Questions & Answers Paper No. 158 - Parliament of New South ...
Questions & Answers Paper No. 158 - Parliament of New South ...
Questions & Answers Paper No. 158 - Parliament of New South ...
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7061<br />
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS<br />
MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2009<br />
I understand that the general requirement to sound a train horn when entering or exiting a tunnel is to<br />
warn track workers <strong>of</strong> an approaching train due to the reduced visibility between persons on the track and<br />
train drivers. The exemption at Edgecliff has been in place for many years and was implemented to<br />
reduce the noise impact in this area.<br />
(4) Since May 2003, RailCorp has recorded 25 noise complaints from train line and 10 train horn noise<br />
complaints at Edgecliff.<br />
(5) and (6) During May 2008, RailCorp carried out noise measurements on the viaduct, adjacent to the<br />
track and next to the Domain Apartments. I am advised that the assessment results were within the range<br />
<strong>of</strong> typical normal railway operations. RailCorp also undertook a noise survey at street level (below<br />
viaduct level) at Rushcutter's Bay, towards Edgecliff. I am advised that these noise surveys were within<br />
the range <strong>of</strong> typical normal railway operations.<br />
(7) to (9) There is an exemption on the Edgecliff viaduct, with a "<strong>No</strong> Whistles" sign for the area. I am<br />
further advised that maintenance work to remove rail surface defects which can contribute to noise is<br />
scheduled to be carried out on 18 October 2009 in this area. RailCorp continues to investigate the best<br />
options for delivering both safety and performance as part <strong>of</strong> its normal rail and rolling stock<br />
maintenance schedules. Investigation into noise reduction technologies is also ongoing.<br />
*7384 NSW ENERGY REFORM STRATEGY—CONSUMER PROTECTION—Ms Clover Moore asked the<br />
Minister for Education and Training, and Minister for Women representing the Minister for Primary<br />
Industries, Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development—<br />
(1) Given the recent 20 per cent electricity price increase permitted by IPART, and the possibility <strong>of</strong><br />
future price rises from the transfer <strong>of</strong> electricity assets to the private sector, what consideration has<br />
the NSW Government given to:<br />
(a) expanding eligibility for energy rebates to all holders <strong>of</strong> a Commonwealth Health Care Card;<br />
(b) indexing energy rebates to the price <strong>of</strong> electricity rather than the Consumer Price Index?<br />
(2) Given the Government's stated aim <strong>of</strong> ensuring a competitive electricity market after the transfer <strong>of</strong><br />
retail assets to the private sector:<br />
(a) What measures will the NSW Government take to ensure that public retail entities will not be<br />
sold to existing market players, thereby reducing competition?<br />
(b) What measures will the NSW Government take to ensure the two dominant market players,<br />
AGL and Origin Energy, will not get further market control?<br />
Answer—<br />
(1) Consistent with IPART's recommendation, the Government has brought forward the implementation<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Consumer Protection Package in response to price rises approved by IPART and the Australian<br />
Energy Regulator (AER) from 1 July 2009. This package <strong>of</strong> measures combined are worth $272<br />
million dollars over five years.<br />
As part <strong>of</strong> this new package, the Government has replaced the former Pensioner Energy Rebate with<br />
a new Energy Rebate <strong>of</strong> $130 per year.<br />
Further, this higher amount will be indexed by inflation. The Government has also extended the<br />
Rebate to three new categories <strong>of</strong> Health Care Card holders.<br />
In addition, the amount <strong>of</strong> assistance available under the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance<br />
scheme has been increased by $55 million over the next five years.<br />
The Consumer Protection Package contains a $125 million dollar Customer Assistance Policy<br />
(CAP). The Government has consulted with stakeholders on proposed measures for the CAP.<br />
Key measures proposed in the draft CAP include a medical cooling rebate, financial counselling<br />
services and an energy grants scheme to assist eligible householders to replace energy intensive<br />
household appliances with new, efficient appliances. The draft CAP proposed that health care card<br />
holders will be eligible for many <strong>of</strong> the assistance measures as well as pensioners.<br />
In addition, as part <strong>of</strong> its 2010-2013 regulated retail electricity price determination, IPART is<br />
required to provide advice to the Government regarding the impact <strong>of</strong> the determination on small<br />
consumers.<br />
(2) Information on the Government's Energy Reform Strategy is available at www.nsw.gov.au⁄energy<br />
*7385 NSW ENERGY REFORM STRATEGY—ENVIRONMENT—Ms Clover Moore asked the Minister for<br />
Education and Training, and Minister for Women representing the Minister for Primary Industries,<br />
Minister for Energy, Minister for Mineral Resources, Minister for State Development—<br />
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