Media Releases, December 2007
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Draper Welcomes Review Of Rural and Regional Water Utilities
Friday, December 21, 2007
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has welcomed the New South Wales Government’s commitment to undertake a review of water utilities in rural and regional NSW. The Government has appointed former deputy premier, Ian Armstrong, and Colin Gellatly, former head of the Premier’s Department and Chair of the Rural and Regional Taskforce to conduct the review.
“Ian Armstrong, is highly respected across the political spectrum as an old style and passionate supporter of country communities, so he will compliment Col Gellatly’s experience and the knowledge he has gained through his work on the Taskforce,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said terms of reference had been established, and will look at ways to assist country water utilities deliver efficient, affordable, safe and reliable water and sewerage services into the future.
“Their role is to audit existing water infrastructure, governance arrangements, cost structures, viability, quality and reliability, and balance this with the needs of the natural environment,” Mr Draper said.
“The review will seek input from all stakeholders; councils, business, industry and residents,” he said.
Mr Draper said the review allowed further scope to develop and expedite essential infrastructure requirements within the region, particularly the Barraba – Split Rock Dam pipeline and the augmentation of Chaffey Dam.
“I trust this review will lead to a recommitment from the state government of their support for the Chaffey Dam project, and provide a mechanism to secure the support of the new Federal administration,” Mr Draper said.
“I welcome statements by NSW Water Utilities Minister, Nathan Rees, indicating the Government has virtually drought proofed the Sydney, Illawarra and Hunter regions, while acknowledging there are two million people living in the rest of NSW,” he said.
“Minister Rees is quoted as saying ‘I believe the government have only done half the job until we bring water and sewerage services in the rest of the state into the 21st century’ and I intend to hold him to his word,” Mr Draper said.
“While water utilities are under the control of local government, they can only provide the necessary infrastructure with substantial injections of State and Federal funding, and I hope this process will underline the need to start that investment as soon as possible,” he said.
“Be it funds to replace old and leaking pipes, or investment in storage and distribution, funding is sorely needed,” he continued.
“Reliable water provision is a necessity for sustainable development, and must rank as a top priority for our local communities,” Mr Draper concluded.
Christmas Lighting Destined To Become More Expensive
Friday, December 21, 2007
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, is gravely concerned that privatisation of the retail and generating sectors of the state electricity industry will have more far reaching impacts than most expect.
“Watching the beautiful Christmas lighting displays, where so many people have made an effort to brighten their communities for the season, I’m worried that such simple niceties as this will become unaffordable for many,” Mr Draper said.
“Experiences overseas and interstate clearly show that privatisation will cost household and small business consumers more across the board, with regional and particularly rural customers facing substantially increased costs and reduced services,” he said.
“Victorians are facing a 17% increase in their electricity tariffs at the end of a privatisation programme that has already seen regional communities disadvantaged, and where subsidies put in place to lessen the impacts face being scrapped,” he continued.
Mr Draper said that one rural based Victorian MP had told him that country residents in that state were now paying about $40 million more per year than their city cousins due to regional infrastructure costs.
“He also pointed out to me that maintenance of rural infrastructure was deteriorating as a result of cost saving measures that privitization had brought about,” Mr Draper said.
“To cut costs and increase profits the first step was to stop washing of insulators leading to more pole fires and shorts in bad weather,” he said.
“This was followed by a reduced frequency of pole and cross arm inspections and reduced expenditure on line clearing, which increased fire risk,” he continued.
“Finally, despite assurances, there has been a reduction in the rural workforce, through centralizing of crews and out sourcing of maintenance, causing blackouts to last longer as crews are based further from the problems,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper pointed out that a recent poll in NSW indicated 85% of voters oppose the sale.
“With over three years to the next state election, this NSW Government seems to think they can ride rough shod over public opinion,” he said.
“The level of concern on this issue to my office reinforces my previous call for everybody opposed to the sale to write to the Premier, to your local paper and to call talk back radio airing those concerns. The Government clearly hopes this issue will get lost in the Christmas / New Year period, but we must ensure they continue to hear strong and vocal opposition to privatisation every day,” Mr Draper said.
“Public pressure on this issue is vital to ensure the Christmas lights aren’t turned off,” Mr Draper concluded.
John Muller Recognised With Premier’s Community Service Award
Thursday, December 20, 2007
“John Muller is one of Tamworth’s most gifted and respected musicians who gives generously of his time and talent to support many worthwhile causes within our community,” said the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, while presenting Mr Muller with a NSW Premier’s Community Service Award.
“I am very pleased the Premier accepted my recommendation that John Muller OAM, be presented with this award for his many years of fundraising for The Billabong Club House, plus his long association with local cricket,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said that John Muller spent his working life in Tamworth, and he has nurtured and mentored many others to achieve in both music and sport, utilising his talent and contacts to organise many fundraising events within the community.
John first became involved in music as a teenager through the Police Boys Club in Tamworth. He formed the John Muller Band in 1958, followed by The John Muller Big Band with sixteen or more players. John has entertained at dances throughout the region for more than 30 years and provided many opportunities for local musicians, encouraging and assisting many young performers to develop and continue their musical careers.
“Since 1997, John has organised the Annual Billabong Club House Night of Jazz and Nostalgia, a must for music buffs throughout the region and a major fundraiser for the Billabong Club House. In this, its 11th year, John again organised a star studded line-up. He also organizes the Billabong Golf Day Fundraiser, and is an enthusiastic fundraiser for the NSW Cancer Council” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper pointed out that over the years John has been a talented cricketer. In 1961, he took part in a world tour with sixteen other members of The Emu Cricket Team, playing games in the United States, Canada, England, Europe, Hong Kong and Singapore. He was a talented left-arm bowler who could open the attack with fast deliveries or operate later as a slow bowler. In 38 games John took ninety wickets from 441 overs at an average of just over nine runs per wicket.
Later in 1961 he played for a NSW Combined Country team against the West Indies, and in 1963 he played for Northern NSW against the Marylebone Cricket Club when they visited Tamworth.
“John has coached schoolboy and youth teams with distinction for many years,” Mr Draper said.
“John Muller’s contribution to the Tamworth community has been maintained over many years. He is a very worthy recipient of the Premier’s Community Service Award and I congratulate him on his outstanding achievements,” Mr Draper concluded.
Travel Safely Over Holiday Period
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, is urging people travelling by car over the holiday period to take extra care and think not only of the safety of themselves and their passengers, but also all other road users.
“Our road network will be very busy as people travel away on holidays, visiting family and friends, or just taking a well deserved break,” Mr Draper said.
“Long distances, overnight trips, frustration in traffic jams, and a general desire to arrive at the destination as quickly as possible, all combine to increase danger on our roads, so we must manage each situation to reduce these risks,” he said.
Mr Draper pointed out that there would be twelve days of double demerits for speeding and seat belt offences starting from Friday 21st December until Tuesday 1st January inclusive, so a lapse in attention could easily lead to the loss of a persons drivers licence.
“In NSW speed is a factor in about 40% of road deaths, with statistics showing around 200 people die each year from speeding across this state. Speed was a factor in the deaths of 1049 people between 2002 and 2006, so the message must clearly be to slow down and drive appropriately to the road conditions,” Mr Draper said.
“Few people realize that excessive speed alone costs our community around $750 million each year, without considering the human costs,” he said.
Mr Draper also pointed out the risk of fatigue and long overnight journeys.
“You are four times more likely to have a fatal fatigue crash if driving between 10pm and dawn, because your body’s circadian rhythms are programming you to sleep,” he said.
“If you are yawning, have poor concentration, tired eyes, restlessness, drowsiness, slow reactions, boredom or are oversteering, heed the warnings – Stop, Revive, and Survive,” he continued.
“Driving while sleep deprived increases the risk of a micro sleep, and should you lose control of a vehicle at 100km/h, you will travel 100 metres in just four seconds – unconscious,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said the community had an expectation that highway patrol and general duties police would be out in force over the holiday period enforcing speed limits, use of seatbelts, drink driving laws and monitoring fatigue.
“We have experienced some tragic accidents and loss of life already, both locally and around the nation, and I hope these very sad events will reinforce the role everybody must play to make our roads safer,” he said.
“If people drive to the conditions we can avoid the carnage of past years, the trauma suffered by friends and relatives of victims, and ensure a safe and happy festive season for all,” Mr Draper concluded.
Small Schools Shine in Delivering Outstanding Education for Kids
Monday, December 17, 2007
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has been very impressed with the enthusiasm and talent displayed by school students, around the region, at their various end of year presentation celebrations and shared some of his recent experiences with local school students in an address to the New South Wales Parliament.
“The effort of both students and their teachers in staging these events is to be commended and are a fitting finale to a year of scholastic endeavour,” Mr Draper said.
“I recently had the pleasure of hosting Oxley High School Year 10 student, Chris O’Connor, for work experience. He was great company as he travelled around the electorate with me, and experienced life as a country MP. I asked Chris to write a brief report and presented it to parliament,” Mr Draper said.
“Chris based his story around our visit to Premer and Tambar Springs Public Schools, where we presented state flags, a book on protocols regarding the flag and a book titled Australia’s First Parliament. Coming from Oxley High with over 1200 students, Chris saw how personal the education experience can be in our small schools, with Premer and Tambar Springs between them having less than 20 students,” he said.
Mr Draper said that Chris’s own words summed up his reaction: “Premer Public School is about an hour and a half drive from Tamworth, and on the way we saw a lot of evidence of the ongoing drought, but also evidence of farmers still going strong and succeeding, despite the odds. When we arrived at Premer, it looked like a great school. The grounds were well kept and tidy and you could see the groundskeeper mowing the lawns. There was no rubbish at all, save for the remains of a tree that had to be cut down for safety reasons.”
From Premer, Chris’s tale continues: “Then it was off to Tambar Springs Public, just a short drive down the road. This has to be the most amazing school I have ever seen. It has acres of space per student, a wonderful shaded structure that towers over the small number of kids, a beautiful garden and a veggie patch. After the Principal greeted us and rang the old fashioned bell, the kids, all eight of them, crowded around, tucked their shirts in to look their best, and the presentations were made.”
“From our smallest to our largest schools, at numerous events throughout the year and presentation days, I see the enthusiasm of teachers and students shining through and commend them all for their achievements during 2007,” Mr Draper said.
“Some students are heading off to the workforce or further education, and I wish them well with their future endeavours. I hope the students and teachers about to enjoy the holidays will come back refreshed in 2008 to further their studies,” he concluded.
Photos: Peter Draper MP with Premer Public School students (top); and Tambar Springs Public students (bottom).
Barraba RFS Brigades Gain Funding
Friday, December 14, 2007
Independent State Minister for Tamworth, Peter Draper, today congratulated the members of Barraba District Rural Fire Services’ (RFS) Burindi and Woodsreef-Gundamulda brigades for their ongoing commitment to the Barraba district.
Mr Draper highlighted the importance of volunteers when presenting them with cheques he gained through the New South Wales Department of Emergency Services.
“Burindi RFS Brigade Captain Chris Forbes and his unit approached me to see if I could assist in the purchase of a rainwater tank and pump to provide shower water for the volunteers,” Mr Draper said.
“Minister Nathan Reece agreed that being able to have a shower after responding to emergencies was a fair request, and his department provided $2,000 towards this project,” he said.
Mr Draper was also able to obtain $2,500 for the Woodsreef-Gundamulda RFS unit.
“Captain Sam Faint approached me to help purchase a 350 channel handheld radio and some other small items to assist the volunteers,” Mr Draper said.
“Once again, the Department of Emergency Services acknowledged the great work of the Woodsreef-Gundamulda volunteers and provided the necessary funds,” he said.
“Every RFS unit has its own individual needs, and I am pleased that the Department of Emergency Services considers each request on merit, rather than using a one size fits all approach,” he continued.
Mr Draper pointed out that with the hotter weather approaching, it was essential for everyone in the community to play their part in ensuring fire safety and safeguarding the local volunteer fire fighters from unnecessary risk.
“Abide by fire restrictions, report hazards and ensure that discarded cigarettes pose no risk,” Mr Draper said.
“There are various roles volunteers can undertake with the RFS and I encourage younger members of the community to consider becoming part of their local unit. While we have many volunteers with a lifetime of service, new blood is needed to augment this experience and provide continuity into the future,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo (from left): Peter Draper MP with members from the Barraba district RFS units, Sam Faint (Group Captain & Captain Woodsreef-Gundamulda), Chris Forbes (Captain Burindi), Tom Watkins, Dave Smith and Phil Hodges.
Now The Snowy Joins Sell Off Debate
Friday, December 14, 2007
“Revelations that Snowy Hydro has written to its owners, the New South Wales, Victorian and Federal Governments, warning that its profitability will be affected if it is not included in the NSW electricity industry privatisation plans should set alarm bells ringing right around the state,” according to Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper.
Mr Draper raised his concerns following media revelations that Snowy Hydro wants to know why it is not part of the NSW Government’s plan to privatise electricity.
“It was as recently as mid 2006 when public pressure last scuttled plans to sell one of the few remaining Australian icons that the people still own,” Mr Draper said.
“This whole electricity privatisation debate is far from transparent, given media allegations that the Treasurer told senior union officials the sale would go ahead regardless of any ongoing discussions,” he said.
“Even more frightening is the fact that this sale doesn’t have to be ratified through the parliament, so the government can push the whole process through over the Christmas / New Year period and it will virtually be a fait accompli,” he continued.
“With Snowy Hydro claiming that following privatisation they will be the only government-owned business competing in a totally private market, so given the totally different political landscape from 2006, it may well be Snowy Hydro’s sale becomes a fait accompli as well,” Mr Draper warned.
“I have already warned that only huge public outrage can stop this plan, which in the long term will affect employment and see household, small business and farm electricity charges skyrocket,” he said.
“I urge concerned residents to write to The Premier, all Country Labor Parliamentarians, The Christian Democrats, Shooters Party and The Greens (in the Legislative Council). Have your voice heard on talk back radio and write letters to the editor of your local paper,” he continued.
“People must learn from the experience where sell offs have already taken place, with Victorians currently facing a 17% tariff hike as the last vestiges of protection are removed from their deregulated system,” he said.
“If you want to retain Snowy Hydro and the State electricity industry in public hands STAND UP and make your views clear NOW,” Mr Draper concluded.
Volunteers Deserve More Resources
Friday, December 14, 2007
In State Parliament recently, Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, took the opportunity to ask the Government to provide more funding for local organizations struggling to finance their much-needed services.
“I congratulate all the volunteers acknowledged at Local, State and Federal levels during Volunteers Week, and convey the community’s thanks to the thousands of volunteers who give so unselfishly to improve the lives of other individuals, and in many instances whole communities,” Mr Draper said.
“It has been estimated that in 2006, 1.7 million volunteers in New South Wales provided a very generous 235 million volunteer work hours, contributing $5 billion to the state economy,” he said.
“In many instances these volunteers provide social needs that would otherwise have to be financed from state coffers. From health, to seniors, schools, sport, youth, heritage and history, or community amenity; they deserve much more support from Government,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said the Government had flagged its intention to raise the number of people involved in volunteering by ten percent, and to increase the diversity of the volunteer workforce by 2016.
“With an ageing population, more demanding work regimes plus a failure to properly finance existing volunteer programmes, the Government will be hard pressed to achieve these goals,” Mr Draper said.
“With so many kids need brekkie clubs to get a nourishing start to the day, and over 200 people utilizing a volunteer funded soup kitchen, unless social disadvantage is properly addressed it may lead to increased lack of self esteem, depression and a multitude of other ills,” he said.
Mr Draper said that he had been overwhelmed by public support for his recent call in State Parliament for increased social services to tackle issues that lead to a break down in personnel respect and responsibility.
“Resolving these issues requires an investment in both state and volunteer organizations so they can tackle the fundamental issues that lead to a break down in social cohesion,” Mr Draper said.
“The cost of funding programmes to support our volunteers is minimal compared to allowing the situation to deteriorate further. Our volunteers give so much and ask for so little in return that government should return some of their $5 billion annual input through appropriate levels of support,” Mr Draper concluded.
Strong Public Opposition Only Chance To Save Electricity Assets
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
“Members of the public should send a strong message opposing plans by the NSW Government to sell the retail operations and lease the generating infrastructure of the publicly owned electricity industry,” according to Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper.
“Country people deserve a reliable and affordable service, not a system that delivers profit for a few at increased cost to many,” he said.
“Faced with massive infrastructure damage caused by last Friday night’s vicious storm that wreaked havoc through the region, Country Energy responded as fast as is humanly possible to restore power to an extraordinarily broad area,” he continued.
“I am aware many people were inconvenienced for extended periods of time and some businesses face substantial losses, but faced with what amounted to a natural disaster, Country Energy responded admirably,” he said.
Mr Draper said that many local community members had expressed vocal opposition to the sale proposal, strongly advocating that Country Energy be retained in public ownership. He pointed to the companies increasing local investment, and the many job opportunities that have been created for young residents. Mr Draper also expressed concern about probable reductions in service levels plus increased charges as evidenced where electricity privatisation has taken place in other jurisdictions.
“I believe the Owens Report overstates the case for privatisation of electricity assets, and is more designed to provide the Government with a reported $15 billion nest egg to try and buy its way back into office at the next state election,” Mr Draper said.
“Already they are promising to fund a metro rail system, an inner city motorway network for Sydney and a token $200 million clean energy fund to try and neutralize the green vote,” he said.
“What are their plans for rural and regional New South Wales? Yet again it seems country people are supposed to sit back and accept the loss of another service,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said that attempts to buy off workers in the sector with promises of large financial incentives while retaining retail price caps for households and small business until 2013 were smokescreens designed to create an illusion that jobs were safe and consumers protected.
“Many people have told me they are tired of the family farm being sold off. They have experienced increased charges and reduced services throughout the last twenty five years of privatisation, yet despite massive windfalls to government our infrastructure has been allowed to deteriorate to alarming levels,” Mr Draper said. “I am a firm believer in people power, and now is the time to unleash that power to send a clear message to government, hands off our electricity assets,” he concluded.
Local Volunteers Recognised
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has congratulated two local volunteers who have been recognized for their immeasurable contribution to the local community at the inaugural New South Wales Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Mr Draper said that Tamworth residents Patricia van Tilburg and Ivan Hatch had contributed many hours of volunteer effort, culminating in their recognition at the awards. He said the Centre for Volunteering established the awards as a way of thanking NSW volunteers and acknowledging their dedication and hard work plus their contribution to the wellbeing of the wider community.
“Patricia van Tilburg was the driving force behind the fund raising arm established to support the Westpac Rescue Helicopter,” Mr Draper said.
“Under Patricia’s chairmanship, the Support Group raised funds of up to $50,000 per year and, along with about twelve core supporters, logged thousands of hours achieving their goals,” he said.
Mr Draper pointed out that Patricia was also involved with the St Vincent de Paul Society, the Salvation Army and the Red Cross Bloodbank.
He said that Margo Marchbank, who nominated Patricia for this award, summed it all up when she said: “Pat’s record as chairperson of the Tamworth Support Group is a testament both to her commitment as a volunteer and her leadership skills.”
Mr Draper also congratulated Ivan Hatch, who was awarded Senior Volunteer New England / Northern Inland. He said that Mr Hatch had been involved with The Uniting Churches’ McKay House aged care facility for over six years.
“Over the past twelve months, Ivan has notched up more than 1,200 hours of volunteer services, and that is an absolutely incredible effort,” Mr Draper said.
“Ivan assists with chores, including cleaning fish tanks, assisting residents to get around the house or serving morning or afternoon tea, and he has taken on a role with the Medication Management Committee acting as a vocal advocate for the residents,” he said.
Mr Draper said that in proposing Ivan for this award, his nominator, Isabell Styman pointed out that: “Ivan just seems to fill in where he is needed and is able to get residents involved and make them feel included.”
“There were 170 volunteers nominated from 16 regions, all undertaking a diverse range of activities,” Mr Draper said.
“Through volunteering, Patricia and Ivan have made substantial contributions to their communities and it is pleasing to see them get the recognition they so rightly deserve,” Mr Draper concluded.
Gunnedah’s Bevan Sharman Recognised With Premier’s Community Service Award
Monday, December 10, 2007
“Gunnedah residents will be thrilled to hear that Bevan Sharman has been recognized for his many years of community service with the presentation of a NSW Premier’s Community Service Award,” the Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper said today, after presenting the award in Gunnedah.
“Bevan Sharman has provided decades of selfless service to the Gunnedah community through sport and his involvement with local schools,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said that Bevan has been involved in the administration of Gunnedah cricket for more than 25 years, at both senior and junior levels. He was an outstanding player (left hand bat) at grade and district level during the 1980’s, captaining the Court House Cricket Club to a hat trick of premierships, the only time this has been achieved in local cricket history. Bevan was also captain of the Gunnedah First XI during the 80’s and early 1990’s when Gunnedah was the premier district side in northern NSW. He has served on the executive of the Gunnedah District Cricket Association (GDCA) for the past 15 years, as vice-president for the last six, curator (mowing, rolling wickets, marking fields) of Longmuir and McAndrew Parks in Gunnedah for the last eight years, recording secretary (compiling all match results and records) for three years and the GDCA delegate to North-west (now Northern Inland) Cricket Council for the last 15 years.
“Bevan’s involvement in junior cricket spans almost a decade, and he was instrumental in obtaining funds to construct new Namoi Cricket fields. He measured out and constructed the boundary fence, boxed and poured concrete wickets and glued down the new synthetic covering. Bevan has put in a huge effort in time and labour, being a prime mover in the construction of a new canteen at the junior cricket complex, and this year he took on the Vice-President’s role,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper pointed out that Bevan recently organised and co-ordinated Gunnedah’s hosting of the NSW Country Women’s Cricket Championships, and took a lead role in Gunnedah’s hosting of the NSW Country Cup and Plate finals in 2006, a job he is performing again in 2007.
“Bevan Sharman has also been a passionate volunteer at Gunnedah South Public School, being President of the P & C for the last four years, and described by Principal, Wayne Connolly as the first man you call when you need something done. Bevan’s efforts were instrumental in securing funds for the new community hall, and he helped construct new storage sheds and play equipment, plus laid pavers and created new gardens. He has also been chief organiser of the school’s fete for the last four years,” Mr Draper said.
“Bevan Sharman is a wonderful role model for young people, an inspiration to those he works with and a credit to volunteering and the Gunnedah community. I congratulate Bevan on his efforts and his recognition with this presentation of the Premier’s Community Service Award,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo: Bevan with Independent State MP Peter Draper.
$2,000 Grant For Wynella (Boggabri) Rural Fire Service
Monday, December 10, 2007
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, today presented the Wynella Rural Fire Service (RFS) with a cheque for $2,000 to assist them in their ongoing role of protecting the local community.
“Wynella RFS Captain, Ralph Herden, and his wonderful team of volunteers approached me to see if I could access State Government funding so they could purchase Acron Nozzles for the brigade’s hoses and a new urn,” Mr Draper said.
“The Emergency Services Minister, Nathan Rees, was more than happy to support them, acknowledging the importance of the RFS to their local community,” he said.
“There are already major bushfires threatening parts of Australia this season, and with the prospect that climate change will bring about higher temperatures and increased electrical storm activity, we cannot afford to underestimate the protection our RFS volunteers provide,” he continued.
“At times of need they have to drop their tools at work and head out to face many dangerous situations. Day or night, they are never sure when the call may come, and that is true dedication,” he said.
“We mustn’t forget that it is not only fire they face, there are any number of emergency situations that confront these volunteers as they respond to the communities call for help,” Mr Draper said.
In thanking the Wynella RFS volunteers at today’s presentation, Mr Draper pointed out they were an integral part of a statewide network, including the many units in our region. In conclusion, he said that in times of emergency the RFS functioned as part of a national response group, leading the way worldwide, and providing the expertise plus manpower to train volunteers in a number of overseas countries.
Photo (from left): Roger Hollingworth, Ashley Rees, May Boxsell, Ron Boxsell and Ron Rees (Wynella RFS) accepting the $2,000 cheque from Independent State MP, Peter Draper.
Dungowan Cowboys Tackle Breast Cancer
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
The Dungowan Rugby League Football Club, better known to most as the Dungowan Cowboys, have presented a cheque for $5,000 to the Tamworth Branch of the Cancer Council of New South Wales.
Two Cowboy’s players, Dean Hoy and Paul Tongue, broke their arms and wondered how their time on the recovery benches could be turned into something of a positive nature.
Dean and Paul decided they’d wear pink plaster castes and raise funds for breast cancer research.
The Cowboys held a special fundraising game day, where players wore pink socks, and along with a couple of other initiatives, within a couple of weeks they raised the considerable sum of $5,000 which they presented to the Cancer Councils North West Community Relations Co-ordinator, Kristy Reading.
In accepting the cheque on behalf of the Cancer Council, Kristy said, “On behalf of the North West office of the Cancer Council of NSW I would like to thank Dean, Paul and everyone associated with the Dungowan Cowboys for making such an effort to raise funds for such a good cause. Their ability to make the best out of a less than ideal situation is really appreciated.”
Dean and Dungowan Coach, Mick Schmiedel, when presenting the cheque, paid tribute to the many local businesses that had contributed to making their efforts a success.
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, commended the community spirit that had resulted in such a successful result.
“Kristy told me there are about 115 women diagnosed with breast cancer, every year, across the north west,” he said.
“It could be our mum, sister, daughter or partner. Each and every one is important to somebody and any investment in research such as the Cancer Council funds is welcome and to be commended,” he continued.
“Congratulations Cowboys. Kristy summed it up when she said it’s great to see a group of guys supporting women in our area,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo: Dean Hoy (left, player participated in fundraiser), Kristy Reading (Cancer Council) and Mick Schmiedel (Cowboys Coach).
Barraba Heavy Vehicle Inspection Facilities Must Be Retained
Monday, December 3, 2007
Despite assurances by Roads Minister, Eric Roozendaal in July and August 2006 that the Barraba Heavy Vehicle Inspection service would be maintained, the independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, shares the concerns of school bus and heavy vehicle operators that the RTA may be attempting to withdraw the service by stealth.
“School buses and heavy vehicles have stringent inspection requirements, so with Barraba operators currently only able to access local inspections six days a year, I am very concerned that these people have been told bookings are not being taken for 2008,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper has raised his concerns in State Parliament, telling the Legislative Assembly that in August 2006, Minister Roozendaal had responded to previous concerns on the facilities future by stating:
‘HVIS inspections must be conducted within a three month period prior to the registration renewal date. To allow operators a reasonable time to arrange inspections, bookings can be made up to 6 months in advance. The RTA also monitors bookings, and can open additional time slots if there is increased demand for inspections.’
“Given that it is nearly 200 kilometres from Barraba to Tamworth return, it is critical that the Government maintains this vital service in Barraba, especially given the inconvenience and additional costs heavy vehicle operators would face should it close,” Mr Draper said.
“A driver is required for at least three hours to travel to Tamworth and back, costing more than $110, plus fuel costs around $90 and unnecessary wear and tear on the vehicle. Additionally they would still have to pay the inspection fee of $100,” he said
“Given that inspections in Tamworth must be carried out between the morning and afternoon school runs, the RTA has failed to consider that all Barraba bus operators are single-vehicle owner-operators who have other jobs or activities between runs, so closure would cause a further loss of income.” he continued.
“If this service is not retained, all 11 Barraba school buses will be forced to undertake additional trips to Tamworth per year, plus many local trucks would also make the journey, increasing wear and tear on what is already a very busy local road, and also increasing risk to other road users,” he said.
“Surely it makes more sense to have two inspectors jump in a ute, travel to Barraba and provide the service rather than increasing the number of heavy vehicles on the road?” Mr Draper said.
“Towns such as Barraba have had far too many services withdrawn over the past 30 years, and the community has had enough. This service is vital for Barraba and must be retained, so I am urging Minister Roozendaal to intervene and allow Barraba to keep their regular local heavy vehicle inspections,” Mr Draper concluded.
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