My support for net-zero emissions can't be bought : Hunter Nationals MP

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter's only federal Nationals MP says he won't be bribed to abandon his principles, as discussions continue for an agreement on net-zero emissions.

Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie has been involved with the discussions currently taking place within the Liberal-Nationals coalition.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is heading to the United Nations Climate Summit in Glasgow next week, and is eager to reach an agreement with the junior coalition partner so he can present Australia's plan for net-zero.

On Thursday, Mr Morrison will depart for a G20 meeting in Rome and then head to the climate summit in Glasgow, alongside leaders from advanced economies who have already pledged to meet the net-zero target by 2050.

Dr Gillespie says he doesn't want other countries dictating our industries and our people.

"People wont know what they've got until its gone. As the old song goes. 

"We don't want to go along, in an attempt to improve the environment around the globe, we sign up and then we have all these rules being forced on us to shut down our industries.

"There is a global push coming out of the United Nations, through the major capital and financial markets and in the boardrooms to force penalties against industries and livelihoods that have fed, clothed and powered our regions, our state and the nation. We have to put some ring fencing around that because we don't want our cities to grind to a halt because we shut down these industries," Dr Gillespie said.

When asked whether he was pushing for something from the government in return for his support, Dr Gillespie says he can't be bought.

"I can't be any more specific than saying we are not asking for 40 pieces of silver to abandon our principles. We stand for strong regions who require employment and protection of our industries," Dr Gillespie said.

It's understood the Prime Minister is considering a regional economic package in an effort to sway the Nationals, which they will meet to discuss on Sunday. 

New weapon in Hunter firefighting arsenal ahead of fire season

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter is will have another weapon in its firefighting arsenal this bushfire danger period.

The federal government has announced it will be funding the $4 million annual lease of a large airtanker to boost aerial firefighting muscle, with a capacity to drop more than 15,000 litres of retardant or water. 

Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie says it's in addition to an already existing large fleet of specialised aircraft.

"We already have a variety of fixed wings, spotters and other firefighting equipment like helicopters with buckets and huge vertical lift capability. There is also smaller planes that can douse, but this is a big tanker with huge capacity and used on a really critical burn, can douse it out well and truly," Dr Gillespie said.

The bushfire danger period is already under way in parts of the Upper Hunter including in Muswellbrook and Singleton. The remaining Lower Hunter local government areas are expected to start their bushfire danger period in October.

Government to Upgrade Gresford

BY GARY LYSAGHT

The Federal Government has committed to chipping in $1 million to help Dungog Shire Council upgrade Gresford’s main road.

The announcement was part of an election promise, which will see Park Street upgraded with the Government’s assistance, along with $3 million from Council.

Gresford's new MP, David Gillespie (left) with Dungog Mayor Harold Johnston. 

Lyne MP David Gillespie says the road has been in need of an upgrade for some time.

“It’s not drained and it’s on a hill.  And when it’s raining it’s really quite dangerous because there’s nowhere for the water to run away to,” he said.

The road is also an essential part of the Gresford Billy Cart Derby, an annual event which sees more than 5 000 tourists visit the small town and pump more than $50 000 into the economy.

“People come from all over the State, not just nearby Newcastle and Maitland,” said Gillespie.

“It’s an iconic event.”

The road can be dangerous for the racers, with the road being quite worn out.

“The surface is pretty dodgy and that’s why I think the Gresford billy cart people will be extremely happy,” said the town’s new MP.

Gresford became part of Lyne after the electoral redistributions which saw the abolition of Charlton and dramatic changes to Hunter, currently held by Labor stalwart, Joel Fitzgibbon.

Previously, Gresford was in Paterson, then held by former MP Bob Baldwin.

Gillespie is hopeful his funding commitment will get him and his new constituents off to a good start.

“I’m demonstrating that I can deliver the goods for what has been promised in the past,” he said. 

[Image Source: The Newcastle Herald].

Baldwin Staying in Paterson

Despite having his majority wiped out in the recent electoral redistribution in the Hunter, Paterson MP Bob Baldwin has ruled out moving away from the seat he's held since 2001.

MP Bob Baldwin with former Prime Minister, Tony Abbott

A report in The Australian on Thursday morning suggested Baldwin was considering defecting from the Liberal party, and running as an Independent for the seat of Lyne, currently held by Nationals MP David Gillespie.

The move was rumored because most of Baldwin's Liberal voters in Port Stephens and Dungog have moved into Lyne, while he's picked up Maitland and Kurri Kurri, traditional Labor strongholds.

A Coalition agreement means Liberal voters cannot contest a seat held by a National.

Before the redistribution, Baldwin held a 9.8% margin on Paterson however, the seat has now become a swinger, with a 1.3% swing to Labor.

Despite all the rumors, Baldwin is adamant he will stay in Patterson, calling the rumors rubbish.

But Baldwin wasn't the only one who saw major changes, with Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon seeing his electorate carved out between Pat Conroy's Charlton (to be renamed Hunter) and Deputy Nationals Leader, Barnaby Joyce's New England.

Despite the push-out, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has confirmed Fitzgibbon is likely to remain in politics.

Image courtesy of Andrew Meares, via The Sydney Morning Herald (LINK).