Petitions Presented

Petitions Presented

Last week I had the pleasure of presenting the first of hundreds of petitions regarding the fast tracking of a new dam at Dunoon to the Minister for Natural Resources, The Hon Craig Knowles. The balance will be tabled in Parliament over the coming months.

Country Athletes

I was pleased to receive advice recently of the successful applicants under the 2003 Country Athletes Scheme. The Lismore Electorate received $14,505 towards assisting talented young athletes to obtain first class training, coaching and competition. Congratulations to the recipients and I trust this will help them in their future sporting endeavours.

Country Shows

Last week I had the opportunity to raise in Parliament a Matter of Public Importance in relation to country shows. I highlighted the fact that shows play an important role in rural and regional communities. It is often the focal point of the communities year and is the occasion to showcase its achievements in livestock to sewing and many other areas. The two greatest obstacles for shows has been in the increase in insurance costs, the drought and maintenance of buildings. I have called on the NSW Government to provide necessary funds, support and needs to assure the future of country shows. I also mentioned that many of these problems also pertain to country halls.

Land Tax

I have recently had a number of enquiries regarding land tax and its recent changes. People should be aware that this tax does not apply to land used and occupied as your principal place of residence. Further information can be obtained from my office or on the Office of State Revenue website - www.osr.nsw.gov.au.

Native Vegetation Reform Implementation Group

The NSW Government has set up the Native Vegetation Reform Implementation Group to work with NSW Farmers, environmentalists, scientists and the Government to implement the reforms outlined by the Wentworth Group. The Hon Ian Sinclair has been appointed to head the Group.

Ms Gul Izmir
Project Manager
Department for Sustainable Natural Resources (SNR)
23-33 Bridge Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Ph 92286222 Fax 92286288

Property Stock & Business Agents Regulation 2003

Currently submissions are open to people wishing to make comments in relation to the Property Stock & Business Agents Regulation 2003. The closing date is 6 June 2003. Copies of the regulation can be obtained from my office or the Office of Fair Trading website - www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au. Submissions should be sent to -

Property, Stock & Business Agents Regulation Policy & Strategy Division
Office of Fair Trading
PO Box 972
PARRAMATTA NSW 2124
Fax 93388918