September 2025 – Page 20

Australian health partnerships to supercharge research

From cutting-edge vaccine technology to life-saving antivenoms, the Albanese Government is backing Australian-led research to transform health outcomes across our nation and our region.

Through the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Centres of Research Excellence (CRE) grant scheme, 24 research leaders and their teams will be supported with $72 million to undertake research to tackle some of the toughest medical challenges and turn world-class research into real solutions.

Professor Katherine Andrews from Griffith University will lead a multidisciplinary team within the Vaccine Adjuvant Discovery and Development (Vaccine-ADD) CRE, to address research gaps and improve vaccine development.

Adjuvants exist in many vaccines to improve their effectiveness and longevity. However, there are limited adjuvants currently in use, restricting the development of vaccines, including for people with reduced responsiveness.

The CRE scheme supports researchers in capacity building activities including in specific areas of need identified by NHMRC. This year, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade partnered with NHMRC to co-fund CRE grants in One Health research, supporting collaboration and transdisciplinary action between human health, animal health, and ecosystems to address challenges that affect the Pacific and/or Southeast Asia.

Professor Joshua Francis from the Menzies School of Health Research will lead Research Excellence and Surveillance to promote One Health Solutions for Timor-Leste and the region (RESPOSTA).

REPOSTA will strengthen One Health research partnerships across Timor-Leste, Australia and Indonesia by responding to challenges that are regional priorities.

Full details of the researchers and projects funded are available to download on NHMRC’s outcomes of funding rounds page.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“A strong, healthy region benefits us all – these new research partnerships will help to strengthen expertise, deliver innovation and create practical solutions to our region’s shared health challenges.

“We are supporting our nation’s brightest minds to turn their research into breakthroughs that could save lives and keep Australians safe.”

Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler:

“The Albanese Government is investing in Australia’s world-class researchers to solve some of the hardest problems in health.

“We are fortunate to be living through a supercharged period of discovery and the 24 researcher driven projects are more proof of that fact.”

Minister for International Development, the Hon Dr Anne Aly:

“Australia is committed to supporting resilient, equitable and inclusive health systems across our region.”

“We are working with Indo-Pacific partners to enhance health expertise, strengthening our collective abilities to prevent the spread of future pandemics.”

NHMRC CEO Professor Steve Wesselingh:

“Since 2010, NHMRC’s CRE scheme has provided support for research teams to pursue collaborative research and develop capacity in clinical, health services and public health research, as well as in basic science research since 2024.

“At its core, this scheme promotes the effective translation of research into knowledge, policy and practice, effectively building workforce capability within the sector.

“This investment is a commitment to the health of all Australians and into the future of our national health system– congratulations to all successful chief investigators and their teams receiving funding today.”

Councils launch innovative solar and battery program for local residents

Making the switch to renewable energy at home will become easier and more affordable for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland residents following the launch of a new council-led program this month.

The Solar Neighbourhoods initiative is designed to remove barriers that have held back solar and home battery uptake in the region.

City of Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, Maitland Councillor Warrick Penfold and Lake Macquarie Deputy Mayor Jack Antcliff celebrate the upcoming launch of the Solar Neighbourhoods program later this month. Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said the councils were leading the way on sustainability with the introduction of this collaborative program, which is the first of its kind in the region and responds to community feedback.

“We’ve heard from residents across the three council areas that they want solar and batteries for their homes, but are overwhelmed by the choice, upfront cost and complexity of buying solar systems,” Cr Pull said.

“Through an extensive tender and due diligence process we’ve identified a range of high-quality systems, delivered by our program partner and local installers.

“Households installing a new solar and battery system could save up to 90 per cent of a typical family electricity bill, which is why we’re committed to providing an easy, accessible pathway to solar and home batteries for our community.

“This program also aligns with a key priority in our Newcastle Environment Strategy, which is to support the transition of the Newcastle LGA to net zero emissions through an accelerated uptake of onsite solar and batteries.”

Residents across the three council areas will be able to access quality solar, batteries and electric vehicle chargers from program partner 1KOMMA5 Australia and their network of local installers.

Upfront payments or affordable options to pay the system off over time will be available, as well as an exclusive program discount and government rebates.

Lake Macquarie Deputy Mayor Jack Antcliff said the initiative will enable residents to take meaningful climate action through practical, community-led solutions.

“We’re proud to support programs that help households lower their electricity bills and contribute to a more sustainable future,” Cr Antcliff said.

“This partnership reflects a united regional approach to reducing emissions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy, an outcome that benefits individuals, their neighbourhoods and the Hunter as a whole.”

Maitland Councillor Warrick Penfold said more than one third of homes across the Maitland LGA currently have solar installed.

“We hope that this program opens up accessible and affordable options for even more Maitland residents that are looking to make the switch,” Cr Penfold said.

“Forging strong partnerships with neighbouring councils and other agencies to drive solar uptake across Maitland, and in turn underlining the environmental, economic and social benefits for our residents, is just one of the ways that Maitland City Council is showing leadership and working to shape a more sustainable Maitland.”

Join the waitlist to be the first to know when the program launches later this month at: https://solarneighbourhoods.com.au/

Plans for the world’s largest industrial land transformation are here

The world’s current largest industrial land transformation project has taken a major step forward, with a rezoning proposal released today to revitalise 200 hectares of land at BlueScope’s Port Kembla site.

Now on public exhibition, the proposal outlines plans to rezone 200 hectares of underutilised land on the southern edge of the Port Kembla Steelworks. This paves the way for a future-focused hub that will support up to 30,000 local jobs and drive the Illawarra’s economic growth for decades to come.

The proposed precinct will rezone the existing industrial land to attract new industries across advanced manufacturing, clean and renewable energy, education, and data and logistics which will help position the Illawarra as a leader in next-generation industries.

Several historic buildings will be preserved and repurposed, maintaining the site’s industrial legacy alongside its transformation into a modern and innovative precinct.

The ongoing operations of the steelworks and the port will continue uninterrupted, with existing infrastructure and transport connections at the site to support new development.

The NSW Government is fast-tracking the rezoning through a State Assessed Rezoning Proposal process, recognising its strategic importance for the region and the state.

A Cabinet-endorsed Working Group, led by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully MP, is overseeing the strategic coordination of the project.

The group brings together representatives from NSW Government agencies, Wollongong City Council and BlueScope.

Community members and stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the proposal, which includes a draft master plan, technical studies, and an Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE). Submissions are open until Thursday, 5 October 2025.

For more information visit www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/port-kembla

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This site has the potential to make the most significant difference to the Illawarra’s industrial landscape since steelmaking commenced nearly 100 years ago and the biggest change to our local economy since the University of Wollongong became an independent institution 50 years ago.

“This site is about the same size as Monaco and has the potential to transform the local economy and create 30,000 jobs.

“The Port Kembla Steelworks has been at the heart of Wollongong for nearly a century, shaping our city, our economy and our identity.

“This transformation is about honouring the site’s industrial history while building a precinct that brings new industries and new jobs to the Illawarra.

“BlueScope currently contributes around 1 per cent of NSW’s Gross State Product from its Port Kembla site, the proposed masterplan could support an additional 30,000 jobs and could double this economic contribution.

“This will support thousands of new jobs in fast growing industries like advanced manufacturing, education, tech, and renewable energy that will sustain our region for generations.”

BlueScope Head of Property Development Michael Yiend said:

“The public exhibition represents a significant milestone in the Port Kembla Land Transformation Project—an opportunity to unlock 200 hectares of previously heavy industrial operational land and deliver enduring benefits to the Illawarra region and beyond.

“This transformation will complement existing and future steelmaking operations while attracting emerging industries to the site, creating a multi-decade pipeline of investment, economic growth, and new local career opportunities. We are proud to work alongside the NSW Government, Wollongong City Council, and the community to realise this vision and reinforce the Illawarra’s key role in Australian industry, driving sustainable growth for decades to come.”

Cabonne Shire bridges and causeways the first focus of Central West Disaster recovery funding

Cabonne Shire has commenced much needed disaster recovery works to rebuild and strengthen transport infrastructure impacted by the 2022 floods, which caused widespread damage across the Central West LGAs.

Work is now underway to improve the drainage capacity and efficacy of causeways along key roads in the shire, with planning and design being prepared for improvements to a number of bridges across the shire.

These two transport infrastructure upgrade packages are made possible through the Regional Transport Resilience Fund (RTRF) provided jointly by the NSW and Australian governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Disaster recovery funding of up to $3.8 million will cover the installation of concrete floodways, table drains, box culverts, pipe culverts, headwalls and concrete decks at various locations across the Cabonne LGA.

A further $5.3 million in disaster recovery funding will enable a package of bridge work, which will involve:

raising the bridge deck at Canomodine Lane Bridge, Canowindra
culvert upgrades on Edward Street, Cudal
replacing the Baghdad Road Bridge, Cargo
raising the bridge deck at Ophir Road Bridge, Ophir
replacing the Kiewa Street footbridge, Manildra.

Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes LGAs also received betterment funding for infrastructure upgrades to improve resilience.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“The DRFA supported RTRF allows these Central West communities to continue to rebuild following the devastating floods in 2022.

“Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes LGAs were all invited to apply for project-specific funding to carry out upgrades on damaged local roads and bridges and to help better prepare for future severe weather events with nine projects receiving funding.

“These Central West councils will share in more than $30 million of disaster relief funding as their communities continue to rebuild from floods while also doing whatever can be done to improve future flood resilience using clever design.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison:

“The Central West Regional Transport Resilience Funding (RTRF) forms part of the $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience Package.

“Importantly, this package focuses on building back better to ensure communities across the Central West are better prepared in the face of future disasters.

“The aim is to ensure local road and bridge infrastructure is built back to better withstand disasters and to improved standards.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:

“The impact of the 2022 floods was felt across 11,000 kilometres of the Central West, with some areas remaining underwater for extended periods of time, causing significant impact on the transport network and community connectivity.

“It is because of the advocacy of these Councils and their commitment to community restoration that this funding has been able to be secured.

“This work starting in Cabonne is a huge step forward for community recovery in this region.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato:

“The 2022 floods caused significant damage across Cabonne Shire, and this funding is a crucial step in helping our communities recover and build back stronger. These upgrades will improve the safety and resilience of key transport routes that locals, farmers and businesses rely on every day.

“I am pleased to see all levels of government working together to deliver real outcomes for our region. This is about ensuring our infrastructure can better withstand future weather events and keep our communities connected.”

Cabonne Shire Council Deputy General Manager Infrastructure Matthew Christensen:

“Access to this funding stream and acknowledgement by both the Australian and NSW governments that local councils just do not have capacity to fund the repairs required after a natural disaster, let alone consider how to rebuild important infrastructure to withstand future events.

“It is vital that council’s roads, bridges, culverts and footpaths are maintained to support Cabonne’s agriculture industry, encourage tourism, and ensure that all road users are able to travel safely.”

Nurses & midwives vote to accept pay rise and improved working conditions

The NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) has voted to accept the NSW Government’s offer of a 3 per cent interim wage increase and enhancements to working conditions.

The agreement provides an interim 3 per cent pay increase for public sector nurses and midwives, paid retrospectively from 1 July 2025, plus 0.5 per cent in superannuation.

Nurses and Midwives will also see an increase to their Night Shift Penalty rate from 15 to 20 per cent, effective from 1 July 2025, with this issue no longer part of future arbitration proceedings.

Nurses and midwives will also see improvements to their working conditions and work-life balance, including:

Two consecutive days off
No night shifts before annual leave unless requested
No changes on published roster without consultation

The offer gives public sector nurses and midwives a pay rise now, while still allowing a pathway for the remaining matters to be determined by the independent Industrial Relations Commission.

The Minns Labor Government re-empowered the independent industrial umpire to make a decision free of a wages cap.

This improvement to night shift loadings and interim pay rise follows an 8 per cent increase to pay (inclusive of a 1 per cent increase to superannuation) for nurses over the first two years of the Minns Labor Government.

After 12 years of wage suppression and neglect of the health system, the Minns Labor Government abolished the wages cap and is working to rebuild the health workforce.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey:

“This interim deal on pay, nightshift penalties and improvements to conditions is an important step towards the long-term repair of healthcare across NSW.

“We have delivered wage agreements for 81 per cent of public sector workers – investing in the teachers, paramedics, health workers and police who provide essential services. This would not be possible under the Coalition’s wage cap.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“When we came to office, NSW was facing a health workforce crisis – our nurses, our paramedics, our hospital workers were leaving. We are turning things around.

“This vote is a major step to addressing the chronic shortage of nurses in our hospitals but there is more to do.

“We have an independent process underway to determine what we need to do to ensure NSW nurses have the pay and conditions needed, including to address the gender pay gap that exists.

“This was opposed by the Liberals – only Labor can keep getting on with the job of improving our hospitals and recruiting more health workers.

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis:

“This agreement is long overdue recognition for nurses and midwives who have been campaigning for a long time. We are proud to support those who care for our communities day and night.

“The Minns Labor Government continues the work of rebuilding the state’s essential services and reforming the industrial relations system.

“That work began with the scrapping of the Coalition’s wages cap which was in place for 12 years, introducing a fairer, modern bargaining framework, setting up an Industrial court and amending the Industrial Relations Act to include a new Object to achieve gender equality in the workplace.

“Our agreement to a historic increase in night shift penalties and improved working conditions for nurses and midwives reflects our commitment to valuing frontline workers.”

The Great Koala National Park

The Minns Labor Government has today confirmed the next major step delivering on an election commitment to protect koalas in the wild, announcing the proposed boundary for the Great Koala National Park, alongside a comprehensive plan to support workers, industry and local communities.

On National Threatened Species Day, the NSW Government is announcing:

The proposed boundary for the Great Koala National Park
An immediate temporary moratorium on timber harvesting within this proposed boundary
A comprehensive worker and industry support package
$6m in community and small business supports for the mid-north coast region
An additional $60 million to establish the park.

Without action, koalas are on track to be extinct in the wild in NSW by 2050. At the last election, we promised to take action to establish the Great Koala National Park — and today we are delivering on that commitment.

The park will reserve 176,000 hectares of state forest and connect with existing national parks to create a 476,000-hectare reserve – one of the largest in NSW.

This park will protect more than 12,000 koalas, 36,000 Greater Gliders and habitat for over 100 other threatened species.

The Government has imposed a temporary moratorium effective Monday 8 September 2025 on timber harvesting within the proposed park boundary.

The NSW Government has planned carefully and will stand with affected workers, businesses and communities every step of the way.

It’s why today we are announcing comprehensive assistance for impacted business and workers.

The immediate temporary moratorium will have an impact on 6 out of more than 25 timber mills in the region and approximately 300 jobs.

Assistance includes JobKeeper-style payments to support workers by covering salaries, and also financial assistance towards business operating costs.

As well as financial payments to cover salaries, workers and their families will have immediate free access to mental health, financial and legal counselling services and training support.

The Government has contacted every impacted mill and will now commence discussions with them about their long-term options and ensure appropriate support for workers.

The Government recognises there will be challenges as the transition begins and is committed to working with local communities every step of the way.

The NSW Government has also committed $6 million to support new opportunities for tourism and small businesses on the Mid North Coast, with the package to be developed in consultation with local communities to grow jobs and investment as the Great Koala National Park is established.

An additional $60 million in funding is being announced for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to support the establishment of the park. This is in addition to the $80 million announced in 2023.

The final creation of the park is dependent on the successful registration of a carbon project under the Improved Native Forest Management Method, which is currently moving through the Federal Government assessment processes.

Today’s announcement follows extensive consultation with industry and community stakeholders and a comprehensive expert assessment process.

The Government thanks everyone involved for their input and patience during this process.

The Great Koala National Park will not end forestry on the North Coast. The Independent Forestry Panel is continuing to provide advice to the Government to inform the Forestry Industry Action Plan.

Information is available online, via www.nsw.gov.au/greatkoalanationalpark.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns:

“Koalas are at risk of extinction in the wild in NSW – that’s unthinkable. The Great Koala National Park is about turning that around.

“We’ve listened carefully and we’re making sure workers, businesses and communities are supported every step of the way.”

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“The Great Koala National Park has been a dream for more than a decade. It will ensure koalas survive into the future so our grandchildren will still be able to see them in the wild.

“These amazing old-growth forests are among the world’s top biodiversity hotspots – home to more than 100 threatened species including greater gliders, the powerful owl and yellow-bellied gliders.”

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty:

“Our government’s priority is to fully support impacted workers with payments and services during this major change.

“That is why we will provide financial assistance to businesses we know will be impacted, so they can continue to pay their staff’s salaries and cover costs.

“We are committed to a sustainable forestry industry in NSW.”

Minister for the North Coast and Minister for Small Business, Janelle Saffin:

“We are delivering on our election promise to deliver the Great Koala National Park for the North Coast.

“This will deliver the protection of our most precious and loved species, our koalas, that everyone in NSW wants to see protected; and the Greater Koala National Park will also provide an economic boon for locals and businesses alike.

“It is important to work together to ensure no one is left behind. We will be supporting impacted workers, businesses, communities and industry to maximise opportunities as we deliver the Great Koala National Park.

“I am committed to ensure that our forest workers and small business forest operators are supported economically and emotionally through this change.”

Koala park is welcome and needed, but 2025 is already a terrible year for koala habitat destruction

As the NSW government announces the proposed boundary for a Great Koala National Park, a new study by the Australian Conservation Foundation reveals more koala habitat has been approved for destruction under the national nature law in 2025 than in any other year.

This is despite the koala being listed as an endangered species and the federal government recognising habitat destruction and fragmentation as a ‘major’ and ‘increasing’ threat to the iconic marsupial (see page 15 and page 18 of the Conservation Advice for the Koala).

The Albanese government is currently reforming the national nature law.

Released for National Threatened Species Day, 7 September, the ACF study reveals:

2025 is already the worst year on record for federally-approved destruction of koala habitat. Almost 4,000 hectares has been approved to be bulldozed for eight projects.
Since 2011, an area larger than two Royal National Parks has been approved for destruction. Almost 38,000 hectares of koala habitat has been approved to be bulldozed under Australia’s failing nature ‘protection’ law, the EPBC Act – more than for any other threatened species in Australia.
98% of destroyed koala habitat has been flattened without assessment by Australia’s national nature law. Agriculture is the biggest driver of koala habitat destruction.
Native forest logging continues to destroy koala habitat, particularly in NSW.
“ACF welcomes the NSW government’s announcement of details of the long-promised and much needed Great Koala National Park,” said ACF nature campaigner Darcie Carruthers.

“Despite its commitment to ‘zero new extinctions’, the Albanese government has already approved the destruction of 3,958 hectares, or four Sydney Airports’ worth of koala habitat, so far this year.

“Even worse, 98% of koala habitat has been bulldozed without even being assessed under the national law. The very law meant to protect nature is so poorly enforced that it has failed to stop nearly 2.3 million hectares of likely koala habitat from being bulldozed and cut down.

“Given that the koala has been recognised as threatened with extinction since 2012 and therefore should be protected from harm, this underscores the total failure of the current laws to keep trees in the ground and prevent the further decline of the species.

“In its revision of Australia’s national nature law, the Albanese government must set clear rules to protect habitat for threatened species like the koala, close loopholes that enable rogue bulldozers and establish an independent watchdog to enforce the law.

“Congratulations, and thank you, to all the groups and community members who have fought hard for the Great Koala National Park.”

Associate Professor Desley Whisson from Deakin University said:

“To prevent koala extinction, we must stop the broadscale destruction of their habitat. Our current environmental laws are doing nothing to protect this iconic species.

“We know habitat loss is the leading cause of koala decline, yet deforestation continues unchecked. If we are serious about preventing extinction of this iconic species, our national laws must be strengthened to keep trees standing.

“Preventing koala extinction isn’t complicated. We need to stop deforestation by strengthening our national laws.”

Dr Kita Ashman, Adjunct Professor at Charles Sturt University, said:

“The way Regional Forests Agreements operate under the EPBC Act is effectively as a backdoor for destructive practices like logging to continue with very little scrutiny.

“If we remove this loophole, it will mean climate refuges and places that are critical for the survival of the species will remain intact.”

Critical incident declared after teen dies following pursuit, crash – Hunter Valley

A critical incident investigation is underway after a teenage boy died and four people were taken to hospital following the pursuit and crash of a stolen car in the state’s Hunter overnight.

Officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command first attempted to stop a vehicle travelling on the New England Highway at Aberdeen, about 11.55pm yesterday (Saturday 6 September 2025), due to the speed at which the vehicle was being driven.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop when directed, a pursuit was initiated which continued north along the highway until it crashed about 100m north of Makybe Diva Street at Scone.

The 14-year-old boy driving the vehicle and his 17-year-old male front-seat passenger were initially trapped.

Once released, they were treated on-site by NSW Ambulance paramedics, but the front-seat passenger died at the scene.

The driver was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital where he and the three back-seat passengers – two boys aged 14 and 17 and a 25-year-old woman – are all being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Initial information indicates all boys are from the Tamworth area while the woman is from the Newcastle area.

It’s believed vehicle was stolen from a business in Walford Street, Wallsend, sometime after 5pm yesterday (Saturday 6 September 2025).

A crime scene has now been established, with specialist officers from Crash Investigation Unit examining the scene.

A critical incident investigation team from Tuggerah Lakes Police District will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident under Strike Force Willgoyne.

The investigation will be subject of an independent review by the Professional Standards Command and oversighted by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

Appeal to locate boy missing from Maitland

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a boy missing from the state’s Hunter region.

Matei Ernst, aged 14, was last seen on Marlborough Street, Rutherford, about 8am yesterday (Thursday 4 September 2025).

When he was unable to be contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police have concerns for Matei’s welfare due to his young age.

Matei is described as being of Pacific Islander/Maori appearance, of thin build and between 150cm – 160cm tall.

He was last seen wearing a school uniform – white shirt, black shorts and a black Nike backpack.

Matei is known to frequent the Maitland, Rutherford, Greenhills areas and local shopping centres in those areas.

Project of Concern Summit held in Canberra

A Project of Concern Summit has been held in Canberra to discuss the Civil Military Air Traffic Management System (CMATS) project.

Minister for Defence Industry the Hon Pat Conroy MP hosted senior Defence and Airservices Australia officials and industry representatives.

This Summit was an important milestone that provided representatives the opportunity to discuss the progress made on the remediation plan since the last Project of Concern Summit in November 2024.

The Summit allowed stakeholders to come together, share updates and strengthen collaboration, supporting the ongoing work to deliver this important capability and ensure it meets operational needs.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“I would like to thank all representatives for their attendance as we focus on the progress we have made on remediating project performance.

“Project of Concern Summits provide a valuable forum for Defence and industry to engage on projects requiring high-level intervention to achieve successful delivery. Participating parties identify remediation methods, commit to working together and review project progress.

“These summits are an important part of the Albanese Government’s efforts to actively monitor high-priority projects and maintain momentum on the delivery of capabilities for the Australian Defence Force.”