I am delighteded that the Mayor and CEO of Mildura Rural City Council will join me in making this announcement given their contributions to achieving this result.”

A former Methodist church has received a $200,000 grant for restoration work, Member for Mildura Peter Crisp announced today.

Mr Crisp said the restoration works would enable community use of the building to be expanded and would coincide with the Church’s centenary celebration in April 2012.

The Wesleyan Methodist Church was constructed in 1912 to a highly unusual design by Melbourne architect G B Leith (late of Leith & Bartlett Architects).

Externally the architectural style shows striking eastern influences in its octagonal plan, domed roof, striped brickwork and minarets.

Mr Crisp said the building was owned by MADEC, a not-for-profit community training organisation which is contributing a further $100,000 to the project.

He said the project would involve urgent repairs to the parapet, exterior brickwork and roof.

Minister for Planning Matthew Guy said the grant was one of 13 community projects around Victoria being funded to preserve and protect significant heritage places and objects.

He said Victoria’s Heritage Grants supported local communities to care for and manage the state’s diverse heritage with the projects funded by this year’s $1.13 million program reflecting the diversity and richness of the state’s heritage.

He said Victoria’s Heritage Grants supported local communities to care for and manage the state’s rich and diverse heritage, with this year’s program totalling $1.13 million.

Victoria’s heritage grants support the repair and restoration of publicly accessible and important heritage places and objects managed by local government and community not-for-profit organisations and are provided for places in the Victorian Heritage Register or included in a Heritage Overlay. Funding for heritage place grants totalling $500,000 was provided by the Victorian Property Fund.

Nationals Member for Mildura, Peter Crisp,  today announced further funding of $1.5 million for 3 important new infrastructure works in Mildura

Mr Crisp said the funding was the first allocation to Victoria’s 48 rural and regional councils from the $100 million Local Government Infrastructure Program.

Mr Crisp said Mildura Rural City Council had allocated its funding to the following projects within the Mildura electorate:

1.   Langtree Mall Shade Pavillion - Improvement or upgrade of town outdoor spaces - $500,000

2.   Merbein Community Hub - Building or upgrading shared community facilities - $500,000

3.   Olam Road Access - Road or bridges infrastructure initiative - $500,000

“These are identified priority projects for employment, amenity and community services.  These funds come at a key time for Council to further these projects.” Mr Crisp stated.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said the Local Government Infrastructure Program gave regional and rural councils certainty to plan for and build new infrastructure or renew assets.

“The program is supporting local council initiatives including roads, bridges, and new community assets such as halls and theatres, sporting grounds, grandstands, pools, libraries, and upgrading existing facilities,” Mr Ryan said.

“Each council has been allocated a notional four-year total for priority local projects identified in forward capital works plans.”

Mr Ryan said the government had so far provided $74.7 million for 267 infrastructure projects from the Local Government Infrastructure Program’s allocation.

Mr Crisp  said the Local Government Infrastructure Program was part of the Regional Growth Fund, the Government’s $1 billion commitment over eight years to drive regional development across the State and ensure regional Victoria remained a key contributor to the State’s future growth and prosperity.