Barwon property owners affected by coal mine subsidence will have access to a fairer and more efficient compensation scheme following the passage of the Coal Mine Subsidence Compensation Bill 2017 in NSW Parliament this month. Mine subsidence refers to the movements and vibrations of the ground because of underground coal mining. The reforms arise from a comprehensive review of the current Act, and follow significant industry consultation over the last 12 months.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
All claims will be lodged with SA NSW through a new ePortal allowing claimants to manage the process from start to finish. A panel of independent expert assessors will assess all claims and strict timeframes will apply to process claims and compensate affected property owners. These new laws will benefit property owners by establishing a fairer and more efficient compensation scheme. Visit www.subsidenceadvisory.nsw.gov.au
Expansion of subsidy for those escaping domestic violence
A private rental subsidy to support those escaping domestic and family violence has been expanded to now include those earning moderate incomes. Rent Choice Start Safely provides financial support for people escaping domestic or family violence. The subsidy helps people secure private rental accommodation so they do not have to return to a violent situation. Access to Start Safely was previously only for those eligible for social housing, but it will now be open to people earning moderate incomes across NSW who are identified as at serious threat of domestic and family violence and at risk of homelessness. Stable housing is a key part of ensuring women leaving domestic violence stay safe and can rebuild their lives and break the cycle of violence in our Barwon community.
Winners of Life and Light competition
The winners of the 2017 Life and Light Photo Competition were announced at the Western Landcare Forum’s gala dinner, recently held in Broken Hill.
Congratulations to winners from the Barwon Electorate: Colour open – “Storm rolling in” by Annalee Monds – Goodooga. Colour secondary student – “Spring Flowers” by Demi Crampton - Broken Hill. Colour primary student – “Work horse” by Polly Turnbull – Brewarrina. Black and white secondary – “Dusty Dogs” by Georgia Bragg – Bourke. Black and white primary – “Squeak” by Polly Turnbull - Brewarrina.
Benefit from smarter driver disqualification laws
I welcome reforms to toughen sanctions on those who repeatedly ignore driver licence laws, while also providing incentives for disqualified drivers who demonstrate good behaviour. Under the new laws NSW Police will have extra powers to confiscate on-the-spot the number plates or cars of repeat offenders for three to six months. It is expected the reforms will reduce unauthorised driving and repeat offending. The laws will make disqualification periods and penalties for unauthorised driving offences more proportionate with other driving offences while keeping road safety front and centre. The reforms put community safety front and centre. No one ever convicted of a driving offence involving death or serious injury would be eligible to have their disqualification period reduced under the scheme. Local police now have greater support of the law to deal with repeat offenders and dangerous drivers to keep them off our roads, and smarter treatment of disqualified drivers who do the right thing.
Out and About
This week I will be out in the electorate. I am particularly excited to be visiting Baradine to meet with the Moorambilla Voices and the Baradine community.
Thumbs Up
Congratulations to Gordon Hill who received a Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Award – NSW Rural Fire Service Officer of the Year! This award is richly deserved and a testament to the outstanding commitment Gordon has shown to the people of Cobar and Western NSW.