As the IMF warns that even a $111 carbon price in Australia will be insufficient to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, Greens’ climate and energy spokesperson, Adam Bandt, announced that the Greens will introduce legislation on Monday to make the mining, burning and exporting of thermal coal by corporations and their executives (but not workers) a crime after 2030.
“The climate emergency is so severe that a carbon price alone will no longer fix the problem,” said Mr Bandt.
“When it comes to phasing out coal by 2030 as the science requires, even the IMF has acknowledged that a carbon price is necessary but not sufficient.
“The Greens will continue to argue for the revival of the Greens/Labor carbon price, the only policy to successfully reduce pollution, but the Liberals have lifted pollution so much that we need to do more.
“Coal is the next asbestos.
“Like asbestos and tobacco, we now know things about coal we didn’t know before. We now know that coal kills people when used as directed, so we need to treat it like asbestos and regulate its phase-out.
“The Greens’ bill will steadily phase-out the export of thermal coal until it ends in 2030 and will prohibit the construction or expansion of any new coal mines or power stations.
“We must support workers and communities through the transition, which means finding decent, well-paid jobs for coal regions. Our bill also puts the liability on big corporations and their executives, not the coal workers who have helped power our country over our history.”
Author: admin
Youth-led festival to liven up Laman Street
A sustainable swap-meet, art and activism workshop and exciting line-up of local live music are among the highlights of a youth-led community street festival taking over Laman Street tomorrow.
Organised by the Newcastle Youth Council, the Spring Street Festival is a showcase of social and environmental sustainability that is designed to encourage people to talk, learn and think globally by getting involved locally.
Being held in Laman Street and the ground floor of the Newcastle Region Library from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, 12 October, the festival will feature live music, vegetarian food stalls, local artists and workshops on a range of issues like fast fashion, urban farming and climate action.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Spring Street Festival was about empowering young people to come together and connect on issues that matter to them.
“This youth-led event provides an opportunity to discover, connect and celebrate the incredible work that is being done in our community around sustainability,” she said.
“It will explore positive solutions that are happening right now to address issues such as climate change, gender equality and sustainable consumption, encouraging people to think global and act local.”
Sustainability has been used to inform every aspect of the festival, from the clothes, jewellery and book swap designed to combat fast fashion with a more sustainable approach to looking fabulous, through to the Enviro Hub where you can learn how to get involved with local environmental campaigns and maintain the momentum created during September’s School Strike 4 Climate rally.
Well-known local artist Quinn Squires (aka Real Salad) will bring his colourful brand of art and activism to the festival with a workshop on creating issue-focused art, while Newcastle Art Gallery will showcase the incredible talent of Newcastle’s visual artists with an emerging artists market.
Headspace Newcastle will host a chill zone with art, music, food and comfy cushions to sink into, five local bands will keep the festival vibe going with live performances throughout the day while numerous organisations involved in everything from gender equality and climate action to mental health and wellbeing will also host activities across their own stalls.
The Spring Street Festival is being run in conjunction with Newcastle Libraries, Newcastle Youth Council, CIFAL Newcastle, United Nations Society – University of Newcastle and The Y Project.
METRO TUNNELS HIT HISTORIC MILESTONE
Sydney’s new twin metro railway tunnels are now 70 per cent complete as tunnelling reaches the heart of the city deep under Martin Place, with work under the CBD about to head to Barangaroo.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Transport Minister Andrew Constance joined workers 28 metres under Sydney to welcome Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Nancy to the new Martin Place Station.
“This historic milestone means 22 kilometres of the Sydney Metro tunnels are now finished in just 11 months – that’s 70 per cent of the new tunnels on Australia’s biggest public transport project,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“While people are getting on with life in the city above, deep underneath the CBD giant machines like TBM Nancy are getting on with the job, building tunnels for our future metro rail.”
Since launching in October 2018, TBM Nancy has tunnelled 6.8 kilometres via the new metro stations at Waterloo, Central and Pitt Street.
Mr Constance said TBM Nancy will spend a few weeks undergoing maintenance before being re-launched to complete the last 1.3 kilometre section between Martin Place and Barangaroo.
“This tunnelling is pivotal to a well-connected public transport system here at Martin Place, where customers will be able to transfer between the new metro and the Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra line,” Mr Constance said.
“Deep under city streets and buildings, this historic new metro line will not only increase the capacity of our rail network but make it easier to get around.”
It has taken about 21 months to build the caverns for the new Martin Place Station ahead of TBM Nancy’s arrival, removing about 198,000 tonnes of rock – enough to fill about 30 Olympic swimming pools.
Missing woman located – Cooranbong
A woman reported missing from Lake Macquarie yesterday has been located safe and well.
A 37-year-old woman was last seen leaving a property in Cooranbong about 11.30pm on Wednesday 9 October 2019.
Following inquiries, about 9.30am today (Friday 11 October 2019) the woman was located safe and well in Cooranbong.
Police wish to thank the public and the media for its assistance.
Public will never forgive ALP if it abandons climate action: Greens
The Australian public will never forgive the Labor Party if it abandons any commitment to taking genuine action on the climate crisis as Joel Fitzgibbon is now arguing, said Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale.
“Hundreds of thousands of people from all across the community are coming together to demand urgent action on the climate emergency. If the ALP’s response to this growing movement is to abandon its already weak climate policy and instead mimic the Government’s, the community will never forgive them,” said Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale.
”It’s time for the Labor Party to take a stand; no more sitting on the fence or saying one thing in Queensland and another in Victoria. Either Labor stands with the community and the Greens for strong, urgent action and the tens of thousands of jobs that will create, or they are with the climate deniers in the Coalition.”
“Labor needs to decide if it’s still committed to stopping dangerous runaway global warming. If Labor walks away from its already weak 2030 targets, it walks away from the Paris Agreement goal of keeping global warming below two degrees. As the Greens fight the Tories, Labor looks set to join them,” said Greens Climate Change Spokesperson Adam Bandt MP.
“As the record drought shows, Australia and the world is in the middle of a climate crisis. It’s an emergency, but Labor wants to send the fire truck back to station.”
Scott Cam to lead uptake of more skilled trade jobs
Scott Cam will inspire the next generation of tradespeople in his new role as Australia’s first National Careers Ambassador, helping young Australians take advantage of surging demand for skilled workers.
Mr Cam will highlight how practical and technical training can lead to high paying and fulfilling jobs, while also working with the National Careers Institute, alongside government, industry, education providers, career advisors, parents and employers to improve career options.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said as our economy changes we need people to have a mix of skills and experience and this includes having more Australians with technical, trade and practical skills.
“For many years going to university has been the default expectation imposed on our young Australians, but it’s not the only path to rewarding and successful employment.”
“It’s time we broadened our view and recognised the many other successful avenues available to young Australians and talked about the opportunities in fast growing industries like health and construction through technical and skills education.
“I want to see more Australians become plumbers, electricians and bakers than lawyers and consultants. I would like to see more of them going on to become their own boss.
“Scott Cam is proof that undertaking a trade can be a very valuable, rewarding and successful career choice, and there are plenty more who can tell a similar story to Scott.
“In my own electorate in southern Sydney, there are numerous stories of Australians who have been able to look after themselves, their families and make a real contribution, often starting their own businesses and creating jobs and livelihoods for others.
“By learning a trade you’ll earn more, your skills will be in demand and you’ll help build our country and keep our economy strong.”
Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator Michaelia Cash, said vocational education and training was key to building our future workforce.
“The Morrison Government is committed to creating more than 1.25 million jobs over the next five years and alongside that goal we are rolling out a $100 billion infrastructure investment.
“To take advantage of this, we will need to make sure people and businesses have access to the right skills at the right time, and understand how their skills relate to current and emerging career pathways,” Minister Cash said.
“As National Careers Ambassador, Scott will help Australians at all ages and stages to make informed decisions about learning, training and work pathways. Working with the National Careers Institute, Scott will make sure individuals and businesses can take advantage of the pathways on offer.”
The Morrison Government is currently undertaking a major modernisation of the vocational education and training sector.
The Government’s first instalment of our modernisation plan, a $585 million skills package, is now rolling out.
This package includes increased incentives for up to 80,000 new apprentices and expanded apprentice wage subsidy trials in rural and regional areas and 10 new Industry Training Hubs in areas of high youth unemployment to better connect schools with local employers, industries and training providers.
The National Careers Institute is holding co-design workshops around the country from 4 October 2019.
For more information on the National Careers Institute and to engage in the careers conversation go to www.nci.employment.gov.au
Newcastle’s unique attractions immortalised in custom Monopoly board
The world’s most famous board game now has embraced a unique Novocastrian theme.
A special edition Newcastle Monopoly was launched today by Winning Moves, City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Mr Monopoly at Newcastle Museum. Also in attendance were members of the community keen to be the first to get their hands on the new local version of the classic board game.
“Newcastle is an iconic city so it’s only fitting we have our very own Monopoly board game to celebrate our spectacular built and natural attractions,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We’re certainly spoilt for choice for board game worthy locations to feature, from our renowned beaches to locations like Newcastle Museum, Blackbutt Reserve, and Fort Scratchley, which are all up for grabs for players.
“I’m thrilled our city now has its very own version of Monopoly and know it will be embraced by Novocastrians young and old. It’s wonderful to think people will create memories playing the game based on our very own city.
“It’s the perfect family friendly gift for Christmas or for those looking for something truly unique. It’s also sure to prove popular with visitors to the city,” Cr Nelmes said.
The fast dealing property trading game features special twists like Newcastle locations and themed board design.
“This edition is everything you love about the traditional board, adapted in a way that Novocastrians will enjoy for generations to come,” Winning Moves’ Dale Hackett said.
Monopoly first hit the shelves in 1935 and since then has secured its spot in pop culture and people’s homes as a best-loved game.
Newcastle Monopoly is available at the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre and in selected stores from today.
BREAKING THE CYCLE OF HOMELESSNESS
More than 550 former rough sleepers have been housed in safe and stable accommodation across the state thanks to the NSW Government’s expansion assertive outreach services.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said World Homeless Day is an opportunity to highlight the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s nation-leading work in line with its ambitious homelessness targets.
“Our Government is not only putting a roof over the heads of vulnerable people, but helping them on a pathway to independence,” Mr Ward said.
“The Premier’s Priority, aligned with the global Vanguard Agreement, aims to halve street sleeping across NSW by 2025.
“We have taken some significant steps towards achieving that target, but we know there is much more to do and we’re committed to building on the strong foundations we have set.”
New outreach services in Tweed Heads and Newcastle are underway in collaboration with the non-government sector, building on the success of the program in Sydney.
“More than 90 per cent of people that we have housed in Sydney have sustained their tenancies and are turning their lives around,” Mr Ward said.
“By providing housing and wrap around support services for people at risk of homelessness, we are helping them break the cycle.”
Trial street counts have recently been conducted in regional areas ahead of the first comprehensive, coordinated statewide count planned for early next year.
The NSW Government is investing $1 billion to support people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including women and children experiencing domestic and family violence, Aboriginal people, young people and rough sleepers.
NSW SMASHES VISITATION RECORDS AT HOME AND ABROAD
Visitation to NSW is at a record high with international and domestic tourists streaming to Sydney and the regions, latest data shows.
Latest Tourism Research Australia figures released today show NSW remains Australia’s number one destination for visitors from home and abroad, with steady increases in the number of visitors, visitor nights and visitor related expenditure generated for the State.
In the year ending June 2019, NSW received 37.2 million domestic overnight visitors and 4.4 million international visitors – the highest volume ever from both markets.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government, through tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, was making solid progress on the 2030 visitor economy target.
“These latest surveys show unprecedented growth for NSW, with domestic overnight visitors spending $22.6 billion in the state – an increase of 13 per cent year on year,” Minister Ayres said.
“International visitors also contribute significantly to the NSW economy with $11.3 billion generated through overseas traveler spend, which is up eight per cent.
“There have been significant gains in the high-yield markets of the United States and Japan which is the result of fantastic airline partnerships and trade initiatives in these countries. NSW welcomed 522,000 US visitors in the year ending June 2019 who generated $853 million in tourism spend (up 18 per cent) and 205,000 Japanese visitors who generated $402 million for the State.”
Japan has now surpassed Korea in the State’s top five source markets, joining China, US, New Zealand and United Kingdom.
On the home front, New South Wales leads Victoria and Queensland in attracting domestic overnight visitors, visitor nights and tourism related expenditure.
“In the latest survey NSW has reached its highest ever lead over Victoria and Queensland in terms of domestic overnight expenditure, proving that Australians love the Harbour City and the many unique experiences and landscapes of regional NSW,” Minister Ayres said.
NSW achieved its highest growth in domestic visitor nights on record, with 37.2 million visitors staying 116.1 million nights – 11 per cent more than the previous year.
Regional NSW specifically welcomed almost 27 million international and domestic overnight visitors.
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES TO KEEP STREETS SAFE
Fraud fighting measures, graffiti-busting art projects and twilight sports to help young people kick life goals are just some of the initiatives funded from the latest round of the NSW Government’s $10 million crime prevention grants program.
Attorney General Mark Speakman and Police Minister David Elliott today announced six new projects worth almost $300,000 designed to drive down crime.
“The Government’s crime prevention grants inspire local councils in NSW to think outside the box and deliver innovative ideas to tackle problems like graffiti, theft and assaults,” Mr Speakman said.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in and around their home and this program is all about empowering local communities to help tackle the issues they face.”
Mr Elliott said a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t always the best way to go and this approach draws on local, grassroots knowledge to build tailored projects.
“From Camden to Canterbury, we’re supporting practical projects to safeguard communities, including security bollards for crowd safety and better lighting to make people safer when they’re out and about at night,” Mr Elliott said.
“Police Area Commands also play a vital role, working closely with councils and residents to support these programs so locals feel more secure on their streets.”
The six local communities that have received grants are:
- $50,000 Northern Beaches Council – cut youth crime such as graffiti
- $32,000 Strathfield Council – improve street lighting at petty crime hot spots
- $48,000 Camden Council – install security bollards to protect public places
- $50,000 Fairfield City Council – teach older people and migrants about fraud
- $50,000 Canterbury-Bankstown Council – twilight youth sports program
- $50,000 City of Parramatta – improved street lighting in the CBD
More information about the grant program is available here.