Research and development will become a key jobs creator in NSW as the Government launches a bold new plan to make the State an R&D world leader.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian today launched the Turning Ideas into Jobs – Accelerating Research & Development in NSW Action Plan.
The report, which was delivered to the Premier by her Parliamentary Secretary Gabrielle Upton, is the NSW Government’s first significant step towards reforming the R&D sector.
“The pandemic has reinforced to us the power of collaboration,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The private sector, academia and the NSW Government collaborated to unlock crucial supplies and to solve difficult problems on behalf of the people of NSW.
“We are now bottling that spirit of collaboration and applying it to how we support R&D across the State. This is only the start of the commitments we will be making to R&D.
“R&D will be a powerful jobs creator during our economic recovery. For every dollar invested in R&D there can be an economic benefit of 14 dollars in return.”
Ms Upton worked with an Advisory Council of eminent leaders chaired by David Gonski AC and undertook broad public consultation to finalise five priority actions.
The NSW Government has already committed $26 million from the NSW 2020/21 Budget to fund two of the priority actions in the report including launching a Small Business Innovation Research program and establishing an R&D matchmaking platform.
Ms Upton said the Advisory Council conducted extensive consultations with leaders in large, SME and start-up businesses, investors, educators, researchers and innovators across all sectors.
“Their message to our Government was the increasing need to be proactive in supporting and attracting new businesses, especially in future industries that will sustain economic growth, productivity and employment,” Ms Upton said.
“In a post–COVID-19 world, this means that the NSW Government’s record investments in ‘hard’ infrastructure such as roads and public transport needs to be complemented by strategic investment in ‘soft’ infrastructure – R&D, research translation and infrastructure – which drives these growing and emerging industries.”
Mr Gonski welcomed the report and thanked the wide range of people and organisations who contributed to it.
“This report comes at a critical time. The devastating impact of COVID-19 on investment in R&D and the downstream impacts on economic growth and job creation makes this task an urgent one,” Mr Gonski said.
“Decisive government action to attract and leverage investment, improve cross-sector collaboration and rapidly translate ideas into new products and services will be integral to our recovery from this crisis.”
NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer, Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said the Action Plan’s focus is on implementing its five Priority Actions in a coherent, integrated and sustainable way to accelerate the translation and commercialisation of research in NSW.
“Another crucial aspect is the recommendation of the launch of a program of NSW R&D Missions aimed at solving the state’s long-term strategic challenges in areas including bushfire response, drought resilience, health and the transition to renewable energy.”
The NSW push to turn ideas into jobs is already underway, with the homegrown AgTech pioneer, Agerris, developing robotic and AI technologies to increase on-farm operational productivity.
Agerris technology was partially supported by a $1.3m grant from the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer to develop and deploy an Agricultural Robotics STEM program.
Agerris can trace it origins to the world-class Australian Centre for Field Robotics based in Sydney and recently raised $6.5 million in new funding to commercialise its research. Agerris currently has 13 employees and is using these funds to build and scale their innovative robots here in NSW, providing high quality jobs.
Given the size of Australia’s agricultural sector, the opportunities for applying cutting edge technologies to increase productivity are huge.
To read more on the report and the five-point Action Plan, click here:https://www.dpc.nsw.gov.au/accelerating-r&d
SCHOLARSHIPS HELP OUR YOUNGEST LEARNERS PUT THEIR BEST FOOT FORWARD
The youngest learners in NSW will benefit from additional educators, thanks to 40 scholarships awarded today to early childhood educators.
The 40 scholarships are worth up to $20,000 each, awarded under the 2020-21 Early Childhood Education Scholarships Program, making it easier for more people to commence or upgrade their qualifications to a bachelor degree in early childhood teaching.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the scholarships would help promising preschool and early childhood employees deepen their knowledge of early education.
“Education in the first years of a child’s life are some of the most important. They develop skills crucial to success in school and later life,” Ms Mitchell said.
“It also is an important time for the child’s health, educators and parents can pick up early signs of various conditions early.
“Our early childhood educators are key to this and these scholarships will help some of our best become even better.
“We recognise that these scholarship recipients will deepen their understanding of early childhood environments, and gain additional skills and capabilities which will be passed on to the children they teach.
“Congratulations to the scholars on their commitment to education, and I wish them every success in their studies and future careers as qualified early childhood teachers.”
Further details about the scholarships are available on the department’s website https://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/working-in-early-childhood-education/professional-development-and-scholarships
$16 MILLION UPGRADE FOR TARONGA ZOO
The $16 million revamp of one of Taronga Zoo’s most popular native animal enclosures is one step closer with the NSW Government giving the project the green light, paving the way for a conservation and visitation boost.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said significant upgrade works to the Australia Precinct would include; a canopy walk from which to view koalas, extensions to the kangaroo and wallaby “walkthrough experience”, underwater viewing of platypus and improvements to the nocturnal exhibition.
“Taronga Zoo is one of Australia’s most iconic tourist destinations and this revamp will place greater emphasis on some of our nation’s most iconic animals,” Mr Stokes said.
“This development will inject $16 million into the State’s economy and create more than 800 construction jobs while helping to make Taronga Zoo a more attractive tourist destination.”
Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean said Taronga Zoo has been an important part of Sydney Harbour’s landscape and NSW’s critical conservation work since 1916.
“The Australia Precinct at Taronga is home to some of our Aussie icons including the koala, platypus and bilby,” Mr Kean said.
“The project will see new life breathed into parts of the precinct that are more than 30 years old, improving the visitor experience and encouraging more people to get out and learn about the conservation of our iconic Aussie animals.”
Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said the zoo is one of the most popular public spaces in NSW and this funding is great news for the local community and visitors alike.
“Our community is so proud to have Taronga Zoo in our local area and a revitalised Australia Precinct means greater focus on giving visitors the opportunity to interact with animals that are unique to Australia,” Ms Wilson said.
Works on the precinct upgrade are set to kick-off in the coming months, with the project expected to be completed by 2023.
Appeal for information after shot fired during home invasion – Lake Macquarie
Police are appealing for information about a home invasion in which a shot was fired inside a house in Lake Macquarie overnight.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were called to a home on Railway Street, Teralba, shortly after 11pm (Saturday 23 January 2021), responding to reports of a gunshot.
Police have been told three people – one armed with a firearm and one with a baton – entered the house and threatened a 26-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman.
The woman was struck in the head with the baton before the group ransacked the lounge stealing cash and phones, leaving a short time later in an older-model blue hatchback.
The injured woman was treated at the scene for a head laceration.
A crime scene was established and a canvass of the street conducted.
Police are would like to speak to three people – two men and a woman – they believe may be able to assist them with inquiries.
The first man is described as being about 188cm tall with a medium build. At the time the man was carrying a firearm.
The second man is described as being about 175cm tall with a thin build.
The woman is described as being about 167cm tall with a stocky build and may have shoulder-length dark hair. She was carrying a baton or similar.
All are believed to be of Caucasian appearance, aged in their 30s and were dressed in black clothing with their faces covered.
As inquiries continue, anyone who has information about this incident, or who may have CCTV or dashcam vision from the area and its surrounds about the time described, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
Inquiries underway after man’s body retrieved from Newcastle Harbour
An investigation is underway after a man’s body was found in Newcastle Harbour overnight.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District were called to Wharf Road about 8.50pm Saturday (23 January 2021), after the body of a man was found by a two people who had been fishing.
The body was retrieved by Water Police and has been taken for a post-mortem examination to confirm identity and cause of death.
Police are also investigating reports that a 25-year-old man went missing after leaving a hotel on Wharf Road late Wednesday evening(20 January 2021).
Anyone with information about either incident is urged to contact Newcastle City Police or Crime Stoppers.
Man bitten in suspected shark attack – Lake Macquarie
A man will undergo surgery after being bitten on the arm in the Lake Macquarie area this afternoon.
About 6.30pm (Saturday 23 January 2021), emergency services were called to Yoorala Road, Lake Macquarie, following reports of a shark attack.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a 58-year-old man at the scene for injuries to his left arm before he was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital, where he will undergo surgery.
Police were told the man and a woman was swimming in the lake when he was bitten on his arm. The woman, aged 56, helped pull him to shore.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District are working with NSW Fisheries to identify the species.
Community encouraged to stay safe at local beaches
With high temperatures and hazardous sea conditions forecast today through until Tuesday 26 January, City of Newcastle is encouraging the community to stay safe around Newcastle’s beaches and coastal areas.
Community members are reminded to only visit patrolled beaches, avoid crowded areas or opt to visit the local pool, always swim between the red and yellow flags, practice sun safe measures and stay hydrated.
With COVID restrictions still in effect, additional City of Newcastle COVIDSafe beach marshals will be patrolling the city’s beaches.
Tips to stay safe at the beach across summer:
Avoid crowded areas and peak times – If you notice an area is already crowded, consider another beach, local pool or leisure option, and try to avoid peak times of the day.
Stay safe around the water – Swim between the red and yellow flags, put your hand up if you get into trouble, never swim alone, and if you are unsure ask a lifeguard.
Keep your distance – Stay 1.5 metres, or approximately a towel length apart from others.
Look out for our COVIDSafe Beach Marshals – During busy periods such as weekends and school holidays, additional lifeguards will be onsite as COVIDSafe Beach Marshals to patrol our beaches and baths, to educate the community about requirements under the Public Health Order, monitor crowd sizes and promote water safety.
Do not gather in large groups – Do not gather in large groups and all group members must ensure they can physically distance with people outside their own household.
Make decisions in the best interest of yourself and others – Make sure you stay home if you are unwell and download the COVID Safe app.
View lifeguard patrol times at our beaches.
Arrow shooting wrong way with CSG near contaminated land
The Greens call on the Queensland and federal governments to reject Arrow Energy’s massive expansion proposal to drill hundreds of new coal seam gas wells at Hopeland in the Western Downs Region and lay 440km of pipelines in fertile farm land.
Arrow Energy has applied to increase its number of coal seam gas wells at the Hopeland site from six to 286. The state government previously declared the area off-limits for future coal seam gas projects after land and groundwater was contaminated by the Linc Energy underground coal gasification disaster.
Greens Leader in the Senate and spokesperson for mining and resources, Senator Larissa Waters, said:
“The Linc Energy project was one of Queensland’s worst environmental scandals. The Queensland Government recognised the extent of damage when it set a no-go zone in the area for future coal seam gas projects and I call upon them to now reject Arrow’s expansion proposal outright.
“I also call on the federal government to reject Arrow’s application as ‘clearly unacceptable’, given the obvious threats the project poses to the region’s groundwater.
“The Greens will always stand up for our communities, our farmland, our water, and our climate in the face of corporate interests and mining magnates.
“Governments need to stop sacrificing our farmland to the highest bidder. We must protect our precious food-producing land, respect the rights of farmers and traditional owners, and stop our water from being contaminated and the climate crisis turbo-charged by leaking gas (fugitive emissions).
“That’s why for the last 10 years I’ve had a private members bill before the Senate to give landholders the legal right to say no to coal seam gas and to ban fracking, but the big parties who take donations from the fossil fuel industry keep voting against it.
“Noting the Prime Minister’s obsession with the misnomer of a gas-led recovery, I will be asking in parliament about the treatment of Arrow’s huge expansion proposals and what it will take for the government to start protecting rural communities from the massive risk to water, the climate and farm land.”
“I also encourage all farmers to lodge an objection to Arrow Energy’s expansion application to the Queensland government by 15 February.
“It’s time state and federal governments listened to scientists, farmers and First Nations Peoples about the risks to land, water and climate. You can’t eat coal or drink gas,” concluded Senator Waters.
Mobilising Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine workforce
The Australian Government is preparing for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout by securing an additional vaccine workforce and working to deliver essential training to everyone who will administer the vaccinations.
Australia’s vaccine roll out will be carried out through hospitals, General practices, state and Commonwealth vaccination clinics, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and Pharmacies.
This additional vaccination workforce will help support and supplement these existing services and assist in outreach in areas such as aged care and remote and indigenous communities working with existing providers.
Through our plan, a panel of four providers have been appointed who will be called upon to provide a vaccine workforce to supplement the existing immunisation workforce for specific populations.
The providers are Aspen Medical, Healthcare Australia, International SOS, and Sonic Clinical Services.
These providers have established their capability and capacity to provide a skilled workforce, particularly for some of the most vulnerable groups throughout each state and territory.
The Australian Government has been closely monitoring the immunisation programs operating overseas, including in the United Kingdom and the United States, and one of the critical requirements has been the availability of a ready and capable immunisation workforce.
Our vaccination strategy requires the highest levels of operational readiness. As vaccines are approved for use in Australia and our vaccination program commences, we are ensuring the workforce is there to administer the vaccines in an efficient manner, particularly to our priority groups including residential aged care, residential disability, and carers.
This vaccine workforce will support the jurisdictions for their part in the vaccine rollout. We anticipate they will also partner with peak organisations and other providers to assist in administering the vaccine for harder-to-reach populations, such as remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Work is also under way to prepare the necessary and compulsory training which will be required for each and every healthcare professional administering COVID-19 vaccines.
The Australian College of Nursing is leading the preparation of the training materials which will cover the handling and administration of COVID-19 vaccines.
The nature of the COVID-19 vaccines requires immunisers receive information on a range of issues, such as the use of multi-use vials and handling practices for the Pfizer vaccine which requires very low temperatures for storage.
Healthcare professionals and the vaccine workforce will not be able to administer any COVID-19 vaccines without having first completed the training modules.
Australia is in the incredibly fortunate position to be able to look and learn from the vaccine rollouts taking place around the world and to ensure our workforce is ready and trained to do a world class job delivering the vaccine to all Australians who chose to be vaccinated in 2021.
This is a position which we have all worked hard to achieve, by following the health advice and suppressing the spread of the virus in our community.
As reported by the Medical Journal of Australia, the Australian response to COVID-19 may have saved over 16 000 lives according to modelling that used the UK response as a template.
The World Health Organisation has identified Australia as one of the most well prepared health systems in the world, according to a 2018 evaluation report on Australian disaster preparedness.
Our next stage is to issue expressions of interest requests for General Practices and Pharmacists, with that expected to be issued this week as foreshadowed.
PLANNING APPROVAL FOR WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL
The Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade has received planning approval from the NSW Government, in a major step towards delivering the third road crossing of Sydney Harbour.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the mega-project includes a 6.5 kilometre tunnel, with three lanes in each direction, which will help slash travel times from North Sydney to Sydney Olympic Park by up to 20 minutes.
“The Western Harbour Tunnel will take pressure off the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor corridors to revolutionise transport capacity in and around our city,” Mr Constance said.
“The new tunnel will start at the new Rozelle Interchange and head under the Harbour to the Warringah Freeway, and will integrate new and existing public transport connections.
“This city-shaping piece of infrastructure will deliver a vital boost to the NSW economy, with the tunnel and freeway upgrade, along with Beaches Link, expected to support around 15,000 full time equivalent jobs.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the project will transform the way people move across our harbour, with traffic volumes to be reduced on some of Sydney’s busiest roads.
“Planning approval means the NSW Government can get on with delivering the first stage, which is an upgrade to one of Sydney’s busiest and most complex road corridors, four kilometres of the Warringah Freeway,” Mr Stokes said.
“Community feedback on the project has been valuable in helping understand and deliver positive changes to the design and plan, and we will continue to work closely with local communities as the project gets underway.
“Conditions of the project include an investigation of more footpaths and cycleways in the area and a requirement that any trees removed need to be replaced at a ratio of two-to-one.”
A survey of local residents and businesses will be carried out in early 2021, to ensure the project team understands and can mitigate the impact of construction.
Following the procurement process and contract awards, construction is expected to start in the first quarter of 2021.
The community is also being reminded to have its say on the Beaches Link Environmental Impact Statement which is on public exhibition until 1 March 2021.
For more information and to see the interactive portal, visit: nswroads.work/whtbl