Media Releases, January 2010
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“You Can Do It” Program gives Gunnedah students great start in life
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Local State MP, Peter Draper, was honoured to attend the official launch of the You Can Do It program at Gunnedah South Public School today.
The launch by the program’s author and founder, Professor Michael Bernard, was held in the school hall at a full assembly attended by students, parents and invited guests including Mayor Adam Marshal and Ruythe Dufty, School Education Director New England South.
“The introduction of You Can Do It at Gunnedah South Public School is a very positive way to begin the new school year, as it supports communities, schools and homes in a collective effort to optimise the social, emotional, and academic outcomes for all young people,” Mr Draper said.
“Its unique contribution is in identifying the social and emotional capabilities that all young people need in order to be successful in school, experience wellbeing, and have positive relationships with others plus being good citizens,” he said.
Mr Draper said Professor Bernard is an international consultant to educational authorities, organizations and government, and is a Professor at Melbourne University’s Education Faculty.
“I think it’s fantastic that Professor Bernard has travelled to Gunnedah to introduce this program that will improve the Social and Emotional development of many young people,” he said.
“Professor Bernard spent Wednesday going through the program with Principals from many of the regions schools who came into Gunnedah for the sessions, and today he officially launched the program at Gunnedah South Public School at a most impressive event, including the whole school gathering on the school oval to form the letters Y-C-D-I, for You Can Do It,” he said.
Mr Draper joined the official guests in displaying signs that spelt out the key components of the program – CONFIDENCE – GETTING ALONG – ORGANIZATION – PERSISTENCE – RESILIENCE.
Mr Draper said that central to the development of these five key foundations is instilling in young people twelve habits of the mind, including: Accepting Myself, Taking Risks, Being Independent, I Can Do It, Giving Effort, Working Tough, Setting Goals, Planning My Time, Being Tolerant of Others, Thinking First, Playing by the Rules, and Social Responsibility.
“This last point includes the values of caring, doing your best, freedom, honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility, understanding, tolerance, and inclusion, which are so important if an individual is to have the best chance in life,” he said.
Mr Draper thanked Gunnedah South Public School Principal, Emma Jeffrey, for inviting him to attend the launch, and congratulated her on driving the program at the school.
“This is a terrific program that will help many young people successfully navigate their way through life,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo (top): Gunnedah South PS Principal, Emma Jeffrey, Professor Michael Bernard, School Education Director New England South, Ruythe Dufty, Peter Draper MP and Gunnedah Mayor, Adam Marshall, at the launch of the You Can Do It program.
Photo (below, courtesy of Gayle Mills, G Montage Designs Gunnedah): Gunnedah South Public School students, assembled on the oval, to form the letters Y-C-D-I at the launch of You Can Do It.
Government must act swiftly to overcome impasse on Somerton Bridge
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
State MP, Peter Draper, has expressed disappointment that the Somerton bridge impasse remains unresolved following today’s meeting between NSW Roads Minister, David Campbell, and representatives of Tamworth Regional Council (TRC).
“The Somerton Bridge was damaged following the 2008 floods, and locals deserve action to provide appropriate access across the Peel River. Residents are rightfully frustrated that the RTA and Tamworth Regional Council have been unable to come to an agreement over funding,” Mr Draper said.
“This bridge provides access for traffic from Somerton to Manilla for both locals and visitors. It is also a school bus route for the Somerton Public School, and an important link for local landholders, so a resolution to this issue should have been found months ago,” he said.
Mr Draper said the TRC had commissioned an independent report into the bridge prior to its collapse that determined it was in a reasonable condition that did not require load limitations.
“The reality is, had there not been a flood event in December 2008 the Somerton Bridge would still be open for traffic, and local residents would not have to face the ongoing inconvenience they have experienced for over twelve months.”
“Furthermore, the intransigent attitude of the RTA on this issue sets a very dangerous precedent for future natural disaster claims not only locally, but right around NSW,” he said.
“Unfortunately, it was suggested in sections of the local media that the bridge collapse had been caused by a passing semi-trailer, when in fact flood damage caused the structure to fail. The RTA and the Minister must not use this confusion to try and escape their responsibilities under natural disaster funding to share in the cost of the bridge replacement,” he continued.
Mr Draper said the Minister had echoed the position the RTA have held to up to date on this issue, and he said that a change of stance was needed on behalf of both the RTA and the Minister to resolve the situation.
“Minister Campbell has given an undertaking to revisit the matter with the RTA, and contact Council once he has had further discussions. I hope this process can proceed expeditiously, and the Minister can resolve the stalemate,” he said.
“TRC have proposed a lower cost alternative for replacing the bridge, and I hope the Minister will consider this favourably,” he continued.
“I will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of the residents of Somerton and the TRC in their endeavours to gain the funding they are entitled to from the State Government to replace the bridge,” Mr Draper concluded.
Premier’s visit keeps region on political radar
Monday, January 25, 2010
Independent State MP, Peter Draper, is pleased that NSW Premier, Kristina Keneally, accepted an invitation to visit Tamworth during this year’s Country Music Festival.
“The Premier was able to see how important the Tamworth Country Music Festival has become as a major State Event, and she reiterated the Government’s commitment to promoting the Festival on the world stage through Events NSW,” Mr Draper said.
“The Premier’s announcement that the NSW Government will fund five new scholarships for this years Country Music Association of Australia’s Australian Academy of Country Music was excellent news for local organisers, as it will allow more aspiring young country music stars to broaden their musical horizons,” he said.
Mr Draper said it was also important the Premier was aware of the massive investment Tamworth has made in venues including the Regional Entertainment Centre, and the Equine and Livestock Centre, making the city a national leader in such infrastructure.
Mr Draper also said the family friendly atmosphere of the Festival was brought home to the Premier when she took an informal walk through Peel and Fitzroy Streets, meeting with locals and visitors while enjoying the buskers entertaining the crowds.
“I know the Premier thoroughly enjoyed her visit, and it gave us an opportunity to highlight just how important this Festival is to not only Tamworth’s economy, but also the state,” he said.
Mr Draper said the visit had also given himself and representatives from Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) an opportunity to raise a number of important local issues with Premier Keneally.
“Both Mayor Treloar and TRC GM, Glenn Inglis, took the opportunity to discuss a number of important matters, including the future of the BAE Flight School, Barraba’s water supply and Somerton Bridge with the Premier.”
“I welcome this opportunity for the city’s leaders to discuss these important issues, particularly as I have arranged for the Mayor and GM to meet with Roads Minister, David Campbell, this Wednesday, for further talks on the Somerton Bridge issue,” he said.
“I also had an opportunity to discuss these and other matters with the Premier while she was in town.”
“I have always stressed the importance of keeping the local district on the political radar, so Premier Keneally’s visit was an excellent opportunity to do just that,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photos...
Top: Premier Keneally and Local Independent MP Peter Draper enjoy a chat with the 2010 Golden Guitar Female Artist of the Year, Tamworth's own Felicity Urquhart.
Middle: A young busker showcases his talent on Peel Street for Premier Keneally and Independent State MP, Peter Draper.
Bottom: An informal walk through Peel St during the CM Festival gave Independent State MP Peter Draper and Premier Keneally an opportunity to catch up with both local and visiting fans.
Browns Lane Tamworth / Hills Plains residents to benefit from $1.3 million interest free loan
Thursday, January 21, 2009
Local Independent MP, Peter Draper, has welcomed an announcement that a $1.3 million interest free State Government loan has been made available to Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) to upgrade Browns Lane.
“This money will allow TRC to widen and seal a 1.2 kilometre stretch of Browns Lane to provide improved access to the Windmill Hill and Windmill Downs residential developments,” Mr Draper said.
“It is envisaged that if current Tamworth growth rates continue, The Hills Plains development could potentially be home to over 7,000 residents in ten years time, so it is vital infrastructure is in place to meet those forecasts,” he continued.
Mr Draper said the interest free loan had been provided through the NSW Local Infrastructure Fund, designed to expedite local infrastructure projects needed for urban development.
“In the past, right across NSW, we have seen urban development take place without the necessary infrastructure to service residents.”
“I am pleased that the NSW Government have made this loan available to TRC to allow important infrastructure works to take place,” Mr Draper said.
“Both the capacity and the safety of Browns Lane will benefit through this investment,” he said.
Mr Draper said that projects funded through the Local Infrastructure Fund are expected to be completed within eighteen months of the loan being made available, and the sum repaid within ten years.
“This is an important investment to ensure ongoing development of the Hills Plain development can proceed smoothly,” Mr Draper concluded.
Extra Tamworth – Sydney Qantaslink journeys welcome
Thursday, January 21, 2009
Independent State MP, Peter Draper, has welcomed notification from Qantaslink of an additional five flights per week between Sydney and Tamworth. The flights will be introduced from 8 March 2010.
“Tamworth is the regional hub for northern NSW and a vibrant growing city, and so I congratulate Qantaslink on this initiative,” Mr Draper said.
“Medical specialists who visit the city and many other professions depend on a frequent and reliable service to meet their commitments to the people of the North-west,” he said.
“The new flight will leave Sydney at 10.45 am then depart Tamworth at 12.10 pm. With the reinstatement of a Tuesday rationalised service, Tamworth will be serviced by five flights a day, equating to a further 500 seats per week on the route,” Mr Draper continued.
“Considering the world global economic crisis has significantly impacted air travel, these new flights are an indication of Qantaslink's commitment to the region, while demonstrating the underlying strength of our local economy,” he said.
Mr Draper said he commended Qantaslink on this expansion, and recognised their ongoing commitment to maintaining engineering facilities in Tamworth.
“This is good news for local residents and the many people who travel from Sydney to Tamworth.”
“Considering Qantaslink are also providing an extra five flights a week to Armidale this will see an extra 1,000 seats a week available for residents of the two cities,” Mr Draper concluded.
Nine local organisations share nearly $4,000 to celebrate Seniors’ Week
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Local State MP, Peter Draper, today announced funding of $3,950 that will be shared between nine local organisations to celebrate NSW Seniors’ Week 2010 from Sunday 21 March until Sunday 28 March 2010.
“NSW Seniors’ Week celebrates the valuable contribution that seniors make to our community. It is our way of saying thank you to seniors, and provides an important opportunity for all generations to join with older people and celebrate their contribution to our community,” Mr Draper said.
“2010 marks the 52nd anniversary of Seniors’ Week in NSW, and I welcome funding that will once again allow local organizations to celebrate this important event,” he said.
Mr Draper said the theme for Seniors’ Week, LIVE LIFE, was aimed at encouraging seniors to actively participate at one of the 700 events taking place across NSW during the event. He said that local organisations had built an enviable reputation over past years by providing many quality events during the week.
Mr Draper said the following organizations from the district had successfully attracted funding towards their event:
- Alkira Aged Care Facility Gunnedah - $500
- Barraba Combined Pensioners and Senior Citizens Association Inc - $400
- Barraba Home and Community Care Services - $400
- Boggabri Old People’s Welfare Committee Inc - $500
- Central Northern District Bowling Association - $350
- Gunnedah Shire Council - $400
- Older Men’s Network Incorporated - $400
- Tamworth Regional Council Community Centre - $400
- Tamworth Youth Care Coledale Community Centre - $600
“Seniors’ Week is an opportunity for all community members to say thanks, to participate, to exchange ideas, to share, and to contemplate how the accumulated wisdom of our seniors can best be utilised to benefit the wider community,” Mr Draper said.
“I congratulate all of the organizations who have successfully obtained funding to help provide local Seniors’ Week celebrations, and I look forward to joining the wider community in acknowledging the invaluable contribution Seniors make during these events,” Mr Draper concluded.
Draper welcomes advice that $146.4 million Keepit upgrade to commence this week
Saturday, January 16, 2009
Local State MP, Peter Draper, has welcomed advice that construction work on the $146.4million safety upgrade of Keepit Dam will begin this Monday, the 18th January.
"I welcome this massive investment in both water and safety security for the Namoi Valley community. It is a wise investment of local taxpayers money, " Mr Draper said.
John Holland has won the contract for the construction of two spillways and the main saddle dam.
"The Soil Conservation Services are responsible for the construction of two access roads and the two small saddle dams," he said.
"Part of this project involves the construction of three new fishways downstream at Mollee, Gunidgera and Weeta weirs."
"Importantly, Split Rock Dam will be upgraded concurrently with Keepit Dam to ensure both dams can withstand extreme flooding," Mr Draper continued.
Mr Draper said about 30 jobs are expected to be supported by the project, with a significant proportion of the $146.4 million upgrade investment flowing through to the local economy.
He said that public access to the main dam wall will be restricted during construction for safety reasons.
"A viewing and turning area will be available to visitors at the approach to the main wall, so while there may be some short term disruption to the public, the long term benefits far outweigh inconvenience," Mr Draper said.
"This $146.6 million investment in local infrastructure will bring the dam into line with contemporary safety standards."
"Additionally, it will improve Keepit's environmental performance while securing the downstream assets of the Namoi Valley community for future generations," Mr Draper concluded.
$10,000 provided to enhance CM Festival transport options
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Local MP, Peter Draper, has welcomed a $10,000 injection of State Government funding to underpin bus services during Tamworth’s Country Music Festival.
“It is vital that locals and visitors can get out and about during the Festival without having to worry about transport options,” Mr Draper said.
“Hot weather and the Festival’s party atmosphere means that people like to socialize and have a few drinks, so it is important they can leave the car at home while still getting to and from the city’s many venues,” he said.
Mr Draper said that part of this year’s funding would be used to provide access from the City to The Pub, on the Gunnedah Road, the Westdale area and return.
“I had a number of people contact me, disappointed that last year’s Festival bus services failed to provide adequate coverage to this part of the City, so the development of this route will help overcome this concern,” he said.
The Pub Management Group’s Joan Douglas also welcomed funding for the Westdale Route 6 bus service.
“The Pub endeavours to bring the cream of Australian Country Music talent to the venue during the Festival, so good transport links are essential in ensuring that 10 days and nights of entertainment are both viable for us, and accessible for the fans.”
“I welcome this investment in Festival transport links,” Mrs Douglas said.
Mr Draper said that local venues invested large amounts of money to maintain a high calibre of entertainment throughout the Festival, so efficient transport was a crucial factor in making sure these ventures were successful.
“The Pub has long been a leader in entertainment provision, not only during the Country Music Festival, but all year round, so it is important they are included in the transport network,” he said.
Tamworth Regional Council’s Festival Director, Steve Bartlett, said he too welcomed the State Government’s funding for public transport during the Tamworth CM Festival.
“On behalf of Tamworth Regional Council I express appreciation to Mr Draper for combining with council to secure the funding for this essential Festival service,” Mr Bartlett said.
“I encourage locals and visitors to utilize the Festival buses as their primary transport option when visiting venues,” Mr Draper concluded.
Some relief on fees for Pensioners and War Widows
Monday, January 11, 2010
Local Pensioners and War Widows who hold a pensioner concession card will no longer be charged to obtain a NSW photo card identification. War widows, irrespective of age, will no longer have to pay for their driver’s licence or vehicle registration,” local State MP, Peter Draper, said today.
He said the NSW photo card is a voluntary identification card for people who do not hold a current NSW driver’s licence or other form of photo identification.
“Under the changes, pensioners and war widows who hold a pensioner concession card will not be charged to obtain a photo identification card,” he said.
Mr Draper said some war widows would also have their driving costs reduced as a result of changes.
“Previously only war widows under the age of sixty automatically received concessions. Those over sixty needed to hold a pensioner concession card to continue to receive the concessions,” he said.
“This welcome move will bring consistency in treatment to all war widows across the nation,” Mr Draper said.
Tamworth and District War Widows Guild Club Secretary, Mrs Mel Wilson, said the changes would bring NSW in line with other states and territories in relation to licence and vehicle registration exemptions.
“Its great news for the 80 local War Widows Guild Club Members, and for the several hundred war widows in the region,” Mrs Wilson said.
“Every little bit helps. There are currently no pensioner concessions for photo cards, and this change will bring the arrangements for the photo card into line with driver’s licences. We would also like exemptions extended to other things like council and water rates,” she continued.
Mr Draper said the licence and registration exemptions for war widows have already commenced, and the photo card changes would be introduced following legislative changes to be introduced when parliament resumes in February.
Mr Draper said the Tamworth and District War Widows Guild did an outstanding job on behalf of their members, and co-ordinated the annual Field of Remembrance for the wider community.
“This years Field of Remembrance will be held on the 11th April, and once again I look forward to attending and paying my respects to those who paid the supreme sacrifice and their families.”
“Interested people can find out more details about the War Widows Guild and the Field of Remembrance by contacting the local branch secretary, Mel Wilson, on 6765 5414,” Mr Draper concluded.
$300,000 for improvement to Fossickers Way just north of Manilla
Friday, January 8, 2010
Local State MP, Peter Draper, today announced the RTA is shortly to commence improvements to Fossickers Way on the northern outskirts of Manilla, near Lookout Road.
“In my role as a local MP, I travel this road on a regular basis, and I know how important safe and reliable roads are, not only to the local community but also increasing numbers of tourist and through traffic,” Mr Draper said.
“The work will involve widening and improving an 800 metre section of the road, which includes sealing the road shoulders.”
“Drainage work will also be carried out, which will improve driving conditions and the durability of the road,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said that as part of this widening work, it would be necessary to remove a small number of trees along each side of the road within this section.
“Once the work is complete, new native trees will be planted to replace those that had to be removed,” he said.
“Work is expected to start shortly, with completion before the end of June 2010,” Mr Draper concluded.
Applications open for Sport and Recreation Facility Grant Program
Friday, January 8, 2010
Independent State MP, Peter Draper, is pleased to announce that online applications for the Sport and Recreation Facility Grant Program will be available from Monday 11th January 2010.
“My office has had a lot of queries regarding this program with these grants on hold pending a review, which has now been completed. They would normally have been offered in July/August 2009. As they are a keenly sought source of funding to develop community infrastructure interest in their availability has been high,” he said.
Mr Draper said the primary focus of the program is to assist with the funding for the development of local and regional level sport and recreation facilities.
“The objectives of this program are to increase regular and on-going participation opportunities in sport, recreation or structured physical activity in a sustainable manner.”
“The program aims to improve access for people from groups that traditionally find it difficult to access sport. It also seeks to improve safety at sport and recreation facilities, to develop environmentally sustainable sport and recreation facilities and to assist people from identified groups that face barriers to participating in sport and recreation,” he said.
Mr Draper said grants are available from $500 to $200,000.
“The grant amount requested cannot be more than 50 percent of the project cost but organisational contribution can include voluntary labour and it is expected that the applicant will cover any administration costs incurred with the project.”
“Applications can be made by NSW incorporated, community based not-for-profit organizations and NSW Local Government Authorities operating under the Local Government Act (1993),” he said.
Mr Draper said he was concerned the review of the scheme had seen the maximum grant amount reduced from $300,000 to $200,000.
“I would particularly like to hear from any local organizations who feel they have been disadvantaged by any changes brought about by the review,” he said.
“Additionally, delays caused by the review mean that applicants only have until 5pm on Tuesday 16th February to get their applications in and again I would not like to see this cause any disadvantage,” Mr Draper said.
He said that from Monday January 11th interested parties could phone 13 13 02 or email srgrants@communities.nsw.gov.au for further information.
“My electorate office also reopens on the 11th January and we will be happy to steer groups in the right direction to benefit from this scheme.”
“Such funding has provided positive outcomes for local groups and sporting and recreational facilities in past years and I encourage local organizations to get their applications in as soon as possible to benefit from this round,” Mr Draper concluded.
Nundle Must Be Declared a Natural Disaster Area – Draper
Monday, January 4, 2010
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has contacted NSW Emergency Services Minister, Steve Whan, calling on him to declare flood ravaged areas in the Nundle region as a Natural Disaster area.
"What thr Nunsdle community experienced last weekend can only be described as a disaster, and I am sure the images portrayed in local newspapers and on televison have brought home to the wider community exactly what people in the Nundle area have suffered," Mr Draper said.
"Arc-En-Ciel Trout Farm, Nundle Caravan Park and many local properties have suffered tremendous damage. Declaration of a Natural Disaster will allow these people some assistance through the tough times ahead when they are rebuilding," he said.
Mr Draper said that following declaration of a Natural Disaster, victims could seek assistance through several channels.
Personal Hardship and Distress Assistance is provided through Community Services. They can provide disaster relief grants to eligible individuals and families whose homes and essential household items have been destroyed or damaged by such a natural disaster. People with limited financial resources and no insurance may be eligible for assistance for essential household items and structural repairs to their home.
For Primary Producers, loans of up to $130,000 are available (subject to certain eligibility criteria), at a concessional interest rate of 2.56 per cent for those in urgent need. These loans may be used to meet carry-on requirements, or the replacement and repair of damage not covered by insurance.
For small business, loans of up to $130,000 are available at a concessional rate of 2.56 per cent to businesses affected by disasters that meet certain eligibility criteria. This finance is available to those unable to obtain assistance through normal channels.
In addition, assistance is available to local government, trustees of parks and reserves, sporting groups, churches and voluntary non-profit organizations.
""The devastation caused by recent flooding in the Nundle region has impacted on many businesses, farmers and individuals, and highlights the need for Minister Whan to act swiftly in assisting the Nundle region community through these difficult times," Mr Draper concluded.
Christmas, New Year Message
On behalf of myself, my family and electorate office staff, I welcome this opportunity to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, and a happy and prosperous 2010.
Someone once wrote: “I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month”. Christmas Day is celebrated as a major festival and public holiday in most countries of the world, even in many which are not majority Christian. It brings people together in a way which few other events do. Apart from its religious significance, Christmas is a very special time - a time to reflect on the year that has passed, to share with family and friends, to take a well earned break, and to plan for the year ahead. The importance of Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts, in itself a wonderful gift.
Recently, the family of 18-year-old crash victim Brad Hillier opened their hearts to plead for young drivers to honour his memory by slowing down and staying alive. Despite their grief, this family have had the courage to use this tragic incident as a reminder to others to stop and ponder the value of life. I urge all motorists to respect the “Remember Brad” white crosses and heed the important message it delivers. The Hillier Family has established a foundation to promote the safe driving message, hoping to achieve positive outcomes from this tragedy, so this is a great Christmas message and gift.
Bill McKibben once wrote: “There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make - as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions”. I trust that your Christmas is safe and happy. I look forward to working with you in 2010, opening that jar each month, and striving towards a better world for all.
— Peter
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