Regional Sports Facilities Program

Regional Sports Facilities Program

This program provides funds to develop and enhance the network of major sporting and recreational facilities that meets the needs of the general community and may incorporate uses for talented and elite athletes. Applications are now open until 30 November and can be obtained from my office for the Department of Sport & Recreation website www.dsr.nsw.gov.au. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Department's Manager of Grants on 9006 3776 to discuss their project prior to making application to ensure it is eligible for consideration.

Premier's Christmas Gala Concert 2005

This concert is held on Monday 5 December 2005 at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, with two sessions, one at 10.30am and another at 2.30pm. Members of Parliament are provided ten double passes to distribute amongst seniors in our electorate. Anyone interested in these tickets should contact my office as soon as possible.

Fines for Smokey Chimneys

The NSW Labor Government has legislation before the Parliament, which provides for fines of $3,300 to be imposed for smoke coming out of chimneys. This is bureaucracy gone mad. The Protection of the Environment Operations Amendment Bill 2005 provides for the issue of `Smoke Abatement Notices' where a house or other building omits a visible plume of smoke for 10 minutes, including a 30 second period when it is at least 10 metres long. Failure to comply with a `Smoke Abatement Notice' will attract a $3,330 fine. This is sheer madness - country families with wood heaters and/or wood stoves will be facing the threat of officious bureaucrats and hefty fines if this legislation goes ahead. This is the latest instalment of over-regulation and red tape from a Labor Government, which is under the thumb of fat cat bureaucrats and extreme greens. NSW has become an over-taxed, over-governed State because of this type of legislative rubbish from Labor. The people of the Northern Rivers can be assured that the Nationals/Liberal Coalition is strongly opposing the legislation.

Skin Cancer Seminars

The Cancer Council NSW and 15 local clubs are holding free public seminars to teach residents how to spot skin cancer early. I am pleased to support this initiative as a melanoma can grow to a life-threatening stage in as little as six weeks so, it's really important people know they should check their skin regularly for unusual spots. I urge everyone to attend one of the upcoming seminars at either Lismore Bowling Club on 20 October 12.00pm or Goonellabah Soccer Club 22 October 2.30pm.

Electorate Functions -

Masters Games - Congratulations to the Lismore Masters Games Committee on yet another successful event. Under the guidance of Therese Crollick, the organising committee, John Bancroft and Leanne Clark, the staff and volunteers should be extremely proud of the effort and achievements of the Games.

Nimbin Show - a great country show to start the 2005 show circuit. Congratulations to President Phillip Williams, the committee and volunteers who again provided all exhibitors an opportunity to display, parade and compete at such a well presented showground and the public with an outstanding event.

National Police Remembrance Day - I was honoured to attend this service at Alstonville last week. Each and every day police officers put their lives on the line for the community. It is only appropriate that we remember all those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in serving and protecting the community. We also remember their families and friends. It is important that we also reflect on the bravery and selflessness of all our serving police officers who deserve our heartfelt thanks.

Kyogle High 50th Anniversary - I had a great afternoon and enjoyed the opportunity of being with the community of Kyogle High to celebrate its 50 years in public education. I was honoured to take part in the official proceedings and unveil the rededication plaque.

Casino 150th Celebrations - I was pleased to attend Saturday's celebrations and as the Member of Parliament representing Casino I am delighted to congratulate Charlie Cox, the organising committee, people of Casino and the Richmond Valley Council community on the wonderful festivities.