Media Releases, November 2005
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Minister Called to Account over Rail Jobs
November 29, 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has met today with Transport Minister John Watkins regarding speculation over the future of CountryLink ticketing staff in the Tamworth booking office.
Mr Draper said he had received expressions of concern from many community members supportive of the Tamworth workers, and asked Mr Watkins to elaborate on the fate of the Tamworth office staff.
“I understand that of the four local staff, two have indicated their intent to accept a redundancy package, however the remaining two staff are both keen to remain, and I fully support their stance,” Mr Draper said.
“The irony of this situation is that they are being flown to Sydney on Wednesday to accept the Team Performance and Respect Award from Minister Watkins in recognition of outstanding service to the community, yet their future in the organisation has been under a cloud for some time now.”
Mr Draper said that Minister Watkins had assured him that the staff involved would not be forced to take a redundancy package, and should their positions be reviewed they would be offered another position within RailCorp.
“These people are talented and passionate about service delivery to the Tamworth community as evidenced by the award they will receive this week,” Mr Draper said.
“While the Minister has given me an assurance that there will be no forced redundancies, I intend holding him to this promise and making him accountable for the workers jobs into the future.”
Mr Draper added that members of the Tamworth community were concerned that many of their fellow residents, particularly the elderly, would not adapt to the loss of the personal face-to-face service currently available at the Tamworth office in preference to phone and internet bookings.
Tamworth Women’s Refuge Committee passes first test
14 November, 2005
Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has welcomed community support to place the Tamworth Women’s Refuge firmly back into local control following a meeting today at the Coledale Community Centre.
The meeting, chaired by long time Refuge supporter Laurie Beattie, gathered support from concerned community members keen to establish an interim Tamworth Women’s Refuge Management Committee, made up entirely of local residents.
A large number of names of dedicated community members interested in forming the interim committee were collected, which Mr Draper will take to Minister for Community Services Reba Meagher.
“The meeting was well attended by people with previous experience in management committees, members of allied or complimentary service delivery groups, and individuals, including staff and former users of the refuge,” Mr Draper said.
“A number of important motions were passed at the meeting, which I will be taking direct to the Minister” he said.
Mr Draper pointed out that when given the opportunity, no other similar local group expressed interest in taking on the management role of the refuge, which gave the committee full backing from a local perspective to pursue the tender contract.
12 people expressed interest in serving on the Interim Management Committee, and 10 on the Friends of the Refuge Management Committee, a support group to offer advice and assistance to the committee, and provide a backup to fundraise and if needed, fill future Management Committee vacancies.
“One of the groups priorities will be to reincorporate the name of the Management Committee, and establish a management framework in accordance to Department of Fair Trading guidelines, including establishing a constitution,” Mr Draper said.
The meeting gathered bipartisan political support from Christine Robertson duty Labor MLC, and also Catherine Cusack, Liberal duty MLC for Tamworth.
Photo: Mr Laurie Beattie OAM, Mr Peter Draper MP and Ms Judith Devrie sign on as the Womens Refuge Interim Committee.
Reprieve for councils on new rating structure
11 November 2005
Member for Tamworth Peter Draper and a delegation from the Gunnedah and Liverpool Plains Shire Councils have won a 12 months reprieve on the implementation of the government’s new separation of land and water rating system.
It will give a breathing space to councils facing a significant hole in their income when irrigators are freed from paying water rates under the new scheme.
The delegation including the mayors and general managers of the two councils recently met with Local Government Minister Kerry Hickey and Lands Minister Tony Kelly to successfully negotiate the concession.
“This 12 months grace will give our local councils time to adjust to the new system and to undertake remodelling to minimise any impact on rate payers,” Mr Draper said.
"It is still necessary for the revaluation process being undertaken by the Valuer General to proceed as an absolute priority.
"This is a major change to the way rates will be determined in country areas, and I am pleased Councils will now have time available to put the best model in place.”
Has the Gen(i)e already escaped?
10 November 2005
Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has expressed concern over Genetically Modified (GM) Crops contaminating conventional plantings.
Speaking in Parliament on the Gene Technology (GM Crop Moratorium) Amendment Legislation, Mr Draper welcomed an extension of the moratorium on commercial GM crops, such as canola, mustard and field peas, until March 2008.
“I am concerned however, that research trials will continue to be permitted at the discretion of the New South Wales Agricultural Advisory Council on Gene Technology which could have the potential to cause contamination.”
“Already, nine Canola trial sites in New South Wales run by the Department of Primary Industries have been contaminated by GM genes, and no-one is sure how the contamination occurred,” he said.
“Wrongly labelled or mixed seed, or cross-pollination through environmental factors, including wind, birds, animals and even machinery have all been listed as possible causes.”
“Environmental factors are beyond the control of Government, so why continue to take risks by allowing these research trials? More importantly, what measures have been taken by the Government in response to the contaminations already detected?” he asked Parliament.
“I understand pressure continues for GM crops, with the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics claiming Australia’s farmers are missing out on the economic benefits of GM canola.”
“Under the amended legislation, the Advisory Council on Gene Technology will continue to assess applications for exemptions but it appears clear the council’s criteria will need to be tightened considerably,” Mr Draper said.
“The Nature Conservation Council representative on the advisory council has raised concerns about the body’s credentials and there are concerns it does not have access to sufficient independent research to properly advise the Minister – nor the power to deal with contamination,” Mr Draper said.
“I take this opportunity to reiterate my strong opinion that, until we are confident in the application of the technology to our food sources, controls need to be watertight,” Mr Draper told Parliament.
HANSARD – NSW Legislative Assembly Hansard (Proof)
GENE TECHNOLOGY (GM CROP MORATORIUM) AMENDMENT LEGISLATION – Page: 71
Mr PETER DRAPER (Tamworth) [6.07 p.m.]: I speak tonight on the Gene Technology (GM Crop Moratorium) Amendment Bill 2005. The bill extends the expiry date of the Gene Technology (GM Crop Moratorium) Act 2003, which prohibits the commercial cultivation of specified genetically modified food crops in New South Wales, until March 2006. On that basis I offer my support to this bill. The amendment will ensure commercial production of genetically modified [GM] food crops such as canola, mustard and field peas will not occur in New South Wales until March 2008. I am concerned, however, that research trials will still be permitted at the discretion of the New South Wales Agricultural Advisory Council on Gene Technology. That advisory body will continue to assess applications for exemptions under the Act as required.
To date, the Minister for Primary Industries has approved a small number of research trials in New South Wales upon advice from the advisory body. In April last year the Minister announced he would support three small research trials for GM canola covering 420 hectares but would hold back on a 3,000 hectare coexistence trial until the benefits of the technology were known. I suggest that the drawbacks be considered also. Due to drought and poor planting conditions, however, the trials did not proceed and to the best of my knowledge that remains the case.
Somewhat surprisingly, there have been reports of standard canola crops in New South Wales becoming contaminated with GM material. In September this year it was reported that despite the moratorium, GM canola crops have been growing in New South Wales. Varieties contaminated with GM genes were identified and destroyed at nine canola trials sites run by the Department of Primary Industries. The question is: How did that occur when a moratorium is in place, and will the Minister take action against the breaches of the moratorium?
The contamination was cited as possibly originating from seeds being wrongly labelled or mixed, or from cross-pollination. Further contamination of canola trials by GM material has been detected in crops across the nation, with the Grains Research and Development Corporation confirming contamination of two lines of conventional canola at 33 trial sites. As I have said, I welcome the extension of the moratorium until 2008. However, as these recent events clearly demonstrate, control of GM technology in the agricultural industry continues to elude the Government and indeed the advising body. The Government's decision to continue the ban on the growing of commercial crops of GM canola is welcome, but I seek details of any measures the Government has taken in response to the contaminations. Contamination can occur through a variety of environmental factors, including wind, birds, animals and even machinery—factors that I believe are beyond departmental control. Why then does the Government continue to take risks by allowing research trials? I note that there are strong arguments in favour of the continuance of trials.
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics believes that Australia's farmers are missing out on the economic benefits of GM canola, stating that there is no economic justification for delays in commercialisation and that the moratorium, coupled with limited opportunities to run trials, is having a negative impact on research and development. If the trials are to be continued they must be contained, and the question I ask is whether this can occur. What was done to deal with recent contaminations, and what measures are now in place to prevent future incidents? Under this amendment, the Advisory Council on Gene Technology will continue to assess applications for exemption. In light of recent history, I believe that the council's criteria need to be tightened considerably. I note that questions have been raised by the representative of the New South Wales Nature Conservation Council on the advisory council about the body's credentials.
The Nature Conservation Council was quoted as stating that the advisory council does not have access to sufficient independent research to properly advise the Minister—that concerns me enormously—and that it does not have the power to deal with issues of contamination. I find this to be of particular concern as it calls into question the ability of those charged with managing the technology in New South Wales to control it. The full extent and impact of GM technology is not yet known, and I have constantly urged a cautious approach to the introduction of GM food crops. I take this opportunity to reiterate my strong concerns that, until we are confident in the application of the technology to our food sources, controls need to be watertight. I note that the New South Wales Farmers Association is urging the Government to let GM canola trials continue, but I believe that for this to occur the Minister needs to demonstrate an absolute commitment to zero tolerance of contamination in the future.
Crucial Women’s Refuge Meeting
10 November 2005
Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, believes a meeting at the Coledale Community Centre next Monday at 10-00 am, could be crucial in deciding the long term management structure of the Tamworth Women’s Refuge.
“The aim of this meeting is to establish an interim committee to tender for the management of this vital community facility,” Mr Draper said.
“The NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Working Party, which currently manages the Refuge, has agreed to hand back funding to the Department of Community Services, by the end of June next year at latest, however if the community is to resume management we must be ready,” he said.
“Once the auspicing rights are relinquished to DoCS, the management of the Refuge will be opened for tender,” he said.
“We need to establish and register a local management group quickly, so it is positioned to be the successful tenderer, however the Minister pointed out that tenders will be open to groups state wide, so there’s no ironclad guarantee of successful bid by local management,” Mr Draper said.
“That is why we need to prepare early and set as much of the ground work in place as possible. If we can put in place a well organised and capable group of local people, it will help strengthen our position,” Mr Draper said.
Founding member of the Tamworth Women’s Refuge, Laurie Beattie, is also encouraging interested parties to attend Monday morning’s meeting.
“Since the management crisis occurred, many people have volunteered to assist, indicating strong local support for this important facility,” Mr Beattie said.
“As a result, we also plan to establish a “Friends of the Women’s Refuge Group”, which will support the management and provide a resource for future management personnel, “ he said.
Mr Draper said representatives of the current working party, Tamworth Regional Council, the Department of Community Services, other politicians and other local service providers have also been invited to attend the meeting at the Coledale Community Centre next Monday from 10-00 am.
Namoi CMA to Maintain Unwanted Weirs
November 9, 2005
Member for Tamworth Peter Draper met with Minister for Natural Resources Ian MacDonald last night to discuss the urgent repairs required to seven weirs in the Cockburn River. Mr Draper pointed out that the Namoi Catchment Management Authority appeared to be the Government instrumentality best suited to managing the river system’s infrastructure, however the necessary funding was not currently available in their budget.
“The Minister agreed that in the short term the CMA was best positioned to provide the necessary funding to repair and upgrade the weirs, providing farmers agreed to manage their riparian zones to achieve sound ecological outcomes,” Mr Draper said.
“Prior to the meeting, concerns were raised that no Government department seemed willing to assume responsibility for the weirs, however as the weirs were installed by the Government to repair damage caused by practises not recognised as environmentally harmful at the time, it is only appropriate that funding is made available for the CMA to undertake the necessary work,” he continued.
“Claims that irrigators benefit from higher water levels ignores the fact that the weirs are only returning the river to pre-damaged water heights of the 1970’s prior to gravel extraction. The gravel operators were authorised by the DLWC, and their extraction activity lowered the riverbed and as a consequence the river height,” Mr Draper said.
“I welcome the Minister’s commitment to work towards a long term management solution for the Cockburn River, as while an injection of funds into the Namoi CMA will solve the immediate issues, we need to look to future management practices to continue the positive outcomes achieved to date.”
“With an estimate of up to $90,000 from Namoi CMA to restore the weirs to full operating capacity, if work was undertaken soon it would deliver sound environmental outcomes by preserving both the riverbanks and the riparian corridor.”
Gunnedah Wins in Latest Health Funding Allocation
4 November 2005
Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has welcomed advice that the Gunnedah Health Service will receive $203,500 to construct new staff accommodation. The funding is part of a $3.8million package, announced today by Health Minister, John Hatzistergos, that will improve facilities for rural patients and staff across the state.
“Unless rural health facilities offer modern, comfortable accommodation for staff, it is extremely difficult to attract and retain the qualified nurses, doctors and allied health professionals we so desperately need in communities like Gunnedah,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper pointed out that many staff who work shift work do not reside in town, so the provision of good standard accommodation helps keep quality people in the system. Others travel considerable distances to provide the visiting services necessary to maintain a high standard of care.
“The funding allocation is for the second stage of the specialist medical centre, recently completed on the Gunnedah Health Service campus. The first stage of the building was completed as a partnership between the health service and Gunnedah Shire Council, and comprises four consulting rooms, a treatment room, utility rooms, amenities and parking. The staff accommodation will include four bedrooms with ensuites, laundry, cooking facilities, and a comfortable living area. It will be located within the existing building,” Mr Draper said.
“Not only will this investment be an asset to existing staff, but it should also provide an incentive for staff considering moving to Gunnedah,” Mr Draper said.
“I applaud any investment in our health services that will facilitate a better standard of service delivery to the community,” he concluded.
Peter Draper to Meet With Minister over Weirs
4 November 2005
Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, will meet with Minister for Natural Resources, Ian MacDonald, in State Parliament next Tuesday, in a bid to resolve the ownership of seven weirs in the Cockburn River.
Mr Draper inspected the weirs yesterday, in company with local farmers, Namoi Water and a representative of the Namoi Catchment Management Authority.
The inspection revealed the weirs were in a range of differing states of repair, with some requiring little or no maintenance, but others clearly in need of remediation.
“The weir just below Kootingal Bridge is functioning well,” Mr Draper said. “However close inspection reveals that in times of heavy water flow, the river is diverting around the weir and is undercutting the river bank significantly.”
“This area could be fixed with several tons of rocks strategically placed to ensure the flow remains in the river bed, and with an estimated cost of less than $15,000 it would be a sound investment,” he said.
“I am looking forward to discussing this issue with the Minister next week, as it’s important the wellbeing of the Cockburn River is protected, and the investment made by the NSW Government in the past is not wasted,” Mr Draper concluded.
Applications Open for Sports Facility Grants
4 November 2005
Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, is calling on the regions sporting and community groups and local government bodies to apply for funding under the 2005 / 6 Regional Sports Facilities Program.
The program is designed to facilitate the building or upgrading of regional sports facilities, with a minimum grant available of $30,000, up to a maximum of $200,000.
Mr Draper said that local organisations had benefited from this program in the past, with the most recent successful applicant being the Manilla Tennis Club.
“Manilla Tennis Club offers a wonderful facility for the community, but the upkeep and preparation involved in maintaining the six clay courts was becoming too much for the limited volunteer base that the club had available,” Mr Draper said.
“As a result of the financial assistance made available through this program, the committee is now in the process of covering the courts in an all weather surface that will be much easier to maintain, and will also offer opportunities for the club to increase usage of the facility.” he said.
Under the program, the State Government provides up to 50% of the cost of the project, with the applicant providing the remainder, either in cash or in kind.
Applications are available from NSW Sport and Recreation on 13 13 02, or at www.dsr.nsw.gov.au.
Documentation must be submitted by November 30.
Wanted – Owner Sought for 7 Orphaned Weirs
3 November 2005
The State Government must take responsibility for maintaining seven weirs on the Cockburn River, according to Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper. Mr Draper renewed his call after inspecting two of the weirs with local farmers and representatives of Namoi Water and the Namoi Catchment Management Authority (CMA) today.
“A lack of maintenance is causing erosion of the riverbank, the riverbed and threatening fertile farmland and structures such as Johnson’s Bridge at Nemingha,’ Mr Draper said.
“Major work is being undertaken on the bridge, yet maintenance of the river bed and weirs upstream, that help protect it, is being neglected,” he said.
“An inspection of the river near Kootingal dramatically demonstrates how the riverbed has eroded.
“Wooden supports for the old Kootingal Bridge (pictured), which I understand were originally cut off at riverbed level, are now up to a metre above the riverbed,” Mr Draper said.
“A sign, adjacent to the river at Nemingha, proudly promotes construction of the weirs, and at the time there was much fanfare from the State Government, but now maintenance is required, nobody wants to claim ownership.
“I am becoming accustomed to facing many challenges in natural resource management, but trying to locate the clearly reluctant owners of seven weirs is quite ridiculous,” Mr Draper said.
It seems the Namoi CMA would be the logical body to assume responsibility, however the money needed to take on this function, must be made available in the CMA’s budget.”
“I am committed to determining the ownership of these weirs, then negotiating to divest responsibility and suitable funding to the Namoi CMA,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo: Member for Tamworth Peter Draper with, from left, farmers Andrew Bell and Wayne Chaffey and the old bridge supports clearly visible in the background.
Minister Meets with Aboriginal Leaders
2 November 2005
A visit to Tamworth by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Milton Orkopoulos, has been an outstanding success, according to local member, Peter Draper.
“The Minister announced the opening of the Tamworth Regional Office of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs before a crowd of aboriginal and community leaders as well as the general public.
“The visit also allowed the Minister to hear of the challenges and the successes of our local aboriginal community,” Mr Draper said.
“During a tour of the local Aboriginal Employment Strategy Offices he heard first-hand how the organisation had successfully placed more than 300 indigenous people in work.
“This is an outstanding result, and one that could be replicated in other regional communities” Mr Draper said.
“Employment has been found in our local district for aboriginal people from their mid teens through to their mid sixties”.
“The Minister also took time out to visit the Birrelee Macs Pre-School and the Aboriginal Medical Service, where he spoke with senior staff, who briefed him on their programs and the challenges they face,” Mr Draper said.
“I arranged a meeting with representatives of Gunnedah’s Red Chief Land Council, who raised concerns over possible implications of the aboriginal land rights legislation, and the Minister also made time for a meeting with the Coledale Residents’ Association to discuss the Aboriginal Concreters Employment and Training Program.
“This is a program I fully support so even more jobs can be found for aboriginal workers.”
“The scheme already has backing from Tamworth Regional Council and the pressure is on both Federal and State Governments to set the program in place,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo: Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper and Minister Orkopoulos at the launch of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, Tamworth Regional Office, in the Coledale Community Centre with, seated from left, Heather King and Aboriginal Elders Robert King, Pearl Trindall and Joe Trindall.
Women’s Refuge Handover Moving Closer
2 November 2005
Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has received notification from the NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Working Party that at a recent meeting, the members voted unanimously to work towards returning the auspice of the Tamworth Women’s Refuge to community control.
The Working Party has stated that a handover will be completed no later than June 30 2006, however indicated that it is willing to work with the community to achieve an earlier handover, should it be possible.
“I applaud this decision by the Working Party as the Tamworth community has overwhelmingly expressed its desire to resume local control of the Women’s Refuge,” Mr Draper said.
“The community was devastated when the Working Party decided to close the doors and sack all the workers earlier this year, and lost all faith in the ability of the Working Party to manage this vital community asset.”
“I pay particular tribute to the many local people who have volunteered to participate in a community management group, and in particular, I would like to recognise the untiring efforts of Laurie Beattie who met with the Minister and passionately represented the community desire to resume management of the Refuge,” Mr Draper said
“The process will take time, and the first step is to call another community meeting as quickly as possible to reinforce the support received already.”
“The final decision now lies with the Minister and the Department of Community Services, and I can assure them that the Tamworth community is willing and capable of taking on this responsibility,” Mr Draper concluded.
Assurance on Jobs as Qantas GA Changes Hands
2 November 2005
Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has received an assurance that the six local staff to lose their jobs through the sale of Qantas General Aviation will be offered deployment within the company.
“The good news is that the new owner, Sigma Aerospace, is seeking CASA approval to continue operations from Tamworth Airport,” he said.
“It is disappointing that six local Qantas jobs will go but there could be opportunities for these staff if the Sigma Aerospace negotiations are successful.”
Mr Draper said the Qantas core business at Tamworth airport, which employs 100 staff, is not at risk.
“I would hope it might build up to employ more people in the long term,” he said.
“Any of the six staff members who did not choose to take the internal deployment option would be eligible for redundancy packages or assistance to find alternative employment outside the company, Mr Draper explained.
“I am monitoring the situation closely to ensure the displaced workers are in the best possible position to obtain jobs in the local community, if that’s what they want,” he said.
Minister Meets with Aboriginal Leaders
2 November 2005
A visit to Tamworth by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Milton Orkopoulos, has been an outstanding success, according to local member, Peter Draper.
“The Minister announced the opening of the Tamworth Regional Office of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs before a crowd of aboriginal and community leaders as well as the general public.
“The visit also allowed the Minister to hear of the challenges and the successes of our local aboriginal community,” Mr Draper said.
“During a tour of the local Aboriginal Employment Strategy Offices he heard first-hand how the organisation had successfully placed more than 300 indigenous people in work.
“This is an outstanding result, and one that could be replicated in other regional communities” Mr Draper said.
“Employment has been found in our local district for aboriginal people from their mid teens through to their mid sixties”.
“The Minister also took time out to visit the Birrelee Macs Pre-School and the Aboriginal Medical Service, where he spoke with senior staff, who briefed him on their programs and the challenges they face,” Mr Draper said.
“I arranged a meeting with representatives of Gunnedah’s Red Chief Land Council, who raised concerns over possible implications of the aboriginal land rights legislation, and the Minister also made time for a meeting with the Coledale Residents’ Association to discuss the Aboriginal Concreters Employment and Training Program.
“This is a program I fully support so even more jobs can be found for aboriginal workers.”
“The scheme already has backing from Tamworth Regional Council and the pressure is on both Federal and State Governments to set the program in place,” Mr Draper concluded.
Who Owns the Weirs – Who’s Responsible?
2 November 2005
Representatives from the Cockburn Water Users Group, Namoi Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and Namoi Water will join Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, to inspect the weirs that protect the Nemingha and Kootingal bridges this Thursday, November 3rd at 1.30pm.
“I have attended meetings of the Cockburn Water Users Group and discovered no Government authority appears willing to claim ownership of seven weirs in the Cockburn River,” Mr Draper said.
“I am becoming accustomed to facing many challenges in natural resource management, but trying to locate the owners of seven weirs is a first for me,” he continued.
“Namoi CMA and the Cockburn Water Users Group have met on a number of occasions to find a way of funding these weirs, and it is my understanding that the CMA would be the logical body to assume responsibility, however the money needed to take on this function must be made available in the CMA’s budget.”
Mr Draper pointed out that bridge-work is currently being undertaken on the Johnson’s Bridge at Nemingha, yet maintenance of the river bed and the weirs upstream that protect the bridge is being neglected.
“I am committed to determining the ownership of these weirs, then negotiating to divest responsibility and suitable funding to the Namoi CMA,” Mr Draper said.
“The statement that CMA’s are “local people solving local problems” has been used often. If it is to prove true, then the Namoi CMA should be adequately funded to preserve and maintain this vital local infrastructure,” Mr Draper concluded.
