Greens Leader Adam Bandt and housing spokesperson Max Chandler-Mather have called for a national rent freeze to be implemented by the National Cabinet when they meet tomorrow.
With further reports today on the worsening housing and rental crisis and Mr Bandt’s rent and housing proposal announced at the National Press Club yesterday the Greens will continue their push for leadership from the Albanese government.
Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:
“The PM must stop delaying and seize the opportunity to put a national rent freeze on tomorrow’s National Cabinet agenda and get on with implementing caps on rents.
“Rents are skyrocketing across the country, but the Prime Minister thinks a national rent freeze is too hard.
“Yesterday the Greens released a fully-costed plan to incentivise the states to freeze rent increases for two years to give wages a chance to catch up.
“A rent freeze is not just legally possible, it’s also politically possible. With the Greens’ support the government could pass a serious plan for renters through the parliament by July.
“One third of the country is renting. If the government doesn’t show up to National Cabinet tomorrow with a real plan for renters, they’re throwing renters across the country to the wolves of the private market.”
Greens Housing spokesperson and member for Griffith Max Chandler-Mather MP said:
“One of the central demands in today’s Anglicare Rental Affordability Snapshot is national tenancy standards including national action on rent increases.
“Every day Labor refuses to coordinate a national freeze on rent increases via National Cabinet is another day a family will face eviction because they can’t afford the rent.
“With multiple investment properties maybe it’s hard for the Prime Minister to understand just how urgent this rental crisis is, but I encourage him to go to talk to renters and ask them what they think of freezing rent increases.
“The Prime Minister might call rent controls “pixie dust”, but for renters, a freeze on rent increases means staying in their home and not being evicted into homelessness.
“According to Anglicare, less than 1% of private rentals are affordable for someone on the minimum wage. That’s who this government is leaving behind.
“With rents predicted to increase even faster this year, either National Cabinet freezes rents, or hundreds of thousands of families will be pushed onto the streets and into their cars.”
The Greens are urging Labor to use the upcoming Budget to remove the Parenting Payment Single cut off and fully reinstate the eligibility age to 16, as recommended by the Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce.
Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Women, Senator Larissa Waters said:
“Budget savings should never have been made by pushing single parents into poverty. A decade on from this terrible decision it’s time to overturn it, and restore support to single parents until their kids turn 16.
“Single parenting doesn’t stop when a child turns 8, or 13, and neither should the Single Parenting Payment.
“The upcoming budget must fully reverse the Gillard government’s shameful decision to cut off Parenting Payment Single when kids turn 8, not tinker around the edges with a lift to 13 or 14.
“Poverty and homelessness are disproportionately impacting women and children. This is a crisis, and it demands an urgent government response.
“People voted for change at the last election, and an end to the sexist policies of the Morrison government. Those people deserve policies that will fix gendered economic inequality.
“If Labor are serious about taking a gendered lens to this budget, they could start by scrapping the Stage 3 tax cuts, which mostly benefit rich men, so we could fund things that will actually help the people who need it – like single mums.”
The second stage of the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion will begin next month after councillors last night unanimously awarded the $43.8 million contract for the main construction works to Hansen Yuncken Pty Ltd.
The appointment is a major milestone towards the delivery of an expanded and upgraded Art Gallery of international standing, which will become a fitting home for City of Newcastle’s nationally significant $126 million collection.
Hansen Yuncken Pty Ltd has completed significant infrastructure projects in NSW and Australia in recent years, including HOTA, Home of the Arts on the Gold Coast and locally, the new Maitland Council Administration Centre.
An 18-month program of work will begin with site establishment in May while grouting of the historic mine tunnels, 80 metres below the building, continues.
Almost 12,000 cubic metres of grout has been placed so far in the Borehole and Dudley seams, with the mine remediation to ensure the safety of the site ahead of the main expansion works now nearing completion.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said she was looking forward to being able to welcome the community back into the reimagined Art Gallery, with construction scheduled for completion in late 2024.
“The expansion of Newcastle Art Gallery will consolidate the Hunter’s reputation as an active and vibrant centre for the arts and culture, providing a significant cultural tourism opportunity for NSW,” Cr Nelmes said.
“By more than doubling the size of the Gallery and delivering a suite of modern facilities, the expansion will provide greater access to our nationally significant collection and a wider range of prominent exhibitions.”
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon welcomed the progress of the expansion project.
“This is a significant day for the upgrade of the Newcastle Art Gallery. I am delighted to see progress being made on the expansion of this major cultural asset,” Ms Claydon said.
“This project will further put Newcastle on the map as a cultural tourism destination, boost the economy and create jobs for locals.”
Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey said excitement was building amongst its members and donors as the project reaches the next phase.
“We are delighted to see the expansion project reach this important milestone and look forward to construction commencing as soon as possible on this flagship cultural asset for our region,” Ms Galwey said.
“The Foundation thanks its members and donors for their generosity and unwavering support for this project over many years. We believe today’s announcement will inspire additional excitement and community support as the Foundation works towards its ambitious $13 million philanthropic goal.”
Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation is an independent charity which exists to provide philanthropic support for Newcastle Art Gallery.
The expansion project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships program and $5 million from the New South Wales Government, as well as $10.5 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. A further $2.5 million is being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.
Today, Prime Minister Albanese met with His Excellency Russ Kun, President of the Republic of Nauru, in Brisbane.
Prime Minister Albanese and President Kun discussed Australia and Nauru’s shared priorities for regional security, climate resilience and regional connectivity.
Australia is supporting infrastructure projects in Nauru through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific. These include Nauru’s Airport Refurbishment Project and the East Micronesia Cable Project.
Prime Minister Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to Nauru and to the future of the strong and longstanding partnership between the two countries.
The Albanese Government is committed to deepening ties with our Pacific family though partnerships built on trust, cooperation and shared aspirations for our region.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:
“I was delighted to meet with President Kun for our first bilateral meeting.”
“Australia and Nauru have a strong and longstanding partnership, and we continue to stand together as members of the Pacific family.”
“I look forward to continuing to work together and strengthen the bond between our two nations.”
Following the withdrawal of The Capital Spirit from the Premier League Competition for Season 2023, Netball NSW (NNSW) confirms that it will seek expressions of interest from potential licensees to join the competition for Season 2024 and beyond.
Subject to the right licensee being identified, NNSW’s current position is that a 10-team competition is the optimal competition structure when considering NNSW’s 2023 to 2025 Strategic Plan. Accordingly, it is intended that the organisation will add one licensee to the competition.
“Premier League is the pinnacle netball competition in NSW, showcasing the best current and emerging talent within NSW,” Netball NSW Competitions Manager Claire Dale said.
“It offers a local, pre-elite performance environment for players, coaches, officials, and administrators, providing bridging opportunities into the Australian Netball Championships (ANC) and subsequently, Suncorp Super Netball.
“In addition to creating a sustainable competition, the NNSW Premier League aims to enhance the profile of the game across the State through increased media and promotional opportunities.
“NNSW is committed to enhancing the reputation of netball in the community and increasing the engagement of fans and current and future participants.
“In providing an initial notice, we are hoping this encourages potential licensees to think about partnerships, community connection and future growth opportunities prior to our request for EOI.”
Premier League is contested across two divisions – Opens and Under 23s – with currently nine teams in each division facing off in the competition.
NNSW’s strategic objectives aim to create a seamless pathway for developing players, coaches, officials, and administrators throughout NSW, with a focus on increasing the depth and quality at the elite level of the game in NSW.
To ensure the purpose and pathway linkages between Metro League, Premier League and State/National Programs are clearly articulated and designed for player growth and retention, NNSW is seeking expressions of interest from parties who share the organisation’s strategic objectives and are committed to contributing to the development of the netball community across the ecosystem.
Expression of Interest Process
Prior to opening the expression of interest (EOI) process, NNSW is providing the opportunity for parties who may have an interest in being a part of the competition, to engage in conversation to assist it in determining their suitability to submit an application during the EOI process.
NEWCASTLE & CENTRAL COAST HOUSING CRISIS PUSHES MORE INTO POVERTY
New research shows that the poverty rate for regional NSW is higher than Greater Sydney, with young people (15-24) and older people (65+) seeing the biggest average increases in the last five years.
The research was commissioned by peak social service body NCOSS, and conducted by the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM) at the University of Canberra.
It found that the housing crisis is a key driver of poverty in regional areas, with mortgage holders experiencing the biggest increase in poverty, up by more than 80 per cent since 2016.
The report revealed the following key findings for Newcastle and Central Coast:
· Newcastle-Cooks Hill: Newcastle-Cooks Hill has one of the highest overall poverty rates in rural and regional NSW (25.1%), having doubled since 2016.
· Newcastle-Cooks Hill: The poverty rates for private renters has more than tripled since 2016 (was 10.7%, now 35.6%).
· Raymond Terrace: The poverty rates for homeowners with a mortgage has more than doubled since 2016 (was 5.4%, now 11.5%).
· Tea Gardens – Hawks Nest: The poverty rates for homeowners with a mortgage has doubled since 2016 (was 8.8%, now 17.5%).
NATSEM analysed 2021 census data to reveal the dire state of poverty across NSW and how it has changed in the five years since the previous census.
Today’s release of the full report is accompanied by interactive maps which show the poverty rates in each suburb and town across NSW in 2021 compared to 2016, broken down by demographic groups.
NCOSS CEO Joanna Quilty said the report is a wakeup call for the state’s leaders, urging the NSW Government to respond quickly.
“These statistics are devastating, showing the grim reality of poverty reaching into every suburb and town in NSW – but with some communities really bearing the brunt,” Ms Quilty said.
“What we are seeing is a housing crisis on multiple fronts – people experiencing poverty in rural and regional areas are most likely to be in the private rental market, but it’s those still paying off a mortgage who are increasingly struggling.
“And while public housing tenants in rural and regional NSW are small in number, the majority of them (more than 58 per cent) live below the poverty line.
“We know that the situation has only gotten worse since 2021, with relentless rate hikes and soaring cost of living pressures.
“People living in poverty are resourceful and do whatever they can to survive. But we know for some, this can mean forgoing medication, healthcare or food to cover housing costs, or living in overcrowded or unsafe situations because there is no other option.
“We are pleased the newly elected NSW Government has recognised the urgent need to address the state’s housing crisis.
“To help, we have put forward a set of actionable and practical recommendations for the NSW Government to consider, and we look forward to working with the Government on these solutions.”
NCOSS has called on the NSW Government to adopt a set of recommendations, including:
1. Bolster supply of social housing in NSW to 10 per cent of all housing stock, via a long-term plan with established targets and identified locations.
2. Make renting more affordable and secure, including increasing rental supply and capping rents, which build on commitments to remove ‘no grounds’ evictions and establish a Rental Commissioner.
3. NSW Government should advocate to the Federal Government to lift the income support payment to above the poverty line, and increase Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 50 per cent to enable an acceptable standard of living for recipients.
“I’d like to thank NATSEM for its thorough work on this report, and I look forward to working with the NSW Government on addressing these issues,” Ms Quilty said.
About this research:
· The Mapping Economic Disadvantage in NSW report was undertaken by the National Centre of Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM) at the University of Canberra, and was commissioned by NCOSS.
· The report breaks down poverty rates by suburb and demographic – including age, sex, employment, family arrangement and housing tenure. It uses the most recent data available, the 2021 census data, and compares the trends from the previous census data in 2016.
· NCOSS has published a Key Themes Report which provides an analysis of the key themes and trends, examining how poverty has changed between 2016 and 2021.
· The Online Mapping Tool of interactive maps allows users to filter data by suburb and demographic across NSW.
At the National Press Club today, Greens Leader Adam Bandt will accuse Labor of making the country’s rental crisis worse, saying the upcoming Budget must include more for renters and that the Greens were willing to hold out on passage of the government’s housing bill until Labor addresses the rental crisis.
Currently, Labor’s biggest Budget expenditure on housing is set to be on negative gearing and capital gains tax breaks, which will push up rents and make the housing crisis worse. Mr Bandt will present the Greens’ PBO-costed proposal to scrap tax handouts for landlords and wealthy property investors with more than one home, to fund an incentive for states to implement a two year rent freeze, build publicly-owned housing and double rent assistance for 1.4 million students, single parents, pensioners, people with disabilities, families and those looking for work. Mr Bandt will say that Labor should include these measures in the upcoming Budget to ensure its housing bill gets passed.
The Prime Minister has previously said he has no power to act on the rental crisis, dismissing such claims as ‘pixie-dust’, but Mr Bandt will use the suite of measures to demonstrate that the federal government has the power to act to solve the rental crisis, and there are urgent and available interventions that the government could implement that would pass the Senate in the next three months.
With the Greens’ support, the following measures would pass the Parliament before July and renters would receive immediate support, while also building out a pipeline of publicly-owned rental stock.
The Greens have identified significant concerns with the government’s Housing Australia Future Fund Bill, which includes nothing for renters and has no guaranteed minimum spend for social housing in the event that the fund doesn’t generate a return. Mr Bandt will confirm that if the government doesn’t come to the table on tackling the rental and housing crisis, the HAFF Bill will not pass the Senate in its current form.
Ending tax handouts for property investors with more than one investment property, while grandfathering tax arrangements for one investment property, and abolishing the capital gains tax discount would save the budget $74.1 billion over the decade.
The expenditure measures including a rent freeze incentive, doubling rent assistance and building public housing would total $69.4 billion over the decade.
The Greens proposed housing package would:
Establish a Rent Freeze Housing Fund for State Governments by doubling the $1.6 billion in annual funding provided under the existing National Housing and Homelessness Agreement to increase stock, for example by immediately starting to purchase existing properties for affordable housing, on condition that the jurisdiction freezes rents for two years and limits increases thereafter
Double the rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance if government continues to refuse to lift income support payment rates above the poverty line
Directly build 225,000 publicly-owned properties over the decade which will generate rental income, instead of gambling money on the stock market via the neoliberal housing fund
Immediately abolish the 50% capital gains discount for individuals for assets held for more than 12 months
Phase out the deductibility for all investment property interest expenses against personal income for individuals with more than one investment property purchased before 1 July 2023 over a 5-year period
Housing Policy Measures – Fiscal Balance
2022-2033 ($b)
Revenue
End tax breaks for property investors
$74.1
Expenditure
Double Rent Assistance
-$43.6
Rent Freeze Housing Fund
-$16
Government-Owned Affordable Housing Build
-$9.8
Subtotal
-$69.4
Total budget improvement
$4.7
Distributional analysis of CGT and NG handouts
According to the Treasury’s Tax Expenditure and Incomes Statement, in 2019-20 over half a million people benefited from the capital gains discount for individuals and trusts. Nearly 91% of the total benefit was received by tax filers with above median taxable income, and 75% by the top 10% of tax filers, 61% were men and most of the benefit went to people aged over 50.
In 2019–20, 79% of the rental tax reduction went to people with above median income, and 35% of the reduction went to people in the top taxable income decile. Rental deductions are most commonly claimed by those with higher taxable incomes, particularly those in the seventh or higher taxable income decile.
Around 1.2 million men claim rental deductions and derive a larger tax reduction than women from these deductions by $2,180 on average. Men received around 59% of the tax reduction whereas women received 41% of the tax reduction.
Excerpts from Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP’s address to the National Press Club
Above all, right now, we’re in a housing and rental crisis.
Rents have skyrocketed. There are not enough affordable homes. Millions are stressed just trying to keep a roof over their heads.
More and more people are sleeping in their cars with their kids, others are lying awake at night wondering whether there’ll be a letter from the real estate agent telling them the rent has gone up again by hundreds of dollars a week, or worse, they simply have to leave.
More and more people are spending hours in line to simply view a rental property. Some people have not been able to get back into a permanent home after years of floods and fires.
Right now, there’s a shortage of 640,000 public, community and affordable homes, and it’s increasing every year.
Rents are rising six times faster than wages. People are being encouraged to bid higher than the advertised rates, forcing rents higher and higher. According to Homelessness Australia, an average student will be left with $13 dollars a day after they pay their rent. Many essential workers, like nurses and aged care workers, would have to spend two thirds of their income on rent to afford a place in our capital cities.
It does not have to be this way. Labor can freeze rent increases and build more public and affordable homes.
The Prime Minister says ‘bad luck’ to renters by mocking these suggestions, calling them “pixie dust” when I asked him about it in Question Time, or according to Labor backbencher Julian Hill, “simply impossible”.
But it is possible.
A rent freeze is both legally and politically possible.
During the pandemic, National Cabinet decided to collectively act to protect the interests of renters with a moratorium on evictions. The then PM Scott Morrison reportedly put federal government financial assistance on the table, including through taxation arrangements, as part of a package to provide rent relief.
If Scott Morrison can act, Anthony Albanese should as well.
The Ministerial Council Meeting of Housing Ministers is about to meet and it should be on their agenda. They could seek a submission from the ACT, where Labor, in government with the Greens, put caps on rental prices.
Scotland – again with the Greens in shared government – has just implemented rent controls and it can be done here too.
The Victorian, South Australian, Tasmanian and the ACT governments all froze rent increases during the pandemic.
Many state governments already limit rent rises to once a year, and if they simply extended that to two years, there would be a two year rent freeze.
It is unacceptable and irresponsible for the Prime Minister to throw his hands up and put the Greens’ rent freeze proposal in the too hard basket when Labor holds almost every seat around the National Cabinet table.
With wall to wall Labor State governments on the mainland, Labor can’t pass the buck on the rental crisis anymore.
We know Federal Labor can get State governments to act on issues where they share responsibility.
Labor acted on energy prices at the end of last year, organising for Parliaments across the country to be recalled and complementary state and federal legislation passed, with Greens support after the government agreed to put household electrification measures in the Budget.
The Prime Minister must treat rising rents with the same urgency he brought to rising power bills.
And as Labor has no ideas of its own to tackle the rental crisis, here’s another proposal. The Federal government uses the power of its purse strings all the time to drive change, and they can do it with the housing crisis too. It’s not ‘pixie dust’, it’s what the Federal government already does.
So the Greens’ proposal, which I am announcing today, is to establish a Rent Freeze Housing Fund, with an annual $1.6 billion of extra funding for states and territories under the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement, effectively a doubling of their NAHA funding. States and territories could access this fund if they impose a 2 year freeze on rent increases and cap rental increases after that. States could put that money towards expanding their own stock by building more public housing, or by buying up existing empty homes or NRAS properties to deal with the crisis immediately.
This is a real and concrete pathway for the Federal Government to introduce a freeze on rent increases. We have put to the Government that we are ready and willing to pass a housing plan that includes a commitment to coordinate a freeze on rent increases, $5b a year invested in public and affordable housing, owned by the government, which people could rent for 25-30% of their income, along with an immediate doubling of rent assistance for the struggling students, single parents, pensioners, people with disabilities, families and those looking for work as a downpayment on raising all income support payments above the poverty line.
So there’s the pathway for the federal government to deal with the rental crisis, Mr Albanese.
The Government’s own National Housing Finance Investment corporation has said we need $15 billion a year invested in public and affordable housing for the next 20 years. The Greens, in the spirit of compromise, have suggested that the Federal Government should contribute a third of that.
Is Labor really saying that they are willing to spend over half a trillion dollars on Stage 3 tax cuts for the wealthy and on nuclear powered submarines, but can’t find $5 billion a year for public housing and $1.6 billion a year for a rent freeze, in the middle of a housing crisis? Any moderately progressive government would scrap the Stage 3 tax cuts and submarines, but even if Labor remains resolutely committed to handing over $9000 a year to Clive Palmer, there’s another way to fund a proposed solution to the housing crisis.
Right now, Labor is giving billions in handouts to investors and landlords through negative gearing and capital gains tax handouts. This is driving up prices and rents, and locking young people out.
Labor’s biggest Budget expenditure on housing is for tax breaks for wealthy property investors.
Labor is making the rental crisis worse.
Labor should stop giving handouts to property moguls with more than one investment property and instead use that money to fund a rent freeze, double rent assistance and build even more government-owned public and affordable housing.
This isn’t about someone who owns one extra house or flat as an investment in addition to their main residence. They’re not affected by the Greens’ proposal. We’re calling for an end to tax breaks the government is currently giving to people who own three, four, twelve or twenty-five properties.
It is about the 20,000 wealthy moguls who own more than six properties each and claim these handouts for the 151,000 houses they own between them.
Half of all the billions in negative gearing tax concessions goes to the top 20% of households.
All up, the Greens’ proposal would raise $74.1b over the decade and cost $69.4b.
Tackling the rental crisis actually saves the government money.
Instead, Labor wants to gamble $10 billion in the Future Fund and if it makes a profit, build social and ‘affordable’ homes, with no minimum spend and spending capped at $500 million a year. And if the fund makes a loss, like last year, nothing is spent. Imagine if the government spent no money on public schools one year because a stock market gamble backfired: that’s what they’re proposing for housing.
Labor says it will build 30,000 homes in five years, across the country, then nothing, and at the end the waiting lists will be longer than they are now.
Even if Labor’s bill passed tomorrow, by the next election, there won’t be a single home built.
We don’t need billions gambled on a fund for the future – we need direct investment now.
$5 billion a year would see 225,000 homes built.
The Greens want to see the government do what governments have done in the past. Spend public money on public investments. Government should just build the damn homes itself, not gamble money on the stock market.
Labor is currently pressuring the Greens to pass their weak housing bill that sees the crisis get worse.
But if Labor wants our support on its housing bill, it needs to come to the table on the rental crisis and on building more public and affordable housing.
With all his Question Time contempt about a rent freeze being ‘pixie dust’ and his reported delight about campaigning at the next election on his housing bill failing in the Senate, the Prime Minister needs to understand this isn’t an inner Sydney council meeting and a chance to get even with the Greens.
There is a full blown nationwide rental crisis and it must be confronted.
The Prime Minister’s scorn shows he hasn’t kept up with the sea change in Australia’s housing system.
There’s now a third of the country who rent.
As a group, renters have been ignored by the old parties.
The Greens campaigned strongly on renters’ rights at the Federal election and our vote went up.
After investing for many years in our grassroots organising model, another key to our success in the last election, the Greens now have the means to communicate directly with many of these renters, most of whom don’t spend their time listening to the Prime Minister’s question time threats.
We have already been going to the queues at rental property inspections in Melbourne and handing out rent freeze materials, as well as door knocking in Labor electorates around the country about our stance on Labor’s housing bill, and we are receiving great support.
People know that as things stand, Labor is actively choosing to make the housing and rental crisis worse.
Labor is the party of property moguls.
The Greens are fighting for renters and affordable homes for all.
If Labor wants our support on their housing bill, they need a package that meets the scale of the crisis. A package like the one I have just outlined can be legislated and in place before July.
Labor negotiated on the Safeguard Bill, they recalled Parliament to deal with power bills, and they should show the same urgency on housing and rents so that everyone has an affordable place to live.
Creative projects designed to increase visitation and boost economic activity in Hamilton, New Lambton and Wallsend business precincts will share in $150,000 as part of City of Newcastle’s annual Special Business Rate (SBR) program.
Initiatives ranging from the recent Newcastle Fringe Festival, which saw a smorgasbord of free artistic and cultural performances throughout Hamilton, through to the installation of shopfront “smart” gardens and sky-high murals, have recently been funded through the SBR program.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the next round of SBR funding will help unlock a whole new range of creative projects that drive visitation and economic activity into the city’s suburban business precincts.
“The Special Business Rates program has seen many amazing projects come to life, including the Big Picture Festival and quarterly food, art and wine trails throughout the city, so we’re looking forward to seeing what comes through next for our suburban precincts,” Cr Nelmes said.
Councillor Carol Duncan said local businesses directly benefit from SBR funded projects which enhance the appeal of each suburban business precinct.
“Funding available through the Special Business Rates program directly benefits local businesses through projects that increase visitation and beautify the precinct for residents and visitors alike, making them even more attractive places to eat, drink and shop,” Cr Duncan said.
“Business owners play a key role in providing input into the projects that best activate their own precincts which is vital to creating thriving business communities and increasing visitation to suburban areas like New Lambton, Wallsend and Hamilton.”
Proposals for this round will be considered based on their creativity, impact and level of innovation, with up to $50,000 available in each suburban precinct.
Local business owner and Hamilton Business Improvement Association (BIA) Chair Reece Hignall welcomed the next round of SBR projects.
“The advocacy of our BIAs in engaging with business owners to activate their precincts is vital in creating thriving business communities to help drive increased visitation into suburban shopping precincts” Mr Hignall said.
“We’re witnessing the benefits of the BIA model across Newcastle, including Hamilton, where we’ve welcomed more than 50 new businesses since COVID began.”
Applications for the New Lambton, Wallsend and Hamilton funding round close at 4pm on 19 May 2023.
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Wednesday 26 April 2023. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
150th anniversary of municipal government in Wallsend
A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported acknowledging that 2024 marks 150 years since Wallsend became a municipality in 1874 and calling for City of Newcastle to provide support and financial assistance to the community of Wallsend to prepare for celebratory events marking this historic occasion.
Local Government summit
A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported calling for City of Newcastle to write to NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and NSW Minister for Planning Paul Scully requesting they hold a Local Government Summit to allow constructive discussions of the financial and legislative impediments facing the local government sector.
Ordinary business
Inland Pools Strategy 2034
Council noted that City of Newcastle is currently consulting with stakeholders and the community regarding the draft Inland Pools Strategy 2043 – our plan for protecting and improving Newcastle’s public pools for the next 20 years.
Council will receive a report for the adoption of the Inland Pools Strategy 2043 following consultation.
Adoption of Local Social Strategy 2030
Council voted to lay the Local Social Strategy 2030 on the table.
Adoption of draft Section 6.04 Renewal Corridors of Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012
Council unanimously voted to adopt Section 6.04 Renewal Corridors of Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012.
Adoption of the revised Privacy Management Plan
Council unanimously voted to adopt CN’s revised Privacy Management Plan in line with best practice and following external review by the Information and Privacy Commission (NSW).
Advisory Committees Annual Reports
Council received the Advisory Committee Annual Reports for the 2022 calendar year.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for March 2023.
Tender Report – Newcastle Art Gallery expansion
Council unanimously voted to adopt a tender for the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project construction works. City of Newcastle will write to the NSW Government and Federal Government to request that their previously committed funding be indexed in line with inflation.
Notices of Motion
Buzzing with life: A pollinator-friendly Newcastle
Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to communicate to the community the significance of participating in the local pollinator census during Australian Pollinator Week 11-19 November 2023.
Council also supported incorporating an urban pollination program into City of Newcastle’s Environment Strategy to create vibrant pollinator corridors in the city.
On 24 May Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will host the 2023 Quad Leaders’ Summit in Sydney.
It will be the first time Australia has hosted the Quad Leaders’ Summit, and follows the Prime Minister’s attendance at the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Tokyo in May 2022. It will be the third in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit.
The Prime Minister looks forward to welcoming his Quad counterparts to Australia for the Summit. These visits build on the meetings the Prime Minister has already had with Prime Minister Modi, Prime Minister Kishida, and President Biden.
The Quad is a diplomatic partnership of four countries committed to promoting stability, resilience and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. Australia, India, Japan and the United States share a vision for a region that is governed by accepted rules and norms, where we all can cooperate, trade and thrive.
Together, Quad partners are taking practical action to address shared regional challenges, including improving regional health security, advancing critical and emerging technologies, strengthening connectivity, enhancing clean energy innovation and boosting supply chain resilience.
This year Quad partners are playing a strong leadership role in the Indo-Pacific through hosting the G20 (India), G7 (Japan), and APEC (US). In Sydney, Quad Leaders will discuss how the Quad can work alongside partners and regional groupings, foremost ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum, to strengthen our cooperation and shape the region we all want to live in.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:
“I am honoured to host the first ever Quad Leaders’ Summit in Australia in Sydney.”
“Quad partners are deeply invested in the success of the Indo-Pacific. Leveraging our collective strengths helps Australia advance its interests and more effectively respond to the region’s needs. We are always better off when we act together with our close friends and partners.”
“The Quad is committed to supporting an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is respectful of sovereignty and ensures security and growth for all. I look forward to discussing with Quad Leaders how we – alongside important regional institutions, such as ASEAN, the Pacific Islands Forum, the Indian Ocean Rim Association and our regional partners – can shape the Indo-Pacific region we all want to live in.”
