I am profoundly disappointed at the complacency of the Independent Member for Northern Tablelands, Richard Torbay MP after the release of the latest population statistics for our region.
Mr Torbay is reported in your paper “we have done well at 0.7 per cent increase.”
For any other Member of Parliament, this figure would be a wakeup call and catalyst for action.
It seems in the Northern Tablelands “she’ll be right” rules.
In fact 0.7 per cent is woeful. One of our LGAs actually showed a population loss and several were close to zero change. NSW recorded a population increase of 1.1 per cent across the State in 2010/2011. In other words, we are close to half the state average. That has serious consequences for service delivery and capital works into the future. Governments are bound to allocate funds based on needs and factors such as population. At this rate we are looking at a future of continually battling to maintain our share of government resources.
I don’t accept 0.7 per cent is good enough. We haven’t done well.
I don’t pretend a local MP carries all responsibility for under-performance, but when our leaders spin a response and don’t want to engage in policy solutions, it is time to rethink our representation.
Instead of “that’s good enough”, I’d like to see a plan. How about something along the lines of “Project 1 1/2 per cent”. A plan with a goal of doubling our region’s population growth rate. It would incorporate all levels of government; proposals to government for economic incentives to attract business here; ideas to simplify planning regulations; harness the emerging energy/resources opportunities; prioritising infrastructure upgrades to assist the economy; immigration and skills pathways.
In Parliament a couple of weeks ago I described the past 16 years as the Rip van Winkle period. Unfortunately the Northern Tablelands is now paying the price for spin over substance: photo opportunities over delivery.
Hon. Scot MacDonald MLC
Liberal Party Duty MLC, Northern NSW, Guyra NSW
