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Australia-Japan Foundation Board appointments

Today I announce the appointments of Professor Wesley Enoch AM and Ms Leonie Boxtel to the board of the Australia-Japan Foundation (AJF).

Both appointments will contribute to the goals of the AJF, and bring their diverse experience to support our bilateral relationship with Japan.

A proud Quandamooka man from Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island), Professor Enoch is a writer and director of acclaimed Indigenous film and theatre productions. He is currently the Deputy Chair of Creative Australia and has played a central role in connecting Australia and Japan through theatre for more than 20 years. Professor Enoch is the first Indigenous Australian representative on the board of the AJF and will bring a First Nations perspective to the foundation’s activities.

Ms Leonie Boxtel has an extensive career with a focus on strengthening Australia–Japan relations across government, education and the philanthropy sector. Ms Boxtel is Executive Officer of the Bowness Family Foundation, which supports the arts, education and disability.

I am pleased to reappoint Ms Wendy Holdenson for another term and thank outgoing members, Professor Veronica Taylor, Mr Chris Saines, and Mr Mark Connors for their contributions over many years.

The AJF is Australia’s oldest cultural council and underpins our Special Strategic Partnership with Japan. Its programs and networks support our objectives with Japan and the region and amplify our lasting connection.

For more information, visit the Australia-Japan Foundation.

City of Newcastle makes tree-mendous start to festive season

Santa Claus and his elves made a flying visit to Newcastle last night to help Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes light up the city’s biggest Christmas tree in Wheeler Place.

The annual tradition of flicking the switch begins a month of festive fun in the city centre.

Wheeler Place will host family-friendly activities around the towering 12.5m-tall Christmas tree between 5pm and 7pm on December 1, 2, 8 and 9, where everyone and their dog can also snap a selfie or a ‘puppy pawtrait’ with Saint Nick, supported by special community Christmas entertainment.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes joins Santa and some furry friends at Wheeler Place to begin a month of festive fun Cr Nelmes said Santa agrees it’s the perfect time of year to visit the city and your local shops.

“City of Newcastle (CN) provides a range of activities in the lead-up to Christmas that offer families the ideal opportunity to come to the city centre, shop locally for their presents and support our hospitality and retail outlets,” Cr Nelmes said.

“If you miss the chance to see Santa in Wheeler Place, City of Newcastle is providing a free DIY photo opportunity at 161a Hunter Street, seven days a week, from December 11 right up to Christmas eve. Bring your family, friends and pets for this free DIY photo.”

Adding extra incentive to visit the inner city, the Newcastle Business Improvement Association created a Festive Shopping Extravaganza, giving Novocastrians a chance to share in $7,500 worth of vouchers to local boutiques, cafes, bars, restaurants, pubs, entertainment venues or hair and beauty businesses.

CN’s cultural venues will be home to holiday season productions including Messiah in the City on December 10 at City Hall, The Nutcracker on December 19 at the Civic Theatre and One Song Sing | How to Make Gravy in Wheeler Place on December 21, where more than 1,200 people are expected to meet, rehearse and sing Paul Kelly’s iconic song in just one hour.

Local libraries will hear those sleigh bells ringing when Santa makes a guest appearance at the Christmas Story Stomp on December 5 at Newcastle Library and December 7 at Wallsend.

Timberlina will present Christmas Rainbow Storytime at Newcastle Library on December 9 and Saint Nick will also make a stop at Newcastle Museum on December 6 at 11am as part of Christmas Story Explorers.

Wallsend will be busier than Santa’s workshop with the iconic rotunda on the corner of Nelson, Tyrrell and Harris Streets hosting the Rock’n Elfy’s Christmas Show from 11am on December 9, 16 and 23, featuring singing, dancing and prizes galore.

The rotunda will also play host to Christmas carols every night from 6pm between December 20 and December 23, as well as the Conscious Christmas Markets on December 9.

Mr and Mrs Claus will spend plenty of time in the Hamilton business precinct on December 15, inviting locals and business owners to take a free picture with the hard-working, happy couple.

For more information about City of Newcastle’s Christmas activities visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/

City of Newcastle leading the state in prioritising housing diversity

City of Newcastle (CN) Councillors will be asked to reaffirm their support to planning for housing supply at tonight’s Ordinary Council Meeting in support of the Minns Government’s reforms to confront the housing crisis.

For more than a decade, CN has been planning for future growth and higher densities to facilitate housing opportunities for the Newcastle Local Government Area (LGA), by increasing housing diversity close to transport, infrastructure, and social amenity.

Provisions set out in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2012 provide flexibility by increasing housing permissibility for R2 low density and R3 medium density residential land use zones and offer more flexibility than the majority of NSW LEPs.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the diversity of housing present in Newcastle contributes to the liveability of the city.

“City of Newcastle is delivering on its commitments to good planning and is recognised as a leading council in planning for and prioritising low and mid-rise housing types, such as multi dwelling housing and residential flat buildings, in the R2 low density and R3 medium density residential zones,” Cr Clausen said.

“Unlike many other Councils across the State, the proposed reforms will not impact City of Newcastle as the potential for housing supply in Newcastle’s residential zones is less constrained than the majority of NSW Local Environmental Plans.

“There’s a lot of potential for good development and particularly mixed styles of development with good amenity in the city of Newcastle, especially around our renewal corridors and around Broadmeadow as one of our key activation sites.

“CN’s planning for housing and the National Housing Accord are consistent with the strategic directions of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan and the Newcastle Local Housing Strategy 2020.”

The latest forecasts show the population is set to increase by 41,150 residents to 202,050 by 2041 in the Newcastle local government area (LGA), which will stimulate demand for almost 20,000 new dwellings.

City of Newcastle’s Planning and Environment Executive Director Michelle Bisson said CN is on track to meet its new housing targets.

“Based on the supply pipeline within the Newcastle LGA, CN met the new dwelling demand by 2021 early and is on track to meet its demand for 2026 and 2041,” Ms Bisson said.

“CN has also been planning for future growth and higher densities to facilitate housing opportunities for our community through our work on the renewal corridors, Wickham Masterplan and currently through our collaboration with the Department of Planning on the Broadmeadow Place Strategy.

“We also call on the NSW Government to support Local Government in facilitating faster housing approvals through a Statewide roll out of City of Newcastle’s innovative Accelerated Development Application (ADA) pathway.

“CN’s award-winning ADA pathway fast tracked more than 20 per cent of the city’s $1.5 billion development pipeline during the 2022/23 financial year, helping to reduce the number of undetermined DAs by 35 per cent since 2017.

“By streamlining lower risk developments, staff time can be focused on more complex proposals and determine medium to high residential developments faster.”

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 28 November 2023 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 28 November 2023. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Mayor Shinozaki and the Ube Sister City delegation visit to Newcastle

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that acknowledges City of Newcastle’s long, rich and mutually beneficial Sister City relationship with Ube City, Japan, and thanks Ube City for re-confirming their commitment to our Sister City relationship during their recent visit and reaffirms the profound impact of our past interactions and the importance of continued exchange across diverse fields for the mutual growth of our cities, rooted in mutual trust and cooperation.

Newcastle Williamtown Air Show success

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that notes that City of Newcastle, in partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), welcomed around 100,000 spectators to the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 over the weekend, delivering an estimated economic output of $19.5 million, with hotels reporting a 97% occupancy rate over the weekend.

Ordinary business

Tabling of register of disclosures of interest

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest (for the period 1 August to 31 October 2023) by the CEO.

Adoption of 2024 council meeting cycle

Council unanimously voted to adopt the schedule for Council Meetings to be held in the 2024 calendar year.

Endorsement of the 2022/2023 Annual Report and adoption of the financial statements

Council unanimously voted to endorse City of Newcastle’s (CN) 2022/23 Annual Report and to adopt CN’s audited Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2023.

September quarterly performance report

Council received the 2022-2026 Delivery Program – September Quarterly Performance Report and adopted the revised budget.

New Annual council commitment

Council voted to commit to delivering and funding the New Annual festival for a further five years until at least 2028, in order to provide necessary strategic forward planning to enable future growth for the flagship cultural festival.

Adoption of the Wickham Public Domain Plan

Council unanimously voted to adopt the Wickham Public Domain Plan, which provides a framework for the delivery of high-quality streetscapes and public spaces in Wickham as outlined in the 2021 Wickham Masterplan.

Variations to development standards

Council received the report on development variations approved between 1 July 2023 and 31 October 2023.

Broadmeadow to Hamilton East cycleway

Council unanimously voted to approve the cycleway treatments between Chatham Street Broadmeadow and Gordon Avenue Hamilton, as a section of the broader Adamstown to Newcastle West cycleway connection.

Jesmond cycleway improvements

Council unanimously voted to approve a cycling connection along William Street and Blue Gum Road, Jesmond, as the first stage of the Jesmond Cycleway.

Laman Street, Cooks Hill – pedestrian improvements and traffic calming

Pedestrian improvements and traffic calming infrastructure in Laman Street Cooks Hill, at the intersection with Auckland Street, were laid on the table until the conclusion of the revision of the Cooks Hill Local Area Traffic Management project and the Civic Public Domain Plan.

City of Newcastle planning for housing and the national housing accord

Council reaffirmed City of Newcastle’s (CN) commitment to planning for housing supply, acknowledging its leading role in prioritising housing diversity.

Executive monthly performance report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for October 2023.

Tender report – Gregson Park Hamilton playspace and amenities upgrade

Council unanimously voted to accept a tender for the Gregson Park Hamilton playspace and amenities upgrade.

Notices of Motion

Restoration of roads and public domain – Newcastle East

Council supported a notice of motion that notes the resolution of 31 October 2023 concluding the City’s relationship with Supercars, and instead resolved to support Cessnock City Council with the proposed Wine Country 500 as an alternative major event for the Hunter region. City of Newcastle will now commence road and public domain restoration works in Newcastle East, as previously committed to the community and Heritage NSW, prioritising the replacement of temporary pedestrian crossings with permanent infrastructure. Council will receive a memo advising of next steps, including proposed community consultation before further works in the Heritage Conservation Area are undertaken.

Request for joint briefing with Lake Macquarie councillors

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that council request a joint briefing with councillors from both Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Councils, and relevant planning directors, regarding a development on land that straddles the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle LGA boundary along the Newcastle Link Road.

Celebrating Stead Cycles’ 100^th birthday

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that congratulates the Stead family on celebrating the 100th birthday of Stead Cycles in 2023 and recognises its contribution to our community.

Protecting and valuing Newcastle’s heritage

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that the City of Newcastle values the unique heritage and character of its buildings, streetscapes and landscapes and that further work needs to be done to protect the heritage and character of the city’s buildings, streetscapes and landscapes by identifying Heritage Conservation Items, Heritage Conservation Areas and preparing Character Statements of suburbs.

2023 Youth Mock Council

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that congratulates the Newcastle Youth Council on the Youth Mock Council held in July 2023. Council noted the Youth Mock Council developed and adopted three motions and requests that a report be provided to Councillors by the relevant Council officers assessing the viability, cost, and merits of each proposal, if they were to be adopted as policy of the Council.

Can you spot a scam? Learn how to stay protected this holiday season

The NSW Government is urging people to be alert to cybercriminals targeting busy online shoppers ahead of Christmas, with more than $126.5 million lost to scams across the state in 2023.

The number of scams reported in 2023 has already surpassed last year’s figure, with more than 257,000 reports about scams nationwide and 77,000 in NSW alone.

As the holiday season nears and people start shopping for loved ones, consumers should be wary of ‘impersonation scams’, the focus of this year’s Scams Awareness Week.

Impersonation scams are when perpetrators seek to trick victims into thinking they are from well-known businesses or organisations such as the police, government or banks, with some even pretending to be a friend or family member to access personal information.

Urgent requests for personal details or money, an apparently legitimate business asking for different bank details from previous payments, and messages threatening immediate arrest or deportation are all examples of impersonation scams.

People are reminded to be cautious when opening emails and text messages. If you are unsure if the message is legitimate, contact the sending organisation using details listed on the organisation’s website or another public platform.

Other steps include not opening or downloading any attachments or apps, as these can install malicious software on to a computer or phone, as well as keeping an eye out for slight variations in Caller or Sender IDs like dots, special characters, or numbers.

ID Support NSW provides support for people and businesses impacted by ID breaches. If personal information or government credentials have been compromised, ID Support NSW can be contacted on 1800 001 040 for support.

To mark Scams Awareness Week, which runs from Monday, 27 November to Friday, 1 December 2023, ID Support NSW will be running a series of online events focused on the different types of impersonation scams.

For more information about ID Support NSW’s Scams Awareness Week events visit ID Support NSW.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“Whether it is a message from a family member asking for money or a delivery company sending a text about a parcel, not everyone you are dealing with is who they say they are. As people shop online ahead of Christmas, we want you to be wary of what could be opportunistic scams.”

“Scams Awareness Week 2023 shines a light on these impersonations and tells you how to detect them.”

“With the sheer volume of messages many people receive on a daily basis, it is important to recognise the signs of an impersonation scam and how to keep your identity protected.”

“The team at ID Support NSW is helping raise awareness of these scams through online events this week and other resources available on their website, as well as supporting victims to reclaim their identity.”

ID Support NSW Director James Blakely said:

“We know cyber criminals don’t take holidays, so we are encouraging everyone to stay vigilant this festive season and look out for suspicious emails, text messages or phone calls.”

“Avoid clicking directly on links, particularly from unsolicited texts and emails, and make sure to buy from trusted sellers whose information can be verified.”

“Education is essential when staying protected from scams, that’s why ID Support NSW has a wide range of resources and online events available to keep people informed.”

$6.1 million infrastructure boost for local communities

Thirty-five community groups will share $6.1 million in funding under the latest round of the NSW Government’s Club grants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants Program.

The funding will ensure grassroots organisations across NSW receive a much-needed boost to cover the costs of construction, alteration, renovation, completion and fit-out of buildings and infrastructure to deliver outcomes for NSW communities.

The Club grants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants Program is operated under the Gaming Machine Tax Act 2001 and administered by the Office of Responsible Gambling. The fund reinvests a portion of gaming machine profits over $1 million from registered clubs back into community infrastructure projects.

Infrastructure Grants are open to not-for-profit community organisations and local councils and delivered across 4 categories: arts and culture, community infrastructure, sport and recreation and disaster readiness.

Successful projects in this round include:

$300,000 to Wollongong City Council for an inclusive skatepark in Wollongong City Centre
$230,000 for a mobile health clinic for Aboriginal women in Collarenebri
$199,927 for the Friends of Tenterfield Aerodrome Association to provide fuel, power and hardened surface areas at Tenterfield aerodrome. Purchase of a medical transport plane to service regional NSW
$130,000 for the FLING Physical Theatre in the Bega Valley for an accessibility upgrade
Since 2013, the program has provided more than $130 million to support 750 local council and not-for-profit community projects.

Two grant rounds are offered each year under Category 3, with 2023 to 2024 funding for this category committed prior to the decision to review the broader Club grants program.

Applications for the next round are now open and close 18 December 2023.

Get more information on Responsible Gambling Grants.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“The Infrastructure Grants program is all about supporting projects that improve community connectedness in the arts and sport, provide new or improved facilities for local sporting groups or deliver innovative local solutions in emergency preparedness.

“I am thrilled to see such a diverse mix of recipients in this round of the Infrastructure Grants Program, including a focus on Aboriginal community support and a great variety of rural and regional projects.

“While we review the wider program, the NSW Government is proud to deliver this support to enable critical projects that will boost local economies and foster community spirit across the state.

Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said:

“There is currently an unmet demand for skating opportunities throughout the City that this grant will help alleviate.

“A core objective will be to also create a female-friendly environment that provides a supportive atmosphere for girls and young women to participate in the sport.”

Friends of Tenterfield Aerodrome Association President Rob Evans said:

“The recent fires that swept through the Tenterfield region confirmed the need for upgrades to local disaster-readiness facilities.

“This project will result in a significantly increased ability to save lives, property, livestock, infrastructure, and native plants and animals threatened by bushfires in the Tenterfield region.”

New planning rules to fast track low-rise and mid-rise housing

The Minns government is confronting the housing crisis with bold reforms to create tens of thousands of new, well-located, low-rise and mid-rise homes.

The government is announcing changes that will fast-track a greater diversity of homes like residential flat buildings of 3 to 6 storeys, terraces, townhouses, duplexes and smaller 1-storey to 2-storey apartment blocks in suburbs where they are not currently allowed.

The reforms create capacity for industry to deliver up to an estimated 112,000 new homes across the Greater Sydney region, Hunter, Central Coast and Illawarra.

This represents 30% of the number of homes NSW needs to meet under its Housing Accord target of 377,000 new homes by 2029.

Currently, each local council has its own rules for what kind of homes can be built in their area. In many local government areas, these rules do not allow the types of homes that we need for the next generation, housing close to transport, infrastructure and social amenity.

In October the government identified a significant gap in the approval of density, with terraces and 1-storey to 2-storey unit blocks allowed under R2 zoning in only 2 of 32 Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) – that’s just 6% of the LEPs across Sydney.

R2 is a zone for land which is made up of low-density housing.

This ‘missing middle’ has meant that low-rise density has been ignored in the face of a growing housing crisis.

Additionally, 60% of R3 zones across Sydney (where multi-dwelling housing is appropriate and should be encouraged) presently prohibit residential flat buildings of any scale.

Details of the proposed changes include allowing:

dual occupancies (2 separate homes on a single lot), such as duplexes, in all R2 low-density residential zones across all of NSW.
terraces, townhouses and 2-storey apartment blocks near transport hubs and town centres in R2 low-density residential zones across the Greater Sydney region, Hunter, Central Coast and Illawarra (the Six Cities region).
mid-rise apartment blocks near transport hubs and town centres in R3 medium-density zones and appropriate employment zones. This will mean more housing just a short 10-minute walk (800m) from transport hubs, shops and amenities.

The government will amend a State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) to enact these changes while simultaneously encouraging councils to add these types of dwellings to their own planning rules.

If a local government’s planning rules match – or go further than – this new NSW Government policy, the state government changes will not apply.

The government has previously written to councils, asking them to review local policy settings to allow for more housing in low-density and medium-density zones across their local government area.

National Housing Accord targets were set at the National Cabinet with all 3 levels of government represented.

The plans will go on public exhibition for public feedback from next week.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Sydney is one of the least dense cities in the world but fewer than half of councils allow for low-rise and mid-rise residential buildings in areas zoned for such homes.

“We’re confronting a housing crisis so we need to change the way we plan for more housing, we can’t keep building out we need to create capacity for more infill, with more diverse types of homes.

“Diversity of housing allows people to stay in their communities and neighbourhoods through different stages of their life, with family and friends able to live nearby. More housing choice means more options for everyone – renters, families, empty nesters.

“Density done well means townhouses, apartments and terraces clustered near shops, high streets and parks.

“We already have great examples of these types of homes. Sydney has grown using these housing types. Look at homes in Wollstonecraft, Waverton, Erskineville, parts of Wollongong or Newcastle. They’re great places to live. We just need more of them.”

Red imported fire ants in South Murwillumbah update

Following the eradication of the 5 red imported fire ants nests at South Murwillumbah on the weekend, the NSW Government has been further implementing its fire ant plan by focusing on tracing, surveillance and educating local businesses and the community.

Detection dogs have been on location today inspecting local high-risk premises that are linked to materials that red imported fire ants like to nest and travel in such as soil, mulch, quarry products, potted plants and baled materials.

The on-ground teams from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) have also been in communication with those businesses within the 5km biosecurity control zone advising them of their biosecurity obligations under the emergency order.

The government is working with businesses to facilitate low-risk businesses to get back to normal as soon as possible. While assisting the high-risk businesses in evaluating their premises and materials so they can also get permits to start moving, with a strong understanding on how to do activities safely and eliminating any risks.

The NSW Government is working closely with the Tweed Shire Council and the national program that is led by Queensland, to ensure we’re keeping the community and key stakeholders updated and applying all available resources to the area.

A community information bus is now outside Tweed Shire Council Chambers (10-14 Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah) for locals to obtain more information about what they can do to help stop the spread of these invasive pests.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“I urge everyone in the local area to check their premises, yards and paddocks for the red imported fire ants and then reporting any suspected sighting immediately.”

Residents and businesses can report any suspicious ant activity to 1800 680 244launch or by visiting the Department of Primary Industrieslaunch.

Background

Fire ants are dark reddish-brown with a darker black-brown abdomen and range in size from 2 to 6mm long.

Although they can look similar to other ants, their ant nests are distinctive with mounds of loose, crumbly or fluffy looking soil with a honeycomb appearance, up to 40cm high, with no obvious entrance holes.

Red imported fire ants can damage electrical and agricultural equipment, sting people causing allergic reactions, sting pets and livestock, kill native plants and animals, and also damage ecosystems beyond repair.

Labor’s lazy approach to housing reform not right for New South Wales

The NSW Opposition supports measures, including increased density, to deliver the state’s ambitious housing targets – but they must be done right and in partnership with local communities.

We know that a one-size-fits-all all approach isn’t the right approach. It’s lazy and ill-thought-through policy that shows the Minns Labor Government aren’t interested in putting in the hard work in to deliver on their housing targets.

Despite their offer of bipartisanship to help address the housing crisis, the Government has shown they’re more willing to tell local communities to “get out of the way” than in working constructively with the Opposition or with local councils.

The Government has failed to:

release new housing targets for local councils,
allow local councils the opportunity to amend local planning laws to meet and exceed new targets, and
address demand-side pressures on housing.

Chris Minns says that he’s willing to work constructively on this issue – but has failed to do so.

The Opposition is ready and willing to work with the Government, having presenting policy options including incentivising local councils to meet and exceed their housing targets and addressing immigration and population growth to take the pressure off rents and house prices.

The Opposition will stand with local communities as we work to address demand and supply constraints on housing – and meet our state’s housing targets.

The Government must require councils to meet local housing targets and may ultimately have to impose planning controls on local communities to get this done. However, in the first instance the Government should give communities a chance to formulate local controls, but it hasn’t bothered to do so. Communities shouldn’t pay the price for Chris Minns and Labor’s lazy policy-making.

Here comes the call for treaty

One Nation supporters have seen it all before – despite overwhelming support in the Australian community for one thing, Labor, the Greens, academics and activists are determined to do the opposite.

This is the case with immigration. With climate change ideology. With foreign aid. And, of course, with an indigenous treaty.

Black activist and former Greens senator Lidia Thorpe put her contempt for the referendum result on full display this week, demanding the Albanese government proceed with a treaty and ‘truth-telling’ – code for rewriting Australian history to maximise financial settlements funded by non-indigenous taxpayers.

Pauline Hanson had other ideas. One Nation, with amazing support from its supporters and volunteers, played a prominent role in the no campaign to help secure the 60% no vote in Australia and the 69% no vote Queensland.

Australia, she said in Parliament this week, voted overwhelmingly not just to reject the voice but also the demands in the Uluru Statement for a treaty and a truth-telling commision.

“Australians understood the voice was a crucial first step towards a treaty, and they knocked it back. They understood the voice, treaty and ‘truth-telling’ would divide this country by race, and they knocked them back.