Local Government News

Don Page
State Matters

Alstonville bypass questions

Last week in State Parliament I questioned the NSW Treasurer Andrew Refshauge as to why the Alstonville bypass has been delayed by two years from its completion date of 2006 to a new date of 2008.

Premier Carr issued a media release on March 18 2003 stating that the Alstonville bypass would be completed by the end of 2006. Furthermore, the Commonwealth has had $12 million on the table since 2003, even though the project is a State responsibility.

According to the Treasurer's own budget papers, the Carr Government has failed to spend $7 million allocated in last year's budget, resulting in a two-year delay on construction.

In response to my question, the Treasurer appeared to be unaware the Alstonville bypass is a State responsibility, stating that: "We are spending twice as much as the Commonwealth".

It seems whilst the Commonwealth money is already on the table, the State money is being delayed by a Treasurer who isn't even aware of his responsibilities in regard to the issue.

Please be assured, I will continue to raise the Alstonville bypass at every opportunity. I don't intend to let the Carr Government forget it's broken promise.

As part of this campaign, I am continuing to raise the issue in the Parliament. I will also submit petitions signed by thousands of locals on every Parliamentary sitting day urging Premier Carr to honour his 2003 election commitment.

Woodburn to Ballina upgrade

I have been approached by a number of local residents concerned about the lack of time available to make a submission in regard to the Woodburn to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade.

I have been encouraging those wanting an extension of time to comment to attend information sessions and I have also written to Roads Minister, Michael Costa, requesting an extension of the closing date for submissions.

Four weeks is simply not enough time for local residents to research and prepare their response to the proposals put forward. If enough people express their request for an extension of time I am hopeful the Minister and the Roads and Traffic Authority will listen to the community's concerns and grant an extension of time.

Office contacts

Address: PO Box 1018, Ballina, NSW, 2478
Phone: 6686 7522
Fax: 6686 7470
Email: Don.Page@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Thomas George
Canberra Connection

Primex 2005

Following last year's 20th anniversary celebrations, this year promises to be yet another successful exhibition with sites all but sold out - the first time ever. This three-day farming exhibition has grown and expanded over its two decades, bringing an estimated injection of $2m into the local economy. I trust locals and visitors alike will enjoy this renowned event.

Dentistry forgotten

In the recent Budget, the Carr Government's failure to address the parlous state of dental health in NSW was putting the health of thousands of the State's most disadvantaged at risk, declared Shadow Health Minister Barry O'Farrell following the Budget. The Budget offers no hope to people currently on a public dental waiting list or health professionals doing their best in a massively under-resourced system. Oral health has become the forgotten area of public health under the Carr Government, attracting a miserly one per cent of the total health budget. The appalling thing is that Bob Carr doesn't even realise oral health is a State responsibility. In February he wrongly claimed, "Oral health has always been a federal responsibility." The fact is oral health has never been a federal responsibility.

NRMA Better Roads Panel

Last year, as part as of their Safe Roads initiative, the NRMA held a series of forums in regional NSW to talk to local councils, industry, community leaders and local motorists about what road issues concerned them. There is a very strong link between quality roads and a healthy regional economy. Better roads both save lives and help build important regional industries such as tourist, freight and primary industry. By forming a Better Roads Panel in each of the nine key regions, the NRMA plans to explore the link between roads and regional economics. This panel was launched recently by Deputy Director (former Member and Minister for Roads) Wendy Machin, which will aim to influence government policy on local roads. Members of the community are invited to have their say on local road issues by forwarding a submission to the NRMA, c/- Lisa McGill, Level 23, 388 George Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000 or by email to betterroads@mynrma.com.au.

Seniors Information Service

A special function for seniors is being held on Wednesday, June 29, at the Presbyterian Hall in Keen Street, Lismore, from 1pm. This information session is free and is to assist seniors access a wide range of interests such as gardening tips, security, taking care of finances, wills, power of attorney and guardianship to name a few.

Athletes Funding

Assistance totalling $8500 has been provided to nine local athletes under the 2005 Country Athletes Scheme, while a further $5250 has been awarded to 10 individual sports people under the 2005 Country Coaches and officials scheme. Congratulations to all.

Office contacts

Address: PO Box 52, Lismore, NSW, 2480
Phone: 6621 3624
Fax: 6622 1403
Email: lismore@parliament.nsw.gov.au or www.thomasgeorge.com.au