Media Releases, May 2006
For previous releases, click here
$290,000 for local RFS and SES crews
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has today welcomed the delivery of a new $220,000 fire tanker for the Willala RFS, plus $61,600 that will be put towards toward three emergency response vehicles for the Tamworth, Gunnedah and Tambar Springs SES units. The Minister for Emergency Services, Tony Kelly, commissioned the tanker and made the cheque presentations during a visit to Gunnedah.
Mr Draper said he was pleased to see the ongoing support for local emergency services, especially during this prolonged period of drought, and he congratulated the RFS and SES members for volunteering their time and efforts to the community.
“This funding will better equip local volunteers to respond to emergencies in the area, plus give added reassurance to residents, farmers and business owners that our volunteers are appreciated by Government,” Mr Draper said.
“The new tanker is a heavy-duty fire fighting vehicle capable of carrying between 3000 and 4000 litres of water, plus six fire fighters and a range of other fire fighting equipment. It also has the added capability of transporting fire fighters to dense and remote areas of bushland, which will prove invaluable in many areas where it will operate.
“The $39,600 for the Gunnedah and Tambar Springs SES will help provide each unit with a Holden Rodeo dual cabin vehicle to transport volunteers, while the $22,000 for the Tamworth SES will go towards an Isuzu Twin Cab emergency response vehicle.”
Mr Kelly also handed over $2,000 discretionary cheques for:
Gunnedah SES - Goliath lighting (which is a tripod used for scene lighting) and a limb extrication kit (used to extract trapped fingers or limbs);
Gunnedah RFB - Hot box and food delivery equipment (for catering during incidents);
Willala RFB – VHF fireground radio, GPS and a wind meter;
Tambar Springs SES - Emergency scene lights and a limb extrication kit
Tamworth SES - Communication Headsets (to enable volunteers to communicate with each other when in noisy environments).
“The RFS and the SES are almost always the first line of defence for rural residents in emergencies, and I will continue to lobby for ongoing support from Government for these organizations so they remain properly equipped to meet this need,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo: The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper attended a visit by the Minister for Emergency Services Tony Kelly in Gunnedah today.
Preschool funding good start but more needed – Draper
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
More than $270,000 in State Government funding for community pre-schools in the electorate of Tamworth is a good start but more would be needed to address the growing cracks in the system, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
The Government announced today it would provide $274,230 to Walcha Pre-School, Gunnedah Baptist Community Pre-School, Gunnedah Pre-School, Kootingal & District Pre-School, Peter Pan Pre-School Kindergarten – Tamworth, Werris Creek & District Pre-School, Tamworth Montessori Pre-School, St Mary's North Tamworth Pre-School and St Peter's Pre-School Tamworth. The funding is part of the Government’s four-year $85 million package for pre-schools across the State, which included an immediate $8.8 million a year to stabilise community-based preschool services and help them to reduce fees.
“This funding will mean the doors to many of our ailing community pre-schools will remain open, but I will be watching closely to see if it proves enough for the adequate delivery of services,” Mr Draper said.
“I have visited many pre-schools in the electorate in recent months and all of them have been facing extreme hardships under the current funding regime. They have been making daily sacrifices to keep their centres operating, and while heartened at the news of a funding boost, they are disappointed more money has not been provided.
“Education expert Professor Tony Vinson recommended an immediate $90 million injection was needed to address the many shortfalls in the system, as NSW children were missing out on vital early education compared to those in other States.
“I have lobbied hard along with many parents and teachers at pre-schools to see an end to the 17-year funding freeze, and look forward to continuing that co-operation with the community to ensure the adequate delivery of pre-school services.”
Mr Draper said it was concerning Nundle CWA Pre-school was not included in the funding announcement, as the local CWA branch had gone $100,000 into debt to upgrade the facility to meet OH&S standards.
“Nundle was probably the best example locally of a pre-school in dire need of funding, so I will be investigating further why it was not included,” he said.
Mr Draper added it was heartening to see the Government had moved to address high fees and low participation rates in pre-schools, adding $21 million from 2008/09 to fund a further 10,500 pre-school places.
“NSW pre-schools currently charge the highest fees but have the lowest participation rate across the nation,” he said.
“Providing more places for children will ensure they have a better start in life.”
Mr Draper said allocation of the additional viability and growth funding will be done in consultation with representatives of the community based preschool sector.
All preschools will receive a letter from the Department of Community Services outlining the new funding arrangements and application processes.
HVIS services should be continued in country towns – Draper
Monday, May 29, 2006
The Roads and Traffic Authority must maintain its commitment to small country towns by continuing the Heavy Vehicle Inspection Service (HVIS) in areas such as Walcha, Barraba, Gunnedah and Manilla, according to the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper.
Following plans by the RTA to abandon its HVIS services in these areas, owners of heavy vehicles would be forced to travel to the larger centres of Tamworth and Armidale to have their vehicles inspected should the move be implemented.
“The RTA had made their decision without thought or consultation with the communities that would be directly affected by any closures,” Mr Draper said.
“Owners of heavy vehicles would face massive increase in costs by having to travel to Tamworth and Armidale for inspections. Walcha Shire Council alone has estimated that costs could increase by as much as $16,000 each year for its fleet of 20 vehicles.
“I raised community concerns over this issue with the Minister for Roads Eric Roozendaal at a meeting in his office, however at that time the RTA seemed unwilling to negotiate an appropriate course of action. I am pleased to advise that the RTA will now call for expressions of interest to construct and operate an inspection station for Walcha, and they will be placing advertisements seeking the EOI within a month.”
Mr Draper also labelled claims by Liberal MLC Catherine Cusack that he was not representing the Walcha community as ‘misleading and blatantly untrue’.
“Ms Cusack has a sad history of getting her public comments wrong and the latest mistruth is nothing if not consistent as I have discussed the issue with Minister Roozendaal, and his Policy Advisors on many occasions recently,” he said.
“I have been working closely on a number of issues with Mayor Bill Heazlett and GM Jack O’Hara, including an upcoming visit to Walcha by Health Minister John Hatzistergos regarding the Walcha MPS,” he said.
Mr Draper said the RTA had pointed to Occupational Health and Safety issues that led to the closure of the Walcha site, and had stated that an upgrade of the existing site was not possible. He said that very strong industry, council and community support for his campaign, had prompted the organization to rethink its position.
“Country people will not sit idly by and watch their services be taken away,” he said.
“If the RTA can resolve the issue within the month, it will be another example of the Walcha community standing up for local rights as they did so magnificently when the Shire Council was under threat,” he concluded.
Guides help young girls achieve – Draper
Friday, May 26, 2006
Joining the Girl Guides is an excellent way for young girls to achieve confidence, self-respect and responsibility, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Mr Draper met with members of the Tamworth and District Girl Guides today to hand over a State Government cheque for $4,000 towards installing air-conditioning in the South Tamworth Girl Guides Hall.
“Organisations such as the Girl Guides have contributed to communities for many years, and the effect they have on the wider community remain as valuable as ever today,” Mr Draper said.
“The organisation teaches young girls valuable life skills such as problem solving and diplomacy through a variety of simple activities designed to promote independent thought and also team work.
“This in turn helps them on their way to achieving the organisation’s aim of helping girls and young women grow into confident, self-respecting and responsible community members.
“The Tamworth District Girl Guides is an excellent example of this organization, and I urge parents to encourage their daughters to consider the benefits of joining.”
The South Tamworth Girls Guides currently has 39 members and is on the hunt for more, with girls participating in activities including games, crafts, cooking, knotting, fire lighting, home safety and hygiene. The Guides are open to girls between the ages of 6 and 16, and older members are encouraged to stay on as group leaders beyond the age of 16.
The Guides meet at the South Tamworth Girl Guides Hall on the corner of Jean and Bruce streets Mondays 5pm to 6.30pm, Tuesdays 5pm to 7pm, Wednesdays 5pm to 7pm and Thursdays 4pm to 4.30pm. The Kootingal branch of the guides also meets at the Burrabaroo campsite on Porcupine Lane Mondays 5pm to 6.30pm.
Anyone interested in joining the group can contact Lyn McGuckin on 6761 7224 or Denise Dunstan on 6765 5205.
Photo: The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper (right) presents members of the Tamworth District Girl Guides with a State Government cheque for $4,000. Pictured are (l-r) secretary Rosemary Karpinski, Cassandra Karpinski, public relations officer Lyn McGuckin and Rhianna Smith.
$5,500 for Manilla community bus
Thursday, May 25, 2006
The Manilla Health Advisory Committee has received help in their fundraising efforts, following a grant of $5,500 from the State Government, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Mr Draper presented the $5,500 cheque to the Manilla Health Advisory Committee chair Dick Hagan, which will go towards the purchase of a new community bus for the Manilla Health Service.
“I am pleased that the Premier has recognised the need for this service in the Manilla community,” Mr Draper said.
“The Manilla Health Service’s existing bus is more than 25 years old, has no air-conditioning and seats only 15 people with just one place for a wheelchair.
“It is used to transport veterans, legacy ladies and community members to the hydrotherapy pool at the Tamworth Base Hospital two days per week along with many other community activities.
“The bus the committee is aiming to purchase will accommodate more than one wheelchair, incorporate a lift for the wheelchairs and seat 22 in air-conditioned comfort. This will be a welcome change for everybody who uses the bus.”
Mr Draper also congratulated the Manilla community for working together to raise funds for the $75,000 bus.
“The Manilla community has already held a concert and ran numerous raffles and fundraising campaigns to progress this project towards reality,” Mr Draper said.
“I would urge the community to continue their support for this important initiative,” he concluded.
Photo: The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper presents Manilla Health Advisory Committee chair Dick Hagan with a cheque for $5,500.
Draper secures Caroona Coal Action Group meeting with Minister
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Representatives from the Caroona Coal Action Group will table community concerns regarding a proposed coal mine for the area with the Minister for Mineral Resources Ian Macdonald, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Mr Draper organized the meeting at the request of group representatives, some of whom hold grave concerns regarding the possible effects of exploratory drilling and mining on the area’s rich farmland and valuable water aquifers.
“The community is rightfully concerned about the retention of valuable farmland, and also about the effect that mining may have on underground water aquifers,” Mr Draper said.
“Should the exploration process be able to guarantee that the community concerns are addressed, a business that will employ over 1,000 permanent workers would be welcome. However, I hold serious concerns that the environmental issues are too great to resolve.
“The underground water systems are linked, and to jeopardise the water supply for communities like Curlewis and Gunnedah for a short-term monetary gain would be irresponsible.”
“There are also concerns that some underground aquifers have a high concentration of salt and mining may see this saline water contaminate fresh water aquifers.”
Mr Draper said that the meeting will be a good opportunity for the Minister to hear from people who live in the exploration area, and who have a keen interest in bringing forward all areas of concern that need to be addressed in the exploration process.
“Having met with representatives of the group previously, I am certain their depth of knowledge regarding the local area will bring a new perspective to the Minister’s understanding of the issue,” Mr Draper concluded.
The meeting will be held in the offices of Minister for Mineral Resources Ian Macdonald on Wednesday June 7 at 2.15pm. It will be attended by group Chair Justin Grant and several other representatives.
Draper raises concerns on privatisation of Australian industry
Thursday, May 25, 2006
In a speech to State Parliament, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has raised concerns regarding an escalating Government program to sell off Australian-owned industry.
Pointing to recent moves to privatise the Snowy Hydro-Electric scheme and the NSW Abalone industry, Mr Draper said it was worrying that a growing number of Australian icons were being sold into private ownership.
“Despite the public strongly opposing moves to sell Telstra, the Federal Government has proceeded, ignoring concerns about service delivery, and the risk of foreign investors buying our icons,” Mr Draper said.
“We have watched profits move offshore and local employment has been compromised. This trend seems to be continuing with the New South Wales Government in recent discussions to sell the New South Wales abalone industry to a New Zealand based company, plus the proposed sale of its majority share of the Snowy Hydro Electric Scheme and the possible privatisation of NSW Forests.
“While discussions continue regarding the sale of NSW Fisheries majority stake in the $7 million a year abalone industry, it concerns many people that the state Government has a history of examining the colour of the money rather than looking closely at the long-term implications of selling off public assets.”
Mr Draper also raised concerns over possible moves to privatise State Forests, which could threaten local employment in areas such as Walcha and Nundle.
“This industry generates some 16,600 jobs in regional New South Wales, and in Walcha and Nundle directly employs 111 people—60 of that number at local sawmills—26 contractors and 25 within Forests NSW,” he said.
“It was estimated in 2003 that 40 to 50 per cent of employment in Walcha shire was based around the agricultural and forestry industries, with 30 to 40 per cent in Nundle shire. There is no guarantee that, should industry be fully privatised, local employment would not suffer.”
Pointing to the looming sale of the Snowy Hydro-Electric Scheme, Mr Draper said it defied logic that any Government would opt to sell water assets in times of drought and massive water reform.
“Water is the greatest environmental concern in this country and is clearly our most valuable resource. With drought dominating our national landscape, governments who are responsible to a constituency, rather than private corporations responsible to a shareholder base, should control water use and distribution.
“The threat of local job losses is also an issue arising from any sale of other government-owned industries. I request the Government fully consider community concerns and future implications when making decisions that will affect generations to come,” Mr Draper concluded.
Click here for Hansard.
Expressions of Interest for Tamworth Women’s Refuge advertised by May 30, Meagher tells community representatives
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Advertising for expressions of interest for groups wishing to be considered to manage and auspice the Tamworth Women’s Refuge will commence at the end of May, Minister for Community Services Reba Meagher told a management delegation from Tamworth at a meeting arranged by the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper in Parliament yesterday.
The Minister met with President of the Tamworth Women’s Refuge Management Committee Inc Daphney Mandel-Hayes, Vice President Pam Crayn and Mr Draper to discuss the timeframe for the return of the refuge to local management.
“While we were slightly disappointed the Minister said that the Expression of Interest advertising for qualified groups to manage the facility had been delayed until the end of May, we are pleased with the progress made to date, and very confident in the ability of the group to provide the right direction for staff and clients,” Mr Draper said.
“It is important from the communities perspective that the management group has the confidence and support from the local community, and we have a collection of highly motivated and passionate advocates for the refuge in the committee, who all bring strong skills to the role,” he said.
“I look forward to working with the committee to progress the handover to local management once the EOI advertising period concludes in July, and anticipate a return to our community in August or September this year,” he concluded.
Drought Assistance Reinstated - Draper
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has welcomed an announcement in the NSW Parliament today by Premier Morris Iemma, that from May 1st, there will be a $5.5million extension to drought relief subsidies that will allow farmers to apply for transport subsidies.
The program allows farmers to receive a 50% subsidy when transporting water or fodder, or transporting stock to agistment or to saleyards.
"This will be welcome news for local primary producers still struggling under the crippling impacts of drought," Mr Draper said.
"I have actively lobbied the Government to reinstate these support mechanisms, because farmers from across the electorate have contacted me asking for help as we enter what will be a very hard winter," he said.
"One very concerned Walcha resident told me that the drought is so bad that for the first time in his 70 years in the area, a creek on his property had completely stopped running."
The Premier also announced that the Government would also extend funding for the Drought Support Workers Program until the end of 2006, because of the invaluable link these workers provide between farmers and agencies that offer assistance such as Centrelink, Financial Counsellors and the Rural Assistance Authority. Their ongoing support will also help farmers cope with mental health issues resulting from the drought.
"Statistics show that the mental health of people on the land is affected by the continuing drought, and the situation has become so worrying that some have contemplated suicide," Mr Draper said.
These statistics also show male farmers and farm workers are now twice as likely to die from suicide than any other group in the male population, so it is appropriate that the Government has put in place programs to help our farmers survive what is for many, the fifth winter of drought in a row," Mr Draper concluded.
Skill shortage should be addressed in housing roundtable – Draper
Friday, May 19, 2006
A rescue strategy for the NSW housing industry should focus on addressing the statewide skill shortage in the sector, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
NSW Liberal Leader Peter Debnam this week announced that the Coalition would convene an industry roundtable to develop a rescue strategy for the NSW housing industry, claiming the industry was in crisis.
“I welcome this examination of the housing industry, but the Coalition seems to have missed the critical point of addressing the state’s skill shortage,” Mr Draper said.
“In the electorate of Tamworth builders are being run off their feet with work, and prospective property owners are having to wait months for qualified tradespeople to become available.
“This situation is reflected across the State, with housing development being held back by the shortage of skilled labour.
“While Sydney may be facing problems with land availability, I would ask the Coalition to look beyond Sydney to country NSW where the housing sector is booming. The main problem facing country communities is a lack of skilled tradespeople.”
Mr Draper said according to the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, there is a statewide shortage of carpenters and joiners, particularly in regional NSW. There is also a shortage in cement renderers and roof plumbers.
“The first step that should be taken in any examination of the housing industry is to address this skill shortage, and I look forward to seeing the Coalition put forward their policy on this very important issue,” Mr Draper concluded.
Draper and Chesterfield-Evans discuss water, pre-schools
Friday, May 19, 2006
Water and pre-schools were hot topics during a recent meeting between the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper and NSW Democrat MLC, Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans.
Dr Chesterfield-Evans was in Tamworth to talk at the Australian Chemical Trauma Alliance Conference, and Mr Draper took the opportunity to raise issues affecting the local area, and seek support from Dr Chesterfield-Evans in the Upper House.
“It was good to catch up with Dr Chesterfield-Evans and discuss issues that are of great importance to our local area including water entitlements, mental health provision and pre-school funding,” Mr Draper said.
“Dr Chesterfield-Evans was keenly aware of the need to improve mental health services in NSW, especially in country areas.
“He was also aware that community pre-schools across NSW are struggling to maintain services because the State Government has frozen funding for the past 17 years, and agreed that it was an issue that needs urgent attention.
“Following a detailed discussion regarding the impacts the Governments water sharing plans will have on the farming community, I also took the opportunity to raise the Water Management Amendment (Water Property Rights Compensation) Bill, which I introduced in Parliament last month. The Bill is a vital piece of legislation developed to make the Government recognise water as a property right, and guarantee that farmers are paid compensation should they lose water entitlements for environmental or other reasons.
“I stressed the importance of this Bill being supported in State Parliament, as its passage will provide a great deal of relief for concerned farmers right across the state.
“Dr Chesterfield-Evans was very receptive to the points I made, and I am hopeful he will help build support for these important issues in the Upper House,” he concluded.
Photo: The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper and NSW Democrat MLC, Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans enjoy a coffee in Tamworth recently.
Pre-school report should force Government to act
Thursday, May 18, 2006
A new report that has highlighted the impacts on children arising from a lack of pre-school attendance in NSW, should force the Government to urgently address the growing crisis in the system, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
A report titled ‘The Education and Care of Our Young Children: Good Beginnings’, by Professor Tony Vinson, found some children in NSW could not cope with early school life because they had not attended pre-school. It points to a lack of Government funding to community pre-schools as the major factor, and recommends $90 million be urgently injected into the system.
“The report paints a grim picture of NSW community pre-schools, and should be the final proof in the argument for the State Government to end its 17-year funding freeze to the sector,” Mr Draper said.
“The report finds that some children simply have no idea what to do with a pen or a paint brush or have a limited vocabulary when they get to school. This is because their parents could not afford to send them to pre-school due to the high costs pre-schools are forced to charge because of the limited funding support received from the State Government.
“As a result, many pre-schools services are simply out of reach for a large number of NSW families.”
The report also found that 10 to 15 per cent of children in NSW do not attend pre-school and recommended more pre-schools be attached to schools in areas of need.
“The solution is clear – the Government needs to commit more money to the system so that children can get the best start possible in life,” Mr Draper said.
“NSW is the most populous state in the nation, but it is failing our children in early education compared to other states and territories. The Government needs to address this issue adequately in the upcoming Budget,” he concluded.
Photo: Currabubula Pre-school children are treated to a story by the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper.
Draper pushes for storage upgrade of Chaffey Dam
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has today asked the Minister for Water Utilities, David Campbell, to consider the benefits of increasing the storage capacity of Chaffey Dam when the Government undertakes an $15 million safety upgrade to the dam.
The Minister visited Tamworth today to inspect the dam, which will undergo a safety compliance upgrade to guard against flood. He also met with delegates from Tamworth Regional Council to discuss the Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage (CTWSS) Program, and the Tamworth Sewerage Augmentation Scheme.
“Chaffey Dam is due for a safety upgrade, so it would make a great deal of sense to raise the dam wall at the same time, increasing the dams storage from 64 to 100 gigalitres,” Mr Draper said.
“Tamworth Regional Council holds valid concerns with the reliability of Chaffey Dam to provide for irrigators in times of drought, and any further reductions in allocation proposed in the Water Sharing Plan would only decrease that reliability.
“The reliability of irrigators in the Peel Valley receiving their full allocation is currently zero. Raising the dam wall would give them roughly a 70 per cent reliability in receiving their allocation, so I believe the $15 million extra price tag is well worth the investment.”
“I have impressed these facts on the Minister and I am hopeful he will seriously consider the proposal for the good of the local irrigation industry, and also to secure Tamworth’s water needs for its rapidly growing population.”
Mr Draper also asked the Minister to reconsider funding for the Tamworth Regional Council’s Sewerage Augmentation Scheme, an initiative that the Government strongly supported in the original planning phase, but it has constantly reduced the financial support for the scheme through the years.
“The Government had strongly supported this initiative in the past, and with pressure on Council from the EPA to stop putting recycled sewerage back into the Peel River, it is time to reinstate that funding commitment,” he said.
“Should the Government decide not reassess theirunding assistance to Council, it will place an unreasonable burden on all local ratepayers to fund this vital piece of infrastructure,” he concluded.
Photo, from left: The Minister for Water Utilities David Campbell, Member for Tamworth Peter Draper, Cr Phil Betts and David Watson, Project Manager for the Chaffey Upgrade Project.
Starlings must be declared a pest – Draper
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper will pressure the State Government to declare the European starling as a noxious pest and help address the growing infestation of the birds in the Tamworth CBD.
Thousands of starlings have descended on the city in recent months, creating a health hazard that requires expensive daily cleaning by the Tamworth Regional Council.
“Tamworth Regional Council are spending around $250 a day to clean the vast amount of droppings the birds leave behind in the city CBD, costing ratepayers close to $2,000 a week to clean up the mess,” Mr Draper said.
“Apart from creating a mess, starlings are particularly noisy when roosting in large groups, plus they build nests in adjacent buildings which creates a nuisance for local businesses.
“The NSW Government has been reluctant to declare these birds a noxious pest, but their numbers are simply growing at an alarming rate, and as a result control measures need to be implemented.
“The West Australian Government has declared starlings a pest and is spending $700,000 to control their numbers, so I ask why can’t NSW implement the same sort of scheme?”
Local bird expert Russ Watts said starlings are aggressive nesters and they invade native bird nests, thus having a detrimental effect on local native bird populations.
“These birds will nest in an old boot and often take over nests of native birds by tossing out the eggs and fighting off the parents,” Mr Watts said.
“They also eat fruit crops such as grapes, and if strong measures aren’t taken the populations will only increase, resulting in increased levels of damage.”
Mr Draper said more aggressive options against the birds could also be explored.
“About ten years ago the council employed the local clay target club to shoot the birds, which was quite successful and put a large dent in the population for a number of years,” Mr Draper said.
“If these birds were declared a pest we could explore such options again,” he concluded.
Photo: The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper with Tamworth Bird Watchers Club members Joke (Yoka) Meyer, Russ Watts and Cr Warren Woodley inspect mess created by starlings in Peel St.
Show of strength for region's mentally ill
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Mental Health providers in the electorate of Tamworth today banded together in a show of strength that will force the State Government to address the challenges facing mental health services in the region, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Insp Darren Steel (Oxley Local Area Command), Joan Wakeford (Billabong Clubhouse), Rev Brian Kirk (Anglican Counselling Service), Terry McBride (Tamworth Homeless Men's Support Group), Robyn Nugent (parent), Rob Irwin (Tamworth Youth Care), Anita Foote, Jim & Gloria Coombs (GreyPower Gunnedah), Eric Trezise (Suicide Safety Network) met with Mr Draper and Mr Eugene McGarrell, Senior Policy Advisor from the office of Cherie Burton, the Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Mental Health).
At the meeting, the local mental health providers made Mr McGarrell aware of the many challenges affecting the provision of mental health services, and offered solutions for him to take back to the Minister.
“This meeting was an opportunity for the voice of the community to have input into the mental health policy for NSW,” Mr Draper said.
“It was made clear to Mr McGarrell by what was raised here today that the mental health system is enduring great hardships, and the Government needs to move quickly before these hardships increase. Many of the groups are experiencing the same issues - services are simply not at adequate levels to meet the demand, and funding provided to mental health services is not getting to where it is needed.
“Mr McGarrell was very receptive to the concerns raised and said he would take them back to the Minister. He also indicated that Tamworth may receive a visit from the Minister at some stage in the future offering some solutions to the problems the system is experiencing.”
Points of concern raised at the meeting included a gradual decline in mental health support services in the region, the difficulty homeless people and young people face in accessing mental health care, the need for an early intervention centre in Gunnedah, and the drain placed on police resources from scheduling services.
“The meeting also hosted Eric Trezise, president of the Suicide Safety Network on the Central Coast. The program has been very successful in the Sutherland Shire, Port Macquarie and the Central Coast, and will soon be launched in Tamworth.
Mr Trezise said in 1996 the suicide rate on the Central Coast had climbed to 56 from 27 in 1994, and following the formation of the Suicide Safety Network suicide deaths in 2000 and 2001 were reduced to zero.
“This is an excellent program and will benefit rural areas immensely, as the suicide rate in country areas is far too high.”
Mr Draper said he would seek a meeting with the Minister to press the issues raised at the meeting and organise a future visit to the electorate.
Photo: The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper (far right) listens to local concerns at today's meeting between mental health providers in the Tamworth area and Eugene MacGarrell from Cherie Burton's office.
Education Week a celebration for the whole community
Monday, May 15, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has recommended the community get to know their local school better by getting involved in Education Week.
Starting yesterday, Education Week makes schools accessible to the wider community through tours of open classrooms, student performances and displays, sporting demonstrations and debates.
“Education Week allows parents, carers and the broader community to see for themselves the benefits their children’s education provides,” Mr Draper said.
“Community members will also have the opportunity to meet with their children’s teachers, giving them an idea of what their children experience everyday in the classroom.
“Parents, carers and the wider community often have a vital role to play in the development of our schools. Education Week allows them to see the fruits of those contributions as well as stimulating ideas on how to further improve education services.”
A number of events will be held at schools around the local area in conjunction with Education Week, including:
“Schools will also be holding local celebrations to mark Public Education Day on Thursday May 18, and I encourage the community join in on the celebrations,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo: Member for Tamworth Peter Draper (seated rear centre) at a Captains’ Lunch for secondary school captains and principals from the Tamworth area, at the Powerhouse Hotel Restaurant today.
Petitions call for end to pre-school funding freeze
Friday, May 12, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper today accepted hundreds of petitions from pre-school staff and parents across the electorate demanding an end to a 17-year funding freeze. He urged the State Government to urgently address the funding crisis for pre-schools in the upcoming June Budget in Parliament last night.
Mr Draper accepted more than 600 petitions from staff and parents from Kootingal, Nundle, Werris Creek, Peter Pan, St Peters and Montesori pre-schools, along with handprints from pre-school children. He will present the petitions and handprints to the Minister for Community Services, Reba Meagher, when Parliament resumes later this month.
“The co-operation between state-funded pre-schools to force the Government into addressing this issue has been excellent, and I thank everybody who has worked hard to provide me with the petitions and handprints to take to the Minister,” Mr Draper said.
“Pre-schools in all local communities around the electorate of Tamworth are experiencing the same challenges – they are struggling to maintain basic service delivery because of the State Government’s refusal to increase funding since 1989.
“The outcry from the community will continue until the funding issue is resolved, and by presenting these petitions and handprints to the Minister I am hopeful we will see the situation resolved quickly.”
In his speech to Parliament, Mr Draper said that he welcomed the formation of a Government Taskforce to investigate pre-school services across NSW, but urged that the enquiry be fast-tracked so that pre-schools could benefit from increased funding in the June 6 Budget.
“The findings of this Taskforce will be obvious in my opinion – no organisation can continue to deliver services over a prolonged period without increased funding to cover escalating costs,” he said.
“With the upcoming Budget, the State Government has an opportunity to provide much-needed relief for pre-schools. This is a vitally important sector that looks after our most important asset – our children. I call on the Minister to resolve the funding shortfall as a matter of urgency,” he concluded.
Click here for Hansard.
Photo: The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper (right) accepts petitions and handprints from Kootingal Pre-school director Michelle Cherniayeff (left) and Werris Creek Pre-School director Julia Cameron to take to the Minister for Community Services Reba Meagher.
Draper highlights health as No 1 priority to Premier
Friday, May 12, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has met with Premier Morris Iemma to discuss issues of priority for the electorate of Tamworth, and identified the need for a new hospital in Tamworth as his highest priority.
“I have been trying to convince Mr Iemma of the urgent need to build a new hospital in Tamworth for over three years, and I told him that the time for talking had ended, and it is now time to see money in the Budget so we can start the planning phase,” Mr Draper said.
In a special one-on-one meeting with the Premier, Mr Draper raised many issues of importance to the electorate including health, water and roads. He also identified pre-school funding, management of the Tamworth Women’s Refuge, an upgrade to lighting at Gunnedah’s Kitchener Park, the construction of a super school in Tamworth and building a water pipeline from Split Rock to Barraba as issues needing urgent attention.
“Health was the number one priority I raised with the Premier, and I took the opportunity to discuss the need for new MPS hospitals for Manilla and Werris Creek,” he said.
“Following a speech I made on the issue in Parliament yesterday, I took the opportunity to impress upon the Premier the need to inject funds into the community pre-school system urgently, before many of the smaller pre-schools are forced to either reduce services or close.
“I also highlighted a number of roads needing attention in the electorate, such as Manilla Road, Grain Valley Road and Topdale Road, plus I stressed the need to replace the Nundle Bridge and complete the rebuilding of the Johnston Bridge at Nemingha.”
Mr Draper detailed the importance of convincing the RTA to allow access to the National Equine Centre from the New England Highway to Mr Iemma.
“The RTA’s position of forcing heavy vehicles past TREC and through neighbouring sporting fields shows how out of touch they are with community expectations,” he said.
“Water was an issue that we discussed at length. The Government’s history of use formula to determine future water allocations is discriminatory against smaller irrigators, and will almost certainly force some off the land entirely,” he said.
“I also raised the maintenance of weirs in the Cockburn River. The Natural Resources Minister Ian Macdonald had committed to maintaining these weirs through the Namoi CMA, but the CMA has since walked away from the problem.
“In light of the recent flood scare at Woolomin, I also made it clear to the Premier why the SES shed should be relocated away from the floodplain to a higher area where it would be of use in the event of an emergency.
“The Premier was very receptive to my concerns and I look forward to seeing how closely he listened when the Budget is delivered on June 6th,” he concluded.
New vineyard adds strength to New England’s wine status
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Residents and tourists alike can sample a taste of the New England North West’s growing reputation as a quality wine-producing area at the official opening of Piallamore’s Ironbark Creek Estate on Saturday, according to the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper.
Mr Draper said the region’s newest vineyard had already established itself as one of regional significance, with local suppliers calling for more product after initial deliveries were snapped up by thirsty wine lovers.
“It usually takes up to ten years for new vineyards to break into the wine market and make any significant returns,” Mr Draper said.
“Ironbark Creek owners Jenny and Neville Thompson planted their first vines in 1999, but they have already bucked the trend and attracted a great deal of interest from the local area, which is good news for local business,” Mr Draper said.
“The New England North West region is fast becoming known for its quality wine products. I am told there are moves from the New England Wine Growers and Southern New England Vigneron’s Associations to form a New England geographic indicator wine group, which would give the region international wine growing status.
“The addition of smaller local vineyards such as Ironbark Creek Estate will only strengthen the region’s growing status as a quality wine-producing area, and facilitate growth in local employment and tourism.”
The Ironbark Creek Estate Open Day will be held at 1095 Nundle Rd, Piallamore, Saturday May 13 from 12noon (through Piallamore, over bridge and watch for signs 200 metres on left).
Community invited to have a say on future of New England health care
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Members of the community and health service staff wishing to have input into the future direction of health services in the New England region are invited to have their say at a forum to be held in Tamworth next week, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
The forum, which will be facilitated by the Hunter New England Health Service, provides attendees with an opportunity to contribute to the development of the service over the next 20 years.
“This is an excellent opportunity for residents to have their say on issues they feel should be considered by the health service in its day to day operations over the next two decades,” Mr Draper said.
“Health is clearly the number one concern for residents in rural and regional areas. The Health Service faces many challenges with population growth seeing an increase in the number of aged people in our area, and also an increase in chronic illness.
“Health service staff will be given an opportunity to contribute at this forum, and through hands on experience I believe they will be able to provide thoughtful examples of how service delivery could improve.
“Incorporating staff and community concerns is a vital component of planning for the future health needs of the region, and I urge those with ideas on how to improve service delivery to attend.”
Mr Draper said issues that will be explored at the forum include the growth and ageing of the population; increased life expectancy; greater risks of chronic illness due to changing lifestyles; preventative strategies; health workforce shortages and; ongoing medical advances and new technology.
He said the community consultation document, ‘Fit for the Future’, which is available from the NSW Health Futures Planning website www.health.nsw.gov.au/futuresplanning, provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The forum will be held on Thursday, May 18 at Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall (Passchendale Room) in Fitzroy St, Tamworth, from 6pm to 8pm.
For further information contact Ms Rebecca Bryen on 4985 3251 and 0405 716 632.
Conservation value of Crown lands must be considered
Thursday, May 11, 2006
In State Parliament this week, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper asked the Government to consider the ecological value of Crown land in any moves to convert these leases to freehold.
Mr Draper raised the issue following receipt of a letter sent from the Tamworth-Namoi Branch of the National Parks Association of NSW to the Premier Morris Iemma. In the letter, the Association expressed concern regarding the Government’s decision to convert Crown leases to freehold, and asked that the Government protect the ecological value of Crown Leases by:
- Placing an immediate moratorium on all leasehold conversions pending adequate assessment.
- Implementing a gradual rise in rents on Crown leasehold tenures, over a ten-year period, to bring lease rents into line with market rents.
- Funding and empowering the Department of Environment and Conservation to conduct a scientifically rigorous conservation assessment of all leasehold Crown lands and identify high conservation value leases, and,
- Ensure these high conservation value lands are kept in public ownership.
“The association is deeply concerned that the ecological value of Crown lands has been not been considered in this move to sell off these valuable public assets,” Mr Draper said.
“Crown lands are often home to remnant native vegetation, which provide habitat for native wildlife, in addition to providing vital corridors into our National Parks.
“The Government promised to conserve Crown lands with high ecological value, but I am unaware of any examination of individual blocks in the north-west to determine this value. Unfortunately, the Government appears to be solely focussed on the $37.5 million expected to be raised from the conversion of the State’s 11,500 Crown leases to freehold, rather than any environmental concerns.
Mr Draper said that despite previous Government promises, there were no strategies in place to properly survey Crown lands for their ecological value before the conversions went ahead.
“The Department of Environment and Conservation should be supplied with funds to undertake a thorough survey of Crown lands that will identify those with the highest conservation value,” he said.
“These high value areas should be retained in public hands and preserved to maintain their ecological significance,” he concluded.
Draper calls for resumption of drought transport subsidies
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
The State Government must resume transport subsidies for drought stricken farmers in the wake of worsening conditions in the North West, according to the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper.
Mr Draper said that the latest figures place 46 per cent of NSW officially in drought, up from 38 per cent in March, 32 per cent in February and 24 per cent in January this year. He pointed to the Tamworth Rural Lands Protection Board, where only the B division at Manilla and Barraba is classed as marginal, while the remaining divisions A, C and D are officially in drought.
“It is of vital importance that the Government recognises the ongoing hardships experienced by farmers, and reintroduces transport subsidies to get them through what could be a very challenging winter period,” Mr Draper said.
“According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the latest seasonal rainfall odds do not strongly favour either wetter or drier than average conditions from May to July. The Bureau has predicted the chances of NSW receiving at least median rainfall during this period at close to 50 per cent, so it is anyone’s guess if the required rain will actually come.
“Many residents in the electorate have contacted my office asking why the Government has not resumed transport subsidies over the past few weeks. One very worried Walcha resident informed my office that a creek on his property has run dry for the first time in his 70 years in the area, and that help was needed now.”
Mr Draper recently made representations to the Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald asking that he urgently consider reinstating transport subsidies for farmers in drought declared areas. He said continued Government assistance would provide some hope for farmers who have been affected by drought for the past five years.
He said farmers may be forced to leave their farms without transport subsidies, and some are succumbing to pressure of dealing with an escalating drought with limited help from Government.
“Statistics show that the mental health of people on the land is affected by the continuing drought, and the situation has become so worrying that some have contemplated suicide,” Mr Draper said.
“These statistics also show male farmers and farm workers are now twice as likely to die from suicide than any other group in the male population. The Government needs to recognise that reinstating assistance to farmers will not only help protect their livelihood, but improve their overall wellbeing,” he concluded.
Funding to help Westdale Public School P&C
Wednesday, May 10, 2006.
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper today announced that Westdale Public School will benefit from a Government initiative that funds a minor capital works project at the school, in partnership with the local community.
The assistance will be provided under the Education Department’s Joint Funding Program.
“Under this program the school community chooses its own project and the P&C raises part of the funds – through fetes, raffles and other fundraising activities – for the building work,” Mr Draper said.
“This is a worthwhile initiative that sees the Government top up their fundraising efforts in recognition of the tireless work of the local P&C, and their ongoing commitment to a strong public education system for all our children.
“I would like to pay tribute to the Westdale P&C who have actively fundraised for school projects, and I am pleased to advise that they will receive $8185 to help fence their multi purpose courts,” he said.
“Almost $6.4 million has been allocated under this program in 2005/06, which has helped initiate more than $13 million worth of worthwhile projects in local schools,” he concluded.
Draper urges quick action from Pre-school Taskforce
Friday, May 5, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has today welcomed the formation of a Taskforce to investigate the funding levels of NSW pre-schools, but urged the Government to expedite its inquiry to urgently address the current funding crisis.
The State Government today announced it would establish a “high level” Taskforce to investigate ways of improving pre-school services across NSW, following a string of public protests and pressure applied by Mr Draper and other State MPs.
“It is good to see that the Government has finally recognised that pre-schools are in desperate need of attention in this State,” Mr Draper said.
“Funding to NSW pre-schools has been frozen since 1989 and the Government has continually failed to acknowledge the increasing demands placed on pre-schools over the past 17 years. As a result, many smaller pre-schools are now faced with closure.
“While I welcome this announcement, I urge the Government to ensure this Taskforce completes its inquiry quickly and moves to address the funding crisis as soon as those findings are delivered.”
Mr Draper said many smaller pre-schools in the electorate of Tamworth simply could not afford to wait for a long and drawn-out Government inquiry.
“The Nundle Pre-school has for years been relying on the community to keep it operating, and recently the local CWA branch took out a loan of $100,000 to give to the pre-school so that it could upgrade to meet OH&S standards,” he said.
“The Werris Creek Pre-school is facing the possibility of closing down one day per week because of a decline in child numbers, which could then affect the already inadequate level of funding it receives.
“The Government claims it spends a “record” $125 million a year on children’s services including pre-schools. This is obviously not enough and the situation needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency,” Mr Draper concluded.
$8424 for Gunnedah PCYC to ‘Bring ‘Em In’
Friday, May 5, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper today welcomed new State Government funding for a new Gunnedah PCYC project, ‘Bringin’ ‘em in’, for children and teenagers from outlying towns.
Mr Draper said $8424 in Local and Community Transport Program funding would benefit young people aged between six and eighteen from Boggabri, Tambar Springs, Mullaley, Curlewis and Carroll.
“The PCYC will use the funding to bring the kids from these outlying centres into Gunnedah for Friday night activities at the club,” Mr Draper said.
“Just because you live outside of town doesn’t mean you should miss out on social opportunities with other young people.
“And that’s just what this program aims to do – provide new transport opportunities to young people living in isolated communities who are often unable to access transport.
“Most of the young people who will use this service go to school in Gunnedah, and already know each other.
“Now they will have an opportunity to get together socially once a month and enjoy the same recreational opportunities as kids who live in Gunnedah township.
“The supervised activities will include indoor sports, theme nights, game nights and discos.”
Mr Draper said the funding would pay for the hiring of a bus over the next 12 months, with the PCYC contributing $15,000 for promotion, staffing and disco equipment.
“It will also help build good will and understand between young people and our local police.
“The State Government’s Local and Community Transport Program provides funding for projects like this to ensure people from isolated rural and regional communities can access transport.
“I would encourage the region’s young people, their parents and schools to support the new opportunities this funding provides. It’s only a 12-month trial, and the best way to make sure it continues is to come along regularly and send the message that this program is not only needed, it’s wanted.
‘I congratulate the Gunnedah PCYC on its successful application and look forward to talking to them about their long-term plans to fund the project.”
Reduction in Tamworth Hospital Surgery Waiting List
Thursday, May 4, 2006
Independent MP Peter Draper has welcomed figures released by NSW Health for March 2006 showing the elective surgery waiting list at Tamworth Hospital continues to reduce significantly. Mr Draper said the reduction comes despite an increase in activity in the emergency department.
“The number of patients waiting more than twelve months for elective surgery at Tamworth Hospital has been reduced from fifteen patients in March 2005, to ten in March 2006,” Mr Draper said.
“All credit for this achievement goes to the hardworking staff at the Tamworth Hospital.
“These figures are reflected across the state, with the number of patients waiting longer than twelve months falling from 10,327 in March 2005 to 2,525 in March 2006.
Mr Draper said the reduction in elective surgery waiting lists has been achieved while the emergency department continues to get busier.
“In March 2006 there were 3,357 attendances at the Tamworth emergency department – an increase of 5.7 per cent on the same period last year,” Mr Draper said.
“These results are very encouraging, but there is still a great deal more work that needs to be done.
“I’ve been fighting hard to attract increased funding for elective surgery in Tamworth, and while its good to see that money making a difference, I will continue to push the Government to reduce the waiting lists even further.
“I have invited the Minister for Health John Hatzistergos to travel to Gunnedah, Tamworth and Walcha next month, and I look forward to impressing upon him the importance of ongoing investment in our local health service.
“While the Minister is here I have arranged for Richard Torbay and myself to brief him on the Independents Rural Health Strategy, which aims to address many of the concerns regarding health service delivery in country areas,” he concluded.
Tax cuts welcome but not soon enough – Draper
Thursday, May 4, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has welcomed the State Government’s abolition of five indirect taxes in NSW, but criticised the Government for not moving quicker to remove impediments to business across the State.
The Government this week moved to abolish five stamp duties, including taxes on the hire of goods, leases, unlisted marketable securities, mortgages and loan securities and non-residential property transfers.
“The removal of these nuisance taxes will be a welcome relief to businesses across NSW, but most do not come into effect for a number of years,” Mr Draper said.
“The tax on the hire of goods such as DVDs will not be removed until July 1, 2007, and to see a saving on lease agreements people will have to wait until January 2008.
“It gets worse for the tax on unlisted marketable securities such as business transactions, which will not be removed until 2009. Families struggling from a recent interest rate hike will have to wait until 2010 for the removal of mortgages and loan securities, of which half will be removed 2010 and the remainder a year later.
“Finally, the tax on non-residential property transfers will remain until July 2012. All other states have agreed to remove these taxes within four years, but NSW is again lagging behind.
“Rather than blaming the Federal Government for not providing a bigger share of the GST, the Iemma Government should look at ways of making the State’s economy more efficient so that people in NSW can soon see the savings they have been promised for years.”
Mr Draper said the taxes were expected to raise more than $680 million for the State Government in 2006/07.
Draper opposes majority verdicts
Thursday, May 4, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper joined his fellow Independents to oppose legislation aimed at introducing majority verdicts in criminal cases in State Parliament this week.
Mr Draper spoke against the Jury Amendments (Verdicts) Bill, introduced by the State Government and supported by the Opposition. He questioned whether a change to the current legislation was necessary in proving the guilt or innocence of defendants beyond reasonable doubt.
“I have received large volumes of correspondence from the Bar Association, the New South Wales Law Society and the Law Reform Commission vigorously opposing this bill, and from my perspective some of the points they have made appear quite valid,” Mr Draper said.
“The Government argued that the quality of jurors is in decline and that mistrials are expensive and distressing for the victims, and I am sympathetic to those points.
“However, the onus of proof in a criminal trial is clearly proving guilt “beyond reasonable doubt”. I am concerned that a juror who disagrees with his peers may indicate that the prosecution has not fulfilled that duty of proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt.”
Mr Draper pointed out that juries try only 0.4 per cent of criminal cases, and of those cases only 8 per cent result in hung juries.
“Basically, that means we are debating a change to legislation that will affect less than 0.02 per cent of criminal trials, or virtually none, in New South Wales. Given that insignificant number and the strong opposition to the bill that has been expressed to me, I question whether such a change is necessary,” Mr Draper told Parliament.
Mr Draper supported findings of the Law Reform Commission’s 2004 inquiry into the need to preserve unanimity in majority verdicts. The findings showed that any arguments in favour of majority verdicts are balanced and countered by those in favour of retaining unanimity. They found insufficient evidence that the introduction of majority verdicts would reduce the incidence of hung juries.
Mr Draper said that members of all major parties had voted in support of the legislation, despite privately indicating that they personally opposed the changes. The vote was won in favour by 79 votes to 7.
Draper endorses programs for Aboriginal girls in State Parliament
Thursday, May 4, 2006
A range of innovative programs conducted in the northwest to address issues facing Aboriginal girls has received the endorsement of the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper in a speech he delivered to State Parliament this week.
Mr Draper praised the programs, which were conducted by the Violence Against Women Specialist Unit in the New England and local Aboriginal Women’s groups, and aim to address issues such as crime, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual health and sexual assault, and domestic violence experienced by Aboriginal girls in the northwest of the state.
“The camps help to break the cycle of everyday negativity associated with low socio-economic public housing estates and the many social issues associated with them,” Mr Draper said.
“The first of these camps was called the ‘Sista Girls’ , and targeted girls aged 7 to 16 years. At this camp, workshops were conducted on young people’s health, breast checks and menstruation, personal hygiene, dental health and grooming, bullying, motivational talks on better life choices, drug and alcohol sessions, sexual health, healthy relationships, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
“Another camp included the programs Miyay – Yinarr Health and Wellbeing Project, the Miss Indigenous Beauty Pageant and Ball, plus Healthy Relationships and Violence Prevention workshops, and its focus was aimed at Aboriginal girls aged 16 to 18 years.
“Issues of concern that were identified for exploration at this camp include the increasing drop out rate of young aboriginal girls from the education system, the rising rate of teenage pregnancies, plus drug and alcohol abuse. The girls learnt about unhealthy relationships, domestic violence and sexual abuse, and were taught techniques to develop self-esteem and confidence.”
In his speech, Mr Draper identified the Hunter New England region as having has one of the highest birth rates in NSW at 6 per cent, compared to 1.6 per cent in Northern Sydney and the Central Coast, and it also has double the State average of teenage pregnancies.
He said the camps were teaching Aboriginal girls the skills they may not normally learn in the home environment in an effort to address social concerns, and contribute to the wellbeing of Aboriginal people as a whole.
“Of the 705 births recorded at Tamworth Base Hospital in 2004, 92 were teenage pregnancies, with 36 of these being to Aboriginal teenagers aged between 12 and 18 years,” he said.
“Research indicates that some teenage pregnancies occur due to sexual inexperience and an inadequate understanding of the reproductive cycle. It seems that knowledge about reproductive matters and access to contraception can reduce unintended adolescent pregnancy.”
Mr Draper added there were also moves to underway to set up similar programs for young Aboriginal males in the area.
Click here for Hansard.
Split Rock pipeline best option for Barraba – Draper
Wednesday, May 3, 2006
The NSW Government needs to finally recognise the best option to solve Barraba’s ongoing water supply problems is a pipeline from Split Rock Dam to the town, according to Member for Tamworth Peter Draper.
Following years of uncertainty over water security in Barraba, the State Government is still exploring the possibility of bores to back up the town’s struggling supply, and ignoring the call by residents and Tamworth Regional Council for a pipeline from the nearby dam.
“Since the mid 1990’s alternative sources for water to adequately supply Barraba have been explored many times, but it seems building a 26km pipeline from Split Rock is the only sustainable option,” Mr Draper said.
“I worked on a drilling rig around Barraba in the 1980's, and the water we found around the town was extremely hard and in low volumes, with water coming out of the Manilla River and Barraba Creek not much better.
“Barraba residents, in good times and bad, have been living with water restrictions due to the low volumes of water available from their current sources, and drought has only made it more difficult to ensure a secure and good quality supply.
“The Government should recognise that a pipeline is the best option to provide a secure water supply for Barraba residents, and money spent futilely drilling more test bores could be better spent towards this end.”
Mr Draper said the water taken from the current Barraba water supply at Manilla River and Barraba Creek was often of low quality due to drought, and the back up supply of Connor’s Creek Dam often suffered bluegreen algae infestations. He said the Government was spending another $66,000 on drilling bores around Barraba, while a pipeline was purported to cost more than $6 million.
“The former Barraba Shire Council and the Tamworth Regional Council have both recommended the Government construct a 26km, 200mm pipeline from Split Rock Dam at a cost of $6.53 million, which would be capable of delivering peak day demand and allowing for the decommissioning of current supply sources, but to date this option has been ignored.
“Rain falling around Barraba feeds Split Rock Dam, and should a pipeline be built, the town’s water woes would be over,” he concluded.
Mr Draper said he would raise the issue with the Minister for Water and Utilities, David Campbell.
Grants announced for local athletes and coaches
Wednesday, March 3 2006
Grants awarded to country athletes, coaches and officials under two sporting grants schemes will help place local athletes on a more level playing ground with their metropolitan colleagues, the Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
A number of athletes, coaches and officials in the electorate of Tamworth received grants under State Government’s Country Athletes Scheme and the NSW Country Coaches and Officials Travel Scheme. These schemes aim to assist recipients in rural and remote areas.
“Talented country athletes, as well as country coaches and officials, will benefit under these grants through added access assistance to training, coaching and competitions, which are not easily available to many athletes from rural and remote areas,” Mr Draper said.
“The Country Athletes Scheme grants will assist athletes with travel and accommodation expenses when travelling to other areas for their sport. Coaches and officials from country areas involved in NSW Country Coaches and Officials Travel Scheme can now have greater access to educational courses to gain the required accreditation.”
“Athletes and officials in metropolitan areas have traditionally had easy access to facilities and training, which often gives them the edge over country athletes. These grants can assist country representatives receive the assistance they need to achieve the same level of opportunity available to their city counterparts.”
Athletes who have qualified for a grant are affiliated with a recognised state sporting organisation and have achieved success at state level in their sport and relevant age level.
Athletes in the Tamworth electorate representing a range of sports received grants totalling $11,200 through the Country Athletes Scheme, including:
Dane McIlveen (hockey), Sam Clifton (hockey), Shelley Stevenson (hockey), Brock Bower (little athletics), Erin Osbourne (cricket), Timothy Hart (golf), Kimberley Resch (touch football), Joshua Magann (water polo), Norman Turner (water polo), Brad Piper (bowling), Chris Herden (bowling), Cherina Murphy-Christian (rollerskating), Emelyn Starr (tennis), and Jessica Drayton (equestrian sports).
Richard Willis (Hockey NSW), Vicki Roberston (NSW Basketball Association), Debbie Clark (NSW Netball Association), and Adrian Snowden (NSW Rugby Union) received grants totalling $1,500 under the Country Coaches and Officials Travel scheme.
Mr Draper said the Country Athletes Scheme is available to athletes aged 18 years and under who live beyond an 80km radius from Sydney.
He said the Country Coaches and Officials Travel scheme is available to coaches and officials 16 years of age or older who live outside the greater metropolitan areas of Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle and Wollongong.
Field Days teach effective farm safety – Draper
Tuesday May 2, 2006
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has urged farmers in the electorate to attend the first of WorkCover’s Farm Safety Field Days in Tamworth on Thursday.
Mr Draper said the field day would demonstrate vital strategies for farmers to adopt to improve safety on their properties.
“Proper safety strategies are paramount for the effective operation of farms and the wellbeing of workers on rural properties,” Mr Draper said.
“The Field Day will focus on the safety issues arising from farm employment and give local farmers an opportunity to discuss them with representatives from WorkCover plus other farming associations.
“Issues such as chemical safety, electricity, gates and crushes, child safety and chainsaw safety will be explored, along with a number of demonstrations by experts in safe all-terrain vehicle riding and shearing demonstrations.
“There will also be displays of farm machinery and equipment that meet occupational health and safety standards, such as a silo, auger and fuel tank, and other machinery specific to rural industry.
“The number of injuries and fatalities on NSW farms is far too high, with 17 people killed and 4,300 injuries from 2001-2004. These field days will provide farmers with strategies to greatly reduce the risk of death and injury and I urge everyone who owns a property in the electorate to attend.”
Mr Draper said representatives from NSW Farmers, Farmsafe NSW, Primary Industries, Australian Workers Union and the Country Women’s Association will also attend the Field Days to provide information and advice.
He added WorkCover would also roll out its new Safety Bus at the Field Days, a mobile resource centre designed to provide safety solutions across the State.
The Tamworth Field Day will be held Thursday, May 4 at the Tamworth Agricultural Institute, Calala Rd, Calala. The Field Days would then move on to Bega, Forbes, Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Wollongbar, Bourke, Balranald and Narrabri from May to October.
