Drought

Drought

Unfortunately the drought assistance measures recently announced by Premier Carr are only applicable to Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett Rural Lands Protection Boards (RLPB). It is anticipated and hoped that the scope will widen to include Casino and Richmond/Tweed RLPB areas. Some of the measures such as the drought telephone enquiry line and access to Rural Financial Counsellors are accessible for advice as well as information through the website; www.agriculture.nsw.gov.au/drought. The National Party has been calling on the NSW Government to urgently introduce drought assistance measures for a number of weeks as conditions have gradually worsened across the State, over a period of time. It has taken the NSW Coalition's planned round-table meeting with financial institutions to spur on Premier into action. This package falls short because of the defined RLPB areas, however I continue my appeal for immediate measures that should include transport assistance for the cartage of fodder and water, as Casino and Richmond/Tweed Rural Lands Protection Boards (RLPB's) are restricted in movement of livestock to other RLPB's.

COLA funds for Schools

I have been advised of additional assistance on a dollar for dollar basis to construct new facilities and improve existing buildings has been approved under the 2001/02 Joint Funding Program. Majority of schools will use the funding to construct shade shelters, games courts, covered walkways, multi-purpose spaces and covered outdoor learning areas (COLA). Minor works funded from the program include;

$8,000
$3,040
$1,493

 

Kyogle High School
Larnook Public School
The Channon Public School

COLA Project
storage shed
improving conditions in clerical office

Shadow Minister for Emergency Services visits

Andrew Stoner undertook a familiarisation tour to the Lismore Electorate recently. He visited the Northern Region Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter base and local units of the State Emergency Service. It was a great opportunity for Andrew to become more aware of the need for new facilities to provide services during times of flooding, Natural disasters, bushfires etc, particularly from the perspective of our area.

Seniors Card mail out

Local seniors may have received contact from me in relation to the NSW Seniors Card; the response to this contact has been overwhelming. The telephone has been very busy and a number of people have mentioned that they have had difficulty getting through to my office. Please be patient as there is no time limit on this matter. A lot of people already have a card but may be unaware that my office provides a local directory, which lists all the participating businesses and the offers that are available in the Lismore, Casino, Kyogle, Ballina, Byron and surrounding towns. Should you wish to receive this publication, please do not hesitate to contact my office and you will automatically receive an updated version each time it is revised. My staff is currently supplying directories and application forms to those who have already contacted my office.

Public Liability

I believe a number of organisations may have received a letter stating...
" 4. Public Liability Insurance - no longer required;
The Government recognises that Associations undertake a variety of activities with differing levels of risk and that Associations themselves are the best judges of their insurance needs. Accordingly, effectively 10 May 2002 the Associations Incorporation legislation no longer requires Associations to have public liability insurance to become or remain incorporated."

Despite this advice, I strongly suggest that each and every organisation should seek its own advice on what type of insurance it needs to have.