A man has been charged after police at a border checkpoint at Albury discovered he was trying to cross into NSW driving a stolen ute.
NSW Police manning the checkpoint stopped the utility on the Hume Highway at Albury about 7am today (Wednesday 5 August 2020).
The 27-year-old driver was unable to produce permits or ID, and further checks revealed the ute had been reported stolen from a business in West Melbourne yesterday (Tuesday 4 August 2020).
The man was arrested and was taken to Albury Police Station where he was charged three offences
• Receive property stolen outside NSW
• Not comply with noticed direction – COVID-19, and,
• Drive conveyance taken without consent of owner.
The man, of no fixed address, appeared in Albury Local Court today, where he was refused bail to re-appear in the same court on Friday 11 September 2020.
Author: admin
No More Band-Aids: Reinstate Free Childcare and Fund ECEC Properly
The Greens have responded to the government’s package for childcare in Victoria, saying that it is unnecessarily complicated and austere. The government should guarantee free childcare permanently and extend JobKeeper for all early learning workers.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Australian Greens Education spokesperson, said:
“This package doesn’t work for families, who may still have to pay gap fees. It doesn’t work for educators, who don’t have a wage guarantee. And it doesn’t work for centres, who won’t get the funding they need.
“The time is up for impromptu band-aids and ad-hoc fixes. We need to extend the wider JobKeeper scheme to all early learning workers and guarantee proper relief payments for centres.
“The government must recognise that our early learning system is completely broken. It needs an overhaul and childcare needs to be made free permanently.
“We would not be in this situation if early childhood education were properly funded and fee-free to begin with.
“This saga of stop-gap payments and packages through Covid-19 can be resolved through investing in early education, making it fee-free for families, and considering it an essential service with a properly compensated workforce. This is good for families, good for women, good for children and for our society and economy.
“I want to particularly acknowledge ECEC workers. They have been on the frontline and they should be commended for what they continue to do,” she said.
Prohibited Items Bill
The Migration Amendment (Prohibiting Items in Immigration Detention Facilities) Bill 2020 is irredeemable and must be rejected by the Senate, the Greens say in their Dissenting Report to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee inquiry.
”The amendments proposed by this Bill are punitive, disproportionate and contrary to Australia’s international human rights commitments,” Greens Immigration spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.
“This Bill would give detention centre staff greater powers with less oversight than police have when they deal with the general public.”
“The Liberals have shown for years that they are prepared to deliberately harm innocent people in immigration detention, and this Bill gives them yet more power to ramp up their human rights abuses.”
“This Bill is a deliberate attempt to silence legitimate dissent and political expression.”
“It is unconscionable to deny people in immigration detention proper contact with their legal advisors and support networks in the community.”
“This is especially true in the midst of a pandemic.”
“The Bill is irredeemable and cannot be fixed by amendment.”
“The Senate must reject this legislation.”
The Greens’ dissenting report on the Bill can be found here.
Historic Gregson Park fig preserved for the future
City of Newcastle has developed a plan with expert arborists to save a historic 100-year-old Port Jackson fig tree in Gregson Park that was facing the chop.
A recent branch break, which typically would have led to the tree being removed, will instead be saved by installing a cable system in the canopy of the tree later this month. Works will include planting a small fence and garden underneath the tree’s drip line, turning it into a special feature piece of Gregson Park. The initial pruning of the tree will start in the next few days.
A successional tree will also be planted close by to ensure the continuity of tree canopy cover in the park in decades to come.
Councillor Carol Duncan said it was crucial that the city’s natural heritage and historic flora and fauna were protected where possible.
“Gregson Park has a rich history as one of Newcastle’s most loved parks, with some trees dating back to the late 19th century,” Councillor Duncan said.
“Preserving Gregson Park’s trees is important because they not only hold sentimental value to us, they also provide habitat for native wildlife such as the threatened Grey-headed Flying Fox, which is the case with this tree.
“City of Newcastle is also excited about the opportunities that will come out of the Gregson Park Masterplan and is looking forward to putting it to the Newcastle community so that they can have their say on the future of the park.”
The park is a locally significant landscape heritage item with a strong sense of identity and has been a popular part of the city for well over a century. City of Newcastle has a positive long-term vision for the space and is in the process of developing the Gregson Park Masterplan, which will be open for community input later this year.
It’s expected the work carried out for this historic fig will extend its life by an extra 20 years. Work will be completed by the end of September.
During construction you can send words of support directly to the staff working to save the tree by visiting our Tree Map (newcastle.nsw.gov.au/tree-planting) and searching for Tree ID 43327.
$250 MILLION BOOST FOR PUBLIC SPACES
Councils across NSW will have the opportunity to deliver new and improved public spaces for their local communities thanks to a $250 million program announced today, as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said local councils that focus on fast-tracking development assessments for projects that deliver much-needed jobs and housing will be eligible for up to $5.5 million each in funding for parklands, town squares and main streets.
“As part of the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program, councils that push forward with assessments of job-creating projects will be incentivised with funding for more, and better, public spaces,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This program will unlock construction jobs across the State helping combat the economic shocks of COVID-19 while making communities a better place to live.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the program would create a lasting community benefit across the state.
“In NSW, we’ve already fast-tracked the determination of 67 projects since the pandemic began – creating opportunities for 40,000 jobs, 18,000 homes, 400 hectares of open space and $17.7 billion in economic benefit through our Planning System Acceleration Program,” Mr Stokes said.
“Now we’re helping councils to prioritise local planning projects that will boost jobs and investment in their communities with a $250 million incentive to create new and improved public spaces.
“We want councils to think big and bold and deliver legacy projects – new parks, new walking trails, more walkable and inviting streets and open spaces for their communities.”
Mr Stokes added that the program will drive more efficient local development and support the delivery of the Premier’s Priorities to increase the amount of green, open and public space.
“It builds on the success of the Planning System Acceleration Program to bring greater benefits to neighbourhoods and streets by providing councils the funds to create new or improved public space, as well as encouraging more efficient planning processes.”
This new program is only available to the 68 councils currently participating in the e-planning system.
For more information about the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program and to see if your council is eligible visit www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/publicspaceslegacy
SYDNEY FOOTBALL STADIUM READY TO RISE
Construction of the new Sydney Football Stadium site is powering on through the COVID pandemic with contractor John Holland laying the first concrete building slabs at Moore Park today.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said development hasn’t stopped during COVID, providing job security for workers, boosting NSW’s COVID-19 recovery and ensuring the project remains on schedule.
“The Sydney Football Stadium project is investing in local companies during the pandemic with a Western Sydney business providing the concrete for today’s pour,” Mr Lee said.
“Over 150 cubic metres of concrete will be poured this week, over an area that will be part of the new stadium’s player and coaching facilities.
“This is another exciting milestone setting the foundations for the stadium to start rising from the ground.”
To complete the stadium, a further 40,000m³ of concrete will be poured which is the equivalent of 16 Olympic swimming pools.
The project will utilise as many local suppliers and subcontractors as possible through to completion.
Over the next two years, the Sydney Football Stadium Redevelopment will create over 800 jobs and inject hundreds of millions into the NSW economy through the procurement of construction materials and labour.
“Our stage two contractor John Holland has already safely logged over 140,000 hours by workers on site since the beginning of the outbreak and there has been an average of 180 workers on site in July alone,” Mr Lee said.
“We have extended hours on weekends to enable work to continue safely with social distancing, no job losses or reduced hours for employees.”
The new Sydney Football Stadium will be a modern, world-class sporting and entertainment precinct to ensure NSW remains the number one choice for the best events. The stadium remains on track to be ready to host the 2022 NRL Grand Final.
MANDATORY HOTEL QUARANTINE FOR RESIDENTS RETURNING FROM VICTORIA
Following updated health advice, NSW residents returning from Victoria must go into mandatory hotel quarantine for 14 days at their own expense.
This regime, designed to protect the wider NSW community from the escalating COVID-19 situation in Victoria, will come into effect at 12.01am this Friday.
All returning NSW residents, unless they live within the NSW border regions, will only be allowed to return to NSW through Sydney airport.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said this new line of defence would further reduce the risk during this critical time in the pandemic.
“I realise this may be difficult for some people, but the changing situation in Victoria means we must exercise extreme caution,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The health of our citizens and economy must be protected – and the health advice says this is the best way to do it.
“We will also further limit the reasons Victorians can seek exemptions to come into NSW.”
There is no change to existing arrangements for border communities.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said a robust health screening process will continue at the airport to protect the NSW community.
“NSW Health staff will continue to rigorously screen incoming passengers from Victoria, doing health and temperature checks, ensuring masks are worn and checking their permits,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Our staff will also continue to ensure that anyone who is unwell or showing symptoms is shuttled safely to our quarantine health hotels for care under isolation.”
Dr Kerry Chant said this latest change would reduce the number of people entering NSW from Victoria, and reduce the risk of community transmission.
“This is a critical time in the NSW response and we need to reduce any further risk of seeding of cases from Victoria,” Dr Chant said.
The cost of hotel quarantine will be the same as for returning international travellers.
HAVE YOUR SAY ON SYDNEY’S NEWEST PARK
The community is invited to help shape Sydney’s newest park, almost 10 hectares of open space on former inaccessible industrial land to be transformed as part of the Rozelle Interchange project.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said Rozelle residents would have access to this new space, similar in size to Victoria Park near Sydney University, to relax, exercise and enjoy the outdoors once the Rozelle Interchange is completed in 2023.
“It’s exciting to be delivering a new park for the people of Rozelle and neighbouring communities, and this is their chance to have a say about the revitalisation of this prominent location.” Mr Constance said
“Our goal is to create a treasured place for the community to enjoy including new walking, running and cycling tracks that connect to surrounding suburbs.”
A draft Urban Design Landscape Plan will go on public display from August 10 providing insight into how the park could look. Residents will have an opportunity to give feedback on its proposed landscape design, pedestrian and cyclist connections, playground equipment, fitness stations and lighting.
The park will be created on the former Rozelle rail yards, currently a project construction site.
A Technical Working Group will also be established, comprising NSW Government agencies and community members, to consider potential local sporting uses and the community’s needs.
“We want to work with the community and key stakeholders to understand their views on the ongoing use for the parklands such as community sporting facilities and playing surfaces,” Mr Constance said.
The Group will seek expressions of interest for community involvement in the coming weeks.
The Rozelle Interchange, part of the third stage of WestConnex, includes a new underground motorway interchange and underground bypass of Victoria Road between Iron Cove Bridge and Anzac Bridge. It will reduce traffic on Victoria Road by 50 per cent.
The project will create more than 15,000 jobs by the time it opens to traffic in late 2023.
Mr Constance said online community consultation would include two virtual presentations to give an overview of the Urban Design Landscape Plan, ensuring residents can have their say during COVID-19.
“This is a great opportunity to shape this unique project and I urge locals and those with an interest to get involved,” Mr Constance said
The plan can be accessed and commented on via the www.westconnex.com.au website from 9am on 10 August.
Licensed premises issued $5000 fine over public health breach – Dubbo
A licensed premises in Dubbo has been issued a penalty infringement notice (PIN) following a breach of public health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Just after 1pm on Sunday (2 August 2020) officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District attended a licensed premises on Talbragar Street, Dubbo, after reports of an altercation.
Following inquiries and after viewing CCTV, police will allege upward of 30 patrons occupied the gaming room of the premises and were standing with no social distancing maintained.
Officers attended the premise about 10am today (Wednesday 5 August 2020) and the venue was issued with a $5000 fine for failing to comply with requirements of a Public Health Order – COVID-19.
The maximum penalty for contravening a Public Health Order is a fine of up to $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment.
The standard penalty is a fine by way of an on-the-spot Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) – $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.
Orana Mid-Western Police District Commander, Superintendent Peter McKenna, said police will continue to work with businesses in relation to their COVID-19 safety plans and provide advice and guidance.
“Whilst it is the responsibility of licensed premises to ensure they’re complying with Public Health Orders, the public have to understand they’re putting those premises at risk and they may also be held liable,” Supt McKenna said.
“They’re putting the livelihoods of these businesses at risk, and if people don’t think it’s going to happen in our area they only have to look at other regions that are being impacted.”
Man charged and woman fined over separate breaches of Public Health Orders
Police have charged a man and issued a licensee with a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) in the past 24 hours following two separate breaches of COVID-19 Public Health Orders.
Officers from Operation Border Closure were conducting permit checks at a checkpoint on the Hume Highway, Albury, when they stopped a vehicle about 9.30pm (Monday 3 August 2020), and spoke with the male driver.
The 49-year-old Nelson Bay man told police he travelled into Victoria on Saturday (1 August 2020), and did not have a current permit to re-enter NSW.
Police conducted various inquiries which revealed that the man had previously re-entered NSW on 19 July with his permit directing he self-isolate at his Nelson Bay home. Further, it was established that he had breached the direction to self-isolate on 23 July, when local police conducted a compliance check and were unable to locate him.
It’s alleged that the man became aggressive and argumentative and, after he was advised he was being arrested, he resisted police and refused to comply with reasonable directions.
After being arrested, the man was taken to Albury Police Station, where he was observed throwing an item into a rubbish bin, which is alleged to be a satchel of cannabis.
He was subsequently charged with two counts of resist officer in execution of duty, not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9-COVID-19 and possess prohibited drug. He’s been refused bail to appear at Albury Local Court today (Tuesday 4 August 2020).
In a separate incident, officers from Lake Illawarra Police District were conducting compliance checks on Friday (31 July 2020), and spoke with the female licensee at a hotel at Kiama about 6pm.
She was unable to produce a completed COVID-Safe plan but showed police blank forms which had been provided by officers during an inspection the previous week. During a subsequent walk-through, police observed patrons standing around and various areas were not appropriately set up to ensure physical distancing – all of which would be addressed in the COVID Safety Plan.
Following further inquiries, the 58-year-old woman was issued a $1000 PIN yesterday (Monday 3 August 2020), before being formally warned to ensure the business complies with COVID restrictions.
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.