SUPPORT LOCALLY June 1999

SUPPORT LOCALLY
June 1999

The key to securing jobs and economic growth in our area is to promote our small businesses. We must do our part by supporting local businesses we don't need to make many sacrifices to do it. So I encourage consumers and small businesses' alike to support your local enterprise. You will not only be helping to keep jobs and opportunities local, the chances are you will be gaining a better deal as well.

CELLULOSE VALLEY

Recently I had the pleasure of attending the launch of the Cellulose Valley Technology Park by Senator Grant Trambling which is a potential industry set to boom in this region. The Park aims to be Australia's first quality assured centre for research, development and the commercialisation of natural plant products. The assistance of Southern Cross University together with local community support will enhance the momentum that this development is already experiencing.

STATE BUDGET

In the State Budget our Electorate was delighted that the Lismore Drug & Alcohol Detoxification facility has been recognised by receiving $800,000 for 1999/2000 and is due for completion by 2001 with an estimated overall cost of $2.8 million.

With respect to roads in the electorate a further $885,000 has been allocated for the Wiangaree deviation together with an additional $5 million to be spent on improvements to the Summerland Way between Grafton and the Queensland border.

I am hoping that allocations listed as various locations will include Police patrol bicycles for Lismore, a new fire engine for Kyogle and new computer systems for SES. Under the Minor Capital Works I hope the Trinity College bus interchange and pedestrian underpass and the Kyogle Murwillumbah Road will be included for this funding.

Some projects that at first glance may have missed out on funding include:
new police station at Lismore
fire training centre for Lismore Furthermore whilst I appreciate that I have only been your representative for two months, I can assure the Electorate that I will work tirelessly over the next twelve months to reinforce and highlight the important needs of the Lismore Electorate.