16 News

Greens Senator for South Australia Sarah Hanson-Young today welcomed the announcement SA’s ‘big battery’ would be expanded following investment by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
Senator Hanson-Young who chaired the Senate Select Committee into the Resilience of Australia’s Electricity Infrastructure said the funding decision shows renewable energy generation does stack up and is where SA’s future lies.
“South Australia is leading the way when it comes to a clean-energy future. We’ve got the largest battery in the world with power generated by wind and solar, not dirty old coal,” she said.
“Today’s announcement only adds weight to the argument against opening up a new fossil fuel basin in the Great Australian Bight.
“SA’s future is in clean, green renewable energy, not drilling in the Bight.
Senator Hanson-Young said given the climate crisis and forecast catastrophic fire conditions in SA tomorrow, following devastating fires in NSW and Qld, the Federal Government should be following SA’s lead and transitioning all states to a renewable energy future.
“Australians are desperate for the Morrison Government to take action on climate change,” she said.
“Transitioning all communities to renewable energy is the least the PM could do before we all suffer through even more devastating extreme weather events and fires.”

Australian Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has said the attempted takeover of the Dapto Showground and the Dapto Agricultural & Horticultural Society by Greyhound Racing NSW in order to force them to race dogs at a financial loss is chilling and the opposite of community and democracy. The matter is currently being heard in the Supreme Court.
Senator Faruqi said:
“The idea a Government appointed body can take over a local community-based agricultural society is simply chilling and another example of the Liberal-National Governments contempt for community.
“The Society has made it very clear it is losing hundreds of thousands of dollars by running greyhound racing at Dapto. By forcing them to continue this loss-making activity for the benefit of a tiny crowd, Greyhound Racing NSW is putting at risk other Dapto icons like the rugby league club and the famous Dapto markets.
“It is pretty clear the Greyhound Racing NSW intends to grind the Dapto Agricultural Society into the ground for choosing to put the community first. That is just disgusting.
“I sincerely hope the Court restores the democratically elected directors to full control of the club so they can get on with the job of providing recreational facilities for the Dapto community,” she concluded.

The New South Wales economy will be boosted by a $570 million infrastructure package to bust congestion and make regional roads safer.
The Morrison Government has been working with states and territories to bring forward critical road projects across Australia to drive jobs, strengthen the economy and get people home sooner and safer.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the NSW package included the acceleration of $530 million in federal funding across three major regional projects that would increase safety, improve freight productivity and boost tourism.
The Prime Minister said $212 million of the new package would be spent in the next 18 months as part of a $33 billion investment in NSW infrastructure from the Federal Government since the 2013 election.
“We’re bringing forward these important projects to cut travel times and make roads safer while boosting jobs and the economy,” the Prime Minister said.
“We can get these projects moving because of our responsible economic management rather than the sort of knee-jerk reactions we’ve seen in the past from Labor. This is a key part of our plan for a stronger economy and our pipeline of $100 billion worth of congestion-busting roads and rail.
“We’re also injecting $20 million in extra funding for the final link of the vital Pacific Highway upgrade and we’ve locked in $8.8 million for the Brig O’Johnston Bridge project at Clarence Town and $7.9 million for the Davey Road Interchange in Albury.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government was investing heavily in key roads in regional NSW that are vital to improved safety and supporting the economy through improved connectivity to the regions and to our markets.
“The Government recognises the need for these key rural roads to receive the upgrades they need to be safer, more efficient transport corridors as soon as possible,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“That is why we are bringing forward $185 million for the Toowoomba to Seymour corridor under the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative, with significant funding already allocated to Stage 2 of the Newell Highway’s Mungle Back Creek to Boggabilla project and $23 million allocated to the upgrade and sealing of priority sections of Tooraweenah Road.
“We are also accelerating a $200 million investment in the Newell Highway to support construction of the Parkes Bypass and the delivery of Inland Rail, as well as $145 million for the Princes Highway corridor, including the Milton-Ulladulla Bypass.”
Premier of NSW Gladys Berejiklian said the Australian and NSW governments had a strong record of working together to deliver crucial road and rail projects.
“Whether it’s completing the duplication of the Pacific Highway through to the Queensland border by 2020, including our massive joint investment in the Coffs Harbour Bypass, or delivering congestion-busting urban projects like WestConnex and NorthConnex, the results of our two governments’ close working relationship are plain for all to see,” the Premier said.
“I am especially pleased that accelerated federal funding for key initiatives such as the Newell Highway upgrades, and the Princes Highway corridor will enable us to get on with the job of delivering the state’s record infrastructure investment program.”
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the Government is getting on with the job of delivering congestion-busting projects for the people of NSW.
“We are continuing to work with the NSW Government to deliver signature projects in Sydney and across the State, including NorthConnex and Westconnex.”
“At the same time we are tackling local pinch points and smaller traffic headaches with our Urban Congestion Fund that will deliver 49 projects across Sydney and surrounds.”
NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance welcomed the deal.
“Across the state, $55.6 billion is being invested in transport and roads infrastructure over the next four years, and we are pleased to be able to accelerate the delivery of some of the highest priority projects thanks to the Federal Government’s support,” Minister Constance said.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the package announced today was a big win for regional areas would help fast track benefits of infrastructure investment for the bush.
“This is a fantastic example of federal and state governments working closely together to deliver concrete outcomes across the state, including for regional communities,” Minister Toole said.

PROJECT FUNDING BROUGHT FORWARD

• $185 million for the $300 million Toowoomba to Seymour (NSW section) Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) package
  • Funding to flow immediately and over the next three years to enable the commencement of works after previously being allocated beyond 2020-21.
  • The Australian Government is fully funding Stage 2 of the Mungle Back Creek to Boggabilla project ($81.1 million) and the Tooraweenah Road Upgrade project ($23 million).
  • This package will deliver upgrades targeting increases in higher efficiency freight vehicle access and improving the overall efficiency and safety of the corridor.

• $200 million for the $400 million Newell Highway Upgrades package
  • Funding will flow from next year and the following three years to enable the commencement of works, including the Parkes Bypass, after previously being allocated beyond 2024-25.
  • The Australian Government’s contribution to the package is $400 million.
  • The NSW Government is partnering with the Australian Government on both funding and delivery of works on this corridor.
  • Further investment decisions will be informed by the Australian Government’s Newell Highway Corridor Strategy and will target improved safety for all road users and help realise transport efficiency gains offered through the delivery of Inland Rail.

• $145 million for the $500 million Princes Highway Corridor (NSW) package
  • Funding will flow immediately and over the next three years to facilitate project development and expedite construction commencement, including the Milton-Ulladulla Bypass.
  • The Australian Government has committed $500 million to upgrading the corridor.
  • The NSW Government is partnering with the Australian Government on both funding and delivery of works on this corridor.
  • The upgrades will support the implementation of the Princes Highway Corridor Strategy and target greater efficiency and safety for all road users, and improve the amenity for local communities.

ADDITIONAL FUNDING

• $20 million for the Pacific Highway Woolgoolga to Ballina project
  • Funding to flow over the next year to enable completion of the project on-time in late 2020.
  • Australian Government contribution to the project is $3.76 billion (including $3.48 billion towards construction and $282.3 million towards planning and preconstruction).
  • The NSW Government are providing the remaining funding towards the project.

• $4 million for the $20 million Dixons Long Point Crossing project
  • Funding to flow immediately to progress planning and expedite construction commencement.
  • The Australian Government is fully funding this $20 million project, which will ensure safer community access to the river crossing.
  • The project includes construction of a bridge over the Macquarie River at Dixons Long Point, and the upgrade of Long Point Road and Ullamalla Road on either side of the bridge.
  • Planning is underway with geotechnical studies and surveys to identify the most appropriate river crossing site.

CONFIRMED FUNDING

• $8.8 million for the Brig O’Johnston Bridge project
  • Funding to flow from 2020-21 to enable the project to commence following completion of planning and design.
  • Australian Government contribution to the project is $8.8 million.

• $7.9 million for the Davey Road Interchange project
  • Funding to flow immediately and over the next two years to expedite construction and delivery of road safety benefits.
  • Australian Government is partnering with the NSW Government and the Albury City Council.
  • The project involves the construction of south-facing on and off ramps at the existing Davey Road – Hume Freeway overpass, and an additional roundabout at the eastern ramp intersection with Davey Road.
  • When complete, the new infrastructure will help to reduce travel times for heavy vehicles travelling into the north Albury area, and reduce operating costs for the freight industry.

Making it easier to export more Australian food and agriculture, streamlining project approval processes, helping small businesses employ more Australians and creating a one-stop shop for business registers are among the next wave of deregulation reform being delivered by the Morrison Government.
The Prime Minister said his government was focused on busting the obstacles that slow down and even stop business investment and new job creation.
“We want to create the space for businesses in our economy to back themselves and take our growth to the next level,” the Prime Minister said.
“Our Deregulation Agenda has a laser focus on reducing the regulatory compliance burden on business.
“The reforms we’re delivering hone in on what we’ve been hearing directly from Australian businesses that will help them grow and employ more people.”
The new reforms include:

• A new online checklist – So employers know the exact steps to employing their first person. From minimum pay and conditions to tax and superannuation, and developing a new prototype ‘regtech’ platform to take employers step-by-step through the process of employing their first staff.
• Simplifying business registers – Modernising Australia’s business registers to make it easier and faster for business to interact with government, including upgrading and consolidating 32 separate business registers onto a single system. The new registry will allow business to view and manage their data in one location using a tell-us-once principle and lay the foundation stone for future ‘regtech’ initiatives.
• A single digital environmental approvals process and biodiversity database – Getting beneficial major projects up and running by transforming the approvals process, reducing approval times and bringing forward economic activity. Partnering with the Western Australian Government where there is a large pipeline of major projects coming forward over the next decade on the new system as a first step towards a consistent nationwide process and we will also develop a biodiversity database, that can be rolled out nationally, to store and share information, which will also help speed up assessments.
• A modern export documents system – Replacing the existing paper based system with a new online system so food exporters can get their product to market faster and more simply with more secure certification as well as establishing a new trade information service for business on how to export. Also expanding the Trusted Trader Program and Known Consignor Scheme to expedite the flow of cargo.

“We will continue to work with the States and Territories and the business community to simplify Australia’s business environment and ensure regulation is fit for purpose,” the Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said.
“The measures continue the Coalition Government’s commitment to reduce red tape and unnecessary regulation, making it easier for businesses to invest, create jobs and grow the economy.”
“We are tackling regulation from the viewpoint of business—putting ourselves in their shoes, getting down on the factory floor and looking at regulation from their perspective. There is always more work to do, but the Government has renewed our commitment to deregulation”, the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ben Morton said.
“An initial emphasis has been making it easier for businesses to navigate their existing regulatory environments.
“The Deregulation Taskforce is also working on opportunities to adopt technological or ‘regtech’ solutions which make it easier for business to cost-effectively navigate and comply with regulatory requirements.
“As well as overseeing the implementation of initial measures, the Taskforce will continue to identify more reforms to help business. There is more work to do and the Deregulation Taskforce will report back in the new year on further opportunities to reduce the regulatory burden focused on regulatory and legislative design and reduction.”
Further information is available on the Deregulation Taskforce webpage.