This month's Media Releases
For previous releases, click here
Tamworth Hospital maternity service to benefit through employment of six additional midwives
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Local MP, Peter Draper, has welcomed advice from Health Minister Carmel Tebbutt that additional maternity services funding will allow for six further midwives to be recruited Tamworth Hospital.
“Currently, over 900 babies a year are born at this Hospital, and this number will continue to grow as Tamworth Hospital moves to meet the needs of mothers from smaller regional centres where their local hospital no longer provides maternity services. It is critical that women giving birth at Tamworth Hospital have access to the best possible maternity services, and these additional positions will greatly assist in further improving service delivery,” Mr Draper said.
“The new midwives will help to provide a more personalised service for expectant mothers through a new model of care at Tamworth Hospital. This will allow mums to maintain a single point of contact throughout the entire perinatal experience, with individualised midwifery care being under the supervision of an obstetrician throughout pregnancy, birth and post-natal periods,” he said.
Mr Draper said the announcement of additional midwives follows a previous announcement of $10.6 million in funding for a maternity unit refurbishment at Tamworth Hospital.
“The physical condition of the maternity unit at Tamworth Hospital has been a matter of concern for some time, and was highlighted in consultation with the public regarding requirements and priorities for a redevelopment of the campus,” he said.
“I am pleased that the Health Service has taken those concerns on board, so the maternity unit redevelopment plus employing additional midwives will greatly improve Mother’s and Children’s Services,” he said.
Mr Draper said a new maternity services policy, 'Towards Normal Birth in NSW', was announced in July this year, and it sought to decrease the number of caesarean births.
“Nothing can be more important than the safety of mother and child during pregnancy and the birthing process, so it is vital to support women giving birth in a manner that is as free as possible from invasive medical intervention,” he said.
“These additional midwives will play an important role in ensuring local health services can meet the needs of expectant mothers from around the New England/Northwest, during the most joyous and marvellous event in many people’s lives,” Mr Draper concluded.
$860,000 Improvements On New England Highway South of Tamworth
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Independent state MP Peter Draper today announced that resurfacing work has started on a section of the New England Highway, 25 kilometres south of Tamworth at Swamp Creek.
Mr Draper said the work will help to reduce maintenance costs and improve road safety for motorists using the highway.
“The first stage of work will involve repairing a 1.7 kilometre of the road and will be followed by a second stage involving laying the final surface next year," Mr Draper said.
“Motorists may experience some minor delays between 7am and 5pm on weekdays, and 7am to 12.30pm on Saturdays. Traffic flow will be restricted to a single lane with a 40km/h speed limit in place," he said.
“Work is expected to be finished in December, weather permitting, so I urge all motorists to be road work aware, and to slow down and take care as road work speed limits are enforceable,” Mr Draper continued.
Motorists are asked to comply with all temporary signposting and traffic control measures, and to proceed with care through the works while repairs are taking place.
For further information on travel conditions, motorists can contact the RTA on 132 701 or visit www.rta.nsw.gov.au.
Khan and Anderson Must Tell the Truth on Barnard River Dam - Draper
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Local MP, Peter Draper, has responded to yet another attack from Tamworth based MLC Trevor Khan, and has demanded both Mr Khan and Nationals' candidate Kevin Anderson be truthful with the community as to whether the Coalition still intends to construct a $230 million new dam on the Barnard River, and build a 30 kilometre pipeline from the new dam to supplement water supplies in an expanded Chaffey Dam.
“I welcome and strongly support the Coalition’s assurances that they intend enhancing Chaffey Dam’s capacity to 100 gigalitres should they win the March 2011 election, however the community is still not clear on other water infrastructure priorities they took to the last election as Coalition policy,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper also pointed out the irony in Mr Khan’s attack being printed in the Northern Daily Leader, as the newspaper had not even covered his media release on this subject seeking clarification on the Coalition’s position regarding the Barnard River dam and pipeline proposal.
“I wrote to Opposition Leader Mr O’Farrell last July, asking him to clarify the Coalition’s commitment to upgrading Chaffey, as Leader of the Nationals Andrew Stoner had previously guaranteed that a Coalition Government would provide not only $14.5 million to enhance Chaffey, but also a further $20 million to start building a new dam on the Barnard River that would connect with a 30 kilometre pipeline to Chaffey Dam,” Mr Draper said.
“Mr O’Farrell has failed to rule out building this Barnard River dam or the pipeline, and both Trevor Khan or Kevin Anderson also refuse to rule the project out. Until there is a public statement on this important matter, the local community must assume that spending $230 million plus on this project is still Coalition policy,” he said.
Mr Draper has urged the Coalition to abandon the Barnard River Dam proposal, saying that $230 million would completely fund Phase 1 of the Tamworth Hospital redevelopment, and still leave sufficient funds to build the Barraba pipeline.
“Rather than a 30 kilometre pipeline from their proposed new dam on the Barnard River to Chaffey Dam, local people would much prefer to see a pipeline built from Split Rock Dam to Barraba,” Mr Draper said.
“The Coalition should be formulating and promoting policies that appeal to NSW voters, and abandoning previous policies that are frivolous and extravagant such as the Barnard River Dam that was developed, costed and promoted by Kevin Anderson,” Mr Draper concluded.
Nominations now open for 2011 Rural Women’s Award
Thursday, September 23, 2010
State MP, Peter Draper, is encouraging the local community to nominate suitable women for the prestigious 2011 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporations Rural Women’s Award.
Mr Draper said applications for the 2011 Award close on 15 October 2010.
“This award recognises women's contributions to primary industries, resource development and rural Australia,” he said.
“It offers an opportunity to pay tribute to the innovation, hard work and success of women in their chosen fields, while allowing the winners to further their professional development and to inspire others,” he continued.
“The Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation Rural Women’s Award is open to women of all ages involved in agriculture, primary industries or resource development,” he said.
Mr Draper said the Award provides a $10,000 bursary for each State and Territory winner and the opportunity for the winners and runners-up to participate in an Australian Institute of Company Directors leadership program. .
“The winners are also able to use the bursary to develop their leadership and business management skills, or their knowledge of innovations, industries and markets,” he said.
“We have some incredibly talented women who play a very important role in our local region, and it would be wonderful to recognise them through this award,” Mr Draper concluded.
For an information package and a list of past winners and finalists who have offered to mentor women applying for the Award, contact Allison Priest on 02 6391 3620 or email: rural.women@industry.nsw.gov.au.
Parliament told Werris Creek is an enthusiastic and entrepreneurial community
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Independent MP, Peter Draper, has told the NSW Parliament how he is honoured to represent the enthusiastic and entrepreneurial Werris Creek community in Parliament. Mr Draper told the Legislative Assembly how the people of this town have developed their Community Shed, which provides new outlets for residents, and also how the Australian Railway Monument and Rail Journeys Museum has developed into a major attraction for the town and district.
“Werris Creek has had its ups and downs over the years, especially as employment in the rail industry has been scaled back, but ‘the Creek’ has always enjoyed a close-knit community base, allowing it to box above its weight,” Mr Draper said.
“The Werris Creek Community Shed now has 36 members, and is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday plus Saturday morning for the ladies. It provides community connection through engagement and inclusion,” he said.
Mr Draper said research suggests that sheds provide a critically important, new ‘third place’ for many older men, giving them access to regular activities that are essential to their social wellbeing and psychological health.
“Sheds promote social equity by levelling the status of members, encouraging mentoring, and supporting individuals. Participants often regain a sense of purpose in life, and experience enhanced self-esteem, decreased social isolation and of course friendship. Sheds offer positive outcomes for partners, families and communities, and provide an important opportunity to encourage men who are not engaged with the health system into health promotion programs,” he said.
Mr Draper told Parliament community and individual support for the Shed has been phenomenal and he congratulated a large number of individuals and organisations that have contributed equipment, materials and financial assistance. He also thanked the President of Werris Creek Community Shed, Peter Cunningham, and members for hosting such an enjoyable morning when he visited.
“While in Werris Creek I also visited the Australian Railway Monument and Rail Journeys Museum that benefits through the Shed’s work. They use the member’s skills to restore artefacts, and can call on the skills of local handymen and women. The Museum is a not for profit volunteer run attraction, that is open 7 days from 10am to 4pm, and they recently welcomed their 60,000th visitor since the official opening in October 2005,” he told the LA.
Mr Draper told Parliament that through the efforts of it’s volunteers, the Australian Railway Monument and Rail Journeys Museum had won many major awards since inception, and this year had added to their tally by winning the NSW Seniors Week Community Service/Volunteering Award, they were a finalist in the NSW Inland Tourist Awards, and they brought home the NSW Office of Rail Heritage Community Service award for Lady Volunteers.
“As funding becomes available, members plan to develop the second storey of the Rail Journeys Museum, which will enable the volunteers to further exhibit the hundreds of items of memorabilia currently in storage. Government support for such organisations is a valuable investment in a small rural community and its people,” Mr Draper concluded.
Click here for Hansard.
Pain and despair of electricity price hikes is really starting to bite, so it is time for elected representatives to listen and act
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Independent State MP, Peter Draper, believes his repeated warnings to Government regarding the impacts of hefty electricity price rises on pensioners, families and business are rapidly starting to become reality, so both the Government and Opposition need to act quickly to prevent many individuals and businesses around NSW being unable to pay future bills.
“There are current reports that major companies are considering relocating from our state because of the rapid price rises, while families, small business and agriculture are reeling from their latest bills, with more than 138,000 people in NSW unable to afford them,” he said.
Mr Draper pointed out that Country Energy has recently revealed that 71,000 of their customers have already signed up to bill relief programs, including 2500 in a hardship scheme, while a further 10,000 have sought advice about payment schedules.
“Energy Minister Paul Lynch has stated that the State Government will not offer additional incentives to assist those in the community facing difficulty, however an essential service like electricity should be affordable to all, and people shouldn’t have to decide whether they pay an electricity bill or feed their family,” he said.
Mr Draper said that both the Leader of the Nationals leader, Andrew Stoner, and also the Member for Murray Darling, John Williams, had recently used Private Members Statements to Parliament to detail the negative impacts of the price hikes in their electorates.
“This problem is really biting in rural and regional communities, so I urge both these Coalition MP’s to convince their joint party room of the need to provide urgent relief. I also encourage them to develop policies that will ensure electricity is affordable to all, and provide an alternative to the current Government’s head-in-the-sand position,” he said.
Mr Draper said that about 18,000 residents from the electorates of Tamworth, Northern Tablelands, Dubbo and Port Macquarie had already signed petitions opposing the increases, and in addition a further 12,000 people responded to the online survey of the Daily Telegraph.
“It is becoming increasingly obvious that these price rises are not only hurting rural and regional communities, but they are also biting in the suburbs of our major cities,” he said.
“Residents across NSW are demanding relief. The question is whether their elected representatives are listening to community concerns, and whether they are prepared to use Parliament to address them,” Mr Draper concluded.
Community deserve clarification on Coalition’s Chaffey policy
Friday, September 17, 2010
Local MP, Peter Draper, has expressed disappointment that a flying visit to Tamworth by Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell has failed to clarify Coalition policy on upgrading Chaffey Dam.
“This visit was an ideal opportunity for the Coalition to clearly enunciate their policies on Chaffey Dam, as there is still a great deal of confusion about their plans in the local community,” Mr Draper said.
“I wrote to Mr O’Farrell in July asking him to clarify their commitment to upgrading Chaffey, and pointed out that Leader of the Nationals Andrew Stoner had told this community in March 2007 that a Coalition Government would provide $14.5 million to enhance the dam, plus a further $20 million to start building a new dam on the Barnard River that would connect to a 30 kilometre pipeline to divert water from the Barnard into Chaffey Dam,” Mr Draper said.
“In a written response I received yesterday, Mr O’Farrell advised that he would keep me appraised of any further developments with Chaffey, but failed to rule out construction of the new dam or the pipeline. I can only assume the Coalition remains committed to this $230 million project developed by the Nationals candidate Kevin Anderson. This project was publicly identified as Mr Anderson’s main priority if he was elected as the Member for Tamworth,” he said.
Mr Draper is also concerned by the Opposition Leader’s remarks that ‘there hasn’t been a huge interaction, with the very rare exception’ between himself and the Opposition.
“Sadly, this is the politics of fear rather than truth. I have written on behalf of the community to the Opposition Leader, to the Leader of the Nationals, the Shadow Ministers for Planning, Police, Health, Transport, Water plus the Shadow Treasurer on a broad variety of matters - including proposed National Health Reform, the Chaffey Dam Augmentation, IPART bulk water price increases, problems with public housing development approvals, the Tamworth Cancer Care Centre, coal mining in the Caroona basin, the Workers Compensation act, Police staffing levels, Police paddy wagons, National Flag Day and other matters,” he said.
Mr Draper has also dismissed claims that it is likely a Labor Government will be returned in 2011 unless the electorate of Tamworth changes hands at the upcoming election.
“This electorate is one of 93 across NSW, and with Labor currently holding 50 seats and the Liberals and Nationals Coalition holding 37 seats, the Coalition need to wrest just ten seats from Labor if they want to win power,” he said.
“If the polls are to be believed, the Coalition will beat this current Government convincingly. Local people however, are telling me that the Coalition should be formulating and promoting policies that appeal to NSW voters, rather than waiting to win by default,” he said.
“I have put a lot of pressure on the Government recently on a number of matters, and appealed to the Coalition to take a stand with the country independents against escalating electricity and water prices, however when I recently raised this issue as a Matter of Public Importance in the State Parliament, they failed to even contribute to the debate,” he said.
“Of great local concern is a lack of response or strategic direction from the Coalition on coal mining in the Caroona basin, and also on the impacts of increased bulk water prices in the Peel Valley, while the rapidly rising cost of electricity demands an alternative policy that considers the drastic impacts upon families, pensioners, farmers and business,” he continued.
“Flying visits to rural electorates and misrepresenting the facts do little to instil confidence that the alternative Government has developed the vision and plans needed to address the many glaring shortcomings of the current mob,” Mr Draper concluded.
Click here to view Stoner/Anderson media release from March 2007.
Click here to view copy of Peter Draper letter to Barry O'Farrell in July this year regarding the Chaffey Dam upgrade.
Click here to view Mr O'Farrell's response.
Community comment sought on draft Residential Tenancies Regulation
Friday, September 17, 2010
Local MP, Peter Draper, is seeking community feedback on the draft Residential Tenancies Regulation 2010, and encouraging interested parties to attend a seminar on the issue being held in Tamworth during October.
“There are significant reforms to NSW tenancy laws due to take effect later this year, so whether you are a tenant, landlord or property manager, you will be affected by these reforms. I encourage all interested people to find out more,” Mr Draper said.
“This proposed regulation will set out the administrative detail designed to enable the new Residential Tenancies Act 2010 to function effectively.
“The new Act is the first major reform to the State’s tenancy laws since the laws were introduced over 20 years ago, and is designed to fairly balance the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords. It will also modernise and update the laws in line with current practices, and reduce the level of disputes, by providing clarity and certainty in legislation,” he said.
Mr Draper said the proposed Regulation includes water efficiency standards for residential premises, a new standard tenancy agreement and condition report, material facts to be disclosed by landlords, time limits for applying to the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal, and a flexible exemption for residential colleges in universities.
Mr Draper said he was encouraging locals to attend a free seminar being held at Tamworth Community Centre on Thursday 7th October between 10.30am and 12.30pm, to help people understand the changes.
“Places are limited, so I suggest interested persons register either online through Fair Trading’s event register, or by calling the NSW Government Contact Centre on 13 36 79 and choosing option 3,” he said.
“Copies of the draft Regulation and the Regulatory Impact Statement are available from the Fair Trading website at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or by calling Fair Trading on 9338 8925 and leaving a name and address or email.
“The closing date for submissions on the draft Regulation is 15th October 2010,” Mr Draper concluded.
Local not-for-profit community groups encouraged to apply for share of $5.4 million available for community water and energy upgrades
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Local MP, Peter Draper is encouraging not-for-profit community groups to apply for a share of $5.4 million available through the NSW Government’s Climate Change Fund. The fund is designed to make the facilities used by various community organisations more water and energy efficient.
Mr Draper said that up to $40,000 is available for each organisation to undertake savings measures such as installing rainwater tanks, switching from electric to solar hot water and installing water-efficient fixtures or fittings.
“This program can help to make the buildings they use more environmentally-friendly, while at the same time saving on water and energy bills. I encourage all not-for-profit organisations in the local area to apply for this funding,” he said.
“The funding also helps communities to lead the way and show others how they too take action to save water and energy,” he continued.
Mr Draper said the NSW Government’s Climate Change Fund Community Savers funding was launched by the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Frank Sartor, and follows the hugely popular first round that provided funding for water and energy upgrades in 281 community centres, preschools, aged care facilities and sporting clubs across NSW.
“Some organisations in Tamworth have already secured Community Savers funding, with water and energy upgrades underway or completed in their facilities,” he said.
Local organisations to benefit already include:
· $9000 to St Patrick's Parish West Tamworth
· $18441 to Peter Pan Preschool Kindergarten Tamworth Inc
· $6923 to Tamworth and District Model Engineers
Mr Draper said applications are open until Monday 25 October 2010. Full details and the Guide for Applicants is available from Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water website at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/grants/ccfpfp.htm or by calling the Environment Line on 1300 361 967.
“I encourage local not-for-profit community groups to apply for their share of this funding as quickly as possible,” Mr Draper concluded.
6,779 signatures on King George V Memorial Ave petition
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Local MP, Peter Draper, was today handed a petition with the signatures of 6,779 residents concerned for the future of the heritage-listed oak trees along King George V Memorial Avenue.
Mr Draper has presented the petition to Tamworth Regional Council General Manager, Paul Bennett, on behalf of the residents.
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| Concerned residents look on as Anne Paul hands the petition to Mr Draper in the presence of TRC GM Paul Bennett. |
Mr Draper joined the group of concerned King George V Memorial Ave residents on the steps of TRC's Ray Walsh House. |
Draper welcomes Pru Goward’s visit, and calls on her to further detail her commitment to increase DoCS caseworker numbers
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Local Independent MP, Peter Draper, has welcomed today’s visit to Tamworth by Opposition spokeswoman for Community Services, Pru Goward. Ms Goward visited Tamworth to express her concerns over static staffing levels at the Tamworth offices of the Department of Community Services, and to indicate Coalition support for increased local staff numbers.
“I welcome Ms Goward’s concerns that there are too few caseworkers in Tamworth, and her commitment to increase local numbers should the Coalition win Government at next March’s state election,” Mr Draper said.
“I am sure that the local community would support her initiative to provide the local DoCS office with additional staff, as they perform a vital role in supporting struggling families and their children, so it is important that Ms Goward now details exactly how many more staff can be expected to commence work in Tamworth, and how quickly they will be on deck should the Coalition win the next election in March,” he said.
Mr Draper said that the DoCS staffing levels in Gunnedah would also benefit from a similar boost, and asked whether the Coalition was intending to increase numbers in smaller regional communities.
“I also call on Ms Goward to outline whether this is a one off commitment to the electorate of Tamworth, or if it is part of a broader policy that will deliver increased case worker numbers right around NSW,” he continued.
“This is a very important issue, so it essential that Ms Goward explain her support for additional local DoCS staff in Tamworth within a broader policy context,” he said.
Mr Draper said he was always pleased when Government Ministers and Opposition Shadow Ministers visited the local area, especially when they announced policy and funding that would benefit local residents and consumers of Government services.
“Having the attention of both sides of the political spectrum has always been my aim, and I am certain that this district will continue to be the centre of attention from the Coalition and Labor as the next state election approaches,” he said.
“I look forward to hearing many firm commitments from both sides that stand to benefit local residents,” Mr Draper concluded.
Parliament told that solutions for Gunnedah’s rail crossings must be part of the broader planning process, as more coal mines come on line
Monday, September 13, 2010
As planning proceeds for new coalmines north of Gunnedah, supporting infrastructure needed to deal with the expansion must be funded and built concurrently, local MP, Peter Draper, has told the NSW Parliament.
Mr Draper told Parliament that Planning Minister Tony Kelly had recently met with the Mayor of Gunnedah, Adam Marshall, and witnessed the effects of longer and more frequent coal trains on traffic movements through Gunnedah's level crossings, including the impacts upon the town's one ageing and narrow overpass when the crossings are blocked.
“Gunnedah residents are calling for a second rail overpass to help deal with delays caused by increasing rail traffic through the town. While we all welcome and encourage as much freight traffic as possible being moved onto rail, this must be balanced with investment in the necessary infrastructure to support those movements,” he told Parliament.
Mr Draper said that as most of the slow-moving coal trains are 1.2 kilometres long, and with only 700 metres between the New Street and Marquis Street crossings, the crossings can be blocked for extended periods. He said that such blockages can cause virtual gridlock at the Abbott Street overpass, and that this in turn may prevent emergency service vehicles from moving from one side of town to the other.
“Gunnedah residents are rightly concerned that as new coalmines are brought on line this problem will be greatly exacerbated. Currently there are approximately 12 coal movements through Gunnedah each day in addition to wheat, cotton and container traffic, plus the two passenger trains that use the line. Alarmingly, it is estimated that by 2018 Gunnedah could see a coal train pass through the town every 24 minutes, 24 hours a day, in addition to the other rail traffic,” Mr Draper told the Legislative Assembly.
“While the coal boom has had many benefits for Gunnedah, there is growing pressure on the town's infrastructure that urgently needs addressing This need for infrastructure investment is a good argument in support of the royalties for regions concept, to support communities impacted by mining developments,” Mr Draper said.
“Gunnedah Shire Council is very proactive, and in conjunction with the RTA and the Australian Rail Track Corporation is undertaking a traffic study to determine future needs regarding Gunnedah's rail crossings and supporting road infrastructure. They should be congratulated on this initiative. Mayor Marshall went to great pains to explain to Minister Kelly the need to be aware of the impact on infrastructure in Gunnedah when he makes planning decisions on future coalmines to the north of the town,” he said.
Mr Draper also told Parliament that Minister Kelly had promised to take on board the outcome of the traffic study when it is released. He said Gunnedah Shire Council and its residents are hopeful he will adopt any recommendations quickly, and support the need for new infrastructure to overcome this increasingly dangerous situation.
“Gunnedah is not the only community in the north-west to face railway crossing challenges, with both Quirindi and Scone residents recently highlighting the problems their towns face. Sadly, we saw a clear example of the problems a blocked level crossing can cause when an accident in Scone caused an eight-hour delay for motorists, and highlighted a problem with rail crossings that will only worsen in many towns as the coal haulage task rapidly increases,” he said.
“If action is not taken quickly to address this problem in Gunnedah, we could well see the crossings closed more frequently than they are open, as rail traffic volumes continually increase,” Mr Draper concluded.
Click here for Hansard.
Photo: Local MP Peter Draper, Planning Minister Tony Kelly and Gunnedah Mayor Adam Marshall discuss Gunnedah's problem with the increasing frequency of rail crossing closures at a recent on site inspection at New Street level crossing.
Extra funding to assist Tamworth’s Homeless Men’s Support Centre welcome and badly needed
Friday, September 10, 2010
Local MP Peter Draper has welcomed advice that $20,000 of extra funding is being provided to assist a Tamworth organisation that helps men who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless.
“A recent community survey of mine indicated that accommodation for the homeless is at a premium in Tamworth, that homelessness is on the rise and that the problem is particularly acute for men. It is most disturbing that the average age of those looking for a bed is dropping rapidly, with most of the men approaching the Tamworth Homeless Men’s Support Centre now aged in their early twenties,” Mr Draper said.
“100,000 Australians are now classified as homeless, and 14,000 are estimated to be sleeping rough each night. We have our share of homeless people in Tamworth, and one only has to observe Peel Street early any morning to realise that number is on the rise,” he said.
Mr Draper said Tamworth’s Homeless Men’s Support Centre is a dedicated local organisation that performs crucial work in offering assistance to men in crisis, while finding long term accommodation and addressing the underlying issues associated with homelessness.
“Their service offers case-management, accommodation, group programs, advocacy, living skills development plus information and advice for men, plus men with children. It also assists clients to access other specialist services including related welfare agencies, legal and financial organisations and primary health care,” he said.
“This organisation provides much more than just a warm bed for the night – it helps people achieve greater stability in their lives, and reduces the chance of them being homeless in the future. Homelessness is a complex condition that affects a range of people, including those experiencing financial distress, family breakdown, mental illness and substance abuse, so organisations dealing with the problem require carefully structured support,” he continued
Spokesperson for Tamworth Homeless Men’s Support Group Terry McBride said, “This one-off payment will put our organisation in a much better position to refurbish our accommodation.”
Mr Draper thanked Minister Burney for providing the funds, saying the Minister had pointed out that Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) services such as this one address the fact that homelessness is a complex problem, and the people confronting it typically have a range of issues to overcome.
“Many people think that homelessness is mainly centred on the larger metropolitan areas, however the Law and Justice Foundation have issued statistics showing that the rate of homelessness in rural and remote areas is 46 per 10,000 compared to 39 per 10,000 in Sydney, with a state wide average of 42 per 10,000. When the numbers who are ‘marginally homeless,’ but find accommodation in caravan parks are added to these figures, rural and remote numbers rise to 61 per 10,000 compared to a state wide average of 53 per 10,000,” he said.
“By providing this combination of secure housing and intensive support, SAAP is steering people away from the streets and into a better, more secure future,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper pointed out that earlier this year, $2 million in funding over three years was delivered to assist Tamworth Family Support Service in targeting rural homelessness in the New England Region, and said that this additional funding for Tamworth’s Homeless Men’s Support Centre will help compliment that work.
“Although a lot of good work has been done in this area in recent years, there is still a long way to go to appropriately integrate service planning and policy development, while developing a cross-agency commitment in providing a ‘flexible, holistic and integrated system of support for people who are homeless’,” Mr Draper concluded.
Government urged to act swiftly on recommendations from the Inquiry into the RSPCA raid on the Waterways Wildlife Park
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Local MP, Peter Draper, has welcomed the tabling of the Legislative Council report into the RSPCA raid on the Waterways Wildlife Park.
“I think the report has weighed up the evidence fairly and come up with some very sensible recommendations,” Mr Draper said.
“It has looked at various areas of concern raised by the local community, and the recommendations address the governance of nature parks, departmental procedures and inspections in that regard, the formalisation of Gunnedah Shire Council’s support for Waterways and the way in which the RSPCA’s relationship with Imagination Television involves property owners. These are very much the issues that the Gunnedah community raised as concerns with me during the affair,” he said.
Mr Draper said he was pleased that the Committee’s Chair, Ian Cohen MLC, acknowledged Col and Nancy Small’s continuing contribution to their community, and also the assistance provided by Gunnedah Shire Council and the Gunnedah community to the Smalls since the removal of the animals.
“Mr Cohen says he hopes that this translates into continuing support to create an environment in which the welfare of the animals is guaranteed and I’m sure that will be the case,” he said.
Mr Draper said he hoped the Government would move swiftly to adopt the recommendations.
“I think the fact that the report highlights the need for the Department of Industry and Investment to improve their responsiveness to ensure all facilities comply with the Exhibited Animals Protection Act 1986, and to act more decisively in examining potential breaches of legislation is a positive one."
“The report points out the department was aware of potential breaches back in 2007, yet failed to act when such action may well have prevented the RSPCA raid on 3 February 2010. It is important the department and the RSPCA work constructively, with basically volunteer facilities such as Waterways, to ensure regulations are abided by and proper conditions maintained. They are a valuable tourist attraction for towns like Gunnedah, not to mention their assistance to injured animals, and should be encouraged and assisted to succeed,” he said.
Mr Draper said the report points out that even though footage of the February 3 raid has not been broadcast, the presence of a camera crew from Animal Rescue undoubtedly inflamed emotions at the time.
“I am pleased one of the recommendations is that the RSPCA ensures its contract with Imagination Television requires the Animal Rescue film crew to obtain written consent from property owners prior to the commencement of filming. Hopefully, this can help prevent the sensationalism of an important issue,” he said.
“Col and Nancy Small have acted very creditably since the events of February 3, despite the huge pressure they found themselves under. Their love for the animals has assisted them to fight on and continue to build on their very important tourist attraction in Gunnedah. Likewise, the Gunnedah community can take a bow for the commendable fashion in which they supported Waterways, Col and Nancy through the whole affair. I look forward to Waterways Wildlife Park continuing to grow into the future,” Mr Draper concluded.
Click here to download and view report (400k pdf file).
Dialysis Patient Travel Assistance
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Local MP, Peter Draper, has previously raised the issue of transport assistance for renal patients with the relevant Ministers but has been disappointed with their responses to this serious issue. As a result Mr Draper has again raised the issue during NSW Parliament’s Question Time.
Mr PETER DRAPER: My question is directed to the Deputy Premier and Minister for Health. Given the disappointing response that I received last week to representations made on behalf of local renal patients who needed transport assistance in my electorate, will the Minister undertake to revisit their situation and provide help to these people, who are rapidly running out of options?
Ms CARMEL TEBBUTT: I thank the member for Tamworth for his question. There is no doubt that one of the strongest records that this Government has in terms of regional and rural health services is the investment that we have made in expanding renal dialysis services across regional and rural New South Wales. We have opened renal dialysis satellite centres in Bathurst, Tweed Heads, Griffith, Goulburn and Moruya. We have also expanded a number of rural units enabling more patients to be treated locally, including Dubbo, Moree, Armidale, Bathurst, Tweed Heads, Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Lismore, Kempsey, Wagga Wagga and Moruya. More recent funding enhancements have enabled further service expansion for a six-chair service at Taree, expansion of home-based dialysis on the far North Coast and an increase in the number of places in Broken Hill and Forbes. So we have invested substantial additional funding in providing renal dialysis across New South Wales, particularly in regional and rural New South Wales.
There is no doubt that, renal dialysis is a severe impost on the quality of life of people who need it. They need to travel regularly to centres and it does pose real challenges for people who live in regional and rural New South Wales. I know that the member for Tamworth has made representations on behalf of some of his constituents with regard to assistance with travel—funding for travel—for their renal dialysis services and I am very aware that there are transport difficulties for patients who live in rural communities who require regular and ongoing medical treatment. The department does undertake periodic assessments of travel expenses and program criteria as part of its ongoing monitoring of the Transport for Health Program. The Government did introduce changes to the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme [IPTAAS]. In August 2006 we included a reduction in the distance criteria from 200 kilometres to 100 kilometres, that is one way, and also an increase in the motor vehicle allowance—
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Mr Adrian Piccoli: Point of order: I refer you to the Oakeshott standing order. It has taken a long time to get to the answer, which is "No".
The SPEAKER: Order! That is not a point of order.
Ms CARMEL TEBBUTT: From July 2009 NSW Health also abolished co-contributions for patients in approved escorts who are pensioners and health care cardholders. These changes have significantly increased the number of people who are eligible for the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme. I am happy to look once again at the issues raised by the member for Tamworth. However, I point out the increased investment in renal dialysis services across regional and rural New South Wales, the substantial changes to the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme to make more people eligible and the increased funding for health services in regional and rural New South Wales. Sometimes it is simply not possible to satisfy the circumstances of every individual. I will look at the issues raised by the member and I undertake to get back to him.
Mr Draper said he believed that Minister Tebbutt skirted the edges of the problem in her response to his question.
“My question was about transport options for renal patients while the Minister spent most of her response referring to investment in actual service delivery. It makes me question whether bureaucrats in Sydney can even begin to understand the great difficulties people in rural and regional areas face just trying to get to appointments,” he said.
“I am pleased Minister Tebbutt has agreed to re-examine the issues raised and to get back to me and urge her department to try and understand the difficulties faced by country residents and to assist those who are in need of this time consuming treatment access reliable transport. This is a matter that needs to be dealt with sympathetically, not only for patients in this electorate but from right around country NSW, and an issue of equity that I won’t be giving up on,” Mr Draper concluded.
Draper tells Parliament of urgent need to commit to an immediate and substantial increase in funding for community mental health services
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Continuing his campaign to improve funding for grass-roots mental health support services, Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has told State Parliament that mental health service providers are overwhelmed by family breakdown, long-term unemployment, homelessness and suicide as a result of mental health issues.
“Much of that could be avoided if governments further engaged with community based organisations like Tamworth's Billabong Clubhouse and Gunnedah's Active Minds, and funded them appropriately,” he told Parliament.
Mr Draper told Parliament that the Billabong Clubhouse has operated for 12 years, providing psychosocial rehabilitation for adults with a mental illness, and that over the past year Billabong has provided 14,400 occasions of service. He said Billabong received two funding grants from NSW Health—a base grant with cost escalation, plus a non-recurrent triennial term grant.
“For the past six years Billabong has employed 4.2 to 4.5 full-time equivalent staff, but over that period it has experienced a massive 65 per cent increase in average daily attendance. Given this escalation in demand for services, Billabong management sought an increase in triennial funding to enable it to employ five full-time equivalent staff, and to cover a moderate increase in operational costs. Unfortunately, it has been advised that its term grant for the next financial year will be reduced to the 2007-08 level—effectively, a 5.5 per cent reduction,” he said.
“The Billabong Clubhouse's smaller base grant receives annual cost escalation adjustments, and this will be 2.5 per cent for 2010-11. However, it is interesting to note that the All Groups consumer price index for Sydney was set at 2.9 per cent for the same period. Billabong's salaries and on-costs represent about 80 per cent of its total costs, and the last salary award increase was 2.8 per cent. Management holds serious concerns as to their financial position, not only for the current year but for future years should the cost escalation rate that is used continue to fall short of actual consumer price index rates,” he continued.
Mr Draper said Billabong's President, Joan Wakeford, has told him they will have to reduce their trained staff and service delivery if they wish to continue operating.
“Our community will find this inconceivable, given that mental health services are difficult to access in rural and regional communities,” Mr Draper told the Legislative Assembly.
“Mental illness remains one of the greatest causes of disability, reduced productivity, and diminished quality of life. Sadly, those affected experience poorer health and higher death rates, including suicide, than the general community. Additionally, severe and ongoing drought has highlighted a range of challenges regarding current mental health service provision across rural and regional New South Wales,” he said.
“Local mental health providers consistently state a need for additional funding and resources so they can provide a range of home-grown solutions to address current workforce shortages, which can be developed by promoting peer support and consumer-run services through existing and potential credentialed counselling services."
“There is an urgent need to commit to an immediate and substantial increase in funding for community mental health services to support participation, inclusion and recovery. Local grassroots organisations such as Gunnedah Active Minds and the Billabong Clubhouse in Tamworth are providing terrific day-to-day support, but both organisations urgently need additional funds to support their efforts,” Mr Draper concluded.
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Country Energy apprenticeships offer local residents rewarding career opportunities
Wednesday, August 8, 2010
Local MP, Peter Draper, is encouraging enthusiastic local residents looking for a rewarding career to consider applying for an apprenticeship with Country Energy.
“Country Energy currently have 81 powerline apprenticeships available, with applications closing on Friday, 24 September, 2010,” Mr Draper said.
“These are much sought after positions, and offer secure and fulfilling employment opportunities in country communities like Gunnedah and Tamworth,” he said.
Mr Draper said Country Energy apprenticeships are a great investment in regional employment, and in planning for infrastructure maintenance into the future.
“One of the pleasing outcomes from this year’s call for applications is a pilot program aimed at attracting more women to Country Energy,” he said.
“Tamworth has been selected as one of four locations for the Women@work pilot apprentice campaign, with targeted recruitment to happen in the local area,” he continued.
Mr Draper said Country Energy is offering a number of positions for Indigenous applicants, while mature aged applicants are also encouraged to apply.
“Since Country Energy was formed in July 2001, the company has created over 1,000 apprenticeships, providing men and women with the skills and training to establish a foundation for long-term employment and career development in their local communities,” he said.
“Over the years these apprenticeships have provided employment opportunities for local residents in Barraba, Manilla, Gunnedah and Tamworth,” he said.
“Successful candidates need to be at least 14 years and nine months at the commencement date, and while it is not necessary for an applicant to have a drivers licence, it is expected that during the apprenticeship a manual drivers licence is attained at the first available opportunity,” he continued.
Mr Draper said successful applicants would start their careers in January 2011. They will receive practical and theoretical instruction at Country Energy’s training facilities in Parkes, Grafton and Goulburn to complement their training in the field.
“Country Energy is taking online applications up until 24 September 2010. Interested applicants will need to complete the application form and upload their resume or CV in order to be considered for the next stage of the recruitment process,” he said.
Mr Draper said applicants are encouraged to apply on-line through Country Energy’s website at www.countryenergy.com.au/apprentices by visiting a Customer Service Centre, or calling 1800 242 166.
“If you like the outdoors and working with your hands, then an apprenticeship with Country Energy could well be the job for you,” Mr Draper concluded.
39 Tamworth electorate schools benefit from $98,636 investment in sport
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, today announced that 39 schools across the Tamworth electorate would benefit from $98,636 of funding, through a Premier’s Sporting Challenge Equipment to School grant, to purchase new sporting equipment.
“I welcome this funding as it allows individual schools to spend the money on equipment they need to meet their individual requirements and to tailor their sporting programs. With exercise recommended for health wellbeing this is a great investment in our youth,” Mr Draper said.
“The Premier’s Sporting Challenge commenced in 2007 and since then it has provided $50 million in funding to encourage school sporting activity,” he continued.
Mr Draper said the following local schools would benefit through this year’s round:
Attunga PS $1,349; Barraba Central $2452; Bendemeer PS $1,309; Boggabri PS $1,703; Bullimbal School $1,309; Carroll PS $1,145; Curlewis PS $1,382; Currabubula PS $1,316; Dungowan PS $1,428; Duri PS $1,270; Fairfax PS $1,165; Farrer Memorial Agricultural High $5,092; GS Kidd Memorial School $1,250; Gunnedah High School $5,003; Gunnedah PS $2,116; Gunnedah South PS $3,986; Hillvue PS $3,022; Kootingal PS $2,346; Manilla Central School $3,490; Moonbi PS $1,329; Mullaley PS $1,309; Nemingha PS $2,359; Niangala PS $1,237; Nundle PS $1,441; Oxley High School $8,388; Oxley Vale PS $2,897; Parry School $1,218; Peel High School $4,143; Somerton PS $1,283; Tambar Springs PS $1,178; Tamworth High School $6,100; Tamworth PS $5,245; Tamworth South PS $5,901; Tamworth West PS $2,287; Timbumburi PS $1,874; Tintinhull PS $1,447; Werris Creek PS $1,880; Westdale Public School $3,730; and Woolomin PS $1,257.
Mr Draper said the Premier’s Sporting Challenge is about getting more students to embrace physical activity as part of their daily routines and teaching them the importance of maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
“Schools use the funding for many purposes. For example Barraba Central will split the funding 50-50 between their primary and secondary sectors and will obtain new balls and other equipment. Hillvue Public are replenishing sporting supplies and providing a soft-fall under the infants shade area and Niangala Public are looking at equipment to help their students learn to swim and keep fit,’ he said.
“We know that one in four Australian children and adolescents are overweight or obese, and that children who are overweight or obese tend to stay that way, so it’s important we act now to encourage children to be more active.
“I know our school communities are very excited about these sporting equipment grants and it will be great to see our local students using their new equipment in the schoolyard,” Mr Draper concluded.
For more information on the Premier’s Sporting Challenge visit products.schools.nsw.edu.au/psc/home.html.
Equal Pay Day – Promoting Equal Pay for Women
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Local MP, Peter Draper, is asking the whole community to give some thought to the significance of today, Saturday the 4th of September, marking Equal Pay Day.
“This date is representative of the extra 66 days women workers in Australian have to work after the end of the financial year to receive the same average pay cheque as men. The growing pay gap between the sexes is now higher than it was at the height of the women's liberation movement. Additionally, women from across Australia were interviewed for the report, Barriers to Women's Employment, Women and the Recession Project, released earlier this year, with the main theme emerging being that they have less help from job-seeking services now than in the 1950s,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said the following statistics on Women in the Workforce and the Gender Pay Gap provided some food for thought on Equal Pay Day.
Women in the NSW workforce
According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics Labour Force Survey trend data (July 2010):
- Women now make up 45.3% of the NSW workforce.
- In July 2010 the unemployment rate for NSW women was 5.4%. This was a decrease from 6.1% in July 2009.
- Women’s workforce participation is gradually increasing – in July 2010, the labour force participation rate of NSW women was 56.1%, compared to a rate of 70.4% for men. The comparable figure for women in the year 2000 was 53.6%.
- There continues to be significantly more women than men working in part time roles in NSW. In July 2010, more than two thirds of part time positions in NSW were filled by women (68.7%). In contrast, almost two thirds of full time roles in NSW were held by men (64.5%).
The Gender Pay Gap
According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics Average Weekly Earnings (May 2010) trend data:
- In May 2010, the national gender pay gap for full time adult workers, before overtime and bonuses were taken into account, was 17.6%. This was an increase from 16.9% in May 2009.
- The national gender pay gap in average weekly total earnings for full time adult workers (i.e. including overtime and bonuses) was 20.5%.
- The national gender pay gap in average weekly total earnings for all adult workers (i.e. including earnings from full and part time work) was 35.5%.
- The NSW figures compare favourably with the national figures, and NSW has one of the lowest pay gaps among all states and territories.
- In May 2010, the gender pay gap in NSW in average weekly full time ordinary time earnings was 15.4%, the gap in average full time total earnings was 18.4%, and the gap for total earnings was 32.6%.
Mr Draper said recent research by the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling has found that pay inequity costs an estimated $93 billion per year to the Australian economy, or 8.5% of GDP.
He said the NSW Government has commissioned the University of Sydney’s Workplace Research Centre to produce a profile of key trends and issues in women’s employment in NSW and that this research will provide a more comprehensive picture of the issues facing workingwomen in NSW, including gender pay ratios and occupational and industrial segregation.
“The average pay gap between men and women workers grew by $7.90 per week in the last 12 months from $231.40 a week to $239.30 a week. This means women will have to work three days longer in 2010 compared to 2009 to reach an equal pay packet. We need to be focusing our efforts on achieving pay equity for women who are doing work of equal value to men, not necessarily the exact same job,” he said.
“Equal Pay Day is an effective way to focus community and business attention on the pay equity debate and to promote action to raise awareness, provoke debate and create a better understanding of the issue,” Mr Draper concluded.
Paralympian will spread the safety message to Tamworth workers
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Local MP, Peter Draper, today welcomed advice that WorkCover NSW sponsored Paralympian, Kahi Puru, will address students and staff in the region to help spread the workplace safety message on September 8th.
Mr Draper said that Paralympian weightlifter Kahi Puru was 29 when he had his leg amputated at the hip following a forklift accident at work.
“Kahi will address year 9 and 10 students from schools across the region as part of a Farm Safety Field day held by the Tamworth Agricultural Institute. The athlete will also visit staff from the Roads and Traffic Authority during an induction day for new line markers,” he said.
Mr Draper said Kahi is also a qualified fitness instructor, and will share his inspirational story about his injury and how it may have been prevented.
“We need to work together today to create safer workplaces,” Kahi Puru said.
“It’s important to think about what we can do - even the smallest change to our work practices can make a difference,” he said.
Mr Draper said Kahi would talk to staff about the importance of occupational health and safety and recount the workplace incident that changed his life.
“Kahi will talk about the circumstances surrounding a forklift incident at work, the personal impact of his injury and his journey to becoming a world-class athlete,” Mr Draper said.
“WorkCover’s Paralympian Speakers Program sponsors seven athletes who have incurred permanent disabilities but have also gone on to achieve outstanding sporting success."
“Drawing on their experience, the athletes spread a strong and emotive message about workplace safety, injury prevention and their personal journey to recovery, return to work and success as world-class athletes,” he said.
Mr Draper said Kahi represented Australia in power lifting at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics and in 2004 completed the gruelling 42km New York Marathon in an amazing time of under two hours.
“To book a speaker or find out more about WorkCover’s Paralympian Speakers Program visit www.workcover.nsw.gov.au or call 13 10 50,” Mr Draper concluded.
Salute our flag on National Flag Day
Thursday, September 2, 2010
In 1996 the Governor-General officially proclaimed that “to commemorate the day in 1901 on which the Australian national flag was first flown, 3 September in each year shall be observed as ‘Australian National Flag Day’ throughout Australia and in the external Territories of Australia.”
Local MP, Peter Draper, is encouraging the community to think about what it means to be an Australian when they look at our flag this coming Friday, National Flag Day.
“This National Flag Day marks the 109th birthday since it was first unfurled from the Royal Exhibition Building in 1901.Since then, our Australian flag has been an icon of our shared identity,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said he had received phone calls from a number of constituents concerned that National Flag Day did not receive the recognition it deserved.
“On their behalf I have reminded the Speaker, the Premier, and the Opposition Leader of the day’s significance, and the need to acknowledge its importance,” he said.
Mr Draper said the Flag’s history in many ways began with the 29 April 1901 Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. 27 announcing the design competition for The Flag of Australia.
“On the 3 September 1901 the first official raising of the blue Australian Flag at the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne took place. On 20 February 1903 the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. 8 proclaimed that King Edward VII had approved the design for the Flag of Australia, and on 19 December 1908 it announced the addition of a 7th point to the Commonwealth Star to represent Australian Territories,” he said.
Mr Draper said there a number of ways National Flag Day could be celebrated, and he encouraged local schools to arrange special flag raising assemblies on the day, so that students gain an appreciation of the history and significance of our flag.
He said in addition, that local residents, businesses, and organisations can make a special effort to fly the flag, while service organisations, sporting clubs and scout/guide troops and the like could hold meetings around the day to raise the flag, or possibly make special mention of Flag Day at the beginning or end of their proceedings.
“The Australian Flag is the symbol of our nation, so I encourage everyone to remember its importance on National Flag Day,” Mr Draper concluded.
Tamworth electorate youth interested in politics and community are encouraged to nominate for YMCA NSW Youth Parliament 2011
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Nominations for the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament 2011 are now open, so the Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper is urging high school students from around the electorate of Tamworth, aged between 15 to 18 years as of April 2011, with an interest in politics and state issues to put their hands up.
“2011 marks the tenth anniversary of Youth Parliament, and to mark this milestone the organisers have asked each State Member of Parliament to nominate a young person from their electorate to attend. I am asking youth organisations, schools, students and other interested parties in the community to put forward names of young people who have an interest in politics and are involved in the community so that a representative from the electorate of Tamworth can be selected to attend,” Mr Draper said.
“Youth Parliament bring together passionate young people from across NSW with the aim of having at least one representative from all 93 electorates to ensure an even catchment of issues. It is managed by the YMCA of Sydney, and run by a volunteer taskforce of past participants,” he said.
Mr Draper said he had been honoured to act as Speaker at a session of the 2010 Youth Parliament.
“I was pleased to catch up with Emily Leckie from Tamworth and Ruby-Lyn Ward from Quirindi at the 2010 event, and I know that they both gained a lot from the experience,” he said.
Mr Draper said participants in the Youth Parliament had a very busy program that included a period of Bill Development and Youth Parliament Workbook Activities between January and March, a weekend training camp in April, Bill Development from April to July, plus a residential camp from the 3rd to the 9th July 2011. He said there was a Youth MP’s program fee of $580.
“I urge principals, teachers and youth workers in the local district to encourage participation in this program, as there are many issues on which our youth can provide a unique perspective to the NSW Parliament,” he said.
Mr Draper said he would be available by appointment to offer any advice to the successful local candidate.
“Nominations close on the 29th October 2010 so I am encouraging potential participants to get their name in as quickly as possible,” he said.
“Information regarding criteria and expectations for the YMCA 2011 NSW Youth Parliament are available by contacting the electorate office on 6766 1422,” Mr Draper concluded.
Residents and businesses can’t afford rapidly increasing utility prices
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
“During Parliament’s winter recess, constituents from across the district having been telling me that rapidly increasing utility prices are becoming an impost that they simply cannot afford,” local MP Peter Draper has told the NSW Parliament.
Mr Draper used the first sitting day in two months to reinforce to the NSW Parliament the impacts of rising utility prices, not only on local residents, business and agriculture, but right around the State.
“I remind the House that about 18,000 residents from the electorates of Tamworth, Northern Tablelands, Dubbo and Port Macquarie have signed petitions opposing the increases. In addition, 12,000 people responded to the online survey of the Daily Telegraph. These price rises are not only hurting rural and regional communities, but they are also biting in the suburbs of our major cities. Residents are demanding relief,” Mr Draper told the Legislative Assembly.
“The pain caused by the electricity price hikes is only a part of the story. Add to that the proposed massive increases for water charges, and people are finding themselves in real trouble,” he said.
Mr Draper told Parliament the determination for bulk water charges by IPART for the State Water Corporation, on top of the recent water sharing plans, poses serious implications for the Peel and Namoi valleys. He said that IPART has set prices on a per-valley basis, with new prices in force from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2014.
“That determination will see annual bills for regulated bulk water prices increase in real terms, with the size of increases depending on which valley customers are located in, whether they hold high security or general security licences, plus annual water usage. High security customers in the Peel Valley with a 500 megalitre entitlement and full allocation face a bill of $30,223 and the Namoi Valley faces a bill of $16,379, however similar usage in the Murrumbidgee would cost $3,054, in the Murray $3,666, in the Gwydir $12,451, in the Lachlan $13,757 and in the Macquarie $11,491. How can our local producers possibly compete with farmers in other valleys?” he asked.
“In the Peel Valley, this determination will see the cost of water per tonne of lucerne hay rise from $27 in 2007 to almost $57 by 2014, making our farmers completely uncompetitive,” he continued.
Mr Draper told Parliament that Tamworth Regional Council faces massive price increases. “Council’s water entitlement of 16,400 megalitres will cost $188,600 in 2009-10, $225,992 in 2010-11, $268,796 in 2011-12, $317,000 in 2012-13 and $374,000 in 2013-14, so water costs for the city will double in just five years. Council currently uses 5,665 megalitres per annum from Chaffey Dam. In this five-year period, usage cost is estimated to increase from $145,000 to $213,000, so total charges will increase from $334,000 in 2009-10 to $587,000 in 2013-14, and these increases will be passed on to ratepayers and industry,” he said.
“Every NSW resident will end up paying higher prices. This is a vicious circle that the Government needs to address, while the Opposition needs to outline a detailed policy on this issue before the next election,” Mr Draper concluded.
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