NSW Seniors Card - 2006 Local Business Directory

NSW Seniors Card - 2006 Local Business Directory

The NSW Seniors Card is a free program with leisure and savings benefits for retired and semi-retired NSW permanent residents aged over 60. The NSW Seniors Card provides cardholders with access to NSW public transport concessions and discounts and benefits at thousands of businesses across NSW. The Seniors Card Unit produced an annual Discount Directory which was posted to all members across NSW in November 2005, however of more relevant and practicality, my office produces a local directory, specifically for the Northern Rivers. This local directory is currently being updated through our database of businesses who participate and offer discounts for the NSW Seniors Card. Any business wishing to know more information or how to participate should contact my office. Further information concerning the Directory or the Seniors Card program can be obtained by phoning the Seniors Card Hotline on 1300 364 758 (9am - 5pm week days), visiting the website at: www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au or emailing: info@seniorscard.nsw.gov.au. Seniors Card Membership Applications are available by phoning or calling into my Electorate Office. They can also be downloaded from the internet site: www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au

Pacific Highway

Recent comments by Roads Minister, Joe Tripodi regarding funding for a proposed inland highway route are very disappointing. Following a meeting between Minister Tripodi, Member for Clarence, Steve Cansdell, Member for Ballina, Don Page and myself last December, it was agreed that a cost benefit assessment be undertaken to test the feasibility of an inland highway. Last week, Minister Tripodi suggested the inland route proposal would not be possible because of a lack of Federal funding. Common sense would suggest that until this assessment is completed, funding for the project cannot be sought. How does anyone know much funding is needed until a cost benefit analysis is completed? Minister Tripodi should stop playing politics and seriously consider this proposal as a means of improving road infrastructure in this region.

A recent NRMA report has highlighted these road infrastructure deficiencies, revealing the real reasons why the Pacific Highway upgrade is taking so long and why people continue to die on our major highway. The report shows that 8 out of 12 upgrade projects on the Mid-North Coast have been unacceptably delayed, with some projects delayed by more than six years. Only one project out of 28 was completed on time and on budget. On the Mid-North Coast alone, there has been a cost blow-out of $467 million on the highway upgrade work. The State Labor Government, which has responsibility for managing the upgrades, needs to explain the reasons for the delays and cost blow-outs, which are costing lives on sections of the road, which should have been made dual carriageway long ago. Unfortunately, the State Government is now providing less information about the Pacific Highway upgrades, having decided to remove any reference to estimated completion dates in Budget papers and Annual Reports, in order to cover-up its appalling mismanagement of the project.

Workers Compensation Premiums

The NSW Government has announced it is to cut workers compensation premiums. The announcement comes 5 months after the NSW Coalition promised a cut in workers compensation premiums of 10%. The NSW Government has promised half that with cuts, to apply from 31 December, of only 5%. The even bigger issue is the fact that premiums in years subsequent to a claim reflect the repayment of that claim in instalments back to the Workcover Authority.

$5,147 to celebrate Seniors Week

Details of grant allocations to assist 8 local organisations in the Lismore Electorate were announced recently for Seniors Week activities. These grants are provided through the Department of Ageing, Disability & Home Care to assist with the organisation of local Seniors Week programs. Applications are only accepted from non-profit, volunteer organisations, local government and community groups. Recipients of grants are -

$550
$500
$500
$1,100
$550
$550
$880
$517

Casino/Kyogle HACC Flexible Service Inc
Lismore Seniors Citizens Social Club
Lismore Over 50's Learning Centre
Richmond Valley Council
Upper Clarence Valley Senior Citizens
Casino Neighbourhood Centre Inc
Lismore City Council
Ellangowan Public Hall Reserve Trust