Month: November 2024

Greens pledge to fight PFAS & plastics

Plastic production makes up 45% of the petrochemical sector which is expected to drive half the world’s oil demand growth between now and 2050, according to the International Energy Agency.

Action on waste is action on climate, yet the Albanese government is refusing to take this seriously. Australia needs legislation and regulation that tackles plastic waste and Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) at the design stage, instead of waiting for the pollutants to be created, only to then figure out how to manage or repurpose them.

That’s why the Greens have today announced plans to ensure big producers of plastics are forced to clean up the mess they make, and take a design-first approach to waste that bans the most toxic plastics and all PFAS pollutants.

Greens spokesperson for Waste and Recycling, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:

“Plastic pollution is no longer some faraway problem floating out in a distant ocean. Toxic and dangerous plastics are now found everywhere, and people are increasingly clued into the fact most are cooked up in a lab from oil-based chemicals. Make no mistake, plastics and PFAS are fuelling the climate crisis.

“It’s farcical that big corporate producers and retailers of toxic plastics and plastic packaging currently have no obligation to take responsibility for the products they unleash into the world. Successive federal governments have disgracefully allowed big plastic producers to set their own voluntary plastic waste reduction targets they’ve had no intention of meeting without any penalties or threats of regulation – it’s got to change.

“The big producers of plastics and PFAS have had their chance to clean up their act and they haven’t. Our planet is now sick and our communities are suffering. It’s beyond time for mandated plastic waste reduction schemes and action that tackles the most harmful plastic pollutants at the design stage.”

Greens candidate for Macnamara, Sonya Semmens:
 

“The dolphins in Port Phillip Bay have the highest reported PFAS levels in the world. It’s not surprising when you understand the amount of plastic rubbish and wastewater that washes onto the beach. I know I’m not the only parent wondering what the health risks are for kids
and families swimming in the bay.

“To end this plastic pollution, we need to change the system that creates it. Australia desperately needs legislation and regulation that tackles plastic waste and PFAS at the design stage instead of waiting for the pollutants to be created, only to then figure out how to manage or repurpose them.

“We know that action on waste is action on climate, yet the government is refusing to take this seriously. Other countries started phasing out PFAS years ago and Australia now risks becoming the global dumping ground for products containing these insidious chemicals.

“Labor and the Liberals have both failed to protect communities across the nation from plastic waste and PFAS. We can’t keep voting for these same two tired parties and expecting a different result – Australia needs change now, and we need more Greens in parliament to
make it happen.

“Cleaning up our Bay and waterways won’t happen overnight, but the first step is to vote for someone who is fighting for it.”

The Greens plan for plastics, packaging & recycling:

  • Implement a national ban on the most harmful single-use plastic items to ensure a federally consistent approach across Australian jurisdictions;
  • Deliver a mandated packaging product stewardship scheme (extended producer responsibility scheme) that brings Australia into line with international best practice;
  • Legislate to make adoption of Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) mandatory on all consumer packaging;
  • Invest $500 million over five years into building infrastructure and deploying innovative technologies to increase recycling rates in Australia. This includes investment to build secondary markets for recycled materials.

The Greens plan for PFAS & forever chemicals:

  • Act immediately to ban all types of forever chemicals (PFAS) in all uses. This will include, but not be limited to, bans for PFAS use in consumer packaging, agrichemicals/pesticides and cosmetic products;
  • Take a design-first approach to management of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and PFAS by regulating out harmful chemicals and other contaminants in packaging;
  •  Implement standardised national frameworks for acceptable levels of all POPs and compounds – especially PFAS – in the creation of organic compost;
  • To support food waste recycling and to relieve current pressures on the waste and resource recovery sector to manage PFAS, the Greens will work with industry and stakeholders to develop a timeline to remove contaminants from compostable food packaging.

2024 Lima APEC Leaders’ Summit

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has joined with leaders from across the region in Lima, Peru for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

APEC is the leading economic and trade forum for our Asia-Pacific region.

Keeping trade free, fair and open benefits all Australians. One in four Australian jobs are related to trade, and around 75 per cent of Australia’s total trade is with APEC members.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Albanese called for further regional economic cooperation and progress towards digital trade, which will make trade faster, easier and cheaper for businesses and consumers.

Leaders discussed the transition to net zero, with Prime Minister Albanese sharing Australia’s ambition to become a renewable energy superpower and highlighting the economic and job opportunities this will present.

Prime Minister Albanese joined leaders to endorse the 2024 APEC Leaders’ Declaration that advances inclusive and interconnected trade initiatives. The declaration sets out APEC’s work in trade facilitation, services trade, digital trade, agricultural sustainability, and gender equality and inclusion.

In the sidelines of the APEC Leaders’ Summit, the Prime Minister met with Peruvian President Boluarte, Indonesian President Prabowo, and Singaporean Prime Minister Wong.

The Prime Minister will now travel to Brazil for the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“With one in four Australian jobs connected to trade, forums like APEC are vital to keep trade free and open.

“Australia is committed to working through APEC to achieve strong, sustainable and inclusive growth.

“I congratulate Peru and President Boluarte on a successful APEC and look forward to working closely with the Republic of Korea as host of APEC in 2025.”

Man fatally stabbed – Hamilton

A man has died following a stabbing in Newcastle this morning.

About 2.40am (Sunday 17 November 2024), emergency services were called to Beaumont Street, Hamilton, following reports of a stabbing.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and found a man, believed to be aged in his 20s, with stab wounds.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man before he was taken to hospital, where he later died.

The man is yet to be formally identified.

Police have established a crime scene and commenced an investigation, with the assistance of the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

Beaumont Street is closed between Tudor and Donald Street, with motorists and pedestrians advised to avoid the area.

Anyone with information about the incident, was in the area at the time – or has dash cam or mobile phone footage is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

$125 million to support the Pacific’s renewable energy transition

The Albanese Government is partnering with Pacific nations to improve energy security and scale up energy grid transition with a $125 million investment in renewable energy.

At COP29, Australia announced the funding which comprises a $75 million investment through the REnew Pacific program and $50 million through the Australia-Pacific Partnership for Energy Transition (APPET) program.

Delivered by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, the ‘REnew Pacific’ program will help deliver off-grid and community scale renewable energy in remote and rural parts of the Pacific.

The program will enable lighting, access to water, improved agriculture, better food security, quality education and health services, reliable communications connectivity and enhanced incomes.

The $50 million APPET funding responds to Pacific priorities to capture more of the benefits of renewable energy investments. This may include energy transition modelling, grid studies, renewable energy project feasibility studies, university collaborations and other activities to support energy transition progress.

It will support the skills and training needed to grow the Pacific’s renewable energy workforce and provide practical, Pacific-led support to Pacific governments and energy operators.

Australia recently announced an additional $9 million contribution to the Pacific Regional NDC Hub, which is designed to respond to Pacific requests for support on a range of climate activities.

Funding for APPET and the contribution to the Pacific Regional NDC Hub is being made available by repurposing funds from the Indo Pacific Carbon Offset Scheme (IPCOS), an initiative of the former Government. Existing bilateral commitments made under IPCOS will be honoured where they remain relevant.

Further information can be found on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water’s website.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong

“Supporting Pacific nations’ transition to renewable energy and away from imported fossil fuels will enhance economic resilience, improve energy security and help them meet their climate goals.

“Addressing climate change is a key priority for the Pacific, and the Albanese Labor Government is working hard to restore Australia’s climate leadership at home and abroad.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen

“Climate change is no longer an abstract concern, it’s a reality and an existential threat for Pacific nations. Australia is working with our Pacific neighbours to strengthen their energy security and accelerate the renewable energy transformation across our region.

“Each step we take to fight climate change is a step back from the brink, and Australia is dedicated to working with our Pacific neighbours to make sure our next steps are the right ones.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy

“The five-year REnew Pacific program shows our commitment to bringing affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy to remote and rural communities in the Pacific region.

“This will help improve living standards and create jobs. We are strengthening the region’s climate resilience through inclusive development and support its energy transition.”

Greens pledge to fight PFAS & plastics

Plastic production makes up 45% of the petrochemical sector which is expected to drive half the world’s oil demand growth between now and 2050, according to the International Energy Agency.

Action on waste is action on climate, yet the Albanese government is refusing to take this seriously. Australia needs legislation and regulation that tackles plastic waste and Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) at the design stage, instead of waiting for the pollutants to be created, only to then figure out how to manage or repurpose them.

That’s why the Greens have today announced plans to ensure big producers of plastics are forced to clean up the mess they make, and take a design-first approach to waste that bans the most toxic plastics and all PFAS pollutants.

Greens spokesperson for Waste and Recycling, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:

“Plastic pollution is no longer some faraway problem floating out in a distant ocean. Toxic and dangerous plastics are now found everywhere, and people are increasingly clued into the fact most are cooked up in a lab from oil-based chemicals. Make no mistake, plastics and PFAS are fuelling the climate crisis.

“It’s farcical that big corporate producers and retailers of toxic plastics and plastic packaging currently have no obligation to take responsibility for the products they unleash into the world. Successive federal governments have disgracefully allowed big plastic producers to set their own voluntary plastic waste reduction targets they’ve had no intention of meeting without any penalties or threats of regulation – it’s got to change.

“The big producers of plastics and PFAS have had their chance to clean up their act and they haven’t. Our planet is now sick and our communities are suffering. It’s beyond time for mandated plastic waste reduction schemes and action that tackles the most harmful plastic pollutants at the design stage.”

Greens candidate for Macnamara, Sonya Semmens:
 

“The dolphins in Port Phillip Bay have the highest reported PFAS levels in the world. It’s not surprising when you understand the amount of plastic rubbish and wastewater that washes onto the beach. I know I’m not the only parent wondering what the health risks are for kids
and families swimming in the bay.

“To end this plastic pollution, we need to change the system that creates it. Australia desperately needs legislation and regulation that tackles plastic waste and PFAS at the design stage instead of waiting for the pollutants to be created, only to then figure out how to manage or repurpose them.

“We know that action on waste is action on climate, yet the government is refusing to take this seriously. Other countries started phasing out PFAS years ago and Australia now risks becoming the global dumping ground for products containing these insidious chemicals.

“Labor and the Liberals have both failed to protect communities across the nation from plastic waste and PFAS. We can’t keep voting for these same two tired parties and expecting a different result – Australia needs change now, and we need more Greens in parliament to
make it happen.

“Cleaning up our Bay and waterways won’t happen overnight, but the first step is to vote for someone who is fighting for it.”

The Greens plan for plastics, packaging & recycling:

  • Implement a national ban on the most harmful single-use plastic items to ensure a federally consistent approach across Australian jurisdictions;
  • Deliver a mandated packaging product stewardship scheme (extended producer responsibility scheme) that brings Australia into line with international best practice;
  • Legislate to make adoption of Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) mandatory on all consumer packaging;
  • Invest $500 million over five years into building infrastructure and deploying innovative technologies to increase recycling rates in Australia. This includes investment to build secondary markets for recycled materials.

The Greens plan for PFAS & forever chemicals:

  • Act immediately to ban all types of forever chemicals (PFAS) in all uses. This will include, but not be limited to, bans for PFAS use in consumer packaging, agrichemicals/pesticides and cosmetic products;
  • Take a design-first approach to management of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and PFAS by regulating out harmful chemicals and other contaminants in packaging;
  •  Implement standardised national frameworks for acceptable levels of all POPs and compounds – especially PFAS – in the creation of organic compost;
  • To support food waste recycling and to relieve current pressures on the waste and resource recovery sector to manage PFAS, the Greens will work with industry and stakeholders to develop a timeline to remove contaminants from compostable food packaging.

$52 million extra to help Byron’s disaster recovery

More than $52.5 million in additional disaster recovery funding has been approved by the Albanese and Minns Governments to help the Byron Shire Council restore damaged road infrastructure.

The funding, provided through the jointly-funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, will go towards restoring the slope at multiple locations and repairing the culvert at Coopers Lane.

Funding received will be used to repair landslips on: Coolamon Scenic Drive (two locations), Left Bank Road (two locations), Wilsons Creek Road (three locations), Coopers Creek Road (two locations), Goonengerry Road, Frasers Road, The Pocket Road (three locations), Tristran Parade, Huonbrook Road (five locations), Johnsons Road (four locations), Dry Creek Road, Main Arm Road, Monet Drive, St Helena Road, Wanganui Road, and Possum Shoot Road.

These repairs will help ensure that communities in the Byron Shire can access safer and more resilient roads.

Eight packages of funding have been approved for this work and range in value from $506,000 to $15.89 million.

Because of the volume of work, repairs will be carried out over a number of years.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister:

“The 2022 floods had an enduring impact on the community of Byron Shire.

“We’re restoring roads across Byron Shire to help families stay connected and help businesses access roads they can rely on.

“We’re working with all levels of government to help local communities not only recover but rebuild for the long term.”

Federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot:

“We know how important it is to keep communities connected during and after natural disasters.

“These roads upgrades across the Byron Shire are about building back better, by repairing the damage and ensuring locals can access safer and more resilient roads.

“I’m proud to be part of the Albanese Labor Government, delivering this joint investment with the NSW Minns Labor Government to continue disaster recovery in the Byron Shire.”

NSW Minister for Planning, Paul Scully:

“We saw how heavily impacted parts of the Byron Shire have been by weather events in recent years so this investment is important.

“These works on multiple sections of road in the Byron Shire will be welcome and will help restore normal travel routes around the area.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“We know the NSW North Coast is vulnerable to severe weather events, and this funding will help Byron Shire Council carry out the necessary repairs to get them back on track.

“This funding will enable Council to get on with the vital work of restoring the local roads that people use every day to travel to work and education, see their families and get to medical appointments.

“Working together across all levels of Government, we are ramping up investment to help communities remain connected or re-connect faster following a severe weather event.”

NSW Member for Lismore and Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Janelle Saffin:

“I know that my Parliamentary colleague State Member for Ballina Tamara Smith will also welcome funding for extensive restoration works to improve resilience of Byron Shire roads within both of our respective electorates.

“I am very pleased to be part of a government making a significant investment in better road safety for local residents and visitors who use these roads on a daily basis.”

Duty MLC for Ballina, Emily Suvaal:

“It has been great to work with the Member for Lismore and Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Janelle Saffin, to help secure this funding.

“Working cooperatively within and across all levels of government is how we get things done.”

Byron Shire Council’s Manager of Infrastructure Recovery, Phil Warner:

“We want to be up front with our communities, who are obviously eager for repair work to be completed. It’s fantastic that we’ve received funding to do these important repairs but in some cases it will take us several years before we complete the work.

“This is because we need to plan the work, get it approved, and secure materials and people to do the work.

“We thank the community for their continued patience and will keep everyone updated on the timeframes for each of the repairs.”

New information to support strata communities and assist with property owner strata debt

Understanding how strata communities operate becomes easier from today, with the NSW Government launching a guide to support the 1.2 million residents living in strata properties such as apartments, townhouses, and duplexes.

The Strata Living Guide has been updated following consultation that has incorporated the community’s feedback and responses.

The Guide will give strata property owners and prospective buyers clear advice in plain English on a range of topics aimed at improving decision-making in strata communities.

The new Guide has practical ‘how to’ information for those living in strata properties, such as how to run strata meetings and other key strata processes, how to manage strata finances, and how to raise issues.

The guide also helpfully suggests ways to go about getting things done such as regular or emergency repairs and approvals for renovations, resolving disputes, and managing relationships with the owners’ corporation and strata manager.

The Guide also highlights the strata law changes coming into effect in February 2025, which expand and strengthen strata managing agents’ disclosure obligations to owners, including reforms to make insurance arrangements more transparent.

NSW Fair Trading is also releasing information for strata property owners, and owners’ corporations, about options available when owners are having difficulty paying their strata levies on time, without compromising the financial viability of strata schemes. 

Proposed legislation to be introduced to Parliament next week will make strata management practices around levies clearer, such as improving levy notice information and fairer conditions for payment plans.

This includes levy notices being accompanied by information encouraging early action by lot owners in financial hardship, and information about how to contact the National Debt Helpline.

To access the Strata Living Guide and other resources to help strata property owners, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/strata

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The Minns Labor Government is continuing to improve the regulatory framework we need to build better homes and communities for the people of NSW.

“The Strata Living Guide provides clear advice to people living in the 86,000 strata schemes in NSW which will help them govern their strata schemes constructively and effectively.

“The Guide will also help strata communities to engage in collective decision-making that serves their community’s best interests.

“Strata debt is a growing issue in the community with the amount of money owed to strata title creditors in insolvencies climbing.

“That is why we are introducing new legislation that will give strata property owners and strata corporations a clear path when managing strata levy debt in the best interests of all parties.”

Flythrough video brings Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment to life

A new flythrough video has been released showcasing the $438 million Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment, providing the community with a virtual tour of the new 7-storey hospital building and campus. 

The Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment is set to transform healthcare services across the region, delivering modern health facilities and expanded health services for communities across the South Coast. 

 The virtual tour brings to life the new acute clinical services building, revealing a modern, patient-centred design with spacious waiting areas, comfortable treatment rooms, and a green landscape that promotes healing and wellbeing. 

 The new acute clinical services building includes a new emergency department, intensive care unit, double the number of operating theatres and endoscopy rooms, a dedicated cardiology inpatient unit, and a new rooftop helipad. 

 The hospital will also feature an increase in aged care capacity including a sub-acute geriatric evaluation and management service, dedicated palliative care facility, and specialist rehabilitation unit, ensuring it meets the growing demands of the Shoalhaven and surrounding regions.  

Work on the Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment is progressing well, with the new seven-storey acute services building on track to be completed in 2026. 

Watch the flythrough video via the project page. 

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering contemporary, fit-for-purpose hospitals and health facilities to support the healthcare needs of our growing local communities.

 “The Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment will provide the majority of emergency, critical care, acute, subacute and non-admitted services locally, reducing the need to transfer patients to Wollongong and Sydney.

“The floorplans and hospital design have been informed by extensive feedback from staff and the community including access for patients and visitors, café services, landscaped areas and connections to nature.”          

Member South Coast, Liza Butler:

 “This virtual tour of the Shoalhaven Hospital Redevelopment is providing staff, patients and the community the opportunity to see what the new acute clinical services building will look like when complete.

 “This is a really exciting time for the community who will be able to experience how the Shoalhaven Hospital health services will work together on one site and become a health hub for the entire region.”  

$250,000 to upgrade hospital surgical equipment in Deniliquin

The Deniliquin community will benefit from a $250,000 funding boost from the NSW Government to upgrade health facilities in Murrumbidgee Local Health District.

The Minns Labor Government is investing a total of almost $12 million in 61 projects as part of the Regional Health Minor Works Program.

As part of the program, Deniliquin Hospital received $250,000 to purchase two surgical suite pendants. These pendants allow for easier access to medical gases and general surgical equipment, complementing recent enhancements to the hospital’s theatres.

In addition to the $250,000 investment in upgrades at Deniliquin Hospital the Minns Labor Government is also investing $250,000 in Young Hospital. This investment at Young will be used to upgrade operating theatre equipment.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The NSW Government is committed to investing in upgrading health facilities to support better health outcomes for rural and regional communities.

“The Rural Minor Works Program will allow Murrumbidgee Local Health District to upgrade surgical equipment at Deniliquin Hospital to enhance the working environment for health staff and improve patient experiences.

“The Program is one of a number of investments the Minns Labor Government is making to strengthen rural and regional health services, so people have access to the best possible care close to home.”

Member for Murray Helen Dalton:

“This $250,000 investment in Deniliquin Hospital helps to ensure our regional and rural communities receive the best possible healthcare closer to home.

“This new equipment at Deniliquin Hospital will help to ensure clinical staff continue to offer high quality and timely care to patients.”

Outback rest area upgrade improving safety

A rest area upgrade delivered by the Minns Labor Government in Outback NSW has been completed, with motorists and heavy vehicle operators benefiting from a more comfortable space to take a rest and manage fatigue risks.

The Gilgunnia Goldfields Rest Area, about 109 kilometres south of Cobar on the Kidman Way, was given a $255,000 makeover to bring it up to modern standards.

A key feature of the upgrade was the installation of a modern flushing toilet to replace the waterless composting toilet that had been in place for many years.

Other work included drainage improvements and pavement upgrades in the truck parking bay, plus a fresh coat of paint on the water tank.

Redundant facilities including a non-working barbecue, a cage and a disused water tank will be removed in coming weeks.

To help motorists plan their journeys and breaks, a map showing the location of roadside rest areas is available on the Transport for NSW website – https://maps.transport.nsw.gov.au/egeomaps/rest-areas/index.html

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Long distances are a fact of life for people travelling in western NSW and managing fatigue is vital for road safety.

“Providing clean modern rest areas with toilet facilities like the one at this rest area is one way the Minns Labor Government can encourage motorists to take proper rest breaks which can save lives.”

Access to clean, modern rest areas is vitally important both for their comfort and the opportunity to take a short break from driving.

“We are proud to be investing in long overdue upgrades to rest areas which will help ensure all road users have a decent place to stop, revive and survive at while embarking on their journeys.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“The Kidman Way is a key freight route for transporting livestock, produce and other goods interstate, and is also a popular route for tourists exploring western NSW.

“The Gilgunnia Rest Area is an important part of Cobar’s rich history and the upgraded amenities are important for not only safety, but for tourists and locals alike. Cobar has long been advocating for this upgrade and it is pleasing to see funding being directed to where it is needed and wanted.”

Labor’s spokesperson for Barwon Stephen Lawrence MLC said:

“I am thrilled to see the Minns Labor Government is investing in upgrades to regional rest stops.

“This is important investment because we know having good amenities in remote rest stops can be the difference between life and death in helping long distance drivers better manage their fatigue.”