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Quest to bring international surfing event to Newcastle gathers momentum

City of Newcastle has thrown its support behind discussions to transform Surfest into one of the top 16 surfing contests in the world.

The plan would see the iconic Newcastle event line up in the Challenger Series, which is the second highest tier on the World Surfing League (WSL) calendar, contested by some of the top male and female surfers from across the globe.

Sarah Baum, Philippa Anderson, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Ryan Callinan, Julian Wilson and Jackson Baker at Merewether Beach.Sarah Baum, Philippa Anderson, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Ryan Callinan, Julian Wilson and Jackson Baker at Merewether Beach.A Lord Mayoral Minute unanimously adopted this week called on City of Newcastle to advocate for the event with the NSW Government and the WSL.

The move is supported by Surfest founder Warren Smith, along with the city’s top surfers including Ryan Callinan, Jackson Baker, Julian Wilson, Sarah Baum and Philippa Anderson who joined Cr Nelmes at Merewether Beach today.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle has proven it’s more than capable of hosting major events.

“Newcastle has become a destination of choice for promoters around the world thanks to the success of major events such as the Supercars Newcastle 500, Paul McCartney, Elton John and Pink concerts, as well as various international rugby union, league, football and netball matches,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle also has a proud history of supporting world-class surfing as the founding sponsor of Surfest, which this year celebrated its 38th anniversary as the largest surfing festival in the Southern Hemisphere.

“Newcastle’s reputation as a premier surfing destination was enhanced when we hosted the Rip Curl Newcastle Cup in 2021, marking the first time a combined male-and-female World Championship Tour event was held in NSW since 1999. 

“That event showcased Merewether Beach and Newcastle to a global audience of more than 10 million people and injected an estimated $15 million into the local economy.

“Securing Surfest as part of the Challenger Series in 2025 and beyond represents a significant opportunity that would bring substantial economic, cultural, and tourism benefits to Newcastle and the wider Hunter region.”

Surfest founder and Freeman of the City of Newcastle Warren Smith will meet with WSL officials in Queensland this week.

Mr Smith said the passion of Cr Nelmes and City of Newcastle’s support has resurrected the dream of adding Surfest to the six-event Challenger Series, which provides a stepping stone to the prestigious 10-event Championship Tour.

“When the World Surf League restructured it competition structure three years ago Surfest became a Qualifying Series event for the Asia-Pacific region, essentially a third-tier event,” Mr Smith said.

“If we’re successful in being added to the Challenger Series we’ll welcome the return of surfers from all over the world, all vying to earn a spot on the Championship Tour.”

Merewether professional surfer Jackson Baker said he’s extremely excited about the prospect of a Challenger Series event coming to his hometown and being hosted at his local beach.

“Having won Surfest in 2022, it would mean the world to me to have an opportunity to win a Challenger Series event at home,” Mr Baker said.

“I travel the world all year to compete at all the Challenger Series stops so having an event at home would definitely boost my chances at requalifying for the Championship Tour.”

Fellow Merewether surfer Philippa Anderson said it’s events like Surfest that inspire childhood dreams.

“From the age of 12 I watched Surfest at Newcastle Beach, then when it moved to Merewether where I started to compete a few years later. As an experienced surfer I now look back on how much those events meant to a young girl who had dreams to become a professional,” Ms Anderson said.

“If the Challenger Series comes to town all the young Novocastrians who aspire to follow in the footsteps of Mark Richards, Ryan Callinan, Morgan Cibilic and Jackson Baker will get to watch and maybe even surf with amazing female and male professional surfers.

“There’s just nothing that can compare to that. I hope we can get the event here and the rest is history.”

City of Newcastle secures $1 million grant to roll out innovative development assessment process

A groundbreaking planning tool designed by City of Newcastle, which has slashed determination times for simple developments by more than 75 per cent, will be rolled out across two Hunter councils. 

City of Newcastle will leverage a $1 million Federal grant to integrate and expand its award-winning Accelerated Development Application (ADA) system across Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook Shire Councils as part of a memoranda of understanding with its Hunter neighbours.

Since being introduced by Newcastle in 2022, the system has reduced the average assessment of low-impact, decision-ready development applications to seven days, down from the previous average of 40.

It has also helped cut Newcastle’s overall processing times by 30 per cent.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the three-council accord will springboard the acclaimed ADA into more efficient approvals for low-risk developments.

“This is a significant achievement that means our hard work and expertise is set to benefit our colleagues at Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook shire and ultimately more people across the Hunter,” Cr Nelmes said.

“I’m delighted that the vision of our staff is being recognised through this federal grant and I’m proud that City of Newcastle is leading and collaborating through this first-of-its-kind system, which is setting a benchmark for other councils across NSW.

“By expanding the ADA program across the Hunter, we will help increase the planning capability and housing delivery in the region.”

The councils jointly secured the grant through the Australian Government’s Housing Support Program, part of the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million new homes.

The system will be rolled out to Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook councils by City of Newcastle through training, support, shared expertise and mentoring.

City of Newcastle will also lead analysis and expansion of ADA, with input from the development sector, key stakeholders and artificial intelligence, to capture and speed up a greater share of applications.

The three councils will then collaborate to finetune the expanded ADA on an ongoing basis.

Muswellbrook Shire Mayor Steve Reynolds said gaining ADA as an approval tool would remove barriers to vital housing and development.

“Just like everyone who lives in the Hunter and across the state, our residents want housing that meets their needs,” Cr Reynolds said.

“Being able to share and take ownership of this proven system for Muswellbrook is going to help us address that need into the future.”

Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Maurice Collison praised the cooperation of the three councils in securing the federal grant and signing the memoranda of understanding.

“Newcastle, Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter are unique places with their own unique qualities but we have many things in common – an expectation of timely approvals is one of them,” Cr Collison said.

“Already we’re seeing the benefits of working together and this shared approach to the benefits of ADA is a prime example.”

The ADA system has proven highly effective at slashing red tape around the hundreds of simple, decision-ready development applications made to City of Newcastle each year.

The higher efficiency frees council resources for more complex DAs, increasing capacity for merit assessment and responding to site constraints.

The system also improves the quality of information lodged and uses an eligibility checker to quickly determine if an application can be assessed through ADA. In the most recent financial year, ADA determinations accounted for 27 per cent of all applications determined by City of Newcastle.

City of Newcastle’s ADA pathway covers 10 types of developments. Most applications determined are residential, including alterations and additions, single dwellings and secondary dwellings.

Multicultural Health Week 2024: Celebrate culture through food with multicultural family lunchboxes

The importance of healthy eating for culturally and linguistically diverse communities is the focus of Multicultural Health Week 2024 which is encouraging everyone to get together to prepare healthy lunchboxes for work, school, or a day out.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park announced the theme for this year, ‘Celebrate culture through food with multicultural family lunchboxes’ and encouraged everyone to create delicious and healthy lunchboxes as a great way to teach children some positive lifelong habits.

One of Australia’s favourite chefs and multicultural health ambassador, Adam Liaw joins this year’s Multicultural Health Week to help promote healthy eating for adults and children by creating some family lunchbox recipes, as well as providing some healthy eating tips.

Research shows five serves of vegetables are recommended each day for adults for overall health and wellbeing and to help lower risks of cancer and chronic illnesses.

However, only four out of 100 adults and six out of 100 children eat enough vegetables. Studies reveal children eat about a third of their day’s food at school which is why it is important to add more vegetables to lunchboxes.

The Multicultural Health Week 2024 resources and program include:

Visit the Multicultural Health Week webpage and social media for more information and resources.

Healthy Eating Active Living is where you can find practical tips, tools, and free NSW Government programs to help you and your family make simple changes now to live healthier lives in the future. NSW Health also has a range of low cost, easy-to-make recipes for the whole family, including a weekly menu planner.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Multicultural Health Week is an important annual event which aims to improve health outcomes for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

“This year’s theme is centred on promoting healthy eating, specifically emphasising the link between culture, diet and food as represented by the humble but very important lunchbox.

“Adam Liaw’s recipes will inspire families to build their own multicultural lunchboxes with delicious and healthy foods including vegetables and fruit.”

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper:

“NSW is a diverse and cohesive multicultural society, and the health and wellbeing of our multicultural communities reflects the health and wellbeing of NSW as a whole.

“At the last census in 2021, 8.1 million people called NSW home with more than 2.2 million people speaking a language other than English at home, higher than any other state or territory.

“Let’s come together to celebrate Multicultural Health Week and use this great opportunity to show support for multicultural communities, celebrate cultural diversity, promote healthy eating and connect with each other through sharing stories and food.”

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce:    

“This year, I encourage everyone to get involved in Multicultural Health Week across schools, workplaces and community settings.

“These engaging resources will help all people, including culturally and linguistically diverse communities, eat in a way that is healthy and budget friendly.”

NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service Director Lisa Woodland:

“I’m pleased to take this opportunity to help launch the Multicultural Family Lunchbox Challenge in partnership with the Western Sydney Local Health District’s Prevention Education and Research Unit. This is a competition for young people from multicultural backgrounds to showcase their family lunchboxes, exploring healthy eating using foods from their culture.”

Chef Adam Liaw:

“I’m delighted to be part of Multicultural Health Week this year. Coming from a migrant family, I understand the unique challenges and barriers that multicultural communities may experience in accessing food and practising healthy eating.”

“Whatever your background or culture, the way you eat at home can easily be your inspiration for healthy eating.”

A safer NSW: Stronger protections for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to create a safer New South Wales and increase protections for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, with a suite of significant reforms announced today. 

To be introduced to Parliament in September, these reforms include new offences to respond to the danger posed by repeated and intentional breaches of Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs), an entirely new scheme to help prevent domestic and family violence and other reforms to address gaps in existing legislation.

These reforms include:

Strengthening the penalties for repeated and serious breaches of an ADVO

The NSW Government will move to amend the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007, to create two new aggravated offences for certain breaches of an ADVO. This will include a new offence for knowingly contravening an ADVO with intent to cause harm or fear and a new offence for repeated breaches of an ADVO.

The current offence of breaching an ADVO carries a maximum of 2 years’ imprisonment and/or a $5,500 fine.

The new offence for knowingly contravening an ADVO will be directed at serious or harmful breaches of ADVOs due to an offender’s intention to cause harm or fear to the protected person. It will carry a maximum of 3 years imprisonment and/or an $11,000 fine.

The new persistent breach offence will be directed at repeated breaches of an ADVO. Where a person knowingly contravenes an ADVO three or more times within a 28-day period, it will be punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a $16,500 fine.

The addition of this offence reflects and responds to the fact that persistent breaches within a short timeframe indicate an escalation of behaviour and therefore a greater risk.

Introducing Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders

Reflecting the gravity of Domestic and Family Violence, the NSW Government will introduce Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders (SDAPO), adapted from the Serious Crime Prevention Orders scheme, which responds to organised crime.

Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders will allow the court to impose any conditions considered appropriate to prevent the person’s involvement in domestic abuse. This includes positive obligations such as a requirement to inform police of any dating profiles they create or use.

The orders will be able to be sought by the Commissioner of Police or the Director of Public Prosecutions in instances where:

  • The person has been convicted of two or more domestic violence offences that carry a maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment or higher; or
  • The person has been charged with a ‘serious domestic violence’ offence against a relative or current/former intimate partner, regardless of whether the person has been tried, acquitted, or had their conviction quashed or set aside.

The court will have to be satisfied there are reasonable grounds to believe the SDAPO will protect the person’s relatives, their past, current or potential intimate partner.

The orders will have a maximum duration of five years with breaches being a criminal offence with a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and/or a $33,000 fine.

Modernising the definition of ‘stalking’

In response to the increased role of technology in modern society, the definition of stalking will be amended to more clearly cover technology facilitated tracking or monitoring conduct.

Under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007, the use of technology in the offence of stalking has a narrow scope, defined as, ‘contacting or otherwise approaching a person using the internet or any other technologically assisted means.’

Under the amended definition it will explicitly state conduct which involves monitoring or tracking a person’s activities, communications or movements whether through technology or another way, and regardless of whether the victim is contacted or approached, constitutes stalking.

This means the use of GPS trackers or monitoring a person online will be captured under the Act, in the same way ‘in person’ conduct currently is.

Making it easier and safer to change a child’s name

Bringing New South Wales into line with other jurisdictions, the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1995, will be amended to allow a sole parent to change their child’s name, if they have a Family Court order authorising them to do so.

Currently under the Act, both parents must apply to change a child’s name, unless there is no other surviving parent, or only one parent is named in the registration of the child’s birth, or a court has approved the proposed new name of the child.

A parent with a parenting order granting them sole responsibility for the child’s name cannot apply to change the child’s name without a further court order approving the new name, or the other parent’s consent.

These requirements may pose a safety risk to victim-survivors of domestic violence who are seeking to change their child’s name as they are unable to do so without reengaging with the perpetrator.

The requirement for a further court application may increase risk by making the applicants’ contact details accessible to the perpetrator or revealing the child’s new name – undermining the desire to change a child’s name for protective reasons. This amendment will resolve this issue.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“The safety of victim-survivors of domestic and family violence is paramount and these laws reflect the risk posed by intentional and ongoing breaches of ADVOs.

“Everyone should be able to feel safe in their own home, but all too often for many that is not the case. When that right has been taken away from someone, these laws aim to support victim-survivors in feeling and being safe again.

“We know that legislative reform alone will not end the scourge of domestic and family violence, but these laws send an important message that the safety of victim-survivors is the priority of the NSW justice system.”

Attorney General, Michael Daley said:

“These new laws are tough, they’re very tough, but unfortunately, they’re necessary to keep women safe from domestic and family violence.

“There are simply too many instances of domestic abuse and violence against women.

“It must stop; and these new laws are the next step that the Minns Government is taking to ensure that police and prosecutors are empowered to protect victim-survivors of domestic abuse.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison said:

“Too many lives have been lost to domestic and family violence.

“These proposed reforms strengthen existing protections to keep victim-survivors safe, while the new Serious Domestic Abuse Protection Orders help reduce the future risk of violence.

“We have listened to the domestic violence sector and advocates about what is needed to ensure the safety of victim-survivors – and acted.”

Women’s Safety Commissioner, Dr. Hannah Tonkin said: 

“The community has called for wide-ranging action to address the shocking rates of domestic and family violence, including measures to prevent violence as well as stronger accountability for perpetrators.

“These reforms prioritise the safety of women and children and send a clear message that domestic and family violence will not be tolerated.”

Large Rainbow Trout stocked in new Central West fishing spot

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its commitment to enhance recreational fishing opportunities and improving fishing access at popular locations across NSW with the release of 250 Rainbow Trout into Orange’s Spring Creek Dam.

The ex-broodstock Rainbow Trout – each weighing more than two kilos each – were stocked into the dam, which for the first time will soon have a section of its foreshore opened for lure and fly only fishing in the coming months, providing an exciting new location for local and visiting anglers.

This new fishing spot will complement other popular local fisheries such as Gosling Creek and Lake Canobolas.

The NSW Government will work with Orange City Council to stock popular native sportfish species including Murray Cod and Golden Perch into the local waterways, including Spring Creek Dam.

The ex-broodstock trout released into the dam were used to breed millions of fingerlings at the NSW Government’s Dutton Trout Hatchery, located at Ebor.

This stocking event is one of many that happen across NSW as part of the NSW Government’s program to boost recreational fishing opportunities for trout and native sportfish in dams, creeks, rivers and other waterways.

The Spring Creek Dam release is one of several stockings that have taken place across the Central West over the past month including:

  • 5,000 advanced size Rainbow Trout stocked at Lake Wallace at Wallerawang;
  • 5,000 advanced size Rainbow Trout stocked at Oberon Dam;
  • 260 large ex-broodstock at Carcoar Dam, near Blayney;
  • 2000 advanced size Rainbows Trout at Wyangla Dam, near Cowra;
  • 4,000 advanced size Rainbow Trout at Lake Lyell, near Lithgow; and
  • 1,500 advanced size Rainbow Trout 26 released into Ben Chifley Dam, near Bathurst.

In total around 2.5 million Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Atlantic Salmon and Tiger Trout will be stocked across NSW this year with funding support from the Recreational Fishing Trust.

Fish stocking in NSW is carefully managed to ensure sustainability and supports some of our most important inland fisheries for recreational fishers.

For information on the Government’s fish stocking program visit the website – NSW Fish Stocking

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Government is committed to supporting regional communities by developing quality in-land recreational fishing opportunities, that are enhanced by our stocking programs.

“By stocking these large trout today, we’re ensuring that this exciting new fishing spot at Spring Creek Dam will be rod-and-reel-ready when it opens in a few months.

“These stockings ensure fishing for trout and other popular sportfish continues to deliver socio-economic benefits to regional communities like Orange and the central west now and in the future.” 

“This is another example of how the Government is making sure fishing licence fees are being put to good use for fishers and local communities.”

MP for Orange, Phil Donato said:

“Orange has lots of attractions for food and wine, and fishing is a growing reason for visitors to come to town. By releasing these wonderful large rainbow trout people have another strong incentive for visiting Orange when the trout season opens in October.

“For locals this is a good excuse to visit the Spring Creek dam when the council soon opens it to the public.

“I want to thank the Government for their stocking of trout across the central west, because fly fishing is an important part of spring and summer for many people.”

Legacy Week launches today

Legacy Week will be officially launched this morning at a commemorative service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, attended by members of the veteran community and their families.

The Legacy Week appeal has been running since the 1940s and is a time for all Australians to show their support for the widows and children whose loved ones have served our country.

In 1923, Legacy made a promise to help veterans’ families carry on with their lives after the loss or injury of their loved one.

Fast forward 101 years and it is a promise that Legacy keeps today, providing the same stability, guidance and assistance that a partner would normally provide to his or her family.

Nationally, Legacy supports 34,000 partners and children of veterans who gave their lives or health serving our country, including 10,000 in NSW.

The Legacy badge is a special emblem of support for our veterans’ families, symbolising our nation’s values of mateship, compassion and fairness.

Legacy badges will be sold throughout the Sydney CBD and across NSW this week. More details are available on www.legacy.com.au/donate.

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“Legacy Week is a time to give back to the families of veterans who have given so much.

“I encourage everyone to make a small donation and purchase a Legacy badge this week to make a big difference to helping the families of veterans in need.”

Sydney Legacy President Ian Thompson said:

“The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has recognised the vital importance that family plays in a veteran’s health and the fact that service impacts not just veterans but their families.

“Legacy will always be there to support the families of our veterans who have given their life or health in service of their country. I urge the public to buy a badge or make a donation this week.”

Cervical screening partnership celebrated this Women’s Health Week

Tens of thousands of women across NSW have accessed free, cervical screening thanks to a life-saving partnership between the Cancer Institute NSW and local health districts.

Over 10 years, the NSW Government through the Cancer Institute NSW has contributed close to $3 million towards pathology costs of Cervical Screening Tests conducted by women’s health nurses based across Local Health Districts including Central Coast, Far West, Hunter New England, Illawarra Shoalhaven, Mid North Coast, Murrumbidgee, Northern NSW, South Eastern Sydney, Southern NSW, and Western NSW.

The partnership is ensuring specialist women’s health nurses are supported to deliver cervical screening, particularly to rural and regional communities, working closely with Aboriginal medical services and Primary Health Networks to help deliver accessible, safe, and culturally sensitive care.

The Cervical Screening Test is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. It is a quick and simple procedure which looks for a viral infection called human papillomavirus (HPV).

There are two options for the test, one is to have a healthcare provider collect a cervical sample, the other is for an individual to collect their own sample. Both are equally effective.

Anyone aged between 25–74 who has a cervix and has ever been sexually active, is encouraged to get the Cervical Screening Test every five years.

Thanks to efforts taking place in NSW and beyond, Australia is on track to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035, in line with the National Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Australia.

Minister for Health and Regional Health Ryan Park:

“As Minister for Regional Health, it is one of my priorities to improve access and remove barriers women face in accessing healthcare services, particularly in rural and regional communities.”

“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and this partnership is ensuring that every opportunity is taken to offer screening.”

“It’s expected that regular screening will reduce cervical cancer rates and deaths by 30 per cent.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison:

“Cervical cancer claims the lives of hundreds of Australians each year. This week – being Women’s Health Week – we’re encouraging women to put their health first and, if eligible, take advantage of life-saving cancer screening.”

“Cervical cancer is preventable – the test is free, it’s quick, it’s simple and it’s easy. Early diagnosis can improve the chances of treatment being successful so it’s vital women make it a priority.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM:

“While Australia has one of the lowest cervical cancer rates in the world, more than 70 per cent of cervical cancers occur in women who have never been screened or are not up-to-date with their cervical screening.”

“Supporting women to take part in regular screening is key to saving lives, which is why we’re proud to partner with women’s health nurses, who through their expert and compassionate approach, are helping break down barriers and supporting women to stay healthy and well.”

For more information on cervical, breast and bowel cancer screening,  visit www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/prevention-and-screening/screening-and-early-detection

NSW startups get a new home away from home in Southeast Asia

Startups and innovators in NSW have new opportunities to grow and expand into lucrative Southeast Asian markets with the Minns Labor Government inking new agreements with International Landing Pads in Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Landing Pads give startups access to workspace, networks and services that help them scale up innovative ideas and get them into the market.

The International Landing Pad in NSW, which opened late last year, provides temporary desk space in the Startup Hub for global businesses looking to enter NSW and make domestic connections.

Under the new reciprocal deals with Saigon Innovation Hub (SiHub) in Vietnam, Living Labs in Indonesia and Common Grounds in Malaysia, NSW businesses get the chance to work across jurisdictions, share ideas and make the connections needed to succeed.

In the next 12 months, Investment NSW will work with SiHub, Living Labs and Common Grounds to pilot the program. Up to nine NSW companies will be given the opportunity to base themselves in either Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur, while three qualified companies from each of the reciprocal nations will be based here.

The deals follow a similar arrangement put in place with India’s National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) earlier this year.

The announcement was made by Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong as he welcomed business leaders from across the region at the Australia-ASEAN Business Forum.

The Forum celebrates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Australia and the ASEAN member states and serves as a platform to strengthen NSW’s growing trade and investment relationship with the region.

For more information on the ILP and how to submit an application visit: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/innovation/international-landing-pad/

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“NSW is the epicentre of startups and innovation in Australia and the region.

“By getting these agreements in place, we’re making sure that the International Landing Pad doesn’t just open the door to companies who want to invest in NSW, it lets NSW businesses scale-up and expand on an international level.

“One of the most exciting aspects of these arrangements is the ability for nine NSW-based companies to spend time in our partners’ facilities in Southeast Asia. This will allow them to deepen their understanding of those markets and build the relationships critical to their expansion.

“The NSW Government has made expanding trade in the ASEAN region a priority, and this is another step in diversifying our trade footprint.

“The Landing Pads are part of a suite of activities the NSW Government is implementing to support the innovation sector, increase investment and boost exports.” 

Further boost to Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine workforce

The Albanese Government is today announcing a new Jobs for Subs program for 200 young workers required to make Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-W) a success.

The Nuclear-Powered Submarine Graduate, Apprenticeship and Traineeship initiative is a Government-funded recruitment and upskilling program for graduates, apprentices and trainees within ASC Pty Ltd.

This initiative from the Albanese Government will allow the ASC Pty Ltd to recruit around 200 additional entry-level personnel over the next two years across high priority disciplines and trades essential to the nuclear-powered submarine enterprise, building the workforce we need in the west to sustain and maintain Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarines.

These roles, predominantly in Western Australia, span fabrication and machining, engineering and project management, and supply chain and operations qualifications.

As Australia’s sovereign submarine partner for sustainment of our nuclear-powered submarines, ASC Pty Ltd plays a critical role in developing the required skills, workforce, knowledge and capability. This initiative seeks to enhance the ability to attract entry-level personnel to critical skills and career pathways, retain valued personnel at entry-levels and grow the workforce available across the Defence industry.

Already, the Albanese Government has committed to invest up to $8 billion in infrastructure to enable SFR-W from 2027 and to operate Australia’s own Virginia class conventionally armed, nuclear‑powered submarines from the early 2030s.

Across Australia, the nuclear-powered submarine program is expected to create around 20,000 highly skilled jobs for Australians for decades to come, including supporting around 3,000 jobs in the west alone.

Over the last two weeks, ASC Pty Ltd has been developing Australia’s sovereign sustainment workforce, in support of the Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period (SMTP) currently underway at HMAS Stirling.

The STMP is an important milestone in the pathway by which Australia will acquire a nuclear-powered submarine capability and is the first time Australian personnel have directly participated in the maintenance of a nuclear-powered submarine in Australia.

During the STMP, Royal Australian Navy personnel have been directly participating in maintenance work on USS Hawaii (SSN 776), a Virginia class submarine, at HMAS Stirling.

In addition, workers from ASC Pty Ltd are providing essential support services to USS Hawaii, and are observing maintenance activities to continue their learning.

During this STMP, no active radiological work is being conducted and no low level radiological material will leave the US ships.

Today’s announcement builds on the more than 4,000 additional Commonwealth supported university places the Albanese Government announced and the work we are doing with the states and territories to grow the skilled workforces we need.

The Albanese Government is investing in the workforce we need to deliver Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines and a future made in Australia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“It is an honour to visit HMAS Stirling and see the finest of Australia’s workforce becoming stronger through the strength of the AUKUS partnership.

“We are announcing a new graduate, apprenticeship and traineeship program to train an additional 200 West Australians to work on Submarine Rotational Force- West program.

“We want to keep Australians safe. That’s why WA will play a key role in building AUKUS. This will help promote peace and deterrence in the region and support local jobs.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles

“Today’s announcement is another important step in growing the workforce to be equipped with the skills and training we need to acquire Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines.

“We welcome the crews of USS Hawaii and USS Emory S. Land to Western Australia, for this milestone. We welcome our US friends to our shores, and welcome home the Australians that have been embedded with them.

“We are seeing during this visit the first Australian personnel participating in the maintenance of a US nuclear-powered submarine at HMAS Stirling, the home of Australian submarines.”

Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy

“This is a further boost to the development of ASC’s sustainment workforce and follows the first cohort of workers departing for training at Pearl Harbour Naval Shipyard in July.

“Australian industry is integral not only to Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program, but also to supporting the future building, sustainment and maintenance of the submarines of our AUKUS partners.

“We are seeing real progress being made to develop the workforce of thousands of highly-skilled scientists, engineers, project managers, operators, technicians, welders, construction workers, electricians, metal fitters and builders that will be needed to support this nation-building endeavour.”

Revised construction option selected to build a viaduct over the Hunter River on M1 Pacific Motorway extension project

A revised construction method has been selected to build the over-water section of the 2.6-kilometre viaduct across the Hunter River as part of the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace project.
Transport for NSW Regional Director North Anna Zycki said the method was revised following extensive community consultation.
“It was clear from the consultation that community members were concerned about potential flood impacts but also wanted reduced environmental impacts and faster delivery of the project,” Ms Zycki said.
“The project team will now use a single 80-metre temporary rock platform on the western side of the river, which removes the need for any dredging.
“Barges will be used to build the deep-water section of the viaduct on the eastern side of the river and these will be supported by a temporary 15-metre rock jetty that will allow material to be loaded and unloaded as the barges move across the river throughout the viaduct build.”  
During the consultation process Transport for NSW hosted five community information sessions in Millers Forest, Raymond Terrace, and Tarro, engaging over 170 residents.
“These sessions provided an opportunity for the community to give feedback on proposed bridge construction methods,” Ms Zycki said.
The first option proposed the use of two small rock jetties of approximately 25 metres, dredging and large barges in the Hunter River as originally contained in the Environmental Impact Statement. The second option involved the use of two temporary rock platforms in the Hunter River of up to 180 metres, built consecutively. 
“We had feedback from around 100 residents, some expressed concerns over the options and we listened, using their feedback to select this revised option,” Ms Zycki said.
“The use of barges in the deeper section of the river eliminates the need for dredging in the shallow section, which best addresses the issues of minimising flood effects and reducing environmental impacts.
“It provides safety advantages too by reducing the time it takes to build this viaduct by up to four months, which minimises the period for risk of increased flood impacts to properties, without the need for dredging in the river.”
The project team will continue proactive engagement with the community about potential flood impacts and mitigation options, including arranging meetings with individual property owners upon request. Construction will start immediately on the new viaduct with girder lifts for the bridge’s approach underway. 
The consultation summary report, including detailed responses from Transport to the feedback received from the community and stakeholders, is now available on our website at https://nswroads.work/m12rt-bridgeconstruction
More information about the project is available at: https://nswroads.work/m12rtportal 
The M1 extension includes upgrades to the surrounding road network, such as the Hexham Straight Widening, and is funded by the Australian and NSW governments. It will feature a 15-kilometre extension of the motorway, removing five sets of traffic lights and cutting nine minutes from travel times during peak periods.  
There will be new interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, Tomago and Raymond Terrace, the Main North Rail Line, and the New England Highway, and is expected to be open to traffic in 2028.