A new 20-year vision for Pyrmont will shape the waterfront peninsula as an innovative, connected and creative around-the-clock destination, providing much-needed jobs, investment and economic growth, part of the NSW Government’s COVID Recovery Plan.
Up to 23,000 new jobs and 800,000 square metres of new commercial and office space are forecast in a new draft plan released today, supported by better transport connectivity to grow a mix of hi-tech, tourism, media and information industries.
Launching the plan, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the NSW Government’s draft Pyrmont Peninsula PlaceStrategy and Economic Development Strategy would help map the area’s future.
The strategy considers big moves for transformation such as a potential metro station at Pyrmont as part of the Sydney Metro West project, a new indoor sports and entertainment venue like our own Madison Square Garden, more and better public spaces (including the return of Wentworth Park as local parkland) and the revitalisation of key sites to attract commercial investment.
“Great cities evolve, grow and continue to improve all the time, and our vision is to ensure Pyrmont leads Sydney as a home for innovation, employment and entertainment as well as retaining its unique character,” Mr Perrottet said.
Mr Stokes added that Pyrmont has always been an extension of the CBD as a bustling hub for a variety of industries, and the draft strategy outlines the latest incarnation in the peninsula’s renewal.
“Pyrmont has always been a hub for cutting edge industry. In recent decades it was transformed into commercial and entertainment precinct with accessible pedestrian walkways and the Light Rail,” Mr Stokes said.
“This new vision builds upon that. As well as a jobs hub of the future, we want the peninsula to be a premier cultural and entertainment destination which is connected to museums, theatres, bars and cafes, the Sydney Fish Market, the ICC, Harbourside and The Star.
“It has the potential to be a 24/7 destination for locals and visitors alike within walking distance from the city. Pyrmont is more than a local village – it is a vital part of our global city.”
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said world-class public transport was a vital part of the innovative plan.
“This vision would cement Pyrmont as one of the key employment hubs in Sydney and the entire NSW Government has come together to ensure it will have the infrastructure it needs,” he said
“Connecting Pyrmont with Western Sydney would encourage jobs, investment and economic growth. My job is to ensure the area is easily accessible and has the right transport options in place.
“We’re still working through the potential for a Metro station in Pyrmont, but it has progressed to the next stage of the process.”
Mr Stokes said the revitalisation will focus on key sites for renewal, including the existing Sydney Fish Market site at Blackwattle Bay, The Star site at Darling Island, development of Harbourside Shopping Centre, and the UTS Haymarket campus.
“These sites have been identified for revitalisation over the next 20 years and we are keen to ensure that parks, public spaces and the unique character of Pyrmont is protected,” he said.
“Delivering public benefit is also vitally important which is why part of our vision is to return Wentworth Park to the people as beautiful, high-quality green open space.”
The Pyrmont Peninsula Place Strategy and Economic Development Strategy are on public exhibition for community feedback until 13 September 2020.
To view the strategies and have your say visitwww.planning.nsw.gov.au/pyrmontpeninsula
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Riverina pub and publican among latest Public Health Order breaches
A pub at Temora, which was fined $5000 and its licensee $1000, are among three incidents and six Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for non-compliance with COVID-19 Public Health Orders in the last 24 hours.
About 12.30pm yesterday (Thursday 30 July 2020), officers from Riverina Police District attended the premises on Hoskins Street, Temora, as part of proactive compliance operations.
On arrival, police noted there was no sign-in book at the entry to the premises, and when officers asked the licensee to provide advice regarding his COVID-19 Safety Plan, he claimed to not speak English.
It was subsequently established by officers that no steps had been taken by the business to comply with COVID-19 Public Health Orders.
The pub was issued with a $5000 PIN for failing to comply with a ministerial direction, and the licensee was issued with a $1000 PIN for the same offence.
In a second incident, officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended serviced apartments at Bondi Junction following reports a woman had breached self-isolation requirements.
Police were told the 26-year-old woman arrived in Sydney from Victoria on Wednesday (29 July 2020), and was self-isolating at the Bondi apartments, but left on Thursday to apply for a visa at a nearby embassy.
Following inquiries, it was determined that applying for a visa was not a valid exemption to enter NSW and she did not meet the requirements for a permit. Further, she was not permitted to leave isolation.
The woman was issued with a $1000 PIN before being directed to return to Victoria.
In a third incident, officers from Murrumbidgee Police District attended a house at Griffith to conduct compliance checks on three men, who are Malaysian Nationals and had travelled into NSW from Victoria earlier in the week.
Inquiries revealed the men – aged 22, 28 and 34 – had been going to pick fruit at local farms and therefore not self-isolating as required under their exemption permit to enter NSW.
The men were subsequently each issued with $1000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Local police have also referred inquiries into the men’s immigration status to Australian Border Force.
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.
Fatal crash near Charlestown
Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash on the state’s Lake Macquarie District.
About 9.25pm (Thursday 30 July 2020), emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway at Charlestown, following reports a car collided with a telegraph pole.
Police have been told the vehicle was travelling north on the Pacific Highway when it left the road and crashed.
Emergency services were unable to revive the driver, who was the sole occupant of the car. The driver died at the scene.
The driver, believed to be a man aged in his 40s, is yet to be formally identified.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District secured a crime scene and have established traffic diversions, which will remain in place while police conduct their investigations.
Police will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area. For the latest traffic information visit www.livetraffic.com.
National Agreement On Closing The Gap
The new National Agreement on Closing the Gap has today come into effect, upon signature by the First Ministers of all Australian Governments, the Lead convenor of the Coalition of Peaks, and the President of the Australian Local Government Association.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new Closing the Gap agreement is an historic achievement.
“Today finally marks a new chapter in our efforts to close the gap – one built on mutual trust, shared responsibility, dignity and respect,” Prime Minister Morrison said.
“The gaps we are now seeking to close are the gaps that have now been defined by the representatives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This is as it should be. This creates a shared commitment and a shared responsibility.”
“This is the first time a National Agreement designed to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has been negotiated directly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives.”
“By focusing our efforts on these more specific, practical and shared objectives we can expect to make much greater progress.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said the National Agreement demonstrates the Government’s commitment to work in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“The way all levels of government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives have come together to negotiate this National Agreement and collectively determine how we strive to close the gap demonstrates our commitment to working together through meaningful partnerships,” Minister Wyatt said.
“We know that the best out comes are achieved when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are equal partners with governments, and when they have a direct say in how we are going to be successful in driving the desired outcomes.”
The Lead convenor of the Coalition of Peaks, Ms Pat Turner AM, said “for the first time, First Nations people will share decision-making with governments on Closing the Gap. The National Agreement makes this a reality, not just for the Coalition of Peaks, but for all First Nations people that want to have a say on how things should be working in their communities.”
“If the Priority Reforms are implemented in full by governments and through shared decision making with First Nations people, we should see changes over time to the lives and experiences of our people.”
At the centre of the National Agreement are four priority reforms that commit governments to change the way they work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
These reforms will embed joint-decision making; build the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled service sector; transform mainstream government services; and improve data to support informed decision-making.
The new National Agreement builds on the draft targets endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments in 2018. It establishes 16 targets in areas such as education, employment, health and wellbeing, justice, safety, housing, land and waters, and languages.
For the first time, all governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations share responsibility for achieving targets and significantly more reporting will increase accountability for all parties This acknowledges that all parties have a role to play in improving outcomes for Indigenous Australians.
Each jurisdiction will report annually on their progress and contribution towards Closing the Gap, and the Productivity Commission will make more data publicly available and conduct an independent review of progress every three years.
Parties to the National Agreement – the Commonwealth Government, State and Territory governments, the Coalition of Peaks, and the Australian Local Government Association – will now develop plans that set out how they will implement the priority reforms and contribute towards achieving the targets.
The National Agreement is available on the National Indigenous Australians Agency website, https://closingthegap.niaa.gov.au/
City invests $500,000 in supporting COVID-19 hit local industries
Newcastle’s tourism, entertainment and arts community will benefit from more than $500,000 from the City of Newcastle to city-shaping projects targeting those industries hardest hit by COVID-19.
Developed in collaboration with the City Taskforce, comprising 17 leaders from business, community and educational sectors, the response program will foster community connections and industry resilience.
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Collaborative partnerships from the Hunter Writers Centre, Field Frequency, University of Newcastle, Olive Tree Markets and the Business Centre have received funding for unique projects that will boost the local economy.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the program encouraged collaboration between industry groups, businesses and community organisations to provide long-term, strategic benefits for the City.
“Newcastle’s visitor economy has been one of the hardest-hit sectors in our community, along with hospitality, arts and recreation,” the Lord Mayor said.
“These local initiatives are unique, innovative and leverage our City’s strengths to provide support to people hardest hit by COVID-19.
“From harnessing the vibrancy of Newcastle’s live music scene and attracting visitors to our City, to developing stronger connections in our creative community, the funded projects will provide much needed support.
“The five projects will be delivered within 6-months and will leave a positive legacy for our city.”
Newcastle Business Chamber CEO and City Taskforce Member Bob Hawes said the industry targeted funding approach has resulted in projects that present new opportunities for businesses, locals and visitors to support Newcastle’s economy.
“Now more than ever, people are looking to explore their own backyard as they recognise the need to support local businesses,” Mr Hawes said.
“If we want to be able to return to the lifestyle we enjoyed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to support our local businesses now to ensure that they can survive this unprecedented economic and social disruption.”
“The successful grant recipients showcase what the region can achieve when we harness the collective knowledge of our corporate, not-for-profit and government sectors.”
Industry Response Program Grant Recipients
University of Newcastle – Hometown Holiday
The Hometown Holiday project will incentivise Newcastle residents to have a ‘hometown holiday’ inclusive of overnight accommodation and curated experience itineraries. Locals will be encouraged to visit Newcastle as tourists and engage with the City as a tourism destination, providing economic benefits to local tourism businesses.
Field Frequency – Smart City LIVE Music TV Show
Field Frequency will produce a live-stream music series, using live-stream broadcast collaborations to maximise the recovery of the local arts and entertainment industry. The show will showcase a diverse range of established musicians and new talent growing the City’s identity as a collaborative and inclusive community.
The Business Centre – Small Business Recovery Centre
The COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Project will provide much needed support and advice to local businesses, curated and coordinated by the Business Centre and based at 265 King Street. The Centre will bring together government and non-government agencies, banks and financial services providers, mental health and well-being providers, to offer support and provide information, and services, that lead to sustainability and job creation, to small businesses during and after COVID-19.
Hunter Writers Centre Inc – Multi-arts activation
Hunter Writers Centre will lead a multi-arts activation benefiting local arts, cultural, and tourism businesses. The project will include exhibition studio spaces for Indigenous and non-Indigenous writers, musicians, visual and digital artists and performers to develop work for exhibitions of cultural and maritime history and stories of local sites.
The Olive Tree Market – The Olive Tree Virtual Online Platform
The Virtual Olive Tree Market Platform will develop new income generating opportunities, capacity building and educational workshops for local creatives. Existing customers, supporters, and new online audiences will be targeted to buy local online, to re-connect and forge ongoing connections with creatives.
More than 20 inmates charged over riot at correctional facility – Cessnock
Police have charged 21 inmates following investigations into a riot at a correctional facility in the Hunter region earlier this year.
About 11.30am on Thursday 30 April 2020, a number of inmates allegedly caused significant damage to a correctional facility at Cessnock and were on the roof of the premises.
No police response was requested at the time.
In May 2020, officers from Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation into the incident.
Following extensive inquiries, police issued Court Attendance Notices (CAN) to 21 men – all aged between 22 and 39 – for the offences of riot and participate in criminal group.
Of the men:
- Nine were served a CAN at a correctional facility at Goulburn (aged 22-39)
- Six were served a CAN at a correctional facility at Cessnock (aged 24-32)
- A 24-year-old man was served a CAN at a correctional facility at Kempsey
- A 28-year-old man was served a CAN at a correctional facility at Wellington
- A 33-year-old man was served a CAN at a home in Hamilton South
- A 32-year-old man was served a CAN at a home in Gosford
The 19 men are due to appear at Cessnock Local Court today (Thursday 30 July 2020).
A 32-year-old man was arrested at Surry Hills Police Station and served a CAN yesterday. He was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Thursday 30 July 2020).
A 39-year-old man was arrested at a home in Tamworth and served a CAN earlier this month. He was refused bail and appeared at Tamworth Local Court on Friday 3 July 2020 where he was granted conditional bail to next appear at the same court on Monday 24 August 2020.
Police will allege that the men threatened unlawful violence towards Corrective Services NSW staff and damaged several areas of the facility, including the ceiling, doors and roof, along with items inside. The damage is estimated to be valued at more than $130,000.
Police have worked closely with CSNSW Special Operational Group North staff and officers during this investigation.
Two charged over alleged aggravated break and enter near Muswellbrook
Two people will face court today charged over an alleged aggravated break and enter at an Upper Hunter home.
Police will allege in court a 36-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman – armed with an axe and a chainsaw – forced entry to a home on Grimes Street, Denman, about 30km south west of Muswellbrook, about 1.45pm yesterday (Wednesday 29 July 2020).
Four people – two men and two women – were inside the property at the time and contacted police.
No one was injured during the incident.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District arrived a short time later and arrested the pair.
They were taken to Muswellbrook Police Station and charged with aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence.
Both were refused bail to face Muswellbrook Local Court today (Thursday 30 July 2020).
Victorian man charged over alleged breach of Public Health Order
Police have charged a Victorian man with breaching a Public Health Order after he flew from Melbourne to Sydney allegedly without a permit to enter NSW.
Just before 1pm yesterday (Wednesday 29 July 2020), officers who were deployed at Sydney Airport for Operation Coronavirus, were requested to assist NSW Health who were talking with a man who had just arrived on a flight from Melbourne.
Police were told the 21-year-old man from Roxbough Park, Victoria, was unable to produce a NSW Health exemption.
The man was assisted to charge his phone before it was established that he did not have a permit but would apply for one so he could care for his children.
It’s alleged that the man made a number of applications for a permit and had provided false information.
After establishing that the man did not have children, nor a valid reason to be in NSW, police directed him to return to Victoria. He was offered options for travel and further assistance from NSW Health.
The man allegedly refused to make travel plans and failed to comply with police directions and was arrested about 3.30pm before being taken to Mascot Police Station.
During a subsequent search of the man and his bags, officers located a bottle of alprazolam, which was not prescribed to him.
He was charged with not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19 and possess prescribed restricted substance.
The man was granted conditional bail but is required to quarantine in a Health-managed hotel until he appears at Downing Centre Local Court on Monday 17 August 2020.
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.
Two men charged as investigations continue into home invasion – Port Stephens- Hunter
Police have charged two men following investigations into a home invasion at Hawks Nest last month.
Police will allege that, about 10.30pm on Monday 30 June 2020, a 78-year-old man opened the door of his home on Booner Street and was confronted by three men.
The group pushed past the man, assaulting him and stabbing him in the abdomen.
The group made their way upstairs and assaulted a 53-year-old man before stabbing him in the back and neck.
The injured men were taken to hospital where they were admitted, treated, and later released.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced an investigation resulting in the arrest of two men, aged 22 and 46, at an address on Sinclair Street, Gosford, about 11am today (Thursday 30 July 2020).
A search of the home allegedly revealed numerous knives, a homemade shive, a machete, a homemade shotgun with ammunition, and an amount of drugs.
The men were taken to Gosford Police Station where the older man was charged with breach of bail, two counts of breaching an AVO, two counts of intimidation (DV), and special aggravated enter with intent (wound).
The younger man was charged with firearm offences, drug possession and special aggravated enter with intent (wound).
Both men were refused bail and will appear in Gosford Local Court tomorrow (Friday 31 July 2020).
Inquiries continue.
Government continues attack on Reef science
The Coalition and One Nation have cemented their position as science denialists, having spent Monday badgering some of Australia’s peak scientific bodies over the validity of Great Barrier Reef health findings during a Liberal-called Senate inquiry, the Greens said.
Co-Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens, Queensland Senator Larissa Waters, said the inquiry is nothing more than a political ploy to attempt to advance the Coalition’s position ahead of the Queensland state election, and further its culture war against science.
“The Reef is being used as a pawn for flagrant state electioneering. This inquiry is about state regulations, but these regulations are being probed at a federal level,” she said.
“It’s been a futile exercise. We listened to One Nation ask one witness ‘what is science?’ in an attempt to discredit the findings from peak scientific bodies. We listened to a Coalition Senator also rebuke these findings as ‘concocted science’ and ‘false evidence’.”
“Peer-reviewed science should not be debated by non-scientifically trained politicians trying to suit the agenda of big donors and dinosaur backbenchers.”
“We need strong laws to set the standards and give our Reef the best shot, and farmers should be financially assisted to meet these strong requirements,” she said.
“The science is clear, we must act now for our best chance to protect the Reef and the more than 64,000 jobs that rely on it.
“We need urgent climate action, a transition off coal to renewable energy, and strong action on water quality to save what’s left of our Reef,” she said.