Below average rainfall has reduced duck numbers and habitats. Therefore, the Game Management Authority recommended that a reduced bag is necessary to ensure the sustainability of duck populations.

The Andrews Labor Government today secured a $610,000 investment in Australia’s largest honey packer, Capilano Honey, creating 25 new jobs.

At the Maryborough facility today, Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford said the expansion project was a major vote of confidence for regional Victoria and our food and fibre hubs.

The Labor Government knows getting to and from state or national competitions can be a challenge for emerging athletes. That’s why the Government is giving emerging stars the support they need to play the sports they love.

The Labor Government wants all Victorians to have easy access to great grassroots sport, no matter where they live, and the Sporting Club Grants Program does just that. Sports clubs are the lifeblood of Victoria’s suburbs and towns, where families get together and kids learn valuable life lessons.

The Andrews Labor Government is investing $7 million in the facility which has been specifically designed to conduct advanced plant research with the purpose of driving productivity for the grains industry.

The Government is assisting the communities most affected by the dry seasonal conditions, working closely with councils to bring forward a number of projects which will strengthen their economic and social base.

The Andrews Labor Government is backing drought-affected farmers with an additional $100,000 in funding to provide grants of up to $2000 for farmers to implement stock containment areas.

The Andrews Labor Government has announced $340,000 in additional assistance for the Scotsburn and Barnawartha communities affected by fires on 19 and 20 December. Support will be provided for local recovery initiatives following fires that destroyed houses, livestock, farming infrastructure and equipment. A $100,000 fund..

The Andrews Labor Government recognises that each region is different, and will ensure decisions and investments reflect the priorities of local families, workers and businesses, giving a real voice to regional Victorian communities.

Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford today welcomed the launch of the 2016 Loddon Mallee Investment Prospectus, which identifies a range of investment-ready projects to promote economic growth in the region.

The Rural and Regional Committee will meet predominantly in rural and regional Victoria and will give each Regional Partnership the opportunity to present their priorities and engage with the committee in a local setting.

Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford, is now seeking expressions of interest for the positions of chairperson for both the PrimeSafe and Dairy Food Safety Victoria Boards.

Dairy Food Safety Victoria and PrimeSafe are the independent regulators of the Victorian dairy, meat and seafood industries responsible for ensuring that national food safety standards are met.