Local Government News

Don Page
State Matters

Keeping bypass pressure up

Further to my comments last column on the Alstonville by-pass, I recently asked Premier Carr a question in State Parliament regarding the project.

Specifically I asked about; the expected timetable for events for the project, including when detailed design work would be completed, when land acquisition would be finalised, and whether funding would be available in this year's Budget.

As this column goes to print the 2003-04 Budget is yet to be handed down. Whether this year's Budget or next year's Budget contains the $24 million in funding specifically for the Alstonville by-pass, Premier Carr has committed to a 2006 completion date. In the answer to my question he advises, 'The by-pass is due to be built by the end of 2006', and 'Detailed design work is expected to be completed by the end of 2003.' I intend to keep the Premier to his 2006 completion date.

I am also pleased that after seeking confirmation from the Federal Government of its allocation of $12 million, Transport Minister, John Anderson, has advised Federal funding is confirmed for the project. $2.2 million was included in the recent 2003/04 Federal Budget on 13 May 2003, with the balance of the $12 million provided for in the next two budgets as required by the cash flow profile for the project.

My office has been approached by local residents stung by recent sharp rises in land tax assessments and in response I have pursued this issue in the State Parliament.

Land tax is an annual tax applying to property other than a person's principal residence when the land value exceeds the threshold of $261,000.

This month, a Bill has been introduced to State Parliament to provide for the establishment of a joint committee of members to oversee the functions of the Office of the Valuer-General. The Valuer-General has responsibility for the general valuation of land, the establishment of the Office of the Valuer-General and the appointment of contract valuers in NSW. Land tax assessments are based on valuations made by the Office of Valuer-General.

In recent times there have been questions raised about the level of public confidence in the Office of Valuer-General's assessments and the joint committee task is to ensure land valuations are well-informed and based on reliable information. The revision of individual cases and assessments will not be undertaken by this committee, but can continue to be examined by existing objection mechanisms, or the Land and Environment Court if necessary.

Those who have worked hard to provide for their retirement and have bought property to ensure they are not dependent on the taxpayer, should not be slugged by an undue land tax burden. They must also have confidence that the assessment of their land value is fair.

PO Box 1018, Ballina 2478; Ph: 66867522, Fax: 66867470; Email: apage@parliament.nsw.gov.au; Website: www.donpage.com.au

Thomas George
Canberra Connection

Capital Assistance Program

I wish to advise guidance notes and applications forms for the 2003/04 Capital Assistance Program are available from my office or online at www.dsr.nsw.gov.au.

The Program provides grants to assist with the development of local community sporting and recreational facilities throughout NSW. Further information can be obtained by contacting the North Coast Regional Office of the Department of Sport and Recreation on 6687 7168.

Primex 2003

Last week, Federal Minister Warren Truss officially opened Primex 2003 and I congratulate Exhibition Marketing representatives John and Bruce Wright and their team on a tremendous exhibition. This event was originally established 19 years ago and over the years it has developed and expanded to be the envy of other agricultural displays held throughout the eastern States.

One could find whatever one needed for a house, farm, property or business from the 600 exhibitors at the Primex show.

Blood Rush 3000

In an urgent attempt to make up for the now critical plasma stocks, the NSW Red Cross Blood Service has launched Blood Rush 3000 - a campaign to generation 3000 blood donations in three weeks to make up for the grave NSW blood supply.

You just need to make an appointment to donate blood so that we can pass it on to NSW hospitals to help Australian Children, mums, dads and grandparents who are in need of blood due to things like diseases, trauma, car accidents or transplants. All people need to do is call 13 14 95 or alternatively www.bloodrush3000.com to register.

Seniors Card

Currently my office is updating our NSW Seniors Card directory, therefore any person who has acquired a NSW Seniors Card and may not be registered with my office, should convey their details to ensure that the revised directory is automatically supplied to them.

Natural Resource Management

A NSW Legislative Assembly Standing Committee has been appointed to inquire into the sustainable Management of Natural Resources in NSW. Terms of reference are available from my office or online through the Parliament website; www.parliament.nsw.gov.au. Closing date for submissions is Monday, July 14, and can be addressed to The Committee Manager, Standing Committee on Natural Resource Management, Parliament House, Macquarie Street, SYDNEY 2001.

Recognition for Country Coaches and Officials

I was pleased to be advised of an allocation of $4,845 to seven individual sports people under the 2003 Country Coaches and Officials Scheme. Such recognition to country athletes in the Lismore electorate by the Minister for Sport and Recreation is testimony to the talent and scope of ability in rural areas. The Scheme is vital in its role in assisting with the expenses that many rural people are faced with. The following people have received funding as a contribution to expenses to access opportunities to participate in education courses that assist them in gaining or maintaining required accreditation: Tony Marsh, Little Athletics Assoc; Krystal Gollen, Northern NSW Soccer Federation; Christopher Breen, NSW Cycling Federation; Christopher Behan, NSW Gymnastic Assoc; Mahala Klotz, NSW Gymnastic Assoc; Sharon Williamson, NSW Gymnastic Assoc; Stephen Clough, NSW Softball Assoc

Local Justice of the Peaces

I wish to encourage all Lismore Electorate Justice of the Peaces who wish to be informed of impending changes, to contact my office so that when this information comes to hand, you will receive this information.

Do you employ people?

The office of Industrial Relations NSW Department of Commerce is running a series of seminars in Lismore for employers. Topics covered over a number of days at differing times include Rights and Responsibilities, Recruitment and Termination and Managing Employees.

More information is available online at www.commerce.nsw.gov.au or ringing 1800 803 836.

Community Development Grants

The 2004 Community Relations Commission for a multicultural NSW is inviting applications for funding. The aim of the program is to encourage the participation of people from culturally diverse communities in all aspects of life in NSW. Projects will be funded on a competitive basis to not-for-profit community organizations. Applications forms are available from my office or www.crc.nsw.gov.au and close 5pm Friday, July 25, 2003.

Casino Community Benefit FundI was pleased to be advised that the Lismore electorate was allocated $65,038 under this scheme with the funds primary objective to fund gambling-related treatment such as counselling and rehabilitation services, research projects and other activities designed to minimise harm associated with gambling in the community.

North Coast Rivers

Available for viewing from my office is a copy of the publication by Healthy Rivers Commission "North Coast Rivers - Independent Inquiry into the North Coast Rivers".

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 140, by writing to PO Box 52 Lismore, e-mail; thomas.george@parliament.nsw.gov.au or www.thomasgeorge.com.au