Council Comment

with Steve Cansdell

Pedal for Preschools raises $9000

Thanks to all the parents, children, staff and local businesses who made my inaugural Pedal for Preschools such a roaring success.

We raised more than $9000 over my two-week bike trip and that money was split between the sixteen pre-schools in the Clarence electorate.

I can't believe the amount of support I got from local residents and businesses, although I confess I did find one angry detractor in Coraki, as I got repeatedly swooped by a magpie, which took exception to the colour of my helmet.

On the subject of donations, I would like to thank the Pedal for Preschools sponsors, especially our local registered clubs.

There will be another Pedal for Preschools in 2005, which will be bigger, better and raise even more funding for these wonderful community institutions.

Labor's Club tax

Whether our local clubs will be in a position to sponsor Pedal for Preschools 2005 or any other community event is now in considerable doubt.

Last month I joined 15,000 members of registered clubs in Sydney to protest against the introduction of the Labor Party State Government's dreaded Club Tax hike.

I have also spoken up in Parliament about this issue recently. I informed the Premier that the Grafton District Services Club alone sponsors dozens of community programs, including many who have been abandoned by his Government.

Some clubs are now facing tax hikes of up to 73 per cent. That means they will have to cut support to local community and sporting clubs or increase the cost of membership and meals.

The NSW Government will collect up to an extra $1,800 million in taxes from NSW Clubs or more than $250 for every man, woman and child in the state. It's daylight robbery.