Please allow me space in your newspaper to express my gratitude and thanks to the very caring staff of our local hospital and MPS. How fortunate we are, the residents of the Weddin Shire, to have this first class facility here in town providing first class care. Having spent a few days as a patient there last week, my stay there I am sure was shortened by the dedicated staff who were always working with a smile and providing genuine care.  My sincere thanks to our local ambulance officers, Dr Patrick, ALL nursing, administrative, catering (delicious meals), cleaning and maintenance staff - your care was very much appreciated. Fortunate we are as well to have available the efficient patient transport service. The genuine care and attention I received at all times, whilst a patient there, made me feel as though I was a guest at a five star hotel! Congratulations to you all, we are so fortunate to have this fine, first class facility functioning here in Grenfell. With sincere thanks and appreciation.

Hugh Moffitt – Grenfell

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Dear Editor,

From July next year, the NSW Liberal and National Government want every local council to collect a new land tax for them – the ‘Emergency Services Property Levy’ (ESPL). The new state government tax will be included on all council rate notices. But Premier Baird won’t put the legislation to Parliament until the very last minute to avoid a community campaign against this new tax. Parliament doesn’t even sit again until next February. The devil will be in the detail, and it is all being kept secret behind closed doors in Macquarie Street. There could be different tax rates for commercial, residential and rural properties. Some groups are worried that the tax could shift costs from metropolitan or commercial classifications onto residential and rural landowners. The Government has refused to say if it will compensate councils for the cost of collecting the new tax, or if local ratepayers will also be hit with this extra cost. The community and local councils have a right to know. After all, residents and small businesses will have to find the money to pay it.

Yours sincerely,

Ryan Park MP –  Shadow Treasurer                         

Peter Primrose MLC –  Shadow Minister for

Local Government