September 2015

Goyder News WHAT DOES BEING AN INDEPENDENT MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT MEAN?

A member of the Territory Parliament is elected by the residents in the electorate. In my case, it is the electorate of Goyder which includes, a little bit of

Howard Springs (Radford Road area), Virginia, Bees Creek, Humpty Doo, Noonamah, Lambells Lagoon, Herbert and Middle Point.

In leaving the Government party, nothing really changes for me except I do not belong to a specific political party, don’t attend any of the party events

and I do not have to agree or support government policy or positions. In being an Independent Member of Parliament (like Gerry Wood), I can speak up

on any matter unconstrained and can do so more into the near future. My electorate office is business as usual and Trish O Hehir continues to be the

electorate officer sent from heaven complemented by Carrol Lynch on Mondays also sent by a messenger from heaven!

The role of speaker of the Parliament will continue unchanged as both the Labor Opposition and the Government have stated that they do not wish to

have me removed from the role. As it was previously, as the speaker, I did not attend party political meetings during Parliamentary Sittings to maintain

independence from Government discussions.

WHY I LEFT THE COUNTRY LIBERAL GOVERNMENT

On Monday 20th July 2015, I announced that I would be resigning from the Country Liberal Party. This was not a decision made quickly or lightly, howev-

er, a decision that was done with the rural residents’ current and future life style front and centre of my thinking. Here is a summary of my statement to

the media.

As many of you will know, I have for some time been considering my position in the Country Liberals. I have actively listened not only to my own constit-

uents, but to Territorians more broadly across the NT, and I have become increasingly agitated at the lack of an integrity framework within Government

and the lack of communication from Executive Government (Cabinet members/ministers) to all CLP elected members. The lack of transparency in deci-

sion making and accountability is further highlighted in the increasing unrest and distrust with the Planning Commission by Territorians.

I want to advise that this morning I emailed the Country Liberals President and the Chief Minister to advise that I am resigning from the party. In addi-

tion, just prior to this media conference I called the Chief Minister’s Chief of Staff and asked for him to organise a time for me to talk to Mr Giles about

how we can continue to work together to advance the long term interests of the Territory and ensure Government is connected to the community it

serves. I expect that this meeting will include discussions about supply and confidence votes.

While I would like to remain speaker of the House, that is a matter for the Parliament and I will be making contact with the Labor leader following this

conference as well as other members on the cross bench.

I won’t be participating in any political games, point scoring or cheap games to get motions passed.

My decision to not take the Territory to an election at this stage is not just because I believe that governments should serve the full term, but also that

Territorians voted this government in to office and has the ultimate right and responsibility to un-elect it if voters believe the Government has not deliv-

ered what was promised or governed within acceptable standards. I suspect at the last election voters voted Labor out, not the Country Liberals in – this

could well be reversed next year, but both parties now have 13 months to pull up their socks and demonstrate to Territorians that they are worthy of

forming government.

As someone who has lived and grown up in the Territory for the past 50 years (and 40 plus years in the rural area) this has not been a decision that I have

made lightly. Whilst it is regrettable that it has come to this, I absolutely believe that the interests of all Territorians take precedence over individual

relationships.

TAMINMIN COLLEGE DEBUTANTE BALL

Nothing short of stunning is the way to describe the Taminmin College Debutante ball held in the college hall mid- September this year. Following on from the success of last year’s ball, Amanda Adams decided to see if students would like to have another formal dance under the moonlight. The debutantes and partners were beautifully attired and danced like professional dancers. The music was modern, the decorations lovely and the atmosphere electric. Congratulations to debutantes and partners: Olivia Wadsley and Jacob Baird, Georgia Brockwell and Lochie Burgdorf, Chantelle Holden and Kayne Moodie, Paige Russell and Dar-ren Pemberton, Raynar Close and Ashley Rogers, Danielle Holden and Jarrod Everett, Sha-nia Davidson and Jacob Halliwell, Merinda Johnson and Cameron Harris-Bull, Shailisse Keirs and Angus Watson, Letitia Ahnfelt and Tim Mulvaney, Kayla Mudge and Jarrod Rogers-McIntosh, Ruby Nelson and Kadin Paul, Gemma Featherstone and Asterix Harland, Rachelle Garder and Joseph Cameron, Tiana Pearson and Rebel Cass, Chenay Kelly and Timothy Leach

NORTHERN TERRITORY TO GET AN ANTI- CORRUPTION AND

MISCONDUCT COMMISSION

After much political argy bargy by both the CLP Government (who didn’t want one) and the Labor Opposition (who wanted one, but scant on detail) and following many discussions between the Independents (Robyn Lambley, Gerry Wood, Alison Anderson, Larisa Lee and myself)) the Territory will get a crime, corruption and misconduct com-mission. A motion was passed in the assembly which will give effect to setting up the body which will be completely independent of Govern-ment and that is good and appropriate.

When there are full details, I will spread around the electorate such that people understand the body and if they have concerns and or issues with perceived misconduct by government people, they have some where to go

and talk and get advice.

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STUART HIGHWAY UPGRADE – COOLALINGA

The Department of Infrastructure has completed a preliminary planning study, inves-tigating traffic management works to improve road safety on the highway and pro-vide accessibility to the existing businesses and future land developments in the area. The scope of the works has been identified and the preliminary concept design has been prepared. This concept design is subject to wider consultation with the stakeholders in the area, which is important. The proposed scope of the project suggests the following traffic management works: close the median opening in front of United fuel - this will help to remove ongoing road safety issues of this access point; construct a new signalised intersection on the Stuart Highway, approximately 250 m north of the United fuel station; and extend the service roads to connect them with the new intersection. These access arrangements will provide efficient access to the existing businesses and future developments in the area. It will also rationalise existing access to the north west of the business precinct. Consultation will occur with stakeholders, including existing businesses, the Litchfield Council and the Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment. According to a five-year crash history, from 2010-14, there were four reported crashes at the United fuel station. Out of these four crashes, two caused injury. The proposed signalised intersection is important to provide efficient access to the proposed shopping centre and alleviate traffic congestion on the Stuart Highway/Girraween Road intersection. The department has liaised closely with the Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment during the concept plans. Early works suggest it is about a $6m job. There will be some up-and-coming consultation in the area, especially with landhold-ers as well as businesses in the area. At this stage, it is likely the department will sub-mit a capital works bid in the 2016-17 budget.

PLANNING ACROSS

THE RURAL AREA

Not a day goes by without an issue being discussed in the rural area associated with planning and or appli-cations for exceptional development – such as wanting to create urban size blocks. Whether it is a rezoning appli-cation, a development application or complaints being received about industrial businesses being run on a rural living size block or some other matter that causes a resident con-cern, many residents are currently expressing concern at the CLP Gov-ernment’s ad hoc approach to plan-ning in the rural area. We have seen the rezoning of Fred’s Pass Road land some 12 months ago to create an “urban village” despite the Development Consent Authority recommending not to agree to the rezoning and yet, the minister over-rode the DCA report – and nothing has happened since approval indeed, the clearing of the land and regular water inundation has caused greater issues for adjacent residents. Lowther Road application to rezone from rural living (5 acre blocks) to urban size blocks was met with huge opposition from residents and other stakeholders and yet the current Minister for Planning David Tollner wanted to sign off on the proposal. This application has been deferred until sometime into the future. Noonamah has three applications for re zoning currently: Noonamah Ridge, land next door to the hotel and land near the Hughes wartime airfield. All have large components of urban size block proposals. Over the last few weeks, Gerry Wood, Gary Higgins and myself have been discussing at length the challenges in the rural area and in mid September sent a combined letter to the DCA objecting to the massive urbanisation of the Elizabeth Valley and ‘Noonamah areas. We are hoping the three of us can send a strong message to Government.

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At a moving ceremony in August this year, over a hundred people turned out for the

blessing and consecration of the Cenotaph at Humpty Doo Village Green. The service was

undertaken by the Reverend Ian McDonald and was watched by returned service men

and women, Patriots, scouts and guides and Legacy Women. Rural schools were invited

and many from the schools attended as well. A special plaque was commissioned and the

cenotaph is now recognised as having been blessed.

Thank you to everyone who made the service possible and for attending.

BLESSING OF THE CENOTAPH

ACKNOWLEDGING OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS

LIFE MEMBER FOR THE ROYAL DARWIN SHOW SOCIETY

At a members function during the 2015 Royal Darwin Show, Iris McGregor was

awarded with the prestigious Life Membership of the show society for her countless

hours of volunteer work and dedication over many years.

Iris helped mainly in the art, craft and cooking pavilion, but has helped in other areas

when required.

Congratulations to Iris, a well-deserved and well-earned award.

Iris is pictured here accepting her Life Membership from The Administrator of the

Northern Territory, John Hardy.

RANGER OF THE YEAR

Dave McLaughlin is no ordinary bloke. Dave is an extraordinary

bloke who volunteers countless hours to his Bush Fire Council

volunteer fire brigade and the work they all do to combat the

gamba grass problem plus help land owners with land manage-

ment. This volunteer work has been going on for years and

then Dave took up a Ranger position with Parks and Wildlife

for the Fogg Dam area. This work has seen Dave work assidu-

ously at freeing the dam from weed infestation, helping people

understand the dam and surrounds, talk with school groups

and in his spare time, repair a Stihl chainsaw that was under-

water for years. Thank you Dave for contributing so much to

the community, which saw you take out the prestigious Ranger

of the Year Award.

Left: Dave is pictured here accepting his award with Kezia Purick MLA and

Heather Boulder, Friends of Fogg Dam.

Left Below: A friendly slithery visitor to Parliament House

Volunteer fire fighting is not an activity for everyone, however, it is an essential ac-

tivity needed in the rural area to keep family, pets and properties safe.

At a special event at the Fire centre HQ in Stuart Park, Damien Shaw was presented

with the Volunteer Fire Fighter of the Year Award.

Again a person like Damien has spent thousands of hours working at firefighting,

providing community service, and training other people and all the time making our

rural community safe.

VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTER OF THE YEAR

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ORDINARY RURAL PEOPLE DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS

If people, dogs and horses have birthdays why can’t

schools? At a lovely dinner under cover Humpty Doo Prima-

ry School celebrated in grand style with staff, parents, guests

and families attending to enjoy the evening of fine food,

refreshing drinks and a long walk down memory lane. Con-

gratulations to Humpty Doo Primary School.

HUMPTY DOO PRIMARY SCHOOL TURNS 35

YEARS OF AGE

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ST JOHN AMBULANCE OPENS ITS NEW LITCHFIELD DIVISION

Welcome back to the wonderful St John Ambulance volunteer’s division to the rural

area. Each week if not day, St John cares for a large number of Territorians. For exam-

ple, in the month of July, St John undertook the following activities:

The 000 centre received 3,875 emergency calls

69.75% of these were answered in 20 seconds or less

Paramedics attended to 3,972 cases and transported 3,098 patients

St John trained 795 people in some form of public First Aid training

930 Community Education certificates were presented

Volunteers attended 123 public duties and committed 2,971 volunteer hours, while

treating 1,501 patients

The Litchfield Division commenced on the 29th July 2015 and is now calling for volun-

teers to become part of the team, learn new skills and help protect the lives of people

in the rural area. All training and uniforms are provided for free and all they ask for is a

bit of your time.

Gatherings are at the Beehive at Fred’s Pass Reserve every Wednesday at 7pm to 9pm.

Contact 8922 6205 for further information.

GIDDY UP IN GOYDER

CONTACT KEZIA @

OUT AND ABOUT IN GOYDER

Noonamah B Grade Winners

Rachael Pen-Dennis

Joy Hammerberg & Family

Fracking Rally

Legacy Ladies—Blessing of the Cenotaph Rural Garden Club

Jenny and John Krumbeck

Variety Bash

Show Jumping winners

Amy Fisher, Brooke McKenna, Molly Jack

Chook race with a difference

Shop 4, Coolalinga Shopping Centre, Coolalinga NT 0839 PO Box 151, COOLALINGA NT 0839 Tel: 08 8999 6556 Fax: 088983 3488 Email: electorate.goyder@nt.gov.au

www.facebook.com/KeziaPurickMLA