April 2005 Media Releases
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Minister’s visit prompts renewed call for upgrade of intensive care beds at Tamworth Base Hospital
28 April 2005
An upgrade of Armidale Hospital’s intensive care unit is a significant boost to health service delivery in the New England North West region but the need remains for more intensive care beds at Tamworth Base Hospital, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said today.
Mr Draper said it was encouraging to see the NSW Health Minister, Morris Iemma, recognise the need to invest in health service infrastructure in a regional hospital such as Armidale, however, the Minister needed to also consider the critical care needs of the region’s major referral and teaching hospital – Tamworth Base.
“I have previously raised the need for more intensive care unit beds at Tamworth Base Hospital with the Minister as the ICU is working below its capacity to deliver critical care services,” Mr Draper said.
“The hospital has a limited number of ICU beds yet the demand for intensive care services continues to grow.”
Mr Draper said the hospital has 19 intensive care unit (ICU) beds including five ventilated, two acute coronary, six coronary, four high dependency and two ICU burns beds.
“Tamworth Base Hospital offers specialist medical training and advice to allied medical professionals as well as servicing and supporting the needs and demands of the region’s smaller hospitals,” he said.
Mr Draper believes ageing infrastructure and a restricted number of ICU beds in Tamworth was limiting the Hunter New England Area Health Service’s capacity to manage the critical care needs of the local community and the wider district.
“The number of available beds is impacting on the volume of patients the hospital is able to process with occasions arising where critical patients have to be transferred to Sydney or Newcastle for intensive care treatment.”
“This results in an additional financial burden on the health service and a higher social cost for patients and their families.”
“I am calling on the Minister to consider providing funding for additional beds, associated equipment and staffing levels, as I believe the provision of more intensive care unit beds at Tamworth Base Hospital would alleviate pressure on the health service, its medical staff and the community.
Country Energy’s new Walcha depot proves business is booming in the bush
27 April 2005
Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, today congratulated Country Energy on its commitment to regional NSW with the opening of a new field service centre in Walcha.
“Country Energy has eight field service staff based in Walcha and this facility will provide a modern depot which will service their needs well into the future,” Mr Draper said.
Speaking at the opening alongside Walcha mayor Bill Heazlett and Country Energy managing director Craig Murray, Mr Draper said Country Energy was proving that a decentralised model of service delivery could be a profitable and competitive way for corporations and indeed Government to do business.
“Country Energy has 140 field service centres in regional and rural NSW and in the past four years has employed 290 apprentices in country towns including Tamworth, Gunnedah, Armidale, Guyra, Quirindi, Walcha, Barraba and Warialda. This is an important step toward addressing the skills shortage in country areas and is providing rewarding career paths as electricians and linesmen for local people.
“The company is now outperforming its major metropolitan-based competitors, proving that opportunities to provide employment, offer efficient service and run a successful business do exist for larger corporations in rural NSW,” he said.
Mr Draper also attended a joint ceremony in Uralla where Uralla Shire Council marked the beginning of beautification works for the town’s main street by flagging the undergrounding of power by Country Energy.
Pictured (L-R) at the opening of the Country Energy Field Service in Walcha on 27 April 2005 are field officers Gordon Bird, Rod Turner, Greg Partridge, Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper, Terry Olsen, Walcha mayor Bill Heazlett, Barry Hoad, Michael Hoy, Denis Makehan and Country Energy managing director Craig Murray.
$5500 grant for Back To Attunga Festival
27 April 2005
A significant community event in Attunga has been given a financial boost with a $5500 grant from the NSW Government, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said today.
Mr Draper said Attunga Hall Committee was successful in securing the grant from the NSW Police Minister, Carl Scully, to stage the Commemorative Back to Attunga Festival on 7 May 2005.
“The festival will incorporate a number of events throughout the day with a highlight being the unveiling of a plaque/memorial dedicated to the late William (Jack) O’Shannessy, the founder of one of the first Police Boys Clubs in Australia,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said through Mr O’Shannessy’s efforts a Boys Club was established in Attunga in the early 1930’s and was among the first to be brought under a central authority by NSW Police and the Rotary Club of Sydney in 1937 in the movement known today as the Police and Community Youth Clubs NSW or PCYC.
He said the plaque would also recognise the 70th anniversary of the historic Attunga Hall and would be unveiled during an official ceremony in the hall ahead of a VIP concert featuring a variety of musical performers.
Event co-ordinator Graham Archer welcomed the funding saying it would provide the community with an opportunity to pay a fitting tribute to Mr O’Shannessy and his influential role in the lives of Attunga’s youth in years gone by.
“The Commemorative Back to Attunga Festival will further enhance and promote Attunga while empowering the community to maintain and build on the town’s community spirit and history,” Mr Archer said.
Contact: Commemorative Back to Attunga Festival event co-ordinator Graham Archer, Ph: 6769 5737 – Mobile 0419 817 215
$10,000 for new public toilets at Weabonga
21 April 2005
The community of Weabonga and visitors to the remote village east of Dungowan will have the convenience of public toilets thanks to a State Government grant of $10,000 the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, announced today.
Mr Draper congratulated the Weabonga Hall and Recreation Ground Committee for bringing the need for public amenities in the community to his attention.
“Upon their request, I met with the Committee secretary/treasurer Ruth White and inspected the community hall and existing pit toilets which look like relics from the village’s gold rush days,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said the hall was once the social hub of the settlement which had three hotels, a school, a police residence and supported a population of about 1800 people due to gold mining in the area.
“With Tamworth Regional Council’s assistance, the committee is keen to restore the hall to an acceptable standard so it can once again service a local population of about 200 people for social and community events.
“The addition of decent public toilets on the hall grounds is a significant first step in this process,” he said.
Mr Draper said the funding from the Premier’s Department meant the village would also have modern public toilets available to visitors and tourists who were increasing in numbers in touring the scenic area.
“The historic settlement of Weabonga is located in the middle of a picturesque circular tourist route linking Tamworth, Nemingha, Dungowan, Limbri and Kootingal,” Mr Draper said.
“The grant recognises the importance of the village on the tourist map and will provide the community with a much needed service for passing motorists,” he said.
Crime rates steady in Tamworth and surrounds
19 April 2005
Crime levels across the Tamworth electorate appear to reflect the downward trend experienced in crime rates across the Northern area of the State, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said today.
Mr Draper said the latest quarterly data from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) showed all major categories of crime in NSW had fallen or were stable over the 24 months to December 2004 while, in the Northern area, they were either stable or continued to fall.
The Bureau gathers data according to Local Government Area (LGA) across sixteen crime categories with the Northern area including the former LGA’s of Armidale, Barraba, Bingara, Glen Innes, Gunnedah, Guyra, Inverell, Manilla, Moree Plains, Narrabri, Nundle Parry, Quirindi, Severn, Tamworth, Tenterfield, Uralla, Walcha and Yallaroi.
Mr Draper said the former Tamworth City LGA experienced notable changes in four categories including a:
- 20 per cent drop in assault,
- 40 per cent drop in stealing from motor vehicle,
- 29 per cent drop in shoplifting offences; and a
- 12 per cent increase in the incidence of malicious damage to property.
He said the Gunnedah LGA experienced a drop in the numbers of assault by 14.7 per cent with no significant trends in the other crime categories.
“The former Parry LGA, now part of Tamworth Regional Council, recorded a 56 per cent drop in stealing from motor vehicles and the former Barraba, Manilla, Nundle and Walcha LGA’s had no significant upward or downward trends in crime,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said police officers attached to the Oxley Local Area Command deserved recognition for the figures with a proactive approach to preventing crime obviously making inroads.
“The officers have worked hard despite operating under strength for considerable length of time due to a high incidence of sick and stress leave within their ranks,” he said.
“The NSW Police Minister, Carl Scully, has said the impact of ‘record numbers’ of police and a $2 billion police budget are being felt across the State, however, illness and stress leave and its impact on the numbers of police actually on the ground still needs to be addressed, “ Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said the Oxley LAC had a number of officers absent on long-term sick or stress leave but who were still factored into the workforce. This meant the command was classified as being at full strength when in fact resources were depleted.
Cattle producers left out-of-pocket for getting in early with new livestock ID system
19 April 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, wants to hear from local producers who purchased National Livestock Identification System tags prior to the State Government’s introduction of substantial discounts.
Mr Draper said he has received letters and phone calls from producers who bought NLIS electronic ear tags at the introductory price and now feel cheated as the price has dropped significantly through a deal brokered by the State Government.
“In February this year, the NSW Department of Primary Industries said it had negotiated a deal that meant tags would be available at a discounted price after March 14,2005,” Mr Draper said.
“Eight months into the roll out of the NLIS, that the Department announced cattle producers would be able to buy individual electronic ear tags at a discounted, subsidized price of $2.60 each plus GST.
“Unfortunately a proportion of NSW producers already bought 1.3million tags at a cost of between $3.35 and $4 each between the introduction of the System in July 2004 and the February announcement.
“This means those who took the initiative and got in early have collectively paid up to $1.8million more than today’s retail price.
Mr Draper said cattle producers who had contacted his office felt penalised for getting in early as they paid up to $1.40 more per tag.
“For individuals this has added up to several hundred dollars and with the region slipping back into drought after months of marginal conditions, it’s money I am sure producers would rather have saved to spend elsewhere,” he said.
Mr Draper said the Government was able to offer the discounted tags by conducting a tender process with tag suppliers in partnership with the Victorian Government. Continued over..
“It also contributed a $1.5million subsidy and negotiated to have the tags distributed through the Rural Lands Protection Board offices,” he said.
Mr Draper said the NLIS was being progressively introduced in NSW from 1 July 2004 with all beef and dairy cattle sold in NSW to be fitted with an NLIS device by 1 July 2005.
He believes there is a strong case for the NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, to consider refunding the difference in tag prices to out-of-pocket producers.
“It might only be a few hundred dollars in some cases but for those producers who bought the tags in good faith, it’s only fair they are compensated.
“I think the NSW Government has handled the process poorly and producers are paying the cost. I am urging producers who bought tags at the full price to contact my office so we can apply some pressure on the Minister in relation to this issue,” Mr Draper said.
Nundle Road and Fossicker’s Way get safety upgrades
19 April 2005
Road works have begun on Nundle Rd with the focus on improving two bends for the safety of motorists, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper said today.
Mr Draper said funding of $180,000 was allocated in the 2004/2005 State budget to improve road conditions on the section of Nundle Rd about five kilometres east of the village of Nundle.
“The work is centred on two dangerous bends with a guard rail installed on the existing curve and warning signs erected to alert approaching motorists and improve visibility well ahead of the curve,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said resealing of the section would also provide motorists with a smoother road surface.
“This section of Nundle Rd is classified as a black spot with vehicles known to run off the road. I am pleased to see the Government taking action to remedy the problem before a tragedy occurs,“ he said.
Mr Draper said Tamworth Regional Council expected the work to be complete in about four weeks with drivers reminded to heed worksite speed zones and traffic control directions.
Meantime, motorists using Fossickers Way near Barraba will also experience significantly improved road safety and travelling conditions following a $1million upgrade.
“Work on the upgrade 18 kilometres south of Barraba at Spring Creek began this week,” Mr Draper said
Mr Draper said the project, which involved widening a one-kilometre stretch of road and new drainage, was funded by the NSW Government.
“The project will include the construction of a larger culvert under the road which will replace a very small pipe culvert.
“This will allow water to travel under the road during heavy rain and prevent it from flooding. The road level will also be raised to eliminate a sharp dip on a narrow section of the road that has been prone to flooding further improving travelling conditions in wet weather.
“The widening work will be undertaken for about one kilometre and will reduce wear and tear on the edge of the road by providing road shoulders which will improve safety for motorists.”
Mr Draper said a sidetrack had been constructed on the western side of the road to allow construction to be undertaken with minimal disruption to traffic.
“Weather permitting, work is expected to be complete by mid 2005,” he said.
Young hockey star from Duri represents NSW
18 April 2005
Duri teenager Shelley Stevenson will today receive a State Representative Certificate for her membership in the 2004 NSW Under 15 Girls Hockey Team.
Shelley, now 16, played a striker on the team which emerged victorious scoring 5-2 in the final over Western Australia at the 2004 Under 15 National Championships held in Brisbane in October last year.
In recognition of her achievement, The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, will present Shelley with a State Representative Certificate on behalf of the NSW Premier, Bob Carr.
The State Representative Certificates, which feature the State Coat of Arms and the Premier’s signature, recognise athletes who have reached the state level in any competitive field such as dance, sport, the arts or academics.
Mr Draper congratulated the keen young hockey player who is also a NIAS student and is this year trying out for the Tamworth Under 18 and Tamworth Open Women’s hockey teams.
“I understand Shelley is also aiming to gain a position on the 2005 NSW Under 16 Girls All Schools Team and I wish her all the best in her endeavour,” Mr Draper said.
Photo: Peter Draper MP presents Shelley with her certificate.
Vera Street units provide new start for five families
15 April 2005
The lives of at least five families in Tamworth will take a turn for the better with the opening of a redeveloped block of units owned by NSW Department of Housing in South Tamworth on Monday.
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has been invited to open the units on the corner of Vera and Edward streets on behalf of the NSW Minister for Housing, Joe Tripodi.
Mr Draper said the $1.04million redevelopment of the five two and three-bedroom units was being managed and maintained by Tamworth Community Housing with funding allocated through the Government’s Community Housing Assistance Program.
“This program has given Tamworth Community Housing the opportunity to offer quality, long term, low-cost accommodation to 12 people including an older couple, a family of four, a young mother, and two single mothers with teenage children,” Mr Draper said.
“In turn the Tamworth Community Housing premises vacated by these clients have been made available to women at the Tamworth Women’s Refuge and others in need who are on the lengthy waiting list for public housing.
Mr Draper said Tamworth Community Housing, which has had a presence in Tamworth for two decades, played a vital role in the community by responding with urgency to the accommodation needs of disadvantaged community members.
“The service’s clients include low income earners, people with special needs and those who have been staying in hostels, caravans, share accommodation, vehicles and even off the street,” he said.
“Tamworth Community Housing owns and leases a combined total of 155 properties in Tamworth and by networking with non-government organisations such as the Tamworth Homeless Men’s Support Group and Tamworth Youth Care Inc, it is able to provide rent-subsidized accommodation as well as appropriate support to people in need of low cost housing.
Mr Draper said he was pleased to officially open the units and wished the new residents all the best in settling into their new homes.
“I would also like to acknowledge the hard work of Tamworth Community Housing manager Jackie Hudson and her staff who are doing an admirable job in managing the need and helping as many people as possible find affordable housing,” he said.
Mr Draper also commended builders NH and LJ Peters and project designers Resitech on the quality of the redevelopment.
The NSW Government has allocated $13.475 million for 91 properties in NSW under the 2004/2005 Community Housing Assistance Program.
“The demand for budget accommodation in Tamworth alone, however, is far outstripping supply with around 260 people still waiting for accommodation through Tamworth Community Housing,” Mr Draper said.
Photo: Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper officially opened new units built in a $1.04 million redevelopment of Tamworth Community Housing accommodation in Vera St on Monday 18 April. He is pictured with tenants Joel and Judy Jerrard and Tamworth Community Housing Manager Jackie Hudson (right).
Bullimbal Public School gets a holiday upgrade
12 April 2005
Conditions at Tamworth’s Bullimbal Public School (School for Specific Purposes) will improve for students and staff with the NSW Department of Education and Training beginning refurbishment works over the school break, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said today.
Mr Draper said the work which begins during the current school holiday period, would be done in conjunction with Challenge Disability Services which has leased the school site to the Department since the 1980’s.
“The improvements include a refurbishment of the female and staff amenities and some of the air conditioning to classrooms,” Mr Draper said.
“Installation of reverse cycle air conditioning will be completed in Term 2 this year,” he said.
Mr Draper said the refurbishment of the male amenities, refurbishment of the soft room and one classroom, and repainting of the staff study and staff room would be undertaken during the Term 2 holidays.
“It’s my understanding the cost of these improvements is being factored into the lease between Challenge Disability Services and the Department and will be met during the term of the lease,” he said.
Mr Draper said he was pleased the Department has recognised the need to undertake capital works at the school which catered for children with physical and intellectual disabilities.
“I was alerted to serious infrastructure problems at the school earlier this year when concerned parents invited me to inspect the premises,” he said.
Mr Draper said the school was not a comfortable learning environment for students and posed occupational, health and safety issues for staff.
“I was alarmed to find the main building in a dreadful state of repair. The amenities are inadequate to cater for children with physical disabilities and there is no heating during winter making for uncomfortable conditions for students and staff,” he said.
Mr Draper said the Department had spent money on the demountables but not on the original building while Challenge had a long term plan to convert the building to accommodation for disabled adults.
Privacy concerns over photo identification cards
Members of the community have concerns centring on privacy in regard to the introduction of a photo card in NSW for identification purposes, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said today.
During debate on the Photo Card Bill 2004 in the Parliament last week, Mr Draper supported the introduction of the photo identity card but raised issues on behalf of constituents over potential breaches of individual privacy.
“I do not object to the general idea or purpose of the Photo Card Bill which is the issuing of a photo card so that NSW residents of driving age, who do not have a drivers licence, are able to obtain photo identification,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said constituents had approached him, however, raising questions about the sharing of personal information among Government agencies, the power of the Roads and Traffic Authority to cancel the card and the need for privacy guidelines.
Mr Draper said although the card was voluntary, he was apprehensive that its existence would also create an expectation in the business community that customers and clients were obliged to possess an ID card.
“I am concerned that those individuals who choose not to obtain a photo identity card will be dismissed or discriminated against for being unable to produce either a driver’s licence or a photo card ID,“ he said.
Mr Draper said it was also a worry that the $40 fee did not include any concessions for elderly or disabled applicants.
Mr Draper urged the Government to carefully consider issues raised by the Australian Privacy Foundation which include the risk of identity fraud, security breaches of the database and personal security risks.
Mr Draper said he was pleased the Government had acknowledged privacy concerns and expected that amendments would most likely be moved in the Upper House in response.
Public reaction delays introduction of proposed workplace fatality laws
11 April 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has welcomed a back down on behalf of the NSW Minister for Commerce, John Della Bosca, over the draft Workplace Fatalities Bill.
“The fact that the Minister has publicly stated that the draft Bill will not be introduced in its current form should be viewed as a win by those business and wider community members in this region who rallied so strongly against elements of this Bill during the public consultation period,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said the north west led the way in NSW in staging public forums for employers, landholders and the wider community to learn about the implications of the draft Bill and to express their concerns.
“The meetings held in Gunnedah and Tamworth resulted in a flood of correspondence through my office to the Minister who has reacted to the feedback with his admission that the draft Bill does not satisfy a number of his Department’s tests,” Mr Draper said.
“Employers have genuine concerns about the broad application of this Bill and it’s interesting to note the Minister is now attempting to narrow the focus by emphasising that the proposed laws would apply to the ‘rare exceptions where death results from severe breaches of safety law.
“It’s obvious the proposed laws need to be re-drafted in such a way that is specific to targeting rogue employers,” he said.
Mr Draper said those who took the time to express their views to the Minister were to be congratulated.
“The process, however, is ongoing and until this Bill is introduced I intend to continue relaying feedback from the electorate so if people are yet to have a say, it’s not too late,” he said.
Work begins on upgrade of Topdale Road
Work has begun on a $300,000 upgrade on a section of Topdale Rd, 7km west of Thunderbolts Way, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said today.
Mr Draper said the former Roads Minister, Carl Scully, had approved a special grant of $300,000 to Walcha Shire Council for the upgrade of a one-kilometre section of Topdale Rd.
“Walcha Shire Council is to be congratulated on its contribution of $100,000, a commitment which helped convince the Government of the need seal at least a portion of the gravel road for the health and safety of local residents and motorists,” Mr Draper said.
“As part of this project, this section will be realigned, widened and sealed to improve road safety, visibility and travelling conditions.
Mr Draper said at least two families living along the section stood to directly benefit from a reduction in dust which drifts off the road into their homes.
“The work will be welcome by Graeme Brazel and Dale Brazel who have put up with blanketing dust infiltrating every aspect of their lives for years,” Mr Draper said.
Walcha Shire Council began the work last week and is expected to complete the section over the next four months, weather permitting.
Mr Draper said Topdale Rd was a regional road which acted as a route for local traffic between Tamworth and the mid-North coast, and a complete upgrade of the remaining 11km unsealed section remained a priority.
“I have invited the new Roads Minister, Michael Costa, to inspect Topdale Rd alongside other road priorities in the Tamworth electorate in a bid to maintain its profile,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said the latest project followed the completion in late February of an upgrade on a 2km section of the road, 8.8km west of Thunderbolts Way, at a cost of $175,000.
“This work is part of the NSW Government’s contribution to Council under the REPAIR Program, which assists councils in the maintenance and improvement of regional roads.
Child care services improve with funding boost
8 April 2005
State Government funding to boost child care hours and facilities at preschools in the Tamworth electorate has been welcomed by the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper.
Mr Draper said the NSW Minister for Community Services Reba Meagher has allocated $43,000 to Preschools in the New England region including those in Kootingal, Tamworth, Nundle and Walcha.
Funding of $17,000 has been distributed between four Preschools in the Tamworth electorate to improve facilities and play equipment including:
- $8000 for soft fall around play equipment at St Mary’s North Preschool, Tamworth
- $3000 to improve shade at St Peter’s Preschool, Tamworth
- $4000 for shade at the Nundle CWA Preschool, Nundle; and
- $2000 for new fans at Walcha Preschool, Walcha
Mr Draper said Kootingal and District Preschool had also received $7489 which would allow the Preschool teachers to provide longer hours of care and reduce fees for parents on a proportion of the available places.
“The demand for child care places is ever increasing and I‘m pleased to see the pressure on providers such as Kootingal and District Pre School being eased through the extension of hours to 32 hours-a-week for 20 places for students,” he said.
Surgical waiting times at Tamworth and Gunnedah subject to policy not politics
8 April 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has called upon the Shadow Health Minister, Barry O’Farrell, to outline the Opposition’s policy on how to reduce waiting lists at hospitals in the Hunter New England Area Health Service.
“There’s no dispute the Government needs to look harder at measures to address the length of time people are waiting for surgery at Tamworth Base and Gunnedah hospitals, but the Opposition should also be outlining a funding commitment and strategies on how they plan to address this issue should they be in the position of power,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said Tamworth Base Hospital had seen an increase in the amount of emergency work being undertaken at the hospital and this had impacted on booked surgical admissions.
“I was pleased to be informed that the hospital plans to have no patients waiting more than 12 months by the end of June this year as this demonstrates an attempt to drive waiting times down,” he said.
Mr Draper said the average waiting time for admission to Tamworth had remained almost static at just under 3 months over the past 12 months. In February 1037 people were listed for orthopaedic and general surgery and of these, 15 people had waited over 12 months.
Mr Draper said he was concerned about a sharp rise in the number of people on the waiting list at Gunnedah Hospital due to the cancellation of elective surgery over the Christmas holiday period.
“In December 2004 there were 77 patients awaiting surgery and in February 2005 there were 115 where normally there are between 70 and 80 people on the waiting list,” he said.
“The health service anticipates a return to normal levels over the next few months but it’s simply not good enough for elective surgery not to be performed due to what appears to be the management of staff on leave,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said the only consolation was that the total number on the waiting list at Gunnedah was not large.
“Despite a spike in numbers, the average waiting time for admission was just six weeks in February 2005 with 60 people listed for orthopaedic and general surgery. None of these were waiting over 12 months,” he said.
The NSW Opposition gets its facts wrong on teacher numbers at Duri Public School
7 April 2005
The teacher crisis at Duri Public School was resolved prior to Easter with the re-instatement of the school’s third teacher, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said today.
Mr Draper said the Department advised the school principal on March 30 via a telephone call that the school would have its teacher numbers restored to three full-time teachers after the Easter break.
“It was fantastic news that delighted the school principal Kerry Kurtz and the School P&C Association members who had lobbied hard to have the school’s third teacher reinstated,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said the school had lost a teacher earlier this year as a result of the student body dropping below the numbers required to support a third teacher. It was making do with a teaching principal, a teacher and a casual teacher but classes had been significantly disrupted.
“I was really pleased and congratulated the school community for its lobbying efforts. I had conveyed their concerns in the NSW Parliament and in a meeting with the NSW Minister for Education and Training, Carmel Tebbutt only days before and was honestly surprised at how swiftly the situation was remedied,” he said.
Mr Draper said the release of a statement today from the Shadow Education Minister, Jillian Skinner, calling on the Government “to act immediately” to prevent the loss of a teacher at Duri instilled little confidence in the Opposition.
The Opposition is obviously completely out of the loop on the issue of staffing at small schools. If the Shadow Minister was genuine about helping schools like Duri solve their problems, she would have taken the time to actually speak to staff and the P&C Associations to get the facts right before falsely accusing myself as the local member for inaction,” he said.
Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music funding strikes a chord
7 April 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has welcomed the State Government’s allocation of the remaining funding for 2004/2005 to the Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music.
Mr Draper said $51,332 was being allocated to the Conservatorium for use on educational programs and property work adding to the $175,000 allocated last November for administration.
“This new funding will be used on programs including chamber music, ensembles festival, professional development, workshops and the conversion of the boardroom and meeting room into two air-conditioned teaching studios,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper lobbied the NSW Department of Education and Training last year over the delayed release of the Conservatorium’s core funding due to the impact it was having on the institution’s operation, administration and delivery of programs.
He said the Conservatorium has now received $226,332 in 2004/2005 with the State Government allocating $3.2m to the Regional Conservatorium Program statewide.
Mr Draper said the Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music had grown to nurture around 1000 students with tuition provided by 22 teaching staff in 18 instruments while more than 15,000 people were currently learning music in the state’s 15 regional conservatoriums and two smaller music centres.”
He said the Department advised there has been a 30 per cent rise in enrolments at regional conservatoriums over the last four years since the NSW Premier injected $1.5 million in recurrent funding in 2001.
“This funding enabled conservatoriums to provide subsidies for lesson costs, musical instruments purchase and upgrade premises,” Mr Draper said.
The regional conservatoriums are independent, community-owned organisations that provide music education services to regional centres.
Most centres also have outreach programs providing services to the wider community for the region. Some of these outreach programs use video-conferencing technology with the teachers and students in separate localities.
“The services are open to all in the community, primarily comprised of school-aged children but also including preschool children and adults.
“Many graduates of regional conservatoriums go onto tertiary music studies at institutions like Sydney or Newcastle conservatoriums and the Canberra School of Music,” he said.
Regional Conservatorium Programs were established 30 years ago and have increased from three centres to the 15 plus two smaller centres that exist today.
Costa should inspect road priorities - Draper
7 April 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has invited the NSW Roads Minister, Michael Costa, to visit the Tamworth electorate after raising the region’s road priorities in Parliament this week.
Mr Draper highlighted the ongoing need for the Government to support road priorities such as Manilla Rd in Tamworth, Topdale Rd near Niangala, the Peel River timber bridge at Nundle and the Mullaley Boggabri Stock Route linking Mullaley and Boggabri.
Mr Draper said despite an allocation of $500,000 currently being spent on realigning the eastern section part of Manilla Rd, the bulk of the roadway remained in a disgraceful state.
“While small sections of Manilla Rd are receiving attention, the community holds valid and serious safety concerns for motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and local residents,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said it was imperative Mr Costa inspected Topdale Rd due to the previous Roads Minister allocating funding to seal a portion after an enlightening visit in June last year.
“Local families have suffered greatly on account of the dust. The road carries an increasing volume of tourist traffic and would carry higher volumes if the 11km was sealed,” he said.
Mr Draper also raised the state of the timber bridge across the Peel River at Nundle which is nearing collapse and in desperate need of replacement.
“The unfortunate fact remains that the village of Nundle will again be isolated when the next flood occurs as the decrepit bridge will not withstand another onslaught of water, “ he said.
Mr Draper said he also held concerns for residents and school children waiting at bus stops on the Mullaley Boggabri Stock Route due to the gravel road being in such a poor condition.
Mr Draper said a local farmer showed him his mailbox which had been badly damaged by a rock thrown up by a passing semi trailer which clearly demonstrated the need for action on the road.
"Getting the message across" in the Archibald Prize
6 April 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has extended his best wishes to retired Tamworth medical specialist Dr Peter Vines who is entering a portrait of the Tamworth MP in the 2005 Archibald Prize.
Mr Draper said he was extremely flattered to be chosen as a subject for Australia’s premier portraiture award by Dr Vines who has enjoyed painting as a serious hobby for the past 20 years.
The portrait titled “Getting the message across’ depicts Mr Draper standing at the lectern and delivering a speech in the NSW Parliament’s Legislative Assembly - House of Representatives.
Dr Vines adapted the scene from photographs of the House and from Mr Draper visiting his home-based studio in East Tamworth for portrait sittings.
“Dr Vines is very talented and passionate about his art and his decision to enter the Archibald is certain to be an inspiration to the region’s aspiring artists,” Mr Draper said.
Dr Vines said he chose Mr Draper on the basis that The Archibald Prize traditionally attracted portraits of people in the public eye.
“In general they like to pick someone who’s in public life and Peter being known here in our community was the obvious person to invite,” Dr Vines said.
The portrait is Dr Vine’s second entry to The Archibald Prize with his interpretation of former Olympian and Australian swimming coach Forbes Carlile featured in his entry last year.
Dr Vines will transport Mr Draper’s portrait to the Art Gallery of NSW on Friday, 8 April, 2005.
Photo: Dr Peter Vines with his entry in the 2005 Archibald Prize.
Grant to help disabled victims of violent crime
4 April 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, today announced that Citizen Advocacy Northwest would receive $15,000 from the State Government to better assist disabled victims of violent crimes.
Mr Draper said the funding would finance a project run by the Tamworth-based agency which trains volunteers to fill advocacy roles assisting people with intellectual, physical, sensory or neurological disabilities.
Mr Draper said the grant was approved by the Minister for Justice, John Hatzistergos, and sourced from the profits of NSW prison industries which employ thousands of inmates each year.
“As part of its work Citizen Advocacy Northwest helps advise individuals who have frequent contact with victims of crime including domestic violence, sexual assault, general harassment and verbal abuse,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said Citizen Advocacy North West had more than 380 people with disabilities in Tamworth, Gunnedah, Quirindi, Werris Creek, Manilla and Barraba on its client list, and he was greatly disturbed to learn that people with disabilities had a greater than 50 per cent chance of being assaulted by the time they reached 18 years of age.
“The main aim of the project is to analyse the success of volunteer support networks in helping people with disabilities and will be used to train a group of volunteer advocates.
Mr Draper said the project would develop a network of volunteer advocates who would be available via phone to agencies such as police at times when they were dealing with people with a disability.
“The volunteers will be non-legal advocates and will be available to support the person and help with referrals for legal advice and other relevant services.
“I hope this grant will help the Citizen Advocacy Network to provide better assistance to disabled victims of crime,” Mr Draper said.
More than $320,000 has been allocated this year to organisations, such as Citizen Advocacy Northwest, which support the victims of crime. The money is a percentage of Corrective Services Industries (CSI) annual income from its workshops in NSW prisons.
Part of this funding is allocated to the Victims of Violent Crime Grants Program (VOVCGP), which was first announced by Premier Bob Carr in 1998 and has been used annually to aid community-based organisations to help victims of crime.
VOVCGP allocations for 2004 – 2005 have been approved to a total of 18 organisations across NSW.
Contact: Citizen Advocacy North West co-ordinator Mark Daly (office): 6766 4588.
Photo: Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, (left) presents Citizen Advocacy North West Co-ordinator Mark Daly with a $15,000 grant from the NSW Minister for Justice John Hatzistergos to develop a pilot program of volunteer advocates to assist disabled victims of violent crime.
Recreation and sporting facilities receive funding boost
4 April 2005
Sporting facilities in Tamworth, Gunnedah, Moonbi and Yarrowitch will benefit from the latest round of grants from the NSW Department of Tourism and Sport and Recreation, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said today.
“Four local sport and recreation projects have been successful in securing funding under the Department’s 2004-2005 Capital Assistance Program and I congratulate the relevant organisations for taking the initiative to improve local sporting facilities,” Mr Draper said.
The projects to receive funding are:
- $17,160 for the improvement of walking trails in Tamworth’s Marsupial Park
- $16,313 for the upgrade of the existing skate park at the Gunnedah Skate Park
- $4,500 for the construction and fencing of two dressage arenas at the Moonbi Recreation Reserve; and
- $2,750 for the installation of power boxes at the Yarrowitch Sports Ground.
“I am pleased to see the NSW Tourism and Sport and Recreation Minister, Sandra Nori, recognise the dedication and commitment of not-for-profit groups in the Tamworth electorate,” Mr Draper said.
“The organisations have obviously worked hard to provide their own contributions to the approved projects as under the Capital Assistance Program, the Department matches funding dollar for dollar,” he said.
Mr Draper said it was encouraging to see a broad cross section of projects benefit from the Capital Assistance Program which provided an opportunity for communities to improve their sports and recreation facilities in partnership with the Government.
Appointment leads to next step for Hunter New England Area Health Advisory Council
1 April 2005
The appointment of Associate Professor Lyn Fragar AO as chair of the Hunter New England Area Health Advisory Council has been welcomed by the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper.
“Associate Professor Fragar is extremely well credentialed and has a distinguished track record in rural health affairs through her stewardship of the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety based in Moree. Her local knowledge and professional, community and Government networks will stand her in good stead for this position,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said with the chairpersons of the State’s eight area health advisory councils now in place, it was imperative the process of appointing members to the advisory councils followed without delay.
“The idea of the area health advisory council is to give doctors, nurses, allied health workers and community members an opportunity have a say on how health services are delivered in our region.
“It will be a real challenge for this council to represent the community of the New England area with its high Aboriginal population and high numbers of people disadvantaged by economic circumstances. The region also has many isolated communities and in general poor transport networks to the bigger centres which will also need to be taken into account.
Mr Draper said the advisory council members would play a critical role in advising the peak advisory body, the Health Care Advisory Council, and it was important those chosen could capably advocate on behalf of the community and local health service staff, health, workforce and budget issues.
