Lismore Fun Festival

Lismore Fun Festival

Congratulations to the organisers, participants and businesses involved in the Lismore Fun Festival, for the successful inaugural event which has the potential to develop into an annual community celebration.

Primex Exhibition

I am looking forward to attending this years Primex Exhibition `99 which will be officially opened by The Hon. John Anderson, Minister for Transport and Regional Services. I would like to thank the Federal Member for Page, Ian Causley and his staff, for coordinating the visit by Mr Anderson. Primex `99 is expected to draw more than 40,000 which will benefit the Northern Rivers area, covering every aspect of primary industry throughout Australia.

Greenslips

Recent publicity by the Carr Government that the "average" person in NSW, will benefit from a $100 saving on Third Party Compulsory Greenslips is misleading. A local resident recently requested a pensioner quotation and was told the premium would rise from $325 to $412 - a 27% increase. The Motor Accidents Authority supported statistics that indicated pensioners, between 30 and 59 were more likely to claim on their CTP insurance. Competition is important, but not at the expense of the disadvantaged. I urge everyone to check their individual situation as not everybody falls under the Government's category of "AVERAGE".

Septic Tank Amendment Legislation

In the face of community and council outrage the Carr Government has not negotiated on its plan to levy septic tank owners with registration and inspection fees from July 1. The Coalition was previously successful in delaying this outrageous legislation, however the Government has refused to back down. The Hon. Mr Duncan Gay, Shadow Minister for Local Government, is determined to meet with the Minister in a final attempt to call on the Government to go back to the drawing board.

Area Assistance Scheme

Councils, community groups and constituents have all conveyed their strong concern regarding the future of the Area Assistance Scheme. This essential Scheme commenced in 1991 and has provided, assisted and established many worthwhile projects, many creating sound employment. I would like to assure the Lismore Electorate that I am committed to objecting to any cutbacks or the transfer of authority of this Scheme. During the last sitting of Parliament, I asked a Question Without Notice to the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, who assured all members of the Legislative Assembly that the Area Assistance Scheme will not be abolished. In the forthcoming State Budget, I will be eagerly awaiting the announcement of funding allocations not only to the Area Assistance Scheme, but also promises made prior to the election by Labor for this Electorate.

Multi Purpose Service Facilities

I have received community interest following the Minister's recent announcement of the establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Committee, being chaired by The Rt Hon Ian Sinclair. An invitation has been extended to this Committee to visit the Lismore Electorate and discuss proposals for the establishment of Multi Purpose Service Facilities at both Nimbin and Kyogle.