Questions & Answers Paper No. 158 - Parliament of New South ...

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LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2009
I understand that the general requirement to sound a train horn when entering or exiting a tunnel is to
warn track workers of an approaching train due to the reduced visibility between persons on the track and
train drivers. The exemption at Edgecliff has been in place for many years and was implemented to
reduce the noise impact in this area.
(4) Since May 2003, RailCorp has recorded 25 noise complaints from train line and 10 train horn noise
complaints at Edgecliff.
(5) and (6) During May 2008, RailCorp carried out noise measurements on the viaduct, adjacent to the
track and next to the Domain Apartments. I am advised that the assessment results were within the range
of typical normal railway operations. RailCorp also undertook a noise survey at street level (below
viaduct level) at Rushcutter's Bay, towards Edgecliff. I am advised that these noise surveys were within
the range of typical normal railway operations.
(7) to (9) There is an exemption on the Edgecliff viaduct, with a "No Whistles" sign for the area. I am
further advised that maintenance work to remove rail surface defects which can contribute to noise is
scheduled to be carried out on 18 October 2009 in this area. RailCorp continues to investigate the best
options for delivering both safety and performance as part of its normal rail and rolling stock
maintenance schedules. Investigation into noise reduction technologies is also ongoing.
*7384 NSW ENERGY REFORM STRATEGY—CONSUMER PROTECTION—Ms Clover Moore asked the
Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Women representing the Minister for Primary
Industries, Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development—
(1) Given the recent 20 per cent electricity price increase permitted by IPART, and the possibility of
future price rises from the transfer of electricity assets to the private sector, what consideration has
the NSW Government given to:
(a) expanding eligibility for energy rebates to all holders of a Commonwealth Health Care Card;
(b) indexing energy rebates to the price of electricity rather than the Consumer Price Index?
(2) Given the Government's stated aim of ensuring a competitive electricity market after the transfer of
retail assets to the private sector:
(a) What measures will the NSW Government take to ensure that public retail entities will not be
sold to existing market players, thereby reducing competition?
(b) What measures will the NSW Government take to ensure the two dominant market players,
AGL and Origin Energy, will not get further market control?
Answer—
(1) Consistent with IPART's recommendation, the Government has brought forward the implementation
of the Consumer Protection Package in response to price rises approved by IPART and the Australian
Energy Regulator (AER) from 1 July 2009. This package of measures combined are worth $272
million dollars over five years.
As part of this new package, the Government has replaced the former Pensioner Energy Rebate with
a new Energy Rebate of $130 per year.
Further, this higher amount will be indexed by inflation. The Government has also extended the
Rebate to three new categories of Health Care Card holders.
In addition, the amount of assistance available under the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance
scheme has been increased by $55 million over the next five years.
The Consumer Protection Package contains a $125 million dollar Customer Assistance Policy
(CAP). The Government has consulted with stakeholders on proposed measures for the CAP.
Key measures proposed in the draft CAP include a medical cooling rebate, financial counselling
services and an energy grants scheme to assist eligible householders to replace energy intensive
household appliances with new, efficient appliances. The draft CAP proposed that health care card
holders will be eligible for many of the assistance measures as well as pensioners.
In addition, as part of its 2010-2013 regulated retail electricity price determination, IPART is
required to provide advice to the Government regarding the impact of the determination on small
consumers.
(2) Information on the Government's Energy Reform Strategy is available at www.nsw.gov.au⁄energy
*7385 NSW ENERGY REFORM STRATEGY—ENVIRONMENT—Ms Clover Moore asked the Minister for
Education and Training, and Minister for Women representing the Minister for Primary Industries,
Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development—
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