Author: admin

Green light to more batteries and improved internet coverage

Proposed new planning rules will cut red tape, making it easier for homeowners to install solar batteries and for telcos to install technology to improve mobile and internet coverage.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the proposed changes to the Infrastructure State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP) are now on public exhibition and aim to  remove hurdles in the planning system for more sustainable energy and faster telecommunications.
“More people are working from home than ever and many of them want their homes to be powered by renewable energy,” Mr Stokes said.
“These changes to the Infrastructure SEPP will help telcos provide more fast, reliable telecommunications and make it easier for homeowners to power their homes with renewable energy.
“This will help homeowners save time and money, cut their future energy bills, reduce demand on the electricity network and contribute to lower energy prices.”
There are already around half a million homes in NSW harnessing power from the sun and it’s anticipated that 1,000 megawatts of batteries will be installed by 2035.
Proposed changes mean that planning approvals will no longer be required for:

  • The installation of household-scale solar battery systems;
  • The installation of NBN cables, speeding up its delivery;
  • The repair or upgrading of existing technology;
  • The installation of solar panels to power telecommunications facilities; and
  • Site inspections, providing the location is not unnecessarily disturbed.

The changes support the NSW Government’s net zero emissions by 2050 target.
To view the proposed changes and have your say by Monday 13 September visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/isepp

Full steam ahead on South Coast station upgrades

Dapto and Shellharbour Junction train customers will benefit from longer and more accessible station platforms as part of an additional multi-million dollar upgrade to rail infrastructure on the South Coast Line.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the investment is in addition to an initial $600 million infrastructure upgrade package announced last year.
“We’re full steam ahead in getting our stations and other key infrastructure ready for the Mariyung fleet (New Intercity Fleet) which will provide an improved level of comfort, convenience and reliability for South Coast customers,” Mr Constance said.
“As our plans have progressed, we’ve identified some further improvements we need to deliver to ensure customers continue to get a smooth ride once our state-of-the-art new train fleet hits the tracks.”
The upgrade package is currently being delivered across the rail network, including on the South Coast, as part of the NSW Government’s $5.3 billion More Trains, More Services Program.
“The improvements at Dapto and Shellharbour Junction will include platform extensions to enhance accessibility for the new 10-car fleet of trains. Lighting, line markings and tactile paving work will also be carried out at both stations to boost customer safety,” Mr Constance said.
The multi-million dollar package of work includes upgrades to signalling, overhead wiring and the construction of a new maintenance facility at Dapto. Improvements will be delivered to enable train turnbacks at Wollongong, Thirroul and Port Kembla which will increase the efficiency of rail operations. An existing rail siding at Kiama will also have track, signalling and overhead wiring upgrades.
Work will begin on these projects within the coming weeks and be completed by late 2022.
The work will complement other rail upgrades already in delivery across other South Coast stations including at Thirroul, Bellambi, Wollongong, Coniston, Port Kembla and Kiama.
Planning is also underway to deliver an accessibility upgrade at Dapto Station as part of the NSW Government’s Transport Access Program.

Crisis support package urgently needed for Newcastle-Hunter region early learning sector

The Newcastle early learning sector is headed for crisis if the Morrison Government doesn’t act urgently and provide support to child care services in the region.
“The Morrison Government’s decision to finally include Newcastle in the gap fee waiver is welcomed, but it means very little if the sector is left hanging out to dry,” Ms Claydon said.
“My office has received many emails and calls from concerned Newcastle parents and early learning centres alike who are worried about the long-term feasibility of the sector.”
Ms Claydon said she was aware that a lot of services are charging gap fees because they can’t afford to give up their income.
Providers are being put in a no-win position, having to choose between either:

  • Waiving gap fees for families, and taking such a hit to their revenue that they are at risk of closing their doors, leaving early educators without work and essential workers without care for their children; or
  • Not waiving gap fees for families, leaving parents upset that they have to pay for a service they cannot access, and risking them un-enrolling altogether.

“Many providers are being forced to charge parents full fees because the Morrison Government is refusing to offer replacement revenue to child care centres.”
“The Morrison Government needs to ensure families are not left out of pocket during lockdowns for child care they cannot access, because they are doing the right thing and staying home.”
“There are many providers who are struggling to stay afloat because they’re ineligible for other business support payments.”
“In order for centres to waive the gap fee, the Morrison Government must provide a support package to early learning centres similar to the one implemented in Victoria last year.”
During the prolonged Victorian lockdown last year, the Morrison Government introduced a financial support package for early learning services that allowed them to stay open to serve essential workers, while also waiving gap fees for families, and surviving from lower attendance levels.
“It would be truly devastating for Newcastle families and our local economy to see the collapse of the early learning sector.”
“It’s crucial that the Morrison Government acts urgently and provides a support package to early learning centres in our region to keep workers in a job and our local economy afloat.”

Deja vu as no replacement Federal Circuit Court judge in sight

One of Newcastle’s three Federal Circuit Court judges has retired, leaving the community in the dark over a future replacement.
Federal Circuit Court judge Janet Terry reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 earlier this month, with no announcement from the Federal Government about her prospective replacement.
“The Federal Government has a responsibility to provide efficient and appropriate judicial and court services to the people of Newcastle,” Ms Claydon said.
Following reports of Judge Terry’s retirement, Ms Claydon wrote to Attorney-General Senator Michaelia Cash on 31 July seeking clarification over the retired judge’s successor.
Ms Claydon stated that she is still waiting to receive a response from Senator Cash on the appointment process.
“This isn’t the first time the Liberal Government has failed to appoint a replacement Federal Circuit Court judge in Newcastle within a timely manner.”
“Last time the Government waited many months to find a replacement, leaving judges with twice the case load and Novocastrians on waitlists for nineteen months, subsequently blowing the backlog out of proportion.”
“I’m sick of the Morrison Liberal government’s inability to forward plan a timely replacement, given they know full well that judges are compelled to retire at the age of 70.”
Ms Claydon said that lives could be put at risk if a replacement for Judge Terry is not actioned immediately, given that many cases involve the trauma of martial breakdown, domestic violence, drug abuse, and child custody disputes.
“The Morrison Government’s failure to find a replacement is deeply distressing for the many families who are already in vulnerable circumstances.”
Ms Claydon stated that the Morrison Government’s negligence will place an extra burden on the already underfunded judicial system.
“Once a replacement judge is installed, there will still be the issue of the massive backlog that has resulted from the Government’s continuous attacks on the Family Court system.”
“With retired judges set to return to the bench to clear the national 7,000 case backlog, the last thing the Hunter region needs is an empty appointment and unnecessary grief for families.”
“I intend to raise this issue in Parliament next week.”

Eight people issued infringements following alleged COVID breach – Kiama

Eight people from declared LGAs were issued infringements after being detected at a Kiama construction site.

On Monday (16 August 2021), officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District were notified of workers allegedly from Sydney, staying in Kiama.

Police attended an address on North Kiama Drive about 7.30pm and spoke with the occupants, who were part of a construction team, building a unit complex on Collins Street, Kiama.

About 11am on Tuesday (17 August 2021), police attended the worksite and saw a number of employees run into a nearby carpark.

Police located 33 workers and spoke to the project manager.

Following further inquiries, police issued eight infringements to construction workers who were found to be in breach of the Public Health Orders.

These workers are from declared Local Government Areas – four from Bayside, two from Fairfield and two from Blacktown.

Inquiries are continuing.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Man charged after allegedly hosting gatherings in breach of Public Health Order – Shortland

Officers from Newcastle City Police District have served a 22-year-old man with a Future Court Attendance Notice for breaching the current Public Health Order.
Police will allege a 22-year-old man hosted a number of large gatherings at a home on Sandgate Road, Shortland, on three separate nights from Wednesday 28 to Friday 30 July 2021.
He is due to face Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday 28 September 2021.
Two women, aged 21 and 20, have previously been issued Future Court Attendance Notices for attending the gatherings; they remain before the courts.
All three people have since tested positive to COVID-19 and are now isolating.
A further three people – two men aged 21 and 26, and a 20-year-old woman – were issued with $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices for attending the gatherings as police continue their inquiries to identify further guests.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

ADF personnel join NSW Police Force in Dubbo, Newcastle

ADF personnel will join the NSW Police Force in Dubbo and Newcastle today, as part of an expansion of the COVID-19 welfare and compliance activities across NSW.
Police officers will be assisted by ADF personnel as they conduct welfare doorknocks and compliance checks of stay-at-home and self-isolation orders.
50 ADF personnel will assist with compliance in Dubbo and the surrounding area, with a further 50 to assist with compliance in the Hunter region.
Further deployments are expected by the end of the week.
Deputy Commissioner Mick Willing, Regional NSW Field Operations, welcomed the arrival of troops in regional towns.
“The NSW Police Force has a long history of co-operation with the ADF and they have provided vital assistance over the past 18 months,” Deputy Commissioner Willing said.
“First and foremost, the troops are there to support the community alongside police. Among other tasks, you will see them delivering hampers and checking on the welfare of our most vulnerable people.
“I want to thank them for their help and again appeal to everyone across our regions to stay at home as much as possible – please do everything you can to help us stop the spread.”
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Electoral Act amendments would undermine democracy and stifle dissent

The Greens are calling on Labor and the crossbench to oppose government amendments to the Commonwealth Electoral Act that would limit democratic participation, stifle dissent and entrench a two-party system.
Greens deputy leader and spokesperson on democracy Senator Larissa Waters said:
“The Greens have long fought back against conservative government attempts to lock out smaller entrants to the political system, attempts which seek to entrench a two-party system and stymie a diversity of voices.
“We oppose the increase of members from 500 to 1500 for a political party to gain federal registration. Whether a party gets representation in the parliament should be based on how many people vote for them, but this Government wants to stop smaller parties from being able to even seek votes.
“We also reject the proposal to lower to $100,000 the electoral expenditure threshold at which an individual or organisation would have to register as a political campaigner. This is another dangerous attack on civil society groups and an attempt to limit their advocacy by adding additional financial and disclosure burdens.
“We are also concerned about the plan to block parties from using names similar to existing parties. While we have some sympathy for ensuring that parties don’t impersonate rivals for electoral gain, there’s a fine line between preventing deliberate misrepresentation and excluding smaller parties from electoral politics.
“In context with the other proposed changes it’s clear the Government’s motivation is to prevent legitimate and democratic challenges to their grip on power.
“A health representative democracy should welcome political engagement from all, but the Government is clearly trying to silence dissent from groups who continue to campaign against their terrible policies on issues like climate, human rights and economic justice.”

Australia must go beyond our annual humanitarian intake to support Afghanistan

The Greens have responded to reports the Australian Government will pause deportations to Afghanistan, saying it is not nearly enough given our culpability for the current crisis.
The Greens are calling on the federal government to provide 20,000 permanent protection visas, in addition to Australia’s annual humanitarian intake, for Afghan people with a well-founded fear of being persecuted by the Taliban in Afghanistan.
These visas are crucial to protect women, human rights advocates, LGBTIQ+ people, alumni of Australian Universities, journalists, Afghan government workers and people from ethnic and religious minorities previously persecuted by the Taliban.
Afghan citizens on temporary visas in Australia must also be offered protection in Australia with permanent visas.
The Government should immediately offer temporary bridging visas to any Afghan people who worked to support Australian Defence Forces or consular offices so they can come to safety in Australia while their claims for asylum are assessed.
The Greens also call on the government to provide immediate aid to support Afghan citizens in Afghanistan and evacuation assistance where possible.
Greens spokesperson for Immigration and Citizenship Nick McKim said:
“Given Australia’s many decades of interference in Afghanistan, we have a moral imperative to provide aid and support.”
“Pausing deportations to Afghanistan is not nearly enough, and it shows the depths of this government’s lack of compassion.”
“Accepting 20,000 humanitarian entrants and offering permanent protection for Afghan citizens already in Australia is the very least that we can do.”
“It must happen as a matter of urgency.”

More support needed so people can stay safe at home

The Greens say that State, Territory and Federal Governments need to provide more financial support to people on income support and low incomes in lockdown if we are to succeed in fighting the delta variant.
“Last year we had the JobSeeker supplement and the JobKeeper payments which changed people’s lives and enabled them to manage some very difficult times”, Senator Rachel Siewert said.
“The Federal Government took those supports away cruelly and prematurely.
“State and Territory leaders need to start extending the $1500 isolation payment to everyone who has been diagnosed with COVID, or is a close contact. Right now, income support recipients are excluded, this is unfair.
“We need positive measures and incentives in place. Punitive measures do not boost morale, they don’t create good will in the community and they harm people on low incomes the most.
“There is too much blaming of individuals, we need Governments to step in with strong support packages, for everyone, not the very bare minimum they think they can get away with.
“If we want people to be able to stay home and keep themselves and their communities safe, then they need financial payments so that they can keep paying the bills and pay for any additional services they might need during a lockdown.”