Australian Greens Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has said that the government’s plan to hike up university fees should be scrapped, following confirmation in the Senate Covid-19 Committee this week that no government modelling had been done on the effect of changing course costs.
Senator Faruqi said:
“Not only are these fee hikes grossly unfair for students, there’s actually no evidence that they will do what the government intends them to: encourage more students to take up STEM and other ‘priority’ courses.
“The government’s package simply doesn’t stack up. We’ve heard from key stakeholders across the sector that all it will do is put students further into debt and cut more funding for essential teaching and learning on campuses.
“As our universities continue to suffer huge job losses, now is the time to invest heavily in higher education, not take the easy way out and transfer costs from the government onto students. No one wins from the Liberals’ cruel austerity package,” she said.
Author: admin
Wildlife toll shows environment needs stronger protections
With a revised tally of killed or displaced wildlife from the summer’s bushfires coming in at three times initial estimates, it’s clear now is not the time to rush through legislation that will weaken environmental protections, the Greens say.
Greens Spokesperson for the Environment Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said with 3 billion native animals killed or displaced as a result of the catastrophic fires, and Australia already holding the dishonour of worst mammalian extinction rate in the world, our wildlife was in crisis and needed urgent protection.
“Off the back of one of the worst environmental disasters our country has seen, the Morrison Government is planning to fast-track legislation that puts our wildlife and environment at further risk.
“I urge the Prime Minister and the Environment Minister to respond to the finding of 3 billion dead or displaced animals and reconsider their environment-destroying plans.
“Our natural world cannot withstand more logging, land clearing and pollution for the sake of corporate profits. The PM needs to stand up for the environment instead of his mining and big developer mates.
“We need strong environmental laws and a cop on the beat to enforce them – anything less and we are going to lose koalas and more of our native animals for good.
“The 10-year independent review should be completed and properly considered before any legislative change that risks killing more of our wildlife and destroying even more of our environment.”
The Senate Inquiry into the Faunal Extinction Crisis, chaired by Senator Hanson-Young, is holding a hearing tomorrow from 12pm EST, to examine the interim report from the review of Australia’s environment laws (the EPBC Act). Witnesses include Independent Reviewer Professor Graeme Samuel and the ANAO. The full program can be found here.
Council gives preliminary tick to new climate action plan
City of Newcastle will lead the way to a net zero emissions future by reducing greenhouse gasses while implementing a range of environmental efficiencies under a five-year action plan endorsed for public exhibition tonight.
The Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2021-25 outlines priorities for the City and community to minimise carbon emissions, embrace sustainable transport, deploy clean technology and support low-emission industries.
The plan proposes to reduce fuel use by transitioning to electric vehicles, increasing battery storage to lessen the City’s reliance on the electricity grid, cutting emissions via LED lighting replacements and building upgrades, and encouraging development of sustainable buildings.
Over the next five years the plan will specifically target:
- A 20 per cent reduction in electricity use, based on 2019/20 consumption
- Replacing all lighting, including streetlights, with LED or the best alternative
- A 50 per cent reduction in fuel use, based on 2019/20 consumption
- A 50 per cent reduction in operational carbon emissions.
“Through strong and consistent actions to reduce our emissions, City of Newcastle is now recognised as one of Australia’s leading local governments in terms of addressing climate change,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“After achieving so much over the past five years, particularly by becoming the first NSW Council to be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy in January, our transformation will continue under this new plan.
“By supporting residents, business and industry to act more sustainably, encourage local resilience and build a circular economy, our sustained investment will propel the city towards a net zero emissions future. I encourage the community to have their say on the way forward during the public exhibition period of the Climate Action Plan.”
The draft plan also covers better resource management, headlined by an organics processing facility at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre; recycling initiatives and infrastructure, use of more recycled products in construction, water-efficient technologies, community-owned renewables projects and solar garden innovation.
Community engagement on the new plan helped build on the 2020 Carbon Water Management Action Plan (CWMAP), which delivered a five-megawatt solar farm, rooftop solar panels, LED streetlights and a 100 per cent renewable energy deal.
Under the 2020 CWMAP, the City has:
- Reduced electricity usage by 17 per cent
- Upgraded 31 per cent of streetlights to LEDs
- Secured 100 per cent of electricity from renewable sources
- Reduced potable water usage by more than 8 per cent
- Slashed the City’s carbon footprint by 77 per cent, excluding emissions from Summerhill Waste Management Centre
- Reduced liquid fuel use by 77 per cent
The draft 2025 Climate Action Plan will be available for comment from Tuesday 4 August until 5pm Monday 31 August by visiting www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/YourSay
Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 28 July 2020
Council update: Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 28 July 2020
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 28 July 2020. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
A Lord Mayoral Minute to protect the heritage fig trees in Birdwood Park in perpetuity and calling on the NSW Government to abandon their project to create a slip lane on the corner of King Street and Stewart Avenue, was supported.
A Lord Mayoral Minute for City of Newcastle to make a submission to the Inquiry into the integrity, efficacy and value for money of NSW Government grant programs, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty regarding Newcastle’s status, and raising concern about the significant amount of grant funding the City has been deemed ineligible to receive, was supported.
A Lord Mayor Minute to prepare a submission for consideration for the 2021 Infrastructure Priority List publication, outlining projects of significance to the City of Newcastle, and the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Area (as outlined in the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036), was supported.
Ordinary business
Public exhibition of the draft 2025 Climate Action Plan
Council voted to place the draft 2025 Climate Action Plan on public exhibition for 28 days.
Supplementary report – endorsement of amendment to Newcastle LEP 2012 and proposed Planning Agreement – 41 and 47 Throsby Street, Wickham
Council resolved to endorse the amendment to the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan regarding 41 and 47 Throsby Street, Wickham.
Exhibition of draft sections of Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012
Council voted to place five draft sections of the Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012 on public exhibition for 28 days.
Proposed raised crossing and pedestrian refuge at Maitland Road, Mayfield
Council approved the upgrade of the existing pedestrian crossing on Tourle Street at Maitland Road, Mayfield to a raised crossing with a pedestrian refuge and kerb extension.
Proposed pedestrian refuge at Maitland Road, Mayfield
Council approved construction of a pedestrian refuge and kerb extension on Woodstock Street at Maitland Road, Mayfield to improve pedestrian safety at the crossing and mitigate against speeding.
Tender report – No.1 Sportsground upgrade
Council voted to accept a tender for the upgrade of No.1 Sportsground following a competitive tender process.
Tender report – Bathers Way, South Newcastle Beach
Council voted to accept a tender for the Bathers Way, South Newcastle Beach project construction following a competitive tender process.
Executive monthly performance report
Council received the executive monthly performance report for June 2020.
Notices of Motion
Renaming City of Newcastle buildings and other features
A notice of motion to develop a culturally appropriate policy regarding the renaming of City of Newcastle buildings or other features was supported. The second part of the motion, called for City of Newcastle to conduct community consultation on the renaming of the “Captain James Cook Memorial Fountain” in Civic Park, was also supported.
Removal of Civic Park fountain plaques
A notice of motion to remove the two Captain James Cook memorial plaques attached to the Civic Park Fountain and reaffirm the principles and actions outlined in City of Newcastle’s 1998 Commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Newcastle was included as Part B in the previous notice of motion.
1080, Pindone and pest management review
A notice of motion calling for City of Newcastle to commit to managing invasive animals humanely and phase out the use of poisons that are inhumane or otherwise ineffectual was introduced with council’s recommendation supported.
50,000 NEW JOBS FOR PARRAMATTA’S FUTURE CBD
Thousands of new jobs, great design and high-quality public places are on the horizon for Parramatta as plans for the CBD’s revitalisation reach a major milestone.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the NSW Government has worked closely with City of Parramatta Council to progress the plan that will guide a vibrant and strong future for Greater Sydney’s second CBD, part of the NSW Government’s COVID Recovery Plan.
“The proposal will lay the foundation for planning changes to unlock 50,000 new jobs, 14,000 new homes, well-designed buildings and great public spaces for locals, workers and visitors to enjoy,” Mr Stokes said.
“From increased building heights for a dynamic city skyline, to almost two million sqm of new commercial floorspace, new cultural spaces and fantastic public spaces, this proposal will shape the Parramatta CBD for generations to come.”
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the proposal includes strict rules to protect important public areas such as Parramatta Square from overshadowing.
“Parramatta Square has brought new life and thousands of students and workers into the CBD, reinvigorating the nightlife and providing a place for people to relax during the day and we want to ensure it remains light and sunny,” Dr Lee said.
“Parramatta is so full of vitality already; it’s a fantastic place to live, work and play and the NSW Government is working with City of Parramatta Council to ensure Sydney’s second CBD remains the heartbeat of Western Sydney.”
The proposal, which will be put on public exhibition for community feedback, includes:
- Expanding and protecting the Commercial Core of the CBD;
- A range of building heights across the CBD that consider impacts on public open spaces and heritage conservation areas while allowing heights up to the maximum allowed under flight paths;
- New Floor Space Ratio controls that provide incentives for development where community benefits can be provided; and
- Ensuring key public open spaces within the CBD are protected from overshadowing between 12pm and 2pm. This includes Parramatta Square, the Parramatta River foreshore, Lancer Barracks and Jubilee Park.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer thanked the NSW Government for progressing the plan.
“This is a significant milestone and an exciting next step in the transformation of Parramatta as Sydney’s Central City,” Councillor Dwyer said.
“Council initiated this proposal to help us realise our shared vision for the Parramatta CBD – an economic leader with a thriving commercial centre that attracts world-class businesses and offers incredible lifestyle opportunities for residents.
“We look forward to sharing these city-shaping plans with the community and seeking their feedback during the public exhibition period.”
LIGHT RAIL TAKING SHAPE IN WESTMEAD
Major construction on the Parramatta Light Rail has started in the Westmead Health Precinct to provide crucial access to one of Australia’s largest health, education and research hubs.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the Parramatta Light Rail will provide ‘turn-up-and-go’ services seven days a week, linking Westmead customers to rail, bus, ferries, and the future Sydney Metro West.
“These world-class health services and facilities will be more accessible than ever, taking the Westmead Health Precinct to the next level,” Mr Constance said.
“The precinct will cater to more than 40,000 full-time staff and 30,000 students by 2036 and building this type of infrastructure will be key to our economic recovery and will help get people back to work, important parts of the NSW Government’s COVID Recovery Plan.
“It’s vital we have strong public transport infrastructure in place to support this growth and deliver this legacy project for future generations.”
Upcoming work includes removing the road surface, replacing underground utilities and rebuilding the road.
Mr Constance said the Westmead Redevelopment project is one of the biggest health infrastructure projects in the state, intended to transform the Westmead Health Precinct and deliver an innovative, integrated facility that will continue to deliver high-quality healthcare for decades to come.
“We recently finalised work to prepare for the light rail in the area with the widening of Hawkesbury Road. These are big changes and we ask for your patience as we undertake significant works to create a connected, revitalised Westmead Health Precinct
The $2.4 billion Parramatta Light Rail will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia, and is set to open in 2023.
LAND TAX CUT TO DRIVE BUILD-TO-RENT REVOLUTION
The NSW Government will introduce a land tax discount for new build-to-rent housing projects until 2040 and a new Housing Diversity SEPP to provide more housing options, greater surety for renters, boost construction and support jobs during the COVID-19 recovery.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the tax cut would encourage build-to-rent developments by ensuring they were subject to similar overall amounts of State tax as comparable build-to-sell developments.
“Build-to-rent is popular overseas but still in its infancy in Australia, and we want to remove barriers and allow this segment of the market to grow,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Renters benefit through greater choice and because the focus is placed on them, rather than just geared towards property owners, it has an added benefit of encouraging better quality rental properties and much longer-term leases.
“This will provide further confidence, boost the housing construction industry, create more options for investors and builders of developments and ultimately more housing options and security for tenants.”
The discount will be equivalent to at least a 50 per cent reduction in land tax, dependent on the unimproved land value. To be eligible for the discount, a build‑to‑rent development in metropolitan areas must be at least 50 units, with a different threshold for regional areas to be considered.
Construction must have commenced on or after 1 July 2020 and the projects must provide purpose built rental units, be managed under unified ownership, and include options for longer leases.
An exemption from foreign investor surcharges will also be provided until 2040 for Build‑to‑Rent developers, and integrity measures will be included to ensure that these discounts are not used for tax avoidance.
Full eligibility criteria for build-to-rent projects will be set-out in guidelines for the industry in coming weeks.
The NSW Government is also exhibiting a new streamlined Housing Diversity State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) that includes proposed development standards for build-to-rent housing across the state and design guidance on built form, context and character, sustainability and amenity to ensure good outcomes for surrounding communities and future residents.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the proposed changes will simplify planning controls to support investment in diverse and affordable housing types including built-to-rent, co-living, social housing, and student housing.
“Not only do we need different types of housing – such as detached, high-rise and missing-middle types, we need different tenures of housing – such as affordable and social housing, short and long-term rentals and owner-occupiers,” Mr Stokes said.
“Build‑to‑rent provides a more direct route for investment in housing diversity, and provides the certainty needed to build in uncertain times.
“These proposed changes will help support the State’s future housing needs while contributing to NSW’s economic recovery from COVID-19 by boosting residential construction and supporting jobs.”
The new SEPP also includes new statewide definitions and provisions to support co-living developments and student housing, and new measures to assist the NSW Land and Housing Corporation to deliver more social housing on government owned land.
“The Housing Diversity SEPP delivers on our commitment to simplify the planning system, reduce complexity, and support a strategic-led planning system that delivers a broad range of housing needs for the community.”
The Housing Diversity SEPP is on exhibition for feedback until 9 September 2020.
NEW COVID-19 COMPLIANCE RULES FOR GYMS
New rules will be introduced across NSW requiring gyms and fitness centres to register their COVID Safety Plan, and have a dedicated hygiene marshall on duty at all times.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said these extra measures are necessary to stop the spread of the virus and take effect from 12.01am on Saturday 1 August.
“We cannot afford to take any risks or allow complacency to creep in. Businesses must take all reasonable steps to reduce the risk of COVID transmission or risk facing a fine or closure,” Mr Dominello said.
“Gyms play a crucial role in the promotion of health and fitness across our community but they are not immune from this challenge. Without proper COVID safeguards, they may present a transmission risk and that is why we need operators to put their customers first by registering their COVID Safety Plan.
“Whether it’s maintaining social distancing, cleaning equipment after use or making hand sanitiser available for customers, these dedicated COVID Safe Hygiene Marshalls will play a pivotal role in keeping gyms safe and compliant.”
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said this is a critical time in our response to COVID-19.
“Members of the community and business have important roles to play. Gyms support people maintain their health and wellbeing. I ask that patrons cooperate with Hygiene Marshalls to keep people safe,” Dr Chant said.
For the latest information visit www.nsw.gov.au
Second man in court over alleged string of graffiti across Sydney, Central Coast and Hunter regions
A man will appear in court today charged following investigations into several acts of vandalism at train stations across Sydney, Central Coast and Hunter region transport networks.
In December 2019, officers from the Police Transport Command commenced an investigation, following reports railway infrastructure and trains had been vandalised with graffiti across the Sydney area and the Central Coast transport network.
Investigators charged a 35-year-old Newtown man earlier this month and he remains before the courts.
Following further inquiries, investigators executed a search warrant at a home in Blue Haven about 10am yesterday (Tuesday 28 July 2020).
During the search, investigators located sketch pads, spray paint, a mobile phone, three cannabis plants in a hydroponic setup and 16g of dried cannabis. These items were seized to undergo forensic examination.
A short time later, a 19-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Wyong Police Station.
He was charged with 21 offences, including:
- seven counts of malicious damage,
- cultivate prohibited plant,
- possess prohibited drug,
- five counts of face blackened/disguised with intent to commit indictable offence, and
- seven counts of enter/remain on running lines.
Police will allege in court that the man vandalised trains and infrastructure at railway stations in Kingsgrove, Maitland, Campbelltown, Hamilton, Lidcombe, Telarah and Gosford.
It will also be alleged the man then uploaded these acts of vandalism to social media.
The man was refused bail and is due to appear in Wyong Local Court today (Wednesday 29 July 2020).
Investigations are continuing.
Woman charged and business fined over Public Health Orders breaches
A woman has been charged and a business was fined over separate alleged breaches of the state’s Public Health Orders in the past 24 hours.
Officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command were called to Liverpool Hospital just after 7am yesterday (Tuesday 28 July 2020), following reports a woman had assaulted a nurse and security staff.
On arrival, police were told the woman had refused to leave despite having been discharged and allegedly abused nursing staff and security using offensive language as they attempted to get her to leave.
It’s further alleged that as security escorted her from the building, the woman spat on the face of one of the guards and threatened him, bit another guard on the hand, and kicked at them and a nurse.
The 45-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Liverpool Police Station, where she was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, three counts of common assault, behave in offensive manner in/near public place/school, remain on prescribed premises without lawful excuse, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm.
She was also charged with not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing-COVID-19.
The Ambarvale woman has been refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court today (Wednesday 29 July 2020).
In an unrelated incident, officers from St George Police Area Command attended a bakery on Railway Parade, Kogarah, about 11.40am yesterday, as part of a proactive compliance operation.
Police approached the owner to discuss the business’ COVID-Safe plan and it was quickly established the store was not complying with requirements – which included not having a patron register while there was a customer eating in the store at the time.
Following further inquiries, officers advised the 34-year-old male owner that he would receive a $5000 Penalty Infringement Notice for business not complying with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
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.