Media Releases, June 2008
For previous releases, click here
Welcome Funding For Regional Racing
Monday, June 30, 2008
State Independent MP, Peter Draper, has welcomed over $90,000 funding provided to Tamworth and Gunnedah Jockey clubs.
The funding has been provided through the NSW Government’s Race Clubs Facilities Grants.
Mr Draper accompanied NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing, Graham West, on a tour of Tamworth and Gunnedah facilities today for presentation of the funding.
Tamworth Jockey Club was presented with $60,000 funding to assist in upgrading the female change room facilities to help cater for the growing number of female jockeys.
Gunnedah Jockey Club received $31,000 to upgrade their dining room facilities and toilet facilities at Riverside Racecourse.
“It is important to build our racing facilities as the industry is an important part of the local economy,” Mr Draper said.
“It is fitting, following the cost locally of Equine Influenza (EI) to local racing, that Minister West has presented this funding on the day Australia has been declared officially EI free,” he said.
Mr Draper paid tribute to the hardworking Tamworth and Gunnedah Jockey Clubs for the high level of racing they brought to the northwest.
“They not only provide important employment opportunities but also social and sporting excellence,” he continued.
“I know this funding will help grow the industry further,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo (top): Peter Draper MP with female jockeys Jessica Drury & Lee Menser, Graham West (Minister for Gaming and Racing) and Tamworth Jockey Club Chief Operating Officer, Kathy Dodd, inspect facilities at Tamworth Racecourse.
Photo (middle): Peter Draper MP and members of the Tamworth Jockey Club thank Gaming & Racing Minister, Graham West, for the $60,000 funding.
Photo (bottom): Mal Walsh (President Gunnedah Jockey Club), Leonie Walsh, Graham West (Minister for Gaming & Racing), Peter Draper MP, Debbie Watson (Secretary Gunnedah Jockey Club) and Gae Swain (Mayor Gunnedah) at the funding presentation held at Gunnedah's Riverside Race Course.
Draper Introduces Firearms Amendment Bill 2008 To LA
Thursday, January 26, 2008
Independent State MP, Peter Draper, has introduced the Firearms Amendment Bill 2008 into the New South Wales Legislative Assembly.
Mr Draper said the Bill was introduced in the Legislative Council by the Shooters Party, and it proposes a number of changes to the Firearms Act 1996 and the Firearms Regulation 2006.
“The proposed amendments to the Act and regulations that I introduced today are designed to improve the operation of the system for the legal use and registration of firearms by law-abiding citizens.”
The amendments aim to remove some of the impediments to legitimate sport shooting, hunting and collecting.
“Extensive consultation with Police, the Firearms Registry and accredited sport shooting, hunting and collecting clubs has led to the development of the amendments, which I would like to stress will have no impact on public safety,” Mr Draper said.
He told Parliament: “There are more than 20,000 licensed shooters registered in the electorate of Tamworth, with over 6,000 having become licensed since 1996. Many of these people are members of the Sporting Shooters Association, which has increased its base in NSW from 35,000 in 1996 to over 50,000 today.”
“The important proposed changes are the removal of the 28 day waiting periods for “Permits To Acquire” for a second firearm, and the streamlining of procedures allowing people to try sport shooting plus exemptions for antique firearms,” Mr Draper said.
Bill Caley, Secretary of the Tamworth Pistol Club & President of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, Peel Valley Branch told Mr Draper: “The changes to legislation will have absolutely no impact whatsoever on public safety. We are appalled by the Government’s failure to prosecute illegal and criminal usage of firearms while making it very tough for licensed and registered firearms users to pursue their sport.”
Peter Holmes, President of the Tamworth Clay Target Club and also the club coach and a Firearms Safety Awareness Officer applauded the introduction of these amendments saying: “This is a small step towards common sense in a difficult and often emotional area. These amendments will bring NSW a little closer to laws in other states.”
John Taylor is a member of the Sporting Shooters Association Tamworth Branch, the Northwest Hunting Club, and also an Accredited Safety Awareness Officer. He pointed out many of the wider community events shooters groups’ support, including supervised youth camps at their range at Tilterweira, near Wanaaring; they work with the DPI on fox surveys, plus they support organisations like the Childflight helicopter. He pointed out that the movement has people like Lee Kernaghan, Todd Russell, Glen McGrath and Shannon Noll as responsible role models.
“Sporting shooters and hunters are the most legislated, restricted and inspected citizens in our state. Licensed firearm owners have to go through more scrutiny than anyone else pursuing their chosen sport,” Mr Draper said
“These amendments do not seek to dilute laws designed to protect the general community, but are designed to encourage sport and competition, to develop talent at a reasonable age and to ease restrictions on specialists within the field,” he concluded.
Draper Questions Premier On Plans For Tamworth Hospital
Thursday, January 26, 2008
Today, in the NSW Legislative Assembly, Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, asked Premier Morris Iemma, “I note that work has started today on the Narrabri Hospital, would you please update the House on the NSW Government’s commitment to construct a new hospital in Tamworth during the term of this Parliament.”
Premier Iemma replied: “Mr Speaker I am happy to confirm to the Member that construction will start in this term and the project is on schedule and that is despite the campaign of misinformation the National Party is running. I remind the House that at the last election, of the two main candidates for Tamworth, the Honourable Member for Tamworth was the only one supporting the redevelopment of his hospital. I can inform him (– interjection by a coalition member -) your candidate said it was a waste of money redeveloping (more interjections). The two million dollars allocated in the budget commenced the planning of a new Tamworth health campus is on track, is scheduled and I can confirm for him construction will start in this term. The planning will involve three steps; the first step is the clinical services plan, which will determine the type of services that will be delivered from the hospital. Step two involves the project definition plan and what that is about is determining what type of facilities will be provided at the hospital, for example the size of the intensive care unit, the size of the emergency department and the number of beds. The third step in planning is the project procurement plan, the part of the planning that determines how you procure the hospital and the actual structure of the hospital and what we are committed to building in Tamworth is not just rebuilding the base hospital but a health campus, because Tamworth is also an important teaching campus and Mr Speaker what we will be doing is developing a health campus to serve the needs of the community in Tamworth and I’m happy to confirm for the member that construction will start in this term and we’ll keep him updated on progress on this very important project.”
Mr Draper said he was pleased with the Premiers commitment and would continue to actively work with the community and interested parties to ensure a world-class hospital for Tamworth was the result.
Skinner's Insinuations Wrong Again
Thursday, January 26, 2008
“Shadow Health Minister, Jillian Skinner, should spend more time worrying about the level of health provision in coalition seats, than continually trying to undermine confidence of north-west residents in Tamworth Hospital, its hard working staff and services.”
State MP, Peter Draper, was referring to suggestions by Mrs Skinner that the State Government had failed to allocate any emergency specialists to the hospital in a recently announced allocation.
“Jillian Skinner is aware we have a serious shortage of medical specialists nation wide, in no small measure due to the previous Federal coalition government’s policies, and that those resources must be utilized in areas of greatest need,” he said.
“While I would love to see more staff at Tamworth Hospital, we are lucky that the numbers and quality of existing staff allows the Tamworth Emergency Department to deliver the highest standards of care. The limited number of doctors have been deployed to areas with identified needs at this time.”
“Mrs Skinner should congratulate Tamworth Hospital’s well-staffed emergency department for performing well in State-wide emergency department performance targets for delivering efficient high-quality care.”
“Obviously our emergency departments are under pressure to meet demand, but our highly-trained specialist staff continue to do us proud at Tamworth Hospital,” he said.
Mr Draper said the achievements our hospital emergency staff experience in a workday, and the option to train as a crewmember of the Tamworth Rural Retrieval Service, means Tamworth Hospital continually attracts emergency specialist staff.
“Currently we have two doctors away from Tamworth undertaking training as Emergency Specialists, who will return when qualified.”
“Tamworth Hospital has been successful in attracting a number of other staff specialists physicians and surgeons in the past six months, including urologist Dr Gias Ahmed and Tamworth’s first resident endocrinologist Dr Deepali Shirkhedkar,” he said.
“For Jillian Skinner to suggest Tamworth may not have access to adequate emergency department health services as a result of the latest appointments is an insult to our dedicated medical teams and the general public,” he continued.
“There are a number of coalition seats where health services are nowhere near as good as Tamworth. Jillian Skinner should spend more time addressing these issues, rather than continually trying to score cheap political points trying to undermine public confidence and staff morale at Tamworth Hospital,” he concluded.
Please Defer Barraba – Split Rock Dam Pipeline Decision
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
State MP, Peter Draper, is urging Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) to defer any negative decision on a Barraba – Split Rock Dam pipeline at Thursday nights meeting.
“I have spoken to Water Utilities Minister, Nathan Rees about this matter, and he indicated he would be willing to take the proposal to the Federal Government in an attempt to secure infrastructure funding,” Mr Draper said.
“ I hope that Tamworth Regional Council will defer any decision on the pipeline while all possible funding avenues through both state and federal authorities are explored.”
“It is obvious the Barraba community will need co-operation at all levels to bring their vision to reality, similar to the co-operation that recently secured Goulburn’s water supply,” he said.
Mr Draper has told the Parliament of the dismay expressed by Barraba residents when it was announced a recommendation would go to the TRC meeting in relation to Barraba water supply security – Split Rock Pipeline Investigation that TRC not proceed with the Split Rock Dam Pipeline Option as a raw water source for Barraba on the basis of the high capital cost.
“After 14 years of discussion and investigation the recommendation was like a kick in the teeth to the community leaders and other visionaries who have vigorously pursued a permanent solution to Barraba’s water supply problems,” Mr Draper told Parliament.
He told the House, “Cost has always been put up as the major obstacle to this project. In 1994 the Department of Public Works and Services recommended a pipeline from Split Rock Dam, costed then at $3.36 million, as the preferred option for a secure, quality water supply. Two years ago a State Government report gave an indicative costing of $6.6 million, while Thursday night’s Council meeting will be told that over $15 million is the current estimate, and that is for town supply only, not a provision for industrial development.”
“I am sure that the money spent on reports and emergency measures has far exceeded the 1994 $3.6 million pipeline costing, and yet Barraba still doesn’t have a satisfactory, guaranteed, safe domestic supply, let alone one that would attract industry,” he said.
Mr Draper told Parliament that Shirley Close, a former Barraba mayor and current Tamworth Regional Councillor, has been a passionate advocate for the pipeline proposal.
Shirley has been shocked by the recommendation to the council saying: “I just can’t believe we will be looking at this so negatively. I think its something where you need to have a bit of vision. You need to have a bit of forward planning, and it needs to be dealt with now, for the future.”
“A pipeline from Split Rock Dam has always been identified as the most expensive option but it is the only guarantee of secure supply for Barraba. It is a project that should be supported by all tiers of Government so it can be built,” Mr Draper concluded.
More Government Support Required For Regional Conservatorium Of Music
Tuesday, June 24, 2007
In a recent speech to the NSW Parliament, the Independent State MP, Peter Draper, has called for more government support for Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music.
Mr Draper told Parliament: “Like other Conservatorium around the state, Tamworth expanded significantly following a substantial increase of funding in 2001. This funding level has not been reviewed since and in tandem with drought and rising living costs they are being pushed to the edge of their sustainability.”
“The Tamworth Conservatorium has experienced a sharp increase in student numbers, plus full-time professional teaching and administrative staff. With this heightened level of professional capacity, the increased demand has put significant pressure on their cash flow, and the ability to meet legislative requirements has decreased.”
“With the State Government providing less than 20% of funds, it is fortunate that Tamworth Conservatorium are strongly supported by the local community so they can maintain both the range and the quality of musical education and training for their students.”
The many achievements of the Conservatorium were acknowledged at the Joblink Plus Quality Business awards, when they picked up the award for Employment, Training and Education,” he said.
Mr Draper also paid tribute to the community organizations that support the Conservatorium.
“Tamworth Foundation for Musical Education provides valuable support to the Conservatorium, providing significant financial support for administrative expenses such as staff superannuation and recess funding. As a result of prudent fund management by the Foundation Board, Tamworth Conservatorium staff enjoys financial benefits unavailable at any other regional conservatorium in NSW.”
“Also much appreciated is the fantastic contribution and assistance provided by the Friends of Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music who add value at all Conservatorium functions through catering and general support.”
“Sponsorship from local businesses, service clubs and individuals provides critical assistance for needy students. Given increased interest rates, high fuel costs and rising grocery prices, I commend the Management Board for holding tuition charges to a $1 per hour increase for 2008,” he said.
“While public demand for music education provision is increasing, the capacity of Regional Conservatoriums to service this demand is diminishing, as the true value of current government funding drops.”
“In regional NSW this is exacerbated by the volatility of climatic and economic conditions. The State Government has a duty to provide sufficient funding so all students have an opportunity to be part of this incredibly valuable musical education experience,” Mr Draper concluded.
Click here for Hansard.
DA Lodged to Construct Tamworth’s New Bullimbal School For Special Purposes
Monday, June 23, 2008
State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, today announced that a development application to construct a new school for students with disabilities in Tamworth has been lodged with Tamworth Regional Council.
Mr Draper said the new Bullimbal School for Special Purposes would provide a specialised educational setting with intensive support for students from Kindergarten to Year 12.
“There has been a lot of work undertaken to reach this important milestone, and I applaud the NSW Government for honouring its commitment to local families that a brand new school would be built,” Mr Draper said.
“I also thank the local community for their input and support in bringing this important vision to fruition, and in particular the parent body, plus teachers and support staff.”
“This is a significant investment in providing disability services for our community, and will provide students access to modern learning and support facilities where they can undertake their education in a safe and secure environment,” he said.
The Bullimbal School For Special Purposes will include:
- A classroom block with specialised facilities for students with disabilities;
- An administration area;
- A library;
- Communal space;
- Student and staff toilets; and
- Car park.
“Landscaping will also be undertaken to enhance the physical appearance of the school,” Mr Draper said.
“Bullimbal School for Special Purposes caters for students with intellectual disability, physical disability, vision impairment, hearing impairment and multiple disabilities.”
“Learning support plans and individualised learning programs are collaboratively planned, implemented and monitored in conjunction with parents and allied health professionals,” he said.
The project is jointly funded by the NSW and Australian Governments under the Capital Grants Programme.
“Once the DA has been approved by Council, the Department of Education and Training will call for tenders and appoint a building contractor.”
“I understand the new school is expected to be ready for occupation in 2010,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo: Department of Education & Training Regional Director, Des Gorman and State MP, Peter Draper, onsite inspecting plans for the new Bullimbal School for Special Purposes. The $6,900,000 development application for this project has been lodged with Tamworth Regional Council.
Congratulations To Hunter New England Health Staff
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Local State MP, Peter Draper, has congratulated the hard working staff of Hunter New England Health (HNEH) for scoring the highest rating for overall patient care across the State, according to results of the 2007 New South Wales Health Patient Survey, released last week.
Mr Draper said over twelve and a half thousand patients from across the Hunter New England Health Service had responded to this first statewide survey.
“96% of community health patients rated their care as good, very good or excellent.”
“92.1% of paediatric patients and 92% of outpatients rated their care as good, very good or excellent.”
“95% of day only patients rated their care as good, very good or excellent,” Mr Draper said.
“Hunter New England health not only scored higher than the state average across all aspects of care, it received the highest positive ratings for education and information, respect for patients preferences and coordination of care,” he said.
“Altogether, responses indicate 90.6% of patients rated their care as good, very good or excellent.”
Mr Draper said he would discuss issues of concern that arose in the survey with health authorities to improve service delivery.
“Respondents indicated they would like to see improvements in the way family and friends are kept up to date about treatment, more emotional support for patients, plus improvements in continuity of care and transitional arrangements.”
“There is always room for improvement, and I will encourage authorities to address all of the concerns outlined in the survey,” he said.
Mr Draper said it was heartening to see the level of positive feedback.
“There is no doubt that constant criticism of health provision by certain quarters has a negative impact on morale amongst health professionals.”
“This feedback from patients indicates the vast majority of people are generally satisfied with the level of care they receive, and is a pat on the back for the dedicated workers at the coalface,” he said.
“Well done Hunter New England Health. Keep up the good work of providing quality health care for the people of our region,” Mr Draper concluded.
Gunnedah Health Initiative Highlighted In Parliament
Thursday, June 19, 2008
State Member, Peter Draper, has praised the forward thinking of the Gunnedah community by planning an Integrated Rural Health Centre during a speech to the NSW Parliament this week.
“Country communities have been hard hit by a lack of medical professionals in recent years. People commonly face waiting times of between two and four weeks to see a doctor. Gunnedah has experienced this medical shortage and reports indicate that it will only worsen over the next couple of years,” Mr Draper said.
“I took the opportunity to inform the House of how the Gunnedah community is proactively seeking answers and putting forward solutions.”
Mr Draper told Parliament that the community-owned organisation, Gunnedah Rural Health Limited, had held a well-attended public meeting this week to outline its vision for a Gunnedah rural health centre, aiming to address medical shortfalls and improve health delivery across the Gunnedah region.
“Gunnedah Rural Health Limited does not want to just talk about the problems, it is actively working to provide solutions.”
“The organisation has already undertaken scoping studies, and now has engineering plans ready to go. It has done the groundwork and now requires Federal and State financial support to make the dream a reality,” he told Parliament.
Mr Draper outlined concerns expressed by the New South Wales Rural Doctors Network, who conducted research into the vulnerability of NSW rural towns to a shortage of medical practitioners. He also detailed the proposal developed by the Gunnedah community to address this issue.
“The Gunnedah community has a very clear vision,” Mr Draper said.
“Both Federal and State governments are reaping enormous benefits from the expanded resources industry in the local district, so it is time that some of the royalties and taxes from the Gunnedah Basin were reinvested into local infrastructure, such as the proposed integrated rural health centre for Gunnedah,” he continued.
“This is a very beneficial project, one that will see enormous long-term positive ramifications for the community, and one that the State Government should most certainly support,” Mr Draper concluded.
Click here for Hansard.
Electricity Deals Ignore Public Opinion
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Independent State MP, Peter Draper, has welcomed news that the NSW Government will commission a rural impact study into the effects of their proposed electricity sell-off.
“In reality, there should have had been a rural impact study put in place from the word go,” Mr Draper said.
“It is a shame however that it has taken a sleazy deal between the Treasurer and the Opposition to sideline rebel Labor backbenchers to force the Government into examining possible impacts on rural communities.”
“There is one thing quite clear in all this manoeuvring, and that is the fact that both Government and Opposition don’t give two hoots about the wishes of the people to retain electricity assets in public ownership,” he said.
Mr Draper said he was concerned a rural impact study may have predetermined outcomes, in the same way many people considered the Unsworth Committee report unbalanced.
“I am afraid they will pick people to write the report they want, and we will be forced to pay for it out of public funds,” he said.
“It is quite sickening to watch the political games going on behind closed doors in an attempt to thwart the wishes of the majority of people in NSW.”
“Both the Government and the Opposition should hang their heads in shame at the way in which they are further lowering public perception of the political process,” he continued.
“There will be a lot of time wasted in Parliament this week pursuing the Iguana Affair, while important issues like health, transport, water and education are put on the back burner.”
“People are telling me they want to see Parliament get on with the job of responsibly managing NSW, fixing crumbling infrastructure and providing the services the community expects,” Mr Draper said.
“Instead we have a tired Government, faced by a divided Opposition, playing cheap politics and ignoring the wishes of the majority of NSW residents.”
“Perhaps a little more respect for the communities views would be a good starting point in regaining public confidence, as I have been inundated with letters and emails opposing the proposal,” he said.
“The people of this electorate constantly voice their opposition to electricity privatisation, and I will continue to echo those concerns in the Parliament,” Mr Draper concluded.
Gunnedah Health Centre Needs Community Support
Monday, June 16, 2008
State MP, Peter Draper, is urging the Gunnedah community to attend and support a public information night being held to push the case to establish a multi-purpose health centre in Gunnedah. The public meeting will be held at 6.30pm, Tuesday 17 June, at the Civic Theatre.
“Like many country communities, Gunnedah faces significant challenges with health provision, compounded by a general shortage of medical professionals,” he said.
“Gunnedah Rural Health Ltd has already undertaken a lot of work to provide a potential solution for the local community.”
“This group has displayed great vision for Gunnedah, already undertaking scoping studies, and preparing engineering plans aimed at making a multi-purpose health centre a reality,” he continued.
Mr Draper said the proposal had the support of local doctors and allied health professionals and now they needed the general community to support their efforts.
“Recent reports have indicated a town the size of Gunnedah requires at least six doctors to provide optimum service levels.”
“Gunnedah has been functioning with three fully qualified vocationally registered doctors, supported by five GP registrars,” he said.
“Changes to provision of GP registrars in the foreseeable future could see these numbers reduced by 2009 to a point where Gunnedah no longer has the critical mass of doctors required to provide adequate services.”
“The Gunnedah community is experiencing an influx of new residents, including older people seeking a tree change, plus younger families seeking work in the expanding mining and allied support industries. Naturally, an increasing population will require enhanced medical provision in coming years,” he continued.
Mr Draper said that while Gunnedah had visionaries working to further improve health provision, it was essential that the general community demonstrated strong public support to send a clear message to both Federal and State authorities that the proposal should be supported with funds.
“Both Federal and State Governments are reaping benefits from the expanded resources industry, so it is time that some of the royalties and taxes flowing from the Gunnedah Basin were invested in local infrastructure such as a multi-purpose health centre,” he said.
“What Gunnedah Rural Health Ltd are seeking is a loud message of support for this project from the general community.”
“I urge as many people as possible to attend Tuesdays public meeting,” Mr Draper concluded.
Get Behind A Volunteer
Friday, June 13, 2008
State MP, Peter Draper, is encouraging local not for profit organisations to nominate dedicated helpers for the 2008 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award.
Mr Draper said the inaugural awards were held in 2007 and attracted 170 nominations.
“I expect more interest and entries this time around.”
“I encourage the opportunity to celebrate and honour the incredible contribution volunteers make to our community,” he said
“The great thing is that volunteers in Boggabri, Barraba, Manilla, Werris Creek and Nundle have the same chance of being acknowledged as those in Gunnedah and Tamworth,” he continued.
Mr Draper said that entries close on Tuesday 30 September 2008 with winners announced by Minister for Volunteering, Linda Burney, at Parliament House on December 5, International Volunteer Day.
Nomination forms and detailed information about the awards can be obtained through The Centre for Volunteering website: www.volunteering.com.au.
“All entrants must be nominated and must have volunteered for the equivalent of one day per week, or six hours, for at least six months over a twelve month period,” Mr Draper said.
“The entries will be judged on a regional basis, with winners moving forward to the State judging.”
“Through emergency services, caring for the aged, service, youth and sporting clubs, support groups, social work and many other networks about one in four locals give some of their spare time to help others,” he said.
“These awards are a great opportunity for one of our own region’s volunteers to be recognised for their generous contribution and I urge organizations to get deserving names in,” Mr Draper concluded.
Increased Costs Biting Hard Across Community
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Rising prices for fuel, food and utilities are causing many people to seek assistance from organizations like the Salvation Army. As recently as just 12 twelve months ago, these people may well have considered themselves part of an independent middle Australia, according to Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper.
Mr Draper used a recent speech in the New South Wales Parliament to highlight the efforts of local Salvos during their recent Red Shield appeal, in an effort to raise awareness about the growing financial problems facing a large cross section of local people.
“Our local Salvation Army officer, Captain Mark Everitt, told me there has been a noticeable spike in requests for assistance over the past 12 months, pointing out that the farming community, seniors, people dependent on Centrelink payments plus many working families, are all battling to make ends meet and finding it increasingly difficult to balance a budget,” Mr Draper said.
The Salvation Army's local interview times to assess client needs recently averaged six hours per week, but more recently the time available has been doubled to meet demand,” he said.
Captain Everitt told Mr Draper: “The main request from the farming community recently has been for assistance with power accounts. After six or seven years of drought many farmers don't have the income to pay for power needed for essential farm production requirements. There are also calls for assistance to register motor vehicles, make rate payments, or pay for water haulage, insurance and stock feed.”
Captain Everett said that the Salvo's are now helping people who are budgeting carefully and diligently, but their income is not keeping up with the cost of living.
He pointed to a recent experience assisting a mother who has responsibly managed her home, has laid out her weekly budget, yet is in despair because she cannot meet the cost of supporting her family.
“ Senior citizens who have worked hard all their life to help build this nation find themselves in a position where the nation is in an enviable financial situation but they're finding it hard to put food on the table," Captain Everett told Mr Draper.
Mr Draper said Tamworth Salvos were currently providing about $4,000 a month to meet food costs, and they expect this figure will increase by at least 50 per cent in coming months. Currently around $2,500 worth of electricity payment vouchers are issued through the Tamworth office, about $1,000 a month goes to assisting people with their telephone bills, and they provide fuel vouchers totalling about $1,000 a month.
“What we have to remember is the Salvos are only one of the wonderful local organizations assisting people in need. Factor in the assistance flowing from other groups, and you can start to picture the desperate situation that is emerging,” Mr Draper said.
“Captain Everitt summed it up extremely well when he said: “This is a loud wake up call to our nation. We are part of a global community affected by many forces outside our control. It is time to reassess our values as a community, and how we will deal with increasing pressures on people causing more demand for support services. The Lucky Country must be that for all, not just a lucky few, and we must find equity for the disadvantaged,” Mr Draper concluded.
Click here for Hansard.
Positive Announcements Welcome News For Gunnedah Basin
Friday, June 6, 2008
“Following BP’s decision to withdraw from Primary Energy’s Kwinana ethanol project, an announcement by Matthew Kelley that the company had alternative options for Gunnedah was very encouraging news,” according to State MP, Peter Draper.
“Now that Mr Kelley has committed to submitting an Environmental Impact Assessment for his Gunnedah project, I will work closely with the Planning Minister, Frank Sartor, to ensure all assistance possible to the company and Gunnedah Shire Council.”
“I had always hoped this project would go ahead, and the $1.1 million funding already provided would be invested locally to create jobs and opportunities,” he said.
“Coupled with Santos announcing its intention to explore the Gunnedah Basin for coal seam gas, a pipeline providing a transport corridor, and the investment of $30 million on the Gap – Gunnedah – Boggabri – Narrabri rail network, Gunnedah faces the prospect of being not only Koala Capital but also NSW’s Energy Capital,” he continued.
Mr Draper said it was important that recommendations from the Rural and Regional Taskforce be adopted, and in particular the establishment of a rural infrastructure fund.
Mr Draper has previously pointed out that Australian Bureau of Statistic figures show that many of our communities lag well behind the national average for family income.
He said that any development centred on local communities should provide both economic and social outcomes for all residents.
“The Premier has indicated further action from the Rural and Regional Taskforce Report is imminent, and I will work closely with Richard Torbay, to maintain pressure on the Government until they deliver for country communities,” he said.
Mr Draper said a call by the Shires Association for the State Government to provide a percentage of mining royalties to local government deserved serious consideration.
“Local government faces many increased charges through cost shifting and escalating energy charges.”
“Councils are responsible for providing services that face huge pressure as development continues. They should benefit from any economic advantage instead of all increased costs being borne by ratepayers,” he said.
“I welcome the development announcements, and look forward to economic benefits flowing to the residents of Gunnedah, Boggabri and the broader community,” Mr Draper concluded.
BP Decision Augers Badly For Proposed Gunnedah Plant
Thursday, June 5, 2008
An ABC Radio New England Northwest news report that BP is withdrawing from the planned Primary Energy Kwinana ethanol plant in WA does not auger well for their proposal to construct a Gunnedah plant,” according to State MP, Peter Draper.
Mr Draper said that in late April 2008, Primary Industries Matthew Kelley, in an interview with ABC New England Northwest’s Suzanne Hill had said;
‘Suzanne this is a big project as I said no one is more passionate – we use that word a lot these days – about building the project here in Gunnedah, that’s where we started with it. Ah it suits BP’s - ah you know we’ve got some really powerful players involved in this – these projects will not work without an off taker, so without BP in our situation this project will not work. Ah it was BP’s decision we would do the Kwinana project first, if that was a success we’d move on to projects two and three, Gunnedah & Brisbane ah that’s how it is and you wouldn’t want knowing the effort that goes in, knowing the ethics of the investors and BP and what’s involved in this project I don’t think we can really afford to be putting up with the political rubbish that is associated with this grant.’
“The Primary Energy people have shown great vision in trying to develop the ethanol industry, and are to be commended for attempting to introduce economic development in a community like Gunnedah,” Mr Draper said.
“Unfortunately, the vision appears to have fallen victim to both Government incompetence and the games of multi national companies who at the end of the day don’t support the ethanol industry.”
“We find ourselves victims of soaring fuel prices, yet despite a lot of hype and millions of dollars of public funding into the alternative energy sector, this visionary project, which has many spin offs for the Gunnedah region, appears in jeopardy,” he said.
“The most disappointing aspect is funding towards the Gunnedah proposal of $1.1 million was provided as part of the Namoi Valley Structural Adjustment Package to ease the impacts of reduced water allocations, and assist the Gunnedah community create jobs and opportunities,” Mr Draper said.
“The $1.1 million was not simply an investment in one business. The clear intent of this funding was to stimulate the Gunnedah economy through structural adjustment, hopefully compensating for the reductions to water allocations and the resulting impacts in the Namoi Valley.”
“The Gunnedah community deserves to know what the future prospects of this project are, following these latest developments,” he said.
“BP’s decision at Kwinana seems to place the project in much greater doubt, and taking into account previous comments by the proponents of the plant, ‘I guess we have had enough of the politics and we are seriously ah we have requested how we can repay this grant to get it decoupled from our project’ (Matthew Kelley with ABC Radio’s Suzanne Hill), we need to know if this project has any hope of proceeding or whether the $1.1 million will be repaid, so it can act as a financial stimulus to the Gunnedah community as it was originally intended,” Mr Draper concluded.
Huge Investment In Regional Education
Thursday, June 5, 2008
State MP, Peter Draper, has welcomed the awarding of contracts for Stage II of upgrades at Tamworth TAFE.
“The Stage II project is valued at $2.3 million dollars and follows the completion of the Stage I upgrade which cost $6.3 million,” Mr Draper said.
“Stage I included an extension to the Light Automotive Courses facilities, refurbishments in the Electro Technology Department, parking and landscaping.”
“Stage II includes partial refurbishment of Block A, including new classrooms and offices, improvements to allow disabled access to Block L, the upgrade of three existing stairwells and movement areas, the replacement of electrical boards to block A and the instillation of two automatic doors,” he said.
“The contract for Stage II has been awarded to O’Donnell and Hanlon Pty Ltd,” he continued.
Mr Draper said that Tamworth TAFE provided high quality training and vocational education to over 9,000 students each year.
“Like all areas, ours is still suffering from shortages of skilled personnel across many industries, so this investment will improve the ability of Tamworth TAFE to deliver the courses needed to address these shortages,” he said.
“Tamworth TAFE delivers over 125 courses, not only to the cities residents, but also to many students from around the north west,” he continued.
Mr Draper said he had recently inspected the completed Stage I improvements with Institute Director Gary Pollock, and was very impressed with the dedication of TAFE staff in providing high quality education locally.
“This is an important investment that will allow Tamworth TAFE to remain at the cutting edge of education delivery,” Mr Draper concluded.
Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment Bill 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Independent State MP for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has supported the Environmental Planning and Assessment Bill 2008, but has called on the State Government to weight the planning panel process so local councils can have a fairer say on planning issues affecting their local area.
“This bill provides an opportunity to speed up development applications, which is a very important issue for country communities. Importantly, it also provides an opportunity to improve transparency and to remove the justifiable perceptions of corruption that the community currently associates with the planning process,” Mr Draper told the Parliament.
“My one sticking point with the legislation is that the representation balance on the planning panels is weighted towards the Department of Planning over Councils 3 to 2. I ask the Minister to correct the situation, and weight the process to give local councils a fairer say. After all, councillors live in the local area and are much more aware of community needs and sentiments than the Department of Planning,” he continued.
Mr Draper said that in considering the Bill it was important to note that the needs and expectations of rural and regional councils are vastly different to the needs and expectations of metropolitan or coastal councils.
“While Sydney is overdeveloped and bursting at the seams, in rural and regional New South Wales we are crying out for development opportunities and developers must not continue to face the delays that are currently a frustrating part of the process,” he said.
Mr Draper put forward the Hills Plain Development in Tamworth, for around four and a half thousand blocks, to meet Tamworth's housing requirements for the next twenty-five to thirty years, as a perfect example of the need to streamline and speed up the planning process.
“The concept was developed through the former Tamworth City and Parry Shire councils in 1996, however the vision has not been easy to bring to fruition. In 2004, following the merger of the two councils and the formation of the Tamworth Regional Council, a real push to realize the vision resulted, but since then the goal posts have moved many times, requiring backtracking, additional investigations, and lost investment potential.”
“Critical time frames associated with the Hills Plains local environmental plan have extended from 19 January 2006 and have still not been fully resolved in mid 2008,” he said.
“How can a developer proceed with confidence when essential road infrastructure costs for the project vary between a quote from a Roads and Traffic Authority accredited contractor who is prepared to complete the work for $1.8 million, while the Roads and Traffic Authority is saying the job will cost $24 million,” Mr Draper asked.
“The delay to date arising from the hold up to the local environmental plans is 12 months. The delay due to the inability to obtain a reasonable agreed works cost from the Roads and Traffic Authority is six months. The cost of the delay in holding costs is now conservatively valued at around $1 million. All of these expenses will eventually be borne by the purchasers of the properties, dramatically increasing costs and reducing housing affordability.”
No wonder there is frustration about the current process. Change is required and that is why I support these amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Bill 2008,” Mr Draper concluded.
Budget Has Pros & Cons
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
While welcoming $129 million investment from the 2008/09 NSW State Budget for the Electorate of Tamworth, Independent State MP, Peter Draper, believes the document provides both pros and cons for Rural and Regional NSW.
“Tax cuts of $3.6 billion including cutting payroll tax from 6.6 percent to 5.5 per cent, indexing the pay roll tax threshold to inflation, and the abolition of stamp duty on non land business assets are welcome developments that will make business in NSW more competitive,” Mr Draper said.
“These measures will benefit rural and regional areas, and save business around 20% off their payroll tax bill when fully implemented,” he said.
Mr Draper said that unfortunately the Transport Budget funding of $5.9 billion was heavily biased towards metropolitan areas, and that much more investment was required in rural and regional areas.
“Projects like the North West Metro and South West Rail Link are important to move Sydney’s masses, however more investment is needed to provide satisfactory transport links in rural and regional areas where sky rocketing fuel prices are biting hard, making it increasingly difficult for many people to get about,” he said.
Mr Draper also said he was disappointed that the budget had failed to implement recommendations from the Rural and Regional Taskforce.
“There was no provision for a rural and regional infrastructure fund, which would simplify funding for important country projects,” he said.
Mr Draper pointed out, however, that Premier Iemma did suggest during Question Time following the budget speech that there would be movement on Rural and Regional Taskforce issues in the foreseeable future, giving hope that a positive outcome may yet be forthcoming.
“On the positive side there has been a 7% rise for ageing and disability services, and an 18% increase for the State Emergency Service,” Mr Draper said.
“Alternatively, increased funding for health, education and police is merely keeping pace with inflation, yet these are areas that need significant further investment,” he said.
Mr Draper said the Equine Influenza crisis had had a devastating impact on the local region, and he applauded the announcement of $134 million for enhancing bio-security measures.
“An additional $138 million will support the science that underpins the productivity of our primary industries, and facilitate research into climate change and water use efficiency, plus I am pleased that further funding has been provided for ongoing drought support to farmers,” he said.
“While the debate over the budgets pros and cons will go on for weeks, I believe the electorate of Tamworth has done well. I will continue to fight for investment in infrastructure and social services that improve the lot of all communities in our region,” Mr Draper concluded.
Increased Funding For Tamworth Electorate In 2008/09 NSW Budget
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Independent State MP, Peter Draper, has welcomed a further increase in expenditure of $47 million to the Electorate of Tamworth for the 2008/09 financial years in the NSW State Budget.
“We’ve come a long way since the $9 million provided in 2003 when I entered Parliament, to an investment of $129 million this financial year,” Mr Draper said.
“We have received increased funding for schools, TAFE, health and hospital facilities, accommodation of the aged and disabled, roads, transport projects and service infrastructure,” he said.
Mr Draper said he was particularly pleased that $5.6 million dollars had been provided for health infrastructure.
“Some $3 million has been provided towards constructing a multi-purpose health facility at Manilla, with a further $2 million to advance the redevelopment of Tamworth Hospital, $636,000 for a Pathways to Home Programme and $600,000 for an X-ray picture archival system,” he said.
“In education there is a further $2.02 million towards TAFE upgrades, plus provision to build a new Bullimbal School for Specific Purposes,” he continued.
“The provision of $30 million towards an upgrade of the Gap – Gunnedah – Boggabri - Narrabri railway will provide additional capacity to help cope with the increased movement of resources,” he said.
Mr Draper said that other positives for the electorate included $1.4 million towards a project to provide 20 new public and community units and $500,000 to upgrade existing group homes. He said that $345,000 had been provided for a new fire engine for the West Tamworth Fire Station, plus $4.5 million towards upgrades at Keepit, Chaffey and Split Rock Dams.
“We’ve also seen a record $14 million invested for roads, including over $1 million to complete bridge projects at Mille Creek (Barraba), Gap Road (Werris Creek), Oakey Creek (Piallamore) and Duncans Creek (Woolomin) plus $500,000 for an upgrade of the Forest Way, near Nundle,” he said.
“Other investment includes $250,000 to expand the Tamworth Regional Retrieval Service, $78,000 to establish an Aboriginal Community Justice Group and $50,665 to provide transport for people disadvantaged by physical, social or geographical factors at Gunnedah,” he continued.
“I welcome the increased budget allocation for the electorate of Tamworth in 2008/09 as an important investment in our people and our region,” Mr Draper concluded.
Aboriginal Community Justice Group A Welcome Initiative
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has welcomed the $78,000 funding provided in the 2008/09 NSW State Budget for the formation of an Aboriginal Community Justice Group in the electorate.
“This is an important initiative to address crime and anti social behaviour within the community,” Mr Draper said.
“This is an opportunity to address these issues with grass roots input,” he said.
Mr Draper said that Ms Mary Slater had been appointed as the co-ordinator of the Tamworth Aboriginal Community Justice Group, that Ms Slater would begin her role on June 10, supported by a group of respected elders from the local Aboriginal community.
The group will work in conjunction with police, juvenile justice workers, the courts and probation and parole officers as well as individual offenders and victims of crime.
“There are seventeen Aboriginal Community Justice Groups operating in NSW on the concept that local Aboriginal people know their own communities and can deal with issues better than current systems,” Mr Draper said.
“They can help to examine issues that lead to crime from a grass roots perspective and importantly new ways to address these issues,” he said.
“I welcome initiatives that can help to reduce crime and at the same time improve safety for the wider community,” Mr Draper concluded.
Busy Three Weeks For State MP
Monday, June 2, 2008
When State MP for Tamworth, Peter Draper, flew out of Tamworth airport to Sydney this afternoon, he headed off for three hectic weeks of Parliamentary duty.
“Treasurer, Michael Costa, presents the NSW State Budget, Parliament is debating a number of important bills including The Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment Bill 2008, then on Friday I fly out to America representing the Ombudsman & Police Integrity Commission Review Committee, arriving back in Sydney on the 16th June with Parliament sitting through to the end of that week,” Mr Draper said.
“Early media reports suggest the budget will contain a record $13.9 billion of investment, so provided rural and regional NSW receive their fair share of this investment it should stimulate the economy and provide a springboard for future development.”
“There is a lot of talk about a massive ramp up of spending on new transport infrastructure with the North West Metro, along with existing projects like clearways, the purchase of new rolling stock for the CityRail network, spending on water recycling projects and the desalination plant,” he continued.
“Sydney media make a lot of these big ticket metropolitan based items, however my judgement of the budget will revolve around investment in the health and education systems, social support services and funding for projects in the electorate of Tamworth,” he said.
While overseas, Mr Draper will represent the NSW Parliament’s Ombudsman & Police Integrity Commission Review Committee inquiry into Early Intervention Systems for at Risk and Vulnerable Law Enforcement Officers.
“As part of its Trends in Police Corruption report, the Committee recommended that the NSW Ombudsman, the PIC, plus NSW Police, all consider implementing a system that would identify officers vulnerable to corruption,” he said.
“Our role is to observe at first hand the work of police agencies in comparable jurisdictions that have implemented, maintained and evaluated different Early Intervention (EI) Systems.”
“EI systems overseas perform a vital role in preventing incidents that may place citizens, individual officers or the reputation of police agencies at risk, so there is a significant public benefit to be derived from the Committee making well informed recommendations on a best practice model for NSW,” he continued.
The committee will examine systems in San Francisco, Edmonton (Canada), Phoenix and Los Angeles.
Mr Draper said all services would continue to be provided through the Tamworth Electorate Office in his absence.
“It is going to be three very hectic weeks, but it’s a great privilege to play a hands on role in the Parliamentary process,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo: A busy time lies ahead of Tamworth MP, Peter Draper. A busy round of Parliamentary duties means it will be 3 weeks till he sees Tamworth and his family again.
