Mr PETER DRAPER (Tamworth) [1.59 p.m.]: Unfortunately too many people involved in the political process continually play the politics of negativity. Sadly, the electorate of Tamworth sees more than its fair share of political operatives who think there is value in searching for negatives, rather than highlighting the many positives of our district. Despite the world financial crisis there is a lot of optimism in the north-west, and I can assure everyone that the electorate of Tamworth is well and truly open for business. There are many reasons why the district is attracting individuals and businesses. People like the lifestyle, the healthy environment, and the vibrant retail sector. We boast excellent sporting facilities, a wonderful array of educational opportunities and many employment options. Businesses are investing in the region because of its growing population, its central location between Sydney and Brisbane, and the positive attitude from existing business and local government.

Investment has made the district an attractive location for families to live. A recently completed $6.3 million upgrade of training facilities at Tamworth TAFE provides an important base to address the skills shortage challenging country New South Wales. Opportunities for education in the region have been greatly enhanced with recent announcements that most schools will receive infrastructure upgrades. I am delighted that $8.1 million is being spent to build the new Bullimbal School for Specific Purposes, to give kids with disabilities the best educational opportunities. Recently $9.1 million in State funding flowed to the Tamworth Sewerage Augmentation Reuse Project, well over $4 million into new public housing, and $519,000 to fight noxious weeds. We have seen investment in local State Emergency Service units, $30 million in rail infrastructure upgrades, and nearly $2 million for the Namoi Sustainability Environmental Project. Tamworth and Gunnedah councils received $20,000 each to upgrade children's playgrounds, while many grants have recently been provided for sporting projects and recreational facilities.

It is also critical to provide funding to community organisations for their special projects. Examples include $9,200 for toilets at Gunnedah Presbyterian Church, $7,000 to air-condition Kootingal Preschool, $4,800 for Senior's Week events, $3,000 for Gunnedah Rural Museum, $2,500 for Carinya School's environmental program, $2,500 for Manilla Historical Society, $1,500 to Gunnedah Riding for Disabled, and $2,000 for Manilla Rugby League Football Club. Just last week the Breeza Progress Association was thrilled to receive $49,500 to help restore its local hall.

Investment from government makes my local area attractive for business, and builds confidence, despite world events. Peel Valley Exporters recently announced a $9.2 million expansion program, which will create up to 200 new jobs. Australia Asia Flight Training Pty Ltd is in the process of developing its Australian Wings Flying Academy, a residential flying college at Gunnedah. The college will accommodate 200 students at the Gunnedah airport campus, drawn from the Asia Pacific, the Indian Subcontinent and the Gulf States, plus Australia. With over 80 direct and indirect employees, it will provide fully serviced accommodation, dining facilities, air-conditioned lounges, computer laboratories, quiet areas, and a gymnasium. Aircraft hangers will be constructed to maintain the fleet of over 30 modem training aircraft. Additionally, administration buildings, classrooms, flight briefing, planning and instructional areas, plus facilities for three flight simulators will see a massive investment in Gunnedah.

In another vote of confidence for the region, Redimix Concrete was established in Tamworth last year. The directors could see a need for a "locally owned and independently operated" concrete plant, and developed a site in Glen Artney industrial estate. Redimix Concrete was up and running by January this year, with its state-of-the-art, environmentally sensitive batching plant able to produce 120 cubic metres per hour, serviced by a fleet of purpose-built modem agitator trucks. The plant meets all Environment Protection Authority water, noise and dust management requirements; every drop of rainfall water is harvested, contained and recycled in the concrete manufacture process, while waste concrete is taken to the quarry and recycled into road base. I congratulate Managing Director James McDonald and his colleagues Bruce Chapman and Brian Crow on their vision and their faith in the region. Between them they have some 77 years of experience in the industry, and they are delighted that today the plant is fully operational. The Redimix Concrete plant employs six local people to cater for the domestic and commercial markets, and offers a quality product with outstanding service to match.

In recent weeks we have seen $23 million invested in local schools to build halls, outdoor learning areas, classrooms, libraries and other vital infrastructure. In addition, over $5 million is being spent to upgrade and refurbish existing public housing in the electorate. Together with Minister Borger I visited a block of units undergoing a $750,000 upgrade. These sorts of initiatives create jobs, but they also boost confidence in the local area. The district has a robust economy with a blend of opportunities, including farming, manufacturing, mining, poultry, education, sport and tourism. It fosters the sort of confidence and vision that makes the electorate of Tamworth a wonderful place to live and a great place to do business.

Question—That private members' statements be noted—put and resolved in the affirmative.

Private members' statements noted.

[The Assistant-Speaker (Ms Alison Megarrity) left the chair at 2.04 p.m. The House resumed at 2.15 p.m.]