Katrina's Monthly Report
02/06/2008
Although half of May was taken up with duties in Parliament I was still able to enjoy many functions and events in the Electorate. The Rat Race dinner in Yass benefiting the Yass and District Education Foundation was a successful and entertaining night. I attended the Cowra Gem and Collectors Club Fair with my family where we all had an interesting afternoon and I was pleased to officially open the Fair. I visited Grenfell Public School and during Education Week I visited my old school Berinba in Yass. I called on the State government to use Education Week as an opportunity to make school maintenance a real priority in NSW schools. Constituent interviews in various locations gave me the opportunity to meet with and hear the concerns of people in my Electorate. I met with teachers throughout the Electorate who were striking over the Education Minister’s moves to change teacher hiring arrangements. There must be adequate incentives for teachers to work in all public schools across the State. I have raised my strong opposition to any moves by the Iemma Labor government to sell or privatise any of the State’s travelling stock routes. I believe it is vital that TSRs are kept under the control of Rural Lands Protection Boards.
Drought assistance to continue
Having brought the continuing drought to the attention of Parliament last month I am relieved the Department of Primary Industries has announced the transport subsidy scheme will remain in place for the coming months at least. Funding is also to continue for the drought support workers and farm family gathering program until the end of the year. Ongoing assistance is also assured for small businesses affected by drought through the Business Drought Assistance – Payroll Tax Relief Program for the 2007/08 financial year, payable in 2008/2009. For more information on eligibility for drought transport subsidies contact the Rural Lands Protection Boards.
Regional Achievement and Community Awards
Nomination forms are available from my office for individuals, organisations and business networks in the community to be recognised through the NSW/ACT Regional Achievement and Community Awards. Nominations are now open in six categories: 1. Department of State and Regional Development Business Enterprise Award; 2. Department of State and Regional Development Events and Tourism Award; 3. Integral Energy Regional Service Award; 4. Kleenheat Gas Environment and Landcare Award; 5. Department of Lands Crown Reserve Trust Award; and 6. Department of Lands Community of the Year Award. Nominations close on 8 August. For more information contact the Awards Office on 1300 735 445 or visit www.awardsaustralia.com
Living with dementia
According to statistics, every second person in our region knows someone who is living with dementia. A 24 hour National Dementia Helpline is now available on 1800 100 500 for anyone requiring information or assistance regarding dementia. Dementia awareness week will be held this year from September 19 to 26.
Older drivers’ licensing system reforms
New regulations to the licensing system for older drivers were recently introduced by the NSW government. These include: 1. annual medical checks from the age of 75; 2. redesigning the over-85 driving test and making it more practical, with testing every two years; 3. introduction of a voluntary driver assessment scheme through accredited driver training organisations like the NRMA and the Australian Driver Trainers Association; 4. maintaining modified licence options for drivers over 85. Further details of the reforms can be obtained from the RTA’s website www.rta.nsw.gov.au or call the RTA on 13 22 13.
Sustainable burials
Limited land is available for new burial sites in the Sydney area and to seek opinions in the community on more sustainable use of burial space, a public discussion paper has been released. There is a copy of the discussion paper available in my office at 133 Comur Street Yass or alternatively the paper, along with a an online survey, is available on the Department of Lands’ website at www.lands.nsw.gov.au Public comment is invited up to 30 June.
Planning reforms
Comment is also encouraged on the draft Housing Code and draft Commercial Building Code as part of the implementation of the planning reforms in NSW. Copies of the NSW Housing Code, community guide and the NSW Commercial Viewing Code are available for reading in my office. Electronic copies are available at www.planning.nsw.gov.au The exhibition period closes on Friday 4 July.
Justice of the Peace
Congratulations to Mrs S Shannon of Bowning who has recently been appointed as a Justice of the Peace by the Governor of NSW. This is a most important responsibility and I am very pleased that she is willing to take on this important public role.
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