Media Releases, December 2005
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$290,000 for Tamworth schools
December 22, 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has welcomed more than $290,000 in funding for building and maintenance works to be carried out at a number of schools over the summer holidays.
Mr Draper said the $297,083 in funding, provided by the State Government, would be used on 10 schools in the Tamworth area for replacement or repairs to basic facilities such as carpet, painting and roof guttering.
“This is great news for these schools and students will be delighted to come back from holidays next year to see new carpet or a fresh coat of paint in their class rooms,” Mr Draper said.
“It is vitally important that our schools are maintained even in the cosmetic sense, as it helps promote mental wellbeing in the classroom, which in turn is conducive to improved learning.”
Mr Draper said the works were part of the statewide holiday maintenance and minor capital works program. The total estimated cost of these projects is in the order of $32 million.
The following local schools will benefit from the work:
- Oxley High School will receive $48,130 for replacement of floor covering and $40,000 for replacement of stormwater piping and brick retaining walls;
- Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School will receive $40,000 roof guttering repairs and carpet replacement;
- Tamworth South Public School will receive $36,000 to replace concrete movement areas, $11,725 for repairs to the asphalt playground and $1,000 for replacement of floor covering;
- Tamworth High School will receive $30,000 for a stormwater upgrade and $22,417 for replacement of floor covering;
- Curlewis Public School will receive $16,600 for repairs to the main quadrangle;
- Yarrowitch Public School will receive $15,600 for painting;
- Tamworth Public School will receive $11,111 for replacement of floor covering;
- Tamworth West Public School will receive $8,500 for repairs to stormwater and concrete replacement;
- Woolomin Public School will receive $7,500 roof guttering and eave lining repairs;
- Bullimbal School will receive $4,500 for replacement of floor covering; and
- Currabubula Public School will receive $4,000 for roof guttering replacement.
The works are expected to be complete before students return to school early in the New Year.
Coledale & Oxley Vale "Youthie Shuttle" starts tomorrow
Monday 19 December 2005
The Member for Tamworth, Mr Peter Draper, said a new school holiday bus service for young people in the region would start tomorrow (Tuesday, 20 December).
Mr Draper said the NSW Labor Government had provided $500 to fund the new ‘Youthie Shuttle’.
“It’s a nightly door-to-door service that will operate between the Tamworth Regional Council Youth Centre and Coledale and Oxley Vale,” Mr Draper said.
“I’m delighted the Government has come through with funding for this important local community transport project,” he said.
“It’ll give young people from some of our most disadvantaged outlying communities the same access to youth centre events and facilities that town kids enjoy,” he said.
Mr Draper said activities at the centre would go until 7pm or later over the holidays, with some late night discos and band nights planned.
“But the last commercial services to Oxley Vale and Coledale leave at 5.30pm on weekdays and 1.30pm on Saturdays,” he said.
“We want young people from these communities to be able to stay on and enjoy the fun, and still get home safely at the end of the night.”
Mr Draper said a licenced volunteer driver would drive the Tamworth PCYC’s 22-seater bus. The $500 from the Government would pay for fuel and bus maintenance.
“The service has the full support of Tamworth police, the council and non-government organisations that work so hard for the region’s young people,” he said.
“I congratulate the Youth Centre on this great initiative, and the Government, Tamworth PCYC and Oxley High School, which have so generously supported it.
“Thanks should also go to the NSW Ministry of Transport’s New England and North West Community Transport Coordinator, Ms Mary Devine, for assisting with the application.
“The NSW Government provides $100,000 a year for community transport projects in the New England and North West.
“Ms Devine works with transport providers to improve options for those who really need it – those affected by rural isolation, disabilities, age or language.”
The Youthie Shuttle will run nightly until January 28 for young people aged 12 to 18. It will be promoted to young people by Tamworth Council and the Coledale Community Centre.
$10,000 for Eco-Friendly schools
December 16, 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper today announced $10,000 in Eco Schools grants for four schools in the Tamworth area.
Duri Public School, Moonbi Public, Peel High and Tamworth West Public School will each receive $2,500 from the NSW Government’s Environmental Trust to fund projects unique to each school, encouraging them to save water, energy, reduce waste and restore the natural environment.
Mr Draper congratulated the schools for attracting rhe funding by the quality of their projects, saying the students involved set a great example for their peers.
“I’m very pleased to see that these schools are aware of their environment and are working to make a positive impact on their surroundings for the general well-being of the community,” Mr Draper said.
“While making improvements to the environment, the students are also learning about just how fascinating the environment is.”
Mr Draper said Duri Public School will receive $2,500 to create a sustainable forest microclimate with ferns, shrubs and a frog pond inside an old unused shade house. The forest will be extended around the perimeter of the school to create a green corridor.
Moonbi Public will use the funding to re-establish a traditional horse paddock on the school grounds by planting native plants and restoring the natural landscape to encourage birds and animals to the area. A biodiversity garden featuring local native plants will also be created.
Peel High’s project involves the regeneration of the school’s wetland by assessing and implementing strategies to restore the area with the help of local interest groups and traditional owners.
Tamworth West will use the funding to transform the old principal’s residence into a playground. The area will be designated as a sense garden, an outdoor learning area and a drought tolerant native garden. A fern garden, a vegetable patch and a shady tree area will also be established.
“These projects, unique to each school, will help teach the students to be responsible and aware of their environment, which is an example that many of the older generation could follow,” Mr Draper concluded.
Healthy Harold’s life lessons valuable for the young
December 16, 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper learned a few life lessons of his own during a visit to the Life Education van and Healthy Harold with kindergarten students at Attunga Public School this week.
Harold and Life Education North West Educator Sandy Hayden visited the school on their last stop for 2005, before both enjoyed a well-deserved break after many months of educating school children in the region on basic life lessons.
Mr Draper joined in on some activities with the children, and was impressed by the general message Life Education aims to convey to regional youth.
“This a great program and one that the children benefit from greatly, as the lessons are not only presented in a way to which children respond well, it’s a lot of fun too,” Mr Draper said.
“With school and community support, the Life Education program will continue to provide valuable learning and life lessons to our young people well into the future.”
Mr Draper noted simple lessons provided by Life Education such as what to do if you are offered drugs, what to do if you see a syringe in the school playground and what healthy foods to take on a picnic were valuable ones that would stay with children for life.
Mr Draper also called on further community support for Life Education, as the North West branch was currently suffering a shortage of volunteers for the committee.
“To keep such a quality program running in our area we need more volunteers to put their hand up to man the committee, and after seeing the program first hand I can assure people their work will have great benefits on our children,” Mr Draper concluded.
For more information on Life Education or to volunteer for the committee contact the Life Education North West office on 6766 5644.
Draper backs extra powers for Police
December 15, 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has thrown his support behind new legislation that gives police greater powers to prevent further violent outbreaks similar to those experienced in Sydney recently.
Mr Draper was among a group of independents briefed on the legislation by NSW Police Commissioner Ken Moroney and Deputy Director of Police Jane Fitzgerald, prior to the emergency sitting of Parliament to implement the legislation. Mr Draper said that the new laws give police powers to limit the sale or provision of alcohol through the introduction of Emergency Alcohol Free Zones. They will also allow for the temporary closure of licensed premises, the introduction of Lock Down Zones, the introduction of special stop, search and seizure provisions for police, and the introduction of a presumption against bail for individuals charged under the new laws. He pointed out that the introduction of special provisions would be limited to the discretion of a limited number of senior police with the rank of Assistant Commissioner and above.
“What we have witnessed in Sydney recently is completely inexcusable, and an affront to the vast majority of people living in Australia,” Mr Draper said.
“Anybody involved in incidents such as these in future will face substantially increased penalties including an increase from 10 to 15 years imprisonment for participation in a riot, and an increase from 5 years to 10 years for affray. An act of assault committed during a period of public disorder will attract increased imprisonment from 2 years to 5 years, or 7 years if the incident occasions actual bodily harm,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said he was pleased to see a 2-year sunset clause inserted into the legislation, and welcomed the inclusion of increased monitoring powers given to the Ombudsman under the new provisions. He also welcomed the introduction of a clause making it an offence to flee police who have instructed a suspect to stop.
“Any person willingly and deliberately involved in riots should be punished to the full extent of the law, no matter what their background, Mr Draper said.
“I am encouraged to learn from the Commissioner that the first individual charged with offences resulting from the riot has already been sentenced to 4 months hard labour,” Mr Draper said.
“This sends a clear message that the judiciary are treating the offences with the gravity they deserve.”
Coolatai grass warning for region
December 14, 2005
Landholders and residents alike are warned of the potential damages posed to the environment from the growing threat of Coolatai grass, the Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Mr Draper met with delegates from the Namoi Catchment Management Authority, the Friends of Klori landcare group and concerned landholders on Friday over the spread of Coolatai grass in the New England North West, and the concern that Government bodies and the general public were simply not aware of the threat it posed to the environment.
“There is growing evidence that Coolatai grass poses a serious threat to biodiversity through its aggressive and swift growth pattern, as it has completely taken over some areas in the region at the expense of native grasses and ground plants,” Mr Draper said.
“What’s making the spread of this pest even worse is the general growth in road infrastructure in NSW, as the grass seeds are continually being transported on vehicles involved in road works around the area.
“I have raised the issue in Parliament previously and received a positive response from former Minister for Planning, Infrastructure and Natural Resources Craig Knowles, and I aim to update current Natural Resources Minister Ian Macdonald on the situation.”
A native of Africa and the Mediterranean, Coolatai grass was introduced to Australia in the 1930s as a pasture species, and has since infested most parts of eastern NSW. It is primarily spread by road works, vehicles, animals, water and wind. The plant grows quickly and becomes dense, creating large amounts of unpalatable dead leaf and stem of low nutritional value, while dominating and displacing other plants.
Coolatai grass is adapted to a wide range of soil types and temperature conditions, such as coastal, tablelands, slopes and plains, and produces numerous small seeds that stick to animals, clothing, farm machinery and vehicles. It is drought tolerant, resistant to most herbicides and appears to increase in response to fire. The plant displaces native grasses and groundcover plants, which also have a flow on effect on fauna which rely on these native plants for food, shelter and breeding habitat.
The Friends of Klori landcare group, in conjunction with the Australian Government Envirofund, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and the Namoi Catchment Management Authority, has circulated a brochure on the threat of Coolatai grass with tips on how to manage infestations on your property. The brochure is currently being dropped in letter boxes around the region, and is also available at the Namoi CMA office in Abbot St Gunnedah and at Mr Draper’s office in Fitzroy St.
Photo: Namoi CMA Upper Namoi catchment co-ordinator James Huthinson-Smith and Wayne Chaffey from Friends of Klori with some Coolatai grass, and the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper and concerned landholder Phil Spark with the new brochure on Coolatai grass.
$40,000 for Tamworth Art Gallery
December 14, 2005
Tamworth Regional Art Gallery will benefit from a $40,000 grant to fund various exhibitions and programs for 2006, the Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Mr Draper said the money was provided by the State Government’s 2006 Visual Arts and Crafts Program, and will help fund a number of projects at the new Tamworth gallery, including an exhibition of the entries in the 2006 Archibald Prize to be shown in July.
“I’m pleased to announce this funding for the new Tamworth City Gallery, which will ensure Tamworth remains in the top echelons of the art world in regional NSW,” Mr Draper said.
“This grant recognises the recent upgrade of Tamworth’s art exhibiting facilities, allowing prestigious exhibitions such as the Archibald Prize to be available for viewing by art lovers in the region.”
“I am pleased exhibitions such as the Archibald Prize, Australia’s oldest and most prestigious art award, will be shown in Tamworth and I congratulate Tamworth Regional Council for providing such an excellent display facility in our city.
Other exhibitions secured by the funding for 2006 include the Produce Food exhibition in March-April, developed with the Postmaster Gallery Travelling Exhibition, which highlights the history of images of food and agriculture on stamps; Art Express 2006, to be held in June, which exhibits selected works from 2005 HSC art students; the 17th Tamworth Fibre Textile Biennial September-November and; ‘Luminous’, an exhibition of a private collection of works on the Australian desert by Aboriginal artists.
Tamworth Regional Art Gallery manager Brian Langer said along with the major exhibitions, the funding would go towards regular programs such as talks and artist activities, workshops, public events and forums, and the community gallery in the foyer of Ray Walsh House.
Funding for sheep pavilion at Manilla Showgrounds
December 13, 2005
The Manilla Showgrounds will soon benefit from a new addition to its show facilities after funding was secured for a new sheep pavilion, the Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Mr Draper presented a cheque for $4,400 from the State Government to Jim Maxwell, chairman of the Manilla Showground User’s Committee, to go towards building a new pavilion to replace the ageing facility that currently exists at the Showground.
Mr Draper said he was pleased to announce the funding for the project, as it helped to ensure the viability of the Manilla Show well into the future.
“Smaller country shows have suffered in recent years due to public liability and insurance issues, which in some cases have seen towns lose their annual show entirely,” Mr Draper said.
“This funding will help keep the Manilla Show running annually, which is an important event in smaller communities as it provides the opportunity for locals to show their produce.”
The existing sheep pavilion was built sometime in the 1930s, and had never fully recovered from floods which inundated the showgrounds in 1964.
Mr Maxwell said Tamworth Regional Council and volunteers from the Manilla community would look at starting construction on the new pavilion within the next six months.
Photo: Peter Draper with Jim Maxwell, Chairman of the Manilla Showgrounds Users Committee.
Valuation Deferral Announcement gives Hope to Local Councils
December 13, 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has expressed his approval of a State Government announcement to defer the implementation of new valuations for rural councils affected by the separation of land and water values for a further 12 months.
Mr Draper led a delegation from Gunnedah Shire and Liverpool Plains Shire Councils that met with Ministers Hickey (Local Government) and Kelly (Lands) in October to discuss the implications of the changes to Councils rate base.
“There were valid concerns that the changes would see a minority of ratepayers charges reduced, and the majority having to wear substantially increased rates to compensate,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper foreshadowed the deferral decision in November following further consultations with senior staff from Minister Hickey’s office, but expressed his delight that the decision has now been formally announced.
“This is a great Christmas present for local Councils who have won a 12-month reprieve through their strong representations to the NSW Government,” Mr Draper said.
“Members of the delegation stressed to the Ministers the importance of correct modelling and decision making to avoid costly and time consuming challenges from ratepayers.”
“I applaud the passion of the Councils to deliver the best outcome to ratepayers, and congratulate both Ministers on their sensible decision to grant this deferral,” he concluded.
Release from Peter Draper, Member for Tamworth, and Richard Torbay, Member for Northern Tablelands
Monday, December 12, 2005
Funding cuts will gut community college courses in country centres
Independent MPs Peter Draper (Tamworth) and Richard Torbay (Northern Tablelands) have condemned the State Government for program cuts of $1.9 million, which will gut local community education opportunities for country communities.
Community colleges in Gunnedah, Guyra, Tamworth, Tenterfield and Walcha are facing cuts of up to 15 per cent, which will force them to reduce courses and teaching hours. Because they are not accredited training organizations, the Gunnedah and Tenterfield community colleges have received no direct funding.
For the first time they have not been allocated direct funding and must apply for grants through a new community provider pool. A large proportion of any funds they receive would have to be directed to the expense of gaining accreditation if they are to survive into the future.
“The most worrying aspect for each college is the cut to the literacy program, which has been reduced from $2.8 million to $2 million. There has been no direct funding for the access literacy program, which is considered to be the lifeline of community education as it provides the opportunity for people to learn the basic skill of how to read,” Mr Draper said.
“Not only are these changes regressive, it is disgraceful the colleges were given only a week to prepare their submissions for community provider pool funding and for the access literacy program.”
Mr Torbay said a 14.9 per cent decline in funding in 2006 meant the Guyra Adult Learning Association would no longer be able to offer compliance courses such as First Aid and Occupational Health and Safety to members of the local Aboriginal community.
“Through the local CDEP around 50 people a year take these courses which are necessary if they are to find work,” Mr Torbay said.
“It also looks as if GALA will have to drop its regular literacy and numeracy classes. What the government has failed to recognise is the importance for people of gaining access to education in their local communities.
“Many won’t or can’t travel long distances to access these courses and they become lost to the education system.”
GALA faced a reduction in teaching hours from 98 to 70 in 2006, which would impact seriously on staff and students, he pointed out.
Mr Draper said Gunnedah Community College was facing an uncertain future as it had to apply for funding from the Community Provider Pool of $701,000. There was no guarantee it would receive the same funding as the 2005 level of $71, 627. Walcha Community College has suffered a 14.2 per cent drop in VET funding with the 2006 allocation being $39,660, while Tamworth received $165,590, 6.1 per cent less than the previous year.
Field Day helps break down farmer confusion on Native Vegetation
December 8, 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has congratulated the Namoi Catchment Management Authority for helping to break down farmer confusion and uncertainty over the State Government’s Native Vegetation Act 2003 at today’s Native Vegetation Field Day held near Manilla.
Mr Draper attended the Field Day along with over 100 landholders across the Namoi catchment, which was held at the property of Glenbrook, owned by local grazier Steven Hall.
The aim of the Field Day was to demonstrate how Property Vegetation Plans (PVPs) could be practically implemented on a farm, and how landholders could tackle problems of invasive native scrub, such as white Cypress pine, to improve the quality of their land.
“I thought it was excellent for farmers to see how Property Vegetation Plans work in practice on a farm,” Mr Draper said.
“There were robust contributions from various farmers, and the feedback seemed to be that farmers liked the attitude of the Namoi CMA presenters, who were willing to work with the farmers with this new Native Vegetation Act, show flexibility and be willing to listen to their input, instead of simply instructing them what to do.”
At the Field Day, various speakers presented information relating to the new Native Vegetation Act 2003, implemented by the State Government on December 1, and the correct avenues landholders should take to address issues relating to native vegetation whilst adhering to the guidelines.
Mr Hall made a presentation on how he was dealing with an infestation of Cypress pine, which had caused large-scale erosion and reduced soil quality on his property.
“In his presentation, Mr Hall described how the infestation of Cypress pine had eroded up to a metre of top soil, and he detailed his long-term plan, which he was prepared to meet at his own cost, to solve the problem and improve the quality of his land for future generations to enjoy,” Mr Draper said.
“I congratulate Mr Hall on his efforts and urge his fellow landholders to follow his example.”
Namoi CMA general manager Bruce Brown informed Mr Draper that while there was some phobia regarding the Act, most farmers had approached it with a practical and pragmatic attitude.
Disabled Passengers the Big Winner in New Taxi Deal
December 8, 2005
Tamworth resident Chris Doulis and his wife Christine have secured NSW Government approval to begin operating Sydney’s newest taxi network, VIP Cabs, and they are aiming to significantly improve transport services for the disabled community. The new company will operate Toyota Tarago vans, specially modified to make travelling for people with disabilities a much-improved experience.
“Travelling in a taxi for a person with a disability can be a very ordinary time for most,” Mr Doulis said.
“Many operators who carry people in wheelchairs are not properly equipped to do so, with the passenger often having to face backward and be isolated from any other passengers in the car.”
“The conversion my fleet will use will have the person in a wheelchair facing forward, and get them up front and involved with the other passengers, as well as the driver” he said.
“We have started to roll the cars out already, and expect to have around 50 operating by Christmas. We will continue expanding the business by 2 to 3 cars a week over the next 5 years, eventually bringing the fleet to around 550,” Mr Doulis continued.
Mr Doulis pointed out that in order to encourage the right drivers to work for VIP Cabs, he will lead the industry in offering holiday pay and superannuation to all drivers who work a permanent 4 shift a week roster. Mr Doulis has concerns that the industry has not offered incentives for good employees to stay in the job, and he is aiming to build loyalty as a hallmark of his business.
“This has long been a dream of mine, however as with most dreams, turning it into reality has been a long and difficult road,” Mr Doulis said.
“Understandably, to qualify for accreditation involves fulfilling many requirements, and I would like to thank Peter Draper, the Member for Tamworth for helping us through the bureaucratic mire,” he said.
“Mr Draper and Minister John Watkins were able to point us in the right direction, and with perseverance we have finally come to the launch of this exciting venture.”
“Christine and I are aware that there is still a lot of hard work in front of us, but we will be able to look at the improved circumstances for people with disabilities and be proud that we have played our part in making changes for the better,” Mr Doulis concluded.
For further details contact Chris Doulis – 0437 512357, or67642436.
Grain growers’ case to be examined
December 7, 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has welcomed news that the State Government will examine the question of grain ownership in relation to a case involving a group of Liverpool Plains farmers and the defunct grain trader Creasy’s Grain Enterprises.
In October Mr Draper raised the issue in Parliament that five Liverpool Plains farmers could lose title to their stored grain due to the collapse of Creasy’s Grain Enterprises in August. At the time of the group’s collapse, it had debts of more than $23 million and was storing 1000 tonnes of grain belonging to the farmers at a silo in Premer. Despite initial assurances their grain would be returned, the farmers were later told that they no longer held title to the grain.
The company’s administrator Ferrier Hodgson claimed ownership of the growers’ 1000 tonnes of barley and sorghum based on an antiquated legal precedent dating back to 1933.
On behalf of the growers, Mr Draper called on the NSW Government to protect farmers’ rights by ensuring all grain storage agreements were amended to reflect title ownership by the farmer in order to assist this particular group of farmers in their fight to have their rights to their own grain returned, and also to protect other farmers from such action in the future.
“After I raised the issue in Parliament asking that steps be taken to protect farmers’ rights with grain storage and ownership, Attorney General Bob Debus and the Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald have now agreed to examine the legality of such a move by Creasy’s Grain Enterprises administrator Ferrier Hodgson,” Mr Draper said.
“I am pleased that the Government has recognised the issue and am looking forward to a swift response so that farmers no longer face the prospect of losing title to grain held in storage in future.”
Mr Debus said that the Government would “closely examine the question of grain ownership and the practicalities, legal and otherwise, of farmers recovering an interest in grain that has been delivered to a silo.”
Mr Draper said he would monitor the progress of the Attorney General’s Department and the Department of Primary Industries on the issue.
Operation Never Again a valuable initiative
December 7, 2005
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has congratulated Tamworth regional Council, Tamworth Police and local businesses for initiating Operation Never Again today.
A joint initiative of Council’s Crime Prevention Working Group, officers from the Oxley Local Area Command and a number of Tamworth businesses, the initiative aims at reducing the incidence of break-enter and theft crime in the Tamworth area, with the focus on people in the community who have already fallen victim to such crime.
Mr Draper said Operation Never Again was a unique initiative, and one he was sure would be welcomed by the broader Tamworth community.
“Operation Never Again is an excellent strategy to deter petty crime such as break-enter and steal in the local area, and reassures residents that have already been a victim of such crime that they have support from the police and other members of our community,” Mr Draper said.
“I congratulate Oxley Local Area Command officers, particularly Inspector Greg Birtles, Tamworth Regional Council and the local businesses who generously sponsored the program for establishing an initiative that will have enormous benefits for the law-abiding members of our community.”
Operation Never Again will provide residents who have been victims of break-ins with the opportunity to install quality locks on the windows and doors of their homes, install security systems at a discounted rate, and offers to engrave a licence number on all electrical goods to make the operation of thieves in the Tamworth community extremely difficult.
The initiative was the brainchild of Oxley Local Area Crime Manager Inspector Greg Birtles, who had successfully run a similar program in the Canobolas Local Area Command in Orange.
Namoi irrigators robbed by the taxman
December 6, 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has slammed the Federal Government for its decision to tax adjustment monies given to licence holders for a reduction in groundwater allocations in the Upper and Lower Namoi as income.
More than seven hundred water users in the Namoi Valley were told they would be compensated for the loss of groundwater licenses from a statewide $110 million Groundwater Adjustment package funded jointly by the State and Federal Governments, but information recently came to light that the Federal Government would tax any individual payments to water users.
Mr Draper said the decision was unjust, and a slap in the face for water users who had been severely disadvantaged by the loss of groundwater licenses and thought they would be fairly compensated for cutbacks to their entitlements.
“The Federal Government offered these payouts to water users in the Upper and Lower Namoi, but by now deciding to impose income tax on the compensation received, the Government is taking back almost half of what it gave, with no thought given to the effect the reduced payout will have on farmers,” Mr Draper said.
“These landholders have already suffered through drought, and have been further disadvantaged through the loss of their water entitlements, so to discover that the promised compensation may be cut by up to half of first thought is grossly unfair.”
Mr Draper said the news comes at a time when irrigators across NSW may face massive increases in water charges, with State Water recommending that irrigators in the Peel, Namoi and Gwydir face a 102 per cent, 102.5 per cent and 146 per cent increase.
The push to exempt compensation payouts from tax has gained the support of the Independent Federal Member for New England Tony Windsor, and industry group Namoi Water, as the plan seriously undermined the agreement farmers believed they were signing.
Of the total Groundwater Adjustment package of $110 million, $1 million was for consultation and the valuation of water, $9 million for economic development, and $101 million for adjustment costs incurred by landholders, for the six NSW river valley groundwater systems.
Of the 1,405 groundwater licences in NSW, the Upper and Lower Namoi share the bulk of licence holders with 700, and adequate compensation is crucial for farmers, with some irrigators losing up to 80 per cent of their former allocation.
Increased security for Festival goers
December 2, 2005
Security patrolled taxi ranks will help ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike during the 2006 Tamworth Country Music Festival, the Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
As part of new security measures to be trialled at city and country locations over summer to improve safety for passengers and drivers announced by the Minister for Transport John Watkins, Tamworth will receive evening security patrols for the Kable Avenue and Fitzroy Street ranks during the Festival period of January 20-29 next year.
“An unfortunate downside to the Tamworth Country Music Festival is an increase in antisocial behaviour, and taxi ranks often become a hotspot for this sort of activity during this period,” Mr Draper said.
“These new security patrols will reduce any threatening behaviour, and increase the safety of those waiting for taxis while helping to protect taxi drivers during their busiest period.”
Two security guards will be stationed at each taxi rank to keep order and ensure cool heads prevail in the busiest and hottest time of the year.
The measures were confirmed again for this summer after successful trials at the previous Tamworth Country Music Festival and at locations in the Sydney CBD.
Tamworth CountryLink jobs safe
December 2, 2005
Staff at the Tamworth Countrylink booking office will remain working at the Tamworth railway station following protracted negotiations with RailCorp management over the past two days, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said.
As a consequence of a State Government restructure of CountryLink services across NSW, two staff at the Tamworth booking office opted for voluntary redundancies, however the remaining six will be retained. After a public outcry and strong lobbying by Mr Draper and the railway workers union, the staff have agreed to conditions that will see them remain working in Tamworth.
“I met with Minister Watkins earlier this week, then questioned him in Parliament yesterday about the future of the two jobs that were under threat,” Mr Draper said.
The question Mr Draper asked of the Minister in Question Time, was: ‘Given the high level of local concern regarding the future of two Tamworth CountryLink booking agency employees who do not want to take redundancy packages, will the Minister advise the House whether they will still have jobs following the current restructure?”
Minister Watkins repeated the Government’s position that there would be no forced redundancies because of the restructure.
While Mr Draper welcomed the news that no staff would be forced off the job, he said it remained to be seen whether the new system implemented by the Government would work in Tamworth.
“Of the eight staff at Tamworth, two have taken voluntary redundancies and the remaining six will retain their jobs,” Mr Draper said.
“A concession was won from RailCorp that will see the staff retain their seniority and pay scales following earlier attempts by management to downgrade both roles,” he said.
“This is good news for the staff, however there are valid concerns as to the quality of service delivery following the staff reductions. I believe that we will need time to see if this new system works, and intend monitoring the situation closely to see if the staff can cope with the loss of two of their colleagues and still deliver the service levels that local train users expect.
“If any issues of concern to staff or the community do arise from these changes, I will be taking them straight back to the Minister,” Mr Draper concluded.
Impact on the bush must be considered
December 2, 2005
The NSW Labor Party yesterday used its numbers in the Legislative Assembly to defeat a Bill aimed at delivering better outcomes for rural and regional areas.
During the debate, the Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper highlighted a need for the Government to consider the impacts on rural communities when legislating or implementing any decision making process through the Parliament.
Speaking in support of the Rural Communities Impacts Bill, Mr Draper said it was appropriate the State Government recognised that many of the decisions made by Government had detrimental effects on rural NSW, and they should undertake to consider any negative impacts on country communities. He expressed disappointment that Labor had voted against the Bill, and pointed out that former Premier Bob Carr had vocally endorsed the introduction of such impact statements.
“I fully supported the Bill, because in the brief time I have been in this Parliament I have witnessed too many decisions taken by the NSW Government that clearly do not consider the immediate and long-term impacts on rural and regional communities,” Mr Draper said
“The Bill would have required the preparation of rural communities impact statements, and specified the circumstances under which they are needed.
“Given the detrimental effects of decisions made by Government over the last few years on country communities, there is a clear need to legislate the requirement that rural communities impact statements be prepared in relation to any proposed bill, statutory rule, environmental planning instrument or decision.
“For example, the poker machine tax increases are causing great concern in the club industry in rural and regional towns, threatening jobs and undermining the good work clubs in NSW undertake to support sporting, social and community activities,” he said.
“I have personally experienced cases where the Government has been approached for financial help or good causes within the community and have refused, but local clubs have dug deep and provided the funds. This sort of charitable activity is under threat because of the poker machine money grab by the Government.
“We have witnessed the detrimental impact of WorkCover regulations on business in the country, and watched many good operators pack up and relocate across the border.”
Mr Draper said the Brigalow Belt decision, the separation of land and water values, native vegetation legislation, crown roads, vendor duty, property taxes, abandoning the timber bridge program and gutting the country towns water and sewerage program were prime examples of the lack of thought for country communities in the Government decision making processes.
He added that amalgamations of councils and area health services have also seriously impacted rural communities, causing job losses and undermining people’s confidence in the delivery of basic services.
“The Bill focused attention on a number of very important areas to alleviate any negative effects, and included a requirement to detail any costs imposed on rural businesses to comply with new legislation. It also identified any likely impact of legislation on the social structures and wellbeing of rural communities,” Mr Draper said.
“All of these factors when highlighted and considered would have lead to better decision making by Government as they would have been forced to look beyond the aim of legislation, and into the actual effects on country communities that are often misunderstood or not adequately considered.”
Mr Draper also expressed his disappointment that Country Labor had not supported the legislation.
Hansard – Rural Communities Impacts Bill – 1.12.05
Mr PETER DRAPER (Tamworth) [10.46 a.m.]: I intend to support the Rural Communities Impact Bill because during the brief time I have been a member of this Parliament I have witnessed far too many decisions taken by the New South Wales Government that clearly do not take into account their effect on rural and regional communities. I acknowledge the detail and thought that has gone into the drafting of this important bill It is a step in the right direction as it will require the preparation of rural communities impact statements and it will specify the circumstances under which they are required, which is very important.
Given that a large number of decisions made by the Government in the last few years have had a detrimental effect on rural communities, there is a need to include in all proposed legislation, statutory rules, and environmental planning instruments or decisions a requirement that a rural communities impact statement be prepared. The bill will help to protect communities from the impact of decisions made regarding issues such as the poker machine tax, which is causing so much concern in the club industry, threatening jobs, and undermining the good work that New South Wales clubs do in helping sporting, social and community activities in regional and rural towns.
In the electorate of Tamworth the Government has been approached for financial assistance for good charitable causes but it has refused such assistance. The Government does not recognise the importance of such causes in country communities. However, the local clubs have dug deep for the community and provided much-needed assistance. This sort of charitable activity is under threat because of the Government's poker machine tax grab. Amalgamations can also have a serious impact on country communities. There have been local government amalgamations and health service amalgamations, and both have had a significant detrimental effect on jobs and undermined the confidence of people in rural communities.
We have watched the Government completely ignore communities and stakeholders who co-operatively developed the BRUS option as the best way forward for industry, communities, and conservation in the Brigalow. In my electorate we have experienced the detrimental impact of WorkCover regulations on businesses in country areas, and watched many good country businesses pack up and relocate across the border to Queensland. Government decisions that have had a detrimental impact on rural communities include decisions in relation to water sharing plans, the separation of land and water values, native vegetation legislation, Crown roads, vendor duty and property taxes. The abandonment of the timber bridge program is having a significant detrimental impact in country areas. Currently Tamworth council has some 18 bridges in dire need of replacement but it does not have the money to carry out the work. The list of decisions that have impacted country communities goes on and on.
However, the bill focuses on a number of very important areas. First, there will be a requirement to provide a detailed description of any costs that are likely to be placed on businesses in rural communities, in order to comply with the relevant legislation or decision. Second, the likely impact of those costs on development and employment in rural communities must be properly identified and quantified. That is extremely important. Third, modelling must be undertaken of the likely impact on rural communities that would occur or remain five years after the legislation or decision is made. That forces people and governments to look at the long-term impact of these decision-making processes. Fourth, the likely impact of the legislation on the social structure and wellbeing of rural communities must be examined. Fifth, the impact on transport services, health services, education facilities, government advisory services, infrastructure, policing and other key areas has to be identified. Finally, it requires the scrutiny of the impact on the environment whilst also considering the need to balance economic and social factors with environmental sustainability.
Because of that detail I believe this is a very well considered piece of legislation. All of these factors, when identified and taken into account, will lead to better decision-making by government because they look beyond the aim of the bill and at the impacts that often seem to be misunderstood or not adequately considered. Given the large distances between country communities and the relatively small population base in country areas, many decisions impact on rural communities much more significantly than they do in the city. For example, the loss of a teacher would have little impact in Sydney, but the loss of a teacher in a small community can be devastating and can bring into question the viability of a school and, in the longer term, the viability of a community itself.
I support the bill as it is a very positive step for country people and I cannot see why any government interested in country communities would not want to know about the impact that legislation has on those communities.
Independent Health Reforms
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