“Air conditioning is really a necessity for our schools and will be especially appreciated by students and staff coming into the warmer months. Tamworth High and Westdale Public schools are now protected by modern security fencing and I am pleased to see that a number of schools in the electorate are benefiting from the Department’s maintenance program,” he said.
Management options to be explored at Tamworth Women’s Refuge meeting
28 September 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, is looking forward to holding productive discussions during a meeting he has convened in Tamworth tomorrow to look at management options of the Tamworth Women’s Refuge.
Mr Draper said he has called the meeting to determine the workability of having a local management team auspice the refuge and to gauge the level of interest in the community in being a part of such a committee.
“I have received an encouraging response from concerned community members wanting to be a part of the discussions and have already met with stakeholders this week who cannot attend but who wanted to have a say,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said the refuge has been running close to capacity since its reopening on 22 September after a four-week period of closure due to issues between staff and the NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Working Party which auspices the refuge through the Tamworth Women’s Refuge Management Committee.
“There is clearly a strong demand in the community for the service and the feedback I have received to date is that the community wants to have some influence in the way the facility is administered and operated,” he said.
“There is a strong argument in favour of local ownership with none of the current management team living in the region. There are many issues that need to be worked before the refuge can be handed over and these will be explored at the meeting,” he said.
The meeting is open to the public and will be held on Thursday, 29 September, in the Heritage Room at the Tamworth Community Centre in Darling St, Tamworth at 12.30pm.
CountryLink reforms pose more questions than answers
27 September 2005
Staffing levels at the CountryLink Travel Centre in Tamworth remain in question following the NSW Transport Minister, John Watkin’s announcement today of an overhaul of CountryLink services, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said.
“I have sought clarification from the Minister’s department as to the impact the reforms will have on the four staff at the travel centre whose future employment looks set to remain subject to negotiation between CountryLink management and the Rail, Tram and Bus Union,” Mr Draper said.
“It’s important that the changes announced today do not result in a reduction in face-to-face ticketing services. Regional areas are also much more sensitive to job losses, be they through transfer or redundancy, and I am hopeful Tamworth will not be disadvantaged by this restructure.
Mr Draper said he welcomed the flexibility of more booking options such as online and Post Office services, however, it was important for certain sectors of the community such as the elderly that travel centre services remained intact.
“When the changes to booking arrangements were first mooted, I received a large number of inquiries from senior citizens and pensioners who did not have access to online services and were concerned about how they could book a seat on the Xplorer service.
“The questions remain as to how Tamworth’s booking staff will be affected and whether public access to the ticketing service at the Tamworth Railway Station will be reduced through changed staffing arrangements and the fact that staff ‘may operate at different hours’.
“I frequently hear how staff at the Travel Centre go the extra mile for passengers especially in assisting elderly travellers with luggage and security, so more is at stake than ticket sales.
Mr Draper said the Government’s blaming of rising fuel costs for an 8 per cent increase in fares was a smokescreen as CountryLink had never made a secret of the fact that in recent years it had spent $30 million on sales and bookings to generate a revenue of only $43million.
“Whenever the Government announces new competitive discount fares it usually means one thing - that overall prices will increase. Obviously revenue had to increase to improve the bottom line but I shall be monitoring the situation closely as they are already admitting to an eight per cent increase in fares from November 1, 2005.
“Minimum booking fees and increased fares are going to affect pensioners as well so it seems that we will all be paying more. Rural communities have lived with the fear of losing rail services altogether and I will be watching closely to see whether these reforms actually result in a clean, safe, reliable transport service that is guaranteed into the future,” he said.
Tripodi wants to see Topdale Rd before committing to a further upgrade
27 September 2005
The NSW Minister for Transport, Jo Tripodi, is expected to visit the Walcha region to inspect Topdale Rd in the near future as a result of a meeting with Walcha Shire Council, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said today.
Mr Draper convened the meeting in Sydney which he attended alongside Walcha mayor Bill Heazlett, general manager Jack O’Hara and the Independent Member for Northern Tablelands, Richard Torbay.
“I was pleased with the response from Mr Tripodi who appeared willing to listen and prepared to travel to the region to inspect the conditions of the road first hand. I am hopeful he will then provide funding to assist Walcha Shire Council in sealing the road,” Mr Draper said.
“I was disappointed that additional funding for Topdale Rd was not included in this year’s budget having raised the poor condition of the unsealed surface as a matter of priority with the previous Roads Minister, Michael Costa.
“When Carl Scully had the portfolio he allocated $300,000 to seal a one-km section and it’s now up to Mr Tripodi to follow through. I am hopeful he will recognise the need to invest in Topdale Rd given its growing importance as a tourist route and the increase in heavy vehicles transporting timber from forests in the Walcha and Nundle districts to mills on the coast.
“I am still receiving numerous phone calls from Topdale Rd residents wanting to know when the Government will seal the remaining 7 kilometre stretch of gravel which remains a hazard to school bus operators and local traffic due to the dust nuisance and poor surface.
Mr Draper said the Minister appeared to recognise the importance of the road to Walcha Shire Council with the delegation commenting that the meeting had been “positive”.
Photo, from left: Independent MPs Richard Torbay and Peter Draper discuss Topdale Rd with NSW Roads Minister Jo Tripodi and Walcha Shire Council mayor Bill Heazlett.
Regional Sporting Facility Grants up for grabs
26 September 2005
Applications for Regional Sporting Facility Grants are now open to sporting groups in the Tamworth electorate, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said today.
“The grants are offered through the NSW Government’s Regional Sports Facilities Program with the 2005-2006 round now open to community groups wanting assistance to build or upgrade sport and recreation facilities,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said the grants ranged from a minimum of $30,000 to a maximum of $200,000 with successful applicants required to contribute 50 per cent of the costs either financially or through in kind donations.
“The grants are open to not-for-profit incorporated sport and recreation organisations, community groups and councils which can apply on behalf of committees or advisory bodies.
“The program aims to develop and enhance the network of major sporting and recreational facilities that meet the needs of the general community. Applications are particularly encouraged for projects that improve access to under represented groups such as women. Aboriginal people, seniors, youth at risk and people with disabilities,” he said.
Mr Draper said applications were available from his electorate office and needed to be forwarded to the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation by 30 November 2005.
Applications and guidance notes can also be obtained from the department’s website www.dsr.nsw.gov.au while additional information can be provided by the Department’s Grant Unit on (02) 9006 3700.
Draper seeks Government support for Big Sky Express air services
26 September 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has thrown his support behind a bid to improve passenger numbers on the Inverell-Gunnedah-Sydney air link Big Sky Express.
Mr Draper said he has written to the NSW Premier, Morris Iemma, asking he consider directing Government employees to patronise Big Sky Express when travel between Sydney, Gunnedah and Inverell was necessary.
“I have been advised that a number of Gunnedah-based Government employees choose to travel on air services to Sydney from Tamworth, which is depriving Big Sky Express of a reliable share of the market.
“I understand Big Sky Express’ services in Taree and Grafton enjoy strong support from Government employees in the health and corrective services sectors in particular, and although Gunnedah does not have the same level of infrastructure, I believe opportunities exist where the Government can support the local airline.
“I have asked the Premier to examine the travel arrangements for Government employees in the region and consider ways of encouraging patronage of Big Sky Express,” he said.
Mr Draper said Big Sky Express was working with Gunnedah and Inverell shire councils to identify ways of boosting patronage on the airline which was launched in February last year to offer week day return flights and a Sunday service.
“According to Big Sky Express principal Phil Gerathy, passenger numbers have dropped off considerably in the past 12 months and even though management is committed to continuing the service, it cannot be expected to operate at a loss indefinitely.
Mr Draper said the community had demonstrated its support for the service when it was launched but for whatever reason the high level of patronage during the airline’s introductory months has not been maintained.
“The business community of Gunnedah also needs to vote with its feet on this issue and demonstrate it wants to retain the convenience and benefits of an air service by literally getting on board Big Sky Express whenever possible.
Mr Draper said he understood passenger numbers needed to significantly increase from both Inverell and Gunnedah to maintain viability.
“Gunnedah’s economy is on the brink of experiencing a boost through activity generated by new mining ventures in the region, a proposed ethanol plant and a new retail development. It would be a shame to lose an air link service Sydney at a time when demand from the business sector is set to increase.
He said Big Sky Express was planning to ‘re-launch’ the airline to the Gunnedah business community next month and will focus on a new marketing campaign with support from the local government authorities.
Relief package from rising fuel costs extended to country school bus operators
21 September 2005
Country school bus operators have been offered relief from the burden of rising fuel prices through a NSW Government assistance package, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said today.
Mr Draper said he met with the Minister for Transport, John Watkins, who confirmed that through the Fuel Indexation Adjustment Scheme, the Department would provide $700,000 to the regional bus companies the Government contracts to provide vital school transport services.
“This will be welcome news to local school bus operators many of whom approached me with concerns about their contracts and the fact they are being paid according to a fuel price which is being set on a 12-monthly basis,” Mr Draper said.
“On their behalf I have been lobbying Mr Watkins to review their contracts more frequently as the price of diesel has increased well above the contract price leaving them to meet the extra costs out of their own pockets.
“It’s important that local school bus services can continue to offer their services to school children and the community unhindered by financial restraints. Local operators not only cover greater distances than their city counterparts, their contracts are less flexible and I am pleased to see the Minister has recognised the inequities and taken action.
Mr Draper said the Minister told him the scheme would ensure greater protection for operators who had not yet signed up to new contracts.
“The Government’s new bus reforms are almost complete in Sydney but they won’t reach us for some time yet. The new contracts allow for a regular adjustment of running costs, including fuel price changes, in return for increasing performance obligations,” he said.
“Given current fuel costs, the Government has put in place interim measures for non-commercial operators who’ve not yet signed up to the reforms.
Mr Draper said operators would receive the financial assistance through the scheme to ensure payments from the Government to operators would be adjusted quarterly to reflect movements in fuel prices.
Mr Draper said under the scheme, payments to operators would be backdated to 1 July 2005 with the first quarterly indexation payment to cover the period to 30 September 2005.
Mr Draper said he joined the State Government in urging the Federal Government to support a national inquiry into fuel prices.
Gunnedah historical society deserves support
20 September 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has called on the NSW Government to support the Gunnedah and District Historical Society as it works toward celebrating Gunnedah’s sesquicentenary next year with a new book.
In a speech to Parliament today, Mr Draper said the society comprised of 12 volunteers who worked extremely hard and proactively to improve the standard of resources available to the community from its headquarters in the Water Tower Museum.
“The Water Tower Museum celebrated its 25th anniversary this year and the society has a proud history of operating as a community-based organisation. The volunteers succeeded in establishing the Museum without Government support and have a major project underway to publish a 150-year history of Gunnedah as part of the town’s sesquicentenary celebrations,” Mr Draper said.
“As well as responding to requests for information from as far afield as the United Kingdom, the Society has many ongoing projects and I believe the NSW Government should reward their efforts by responding to a request for assistance to buy essential equipment.
Mr Draper said the society needed to purchase a new photocopier to replace an old model which was subject to heavy use by visitors and members alike. The Society relies upon donations and entry fees to cover running costs and besides compiling material for the book, has several valuable archiving projects that would benefit if they had more resources.
“The group rarely asks for assistance and is certainly one of Gunnedah’s best assets in terms of community resources. The Water Tower Museum itself is unique in that it once contained the town’s water supply but through community efforts was successfully converted into an archive storage and display facility,” he said.
Mr Draper said the Museum was touted as featuring the second best recorded history of the 8th Division and the Second World War outside the Australian War Memorial and provided four levels of historic collections which included archived information relating to local people, places and events.
Walcha delegation to meet Roads Minister
20 September 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has convened a meeting in Sydney for Walcha Shire Council mayor Bill Heazlett and general manager Jack O’Hara to meet the NSW Roads Minister, Jo Tripodi, to discuss further investment in Topdale Rd.
Mr Draper said Mr Heazlett and Mr O’Hara, who will meet Mr Tripodi for the first time in his new portfolio, were looking forward to briefing the Minister on the importance of upgrading the road which is an important tourist and freight link to the mid north coast.
“The Council has already sealed a four-kilometre section of the road using their own resources, RTA funding and a boost of $300,000 from the State Government when Carl Scully was responsible for the portfolio,” Mr Draper said.
“There is still, however, seven kilometres of gravel which poses a major dust hazard and remains a concern for local residents who share the road with increasing tourist and logging traffic.
“Mr Scully was convinced of the need to complete the sealing of Topdale Rd when he inspected its condition first hand and I will be lobbying Mr Tripodi for the same level of support,” he said.
Mr Draper said there were a number of road priorities in the Tamworth electorate that he would like the Minister to consider including the remaining section of Manilla Rd, the Peel River Bridge at Nundle and the Mullaley Boggabri stock route near Gunnedah.
The Council representatives and Mr Draper will meet with Mr Tripodi on Wednesday (21 September) afternoon.
Draper calls public meeting to form local committee of Tamworth Women’s Refuge
19 September 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has called a public forum to discuss returning management of the Tamworth Women’s Refuge to the community after meeting today with the NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Working Party.
Mr Draper met with the Working Party Chair, Yvonne Wilson, and newly elected chair of the Tamworth Women’s Refuge Management Committee, Marilyn Fogarty, who will continue to auspice the refuge in the short term.
“The meeting was positive in that it clarified the Working Party’s intentions for the refuge, however, I still believe the best model for management is one where the local community has administrative control,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said the meeting was open to the public and would be held at the Tamworth Community Centre in the Heritage Room on Thursday, 29 September 2005, at 12.30pm.
“The Tamworth Women’s Refuge will re-open this week but will continue to be auspiced by a Sydney-based manager as Mrs Fogarty runs the Marcia Women’s Refuge in Campbelltown. I fail to see how community expectations about a service as sensitive as a women’s refuge can be met when decisions are being made by people who don’t live here.
Mr Draper said the Working Party took over auspicing the refuge three years ago when the then community management team ran into some difficulties, however, the intention until recently was to hand it back once the issues were resolved.
“The Working Party intends to build community relationships and establish protocols with Government departments and while this is a step in the right direction, I don’t believe it is appropriate for ultimate control to be taken out of the community’s hands,” he said.
Mr Draper said all stakeholders were invited to the meeting where he hoped to identify a core group of committed community members who would be willing to carry the proposal forward.
Photo, from left, NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Working Party chair Yvonne Wilson and newly elected Tamworth Women’s Refuge Management Committee chair Marilyn Fogarty met with Peter Draper MP to discuss the management structure of the refuge.
Quality water supply in the pipeline for Bendemeer
16 September 2005
Bendemeer residents can look forward to a long awaited quality water supply with news that the NSW Government has approved almost $250,000 in funding for the construction of the Bendemeer Water Treatment Plant, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said today.
“The NSW Minister for Utilities, Carl Scully, has advised he will offer $249,168 to the Tamworth Regional Council which combined with previous commitments will boost the Government’s overall contribution to the Bendemeer Water Supply augmentation of more than $434,000,” Mr Draper said.
“This plant will deliver safe, healthy, drinkable water to the township which has suffered, especially during drought, from the unreliability of supplies pumped out of the Macdonald River.
“When the river level drops, town water is pumped from pools which means water quality drops to very low levels. The situation is exacerbated during dry spells with sediment and contamination posing major problems not to mention health risks.
Mr Draper said the lack of a quality water supply had not only impacted on the town’s residential appeal, it had been a barrier to business growth and investment.
“Inadequate and inferior quality water is a disincentive to people looking to settle in the town and I would anticipate Bendemeer can look forward to a new era of prosperity as the lack of a decent, dependable water supply will no longer be an issue for prospective investors to consider.
Mr Draper said the funding, which was being provided through the Government’s Country Towns and Water Supply and Sewerage Program, would enable the construction of a treatment plan and roofing over an existing reservoir in the village with the project cost totalling more than $498,000.
“I would like to acknowledge the groundwork done by the former Minister for Energy and Utilities, Frank Sartor, as well as Mr Scully’s willingness to recognise the importance to Bendemeer of making provision for investment in this infrastructure,” he said.
Call for action on fuel costs for rural bus operators
16 September 2005
Country school bus services are continuing to bear the brunt of escalating fuel prices due to inflexible contract arrangements with the NSW Government, the Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper told the NSW Parliament last night.
Mr Draper addressed the House on behalf of a number of coach operators who the Government contracts to provide school bus services in the Tamworth electorate and who are struggling to meet costs due to rising fuel prices surpassing the contract price.
“The operators are having trouble meeting running costs as the Ministry for Transport currently pays operators $0.91 c/l of diesel when the bowser price in regional NSW is edging closer to $1.40c/l. It’s just not sustainable,” Mr Draper said.
“The price is indexed on an annual basis which means fluctuations are not taken into account. Country operators are therefore carrying the cost burden of the exorbitant increases we have been experiencing in recent months.
Mr Draper said country operators were not asking for special treatment. In actual fact they remained at a significant disadvantage to metropolitan operators whose fuel contracts were reviewed on a monthly basis.
“On behalf of local operators I have asked the Minister for Transport to index their fuel prices on quarterly basis as the unprecedented rise was unforeseen when the last agreement was reached.
Mr Draper also highlighted the fact that the cost burden was threatening to impact on operators’ ability to support the community by way of discounted or donated services.
“Tamworth’s Trevor Hannaford is a good example of an operator who makes an enormous contribution. He is among the first to raise his hand when charity or community groups need a hand. Young people, the elderly and the disadvantaged will be among the first to lose out if the generosity of coach operators is compromised due to unrealistic contract arrangements,” he said.
Local input now the priority as Tamworth Women’s Refuge re-opens
16 September 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, will push ahead to have management of the Tamworth Women’s Refuge returned to community hands as staff celebrate today’s news it will re-open sooner than expected.
“I was thrilled to hear the announcement that the refuge will re-open on Wednesday rather than in four weeks time as planned by the NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Working Party which is the auspicing body.
“Despite the assurances, the interim arrangements were not satisfactory and it is obvious that pressure from the community to have the full service restored as soon as possible was enough to prompt a re-consideration of the timetable.
Mr Draper said he had spoken to staff members who had thanked him for his support and were elated to be returning to work after three weeks of turmoil and uncertainty.
“It’s a sad fact that many women and children are subject to domestic violence and this news will come as great comfort to those who need, at some point, to seek counselling or indeed refuge from their situation.
Backed by strong support from the community and with an endorsement from the NSW Minister for Community Services, Reba Meagher, Mr Draper said he would focus on putting the wheels in motion to have the administration of the refuge returned to the community.
“I will be meeting with members of the NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Working Party next week to discuss the way forward and shall be strongly advocating for the auspicing to be returned to a local committee as was its intention three years ago.
“The refuge was founded by locals and run by a local committee for over 25 years. There is a great deal of support from qualified, committed individuals and organisations in Tamworth who are willing to offer their time and services if given the opportunity. The actions of Tamworth Women’s Refuge Management Committee have been subject to intense scrutiny and now is the time for change,” he said.
DoCS Minister and community supports push for local management of Tamworth Women’s Refuge
15 September 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said the phones have been ringing hot in his office this morning with calls from community members wanting to form a local committee to run the Tamworth Women’s Refuge.
“The response has been overwhelming and demonstrates how just how passionate the community is about having direct control and input into the management of this vital regional facility,” Mr Draper said.
“It is also a loud vote of no confidence in the current management structure which is Sydney-based and has clearly failed the community by choosing to close the refuge while it sorted out internal staff issues. This decision is not only poor judgement, it is inexcusable as the safety of women and children seeking protection from domestic violence has been put at risk.
Mr Draper said he had also succeeded in securing support for a local management team from the NSW Minister for Community Services, Reba Meagher, who responded positively to his concerns about management of the Tamworth refuge in Parliament last night.
“The Minister stated she had indicated to the Department of Community Services she would like the refuge returned to local management,” Mr Draper said.
“She also said that when the NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Working Party took over the auspice of the refuge in 2002, it was on the understanding it would be returned to a local committee. I believe this has not occurred because the Working Party has an agenda to gain long term auspicing rights over the nine refuges it currently manages with an ultimate goal to be the preferred auspicing body for the State’s 55 refuges.
Mr Draper said questions remained about the status of a business plan outlining the move, which he believes the Working Party has discussed with DoCs staff. In the meantime he will begin planning a public meeting to discuss the community’s preferred structure and membership of a local management committee for the Tamworth Women’s Refuge.
THE FOLLOWING MEDIA RELEASE ISSUED BY Peter Draper MP, Tamworth; Dawn Fardell MP, Dubbo; Richard Torbay MP, Northern Tablelands; Rob Oakeshott MP, Port Macquarie
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
NSW Nats perform the ‘Barnaby backflip’ on Telstra sale
The NSW Nationals performed a ‘Barnaby backflip’ in State Parliament today by voting in favour of the full sale of Telstra despite an undertaking in March this year to oppose it ‘until equity between metropolitan and non-metropolitan sectors’ was achieved.
State Nationals leader Andrew Stoner did not speak in today’s debate to an urgency motion that the full sale of the telecommunications giant would lead to heavily diminished services for country families and calling on the coalition members to oppose the sale.
During the debate Dubbo Independent Dawn Fardell quoted NSW Farmers survey results in the electorates of Federal Nationals leader Mark Vaile and Mr Stoner which revealed 82 per cent opposition to the Telstra sale.
“It is astounding that these so called representatives of country people have the gall to so blatantly disregard the views of their constituents,” she said. “It shows that they take one stance when they are in the country and the opposite in Macquarie Street.”
All four regional Independents Peter Draper (Tamworth), Dawn Fardell (Dubbo), Richard Torbay (Northern Tablelands) and Rob Oakeshott (Port Macquarie) supported the motion opposing the sale.
“If we think we are poorly off with the current level of service from Telstra in the country, then we should brace ourselves for much worse under new corporate owners with a tough bottom line agenda,” Mr Torbay said.
“Our national government which has an obligation to provide fairness and equity of services across Australian does not do the job properly, but at least it is answerable to the voting public. It does not take too much imagination to see what would happen with Telstra in new hands where the profit motive is all and there is no stake in the national interest or a fair go for country people.”
Mr Draper pointed out there was no good reason for the sale as Telstra was generating good profits for the government.
“Why sell a cash cow,” he said. “The concession made to the Nationals to set $2 billion aside for regional telecommunications would only return $100 million a year which is $20 million below the current commitment of funds. It would see the bush shortchanged yet again.”
Port Macquarie MP Rob Oakeshott was critical of plans to slash Telstra jobs following the sale, saying it would impact most severely on regional areas.
“Without sufficient staff, service delivery and response times to faults, which is not great at present, would be the first to suffer,” he said. “The delays would be impossible and most people in the regions cannot afford expensive alternatives like satellite.”
The Independents expressed further concerns over the authority of government safeguards to maintain standards and services and the fears raised by several critics that foreign ownership of the national telecommunications network could pose a security risk.
Refuge re-opening welcome but cloud hangs over management options
13 September 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has welcomed the decision to re-open the Tamworth Women’s Refuge but has serious concerns about conflicting time frames and whether the community will be given an opportunity to take over management of the facility.
Mr Draper said while the Australian Services Union was claiming the refuge would re-open in two weeks, the former Tamworth Women’s Refuge Management Committee chair Phyllis Mason has stated it would be closer to four weeks.
In addition, Mr Draper said he would today ask the NSW Minister for Community Services, Reba Meagher, whether the Department was considering a proposal by the NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Working Party to hand long-term management of NSW refuges to its control.
Mr Draper said he believed the Department was considering a report commissioned by the Working Party which could ultimately block the community from controlling the Tamworth Women’s Refuge.
“I am deeply concerned about statements attributed to Mrs Mason that local management of the Tamworth Women’s Refuge “will not happen” unless it was on their terms,” he said.
“It would seem the NSW Women’s Refuge Movement is attempting to wrest control of refuges from community hands and is making moves to prevent independent community management boards from taking control in the future.
“This proposal could result in a fundamental policy shift from community-based management of refuge’s to a centralised city-based model. I am deeply concerned that communities such as those in the north west will be denied the opportunity to manage their local refuges.
“One also has to question whether the Working Party has the credentials and ability to take on the role given its appalling decision to close the Tamworth refuge in order to ‘restructure’.
“The committee has demonstrated poor judgement by expecting to close the refuge for six weeks on the assumption that it would be accepted by the community.
Mr Draper said as the Department of Community Services was the working party’s funding body, he ultimately held the Minister accountable for the future of the refuge movement in Tamworth.
“In 2003/2004 93 women sought shelter at the Tamworth Women’s Refuge and with domestic violence having been identified as the primary concern for the region’s police, it is obvious the women’s refuge in needs to operate at full capacity unhindered by adverse management decisions,” he said.
Draper calls for water agreement to be tabled
13 September 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, today called on the NSW Government to table in Parliament the agreement it reached with the Tamworth Regional Council over its rights to Chaffey Dam’s supply as a matter of public record.
Mr Draper was acting on a request from the Council to set the parliamentary record straight due to a claim made by the former NSW Minister for Agriculture, Richard Amery, during debate of the 2000 Water Management Act that an agreement with Tamworth did not exist.
“The council had provided the Minister with the documentation and it is important that the history of this protracted dispute be accurately recorded,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper also expressed the Council’s gratitude toward the NSW Premier, Morris Iemma, for facilitating the agreement which recognised that the region’s prosperity and growth, including that of irrigators as well as residential and industry, was dependent upon access to adequate water supplies.
Mr Draper said the basic elements of the agreement included council receiving an annual allocation of 16,400ML from Chaffey Dam; an additional allocation from Dungowan Dam, permission for council to use part of its allocation for reticulation to industry; and the possible granting of an increased allocation if warranted by population growth and variations in commercial activities.
“I am pleased to see the dispute over council’s continuing rights to a water supply is now heading toward a peaceful resolution with costly action against the Government in the Supreme Court of NSW having also been postponed.
“It is imperative the Government continues to work with the council to finalise the terms of the agreement to avoid legal action in the future,” he said.
Mr Draper said concerns remained about irrigators’ water rights in light of the groundwater sharing plans and the uncertainty over adequate compensation for the loss of up to 75 per cent of allocations. He intends co-ordinating a meeting with the Minister for Natural Resources, Ian Macdonald, on behalf of Namoi Water, Tamworth Regional Council and irrigators to work through the problems and develop solutions.
Tamworth artists feature in new Aboriginal art prize
13 September 2005
Two Tamworth artists have made the shortlist for the inaugural Parliament of NSW Indigenous Art Prize the winner of which will be announced tomorrow (Wednesday) night, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said today.
Mr Draper said Warwick Keen and Terrence Allen were among the 53 finalists whose work has been chosen to contest the $20,000 prize which looks set to become the nation’s most prestigious Aboriginal art award.
“To have made it as a finalist is an honour and I am pleased the north west will be represented in the entries which will be hung in the Fountain Court of Parliament House until the end of this month for visitors to enjoy,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said Mr Allen’s colourful abstract entry entitled ‘Wattle Bud’ depicted the vibrant colours of wattle in flower while Mr Keen’s striking piece ‘Gomelroy’ represented a modern interpretation of carved ceremonial trees.
Mr Draper said he would attend the presentation ceremony in Parliament House at 6pm on Wednesday, 14 September, where the winner of the Parliament of NSW Indigenous Art Prize will be announced.
“I am looking forward to meeting the artists and wish them every success. I understand there has been a large number of entries from regional and rural artists with the style and variety of entries reflecting a modern expression of Indigenous culture. It’s terrific to see the work of local artists featuring in such an exciting new exhibition,” he said.
Mr Draper said the winner’s entry would join the Parliament of NSW art collection.
Tamworth Women’s Refuge remains closed as committee chair resigns
12 September 2005
Today’s resignation of the Tamworth Women’s Refuge Management Committee chairperson, Phyllis Mason, adds weight to the argument to return management of the Tamworth refuge to the community, according to the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper.
Mr Draper said Mrs Mason cited the need to focus her efforts on running a refuge in the Blue Mountains and the stresses of the position as the rationale behind her announcement to step down from the position.
“The announcement is particularly concerning given Mrs Mason’s very recent public statement of being “committed to sound viable services for women and children escaping domestic violence”.
Mr Draper said he understood Mrs Mason’s replacement would be Marilyn Fogarty who ran the Marcia Women’s Refuge in Campbelltown and was the Indigenous representative on the NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Working Party.
Two weeks ago the Department of Community Services funded committee closed the refuge without warning after sacking the centre’s six staff. Services to women in crisis have since been provided by way of a 1 800 number and a support worker to co-ordinate the response.
“It is deeply troubling to me that the Tamworth refuge was run by a person in Katoomba and will continue to be managed by a Sydney-based chairperson who, in addition, was part of the organisation to have made the ill-advised decision to close the refuge in the first instance,” Mr Draper said.
“It is also important the refuge is perceived as being a safe and welcome place for all women in crisis not just Aboriginal victims of domestic violence.
Mr Draper said he was keenly disappointed that the refuge’s doors remained closed and an announcement on its future had not been forthcoming from the committee nor the Department of Community Services despite a stakeholder meeting in Armidale on Thursday.
“I understand the refuge may re-open within a month but remain concerned the safety of women continues to be put at risk. Regardless of the stop-gap measures DoCS is providing, victims of domestic violence are not being given the same level of security as provided at the refuge.
“It is a concern to me that decisions in regard to management of the refuge are not being made locally. I have been in contact with a number of community members and a reputable service provider who are well positioned to take on the task and I shall continue to push for DoCS to cut the red tape and redirect funding to a new community-based auspicing body.
Potential to expand Aboriginal education program in the Tamworth electorate
8 September 2005
The inclusion of Peel High and Hillvue Public schools in a pilot State Government program to improve education of Aboriginal students will deliver significant benefits to each school community as a whole, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said today.
Mr Draper said under the Schools in Partnership plan announced by the NSW Premier, the schools would receive an additional $100,000 to $400,000 a year over four years to be spent at the school’s discretion on staff, teaching and student resources.
He said the schools will be required to set up a school advisory board including Aboriginal community members and develop an action plan to boost literacy and numeracy skills among students while decreasing truancy and encouraging completion of the Higher School Certificate.
“The program includes incentives of $30,000 per year to be spent on extra curricular activities if schools reach their targets, $20,000 in staff professional development and $6000 for principals in recognition of their leadership.
“The Government has made a significant investment in this program and has placed faith in these schools to deliver results. The Schools in Partnership plan will give schools, in consultation with their communities, the flexibility to be innovative and proactive in the way they develop effective educational programs for all students,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said he was disappointed Gunnedah had missed out in the first round of schools invited to take part, however, 20 more schools will be announced next year.
“Percentage wise Gunnedah has the highest Aboriginal population in northern NSW and I have made representations to the NSW Minister for Education and Training, Carmel Tebbutt, highlighting the merits of including at least one of the local schools in next year’s round,” Mr Draper said.
“Gunnedah High was identified last year as having the second highest secondary enrolment of Aboriginal students in NSW while approximately half the student body of Gunnedah Public School is Aboriginal.
“The beauty of this plan is that while it targets Aboriginal students the entire school community including students and staff will benefit from the investment in additional teachers, resources and programs,” he said.
Mr Draper said schools were chosen on the basis of a range of criteria but each had significant populations of Indigenous students with 26 per cent of Peel High School’s student body being Aboriginal students while Hillvue Public School has closer to 50 per cent.
Manilla Tennis Club shapes up for new courts
8 September 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has congratulated the Manilla Tennis Club on its successful application to secure a $40,000 State Government grant to re-surface the complex’s six tennis courts.
Mr Draper said he lobbied the NSW Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation Sandra Nori to support the project on behalf of the club after meeting with the club’s vice president Bronwyn Lockrey earlier this year.
“Pressure is mounting on the club to replace the existing clay courts with synthetic as the two volunteers who have generously prepared the courts for many decades are close to ‘retiring’ due advancing years and health considerations,” Mr Draper said.
Mrs Lockrey said the funding meant the club membership of 75 players was destined to increase due to the attractive new surface.
“It’s highly likely the improved surface will attract even more players to the game and as the synthetic requires very little maintenance, the courts will be an asset to the club for years to come,” she said.
Mrs Lockrey said the courts hosted coaching clinics, school competitions and were heavily patronised by organisations for fundraisers such as the local Lions Club, Fishing Club and church groups.
“The courts are also popular with locals simply wanting to enjoy a social game. On behalf of the club I’d like to thank Peter for his support as I doubt we would have been able to secure the funding without it,” Mrs Lockrey said.
Mr Draper said the fact that the club raised $41,000 and secured a $10,000 interest-free loan from the Tamworth Regional Council had contributed to the success of the application.
“I congratulate the club on being so pro-active and am thrilled to see that planning can go ahead with the new surface expected to be laid by the end of March next year,” he said.
DoCS art competition reveals where kids feel safe
8 September 2005
The sanctuary of the family home and the protective role of schools featured strongly in entries to the Tamworth Community Services Centre art competition judged yesterday by the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, and Aboriginal artist Georgina Altona.
The competition was organised in recognition of Child Protection Week (4 – 10 Sept) and explored this year’s theme of ‘Child Friendly Communities Prevent Abuse and Neglect.’
Tamworth Department of Community Services manager client services Maureen Ervine said the competition was open to public and private primary school children in two categories, Kindergarten to Year 2, and Years 3 to 6.
Ms Ervine said it was evident a great deal of thought and effort was put into more than 150 entries with children asked to depict ‘My Favourite Place in Town’ and ‘The Friendliest Place in My Community’.
“The results recognise the fact that it does take a whole community to safeguard our children and there’s a number of ways in which that can happen,” Ms Ervine said.
Mr Draper said he was delighted to help judge the competition and impressed with the ways in which the artists interpreted the themes.
“Many children have shown their family home, their school and their church are the ‘friendliest’ places which is encouraging as it is a fundamental right for a child to feel safe and protected in these places,” Mr Draper said.
“Sadly, it is also evident that some children find their homes not as safe as they should be.
“There has been a couple of disturbing incidents in our community recently where children have been approached by strangers and this competition, in conjunction with Child Protection Week, reinforces the role each one of us needs to play to keep our kids safe,” he said.
On a lighter note, Mr Draper said it was enlightening to discover children associated the Tamworth Post Office, the Scully Park Pool and the South Tamworth Library as being particularly friendly places to visit while a strong theme among ‘favourite’ places for the younger children was ‘the outdoors’ and included places such as Tamworth’s ANZAC Park, the PCYC, the Tamworth clock tower, Bunnings Warehouse, Kmart and the airport.
Ms Altona, who helps run the Tamworth Gamilarart Gallery, said she found judging task both enjoyable and moving given the messages conveyed and the level of creativity on display.
“It’s very hard as there’s a lot of meanings coming through. If you have something in life happens to you, you need a safe place and a lot of children don’t have that, ” Ms Altona said.
The competition winners were presented with awards at a ceremony at the Tamworth Regional Art Gallery on Wednesday evening. All entries will be on public display at the gallery until Friday, 9 September, 2005.
Results: My Favourite Place in the Community - Years K-2
1st: ‘Outside in the Park’ by Aidan Keen, Yr 2, Tamworth Public School.
2nd: ‘ANZAC Park’ by Emma Bailey, Yr 2, Tamworth Public School.
3rd: ‘The River’ by Abby Rowlings, Kindergarten, Tamworth Public School
Highly Commended:
My Climbing Tree by Phoebe Parodi, Yr 1, Tamworth Public School.
My Back Garden by Serra Bourke, Yr 1, Tamworth Public School
My Room by Charlotte Vernon, Yr 1, Tamworth Public School
The Friendliest Place in My Community – Years 3-6
1st: ‘My Room’ by Georgia Soles, Yr 4, St Edwards School
2nd: ‘My Home’ with My Family’ by Moses Davidson, Yr 6 Oxley Vale Public School
3rd : ‘My House’ by Katlyn Peter, Yr 3 St Edwards School
Highly Commended:
‘Church’ by Laura Doyle, Yr 4, St Edwards School
‘My Home’ by Tahlia Cruickshank, Yr 3, St Edwards School
‘The Beach’ by Taylor Horne, Yr 6, St Edwards School
Put farm safety first and take part in power take off rebate program
7 September 2005
Details relating to the NSW WorkCover Tractor Power Take Off (PTO) Rebate Scheme are now available from the office of the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper.
The PTO safety program provides a dollar for dollar rebate subsidy up to the value of $200 to farmers who buy PTO guarding for their tractors and equipment.
Mr Draper said the program was part of a $2.6million rural safety package announced recently by the NSW Premier, Morris Iemma, in a bid to reduce workplace illness and injury in NSW.
“There are 5000 rebates of $200 each available to farmers who install power take-off guards on their tractors and I hope a good portion of the allocation is taken up by local people,” he said.
Mr Draper said statistics showed that in the past 15 years up to 22% of severe tractor accidents resulted from being hit or becoming entangled in moving machinery such as the rotating driveline between the tractor and equipment.
“Tragic accidents involving people and tractor drive shafts in the north west region have been well documented and I applaud the fact the Government is providing a practical solution by way of a financial incentive to prevent such lethal events from occurring,” he said.
Mr Draper said the Government had also rolled out similar rebate programs associated with roll over protective structures for tractors, safer shearing handpieces and improvements to shearing sheds.
Mr Draper said PTO Rebate Application forms were available from his office in Fitzroy St Tamworth on Ph: 6766 1422.
Kristy prepares to take on the best of British brass
6 September 2005
Gunnedah’s champion baritone (euphonium) player Kristy Rowe is preparing to challenge the best brass musicians in the world in the British Open Solo Championships of brass music to be held in the United Kingdom in November this year.
To help Kristy’s family meet travel costs to the UK, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, secured financial support from the NSW Premier’s Department and said he was delighted to today present a cheque for $2,008 to the talented young musician.
Mr Draper said the 21-year-old University of Newcastle student secured the right to contest the prestigious competition by winning the Earn Keller Open Championship at the St Mary’s Band Centre in Sydney in February. Kristy took on the southern hemisphere’s national champions as well a strong field of champion soloists from all Australian states.
Mr Draper said he was impressed with Kristy’s dedication as she was currently studying radiography through the University of Newcastle and was juggling exam preparations with rehearsals of her solo baritone piece. Kristy is also a member of the Gunnedah Shire Band which has just won the 2005 NSW State Junior and Senior A Grade Competition in Sydney.
“Kristy told me the pending competition was daunting due to the standard of brass bands in Britain and even though she knows her solo piece back to front, she has been practicing daily,” he said.
Mr Draper said Kristy’s father Laurence, who is the Gunnedah Shire Band conductor, and her mother Mary Ann would accompany her on the journey.
“I am pleased the Government has responded to the request for financial assistance as it will be a rewarding experience for the Rowe family regardless of the result.
“Should Kristy outplay the 11 other finalists, she will be crowned the British Open Solo Champion, however, she has already proved to be an international talent having automatically won the right to contest the finals of this distinguished contest,” he said.
Photo: Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, was pleased to present a $2000 cheque from the NSW Government to Gunnedah baritone champion Kristy Rowe to help meet travel costs to the United Kingdom where the 21-year-old musician will contest the British Open Solo Championships of brass music.
Oxley High School student leads the way
5 September 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has congratulated Oxley High School student Shannon Price on his achievement of a NSW Award for Excellence in Student Achievement 2005.
“Shannon is one of 38 students in NSW to receive the award and has done both his school and the Tamworth community proud,” Mr Draper said.
The award, announced today by the NSW Minister for Education and Training, Carmel Tebbutt, recognises excellence in achievement of Year 12 students in their senior years at both an academic and community level.
Mr Draper met Shannon when the talented young student approached him for assistance to attend the 2004 Global Young Leaders’ Conference in Washington DC where he represented Australia’s young Indigenous people.
“I was really impressed by Shannon’s initiative and display of such strong leadership qualities. I was only too happy to assist and was thrilled to see Shannon attend the conference unhindered by financial restraints as the NSW Premier’s Department agreed to cover his travel costs.
“Shannon is an important role model for local Aboriginal youth. He leads by example and I am pleased to see his contribution to school and community life, as well as his academic achievements, are being recognised at the State level,” he said.
Local councils share in $12m grant allocation
5 September 2005
Councils in the Tamworth electorate including Tamworth Regional Council, Walcha and Gunnedah shire councils will share in grants amounting to more than $12million from the NSW Local Government Grants Commission, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said today.
Mr Draper said the funding was part of a national entitlement amounting to $1.617 billion for 2005-2006 with the Federal Government allocations based on recommendations made by the NSW Local Government Commission which was funded by the State Government.
“The grants consist of two components including general purpose and local roads, and while remaining accountable to rate payers, local councils have complete autonomy in deciding how the funds should be spent,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said Tamworth Regional Council would receive $8,003 970, Gunnedah will receive $2,833,284 and Walcha $1,263,752.
“The general purpose payments are distributed according to population while the local roads component is calculated according to the council’s proportion of the state’s population, the length of its local roads and number of bridges.
Mr Draper said the total payments to the Tamworth electorate amounted to over $12,101,000 and would provide local councils with the means of funding a range of functions including libraries, maintenance of building assets, recreation services and roads.
Country Energy apprentices strengthen country communities
5 September 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has welcomed an announcement that Country Energy will employ a further three apprentices across the electorate of Tamworth.
Mr Draper said the positions which including two line workers and an underground cable joiner have been advertised locally with the successful applicants to commence work in Walcha, Tamworth and Gunnedah.
A total of ten apprentices will be employed across the northern region.
“Country Energy has clearly demonstrated its strategy of continuing to employ apprentices locally, with around 350 people in country NSW benefiting from this program since its creation,” Mr Draper said.
“I met recently with Country Energy Managing Director Craig Murray and was impressed with the financial results this strategy is delivering through the development of trade skills and the provision of career opportunities for people in country areas.
“Another positive from my perspective is that applicants do not necessarily need to be fresh from school with a number of older people having been appointed through the program. By employing locally, Country Energy is building loyalty in many country communities and I congratulate the company on continuing this positive strategy,” Mr Draper said.
Health Minister visits Tamworth Base
1 September 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, discussed the working hours of young doctors in the NSW health system with the NSW Minister for Health Minister, John Hatzistergos, when he visited Tamworth today.
The Minister visited Tamworth Base Hospital on the second leg of his tour of the New England component of Hunter New England Area Health Service.
Mr Draper said this morning, “I would like to raise concerns I hold on behalf of young doctors who are thrust into the system upon graduation only to find themselves subject to enormous workloads and taking up the slack created by the general shortage of doctors in the rural health system.
“The retention of clinical staff in the system is a major issue and exerting undue pressure on interns and resident medical officers discourages young doctors from remaining in country areas like Tamworth.
“I believe they need more clinical support and I shall be seeking an audience with Mr Hatzistergos today to discuss what can be done at a ministerial level,” he said.
Photo, from left: Inspecting the Tamworth Base Hospital Accident and Emergency Unit were Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper, Nurse Manager Ms Verity Treeve, Hunter New England Area Health Service Chief Executive Officer Terry Clout, NSW Minister for Health John Hatzistergos and Ms Margaret Sullivan Maggie Project Officer.
The NSW Minister for Fair Trading, Diane Beamer, dropped into Tamworth on Thursday, 29 September, 2005, to discuss operations, programs and consumer concerns with local Fair Trading staff and the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper.
Representatives of the Tamworth community expressed a strong intent to regain control of the Tamworth Women’s Refuge at a public forum the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, held in Tamworth today to discuss future management of the facility.