Local Government News

Don Page
State Matters

Alstonville Bypass

My office has been contacted by a number of Alstonville residents lately in regard to the progress of the Alstonville Bypass.

I am pleased to confirm that planning work is currently continuing for the Alstonville Bypass with acquisitions nearing completion. Construction is then expected to commence by the end of the year with completion within two years.

The Alstonville Bypass will divert approximately 15,000 vehicles a day away from Alstonville, which will reduce congestion, improve pedestrian safety and generally improve the amenity of Alstonville for residents.

Area Assistance Scheme grants

Local organisations working to improve community well-being and the way our communities function are invited to apply for the Department of Planning's Area Assistance Scheme grants.

The Area Assistance Scheme grants are available to local councils, regional organisations of councils and incorporated non-profit community organisations who work to;

• connect communities through partnerships
• build community leadership and capacity
• promote safer communities.

The Scheme encourages active community involvement and the opportunity to create community self-help programs and partnerships between organisations to improve community infrastructure.

Further information about the Area Assistance Scheme is available from my office or Planning NSW, PO Box 6, Grafton. Ph 6642 0636 or visit www.duap.nsw.gov.au/aas.

Eligible groups can apply until September 24, 2004.

Public Liability

One of the largest costs faced by community organisations is that of insurance. To assist community organisations seeking insurance, Allianz Australia, NRMA and QBE have formed a joint venture offering public liability insurance for not-for-profit organisations.

This insurance is offered by the Community Care Underwriting Agency and can help organisations gain access to insurance for community events, community centres, home care and many other activities. Further information about Community Care insurance is available by calling 1800 023 456 or visit www.community-care.com.au.

The Insurance Council of Australia also provides advice for organisations seeking public liability insurance. Further information can be found at www.ica.com.au

Christmas Concert

The annual Premier's Seniors Christmas Concerts will again be held in Sydney at the Entertainment Centre on Wednesday, December 8, at 10.30am and 2.30pm.

Local seniors who are travelling to Sydney, and would like to attend the concerts, can obtain free tickets from my Electorate office.

The concerts have proved to be very entertaining in past years and I have received great feedback from local seniors who have attended. I encourage seniors interested in tickets to contact my office as soon as possible, as tickets can only be ordered before c.o.b September 17.

Seniors wishing to reserve tickets need to contact my office and provide the names and address of each individual wishing to attend.

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

Club Tax rally

I joined protestors rallying outside State Parliament earlier this month, who were opposed to the Carr Labor Government's unfair tax hike on the state's clubs.

Carr and Egan's tax increase on NSW clubs came into effect on that day. The fact that thousands of people from all across the state including Lismore and Casino descended on Macquarie Street today highlights the depth of community concern about Labor's unfair tax. Make no mistake; this tax hike will have a devastating affect on clubs in the Lismore Electorate. Clubs provide employment, sporting and entertainment facilities, meeting venues, support for senior citizens and donate to local charities, community groups and junior sporting teams.

All of these are at risk because local clubs now have to fund this unfair and unsustainable tax hike. The report by the Allens Consulting Group estimated up to 36 local jobs would have to be cut in order for local clubs to meet the tax increases, part of up to 24,000 jobs state-wide. The NSW Liberal/National Coalition are committed to working with local clubs for a fairer tax and ensuring the continuation of essential services provided by clubs to local communities.

Enclosure Permits

I have received contact from Minister Kelly's Office advising that in the Northern Region, some reminder notices, which are computer generated, were inadvertently sent.

There is no need to act upon reminder notices until the current Moratorium is resolved. Even when an agreement is reached, landholders will have a further three months thereafter to finalise adjustments. It is anticipated that an early resolution by the end of the month will be achieved.

I have written to those who have contacted my office regarding this issue, supplying a copy of a press release from the Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, Andrew Fraser, for their interest. As information comes to hand, I will endeavour to keep you informed.

Blood Bank forum

Last week, I had the pleasure of opening the 90th Anniversary of Zone 27 Red Cross Conference, which was a celebration of 90 years of serving humanity, through telecross, cosmetic care, emergency services during floods, junior red cross, trauma teddy's and bloodbank.

During this conference, I announced I would be holding a workshop on blood bank services, particularly mobile centres outside Lismore. I will be meeting with the public relations manager in the next two or three weeks to have some issues resolved that have been brought to my attention.

Cleaners strike

I am fully aware of local cleaner's concerns, which forced them to take industrial action last week. I believe the Carr Government must guarantee that parents will not be forced to clean schools because new contractual arrangements won't get the job done. There are fears that proposed new school cleaning contracts being negotiated by the government will reduce the time cleaners are allowed in each school. Any new contractual arrangements must not be a means of cutting costs that result in basic responsibilities transferred to parents and teachers.

I understand that existing contracts are hopelessly inadequate with cleaners allowed only three and a half minutes per classroom. Shadow Minister for Education, Jillian Skinner, is continuing to call on Education Minister Andrew Refshauge to let the public know how much is currently spent on school cleaning contracts and how much is to be spent under new contractual arrangements due to commence in October next year.

Builders Rally

I recently attended in support of local builders, the NSW Builders rally at Parliament House to demonstrate the feelings of the industry affected by the Carr Labor Government and its Home Warranty Insurance mess following the demise of the Building Services Corporation (BSC).

Speaking at the rally Opposition Leader, Mr Brogden, said the BSC system had operated successfully in NSW until 1997, when it was scrapped by the Carr Government. Since the Carr Labor Government privatised the BSC Home Warranty Insurance, premiums have risen by 500%. The re-establishment of a BSC would allow the industry to get back on its feet. The experience in NSW and the current experience in Queensland is that an industry-funded, Government-run scheme is the best option for providing effective insurance cover for builders and consumers.

John Brogden also declared that a NSW Coalition Government would relieve the strain on builders, by re-instating the Building Services Corporation.

Mental Health Access Line

Following recent reviews of access line models and wide discussion with the Mental Health Council, the NRAHS decided that an external service provider would be best to meet the needs of consumers, carers, staff and other service providers. It is a telephone triage assessment that will result in the provision of information and advice, support, direction, follow up, or problem identification. Hours of operation will be 5pm until 9am weekdays with 24 hour cover on weekends and public holidays.

Seniors Card

86% of people over the age of 60 carry a Seniors Card. That's more than 990,000 people in NSW. Seniors are experienced shoppers - after decades of shopping they know a good deal when they see one and they know that businesses displaying the Seniors Card logo have a special offer for them. Seniors Cards are available free to semi-retired or retired people over the age of 60.

The scheme is not means tested. Application forms are at my office.

Valuer General committee

In December 2003, a new joint Parliamentary Committee on the Office of the Valuer General was established in the Legislative Assembly of the Parliament of NSW.

An information brochure, outlining the committee's functions, activities, and relationship to land evaluation processes in NSW is available from my office or www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees.

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