16 News – Page 1088 – Newcastle and Australian News

Australia secures additional COVID-19 treatments

The Australian Government has secured access to two additional COVID-19 treatments to support the National Plan to Transition Australia’s COVID-19 response, following expert medical advice.
Under a new agreement with Roche Products Pty Ltd, Australia will be supplied with 15,000 doses of the COVID-19 antibody-based therapy, Ronapreve.
First supply of this treatment is expected to be available by the end of this month through an initial shipment of 5,000 doses and will be held in the National Medical Stockpile.
Use of this treatment will occur in line with the regulatory approval by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and advice from the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce.
Ronapreve is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies – casirivimab and imdevimab. It is designed to block infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The two monoclonal antibodies bind to two different sites of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and flag the virus as ‘foreign’, prompting the body’s immune response.
Ronapreve can be administered intravenously for COVID-19 patients in a health care facility and is expected to be targeted for use in unvaccinated people who are at risk of developing severe disease. Treatment with ronapreve has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death by up to 70% in patients with confirmed COVID-19.
In addition, the Australian Government has secured access to 500,000 treatment courses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 oral antiviral drug, to be used in combination with the protease inhibitor drug ritonavir, subject to regulatory approval by the TGA.
This treatment which is still undergoing clinical trials is expected to help to reduce the severity or onset of illness in adults who contract, or have been exposed to, COVID-19. It is expected to be available over the course of 2022, subject to final clinical trials being completed by Pfizer and the necessary TGA approval process.
This oral antiviral treatment is taken every 12 hours for five days and is designed to block an enzyme the virus needs in order to multiply early in its lifecycle.
Co-administration with a low dose of ritonavir is expected to help slow the metabolism, or breakdown, of the treatment in order for it to remain active in the body for longer periods of time at higher concentrations to combat the virus.
Ritonavir has been used extensively in combination with other antivirals for other viral diseases to help slow metabolism in a similar way.
On 1 October 2021, the TGA granted provisional determination to Pfizer Australia in relation to this treatment which means that Pfizer can apply to the TGA for approval through this fast track approval process once the clinical trials are complete.
Whilst vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19 our Government continues work to ensure that Australians have early access to safe and effective treatments as they are made available. These agreements reinforces our strong response to managing COVID-19 outbreaks and ensures that Australia benefits from new pharmaceutical technologies.
As with all COVID-19 treatments, both of these medications will be rigorously assessed by the TGA for safety, quality and effectiveness before it can be registered for use in Australia.
The TGA is treating all COVID-19 treatment applications with the greatest priority as part of the Department of Health’s response to the pandemic.
Following regulatory approval by the TGA, Ronapreve will join other COVID-19 treatments including sotrovimab and remdesivir that are already available to health professionals, through the National Medical Stockpile to help treat people with COVID-19.
Australia has also secured an advanced purchase agreement for 300,000 courses of the promising oral COVID-19 treatment Molnupiravir for supply in 2022 subject to TGA approval.
These purchase agreements have been supported by the Science and Industry Technical Advisory Group, which is the Australian Government’s expert group advising on COVID-19 vaccine and treatment purchases.
Further review of the clinical guidelines for use of these treatments in Australia will be undertaken by the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce.

New payment to help women escape violent relationships

From Tuesday the Morrison Government will provide women leaving a violent relationship access to a one-off payment of up to $5,000 to help them establish a life free of violence.
Under the two-year Escaping Violence Payment trial women will receive financial assistance of up to $1,500 in cash with the remainder available for goods and services or direct payments of bonds, school fees or other support to help establish a safe home.
The UnitingCare Australia Consortium has been selected as the service provider to deliver the payments and will also support women to engage with other relevant services that support women and their children. This includes other Commonwealth or state and territory government funded community services.
Minister for Women’s Safety Anne Ruston said the payments would help address the financial barriers that may stop women leaving violent relationships.
“We know that financial hardship as well as economic abuse, which may involve interfering with work or controlling or withholding money, reduces women’s ability to acquire and use money and makes it difficult to leave violent relationships,” Minister Ruston said.
“The new Escaping Violence Payment aims to help address those issues so women have more security when making that brave decision to leave any form of intimate partner violence – including physical violence, coercive control and financial abuse.
“The payments will assist people who need financial support to leave. We know the size of the house a woman is fleeing doesn’t matter – often she bundles the kids into the car, maybe the dog too and they leave with nothing more than the clothes on their backs.
“The Morrison Government is absolutely committed to ending domestic, family and sexual violence and this new program offers another tool in the toolkit under our record $1.1 billion investment in women’s safety.”
UnitingCare Australia National Director Claerwen Little said the Escaping Violence Payment would help women to access some of the essentials needed to create a safe home and life for themselves and their children.
“The UnitingCare Network has extensive experience supporting victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence and staff would leverage that knowledge to provide a wrap-around service for women and their children,” Ms Little said.
“We believe that all people, especially women and their children, have the right to live freely and without fear, and this payment is an important step forward to ending violence against women and their children.
“As part of the individualised support packages, UnitingCare Network agencies will provide tailored assistance and engage with other relevant agencies that support women and their children including other Commonwealth or state and territory government funded community services.”
The Escaping Violence Payment is not considered taxable or reportable income and will not impact on any other social security payments a recipient may be receiving. Eligibility includes financial stress and evidence of domestic violence including, but not limited to, a referral from a family and domestic violence service provider with a risk assessment and safety plan, an AVO, court order or a police report.
Women can apply for the payment through UnitingCare Network from 19 October 2021. More information will be available at unitingvictas.org.au/escaping-violence-payment
The Escaping Violence Payment will build on and complement existing programs offered by state and territories, as well as Australian Government support offered to women experiencing violence, including:

The two-year trial will be independently evaluated to assess the benefit of the payment, including demand, eligibility criteria, needs of specific cohorts, and how it works with related services.
The $144.8 million Escaping Violence Payment trial is part of the landmark $1.1 billion women’s safety package contained in the 2021-22 Women’s Budget Statement.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au

Employment opportunities in focus as City responds to COVID-19

January 2022 will usher in a new year – and a new career – for 12 trainees, apprentices and graduates as Newcastle looks to create employment opportunities for the city’s young people as part of its response to COVID-19.
City of Newcastle will begin recruiting for its annual intake of early career positions this month, with roles available across a range of sectors including business services, customer service, greenkeeping, horticulture, conservation, metal fabrication, carpentry, civil construction and human resources.

Successful applicants will begin work towards the end of January, bringing City of Newcastle’s number of apprentices, trainees, undergraduates and graduates to forty-two.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said that as one of the largest employers in the region, City of Newcastle has an important role to play in creating career pathways and ongoing job opportunities.
“COVID-19 has been one of the most challenging periods for local jobseekers, with an economic downturn, rising unemployment levels and the restrictions put in place as part of the lockdown orders,” Cr Clausen said.
“Young people have borne the brunt of these impacts, with youth unemployment levels in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie rising to almost 20 per cent earlier this year, significantly higher than the state average.
“Supporting and creating local job opportunities continues to be an important part of our response to the pandemic.
“This includes boosting our 2021/22 works program, which will support the local economy and help create new jobs, and forging ahead with our next intake of apprentices, trainees and graduates, to ensure there are quality early career opportunities for young people available in Newcastle.
“Importantly, these positions offer a foot in the door that can lead to meaningful employment in the longer term.
“In the past 12 months we’ve been able to transition 10 of our trainees and apprentices into permanent or ongoing temporary work opportunities with us, with three of these also undertaking further tertiary studies supported by City of Newcastle. An additional four staff employed under the graduate program have also secured permanent positions.
“With more than 20 of our current apprentices and trainees under the age of 24, City of Newcastle fosters an environment where young staff can learn from experienced professionals. In return these youth employees offer us the passion and enthusiasm that comes with commencing a full-time work career.”
Tarryn Collison-Marsh was among those who made the successful transition into a full-time role this year after previously gaining an apprenticeship in Civil Construction and Road Maintenance in January 2019.
“Obtaining my apprenticeship was not only a kickstart to commence a career at City of Newcastle but also a great stepping stone for a future in the civil construction industry,” the 21-year-old said.
“I’ve learned many skills that will not only greatly benefit me in my career but also in everyday life, such as greater communication skills and the ability to complete my own projects.
“This year I commenced a Diploma in Civil Construction Design and hope to continue my work and study options with City of Newcastle to eventually achieve my goal of becoming a Civil Engineer working on major projects for the Newcastle community.”

Financials highlight cost of COVID but strong foundation holds City in good stead for future

The two-and-a-half month lockdown of Newcastle is expected to cost the City of Newcastle $8.5 million this year alone with the biggest financial hits coming from the loss of tonnages to the waste management centre at Summerhill, the temporary closure of the Civic Theatre, the closure of the Stockton Holiday Park and a reduction in the number of people using parking meters in the CBD as well as parking tickets being issued.
In an effort to stimulate the local economy as it begins the climb out of lockdown, the City of Newcastle will propose at this month’s Council meeting to increase this year’s infrastructure program by $14 million to an overall record $104.7 million.
The combination of the financial impact of the lockdown combined with the economic stimulus package is forecast to reduce the City’s operating result from continuing operations to a modest surplus of just $2.153 million.
If grants and contributions provided for capital purposes such as developer contributions, state and federal road funding programs are not included then it would be a deficit of $11.635 million.
Due to the City’s prudent management of its financial position prior to the pandemic, the additional infrastructure work can be funded from its cash reserves.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City has made a conscious decision to provide financial relief and support for vulnerable groups and business, and to expand existing services, while increasing investment in projects to stimulate the local economy and support jobs.
“The latest outbreak of COVID-19 and subsequent restrictions have placed significant strain on our community and our current budget, however as a Council we understand the importance of providing targeted responses and support for those in need,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Council unanimously voted in August to move forward with additional COVID support measures, including rapid response grants to support our vulnerable community members, business training and mentoring programs and economic development and community grants.
“We have also boosted our 2021/22 works program by more than $14 million to a record $104.7 million, which will support the local economy and help create new jobs.
“These crucial decisions were only possible due to our strong financial sustainability, a legacy of delivering six consecutive operating surpluses prior to the pandemic.”
The $8.5 million impact of COVID-19 on the City’s forecast income includes:

$2.6 million reduction in income caused by waste trucks from Sydney being locked out of the Summerhill Waste Management Centre due to the public health orders affecting the Greater Sydney region
$2 million loss of ticket sales from the closure of Civic Theatre and other City facilities
$1 million reduction in parking meter revenue
$1.3 million reduction in parking tickets
$600,000 reduction from bookings to the Stockton Holiday Park.

CEO Jeremy Bath said City of Newcastle was well-placed to weather these short-term economic fluctuations because of its strong financial foundations, while the increased works program will have far-reaching benefits.
“Just like the majority of businesses and organisations in our city and region, our organisation has been significantly affected by COVID-19,” Mr Bath said.
“We are fortunate that, despite the impacts of COVID, we have been able to manage these financial setbacks without them threatening the sustainability of the organisation or requiring us to consider other measures such as rate increases or reduced staffing levels.
“Prudent economic management has enabled us to cope with this economic downturn, while our decision to increase our works program to a record $104.7 million will stimulate the local economy, provide enhanced facilities for our community and create new employment opportunities, with every one million dollars we spend generating about 10 new local jobs.
“Importantly, the budget will continue to be fully funded from the City’s cash reserves, which have been built on the back of six years of strong financial management and surpluses.”
Mr Bath said the Long Term Financial Plan adopted earlier this year indicates that the budget will be in surplus next year and remain so for the next 10 years, allowing the City to continue to support existing services and invest in new and upgraded infrastructure to improve the livelihood and wellbeing of our community.

Residents and visitors set for one more summer splash before Newcastle Ocean Baths' upgrade

City of Newcastle Councillors will vote on Tuesday to award the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade contract with the site to close early next year and be off limits for just one summer.
Six companies submitted tenders for the Stage 1 works which were assessed against a range of criteria and a recommended construction program that would limit disruption and impact on baths users.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said having Newcastle Ocean Baths open through the upcoming holiday period would allow locals and returning tourists to enjoy the iconic pools with COVID-19 restrictions lifted.
“Newcastle Ocean Baths turns 100 next year and while this upgrade is well-needed, starting construction after this coming summer means locals who have been staying home and visitors itching to get back to Newcastle can enjoy the space over the holidays,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The upgrade to Newcastle Ocean Baths’ pools, lower promenades and pumping system is significant, which means that shutting after this coming summer it’s expected construction will continue through to Autumn 2023.
“This summer I encourage everyone to visit Newcastle Ocean Baths and enjoy this iconic local facility before it undergoes a generational upgrade and is returned improved for the community in 2023.”
City of Newcastle Acting Director of Infrastructure and Property, Joanne Rigby, said the preferred tenderer was determined after a thorough tender process involving an independent external probity advisor.
“The preferred tenderer has significant experience in large construction projects and their response to the tender demonstrated a thorough understanding of the construction requirements,” Ms Rigby said.
The City of Newcastle is committed to funding the renewal of Newcastle Ocean Baths in full and will direct the $9.5 million recovered from the sale of the Frederick Ash Building to the project. Stage 1 of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade received $3 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program.

Sporting facilities set for upgrades thanks to City of Newcastle grant funding

Sporting facility upgrades for Alder Park in New Lambton, Empire Park opposite Bar Beach, Cook Park in Shortland and Hamilton Park Tennis Club are among 59 projects awarded a combined $450,000 in funding from the City of Newcastle.
Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, who is a member of the City’s Liveable Cities Advisory Committee, said the grant funding is eligible to projects that improve sportsgrounds used by grassroots sporting clubs.
“Novocastrians love their sport, which is why City of Newcastle is committed to assisting local clubs with projects that will benefit the region’s players for years to come,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
“Grant funding provides clubs the opportunity to enhance the facilities they use on a weekly basis, without impacting upon the cost of playing.
“The injection of $450,000 of grant funding into the local economy will also assist in the creation of jobs as Newcastle recovers from COVID-19 and the recent lockdown.”
Cr-Peta-Winney-Baartz-and-New-Lambton-FC-President-Clayton-Harrison.jpg Image: Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz and New Lambton FC President Clayton Harrison at Alder Park, which will benefit from new seating thanks to City of Newcastle grant funding.
New Lambton Eagles Football Club President Clayton Harrison said that the grant funding secured through City of Newcastle’s Infrastructure Grants Program will be used to enhance spectator experience with new seating at Alder Park.
“We’re grateful for the financial support from City of Newcastle, which will allow our club to install tiered seating at Alder Park in New Lambton,” Mr Harrison said.
“The seating will not only benefit New Lambton FC spectators throughout the winter season, but also the athletics community which operates from the park during summer.”
Financial support has also been provided to Wallsend Football Club for playing surface improvements at Cook Park, Hamilton Park Tennis Club for electrical upgrades and Merewether District Cricket Club for irrigation upgrades at Empire Park.
The Community Support and Infrastructure Grants assist a wide variety of projects across diverse funding streams including arts, culture and heritage projects, environmental programs and social inclusion initiatives. Façade improvement projects and sustainability initiatives have also been funded through the program.

Tourism and events recovery turbocharged as visitor economy bounces back

More than $530 million will be invested in reviving events across the state and getting tourism back on track as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
The tourism and events recovery package includes:

$250 million for the expanded Stay & Rediscover scheme providing a $50 voucher to all NSW adults to redeem at accommodation premises across NSW;
$150 million to support the recovery of major event activity across the state including $50 million for a Regional Events Package to support major events, festivals, agricultural shows and community events across the regions.
$60 million for an Aviation Attraction Fund to incentivise international airlines to re-commence flights to Sydney;
$6 million to bring business events back to the city;
$50 million for the CBDs Revitalisation Program to support events and activations in CBDs across Greater Sydney and surrounds; and
An Event Saver Fund to provide immediate support to organisers if events are cancelled or disrupted by any public health orders during the 2021-22 summer.
$25 million for the Festival Relaunch package – to stabilise established commercial and not-for-profit festivals, big and small, so they can program with confidence into 2022/23.
$10 million for a Recovery Marketing Campaign including an extension of the successful roadtrips campaign launched in 2020

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this package would bring back tourists and supercharge the businesses and attractions that contribute $38 billion to our economy, making the state one of the world’s most popular destinations.
“Millions of people around the world dream of visiting Sydney and our regional areas. This package not only ensures they can, but that they’ll experience the very best of what we have to offer,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It’s also great news for people right across our state, reviving events and businesses and bringing our major drawcards back to life. Importantly, more than 300,000 people rely on our tourism industry and our aim is to reclaim our position as one of the world’s favourite destinations.”
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the much needed investment will help revive shuttered businesses and bring tourism providers back to their vibrant best.
“This was a one in one hundred year event which severely damaged our tourism industry, operators barely hung in there as they lost bookings, customers and staff, now as we rebuild we can do so with confidence,” Mr Ayres said.
“For our visitor economy to reach its full potential we need event owners to dream big, airlines to fly in and for locals and visitors to embrace our world class venues and hospitality with enthusiasm once again.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said getting tourism back on track and reviving the visitor economy is key to our economic recovery.
“We know NSW is the best place to live, work, learn and play, but this is about bringing visitors back, boosting business and serving up the best of what NSW has to offer to the world,” Mr Kean said.
“We want to support citizens to get out and explore their own backyard, give our events sector the confidence to get back to business and send the signal to the airline industry that NSW is and always will be Australia’s gateway to the world.”
24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said the lights of our cities have been dimmed for too long.
“Whether you are heading back to the office, in town for a show or a game, or meeting some friends for an alfresco drink, we want to make going into city centres a magical experience”.
The tourism recovery package is a key part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy.

Green light for electric vehicle strategy

Motorists in NSW are now closer than ever before to getting behind the wheel of their first electric vehicle (EV) with the NSW Government’s NSW EV Strategy legislation passing through the NSW Parliament.
The NSW Government has committed $490 million towards EVs, helping to cut taxes, provide $3,000 rebates and install ultra-fast EV chargers right across the State.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said these incentives make NSW the best place in Australia to buy and drive an electric vehicle.
“This is a comprehensive suite of measures, which ensures we have the right mix in place to boost the take-up of electric vehicles and give people access to the latest technology,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The strategy also starts us down the road of long-term tax reform as we embark on phasing out stamp duty on electric vehicles and making sure everyone who drives on our roads contributes to their funding and maintenance.”
Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean said the NSW EV Strategy is nation-leading and will ensure at least 50 per cent of new cars sales are EVs by 2030.
“To achieve net zero emissions by 2050, the majority of new cars sold in NSW need to be EVs by 2035,” Mr Kean said.
“This is the beginning of an EV revolution in NSW, with more drivers set to benefit from lower taxes and $3,000 rebates on their next EV purchase.”
“Our Strategy is all about helping more drivers to benefit from the latest and best driving technology and I welcome the cross party support for the legislation.”
Drivers who have registered a new, eligible EV after 1 September 2021 can apply for a refund of the stamp duty and one of the 25,000 rebates worth $3,000. Applications will open on 1 November 2021.
Also from 1 November, eligible electric vehicles will be able to use Transit T2 and T3 lanes until at least 31 October 2022, making travelling in an EV even easier.
Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said the EV Strategy would help to reduce air and noise pollution created on the State’s roads.
“The transport sector currently makes up one-fifth of carbon emissions in NSW, with almost half of those coming from passenger vehicles,” Mr Stokes said.
“This policy will give the green light to industry to increase model availability and cut the costs of EVs.”

Scholarships open for vulnerable youth

Some of the state’s most disadvantaged young people will be supported to achieve their academic aspirations as part of the NSW Government’s Youth Development Scholarships program.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said applications are now open for the $1,000 scholarships to students in Years 10, 11 and 12 or TAFE equivalent.
“A good education is the foundation for a better future. This program supports disadvantaged students by reducing financial barriers so they may engage in study,” Mr Henskens said.
“It is about giving young people who need support a helping hand. These scholarships will help students achieve their educational dreams.”
The program supports young people living in social housing or on the housing register, students receiving private rental assistance, or those living in supported accommodation or out-of-home care.
The funds can be used to help pay for education-related expenses such as textbooks, IT equipment and internet access.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said more than 3,300 students have been supported by the scholarship program since it was established in 2017.
“Fires, floods and COVID-19 have posed significant social and economic challenges for our communities, and have particularly affected young people,” Ms Mitchell said.
“These grants will help reduce the financial burden for more students so they can focus on their studies.”
The Youth Development Scholarships program is part of Future Directions for Social Housing in NSW, a ten-year plan to drive better outcomes for social housing tenants.
For more information on how to apply, visit Youth Development Scholarships 2022.