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Cobb completion the final piece in state’s sealed highway puzzle

NSW has a fully sealed highway road network for the first time in its history following completion of a mammoth $195 million project to bitumen seal two Outback highways.

The historic milestone was reached after crews finished sealing the final 3.9-kilometre section of the Cobb Highway near Halfway Tree between Ivanhoe and Wilcannnia.

Completion of the 132-kilometre total Cobb Highway sealing work follows finishing of the 153-kilometre Silver City Highway sealing in late 2022.

About 150 workers — including engineers, road workers, trainees, apprentices and contractors —   were employed each year on the project which commenced in 2011.

The remote location meant workers had no access to an established base or nearby infrastructure, and they were away from their families for months at a time living in caravans at makeshift camps which were built near highway work sites.

About 700,000 tonnes of crushed gravel and 43,000 tonnes of aggregate was used to build and seal the Cobb Highway while work crews camped on-site to ensure the work was completed, battling the elements and isolation.

Key features of both highway projects include:

  • New drainage structures to combat flooding
  • A new bridge at Packsaddle Creek
  • A new landing strip for the Royal Flying Doctor Service at Shannons Creek
  • Close consultation with local Registered Aboriginal Parties to preserve and document culturally-sensitive areas such as those near Mount Manara

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The sealing of these Outback highways will improve safety, slash journey times, reduce the risk of fatigue and increase resilience against extreme weather events.

“Importantly, this work also means there will be more reliable access to hospitals, schools and essential services for the communities living in the most remote parts of NSW.

“On behalf of the Minns Labor Government I want to thank all the workers who’ve delivered this project for the incredible legacy they have built for our state.”

Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“Prior to being sealed, both highways could be closed several weeks a year due to wet weather and these closures hit residents and businesses hard while cutting access to essential services and isolating interstate road users.

“The sealing of both highways now means the need for road closures has been reduced.

“The highways will also be safer for tourists visiting the Outback who, along with people moving livestock and freight operators, will also benefit from reduced travel times.”

Wilcannia Tourism Association president Bill Elliott said:

“We never thought we’d see the day the Cobb was sealed the whole way.

“It’s felt like a never-ending push to get it done, but it is amazing to have seen this project completed.”

Transport for NSW Works supervisor Kevin Bath said:

“The hardest part is living away from family, but we build bonds while we build the roads and try to make camp life as fun as we can.

“There’s also a great sense of pride amongst the team, working on projects that will directly benefit the communities that we come from.”

World first trial of mobile cardiac treatment could save lives

Patients across Sydney are set to benefit from a clinical trial that will mobilise potentially life-saving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment for those in cardiac arrest.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation – or ECMO – is a form of heart and lung bypass which provides blood flow and oxygen to the brain, heart and other vital organs.

This allows time to identify and treat the cause of the cardiac arrest.

Until now however, the treatment has only been available within the hospital setting.

Today, the NSW Government is announcing a new innovative clinical trial which will go a step further, making a cardiac bypass machine mobile.

The staffing model of this trial is a world-first, with critical care paramedics working alongside specialist pre-hospital critical care doctors in a dedicated vehicle to treat cardiac arrest patients.

Taking ECMO to the patient can increase their rate of survival and a good neurological outcome by getting them onto the treatment earlier.

For ECMO to be effective, patients must be placed onto the machine within an hour of their cardiac arrest.

Mobilising ECMO has the potential to increase the survival rate of some patients in cardiac arrest from less than 5% to around 30%.

NSW Ambulance has a dedicated clinician working within the control centre who identifies cardiac arrest patients who are suitable for ECMO and notifies the team immediately.

To be placed on ECMO, a patient must be eligible according to specific criteria set up as part of this trial.

The trial is now underway, with 1 vehicle currently operating 2 days per week.

Westmead Hospital, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney are participating in the trial by receiving patients that have been put on ECMO by NSW Ambulance.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“We are embracing innovative, new and effective methods to improve health outcomes.

“Where possible, we want to be able to provide care where and when a patient needs it.

“In instances of cardiac arrest – time is particularly of the essence.

“This world leading initiative can save time to treatment and has the potential to save lives.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“I’m thrilled that this exciting and promising trial is being launched in our community, and that Westmead will be a participating hospital.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said:

“Our doctors and paramedics are well-equipped to respond to cardiac arrests within the community, with all of our ambulances fitted out with vital equipment including mechanical chest compression devices and medications.

“This trial will go a step further, taking a cardiac bypass machine out on the road for the first time in NSW.”

Howzat! Cricket fans to enjoy extended trading hours for finals

The NSW Government is getting behind the ICC Cricket World Cup by announcing special event extended trading hours for venues which screen the finals.

Hotels and registered clubs across NSW will be able to remain open until 4am in the morning instead of the usual closing time for the semi-finals and final of the ICC Cricket World Cup on tonight 15 November, tomorrow 16 November and Sunday 19 November, if they provide a live broadcast for cricket fans.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said major global events like the ICC Cricket World Cup are moments for communities to come together and can provide a much-needed boost for venues across the state.

“The NSW Government is committed to creating additional opportunities for hospitality venues during special events like this,” Mr Harris said.

“There’s nothing like cheering on the Aussie cricket team and I encourage all members of the community to get down and enjoy the excellent atmosphere and food and beverage offerings at their local pub or club.

“These extended trading hours will help bolster the state’s night-time economy and facilitate a great experience for fans.”

Special event extended trading hours are made available under the Liquor Act 2007 for events that are of “regional, state or national significance.”

Extended trading does not apply to takeaway alcohol trading times and individual trading restrictions and other special conditions on a venue’s liquor licence remain in force.

For more information on extended trading, please visit Liquor and Gaminglaunch.

Western Sydney students turn their minds to tackling key health issues

Western Sydney students spent 2 days developing campaigns to address key health issues and presenting them to industry leaders, as part of a 2 day Health Hackathon event at Westmead Hospital.

The Health Hackathon is designed to engage western Sydney’s young people to build skills and career opportunities, while focusing on improving population health.

Over 50 students from 7 local high schools participated in the event, including Chifley College Mount Druitt Campus, Colyton, Erskine Park, Model Farms, Patrician Brothers Blacktown, Penola Catholic College and Windsor High Schools.

Western Sydney Local Health District’s (WSLHD) Prevention Education and Research Unit (PERU), in collaboration with NSW Health, the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program and the NSW Department of Education, co-facilitated the Health Hackathon at Westmead Hospitallaunch on Monday 13 November and Tuesday 14 November.

Established in 1995, PERU delivers innovative community and school-based prevention and health leadership programs, while working with western Sydney schools, universities and other organisations.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car said: 

“I am delighted to see the enthusiasm of the school students participating in the program.

“The Health Hackathon gives young people in western Sydney an opportunity to talk about the health issues they are passionate about and how they can make a difference.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“This event at Westmead Hospital is a great example of the relationship between Western Sydney Local Health District and local schools.

“It’s fantastic to see our healthcare staff engaging with the next generation to advocate for health and wellbeing.

“The program engages high school students to develop ideas to improve health outcomes.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“I want to thank our dedicated staff in western Sydney, who not only work hard in clinical spaces, but also support education programs like the Health Hackathon for Western Sydney communities.

“I am so proud this amazing event is happening right here in our community.”

PERU Director, Professor Smita Shah OAM said:

“PERU prioritises evidence-based prevention programs and interventions to improve the health and wellbeing of young people in WSLHD.

“The Health Hackathon is a crucial step in preparing young minds to tackle future health challenges.”

Ministerial media release26 October 2023

$500,000 investment boosts engineering training at TAFE NSW Griffith

The Riverina’s welding and metal fabrication sector has received a boost with the completion of the $500,000 upgrades to training facilities at TAFE NSW Griffith.Ministerial media release18 October 2023

New program taps local talent to ease teacher shortages in high-demand parts of NSW

Local residents in Western and South Western Sydney, Dubbo, Queanbeyan, and the Murray region will be encouraged to take up secondary careers in teaching under a new program targeting areas with high demand for teachers.Ministerial media release15 September 2023

Investment in historic regional school building program

The Minns Labor Government will invest more than $1.4 billion over four years to deliver a massive pipeline of new and upgraded schools for regional NSW.

Fee waiver to provide relief for Port Stephens oyster farmers

The NSW Government is providing support to Port Stephens oyster farmers impacted by the ‘Queensland Unknown’ (QX) disease, with a $240,000 fee waiver.

In recognition of the cost to the local oyster industry the NSW Government will waive the Fisheries and Food Authority State Levy Fees for 2023 to 2024 for all Port Stephens Oyster farmers.

This announcement follows the detection of QX in Sydney Rock Oysters from Port Stephens in August 2021. While not dangerous to humans, QX disease is deadly for oysters. 

The Port Stephens oyster industry was the second largest oyster producing estuary in NSW, valued at more than $11 million. This fee waiver is intended to provide some relief to the local industry as they navigate how to mitigate the impacts of this disease.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has been working with the Port Stephens oyster industry to support them, including disease surveillance and breeding Sydney Rock Oysters for QX disease survival, as part of the Sydney Rock Oyster Breeding Program (SRO BP).

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“I have met with oyster farmers up in Port Stephens and have heard firsthand how devastating QX disease has been for the local industry and the wider community.

“The fee waiver means that everyone will be able to receive some relief, regardless of the size of their production history or income.

“Oysters from Port Stephens remain safe to consume, so I would encourage everyone to support your local oyster farmers this summer by indulging in some delicious oysters.” 

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“Port Stephens has a long and proud history of oyster farming, spanning across multiple generations, but the last few years have been really tough.

“I thank Minister Moriarty for hearing firsthand from our local oyster farmers and responding with much-needed, practical relief.

“I’m hopeful that the fee waiver will help some of our struggling oyster farmers stay afloat and continue to produce the local oysters we all love.”

Get more information about QX oyster diseaselaunch.

Chris Minns must stand up to Canberra

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman is calling on Chris Minns to stand up to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to ensure that NSW doesn’t lose funding for essential infrastructure projects.
 
“The Albanese Labor Government promised a 90-day infrastructure review – and we’re still awaiting the outcome some 200 days later. What’s clear is that Federal Labor are lining NSW up for cuts to infrastructure projects and Chris Minns hasn’t done enough to safeguard our state,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“Federal Labor has announced that states will now have to pay for half of new regional road and rail infrastructure projects, an increase from 20% to 50%, adding additional strain to the State Budget and putting at risk the viability of future projects.”
 
“When Labor announced their infrastructure review, we called on Chris Minns to pick up the phone to Anthony Albanese and fight to protect NSW projects. Now it appears that Canberra will send money to Victoria to build their ill-conceived Suburban Rail Loop and projects including the Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Lithgow will be put at risk.”
 
Labor’s changes to infrastructure funding will see increased congestion and less safe roads, with regional NSW to be hit the hardest. Without this higher level of funding, many regional road projects would never have been approved.
 
These road projects are not only vital for improving the safety of regional roads, but essential if we are to improve national productivity in freight and logistics supply chains.
 
“We need a Premier who will stand up to Canberra on issues like immigration and infrastructure. It’s time Chris Minns’ actions matched his rhetoric and he worked with his Labor mates in Canberra to protect NSW projects. The NSW Opposition will continue to stand up for regional NSW and the many communities who are at risk as a result of Labor’s poor decisions,” Mr Speakman concluded.

Is it Supply or Demand Causing the Housing Problem?

In a recent Twitter post, Pauline Hanson attributed Queensland’s severe rental crisis to immigration. In contrast, ‘Property Centerpiece’ responded; 

“It’s more complicated then that. It’s due the increases in interest rates, council rates, insurances, cost of maintenance,  increase in levies and so on.”  

We believe it’s imperative to challenge such narratives held by those at ‘Property Centrepiece’. At the next election, the nation must hold Labor accountable for policies that have significant impacts on housing and family livelihoods. While Albo and Labor might attribute housing costs to ‘supply issues,’ their efforts to increase supply are seen as too little, too late. 

Labor’s neglect of the ‘demand on housing’ problem caused by immigration is dangerous and reckless. 

Make no mistake, One Nation has a raft of ‘supply’ policies ready to unroll. Senator Hanson has already articulated some of these in the Senate. But we do not think ‘supply’ will solve the problem; it is demand that’s doing the damage. More supply will help, but there is no doubt the government will just dial up the number of immigrants to fill those new buildings anyway. .. then it’s back to square one. 

Worryingly, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, total dwelling commencements in the June quarter of 2023 fell to 40,720 dwellings. This number includes 25,162 new private sector house commencements and 14,529 new private sector other residential commencements. Supply is slipping, according to official figures.  

New housing starts are but a fraction of the number of people coming to Australia needing a new home.  

For housing, it’s essential to acknowledge the impact of immigration as a demand-side pressure on housing prices. Even ABC News, in a report by Alan Kohler in March 2023, recognised immigration as the primary driver of property prices. 

One Nation recognises the rising costs and regulatory challenges faced by residential property investors. These factors, including insurance, fees, taxes, and red tape, impact the supply side, driving investors away from the market. A November 2023 ABC News article also highlighted how red tape is deterring investors from providing rental homes, especially in Victoria. 

If an investor drives the price of their rental higher than the market is willing to pay, then their property will remain vacant. Investors can’t just arbitrarily pass on increased fees to a tenant, because that tenant has the right to move out if they can get a cheaper rental down the road.  

Even though there are supply constraints, immigration is primarily to blame for the current crisis’s overwhelming demand. The influx of immigrants significantly exceeds the availability of housing, propelling prices upward. 

While ‘Property Centerpiece’s’ perspective is a valid opinion, and we respect free speech, it has an odour of Labor appeasement, and we think the government deserves no quarter. In a situation where immigration is surging, investors are limited to market-driven rents, and people are struggling to find affordable housing, the role of immigration as a key factor in the rental crisis becomes quite clear. This is a rare point of agreement between Pauline Hanson’s One Nation and ABC News – immigration is causing the rental crisis. 

VISIT TO THE ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION LEADERS’ MEETING

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to the United States from 15-17 November for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in San Francisco.

APEC is the leading economic forum for the Asia-Pacific region and APEC partners make up around 75 per cent of Australia’s total trade in goods and services. This year’s Summit will focus on Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister will advance Australia’s priorities of free and open rules-based trade in the region, supply chain resilience, and sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

The Prime Minister will discuss environmental and sustainability issues with member economies — and exchange views on how economies of the region can collaborate to cut emissions and make the transition to a renewable energy future.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Australia’s participation at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting signals our enduring commitment to strengthening regional economic cooperation and growth.

“This year’s theme focuses on resiliency, sustainability and inclusion—all key priorities of the Australian Government.

“Engagement with APEC partners is critical for seizing the opportunities to create the jobs of the future, to expand our economic growth, and to take advantage of our location – on the doorstep of the fastest growing region in human history.”

GREENS CALL ON THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO URGENTLY SUBSIDISE PROVEN SHARK DETERRENT DEVICES

The Greens call on all levels of government, especially the South Australian Government, to do more to help ocean goers reduce the risk of rare, but potentially dangerous encounters with great white sharks this summer by following the lead of the Western Australian Government in subsidising the rollout of personal shark deterrent devices. 

The call comes ahead of White Sharks Global, an international conference held in Port Lincoln this week. White shark experts from around the globe will gather to discuss issues such as white shark conservation, research on population numbers, and how to measure and reduce the risks of human and white shark encounters. 

Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson – who chaired a landmark 2017 Senate inquiry into mitigating the risks of shark bites in Australia – will today be a keynote speaker at the timely conference. 

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

“The recent spate of white shark encounters in South Australia, and the risk of further rare but tragic and traumatic encounters this summer, will inevitably lead to populist un-scientific calls to cull and reduce white shark populations.

“In response to the tragic death of surfer Tod Gendle at Streaky Bay the South Australian Premier recently stated there isn’t much a government can do to help prevent such tragedies, but this is wrong. 

“The Senate inquiry into shark mitigation and deterrent measures recommended all states follow the lead of the Western Australian government and subsidise scientifically tested and proven shark mitigation devices, but so far no other state has taken this easy-to-implement measure. 

“So far the WA government has subsidised more than 4000 personal shark deterrent devices for ocean goers, in an attempt to see them more widely adopted by surfers, divers and swimmers.

“There are many simple options to reduce risks at our popular beaches and surf spots and I urge Premier Malinauskas to listen to the advice of experts and roll out these measures. 

“The ocean is not a risk free environment, and while there are no guarantees any public safety measure will be 100% effective, such measures can significantly reduce the risk of human-shark encounters. 

“Scientific research and tests on some personal shark deterrent devices have shown that they can reduce the risk of white and other shark species encounters by more than 60%.

“But it shouldn’t just be up to the states, the Federal Government also has a significant role in coordinating, standardising and driving national investment in research and adoption of emerging shark risk mitigation measures to protect ocean goers. 

“Safety in our oceans and the protection of vulnerable species, such as white sharks, aren’t binary options, both are possible and can be done much more effectively.” 

THE GREENS CALL ON LABOR TO LEARN THE LESSONS OF ROBODEBT AND HALT DEBT RECOVERY

The Greens welcome the Labor government’s in-principle acceptance of the Robodebt Royal Commission’s recommendations, but once again call on Labor to address the core problem by immediately suspending all debt-recovery and raising the rate for people on income support.

Greens social services spokesperson, Senator Janet Rice, said:

“The Robodebt Royal Commission’s report, and Labor’s acceptance of its recommendations, is a positive step towards justice for those traumatised by the callous and illegal scheme, but it does not change our fundamentally broken social security system.”

“The hypocrisy of Labor’s approach to the social safety net is appalling. The Labor government continues with aggressive and automated debt collection, punitive mutual obligations and suffocating support payments that are below the poverty line.”

“Meanwhile, estimates recently revealed that Services Australia’s performance has worsened under the Labor government. We have heard from Labor, time and time again, that they are taking the resourcing of Services Australia seriously, but it’s simply not translating into action that improves the lives of those living in poverty.”

“Australia’s federal public service should certainly have strengthened integrity and accountability, but that means nothing if they are still hounding income support recipients for debts. More training and more staff does not address the fundamental issue that our social security system is punitive, unfair and traps people in poverty.”

“Bill Shorten and the Labor government claim to be ‘re-humanising the delivery of government payments’ – if that was truly the case, they would support the millions of Australians struggling under this punitive system by raising the rate of payments to above the poverty line.”

“The Greens call on the Labor government to immediately suspend all debt-collection, conduct a line-by-line review to ensure there are no outstanding debts from Robodebt, and repay all debt to Robodebt victims not covered by the class action.”

“The best way to ensure we never see a repeat of this tragic scandal is to reshape our social safety net so that everyone can meet their basic needs.”