Mobile coverage continues to expand across regional Australia thanks to the Coalition Government’s $380 million Mobile Black Spot Program, with 750 mobile base stations now providing connectivity to regional and rural Australian communities.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals Government is delivering more reliable services for regional communities though improved network infrastructure.
“Regional communities rely on high quality mobile services to conduct their businesses and better connect with loved ones and this program is ensuring more people have efficient mobile phone access,” Mr McCormack said.
“Programs such as this make a real difference for families, businesses and emergency services, living and working in remote communities have better connectivity where and when they need.”
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, and Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government, the Hon Mark Coulton MP, and Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster MP, today welcomed the milestone under the highly successful Program.
Minister Fletcher said more than 70 per cent of the 1047 base stations funded through the first four rounds of the Program are now complete, reflecting the Government’s unwavering commitment to providing reliable connectivity in the regions.
“Thanks to our significant investment, people living, working and travelling in Nullawil in the Mallee – the location of our 750th base station – will now have better mobile coverage. This is great news for local grain farmers and their families who can enjoy the benefits of improved mobile coverage,” Minister Fletcher said.
Minister Coulton said the Mobile Black Spot Program is an example of what can be achieved when the mobile industry, state and local governments, local businesses and communities work together.
“Each new mobile tower is connecting regional communities to online services, increasing productivity and generating economic growth, which is why we are continuing to invest in additional program rounds,” Minister Coulton said.
“Communities across Mallee continue to benefit from the Federal Government’s Mobile Blackspot Program, enabling them to connect to family, friends and markets more reliably than ever before,” said Dr Webster.
“It’s great that the people of Nullawil now have access to better mobile coverage, and I look forward to the continuing roll out of the project across Mallee.”
Under the first four rounds of the program, the Government’s commitment has generated a total investment of more than $760 million in new mobile telecommunications infrastructure, with an additional $160 million in new Commonwealth funding for a fifth and sixth round of the program announced earlier this year.
The application process for the Round 5 closed on 26 September 2019, with the outcomes of this process expected to be announced in early 2020.
For more information about the program visit: www.communications.gov.au/mbsp
Quotes attributable to Nikos Katinakis, Group Executive, Networks & IT, Telstra
“Reaching 750 sites in the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program is a fantastic achievement, and a huge milestone in bringing connectivity to regional Australia.”
“Under the Program Telstra has delivered connectivity stretching from Monkey Mia in Western Australia to Weipa in the Queensland Cape York Peninsula which has added another 185,000 square kilometres of new coverage to Australian communities.”
“Telstra has a long and proud history of investing in regional Australia – which includes more than $280 million dollars as part of the Program by the time Round Four of the program is complete.”
Quotes attributable to Andrew Sheridan, Vice President of Regulatory and Public Affairs, Optus
“Optus is a strong supporter of the Commonwealth’s Mobile Black Spot Program, which is bringing coverage and competition to regional Australia, in many places for the first time.”
“We congratulate the Government on the success of the program and look forward to working closely together in current and future rounds to meet the needs of all regional Australians.”
Quote attributable to Kevin Millroy, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone
“We’re pleased to be working as part of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program to deliver new mobile sites for communities in regional and remote areas.”
“To date, Vodafone has delivered approximately 36,600 square kilometres of new external coverage to our customers; extended 4G services to more than 16,000 additional homes; and added more than 1,400 kilometres of 4G connectivity along major transport routes across the country.”
Author: admin
Ocean baths up for redevelopment
City of Newcastle is inviting expressions of interest to redevelop the iconic Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths pavilions in overhauls that could include restaurants, recreational and community facilities and other services.
Newcastle Ocean Bath’s iconic art deco exterior is proposed to be retained in any redevelopment, while new public change rooms, disabled access, car parking, new seating, shading and other community facilities will be mandatory inclusions at both sites.
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As well as reinvigorating the baths precincts, the final outcomes will promote access to the Bathers Way, preserve views from lifeguard/first aid rooms and provide swimmers year-round protection from prevailing winds.
“Redevelopment of Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths pavilions is an exciting opportunity to rejuvenate and enhance public assets by capitalising on Newcastle’s unprecedented growth in a long-term partnership with the City,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing proposals. One condition that we have placed on the EOI is that the baths must always remain free public assets.
“The City is committed to improving public and community spaces along our coastline, and a commercial partnership could allow us to significantly enhance and manage these precious facilities in a financially responsible way.”
Artist’s impression of what the baths could look like.
Some 5,800sqm of space is on offer at the 1922-bulit Newcastle Ocean Baths and 2,200sqm at the Merewether pavilion, under leases of up to 21 years.
City of Newcastle Infrastructure Director Ken Liddell said councillors had made it clear they considered the ocean baths the No.1 infrastructure priority.
“In February the Councillors came together for a two-day strategic planning workshop where they nominated the restoration of the Newcastle Ocean Baths as the single most important infrastructure project for the city,” he said.
“Our staff have spent the past six months developing the EOI, as well as resolving a number of potential issues that exist because the Baths sit on crown land.
“All issues have been resolved and we are now able to take the projects to the market. Potential uses under zoning regulations for both baths include restaurants, cafes or kiosks, community facilities, and educational facilities or other recreation purposes.
“The EOI will be followed by a tender process for shortlisted respondents before a lease is signed with the City, which is the Reserve Trust Manager of both buildings for the Crown Lands Division of the NSW Government.
“Any redevelopment of these buildings will be subject to DA determination and the successful lessee(s) will be required to provide some facilities managed by the City, so it can continue to provide lifeguard and pool-cleaning services plus community spaces.
“Parties interested in these redevelopments will have to outline their proposed partnership or joint- venture arrangements, concept plans and previous experience with developments of similar scope and scale.
“Proponents will have to comply with heritage controls as the Newcastle Ocean Baths are listed as a local heritage item in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 and located within the Newcastle East Heritage Conservation Area.”
Expressions of Interest can be made via https://www.tenderlink.com/newcastle/ and close on Tuesday 17 December at 2pm.
Two arrested for drug and weapons offences – Singleton Heights
A man and a woman have been arrested in relation to drug and weapons offences in the state’s Hunter region.
Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District and Rural Crime investigators established Strike Force Axels to investigate property theft in the Upper Hunter.
Following extensive inquiries, about 7am today (Friday 1 November 2019), Hunter Valley PD officers with the assistance of Strike Force Raptor North executed search warrants at two properties on Madden Parade and Wentworth Avenue, Singleton Heights.
During the searches, police allegedly located and seized methylamphetamine, steroids, cannabis and a taser.
A 36-year-old man was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station. He was charged with three drug offences and refused bail to face Cessnock Local Court today (Friday 1 November 2019).
A 57-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Singleton Police Station. She is expected to be charged later today.
Investigations under Strike Force Axels are ongoing.
Man charged after letter box destroyed by explosives – Hamilton North
Just before 5am (Tuesday 15 October 2019), police attended Boreas Road, Hamilton North, following reports of an explosion heard in the area.
Police canvassed the area and located a damaged letterbox.
No one was injured, and no other property was damaged.
Following extensive investigations, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District executed a number of search warrants at various residences and commercial properties.
The officers allegedly seized a number of firearms, prohibited weapons and various items used to manufacture and use explosive devices.
Further inquiries led officers to a location on Macquarie Street, Belmont where a 35-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were arrested.
They were both taken to Belmont Police Station.
The man was charged with possession of multiple firearms, replica firearm, prohibited weapons and malicious damage by explosion.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow Saturday 2 November 2019.
The woman was released pending further investigations.
AUSSIE BIG WAVE LEGENDS TO HEADLINE INAUGURAL TOW EVENT IN Nazare
Larrikin big wave surfers Ross Clarke-Jones and Mick Corbett to join forces as ‘Team Australia’
The ultimate survivor of one of the world’s most dangerous sports, Aussie hell-man Ross Clarke-Jones (RCJ) is set to join forces with dare-devil WA compatriot Mick Corbett (Corbs), to compete as ‘Team Australia’ in the inaugural invitation-only Nazare Tow Surfing Challenge, which kicks off today, Friday November 1, 2019 and runs through to March 31, 2020.
The event will take place on the awe-inspiring ‘Big Mama’ wave peak – considered to be one of the most dangerous on the planet – that breaks closest to the iconic red lighthouse at Praia do Norte on the rugged Portuguese coastline.
Clarke-Jones and Corbett are widely known as the loveable larrikins of Big Wave surfing, and have 66 years’ combined experience under their belts. Clarke Jones is one of the pioneering godfathers of the death-defying sport, while Corbett represents a new breed of surfers taking charge at some of the biggest waves in the world.
“We’re great mates. There’s a lot of trust between us, which is important when we’re both putting our lives on the line to ride the epic waves of Nazare. We’ve each towed one another and surfed together, and now we’re teaming up to fly the Aussie flag at this global competition – we’re stoked and excited to get amongst it,” said an enthused Clarke-Jones.
“I have learnt so much surfing with Ross. His fearless approach to big wave surfing is something I’ve aimed to emulate. You can’t hesitate – with us, it’s a split- second decision to go, and then you need to back yourself all the way against these monster waves. We both love it – and getting to do it as an all-Aussie team will be awesome,” added Mick Corbett.
As the only Australian surfers invited to compete in the first ever Nazare Tow Surfing Challenge, Ross and Mick will ride harder, faster and higher, putting their bodies on the line in the hope of recording the biggest wave scores for their country.
In addition to Clarke-Jones and Corbett, the 19 person competition roster comprises some of the biggest names in global big wave including Sebastian Steudtner (Germany) & Maya Gabeira (Brazil), Andrew Cotton (England) & Tom Butler (England), Rodrigo Koxa (Brazil) & Pedro Scooby (Brazil), Luca Chianca (Brazil) & Kai Lenny (Hawaii), Hugo Vau (Portugal) & Alex Botelho (Portugal), Nic von Rupp (Portugal) & Francisco Porcella (Italy), Benjamin Sanchis (France) & Eric Rebiere (Brazil), Antonio Silva (Portugal) & Grant Baker (South Africa) and Justine Dupont (France).
A regular at Nazare, Clarke-Jones said, “It doesn’t matter how well you know a location or the surf, you can never be complacent. That’s what’s so awesome, but also dangerous, about the ocean.”
“No two waves are ever the same, and when you’re talking about 80-130ft waves like those in Nazare, you can’t ever afford to drop your guard. I learnt that the hard way last year when I wiped out and had to hop my way back up the cliff face to safety after being smashed on the rocks below. I’ll be the first to admit that that day I was complacent, and I very nearly paid the ultimate price. It taught me a big lesson,” he added.
“I’ve done 5 seasons at Nazare and 2 with Ross,” said Corbett. “We continue to learn and respect the waves together and have mutual understanding. I’m sure having to be so “on” in such an unforgiving environment has helped keep Ross young, and I hope I can go on and keep surfing the big waves well into my 50s like he’s done.”
Clarke-Jones has been based in the big wave mecca that is Nazare for four months of the year for the last 3 years –spending every winter for the 30 years before that on the North Shore of Hawaii.
“I’ve got no plans to slowdown. I have been recovering from a foot injury in recent months, so I’m throwing everything into getting my body 100% competition-ready for the Nazare Tow Surfing Challenge. It would only be unmanageable physical injuries that would put a stop to me big wave surfing. I love it, the passion is still there, and as Corbs said – it keeps me young. I split my time travelling between Hawaii, Australia and Portugal. I’ve got bases in both Hawaii and Australia, so also having something in Portugal would give me a great grounding – and allow for family and friends to come visit,“ said Clarke-Jones.
Nazare is expected to turn on conditions for the Tow Surfing Challenge – with the window for the competition from November 1 – March 31 falling during the peak Northern winter big wave season, with Clarke-Jones and Corbett hoping for 100-130+ ft waves when the green light is called.
“They’ve done a ride-in competition at Nazare before, but they couldn’t run it when the really big waves were breaking. With this new tow-in format, we’ll be able to get on the massive big waves the region is famous for. It’ll be spectacular,” said Corbett.
“I had intended launching my own tow-in competition at Nazare this year. But with injury, and other commitments, I ended up putting it off. The WSL has run with the idea, but it’s something I’d still love to pursue myself in the future,” added Clarke-Jones.
Both Clarke-Jones and Corbett are currently based in Australia, with the fearless pair set to return to Nazare asthe big waves hit.
Greens Senator Calls for Boycott of Melbourne Cup
Greens Animal Welfare Spokesperson, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has said that she will be saying ‘Nup to the Cup’ and called on others to boycott the Melbourne Cup.
Senator Faruqi said:
“Year after year we see the needless painful deaths of horses, including five in the last six Melbourne Cups.
“Cruel practices like whipping and tongue tying happen every day in the horse racing industry, and we even see horses subjected to electric shocks to get them to run faster – all for the sake of a bet.
“Even after all the evidence of animal cruelty and racehorses being sent to slaughterhouses in appalling conditions, Racing Victoria clearly isn’t serious about animal welfare. They are only committing a paltry ten percent of ticket sales to ‘equine wellbeing’. I reckon they will spend more on champagne than horses’ welfare at the Cup this year.
“We need a Royal Commission into cruelty in horse racing to hold the industry to account and protect horses.
“I know many people feel uncomfortable about participating in Melbourne Cup events because of the way horses are treated. It isn’t an easy position to take, with the Melbourne Cup promoted so heavily, but it is important we give a voice to the voiceless. I encourage people to make their views known and say ‘Nup to the Cup’.
“Every year more and more people recognise animals never win when gambling profits are at stake. That’s why I’m saying nup to the cup. People really should ask themselves if the Melbourne Cup party is really worth it?” she concluded.
Time to nominate the passionate, inspirational and courageous
Jill Emberson counts being named 2019 Newcastle’s Citizen of the year as one of her greatest achievements and said it’s something she never imagined would happen in her life.
“To get an accolade like this gives me a spring in my step and makes my days here happier. There is a pride and joy that it has given me,” she said when reflecting on the honour.
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Jill was recognised for her contribution to journalism and advocacy in the fight against Ovarian Cancer, a disease she has lived with since 2016. In the lead up to and after receiving her prestigious award Jill has shown she truly embodies the very spirit of the Citizen of the Year Award.
As unique and outstanding as Jill is, Newcastle is fortunate to be home to many other likeminded courageous, passionate and inspirational citizens who strive to improve the lives of others and make our community a better place.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said now is the time to put their names forward for recognition.
“Nominations are open for Newcastle’s 2020 Citizen of the Year Awards, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year which will be presented on Australia Day,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Recipients don’t necessarily need to be high profile individuals. We’re looking for people who are motivated and passionate about improving the lives of others and are role models in our community.”
“Nominating someone is simple, so we want to see as many worthy people as possible nominated and considered for these annual awards.” Previous winners include, Mark Hughes, whose Foundation has raised more than $1.75 million for brain cancer research, Newcastle refugee advocate Sister Diana Santleben and legendary wheelchair athlete Kurt Fearnley.
Junior John Hunter Hospital doctor Bhavi Ravindran was named 2019 Young Citizen of the Year while Luisa Amosa, Charlotte Boulus and Mae Anagnostis were recognised for starting The Y Project, which hosts safe space events for young people, and raises awareness about social justice and environmental issues.
Nominees must be residents of the Newcastle local government area, except for Community Group of the Year which can be from outside the LGA in exceptional circumstances.
They must also be Australian citizens and must be turning at least 16 years of age in 2019.
Hard-copy nomination forms can be downloaded from City of Newcastle’s website and can also be completed and lodged online. A panel of judges will consider each nomination on its merits, with the awards presented at a ceremony on Australia Day, 2020. Nominations close on Sunday 8 December.
THIRD SERVICE NSW BUS HITS THE ROAD
Communities in southern NSW will have easier access to hundreds of NSW Government services and more than 70 cost of living savings, with the third one-stop shop Service NSW bus hitting the road.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the new bus delivers on a promise and will have a dedicated southern NSW route, with 25 towns – including Bundanoon, Braidwood, Boorowa, Gundegai and Batlow – to be visited around every eight weeks.
“Having Service NSW available on wheels will provide added convenience and hip pocket relief to southern NSW families, many of whom are devastated by drought,” Mr Dominello said.
“This bus will take Service NSW to the people, saving them not only time, but also money. It will perform the same transactions available at most centres, such as getting a birth certificate, Seniors Card, and renewing vehicle registration, as well as Driver Knowledge Tests and on the spot cost of living appointments.
“The two existing buses have covered almost 40,000 kilometres and completed around 2,500 transactions, saving customers in regional and remote areas a combined 150 hours in travel time. About 300 customers have collectively saved $132,000, with an average saving of $540.”
The bus will roll through towns with advanced notice, so locals will know when to expect a visit and what documentation is required to perform their transaction. They will also be called out in times of emergency such as natural disasters.
The fourth Service NSW bus is expected to be rolled out before the end of the year.
Further information on the bus route is available at www.service.nsw.gov.au/service-centre/mobile-service-centre-southern-nsw-locations
TOUGH NEW LAWS ON ILLEGAL FIREARM MANUFACTURING
The NSW Government will introduce laws to crack down on illegal firearm manufacturers, including those who supply the firearm parts or allow their premises to be used to manufacture weapons.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the new offences will apply to anyone who ‘takes part’ in the illegal manufacture of firearms, similar to laws in place for taking part in the supply or manufacture of illicit drugs.
“There is a gap in the law where people that are involved in the process of manufacturing an illegal firearm are not captured under present laws, and this is something that must be rectified,” Mr Elliott said.
“As far as I am concerned, if someone plays any part in producing an illegal firearm then they should face the full force of the law. We know that our enhancements to Firearms Prohibition Orders have been extremely successful, but we also need to stay ahead of the curve in ensuring we combat illegal firearm manufacturing.”
The legislation will target:
- Assemblage of parts in the illegal manufacture of firearms;
- The acquisition, possession, use or supply of equipment, electronics (including digital blueprints or plans) components or materials;
- Financing the illegal manufacture of firearms;
- Participating in the illegal manufacture of firearms;
- Providing premises used in the illegal manufacturing process; and
- The manufacture of other prohibited weapons such as flick knives, zombie knives, flame throwers, kung fu sticks, knuckle-dusters, slingshots and mines.
It will also ensure the maximum penalty for illegal manufacturing will be 20 years. The legislation would not apply to law abiding firearm dealers or authorised commercial enterprises that are permitted to manufacture firearms.
The NSW Government will introduce a bill to Parliament early next year.
Pair charged over alleged importation of MDMA – Hunter region
A man and a woman will face court today charged with allegedly importing MDMA into the Hunter region.
In September 2019, an international package was intercepted which allegedly contained 500gm of 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-benzylcathinone, commonly known as MDMA.
Detectives from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District then commenced an investigation into the importation and supply of MDMA in the area.
Following extensive inquiries, yesterday (Wednesday 30 October 2019), a search warrant was executed at a home on Tarrango Street, Cliftleigh where a 32-year-old woman was arrested.
Later that day, a 30-year-old man returned to the home and he was subsequently arrested.
Both were taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with attempt possess commercial quantities of unlawfully imported border controlled drug and supply prohibited drug.
They were refused bail to face Maitland Local Court today (Thursday 31 October 2019).