Greens Senate Leader Senator Larissa Waters has today introduced a bill in the Senate to ban thermal coal mines in the Galilee Basin, effectively outlawing the Adani mine and Clive Palmer’s proposed coal mine.
She said opening up the Galilee Basin for thermal coal mining was a carbon bomb that would push global warming to unsafe levels and kill off the Great Barrier Reef.
“The Galilee Basin is a carbon bomb and in reality the science demands we don’t open up a single new coal mine,” Senator Waters said.
“We need to keep that Galilee coal in the ground and today I have a bill that will do just that.
“If the Galilee Basin were to be mined and it was a country, it would be the seventh largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world.
“Australia’s emissions continue to rise and millions of hectares of the country were burnt over Summer due to climate-fuelled bushfires. We desperately need a climate plan and that climate plan means getting out of thermal coal.
“We cannot afford to open up a new coal basin right when the rest of the world is embracing renewable energy and is transitioning towards an economy that can support workers and keep the planet liveable.
“It’s time we had a real jobs plan for Queenslanders, not fake promises of coal mines that we hope will never eventuate otherwise our climate is cooked.
“We need a genuine transition plan that supports coal-affected communities, re-trains them where that’s necessary and oft times it won’t be as those skills are transferable to other industries, especially clean energy or mine rehabilitation.
“Big coal is very generous in their donations to both the old parties, holding back action on climate change and renewable energy in this country for years.
“We must transition out of dirty polluting fossil fuels and towards the clean, jobs-generating export market future of renewable energy,” she said.
$1.6 Billion to Upgrade RAAF Base Tindal to Protect Australians and Create Jobs
The Morrison Government is investing $1.6 billion to ensure the Australian Defence Force (ADF) can continue to deliver a potent air combat capability from the Northern Territory.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government had approved a further $1.1 billion program of works at the RAAF Base Tindal, on top of the $495 million already invested in New Air Combat Capability infrastructure.
“This investment is all about keeping Australians safe and putting Australians in jobs,” the Prime Minister said.
“Over 300 jobs will be created in the construction phase alone. The investment is part of the $8 billion we are spending over the coming decade on Defence facilities in the Top End, as part of the Defence White Paper and under our Developing Northern Australia initiatives.
“It will be integral to our Alliance with the United States, and increase the reach of Air Force capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.
“As part of these upgrades, RAAF Base Tindal will be able to deliver enhanced air-to-air refuelling and air support capabilities, ensuring we can support critical ADF operations – everything from air combat missions through to responding to natural disasters both at home and throughout our region.”
Under the redevelopment projects, $737 million will go towards upgrading the airfield including extending the runway, building a new air movements terminal, parking apron and extra fuel storage facilities.
An additional $437 million will provide critical base infrastructure upgrades, particularly engineering services on the base including power, water and sewage, as well as 108 new live-in units for Australian Defence Force personnel.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon. Linda Reynolds CSC said RAAF Base Tindal is one of our most important Defence bases.
“The 2016 Defence White Paper identified Northern Australia as strategically important, both for national defence and as a forward base for regional engagement,” Minister Reynolds said.
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon. Melissa Price MP said Defence’s managing contractor will be required to maximise the involvement of local industry from the Katherine region and wider Northern Territory.
“Hundreds of locals will be employed to deliver these projects, with many more set to benefit from subcontract packages and supply chain work,” Minister Price said.
Public information sessions are scheduled for 27 February 2020 in Katherine and the following week in Darwin.
Subject to Parliamentary approval, construction is expected to commence from mid-2020, with completion expected by the end of 2027.
The Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Industry will open the recently completed $495 million New Air Combat Capability facility.
The completion of this facility will support the arrival of Australia’s cutting-edge F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft at RAAF Base Tindal in the years ahead.
“Under this project 64 percent of the total work packages were awarded to Northern Territory businesses, representing some $242 million being injected into the Territory’s economy,” Minister Price said.
“These completed works also contributed to local Indigenous employment, with an eight percent Indigenous workforce participation rate and three sub-contracts, valued at $27 million, awarded to Indigenous companies.”
Further detail on the proposed works can be found at https://www.defence.gov.au/id/RAAF-Tindal/Default.asp.
THE DROUGHT IS NOT OVER, YET
Regional NSW is still in the grips of the worst drought on record with 99 per cent of the state still drought affected, despite recent rain in coastal areas and some inland regions.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro today spoke with farmers, families and business owners in Yass, Boorowa, Cowra and Orange about the drought and reassured them that they have not been forgotten.
The recent downpours were a welcome relief, but people need to understand that many parts of the state did not receive a single drop and that 99 per cent of the state, particularly areas like the Far West, Central West and Southern NSW, remain in drought,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The drought is not over, far from it, and I want farmers, families and businesses to know that, while there has quite rightly been much attention given to firefighting and recovery efforts, our focus and commitment to drought support and response has not wavered.
“I am looking forward to the day I can say the drought has broken but that day is not today.
“The recent rain has given a lot of communities hope for the future but for those who have missed out it is a tough pill to swallow. We will continue to stand by them until this drought breaks.”
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Adam Marshall said a further 50mm of rain is forecast on the North Coast for the coming week, following similar falls last week, however it will take months of sustained and widespread rainfall to break the drought.
“I’m sure many people have seen photos of green grass sprouting in some drought affected areas, but the reality is this recent growth is not that widespread and will provide only limited nutritional value for livestock,” Mr Marshall said.
“In farming areas, stored soil moisture levels remain very low, which shows the recent rainfall hasn’t provided the nourishing effect needed to improve conditions, while algal blooms and further fish kills remain a very real possibility across multiple regions.”
Mr Barilaro said as of February 2020, more than $1.9 billion has been committed to the Emergency Drought Relief package to help farmers and regional communities, on top of the $1 billion Safe and Secure Water program which is delivering water infrastructure that boosts drought resilience.
“We haven’t stopped and we won’t stop delivering for drought affected communities. Despite the bushfires, the bushfire recovery operation and despite recent rain, our commitment to regional towns suffering through this overwhelming drought is unwavering.”
For information about NSW Government drought support, go to droughthub.nsw.gov.au
WORLD EXPERT TO HELP NSW BUSHFIRE RECOVERY
One of the world’s leading experts on the mental health and social impacts of disaster will help lead long term recovery in the aftermath of NSW’s devastating bushfires.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor and Bega MP Andrew Constance were joined by Professor Alexander McFarlane AO on Friday, 21 February as they led a meeting with stakeholders working to deliver recovery efforts across NSW.
Mrs Taylor said the experience of Professor McFarlane will be invaluable, especially as the diverse needs of communities change over time.
“The mental health of the people in fire ravaged communities is incredibly important, we want to make sure that as people rebuild their lives, they also rebuild their sense of wellbeing,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Bushfire recovery is well underway across the state, with different communities at different stages, but each will need access to mental health support for a long time into the future.
“Health experts, agencies, local community leaders, and everyone involved in the critical bushfire recovery process have come together to ensure ongoing, unified and co-ordinated support is provided to make sure no one slips through the cracks.”
Professor McFarlane has guided bushfire recovery efforts for decades, working on the Ash Wednesday and Black Saturday fires, as well as international disasters.
Mr Constance said it is important that we get this part of our recovery right.
“I don’t want to see tragedy follow tragedy, I want anyone affected in any way, shape or form to seek out support, either through their own community group or privately through one of our amazing networks,” Mr Constance said.
“We all need fire care of some description and it may not be now or next week, but we will all need it, I don’t want anyone to be afraid to ask for it.”
The NSW Government has previously announced a recovery package that includes $11.25 million for additional clinical positions which will boost the capacity of mental health teams in fire-affected communities to support people experiencing mental health consequences as result of the bushfires.
An additional deployment of 76 existing health and mental health staff to bushfire affected areas commenced on 6th January, and continue to provide support to affected communities as needed.
Mrs Taylor has urged anyone suffering from trauma or stress as a result of the State’s bushfire crisis to contact their local health service.
The Disaster Welfare Assistance Line is staffed with counselling support and can be accessed by phone on 1800 018 444
More help can be accessed via
- NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511,
- Lifeline Australia on 131114, or Lifeline’s dedicated bushfire line on 13 43 57
- Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636,
- Mensline on 1300 789 978 or
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
Motorcyclist dies after crash with SUV – Hunter Valley
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner following the death of a motorcyclist in the Hunter Valley yesterday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to Great North Road, Bucketty (40km north-west of Somersby), about 4.30pm (Sunday 23 February 2020), responding to reports of a crash involving a motorcycle and SUV.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District were told a man was riding north and a Mitsubishi SUV was being driven south, when the crash occurred in the southbound lane.
The SUV left the road, crashing down a ravine trapping the driver, while the motorcyclist was thrown down the same ravine.
Paramedics were winched by helicopter down the ravine to the injured motorcyclist; however, he died a short time after being brought up to the roadway.
He is believed to have been aged 59 and from Mardi.
A 44-year-old woman, from Paxton, was released from the wreckage of her SUV and escaped with relatively minor injuries.
She was taken to Wyong Hospital for mandatory testing.
Police were assisted at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, Rescue helicopter crew, RFS and VRA volunteers.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or 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.
Net zero by 2050 and new coal mines will not save us from the climate emergency: Bandt
Today, Labor Leader Anthony Albanese committed the party to a target of net zero emissions by 2050, however he refused to indicate a 2030 target or commit to concrete steps to cut pollution and tackle the climate crisis.
Adam Bandt MP said:
“The science is clear. ‘Net-zero by 2050’ alone blows the Paris climate target of staying well below 2 degrees. Net-zero by 2050 is walking away from Paris.
“Without urgent action, scientists have us on track to hit a catastrophic 1.5 degrees as soon as 2030 and 2 degrees could follow soon after.
“We are in a climate emergency and what matters most is what we do in the next decade, not in 30 years’ time.
“We are on the edge of catastrophic climate tipping points and the science is calling for deep cuts right now and zero emissions no later than 2040.
“A target for 30 years’ time doesn’t mean much if we continue to open new coal mines and export coal. If you don’t have a plan to phase out coal and gas you don’t have a real plan for the climate crisis.
“Coal is the real climate test for Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese and so far they are both failing.
“Labor and Liberal both support new coal mines and Labor has just approved fracking in the Betaloo basin, which is a bigger climate bomb than Adani.
“Scott Morrison has us on track for a catastrophic 3 degrees of global warming, but if Anthony Albanese wants to be a climate leader rather than a climate fraud, he needs a strong target for 2030 and a plan to phase out coal and gas.”
Adam Bandt MP said:
“The science is clear. ‘Net-zero by 2050’ alone blows the Paris climate target of staying well below 2 degrees. Net-zero by 2050 is walking away from Paris.
“Without urgent action, scientists have us on track to hit a catastrophic 1.5 degrees as soon as 2030 and 2 degrees could follow soon after.
“We are in a climate emergency and what matters most is what we do in the next decade, not in 30 years’ time.
“We are on the edge of catastrophic climate tipping points and the science is calling for deep cuts right now and zero emissions no later than 2040.
“A target for 30 years’ time doesn’t mean much if we continue to open new coal mines and export coal. If you don’t have a plan to phase out coal and gas you don’t have a real plan for the climate crisis.
“Coal is the real climate test for Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese and so far they are both failing.
“Labor and Liberal both support new coal mines and Labor has just approved fracking in the Betaloo basin, which is a bigger climate bomb than Adani.
“Scott Morrison has us on track for a catastrophic 3 degrees of global warming, but if Anthony Albanese wants to be a climate leader rather than a climate fraud, he needs a strong target for 2030 and a plan to phase out coal and gas.”
Government funding for domestic violence response and prevention should top $5 billion
”This pitiful and belated amount shows the Government continuing to ignore women and experts on the scale of action needed to address domestic violence – instead they give Pauline Hanson an inquiry platform to call women liars,” Greens Senate Leader and spokesperson on women, Senator Larissa Waters said today.
“We need an urgent investment of $5.3 billion for a new ten-year billion National Partnership Agreement on Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women between state and Federal governments.
“Under the plan, perpetrator interventions including men’s behaviour change programs and early intervention programs would receive $128 million over four years.
“We must treat the number of Australians who survive or are killed by domestic violence as the national emergency that it is. No survivor should be turned away when they need help.
“This plan would give 10-year funding certainty for frontline response services and radically boost their funding by investing $2.2 billion over four years over the decade.
“As part of that 10 year funding commitment, we’d support increased, long-term funding for Our Watch and ANROWS (Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety), the national primary prevention and cultural change experts.
“It would also be vital to provide grants directly to domestic violence survivors, helping about 1,000 survivors each month at a time when they need practical support to help re-build their lives.
“There have now been eight women killed by violence in 2020, after 61 were murdered last year.
“This can be the decade where we ensure women and children are safe in their homes, on our streets or wherever they are. But it won’t happen unless we lift our ambition now and resource a comprehensive domestic violence plan,” she said.
“We need an urgent investment of $5.3 billion for a new ten-year billion National Partnership Agreement on Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women between state and Federal governments.
“Under the plan, perpetrator interventions including men’s behaviour change programs and early intervention programs would receive $128 million over four years.
“We must treat the number of Australians who survive or are killed by domestic violence as the national emergency that it is. No survivor should be turned away when they need help.
“This plan would give 10-year funding certainty for frontline response services and radically boost their funding by investing $2.2 billion over four years over the decade.
“As part of that 10 year funding commitment, we’d support increased, long-term funding for Our Watch and ANROWS (Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety), the national primary prevention and cultural change experts.
“It would also be vital to provide grants directly to domestic violence survivors, helping about 1,000 survivors each month at a time when they need practical support to help re-build their lives.
“There have now been eight women killed by violence in 2020, after 61 were murdered last year.
“This can be the decade where we ensure women and children are safe in their homes, on our streets or wherever they are. But it won’t happen unless we lift our ambition now and resource a comprehensive domestic violence plan,” she said.
Celebrate 90 magical years of Civic jewels
To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the opening of the Civic Theatre and City Hall, a first ever ‘access all areas’ tour will be offered to the general public on Sunday 1 March.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the event was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the historic pasts and bright futures of both the Civic Theatre and City Hall.
Civic Theatre and City Hall under comnstruction.
“City Hall and the Civic Theatre are beautiful buildings which are part of the cultural and civic fabric of our city,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“They are owned by and maintained for the people of Newcastle. Our 90th anniversary celebrations are an opportunity to show residents and visitors aspects of both venues they have never seen before.”
The event kicks off in Wheeler Place at midday, with a host of free, fun activities, including an aerial circus show, circus skills workshops, live music including a funky brass band, giant wooden games and puzzles, face painting and air brush tattoos.
Manager Civic Services Delia O’Hara with Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace and the Lord Mayor.
The Civic Digest café will be open for business and the art deco Civic Bar will provide somewhere to relax with music performed by talented local musicians throughout the afternoon.
“After the official launch in Wheeler Place, guests are invited to come on special behind-the-scenes guided tours of both City Hall and the Civic Theatre, running between 12.30pm and 3.30pm,” Manager Civic Services Delia O’Hara said.
“Bookings are not necessary, but we advise you to be early, so you don’t miss out.
“On the Civic Theatre tour, you will go up onto the stage and into the backstage areas, normally off limits to the public. You will hear about what goes on behind-the-scenes, and while on stage a range of leading local Newcastle drama, dance and musical theatre companies will provide a rare insight into the secrets of staging a production – from auditions through to tech runs. This program is presented in collaboration with the City of Newcastle Drama Association.
“The City Hall guided tours will take guests through all three levels of the building – including the Lord Mayor’s office and Council Chambers – giving visitors an insight into the many uses of the building over the past 90 years and major events which have taken place.
“In the Cummings Room, we will present an historical exhibition about both venues, including a rarely seen silent film commissioned locally in the 1930s, and local historian Sue Ryan will be on hand from 1pm-2pm to answer questions about the history of both buildings.
“Guests are also welcome to visit the Concert Hall where, between 12.30pm and 3.30pm, some of our most talented local musicians will present the ‘Showcasing the Steinway’ program.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the event was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the historic pasts and bright futures of both the Civic Theatre and City Hall.
Civic Theatre and City Hall under comnstruction.“City Hall and the Civic Theatre are beautiful buildings which are part of the cultural and civic fabric of our city,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“They are owned by and maintained for the people of Newcastle. Our 90th anniversary celebrations are an opportunity to show residents and visitors aspects of both venues they have never seen before.”
The event kicks off in Wheeler Place at midday, with a host of free, fun activities, including an aerial circus show, circus skills workshops, live music including a funky brass band, giant wooden games and puzzles, face painting and air brush tattoos.
Manager Civic Services Delia O’Hara with Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace and the Lord Mayor.The Civic Digest café will be open for business and the art deco Civic Bar will provide somewhere to relax with music performed by talented local musicians throughout the afternoon.
“After the official launch in Wheeler Place, guests are invited to come on special behind-the-scenes guided tours of both City Hall and the Civic Theatre, running between 12.30pm and 3.30pm,” Manager Civic Services Delia O’Hara said.
“Bookings are not necessary, but we advise you to be early, so you don’t miss out.
“On the Civic Theatre tour, you will go up onto the stage and into the backstage areas, normally off limits to the public. You will hear about what goes on behind-the-scenes, and while on stage a range of leading local Newcastle drama, dance and musical theatre companies will provide a rare insight into the secrets of staging a production – from auditions through to tech runs. This program is presented in collaboration with the City of Newcastle Drama Association.
“The City Hall guided tours will take guests through all three levels of the building – including the Lord Mayor’s office and Council Chambers – giving visitors an insight into the many uses of the building over the past 90 years and major events which have taken place.
“In the Cummings Room, we will present an historical exhibition about both venues, including a rarely seen silent film commissioned locally in the 1930s, and local historian Sue Ryan will be on hand from 1pm-2pm to answer questions about the history of both buildings.
“Guests are also welcome to visit the Concert Hall where, between 12.30pm and 3.30pm, some of our most talented local musicians will present the ‘Showcasing the Steinway’ program.”
City to fund ocean baths restorations
City of Newcastle has committed to funding the restoration of both Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths following an unsuccessful expressions of interest (EOI) process.
With no EOI submissions progressing beyond an initial panel review, City of Newcastle will form a community reference group by the end of the month to guide the restoration of Newcastle Ocean Baths and commence further engagement on the Merewether pavilion later this year.
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The current round of community engagement is due to conclude at the end of February while initial planning continues, including detailed site investigations to further understand the condition of Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths and the level of rectification required.
“I’m determined to see the Newcastle Ocean Baths become an asset all Novocastrians can be proud of,” Cr Nuatali Nelmes said.
“This means converting feedback from the current community engagement process into the preliminary design that once costed, can be further tested with the community to ensure the Newcastle Ocean Baths receives an appropriate restoration 98 years after it was first built.
“We’ve made a great start on understanding what the community want from the Baths with more than 600 comments already logged on the City’s ideas wall. Intercept surveys are taking place at the Baths and other city locations before the end of February.
“We’ll now progress with forming a community reference group that represents user groups, the local business community and broader ratepayer base with the aim of holding our first meeting next month.
“The Baths are a treasured part of Newcastle’s history. Developed responsibly and with respect to its local heritage, we will deliver public baths that remain appealing to people throughout our city and one of our key tourism drawcards. This includes protection of its facade, the blue-stepped bleaches and its free entry to swim all year round.”
The Newcastle Coastal Plan of Management, adopted by Council in 2015, prescribed an expression of interest (EOI) for the pavilions and identified cafes, kiosks and restaurants as potential future uses, with the stipulation that revenue be re-invested in coastal upgrades and maintenance.
The City invited EOIs in November 2019 before bringing forward engagement following incorrect claims that the Newcastle and Merewether Baths would be privatised.
Under the EOI, the City committed to retaining Newcastle Ocean Baths’ iconic art-deco façade and bleacher seating, while providing renewed public change rooms with hot water showers and improving shading, car parking, disability access and seating in line with previous engagement results.
City of Newcastle Director of Infrastructure Ken Liddell said the City would review the community engagement results before preparing draft concept plans.
“Community consultation will be maintained through a reference group, while information sessions and a public exhibition will be held to present concept plans to the broader community before Councillors review and approve any restoration,” Mr Liddell said.
“I expect the concept plan will be completed this year with detailed design works to follow in preparation for construction work to start in 2021.”
City of Newcastle will form its Newcastle Ocean Baths community reference group in February with invitations to user groups and stakeholders along with an EOI for broader community involvement.
Community reference group
The stakeholder groups to be invited to be part of the community reference group (CRG) will include, but not be limited to:
With no EOI submissions progressing beyond an initial panel review, City of Newcastle will form a community reference group by the end of the month to guide the restoration of Newcastle Ocean Baths and commence further engagement on the Merewether pavilion later this year.
The current round of community engagement is due to conclude at the end of February while initial planning continues, including detailed site investigations to further understand the condition of Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths and the level of rectification required.
“I’m determined to see the Newcastle Ocean Baths become an asset all Novocastrians can be proud of,” Cr Nuatali Nelmes said.
“This means converting feedback from the current community engagement process into the preliminary design that once costed, can be further tested with the community to ensure the Newcastle Ocean Baths receives an appropriate restoration 98 years after it was first built.
“We’ve made a great start on understanding what the community want from the Baths with more than 600 comments already logged on the City’s ideas wall. Intercept surveys are taking place at the Baths and other city locations before the end of February.
“We’ll now progress with forming a community reference group that represents user groups, the local business community and broader ratepayer base with the aim of holding our first meeting next month.
“The Baths are a treasured part of Newcastle’s history. Developed responsibly and with respect to its local heritage, we will deliver public baths that remain appealing to people throughout our city and one of our key tourism drawcards. This includes protection of its facade, the blue-stepped bleaches and its free entry to swim all year round.”
The Newcastle Coastal Plan of Management, adopted by Council in 2015, prescribed an expression of interest (EOI) for the pavilions and identified cafes, kiosks and restaurants as potential future uses, with the stipulation that revenue be re-invested in coastal upgrades and maintenance.
The City invited EOIs in November 2019 before bringing forward engagement following incorrect claims that the Newcastle and Merewether Baths would be privatised.
Under the EOI, the City committed to retaining Newcastle Ocean Baths’ iconic art-deco façade and bleacher seating, while providing renewed public change rooms with hot water showers and improving shading, car parking, disability access and seating in line with previous engagement results.
City of Newcastle Director of Infrastructure Ken Liddell said the City would review the community engagement results before preparing draft concept plans.
“Community consultation will be maintained through a reference group, while information sessions and a public exhibition will be held to present concept plans to the broader community before Councillors review and approve any restoration,” Mr Liddell said.
“I expect the concept plan will be completed this year with detailed design works to follow in preparation for construction work to start in 2021.”
City of Newcastle will form its Newcastle Ocean Baths community reference group in February with invitations to user groups and stakeholders along with an EOI for broader community involvement.
Community reference group
The stakeholder groups to be invited to be part of the community reference group (CRG) will include, but not be limited to:
- Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths
- Pirates swimming club
- Local business
- Indigenous (Guraki / Awabakal)
- Coal River Working Party
- Newcastle East Residents Group
- Australian Institute of Architects
For expressions of interest to the community, City of Newcastle will aim for broad representation from across the four wards and, include but not be limited to, youth, people with disability, Indigenous representation and pensioners. Applications to be part of the CRG close on February 27 and interested community members can apply here.
The Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group will have terms of reference based on the existing CRG for the Bathers Way. The CRG will be independently facilitated.
BUSHFIRE CLEAN-UP UNDERWAY IN SOUTHERN NSW
The operation to clean-up homes and businesses destroyed by bushfire is now underway on the NSW South Coast with excavators and bulldozers arriving in Mogo to clear debris.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro, NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Member for Bega Andrew Constance, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner and State Recovery Coordinator Mick Willing and Laing O’Rourke Managing Director Cathal O’Rourke, were on site in Mogo yesterday to kick off the clean-up.
“The small community of Mogo has suffered enormously this bushfire season, with 44 homes lost, plus more than 100 other properties including outbuildings and businesses destroyed,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Yesterday is an important day for people on the South Coast and in Mogo. It marks a new beginning, the sooner these structures are cleared the sooner people can start to rebuild their lives.”
Mr Perrottet said while there is a huge amount of work ahead, yesterday was a significant step forward.
“The NSW Government and recovery contractor Laing O’Rourke have responded quickly to get boots on the ground helping communities recover and get back on their feet,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Laing O’Rourke will work with qualified local contractors and suppliers where possible, to take advantage of local expertise and help the recovery happen swiftly.”
Mr Constance said more than 5,000 people to date have registered for the opt-in, to clean-up bushfire destroyed properties.
“I urge all local homeowners and businesses impacted by the bushfires to register online, call Service NSW, visit their local Recovery Centre or speak to the local recovery team to find out about the clean-up,” Mr Constance said.
Mr Willing, who is coordinating the NSW recovery effort said it is vital that large volumes of waste, including toxic materials like asbestos are disposed of correctly.
“The huge volume of waste which needs to be safely disposed of is challenging,” Mr Willing said.
“We have heard people’s concerns about waste management and I want to assure communities that we have their safety top of mind, and are working closely with councils, the EPA and NSW Public Works Advisory.”
The recovery efforts in Mogo follow the successful clean-up of properties at Rainbow Flat last week with a pilot clean-up operation also underway in the Blue Mountains.
The NSW Government and Commonwealth Government are funding the clean-up for insured and uninsured owners of properties so that people have more money to rebuild their homes.
With more than 2,400 houses and thousands of other structures destroyed by bushfire in NSW this season, the funding for clean-up is just one way the NSW and Commonwealth Governments are committed to helping bushfire communities on the path to recovery.
To register for the opt-in property clean-up service, call 13 77 88 or register online at www.service.nsw.gov.au.