Ageing and Disability Services Boosted

Ageing and Disability Services Boosted

10 different services throughout the Lismore electorate received a total of $279,720. This funding includes allocations for Home and Community Care (HACC) services and disability services in the Far North Coast region. Both HACC and the Disability Agreement are joint State/Commonwealth initiatives. Allocations were made to the following organisations;

$20,000 for Northern Rivers Social Development Council for other HACC support services

$4,998 for Caroona Homes for the Aged for centre based day care

$20,451 for Nimbin Health and Welfare Association for centre based care

$13,804 for Centacare - Lismore Seniors Day Care for centre based care

$10,000 for Casino/Kyogle HACC Flexi Service for home modification and maintenance

$60,000 for Northern Rivers Community Transport

$41,000 for Casino Neighbourhood Centre Inc for respite services

$25,000 for Lismore Interchange Respite Care Inc

$24,467 Lismore Home Modification and Maintenance

$60,000 Early Childhood Intervention - Therapy Far North Coast

Furthermore $20,000 has also been provided to the Northern Rivers Legal Centre and $30,000 to the Lismore Office of the AIDS Council of NSW, under the 2001 Women's Grants Program.

Firefighters Welcomed

Following my approaches to the Minister for Emergency Services, outlining the concerns from constituents, Lismore Unlimited and myself regarding to response times and the staffing of the Lismore station, the creation of three new firefighting positions at the Lismore fire station was welcomed. These new positions will reduce response times by enabling the Lismore station to increase the amount of time per week it is staffed by permanent firefighters. The transfer of non-operational positions to front line firefighting positions has been made possible through new computerised systems. Mr Debus also indicated that the NSW Fire Brigades was developing a proposal for Lismore fire station to have a 24 hour a day permanent firefighting presence, within two years.

2001 Premier's Christmas Concert

I am pleased to advise that tickets are available to Seniors for the Premier's Christmas Concert performance on Tuesday 4 December at 3pm. Tickets and further details can be requested from my office.

Workers Compensation Update

I have been receiving a number of calls from constituents about the effects of the Carr Government's upcoming legislation on workers compensation. At present there is a draft Bill and it is likely that there will be some changes in the version that is presented to Parliament this week. Any constituents should clarify concerns and seek professional advice from their legal representative, however, I will endeavour to keep constituents informed of changes in this regard and anyone wishing to receive mailouts should contact my office.

Community Legal Education Program

It is often difficult for people to obtain free face to face legal advice, therefore the NSW Legal Aid office will be conducting appointments on Wednesday 12 December and a workshop on Thursday 13 December regarding legal and paternity issues. Appointments for legal advice are essential and can be made by contacting 1800 451 784 or further information is available from my office.

Wilderness Bill Voted Down By Labor

The Wilderness Bill - Private Property Rights that was introduced into Parliament in November 1999 by the National Party Member for Monaro, has been defeated in the NSW State Parliament. The Bill sought to amend the Act to require the consent of owners of private land prior to any assessment at public expense for wilderness values after which the owners retain the power to reject declaration. The Bill also sought to redefine self-reliant activity to include a broader variety of recreational, education, heritage, tourism and conversation activities and initiatives on a conditional basis within wilderness areas. This was also not supported. Instead the Carr government is proposing to exclude many activities such as abseiling, white water rafting and camping to name a few from National Parks as well. The Carr Government has demonstrated their lack of understanding of the serious consequences to private land owners of Wilderness nomination and declaration. The National Party policy to amend the Wilderness Act 1987 will remain steadfast.

Load Based Licensing (LBL)

This is the Carr Government's new pollution control scheme based on the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 and is administered by the NSW Environmental Protection Authority. LBL applied to the polluter pays principal and my office has been supplied with booklets that outlines this new scheme. Anyone wanting to obtain a copy can do so by contacting my office.