New South Wales Electoral Commission

List of Candidates as Per Ballot Paper

Victor P Taffa

THAIN, John                                     LABOR                                                            8,200

WRIGHT, Suzie                                 THE GREENS                                                4,221

SAUNDERS, Mick                                                                                                        724

AYRES, Stuart                                 LIBERAL                                                         17,067

LEYONHJELM, David                     OUTDOOR RECREATION PARTY               648

SANZ, Jose                                         AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRATS                         297

GREEN, Andrew                               CDP (FRED NILE GROUP)                         1,516

SELBY, Noel                                                 INDEPENDENT                                    884

Liberal Candidate Stuart Ayres has polled 17,067 votes to win the Penrith By-Election on First Preference votes.

TWO CANDIDATE PREFFERED BY-ELECTION 19 JUNE 2010

Liberal 66.3%

Labor 33.7%

TWO CANDIDATE PREFFERED GENERAL ELECTION 2007

Liberal 40.75%

Labor 59.25%

Stuart Ayres Liberal Candidate

Victor P Taffa

Putting People First may seem a bit odd in this day and age of Internet Speed, IPod’s, Twitter, Face book, Search Engine Optimisation, or Former New South Wales Minister Ian McDonald’s Homebush V8 Races however to keep a normal perspective on life is the ability to cross a street safely.

When we grew up in Primary School we were taught to ‘Look to the Right then Look to the Left and Look to the Right Again.’ This message was pretty simple and easy to remember and by and large most people follow this rule.

Road deaths for motorists, truck drivers or pedestrians end up as being merely statistics as if it were a State Of Origin Football game.

As a Taxi Driver in Sydney for 4½ years not only did I improve my driving skills but also saw the worst habits that people perform when driving a potentially lethal weapon.

Since the introduction of signalised intersections at Market/Kent Streets in 1914 Sydney now has approximately 4,000 sets of signalised intersections that provides for 2 minutes to cross one side of a T or 4 Point Intersection. To cross in a diagonal fashion in the apron of the intersection would be a saving of 3 minutes at many intersections.

The ‘Scramble Crossing’ method as the Pedestrian Council’s Harold Scruby has described them would actually save time overall across Metropolitan Sydney.

‘Scramble Crossings’ should be allowed at EVERY signalised intersection in New South Wales. People should be able to cross a signalised intersection diagonally.

People should be Put First and People should be allowed to cross increasingly busy roads in safety. Now the response from the Speed Merchants would be to say that it would “slow down the traffic.”

The Roads and Traffic Authority (R.T.A.) has a centralised control system of signalised intersections. The RTA may say that it might “mess up our system.”

The Pedestrian Council supports Countdown Timers at intersections. The Pedestrian Council whispered that “The RTA wouldn’t like countdown timers because people would be horrified at having to wait for up to 2 minutes to cross a street.”

Perhaps attitudes from Transport Authorities is changing because 20 years ago there was a uniform speed of 60 Km/h on EVERY road in New South Wales.

Now we have limits of 70Km/h, 60Km/h, 50Km/h and School Zone 40 Km/h. The RTA seems to have a policy that suits the conditions and not a ‘One Zone Fits All’ approach.

20 years ago it would not have been imaginable that a 6 lane road such as Victoria Road outside Holy Cross College, Ryde would have a School Zone of 40 Km/h.

‘Scramble Crossings’ work well at George/Park/Druitt Street, Sydney and Macquarie/Smith Street, Parramatta Intersection.

Scramble Crossing George/ Park/ Druitt Streets Outside QVB Sydney

Scramble Crossing Intersection Smith & Macquarie Streets Parramatta

Would ‘Scramble Crossings’ work everywhere? NO

• M4/Homebush Bay Drive does not have pedestrian access and would not suit a ‘Scramble Crossing.’
• Edgbaston Road/King Georges Road is a right turn only intersection and similarly would not suit a ‘Scramble Crossing.’

T Intersections:

 There is no reason why most T Intersections could not have ‘Scramble Crossings’ such as:

• Marsden Road/Lawson Street
• Blaxland Road/Florence Avenue  
• Forest Road/Stoney Creek Road

 4 Point Intersections:

 There is no reason why most 4 Point Intersections could not have ‘Scramble Crossings’ such as:

•  First Avenue/Rutledge Street
• Miller/Mount Streets/Pacific Highway
• Falcon Street/Pacific Highway/Shirley Road
• M5/King Georges Road has pedestrian access and could accommodate a ‘Scramble Crossing.’

 Y Intersections:

 There is no reason why most Y Intersections could not have ‘Scramble Crossings.’

Intersections such as King Georges Road/Princes Highway, Blakehurst has a park adjacent and there is no reason why this intersection could not have a ‘Scramble Crossing’ and also Blaxland Road/Lane Cove Road/Devlin Street.

Intersection King Georges Road & Princes Highway Blakehurst

Intersection Lane Cove Road & Blaxland Road Ryde

 Where there is pedestrian access from most sides of an intersection should be able to have ‘Scramble Crossings.’

 Lives could have been saved if ‘Scramble Crossings’ were installed at EVERY signalised intersection. For example in recent times there were two cases at least in the last 3 years that ‘Scramble Crossings’ would have saved lives had they been allowed.

 In July 2007 Jessica De Andrade was killed when crossing Botany Road at a signalised intersection and in May 2010 a 91-year-old man was also killed when crossing Gardeners Road at Racecourse Place using the pedestrian crossing controlled by traffic signals.

No Access across Devlin Street Ryde

Scramble Crossing Smith & George Streets Parramatta

‘Scramble Crossings’ would more than likely have saved both lives had they of been introduced. While this measure will not bring down the road toll to zero it will make crossing the road safer for all.

 ‘Scramble Crossings’ do not have to have countdown clocks but noise activation to go on when traffic lights turn to red.

While stopping traffic at every point of the intersection will take an adjustment for the RTA to co-ordinate particularly for major roads such as Victoria and Parramatta Roads, Princes Highway it will make all signalised intersections safer for pedestrians.   

 J-Walking is still an enforceable offence and allowing for ‘Scrambled Crossings’ at every signalised intersection would not affect existing J-Walking laws.

Putting People First maybe foreign to some people but as with the introduction of other road safety measures it is all about saving lives.

Victor P Taffa

Round 9

Tooheys New Postponed Matches Season 2010

Gordon Vs Penrith 6 July

New South Wales Shadow Treasurer and Manly MP Mike Baird

KENEALLY BREAKS PROMISE FOR INDEPENDENT ELECTION COSTINGS

Victor P Taffa

“Auditor General? Happy to have it done”

Kristina Keneally’s commitment during TV debate on Friday 26 March 2010

The Keneally Labor Government has taken the incredible step of voting against its own Bill in order to stop the NSW Liberals & Nationals push to have election promises independently costed according to Shadow Treasurer Mike Baird.

“This election is about honesty as much as it is about competence and unfortunately Kristina Keneally is failing both tests.” Mr. Baird said.

“Barry O’Farrell put the challenge down to have the Auditor General independently cost election promises and this was agreed to by Ms Keneally.” Mr. Baird said.

“When the rubber hit the road and Ms Keneally realised independent costings would be ‘genuinely independent’, Ms. Keneally along with her Treasurer Eric Roozendaal sided with dishonesty and deception over the honesty and transparency offered by the NSW Liberals & Nationals.”

“This dishonesty completely blows out of the water any shred of economic credibility the incompetent Keneally Labor Government had left.” Mr. Baird said.

“This was an historic opportunity lost for the people of NSW.”

“We believe every person across NSW deserves knowing that every election promise – from both Government and Opposition – is credible and not used as a political plaything.” Mr. Baird said.

“Our attempt for genuine reform for generations to come is expected to be shot down by the Keneally Labor Government that rules by spin and not substance.”

“Ms. Keneally has walked away from her promise and the taxpayers of NSW have once again been let down.” Mr. Baird said.

New South Wales Shadow Treasurer and Manly MP Mike Baird

VICTORY FOR PEOPLE POWER AND LOCAL ENVIRONMENT IN SEWAGE TANK DECISION

Victor P Taffa

The community has won its battle against Sydney Water’s plans to build a sewage tank on public open space, according to Manly MP Mike Baird.

“This is a clear example of community action delivering a sensible outcome.” Mr. Baird said.

“Local families and sporting groups can breathe a sigh of relief that they will not have to sacrifice their open space for the sewage tank.”

“Sydney Water has confirmed they have ruled out Harbord Park, John Fisher Park and behind Manly Selective High School as prospective sites after sustained opposition from the community.” Mr. Baird said.

“Sydney Water will now be moving ahead with building the storage tank in the Brookvale Industrial Park, which is a win-win result.”

“While we are keen for the sewage tank to stop stormwater overflows polluting local lagoons and beaches – it should not be at the expense of our open space.”

“Individuals across the community should be proud of this win – from the school leadership at Manly Selective to the John Fisher Park Community Group to families that enjoy using Harbord Park.” Mr. Baird said.

“We are grateful Sydney Water engaged in genuine consultation, listening to and responding to our concerns.”

“After many months of negotiation we are now looking forward to this project delivering on its objectives.”

“When the tank is built, up to 18 Million litres of sewage overflows will be captured instead of polluting Manly and Curl Curl lagoons.

“It is a $70 Million project that has experienced several delays and we are relieved this latest hurdle has been resolved in the community’s favour.” Mr. Baird said.

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Victor P Taffa

During July 2009 I met with Newcastle Lord Mayor John Tate and in a mutually recorded interview we discussed a number of issues.

I asked Lord Mayor John Tate his thoughts about Newcastle hosting AFL matches for Premiership Points. John Tate remarked “Victor the Black Diamond Competition is the oldest in Australia” and “The AFL has a good Business Plan.”

The AFL plays matches for Premiership Points in Canberra and Launceston while Newcastle has the Newcastle Knights and Newcastle Jets each with big followings.

Following my interview with the Lord Mayor I contacted the AFL and did not receive any negative feedback.

Further this is not to say that I oppose a Central Coast Bears team being admitted into the NRL. Both the AFL and NRL originally scheduled teams to play each other twice. The 20 English Premier League Clubs play each club twice for a season of 38 rounds. Perhaps when expansion of both the AFL and NRL is considered in the future each team should play each other once as our warmer climate would make playing conditions difficult and would clash with Cricket, Basketball, Athletics and Soccer.

In order to host AFL matches in Newcastle ground upgrades would be required. Given that half of the Black Diamond Cup round of fixtures that were scheduled for 22 May 2010 were postponed due to the poor condition of the playing surface financial injection to Newcastle sporting facilities would not go astray.

Western Sydney will launch its season in 2012 and if elected as the State Member for Newcastle on 26 March 2011 I will ensure that the grounds are upgraded and that AFL matches for Premiership Points become a permanent part of the AFL season fixtures card.

Victor P Taffa

Life is full of decisions. Many we choose, many we do not.

In December 1982 I chose to join the Liberal Party and similarly in July 2009 I chose to join the National Party.

After contesting the October 2008 Ryde State By-Election I attempted to rejoin the Liberal Party. I campaigned to expand our railways.

The Liberal Party State Executive decided to enforce the 10 year ban on my joining the party having stood against an endorsed Liberal Candidate. My efforts to rejoin have been denied.

Under the Coalition agreement I could not sit in the National Party Room despite conversations to the contrary with a senior NSW National Party MP.

At the time I was voicing my opposition to the sell off at a LOSS of $50 Million of the NSW Lotteries.

Considering decisions made by Party State Executives it is little wonder that the NSW Liberal Party has problems in winning elections.

In my media release for Newcastle 2011 I have mentioned that I am a Member of the National Party. Under Coalition rules I would let my membership lapse so as not to face expulsion from the National Party in the future.

Should I be elected to Newcastle in 2011 I will live in the electorate.

However should I fail to win the seat then I will reassess where I live.

Over many years people have played ‘wedge politics’ between myself and my family. The hurt caused to me has been enormous. These same people were happy to see me placed in a Psychiatric Hospital in 2003 and 2010.

My railway expansion plans as contained in www.isput.com.au are vital to Sydney and New South Wales future development and despite the abuse that vested interests have hurled at me I will not leave New South Wales.

Further The Southern Thunderer can and will continue to be published.

After all these are YOUR RAILWAYS: OUR FUTURE

Victor P Taffa

On the right hand side of the front page of The Southern Thunderer is an active link to my other website. The site contains a map of Australia that will over a period of time become an active National Railways website. Each State and Territories will also become active websites.

Key Features

• Interstate trains to go to Adelaide instead of Keswick
• Interstate trains to go to Darwin instead of Palmerston
• Duplicate and electrify new and existing railway lines
• Part Quadruple all existing railway lines
• Water pipelines along railway corridors
• High speed electric trains similar to Japans ‘Bullet Train’
• Light Rail/Tram use of heavy rail tracks to join towns
• Rail Ferry to Tasmania

The vastness of Australia requires the need to introduce High Speed trains that are similar to Japan’s ‘Bullet Train’ so travel times can be reduced and enable people to choose which particular mode of transport that they wish to use. We all have the right to choose between using a car, bus, plane or train to go from point A to point B.

There is an Overall Network Map that is the future look of the Sydney Metropolitan Railways. These plans are for the existing Railways and not a combination of other modes of Transport. Other modes of transport would feed into expanded railway lines.

Metro Rail was going to be the ‘magic solution’ to solve Sydney’s transport woes. Trains WITHOUT a driver or guard would never be a credible option. Expansion of existing lines is the easier and cheaper option. If we can have legislative reform for Metro Rail the same can be done for the existing Railways.

The Concise and Detailed Overview Reports are on the website and further add to the case of what Sydney cannot ignore: Railway Expansion.

Sydney’s Central Business District always has and always will remain at the heart of the life, growth and prosperity of New South Wales. Despite decentralisation and growth further afield, Businesses, Government and the wider populace will continue to come to the Sydney CBD. Ever since 1788, the centre of activity has been in Sydney.

Sydney is littered with retail businesses now consigned to the history books. Names such as Baberfields, Waltons, Anthony Horderns, Grace Bros, Gowings, Mark Foys, Bon Marche, Farmers and Marcus Clarke are some that served to remind us just how the CBD has played a part in the life of Sydney and New South Wales. No doubt with the advent of universal car ownership and suburban shopping centres that shopping patterns have changed. However, there is still a certain ‘magic’ of going to ‘town’. The Railways radiate into the Sydney CBD. Currently, the City Circle line is running at capacity. The future ability to expand our existing Railways depends on new lines for the CBD. When the Railway from Sydney to Parramatta was opened in 1855, the city planners knew that the Railway would have to go into the city. Initially the Railway terminated at what we now call Redfern.

The Tramways came in 1861 and went in 1961.The replacement by buses was supposed to be the answer to all our problems. In 1926, the City underground Railway opened. The City Circle line was completed in 1956. Even in 1932,when the Sydney Harbour Bridge opened, there were four railway tracks of which two remain and two became Tram lines and were removed in 1958. Of the two tracks that were used by the Tramways these were to form part of a Railway to the Northern Suburbs.

With the City Circle lines at capacity, there is a need to construct a new CBD line so future demand is met and the expansion of the Railways can proceed. Suburban Railway expansion requires lines to connect to from somewhere and join an existing system. Isolated lines or Metro lines will only remain disjointed and not solve the problems as intended.

As a Candidate for the State seat of Newcastle in March 2011 I will highlight what we need NOW. Regardless of the outcome of the election all Government’s need to provide long overdue investment in the railways.

Taxing the Mining Industry to the ‘eye balls’ or selling off electricity retail providers will not sustain New South Wales beyond one election.

Railway rolling stock should be built in New South Wales and not simply ‘assembled’ in New South Wales.

The Hunter Region as with the rest of New South Wales is groaning at the lack of fast, reliable transport.

The Hunter Economic Zone is waiting for a State Government who is willing to allow affordable housing to be built.

The existing Northern Line at Hawkesbury River while providing for a scenic journey provides the people of Newcastle with a 15 minute slower train trip to Sydney than was the case 50 years ago.

Constructing new coal only railway lines are vital to coal exports and local communities such as Cessnock and Maitland. A city of 40,000 such as Cessnock requires passenger services to cope with both an ageing and growing population.

The planned Cessnock Line will cut travel times to Sydney and can be built down the middle of the planned Branxton Expressway corridor.

For new land releases to continue to occur without a new Railway line being built is absurd. Included in the website are needed legislative changes so that we do not continue to make the same mistakes of transport planning that has been made in the past.

The Illawarra Region also requires fast, reliable transport as the population both ages and grows. The existing Illawarra Line is hampered by a number of operational restrictions similar to what the residents of the Blue Mountains experience. Some years ago there were two derailments on the Illawarra Line. These were the Coalcliff and Waterfall derailments.

The planned Princes Line will ease pressure on the Illawarra Line particularly between Hurstville and Sutherland where the Illawarra Line goes from four tracks to two. Further congestion will result on the Illawarra Line when the Cronulla Line duplication is completed and operational.

Fast travel times for Wollongong residents will be provided with a new straight Princes Line. The alignment of the Princes Line will utilise the F6 corridor and use both underground and surface alignments.

When Governments are elected, the focus is on immediate concerns in marginal seats. What is required is a plan that can be delivered over the next thirty years and not engage in ‘piecemeal’ transport planning. Railway expansion should transcend party politics.

Sydney unlike Melbourne was never a planned city. Even the County of Cumberland plans have been dispensed with. While there is a Minister for Roads and not a Minister for Railways, the deliberations of State Cabinet continue in favour of Road construction. There has been a continued widening and expansion of the road network, but our Railways are at capacity.

Even duplicating and quadrupling existing Railway lines does not occur as it should have over the last sixty years. Laying additional tracks is the same as widening roads for new traffic lanes. How many roads in New South Wales have been widened over the same period of time?

Yes we need to upgrade the Pacific and Princes highways however the Railways have not matched the growth of Metropolitan Sydney over the last sixty years. An upgrade of the Pacific and Princes Highways should also contain Railway expansion.

Even as we have built new Railway lines in recent years, there has been a chorus of complaints from the NIMBY’S (Not in my backyard). New Railway lines are used by people from all suburbs and to alter routes and construct a Railway with a steeper gradient or suburbs without a Railway station is ridiculous to say the least. Once again that is why legislative reform is required to avoid making the same mistakes of the past.

Throughout New South Wales there are towns, cities and communities separated by the ‘tyranny of distance.’ Despite the invention of the motor car the need to join people with reliable transport is critical as we handle the needs of both an ageing and growing population. The map of New South Wales allows for dual track, electrified railway lines that will also house water irrigation pipelines along the railway corridor.

Electrification of all railway lines allows for light rail/trams to provide fast and frequent services between communities and enables for a greater use of railway lines. While the XPT Country Link services are reliable no doubt a fully electrified railway line will add value to our railways.

After all these are YOUR RAILWAYS: OUR FUTURE

List of Candidates as per Ballot Paper

New South Wales Electoral Commission

Victor P Taffa

THAIN, John                                                       LABOR

WRIGHT, Suzie                                                   THE GREENS

SAUNDERS, Mick

AYRES, Stuart                                                    LIBERAL

LEYONHJELM, David                                     OUTDOOR RECREATION PARTY

SANZ, Jose                                                          AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRATS

GREEN, Andrew                                                CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY (FRED NILE GROUP)

SELBY, Noel                                                       INDEPENDENT