Local Government News

Don Page
State Matters

NSW Budget 2004

This year's NSW Budget contains almost no meaningful funding for much needed services and infrastructure on the Far North Coast and importantly, the State Budget contains only $1 million for the Ballina Bypass.

It seems residents of the Far North Coast are again wearing the burden of the Carr Government's inability to manage the State's finances. The State Government has committed only $1 million to the Ballina Bypass, which is a drop in the ocean compared to the Federal Government's recent commitment to fund half the cost of the $245 million Ballina Bypass.

The State Government's response is a disgrace especially given the Premier's recent comments that the project would only go ahead if the Federal Government paid half the cost. The Carr Government has again failed to live up to this responsibility.

This lean Budget follows April's disastrous Mini-Budget, which cut services on the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line and introduced a much harsher land tax and stamp duty regime.

In the Ballina electorate funding has been allocated for capital works projects including;

• $560,000 for Mullumbimby High School Upgrade, Stages 1 and 2

• $500,000 for an Indoor Recreational Hall and Sea Wall at Lake Ainsworth

• $9.5 million for the Alstonville Bypass (State and Federal funding)

• $33 million for the Brunswick Heads to Yelgun Dual Carriageway (State and Federal Funding)

• $2.5 million for the Yelgun to Chinderah Dual Carriageway (State and Federal Funding)

In addition, the zoning plan for the Cape Byron Marine Park will be finalised and the Ballina ambulance station will become a 24 hour-a-day on-duty station.

It is important to note however, there is virtually no new money in these Budget announcements. These projects essentially have all been previously announced. This is especially disappointing given the $8.5 billion in extra stamp duty revenue the Carr Government has collected.

Overall the Budget ignores the urgent infrastructure and service needs of the rapidly growing Far North Coast region.

Capital Assistance Program Now Open

Applications for the 2004-05 Capital Assistance Program (CAP) to provide grants for sporting and recreational facilities are now available for local eligible organisations.

Capital Assistance Grants help local sporting organisations and local governments to construct new facilities, improve existing facilities and undertake projects to improve sporting access for under-represented groups.

Assistance not exceeding 50 per cent of the net project cost is available under the scheme.

Guidance notes and application forms for the 2003-04 Capital Assistance Program are available from my office at Shop 1, 7 Moon St, Ballina. Phone 6686 7522 or look on the Internet at www.dsr.nsw.gov.au

Applications close on 31 August 2004.

I can be contacted by writing to PO Box 1018, Ballina 2478 or by telephoning my Electorate Office on 6686 7522 or faxing 6686 7470. For those on-line my e-mail address is Don.Page@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Thomas George
Canberra Connection

2004/2005 State Budget

This week in the State Budget it was hoped that the Labor Government would have reversed the decision to close the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line, the closure of Business Enterprise Centres as well as the vendor/land tax charges. Whilst I am pleased to see confirmation of funds for the rebuilding of Richmond Clinic, $4m to conclude works at Kyogle Hospital, funds for the Wiangaree Bridge project, as well as a mention of new works for Lismore in the overall TAFE allocation, there is not a significant recognition of the funds being ripped from our area. There are indications that other minor works/projects may be covered however more specific details will be available in the coming weeks, when portfolio analysis' are provided to Members.

Electorate Functions

Primex 2004 - With the 20th Anniversary celebrations this year and a NSW Premier's Community Service Award presented to Mr John Wright of Exhibition Marketing, Primex 2004 excelled expectations with many visitors relishing in the wonderful exhibits and popular attractions.

Lantern Parade - The cool winds calmed to provide a wonderful setting for the parade, last Saturday night, which delighted the thousands of people and children who were in awe of the spectacular ambiance created during the parade of various lanterns and the extravaganza finale at Heritage Park. Congratulations to Jyllie Jackson and her team, for the best ever lantern parade.

Men's "Shed" Opening - The Richmond Mobile Men's Shed (MMS or "Shed") provides a focus point for men to access services and referrals that cater to men's needs. The official opening was conducted at Primex last week

"Country Week"

I had the pleasure of attending the launch of the Country Week campaign earlier in the year. I am very supportive of the "Country Week" campaign as it aims to get metropolitan industries, companies and individuals to consider a new life in country areas of the State. I encourage everyone from local Councils, businesses and community organisations to get behind the initiative. There are so many opportunities for this campaign to focus the minds of metropolitan residents and business on life outside the city has the potential to help stem one of the most pressing issues facing the nation - the population drift from the country to the city. The three-day "Country Week" Expo will be held at the Homebush Exhibition Centre on August 13, 14 and 15. I also encourage people to visit the Country Week website at www.countrynsw.com.au.

Plastic Bags Initiatives Award

This Award recently launched by Keep Australian Beautiful NSW is to recognise the efforts of community groups, schools, businesses and councils. Projects can include attempts to reduce the use of plastic bags, exploration of alternatives to plastic bags, initiatives that assist with the recycling of plastic bags or successful campaigns that help raise the issue of the plastic bag debate. Further information and entry forms are available from our website at www.kabnsw.org.au.

Board Trust Members

Applications are being sought for appointment as Trust Board members of the Bonalbo Showground Trust and the Wyrallah Flood Refuge Reserve Trust and Eden Creek Public Recreation & Public Hall Reserve Trust. Term of appointment is for a period of five years with application forms available from and to be lodged with the Department of Lands. As various closing dates apply, please contact the Department direct on 6640 2061.

I welcome and invite your feedback in relation to any of the above matters, please do not hesitate to contact my office regarding any matters on (ph) 6621 3624, (f) 6622 1403, by writing to PO Box 52 Lismore, e-mail; thomas.george@parliament.nsw.gov.au or www.thomasgeorge.com.au