Up to 2,000 new jobs will be created and $4.6 billion will be injected into regional NSW with Australia’s biggest energy storage project getting the go-ahead today from the NSW Government.
Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro said planning approval for the Snowy 2.0 Main Works would mean new jobs, big investment and big infrastructure for regional NSW.
“Snowy Hydro is an icon of our community, with Snowy 2.0 already employing about 500 people, directly injecting more than $35 million into the Snowy Mountains and involving more than 100 local businesses,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This latest approval will see the creation of an extra 2,000 jobs during the construction phase, unlock billions of investment in regional NSW and allow the next stage of construction to further progress this legacy project.”
The project involves the construction of a pumped-hydro power station that sits about 800 metres underground and is about 240 metres long – the equivalent of two football fields.
It also includes the construction of 27 kilometres of tunnels between the Talbingo and Tantangara Reservoirs, lined with 130,500 concrete segments manufactured locally in Polo Flat.
Once complete, the project will add 350 gigawatt hours of energy storage and 2,000 megawatts of generation capacity to the State’s grid – enough to power 500,000 homes during peak demand – and play a major role in the National Electricity Market (NEM) by facilitating the development of renewable energy and putting downward pressure on electricity prices.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the project’s approval includes strict conditions to minimise and offset environmental impacts.
“In March we approved the Snowy 2.0 Segment Factory, and this month we have approved the Snowy 2.0 Main Works, enabling the creation of new jobs and the flow of substantial investment into our State,” Mr Stokes said.
“The projects approval also requires Snowy Hydro to invest almost $100 million for biodiversity and environmental offsets to protect threatened species and deliver long-term conservation and recreational benefits for the Kosciuszko National Park.”
Snowy Hydro’s CEO, Paul Broad, said that today’s announcement is another major milestone for Snowy 2.0 which is progressing full steam ahead, creating more jobs and significant investment in regional communities.
“Snowy Hydro has been operating responsibly in Kosciuszko National Park for almost 70 years,” Mr Broad said.
“For a small and temporary construction footprint covering just 0.10% of the park, we will deliver 2,000MW of large-scale energy storage to support many other wind and solar projects coming online.”
As part of the approval, the proponent will be required to invest $5 million to develop a captive breeding program for the threatened Stocky Galaxias and Macquarie Perch, install fish-screens to minimise the risk of transfer of pest species downstream, develop an app to share information gathered for the project with visitors of the national park, and restore native vegetation and threatened species habitat once construction infrastructure is decommissioned.
While Exploratory Works continue to progress on site, the project will now be referred to the Federal Government for final approval before Main Works construction commences in the coming months.
Author: admin
Man charged after allegedly spitting at bus driver – Marrickville
A man has been charged after allegedly spitting at a bus driver in Sydney’s Inner West earlier this week.
About 11.45am on Monday (18 May 2020), a man boarded a bus on Marrickville Road, near the intersection of Garners Avenue, Marrickville.
Police will allege in court that the man failed to pay his fare before allegedly spitting at the bus driver, a 42-year-old man.
He ran from the bus towards Marrickville Railway Station.
Officers from the Inner West Police Area Command were notified and commenced an investigation.
Following inquiries and a public appeal, a 30-year-old man was arrested at a home in Wardell Road, Marrickville, about 11.40am yesterday (Thursday 21 May 2020).
He was taken to Newtown Police Station and charged with common assault and fail to pay fare.
The Marrickville man was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Friday 22 May 2020).
Service station employee threatened with samurai sword and baseball bat – Sandgate
An investigation is underway following an armed robbery at a service station near Newcastle overnight.
About 1.45am (Friday 22 May 2020), emergency services were called to a service station on Maitland Road, Sandgate, after reports of an armed robbery.
Police have been told two unknown men entered the station and approached the counter, threatening the employee – a 24-year-old man – with a samurai sword and baseball bat, while demanding money.
The men stole cash, before fleeing the scene on foot towards Mangrove Road.
The employee was not physically injured.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist forensic police.
As inquiries continue, anyone who may have dashcam vision or CCTV from the surrounding area, or who may have noticed suspicious activity, are urged to contact detectives at Newcastle Police Station on (02) 4929 0999.
Man dies in single-vehicle crash – Maitland
A man has died after a single-vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter region today.
About 10.35am (Friday 22 May 2020), emergency services were called to John Renshaw Drive, Buchanan, after an Isuzu utility left the roadway and crashed into a tree.
The driver and sole occupant, a 61-year-old man, was found trapped in the vehicle before being released a short time later.
Emergency services attempted to revive the man, however he died at the scene.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Man charged – Muswellbrook
A man wanted on five outstanding warrants has been arrested by police following a vehicle stop near Muswellbrook.
An extensive police operation was conducted in the Nundle area yesterday (Wednesday 20 May 2020), involving officers from Hunter Valley Police District, Oxley Police District, and other specialist commands.
Just after 6.30pm, a 34-year-old man was arrested following a vehicle stop on the New England Highway at Muswellbrook.
He was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station before being transferred to Muswellbrook and Maitland Hospitals.
Upon his release from hospital, he was conveyed back to Muswellbrook Police Station.
The man has been charged with five outstanding warrants relating to traffic, property, judicial and revocation of parole offences.
He was also charged with three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV), two counts of common assault (DV) and one count of intentionally or recklessly destroy/damage property (DV related).
The Muswellbrook man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Friday 22 May 2020).
Inquiries are continuing.
Third man charged following fatal fight at Hamilton South last year
A third man has been charged as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of another man at Newcastle last year.
About 3.30am on Friday 8 March 2019, police were called to Donald Street, Hamilton, following reports of men fighting in the street.
When police arrived, they were told the men had left the area.
A short time later, officers were called to a unit on Coady Street, Hamilton South, where they found the body of a 51-year-old man, and a 23-year-old man unconscious, suffering head injuries.
The injured man was treated at the scene by paramedics before he was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District commenced inquiries into the incident under Strike Force Delline.
So far during the investigation, two men – aged 25 and 26 – have been charged and remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, a 32-year-old man was arrested at a unit at Hamilton South about 4.20pm yesterday (Wednesday 20 May 2020).
The man was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with take/detain in company with intent to get advantage occasion actual bodily harm.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 21 May 2020).
Inquiries under Strike Force Delline are continuing.
$400 Million Funding Boost For Health And Medical Research
The Morrison Government will invest almost $400 million in world-leading health and medical research projects to improve the lives of all Australians.
Our Government will strengthen Australians’ health through research to prevent illness and deliver better health care as we recover and restore our nation in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A total of 237 new projects will receive funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), with a further 30 grants to be funded through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Priority Round.
Funding will support research in the areas of:
- Cancer – $87.1 million
- Cardiovascular Disease – $46.5 million
- Mental health – $54.0 million
- Indigenous – $19.4 million
- Infectious diseases – $84.7 million
Of the grants funded, a total of $84.7 million will go towards 61 new research projects in infectious diseases – a significant strength of Australia’s research sector.
Whilst applications for this grant round closed in 2019, prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, infectious disease research into influenza and pneumonia may contribute to our understanding of COVID-19 and translate into new treatment strategies and trials.
Professor Allen Cheng from Monash University will receive $1.7 million to optimise vaccine and treatment strategies to prevent illness and death from severe influenza in Australia.
Professor Cheng’s research project will transform the prevention and treatment of influenza and its complications by developing innovative public health and treatment strategies that can be applied globally
Australians will benefit from this vital health and medical research being conducted around the country:
- $186 million in research funding for 124 projects in Victoria, including University of Melbourne research to put 3D printing into the reality of surgery by developing an approach for regenerating joint cartilage within the body using one-step surgery
- $119.8 million in research funding for 83 projects in New South Wales, including University of New South Wales research to explore how novel internet solutions can be used to overcome the burden of depression in youth.
- $48.8 million in research funding for 29 projects in Queensland, including QIMR Berghofer Institute of Medical Research research into the genetic basis of breast cancer risk with the aim of reducing breast cancer incidence and mortality.
- $24.1 million in research funding for 15 projects in South Australia, including University of South Australia research into the monitoring of medical conditions such as preeclampsia, epilepsy, fetal arrhythmias and heart attacks through advanced technologies that can be integrated with point-of-care and wearable diagnostic tools.
- $8.4 million in research funding for nine projects in Western Australia, including University of Western Australia research into novel and effective chemotherapy and immunotherapy drug combinations to reduce deaths from cancer.
- $5.6 million in research funding for five projects in the Northern Territory, including Menzies School of Health Research work towards the elimination of chronic hepatitis B in the Northern Territory.
- $3.8 million in research funding for two projects in the ACT, including Australian National University research to strengthen the detection and prediction of outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases, and the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases.
While this round was closed for submissions last year, we are currently in the process of awarding $42 million for COVID research through the MRFF.
Medical research is one of the core elements of the Australian Government’s $104 billion Long Term National Health Plan. This vital investment across the broad health spectrum will continue the proud Australian tradition of discovery and translation for the better health for all.
A full list of grant recipients is available on NHMRC’s website: www.nhmrc.gov.au.
Australians urged to stay vigilant as COVID-19 toll climbs to 100
The Australian Government has renewed calls for Australians to stay vigilant as the toll of people who have died as a result of COVID-19 rises to 100.
Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck today urged residents to maintain physical distancing and strict hygiene measures to ensure the nation continues to flatten the curve.
It follows confirmation of the death of a resident at Sydney aged care facility Newmarch House – the centre’s 19th since the COVID-19 outbreak at the facility, with 17 directly attributed to COVID-19 and Australia’s 100th overall.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to all those people who have lost a loved one as a result of this pandemic,” Minister Hunt said.
“This tragic toll reminds us that even as Australian states and territories move toward easing of restrictions, the threat of this virus remains.”
Minister Hunt said it was vital Australians continued to follow the advice of National Cabinet and the AHPPC, which clearly outlines the measures needed to ensure we can navigate through this pandemic.
“We recognise the profound impact of every single death in Australia as a result of COVID-19,” Minister Hunt said. “While this is a tragic toll, it also indicates how strict measures adopted across the nation have served to protect our way of life.
“The Australian Government has outlined a clear pathway to recovery, but Australians everywhere should stay alert, follow physical distancing guidelines and look out for each other. Together, we can do this.”
Minister Colbeck said he was deeply saddened by the latest death at Newmarch House.
“Our thoughts are extended to all those affected by this latest loss,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The deaths at Newmarch House underline the dangers COVID-19 pose for vulnerable and senior Australians.
“Protecting the health and wellbeing of residents remains a focus for both Commonwealth and State.
“We are not out of the woods. Protecting our most vulnerable is everybody’s responsibility.”
Minister Colbeck said the Aged Care Visitor Access Code, released earlier this month, set out a nationally consistent framework to ensure the health and wellbeing of aged care residents remained a priority while ensuring important social connections were retained.
Both Minister Hunt and Minister Colbeck said the COVIDSafe app remained a key to ensuring a stronger, safer future for Australia.
The voluntary opt-in contactp app will help health authorities know who has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus.
The CovidSafe app can be found here.
The Aged Care Visitor Access Code can be found here.
Greens: Childcare Must Remain Free
The Greens have backed a community call to retain free childcare in light of the Education Minister’s strongest indications yet that the government would revert back to a fee-paying model, potentially as early as next month.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens spokesperson for Education, said:
“Free childcare has been a huge step forward for access to childcare for families. It should be made permanent.
“The government may think it will save money by going back to the fee-paying model, but we know the social and economic benefits of free childcare are enormous.
“The economic impacts of COVID-19 are going to be felt for many months and years. People are doing it tough, and a return to fee-paying childcare now will only make things worse.
“The Minister should be looking at how to ensure ongoing access to free childcare, and options for expanded public operation of childcare, not doubling down on a return to fees that will once again prevent families from accessing childcare.
“Free childcare, hand-in-hand with a fair and decent wage for workers in the sector, benefits everyone.
“It’s time to recognise childcare as an essential service available to anyone who needs it, not just those who can afford it,” she said.
Australians urged to stay vigilant as COVID-19 toll climbs to 100
The Australian Government has renewed calls for Australians to stay vigilant as the toll of people who have died as a result of COVID-19 rises to 100.
Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck today urged residents to maintain physical distancing and strict hygiene measures to ensure the nation continues to flatten the curve.
It follows confirmation of the death of a resident at Sydney aged care facility Newmarch House – the centre’s 19th since the COVID-19 outbreak at the facility, with 17 directly attributed to COVID-19 and Australia’s 100th overall.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to all those people who have lost a loved one as a result of this pandemic,” Minister Hunt said.
“This tragic toll reminds us that even as Australian states and territories move toward easing of restrictions, the threat of this virus remains.”
Minister Hunt said it was vital Australians continued to follow the advice of National Cabinet and the AHPPC, which clearly outlines the measures needed to ensure we can navigate through this pandemic.
“We recognise the profound impact of every single death in Australia as a result of COVID-19,” Minister Hunt said. “While this is a tragic toll, it also indicates how strict measures adopted across the nation have served to protect our way of life.
“The Australian Government has outlined a clear pathway to recovery, but Australians everywhere should stay alert, follow physical distancing guidelines and look out for each other. Together, we can do this.”
Minister Colbeck said he was deeply saddened by the latest death at Newmarch House.
“Our thoughts are extended to all those affected by this latest loss,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The deaths at Newmarch House underline the dangers COVID-19 pose for vulnerable and senior Australians.
“Protecting the health and wellbeing of residents remains a focus for both Commonwealth and State.
“We are not out of the woods. Protecting our most vulnerable is everybody’s responsibility.”
Minister Colbeck said the Aged Care Visitor Access Code, released earlier this month, set out a nationally consistent framework to ensure the health and wellbeing of aged care residents remained a priority while ensuring important social connections were retained.
Both Minister Hunt and Minister Colbeck said the COVIDSafe app remained a key to ensuring a stronger, safer future for Australia.
The voluntary opt-in contactp app will help health authorities know who has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus.
The CovidSafe app can be found here.
The Aged Care Visitor Access Code can be found here.