“The defeat of this legislation was a win for Australia’s economy, environment and the tens of thousands of people who would have been out of a job the day it was passed into law.”

Ms Fardell said there needed to be “more serious consultation with all players” including the public who would have to pay for the proposed reforms.

“As chair of the Keep Australia Beautiful Council I have concerns about the sustainability of this country and the need to reduce unnecessary waste,” she said.

“However, I can’t agree with any proposals that might end up taxing cows for burping.”

NEWELL highway

After another year highlighting issues of safety on the Newell Highway, the speed limit was changed by the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) to 100km/h from December 1, despite extensive protesting from council, politicians and the community.

“It’s clear that there has been widespread criticism over the RTA’s lack of consultation of the drop in speed limit,” Mr Gay said.

“What’s angered the community most of all is the fact the RTA is refusing to release the evidence to back up its decision.”

Ms Fardell said she hoped the speed reduction would cause the road toll to fall in 2010, but changing the limit would not address the ongoing problem of driver fatigue and the need for more overtaking lanes and rest areas.

“Unfortunately no increase or decrease in speed limits will stop the idiot factor and the need for personal responsibility when we get behind the wheel,” she said.

As someone who spends up to 40 hours a week travelling the Newell, Mr Coulton said he was “intimately familiar with the road and the many safety issues” that surround it.

“I do not believe that a reduction in the speed limit is the answer. I have advocated - both as the Federal member and as a representative on the Newell Highway Taskforce Committee - for investment in vital upgrades such as more overtaking lanes,” he said.

Mr Humphries deemed the drop in speed limit “extremely poor and impractical”.

“(It) increases driver fatigue and frustration and I believe (it will) ultimately contribute to the road toll,” he said.

NSW CABINET

After former health minister John Della Bosca’s affair was flashed across the media earlier this year, leading to his sudden resignation, John Hatzistergos took on the extra portfolio of health, on top of his role as attorney general and minister for industrial relations.

He was then replaced on a more permanent basis by Carmel Tebbutt.

The reshuffling subjected the party to an array of criticism from the Opposition.

Former premier Nathan Rees was replaced by our first female leader, Kristina Keneally. Again the Opposition had a field day, slamming the State Government for electing a fourth premier in as many years.

“I hope now the cards have been reshuffled, those in power can get on with the job they were elected to do and get something constructive done for the people of Western NSW,” Ms Fardell said.

Mr Gay called the latest cabinet shuffles a “clear indication” of the “sheer instability” of the current State Government.

“We’re left with the same old mess, the same Labor incompetence, more of the same Labor spin and more of the same Labor waste and mismanagement,” he said.

And Mr Coulton said a government “of the people, by the people, for the people” needed to be returned to NSW.

“The latest premier to face the axe, Nathan Rees, summed it up best when he said NSW is being run by a treacherous and malignant group that has continued to deliberately sabotage the party’s ability to run the State,” he said.