Local Government News
 Ian
Causley
Canberra Connection
Nationals team in Lismore
I am very pleased to have had the Federal Parliamentary Nationals team in Lismore
on Monday and Tuesday of this week.
The visit began with Deputy Prime Minister and federal leader of the Nationals,
Mark Vaile, officially opening the Lismore flood levee at Spinks Park on Monday.
As you would be aware, the levee wall was put to its first challenge recently
when Lismore and many other areas suffered flooding.
The Parliamentary Nationals members spent the remainder of the two-day visit
meeting with NOROC (Northern Rivers Organisation of Councils) and business representatives.
Parliamentary party meetings were also held.
This visit was a unique opportunity for our region because federal party meetings
are rarely held outside Canberra. I am very glad that my colleagues had the opportunity
to speak with some local people about local issues.
Employer awards
The Prime Minister's 2005 Employer of the Year Awards for employers of people
with disabilities are now open for nominations and I am strongly encouraging people
to nominate.
These important Awards recognise leadership and innovation in employing people
with disabilities.
There are many employers on the Northern Rivers who know that what counts in
the workplace is a person's ability, not their disability. It is very encouraging
to see employers taking on people with disabilities - this shows great flexibility
and commitment.
There are eight categories of Awards covering national, large, medium and small
business as well as higher education and federal, state and local governments.
I encourage all workers with disabilities, and employment service providers
in Page to nominate those local employers they see as doing a great job and deserving
of recognition.
Nominations close on Friday, 2 September 2005 with the winners to be announced
later this year. Information on how to nominate is available from my Lismore office.
Envirofund grants
Community groups and individuals in exceptional circumstances declared areas
are invited to apply for grants up to $50,000 from the Australian Government Envirofund.
The Australian Government recently announced the opening of the second drought
recovery round of the Envirofund. Since it was launched in 2002, the government
has approved more than 4,700 community-based projects and given away more than
$70 million in funding.
Issues such as salinity, poor water quality, erosion, loss of native plant
and animals are just some of the problems that are being addressed by the Government's
Envirofund.
To be eligible for funding, projects under the special drought Envirofund round
must aim at protecting land, water, plant and animal life from the effects of
the drought. Projects should help prepare the natural resources for drought recovery
or attempt to prevent environmental damage when the drought ends.
The Envirofund criteria has been especially tailored for this round to include
projects needed in a drought situation. I urge people in exceptional circumstances
declared areas, particularly farmers, to apply for funding. Applications close
Friday, August 26, 2005. Interested people can contact my Lismore office for details
on how to apply.
Office contacts
Address: PO Box 1119, Lismore, NSW, 2480
Phone: 6621 9909
Fax: 6621 9959
Email: ian.causley.mp@aph.gov.au
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