Tony De Domenico, Executive Director of the UDIA Victoria has announced the introduction of the 'Alan Hunt Oration' to be given each year as part of the UDIA Victoria program and follows the passing of Alan Hunt last year.

"As a former Victorian Minister for Planning, Alan Hunt has left a massive legacy to future generations in Victoria and Australia in the form of the protection of vast areas of the Dandenong Ranges, the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula with a thirty year strategy and a strong will to consider future generations.

"The aim of the Alan Hunt Oration is to provide a focus on the importance of long term planning in a world where there can be many pressures."

Mr. De Domenico said, "The introduction of the Alan Hunt Annual Oration comes at a time when planning needs a long term outlook to cope with the refurbishment of Melbourne suburbs, the development of greenfield projects and regional cities to cope with Victoria's and Australia's growing population and to create employment."

The Hon Alan Hunt AM, MLC South Eastern 15th July 1961 to 2nd October 1992

Appointments:

Minister without Portfolio Mar-Apr 1971, Minister for Local Government Apr 1971-May 1979, Minister for Planning May 1973-Mar 1976, Aug 1978-May 1979, Attorney-General Mar-May 1976, Minister for Fed. Affairs Mar 1976-Aug 1978, Minister of Education May 1979-Apr 1982.

Honorary Fellow, Australian Institute of Urban Studies, Victorian Planning & Environmental Law Assoc and Royal Australian Planning Institute. Honorary member, Local Government Professionals Assoc. and Institute of Municipal Management.

Twice recipient of Town & Country Planning Assoc. annual award "for notable contribution to planning" and once recipient of similar award from Victorian Planning and once recipient of similar award from Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Assoc.

Alan Hunt was also a recipient of a UDIA Distinguished Service Award.

A transcript of the Alan Hunt Oration will be made available following the event.

Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, UDIA Victoria - Mobile: 0417 329 201