WA Labor to roll out new science labs in local primary schools

WA Labor will use Royalties for Regions funding to roll out new science labs and equipment at primary schools in Geraldton and the Mid-West.

This week WA Labor Leader Mark McGowan announced the ‘Science in Schools’ policy, to ignite a passion for science among kids in regional WA, starting at an early age. The policy is part of WA Labor’s vision to broaden WA’s economy and create jobs.

In most of the primary schools in the region, science is taught in general classrooms not fit for purpose built science labs. We need to create a more hands-on learning environment to get kids engaged in science.

Under WA Labor’s state-wide Science in Schools policy, we will:

• Allocate $12million to convert existing classrooms into science labs; and
• Allocate a further $5million for grants of $25,000 to enable schools to buy resources to equip labs.

The rollout of the program to our primary schools will be funded through Royalties for Regions.

Comments from Member for Agriculture Region, Darren West:

“Under a WA Labor Government, Science in Schools will be a priority for Royalties for Regions. It’s great news for kids in the Mid-West.

“We want our kids to be given the tools they need to aspire to a career in science and it’s important to immerse them in science at an early age.

“It’s all part of our plan to broaden WA’s economy and create jobs in a broad range of industries.

“Many parents are worried about their future and their kids’ future. It’s time to get serious about preparing students for jobs outside of the resources industry and create new employment opportunities.

“This policy is good for kids and good for the economy.”

Royalties for Regions invests in Queens Park Theatre

Local entertainment will receive a boost, thanks to Royalties for Regions investment in Geraldton’s Queens Park Theatre.

National WA Member of Parliament Paul Brown MP said the Queens Park Theatre was one of seven projects across regional WA to share in more than $940,000 in funding from the Regional Venues Improvement Fund.

“Access to high quality entertainment is a really important part of creating sustainable and vibrant regional communities,” Mr Brown said.

“Investing in arts venues is essential in attracting the entertainment that residents and visitors to regional WA enjoy.”

Mr Brown said the Queens Park Theatre would receive $102,221 to upgrade the audio mixing console, digital signage, cinema digital projector, lighting and wireless communications.

“The Queens Park Theatre is a tremendous asset to the local community and this funding will complement the current major refurbishment works being undertaken by the City of Greater Geraldton,” Mr Brown said.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said creating opportunities for culture and the arts will support economic development and build vibrant communities in regional WA.

“This investment will ensure regional arts organisations, artists and arts workers have the necessary support to deliver a variety of experiences to our regional communities,” Mr Redman said.

The second round of grants open in March and focus on improving the functionality of regional performing arts venues and upgrading technical equipment.

The Regional Venues Improvement Fund is part of the $24 million Creative Regions program, funded by Royalties for Regions, to deliver greater investment in regional arts and culture initiatives.

For more information visit www.dva.wa.gov.au or www.biggerpicture.regions.wa.gov.au

Tax claims easy with myDeducations

Member for Durack Melissa Price is encouraging workers in Durack to tally work-related deductions using the myDeductions tool within the ATO’s phone app. 

“The 2015-16 financial is going to be the first time taxpayers can use the myDeductions tool to complete their return,” Ms Price said. 

“In the 2014-15 financial year, 8.4 million individual taxpayers claimed work-related expenses. 

“Rather than storing the piles of receipts at home, this is a great tool to ensure all work-related expenses, including car trips and donations, are stored and accounted for electronically.  

“All work-related expenses in the myDeductions tool can be uploaded when tax returns are being filled in, or sent directly to the tax agent.” 

There are three simple rules for workers in Durack to follow:

Ø The money needs to be spent themselves

Ø The expenses must be work-related and

Ø There must be a record to prove it.

 “While people incur different expenses during the year it is important for taxpayers to check what they are entitled to, based on the type of work they do,” Ms Price. 

“I encourage workers to download the ATO app and use the myDeductions feature, if they haven’t already.” 

To get started visit ato.gov.au/mydeductions

24 Year old male charged with burglary and stealing offences

Between 10.00pm on Sunday the 29th of November and Monday the 30th of November 2015 a 24 year old Beresford man used a large rock to smash the glass entry door at the Northgate Shopping Centre in Geraldton.

Once inside the main shopping centre the male smash the front glass door of the Target Store and approached the electronics area in the store.

Utilising a rock the male offender smashed the glass cabinet which contained mobile phones. The male offender stole 13 mobile phones with a total value of $5,347.00.

As a result of inquiries the offender was arrested on the 17th of January 2016 and charged with Burglary and Stealing.

He appeared before a Magistrate on the 27th of January and was remanded in custody to reappear on the 29th of January 2016.

42 Year old Female from Utakarra Charged with Disorderly behaviour and obstruct police.

At about 11.00pm on Friday 26th of February 2016, Police were called to a disturbance on Bonamia Street, Rangeway.

On police arrival they observed a 42 year old female arguing with a male in the street. The attending officers separated the pair and attempted to stop the female from yelling and swearing in the street however she failed to obey the officer’s request and was subsequently advised she was under arrest.

The female refused to get into the police vehicle pod, officers attempted to place her into the pod however the female placed her feet on either side of the doorway, after a short struggle the female was secured in the pod area.

After being placed into the police vehicle pod the female had to be removed to prevent injury to herself, as she was being removed she attempted to run from police. The female kicked out at police and continued her yelling and screaming abuse. She was handcuffed and put back into the secure pod and conveyed to the Geraldton Police Station where she was released on bail to appear in the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date.

She was charged with disorderly behaviour in public and obstruct police.

Drummond Cove male charged with driving offences following pursuit.

Between Friday the 26th of February and Saturday the 27th of February 2016 an 18 year old male from Drummond Cove driving a Holden Commodore motor vehicle failed to stop for Police on 3 separate occasions throughout several suburbs in the Geraldton district.

Police engaged in pursuits on the 3 occasions, however due to the driver’s reckless driving manner and danger to the public Police aborted the pursuits.

Police received information from the public which led them to an address in Drummond Cove where the 18 year old P Plate driver was arrested.

He was charged with:

• 3 x Reckless driving
• 3 x Driver of a vehicle failed to comply with a direction to stop (circumstance of aggravation) and
• 3 x No authority to drive (fines suspended).

The 18 year old appeared before a Magistrate on Sunday the 28th of February and was remanded in custody to reappear in Court on the 4th of March 2016. 

Geraldton Croquet Club Summer Pennants Competition Result

Geraldton Croquet Club completed the summer pennants competition on the evening of 25th February. Round 6,  the final round was held on a warm night with strong gusty winds. The result was as follows:

The winning team, Red Devils won the competition and will be awarded the pennant on presentation Day, 17th December 2016.

Red Devils, l-r (Captain) Wendy McDonald, Robyn McDonald, Rhonda Reynolds and Pamela Kerr

Coastal management funding now available

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed the Barnett Government’s announcement that the Page Content management of one of Western Australia's most valuable assets has received another boost with $1 million in State Government funding available in the next financial year to help local coastal managers to sustainably manage their stretch of coastline.

“Minister Nalder is calling for submissionsfor funding in the latest round of the Coastal Adaptation and Protection (CAP) Grants.

“He is looking for projects that embrace the sustainable management of the coastline, which will be highly regarded.

“The Government wants to support local coastal managers as they seek to better understand the Western Australian coastline they are responsible for and work to adapt to the challenges presented.

"With a better understanding of the risks posed by coastal hazards, local managers can make informed decisions leading to more sustainable coastal management," said Mr Blayney.

Administered by the Department of Transport, the grants program was introduced in 2009 to refocus coastal management efforts by local coastal managers and provide financial help for thorough investigation of local coastal hazards including erosion, accretion and inundation.

As part of the program, the department also provides technical advice and other resources, including coastal data to help managers deal with coastal change.

Last year, 11 local authorities shared $1.057 million in grant funding to deliver projects benefiting local communities.

These included $44,000 for the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River to investigate erosion of the coast from Prevelly to Gnarabup and more than $54,000 in funding for the City of Albany to develop an adaptation and protection strategy for the southern coastline from Emu Point to Middleton Beach.

Coastal managers are invited to apply for grants up to 50 per cent of the total cost of a coastal adaptation project.  Activities include monitoring, adaptation planning, asset management, adaptation and maintenance.

"The program builds partnerships with local managers that will preserve and enhance coastal values and assets into the future for the benefit of the wider community," the Minister said.

Australian science on show at Pollinators in Science Week

Member for Durack Melissa Price has congratulated Pollinators for its efforts to inspire people to experience a taste of Australia’s great scientific expertise through The Goodness Festival. 

“I’m thrilled that Durack will participate in National Science Week this August, with Pollinators selected to receive $15,000 from the Turnbull Government to ignite local science engagement,” Ms Price said. 

The Goodness Festival is among 41 projects chosen nationally to receive funding in a $500,000 grant round announced this week by Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne. 

These initiatives will give Australians from all walks of life the opportunity to meet scientists, explore many different aspects of science, discuss the hot topics and celebrate the contribution of Australian science to our society, culture and economy. 

“This grant will help showcase and celebrate innovation and achievement towards sustainability in the Mid West, and raise awareness of just how important a role science plays in everyday life,” Ms Price said 

“Science is critical to our wellbeing, prosperity and international competitiveness, so engaging the community and equipping young people with future-focused knowledge and skills is vital. 

“That’s why the Turnbull Government has committed $1.1 billion through the National Innovation and Science Agenda to incentivise innovation and entrepreneurship, and promote science, maths and computing in schools.” 

The successful grant recipients were announced by Minister Pyne at Adelaide’s Magill Primary School. Mr Pyne was joined by Professor Flint, the singing palaeontologist whose science-themed musical A Brief History of Life, the Universe and Everything will tour South Australia during National Science Week. 

From examining the pests in Perth’s pantries; to a mobile HealthLAB touring the Territory; from citizens scientists saving Nemo; to celebrating Indigenous science and scientists at Redfern; Science Week festivities take place around the country. 

National Science Week has become one of Australia’s largest festivals since it was first held in 1997. Last year 1.3 million people participated in over 1700 events and activities nationally, including local science festivals, music and comedy shows, expert panel discussions, interactive hands-on displays, open days and online activities. 

National Science Week is supported by the Australian Government, with partners CSIRO, the Australian Science Teachers Association and the ABC. Sponsors include NewScientist, Cosmos, Popular Science and PrimaryConnections. 

National Science Week will run from August 13 to 21 with more details available at scienceweek.net.au.

TAFE Reform leads to uncertain future for Durack staff

Nationals WA Member of Parliament Paul Brown MP is concerned the announcement of major reform in the TAFE sector will result in job losses at the Geraldton based Durack Institute of Technology.

Recently announced by the Minister for Training and Development, TAFE reform will see the amalgamation of the eleven TAFE colleges and their 70 campuses, many located throughout regional WA, to a network of five TAFE colleges. These five TAFE colleges will see two TAFE colleges located in the Perth metropolitan area, and three TAFE colleges in regional WA. Regional TAFE colleges will be amalgamated under Northern Regional TAFE, Central Regional TAFE and South Regional TAFE.

For Geraldton, this means that TAFE campuses located in Exmouth, Carnarvon, Wiluna, Kalgoorlie, Merredin, Northam, Moora and Geraldton will come under the management of Central Regional TAFE.

“It is unclear, whether Durack Institute of Technology or the Goldfields Institute of Technology will become the managing TAFE College for the Central Regional area,” Mr Brown said.

“This creates a great deal of uncertainty for Durack Institute of Technology staff during a time when Geraldton is experiencing an economic downturn due to the slowdown of the mining construction boom and low commodity prices, particularly the iron-ore price, causing major insecurity throughout the Mid West mining sector.”

“The loss of public sector jobs really hurts a regional community such as Geraldton,” Mr Brown said.

Mr Brown is also concerned that the reform will see the weakening of strategic educational objectives as outlined in the Mid West Economic Blueprint.

“The Mid West Economic Blueprint clearly outlines the need for education and training in the Mid West to have strategic collaboration and integration of school, VET and university pathways to deliver more effective and seamless transition into higher education opportunities. This is based on local education and training needs, and I fear that the focus on what is needed locally will be lost under this amalgamation model,” Mr Brown said.

Abraham Street Bridge closes the gap

The last bridge planks have been lifted into place for the Abraham Street Bridge.

The gap between Verita Road and Abraham Street has been filled with the last bridge planks lifted into place over the rail line last week. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the placement of precast concrete planks marked a milestone in Stage 2 of the Karloo Wandina Project. 

“Last week 20, 14.4m long precast concrete planks weighing 13 tonnes each, were lifted into place over the railway line completing an important phase in the construction of the 68m long and 14.2m wide Abraham Street Bridge,” he said. 

“This means the Karloo Wandina Project has reached an important milestone and is now one step closer to being completed.” 

In the coming weeks a concrete deck covering the bridge span beams will be poured and road safety barriers including anti-vandalism screens will be installed before the final layer of asphalt is laid connecting Abraham Street and Ackland Road. 

“At the moment Verita Road is averaging 1600 traffic moments per day and the Abraham Street Bridge will certainly provide a much needed link between the southern and northern suburbs,” said Mayor Van Styn. 

“The final stage in the Karloo Wandina project will be the construction of a roundabout at the Abraham Street / Utakarra Road intersection to accommodate traffic once the Abraham Street Bridge opens.” 

Construction of the Abraham Street Bridge is the City’s largest Capital Works Project in the 2015/16 financial year. The $9 million project, which is part of the $38.2 million Karloo Wandina Project, is funded by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions via the Mid West Investment Plan, the Australian Government’s Building Better Regional Cities program, Asia Iron and the City.

Toilet blocks open to public

The City of Greater Geraldton wishes to advise construction of Back Beach and Glendinning toilet blocks is now complete and both facilities are open to the public.

Unsolicited Bid Guidelines – Lands

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has welcomed the adoption of a new Unsolicited Bids Guideline for the sale or lease of state-owned land.

“As Western Australia’s population grows, so does the demand for land. The Barnett Government is committed to unlocking the potential of its Crown land holdings to accommodate this growth.

“The Department of Lands is leading the Government’s Land Asset Sales Program. This is an orderly and coordinated program of sales and of surplus and under-utelised land assets.

“The proceeds from these sales will be used to reduce State debt and return revenue to the State Government to benefit Western Australia now and into the future,” said Mr Blayney.

The Unsolicited Bid Guideline has been developed to provide a transparent and consistent framework to deal with unsolicited bids received through the government’s Land Asset Sales Program.

An unsolicited bid is a market led proposal put to government by the private sector, which has not been formally requested by the Government.

The Guideline has been developed after extensive consultation with stakeholders and the community, and is based on the approach adopted in other jurisdictions in Australia.

The Government is committed to promoting transparent and competitive processes in the sale or lease of state owned land, and ensuring unsolicited proposals put to it are appropriately assessed on public interest grounds.

We recognise that circumstances may occasionally arise where it may be beneficial to deal exclusively with one party outside of a competitive process – such as when the land is not required for core government business or will have a beneficial impact on the community or environment.

All unsolicited bids would be subject to thorough government approvals processes and require State Cabinet approval.

The new guideline provides a mechanism for government to access the private sector’s expertise and innovate ideas for the benefit of the community, and will open up development across the State.

A copy of the new Unsolicited Bid guideline can be downloaded from the Lands website. 

Point Moore Inundation Study

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney has submitted his contribution to the City of Greater Geraldton’s Point Moore Inundation Study.

“I have submitted that I would be supportive of a Council decision to extend current leases.

“While I recognise that there is a risk of inundation at some time, I believe the risks can be well managed.

“Should Point Moore face the risk of serious flooding - due to a high tide and a cyclone coinciding – it is likely that there will be time available to evacuate residents, until the event has passed.

“Resident of Point Moore will need to consider carefully the risk to their home and property from inundation, and make calculated decisions. They will need to accept that insurance premiums are likely to me more costly and include disclaimers as to the level of cover.

“I am confident that providing there are open and honest discussions between the City and the Point Moore residents, any matters of contention can be resolved,” said Mr Blayney.

Grandparents Support Payment

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said today that he supports the important role the Government plays in providing much needed support for Grandparents who care for their Grandchildren on a fulltime basis.

“The Barnett Government has implemented a range of strategies to support Grand-carers, including the Grand-carers Support Scheme delivered in partnership with Wanslea Family Services.

“This Scheme was launched in November 2013, and is currently paying 1347 individual grandcarers with $1,196,800 in payments for 2481 grandchildren.

“Eligible Grand-carers are able to receive an annual payment of $400 for the first grandchild and $250 for each additional grandchild in their care.

“The Department of Local Government and Communities provides over $256,000 in recurrent funding for the Grandcare Service to provide a telephone information line offering one to one support as well as group activities for Grandcarers.

“In addition to the direct support payments to the Grandcarer, and the telephone line, additional service such as respite activities, counselling services, training workshops, home help and school tutoring, are offered.

“Grandcarers make a valuable contribution to the community and the Barnett Government continues to recognise the sacrifices and the great work these Grandparents make in order to provide a safe and stable home environment for their Grandchiildren.

“I am very pleased we are able to provide them with continued support, “ said Mr Blayney.

Annual General Meeting Year Ending 2015

Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre invites you to an Annual General Meeting Year Ending 2015 on Tuesday 22nd March 2016, 6.30pm in the Function Room of Geraldton Regional Community Education Centre

Refreshments will be served after the meeting

RSVP to Grady Smith by Monday 14th March via grady@edcentre.wa.edu.au or (08) 9921 4477

Works begin on Geraldton’s newest development

The initial stages of Geraldton’s newest and exciting development have begun with site works commencing on the Batavia Coast Marina stage two Station Square. 

Stage two of the Batavia Coast Marina development will see the addition of Station Square which will be situated on the stretch of land behind the old Railway Station, between Chapman Road and Foreshore Drive, and Forrest and Bayly Street. 

Station Square will feature a vibrant mixed-use plaza which will offer a new meeting destination and a range of activities including shops, eateries, public space, play and entertainment areas. 

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the new development not only opens up very exciting investment opportunities but is introducing another great open space for the Geraldton community. 

“This is a huge development and having another shared open space will be a great addition to our City,” he said. 

“Remediation works have begun on the site this week and we have seen artist’s impressions of what the new space is set to look like and it has definitely got the community buzzing. 

“We know how much potential this land has and our community is about to see the start of a very exciting venture.” 

Phase one of Station Square is expected to see 19 lots developed which includes a range of mixed use lots, residential apartments and single residential lots. An extension of Museum Place will also be constructed which will include a colonnade styled walkway and public car park. 

The project is part of the Batavia Coast Marina development, which is being progressed in partnership between the City, LandCorp and the Mid West Development Commission, with a funding contribution from Royalties for Regions. 

Batavia Coast Marina Stage 1 was completed in 2000 and saw the completion of waterfront promenades and boardwalks, linking the waterfront to the heart of the city. It also included 10 mixed residential and commercial lots, The Western Australian Museum Mid West Gallery and a hotel site. 

“The Batavia Coast Marina development is part of the City’s Foreshore Redevelopment project,” Mayor Van Styn said. 

“We all know how much our beautiful Foreshore it utilised and most recently we’ve seen the addition of the Esplanade, the Youth Precinct and the Multi User Facility which will be opened in the near future. 

“We have such an amazing coastline and we want to showcase it the best we possibly can, not just for tourism but for our community to enjoy.” 

LandCorp chief executive officer Frank Marra said the Station Square redevelopment would transform the disused six hectare site into a prime destination for residents and visitors to meet and socialise, supported by accommodation and a range of commercial opportunities such as shops and eateries. 

“In our experience, the best outcomes for a city and its residents are achieved when Government and local authorities work together to deliver the right balance of economic, social and environmental benefits,” Mr Marra said. 

“The Batavia Coast Marina redevelopment, together with its new Station Square, aims to offer the Mid West region an iconic destination that will meet the needs of the community for generations to come.” 

In preparation for civil works and construction of Batavia Coast Marina stage two, contractors have been on site from Monday 22 February to complete additional remediation works. 

Activity will be restricted to between 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and temporary fencing will be installed around the works area. 

The works are scheduled to take approximately eight weeks to complete and will prepare the Station Square at Batavia Coast Marina site for the phase one subdivision and roads/drainage construction in mid 2016. 

For more information you can visit http://www.landcorp.com.au/Industrial-and-Commercial/Batavia-Coast-Marina/

Recent First World War discoveries at the WA Museum – Geraldton

Corporal James Davie Renner, 4th Divisional Signals Company, of Fremantle, Western Australia

Visitors to the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton will have the opportunity to view the Australian War Memorial’s extraordinary travelling exhibition Remember me: the lost diggers of Vignacourt from 27 February 2016. 

WA Museum CEO Alec Coles said it was a privilege to display the unique First World War exhibition, an exquisite collection of black and white images printed from the original glass-plate negatives, as part of the Museum’s Centenary of Service commemorative calendar. 

“The photographs being exhibited represent one of the most important and recent discoveries of material from the First World War,” Mr Coles said. 

“This is such a significant exhibition we are especially pleased that not only was itdisplayed at our Perth site, it is also traveling to our regions to ensure the widest possible audience can experience it.” 

During the First World War, a total of 32,231 Western Australians enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force and saw active service at Gallipoli, the Western Front and Sinai-Palestine – some 6,800 never came home. The State raised 28th and 44th Battalions and the 10th Light Horse Regiment and, along with South Australia and Tasmania, contributed troops to five other units. 

The 80 photographs featured in the exhibition are part of The Louis and Antoinette Thuillier Collection, re-discovered in 2011 after sitting undisturbed for nearly a century in the attic of a farmhouse in the French village of Vignacourt. The soldiers in them were photographed by an enterprising husband-and-wife team, Louis and Antoinette Thuillier, who had set up a makeshift studio in their stable yard, just off the main street of Vignacourt. 

WA Museum – Geraldton Regional Manager Catherine Belcher said the images were printed onto postcards the soldiers sent to loved ones back home.

“The postcards were a treasured link to family amidst the horrors of war, and the Australian War Memorial has added several photographs of Western Australian soldiers to the tour not previously displayed in any other exhibition outside of WA,” Ms Belcher said. 

“Since the exhibition’s tour in WA commenced, eight more confirmed identifications of Western Australian soldiers have occurred. We encourage the public to help identify these unknown soldiers who had their photographs taken to send home to their families as postcards, but did not have their names recorded against the original glass plates. We would be thrilled to make another discovery in Geraldton”. 

The exhibition photographs were hand printed in the Australian War Memorial’s darkrooms from the original glass-plate negatives. Objects from the battlefields revealing what the Australians experienced and endured are also on display, while the original postcards included in the exhibition allow these soldiers to speak to us in their own words. 

The exhibition features prints of 80 of the more than 800 glass-plate negatives which were generously donated to the War Memorial by Mr Kerry Stokes AC in 2012. 

Director of the Australian War Memorial, Dr Brendan Nelson, said the enduring appeal of the photographic portraits is that they enable us to imagine the personalities and life stories. 

“The exhibition gives a vivid and insightful account of life behind the front lines in the village of Vignacourt, but it also speaks universally about the wartime experience of soldiers. The exhibition will provide Australians with the opportunity to connect with these remarkable photographs and the personal stories of camaraderie, loss and courage, behind many of the faces,” Dr Nelson said.

Remember me: the lost diggers of Vignacourt has been developed with the generous support of Mr Kerry Stokes AC, the Seven Network, Seven Group Holdings, and Wesfarmers. 

The exhibition is on display at the WA Museum – Geraldton from 27 February – 1 May 2016.

Price welcomes Dob in a Dealer launch – Australia’s fight against ice

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price has today welcomed the launch of a new million dollar partnership between the Turnbull Government and Crime Stoppers Australia to establish a national Dob in a Dealer campaign.

The Turnbull Government is providing $1 million to fund the national Dob in a Dealer campaign to raise awareness of methamphetamine, or ice, and encourage local communities to contact Crime Stoppers to help tackle the issue of manufacturing and distribution in their local area.

Ms Price said crimes relating to ice continue to be a concern for local police in Durack, with strong links between those who commit drug offences and those committing other violent crimes.

“Drugs such as ice can have devastating consequences for entire communities, and putting a stop to it will require a whole of community response. Police can’t do it alone,” Ms Price said.

“This is a vital campaign in Australia’s fight against ice, but its level of success will be reliant on the local intelligence Crime Stoppers receives.

“I urge all Durack residents to say enough is enough and to rid our streets, parks and neighbourhoods of criminals profiteering from the misery of ice, by undermining any criminal business models operating in our local area.”

Minister Keenan said the National Ice Taskforce Final Report, delivered in December, identified that the most important strategies to protect Australia from this devastating drug – and the violence it causes – is to disrupt supply and reduce demand.

“We’ve made significant investment in policing our borders and our streets and committed an additional $300 million over four years to improve treatment, after care, education, prevention, support and community engagement,” Mr Keenan said.

“While it is critical that these efforts continue, targeted Dob in a Dealer campaigns will help ensure our communities are no longer the end-game for international drug kingpins.

“Crime Stoppers provides residents with a safe, secure and anonymous avenue to report those suspected of being involved in the manufacture or supply of ice and other illicit drugs.

“It is up to all of us to work together to do all we can to protect our communities from the devastation of illegal drugs.”

If you have information about someone who is manufacturing or dealing in ice call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online:crimestoppers.com.au.

No Fish Traps for the Gascoyne - February 24th Deadline for comment

Vince Catania MLA, member for North West Central has reacted angrily to proposals for fish traps to be trialled by commercial fisheries in the Gascoyne.

The Department of Fisheries has called for community comment for the fish trap proposal and has given the public only two weeks to make submissions.

“The proposal to use fish traps in the Gascoyne is highly contentious. We have only been provided two weeks to comment on this proposal which is ludicrous” said Vince. “People in the Gascoyne have long memories and many recount the reason these traps were withdrawn originally in the 80’s.” he added “Fish traps are an idea that belong in the last century, we now fish for the future.”

Vince has listed many environmental concerns including the depletion of entire stocks of fish in an area when fish traps are used as commercial fishers attempt to fill their quotas around recreational fishing areas, the unacceptable risk of traps being lost and fishing “forever”, the impact on recreational fishing areas and damage to juvenile fish as the traps are raised and as juveniles are released at the surface.

“Recreational Fishing is an important pastime in the Gascoyne both for visitors and locals. This proposal has the potential to decimate recreational fishing, resulting in significant economic losses in the recreational fishing and tourism sector.” Said Vince.

“I am also extremely concerned that the proposal would allow Trap fishing from Shark Bay to Coral Bay one of the most pristine areas of the Australian coast. The damage fishtraps would cause on sensitive coral areas would be irreparable.”

Vince is preparing a petition which will be circulated to stop the fish trapping proposal. “There needs to be an inquiry into how this proposal has been put forward with minimal time for public comment. There is definitely something fishy going on here.” Said Vince “The proposal is not on the Department of fisheries website. Why the rush for something that could be so devastating?”

Bumper stickers are also being printed. “I fish, I vote, no fish traps in the Gascoyne” stickers will be available in the next few days from Vince’s Carnarvon office.

“I urge everyone to sign the petition, call the office for a sticker and write to Recfish and Minister for Fisheries to express their concerns about this proposal. The deadline for comment is 24th of February so please act now. If we don’t make our voices heard this trial will go ahead and it will be too late for our fish and our fishing future.”

Fish trap trial in the Gascoyne Demersal Scalefish Managed Fishery

Form for Petition in Relation to Fish Traps in The Gascoyne