2006 Regional Flagship Events

2006 Regional Flagship Events

Tourism event organisers across regional NSW Should consider submitting an expression of interest for funding under one of Tourism NSW key support programs - Regional Flagship Events. Funding from Tourism NSW is available to established tourism events that enhance the appeal of the destination, the regional identity the visitor experience and attract visitors from other parts of NSW and interstate. Annual one-off grants of $10,000 and triennial grants of $20,000 per annum (over 3 years) are available to assist organisers with marketing and promoting their event in 2006. Event organisers have until Monday 15 August to lodge a relatively brief expression of interest, which is the first stage of a two part application process. Information and application package is available from www.tourism.nsw.gov.au or 02 9931 1506.

Review of the Mental Health Act 1990

As part of the review of the Mental Health Act 1990 the NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Health will be conducting a public forum on Tuesday 16 August from 3.00pm-5.00pm at the Lismore Workers Club. All are welcome to attend. Copies of the discussion paper relating to the review are available from my office.

Seniors Week Grants

Applications are now open for 2006 Seniors Week Grants Program. The aim of the program is to assist the development and/or organisation of local Seniors Week projects and activities. Applications close 23 September 2005 and forms are available from my office. Please note Seniors Week 2006 is from 2-9 April, as it has been moved from mid March to avoid clashing with the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

Vendors Duty

The NSW Vendor tax, which is charged upon the seller of investment real estate at a flat 2.25% of the sale price, was abolished from 2 August, 2005. The tax was hitting sellers of real estate at the rate of $2,250 for every $100,000 and was in addition to the stamp duty paid by the purchaser on the other side of the same transaction. The tax had been one of the worst taxes in NSW history and was having a major effect on the building industry and there had been a flight of capital for real estate investment properties to Queensland, Victoria and New Zealand.
The Nationals has called on the State Labor Government to refund vendor duty paid by property owners between 24 May and 2 August 2005. Revelations made by Bob Carr's former Communications Director Walt Secord indicate that this regressive tax should have been abolished in this year's May State Budget - but the announcement was deferred to enable the replacement Labor Leader to give some positive news. All those property buyers who were forced to pay this nasty tax since the May Budget should immediately have payments refunded. Labor Leader Morris Iemma must also explain what he knew of the deliberate deferral of the abolition of the vendor tax.

Fisheries Discussion Papers

Anglers in NSW are invited to have their say on proposals to change some recreational fishing rules, including modifications to size limits, bag limits and fishing methods. Two discussion papers have been prepared in consultation with the commercial and recreational fishing advisory councils. The discussion papers have been prepared in response to the findings of environmental assessments being conducted for the state's major fisheries, the results of the National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey, the recommendations of the Palmer Report on Illegal Fishing for Commercial Gain or Profit in NSW, and community feedback from previous reviews. This process will give people the opportunity to comment on the proposals and options for changes to the current fishing rules. The discussion papers include proposals for changes to freshwater and saltwater bag and size limits and methods, and for fishing competitions. Written submissions close 30 September 2005. Submissions should be sent to: Fishing Review, NSW DPI, PO Box 21, Cronulla, NSW, 2230, fax 9527 8576 or email fish.review@fisheries.nsw.gov.au. Copies of the papers can be obtained from my office or the website www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au