Liberal candidate for Bega, Dr Fiona Kotvojs, welcomed the Perrottet Government announcement of additional rent relief for small businesses across the region.
The Government has extended its rent relief regulation until March 13, giving local small businesses an additional two months of rent relief to help deal with the COVID-19 challenges.
Dr Kotvojs said that many local businesses are going through tough times, and the Government assistance will help them keep going.
“It’s been really encouraging to see commercial owners and tenants working together through these challenges. I particularly want to recognise the way that the local business community have been working constructively together to overcome all of the challenges created by the pandemic and keep local jobs going.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said it was a difficult time for many businesses and this extension will provide much-needed support for small commercial and retail tenants to keep their doors open over the coming weeks and months.
“Small business is the engine room of our economy and we need to make sure we support impacted businesses through this latest Omicron wave,”
Mr Kean said. “With staff shortages and reduced foot traffic, many businesses are struggling at the moment but the ability to negotiate rent will give them a buffer so they can keep the lights on now and recover more quickly.”
Minister for Small Business Eleni Petinos said eligibility for rent relief would remain unchanged.
“We know that rent is one of the biggest fixed costs for small businesses and this measure will provide crucial support helping them get through the next couple of months,” Ms Petinos said.
Commercial and retail tenants will be eligible for the rent relief if they have an annual turnover of less than $5 million and continue to meet the eligibility criteria for JobSaver or the Micro-business Grant, had those programs continued.
Landlords of tenants that have received protections for any period under the Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2022 are prohibited from evicting their tenants for certain breaches of the lease, without first attending mediation.
NSW landowners will also have more time now to apply for land tax relief, with applications extended until 28 February for eligible commercial and residential landowners.
Eligible landlords can access the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund, which provides small commercial or retail landlords with a monthly grant up to the value of any rental relief provided, to a maximum of $3,000 per month per property.
Eligible landlords can access the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund, which provides small commercial or retail landlords with a monthly grant up to the value of any rental relief provided, to a maximum of $3,000 per month per property.
To find out more about land tax relief: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/applycovid–19–land–tax–relief
To find out more about the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/commercial–landlord–hardship–fund–guidelines
For more on the rent relief extension, go to: https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/gethelp/covid–19/commercial–leases–and–covid–19–faqs
Author: admin
Booster doses to be brought forward
Millions more people in NSW are now eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccination after NSW Health brought forward the interval between doses by a month.
State-run vaccination clinics will begin offering COVID-19 booster vaccinations three months after people have received their second dose from Friday January 21.
The change from a four-month interval to three months means there are now an additional 3.55 million people in NSW who can book in for their third dose of vaccine.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said being triple vaccinated offers extra protection against the effects of the Omicron variant.
“The advice is clear – getting boosted means there’s less chance you’ll get the virus and, if you do, the effects are generally much milder,” Mr Perrottet said.
“That’s why we are offering more people the opportunity to get the booster sooner.
“I urge everyone who is eligible to get boosted to do so as soon as possible. This will help to protect our older population, as well as vulnerable members of the community.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said there are more than 40 state-run vaccination clinics spread throughout NSW as well as mobile outreach locations that these clinics visit.
“Along with public health safety measures including wearing masks indoors, working from home where practicable, not singing and dancing and minimising the size of gatherings in homes, the other big protection is getting a booster vaccination. Being able to get that booster at 3 months after your second dose gives the opportunity to be much safer, much sooner,” Mr Hazzard said.
“In addition to the state facilities opening at three months for boosters, individuals can still attend with their GPs or pharmacies when the Federal Government authorises them to provide boosters at three months, in due course.”
NSW Health Deputy Secretary Patient Experience and System Performance Susan Pearce, who leads the NSW Health vaccination rollout, said the change to the vaccine schedule in NSW will help people maintain a high level of protection against the COVID-19 virus.
“As we face into the challenges brought of the Omicron variant, a booster dose will ensure people have increased immunity, and a lower risk of requiring hospital treatment,” Ms Pearce said.
NSW Health has delivered a total of 440,681 third/booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines in support of the Federal Government’s vaccine program.
NSW Health is contacting people who are registered in the NSW Health vaccination booking system with a reminder text message.
NSW Health clinics offer Pfizer or Moderna vaccines to people aged 18 years and over.
Eligible people can also receive a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine from their GP and participating community pharmacies.
A booster vaccination can be booked through the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder.
CCTV images released as shooting investigation continues – Hunter region
Strike force detectives have released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to as inquiries continue into the shooting of another man in the state’s Hunter Region early last year.
About 10.45pm on Tuesday 9 March 2021, emergency services were called to a property on Golden Whistler Avenue at Aberglasslyn, following reports a man had been shot in the abdomen.
Police were told the injured man – aged 34 – was assaulted by two men, before being shot in the stomach by a third.
The injured man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being airlifted to hospital. He has since been released.
Detectives attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established Strike Force Pedvin to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Investigators have since charged two men – aged 26 and 34 – in relation to the shooting; both men remain before the courts.
As inquiries continue, police have released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to as part of ongoing investigations.
The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 175cm to 180cm tall, of medium build, with short dark cropped hair and distinctive tattoos on his neck, left arm, left leg and right hand.
He was wearing a black t-shirt with printed logo on the front, green shorts, joggers and sunglasses.
Anyone who may recognise this man, or who may have additional information which could assist strike force detectives, is urged to contact Raymond Terrace Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Man wounded during armed robbery – Morpeth
Police are investigating an armed robbery where a man was wounded in the Hunter early this morning.
About 5.15am (Thursday 20 January 2022), three men entered a grocery store on Swan Street, Morpeth, and approached the tills.
The group began removing cash from the drawers before the employee, a 47-year-old man, approached the trio and challenged them.
One of the men struck the employee with an unknown object. All three fled the scene a short time later in a white sedan.
The injured man suffered a wound to his abdomen and was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and established a crime scene.
As inquiries continue, detectives are urging anyone who may have dashcam footage from the Morpeth area between 4.50am and 5.30amto contact Raymond Terrace Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
New $10m training centre for health students in Central Queensland
Locals interested in a health care career will soon be able to study in the Central Highlands of Queensland, with the Federal Coalition Government today announcing a University Department of Rural Health (UDRH) will be established in Emerald.
The Nationals in Government are providing $10 million to James Cook University (JCU) to establish the UDRH, which will offer education and training for allied health students to train locally.
The new facility will also improve the distribution of health workforce in the region, and provide more access to healthcare professionals for local patients.
During a visit to Emerald today, Federal Regional Health Minister, Dr David Gillespie and Member for Flynn, Ken O’Dowd said the new centre would be a boon for regional Queensland.
“The establishment of the Central Queensland Centre for Rural and Remote Health (CQCRRH) in Emerald will build on their success with educating students in regional, rural and remote locations and give students access to tertiary education and training locally,” Mr O’Dowd said.
“We know people who study and have a positive training experience in the bush are more likely to stay and practice in the bush.
“By establishing these outreach university departments, the Liberal and Nationals Government is demonstrating its commitment to the health of every Australian, regardless of where they live.”
Minister Gillespie, a former regional doctor for more than 30 years, said this new campus was the 17th UDRH in regional Australia but only the 3rd in Queensland.
“Our Government is acutely aware of the need to boost regional workforce and training opportunities, which is why we focus on establishing these UDRHs where there are gaps in what health care training people can access locally, Dr Gillespie said.
CQCRRH will firstly establish training sites in Emerald and service-learning outreach in the surrounding Gemfields regions, strongly focused on primary care.
“Initial courses planned for rollout include nursing, first and final years of pharmacy, occupational therapy, entry to practice psychology, and a Diploma of Education,” Mr O’Dowd said.
Dr Gillespie said the UDRH will be locally led, and expansion beyond Emerald to Biloela is already planned for 2023.
Mr O’Dowd said it was pleasing that JCU will purchase housing in Emerald to provide accommodation facilities for allied health, nursing, midwifery, and dental students from other areas to undertake clinical placements locally.
Dr Gillespie said the $10 million was provided under the Coalition Government’s Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) program.
“Right across regional Australia, the RHMT program offers health students the opportunity to train in rural and remote communities via a network of training facilities,” he said.
The new UDRH will also undertake targeted enrolment, mentoring and support strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students; build Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership roles in RHMT activities and will contribute to improved local health outcomes of rural and remote communities, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Community invited to comment on ambitious shared vision for Newcastle
Newcastle will be a liveable, sustainable and inclusive global city in 2040 under an ambitious long-term vision developed with the community.
City of Newcastle engaged with more than 5000 people during the development of the draft Community Strategic Plan, Newcastle 2040.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was important to understand the community’s vision for the future of Newcastle and how it relates to the policies and projects being delivered during the next decade and beyond.
“Newcastle 2040 has been developed in consultation with the community over a period of 12 months and represents the collaboration of thousands of interactions, including face-to-face conversations, workshops, surveys, online feedback, advisory committees and stakeholder engagement,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Through this extensive community consultation, we have developed four key themes that reflect the aspirations and values of our community, which are underpinned by our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“The priorities and objectives contained within this plan will enable us to celebrate our unique city, protect our natural assets, optimise opportunities, build resilience, champion inclusion and encourage innovation and creativity.
“The next decade is set to be an exciting and rewarding time for all of us as Newcastle grows from a great regional city to an emerging global city.
“Newcastle 2040 represents the highest level of strategic planning carried out by Local Government. It will guide our project delivery plans and annual budgets over the next decade and beyond as we work together to help make Newcastle a better place to live, work and enjoy.”
The draft plan’s four key themes are: Liveable Newcastle, Sustainable Newcastle, Creative Newcastle and Achieving Together – each of which have been expanded to include a range of priorities and objectives.
Cr Nelmes said the delivery of Newcastle 2040 will require shared decision-making and collaborative partnerships with government agencies, non-government organisations, business and the local community.
The community are being invited to provide feedback on the draft plan from today, after Councillors voted on Tuesday to place it on public exhibition for 28 days.
Visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay to comment on the draft plan.
A Community Strategic Plan is required to be prepared every four years and must be adopted by June 30 of the year following a local government election.
Major construction of Western Harbour Tunnel to begin in mid-year
Construction of the Western Harbour Tunnel will begin within months, after a $722 million contract was awarded to deliver the first stage of tunnelling.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the joint venture between John Holland and CPB will build about 1.7 kilometres of tunnels from Rozelle to Birchgrove.
“This is a critical milestone which will support hundreds of jobs and ensure significant benefits for drivers, including improved travel times and reduced congestion,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The tunnel will not only revolutionise how we get around Sydney but also take the pressure off other major roads including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor.”
The Western Harbour Tunnel will link WestConnex at Rozelle with the Warringah Freeway at North Sydney via 6.5 kilometre tunnels under Sydney Harbour, with three lanes in each direction.
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the new tunnel is part of a major infrastructure boost to expand our motorways and serve our growing city.
“We all want to have the quickest and smoothest journey possible and this terrific project will slash travel times from one side of the harbour to the other,” Mrs Ward said.
“You’ll save up to 20 minutes in a journey from Sydney Olympic Park to North Sydney and up to 15 minutes from North Sydney to the airport at Mascot.”
It’s estimated the new tunnel will reduce traffic on the Western Distributor by 35 per cent, Harbour Tunnel by 20 per cent and Harbour Bridge by 17 per cent.
Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said that early works, including geotechnical investigations into the detailed tunnel design, will start this month.
“Major construction will begin in the middle of this year and I know drivers can’t wait to reap the rewards of this much-needed additional harbour crossing,” Ms Wilson said.
John Holland and CPB are currently delivering the Rozelle interchange as part of WestConnex, with the new Western Harbour Tunnel contract ensuring a seamless continuation of tunnelling work already underway.
Man critically injured following stabbing; man arrested – Muswellbrook
A man remains under police guard after another man was seriously injured following a domestic-related stabbing incident in the state’s Hunter Region overnight.
About 9.20pm (Tuesday 18 January 2022), emergency services were called to Brooke Street, Muswellbrook, following reports a 47-year-old man had been stabbed to the neck.
The injured man drove himself to Muswellbrook Hospital, before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where he remains in a critical but stable condition.
Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and established a crime scene, as detectives commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Following inquiries, investigators attended Hunter Terrace, Muswellbrook, about 2am (Wednesday 19 January 2022), and arrested a 53-year-old man.
He was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station before being transferred to John Hunter Hospital for treatment, under police guard.
Inquiries are continuing.
GIANTS & NETFIT Taking Netball to Regional NSW Communities
The GIANTS are excited to get their 2022 season off to a blistering start through an exciting new partnership with digital and physical activation community NETFIT Netball, which will see them taking netball to regional communities in NSW with an innovative new concept, partnered by Origin Energy.
NEON NETFIT is the brainchild of former GIANTS netballer and NETFIT founder Sarah Wall, with her former GIANTS teammate and NETFIT NSW Manager Taylah Davies leading these high-energy programs throughout the State.
The event will comprise a 90-minute glow in the dark netball focused workouts for 12+ year old attendees, while adopting a “festival” style approach to netball with participants receiving a training t-shirt, glow in the dark wristband, ticket to a GIANTS home-game and 6-month access to the NETFIT App plus on-site activities all for just $50.
GIANTS Netball Executive General Manager Tim Underwood is keen to continue to build on both the on-court and off-court success of the club in 2021 and is excited to continue that momentum with NETFIT through this off-court initiative.
“GIANTS Netball places a high-value on the role that our regional communities play in supporting both grassroots and elite netball and we’re excited to be able to take this concept to different parts of NSW.
“I see this [partnership] as being a perfect blend of visions as we roll these programs out with NETFIT and two former GIANTS players Sarah & Taylah.
“They were both there with us in our inaugural season and are two passionate GIANTS and netball people.”
The support of Origin Energy has been crucial in allowing this Regional Roadshow to enter so many local netball communities, as they continue to show their support for netball.
In addition to their naming rights partnership of the GIANTS Netball Regional Roadshow, Origin Energy continue to be a great friend of netball and community sport with their sponsorship of Netball Australia, the Origin Australian Diamonds as well as sponsoring seven of the eight Super Netball teams.
“Origin understands the important role that sport plays in local communities and we were excited at the prospect of supporting a project that saw this event enter regional areas, often starved of these kinds of opportunities,” said Brand Communication Manager at Origin Energy, Matt Hunt.
“Origin Energy is proud to support young Australian netballers from the very first time that they step onto the court, all the way through to representing the famous Origin Australian Diamonds.
“And I believe that this partnership fully demonstrates that commitment.”
Former elite netballers Sarah Wall and Taylah Davies are delighted to be able to get back out into the community following an interrupted 2021 through the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Local netball is the heartbeat of so many communities and as a country girl myself, I’m so excited that we can offer NEON NETFIT through the Regional Roadshow to so many young girls and boys who might not traditionally receive these opportunities in their towns,” said NETFIT Owner Sarah Wall.
NETFIT’s NSW Community Manager Davies added whether it be getting to Armidale, Tamworth, Narrandera or Orange, we’re so excited to be able to get on the road and spark up the court at night as we celebrate netball and the fantastic season that the GIANTS are working towards.
GIANTS Netball are excited to hit the road and light up NSW with 16 Regional Roadshows being rolled out in the upcoming months.
Greens Call on McGowan to prioritise prevention, financial and health supports before opening up.
The Greens (WA) are committed to ensuring everyone is able to access health supports when they need it.
The Greens (WA) are calling on the WA State Government to commit to providing people with more support before opening up Western Australia to interstate and international visitors.
The 11 point plan, announced by Australian Greens Health Spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John and Greens (WA) Health Spokesperson Brad Pettitt MLC, will ensure everyone is able to access prevention measures, and the financial and health supports they need to recover from COVID-19.
The plan includes:
- Rapid antigen tests (RATs) and N95 masks are readily available to households including through an online ordering system, with delivery to home, or collection from GP or pharmacy.
- State Government to urgently provide First Nations communities with the resources and funding needed to address issues around vaccine supply, distribution, hesitancy and education. All solutions must be led by communities and elders, not the police or the Australian Defence Force.
- Increased community health campaign to ensure as many people as possible are able to receive their vaccinations, including First Nations people, children, and disabled people.
- State Government to ensure all households receive clear communication on how to prepare for and look after yourself and others when diagnosed with COVID-19.
- State Government to provide payments to support people to remain in isolation while awaiting the result of a PCR test, and after testing positive to a PCR test or RAT ($320 while awaiting the result, and $320 after testing positive).
- State Government to provide lost income support to individuals who do not have access to leave arrangements while recovering from COVID-19 ($500 per 7 days required to isolate) and release details of WA’s small business assistance grant.
- State Government to provide payments to individuals to support them if they are required to quarantine out-of-home.
- Grants to businesses to improve ventilation (including installing fans and carbon dioxide monitors) and installation of HEPA filters.
- WA Health to provide support for those who experience long COVID, including the establishment of specialist post-COVID clinics to bring together a range of healthcare professionals, and increased provision of allied health services.
- WA Health to continue to list exposure sites and have a RAT reporting system, including positive cases confirmed by RAT in daily numbers.
- Funding to ensure that COVID positive asymptomatic carers, including in aged-care and disability care, are not required to care for non-COVID positive people (can care for COVID positive people).
Senator Jordon Steele-John said:
“The Greens are committed to equitable access to healthcare. The WA State Government must be committed to ensuring everyone is able to access masks and rapid antigen tests. We cannot have the situation that has been unfolding over east, where only the rich are able to access basic preventative health supports.”
“Our Greens plan would give everyone a payment of $320 if they test positive to COVID-19. This is an acknowledgment of the increased costs that come with a positive diagnosis, including delivery costs of food and medicines.”
“We are also calling on the WA Government to commit to keeping up contract tracing systems, and ensuring that asymptomatic COVID positive carers will not be permitted to care for people who do not have COVID-19. This practice has put many disabled people, older people and immunocompromised people at risk over east.”
Brad Pettitt MLC said:
“This plan is an opportunity to use WA’s record $5.6 billion budget surplus to invest in our community and ensure everyone has access to the supports they need to stay safe from COVID-19.
“Doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals have said repeatedly that WA hospitals are already overwhelmed. We must provide support for people to be able to isolate and best manage COVID-19 from home where possible.
“What’s happening over east right now could very likely play out in WA. Medical experts are telling us that our health system is not equipped to deal with the wave of COVID-19 that is inevitably coming.
“We are now less than three weeks away from WA opening its borders. If WA is unable to address the massive RAT shortages, get more kids aged 5 to 11 vaccinated, and put COVID financial supports in place before 5th February, the border opening date should be delayed.”