Let's Not Forget REX
Echo 22 July 2004
Let's Not Forget REX
I encourage Northern Rivers travellers to continue to support our regional
airline Rex, following the announcements by QantasLink and Virgin Blue of new
services to the region. While I welcome any efforts to further Northern Rivers
tourism and increase services for the local community. To date, 5000 passengers
a month utilize Lismore Airport, compared to 3,000 last year with 55,000
passengers during 2003/2004, compared to 36,000 in the previous year. Whilst the
introduction of Virgin services in Ballina begins, let's not forget that Rex has
been here providing a continual service in the difficult times as well as the
busy times. When other airlines apparently saw the region as a lost cause and
the state government was encouraging people to visit the area via the Gold Coast
Airport, Rex believed in the region's potential. Whilst I am pleased that the
major carriers have seen the light, I urge travellers to continue to use the
outstanding services offered by Rex here in Lismore. I have called on the NSW
Government to ensure it's significant expenditure on air travel to and from the
Northern Rivers, was shared between the airports. As a major user of air travel
in the region for official business, the Government has a large role to play in
ensuring there is a level playing field for airlines.
Call for Moratorium on Closure of Business Enterprise Centres
Shadow NSW Small Business Minister, Katrina Hodgkinson, has called for a
moratorium on funding cuts to Business Enterprise Centres (BEC) across NSW and
for a 12-month consultation period to assess the best method of service delivery
to small business. The Labor Government is proposing to cut to 18 the centres to
perform the role currently undertaken by 48 BECs around the State. Katrina
Hodgkinson has been visiting BECs across northern NSW to discuss the slashing of
funding by the Labor Government that will force the closure of many local BECs
across the State. Tenders for the provision of future advisory services to small
businesses closed last week. These cuts were made with no consultation -
managers and staff heard about the slashing of funding through the media. Labor
has left BECs with little or no time to explore alternate funding arrangements,
particularly through the private sector. With the Labor Government budgeting to
spend $37.4 billion on expenses this year it is unconscionable for them to say
that they can't find a mere $750,000 to maintain BEC funding at its previous
level. Local knowledge and face-to-face service is vital in the provision of
advice to small business, particularly in rural areas which have poor access to
decent internet coverage.
Rail Corridor Working Party
The first meeting of the Casino to Murwillumbah Rail Corridor Working Party, was
postponed and will be held on Monday 9 August. As advised previously I have
received a number of constituent approaches in relation to issues as a result of
the closure of the branch line, I will highlight these matters and seek outcomes
during discussions with members of the Working Party. Should constituents wish
to convey incidents of concern or experiences, please do so by contacting my
office.
National Sales Recognition
During the recent visit to the Lismore Electorate by Shadow Minister for Small
Business, together we had the pleasure of congratulating Mr Ron Marriott of
Northern Rivers Cleaning Supplies and Equipment who has achieved the top sales
of Gerni products for June in Australia. He has been in the top ten for a number
of years and this year has been rewarded with the highest recognition. Ron has
been trading for 18 years and as an agent for Gerni he has been competing
against full time representatives from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne.
Congratulations to Ron and his staff, well done!
Daffodil Day
On the 20 August people across Australia will come together in a spirit of good
will and participate in this special celebration. As the international symbol of
hope, the daffodil represents our shared believe in a cancer-free future. People
interested in participating by selling merchandise to friends, family and
colleagues can call 1300 65 65 85 or visit www.daffodilday.com.au
"Indent" One Off Grants
This is an organisation called Independent entertainment network for young
people in NSW. You can apply for up to $2,000 per gig, festival or event
happening after September 10 this year. Further information can be obtained by
visiting www.indent.net.au
2005 Macquarie Bank Indigenous Scholarship
Applications for this scholarship are now open and is merit-based and open to
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who can demonstrate a developed
interest in directing, producing, screenwriting or documentary. Application
forms can be downloaded www.aftrs.edu.au
Small Grants for Small Rural Communities
A small grants program for small rural Australian communities is offering grants
again this year to benefit not-for-profit organisations in rural and remote
communities. For more information www.frrr.org.au or call 1800 170 020.
2005 Australian of the Year Awards
You are invited to nominate a friend, family member, community leader, colleague
of even someone famous - an Australian who you believe makes our country a
better place to live. Forms are available at Commonwealth Banks, more
information call 1300 655 193 or www.australianoftheyear.gov.au. These awards
close Friday 20 August 2004.
Call for Submissions
The Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Natural Resource Management is
inviting submissions on farm practices for the reduction of Salinity and Drought
Mitigation. Terms of Reference area available from my office or by following
links to Committees from the Parliament website www.parliament.nsw.gov.au
