The Deloitte Access Economics Report GP Workforce 2019 stated that over the next decade there would be a shortage of GPs in the outer suburbs of metropolitan areas. The implications for rural and remote regional (RRR) areas is that the situation is likely to become more difficult. Consequences of absence of health services in RRR is well documented, essentially resulting in reduced life expectancy. The implications are that Tamworth and rural centres west of here will suffer loss of health services from GPs over the next decade or more.

Australia, one of the wealthiest countries of the world in terms of per capita incomes, produces about 1,500 medical graduates a year, with an additional 800 foreign doctors to meet Australian needs. Those 800 doctors come from countries such as Pakistan, India, Africa and the Middle East where their services are sorely needed. Australia should graduate about 2,300 medical practitioners a year to meet its needs. Apart from that, it is contended that Australia as a wealthy country has a moral obligation to produce our own medical practitioners sufficient for its requirements, and not take from countries where the need is greater.

There is an opportunity with the expansion of UNE into a Tamworth Campus to expand the School of Rural Medicine using the modern facilities and broader range of services at Tamworth Regional Hospital and the current expertise of local GPs and specialists. The possibility exists to establish post graduate schools in specialty areas related to RRR medicine that would attract and retain medical practitioners that may potentially become a centre for RRR medicine in this country.

From a local economic development point of view, apart from having a reliable water supply, it is well established that people will not move to regional areas where they cannot be assured of reliable health services. UNE is encouraged to have discussions around expanding the Rural School of Medicine in Tamworth now, not next month, or next year, and certainly not the next decade.

Stephen Maher, Tamworth

This week saw the public submissions conclude to the Independent Planning Commission's determination of the Santos Narrabri Gas Project. This week also saw the Mayor of Tamworth hold another futile discussion with Nationals NSW Water Minister over Tamworth, Kootingal and Moonbi water security concerns.

Despite Santos satisfying very few of the 16 recommendations by the NSW Chief Scientist, it didn't stop our local MP Kevin Anderson to vote along party lines against a moratorium on gas fracking in State Parliament but more so like his Agriculture and Water Minister colleagues they voted against the farming communities of the north-west and their concerns for the Great Artesian Basin, rich farmlands and the environment generally. At least the State Member for Barwon Roy Butler had the courage and bravery to stand up for his constituents against a project that is unlikely to deliver the bounty of cheaper gas, electricity or more rural jobs but in its wake will likely leave a disaster that will take a millennium for Mother Earth to repair if ever and an organisation that will seek millions in taxpayer subsidies via their comrades in the Liberal and National parties over the life of the project if approved.

Tamworth, Kootingal and Moonbi residents stuck on Level 5 emergency water restrictions for almost a year understand the importance of water to their daily lives. Many locals ask me about water issues impacting our region "what can we do?" I tell them to write to their local State MP or the Water Minister, but sadly they also see the futility of those representations. I wonder if the Tamworth community collectively donated a million dollars into the coffers of The Nationals NSW head office would it help? Cash inducements may work, because pleading certainly doesn't work. Expecting our MP to be our advocate doesn't work either. So, in our region the uncertainty of water supplies for residents and businesses will continue even if Chaffey Dam fills to full capacity in the months ahead. Without any changes to the instruments of water management by the Government NOTHING WILL CHANGE. What annoys many residents I speak to is the lack of transparency and accountability over water hence Murray MP Helen Dalton's now failed Water Register also voted against by our local State MP. The secrecy by the government over the release of 34 per cent of Chaffey Dam during 2017-19 water years and drought, but the lack of being able to enjoy the simple things like watching their gardens grow. I believe our dilemma is borne out of having an obsequious MP who does as he is told and never gets a "bloody nose" for his electorate as promised prior to the 2011 State election. We are bereft of leadership in our region, if you have a gripe about water management contrary to the party line, bad luck.

The farming communities of Narrabri like Tamworth residents have seen where they sit in the pecking order of the water hierarchy. Even prominent local business owners, some who emblazoned the front of their businesses in Nationals regalia during the 2019 State election should now realise the folly of rigidly maintaining their loyalty to a party that has clearly abandoned them long ago for rewards and riches provided by big irrigation and extraction industries.

Reading the article Gomeroi Elder compares gas project to historic massacres 22-7-20 NDL, I have to think, really? One thing has nothing to do with the other. What happened 250 years ago has nothing to do with the pros and cons of a gas project of its economic and environmental impacts.

It seems that having no rational argument, Maria Cutmore pulls the tired old historic 'grievances and massacres' card. What a heavy weight it must be to carry around 250 years of misery.

If I carried around the misery of my convict ancestors and said this was relevant to a gas project today people would think I was nuts. Why do some people feel a need to pull the race card on issues that have nothing to do with race? Comparing a gas project to massacres is absurd exaggeration.

Daniel Peckham, Tamworth