Media Releases, January 2009
For previous releases, click here
Bullying of Children and Young People (Inquiry)
Friday, January 30, 2009.
State MP, Peter Draper, is urging interested organizations and individuals to have their say and provide submissions to the NSW Legislative Council inquiry established to inquire into, and report on, best practice approaches to reduce bullying of children and young people. The closing date for submissions is Friday, 13 March 2009.
“This inquiry was prompted by an anecdotal increase in bullying, especially bullying in schools, and the emergence of new threats such as cyber bullying,” Mr Draper said.
“Every day there are kids who wake up afraid to go to school, and bullying is a problem that affects students of all races and classes. Bullying has everyone worried, not just the kids on the receiving end, yet because parents, teachers, and other adults don't always see it, they may not understand how extreme bullying can get,” he said.
“One of the most painful aspects of bullying is that it is relentless. Most people can take one episode of teasing or name calling or being shunned, however, when it goes on and on, bullying can put a child in a state of constant fear.”
“Boys and girls who are bullied may find their schoolwork and health suffering. Studies show that people who are abused by their peers are at risk for mental health problems, such as low self-esteem, stress, depression, or anxiety and they may also think about suicide more,” he continued.
Mr Draper pointed out that bullies are at risk of problems too.
“Bullying is violence, and it often leads to more violent behaviour as the bully grows up. It's estimated that 1 out of 4 school bullies will have a criminal record by the time they are 30. Some teen bullies end up being rejected by their peers and lose friendships as they grow older. Bullies may also fail in school and not have the career or relationship success that other people enjoy,” he said.
Mr Draper said that most people hesitate to speak out about bullying because it can be difficult.
“It takes confidence to stand up to a bully, especially if he or she is one of the established group leaders, however it is likely that other students witnessing the bullying behaviour feel as uncomfortable as the victim, but they may just not be speaking up. Perhaps they feel that they are not popular enough to take a stand, or worry that they are vulnerable and the bully will turn on them. Staying quiet, even though they don't like the bully's behaviour, is a way to distance themselves from the person who is the target,” he said.
Mr Draper said that while the inquiry was not intended to investigate specific instances of bullying of children and young people it was a vehicle to look at the overall problem.
“Any measures that can reduce bullying are worthwhile,” Mr Draper concluded.
Submissions can be provided to: email gpscno2@parliament.nsw.gov.au or mail – The Director, General Purpose Standing Committee No. 2, Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000.
Website – www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/gpsc2.
Minister Costa’s Visit Postponed Until February 4
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The proposed visit to the region by NSW Minister for Water, Rural Affairs and Regional Development, Phillip Costa, scheduled for Thursday 29 January has been rescheduled to Wednesday February 4.
Local State Member, Peter Draper, said the Minister had been forced to reschedule the visit due to a Government caucus Premier Rees has called to select two new Ministers.
Mr Draper has invited the Minister to the electorate to meet with key players and to see at first hand several issues of importance.
“The Ministers first meeting will include representatives from Namoi Water, Namoi Catchment Management Authority, State Water, Tamworth Regional Council and the Peel and Cockburn Water Users Associations to discuss terms of reference for Peel/Cockburn system Water Sharing Plans and its role in the Chaffey Dam safety upgrade and augmentation,” Mr Draper said.
He said the Federal Government had indicated a Water Sharing Plan for the Peel/Cockburn system was a prerequisite to funding the augmentation of Chaffey Dam.
“Minister Costa will then travel to Barraba to meet with members of the Barraba Community Development Committee and representatives of Tamworth Regional Council to discuss the options for providing Barraba with a safe, reliable water supply,” he continued.
“I also intend raising the water sharing plan for the 60 irrigators between Split Rock and Keepit dams with the Minister, as they face great uncertainty of supply under the existing regulations,” he said.
Mr Draper said that these issues were extremely important to their respective communities and he looked forward to constructive dialogue with the Minister taking place.
Double Check All Statements For Electronic Facility Charges
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Independent State MP, Peter Draper, is warning motorists to check their account statements for electronic toll facilities (E-tags) very carefully, following several complaints to his office regarding billing procedures.
“Residents have shown me several accounts where they question charges they have received,” Mr Draper said.
“In one case a resident received a statement indicating that his E-tag had not been identified and was charged on the basis of his registration plate, however his diary records show that the car was garaged in Tamworth on the date in question,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said that matters raised with his office had brought forward several areas of serious concern.
“Firstly, how many times does the E-tag system generate such errors?” Mr Draper asked.
“Secondly, how many people don’t check their statements and are paying for errors automatically?” he questioned.
“This raises the concern that people using the E-tag system many times a day may have these errors compounded, with no real way of determining their validity, plus should these errors occur on a large scale, it would mean a considerable amount of revenue is being raised under false pretences,” he continued.
“Importantly, if a motorist questions an item on the account, what procedures do the authorities have in place to ensure the matter can be resolved simply,” Mr Draper added.
Mr Draper said other residents had indicated there appeared to be some confusion regarding the areas where E-tags could be used, with a concerned resident telling him that after registering for a temporary E-tag they were told it was only for the Harbour Bridge. After they checked the RTA website, clicking on links about the other toll roads, they found contradictory advice indicating that in fact it covered all toll roads.
“These people set off on their journey very confused about the availability of the E-tag, and expressed a desire that there should be an easy, clear way for country people to register for all toll roads, as occasional trips to Sydney are already stressful. It is difficult enough to follow maps or GPS directions, checking if you’re in the right lane, reading signs and determining if there are tolls, all while trying to cope with the traffic across Sydney’s road system,” he said.
“Country residents without credit cards are also having problems obtaining E-tags, while other irregular users object to the large deposits they are forced to make that then sit in Government coffers,” he continued.
Mr Draper said he would continue to pressure the NSW Government to introduce a Victorian style system for E-tags, where they are available at certain stores and service stations.
“Residents have told me they’ve found the Victorian system readily accessible and user friendly, so I will continue to pursue a system for country motorists that simplifies obtaining E-tags to use on toll roads, while ensuring that people aren’t ripped off with erroneous charges,” Mr Draper concluded.
Slow Down and get home safely – Draper
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Independent MP Peter Draper has asked the many visitors to Tamworth to slow down and drive safely when they leave the city following this year’s Country Music Festival.
Mr Draper joined country music star Melinda Schneider, local police and Michelle Amess from Maitland who lost both her sons in a speed related accident in 2005, to highlight the importance of safe driving to Festival visitors.
He said that an RTA display of two crashed motor vehicles sent a potent message to all drivers that speed was a major contributor to fatalities – particularly in country areas.
“Local people seem to believe that accidents in the country are normally city folk who do not understand how to drive properly, however statistics show that nearly ¾ of all fatalities on country roads are country people,” Mr Draper said.
“Just because you know the road well does not safeguard you from accidents,” he said.
Mr Draper also warned drivers that a greatly increased Police presence would be apparent on all the roads surrounding Tamworth over the upcoming long weekend, and said that Double Demerits would commence midnight Thursday January 22nd, and run until midnight January 26th.
“History tells us that the Tamworth Country Music Festival attracts its biggest crowds over the Australia Day long weekend, with an estimated 40,000 plus vehicles expected to be travelling our roads, and every one of them can expect to see Police vehicles regularly,” Mr Draper said.
“There is no such thing as safe speeding, and if you decide to disobey the speed limits then you will almost certainly be caught,” he said.
“As a community we would like to see every one of our visitors arrive home safely so they can join us again in 2010,” he said.
Photo (from left): RTA Road Safety Ambassador Michelle Amess, Acting Inspector Barry McMahon and Inspector Phil O'Reilly from the Oxley Local Area Command with country music star Melinda Schneider and the Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper MP.
MP Looks Forward To Upcoming Cricket Matches
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Independent State MP, Peter Draper, is looking forward to participating in two cricket matches in coming weeks.
“I really enjoy a game of cricket, but my duties as an MP don’t allow a lot of time to participate in matches,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper and his son Ben will take to the field playing for the Tamworth Mayor’s XI against the Country Music Celebrities team at No 1 Oval Kable Avenue, this Thursday 22nd January.
“Last year was Ben’s first game in this event and both of us are looking forward to this years game,” he said.
“I urge any cricket fans who have a few minutes to spare to get down to No 1 Oval, from 10am, on Thursday January 22nd. The game is organized by the Rotary Club of Tamworth North, everyone will have a great time and all the money raised goes to charity.”
“The Mayor’s XI haven’t had a lot of luck in the eight years this event has been running, they’ve only won once, so we’ll have to see if we can start to even things up a bit this year,” he continued.
Mr Draper’s second chance to enjoy his cricket is on the 13th February, when the Tamworth vs Northern Tablelands 20/20 Cricket Match will take place at Varley Oval in Inverell.
“The Member for Northern Tablelands and NSW Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Richard Torbay, thought an annual cricket match between our electorates would be a good idea.”
“We played the first game last year, which Tamworth won, and I look forward to us showing them how to do it again this year.”
“It’s all in fun and any moneys raised go to local organizations, making it a very interesting local battle,” he said.
“I hope plenty of people will get along to both matches, enjoy the fun and help fundraising for local community groups,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo: Local MP, Peter Draper, has a go with the bat at last year's Celebrity Cricket Match.
Cultural Showcase Highlights Indigenous Talent
Monday, January 19, 2009
Independent State MP, Peter Draper, has congratulated the organizing committee of the Cultural Showcase for assembling a remarkable group of performers who will also assist in workshops for young aboriginal performers in song writing, recording plus releasing an album.
The Cultural Showcase celebrates Aboriginal contributions to Country Music during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and was jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments, with the state contributing $7,000.
“Aboriginal people feature highly amongst country music fans and they also produce a lot of talented artists and musicians,” Mr Draper said.
“The Cultural Showcase not only gives a central location for performances, it also attracts talent like Kevin Bennett from the Flood, Roger Knox, Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter and Shane Howard as mentors and workshop leaders,” he said.
“The weeklong concerts and workshops all play a part in the reconciliation process by showcasing indigenous talent to a broad audience,” he said.
Mr Draper said he had been blown away with the talent displayed by young up and coming performers.
“Tamworth’s Loren Ryan and Dubbo’s Bonnie Riley, at 15 and 14 years of age respectively, possess incredible voices and love singing. Both have the potential to have a big future in the Australian music industry.”
“I was also impressed with Johnny Huckle’s performance, and when he is not at the Cultural Showcase you can catch him busking around town,” he said.
“The Gomeroi Dance Company opened the Showcase with several excellent routines and they clearly have the potential to develop into a nationally acclaimed act,” he continued.
Mr Draper said that over many years, artists like Jimmy Little and Troy Casser-Daly had inspired young aboriginal performers, and he believed that the Cultural Workshops would inspire even more young people.
He also acknowledged the North Western Regional Office of the NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs, who facilitated the project with the full support of the Tamworth Aboriginal community.
“The Cultural Showcase is a wonderful addition to Tamworth’s Festival, and I will be urging the State Government to continue contributing on an annual basis so it can continue into the future.”
“The Cultural Showcase and the talent on display reminds me of the words of the great indigenous musician, Kev Carmody: ‘….from little things, big things grow…’ Mr Draper concluded.
The Cultural Showcase will run through to Friday 23 January at the Tamworth PCYC Gymnastics Hall on the corner of Peel and Darling Streets Tamworth.
Photo: Federal MP Tony Windsor, State MP Peter Draper, Compere Roger Knox, Bonnie Riley (Dubbo), Tad Kiemski (Regional Manager North West Aboriginal Affairs), Loren Ryan (Tamworth) and Buddy Knox on the stage at the Cultural Showcase.
Everybody Needs A Helping Hand Occasionally
Friday, January 16, 2009
State MP, Peter Draper, is inviting members of the community adversely affected by the world financial crisis to contact his electorate office and obtain a copy of the booklet Taking Care of Yourself After Retrenchment or Financial Loss. The booklet has been prepared by the national depression initiative Beyondblue.
“Beyondblue Chairman, Jeff Kennett, contacted me late last year asking for help to promote this initiative, and the booklets have now arrived at my electorate office,” Mr Draper said.
“Mr Kennett pointed out that the economic downturn has hit countless families around the world, with the effects of this financial crisis now being felt by ordinary Australians across all walks of life. Jeff said that the hopes and dreams of many people have been shattered, leaving many individuals shocked and distressed to see the value of their assets tumble,” he said.
Mr Draper said the booklet contained valuable information for people who had lost a job through redundancy, retrenchment or redeployment, or had experienced large investment losses, reduced retirement income or the loss of investment income.
“It provides information to help take care of the family, plus it explains what are normal reactions to significant loss or financial hardships, and what can be done when dealing with financial impacts.”
“The booklet also provides advise about job loss and dealing with the emotional impacts, plus gives tips to help you stay on top of your emotions. It shows how to tell if a reaction is normal or not, advises who can help, and provides a structured problem solving worksheet and expenditure planner,” he said.
Mr Draper pointed out that these changes can be challenging for many people, however, with a clear mind and some assistance, even dramatic change can be managed.
“As Jeff Kennett told me, adapting to adversity and change can be difficult, but there is help and support available,” he said.
“This booklet is a helpful tool that guides people who still feel uncomfortable with their situation towards professional help, be that a financial advisor, a doctor, or others who may be of assistance,” he continued.
Mr Draper said a copy of Taking Care of Yourself After Retrenchment or Financial Loss could be obtained from his electorate office at 13 Fitzroy Street Tamworth, or by calling 6766 1422.
“There is no shame in asking for help – everybody needs a helping hand occasionally,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo: Independent State MP, Peter Draper, is urging members of the community adversely affected by the world financial crisis to obtain a copy of Taking Care of Yourself After Retrenchment or Financial Loss booklet copies of which are available from the Tamworth Electorate Office.
Opportunistic Gouging During Festival May Come Back To Bite
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Independent State MP for Tamworth, Peter Draper, is urging local business to ensure they are not seen as gouging or opportunistically profiteering during the Country Music Festival.
“I realise that some businesses need to employ extra staff to cope with Festival crowds, and face extra overheads as a result,” Mr Draper said.
“Obviously Festival crowds are ‘the cream’ of the tourist season and the injection into the local economy is very welcome, particularly in the current economic crisis. However, if visitors perceive they are being ripped-off they may well not return next year, while locals strongly object to paying more than they do during the rest of the year,” he said.
“I have already received a number of phone calls today from irate locals because the local price for petrol increased from $1.05/litre to $112.9/litre overnight, and they believe that service stations are being greedy putting up the price for the Festival,” he said.
“Over recent years I have also received many calls from locals who find their lunch during the festival has a surcharge over and above what they pay the rest of the year, or their drinks costs more.”
“Businesses need to ensure they don’t leave customers with a bad taste during the Festival as it could have negative implications later in the year,” he continued.
Mr Draper said that he had already spoken to the office of NSW Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge, about people’s concerns this morning, and he has referred the petrol price increases to the ACCC for examination.
“Nobody should doubt that inspectors from Fair Trading will be out and about during the Festival, monitoring activities and taking action against those found to be offending,” he said.
“I have also spoken to the Opposition’s Fair Trading spokesperson, Greg Aplin, about these concerns,” he added.
Mr Draper said it was all about a Fair Go.
“Obviously, business needs to cover its costs and make a profit during the Festival, but the local community and visitors must be protected from opportunistic greed.”
“Apart from having to deal with the Fair Trading Department, the local community will remember those businesses who they perceive as greedy, so short term profit may well be at the cost of long term customers.”
“I urge all players to do the right thing,” Mr Draper concluded.
New Research Highlights Risks Of Maternal Smoking and Childhood Cancers
Thursday, January 15, 2009
State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper is urging prospective new mums to heed the latest research by the NSW Cancer Institute that provides the strongest indication yet that smoking during pregnancy increases a child’s likelihood of developing cancer.
“I’m urging all our media outlets to highlight this research and to help get the message out to would be mums,” he said.
Mr Draper said the new research provides credible evidence that birth complications associated with smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of childhood cancers.
Smoking during pregnancy is proven to cause:
- Lower birth weight
- Premature birth
- Admission of the baby to a neonatal intensive care unit
The Cancer Institute linked the records of all births in NSW between 1994 and 2005 with cases of cancer in NSW children over the same period. *
Of the 1.05 million recorded births, there were 948 cases of childhood cancer.
Leukaemia and cancers of the nerves and central nervous system were found to be more common in babies born prematurely and in those with a lower birth weight. Cancers were also more common in babies admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit.
“I’m hoping this information helps the 17% cent of women who smoke during pregnancy kick the habit, for their own benefit as well as that of their baby,” Mr Draper said
“Everybody knows smoking kills, yet people still smoke and it is particularly concerning to see the number of mothers still smoking during and after pregnancy.”
Mr Draper said that while the number of smokers in NSW is in steady decline there is still more work that can be done to promote the risks associated with smoking.
“This report is a catalyst to highlight and help raise the awareness about the dangers of smoking.”
“I hope it helps make mothers and mothers-to-be, that do smoke, take note of the risks they are exposing themselves and their children too,” he said.
Mr Draper said there are a number of resources available to help men and women through the process of quitting.
“Quitting is hard but not quitting is harder. Women, and men, trying to quit smoking can contact the Quitline (13 7848) or talk to their GP about the latest products, which can assist quitting by 2 to 3 times.”
The Cancer Institute of NSW admits more research is needed to conclusively link smoking during pregnancy with childhood cancers however the negative birth outcomes associated with smoking are the same as those that increase the risk of developing childhood cancers.
* Birth data is contained in the NSW Midwives Data Collection, which is a statewide system that monitors patterns of pregnancy care, services and pregnancy outcomes. It covers all births in NSW (all live born babies and stillbirths of at least 20 weeks gestation or 400 grams birth weight. Cancer data is collected by the NSW Cancer Registry, which receives notifications of cancer in NSW
Smoking during pregnancy – Key facts
- Babies born with a low birth-weight have 1.7 times the risk of developing leukaemia and 1.8 times the risk of developing cancers of the central nervous system and brain cancers. Those born prematurely are twice as likely to be diagnosed with cancer.
- Babies admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit are at the greatest risk of developing cancer. They are 2.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, and 3.7 more likely to develop cancer of the central nervous system and brain cancers, 4 times more likely to develop eye cancer and 5 times more likely to get kidney cancer.
- One in two lifetime smokers will die from their habit – with a third of those deaths occurring in middle age.
- More than 6,500 people died of smoking-related illness in NSW last year.
- 11.7% of deaths in Australia each year are linked to smoking.
- Tobacco is responsible for 1 in 5 cancer deaths in NSW.
- NSW Health spends more than $250 million a year treating tobacco related illness - that’s the equivalent of 3000 full-time nurses or 50,000 elective surgery procedures.
- The indirect cost of smoking to the NSW economy, including lost productivity and wages, has been estimated at $6.6 billion per year.
- Smoking is by far the leading cause of lung cancer, with 4 out of 5 lung cancers linked to tobacco.
- Five year survival rates from most cancers in NSW are very high, with 63% of all cancers likely to be cured. But the survival rate from lung cancer is just 14%.
- Half of all people diagnosed with lung cancer will be dead within a year of diagnosis.
Mr Draper said that giving up smoking was tough and it was important that partners and family support anyone making the effort.
“Try and reduce stress levels and remember tempers may fray a little when people are trying to beat an addiction.”
“Lets marshal the publicly available and family support necessary to help make a decision that can give a baby the best start in life,” Mr Draper concluded.
$47,000 in Arts Funding Welcomed
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
State MP Peter Draper, has welcomed a $47,000 injection of State Government funding into the local arts community through the NSW 2009 Arts Funding Programme.
Mr Draper said that $7,000 has been provided to Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music towards their artist residency programme, while Tamworth Regional Gallery receives $40,000 to assist with its exhibition programme.
“Both Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music and the Regional Gallery are recognized as innovative leaders, and are highly regarded institutions that greatly enhance the quality of the arts in regional NSW,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Geoffrey Harris, Chairperson of the Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music said: “Most of our funding is raised locally from the community by way of sponsorship and donation. The number of comprehensive music education programmes we run provides many opportunities for budding young musicians, so State Government assistance to the arts in this region is always appreciated.”
Tamworth Regional Gallery Director, Ms Sandra McMahon said that the funds would assist the Gallery to provide diversity in their artistic programming.
“It is really important we continue to receive the support of the NSW Government as an acknowledgment of our contribution in bringing a wide range of the best works in Australia to a leading regional institution,” Ms McMahon said.
Mr Draper said that both institutions broadened the artistic horizons for the entire New England / Northwest community.
“I have previously highlighted in State Parliament the wonderful contribution Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music provides to musical education, plus the opportunities it provides to budding virtuosos wishing to make their mark on the world musical stage.”
“Similarly, the vision of Tamworth Regional Council in developing the modern Gallery facilities that the community enjoys, facilitates a wide range of high quality exhibitions to be staged locally,” he said.
“On behalf of both institutions plus the wider community, I thank the State Government for this investment in helping to maintain and improve the quality offerings provided to this region.”
“High quality centres for artistic endeavours add greatly to the amenity of this district, and I will continue to encourage Government to invest in these vital community programmes,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo: Tamworth Regional Gallery Director, Sandra McMahon, and State MP, Peter Draper, with Louise Saxton's "Recollection - Specimens Detail", part of the 18th Tamworth Fibre Textile Biennial running until 18th January, at the Gallery. Curated by Valerie Kirk, Head of Textiles, ANU Canberra, it showcases the work of 25 artists from across Australia. The exhibition provides audiences with access to the finest and most exploratory aspects of contemporary fibre textile practice. The exhibition will leave Tamworth on a national tour in March. Funding through the NSW Arts Funding Programme assists with making this national tour possible and also allows the Gallery to provide diversity in their local artistic programming.
Driver Education Should Start At School
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, believes driver education should become a compulsory part of the school system in an attempt to further stem the tragic loss of young lives on our roads.
“We teach cooking, woodwork and many other life skills in our schools and yet one of the most basic requirements, a drivers licence, with all the respect and responsibility it entails, is conspicuously absent from a co-ordinated education programme,” Mr Draper said.
“Statistics show young drivers are over represented in all fatal crashes, including drink driving and fatigue. Despite making up only 15 per cent of drivers, young drivers represent around 36 per cent of annual road fatalities.”
“The biggest killer of young drivers is speed, and around 80 per cent of those killed are male,” he said.
“Every year when news is short over the Christmas/New Year period the media makes lead stories out of these tragedies, but unless they are particularly horrific, accidents by young people seem to be given lesser attention during the next twelve months.”
“There is general agreement among road safety and driver licensing authorities and the broader community, including young people themselves that more needs to be done to reduce injuries and loss of life,” he continued.
Mr Draper said that since 1995 Tamworth Council had co-ordinated an annual Road Safety Expo, with over 10,000 young people attending during this period.
“This effective initiative has been adopted by organizations in other areas as a key educational tool for youth road safety programmes,” he said.
Mr Draper said that Independent Member for Port Macquarie, Peter Besseling, had recently highlighted a similar programme Power of Choice that has been presented to more than 3000 teenagers in schools throughout the Hastings district.
“Mr Besseling also believes the key to saving young lives on our roads is driver education programmes that deal with the stark realities of drink driving and speeding.”
“As Mr Besseling pointed out, these hard-hitting programmes personalise the responsibility of being in control of a motor vehicle. People who have lost a child or a partner in a car crash bravely share their stories with school students, plus crash investigators, SES volunteers, ambulance officers, and crash survivors also present a confronting message that kids just can’t ignore,” he said.
“Starting with ‘look to the right, look to the left and look to the right again’ with the infants, it is important to build a programme that imbues respect and responsibility in road safety throughout the school years that then culminates in initial driver training during high school to properly prepare students for their 120 hours of on road ‘L’plate experience.”
“Such a programme could also help a growing number of children from families that may not have a licensed driver or a vehicle available to assist them through the process of gaining a licence.”
“The education system is the place we teach our children many life skills. Why shouldn’t a subject as important as responsible road skills be a part of that curriculum?” Mr Draper concluded.
New Regional Excursion Daily Bus Ticket Offers Big Savings For Seniors and Pensioners
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Independent State MP, Peter Draper, has welcomed the introduction of the Regional Excursion Daily (RED) ticket scheme for use by NSW Seniors, Pensioner Concession and War Widow cardholders on local bus services.
“This is a long overdue move that will allow rural and regional card holders similar travel concessions to those that their metropolitan cousins have enjoyed for many years,” Mr Draper said.
“The Regional Excursion Daily RED ticket will cost $2.50, can be purchased from the driver and will be available for travel all day on the day of issue.”
“Importantly, the tickets are transferable between bus companies,” he said.
“Card holders in Werris Creek and Quirindi, for example, can pay their $2.50 fare when boarding the Tamworth Busline’s service to Tamworth, and then use the ticket on either Hannaford’s or Tamworth Busline’s city services to access the suburbs, hospital or shopping centres and then catch the bus home in the afternoon for the one fare.”
“Previously, it would have cost card holders $8.20 for a return Werris Creek – Tamworth fare, plus fares on services used in town, so this scheme offers real savings,” he continued.
Mr Draper said that similar savings were available on Tamworth Busline’s services from Manilla and Bendemeer to Tamworth.
“Similarly, travellers from Boggabri, Emerald Hill, Kelvin, Keepit Dam and Wean can catch Hope’s Bus Service into Gunnedah and also use the ticket on Gunnedah town services,” he said.
Mr Draper said that savings would also accrue for residents in both Tamworth and Gunnedah who chose to utilize their local services to get around.
“Hopefully this initiative will allow eligible travellers greater mobility to get around and visit friends, entertainment venues, medical appointments and shopping excursions,” he said.
Mr Draper said the tickets were not valid on Countrylink rail or bus services.
The tickets will be available for cardholders to utilize services during the Country Music Festival.
“Improving transport options for rural and regional travellers has always been a priority for me, so I am very pleased to see this benefit is now available for country pensioners and seniors,” Mr Draper concluded.
Country Motorists Urged To Be E-Tag Ready
Monday, January 5, 2009
Independent State MP, Peter Draper, is reminding country motorists that the Sydney Harbour Bridge becomes cashless from next Sunday 11th January 2009. Mr Draper said that remaining cash booths on other toll roads would also be removed in coming months.
“All 127 motor registries across NSW now supply E-tags, so country motorists who are travelling to Sydney can obtain an E-tag from their local RTA and avoid the hassles that will arise should they use the Harbour Bridge or other cashless motorways.”
“It will be much easier to obtain the E-tag than having to follow through with payment arrangements if these roads are used without a pass,” he continued.
Mr Draper said motorists can apply for an RTA tag by calling 131 865, although up to 10 working days will be needed for it to be delivered by post. Motorists can also access the tags by logging onto the RTA website at www.rta.nsw.gov.au.
“At this time it appears the most convenient way to obtain the temporary E-tag is to call into a motor registry as you can pick one up on the spot,” Mr Draper said.
“I still have major concerns that the current system which requires a credit card is expensive, inconvenient, and inequitable for country visitors. The Sydney road system can be a navigational nightmare, and country motorists may be unwittingly drawn onto a tollway without understanding the fees and payment system,” he said.
“I will continue to urge the NSW Government to consider the Victorian E-tag system where tags are available from selected service stations, Post Offices and newsagents, giving motorists better options than travelling to a RTA office.”
“E-tags should be accessible for country motorists 24 hours a day, seven days a week. One can’t always plan ahead for emergencies which may require a trip to Sydney at short notice when a RTA office may not be open,” he continued.
Mr Draper is also reminding country motorists that time of day tolling on both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and tunnel will come into effect from Tuesday 27th January 2009.
“Time of day tolling means that it will cost $4 between 6.30am and 9.30am and 4pm to 7pm Monday to Friday, $3 in the shoulder period 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 8pm on weekends and public holidays while the off peak rate is $2.50 between midnight and 6.30am and 7pm to midnight Monday to Friday plus from 8pm to 8am on weekends and public holidays,” he said.
“I am interested to hear from country motorists who have difficulty with the system or who have ideas to streamline its efficiency for rural and regional travellers,” Mr Draper concluded.
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