Bali condolences

Bali condolences

Along with my colleagues and Federal counterparts, on behalf of the electorate I conveyed our heartfelt sympathy to the relatives and friends of the Australians who died or were injured in Bali on 12 October 2002. Sadly terrorism has now come to our region. The bombing and the callous and murderous manner in which it was performed will change forever the way we live in Australia and go about our daily lives. Everyone has been profoundly moved by the grief and quite dignity of those who lost friends and family in this cruel and terrible attack.

Relay for Life

I had the pleasure of being present and declaring the proceedings officially open for the Relay for Life last Saturday. Congratulations to Mr Don Whitelaw and his team of helpers and volunteers who organised a tremendously successful relay.

Notice of Motion for Coopers Creek Water

Last week in Parliament I tabled a Notice of Motion condemning the draft Water Sharing Plan for the Coopers Creek Water Source and I called on the Minister for Land & Water Conservation to undertake professional long term testing of water quality for at least 5 years on a weekly basis before any decisions and controls can be implemented on Coopers Creek. Furthermore, requesting that an intensive study into population density, village sewerage, forest floor rotting vegetation, riparian and ground water use be carried out in the Coopers Creek catchment.

Seniors Week Grants 2003

Applications for Seniors Week Grants 2003 are being sought from non-profit organisations, volunteer organisations, local government and community groups to assist the development and/or organisation of local Seniors Week projects. The one-off grants are available in one of three categories of funding, up to $500, up to $1,000 and up to $5,000. A maximum of two application forms per organisation will be accepted. Application forms and more information on the grant guidelines are available from my Electorate Office. Applications close 5pm November 29th, 2002.

School grants

A total of $837,000 was allocated to local schools in the Lismore electorate for smaller building and renovation projects. The following local projects received assistance;
$112,000 Kyogle High School for 3 projects, demountable air cooling, a bus bay and external sun
shading to the hall and an upgrade of the wood technology facilities
$310,000 Bonalbo Central school for 3 projects, dust extraction, an electrical upgrade and a stage 2
facilities upgrade
$ 10,000 Casino High School for isolation switches to the industrial arts area
$ 35,000 Casino West Public School for a canteen upgrade
$ 15,000 Clunes Public School for stormwater drainage works
$ 25,000 Eltham Public School for an electrical upgrade
$ 45,000 Goonellabah Public School for a canteen upgrade
$ 35,000 Lismore Heights Public School for a canteen upgrade
$ 14,000 Lismore High School for an upgrade for hall doors and exit lights
$ 12,000 Modanville Public School demountable air cooling
$ 40,000 Richmond River High dust extraction to woodwork room
$ 15,000 The Channon Public School for an electrical upgrade
$ 6,000 Tregeagle Public School
$ 20,000 Whian Whian Public School air cooling of special needs classroom
$ 25,000 Wiangaree Public School for a path and covered walkway
$ 60,000 Wilson Park School for a support unit upgrade
$ 15,000 Woodenbong Central School for dust extraction
$ 25,000 Wyrallah Road Public School for drainage to playing fields

$478,000 Package for Nimbin

A new Community Solutions package has been allocated to the Nimbin village in a range of initiatives unveiled by NSW Special Minister of State, John Della Bosca last week. Congratulations to Diana Roberts, Margaret Hayes and other members of the community for their work with Clive Small and Jacqui Parry from the Premiers Department Unit in securing this funding. The package includes funding for; a skate park, to the Nimbin Neighbourhood and Information Centre, enabling the expansion of the activities of the Nimbin Jungle Patrol Street Beat Team and establish a Security Service, upgrading the Nimbin Headers Sports Club, the employment of an aboriginal support worker at Nimbin Central School and to support the creation of a part-time Tourism Development Officer.