BUSHFIRE SURVIVORS CALL FOR URGENT ACTION ON STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 

Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action (BSCA) today welcomes the release of the State of the Environment report, and calls on the government to act urgently to cut emissions and keep our regional communities safe.

Australians are facing an increasingly high bushfire-risk environment that is driven by climate change. Bureau of Meteorology data shows there are 10 times more extreme fire danger days than there were in the 1960s.

BSCA president Jo Dodds said the report underscored the importance of making deep emissions cuts this decade.

“Our regional towns deserve safety and security,” Ms Dodds said. “We need to stop burning coal, gas and oil to reduce the risk of bushfires and other extreme weather events.

“I know too well what it’s like to experience the effects of a climate change-fuelled emergency, and call on our leaders to invest in solutions to reduce emissions – we know this will help keep our regional communities safe while also supporting their economic growth.”

City of Newcastle optimises kerbside collection schedule to accommodate housing growth

Household bin collections are set to change for some properties across Newcastle to enhance service and processing efficiency at the kerbside.

The revised schedules will take effect from Monday 1 August, with about 20% of households experiencing a switch in the week their recycling and garden organics bins are collected. Two thousand Rankin Park and Wallsend residences will also be assigned a new service day.

City Wide Services Director Alissa Jones said the updated schedules will allow City of Newcastle to provide an optimised collection system that caters for the ongoing population growth being experienced across the city and particularly in the western suburbs.

“City of Newcastle is committed to meeting the needs of our city’s growing population, which has increased by around 14 per cent during the past decade and is forecast to pass 200,000 residents by 2041,” Ms Jones said.

“Amending our waste collection routes now will provide better outcomes for our existing customers while also future-proofing the efficiency and reliability of our kerbside service as waste needs continue to grow across the city and especially in our western suburbs, with an additional 4,000 homes anticipated in Fletcher, Minmi, Elermore Vale and Rankin Park alone by 2041.

“Changing service weeks, and in some cases service days, will allow for a more even spread of kerbside bins that require emptying throughout the week. This will help our collection crews provide a more reliable and punctual service to all residents across Newcastle.”

The revised collection routes have been modelled on the current and future waste needs across the city as well as customer feedback regarding service and processing efficiency to provide a more resilient and robust service for all residents.

The changes will apply to properties in parts of Adamstown, Beresfield, Blackhill, Elermore Vale, Hamilton East, Hamilton South, Jesmond, Maryland, Mayfield, Mayfield West, Merewether, New Lambton, New Lambton Heights, North Lambton, Rankin Park, Tarro and Wallsend.

Affected households will receive a letter this fortnight explaining the changes and their new collection schedules.

Residents can also look up their address on the City of Newcastle website at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/collection-days to find out if and how the changes apply to them.

Households retaining their existing collection schedule may notice a change in the time of day their bins are serviced, therefore it remains important that all residents have their bins on the kerb by 5am on collection day.

Premier’s mission to give NSW a head-start with key regional trading partners

Premier Dominic Perrottet will lead a trade mission to Japan, India and Korea, with a packed agenda that firms up new agreements, reboots our visitor economy and international education sectors, and drives investment in priority growth sectors like clean energy production, where NSW aspires to be a global leader.

The trade mission takes advantage of NSW’s economic resilience through the COVID-19 pandemic to give the state a head-start in attracting new investment as international markets reopen.

“The pandemic has slowed global trade relations, but NSW is open for business and we have pressing trade and investment opportunities with key regional partners,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This trade mission will reaffirm critical international relationships and progress important agreements, to give our state a critical advantage in attracting investment in future growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing and green hydrogen production.

“These are the economic opportunities that will create high quality jobs for current and future generations, but only if we seize the moment and secure international investment right now as global trade starts to fire up again.”

The mission will take place from July 21-29, taking in Japan (Tokyo and Hiroshima), South Korea (Seoul) and India (Mumbai and Bengaluru). This will be the first overseas visit for Mr Perrottet in his capacity as the state’s leader, and the first overseas visit for a NSW Premier since the pandemic forced international border closures.

Mr Perrottet will be joined by Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport, and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres for the Indian leg of the visit.

Mr Ayres will lead a new annual trade delegation of government officials and industry representatives to bring NSW businesses to India to promote NSW exports and grow business partnerships.

“NSW has a strong economic and cultural relationship with India. We are home to the largest Indian population in Australia, India is our third-largest source of international students and is our fastest growing tourism market with Indian visitors spending an estimated $444 million in 2019,” Mr Ayres said.

“With the signing of an historic new trade agreement earlier this year, a new direct airline service between Sydney and Southern India, the return of international students and increased investment, NSW is poised to make the most of the immense opportunities between our two nations.”

Boost for after hours care sites in NSW public schools

NSW students and families will have better access to before and after school care than ever before with 44 new hubs to be rolled out in schools across the state over the next 12 months.
 
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the purpose-built sites known as “hubs” were part of the NSW Government’s $40 million commitment to create more out of school hours care (OSHC) places.
 
“We’ve delivered 47 hubs already and will roll out more than 90 in total around the state, providing facilities for up to 4,800 students,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
“Every hub includes a play space, offices, toilets and kitchens, allowing students to enjoy a safe and fun environment, whilst providing parents with the flexibility they need.
 
“The NSW Government is focused on supporting working families and helping to cut waiting times in areas of high demand with 19,420 additional before and after school care places created since 2019.”
 
Ten of the latest hubs have been temporarily redistributed to the North Coast to assist with flood recovery and provide accommodation for dislocated OSHC and preschool services.
 
The NSW Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, a program of $17.7 billion in public education infrastructure.
 
Schools with completed OSHC Hubs:
 

  1. Anna Bay Public School
  2. Austral Public School
  3. Bathurst Public School
  4. Baulkham Hills North Public School
  5. Beaumont Hills Public School
  6. Bletchington Public School
  7. Brighton Le Sands Public School
  8. Burwood Public School
  9. Calare Public School
  10. Camden Public School
  11. Carlingford Public School
  12. Crestwood Public School
  13. Cronulla Public School
  14. Eglinton Public School
  15. Epping Public School
  16. Ettalong Public School
  17. Faulconbridge Public School
  18. Glendore Public School
  19. Gulgong Public School
  20. Gymea North Public School
  21. Haberfield Public School
  22. Heathcote Public School
  23. Hinchinbrook Public School
  24. Jasper Road Public School
  25. Jerrabomberra Public School
  26. Kariong Public School
  27. Kellyville Ridge Public School
  28. Kelso Public School
  29. Macarthur Girls High School
  30. Madang Avenue Public School
  31. Mawarra Public School
  32. Molong Central School
  33. Murray Farm Public School
  34. Newbridge Heights Public School
  35. Newington Public School
  36. Northbridge Public School
  37. Northmead Public School
  38. Quakers Hill East Public School
  39. Ringrose Public School
  40. Rosemeadow Public School
  41. St Andrews Public School
  42. Tamworth South Public School
  43. The Oaks Public School
  44. Thornton Public School
  45. Valentine Public School
  46. Wellington Public School
  47. Winston Heights Public School

Anniversary of the downing of Flight MH17

Australia is steadfast in our enduring commitment to seek truth, justice, and accountability for the victims of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.

Today marks the eighth anniversary of the tragedy which resulted in the deaths of all 298 passengers and crew, including 38 people who called Australia home.

Our thoughts remain with those who lost their lives, their families and loved ones.

Since 2018, Australia has maintained that the Russian Federation is responsible under international law for the downing of Flight MH17. This is based on the strong body of evidence presented by the Joint Investigation Team.

Australia and the Netherlands are committed to our pursuit of accountability through our dispute against the Russian Federation in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

We commend the progress in the Dutch criminal trials of four individuals for their alleged involvement and look forward to the delivery of verdicts.

Australia condemns Russia’s unilateral, illegal, and immoral aggression against the people of Ukraine. It is a painful reminder of the tragic circumstances surrounding the downing of Flight MH17.

While we cannot take away the grief of those whose loved ones died as a result of Russia’s actions, the Australian Government will pursue every available avenue to ensure Russia is held to account.

MEETING OF NATIONAL CABINET

Today the National Cabinet met virtually to discuss the evolving situation with the COVID 19 pandemic and agreed several new measures.

The Commonwealth and all States and Territories remain committed to working together collaboratively to support the COVID-19 health response, as Australians continue to manage the impacts of this pandemic.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly provided an update on the pandemic, including new variants and their potential impact, and the impacts on hospital capacity and broader health system. Australia is beginning to see a new wave of COVID-19 infections driven by the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sub variants, which will increase the pressure on our health system.

In recognition of the risks associated with more infectious new variants through the winter period, the Commonwealth agreed to reinstate the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment to 30 September 2022. Eligibility for the payment will be backdated to 1 July 2022, to ensure that anyone unable to work owing to isolation requirements in this period, without access to paid sick leave, is supported. Access to these payments will commence from Wednesday 20 July, with existing eligibility requirements to continue.

We have agreed to share the costs of the payment 50:50, between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories.

In addition the Commonwealth Government will also reinstate the Crisis Payment – National Health Emergency (COVID-19) until 30 September 2022, with eligibility also to be backdated to 1 July 2022. This will ensure people affected by COVID-19 isolation requirements who receive an income support payment or ABSTUDY Living Allowance, and who are in severe financial hardship, continue to receive support through the winter period.

The Commonwealth has further agreed to create a new, temporary telehealth item so GPs can spend longer with their patients to assess their suitably for oral COVID-19 antivirals. This will enable those most vulnerable to COVID-19 to quickly access medical treatments and help ease the burden on hospitals.

State and Territory Premiers and Chief Ministers also shared updates from across each jurisdiction, including noting initiatives such as increasing access to supplies of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs).

All First Ministers agreed:

  • Jurisdictions will utilise existing RAT stocks funded through 50/50 cost share arrangements with the Commonwealth to support the public health response.
  • Jurisdictions and the Commonwealth will provide consistent health messaging encouraging Australians to follow the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee’s recommendations on health behaviours including wearing masks indoors, getting tested and practising good respiratory hygiene.

The National Cabinet remains committed to working together on national priorities, including supporting all Australians impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. National Cabinet will continue to meet as necessary.

Small Business Flood Grant now open

Small businesses and not-for-profit (NFP) organisations affected by the June-July severe flooding and storms can now apply for up to $50,000 in support through Service NSW.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the grant would provide a much-needed lifeline to small businesses who have been hard hit by the floods across the 37 natural disaster-declared local government areas.
 
“These floods have had a devastating impact on communities across Greater Sydney, the Illawarra, Central Coast and Hunter, and we are doing everything we can to ensure businesses and not-for-profits get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local communities and this package is designed to provide immediate support to help business owners recover and keep their business going.
 
“Customer care specialists are available to assist if customers are having difficulty providing the necessary documentation or are not sure if they are eligible, and successful applicants should expect to see funds in their accounts within five business days of approval.”
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the grant is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments and can go towards the clean-up, repairs, re-stocking and reopening.
 
“Payments of up to $50,000 can go towards the cost of safety inspections, building repairs, cleaning equipment, materials needed to resume trade, disposing of debris and spoiled stock, or leasing temporary space,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“Some small businesses have been impacted by flooding four times in 18 months, which is why we’re making sure the application process is as straightforward as possible so that support can flow quickly.”
 
Fraudulent applications will not be tolerated. As evidenced during the flood financial support made available by the NSW Government earlier this year, fraud wastes valuable assessment time and delays the time it takes to pay applicants who genuinely need assistance.
 
To see if you are eligible for the June and July Storm and Flood Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant, visit the Service NSW website. 
 
Businesses that would like to be connected with support can register for a call back from Service NSW’s Business Concierge here, or call 13 77 88 for assistance.

Unemployment in NSW at a record low

The NSW unemployment rate has reached a record low for the third time this year, falling 0.7 percentage points to 3.3 per cent in June.
 
It is the State’s lowest monthly unemployment rate since current records began in 1978. About 26,000 extra people were employed in jobs in June in NSW and hours worked in NSW also rose by 1 per cent.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said these outstanding figures are the result of the NSW Government’s strong economic management and show the underlying strength of the State’s economy after more than $53 billion was committed for COVID-19 support and stimulus since March 2020.
 
“NSW has done it again. Three record low unemployment rates this year despite the challenges of floods and ongoing COVID outbreaks,” Mr Kean said.
 
“The NSW Government’s tailored support measures throughout bushfires, floods and COVID outbreaks are helping NSW achieve a jobs boom.
 
“The NSW labour market is in a very strong position and our record low unemployment rate of 3.3 per cent is well below the national rate.”
 
Mr Kean said the unemployment rate underscores the importance of enabling every person who wants to work to be able to do so.
 
“That’s why our Budget included $5 billion over 10 years to fund affordable, accessible childcare to unlock the potential for more women to participate in the workforce,” Mr Kean said.
 
The reforms would enable up to 95,000 more women to enter the workforce or take on more hours by 2032-33.
 
Employment in NSW is now 158,600 above its pre-COVID level and 117,300 above its pre-Delta level.

Construction starts on bigger, better emergency department

The New South Wales and Victorian governments are working together to build a new emergency department and short stay unit at Albury Wodonga Health’s Albury campus to meet the future health needs of the community.
 
Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas joined NSW Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor and Member for Albury Justin Clancy today to turn the first sod on the $36 million project, marking the start of construction on the new emergency department.
 
Mrs Taylor said the strong relationship between the NSW and Victorian governments delivering the project will help ensure the Albury-Wodonga community receives the world-class healthcare it deserves close to home.
 
“We’re here today to mark the beginning of construction on this important project which, once complete, will double the capacity of Albury Wodonga Health’s emergency department,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“The new emergency department includes 42 treatment spaces, a specialised resuscitation hub, paediatric treatment area, acute treatment area, and multiple triage rooms with their own accompanying waiting rooms.”
 
Additional ambulance bays, X-Ray and CT scanning spaces, behavioural assessment rooms and private family consult rooms are also included in the project.
 
The NSW Government has provided $30 million towards the new state-of-the-art Emergency Department, with the Victorian Government providing $6 million.
 
Ms Thomas said the project is being delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) in partnership with local builder Joss Group and Albury Wodonga Health. It will create and sustain more than 100 local jobs during peak construction.
 
“The Victorian Government is providing $6 million towards the project through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund to build a 16-bed short stay unit which will help reduce wait times in the emergency department, so local patients can get the very best care, sooner.”
 
“The emergency department expansion is being delivered in two stages. The first stage will deliver the new emergency department and is on track to be completed in late -2023. The second stage of the project will deliver the short stay unit in mid-2024.”
 
“Each project stage is receiving input from staff and the emergency department team, who are developing a new model of care. This includes increased staff numbers, a specialist and multi-disciplinary team approach and the early, appropriate clinical streaming of patients for the best care,” Ms Thomas added.
 
Mr Clancy said Albury Hospital is not an old hospital but the growing regional population and increasingly complex health needs have meant a much larger, more modern emergency department is needed to serve the border community.
 
“I am pleased the NSW and Victorian governments are working together to deliver this project which will provide substantial improvements on the current facility not just in terms of capacity but through more sympathetic streaming of patients to improve our experience at the ED,” Mr Clancy said.
 
“I thank NSW Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor and Victoria’s Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas for coming to Albury today to announce that construction is beginning.”
 
The expansion will support almost 80,000 patients projected to go through the emergency department by 2031.

NSW Government steps up COVID-19 support for vulnerable communities

The NSW Government will provide free Rapid Antigen Tests to vulnerable communities and expand its existing program to include those accessing tests through the Federal Government’s Concessional Access Program, which is due to finish at the end of the month.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government is committed to making sure no one is left behind and ensuring vulnerable communities have the support they need through winter.
 
“We are making sure those people who need it most get the help they need to help keep themselves and the community safe through winter by stepping in and providing free Rapid Antigen Tests,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
Minister for Multiculturalism and Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said the expanded program would allow eligible Commonwealth Concession Card holders in NSW to access 10 Rapid Antigen Tests over three months up until 31 October 2022.
 
“The NSW Government has already been distributing free Rapid Antigen Tests to vulnerable communities, and we have the capacity to extend this to those still needing them through the Federal Government’s program,” Mr Coure said.
 
“There is no need to rush or panic about whether or not you will be able to access tests—we have enough tests to support you.”
 
The NSW Government has already made millions of Rapid Antigen Tests available to vulnerable communities, including multicultural communities, people with disability and their carers, homelessness services, social housing tenants, and children and young people in out-of-home care.
 
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the decision to expand the program to include those currently eligible under the soon to end Federal scheme, is about keeping people safe.
 
“We want to keep the pressure off the state’s most vulnerable as much as possible, and the expansion of this program is a key way for us to do that,” Mrs. Maclaren-Jones said.
 
If you are at a higher risk of severe illness, plan ahead. Speak to your doctor now about antiviral or other early treatment for COVID-19, so you understand your options if you test positive. If you are not at higher risk of severe illness, do a rapid antigen test unless you have arrived from overseas and have COVID-19 symptoms or your doctor tells you to have a PCR test.
 
Tests will be available through 210 neighbourhood and community centres located across the state. For more information and to find neighbourhood and community centres providing Rapid Antigen Tests, visit www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/rapid-tests