A pedestrian has died after being hit by a car at Thornton this morning.
Just after 2.30am (Friday 14 January 2022), emergency services were called to the New England Highway near Weakleys Drive, Thornton, following reports a pedestrian had been hit by a Ford Falcon sedan.
Despite efforts to revive the man, he died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.
The driver of the Ford – a 30-year-old man – was uninjured and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Local traffic diversions are in place and motorists are urged to avoid the area.
As inquiries continue, police are urging anyone with information, or dashcam vision from the area, to come forward.
Author: admin
$25.6 million investment to turbocharge Australian health projects
Investing in medical research projects with the potential to deliver better health outcomes to more Australians is a Government priority.
That is why the Morrison Government is investing more than $25 million in three companies working at the cutting edge to save lives and improve lives.
The investments from the Biomedical Translation Fund (BTF) announced today will support projects targeting a range of health issues affecting Australians. They are:
- $10 million to Cynata Therapeutics to support work on the large-scale manufacture of stem cells
- $5 million to Acrux Limited to develop drugs that are taken through the skin, not as injections or pills
- $10.6 million to Axial Therapeutics for the treatment of neurological diseases and disorders, harnessing ground-breaking science in the microbiome-gut-brain axis, including developing a new therapy for children with autism.
The $500 million BTF consists of equal parts Commonwealth and private sector funding, to commercialise high potential medical discoveries.
The Morrison Government is backing Australia’s next generation of medical advances and the investments mean these businesses have the potential to take their technology to the next level.
The BTF investment in Cynata Therapeutics means it can continue its work to develop commercial scale manufacture of stem cells, without the use of multiple bone marrow donors.
Stem cells are used to treat a range of diseases including heart disease, osteoarthritis and stroke.
Acrux Limited will use its BTF funding to develop and commercialise topical drugs (gels, creams and ointments). This is an alternative to needle injections or oral medications that may need to be taken several times a day and may have an unpleasant taste.
The BTF investment will allow Axial Therapeutics to advance its gut-restricted molecular therapy for irritability in children with autism. It will also be used to progress the company’s program of drug discovery for serious neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, based on the microbiome gut-brain axis.
Our Government continues to invest in the cutting-edge medical technologies and treatments that will save lives, while growing a sector that can create jobs for Australians now and into the future.
2021 New Biomedical Translation Fund Investments
| Project | Recipient | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| The large-scale manufacture of stem cells | Cynata Therapeutics | $10,000,000 |
| Topical drug development | Acrux Limited | $5,000,000 |
| Harnessing the microbiome-gut-brain axis | Axial Therapeutics | $10,600,000 |
| Total | $25,600,000 | |
Prevent, Prepare, Rebuild: Labor's plan for Disaster Readiness
An Albanese Labor Government will improve Australia’s disaster readiness by investing up to $200 million per year on disaster prevention and resilience.
Thousands of Australians who face bushfires, floods and cyclones every year deserve to be protected by a Federal Government who plans ahead and invests to keep them safe.
Labor’s Disaster Ready Fund will curb the devastating impacts of natural disasters by investing in important disaster prevention projects like flood levees, sea walls, cyclone shelters, evacuation centres, fire breaks and telecommunications improvements.
These investments will literally save lives, not to mention the taxpayers’ funds that have to be spent on recovery and repairs when disasters hit.
Australians are renowned as the best disaster responders in the world. They deserve to be backed by a government that looks forward, plans and prevents the worst.
Instead, the Morrison Government continues to sit on a $4.7 billion Emergency Response Fund that has done nothing to help.
Three years after it was announced, the ERF has not spent a cent on disaster recovery and has not completed a single disaster prevention project. The only thing it has done is earn the Government over $750 million in investment returns.
Labor will revamp the failed ERF so that it spends up to $200 million per year for disaster prevention and resilience.
If matched by State, Territory or local governments, it would provide up to $400 million annually for investment in disaster prevention and resilience – something called for by groups as broad as the Government’s own Productivity Commission, insurers, local governments and disaster relief bodies.
Labor’s Plan for Disaster Readiness will also:
- Continue to fully fund disaster recovery through the existing Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements
- Cut red tape so disaster resilience funding can get out the door faster
- Improve the efficiency of disaster recovery processes, to simplify and speed up payments to disaster victims and repairs to damaged infrastructure.
- Assist with spiralling insurance premiums in disaster-prone regions, by reducing the risk of expensive damage to homes and businesses.
As with COVID-19, the Morrison Government’s failure to plan and prepare for natural disasters has left Australians vulnerable.
It doesn’t have to be this way. We know weather events are on the horizon – we have the smarts and the resources to prepare and prevent. We just need a government with a plan.
Only an Albanese Labor Government will keep Australians safe and communities strong in the face of natural disasters.
Only Labor will build a better future for disaster prone communities.
Delivering a Bigger and Better Beef in 2024
An Albanese Labor Government would invest $6 million in Beef Australia 2024 to turbocharge the event and ensure it is bigger and better in 2024.
This investment will help to expand Australia’s world-class beef industry and grow the visitor economy in Rockhampton.
The pandemic has made the importance of having a strong Australian agricultural sector clearer than ever. From skills and labour shortages to supply chain disruptions, the Morrison-Joyce Government has let the sector down.
Empty supermarket shelves are demonstrating this stark reality to families across the country right now and are emphasising the importance of Australian food producers to our quality of life.
Labor has learned the lessons of the pandemic and is planning for a better future. We will invest in making Australia more self-reliant and self-sufficient – and that starts with ensuring our agricultural sector is thriving.
Labor understands just how critical the beef industry is to Central Queensland, which is why we would deliver this important new funding.
Beef Australia already generates more than $92 million in economic impact for the Greater Rockhampton Region and $59.5 million for Queensland.
The Australian beef industry is worth more than $15 billion to the Australian economy.
This expansion will benefit the local Rockhampton economy, giving more visitors the opportunity to attend Beef Australia 2024 and add further value to Australia’s world-class beef industry.
This commitment is particularly critical as the beef industry seeks to reengage with global export partners after COVID-19 restrictions.
Beef Australia is unable to expand at the current site without infrastructure investment.
This funding would fix this problem, helping to:
This investment will help to expand Australia’s world-class beef industry and grow the visitor economy in Rockhampton.
The pandemic has made the importance of having a strong Australian agricultural sector clearer than ever. From skills and labour shortages to supply chain disruptions, the Morrison-Joyce Government has let the sector down.
Empty supermarket shelves are demonstrating this stark reality to families across the country right now and are emphasising the importance of Australian food producers to our quality of life.
Labor has learned the lessons of the pandemic and is planning for a better future. We will invest in making Australia more self-reliant and self-sufficient – and that starts with ensuring our agricultural sector is thriving.
Labor understands just how critical the beef industry is to Central Queensland, which is why we would deliver this important new funding.
Beef Australia already generates more than $92 million in economic impact for the Greater Rockhampton Region and $59.5 million for Queensland.
The Australian beef industry is worth more than $15 billion to the Australian economy.
This expansion will benefit the local Rockhampton economy, giving more visitors the opportunity to attend Beef Australia 2024 and add further value to Australia’s world-class beef industry.
This commitment is particularly critical as the beef industry seeks to reengage with global export partners after COVID-19 restrictions.
Beef Australia is unable to expand at the current site without infrastructure investment.
This funding would fix this problem, helping to:
- Increase the physical footprint of the event in the city of Rockhampton,
- Invest in more infrastructure to meet growing requirements of a technology enabled event,
- Revitalise the international program to reconnect with international customers and supply chain partners.
Only an Albanese Labor Government can be trusted to deliver for Central Queensland.
Officer charged – Northern Region
An officer has been charged with further offences following an investigation in the state’s north.
In November last year, an off-duty probationary constable attached to the Northern Region was charged following an alleged traffic-related incident.
Following further inquiries, the 39-year-old man was charged today (Wednesday 12 January 2022) with not keep firearm safely–not pistol/prohibited firearm and handle/use firearm under the influence of alcohol/drug.
He is due to appear before Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 18 January 2022.
The officer’s duty status is currently under review.
Man charged with murder – Jesmond
A man will appear in court today charged following an investigation into the fatal stabbing of a man in the state’s Hunter Region last week.
About 3.45pm last Thursday (6 January 2022), emergency services were called to a home on Michael Street, Jesmond, following reports a man had been stabbed.
Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and located a 34-year-old man suffering a stab wound to his chest.
The injured man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition, where he later died.
Local police established Strike Force Mantillus to investigate the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
Following extensive inquiries, a 37-year-old man was arrested at Newcastle Police Station about 4pm yesterday (Wednesday 12 January 2022), where he was charged with murder.
Police will allege in court that the two men were involved in a physical altercation, before the younger man was stabbed.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 13 January 2022).
Mutual obligations must be immediately suspended to keep people safe
The Australian Greens are calling on the Morrison Government to immediately suspend mutual obligations on jobseekers and others on income support to protect the community during Omicron’s rapid spread.
Australian Greens spokesperson for community affairs and social services, Senator Janet Rice said:
“Before the pandemic, mutual obligations were already gross, discriminatory and ineffective; now meeting the requirements is putting people in direct danger.
“Forcing people on JobSeeker and other income support – many of whom might be sick or caring for someone who is sick – to attend interviews, job services provider appointments and other face-to-face activities is putting thousands of people at further and unnecessary risk of contracting COVID.
“The Morrison Government must immediately suspend mutual obligation requirements until the pandemic is over, or better yet, abolish the broken system altogether.
“Morrison must stop pretending the pandemic is over and realise people are struggling more than ever to keep their heads above water. The government has made the deliberate choice to keep JobSeeker and other payments below the poverty line, and made the COVID disaster payments prohibitively difficult to access for most people who need them.
“The government must immediately and permanently raise income payments for all who need it back to the $550 a fortnight pandemic supplement we saw in 2020.
“We are still in the middle of this pandemic. But unlike 2020, the Morrison Government has no plan and is providing almost no support to the people that most need it.
“If the government has $100 billion to spend on dangerous nuclear submarines, they have enough not to force people to live in poverty.”
Surge in development to inject $1.8 billion into local economy
Newcastle’s revitalisation and transformation continues with a record $1.8 billion of development approved over the past 12 months set to generate approximately 3,500 direct jobs and buoy the local economy.
City of Newcastle recorded a 20% increase in the number of development applications (DAs) lodged during 2021, in addition to state significant projects.
Development in Newcastle is showing no signs of slowing, with over 1600 DAs lodged with City of Newcastle in 2021 (compared to 1361 in 2020). The value of lodged DAs increased by a staggering 89% highlighting the significant nature of development unfolding in the city, including The Store redevelopment ($118 million), former Dairy Farmer’s site ($100 million), and a 133-lot industrial subdivision at Black Hill ($33 million).
City of Newcastle Manager Regulatory, Planning and Assessment Michelle Bisson said low interest rates and a booming property market is helping to drive development activity in the city.
“Newcastle is surging ahead when it comes to injecting cash into bricks and mortar, despite the pandemic, reflecting high levels of optimism amongst homeowners, investors and developers,” Ms Bisson said.
“The highest value DAs are predominantly in Newcastle West, Adamstown, Beresfield, and Merewether but we’ve also seen a surge in residential development in the suburbs such as Wallsend, Fletcher and New Lambton for residential alterations, additions and single dwellings.
“The construction associated with this level of development generates approximately 3,500 direct jobs and buoys Newcastle’s economy which is a positive as we come up against the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and look to the future.”
Newcastle recently announced a design competition for the $100m redevelopment of the former ‘Spotlight and Anaconda’ site at 711 Hunter Street in the city’s revitalised West-end, meaning the pipeline of significant future development applications expected in 2022 is strong.
“Newcastle is transforming into a modern metropolitan city with significant large redevelopments in the pipeline, showing developer confidence in our city is at an all-time high,” Ms Bisson said.
“Ongoing revitalisation and development is continuing to transform Newcastle, and 2022 is set to be another exciting and busy year for our city.”
City of Newcastle recorded a 20% increase in the number of development applications (DAs) lodged during 2021, in addition to state significant projects.
Development in Newcastle is showing no signs of slowing, with over 1600 DAs lodged with City of Newcastle in 2021 (compared to 1361 in 2020). The value of lodged DAs increased by a staggering 89% highlighting the significant nature of development unfolding in the city, including The Store redevelopment ($118 million), former Dairy Farmer’s site ($100 million), and a 133-lot industrial subdivision at Black Hill ($33 million).
City of Newcastle Manager Regulatory, Planning and Assessment Michelle Bisson said low interest rates and a booming property market is helping to drive development activity in the city.
“Newcastle is surging ahead when it comes to injecting cash into bricks and mortar, despite the pandemic, reflecting high levels of optimism amongst homeowners, investors and developers,” Ms Bisson said.
“The highest value DAs are predominantly in Newcastle West, Adamstown, Beresfield, and Merewether but we’ve also seen a surge in residential development in the suburbs such as Wallsend, Fletcher and New Lambton for residential alterations, additions and single dwellings.
“The construction associated with this level of development generates approximately 3,500 direct jobs and buoys Newcastle’s economy which is a positive as we come up against the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and look to the future.”
Newcastle recently announced a design competition for the $100m redevelopment of the former ‘Spotlight and Anaconda’ site at 711 Hunter Street in the city’s revitalised West-end, meaning the pipeline of significant future development applications expected in 2022 is strong.
“Newcastle is transforming into a modern metropolitan city with significant large redevelopments in the pipeline, showing developer confidence in our city is at an all-time high,” Ms Bisson said.
“Ongoing revitalisation and development is continuing to transform Newcastle, and 2022 is set to be another exciting and busy year for our city.”
Register positive COVID test results with Service NSW
Anyone who tests positive using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) will now be required to register their result with Service NSW.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new registration process was an important part of managing the pandemic.
“NSW residents can register their result with just a few clicks on the Service NSW website or by using the Service NSW app,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Registering your RAT result enables NSW Health to provide you with advice on self-isolation and managing COVID-19 symptoms at home, to connect high risk people to clinical care services and to help inform the ongoing public health response.”
Most people do not need a PCR test to confirm they are positive for COVID-19.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the reporting of a positive RAT will be required under a public health order.
“Ensuring individuals are connected to the appropriate public health advice and keeping a watch on trends is the prime purpose,” Mr Hazzard said.
If you are under 65 years of age, have had two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, do not suffer from any chronic health conditions and are not pregnant, you may be able to safely manage COVID-19 at home.
Customer Service and Digital Government Minister Victor Dominello said privacy would be at the forefront of this new feature.
“This technology has been built with trust and security at its core. Service NSW will send the information directly to NSW Health, it isn’t shared with any third parties, and is then deleted from Service NSW records within days,” Mr Dominello said.
“There are more than seven million Service NSW account holders but we’re also committed to making this process inclusive for those without that access. Those who need assistance can contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.”
Most people with COVID-19 will have a mild illness and will recover in a few days or so, with some people having no symptoms at all.
Please contact your GP or call the NSW Health COVID-19 Care at Home Support Line on 1800 960 933 if you are pregnant, or if you have a chronic condition.
For the most up-to-date COVID information visit nsw.gov.au
Four rescued after ute swept into flooded creek – Hunter Valley
Four people have been rescued after a ute was swept into a flooded creek 20km north of Muswellbrook overnight.
Emergency services were called to Wells Gully Road at McCulleys Gap about 10pm (Tuesday 11 January 2022), after a utility was swept off the spillway into Sandy Creek.
A 49-year-old man, a 16-year-old boy, and two girls aged 14, were forced to climb onto the roof of the utility after it began to sink in strongly-flowing floodwaters.
A multi-agency rescue operation was coordinated by officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District, and involved Fire and Rescue NSW and members from NSW Rural Fire Service and SES, with all four retrieved safely.
There were no injuries; and the ute will be recovered when safe.