City of Newcastle intends to transition to a fleet of electric vehicles, build operational resilience through additional renewables and battery storage, and switch all city lighting to LED over the next five years under a new Climate Action Plan.
The Plan covers both City of Newcastle operations and Newcastle as a whole to accelerate emission reduction across the City through a suite of sensible and prudent action and initiatives. Working collaboratively with other progressive organisations, the Plan takes advantage of the economic opportunities that arise from a clean energy and low-emissions industry landscape.
The Climate Action Plan is listed for consideration at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting and replaces the 2020 Carbon and Water Management Action Plan (CWMAP). The Plan sets new targets and outlines innovative and sustainable programs to achieve net zero emissions by 2030.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Climate Action Plan would build upon the achievements of recent years that has led to Newcastle being recognised as one of Australia’s leading Cities in sustainability.
“City of Newcastle has formally committed to the Paris Climate Agreement and we accept there is a global climate emergency. We owe it to our children to prioritise concrete action on climate change.
As Novocastrians, we have seen firsthand the impacts of climate change, be it the erosion of Stockton Beach or increasingly severe storms that beached the Pasha Bulka,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The Climate Action Plan sets ambitious goals and priorities for the next five years and follows the successful delivery of our previous Plan which included the transition to 100 percent renewable electricity.
“The City, in developing this Plan, has worked closely with the community, business and industry, while assessing global best practice and applying it in a local context.
“Over the next five years we’ll take advantage of emerging technology and utilise more recycled and low-emissions materials in our operations.
“We’ll also look to our large fleet of vehicles and will work on a transition to electric vehicles as they become more prevalent, diverse and economically competitive. City of Newcastle, in collaboration with other city partner organisations, has been slowly investing in the rollout of vehicle charging infrastructure to support the international shift to electric vehicles.”
“We’re proud to be one of the most progressive cities in the country when it comes to tackling climate change and are confident this new Plan will keep us moving down this path of sustainability. It’s important that as a city leader we respond to the increasing calls from our community to tackle what is this generations most important challenges.”
In the next five years under the Climate Action Plan, City of Newcastle will:
· Reduce fuel use by 50% through transitioning CN’s fleet to electric options
· Reduce electricity use by 30% by switching all lighting to LEDs (or equivalent)
· Increase renewable energy and battery storage
· Support development of sustainable infrastructure
· Encourage new community renewable energy projects
Under the previous climate plan, City of Newcastle has:
· Reduced electricity usage by 21 per cent
· Upgraded 31 per cent of streetlights to LEDs
· Secured 100 per cent of electricity from renewable sources
· Reduced potable water usage by more than 14 per cent
· Slashed the City’s carbon footprint by 77 per cent for all operations other than waste
· Reduced liquid fuel use by 7 per cent
City of Newcastle is a founding member of Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), a founding member of the Business Renewables Centre, a member of the Cities Power Partnership, a member of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, and recently became a Pioneer City for ICLEI’s CitiesWithNature program.
Author: admin
Third person charged over suspicious death of New Zealand firefighter Ian Pullen
A third person has been charged in relation to the suspicious death of a New Zealand man in the Hunter region two years ago.
Just after 5.30am on Saturday 29 September 2018, emergency services were called to Carrington Street, Glenridding, after a man’s body was located on the side of the road.
The man was later identified as 43-year-old New Zealand firefighter, Ian Pullen, who had arrived in the Hunter region to assist local volunteers fighting bushfires.
Detectives from Hunter Valley Police District established Strike Force Awabakil to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Pullen’s death.
A man and a woman have since been charged over the death; they remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, about 9.10am today (Monday 23 November 2020), detectives attended a Whittingham home and arrested a 21-year-old woman.
She was taken to Singleton Police Station and charged with accessory after the fact to murder.
She was refused bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court later today (Monday 23 November 2020).
Disqualified driver charged after allegedly travelling more than 50km/h over the speed limit – Hunter
A disqualified driver will face Court after she was allegedly detected travelling nearly twice the speed limit in the Hunter Region.
About 11.30am this morning (Sunday 22 November 2020), officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were conducing speed enforcement duties on John Renshaw Drive at Black Hill, when they detected a Hyundai Elantra sedan allegedly travelling at 116km/h in a 60km/h road work zone.
A short time later, police stopped the driver, a 29-year-old woman. Checks conducted by police showed she was a disqualified driver.
It will be alleged in Court the road surface where the offence took place was loosely laid newly paved surface with no lane markings and was driving with a two-year-old child secured in the back seat.
The woman was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station where she was charged with driving at a speed dangerous, exceed speed by more than 45km/h and drive whilst disqualified – 2nd offence.
The woman from Dungog was refused bail and is due to appear before Maitland Local Court on Monday 23 November 2020.
$41.7 million boost to commercialise lifesaving medical discoveries
An innovative nasal treatment to fight COVID-19, common colds and flu is being taken to the next stage of testing, thanks to the Morrison Government’s $500 million Biomedical Translation Fund.
Developed by Australian biotech company Ena Respiratory, INNA-051 works by stimulating the innate immune system, the first line of defence against the invasion of pathogens into the body.
The Government, alongside Brandon Capital Partners has committed $11.7 million to test the nasal spray treatment that targets the primary site of most respiratory virus infections, including SARS-CoV-2, the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and influenza.
The program has been designed so that if successful, INNA-051 will be manufactured and formulated in Australia, creating manufacturing jobs into the future.
In addition, four further projects will also share in almost $30 million dollars to commercialise their ideas. Each of these projects provide the potential to greatly improve the treatment for issues such as respiratory diseases, chronic pain and autoimmune diseases.
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said successful outcomes of the projects will improve the lives of Australians and potentially millions of people around the world.
“Australia’s health and medical researchers are world class and this investment will continue the proud Australian tradition of discovery and translation that saves lives and improves lives,” Minister Hunt said.
“The Morrison Government is backing Australia’s next generation of medical advances and this investment means these businesses have the potential to take their technology to the next level.”
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said this funding underpins the Morrison Government’s determination to deliver better health outcomes, while also encouraging economic growth and creating jobs.
“The Biomedical Translation Fund fosters potential breakthroughs that will not only improve people’s lives, but also help Australian companies create more jobs and grow into new markets,” Minister Andrews said.
“The Morrison Government is looking to develop our manufacturing capacity in medical products and this fund is yet another way we can help commercialise great Australian ideas right here at home.”
Funding consists of equal parts Commonwealth and private sector funding and is operated by three private sector fund managers: Brandon Capital Partners, OneVentures Healthcare Fund and BioScience Managers.
The other four investments made through the Fund are:
- OneVentures Healthcare Fund has committed $9.5 million to Kira Biotech. Kira Biotech is researching treatments for autoimmune disease, a condition where the immune system attacks healthy cells or the body’s organs. Kira Biotech’s research directs components of the body’s normal immune response to the impaired cells of a person suffering from an autoimmune disease, allowing the immune system to work properly.
- BioScience Managers has committed $10 million to medical device company Closed Loop Medical. Closed Loop Medical’s technology aims to improve treatments for conditions of the body’s nervous system. The technology being developed will record and measure a person’s unique response to stimulation and provide a tailored outcome for the patient. The technology has the potential to be applied to disorders including Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and bladder dysfunction.
- BioScience Managers has also committed $5 million to Adherium. Adherium is developing a digital medication monitoring system for people with respiratory diseases. The monitoring system will initially help people with conditions like asthma, by tracking their drug usage and issuing reminders to ensure they take their medication.
- Brandon Capital Partners’ MRCF BTF Fund has invested more than $5 million in Polyactiva. Polyactiva’s novel polymer technology delivers medication to the eyes. Its lead product will be used for treating glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness affecting 70 million people globally. Polyactiva’s novel delivery technology will provide six months of therapy from a single treatment, overcoming many of the challenges of delivering medication with eye drops.
The Morrison 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.
Four PINs issued following Malabar party
Police will issue four Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) following an alleged breach of Ministerial Directions under the Public Health Act in Sydney’s east overnight.
About 12.30am today (Sunday 22 November 2020), officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command, with assistance from the Central Metropolitan Operations Support Group (OSG), responded to reports of a loud party at Malabar Headland National Park.
On arrival, police observed at least 150 people inside a disused military bunker, before the group scattered and attempted to run from the area.
Officers spoke with the organisers, four men – aged 34, 28 and two aged 25 – who will all be issued $1000 PINs for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Eastern Beaches Police Area Commander, Detective Superintendent Rohan Cramsie, said police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
“It is the responsibility of everyone in this state to follow the rules and keep our community safe from further exposure to COVID-19,” Det Supt Cramsie said.
“Not only are events like this illegal, this particular party was extremely dangerous for partygoers and emergency service personnel due to the location and terrain.
“With summer and the Christmas season approaching, we urge the community to listen to the advice of our health professionals to keep our family and friends safe and well,” Det Supt Cramsie said.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related Public Health Order is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
NSW Police concludes NSW/Victorian border operation
The NSW Police Force will re-open the NSW/Victorian border at midnight tonight, following an unprecedented four-month police operation that facilitated the movement of more than five million vehicles.
On Wednesday 8 July 2020, the Public Health (COVID-19 NSW and Victorian Border) Order 2020, under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010, directed that no one could enter NSW from Victoria, unless they fulfilled specific exemption criteria.
Over the past four-and-a-half months, more than 14,000 police officers from across the state have travelled to various locations across the NSW/Victorian border in support of the operation.
The high-visibility operation included General Duties officers from across NSW, as well as Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, and other specialist units, such as the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit and Dog Unit.
At the commencement of the operation, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM appointed Assistant Commissioner Scott Whyte as the Operation Commander and Superintendent Paul Smith as the Forward Commander.
Police were assisted by the Australian Defence Force (ADF), with 1200 personnel from all three services – Army, Navy and Air Force – deployed from Thursday 9 July 2020 to Friday 30 October 2020.
The operation also benefited from the assistance of other NSW Government agencies, including Transport for NSW, and other law enforcement jurisdictions, including Victoria Police.
During the operation, police and ADF members manned 27 border checkpoints within five Police Districts across both Southern and Western Region.
More than 100,000 police shifts were completed, with an average of 500 police officers manning checkpoints along the border each day.
More than 80 per cent of vehicle movements were undertaken by local residents within border towns.
However, seventeen Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) and seven charges were laid in relation to border control directions during the operation.
Almost 800 traffic infringements were issued, and more than 70 charges were laid for a range of offences, including drug supply, weapon possession and drink driving.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the government has been focused on responding to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic since the start of this crisis.
“All of the public health orders have been consistent with our commitment to keep the people of NSW and particularly our border communities safe,” Mr Elliott said.
“The border closures have been an extraordinarily difficult decision to make, but I cannot commend highly enough the dedication and professionalism of both NSW Police officers and our Australian Defence Force officers who have implemented the operational responses to limit the spread of the virus between NSW and its surrounding states.”
NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller said the operation had undoubtedly saved lives, by preventing the spread of COVID-19 into NSW.
“From day one we said this would be a dynamic operation, and I am proud of the job our officers, in partnership with ADF members, have done in protecting the people of this state,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Some have travelled long distances to be here, often for weeks at a time in difficult conditions, manning dozens of checkpoints, while acting in line with the health advice and making sure our community is protected.
“Today marks a new chapter in our fight against COVID-19, but I want to be clear – police will continue to enforce all public health orders as this pandemic evolves.”
Superintendent Paul Smith said the support of local communities from the coast to the South Australian border throughout the operation had been a major contributing factor to its success.
“I would like to extend my thanks to those border communities who were patient and complied with our directions over the past four months,” Superintendent Smith said.
“Police worked closely with local Members of Parliament and the mayors of border communities to minimise disruption to everyday lives.
“Not only was the community’s patience appreciated, but many of our officers have reported stories of their generosity, kindness and gratitude – which will not be forgotten.”
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any public health order, or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
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 dies in hospital a day after being rescued from creek – Lake Macquarie
An elderly man has died a day after being rescued from a creek when he crashed his mobility scooter in the Lake Macquarie area yesterday.
Passers-by went to the aid of an 87-year-old man when his scooter ran off a footpath, rolled 6m down an embankment and into the creek below Freemans Drive at Cooranbong, about 3pm (Saturday 21 November 2020).
Emergency services arrived to find passers-by supporting the man in waist-deep water.
Fire and Rescue NSW officers carried the man to the roadway where he was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics then taken to John Hunter Hospital suffering hip and rib injuries.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District have been advised the man died in hospital about 11.30am today (Sunday 22 November 2020).
Inquiries continue.
AS MORRISON PREPARES THE GROUND TO DITCH KYOTO CREDITS LIBERALS AND LABOR BOTH FAILING 2030 TEST
Greens Leader, Adam Bandt, says the Government is right to reconsider its 2030 climate ambitions, but needs to do far more than just drop the Kyoto-credits loophole if Australia is to join the rest of the world on climate action.
“The government’s terrible 2030 targets leave Australia exposed. We’re in the critical decade and domestic political games will provide no cover for Australia’s climate-pariah status on the world stage,” Bandt said.
“Scott Morrison’s 2030 targets are consistent with Australia warming by over 4 degrees, which means civilisational collapse. The Liberals’ 2030 targets are not consistent with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees.
“With Europe and the United Kingdom looking to cut pollution by well over half by 2030, and the United States having already agreed to cuts of 26-28% on 2005 levels by 2025, five years earlier than Australia, we’re becoming increasingly isolated.
“President-Elect Biden has committed to hold a global climate summit in the first 100 days of his Presidency to increase national emissions pledges, and both the Liberal and Labor parties must align Australia’s 2030 targets with the science.
“The Liberals’ 2030 targets have Australia on track for over 4 degrees of heating and Labor is letting Scott Morrison off the hook by having no 2030 targets at all.”
The Greens adjusted their 2030 and net-zero targets in July to take into account recent science and the reversal of progress since the repeal of the price on carbon – see here.
Rising unemployment rate underlines need to keep full rate of Coronavirus supplement and commit to long term increase in Jobseeker
October unemployment figures clearly show that it is untenable to return Jobseeker back to $40 a day in March and that the further cut to the coronavirus supplement in December will drop more people below the poverty line.
It’s just excuse after excuse with this Government when it comes to the Jobseeker payment, Greens spokesperson on Family and Community and Services, Senator Rachel Siewert said.
Jobseeker was too low before this pandemic, so the “wait to see the economic conditions” excuse doesn’t stand up.
It is cruel to keep people in limbo on what their fates will be after March.
Keeping Jobseeker above the poverty line is essential for people looking for work, for our communities and our economy.
It is very clear that if the Jobkeeper program ends there will be another jump in unemployment and these figures mask the people who have dropped out of the job market all together.
What the Government is doing to people on income support is cruel and dehumanising
Greens call for reinstatement of Parenting Payment Single following more evidence of significant increase in poverty rates
The Greens say that the HILDA survey showing a steep increase in single parent families living in poverty is a shocking outcome and a clear indication that the Parenting Payment Single must be reinstated until the youngest child turns 16.
“There is a direct correlation between the increase in the poverty rate of single parents and the Howard and Gillard Governments chucking single parents off the Parenting Payment onto Newstart when their youngest child turned eight,” Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Family and Community Services said.
This political decision has condemned hundreds of thousands of children to poverty and set them up for a life of disadvantage and poor well being.
This disaster of a policy needs to be remedied and we must reinstate Parenting Payment Single for single parents until their youngest child is 16.