Bruce Duncan
Echo 24 March 2005
Bruce Duncan
I like a lot of people in the area was saddened to learn of the passing of
Mr Bruce Duncan, the former Member for Lismore from 1965 to 1987. Mr Duncan was
well respected not only this area but throughout the State and around Parliament
House with people continually asking me about his progress. Mr Duncan was a true
gentleman and a favorite son of our region. He certainly left a legacy and an
example for me to follow. I attended his funeral in Sydney and was able to
express the thoughts, prayers and sympathy to Mrs Duncan, Ian and Peter, and
their families.
Director-General Visits Lismore
As I pen this weeks column it is rather ironical that it is 12 months since
the last train travelled between Murwillumbah and Casino and we all can well
remember the efforts of everyone in trying to have the service saved or
reinstated. However that has not been achieved but I can assure everyone that
the Mayors, Don Page and myself will continue to pursue a commuter service and
the extension of the line through to Queensland to provide every opportunity to
both States for passengers, tourism and freight.
I said earlier that it is ironical because for the last two weeks my office and
myself have again experienced the Community's anger again in a much stronger
revolt with Kirklands change in their schedule of bus timetables and routes.
The campaign by all stakeholders has been continual resulting in The Ministry of
Transport conducting an audit, viewing first hand, listening and experiencing
the majority of users anger and frustration. As a result Mr John Lee, Director
General for The Ministry of Transport visited Lismore and district on Friday to
meet with a representation of stakeholders, convened by me, culminating with a
meeting with the Management of Kirklands. Kirklands were listened to and in the
end were informed they had a week to address the problems or under the power of
the Director General have their contract reviewed.
Since then I have continued to meet with Kirklands and Stakeholders and problems
are being listened to and attended to resulting in a better working relationship
with everyone.
Yes there are still problems however there is a marked improvement and finally
everyone is working together. At the end of the day we cannot afford for
Kirklands to loose their contract because where are we going to find another
company overnight to provide the service that Kirklands covers.
Everyone has gone to great lengths to express that prior to these changes
Kirklands have always provided an outstanding service with their drivers still
doing and providing a friendly service.
Nimbin Health Service
I was pleased to attend the opening of Nimbin's new Health Service
facilities. Minister for Health Morris Iemma visited the electorate to officiate
and also took time to visit the Emergency Unit at Lismore Base Hospital. I also
had the opportunity together with Dr Chris Ingall and Dr Drew Mumford to
reinforce our case for a Cardiac Catheterisation Lab.
Police Graduates
I was disappointed to see that despite the recent Graduation of 117
probationary constables, only one extra police officer will be located in a
rural and regional area of NSW. 114 of the 117 strong graduating class have been
placed in Local Area Commands in the Greater Sydney Metropolitan Region while
two new officers will be stationed in the Lake Illawarra Local Area Command. One
third of the population lives outside of metropolitan NSW yet here we have Labor
allocating less than one per cent of the new probationary constables to
non-metropolitan NSW. Rural and regional commands, including the Richmond
Command, deserve enough police and resources to ensure the command is properly
policed. Not only have we been seeking extra police for Nimbin but we continue
to have officers off on long term sick and stress leave creating a major problem
as the Police Force do not have a relief pool creating further pressure on the
rest of the team to properly carry out their duties
