A world-class multi-disciplinary university campus will be able to be delivered within the Westmead Health and Innovation District with the signing of a framework agreement between the NSW Government and the University of Sydney.
The new University campus will build on the District’s role as one of the largest health, education, research and training precincts in Australia.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the agreement was an important step for the long-term future of the Westmead Health and Innovation District.
“A globally recognised University campus in the Central River City at the core of the Westmead Health and Innovation District will drive innovation and catalyse future growth, ensuring we become a world leader in lifelong education and research partnerships that save lives and cure diseases,” Mr Ayres said.
Mr Ayres said over the next 30 years, the NSW Government’s vision for the District is expected to create more than 20,000 new jobs and contribute an additional $2.8 billion of economic output per year to the NSW economy.
“Having the University at the core of the Westmead Health and Innovation District will help transform the district into a powerhouse of invention, creativity, and commercialisation, and home to world-leading enterprises, start-ups, researchers and students,” Mr Ayres said.
Mr Ayres paid tribute to the vision of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sydney, Dr Michael Spence AC, to expand the University’s presence in Western Sydney over coming decades, contributing to the economic, social, cultural and intellectual growth of the area and the broader Sydney metropolis.
Dr Spence, who will become President and Provost of University College London in January 2021, said he was delighted the University of Sydney and NSW Government had agreed to develop a shared vision for a mixed-use University campus at Parramatta/Westmead.
“This once-in-a-century opportunity in Western Sydney would build on our 40-year history at Westmead and create a genuinely multidisciplinary major campus that enables new partnership and innovation opportunities for all of Sydney,” Dr Spence said.
“We are committed to offering students in Western Sydney more opportunity to study and pursue research with our incredible academics to help solve some of the world’s most challenging problems.”
Pending final agreement around the size and timings of the campus development, the University hopes to attract more than 25,000 students and 2,500 staff by 2055 and provide affordable student and staff accommodation.
Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government and the University of Sydney are committed to working together as health will continue to be a strong focus throughout Westmead and the future of the site.
“Westmead Health and Innovation District will continue to deliver world-class health services for the communities of Western Sydney by developing new and innovative models of health care.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education and Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the agreement was a win for Parramatta and Western Sydney.
“Westmead is already the largest biomedical precinct in Australia. The commitment by University of Sydney today will transform the precinct by offering a comprehensive suite of university courses beyond health studies. Parramatta City has established itself to be the education capital of Western Sydney,” he said.
The agreement marks the next step in exclusive negotiations between Government and the University which commenced in November 2018. It confirms the University of Sydney as the ‘educational anchor’ for the Government’s planned innovation district, based on the University’s leading status as a top-100 global university. It also confirms a site for the new campus in Parramatta North adjacent to the Westmead hospitals, and a process for ongoing engagement once land for the proposed campus becomes available for development.
For more information please visit here.
Man charged over alleged aggravated break and enter – Shortland
A man will face court today charged over an alleged aggravated break and enter in Newcastle at the weekend.
About 3am on Sunday (6 December 2020), an 84-year-old woman was asleep at a home on Marsden Street, Shortland, when she was woken by an unknown man standing in her room.
The man spoke to the elderly woman before she called to family members for assistance and the man left the home.
The elderly woman wasn’t injured.
Later that morning, police were called and officers from Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation.
Following extensive inquiries, police attended a separate home on Marsden Street and arrested a 19-year-old man on Wednesday (9 December 2020)
He was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence with people there.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court yesterday (Thursday 10 December), where he was formally bail refused to reappear at the same court today (Friday 11 December 2020).
Anti-money laundering laws
The Government and Labor have again wasted an opportunity to include real estate agents, accountants and lawyers subject to mandatory reporting of money laundering.
“We have been waiting 14 years for this badly needed reform,” Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.
“Dirty money is flooding Australia’s property market, helping to push house prices even higher, and making owning a home even more difficult for too many Australians.”
“The Greens’ amendment would have forced the Government to introduce legislation to include real estate agents, accountants and lawyers in the mandatory reporting scheme.”
“Such measures have been introduced in all but six countries around the world and have been promised since 2006.”
“Labor promised this reform before the last election, but they have squibbed it at the first hurdle.”
“This is a huge wasted opportunity to get serious about tackling dirty money in Australia.”
“The Greens’ amendment did not specify how real estate agents, accountants and lawyers should be regulated, just that the government should introduce legislation that would do so.”
“This was so as to give the government scope to design laws to avoid any unintended consequences including jeopardising client legal privilege.”
$11 million to reduce rates of heartbreaking stillbirths
The Morrison Government will provide $11 million to fast track a new national plan to reduce the number of stillbirths, ensuring families affected get the respectful bereavement care they need.
Tragically, there are six stillbirths each day in Australia. That means suffering and loss for more than 2,000 families every year.
Such loss is particularly hard as mothers and fathers prepare to welcome a new life into their families. A time of joy is replaced with heartbreak.
Despite increasing evidence that many stillbirths can be prevented, there has been little change in the stillbirth rate in Australia over the past two decades.
The Morrison Government’s National Stillbirth Action and Implementation Plan’s primary goal is to reduce stillbirths by 20 per cent or more over the next five years. The plan has a 10-year timeframe and includes further short, medium and long-term actions.
To change these sobering statistics, over the next four years the Australian Government will provide:
- $4 million to support stillbirth education and awareness initiatives, particularly for groups at higher risk of stillbirth
- $2.1 million to adapt the Safer Baby Bundle program for those priority populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- $0.5 million to develop new Clinical Care Standards and update existing clinical care guidelines relating to stillbirth
- $0.5 million for data improvement and activities to enable long-term research on stillbirth
- $1.7 million to develop a monitoring and evaluation framework for the Plan
- $1 million for state and territory governments to take immediate steps to increase the uptake of stillbirth autopsies and investigations
- $1 million through a National Health & Medical Research Council grant to Monash University to conduct a trial of a wearable, low-cost device to monitor fetal movements to prevent stillbirths.
The plan was informed by consultation with bereaved parents, new parents, and groups at increased risk of stillbirth, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, migrant, refugee and rural and remote communities.
Further, the plan has been developed in collaboration with state and territory governments, and the hardworking organisations that are helping to reduce stillbirths and provide high quality support for Australian families impacted by stillbirth.
These include the Stillbirth Centre for Research Excellence, Red Nose (including Sands), Still Aware and Stillbirth Foundation Australia.
This work builds on the Morrison Government’s commitment to supporting maternal and perinatal health, which includes an investment of $88.4 million over seven years from 2018‑19 in perinatal services and support.
The Commonwealth will continue to lead work to implement the Plan and looks forward to ongoing collaboration on activities that will ultimately save lives and prevent other families from experiencing this heartbreak.
I am also pleased to announce that the Commonwealth Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer will play a key role in overseeing the implementation of actions that have been agreed under this Plan.
The National Stillbirth Action and Implementation Plan is available on the Department of Health website at www.health.gov.au/maternity.
Development supports shared funding of local community infrastructure
More than $10 million will be invested into priority community projects throughout the remainder of this financial year as contributions continue to flow from the city’s development boom.
Council this week adopted the updated the 7.12 Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan, which allows for the collection of development levies across the City and nominates how they will be spent.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the updated Contributions Plan will allow the City of Newcastle to invest development contributions back into the community through new and upgraded social infrastructure, which is essential for the health, well-being and economic prosperity of communities and the liveability of our City.
“Newcastle’s unprecedented development boom is not only helping to transform the city on the back of our progressive, future-focussed vision, it’s also contributing to the vital infrastructure needed to support our growing population,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Our population is forecast to increase by 20% to 200,000 residents by 2041, which in turn requires the provision of additional public facilities to meet increasing demand over time.”
Cr Nelmes said the list of projects to be funded had been updated in line with the City’s adopted capital works budget priorities and includes projects such as the next stages of Bathers Way, the delivery of the National Park Plan of Management, local centre upgrades in Stockton, Wallsend and Shortland, and the Throsby Creek shared pathway.
“This Contributions Plan provides an essential mechanism through which we can collect funds from approved developments to provide for new or enhanced community infrastructure such as roads, shared paths and cycleways, parks, playgrounds and many other public places to support our City,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Funding mechanisms such as this support our capital works program, which plays a major role in creating jobs and increasing the economic output of the local area, which has become even more important in the wake of COVID-19.”
City of Newcastle approved 1,171 development applications in 2020 with a value of $568 million across the city.
HORNSBY HOSPITAL’S PHARMACY GOES ROBOTIC
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital has become the first public hospital in NSW with a robotic pharmacy, with the $265 million Stage 2 redevelopment on track for completion next year.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard, along with Member for Hornsby Matt Kean, saw the robotic dispensing and stocktaking system in motion today and toured the newly opened 12-bed Intensive Care Unit.
“The $265 million Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital Stage 2 redevelopment will provide a superior experience for patients, carers, staff and visitors, with a larger emergency department and an Intensive Care Unit about three times the size of the previous one,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The new, state-of-the-art pharmacy is also more than double in size and, thanks to its advanced robotics, can select and dispense medications and conduct stocktakes faster, reducing errors and wastage and allowing pharmacists to spend more time with patients.”
Mr Kean said the new Intensive Care Unit opened less than a month ago and is a modern, purpose-built department that includes single patient rooms, with large observation windows and a large staff station.
“This new Intensive Care Unit brings Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital into the 21st century by ensuring the building matches the superior care the clinicians deliver. There is vast space for clinicians to provide outstanding care, with patients’ needs at the centre of its design,” Mr Kean said.
“There is more natural light which is important for the patient’s recovery, more privacy for patient care and family discussions and every room can be an isolation room if required, meaning better infection control.”
Other departments to have opened as part of the redevelopment include Outpatients, Paediatrics and Medical Imaging.
The $265 million Stage 2 redevelopment will deliver a new Clinical Services Building, due for completion next year, and a refurbished and expanded Emergency Department.
The Clinical Services Building will include:
- A combined Intensive Care and High Dependency Unit;
- Combined Respiratory/Cardiac and Coronary Care beds co-located with a Cardiac Investigations Unit;
- Ambulatory Care Centre (Outpatients Department);
- Medical Imaging;
- Paediatrics;
- Medical Assessment Unit;
- Inpatients Units (including general medicine, rehabilitation, stroke and dementia/delirium beds);
- Co-located education space with The University of Sydney
- Helipad
The redevelopment will also deliver a refurbished and expanded Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre, new day chemotherapy unit and renal dialysis unit for the first time at Hornsby, expansion of oral health services and integration of community health services.
Juukan Gorge Committee releases multiparty majority report
The Joint Standing Committee on the Northern Australia Inquiry into Juukan Gorge have today released a multiparty majority interim report with a range of recommendations including that Rio Tinto negotiate a restitution package for the destruction of the Juukan rock shelters with the traditional owners, the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura peoples (PKKP) and ensure full reconstruction of the Junkanoo rock shelters.
“There is multiparty support for strong reforms within the mining industry and state and federal legislation, Senator Siewert said.
Mining companies, State Governments and the Federal Government are on notice. The world is watching. They cannot allow the wanton destruction of First Nations cultural heritage any longer.
This inquiry has laid bare the hypocrisy from mining companies who talk about investing in First Nations communities when they have required Traditional owners to sign gag clauses in agreements with them.
In fact royalties in some cases are having to be spent on lawyers, surveys and administration dealing with mining companies and in worst cases royalties are being withheld from them.
This is not a level playing field. Traditional Owners are negotiating with multinational companies who impose ‘gag’ clauses, which prevent them from taking legal action or voicing their concerns to prevent the destruction of heritage.
It is alarming that many heritage sites have been de-registered since 2011 and we don’t even know where they are or if they are destroyed or if there are plans to destroy them.
The Committee has recommended that Western Australian and Commonwealth governments establish a truth-telling project.
The McGowan Government is missing in action on this, this happened under their watch and under legislation that they well knew to be inadequate.
The Western Australian Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 made the destruction of the site legal and offered no avenue to protect it even when its archaeological significance had been revealed.
The legal framework for the protection of Aboriginal heritage in Western Australia and at the Federal level is completely inadequate.
In too many cases state and territory governments have a financial interest in facilitating mining and other developments.
Evidence received by the Committee highlights the inadequacy of current Commonwealth protections under both the ATSIHP and the EPBC Act.
This cannot happen again, not in WA not anywhere.
This is an interim report. The committee still has work to do. The committee has strongly recommended an urgent moratorium on the consideration and approval of new section 18 applications until the new legislation is passed, unless it can be established and verified that there is current, verifiable, free, prior and informed consent obtained from Traditional Owners.
The report can be found here.
Application for sand source exploration licence a step closer to returning a sandy beach to Stockton
City of Newcastle welcomes the NSW Government’s move to apply for an offshore exploration licence that will allow for the investigation of a suitable sand source to put sand back on the beach at Stockton.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro chaired a Stockton Beach Taskforce meeting at City of Newcastle’s Administration Centre today and discussed how the exploration licence would allow for the examination a potential source of sand needed to remediate Stockton Beach.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Deputy Premier Barilaro’s announcement was a significant win for the Stockton community, with the NSW Government prioritising a viable solution to coastal erosion.
“If approved, the licence will allow exploration work to be carried out by geologists to determine if an identified source of sand off the coast of Stockton is suitable,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The NSW Government’s commitment to identifying a suitable sand source is meaningful progress toward ensuring our community can once again enjoy the amenity of a sandy beach, where coastal assets are protected.
“Since the Stockton Taskforce had its inaugural meeting in June we have seen a genuine and cooperative approach to reaching a solution to ongoing coastal erosion.
“The Taskforce has cut red tape and overcome regulatory hurdles across various government departments to enable a path to source suitable sand to replenish the beach.
“The Stockton Coastal Management Program was informed by our community and has mass sand nourishment as its cornerstone, so this news shows how collaboration between Local and State Government can achieve positive outcomes for the environment and community.”
“I thank the Deputy Premier for his leadership in resolving the complex erosion issues at Stockton with both short and long-term solutions.
The Taskforce meeting was also informed that City of Newcastle has completed the first comprehensive scientific study of how sand moves in and around the Stockton Bight.
The Stockton Bight Sand Movement Study will contribute to the 2021 review of the Stockton Coastal Management Program, which is being updated to include the area north of Meredith Street to the Local Government Boundary. Previous studies have been confined to the southern section of the Bight.
This investigation fills an important missing piece in understanding the beach’s complex coastal processes.
Cr Nelmes said the Sand Movement Study is key to developing management actions that complement the mass sand nourishment strategy for Stockton Beach.
“The study provides City of Newcastle and Stockton Bight’s various landholders with the critical information and understanding needed to make evidence-based decisions on coastal management options for the area to the north of Meredith Street,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Next year City of Newcastle, in consultation with stakeholders, will update the Stockton CMP to include coastal management options for the area of the beach north of Meredith Street to the Port Stephens Local Government Area boundary.
“The Stockton CMP 2021 key actions will complement the mass sand nourishment proposed for Stockton Beach and will be assessed in terms of their economic and technical feasibility, to obtain agreement on a suitable strategy from all affected northern landholders.
“The actions outlined in the Stockton Coastal Management Program 2020 will not change and will be incorporated into the expanded 2021 Stockton CMP.
“The work completed to date, in partnership with the community, has determined what we need to do now and in the long-term to ensure we can manage Stockton Beach for future generations.
“We will continue to work with the NSW Government to deliver a mechanism to get sand onto Stockton Beach.”
City of Newcastle Manager of Assets and Projects Joanne Rigby said the study provides the first full analysis of the Bight’s ‘sand budget’, which maps historical sand volume changes from Nobbys Headland to Birubi Headland to show the rates and direction of sand movement.
“This is essential to assessing how each potential coastal management option will impact the behaviour of the entire Bight,” Ms Rigby said.
“The study confirms that the natural pattern of erosion experienced by Stockton Beach is exacerbated by the Newcastle Harbour breakwaters and navigational channel, which combine to create a physical barrier to natural sand movement.
“Presently an average of 34,000 cubic metres per year is restored to Stockton Beach by the dredging of sand from the entrance channel and 36,500 cubic metres per year is accumulated at Nobbys.
“The Port of Newcastle’s David Allan dredge picks sand up in the harbour entrance and deposits it offshore from Stockton Beach.
“Currently the rate of loss along the southern section of the Beach is estimated at 112,000 cubic metres per year. Prior to the formalisation of river entrance, it is estimated that 100,000 cubic metres of sand passed Nobbys Headland.
“As a result, the overall northerly loss of sand is a key management consideration of the Stockton CMP.”
City of Newcastle will work with landowners and the community in the new year regarding management actions. The Stockton Sand Movement Study can be accessed here.
City of Newcastle sets strategic approach to sports facilities
City of Newcastle’s 10-year Strategic Sports Plan was adopted by Council at Tuesday’s Council meeting.
The plan’s objective is to address future demand, inform the ongoing supply, maintenance and upgrade of sporting infrastructure with consideration to current and future needs of the community, other adopted strategies and City of Newcastle’s financial capacity and sustainability.
With the city’s population expected to increase by over 27,000 by 2031, the Strategic Sports Plan provides strategic guidance and facility direction for 14 outdoor sports including athletics, AFL, baseball, basketball, cricket, croquet, equestrian, football (soccer), netball, rugby league, rugby union, softball, tennis and touch football/Oztag.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes says the plan was developed in close consultation with Newcastle’s sporting community and is crucial as the city’s population continues to rise.
“During the development of the Strategic Sports Plan, we sought valuable feedback from local sporting clubs and associations, State Sporting Organisations, neighbouring councils and government agencies,” the Lord Mayor said.
“It was this feedback that informed the draft plan, which was then placed on public exhibition for a period of 42 days, during which we received 172 submissions.”
“Our city currently has 63 sportsgrounds venues which are home to 140 fields that span over 370 hectares, with the need to provide additional facilities to meet the demand that will come with the continued growth of western corridor suburbs.”
Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz echoed the Lord Mayor’s comments that the Strategic Sports Plan will be vital to ensure our community has access to the facilities needed to remain active.
“COVID-19 highlighted the value of getting outdoors, staying active and participating in sport, and as restrictions continue to ease, we are seeing more of our community recognising the importance of sport and recreation,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
“As an ever-growing city, we need to plan for future growth and ensure that our community has access to a variety of sport and recreation facilities now and into the future.”
The highlights of the Strategic Sports Plan include optimisation of existing sportsgrounds, implementation of a rolling capital works program to progressively renew and upgrade existing sportsgrounds and improvement of City of Newcastle’s communication and administration processes.
A full list of the City’s sportsgrounds can be accessed here.
Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 8 December 2020
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 8 December 2020. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Offshore Wind
A Lord Mayoral Minute commending the NSW Parliament on the recent passing of the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Bill 2020, paving the way for the creation of the Hunter Renewable Energy Zone, was carried.
The minute welcomed the emergence of large-scale offshore wind infrastructure as a viable renewable energy source with the potential to unlock $30 billion of investment and create thousands of local, well paid jobs and noted the opportunity for a new infrastructure manufacturing industry to emerge in Newcastle and the Hunter, paving the way for our City to become a renewable energy hub of the Asia-Pacific region.
The minute called for Council to write to Energy and the Environment Minister Matt Kean asking for the inclusion of offshore wind in the Hunter Renewable Energy Zone, and to meet with a delegation of City of Newcastle, industry, business and Trade Union representatives to discuss its opportunities for environmental sustainability, local jobs and economic diversification.
COVID-19 Taskforce Update
A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported to recognise the work and initiatives of the City Taskforce, which was established in April to provide local leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, and thanking the members of the Taskforce and Action Team for their valuable contribution to the City’s recovery.
The minute also requested that, rather than dissolve at the end of 2020, the functions of the Taskforce be transferred to the Strategy and Innovation Advisory Committee chaired by Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, as a mechanism to continue address COVID-19 pandemic matters as they arise.
Dr Anthea Bill, Lead Economist, Hunter Research Foundation Centre (HRFC), was invited to present to Council in 2021 regarding HRFC’s City Taskforce Evaluation.
Ordinary business
Code of conduct annual statistics
Council received a report on City of Newcastle’s annual Code of Conduct complaints statistics for the period 1 September 2019 to 31 August 2020, in accordance with Office of Local Government requirements.
Stairway to Heaven concept
Council voted to endorse the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ concept, which seeks to open up connections and view lines from Newcastle foreshore and the Hunter Street Mall to Christ Church Cathedral. The Chief Executive Officer was authorised to undertake feasibility analysis and discussions to progress the concept. This includes exploring the potential for the Mall Car Park site to be redeveloped to deliver the concept while also protecting the public car parking spaces and social infrastructure to ensure that was provided in any new concept.
Adoption of 2021 Council meeting cycle
Council resolved to adopt the Council meeting schedule that will apply from February to December 2021.
Adoption of Section 7.12 Newcastle Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 (Update December 2020)
Council voted to adopt the Section 7.12 Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2019 (Update December 2020), which determines the Section 7.12 local infrastructure levy that applies to land within the Newcastle Local Government Area and what public facilities are to be funded by the levy. The Plan is reviewed annually to reflect City of Newcastle’s adopted Budget.
Endorsement of planning proposal to amend Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 – 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher
Council voted for an amended motion to maintain the zoning of 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher as E4 Environmental Living and write to NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean to consider including it into the National Parks estate, noting the property’s strategic importance to the Green Corridor.
Urban Design Review Panel
Council voted to endorse the establishment of a new Urban Design Review Panel, which provides independent advice to City of Newcastle and applicants on the quality of urban design and amenity for development proposals.
Implementation of Live Music and After Dark Strategies – planning certificates
Council voted for an amended motion to progress with the implementation of planning certificate notations to notify future purchasers of properties within the Newcastle Local Government Area of City of Newcastle’s adopted Live Music Strategy and Newcastle After Dark Night-time Economy Strategy.
Council asked to receive a briefing from the relevant NSW Government agency or Office of Live Music on the new laws and seek a report from Officers at the next meeting of Council on the opportunities the new laws provide in the delivery of CN’s Live Music Strategy and After Dark Strategy.
Maryland Drive, Maryland – proposed pedestrian refuges near Grange Avenue and Holywell Street
Council voted to approve the construction of pedestrian refuges on Maryland Drive near Grange Avenue and Holywell Street, Maryland.
Fort Scratchley Historical Society Incorporated – Memorandum of Understanding
Council voted to endorse the Memorandum of Understanding with the Fort Scratchley Historical Society Incorporated to recognise and acknowledge the historical and cultural importance of the site to the local community; work undertaken by the Society to preserve the site; and a commitment of City of Newcastle and the Society to the ongoing management and operation of Fort Scratchley.
Adoption of Strategic Sports Plan
Council voted for an amended motion to adopt the Strategic Sports Plan, which addresses future demand and informs the ongoing supply, maintenance and upgrading of sporting infrastructure with consideration of current and future community needs, adopted strategies and City of Newcastle’s financial capacity and sustainability. The amendment included the provision of both recreational and competition basketball facilities in the Plan.
Adoption of Carrington Greenspace Masterplan
Council voted to adopt the Carrington Greenspace Masterplan, which outlines a vision and principles for the strategic development of greenspaces and public domain in Carrington, providing innovative and active spaces for all members of the community to enjoy.
Tender report – parking meter services – 2021/125T
Council voted to enter into a contract for Parking Meter Services for City of Newcastle’s existing fleet of parking meters.
LED street lighting upgrade
Council voted to enter into a contract with Ausgrid to replace all remaining non-efficient residential and main road street lighting with LED lighting.
Notices of Motion
McDonalds
Council adopted a notice of motion to request that McDonalds Restaurants attend a workshop with Ward 1 Councillors and a small number of representatives from the Newcastle West Residents group on the safety, security and cleanliness measures that are in place at the King St, Newcastle West McDonalds’ premises and any future measures currently being planned.
Domestic violence, violence against women and children, and coercive control
Council adopted an amended notice of motion to receive a report on City of Newcastle’s policies or plans that support existing domestic violence support organisations and women’s refuges within the LGA, and ensure that City of Newcastle workplace policies are reviewed to provide safe and effective mechanisms for staff to report incidents of inappropriate workplace behaviours. Council will also partner with City of Newcastle’s charity partner Got Your Back Sista to investigate and support the publication and promotion of a pocket guide on relationships, domestic abuse and coercive control to assist people to understand what help is available.
Virus Escapees Seeking Provincial Australia (VESPAS)
Council adopted a notice of motion that seeks to explore opportunities to benefit from the accelerated trend of residents leaving capital cities for a ‘sea change’ or ‘tree change’, known as VESPAs (Virus Escapees Seeking Provincial Australia), by promoting Newcastle to VESPAs as a lifestyle city for innovative and creative talent.
Love Lambton 150 years event
A notice of motion was supported to recognise the 150th anniversary of the Municipality of Lambton in June 2021 and provide $10,000 in cash and in-kind support to support the delivery of the event.