Two men found deceased in the state's Hunter Region

A crime scene has been established following the death of two men in Kotara South this afternoon.
Shortly before 5pm (Saturday 14 March 2020), police were called to a residence on Blackbutt Parade following reports of a man armed with a firearm.
On arrival officers located the body of a man outside the home suffering a gunshot wound.
Further inquiries led police inside the home where they discovered the body of a second man, also suffering a gunshot wound.
Both men are believed to be aged in their early forties.
Detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District continue investigations on scene.

COVID-19: how is the Council responding

The safety of our communities, customers and employees is our top priority.

Our employees are monitoring developments relating to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) daily and assessing any potential impact on city services and events.
We aim to maintain our current level of service to residents and businesses during this period.
We take advice on all public health matters from the state and federal health departments.
To date, NSW Health and the other advising authorities are clear in their message. As of today, there is no COVID-19 cluster in the Hunter, and therefore no reason to alter our service levels to the community.

Events and public gatherings

A state and federal government advisory has been issued regarding events and public gatherings of more than 500 people. Visit the NSW Health website for more information.

How we are responding

  • We are promoting the NSW Health site www.health.nsw.gov.au as the primary source of information and health updates.
  • The City is actively involved in the Local Emergency Management Committee’s response to Covid-19 which includes police, NSW Fire Brigades, SES, Health, Transport for NSW and neighbouring councils. This is allowing us to establish joint approaches and provide consistent advice.
  • A City of Newcastle COVID-19 Planning Team has been established. The Planning Team includes People and Culture (and WHS), Legal (Emergency Management and Risk) and Corporate Affairs (Communications and Community Engagement).
  • Activating our Emergency Management Action Plan (EMAP) for Newcastle. This Plan is aligned to State and National emergency plans and CN’s suite of Emergency Management Plans. The EMAP outlines strategies for CN in accordance with readiness and key actions which CN is committed to in accordance with relevant legislation, Acts and Regulations.

Preparedness – Key actions

  • The City has installed hand sanitisers at all front facing facilities, focusing particularly at the libraries, Children’s Education Centre, cultural facilities and venues.
  • We are reviewing increased cleaning regimes for our sites and appropriate signage needs.
  • We are working through flexible working options with City of Newcastle staff should this become necessary to continue delivering essential services.
  • We are liaising with other agencies including the Office of Local Government, neighbouring Councils, the University of Newcastle and Newcastle Airport, to ensure sharing of information and consistent messaging to our community.

We are continuing to develop our plans to cover a situation where COVID19 becomes widespread in Australia, and state and federal governments move to greater restrictions on activities within the Newcastle Government area.

Communicating to employees

City employees who have recently travelled to affected countries or have been in contact with someone who has coronavirus will be excluded from work and have been advised to self-isolate for 14 days.
All employees have been reminded to practice good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water, and using alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Public health information has been distributed at the City’s libraries and community children’s education centre.
City of Newcastle will continue to update you on the work we’re doing through our Local Emergency Management Plan prepared for COVID-19.
More information is available on the NSW Health website or the Federal Government Health website.

City working with key partners on COVID-19 response

City of Newcastle is working in collaboration with government partners including NSW Health to ensure our city is prepared in the event of further spread of COVID-19.
The City’s Local Emergency Management Plan for COVID-19 has the following key objectives:

  • maintain services to residents and businesses
  • provide timely information about any changes to services or the operation of our facilities
  • support the State and Federal governments to manage the impact of the pandemic
  • adjust our operations to further protect public health and the health of our staff

“Public health is the number one priority for City of Newcastle and all agencies working collaboratively on the COVID-19 response,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“We’re actively working within the Local Emergency Management Committee – with NSW Police, NSW Fire Brigades, SES, Health, Transport for NSW to ensure that our city is adequately equipped and prepared.
“The City is also liaising with partners including the Office of Local Government, neighbouring councils, the University of Newcastle, Port of Newcastle and the Newcastle Airport to ensure consistent information is shared with our community.
How we are responding:

  • The City of Newcastle COVID-19 Planning Team has activated an Emergency Management Action Plan (EMAP) aligned with state and national emergency plans.
  • Working with the Local Emergency Management Committee to establish joint approaches and provide consistent advice.
  • Notifying event organisers following the state and federal governments issuing an advisory today restricting non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people.
  • Each City of Newcastle service area is developing a detailed plan to support the EMAP should the spread of the virus prompt the state and federal governments to introduce greater restrictions on activities within our Local Government area.
  • Distributing hand-sanitising gel to front-facing facilities, focusing particularly on libraries, Children’s Education Centre, cultural facilities and venues and reviewing increased cleaning regimes for our sites.

The NSW Health website www.health.nsw.gov.au is the primary source of health information. The City is supporting the NSW Government in sharing information on its channels.

NSW TO LEAD THE NATION ON EMISSIONS REDUCTION

The NSW economy will see over $11.6 billion of private investment and 2,400 new jobs under Stage 1 of the NSW Government’s plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean said the plan, the first of its kind in Australia, is all about reducing the State’s emissions in ways that grow the economy.
“Where there are technologies that can reduce both our emissions and costs for households and businesses, we want to roll them out across the State. Where these technologies are not yet commercial, we want to invest in their development so they will be available in the decades to come,” Mr Kean said.
“Almost two-thirds of the private investment under the plan will go to regional and rural NSW, creating job opportunities and diversifying local economies that are doing it tough after the drought and devastating bushfire season.
“Global markets are rapidly changing in response to climate change, with many of the world’s biggest economies and companies committed to reach net zero emissions by 2050. NSW already leads the nation with its economic and investment plans and from today, NSW will lead the nation with its Net Zero Plan.
“Our actions are firmly grounded in science and economics, not ideology, to give our workers and businesses to best opportunity to thrive in a low-carbon world.”
Under the plan, household electricity prices will fall, regional businesses will have access to new technologies and markets, industry will be supported to modernise their plant and increase productivity and consumers will have more information to help them make financially and environmentally sustainable choices.
The plan is financially supported by the landmark $2 billion bilateral agreement between the Commonwealth and NSW Government announced in January 2020.
For more information about the Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020-2030 visit https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/climate-change/net-zero-plan

$4 MILLION COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE BOOST

Thirty-two community organisations in NSW have been awarded more than $4 million, to fund local projects that build or upgrade facilities across sport and recreation, arts and culture, disaster readiness and essential community infrastructure.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program funds important projects across the state to support community organisations that work tirelessly to create resilient, healthy and connected communities.
“The projects we’re funding will boost equity, social inclusion and participation – making a real difference in people’s lives across NSW,” Mr Dominello said.
“Since 2015, the NSW Government has funded over 380 community projects worth $58 million under the Infrastructure Grants program.”
The program also targets projects that support drought-affected communities and youth, mental health and domestic violence services and, for the next round opening in March 2020, was expanded to accommodate bushfire impacted communities.
A significant number of grants in this round have been allocated to community organisations in bushfire impacted communities.
The grants are made possible by the Clubgrants Category 3 Fund which re-invests profits from registered clubs’ gaming machines into community infrastructure projects across three key areas:

  • Arts and Culture;
  • Disaster Readiness and Community Infrastructure; and
  • Sport and Recreation

A new round of applications for funding opens on 16 March 2020. Learn more at responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au/funding-opportunities/infrastructure-grants.

CORONA RESPONSE MUST PROTECT CASUAL WORKERS

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has called for greater protection for casual workers in the Newcastle-Hunter region as part of the coronavirus stimulus package.
Ms Claydon said local businesses and workers were particularly vulnerable to the flow-on impacts of coronavirus.
“Our region is heavily exposed to the economic shockwaves from corona, given the significance of our small business, tourism and hospitality sectors,” Ms Claydon said.
“Regretfully, these same industries are also heavily reliant on casual workers, who are enormously vulnerable and without sick pay if they get their shifts cut or have to go into isolation.”
Ms Claydon said that concerns about workers had been a key theme of feedback from local business and representative organisations.
“Local businesses are facing unprecedented challenges themselves, but the consistent message they’ve been giving me is they want to protect their workers,” Ms Claydon said.
“The Morrison Government is doing nothing to ensure that the many thousands of casual workers in our community get through this terrible time. The message is clearly ‘You’re on your own.’”
Ms Claydon said it was also a public health issue to contain the spread of the virus.
“The last thing we would want is sick workers continuing to go to work because they can’t afford to do otherwise,” Ms Claydon said.
“This isn’t just about protecting vulnerable workers – it’s about protecting our entire community.”
Ms Claydon said it the problem shouldn’t fall on the shoulders of business to fix.
“It’s great that some businesses have announced that they will continue to pay workers who have to go into isolation, but it’s neither fair nor reasonable to expect all businesses to do this.
“Successive Liberal Federal Governments have supported an increasingly casualised workforce. It’s now incumbent on the Morrison Government to step up and protect these workers and our communities.”

Greens to introduce law for 14 days coronavirus leave for all effected workers

Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said that when parliament resumes, the Greens will introduce legislation to provide 14 days’ paid sick leave to all workers affected by the coronavirus. The ACTU has called for 2 weeks paid sick leave for workers affected by the virus.
The Fair Work Amendment (COVID 19) Bill will mean the 3.3 million workers currently without paid leave entitlements will be able to access paid sick leave if affected by the virus, and will also ensure workers with leave provisions are not forced to exhaust their sick leave balances if their company temporarily closes because of the virus.
The bill would cover workers diagnosed with COVID 19, those required to self-isolate or who are caring for a family member affected by the virus. Workers whose workplace temporarily closes because of the virus will also be covered.
“The Morrison government must not leave Australian workers to fend for themselves during this crisis,” Mr Bandt said.
“Workers should be able to follow government advice to self-isolate without losing their income or their job.
“If we don’t pass this bill, coronavirus could spread faster because workers without paid sick leave who are affected by the virus may feel pressured to come to work instead of staying home.
“The government should urgently make this change to the law and then use their stimulus package to help small and medium businesses meet the additional costs.”
“If the government won’t act, the Greens will, and we’ll dare them to vote on the floor of Parliament against supporting workers.”

Greens to move in Senate to make stimulus fairer & bigger

The stimulus package outlined by the Prime Minister this morning falls far short of what the experts say is needed to weather the economic storm caused by the Coronavirus pandemic and does little to stem the crisis facing people on Newstart & Youth Allowance as well as the 3.5 million casual workers in Australia, said Leader of The Australian Greens Adam Bandt, MP.
The Greens will move to expand the package when it reaches the Senate to lift Newstart & Youth Allowance as well as provide 14 days’ paid coronavirus sick leave to all workers, including casual workers.
Greens Leader Adam Bandt, MP said:
“This package is not fair enough, not big enough and will leave too many people behind.”
“The Greens will move in the Senate to make this stimulus fairer and bigger by extending paid sick leave to every affected worker and lifting Newstart and Youth Allowance.”
“By the Prime Minister’s own admission the fallout from COVID-19 could very well be worse than the GFC, and yet he’s only pledging a third of the Rudd Government’s $52 billion stimulus.”
“Businesses will close unless people have money to buy their products and services, and a one-off cash payment to people already living below the poverty line just isn’t enough.”
“Casual workers without paid sick leave have been left behind and the Greens will move in the Senate to expand the package to give workers 14 days paid coronavirus sick leave.”
Australian Greens Treasury Spokesperson Sen. Peter Whish-Wilson said:
“Australians need to know this government has got their backs. The government should use this opportunity to bring about structural reform as well as providing confidence.
“The warning signs were flashing well before coronavirus hit. Real wages have been stagnant, productivity has been stagnant and business investment has been shrinking.
“The government should kill two birds with one stone and target these issues through the design of its stimulus package.
“One of the most important things the government could do is to abandon its policy of paying down government debt. Instead, the government should pledge a massive increase in infrastructure spending to provide confidence that there will be jobs in the future and that they’re committed to the transition to a clean energy future.”

LABOR STATEMENT ON CORONAVIRUS ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE

Labor is supportive of the Government’s stimulus measures announced this morning.
We will be as responsible and as constructive as possible and will work with the Government to expedite legislation through the Parliament where required.
Labor’s priority is to protect jobs, help Australian workers, businesses, families and communities through this difficult time, and ensure vulnerable Australians are supported.
There are some welcome measures in this stimulus package that are worthy of our support and we will not stand in the way of them being implemented as soon as possible.
It remains to be seen whether these measures will be big enough or deployed quickly enough to prevent job losses, business failures or a more serious downturn.
This is a Government which is good at announcing things but has trouble actually getting support out the door as we have seen with its poor record on infrastructure investment as well as bushfire and drought relief.
Labor has some concerns with the current measures which we are prepared to work through with the Government, including:

  • The lack of more substantial support for casual workers who are required to self-isolate;
  • The risk that the Sickness Allowance may not be accessible, sufficient or timely enough to support casual workers, particularly given no additional resources have been provided to Centrelink to process these claims;
  • The risk that greater reliance on the Sickness Allowance may create an additional burden on the health system where a medical certificate is required to claim this payment;
  • The lack of direct support for sole traders and the self-employed;
  • Concern that cash flow assistance to business is not sufficiently targeted to ensure workers are kept on;
  • Concerns that measures may have come too late for some businesses already struggling; and
  • The lack of detail and delayed rollout of the $1 billion regional and community support fund, particularly given the Government’s poor track record when it comes to integrity and implementation.

The Government must move to implement this package quickly and properly, and be prepared to take additional steps if it becomes clear that this response has been insufficient.

Statement on Hamilton Carnivale

Hamilton Carnivale has previously been hosted by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce, which has recently seen a number of directors resign, has chosen not to apply to Council for funding or support to run Carnivale this year.
Because the name ‘Hamilton Carnivale’ is trademarked, no event bearing that name can be run by the new Hamilton business improvement association (BIA). This new group, which consists solely of local businesspeople, is working on a series of events to showcase Beaumont Street later this year and will be announcing details in the next few months.
Under agreements with BIAs, there is no cap placed on the funding that can be allocated to events within their annual $100,000 grant. In addition, BIAs can apply for further funding for additional projects or events. In addition, BIAs can also apply for additional funding for projects or events. This funding for additional projects is capped at $15,000 per project over and above annual funding.
The new model enables BIAs to engage professional event managers to deliver events on their behalf and provides additional support by centralising administrative services.