Teachers need to be supported
15 March 2010 

Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy has called for more support for teachers in the Upper Hunter.

Mr Duddy said, "In this area, where large mining incomes push up the cost of living for everyone, it is often difficult to attract and retain teachers.

"We have a number of great public and non-government schools in this electorate, with excellent teachers, but more funding is needed to bring facilities into the 21st century. Investment in more teachers is essential to reduce class sizes and improve opportunities for children with special needs.

"It is also vital that we get seatbelts into our regional school buses. It is not acceptable that we have school children travelling at speed on a major busy highway without the protection of seatbelt. There are solutions so lets put them in place now.

"I am absolutely committed to the Better State plan to invest in TAFE. In an area with significant employment in industry, mining and agriculture, vocational training in the TAFE system is an important training pathway for young people and a re-skilling option for adult workers.

"I am particularly concerned about the attacks from Labor over the past couple of years on the TAFE system. The wage and conditions battle has seen professional development opportunities cut and a casualisation of TAFE teachers.

"There is a push from both major parties to privatize TAFE courses. This approach will lead to profits being put ahead educational outcomes and could lock some individuals out of the vocational education system altogether.

"If I am elected I will be a loud and passionate advocate for teachers and the education system," Mr Duddy said. 

For more information contact Tim Duddy on 0427 106 267 

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14 March 2010  

Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy said, "the community around Singleton and Muswellbrook have made it quite clear that coal mining has gone too far in this district.  

"I am not anti-mining. I want to see new laws that enable the community and local businesses to thrive, not get forced out by coal mining. At the moment the regulations are too weak and the mines are having an unreasonable impact on livelihoods and quality of life. 

"Many miners have come into my office in the last month saying its gone too far. They are worried about their kids getting sick and what sort of quality of life they will have with all the proposed mine expansions.

"I have spoken to many rural people that have lived with the threat of a mine over their property for over a decade. There is no certainty, the value of their property has reduced, they can't sell and the mine has no requirement to compensate them or buy them out. It's not right. 

"There are some areas where coal mining should not be allowed and there are growing and legitimate concerns about the potential impact of a move towards coal seam gas extraction.

"I have been very clear on this issue. We need a moratorium on new coal and gas approvals until a regional landuse strategy is enacted. People need to have certainty and we need to keep the places where we live safe. The areas we rely on for food production must have a secure water supply for the future," Mr Duddy said.

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Congestion solution needed for Singleton
11 March 2010 

Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy has criticised both major parties for failing to offer any solution to Singleton's congestion crisis. 

Mr Duddy said, "traffic congestion in Singleton is impacting on quality of life for many residents. The town has become clogged with traffic including trucks servicing local industry and interstate freight movements. 

"Singleton's streets have become dangerous, are costly to maintain and contributing to even more local air pollution.

"I support a bypass for the town and there is an opportunity to access regional infrastructure funding for the project. We need to get on with it and start the planning.

"There are rail based strategies that will also make a significant contribution. Increasing the amount of freight moved by rail is essential if towns like Singleton located along major freight corridors are to reduce congestion. 

"While getting coal exports to port is essential, too much emphasis has been on coal at the expense of other freight. 

"There is a significant opportunity for passenger rail services to be dramatically expanded. I wholeheartedly support the local community campaign for Two More Trains for Singleton.

"It is not reasonable that passenger services be left out because of a lack of capacity due coal movements. One industry can not be allowed to impact on the delivery of community services, there needs to be balance in how public infrastructure is used.

"The traffic congestion across the Upper Hunter electorate is a direct result of a failure to plan for the expansion of the mining.    

"If coal seam gas development proceeds it will add a significant number of extra truck movements to already clogged roads.  

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Health needs of Upper Hunter have been ignored by the major parties
11 March 2010 

Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy has criticised the major parties for ignoring the health needs of the electorate.

Mr Duddy said, "a number of health commitments have been made during this campaign by the major parties but the Upper Hunter has been largely left out.  

"It is not acceptable that a region that generates so much income for the government is not supported by modern health facilities or is short of doctors. 

"Significant additional health funding and resources are needed at hospitals across the electorate. It is absurd that the Muswellbrook Hospital still has to run its emergency ward on the 2nd floor of the building.  

"Neither major party has agreed to fund a refurbishment at Muswellbrook. Instead, the coalition has focused its major funding commitments on marginal seats it thinks it can win off Labor or independents. The Upper Hunter has been ignored. 

"I have called publically, in support of local paramedics, for a commitment to fully staff Local ambulance stations. Again, neither major party has made this commitment. There are still questions about whether or not they support the use of volunteers instead of full-time and fully-trained paramedics. 

"Many communities have spoken to me about doctor shortages. I recently went to Dungog for the GP stakes, a community fundraising effort to raise money for a new doctor. I applaud their community effort, but it concerning that it has come to this.  

 "While primarily a federal funding issue, the state government can do much more to demand adequate delivery of primary health services by the federal health department. The current health and hospital funding debate is the opportune time, but neither major party has made these demands. 

"If elected, I will work with all parties, at both state and federal levels to secure funding support to improve the health facilities and services for the Upper Hunter community," Mr Duddy said.  

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Govt listening tour cops an earful at Singleton
09 March 2010 

Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy has blasted state planning minister Tony Kelly and his scoping paper for failing the Upper Hunter community.  

The recent decision by the government to approve the AGL Gloucester coal seam gas project and the lodgement of a development application by Shenhua to mine coal on the Liverpool Plains are two recent cases that have once again brought the issue of land-use planning to the fore.  

Attending the government's coal and gas stakeholder forum in Singleton Mr Duddy said, "A decision like AGL Gloucester in the middle of a so called consultation process shows the contempt this government has for the Upper Hunter community.

"There is significant doubt within the community that existing laws and regulations are suitable to manage the potential impacts of CSG. That message should have hit home with the government by now. 

"Instead we've got a secretive, last minute approval. The community was kept in the dark about the approval for a week after the decision. No one from the government or the company informed either the councillors or the community. It's a disgrace."  

In regards to the Shenhua application Mr Duddy said, "The application is strange. The company had informed the community that it was still some way from being prepared to make an application. It is interesting to see a lodgement on the day before the government entered caretaker mode.  

"The community of the Liverpool Plains will not accept coal mining on its productive agricultural land.  

"The coalition must confirm that if elected this application will not be dealt with under part 3a provisions and will be subject to a rigorous agricultural impact assessment. 

"I have released my position on land-use and coal mining. I make it clear that the balance must be restored. 

"I support the development of a sustainable land use strategy for the region and the state to provide long-term certainty for the existing agricultural and tourism industries and to protect this region's productive agricultural land," Mr Duddy said.  

Mr Duddy's Land Use and Mining Policy Statement can be found here. 

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Bypass is essential for Muswellbrook
4 March 2011

Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy has described the Muswellbrook bypass as essential infrastructure for the town and urged both major parties to commit to building the project.  

Mr Duddy said, "This is a shovel ready project that is widely supported across the community. If elected to parliament I will pursue every option available to secure money for the bypass and get it built.

"I have already spoken with Federal MPs about securing the money needed for the bypass through regional infrastructure funds. This could cover around 80% of the project costs but 

would still need a commitment from the state government.

 "I have been working from the campaign office in Muswellbrook and the number of b-double truck movements through the town by day and late into the night is just astonishing. 

"A bypass will free up the main street for the local community, will encourage businesses to return and make local roads safer. I think it will help invigorate the CBD and make the town an attractive stop for travellers passing through on long journeys. 

"This is a win-win option for the town.

"At election time most of the major infrastructure spending promises are directed to city electorates while the regional areas just hear more talk.

"Districts like the Upper Hunter make a significant contribution to the state through 

agricultural industries and mineral exports and deserve a better deal on infrastructure.

"The community can be certain that as an independent I will be a strong advocate for infrastructure funding and investment in community services," Mr Duddy said.

For more information contact Tim Duddy: 0427 106 267 

For more information about the Regional Infrastructure Fund click here

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NSW Govt approves AGL Gloucester gas project under the cover of night
2 March 2011

Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy has branded the NSW Labor Government's covert decision to approve AGL's Coal Seam Gas project in Gloucester a disgrace. 

Mr Duddy said, "This decision has been made in the dying days of a disgraceful government and caps off 16 years of Labor abuse of regional NSW.

"The Gloucester Valley is unique with its pristine waters flowing down to Port Stephens. This decision puts the local water supply and sustainable agricultural industries at risk. 

"I was in Gloucester meeting with local residents and farmers recently talking about the issues with this project. It wasn't until yesterday that this community found out the approval had been granted last week. That is the quality of consultation and engagement that communities have come to expect from AGL and this Labor Government.

"60 to 90 wells will be connected with roads and pipelines across this narrow valley that will in effect render it useless for agriculture. It will involve hundreds of truck movements along narrow local roads that are already broken up and have been starved of funds.

"This type of extraction has not been proven safe. There is very little science to establish whether there is potential for connectivity between the coal seams and fresh groundwater. There is a real risk that saline water from the coal seam will pollute local waterways as has occurred in many other places around the world.

"This is the first test for the coalition's regional land-use plan. They have recognised the potential damage from this industry and they should commit to turning back the clock, and to put this project on hold if elected to government. An independent investigation of the environmental, economic and social costs should be commissioned immediately to determine exactly what is at risk. 

The Gloucester Valley cannot become another Muswellbrook surrounded by poorly planned coal and gas mining and infrastructure. It was a mistake there and it will be a travesty in Gloucester," Mr Duddy said.  

For more information contact Tim Duddy on 0427 106 267

Department of Planning Approvals:

Project Application

Concept Plan

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Coalition must rule out volunteer paramedics for Upper Hunter stations
28 February 2011

Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy has called on both major parties to do more the keep doctors in regional towns.

Speaking at the GP stakes in Dungog at the weekend, Mr Duddy said, "The Dungog community has gone from having four local GPs to one. There isn't a permanent doctor at the local hospital. It is not good enough."

"Here we have a community having little choice except to fundraise to attract a GP to the town. They have been forced to take responsibility because both state and federal governments have failed to. 

"What I have been hearing is people saying, we know it is a federal issue but can't more be done? Well of course it can and it should be.  

"While the general principles of the national health reform package have been agreed to, both the Coalition and Labor should ensure there is agreement built in that guarantees primary health care service levels in regional towns. 

"The Upper Hunter region did not get mentioned in the Coalition's "plan to fix our hospitals" announcement last week. Capital expenditure in new or improved hospital facilities is important but primary health care provided by general practitioners is at the centre of a functioning health care system. If they are not talking about improving infrastructure in the Upper Hunter, what is their strategy for ensuring there are enough GPs to meet the needs of the community? 

"I congratulate Dungog residents on their efforts to raise money for such an important issue and encourage the major parties to take action," Mr Duddy said. 

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Four Corners coal seam gas expose' justifies call for moratorium 
22 February 2011

Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy has called for a moratorium on coal seam gas exploration and production approvals until an investigation is conducted into the cumulative social, environmental and economic impacts of this technology across the Upper Hunter district.   

Following a Four Corners expose' showing the impacts coal seam gas production in Queensland Mr Duddy said, "The laws in NSW are not ready to manage the impacts of coal seam gas and until they are, no further approvals should be granted."

Four Corners reported significant reductions in the groundwater table and local water bores were filmed producing gas instead of water. 

Mr Duddy said, "If this happens across the Upper Hunter it  will destroy local agricultural industries such as the Hunter Valley wineries and crop production across the Liverpool Plains."   

The Government is not prepared to deal with the impacts and  this 'free' resource at the expense of NSW taxpayers and the environment.

The Upper Hunter is the target of several gas companies with eight Petroleum Exploration Licences (PELs) covering approximately 70-80% of the district. AGL in Gloucester have a proposal on the table for up to 90 wells and a processing plant and pipeline. 

"We already know that Eastern Star Gas are hoping to construct an export terminal in Newcastle. Before we go further down this track, local communities and the industry deserve certainty about what laws and regulations will be applied to protect water supplies and productive agricultural land. 

"My feeling is that this type of development should not be allowed near or on agricultural land and that is the position I will take to parliament if I am successful in winning this seat in the coming election," Mr Duddy said. 

Four Corner's episode, The Gas Rush:

http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/content/2011/s3141787.htm  

Eastern Star Gas export terminal MOU explained:

http://www.easternstar.com.au/pdf/broker/ESG_250510.pdf  

AGL Gloucester Project Application:

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Coalition electricity plan could cost Upper Hunter jobs
21 February 2011

Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy has called on the coalition to reassure Upper Hunter residents that jobs and services will not be cut under its electricity distribution merger plans.

Responding to the coalition's proposal to merge the distribution arms of Energy Australia and Integral Energy, Mr Duddy said, "if jobs are cut to offer a rebate to families suffering from soaring electricity bills it is an unacceptable and short sighted response. It is robbing Peter to pay Peter and is grossly unfair. 

"The government has a role in helping households meet the rising cost of living but rebates should not be funded by job and service cuts. 

"Upper Hunter would be one of the areas hardest hit by any job cuts with almost the whole electorate covered by either Energy Australia or Integral Energy.

"The coalition has already refused to rule out further privatisation of State electricity assets. It's time George Souris came clean with the Upper Hunter electorate about where he stands on protecting local jobs.    

"Consumers should be aware that much of the recent electricity bill hikes have been to fund the replacement of aging poles and wires across the State. Savings can be made by redirecting some of this money towards investing in demand management and a more modern and efficient electricity grid.                                     

"We need to increase investment in education and training in the electricity sector to support the transition to cleaner energy options.  

"The Upper Hunter has a long history in the energy sector and could be a leading area in research and development as well as in manufacturing of clean energy technology," Mr Duddy said. 

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Coalition land-use policy short on detail
16 February 2011

Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy is dubious about the coalition's regional land use policy, concerned it lacks the detail the community expects from an opposition trying to take government.  

Mr Duddy said, "While the sentiments are encouraging, it is disappointing that Duncan Gay seems to have walked away from his promise to draft the necessary legislation to deliver a meaningful outcome. 

"The communities across the Liverpool Plains, Bylong, Gloucester, and the Upper Hunter Valley have worked tirelessly with NSW farmers, Hunter Valley thoroughbred breeders and wine growers to protect their environments, productive agricultural land, local water supplies and livelihoods. They deserve the credit for getting the Coalition this far. 

"The Coalition made promises nineteen months ago that it would address land-use issues associated with mining and it has taken all that time to produce a five page document promising reform. 

"In the last few years the Upper Hunter has seen an explosion of mining and petroleum exploration licenses while the coalition has been silent on the potential destruction of existing business in the region. 

"We take exception of the very first line as to "the potential of regional NSW." We ask the question, the potential for what? What do we have in stall for us at the hands of the mining industry? 

"Unlike the coalition I recognize the value regional NSW already delivers to Australia and our ability to be sustainable, not having to rely on our neighbors to feed this country into the future.  

"Currently there are 40 mining and four petroleum major project applications at some stage of assessment with the Department of Planning. The coalition's reform package gives no details as to how they will address these current applications. 

"Once again it appears the weight of the mining industry has been applied and the coalition is buckling. The community needs to stand strong and protect our future."

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Coalition must commit to a land-use strategy for NSW  
10 February 2011  

Independent candidate for the Upper Hunter and Liverpool Plains farmer Tim Duddy has called on the Coalition to commit to developing a land-use strategy for NSW should they become the next government.

Attending the current government's community and stakeholder forum in Gunnedah Mr Duddy said, 

"Labor's coal and gas strategy development process is about five years late and currently misdirected, but the process offers a chance to resolve land-use issues associated with mining development across the state.

"Planning Minister Tony Kelly and his department have stated a commitment to this process regardless of the election result.

"The coalition needs to make clear its position on developing a strategy before the election.

"The focus of the strategy must be on sustainable land-use that allows existing local industries to thrive, not on promoting the expansion of coal and gas at the expense of everything else.

"The assumption of co-existance is misguided. There are places in this state where mining should simply not occur.

"I have been to talking to communities across the Upper Hunter and there is a constant message that they want certainty for existing local industries.

"The feeling I got from the forum today is that there is a very limited understanding within government of the needs of agricultural communities. The concept of co-existence between mining and agriculture is thrown around but the department couldn't cite a model where it works.

"The coalition needs to commit to this process and explain how they will ensure the whole community is involved and local industries are protected," Mr Duddy said. 

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Duddy meets with Dungog community 
9 February 2011

Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy has spent two days speaking with the Dungog community and touring the local area as one of his first major visits of the campaign. 

"I understand that there are issues with local infrastructure including the roads and there is an urgent need for more doctors," Mr Duddy said. 

"The community is looking for a strategy to revitalise the area after years of uncertainty in relation to Tillegra Dam and inaction and lack of investment by government in community services and infrastructure. 

"I have spoken with the local community and what I have heard is that they want certainty about the future of this area. 

"What I can commit to as an Independent candidate is that I will listen to the community, embrace their issues and work towards real solutions in the new NSW Parliament. 

"Everyone has been very generous with their time and I look forward to spending more time in Dungog over the next few weeks, Mr Duddy said. 

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NSW Govt Coal Strategy Paper breaks its repeated promises on protecting the Liverpool Plains  
2 February 2011

Independent candidate for the Upper Hunter Tim Duddy says the NSW Premier must immediately explain a Department of Planning document which says mining is likely "on and under the black soils of the Liverpool Plains" - directly contradicting repeated assurances given to the community.

The document - NSW Coal & Gas Strategy (Scoping Paper) - on exhibition on the Department of Planning website clearly states development is likely in three distinct areas of the Gunnedah Basin including:

"The areas on and adjacent to the black soil plains north west of Quirindi, where the Caroona and Watermark exploration licence areas are located;" (p7 NSW Coal & Gas Strategy)

Mr Duddy said, "the views expressed in the document not only directly contradict numerous public promises made by the NSW Government and BHP Billiton but would also be in clear breach of BHP?s coal exploration licence at Caroona.

"This strategy paper confirms what we have always known and that is that despite their word, this government has no intention of protecting the water and soils of the Liverpool Plains.

"In 2009, after years of public pressure, the former Mineral Resources Minister Ian Macdonald amended BHP?s licence (Media Release attached) and trumpeted in the NSW Parliament that he?d forever protected the floodplains from mining.

"What's happened to that promise?

"It is extraordinary that the Dept of Planning - the very agency with the task of properly assessing the environmental impacts of such a large mining proposal - is already prepared to say coal mining in such a sensitive area is likely to go ahead.

"Unfortunately this document sums up the problem with the current government. They've produced a Coal and Gas strategy document not a Land Use strategy because their only plan is to facilitate mining regardless of the impacts on other industries, communities or the environment.

"I call on the NSW Premier to explain her position and withdraw this irresponsible document from the Dept of Planning?s website. I also call on the NSW Coalition to immediately reveal its position and commit they will not permit any mining on or under the floodplains," Mr Duddy said.

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Independent campaign to focus on protecting local industry and community services 
24 January 2011

Liverpool plains farmer and agricultural advocate Tim Duddy launched his independent campaign for the Upper Hunter today promising a strong new voice for fairness and for protecting the sustainable local industry in the Hunter Valley.

Liverpool plains farmer and agricultural advocate Tim Duddy launched his independent campaign for the Upper Hunter today promising a strong new voice for fairness and for protecting the sustainable local industry in the Hunter Valley.

"As an independent I will speak out about the things that really matter to this community," Mr Duddy said.

"I want to see a diverse valley where existing productive local industries including wineries, tourism, thoroughbred breeding and agriculture are able to work side by side, not be pushed out by mining.

"At the moment there is a lack of balance and the unfettered expansion of the mining and gas industry is threatening long-term sustainable industries that have previously thrived across the valley.

"I have a broad agenda in this campaign. The community deserves a better deal on infrastructure. Given the area's enormous contribution to the NSW Government coffers we should not have a shortage of health professionals and police in the region.

"New investment is needed in local infrastructure. The recent road accidents near Singleton point to a desperate need for more investment in maintenance and improvement. 

"I will be advocating for improved public transport and there is a community proposal on the table for Two More Trains for Singleton which needs to be looked at closely. 

"I look forward to meeting with people across the Upper Hunter to hear from them what needs to be done. As an independent they can know that what I say is what I mean and that I can represent their views freely in the parliament," Mr Duddy concluded.  

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Independent Voice to Challenge in Upper Hunter
21 January 2011

Liverpool plains farmer and agricultural advocate Tim Duddy will stand as an Independent for the Upper Hunter against sitting National member George Souris on 26 March.

"I want to bring a strong new voice to the Upper Hunter that is about fairness, protecting productive agricultural land, valuable water resources and encouraging regional diversity putting the local communities first" Mr Duddy said.

"As an Independent I will speak out about the things that really matter to this community.

"The Upper Hunter has not been served well by the major parties. The unfettered expansion of the mining and gas industry is threatening long-term sustainability of other industries across the valley.

"I want to see a diverse valley where the existing and productive local industries including wineries, tourism, thoroughbred breeding and agriculture are able to work side by side, not get pushed out by mining.

"I will be promoting improvement in regional services. 

"There is a chronic shortage of infrastructure, health professionals and police in the region. Given the areas enormous contribution to the NSW Government coffers, the local community deserves more," Mr Duddy said.

The official campaign launch will be held at the Singleton RSL - Alroy Park on Dorsman Drive Singleton Heights on Monday 24 January at 11am.