Snobs Creek Community Meeting

Congratulations to Snob s Creek members who held a very successful community meeting last Thursday night about the effects of the recent announcement to restructure DPI s facilities which would see 11 local staff either relocated to Queenscliff or redeployed within the public service away from their local communities.

This would have an undeniably detrimental impact upon members and their families who would be uprooted from their local community.

The impact would extend to the community s schools, sports groups, local traders and tourism as income and persons are withdrawn from the region.

The relocation will compromise freshwater fisheries and aquaculture research which had been an integral part of the facility and the community for over 50 years.

The community is also a popular destination for freshwater anglers whose keen interest in fishing brings substantial income to the region.

Held at the Eildon Community Centre, the meeting was headed by local school teacher and a ‚Äö?Ñ??Friend of Snob s Creek , Rod Falconer, with CPSU Industrial Organiser Yana Canteloupe.

A number of concerned community members and groups attended including those from angling clubs, the Victorian Trout Association, the local historian, Eildon Action Group, Plug the Pipe community group, Murrindindi counsellor Chris Healy and the State Member for Benalla.

Click here to view photos of community members voting to support Snobs Creek facilities and research;

http://www.cpsuvic.org/images/floor.jpg
http://www.cpsuvic.org/images/voting.jpg

Those present voted unanimously to endorse the ‚Äö?Ñ??Friends of Snob s Creek resolution calling on the Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Joe Helper M.P. to retract the relocation and calling on the State Government to provide funding for the future viability and sustainability of the Snob s Creek facility.

Click here to read the resolution;
http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/DPI-3009-SnobsCreekCommunityMeetingResolution.pdf

Please email your endorsement of this resolution to ycanteloupe@cpsuvic.org.

This show of community support was timely given DPI s recent backtrack on advice provided to members concerning the relocation.

The Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Joe Helper M.P. had initially advised members that a business case was undertaken justifying the relocation to Queenscliff.

The Minister also advised that all alternatives to the relocation had been explored.

In response, CPSU members undertook to secure the business case and the explored alternatives.

After much research and hassling for this information, CPSU finally received a letter from the Department (dated 30th September 2008) in which it was denied that the Minister
ever provided such advice.

CPSU strongly encourages all members in DPI to show support for those fighting for their jobs and their communities.

To continue support to Snob s Creek members, download the ‚Äö?Ñ??Friends of Snob s Creek campaign letter here:
http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/DPI-3009-SnobsCreekCampaignMinisterletter.pdf

Please return your signed letter to CPSU offices at P.O. Box 4355 Richmond East 3121.

Please distribute this bulletin and ask your colleagues to join CPSU.

Our 7 day a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year industrial protection ensures you have the principal public sector organisation looking after your working rights, winning wage increases, protecting your conditions, and providing personal industrial assistance when you need it.


CPSU MEMBERSHIP IS PROTECTION FOR YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSET.

YOUR JOB.

Speak to a colleague today about the benefits of CPSU membership and have them contribute to our successes rather than just enjoying the benefits.


VPS - AGREEMENT - 2009 is coming !!!!!!!!!!!

To view the movie trailer click here;
http://www.cpsuvic.org/static-pages/vpsa09.html


TOGETHER WE DO BETTER!

http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/Work-Can-Change-membership-flyer.pdf
http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/memform.pdf


KAREN BATT
CPSU Victorian Branch Secretary

Wednesday, 8 October 2008