The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has forecast large and powerful surf conditions hazardous to coastal activities today and tomorrow.
The BOM predicts three-and-a-half metre waves will arrive from the east to south-east today and continue through Tuesday. Waves will become smaller throughout Wednesday.
City of Newcastle has undertaken a range of maintenance, protection and repair works at Stockton since the last east coast low two weeks ago, and staff will be monitoring the situation over the coming days.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said staff and contractors have been working around the clock and are doing everything they can to help protect the beach and coastal assets in Stockton.
“City of Newcastle has had two sand hopper trucks, multiple excavators, cranes and other machinery operating in Stockton since last week’s weather event carrying out a range of maintenance and repair works.
“We have undertaken significant sandbagging works reinforcing existing sandbags and replacing those that were compromised. One location that experienced significant erosion during the last east coast low was at the end of Griffiths Street and we have replaced a number of sandbags in that location.
“We have also moved brick rubble that was previously washed onto the beach back closer to the bank and used some of it to reinforce one of the structures at the northern end of the Surf Life Saving Club.”
City of Newcastle asks the community to please stay clear of coastal areas including Stockton Beach during this period and follow warnings and directional signage where appropriate. All beach accessways remain closed and traffic control will be in place at various locations when needed.
To stay up to date on the weather warnings, please follow the Bureau of Meteorology www.bom.gov.au, and for emergencies, the State Emergency Services at www.ses.nsw.gov.au or phone 13 25 00.
REVIEW OF PENALTIES FOR ATTACKS ON POLICE AND EMERGENCY WORKERS
There can be few more disgraceful acts than deliberate violence committed against our NSW Police Force officers, correctional and youth justice officers, emergency services workers and health workers as they bravely serve our community.
That’s why I’ve asked the NSW Sentencing Council to review the sentencing for offences involving assaults on these workers.
My terms of reference to the Council today ask it to consider sentencing options to deter and reduce this type of offending.
The review will take into account recent trends in assaults upon these workers, who keep our community safe, protecting our lives, property and health.
This work will complement a Parliamentary Inquiry announced by Minister for Police and Emergency Services, the Hon David Elliott MP, which is examining matters including the motivation driving these attacks on members of the NSW Police Force.
The Sentencing Council is led by former Royal Commission Chair and NSW Judge of Appeal, the Hon Peter McClellan AM QC, and includes representatives from the NSW Police Force, victims of crimes and the community.
NSW is fortunate to have experts of this calibre to conduct this important review and provide the Government with recommendations on appropriate sentencing reforms.
The Sentencing Council is accepting public submissions to this review. I encourage any person or group interested in these issues to find out how to provide a submission here: http://www.sentencingcouncil.justice.nsw.gov.au/
Sixth teen charged over fast food restaurant fire – Cessnock
A sixth teenager has now been charged over allegedly lighting a fire at a Cessnock fast food restaurant.
About 3.30am on Sunday (19 July 2020), emergency services were called to a fast food restaurant on Allandale Road, Cessnock, after reports of a fire within the external playground area.
Crews from Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the fire a short time later.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation into the cause of the blaze.
Five teenagers – three boys and two girls – have been charged over the incident. They remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, police attended a home on Mayfield Street, Cessnock, and arrested a 15-year-old girl about 10am today (Monday 27 July 2020).
She was taken to Cessnock Police Station and charged with damage property by fire and was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Monday 11 August 2020.
Six arrested during unauthorised public assembly – Sydney CBD
Six people have been arrested during an unauthorised public assembly in Sydney’s CBD today.
At the weekend, the NSW Supreme Court prohibited the public assembly planned for Sydney today due to health and safety concerns associated with COVID-19.
Following an unsuccessful appeal application yesterday (Monday 27 July 2020), the protest remained unauthorised. Despite this, police received information a number of people still planned to attend.
A high-visibility police operation was launched in response to the unauthorised protest today (Tuesday 28 July 2020), to ensure the safety of the community.
General duties officers from Sydney City Police Area Command and across the Central Metropolitan Region were assisted by specialist police from the Public Order and Riot Squad, Police Transport Command, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, and the Mounted and Dog Units.
During the operation, three men, aged 40, 37 and 22, and two women aged 50 and 23, were arrested at the Domain and each issued with a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) for breaching public health orders, before being issued move-on directions.
A third woman, aged 25, was arrested and issued a Criminal Infringement Notice for offensive language.
The NSW Police Force is reminding the community that a number of ministerial directions remain in place covering returned overseas travellers, diagnosed persons, mass gatherings and movement, spitting and coughing, residential aged care facilities, border control measures and compliance requirements for NSW businesses, funerals, places of worship, weddings and corporate events.
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.
No offence detected in reported child approach at Raymond Terrace
Earlier this week, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced inquiries following a reported child approach at the weekend (Saturday 25 July 2020).
Following extensive inquiries, police have determined that no offence has occurred.
No further investigation will be conducted.
Police would like to thank the public for their assistance.
Latest breaches of Public Health Act across state
A Kiama couple are among six people to have legal action taken against them in the last 24 hours for breaches of the Public Health Act across the state.
On Sunday 12 July 2020, a 36-year-old man and 37-year-old woman returned to NSW from Victoria with their two children.
The man and woman, who were granted Category A permits from Service NSW, travelled through the Hume Highway checkpoint at Albury and were made aware of the requirements to self-isolate for 14 days at their residential address.
Police conducted compliance checks at the Kiama address on Tuesday 14 July, Wednesday 15 July and Tuesday 21 July 2020, and provided information about self-isolation requirements on each occasion.
It’s alleged the couple, who were required to remain at their residential address with their two children until Sunday 26 July 2020, left the home on several occasions between Monday 20 and Wednesday 22 July 2020.
The matter was reported to police and an investigation commenced by officers from Lake Illawarra Police District.
Following inquiries, about 11.15am today (Tuesday 28 July 2020), the man was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice for failing to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
He is due to appear in Port Kembla Local Court on Wednesday 23 September 2020.
The 37-year-old woman was issued with a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Meanwhile, police have also charged a woman and issued three further COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs).
- About 4pm yesterday (Monday 27 July 2020), officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command attended a unit on Campbell Street, Liverpool, following reports a 41-year-old woman had travelled from Byron Bay to Liverpool in contravention of a self-isolation direction on Sunday (26 July 2020). The woman was taken to hospital for testing and issued a Court Attendance Notice for fail to comply requirement public order – COVID-19. She is due to appear at Liverpool Local Court on Wednesday 30 September 2020.
- About 11am (Monday 27 July 2020), officers from Riverina Police District attended a home on Ceduna Street, Ashmont, to arrest a 37-year-old man for an unrelated matter. While in custody, subsequent inquiries revealed that the man had recently returned from Victoria and failed to self-isolate. He was issued a $1000 PIN and taken to hospital for testing.
- About 12.45pm (Monday 27 July 2020), officers from Barrier Police District stopped a car at the Victorian border, on the Murray Valley Highway, Euston. The driver, a 39-year-old woman, and passenger, a 44-year-old man, did not have a permit. They were both issued $1000 PINs and returned to Victoria.
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.
Six Illawarra venues fined for breaching Public Health Orders, licensing regulations
Police have taken legal action against six Illawarra venues for alleged breaches of Public Health Orders and licensing regulations.
About 3.50pm on Saturday 25 July 2020, officers attached to Wollongong Police District attended a venue on the Princes Highway in Figtree as part of a high-visibility licensing operation.
Inside the venue, police observed a large number of patrons standing together and drinking in groups.
It’s alleged the venue manager did not properly enforce the COVID-19 safety plan for the venue. The venue was issued a $5000 PIN earlier today (Monday 27 July 2020).
On Saturday 25 July 2020, officers from Lake Illawarra Police District conducted a licensing compliance operation throughout Gerringong, Shellharbour and Dapto.
A venue on Addison Street, Shellharbour was issued a penalty notice for failing to comply with direction in relation to Section 7/8/9 – Corporation. The venue was also issued a $1,100 fine for operating as a bar and not a restaurant.
A venue on Burra Place, Shellharbour, and a venue on Fern Street, Gerringong, were also issued penalties for failing to comply with direction in relation to Section 7/8/9 – Corporation.
The alleged breaches included being overcrowded, not enforcing physical distancing, not having COVID safety marshals present, and breaching individual COVID Safety plans.
A venue on Rowlins Road, Gerringong received an official warning for failing to comply with direction under Public Health Act and was issued a $1000 fine for breaching licencing conditions under the Liquor Act.
Licensing police also assisted in the early closure of the licensed premise at Dapto. Two arrests were made in the process for offensive conduct and failing to comply with a reasonable direction. The venue has since received a $5000 fine for failing to comply with direction in relation to Section 7/8/9 – Corporation.
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.
COVID-19 Commission Turns Full Focus On Recovery
I am pleased to announce today that the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission is moving into a new mode, shifting its focus to concentrate on creating jobs and stimulating our economy as we learn to live with this pandemic.
While the health response continues to be of the utmost importance in managing outbreaks as they arise, we have to continue our focus on recovery and reform.
The Government’s JobMaker Plan is built on enabling a business-led economic recovery. We are driving skills and training reform, bringing business and unions together to create the industrial relations conditions to get people into work, locking in affordable and reliable energy, expanding opportunities for small business in the digital economy, boosting our manufacturing capability, underpinning renewed housing construction, delivering a record infrastructure investment pipeline, deregulation and streamlining project approvals and federation reform. And there is more to do on issues such as taxation, research collaboration and ensuring regional Australia prospers in the years ahead.
I have asked the Commission to concentrate its efforts and business expertise on providing advice on what more could be done to create as many jobs as quickly as possible to accelerate Australia’s economic recovery.
When I announced the establishment of the Commission, I said its key task was to fix problems. It has certainly done that – from sourcing personal protective equipment and helping address supply chain challenges to ensuring businesses have the tools to stay open or to reopen safely.
Under the leadership of Nev Power as Chair, the Commission will continue to work closely with business leaders and key industry sectors, focusing on areas where we can make the most gains, most quickly.
Joining this effort as part of the new Commission Board will be Mike Hirst, Samantha Hogg, Su McCluskey, Bao Hoang, Laura Berry and Paul Howes. Together they bring valuable expertise in the sectors of finance, resources and infrastructure, regional Australia, small business and workforce issues. I look forward to their contribution to our economic recovery.
They join existing members Nev Power (Chair), Jane Halton, Paul Little and David Thodey. Catherine Tanna has advised me that once existing projects on utilities and energy are completed she intends to step down from the Commission. I thank her for the contribution she has made over recent months.
The group will now be called the National COVID-19 Commission (NCC) Advisory Board, to better reflect its role. I look forward to continuing to receive advice from the NCC on how Australia can best recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
New Board member biographies are attached – click here.
Wallsend gets $2 million overhaul
City of Newcastle is investing $2 million to improve traffic and pedestrian conditions in Wallsend’s local centre while opening the conversation on its long-term masterplan.
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City staff will consult with the Wallsend community over the next month on local improvements ahead of a project to replace the busy Kokera/Cowper Street roundabout with traffic lights.
A joint public domain-flood mitigation program over the next 12 months includes design of the Boscawen and Nelson Street bridge replacements – to facilitate widening and naturalisation of the Hunter Water owned Ironbark Creek channel.
Flood mitigation work will also be completed on the channel within Wallsend Park, along with completion of a new shared pedestrian and cycle path.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City’s local centres program would increase safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists and improve the overall look and appeal of commercial centres.
“As we have shown with upgrades to the Beresfield and Carrington town centres, the work will significantly improve the appeal of Wallsend with high-quality infrastructure, such as new seating, street trees and landscaping,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Wallsend is a suburb brimming with history and character, which is why it’s so important we work with the community to determine what’s important as we make long-term improvements in the area.
“I encourage everyone to take part in the community engagement program for Wallsend before future projects transform Cowper Street into a high pedestrian activity area with a reduced speed limit and safer connections.”
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In the past few months, City of Newcastle has completed the replacement of Tyrrell Street Bridge at a cost of $3.3 million and committed $20.7 million to reconstruct and raise the two other bridges as part of an overall flood-mitigation scheme.
Detailed design of upgraded traffic lights for the Nelson Street and Cowper Street intersection and a proposed roundabout at Cowper Street and Newcastle Road will also be carried out in the 2020/21 financial year.
Community members can have their say on the Wallsend upgrades from Tuesday 28 July at https://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/YourSay
The local centre overhaul is part of an $8 million investment into the revitalisation of eight suburban commercial precincts in the 2020/21 financial year.
Local centres and commercial precincts set for overhauls or planning work under the 2020/21 budget include:
- Wallsend ($2 million) – New traffic lights at the intersection of Cowper and Kokera Street, including stormwater upgrades and completion of a missing section of shared pedestrian and cycle path at a minimum width of 2.5m as part of an important regional east-west cycle route.
- Llewellyn Street, Merewether ($2.2 million) – Renewal of footpaths and drainage to make the shopping, dining and health care hub safer and more user friendly. The work includes the introduction of comfortable, fixed street furniture, new shade trees and low-level gardens.
- Joslin Street, Kotara ($1.4 million) – Upgrade of the roadway, footpaths and drainage between Rae Crescent and the Joslin Street shops. The project will also deliver a new public open space based on community feedback.
- Mitchell Street, Stockton ($1.3 million) – Footpath widening and pedestrian access plus safety improvements between Crown and King streets, with drainage upgrades and new street trees.
- Shortland ($500,000) – Consultation currently underway with residents and businesses to have their say on upgrades to the Sandgate Road local centre, including pedestrian safety improvements and new street furniture.
- James Street Plaza, Hamilton ($200,000) – Detailed design and construction set to follow community engagement to develop artwork and heritage interpretation.
- Orchardtown Road, New Lambton ($200,000) – Feedback from recent community engagement is being integrated into the Public Domain Plan and future design of the local centre.
BIG BOOST FOR FIRST HOME BUYERS AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AS STAMP DUTY SLASHED
First home buyers and the construction industry will be the big winners under a targeted boost, which will eliminate stamp duty on newly-built homes below $800,000 and slash thousands of dollars for properties up to $1 million.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the change to stamp duty thresholds would also support new home construction and create jobs as part of the Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
“Thousands of people will see their bank balances benefit from this change – it will help get more keys into more front doors of more new homes,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It will also boost housing construction across NSW and support jobs in the building industry at a time when we need them more than ever before.”
Under the changes the threshold above which stamp duty will be charged on new homes for first home buyers will increase from the current $650,000 to $800,000, with the concession reducing on higher values before phasing out at $1 million.
The Government forecasts more than 6,000 first home buyers will benefit from the changes, saving eligible first homebuyers thousands of dollars.
Under the changes the stamp duty threshold on vacant land will rise from $350,000 to $400,000 and will phase out at $500,000.
The change to the thresholds will only apply to newly-built homes and vacant land, not to existing homes, and will last for a 12-month period, commencing on 1 August 2020. Other purchases will continue to benefit from existing schemes.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the changes would save first home buyers stamp duty of up to $31,335 on a new $800,000 home.
“The current scheme has already helped over 93,000 first home buyers since July 2017 and this will give the construction industry extra support as we face the challenges of COVID-19,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We need to ensure our building sites keep ringing with hammers and saws as that means more people working, and first home owners will save money in the process.”
The NSW Government will also continue to offer a $10,000 First Home Owner Grant, which is available to people buying a new first home worth no more than $600,000, or buying land and building a new first home worth no more than $750,000 in total.
This means the maximum amount of benefit a home owner could be entitled to is $32,335 if purchasing a new home and accessing the grant.
More information on the first home buyer assistance schemes will become available here: revenue.nsw.gov.au/grants-schemes/first-home-buyer/assistance-scheme
INDICATIVE TAX THRESHOLD CHANGES
| Property type | Existing stamp duty amount for eligible first home buyers | New stamp duty amount for eligible first home buyers | Saving |
| Vacant Land $350,000 | $0 | $0 | No change |
| Vacant Land $400,000 | $7,793 | $0 | $7,793 |
| New home $650,000 | $0 | $0 | No change |
| New home $700,000 | $10,445 | $0 | $10,445 |
| New home $800,000 | $31,335 | $0 | $31,335 |
| New home $900,000 | $35,835 | $20,168 | $15,668 |
| Existing home $650,000 | $0 | $0 | No change |
| Existing home $800,000 | $31,335 | $31,335 | No change |