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DA drop further reason for BASIX deferral

Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Scott Farlow, has pointed to the recent drop in Development Applications as further proof that the NSW Government needs to defer the introduction of increased BASIX standards for twelve months, in line with other States, to support the building of more homes in NSW.

“From May to June it is taking longer for fewer development applications to be submitted, lodged and determined, which is a worrying development for a Government that has committed to build 314,000 homes over the next five years,” Mr Farlow said.

 May 2023June 2023Change
DAs submitted5,6035,262-6.1%
DAs lodged4,3294,147-4.2%
DAs determined4,2833,904-8.8%
Average time to determine1121152.7%

Source: NSW Planning Performance Dashboard, 24/7/2023

“In the middle of a housing crisis, on every metric, we are seeing performance in our planning system declining and the last thing NSW needs is a new measure that could decrease housing supply.

“These figures should give the Government cause for concern and lead them to heed the Opposition’s and industry’s calls to defer the introduction of the increased BASIX standards on 1 October by twelve months, in line with other States.”

“The Government already imposed a tax of up to $12,000 on new homes across Sydney, the Central Coast, the Lower Hunter and Wollongong and scrapped the Coalition’s popular First-Home buyer choice program – now is not the time to be imposing additional costs on new homes.”

“The construction industry has seen costs escalate by more than 12% in the last year, if these changes are implemented on 1 October, purchasers will be footing additional bills that they simply can’t afford and it could have an impact on supply.”

“Every cost in construction is passed on to the purchaser and threaten the feasibility of new projects, especially with the largest interest rate rises in a decade.”  

“If the Government is serious about delivering 314,000 new homes over the next five years, they need to defer the implementation of BASIX,” Mr Farlow said.

REMEMBERING THE VETERANS OF THE KOREAN WAR

Tomorrow we mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, and commemorate the sacrifice of the Australians who served.

Beginning on 25 June 1950, the Korean War saw North Korea (People’s Democratic Republic of Korea) launch an invasion of South Korea (Republic of Korea) in an attempt to unify the country under its communist government.

The Australian Government was one of 21 member countries to send personnel in support of the South in an attempt to unify the country between 1950 and 1953.

The Australian military served with distinction during the War and, while tomorrow will mark the end of the fighting, Australian forces remained in Korea in a peacekeeping role until 1957.

Approximately 18,000 Australian military personnel served during the Korean War and the post-armistice phase, including the Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army.

The demilitarised zone that was established as part of the Armistice agreement still exists today as North and South Korea remain in a state of war.

More than 350 Australians lost their lives, more than 1,200 were wounded and 30 taken prisoner. More than 40 Australians are still listed as missing in action in Korea.

For veterans and their families, this anniversary may be a challenging time. I encourage veterans and families who may need support to reach out and access the services available.

For more information about Korean Veterans’ Day and the Korean War, visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ Anzac Portal.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Seventy years after the armistice that marked the end of the Korean War, we reflect on those who served in our name with valour and with honour.

They showed a spirit and strength of character that was often tested, but never found wanting.

We hold on to their names, we remember their courage, and we give our thanks to them all.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh said:

“True to the ode ‘lest we forget’, rather than being ‘the forgotten war’, today we honour the Australians who served with distinction in the Korean War for their freedom, especially those that paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

“I am honoured to be representing Australia in South Korea to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, to those whose scars remain some 70 years later and to acknowledge all those still missing in action. They will not be forgotten.

SENATE INQUIRY INTO ADHD CARE TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING IN PERTH

As the Senate inquiry into Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Assessment and Support Services in Australia enters a critical phase, a groundbreaking public hearing is scheduled to take place in Perth on Monday, 24th July. 

The hearing will provide a platform for West Australians with lived experiences of ADHD, ADHD advocacy bodies, First Nations organisations, healthcare professionals, and education advocates to present crucial evidence to the committee.

Approximately one million people in Australia are directly impacted by ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disability that is often misunderstood that can cause significant impairment and dysfunction in the lives of those affected. 

Senator for WA Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens spokesperson on Disability Services, Health and Mental Health said:

“People with ADHD have been left behind in this country for far too long. Over the past year of engaging closely with ADHDers, I’ve heard countless stories of people experiencing barriers around cost, wait time and stigmas associated with seeking ADHD assessment and support services.

“I am proud to be bringing the committee to WA. It’s clear that too many people in our community can not afford a diagnosis, and if they can, they’re being met with closed-books and long waitlists. The wait times are deplorable, and are leading to significant impacts on the quality of life for so many West Australians. 

“Particularly concerning is the impact on children and their families, with some children waiting up to two years to see a paediatrician to begin their journey of an ADHD diagnosis and support. 

“We are hearing from the community that more supports are needed following a diagnosis; including the need to have healthcare funded through Medicare and support hours available through the NDIS. 

“The goal of this inquiry is to create community-led recommendations that address the common barriers people encounter while seeing ADHD assessment and care. As this crucial inquiry advances, I remain optimistic that the committee’s findings will pave the way for a more accessible and compassionate system that benefits all ADHDers.”

MURRAY NEEDS ACTION, NOT DELAY

Responding to the announcement that the Murray Darling Basin Plan will not be delivered on time, Greens spokesperson for Water and the Environment, South Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“We need a plan for action, not a plan for delay to save the Murray Darling.

“The failure to deliver the Murray Darling Basin Plan on time is a broken promise to every South Australian and risks breaking our river Murray.

“Years of rorts, water theft and delays under the Liberal-Nationals had left our precious river in a precarious position. The Albanese Government had promised to deliver the Murray Darling Basin plan on time and in full.

“For years upstream states and big cotton have dragged the chain on ensuring South Australia gets the water it needs and has been promised.

“Our Murray needs an urgent recommitment to action not a go-slow on saving the River.

“Delaying further action on the plan for three more years is simply not an option if we want to preserve our river and the ecosystems that depend on it.

“We are in a climate crisis and facing what experts predict will be another summer of extreme heat. We cannot afford to delay the actions we know are urgently needed to protect our river.

“The Albanese Government needs to stand up to the big irrigators and the upstream states and deliver on the water that was promised for South Australia and for the environment.

“With Labor Governments in every Basin state, it’s time for real action to protect our river and to finally deliver the Murray Darling Basin Plan in full, including the 450gL for South Australia.

“The Greens are willing to work with the Government on reforms that are needed to ensure that more water is delivered but we cannot support continuing to kick the can down the road. We need a plan to deliver the water before the next election.”

City of Newcastle develops environmental roadmap to help combat climate change 

Net zero carbon emissions, renewable energy initiatives, more cycleways, connected wildlife corridors and sustainable construction materials are part of how City of Newcastle (CN) intends to create an environmental legacy for future generations.

The vision has been outlined in CN’s draft Newcastle Environment Strategy, which will be tabled at Tuesday’s Council meeting ahead of a proposed four-week public exhibition period.

Designed around the three priority areas of climate change, nature-based solutions and the circular economy, the Strategy sets out a 10-year environmental roadmap for a sustainable Newcastle, with 15 key actions identified to be delivered within the first four years.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Strategy would ensure CN continues its decades-long action and advocacy to protect and improve our environment.

“Newcastle has a well earnt reputation as a leader in local government when it comes to protecting our precious natural environment, while also investing in progressive actions to ensure our city is more sustainable,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Since the watershed Pathways to Sustainability international conference held in Newcastle in 1997 under the leadership of former Lord Mayor Greg Heys, we have recognised that we must take local action towards addressing global environmental challenges.

“Through this Strategy, we are sending a message to our community that we remain strongly committed to protecting and enhancing Newcastle’s natural environment today, and for future generations of Novocastrians.”

The Strategy is based on a shared community vision for our environment, having been informed by more than 4,500 pieces of feedback from over 2,600 community members and environmental experts received during the Community Strategic Plan engagement program.

It sets out the initial actions to be delivered by CN or in partnership with state and federal governments, business and the community by 2027.

This includes transitioning CN’s vehicles, plant and equipment to electric-powered or low emissions alternatives and expanding our urban forest to create connected green corridors for iconic, threatened and pollinator species.

Other actions include working in partnership with local traditional custodians to integrate indigenous knowledge into the way we care for and manage our land, and increasing the use of recovered materials and sustainable product alternatives in CN operations and construction works.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the Strategy provides a definitive roadmap for achieving our progressive environmental ambitions.

“Through our Newcastle Environment Strategy, we will become an even more sustainable city, where we value our natural environment and continue to take decisive action to respond to challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and the overuse of resources,” Cr Clausen said.

“With its accompanying delivery plan, we have identified clear and tangible actions that will allow us to achieve net zero emissions, build resilience to climate change in our community, infrastructure and natural areas, and transform our city through circular economy solutions.”

The Newcastle Environment Strategy will be delivered in conjunction with CN’s Our Sustainable Waste Strategy, Newcastle Transport Strategy and On Our Bikes Cycling Plan and is currently supported by the Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2021-2025.

Pending approval from Councillors at Tuesday’s meeting, the draft Strategy will be placed on public exhibition for four weeks before returning to Council later this year for adoption.

Community members will be given the chance to comment on the Strategy via the Have Your Say page on CN’s website and will be invited to enter a free photography competition designed to capture the different ways people value Newcastle’s environment.

Planning gets underway for new public high school at Medowie

The Minns Labor Government has taken an important step in the planning for a public high school in Medowie, opening an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to locate the most appropriate site for the school.

The EOI campaign launches today and will close on the 30 August 2023.  Local landholders will have an opportunity to put forward possible locations for the high school, in addition to the land on Ferodale Road currently owned by the Department of Education.

The Medowie community has been waiting decades for a high school and this announcement goes a long way in making it a reality.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car and Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington today visited Medowie Public School to outline the next steps for the community’s new high school.

The site selection process is underway, which considers a range of factors, including site size, location, environmental reports and travel considerations for the future school community. 

After the site is determined, the project will progress to master planning, concept design, and community and stakeholder engagement planning stages.

The new high school at Medowie will provide modern flexible classrooms, a library, school hall, outdoor play and sports areas, and administration space to support the growing community.

It is one of multiple major school projects currently in progress in the Hunter region to accommodate expected population growth in the area.

Upgrades are being delivered at Hunter River High School, Irrawang High School and Muswellbrook South Public School. Planning is underway for the new Newcastle Education Campus and the redevelopment of Gillieston Public School, as well as a new public school and high school in Huntlee.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“I’m excited to announce that the process to identify a suitable site for this much-needed new high school is underway. It is important that we explore all options to ensure we choose the best possible site for future students.

“The new school will mean families can be assured their children will have a place at a local public school. Students will have a shorter, easier daily commute. Most importantly, a new connected school community will be able to grow and thrive in Medowie.

“The Hunter is one of the fastest growing regions in New South Wales, and the work and planning we are doing is vital to support the current and future needs of students in the community.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“Our community has been waiting a very long time for this day, and it has finally arrived.

“This is the first step in delivering a public high school in Medowie, which we all know is desperately needed and long overdue.

“The Minns Labor Government was only formed 4 months ago, and we’re already getting on with the job of delivering for our community here in Port Stephens.”

Sydney confirmed to host simply the best NRL Grand Final

The 2023 NRL and NRLW Grand Finals will be played in Sydney on Sunday 1 October following an agreement reached between the NSW Government and the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC).

The Grand Final will be played at Accor Stadium, Olympic Park, with Sydney retaining its traditional role as the home of the competition decider.

Grand Final tickets are expected to be in hot demand, with the 2023 NRL competition one of the closest in history and the NRLW competition going from strength to strength with 4 new teams added this season.

Tickets to rugby league’s ‘big dance’ go on sale on Wednesday 2 August.

Sydney continues to build its credentials as the major events capital as the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 progresses towards the final at Accor, the Sydney Marathon’s candidacy to become a World Marathon Major and 3 UFC mega Pay Per View events.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:

“We all love a Grand Final, but this event has become so much more, making a big social and economic contribution to the state.

“This event attracts thousands of fans from interstate and overseas who also visit Sydney’s many attractions, enjoy shows and arts, eat and drink in our world-class restaurants, supporting jobs in the visitor economy.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Sydney is the nation’s birthplace of rugby league and the heart of its passionate fans, so it is fantastic the NRL and NRLW Grand Finals are remaining in their home place once again.

“Rugby league fans will flock to Sydney and Accor Stadium will be abuzz with a capacity crowd of 82,500 on Grand Final day.”

ARL Commission Chair Peter V’landys said:           

“We have worked closely with the NSW Government to reach an agreement for the 2023 Grand Final. I’d like to thank Premier Chris Minns and Ministers Steve Kamper and John Graham who have taken a pragmatic approach to reaching an agreement for this year’s Grand Final. We have a great partnership with the NSW Government and we are grateful for their support of rugby league.”

NSW and Australian governments hold roundtable on future of rail manufacturing

The NSW and Australian Governments are today holding a joint roundtable on the future of rail manufacturing, bringing together more than 100 of the most important and influential representatives of Australia’s rail manufacturing industry.

An initiative of the NSW and Australian Governments, this is another step in the process of mapping out a plan to restore and strengthen this critical industry in NSW and across Australia.

The roundtable will include a wide range of representatives including rollingstock manufacturers along with small- and medium-sized businesses and unions involved in the wider rail manufacturing supply chain.

It will also involve academics, companies involved in research and development, along with transport and infrastructure department representatives from the Commonwealth, NSW and other states.

The Minns Labor Government will use the roundtable as an opportunity to hear directly from the rail manufacturing industry about what is working while also discussing barriers to further industry investment.

NSW supports the development of a nationally-coordinated approach to rail manufacturing, supporting the development of a sustainable, ongoing work-stream for industry.

NSW will work with the Australian Government, industry and other states to see where we can put aside state rivalries and work together in the national interest.

When the Australian rail manufacturing industry is strong, the NSW rail manufacturing industry has a better chance to thrive.

The NSW Government welcomes the national coordination and leadership the Australian Government is providing in this space.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“This is a critical first step on the path to our commitment to build the next generation of trains that replace the Tangaras here in NSW.

“The only way we can rebuild our NSW rail manufacturing industry in a sustainable way is if we work with the Federal Government on a coordinated, national approach.

“We make some of the best trains in the world.

“This important work will give our companies and workers the best chance to compete with their overseas rivals.

“I want to thank Assistant Minister Ayres and the Albanese government. Today is a really good start.”

Assistant Federal Minister for Manufacturing Senator Tim Ayres said:

“We want trains and rollingstock that are built and designed in Australia for Australian conditions.

“After countless bungles under the previous state government, NSW is now heading in the right direction. I commend the Minns Government for their commitment to build the next generation of trains locally.

“The National Rail Manufacturing Plan is the key component of the Albanese government’s plan to see more trains built and designed by Aussies.

“Our plan will ensure the sector is better placed to take advantage of the upcoming opportunities in rail procurement by driving a more nationally coordinated approach to rail manufacturing, to provide the certainty industry needs to invest in Australia.”

NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“After 12 years of a Liberal government that abandoned manufacturing in NSW, it’s critical that the industry has confidence we are serious about repairing the damage they did. Bringing the industry together like today sends that message loud and clear.

“And just as importantly, it lets us hear directly from the industry and their supply chains about what’s working, as well as the barriers to further industry investment.

“Those insights will directly influence how we will approach the procurement of trains in NSW.”

$10 million boost to prepare for bushfire season

Hazard reduction burns are underway across the state as rural firefighters try to take advantage of favourable conditions to help keep local communities safe ahead of the 2023–2024 bushfire season.

Only 20% of planned hazard reduction burns were able to be completed during the past year due to the prolonged wet weather and severe flooding across large areas of NSW.

The NSW Government and its fire services are working to complete as much hazard reduction as possible with a $10 million program to develop a statewide mobile workforce to accelerate this critical work ahead of the coming fire season.

The funding will enable the Rural Fire Service (RFS) to employ an additional 100 mitigation crew members to carry out vital hazard reduction and mitigation works in identified high-risk areas of the state.

The extra mitigation crew members will be based mainly in regional areas of NSW to help take advantage of every possible opportunity to conduct hazard reduction work.

The crews will help prepare areas for hazard reduction, such as preparing trails and establishing control lines, and assist with burns during the week when volunteers may not be as readily available.

The Bureau of Meteorology has declared an El Nino Alert, meaning a likely return to hot, dry and windy conditions this summer. Under these conditions, NSW can expect a return to a more traditional fire season compared to the last 2 summers which have been extremely wet.

The roles will include a mix of casual and temporary roles, starting with existing RFS members who are trained and able to travel to any part of the state where hazard reduction is taking place.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“With warm, dry conditions expected to return in coming months, we are potentially looking at a serious fire season and it’s important we do everything we can to support our fire services and land managers to prepare.

“Due to recent rain over the past few months, we are facing a significant backlog in hazard reduction burns, so we need to accelerate our efforts heading into the next fire season and these additional crews will help make a difference.

“It is important to plan ahead and come up with a proactive approach to maximise our narrow window for hazard reduction, as a result of unfavourable weather conditions.

“We are implementing a range of hazard reduction options, this is just one way we can complement existing efforts and enhance our ability to respond to future fires.

“I want to thank our hard-working RFS mitigation crew members and volunteers for their efforts as they work hard to keep each of us safe.”

Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers said:

“With the change in weather systems seeing an end to frequent rain and the return of dry, windy conditions, we need to get our teams out there doing hazard reduction burns at every opportunity.

“Over the last 3 months, almost 55,000 hectares of work has been completed, work critical to protect more than 50,000 properties and safeguard lives.

“There is plenty more to be done and this boost in mitigation personnel will enable even more vital work to be undertaken.

“While we are doing what we can, home and property owners also need to assess what they can do to prepare for the upcoming fire season as well.”

Donate life: it takes just 1 minute to become an organ donor

People across NSW are being urged to “donate a minute, donate a lifetime”, because 1 minute is all it takes to register as an organ and tissue donor.

Anyone aged 16 and over can register online to become an organ donor in just 1 minute at donatelife.gov.aulaunch, or with 3 taps in the Medicare app.

For those who think they’re already registered, it takes just 1 minute to double-check.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said DonateLife Week is the perfect time to consider becoming an organ and tissue donor.

“NSW has the highest rate of registrations on the Australian organ donor registry but opportunities for transplants are often missed because families are uncertain of their loved one’s wish to be a donor,” Mr Park said.

“Organ donation saves lives and increasing awareness and consent is critical to lifting our donation rate.

“There are around 1800 people on the organ waitlist and to help them we need more Australians to register and tell their families they want to be a donor.”

A total of 54,769 NSW residents registered as organ and tissue donors in 2022, bringing the total number registered to 2,670,875.

Around 42% of the NSW population has registered to be a donor, well above the national average of 36%.

In Australia, families are always asked to support someone’s decision to be a donor before donation goes ahead.

Families are much more likely to agree if their loved one is registered and they knew their loved one wanted to be a donor.

The NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service will officially launch DonateLife Week on Monday at Campbelltown Hospital.

The South-West Sydney Local Health District, which includes Campbelltown and surrounds, has one of the highest end-of-life notification rates in NSW, which helps identify potential donors.

Local MP and Member for Camden, Sally Quinnell, said every Australian can make a difference by choosing to become an organ donor and telling their family of their wish.

“One organ donor can save up to 7 lives, along with helping many other people through the gift of eye and tissue donation,” Ms Quinnell said.

New data from the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR) reveals the top 5 local government areas in NSW where the most people are registered as donors:

  • Bellingen – 61%
  • Blue Mountains – 60%
  • Mosman and Weddin – 59%
  • Kiama, Lockhart, Ballina, Eurobodalla, Murrumbidgee, Yass Valley and Bega Valley – 58%
  • Edward River, Federation, Lake Macquarie and Lismore – 57%.