Local Government News

Don Page
State Matters

Crown Lands Charges

I welcome the Department of Lands decision to review its recent price hike on the rental of enclosure permits for Crown Land.

The new charges imposed a $350 rental in three years, in some cases this is a 700 per cent increase on the previous rental charged.

The increase has not only impacted on landowners, but also voluntary organisations which have facilities located on Crown land.

As an example, the Brunswick Valley Volunteer Rescue Service, which is located on a 50 square metre (7m x 7m) watchtower at the entrance to the Brunswick River, was advised that it would be charged a licence fee of $187 rising to $350 in three years, despite previously being charged nothing.

As a result of the public outcry and lobbying by myself and other local State members, the Department of Lands has now placed a moratorium on this unfair rental hike.

Those who have already received land accounts have been advised to pay the account within three months of the due date and will be refunded if the Review finds the rental increase should be adjusted.

Rail Line Group

Members of the Casino to Murwillumbah Rail Line Working Group recently met in Lismore to discuss the future of the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line.

The Group discussed the current Commonwealth study into the feasibility of light rail services on the line, which is being conducted by Price Waterhouse Coopers and will be released later this month.

We also received an interesting address from representatives of Queensland Rail regarding the significant investment the Queensland Government is making in rail services, including a feasibility study into a possible Robina to Tugun heavy passenger rail service. Further information in regards to the Queensland Government's positive approach to rail transport has been requested.

The Working Group has also requested further information in regard to regional transport planning including the future of the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line. The Group is seeking further information from the NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources in regard to the line as well as further information about the bus contract for replacement buses, which was awarded to a Queensland company.

I am hopeful that the information provided to the Working Group will assist those of us committed to the reinstatement of services on the line to convince the Minister to reverse his decision, protect the existing corridor, help establish a local commuter service and connect the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line into the Queensland rail system.

Senior Week Grants

Applications are now open for 2005 Seniors Week funding. The theme for Seniors Week 2005 is the 'The Best Time for Ages' and will be held between March 13-20.

For the 2005 program there will be two funding categories; any amount up to $500, and a set amount of $1,000 which must be matched dollar-for-dollar or in kind.

The types of activities that will be considered are those that promote a healthy active lifestyle, opportunities for learning or community involvement.

Applications are available from my office, and must be submitted by 5pm on September 24, 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

Country Week

The opening of Country Week was held last week in Sydney over three days at Olympic Park. It is a promotion designed to highlight the many opportunities available to Sydney businesses and residents by relocating to rural and regional NSW.

Numerous North Coast Councils were represented at the Expo, all selling the message that rural and regional NSW is a fantastic place to invest, live and work. Sadly the Northern Rivers area was not represented. The advantages of country living are many from lower real estates prices, reduced business costs and a better lifestyle. Mr Carr is always talking about over-crowding in Sydney but he has done very little to encourage jobs and development beyond the Blue Mountains.

This campaign has the potential to help stem the population drift from the country to the city. The County Week concept was part of The Nationals' regional development policy at the last election. As part of this launch, the Nationals hosted a BBQ in Sydney showcasing country produce, to mark the beginning of Country Week. My contribution from the Lismore Electorate was premium beef from Casino. Other produce on offer included macadamia nuts and coffee from the Ballina and Byron Bay areas and Clarence River Fishing Co-operative prawns from Clarence.

Seniors Week 2005

"The best time for ages!" is the theme for 2005 Seniors Week program with the aim of the program to assist the development and/or organisation of local Seniors Week projects and activities which is held between March 13 and 20 next year.

Copies of application forms and accompanying funding application handbooks are available from my office.

Electoral redistribution

By now you would have read about the draft plan for the new electoral boundaries where Casino may be transferred into the Clarence electorate.

Naturally I was very disappointed and surprised that Casino was not maintained in the seat of Lismore. Casino has a strong affiliation with Lismore. The opportunity now exists to make submissions to the Electoral Commission.

Vendor Tax Warning

I am warning people buying and selling property to be vigilant in checking their contracts in relation to the Carr Labor Government's new vendor tax. Members of the community who were deeply concerned that the vendor tax was being transferred from the vendor to the purchaser have approached me. Buyers and sellers need to be fully informed of their contract particulars when purchasing property, especially the fine print and unusual 'special conditions' in relation to vendor tax.

This situation has occurred following the Carr Government's 'grab for cash' Mini Budget in May this year when the 'vendor tax' was introduced. I am concerned that buyers, and even sellers, may not be aware of the impact of this tax and the implications on the transfer of property, especially where contracts have 'special conditions' inserted without prior knowledge to either one or both parties. Vendor duty was levied at the rate of 2.25 per cent of the purchase price. In some cases 'special conditions' to contracts of sale effectively pass on the duty to become the responsibility of the buyer to pay to the Office of State Revenue.

Considering the huge impact Labor's new tax was having on people buying, owning and selling property the Labor Government had to admit its introduction was a mistake and go back to the drawing board. I am encouraging everyone involved in the transfer of property to be diligent and mindful of this issue to prevent nasty shocks of avoidable unforeseen expenses. The Nationals and Liberal Coalition in NSW would repeal Labor's vendor tax and reverse Labor's land tax changes in the first term of a Coalition Government.

ATLAS & POS Rally

Following the recent rally in Lismore, news of some concessions from the Government has been welcomed. People who entered the POS program between 1993 and 1998 will maintain their current level of funding. Despite this people who have entered ATLAS after 1998 and those that enter the new programs will still face reduced funding.

NRMA "Safer Roads Save Lives"

I attended the Roads Summit at Grafton recently to especially highlight the concerns and seek their support of our East West connections in the Northern Rivers, such as the Summerland Way, Woodenbong to Legume Road and the Bruxner Highway. Since then I have received correspondence confirming that members of the NRMA Motoring & Services will try to inspect these roads when they are next in the area.

Kyogle and Casino to Lismore Bus

Kirklands buslines in conjunction with Northern Rivers Community Transport have added another benefit to the standard Friday bus run from Kyogle to Lismore via Casino. Elderly residents of Kyogle or people with a disability will be able to be picked up from their home if needed and dropped off at selected destinations in Lismore.

Electorate Functions

Hospital Auxiliary's - I had the pleasure of attending Nimbin and Lismore AGM's recently. The Nimbin Auxiliary members are looking forward with great anticipation in being part of the new Nimbin Health Service, which is expected to be receive its first patients/clients in mid September.

Kyogle Guides Promise Ceremony - Being present at the inaugural Promise Ceremony and grand opening evening I, together with many proud parents, witnessed twenty Kyogle girls take their lifelong promise to do their best with the Kyogle Guides Unit.

Lismore Unlimited Business Awards - a wonderful night was had by everyone, with many businesses celebrating their nomination. Congratulations to category winners, their families and their team of employees.

Kyogle Girls Air Radio Station - I had the pleasure of opening the "Girls on Air" 87.6FM last Saturday at the Kyogle Community Technology Centre. It was particularly special for the girls who attained their Certificate II Broadcasting in Radio.

Vietnam Veterans March - On Saturday, I attended and presented a wreath at the service held in honour of our local Veterans on Saturday at Lismore War Memorial.

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

Steve Cansdell
Member For Clarence

Good to be with The Echo

I have long been a fan of the Northern Rivers Echo, which is a strong independent voice for the Northern Rivers. The State electorate of Clarence, which I represent, includes the Clarence Valley of course, but also communities in the Richmond Valley region, such as Tabulam, Coraki, Wardell, Broadwater, Woodburn and Evans Head.

I frequently hold meetings for residents in the northern part of my electorate. For example I spent Monday in Coraki and Evans Head. If you would like to catch up with me on your turf, give my office a ring on 6643 1244.

Pedal for Preschools

Clarence MP Steve Cansdell has been 'in training' with local children (l-r) Dylan Newton, Tara George and Jayden George, in preparation for his Pedal for Preschools fundraiser.

I am currently cycling around the electorate on a 10-day fundraiser for our local preschools. I am calling this Pedal for Preschools and I am riding to 16 preschools to help raise funds and awareness of the need for funds for local community preschools which are doing it tough because of a lack of NSW Government support.

Forthcoming events include a function at Iluka Preschool from 11.30am to 1.30pm next Wednesday, August 25, a sausage sizzle at Sugartown's Preschool in Wardell from 9.30 to 11am next Thursday, another sausage sizzle at Evans Head Preschool from noon until 2pm, a morning tea at Coraki Preschool from 9 until 11am on Friday, August 27, and an afternoon tea at Tabulam from 1.30 to 2.30pm on the same day.

So why not come along to your local pre-school, meet your local community and kick in for the kids?

Echo readers are also very welcome to attend the Pedal for Preschools gala function at the Grafton District Services Club on the evening of Saturday, August 28, although I realise this is a long drive for many. Bookings are essential. Please call my office on 6643 1244 for details.