Minister Scully visits

Minister Scully visits

Last week it was my pleasure to host a visit to the Lismore Electorate by Minister for Roads, Carl Scully who opened Bald Knob Road situated between Woodenbong and Legume (MR622). It was also announced that a further $150,000 will be allocated towards the cost of improving the Legume to Woodenbong Road in the next financial year to widen, strengthen and seal of various sections. Following my representations, the offer of additional funding to Tenterfield Shire Council was made and based on a 50:50 funding agreement. During the visit funding of another $10,000 was provided to Kyogle Shire Council to undertake maintenance work on Lions Road. This is a local road and provides an alternative route to the Summerland Way for light vehicles. Over many years, the Kyogle Lions Club has raised many thousands of dollars for improvements to be made to this road. Furthermore

Young Drivers Forum

An important aspect of the Minister's visit last week was participating in a Young Drivers Forum at Kyogle High School. Representatives of all high schools in the Lismore Electorate attended to convey their views in relation to an Option Paper titled; "Improving Safety for Young Drivers". I encourage young drivers, learners and p-platers to obtain a copy either from my office or the website youngdrivers.com.au. Comments can be made on the form attached to the Options Paper and forwarded to Improving Safety for Young Drivers or by delivering to my office.

Natural Resources Crisis

The decision by a major water group to sever its relationship with the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) was symptomatic of serious problems with the NSW Labor Government's handling of natural resource issues. The credibility of Labor Natural Resources Minister Craig Knowles is on the line. In terms of reforms to water and native vegetation, Mr Knowles has promised farmers and their rural communities so much but we now find his actions are not matching the rhetoric. Apparently Border Rivers Food & Fibre, representing water users in an area stretching from Stanthorpe, Tenterfield, Glen Innes and Inverell to Goondiwindi and Mungindi, has announced it is severing its relationship with DIPNR over the Border River's Intergovernmental Agreement. Issues include Labor's withdrawal from the National Water Initiative, a proposed cap on Barwon-Darling water allocations, flawed native vegetation legislation, stalled groundwater reform and DIPNR's failure to put a submission into IPART's review of bulk water prices. The Department had been in turmoil since the Minister announced his botched restructure, resulting in the loss of many experienced staff. Labor's failure to properly consult and listen to our rural communities is causing a lot of anger and confusion. Labor just doesn't seem to understand that continued city-centric decision making is costing the livelihoods of many country people.

Electorate Functions

State Representatives Sports Certificate - It has been my pleasure to present these special recognition certificates to local talents; Dylan Bundock, Timothy Knight and Terry Hughes.

Lismore Unlimited Business After Hours @ Tursa - these gatherings provide the business people of Lismore opportunities to network with other owners and operators and really benefit the trade and industry environment for Lismore Businesses.

Casino Primary Annual Presentation Ceremony - many proud parents, relatives and friends gathered for this important event. Many students were duly recognised and I wish these students all the best in their transition to secondary school next year.

St Vincent's Hospital Assistants in Nursing Certificates Presentation - this was a joint venture course with Collaborative Health Education Research Centre and St Vincent's Hopsital in partnership with EastCoast Training. Already 11 of graduates have achieved positions in aged care. The future of aged care is of great concern to all levels of government and health agencies.


My office will be close 12 noon Friday 24 December 2004 and reopen Tuesday 3 January 2005.