Media Releases, April 2006
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Draper welcomes new psychiatrist to Tamworth
Friday, April 21, 2006
The appointment of new psychiatrist Dr Ghana Chapagain will provide a much-needed boost to mental health services in the region, according to the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper.
Mr Draper met with Dr Chapagain today to welcome him to the area and to discuss issues relating to the effective delivery of mental health services across the north-west.
“It is pleasing to see that the Hunter New England Health Service has recognised the need for more mental health resources, and appointed a new psychiatrist as skilled as Dr Chapagain to service this area,” he said.
“The health service is heading in the right direction on mental health with the appointment of new staff and a greater allocation of funding.
“Tamworth is a rewarding place for psychiatrists and other health professionals to practise their skills as there is certainly a growing demand for services. I believe Dr Chapagain will prove an excellent addition to the Tamworth mental health team and I look forward to supporting him in his new role.”
Mr Draper said Dr Chapagain was highly experienced in the field of psychiatry, having trained and practised in Moscow, Pakistan and his home country of Nepal before taking a post in Newcastle in 2004.
“Dr Chapagain has only been here two weeks, but he tells me he has been warmly welcomed to the community and made aware of many of the issues facing mental health service delivery in regional areas,” Mr Draper said.
“He has indicated his interest in delivering the best outcomes through increased outreach services to communities such as Gunnedah, and said he is keen to meet with community groups such as Grey Power to discuss mental health issues.”
Dr Chapagain is one of three resident psychiatrists based in Tamworth, along with Dr Naresh Buttan, responsible for Glen Innes, Armidale and Tenterfield, and Dr Samiat Roy, visiting Moree, Narrabri and Inverell. Dr Chapagain will offer his services to Tamworth, Gunnedah and Barraba areas. All three doctors will also service patients at Banksia House. There are currently three vacancies for psychiatrists based in Tamworth that are being advertised by the health service.
“Dr Chapagain’s appointment is the first step in addressing the growing need for mental health services in rural areas, and I look forward to welcoming more doctors of his calibre in the future,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo: Mr Draper with new Tamworth psychiatrist Dr Ghana Chapagain today at Banksia House.
Residents urged to nominate ‘Local Hero’
Thursday, April 20, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper is urging residents in the electorate to nominate a candidate from the Aboriginal community as a ‘Local Hero’.
The State Government has launched a Local Hero scheme seeking to recognise dedicated and respected Aboriginal people across NSW who make a significant and often unpaid contribution to their communities.
“There are many unsung heroes in the areas Aboriginal communities, and nominating someone for this scheme can bring much-deserved recognition to their work,” Mr Draper said.
“The scheme aims to reward an Aboriginal person who works to make a difference in the lives of other Aboriginal people, in areas such as improving health or education outcomes, while providing strong leadership within their community.
“The scheme also provides each Local Hero with an opportunity to apply for a share of $250,000 for a project special to their community.
“I urge residents in the electorate who would like to nominate any of these unsung heroes for this scheme to contact my office so they can be recognised for their good work.”
Mr Draper said each Local Hero would be presented with a framed certificate and also receive a letter of commendation from the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Milton Orkopoulos.
Nomination forms for a Local Hero are available from Mr Draper’s office at 13 Fitzroy St Tamworth.
Maintenance blitz at Tamworth schools over Easter
Thursday, April 13, 2006
A building works and maintenance blitz will take place over the Easter holidays at schools in the Tamworth area, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Mr Draper said the works are part of a $24 million capital works and maintenance program across NSW over the holidays.
“The holidays are the best time to make improvements with no disruption to learning,” he said.
“More than 519 projects will be undertaken over the holidays, with one in the Tamworth area at an estimated cost of $13,000.
“During Term 1, the development application to improve facilities for the Light automotive, Electro-technology and Refrigeration studies at Tamworth TAFE was lodged with Tamworth regional Council.
“Tenders are expected to be called for this project in Term 2.”
Works occurring over the Easter holidays include:
• Woolbrook Public School will receive $13,010 for an enclosure for the sub floor area.
Works anticipated to be complete at the end of Term 1 totalling $73,552 includes:
• Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School received $13,500 for programmed maintenance and school improvement projects;
• Tamworth High School received $13,379 for an LP Gas tank enclosure and $10,000 stormwater and drainage upgrade;
• Duri Public School received $11,000 for fencing and floor coverings;
• Oxley High School received $11,000 to replace brick retaining walls;
• Werris Creek School received $7,815 for an LP Gas tank enclosure;
• Westdale Public School received $6,858 for an LP Gas tank enclosure.
Works expected to commence in Term 2 totalling $508,137 includes:
• Oxley High School will receive $92,000 for a disabled carpark, ramping and access to toilet facilities;
• Nemingha Public School will receive $90,000 for a sewer replacement;
• Tamworth West Public School will receive $63,443 for air cooling permanent accommodation and $10,000 for gutter replacements;
• Tamworth Public School will receive $63,421 for air cooling permanent accommodation and $42,000 for gutter replacements, painting, carpet repairs and building maintenance;
• Peel High School will receive $35,000 for a chemical store;
• Duri Public School will receive $27,335 for air cooling permanent accommodation;
• Tamworth High School will receive $20,000 for a stormwater and drainage upgrade;
• Werris Creek Public School will receive $15,000 for gutter replacements and building maintenance;
• Tamworth South Public School will receive $12,000 for cupboard replacements and $5,000 for gutter replacements;
• Gunnedah High School will receive $9,000 to replace toilet cubicle doors;
• Woolomin Public School will receive $8,000 for gutter replacements;
• Somerton Public School will receive $8,000 for gutter replacements;
• Nowendoc Public School will receive $7,938 for an LP Gas tank enclosure
“Upgrading and enhancing school facilities will greatly benefit students, teachers and school communities,” Mr Draper concluded.
South Tamworth Girl Guides to get air-conditioning
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has today welcomed $4,000 in funding for the installation of air-conditioning at the South Tamworth Girl Guides Hall.
The $4,000 provided by the State Government will provide 50 per cent of the required funds for the $8,000 reverse-cycle air-conditioning unit, with the South Tamworth Girl Guides to provide the remainder.
“This is excellent news for the South Tamworth Girl Guides, as I am told the hall gets very hot in summer and extremely cold in winter,” Mr Draper said.
“The Guides will be much more comfortable during group meetings, and having air-conditioning will also make the hall more attractive for other community groups to hire.”
South Tamworth’s public relations officer and former district leader Lyn McGuckin is looking forward to having the air-conditioning installed.
“It took about three years to raise our half of the money needed for the air-conditioning, so it has been a long hard slog,” she said.
“The Guides will be very thrilled to hear the State Government has provided the remaining $4,000 and we will look to get the air-conditioning unit up and running as soon as possible.”
Caroona and Tarrawonga coal projects moving forward
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
The Gunnedah coal basin is moving ahead with exciting new mining developments following the announcement of the lease for the new Tarrawonga coal mine near Boggabri and the signing of an exploration licence for the Caroona coal area, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
The Minister for Mineral Resources Ian Macdonald today officially granted a new coal mining lease for the Tarrawonga Mine 15km north-east of Boggabri, and issued BHP Billiton with an exploration licence for the Caroona area.
“I welcome these announcements as positive news for the economy in the Gunnedah area,” Mr Draper said.
“The Tarrawonga mine will deliver around 30 jobs during the construction phase of the mine and another 80 local jobs once the operation is up and running, and generate $1.1 billion in export revenue for NSW. The mine will produce up to 12 million tonnes of low ash, low sulphur thermal coal via open-cut methods over the next 8 to 10 years.
“The Caroona area has an estimated 500 million tonnes of untapped, quality coal resources, and a mine has the potential to generate 1,000 new jobs and up to $2 billion in capital works and infrastructure projects over the next 20 years. Both of these ventures combined would provide a welcome boost to the communities in the Gunnedah area and ensure Gunnedah continues its current boom in business activity.”
Mr Draper added it was important that in the case of the Caroona coal project, that the Government and BHP Billiton co-operated with the surrounding communities to fully address concerns about possible harmful effects on water aquifers and farmland.
“At a recent meeting in Caroona yesterday more than 200 people gathered to voice their concerns on a possible mine in the area. Many were concerned that any underground exploration or mining could impact on the water aquifers that run throughout the area, and affect the productivity of its rich farming land.
“Those at the meeting stressed the need for independent studies to be conducted on any possible effects resulting from the exploration and mining process, and I will be urging both BHP Billiton and the Government to allow such studies to go ahead,” he said.
Mr Draper added community concerns must also be addressed on noise and safety resulting from the transportation of coal by road from the Tarrawonga Mine to the Whitehaven Siding Coal Preparation Plant, 5 km west of Gunnedah. He said exploration work at Caroona would be carried out in stages, with up to 300 boreholes to be drilled by 2010.
Draper welcomes crime reduction for Oxley LAC
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has welcomed the release of figures pointing to a reduction of crime in the Oxley Local Area Command.
Mr Draper said crimes such as stealing of property and break and enter had decreased in the command since 2003, while robbery offences against a person had remained low.
He said that the decrease in break and enter in particular highlighted the success of the Oxley LAC ‘s ‘Operation Never Again’ program, which was launched in November 2005.
“When Operation Never Again was launched in November last year, 139 break and enters had occurred in that month. In March that figure has decreased to just 45, pointing to the success of the program in ensuring victims of home break and enters were never again victims of that crime,” Mr Draper said.
“Crimes of stealing have also decreased from an average of 160 per month in 2003 to 140 per month this year, while robbery against a person has remained at a low average of about three per month.
“This is excellent news for the local area and I congratulate the police for their vigilance in reducing crime in the community.”
Mr Draper added that an increase in assaults and malicious damage in the command has strengthened the argument for more police to be provided to the local area.
“Since 2003, assaults have increased from an average of 75 per month to 91 per month in the command, while malicious damage has risen from an average of 94 to 129 in the same period.
“In January this year there were 140 recorded assaults in the command, and in December last year 182 malicious damage incidents. What most concerns me is that alcohol seems to be a factor in many of these incidents.
“According to police, many of the malicious damage incidents occurred in the early hours on weekends, following the closure of licensed premises. Assaults also increased during these periods, but more than 80 per cent of recorded assaults were as a result of domestic violence, where again alcohol was a factor.
“More police would help curb this trend through increased numbers of patrols at peak periods, quicker response and investigations of incidents, and increased support given to victims of these crimes. Much of this would be achieved in Gunnedah for example if the community had a 24-hour police presence,” he said.
Mr Draper said increased awareness and support through various social programs would also be needed to curb the rise in assault and malicious damage. Such programs could include support for both domestic violence victims and offenders, and increased education and action on the social impacts of alcohol abuse.
Justices of the Peace urged to apply for reappointment
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has reminded current Justices of the Peace to apply for re-appointment before the August 31 deadline.
Mr Draper said following the commencement of the Justices of the Peace Act 2002 on December 8, 2003, lifetime appointments have been abolished. Appointments are for five-year terms and JPs must renew their commission every five years. The Act provided a three-year transitional period to allow existing JPs to seek reappointment under the new system, which ends on December 8, 2006. He said applications must be received by August 31, leaving a narrow window for current JPs to apply for reappointment.
Mr Draper urged Justices of the Peace who are currently registered to reapply as soon as possible so they can continue their duties in the community.
“JPs play an important role in society, with an increasingly complex set of laws requiring added assurances that the process is followed to the letter,” Mr Draper said.
“JPs provide that assurance through witnessing contract signatures, attesting and certifying documents, and taking statutory declarations.
“These duties are a vital component of modern society and I urge all current JPs to apply for reappointment as quickly as possible to ensure they can continue in their important role.”
Mr Draper said there would be no fee involved in the reappointment process, and reappointed JPs would not be required to re-swear the oaths of office. All JPs appointed or reappointed under the new system would be issued with a new registration number free of charge.
Applications for new appointment as a Justice of the Peace may be obtained from Mr Draper’s Tamworth Electorate Office at 13 Fitzroy St, Tamworth, or online at www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au. Applications from within the electorate of Tamworth must be lodged through Mr Draper’s office.
Government must answer on Pre-School funding
Friday, April 7, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper is urging the State Government to commit extra funds for the state’s struggling pre-schools, an issue which has sparked a public protest, with pre-school staff and parents rallying at Tamworth’s Bicentennial Park tomorrow.
Staff, parents and children from across the district will be wearing red as a sign of protest over the lack of Government funding, demanding that the Government lifts its funding freeze which has been in place since 1989. Mr Draper said the ability of pre-schools to properly serve their communities is being hampered due to increased costs and a stagnant funding base, and some, particularly in smaller communities, would be forced to close if funding was not increased.
“The Government has refused to increase funding to pre-schools for 17 years, and as a result many are struggling to provide the basic necessities expected in any modern educational facility,” Mr Draper said.
“Staff and parents, for example, at the Kootingal and District Pre-school, are being forced to reach into their own pockets to supply basics such as stationery, furniture and play equipment, and some staff are even taking days off unpaid just to balance the budget,” Mr Draper said.
“Kootingal operates out of an old tin shed at the back of the War Memorial, and space is limited, so as a result children have been turned away. The pre-school has also had to cope with significant cost increases such as insurance, which has risen $1500 since last year.
“Conversely, the Werris Creek Preschool is suffering a shortage of children, and as a result has a reduced fee base on top of a stagnant funding pool. They now face with the possibility of closing one day per week, which could also jeopardise their current funding levels. Werris Creek had to install a children’s bathing facility and refrigerator under the Children’s Services Regulations this year which cost $2500, but received no funding support from the State Government.”
Mr Draper said the situation was similar in most of the smaller community pre-schools, and pre-school staff had been given no choice but to protest because of the Government’s lack of financial support, which had forced the current funding crisis.
“It is very sad that pre-school staff and parents are forced into public protests to elicit a response from the Government on this issue. The solution is clear – the State Government needs to increase funding for pre-schools so they can operate properly and become more affordable for parents,” he concluded.
Mr Draper will attend tomorrow’s rally to show his support for local pre-schools before travelling to Gunnedah.
Photo: Peter draper discusses pre-school funding issues at a public protest against the State Government pre-school funding freeze at Bicentennial Park .
More accommodation services needed for mentally ill – Draper
Friday, April 7, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has called on the State Government to increase its contribution to mental healthcare following a welcome injection of $1.8 billion in Federal funds to tackle the crisis in mental health.
The Federal package, released by Prime Minister John Howard this week, funds an extra 650 mental health positions to help up to 15,000 families per year, but left the pressing issue of increasing accommodation services for the mentally ill up to the states.
“The Federal Government obviously doesn’t feel that accommodation for the mentally ill should be included in this package, so now it’s up to the state to pick up the slack,” Mr Draper said.
“The State has already injected $854 million this year into improving mental health services across NSW, but we continue to see the mentally ill forced onto the streets because of a lack of accommodation services, partly through a lack of proper co-ordination of resources.
“I welcome this funding as mental health has traditionally suffered inadequate attention by both the State and Federal Governments, particularly in rural areas, which has forced the rural mental healthcare system into crisis.”
Mr Draper said a recent meeting in Tamworth with mental health groups convened by himself and Northern Tablelands MP Richard Torbay had highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to mental health services in country areas, as too many providers had been competing for limited resources instead of working together to improve delivery.
He said Minister assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health) Cherie Burton had recently indicated that she would send a representative to Tamworth to meet with himself and Mr Torbay along with mental health groups in the area to discuss the development of a co-ordinated mental health strategy for the area.
“I welcome Minister Burton’s interest in listening to the issues facing mental health service providers in the region, as it will be a chance for people on the ground to make the Minister aware of the real issues facing mental health in country areas,” Mr Draper said.
“There has been almost a 30 per cent increase in those with mental illness presenting to service providers in the area, and the issue needs to be addressed urgently as providers simply cannot meet the demand with the current level of resources,” he concluded.
Draper’s Bill backs irrigators in battle for compensation
Thursday, April 6, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has backed local irrigators in their fight for compensation of loss of water entitlements by introducing a Bill to force the Government to recognise water as a property right in State Parliament today.
Mr Draper tabled the Water Management Amendment (Water Property Rights Compensation) Bill having given notice of motion to introduce it last week in Parliament. He described the Bill as a vital piece of legislation developed to guarantee irrigators compensation for loss of water entitlement, ensuring their future financial security.
Mr Draper said the Bill was received well by the Members of the Legislative Assembly in attendance, and he was hopeful they would carefully consider irrigators’ basic right for compensation from a loss of water entitlement when it came time to vote on the Bill.
“Any farmer with a loan secured by their property with an irrigation entitlement no longer has sufficient collateral to underpin the loan, because the Government has separated out the water value from the property value. This Bill will compensate farmers for this loss, and force the Government to recognise water as a property right that will automatically be compensable should the government take it away to benefit the environment or for other reasons,” Mr Draper said.
“The Bill is vital to ensure irrigators do not suffer financially from the loss of water entitlement and I reiterate the call for all MPs, particularly those representing rural and coastal electorates, to support it.”
Mr Draper said many irrigators are facing a loss of more than 60 per cent of their current entitlement under looming water legislation, while others without a long history of use are facing a loss of more than 85 per cent. He said such large cuts totally destroyed irrigators financial security and collateral base, a point backed up by the Australian Property Institute.
“The API has expressed serious concerns that rural loans no longer have a sufficient collateral base resulting from the loss of water entitlement, as in many cases the water component had a much higher value than the land component, but could not provide adequate security for lending purposes compared to land,” he said.
“I look forward hearing from the major parties as to whether they will support the farming sector in my attempt to restore equity and security to people impacted by Government policy decisions,” he said.
“I also look forward to working with Tony Windsor, and supporting his efforts to prevent the Federal Government taxing water compensation funds as income,” he concluded.
Draper questions Scully on Gunnedah Police Station
Thursday, April 6, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has pressured the Minister for Police Carl Scully in State Parliament to commit to completing the Gunnedah Police Station to allow 24-hour policing to commence in the town.
In a question directed to the Minister yesterday, Mr Draper asked that “Given that the renovations on the Gunnedah Police station have completed half the job, will the Minister commit to finishing the project so Gunnedah can become a 24-hour station?”
Mr Draper said while the Minister replied that Gunnedah Police Station had a “strong case” for improvement, he would continue to push the Minister to allocate funding for the station’s completion, so that a much-needed 24-hour police presence in Gunnedah could commence.
“The Minister indicated that he would consider the station upgrade as part of the Government’s future program for police station upgrades, but I intend keeping the pressure on him to keep progressing towards 24-hour policing,” Mr Draper said.
“While the Minister pointed to other upgrades at stations around the state, this does not address the need for a 24-hour police presence in Gunnedah, and I intend reminding him vigorously and often about the importance of this issue to the community of Gunnedah.”
Minister Scully had earlier claimed that police numbers in the Oxley LAC would be boosted under the Government’s election promise of 750 new police for NSW. Mr Draper called on Minister Scully to detail how many police would be supplied to the Oxley LAC, stressing the need for a further 13 officers for Gunnedah to allow 24-hour policing along with the completion of the station. He also called for the re-establishment of a full-time motorbike squad in the command.
Mr Draper said while the Government had already provided $600,000 for improvements to the Gunnedah Police Station, a further $600,000 was needed to finish the job. He said the current boom in business activity in the Gunnedah area demanded quick action from the Government.
“Initiatives such as the Primary Energy Ethanol Plant and a possible coalmine at Caroona will place huge demands on local emergency services simply through population increases,” Mr Draper said.
“The Government needs to help prepare Gunnedah for such a change and upgrading the police station to allow a 24-hour police presence should be the first priority,” he concluded.
Surgical boost to Gunnedah Health Service
Thursday, April 6, 2006
Gunnedah Hospital will receive $88,000 worth of new surgery equipment as part of a $500,000 funding boost to the Hunter New England Health Service, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Mr Draper said the funds would be used to purchase gynaecological and monitoring equipment for Gunnedah Hospital, which would enable the health service to provide enhanced diagnostic and surgical services and ensure quality outcomes for people having surgery in the area.
“This funding will allow increased access to surgical services in these areas, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment,” Mr Draper said
“Regular funding is vital to continue the adequate provision of health services in rural areas and I’m pleased that the Government has recognized this area of need.”
Health services in Glen Innes, Gunnedah, Inverell, Moree, Muswellbrook, Scone and Narrabri will benefit from a state-wide $2.5 million package for rural health care.
Draper encourages applications for CAP scheme
Wednesday, April 5, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has urged local sporting groups to apply for funding to build more local sport and recreational facilities in the Tamworth area under the NSW Government’s 2006-2007 Capital Assistance Program.
Mr Draper said the CAP program provided valuable funding to improve health outcomes for rural and regional residents, and were available to eligible groups such as not-for-profit sport and recreation groups and local councils.
“The CAP grants scheme is a practical solution to health problems in rural and regional areas - it’s about getting people more active, more often,” Mr Draper said.
“This grants program provides groups with up to 50 percent of the net project cost – with the value of voluntary labour and donated materials from the community included as part of the applicant organisation’s contribution.”
Mr Draper said over the last three years, groups in the Tamworth area had received Capital Assistance Program funding of $136,385 for local projects including, $7,211 for upgrade of camping grounds at Kootingal Recreation Reserve, Kootingal, $5,400 for weather protection at Geoff Morgan Playing Fields, Gunnedah, and $40,000 for resurfacing of Manilla and District Tennis Club courts.
“I strongly encourage sport and recreation groups and local councils to submit an application for funds,” Mr Draper said.
“There will be approximately $4 million of state-wide funding available for the program this year and that the average grant last year was over $11,000 per applicant.
“Since 1995 the Capital Assistance Program has assisted 4,505 local sporting and recreation projects across NSW at a total cost of almost $40.5 million,” he said.
Application packs are available from NSW Sport and Recreation offices, local councils and offices of State Members of Parliament or can be downloaded from the website on www.dsr.nsw.gov.au. For more information call 13 13 02.
Applications close 31 May 2006.
Draper backs local pubs and clubs on Austar services
Wednesday, April 5, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has backed local pubs and clubs by pointing out the many adverse effects from a massive price increase of Austar services to licensed venues during a speech to State Parliament yesterday.
Mr Draper said in the speech that many smaller country hotels have been forced to switch off pay television after Austar had announced its service fees would more than double starting this month, leaving many unable to screen sporting matches locals come to expect at their local pub on a weekend.
He said that Austar’s “disgraceful and unjustified decision” would have far-reaching effects on licensed venues, such as affecting venue patronage and tourism in smaller communities.
“I visited the Dungowan Tavern late last Saturday afternoon hoping to catch up with friends, but found the pub almost empty. Publican Kevin Smith has closed his Austar account, as his monthly fee had increased from $420 to $987, a hike of more than 130 per cent,” Mr Draper told Parliament.
“That is appalling news for locals, who used to meet at the Dungowan pub for a few beers, have dinner with friends and watch the football matches that are not screened on free-to-air television.
“Local licensees and I believe that the absence of televised sport at their venues will result in a decline in patronage, as many country people rely on their local pub or club to get their weekly dose of league.”
Mr Draper also pointed out to Parliament that the Australian Hotels Association conducted a survey of country pubs asking if they would continue subscribing to Austar following the planned increase, and 73 per cent of hotels said they would cut off the service.
He said that such a boycott of Austar services could have an adverse affect on sporting organisations such as the National Rugby League, which relies on Austar to promote its game in country areas as many people cannot receive free-to-air television. With only limited exposure throughout licensed venues in the country, Austar's greed could affect league's support base in country areas.
“Most local clubs in my electorate intend continuing the service despite the massive cost increases, but clubs such as Tamworth Services Club, which is facing a 268 per cent increase, will not. In Manilla, only the RSL Club will retain Austar, and that will be reviewed at the end of the current rugby league season.
“This matter should be urgently reviewed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and also the Minister for Fair Trading, and I have referred the issue to them for consideration,” he concluded.
Draper and Windsor working to secure irrigators’ future
Monday, April 3, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has welcomed the Federal Member for New England Tony Windsor’s notice of motion in Federal Parliament on taxing groundwater structural adjustment packages. He said it is a positive reinforcement of the need for governments to address the issue of landholder water entitlements.
Mr Windsor lodged the notice of motion in Federal Parliament following Mr Draper’s own notice of motion on Water Management Amendment (Property Rights Compensation) lodged in the NSW Parliament last week.
Mr Draper welcomed Mr Windsor’s push for fair and just compensation for landholders resulting from the National Water Initiative recommendations on water use. He said he looked forward to working with Mr Windsor to make both the NSW and Federal Governments acknowledge irrigators’ rights in any future rulings on water entitlements.
“Mr Windsor’s notice of motion puts added pressure on the Federal Government to acknowledge the impacts the National Water Initiative has on irrigators, and follows the notice of motion I lodged in State Parliament pressuring the State Government to recognise water as a compensable property right,” Mr Draper said.
“It is time to give irrigators the equity and certainty that has been lacking since the COAG Water Reform Agreement was signed in 1995, so I welcome Mr Windsor’s pursuit of this issue federally.
“It is a shame that it takes the independent MP’s to force Governments both Federally and at a state level to recognise the impact of separating the value of land and water on irrigators’ ability to establish a secure and viable livelihood.
Mr Windsor’s notice of motion includes a call for the Federal Government to recognise the hardship faced by families who face significant losses with the withdrawal of water rights; acknowledges that compensation is being made in recognition of the loss of property rights caused by such policies; recognises that any benefit such compensation confers will be substantially negated unless compensation remains tax free; and calls for the introduction and passage without delay of amendments to the Income Tax Assessment Act to correct this anomaly.
Mr Draper said that the aim of his own Bill is to re-establish security for irrigators who have loans with financial institutions that include the value of water as collateral for the loan.
“Farmers are at serious risk from water reform with their loan security severely restricted,” Mr Draper said.
“My Bill will ensure farmers can overcome these obstacles, giving them security and certainty when negotiating loans with their banks,” he concluded.
Draper congratulates Seniors Week award recipients
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has congratulated the region’s Seniors Awards winners announced at the beginning of Seniors Week in NSW today.
Mr Draper officially opened Seniors Week at the Werris Creek Bowling and Tennis Club this morning and also presented certificates of appreciation to a number of residents across the Liverpool Plains local government area recognising the voluntary contributions they had made to their community.
Mr Draper presented the certificates to Margaret Cotton, Fay Wilson, Mary Dare, Kay Beresford, Martha Ferguson, Jenny Parkes and Paul Moules. Absent certificate recipients were Joyce Durrant, Sue Fulloon, Joan Henry, Clare Burraston, Mary Crossman, Judy Wheatley, Wendy McCluand, Peggy Smith, and Frank Squires.
Senior Award winner in Tamworth was Fred Towle, a resident described as ‘community in action’ for his tireless work for various community groups such as St John’s Ambulance, Red Cross, and the Tamworth Arts Council. Mr Towle was chosen from among 19 nominees in the Tamworth area.
Mr Draper said it was important to acknowledge and recognise the contribution our elders made to society and thanked the award winners for working towards achieving a better community for everyone to enjoy.
“Senior citizens provide a valuable contribution to society through their experience and wisdom, offering advice and solutions to various problems and issue experienced by younger generations,” Mr Draper said.
“The theme of Seniors Week is ‘Live life’, which many of our senior citizens are already doing by staying active and continuing their contributions to the community. The senior residents that were honoured today are excellent examples of what can be achieved in later life, examples for us all to follow,” he concluded.
Awards recognising other senior contributors in the electorate of Tamworth will be presented in Barraba tomorrow and Manilla on Wednesday.
Photo: Margaret Cotton, Fay Wilson, Member for Tamworth Peter Draper, Mary Dare, Kay Beresford, Martha Ferguson, Jenny Parkes and Paul Moules at today’s Seniors Week opening lunch at Werris Creek.
Right to Farm Bill unworkable for councils – Draper
Monday, April 3, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has highlighted potential financial impacts on local councils that could result from the passage of the Protection of Agricultural Production (Right to Farm) Bill in a speech to State Parliament recently.
The Bill, that is currently before Parliament, aims to protect landholders and farmers from complaints should new neighbours object to their agricultural activities. While supporting the intent of the Bill, Mr Draper criticised its implications, saying in it would prove to be a significant impost on local government in NSW.
“The problems I see arising from this Bill are in its application, and the fact it seeks to impose an impractical duty upon local government through additional requirements to provide rural land use notices,” Mr Draper told Parliament.
“The issuing of such a notice to a vendor for attachment to a contract of sale would require a council to audit neighbouring properties. An intrusion of farmers’ privacy aside, simply because they live near a block of land for sale, I believe this task would slow the process of property transfer and be labour intensive and costly for council.
“Liverpool Plains Shire Council has echoed my concerns in regard to this Bill by supporting its intent, but viewing it as ‘unworkable and ill conceived’. To accurately give the notice, the council believes a costly site inspection and detailed search of the property approvals issued would be required. Council also believes protection against liability is not provided under this Bill, as is for certificates issued under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.”
Mr Draper questioned whether further detail was needed in the notice other than activities defined as ‘agricultural’ by the Tamworth Regional Council’s Local Environment Plan. He added that a clause in the former Parry Shire Council’s LEP on new developments still applies in the region, whereby council must take into account any negative impacts a DA has on the existing adjoining land use, thus already protecting a farmers right to farm.
“I question the lack of consultation with local government before this Bill was drafted, Mr Draper said
“ If this Bill is “the first serious attempt in NSW to clarify rural land use” as the National Party purports it to be, I would suggest they consult more thoroughly with Local Government authorities and address their very valid concerns first,” Mr Draper concluded.
