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NSW Government invests $7.7 million in Greater Newcastle fire station

The NSW Government is delivering a new Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) station at Charlestown, providing modernised emergency coverage for the Greater Newcastle area.

The Minns Labor Government has allocated $7.7 million in the 2024-25 Budget to the new facility, which will include additional training facilities, storage areas and workspaces.

Design of the new facility will start in the upcoming financial year and will be informed by consultation with the Charlestown crew.

The new station will be designed to meet the needs of a modern firefighting workforce and adhere to FRNSW’s ‘Clean Firefighter’ policy, separating work and cleaning areas.

The existing station is almost 40 years old and has limited scope for expansion and modernisation.

Funding for the design of the new Charlestown station is part of a $96.9 million capital investment in the Fire and Rescue network in 2024-25, including funding for new fire stations at Badgerys Creek and Byron Bay.

The Minns Labor Government has also committed an additional $189.5 million in the 2024-25 Budget to guarantee the positions of 286 permanent firefighters, whose jobs were not previously funded on an ongoing basis.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“We are rebuilding essential services across the State through the NSW Budget 2024-25, ensuring Fire and Rescue NSW can respond to emergencies and restoring job security for firefighters.

“This new fire station will provide a modern base for Charlestown firefighters who play a critical frontline role in keeping the local community safe.”

Member for Charlestown Jodie Harrison said:

“This new station is great news for local Charlestown firefighters and for the Charlestown community.

“With local crews having the opportunity to provide feedback on the design, I look forward to seeing the final building when it opens.”

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said:

“A new fire station at Charlestown is important for our operational readiness, and we are dedicated to improving our infrastructure to meet the demands of contemporary firefighting in the Lake Macquarie district.

“This new facility will not only replace the old station but also provide our firefighters with modern amenities to better serve the public.”

Council for Australian-Arab Relations grants program

Today I announce the recipients of the Council for Australian-Arab Relations (CAAR) grants program for 2023-24.

The CAAR grants program aims to strengthen collaboration between Australia and the Middle East and North Africa region by advancing areas of shared political, economic, and social interest and building a greater appreciation of each other’s cultures and values.

Projects under the CAAR grants program are focused on the areas of innovation and sustainability, health and sport, social cohesion and gender equality, and arts and culture.

The ten successful projects for 2023-24, which will receive a share of $452,000 in funding, include:

Workshops for Early Childhood teachers in Saudi Arabia to promote gender equity when teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics, hosted by the University of New England.
A partnership with Fred Hollows Foundation to broker linkages between St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group and Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology will improve the delivery of eye health services and lay the foundation for the early recovery phase in Gaza and future eye health missions in the broader region.
A training and leadership camp in Qatar focused on building leadership skills for Muslim youth footballers, organised by the Bachar Houli Foundation.
A project promoting circular entrepreneurship between Australian and Arab entrepreneurs through the establishment of a Blended-Living-Lab, run by James Cook University in collaboration with Abu Dhabi University (United Arab Emirates) and King Abdul Aziz University (Saudi Arabia).

More information about the CAAR, the grants program and the full list of successful grant recipients can be found on the CAAR website.

GREAT BARRIER REEF DECISION A TRIUMPH OF SPIN OVER SCIENCE

A Unesco recommendation not to declare the Great Barrier Reef be placed on a list of World Heritage sites “in danger” is a triumph of lobbying and spin over science.

The recommendation – to be considered by the World Heritage Committee next month – goes against a 2022 decision by the IUCN and World Heritage Centre scientific committee, to recommend the reef be placed on the “in danger” list.

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:

“The burning of fossil fuels is literally cooking our oceans and degrading marine ecosystems across the globe, and nowhere else has this been more politicised than on the Great Barrier Reef.

“Only two years ago the IUCN and World Heritage Centre scientific committee recommended the Great Barrier Reef be placed on the “in danger” list largely due to devastating climate impacts. Yet the Australian Government lobbied against this recommendation and has continued to rip open new coal and gas mines.

“The Unesco recommendation not to declare the Great Barrier Reef be placed on a list of World Heritage sites “in danger” is a triumph of lobbying and spin over science.

“Successive governments have lobbied hard and splashed cash on the Great Barrier Reef to buy political cover instead of treating the root cause of this magnificent ecosystem’s decline; which is rising emissions from burning fossil fuels.

“The Albanese government has previously claimed it’s ‘on track’ to have national climate targets in line with keeping global heating to 1.5C, but we know this is completely disingenuous.

“No amount of conservation efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef will shield it from the impacts of new coal and gas projects.

“The world will continue to watch the plight of the Great Barrier Reef moving forward, and as a custodian of this great natural wonder the Albanese government should remember this next time it inevitably looks to approve another fossil fuel project.”

GREENS SECURE AMENDMENTS TO VAPING LEGISLATION AND WILL SUPPORT PASSAGE THROUGH SENATE

The Greens have negotiated amendments to the Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 and will support the legislation’s passage through the Senate.

As a result of Greens negotiations, we have secured significant changes to the government’s prescription only legislation that risked criminalising people for possessing vapes for personal use. The changes include:

Vapes will be available from a chemist as a Schedule 3 pharmacist-only medication for adults over 18 years old, rather than requiring a prescription from a GP. These will be plain packaged and properly regulated vapes. Data of vape purchasers will not be recorded.
GPs can continue to prescribe therapeutic vapes, and a prescription will be the only pathway for vapes for people under 18 if they are deemed clinically appropriate.
Possession of personal use quantities of any form of vape will not be subject to criminal charges. There will be an 8-month personal possession amnesty period. Commercial quantities sold by retailers other than pharmacies will be unlawful.
As this is world-leading legislation, there will be a review of this legislation after three years.
There will be an expanded disposal framework via pharmacies.
There will be stronger regulations around advertising to healthcare professionals.
Additional funding will be announced to support young people quitting vaping.

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens spokesperson for health

“The Australian Greens are deeply concerned about increasing rates of vaping amongst children and see increasing nicotine dependence rates as a significant public health problem.

“The status quo in Australia is far from ideal. It’s unacceptable that children have access to flavoured vapes, and vaping products that have been entering Australia are unsafe, falsely labelled and have dangerous unknown ingredients.

“We’ve heard from parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals about their deep concerns about the impact of vapes. It’s time for change.

“The Greens do not support prohibition, that is why we have successfully secured changes to this legislation to ensure that vapes remain out of the hands of kids, but adults can access them via a pharmacy, and there’s no chance of individuals being criminalised for possessing a personal vape.

“The Greens will support the amended legislation.

“The Greens have secured a carefully regulated scheme that focuses on public health outcomes, reducing harm and minimising use, particularly amongst children.

“We must ensure that no one is incentivised to return to cigarette smoking and that people can get support when they need it. That’s why the Greens have focused on making sure adults can get access to therapeutic vapes when they need them. We’ve moved the government from a cost-prohibitive prescription model to a model where adults can pick up a vaping product from their local pharmacy without a prescription.

“No one should be penalised for personal use of vapes. The prohibition of drugs has failed. The Greens are pleased that we have secured amendments to this legislation that will ensure that no person will be criminalised for personal possession of a vaping product.

“We need to ensure that disposable vapes are no longer littering our streets and waterways, and we need to reduce lithium battery fires. That’s why the Greens have pushed this government to commit to action on a vaping products amnesty and ensure there are convenient and safe disposal locations.

“The implementation of this legislation with amendments will be a world-first, and because of this, we’ve secured a legislated review of this legislation. A review in 3 years will allow us to see if the harm-reduction settings are right. Across this time, we urge the government to focus on improved data collection, support and education for our community and above all ensure that we have the harm-reduction settings right.

“The Greens have been willing to work with the government to amend the legislation to ensure that no person will be criminalised for the personal possession of vapes, that people can access therapeutic vapes as needed, and we’ve secured a review of the legislation so we can ensure that it’s meeting its harm-reduction goals.”

LABOR’S SUPERMARKET RESPONSE LEAVES SHOPPERS HIGH AND DRY

Labor’s code of conduct will do nothing to bring down food and grocery prices, and if the Prime Minister truly wants to help Australian shoppers he should support the Greens’ divestiture bill this week, the Greens say.

“Food and grocery prices won’t come down unless we make price gouging illegal, and create powers to break up the supermarket duopoly,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“We will bring our divestiture bill to a vote on Wednesday this week.”

“This is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s moment to choose: does he support Australian shoppers or will he continue to back the giant supermarket corporations and their billion dollar profits.”

“Is Labor actually trying to help Australian shoppers, or just chasing a headline?”

“Only the Greens have proposed concrete measures in Parliament that will result in lower food and grocery prices”.

“Divestiture powers exist in numerous free-market economies around the world, and the Chair of the ACCC has confirmed that greater competition in the supermarket sector would bring down food and grocery prices.”

“The Greens will continue to push for measures that foster competition and lower prices. It’s time for the Labor Party to decide whether to protect the profits of supermarket giants or provide relief to Australian shoppers.”

“The Code of Conduct does need to be made mandatory with significant penalties, which is exactly what the Greens-led Senate inquiry into price gouging recommended.”

“However it only regulates the relationship between supermarkets and suppliers, and won’t bring down the cost of food and groceries.”

City of Newcastle ready to revitalise next stage of Hunter Street Mall

Another section of the Hunter Street Mall will undergo its most significant beautification in several decades as works start today with local contractor Daracon.

The next stage will see City of Newcastle revitalise the streetscape on Hunter Street between Thorn and Wolfe Streets, and on Wolfe Street between King and Scott Streets.

Extensive community consultation shaped the East End Stage One Streetscape Masterplan, which will provide extension of the two-way cycleway on the northern side of Hunter Street, while new paving, roadway and footpaths will be delivered to enhance the area for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers.

Executive Manager Project Management Office Robert Dudgeon; Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes; Daniel Pitcher, from Daracon; Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen; Project Manager Kate Summers; Senior Project Manager Michael Head.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said, “the next stages of the Hunter Street Mall revitalisation will deliver new multi-function street lighting, upgraded street furniture, and fresh landscaping will transform the look and feel of the area with a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees to enhance the character and biodiversity of the street.”

“The community’s vision is to reinstate Hunter Street as a traditional high street and as an attractive destination for locals and visitors to enjoy, with enhanced outdoor dining and unique local retail opportunities,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Following this next stage, we will have invested more than $10 million into the Hunter Street Mall to deliver high quality, more accessible streetscape improvements for local businesses, pedestrians and cyclists, replicating what we have already delivered in front of the QT building between Perkins and Wolfe streets.

“Generations of Novocastrians have fond memories of the Mall and I’m proud that we are restoring this historic part of our inner city to a higher standard than many of us can remember.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the latest works will unlock housing and investment in a vital part of Newcastle.

“This public investment supports more than $1 billion in private investment through the East End development which has been breathing new life into our City, creating hundreds of new homes while respecting our City’s landscape.

“Under previous administrations the inner city was a story of urban decline, however this new work reaffirms the current Council’s commitment to delivering the revitalisation our City deserves.”

The work will also upgrade the existing watermain and stormwater infrastructure.

For more information visit: newcastle.nsw.gov.au/eastend

Sneak peek inside expanded Newcastle Art Gallery

City of Newcastle is giving Novocastrians their first look inside the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery as construction progresses on the landmark project.

Artist’s impressions and an animated flythrough of the Art Gallery’s new interior reveal a grand new entry, sleek, modern aesthetic, light-filled rooms and an expansive range of exhibition spaces that demonstrate just how fantastic the expanded Gallery will be.

An artist's impression of one of the first floor gallery spaces, with John Olsen 'The sea sun of 5 bells' artwork on the ceiling. An artist’s impression of one of the first floor gallery spaces, with John Olsen ‘The sea sun of 5 bells’ artwork on the ceiling.

Digital versions of artworks from the Gallery’s extensive collection help bring the new spaces to life, including the renowned The sea sun of 5 bells work by Newcastle’s own John Olsen, which will once again hang proudly on the ceiling at the top of a soaring double-height void.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it is wonderful to get a glimpse of what the community can look forward to once the long-awaited expansion is complete.

“The Newcastle Art Gallery will deliver a significant cultural tourism opportunity for NSW, providing greater access to one of Australia’s most significant public collections of art and a wider range of prominent local, national and international exhibitions,” Cr Nelmes said.

“By extending the building’s footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street, we’re able to more than double the size of the Gallery with new exhibition space, a suite of modern facilities, and for the first time in the Gallery’s history, a permanent cafe that will complement and enhance the experience for visitors from near and far to this landmark cultural facility.

“After more than a decade of advocacy to make the expansion a reality, it’s amazing to watch the new Art Gallery taking shape with work progressing well on site, while the animated flythrough allows us to step inside and get a feel of what awaits once we can welcome our community back into their reimagined space.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey said excitement was building amongst its members and donors, with the presentation of a cheque for $4.55 million to Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen for the expansion.

“It is the largest payment by the Foundation to date and brings our total contribution to 50 percent of our $13 million funding target, in line with the construction milestone,” Ms Galwey said.

“This cheque represents many years of philanthropic giving, community passion, advocacy and fundraising for a world class gallery for Newcastle and the Hunter.

“It’s wonderful to celebrate this milestone payment as we get our first look at what we can expect inside this flagship cultural asset.

“The Foundation thanks its members and donors for their generosity and unwavering support for this project over many years. We believe these images will inspire additional excitement and community support as the Foundation works towards its ambitious $13 million philanthropic goal.”

An artist's impression of the aerial view of the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery. An artist’s impression of the aerial view of the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery.

Construction is moving forward on site following extensive site preparation and mine grouting works, with the ground floor slabs for the new Gallery spaces and cafe now complete.

The ground floor and basement columns are progressing alongside the installation of the shear walls, which will provide the structural support needed for the new building.

The suspended slab formwork and reinforcement works are already helping to illustrate the impressive scale of the expanded Gallery.

The structure surrounding two new passenger lifts and a goods hoist are being formed up and poured on site. Sparkles, the 33 metre tall hammerhead tower crane named by five-year-old Mabel Read as part of a community competition, has also been hard at work lifting and moving hundreds of tonnes of reinforcing mesh and structural steel needed during construction.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the project will allow for an enhanced Gallery experience.

“With an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space, we will be able to provide dedicated areas on the lower level for our collection, while also being able to welcome some of the best touring exhibitions into our first floor galleries,” Cr Clausen said.

“The multi-purpose and educational program space will also expand and enhance the way our community interacts with and experiences all our Art Gallery has to offer.”

The Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.

The Regional Recovery Partnerships initiative seeks to broker connections between all levels of government to increase information flow, share technical expertise and strengthen regional development outcomes.

Blackwattle Bay to deliver 300 more homes

Sydney’s Blackwattle Bay has taken a major step forward with an Expressions of Interest process opened today, seeking a development partner to renew a 3.6 hectare parcel of government-owned land currently home to the Sydney Fish Market.

The NSW Government will also seek to increase the residential housing on the site to help address the states housing crisis. Previously the land-use controls were to have roughly 50% commercial and 50% residential, the new controls will aim to change this to about 30% commercial and 70% residential, adding approximately 300 additional homes.

Partnering with the private sector will enable the NSW Government to deliver high quality public places, including a foreshore promenade, and more than 3 hectares of public open space. Revenue generated from securing a development partner will go directly to NSW Treasury to fund the delivery of the state’s housing initiatives.

Importantly, the 30,000 square metres of public domain will be prioritised for delivery, with a planning determination for the new 1.1 hectare Bank Street Park expected shortly.

This project is the last piece of the Blackwattle Bay puzzle, a 10-hectare precinct bookended by the new Sydney Fish Market and the new Bank Street Park under the Anzac Bridge.

Showcasing the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to building better communities for NSW. As part of the renewal, access to and from the area will be improved with the future Pyrmont Metro Station nearby, while new parks, walkways, cycleways, and a generous 20-30 metre wide foreshore promenade will complete a 15-kilometre continuous harbourside walk between Woolloomooloo and Rozelle Bay.

Expressions of Interest are now open for qualified and experienced developers to help deliver this world-class precinct, with submissions closing on 19 August 2024. Find out more information about the Blackwattle Bay Precinct.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper:

“We are starting work on the last piece of the Blackwattle Bay puzzle. The NSW Government is focused on delivering housing and building communities.”

“Blackwattle Bay will provide much-needed housing supply, while unlocking the economic and social potential of the area and creating thousands of jobs.”

“Once complete, the precinct will be connected to a range of local public transport options, public open space and the iconic new Sydney Fish Market which is expected to welcome over 6 million visitors per year.”

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Blackwattle Bay into a lively world-class waterfront precinct alongside Sydney’s harbour, for all to enjoy.”

New transport links ready to criss-cross Parramatta as Light Rail testing reaches halfway mark

A missing link on the popular new Alfred Street walking and cycling path will be filled, thanks to a $5.3 million investment from the Minns Labor Government.

It comes as testing on Parramatta Light Rail officially passes the halfway mark, which, combined with the new Alfred Street walking and cycling link, will secure smoother and more connected journeys in the growing CBD than ever before.

Once complete, the safe separated cycleway will connect students from Rosehill Public and Maronite College of the Holy Family to the new Alfred Street Bridge, a $19 million connection across the Parramatta River.

The project includes new trees, to keep people walking and cycling cool in summer, and lighting upgrades to ensure crossing points and the path remain safe at night.

The investment is part of a $60 million Get NSW Active grants round, launched today by the NSW Government.

It features two key construction projects in Parramatta and design funding for a third. A total of 37 projects across Greater Sydney have received $35.1 million in funding. An additional $24.9 million has been allocated to design and build new projects in regional NSW.

Passengers in Western Sydney are a step closer to using their new active transport links to pedal over the Parramatta River and wheel their bike onto a 45-metre-long light rail vehicle, which come equipped with 4 bike spots.

The Parramatta Light Rail testing milestone means the project is on track to welcome passengers in the coming months.

Up to eight trams are being tested at a time, seven days a week, with the performance of each vehicle being monitored closely while drivers get familiar with the alignment, including when crowds are heading to major events at CommBank Stadium.

The trams are travelling along the full alignment from Carlingford to Westmead, stopping at all 16 stops and crossing 23 intersections. Load testing is now complete, which saw more than 1500 sandbags placed on board to represent the weight of a full load of 400 passengers.

The extensive testing and commissioning program started in December 2023 to ensure the vehicles and network are functioning safely and reliably.

The community is reminded to stop, listen and look around when walking, riding or driving near the light rail.

When the light rail is fully operational, passengers will have access to services approximately every 7.5 minutes in peak periods.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build better communities for NSW. To ensure we’re creating and building on well-connected, well-serviced neighbourhoods.

A plan to build a better NSW.

For more information, visit the Parramatta Light Rail webpage.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen MP:

“It’s all happening in Parramatta.

“Tram testing has passed 50% mark and will add to the growing number of ways people can travel around the Parramatta CBD.

“While Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 gets closer to completion, other projects are now underway. Our investment in the Alfred Street walking and cycling link will make it safer and easier for kids and families to ride their bikes.

“The bicycle spots in the new trams will make it easier for people to mix up the way they travel, so you can pedal from home to the nearest light rail stop, then roll straight onto the tram.

“It’s exciting seeing all of this work becoming a reality, I can’t wait to test ride the Alfred Street cycle link when all the work is complete.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis MP:

“As our city grows, it’s great to see government investment in public and active transport is keeping pace.

“In the coming months, Parramatta will be transformed by the new light rail, plus the investment announced today means it’ll be easier for more people to walk and cycle across our city too.

“Our new walking and cycling paths are already so popular, I can’t wait to see how many people put on their walking shoes or start pushing pedals when they all finally link together.”

Parramatta Lord Mayor Pierre Esber:

“We are a step closer to seeing the first passengers travelling on trams in the heart of our City and we’re very excited that Parramatta Light Rail will soon be operational.

“This is a huge win for our community – it means more people can connect to the heart of Greater Sydney with these new transport connections – so people can hop on a bike to get to work, school or for leisure.

“I thank Transport for NSW and their support through the Get NSW Active Program to help create more active transport routes across our City.”

Plans lodged for future Bungendore High School

The NSW Labor Government is committed to delivering a permanent high school close to home for the people of Bungendore, with the amended State Significant Development (SSD) application now lodged and on public exhibition for community feedback.

The proposal, which the Department of Education (the Department) submitted to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) on June 13, 2024, identifies the Majara / Gibraltar Streets Precinct as the preferred location, the same site put forward in the original SSD application lodged in September 2021.

In parallel, the Department is also considering alternative site locations as part of due diligence work to ensure a new high school for the Bungendore community can be delivered as quickly as possible.

While the Majara / Gibraltar Streets Precinct remains the preferred site for the new school, the Department will undertake a due diligence review on alternative locations to validate that the Majara / Gibraltar Streets Precinct remains the fastest and most viable location.

In addition, the Department is continuing to review its analysis of projected demand to ensure community needs can be met.

The Department continues to work alongside the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) to consider how the features of the project that are on Crown Land, and excluded from the amended SSD, can be delivered for the Bungendore community.

The amended SSD application includes plans to deliver modern facilities to accommodate approximately 450 students, with options for future expansion to accommodate enrolment growth.

The community is encouraged to have their say on the amended SSD application from Tuesday 25 June until Monday 22 July 2024.

Find out more about the SSD application and make a formal submission

Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The NSW Labor Government is committed to delivering a permanent public high school in Bungendore to provide world-class learning facilities close to home.

“After the Liberals and Nationals’ poor planning let this community down, we are looking at everything we can do to deliver the permanent high school as quickly as possible.

“This will ensure the best possible outcomes for students, staff, families, and the broader Bungendore community.”

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan said:

“Families in the Bungendore community deserve to have a permanent high school to send their kids to, but legal battles around this project have caused too much uncertainty around when this school will be built.

“I recognise the huge frustration this gives to many people who want to see the school built and I recognise the division this project has caused in the community.

“I have urged the Department to look at alternative sites to validate that the current site remains the fastest and most viable location, and I am pleased that this process is underway.

“Given the time lost, it is imperative that further analysis on enrolment projections is underway to ensure the school is the right size for the community now and into the future.

“We will continue to work to deliver a permanent Bungendore High School for our local families as soon as possible.”