City of Newcastle will commence community engagement in the new year to develop a masterplan for the Harbour Foreshore Precinct, including an inclusive, regional level playground, water-themed play space and improved cycle amenities along Wharf Road.
.JPG.aspx "FSP-(1).JPG")
The precinct masterplan includes prime community spaces east from Merewether Street and includes the Harbourfront parkland and Joy Cummings Promenade stretching along Wharf Road, former rail sheds, and Foreshore Park’s amphitheatre and parkland near Nobbys Beach.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Foreshore Precinct Masterplan was the next step in revitalising the space as part of the Foreshore Plan of Management, and will be developed in close consultation with the community over the next 12-18 months.
“The community will be involved throughout the process to ensure what is delivered meets community expectations for this important community space,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Foreshore Park and the surrounding harbour precinct is a key attraction among locals and visitors and has important links to the City’s history, so it’s important that people have the opportunity to have their say from the outset.
“As Newcastle continues to evolve as a world-class destination, we must continue to invest in quality, accessible public facilities and event spaces within the heart of the city.
“We must maintain this area as a thriving destination, particularly in light of the accessibility upgrades to Nobbys Beach and Bathers Way.”
Stakeholder engagement and community consultation will be key in the successful delivery of the masterplan project. CN will work with interest groups, schools, residents and local businesses to provide valuable input into the design of the project
“A design reference group will also be established to provide input around technical elements of the playground and water-themed play space, as well as other important features including pedestrian and cylcleway connections and heritage aspects.
The City has received grant funding from Variety – the Children’s Charity, to help fund the design of a ‘Livvi’s Place’ accessible playground for kids of all ages and all abilities. The City has also applied for grant funding from the NSW Government to contribute to a water-themed play space.
Tenders will open Saturday 7 December and close 4 February 2020 for a specialist agency with significant expertise and experience in community engagement practices to develop a comprehensive masterplan for the long-term revitalisation of the Newcastle Foreshore.
Trucked sand to start arriving at Stockton next week
Five-and-a-half-thousand tonnes of sand will begin arriving at Stockton Beach on Monday as City of Newcastle commences the anticipated beach nourishment project.
The project is in response to severe erosion at the southern end of Stockton Beach and is also a pilot sand and wave-monitoring project to inform future management of the beach.
City of Newcastle has been planning for the $350,000 project for more than a month after having applied to the NSW Government for funding in early October.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City had worked quickly to finalise approvals and start trucking sand to Stockton Beach to complete Stage 1 of this project prior to the Christmas holidays.
“It is our priority to have this work completed before the busy Christmas period so locals and holiday makers can enjoy the beach and to limit the disruption caused by hundreds of truck movements and heavy machinery,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Trucking sand to the beach is only a short-term response providing recreational amenity at Stockton Beach, and we’re continuing to work with the NSW Government to prepare the long-term plan for management of the beach.”
Stockton Surf Life Saving Club President Callan Nickerson said the start of the project was good news for his members.
“The Christmas holidays are a big part of our season with volunteer patrols and club members all using the beach so, while it may be short-term, we are looking forward to seeing the results and getting sand back on this stretch of the beach,” Mr Nickerson said.
“While we welcome the start of the project, we are committed to fighting for a long-term solution for Stockton’s erosion problem.”
A second stage involving placement of sand north of the Lexie’s Café accessway, adjacent to the Surf Club, is expected to be undertaken in early 2020 subject to further funding and approvals by the NSW Government in conjunction with maintenance works on the SLSC seawall that have protected Lexie’s café and car park from the impact of coastal erosion.
The Lord Mayor said during the project the southern sections of Stockton Beach will become a work zone and restrictions need to be put in place to ensure public safety and the safety of staff and contractors.
“There will be heavy machinery working on the beach and a stockpile of sand at the end of King Street in addition to the trucks travelling through the area,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We are asking the public to exercise caution while these works are carried out and to comply with directional and safety signage and instructions.”
Up to 50 trucks a day will deliver sand to the eastern part of King Street using Fullerton Street and King Street from Nelson Bay Road. There will be no public access to the southern section of Stockton Beach between the Lexie’s café Accessway and King Street for the duration of the project. King Street will be closed east of the Stockton Swimming Pool carpark.
Interested members of the public may view progress from viewing platform at the SLSC.
HER SPORT HER WAY HAS WINNING FORMULA
Women’s sport in NSW has received a significant funding boost to help increase participation, promote leadership and encourage inclusivity.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee today announced $635,000 in grants for 23 sporting organisations as part of the NSW Government’s ‘Her Sport Her Way’ program.
“We are rewarding organisations which are introducing programs to break down participation barriers, promote role models and foster inclusivity,” Mr Lee said.
“Women’s sport is on the rise and the NSW Government is committed to assisting growth at the grassroots, elite and recreational levels. We’re proud to be investing $2.6 million over four years to support this essential program.”
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said ‘Her Sport Her Way’ is breaking new ground.
“Important changes in attitude and awareness will ensure women and girls are valued, recognised and given equal choices and opportunities to perform,” Mrs Taylor said.
Nine-time Paralympic Gold Medalist Louise Sauvage said having a disability should never be considered a barrier to women playing sport.
“In my career I went from being in the newspaper’s human interest pages to the sports pages and that’s where I believe any anthete deserves to be, whether you have a disability or not,” said Ms Sauvage.
Former mixed doubles grand slam champion Casey Dellacqua said women’s sport needs to welcome everyone.
“Sport is such a powerful tool for change in society and if ‘Her Sport Her Way’ can continue to help break down perceptions and barriers surrounding participation and inclusivity for women, then we are onto a winning formula,” said Ms Dellacqua.
Successful grants programs include basketball, triathlon, hockey, AFL, sailing, football, golf, surfing, tennis, swimming, motorsport, deaf sports, disabled winter sport, water polo, diving, rowing, roller skating, wheelchair sports, rugby union, gymnastics, softball, hang gliding and paragliding.
For more details visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/her-sport-her-way
PLANNING FOR THE AEROTROPOLIS TAKES OFF
Plans for NSW’s newest city will be revealed today with the NSW Government calling on the community to help shape the future Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
The Western Sydney Aerotropolis Plan, which sets the vision for the region and provides a roadmap for the rezoning of individual precincts, will revolutionise NSW.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the chance to plan and build an international airport and its supporting city is a rare privilege.
“The Aerotropolis will be Sydney’s newest economic hub and will be a 30-minute city, where people live close to jobs, schools, health services and high-quality open space,” Mr Stokes said.
“With construction of the airport underway, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a brand new city, and we want the community to be part of the process.
“We’re getting on with the job of planning for a new city to make sure that land around the airport will be ready to build on well before the first plane takes off.”
Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Minister Stuart Ayres said the Aerotropolis will be a thriving economic hub for the region, with thousands of new jobs, homes, infrastructure and services.
“The Aerotropolis will be the beating heart of the Western Parkland City. It’s the most dynamic economic development precinct in Australia and is already attracting significant international interest with 17 global and regional partners ready to move in,” Mr Ayres said.
The next phase of planning paves the way for land to be rezoned by mid next year.
A draft planning package will be on exhibition until 28 February 2020 that includes the Aerotropolis’ overarching strategy, a policy to give statutory effect to the strategy, and a technical guide for the design of future development in the area.
To view the plans visit: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/aerotropolis
Liu scandal shows critical need for donations reform: Greens
The epidemic of scandals involving Liberal parliamentarians continues with Liberal MP Gladys Liu linked to a donor at the centre of a money laundering probe by Australian authorities.
Greens co-deputy leader Larissa Waters said, “It’s time to end cash-for-access and get the influence of big money and dodgy donors out of politics.
“Prime Minister Morrison should stop the protection racket for Ms Liu and his embattled Ministers and stop the rot by capping political donations and election spending.
“Both the Coalition and the Labor Party say they want to tackle undue foreign influence on politics but they won’t clean up political donations, because they are addicted to the money.
“If Australia capped political donations and election spending, we could address all those seeking to interfere in our democracy, whether they are foreign powers, corporate interests or donors with an agenda.
“The Greens want to cap all political donations at $1,000 per year and ban outright political donations from the mining, property development and gambling industries.
“Every member of parliament should act in the best interests of the community, not for their own self-interest and profit.
“It’s time Australia removed the corrupting influence of money in politics and give democracy back to the people,” she said.
Education Department Merger a Huge Mistake
Australian Greens Senator and Education Spokesperson, Dr Mehreen Faruqi has called the proposed merger of the Department of Education with Skills and Employment a huge mistake.
Senator Faruqi said:
“Merging the departments of education and employment is a short-sighted decision that highlights the Government’s narrow, neoliberal idea of education. Education is a public good essential to building a socially and economically just society, not just an avenue to employment or profit – it demands a standalone focus.
“Already this year the merger of skills with the employment department has undermined lifelong education and continued the Liberal-Nationals disastrous record on vocational training. This decision takes us further down this path and is a huge mistake.
“Mergers inevitably result in huge amounts of money wasted on consultants and some new letterheads while nothing is done to properly fund public schools or save TAFE,” she concluded.
Shocking Footage of Cruelty Towards Live Export Cattle Show Need for National Animal Cruelty Laws
Australian Greens Senator and Animal Welfare Spokesperson, Senator Mehreen Faruqi and The Greens (WA) spokesperson for Animal Welfare Hon. Alison Xamon MLC have responded to the abhorrent allegations of animal abuse on Western Australian cattle farms that were revealed in an investigation by Sentient Media.
The footage was recorded by Israeli Animal Welfare Group ‘Sentient’ on Western Australian cattle stations and broadcast on Israeli TV. It shows kicking and punching of animals, dehorning with no pain relief and other acts of cruelty. Many of these cattle enter the live export supply chain, including to Israel. The graphic footage and investigation is available here: https://sentientworld.org/
“The animal abuse shown in this investigation is absolutely horrific – these allegations need further investigation immediately. I am deeply disturbed and saddened by the utter disregard for animal welfare shown,” said Ms Xamon.
Ms Xamon said that these allegations demonstrate precisely why WA must prioritise urgent animal welfare legislation that establishes independent, unannounced welfare inspections and provides adequate funding to ensure there are enough inspectors to perform them.
“From the appalling practice of live export to the absence of any regulatory oversight of animal welfare, the culture of animal cruelty we have seen lately is absolutely unacceptable,” Ms Xamon said.
“Western Australians detest animal abuse and need to feel confident that animals are being treated with the highest level of care possible. We need to get serious about animal welfare and prioritize legislation in Parliament that ensures it.”
Senator Faruqi said:
“This horrific footage shows a real breakdown in protecting animals. There must be an urgent investigation and hopefully prosecution by animal welfare authorities.
“Many people would be shocked to know that some of the practices seen in the footage, such as dehorning without pain relief, are entirely legal. It is shameful that as a country, we allow procedures on farm animals that would never be allowed to be carried out on our family cat or dog without pain relief. We need a radical overhaul of animal cruelty laws.
“It is so disturbing that many of the cattle that survive this torture are then exported on ships of misery and death to the Middle East. Live Export of animals is an abomination and must be banned.
“The Greens are listening to the community and pushing for nationally consistent animal welfare laws to protect animals from this cruelty.” she concluded.
Councils raise awareness to prevent car theft this Christmas
Having a car stolen is stressful, inconvenient and costly, particularly during the festive season.
However, it’s the unfortunate reality that many residents across the Lower Hunter will face, with motor vehicle thefts traditionally spiking over summer.
.jpg.aspx "CarTheftPreventionProgram-(1).jpg")
Mayors from the Greater Newcastle Area including Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Port Stephens have joined forces to reduce vehicle thefts in a region-wide initiative that aims to educate people about how to prevent falling victim to thieves.
“One of the biggest factors to motor vehicle theft is home break-ins. It’s common for a home burglar to steal car keys,” City of Newcastle Community Safety Facilitator Lisa Davis said.
“The majority of home burglaries are opportunistic, with burglars targeting houses they perceive as providing the easiest and quickest access points.”
Some simple tips for preventing motor vehicle theft include:
· Keeping your vehicle keys out of sight when you are at home
· Never leaving them near doors or windows
· Do not include your name and address on key ring tags.
In 2017, 50 per cent of stolen motor vehicles had been parked on the street and 37 per cent were taken from residential dwellings in Newcastle.
Getting in the habit of checking your keys are not still in your vehicle after taking the grocery bags inside can also help reduce the risk of your vehicle being stolen.
Historically, televisions and computers were among the items stolen in home burglaries, however vehicles are now the most common target, with keys the sole item stolen in roughly 1-in-4 break and enter cases.
NSW Police has advised this trend for residential addresses is due to a shift in car theft practices, with thieves targeting homes to steal keys of vehicles, rather than pursuing vehicles in public areas as likely to be under surveillance.
City of Newcastle secured $15,000 of funding from the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC) to roll out a car theft prevention campaign which is supported by surrounding local councils.
SYDNEY LIGHT RAIL TO OPEN DECEMBER 14
Trams will carry passengers through Sydney’s streets for the first time in nearly 60 years when the CBD and South East Light Rail opens on Saturday, 14 December.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Transport Minister Andrew Constance today announced the start date for the first light rail service to run down George Street since 1961.
“The CBD and South East Light Rail is a big step towards revitalising our city and will transform the way we live, work and go out in Sydney,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Trams will be fare-free for the opening weekend so the community can ride the new light rail to celebrate this historic event.
“The new network will move up to 13,500 commuters an hour during peak time in both directions, replacing the conga line of buses which used to sit in traffic on George Street. A coupled tram holds up to 450 customers, the equivalent of up to nine standard buses.”
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance revealed the first passenger services will start at 11am on Saturday and run between Circular Quay and Randwick until 1am.
“This is an exciting time and we expect a huge turnout at Circular Quay of people taking a ride on the new trams before regular services start on Monday,” Mr Constance said.
“With passenger services right around the corner it’s more important than ever for the community to pay attention to safety messages around trams.
“We have launched multiple safety campaigns telling people to stay safe around light rail. We need pedestrians to keep their heads up and drivers to stay out of the tram corridor and not queue across intersections.”
Services on the CBD and South East Light Rail will run from 5am to 1am every day of the week.
BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Work is underway on an innovative 73-unit housing complex in the heart of Sydney that will deliver improved support for young people leaving out-of-home care.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said Foyer Central in Chippendale is a state-of-the-art development that will help tackle youth homelessness by providing stable accommodation and wrap around services.
“Foyer Central will provide safe, affordable housing for young people combined with services that focus on work, study and development,” Mr Ward said.
“This new property is more than just a roof over a young person’s head. It gives them a solid foundation for life by providing the support they need to thrive.”
Foyer Central will support young people aged between 18 and 22 and aims to reduce the number of young people experiencing homelessness, increase completion of education qualifications and increase employment in the young adult population.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the project is an example of innovative Social Impact Investments the NSW Government is making to improve life for vulnerable people.
“These investments bring together the expertise of the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to tackle challenging social problems,” Mr Perrottet said.
“An investment in our youth is an investment in our future and it’s encouraging to see projects like Foyer Central get underway that will give young people an opportunity to get their lives back on track.”
The NSW Government has partnered with SGCH, Uniting, Social Ventures Australia and the City of Sydney to deliver the project, which aligns with the Premier’s priority of halving street sleeping across NSW by 2025.
SGCH Group CEO Scott Langford said Foyer is the culmination of strong collaboration between the Government and non-government organisations.
“Drawing on the capacity and expertise of experienced partners, Foyer will have a positive impact on residents and the local community, bringing much-needed social and affordable housing to Sydney’s inner city,” Mr Langford said.
Foyer Central comprises 53 self-contained units for young people aged 18-22 years who have experienced out-of-home care. The property will also provide 20 affordable units, managed by SGCH, for low-income workers.
The model builds on the internationally recognised youth foyer, designed to help young people break the cycle of disadvantage. The project is due for completion in 2021