City of Newcastle's flash flood alert service provides early warning to residents

City of Newcastle is encouraging residents to register for its free flash flood alert service after July brought record-breaking rainfall and severe East Coast Lows.
July’s wet weather saw residents flock to the service to receive up-to-the-minute information, with a 41% increase in subscriptions between 25 July – the day before an East Coast Low dumped 107.6mm of rain at Nobbys weather station in three days – and mid-August. Subscriptions spiked from 3,337 to 4,711 across the eight zones.
The late July weather event triggered moderate flood warnings to be issued across four zones, encompassing suburbs such as Wickham, Hamilton, New Lambton, Jesmond and Stockton. Around 2,000 emails and text messages were sent to residents, as well as 474 pre-recorded messages to landlines.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was the largest-scale alert distribution since the service was successfully trialled in Wallsend in 2017 and rolled out across the LGA in 2018.
“Due to our city’s topography, heavy rainfall can cause flash flooding in low-lying areas extremely quickly,” the Lord Mayor said.
“This is why our flash flood alert service is an important tool to help residents avoid hazardous areas and remind them to never walk or drive through fast-moving and unpredictable floodwaters, potentially preventing serious injury or worse.
“Anyone can register for free, but those who would most benefit include those who live, work, visit or own a business in Newcastle.”
The eight zones covered by the flash flood alert service are:

  • Wallsend and Elermore Vale vicinity
  • Jesmond, Birmingham Gardens and Callaghan
  • Kotara and New Lambton vicinity
  • Lambton, Hamilton, Islington, Broadmeadow and Mayfield
  • Merewether, Junction, Cooks Hill and Newcastle West
  • Carrington, Stockton, Maryville and Wickham
  • Beresfield, Tarro, Hexham and Sandgate
  • Stockton, Kooragang, Carrington and Wickham

You can register to receive alerts for multiple zones. Alerts are sent by SMS, email or recorded voice message to landline, and there are three levels: minor, moderate and major flood warning.
The alerts are activated through the Early Warning Network (EWN), which continuously monitors local rainfall gauges and records intensity and duration.
For more information, including how to register, visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/floodalert

Landmark Legislation for Australia's Waste

The Morrison Government this week introduces landmark legislation that sees Australia take responsibility for its waste and establishes a national industry framework for recycling.
The Recycling and Waste Reduction Bill 2020 will phase in the end of the 645,000 tonnes of unprocessed plastic, paper, glass and tyres that Australia ships overseas each year.
At the same time the reforms to the regulation of product stewardship will incentivise companies to take greater environmental responsibility for the products they manufacture and what happens to those products and materials at the end of their life.
Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said the Bill will see the implementation of the export ban on waste plastic, paper, glass and tyres agreed by Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments in March this year.
“This is about tackling a national environmental issue that has been buried in landfill or shipped offshore for far too long,” Minister Ley said.
“That is why the Morrison Government is the first federal government to place waste firmly on the national agenda.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity to remodel waste management, reduce pressure on our environment and create economic opportunity as we move to a circular economy with a strong market for recycled materials.
“Our $190 million Recycling Modernisation Fund and our actions under the National Waste Policy Action Plan will create 10,000 new jobs over the next 10 years – that is a 32 per cent increase in jobs in the Australian waste and recycling sector.
“We are introducing legislation; we are driving a billion-dollar transformation of Australia’s waste and recycling capacity and we are investing in new technologies and new ideas to transform recycling and reprocessing.”
Assistant Minister Evans said the legislation will improve the existing framework for product stewardship by encouraging companies to take greater responsibility for the waste they generate through the products they design, manufacture or distribute.
“We are making it easier for industry to set up and join in product stewardship schemes. Yet where voluntary product stewardship schemes are not effective, or where they are not created in priority areas, the government will have new tools to intervene and regulate,” Assistant Minister Evans said.
“Our legislative changes will transform our waste industry, meaning increased recycling and remanufacturing of waste materials which will create new industry and generate more jobs.”
Australian Council of Recycling CEO Pete Shmigel said: “Taken together with other reforms, this unprecedented legislation marks a new era of environmental and economic achievement in recycling through Government leadership and industry partnership and innovation. The Government deserves full credit for its proactive, positive and purposeful agenda, and industry looks forward to its full implementation.”
Australian Food and Grocery Council Acting CEO Dr Geoffrey Annison said: “Our sector welcomes this Bill as a significant leap in the right direction to reduce waste and increase access to high quality packaging with high levels of recycled content for Australia’s manufacturers. The Bill balances the needs and responsibilities of all industry sectors to collaborate and improve their management of end-of-life material recovery and recycling.”
The Government will continue to consult with industry as we develop rules for each material under the waste export ban, and ensure businesses understand their obligations and how to meet them.

Adani bullies community leader as it loses another court case

The Greens condemn Adani’s attempts to silence Galilee Blockade leader, Ben Pennings, by seeking to  bankrupt his family with legal action and secretly applying to the Supreme Court to raid his home.
Senator for Queensland and Greens spokesperson for mining and resources, Senator Larissa Waters, said:
“We live in a broken democracy where big companies will do whatever they can to silence opposition.
“The fact that a multinational coal mining giant twice sought the Queensland Supreme Court’s permission to have its private investigators raid the home of a protestor just shows how terrified they are of public scrutiny.
“This is not the first time that Adani have tried to sick their “trained attack dogs” on everyday people trying to stand up to them.
“And all this from a company convicted of breaching environmental conditions, and just this week for unconscionable conduct and dishonest behaviour.
“The big parties may be dancing to the tune of their coal donors, but the Greens will continue to stand with communities across the country standing against Adani’s destructive path.
“Queenslanders want a safe climate, cheap clean power and real, lasting jobs for coal communities as we transition to a clean economy.
“People, like Ben Pennings, will rally in force to stop Adani – and the Greens will be right there with them.”

Appeal to find man missing from Lake Macquarie area

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from his home in the Lake Macquarie area.
Mr Patrick Thaidy, aged 60, was last seen about 2.40pm today (Friday 28 August 2020), at his home in Macquarie Hills and has not been seen since.
He is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 180cm tall, with curly greying/black hair. At the time he was wearing black track pants, a grey hoodie and black shoes.
Mr Thaidy has a serious medical condition and requires regular medication so may appear confused or disoriented.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District are now searching for Mr Thaidy, assisted by family members, volunteers and the Westpac helicopter.
Police have been told Mr Thaidy may travel to the Sydney area and are working with public transport authorities. Mr Thaidy has also strong links to Unanderra and has travelled to the South Coast previously.
They are appealing for anyone with information about his whereabouts, or who may have seen Mr Thaidy earlier today, to call Belmont Police Station on 02 4922 8899 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 immediately.

Four PINs issued after border and isolation breaches – COVID-19 update

Police have issued four Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) in the last 24 hours relating to three separate breaches of COVID-19 Public Health Orders.
On Wednesday (26 August 2020), officers attached to Operation Border Closure raised concerns over the validity of a permit produced by a 41-year-old man at the Wodonga Place, South Albury, checkpoint.
Initial checks indicated his reason for travel was consistent with the permit, and the man was granted entry, but the matter was referred to local police to conduct further inquiries.
After establishing the man had travelled to Eden, police attended a caravan park to speak with him but he could not be located.
Following further inquiries, police returned to the caravan park just before 1pm yesterday (Thursday 27 August 2020), as the man was attempting to leave.
He was directed to return to Victoria and advised he would be issued with a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with requirements of the Public Health Orders.
In a separate incident, a ride-share vehicle was stopped at a border checkpoint on the Hume Highway at Albury, about 10am yesterday (Thursday 27 August 2020).
The driver inquired whether he would be allowed to re-enter NSW if he dropped his customer home in Westmeadows, Victoria.
Checks on the man’s 22-year-old male customer revealed he did not have a valid permit to be in NSW.
He was issued with a $1000 PIN and escorted back into Victoria.
About 6pm on Monday 27 July 2020, police from Operation Border Closure stopped a taxi at the checkpoint on Wodonga Place, South Albury, and spoke with the driver who provided all necessary documentation, before speaking with his passengers – a 41-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman.
Checks revealed the man was meant to be in self-isolation and the woman had crossed the border for reasons inconsistent with her permit.
The pair were directed to return to their homes in Albury and advised police would conduct further inquiries.
As a result of those inquiries, the man and woman were each issued with $1000 PINs yesterday.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction 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.

Ensuring A Consistent Australian Foreign Policy

The Morrison Government will introduce new legislation to ensure the arrangements states, territories, councils and universities have with foreign governments are consistent with Australian foreign policy.
The Commonwealth Government has exclusive responsibility for conducting Australia’s foreign affairs. However, state and territory governments and their entities currently also enter into arrangements with foreign governments in a range of areas – from trade and economic cooperation to cultural collaboration and university research partnerships – without having to inform the Commonwealth.
Under the reforms, the Foreign Minister will have the power to review any existing and prospective arrangements between state and territory governments and all foreign governments.
Arrangements that adversely affect Australia’s foreign relations or are inconsistent with our foreign policy could be prevented from proceeding or terminated.
The laws will cover state or territory entities, including departments, agencies, local governments and universities established under state or territory law.
The Commonwealth Government has the policy expertise and comprehensive understanding of the risks and opportunities associated with any arrangements with foreign governments.
This legislation will support state and territory governments to ensure they are acting in a way that serves Australia’s national interests, is consistent with our values and aligned with our foreign policy objectives. This will give states and territories the confidence necessary to enter into arrangements with foreign government entities.
The Morrison Government looks forward to working closely with state and territory governments, councils and universities and providing all Australians with the certainty that all levels of government are aligned to ensure a consistent approach to managing Australia’s foreign relations.

SUPPORTING VETERANS’ FAMILIES IN LEGACY WEEK

This weekend marks the start of Legacy Week, the annual appeal to support the families of veterans who have served for our country.
Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said Legacy Week is now in its 78th year and will be held this Sunday, 30 August to Saturday, 5 September 2020.
“The current social restrictions should not stop us from supporting this very worthwhile cause,” Mr Lee said.
“Thousands of Australian men and women are currently serving overseas and Legacy stands ready to assist their families when needed.”
Legacy President Gregory Wrate said Legacy has held a badge day since 1942 to raise funds to support the widows and families of veterans who have died, been severely injured or left with mental health issues as a result of their military service.
“This year will be tough with the reduced opportunity to do any face-to-face fundraising and the inability to engage with the public but the health of the community and our many volunteers and supporters is more important,” Mr Wrate said.
“This Legacy Week, I am asking Australians to consider donating online to allow us to continue providing financial, educational and emotional support to our beneficiaries.”
The funds raised from Legacy Week assist approximately 60,000 people with services such as counselling, housing, medical, advocacy and social support.
When Australian Defence Force soldier Major Michael Wiltshire died from a brain tumour at the age of 42, Legacy supported his widow Kerrie and two children, James and Emily.
“It could have all gone so differently without Legacy’s support and influence,” James said.
“We have had many strong role models come into our lives. I’m currently applying to join the Air Force and I doubt I would have had the confidence to go for it, if it wasn’t for the encouragement of Legacy.”
To donate online, please visit www.legacyweek.com.au.

SYDNEY METRO WEST A STEP CLOSER

Construction of the Sydney Metro West, from Greater Parramatta to the CBD, is another step closer with the NSW Government today shortlisting three consortia to deliver the mega project’s first two major tunnelling packages.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the project will create more than 10,000 direct new jobs and 70,000 indirect jobs, with many of them generated by these new tunnelling contracts.
“These contracts will require tunnellers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, concrete workers, truck drivers, labourers and security guards,” Mr Constance said.
“The three shortlisted consortia have a wealth of Australian and international experience in delivering high quality infrastructure projects. We expect to be in a position to award the first contract by the middle of next year.”
Due to the scale of this city-shaping mega project the tunnelling and excavation works have been separated into geographically-specific contract packages between Westmead and the Sydney CBD.
The following consortia have been shortlisted for two packages:

  • John Holland, CPB Contractors and Ghella Australia Joint Venture (JHCPBG JV);
  • Gamuda and Laing O’Rourke Australia Joint Venture (GALC JV); and
  • Acciona Australia and Ferrovial Australia Joint Venture (AF JV)

They will firstly participate in the Central Tunnelling Package, with the successful tenderer awarded a contract to build 11 kilometres of twin tunnels from The Bays to Sydney Olympic Park.
The remaining two tenderers will then bid for the Western Tunnelling Package, with the successful tenderer awarded a contract to build 9 kilometres of twin tunnels from Westmead to Sydney Olympic Park.
The successful tenderer for the Central Tunnelling Package will not be eligible to be awarded the Western Tunnelling Package, driving greater competition in the delivery of Australian tunnelling infrastructure.
Sydney Metro West will double rail capacity between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD, transforming Sydney for generations to come.
This once in a century infrastructure investment will have a target travel time of about 20 minutes between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD. It will link new communities to rail services and support employment growth and housing supply.
The planning process for the Sydney Metro West project is progressing with Sydney Metro currently addressing community feedback raised as part of the project’s first Environmental Impact Statement.
Subject to planning approval, work on the project is expected to start in The Bays later this year, with the first of four mega tunnel boring machines expected to be in the ground before the end of 2022.

Man injured in motorcycle crash at Raymond Terrace

A man is recovering in hospital following a police pursuit in the state’s Hunter region.
About 12am today (Thursday 27 August 2020), officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were travelling along Port Stephens Street in Raymond Terrace when they attempted to stop a Suzuki motorbike.
It’s alleged the motorbike failed to stop and officers initiated a pursuit.
Shortly after, the bike hit a gutter at a roundabout at the intersection of Port Stephens Street and Bourke Street
The rider, a 29-year-old man, was treated at the scene before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment to a serious leg injury.
He remains at the hospital under police guard in a stable condition.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash has commenced.