Local Government News

Don Page
State Matters

Trains decision

Last week in Parliament I held discussions with NSW Transport Minister Michael Costa regarding the future of the Casino-Murwillumbah branch line. The meeting gave me the opportunity to put forward the case for retaining existing services and for completing an updated feasibility study on an extension of the rail line to connect with the Queensland system.

The talks were constructive and hopefully productive in saving the local train service. The Minister advised he had heard what I had to say, and he would make a decision and announce it by the end of this week. I advised the Minister there is strong community support for retaining our rail services and for enhancing them in the future. It was a good hearing and I am hopeful the Minister was persuaded to keep the trains running.

Our existing services are very important to many north coast residents and it is vital the State Government keeps the train running so the line doesn't lapse into disrepair, making it harder to argue for connection with the Queensland rail system.

I also discussed the desirability of having commuter services on the existing line and how these could be expanded if the connection to the Queensland system was made. We are a growing area with close tourism, employment and health services links to Queensland, so it is logical to have a rail link into the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the thousands of people who have signed the petitions circulated by the local Nationals MPs, in support of retaining rail services.

Education Job Cuts

The purge of at least thirty education support jobs on the north coast is a blow for education in the local area. As part of the Carr Governments most recent restructure, the district offices for the north coast area (based at Murwillumbah and Lismore) will be downgraded through the loss of these 30 staff. This will put a lot more pressure on local Principals in particular.

It follows the Carr Governments' slashing of over 70 local education jobs in 1996 when the regional office at Lismore was drastically cut back. In growth areas like ours, there should be more support for public education, not less.

This decision means teachers will have even less support than they have now and management of education issues at the local level will be much more difficult.

Community Impact Statements

In a bid to prevent the Carr Government from implementing legislation without regard for its impact on rural and regional areas, the Nationals have given notice of a Private Member's Bill in the NSW Parliament, which, if passed, will require the State Government to prepare genuine Rural Communities Impact Statements before making decisions affecting rural and regional communities.

While there is legislation in place to protect Threatened Species, there is no legislation to ensure that threatened communities are considered in relation to Government decisions. The "Rural Communities Impacts Bill" will also require that the Rural Communities Impact Statements be accessible to the public.

In 1996, Premier Carr promised that any major changes proposed by Government departments in rural NSW would be subject to a Rural Communities Impact Statement however, it hasn't occurred. The Carr Government has a chance to honour their original promise by supporting the Nationals Bill when it comes before Parliament next year. It will be a good test for you so-called Country Labor who, to date have always voted with City Labor on every piece of legislation regardless of its impact on country communities.

Christmas Good Wishes

As 2003 draws to a close, we can reflect on the year, and look forward to Christmas with our families and friends. Christmas is about sharing the excitement of the season, and enjoying the peace which comes from being together. I wish you all a happy and peaceful time in the true spirit of Christmas.

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

Council amalgamations

The Coalition was extremely disappointed with the Carr Government's decision to leave the Local Government Amalgamation Legislation hanging over the head of every council in NSW until next year. It was pleasing that the crossbenches in the Upper House joined with The National and Liberals in their opposition to the Bill, but it was unfortunate Labor had left this important issue in the balance rather than accepting the will of the Parliament and people of NSW to vote the Bill down.

Natural Resources Legislation

Last week the Coalition voted against the natural resource legislation, however the Labor Government once again did not listen to the voice of the people. The Bill presented to Parliament did not bear any resemblance to the Sinclair Report as promised by the Premier and the Minister. It was also disappointing that the Government did a deal with certain crossbench members to defeat an amendment to retain the NSW Coastal Council. The Nationals major concerns remaining with the Bill includes:

• No guarantee of promised compensation for farmers whose productive capacity is cut by this legislation;

• A failure to adequately devolve power from Sydney to the new regionally-based Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs);

• Giving CMAs the power to levy landholders to make up funding shortfalls - effectively another tax on rural landowners;

• Effectively reversing the onus of proof, meaning farmers have to prove their innocence rather than another party proving their guilt;

• The effective shutdown of the NSW firewood collection industry;

• The definition of "broadscale clearing" remains the removal of as little as just one tree;

• The doubling of penalties from the original bill for breaches of the Act;

• Third party rights which allow vexatious litigants to tie farmers up in costly legal proceedings;

• Giving the power to the Minister to dictate what are routine agricultural management activities;

• Failure to clearly spell out in the bills the situation relating to private native forestry, which sustains hundreds of jobs across NSW;

• Failing to detail whether threatened species legislation will override Property Vegetation Plans.

Local Students

Many students who completed the HSC this year would be now preparing for further studies, job opportunities and embarking on new adventures. I would like to wish you all well in your future endeavours and trust that you all follow your chosen journey into careers and adult life with zest and determination.

For those pursuing employment, the following websites may be useful www.jobs.nsw.gov.au and www.daa.dwps. nsw.gov.au selecting 'NSW Government jobs'.

Aboriginal education review

The Minister for Education has announced a review of the scope and effectiveness of the Department of Education and Training's Aboriginal education policies and programs. The review program has been developed in partnership with the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc (AECG) and has the endorsement of the NSW Teachers' Federation.

Submissions are being sought and further details are available on www.det.nsw.gov.edu/reviews or you can lodge your submission by writing to The Executive Officer, Aboriginal Education Review Secretariat, Department of Education and Training, Level 7, 35 Bridge Street Sydney 2001 or email - aersecretariat@det.nsw.edu.au

Freshwater Fish Stocking

The Freshwater Fish Stocking Draft Fishery Management Strategy and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has prepared an EIS, examining the environmental impacts and risk of the existing stocking program and the estimated changes to those impacts and risks if the draft management strategy was implemented.

The Fish Stocking EIS is on public exhibition until December 19. Any person may make a submission and further information is available at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au.

Ombudsman Review

The NSW Ombudsman undertakes reviews of the implementation of various Acts and welcomes submissions on any aspect of these Acts, including (where possible) details of any experiences with the operation of these Acts. Information on the Acts currently being reviewed can be obtained via website www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/legislative/index.html or telephone toll free 1800 451 524.

Seasons Greetings

As 2003 draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a safe, happy and holy Christmas. I trust that 2004 will bring happiness and good health. - Thomas, Karen, Bronwyn & Julie.

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