drysdale news, december 2014 - lia finocchiaro mla

8/10/2019 Drysdale News, December 2014 - Lia Finocchiaro MLA

1/8

LIA FINOCCHIAROMLAMember for Drysdale Issue 11, 2014

facebook.com/LiaFinocchiaroMLA

Christmas is here

once again and it is

always a wonderful

opportunity to reect upon this

year and look forward to the

next.

It has been a privilege to have

been your parliamentary

representative over the last twoyears. This is most certainly not

a job rather it is a labour of

love, a deep passion, a personal

and professional commitment

of the highest level. I take

no day for granted and am

committed to continuing to

serve the people of Drysdale

with integrity and pride into

the future.

This year, I threw myself intograssroots activities and spent

the vast majority of my time

in Palmerston with schools,

sporting and community

groups, helping them achieve

their goals.

I also dedicated a great deal

of time to championing local

issues such as the removal of

grafti, repairing damaged

infrastructure and improving

safety for all road users.Several hundred constituent

enquiries were lodged with my

ofce this year on a range of

issues including community

safety, education, health,

transport, and housing.

Our Government hasbeen busy with over

40 Bills passedthis year.Signicant projects I have been

involved in include the Tiger

Brennan Drive duplication,

Palmerston Regional

Hospital, ANZAC Centenary

Commemorations, and the 40th

Anniversary of Cyclone Tracy.

It has been a big year

for Palmerston with our

Government releasing land to

accommodate over 2000 new

dwellings, fuel dropped by 15

20 cents per litre, and a $300

million shopping centre and $50

million hotel at Maluka Views

started construction.

On a personal note, I got

married in March and am

grateful for all of the well-

wishes and support given bythe community. Our lovely

puppy Maple turned one and

she continues to rule the roost.

I also turned the big 30!

Many of you know Angie, the

Drysdale Electorate Ofcer,

who has worked tirelessly to

help me deliver an efcient and

engaging community service.

Angie will be taking maternity

leave and I am thrilled to haveKylie Wilson join me full-time

from the start of 2015.

It is time to enjoy the

Christmas period and spend

treasured time with your loved

ones. I cant wait to work to

ensure wonderful and exciting

things are in store for Drysdale

in 2015.

I wish you a very Merry

Christmas and a safe and happy

New Year!

Merry

ChristmasDrysdale


2/8

Drysdale News

Speed Limits on Chung Wah TerraceResidents of Gray who live on or off Raffles Road, have found itincreasingly difficult and even dangerous to turn left out of Raffles Roadonto Chung Wah Tce due to increases in traffic on Chung Wah Tce.

I have had the speed limit on Chung Wah reduced to 60kmph startinga couple of hundred metres up from the Raffles Road intersection,inbound into the Palmerston CBD. There are also large 60 AHEADsigns preparing drivers to slow down.

This small change has provided huge relief to Gray residents. Police havehad their speed van positioned on the bend in the new 60kmph zone so ifyou want to ignore the speed changes, you might get a hefty fine.

Mobile OfceYou might have seen me out andabout conducting mobile offices in ourcommunity. Mobile Office is where I setup a tent, desk, computer and chairs outin a community park or other locationso that I am more locally accessible.If you see my tent out or my Mobile

Office sign on my car, I encourage youto stop by and have a chat.

Shady shingThe shade structures at the Elizabeth River Boat Ramp Jetty are awelcome addition to the Palmerston community. These shade structuresprovide shade to the many Palmerston residents and families.

The shade structures have been located so that you can fish both thelow and high tide in the shade. A safety gate has also been installed atthe top of the staircase so that our children are safe. If you have any

ideas for infrastructure like this in our community, I would love to hearfrom you.

Palmerston Football Club2014 was a fantastic football season.I want to take this opportunity tothank the Committee and all of thevolunteers.

A special mention goes to Marshalland Katy Chin and Mel Stokes whoworked tirelessly in the canteen. Ittakes a large number of volunteers tokeep this fantastic Club going.

Many parents assist with coaching,set up, pack up, refereeing andadministering the Club.

I have enjoyed spending my Sundaymornings down at the Club sellingthe most delicious bacon and eggsandwiches imaginable and amalready looking forward to the newseason in March/April 2015.


3/8


Undercover BMXNatasha Griggs MP and I attended the opening of Australias only under roofinternational standard BMX track in Marrara. This is a $1.7 million Federally fundedfacility and will serve Territorians well into the future.

It means that Territorians are able to train and race during the wet season and hold

national and international competitions all year round. A big thanks to NatashaGriggs MP for securing the funding.

Country Liberals40th AnniversaryThe Country Liberals celebrated its40th Anniversary as the TerritoryParty. I had the honour of being themaster of ceremonies for the evening.It was wonderful to reflect on thehistory of the party and its service toTerritorians. I thought a few of these

old photos might take you on a tripdown memory lane.

Pedestrian and Cycle pathI was very pleased to see theGovernment deliver a Pedestrian and

Cycle path from University Avenue toPachard Road.

This was a $150,000 projectcompleted by J Mac Construction andnow creates an important link fromthe Palmerston CBD into Yarrawonga,Durack Heights and the pedestrianand cycle path that runs into town.

Good Shepherd Lutheran CollegeI was invited to speak to year 5 students at Good Shepherd LutheranCollege in Gray about leadership. We had an interactive session wherestudents told me the key attributes leaders should have.

Together, we came up with some wonderful qualities such as: Activelistening, empathy, courage, communication and respect.


4/8

Drysdale News

Lifestyle Homes displayOn 15 August my Palmerston colleague Peter Chandler and I, along with CDU ViceChancellor Simon Maddocks and CIC Chief Executive Geoff Smith attended thelaunch of CICs Lifestyle Homes display at The Heights in Durack. People thinking ofbecoming home owners will be able to touch, feel and walk through fully detachedhouse and land packages starting from $495,000.

Photo: Minister Peter Chandler, Prof Simon Maddocks, Lia Finocchiaro, Geoff Smith

New air conditioners for PalmerstoI had the privilege of awarding $5000 to the Palreplace the air conditioners in the club room. Th

Banana Freckle responseThe Drysdale Electorate is in one of the six banana freckle eradication zones.The NT Government is asking residents not to move banana plants into or out oferadication zones. This will stop the spread of banana freckle into areas where it hasnot been detected. All banana plants within eradication zones need to be destroyedto help eradicate banana freckle from the NT. If you live in an eradication zone, yourbanana plants will need to be destroyed before April 2015.

If you need assistance to destroy your banana plants call the Banana FreckleHotline on 1800 771 163 or email [email protected] and Program staff will arrangea time to assist you with the destruction of your banana plants.

Banana plants can be cut down and taken to your local tip or left to decompose onsite. Banana plants can be recycled and mulched into the garden. The stumps must

be treated with a suitable commercially available herbicide in accordance with labelinstructions. For more information, go to: www.nt.gov.au/d/bananafreckle/

Operation Pitch BlackOperation Pitch Black took place over Palmerstnations were represented in the exercise includArab Emirates, Republic of Singapore Air ForceArmed Forces in New Caledonia and Royal NeBlack has been held every two years over the laDarwin and Palmerston for hosting the exercise,

was held. I went with my family and enjoyed meL plates.


5/8


ton Crocs Rugby Union Clubalmerston Crocs Rugby Union Club to helpThe kids were pretty chuffed with the money.

DoorknockingDoor knocking is a great opportunity to catch up with residents at their home. If I

happen to miss you, I will leave a card in the door or gate. The card has a RepliedPaid survey on the back so please fill it out and post i t back.

rston skies from 1 22 August. Severaluding Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), Unitedrce (RSAF), United States Air Force, French

New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). Pitche last 20 years. To thank the people ofse, a massive open day at the RAAF base

meeting this gorgeous little pup still on his

Alzheimers NTThe Joy Anderson Centre in Dillon Circuit Gray has recently become the home ofAlzheimers NT. This is a fantastic arrangement that is seeing excellent servicesbeing delivered for Palmerston residents. I attended a Your Mind Matters morningwhere we engaged in various brain teasers, word puzzles and interpretation games.For more information about Alzheimers or what is offered at the Joy AndersonCentre, please contact (08) 8948 5228.


6/8

Drysdale News

Parliamentary Wrap Up 2014 Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading

Amendment Bill 2014

Livestock Amendment Bill 2014

Criminal Code Amendment (DangerousDriving During Pursuit) Bill 2014

Correctional Services (Related andConsequential Amendments) Bill 2014

Correctional Services Bill 2014

Treasury Legislation Amendment Bill 2014

Appropriation (2014-2015) Bill 2014

Poppy Regulation Bill 2014

Northern Territory Civil and AdministrativeTribunal Bill 2014

Environment Protection (Beverage Containersand Plastic Bags) Legislation Amendment Bill2014

Criminal Code Amendment (Presumption ofJoint Trials) Bill 2014

Health Services Bill 2014

Local Government Amendment Bill 2014 Darwin Rates Amendment Bill 2014

Motor Accidents (Compensation)Amendment Bill 2014

Water Efciency Labelling and Standards(National Uniform Legislation) Bill 2014

Justice and Other Legislation Amendment Bill2014

Criminal Code Amendment (Identity Crime)Bill 2014

Health Practitioner Regulation (NationalUniform Legislation) Amendment Bill 2014

Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic GoodsAmendment Bill 2014

Power Retail Corporation Bill 2014

Power Generation Corporation Bill 2014

Power and Water Corporation LegislationAmendment Bill 2014

Care and Protection of Children Amendment(Charter of Rights) Bill 2013

Museum and Art Gallery of the NorthernTerritory Bill 2013

Planning Amendment (ConcurrentApplications) Bill 2013

Criminal Code Amendment (Hit and Run) Bill2013

Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill 2013

Criminal Code Amendment (ExpertPsychiatric or Medical Evidence) Bill 2013

Mental Health and Related ServicesAmendment Bill 2013

Criminal Code Amendment (Child AbuseMaterial) Bill 2013

Parole Amendment Bill 2014

Statute Law Revision Bill 2014

Firearms Amendment Bill 2014

Northern Territory Civil and AdministrativeTribunal (Conferral of Jurisdiction for NativeTitle Matters) Bill 2014

Northern Territory Civil and AdministrativeTribunal (Conferral of JurisdictionAmendments) (No. 2) Bill 2014

Criminal Property Forfeiture Amendment Bill2014

Land Development CorporationAmendment Bill 2014

Superannuation Legislation Amendment

and Repeal Bill 2014 Tobacco Control Legislation Amendment

Bill 2014

Gray Primarys 30th birthdayIt was amazing to be part of myold primary schools 30th Birthdaycelebrations just a few days after Iturned 30!

The staff at Gray Primary did anamazing job showcasing schoolphotos and memorabilia from yearsgone by dating back to 1984.

Gray was the first school in Palmerstonand has a long tradition of being amulticultural melting pot of students.

The schools motto is Learning withRespect, Pride and Teamwork andthose qualities can be seen in itsstudents. Congratulations to Gray forturning 30!

30 years young I say!

Toad BustsI have held 4 Toad Busts in Gray,Durack and Driver. All were really wellattended.

A fun and environmentally friendlynight out.

More Toad Busts coming in 2015!

Federal Sporting GrantsIt was great to be part of NatashaGriggs MP, Solomon Spor ting GrantsCommittee.

Mini GolfPalmerston 50+ Club and CarpetBowls had a fantastic morning at Mini

Golf. BBQ lunch was supplied by thePalmerston Team Peter ChandlerMLA, Nathan Barrett MLA andNatasha Griggs MP.

Show CircuitThe Show Circuit is a great wayto meet thousands of Territorians.

This year I went to Tennant Creek,Katherine and Darwin Shows.


7/8


Palmerston Lions - Runs on the boardPalmerston Lions have got its first runs on the board with the completion of abeautiful pergola at Terrace Gardens Nursing Home. Palmerston Lions PresidentConnell Brannelly secured NOW Renovations to build the pergola completely FREEof charge. A massive thank you to Sam and Brad from NOW Renovations for theirimmense generosity. The residents and staff of Terrace Gardens are really enjoyingsitting in the garden in the shade. Contact: [email protected]

MH17 - Palmerston mourns

On 19 August, the Chief Minister helda condolence motion in parliamentfor Territorians Emma Bell and Wayneand Theresa Baker, whose lives weretragically taken in the downing ofMalasian Airlines flight MH17. TheChief Minister presented publiccondolence books to the families. I toogave my condolences to the families onbehalf of the people of Drysdale, partsof my speech are extracted below:

I offer my deepest and sincerest

condolences to all of the families and

friends of the 298 victims of MH17, the

Malaysian Airlines flight that was senselessly

destroyed while flying over the Ukraine onFriday 17 July Our country, sadly, lost

38 people in this horrific event. Losing so

many Australian lives on a scale like this

has created shock, anger, and disbelief.

Just consider that 38 Aussies are no longer

with us because of this tragedy. 38 people

robbed of their lives and ripped from ours.

The Northern Territory community has not

gone untouched; indeed, we as a community

have been hit very hard, with Emma, Wayne,

and Theresa taken from us far too soon.

Emmas loss is being felt very hard by all

of those who knew her. The Chief Minister

spoke about Emma just turning 30 - my

age - a young lady, full of life, who gave somuch back to her community through her

work as a teacher. Emmas passing will

leave an enormous hole in the lives of her

family, friends, and colleagues.

I mentioned how connected communities

can be and this is also evident with the loss

of Wayne and Theresa Baker. Wayne and

Theresa lived in Palmerston and lived life

to the full. Dedicated public servants who

were very well-regarded by their peers Jeff

and Steven Baker - Wayne and Theresas

sons - are also residents of Palmerston, and

I say to these young men, the community

is in disbelief and wants to support you in

any way it can. On behalf of the people of

Drysdale, I extend our sympathies to youduring this unimaginable time of grief.

Removing GraftiI have been graffiti busting all over Drysdale. Graffiti is not only a nuisance; it isvandalism and constitutes a crime. Those who vandalise our neighbourhoods withgraffiti have little regard for the property of others. A major factor as to why peoplegraffiti is for peer recognition. The offender hopes that their vandalism is seen bylike-minded friends, which then encourages the person to produce more grafti in

another location. The longer that graffiti remains on display, the more chance thereis for the offender to gain satisfaction from their efforts. Therefore, it is of utmostimportance to remove graffiti as soon as possible to show the offender that their timewas wasted and their vandalism is unwelcome. As well as being illegal, dealing withgraffiti is very expensive. The Australian Institute of Criminology states that graffiticosts the Australian community around $200 million every year.

If you spot graffiti around our city, or even witness this crime taking place, pleasecall the Northern Territory Police on 131 444. Alternatively, you can contact the

Palmerston City Council on (08) 8935 9922 to report graffiti located on any Councilproperty. Lets fight this battle together as a community.


8/8

FIND ME ON FACEBOOKfacebook.com/LiaFinocchiaroMLA

LIA FINOCCHIAROMLAMember for Drysdale

Unit A3 Palm Plaza, Palmerston NT 0830

PO Box 4248 Palmerston NT 0831

Tel:08 8999 5397

Fax:08 8931 3266

Email:[email protected]

Drysdale News

My colleague, Health Minister Robyn

Lambley, announced the advertising

of Expressions of Interest (EOI) forPalmerston Regional Hospital (PRH).

The EOI seeks a health operator todesign and operate the hospital. This

means a private health provider will beproviding public hospital services on

behalf of Government.

From this EOI process, a groupof respondents will be shortlisted

and asked to develop a Request forProposal, the final step before contract

negotiation with one respondent.

This exciting next step means the hospital

is moving from the planning to designphase and is on track for construction

to begin by mid-2016, with some early

works already underway. The build is

planned over two years, which will have

the hospital opening in mid-2018.

The clinical planning phase will

continue at the same time, and providemore detail about how services will be

delivered at our new Public Hospital.The planning phase has identified a

range of services that will see PRHoperate as a Level 3 facility, with

Royal Darwin Hospital remaining the

Territorys sole Level 5 tertiary hospital. Concept design Palmerston Regional Hospital

Palmerston Regional HospitalPRH will be designed to grow in line withcommunity need. The 24/7 Emergency

Department will provide Level 3services.

A Level 3 Emergency Departmentshould be able to manage the completerange of emergency presentations.

This includes treatment for all minorinjuries and illness (eg fractures,stitches). In addition, the ED will beable to provide initial treatment for allother emergencies prior to transfer of

the patient to Royal Darwin Hospital,enabling the rapid transfer of major

trauma patients.This includes resuscitation (whenthe medical team revives or restoresconsciousness), stabilisation (treatsthe immediate concerns to stop themworsening), and short term assistedventilation (assisted breathing) prior totransfer to Royal Darwin Hospital.

I look forward to updating you in mynext newsletter with further progress.

Marlow LagoonSanctuary Lakes

Neighbourhood Fishing Program

Durack Lakes

Since 2012 I have been working on aneighbourhood project that centresaround enhancing and protecting ourunique Territory lifestyle, engagingpeople in recreational activities andbringing communities together.

So what is it? Imagine if DurackLakes, Marlow Lagoon and SanctuaryLakes were stocked with fish so thatPalmerston people can enjoy fishing,

literally in our own backyards.

In Texas, the Department of Parks andWildlife have a program that supports

just that; neighbourhood fishing.

I spoke about this idea on 30 Octoberin Parliament Fishing is one of thosethings that should not be limited tothose who can afford boats and wesee a lot of boats in the Territory Myvision is for a sustainable, desirablespecies to be introduced in various

sizes into the selected waterways

It opens up opportunities and putseveryone on an equal footing to beable to enjoy our lifestyle, live the lifewe love to live and live the life we wantyoung people in the Territory to growup living.

I will be working closely with theMinister for Primary Industry andFisheries to explore this idea andhopefully turn it into a reality. I would

love to hear your feedback.

drysdale news, december 2014 - lia finocchiaro mla

Documents