The Alps are part of the Great Dividing Range mountain system extending east–west through the centre of Victoria. It is responsible for managing areas of government that are not exclusively vested in the Commonwealth, by the Australian Constitution, such as education, health and law enforcement. [67] The Torrens system did not replace the common law system but applied only to new land grants and to land that has been voluntarily registered under the Act, and its successors. Northern Territory. On 29 April 2015 the Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley announced that the 2015–16 State Budget would provide A$55.4 million towards the redevelopment of State Library Victoria, including the restoration of the Queen's Hall, the creation of a rooftop garden terrace, a dedicated children's and youth space, and the opening up 40 percent more of the building to the public. Feb 17, 2012 - Victoria offers a wealth of diverse experiences and attractions. The governor acts on the advice of the premier and cabinet. It is home to 60% of Australia's 3 million dairy cattle and produces nearly two-thirds of the nation's milk, almost 6.4 billion litres. As of February 2019, Victoria had 1,529 public schools, 496 Catholic schools and 219 independent schools. The AFL Grand Final is traditionally held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the last Saturday of September. Victoria is the centre of dairy farming in Australia. The state has a public holiday the day before the Grand Final, which coincides with the AFL Grand Final parade. 9 8 1. Melbourne has the world's largest tram network,[71] currently operated by Yarra Trams. State Government efforts to decentralise population have included an official campaign run since 2003 to encourage Victorians to settle in regional areas,[42] however Melbourne continues to rapidly outpace these areas in terms of population growth. Victorian schools are either publicly or privately funded. In February 2010, the southern wing of the library on Little Lonsdale Street was reopened as the Wheeler Centre, part of Melbourne's city of literature initiative. [14] In September 2018, the main Swanston Street entrance was temporarily closed and replaced by the newly refurbished Russell Street and La Trobe Street entrances. The State Library Victoria is the main library of the Australian state of Victoria. Rail transport in Victoria is provided by several private and public railway operators who operate over government-owned lines. The Victorian Constitution can be amended by the Parliament of Victoria, except for certain "entrenched" provisions that require either an absolute majority in both houses, a three-fifths majority in both houses, or the approval of the Victorian people in a referendum, depending on the provision. [27][28] From 1994-2014 it managed the Vicnet community internet service. Find mountains where you can ski, climb and hike. Esperance is a beautiful beach on the South Coast of Western Australia, Myall Lakes National Park Australia. Victorians, and Melburnians in particular, are considered by some analysts to be more progressive than other Australians. [24][25], Victoria's next settlement was at Portland, on the south west coast of what is now Victoria. Portsea beach, Victoria Australia. A further 6,000 square kilometres (2,300 sq mi) is sown for hay. Sydney city reflection in time exposure photograph as sun goes down across harbor water, australia. Melbourne is also home to the Australian Open tennis tournament in January each year, the first of the world's four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, and the Australian Formula One Australian Grand Prix in March. The Greens, who won their first lower house seats in 2014, are strongest in inner Melbourne. [30] By 1857, 26,000 Chinese miners worked in Victoria, and their legacy is particularly strong in Bendigo and its environs. [33] In 1871, having led, on behalf of small farmers, opposition to Premier Sir James McCulloch's land tax, Duffy, himself, was briefly Premier. Your team's Premium Access agreement is expiring soon. Shire and city councils are responsible for functions delegated by the Victorian parliament, such as city planning, road infrastructure and waste management. This document, now referred to as the Batman treaty, was later given to the British government to claim that local Aboriginal people had given Batman access to their land in exchange for goods and rations. The project cost approximately A$200 million. As well as being a popular form of public transport, over the last few decades trams have become one of Melbourne's major tourist attractions. Local people relax on beach at Busselton Jetty. The state symbols include the pink heath (state flower), Leadbeater's possum (state animal) and the helmeted honeyeater (state bird). Select 100 images or less to download.