City of Newcastle libraries at Mayfield and New Lambton will reopen in July following the lifting of some COVID-19 restrictions.
Mayfield and New Lambton branches are scheduled to welcome members and visitors back on site from July 1 and 6 respectively. Operating hours will also be extended at the Newcastle and Wallsend branches.
The staged reopening of libraries has been designed to comply with current capacity limits and prioritise the health and safety of staff and the community through a COVID-safe operating model.
The reopening of the City’s remaining libraries (Adamstown, Beresfield, Hamilton and Stockton) is currently being considered in terms of their ability to safely operate given the continuing COVID-19 restrictions. Lambton Library is currently undergoing a refresh and will reopen once works are completed.
“The community has responded positively to the reopening of our City and Wallsend branches and we appreciate people’s patience as our team works through our COVID-19 safe plan to reopen additional sites,” Manager Libraries and Learning Suzie Gately said.
“We are taking considered measures to ensure we meet Public Health Order requirements, which includes changes to our service delivery and preparing our spaces with additional safeguards.
“The next stage of service resumption will see operating hours extended and two additional branches reopened, allowing us to offer on-site access to the public across a wider service area including our Local History service at the City branch.
“We are also expanding our ‘Library Express’ model to include access to study spaces and technology, and increasing visitation time to one hour from the current limit of 30 minutes.
“We will continue to offer our home library service for the most vulnerable and marginalised in our community along with continuing the Call and Collect service to all members who may not want to come in and browse, and that will help maximise the turnover of members at each site.
“While we are looking forward to welcoming our members back into our various branches, we also expect that many will continue to make the most of our expanded online library services, which offer a convenient and contactless means of accessing a wide range of e-books, audio titles, digital magazines and newspapers, as well as music and movie-streaming platforms.”
More than 6,000 members have visited the Newcastle and Wallsend libraries since they were reopened on 15 June.
Enhanced hygiene and cleaning procedures have been put in place at all library service points, including 24-hour quarantining of all books returned via the external chutes.
For full details of the revised library opening times, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Library/Home.
Author: admin
2020 VISION FOR CYBER SECURITY
The NSW Government has announced the development of a comprehensive, sector-wide cyber security strategy and is calling for industry submissions to help shape its final outcome.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said it was important to include industry experts and business in the development process to ensure the government continued to encourage growth within the State’s cyber security industry.
“The 2020 NSW Cyber Security Strategy will ensure the NSW Government continues to provide secure, trusted and resilient services in an ever-changing and developing environment,” Mr Dominello said.
“The new strategy will be delivered through an integrated approach to prevent and respond to cyber security threats and safeguard our information, assets, services, businesses and citizens.”
Mr Dominello said in a post COVID-19 environment it is important the NSW Government maximises the State’s existing capabilities and develops the local cyber security industry into a globally competitive, innovative ecosystem that drives economic growth.
“The 2020 NSW Cyber Security Strategy will address the cyber workforce and skills gaps that are vital in attracting business investment and creating innovation jobs,” Mr Dominello said.
“It will support innovation and growth of the NSW cyber industry and cement NSW as the leading state for cyber security in the Asia-Pacific region.
“Cyber security will be a vital part of the technology community at Tech Central which will be a home for tech giants, new and innovative start-ups and leading talent all in one place.”
In June, the NSW Government announced a record $240 million cyber security investment, as well as the establishment of a Cyber Security Vulnerability Management Centre in Bathurst, operated by Cyber Security NSW.
The 2020 NSW Cyber Security Strategy will replace the existing NSW Cyber Security Strategy and the NSW Cyber Industry Development Strategy, combining both into one overarching cyber security strategy and further information in relation to how to be involved will be released shortly.
Industry partners and cyber security experts can express an interest in providing a submission to the 2020 Cyber Security Strategy by emailing cyberstrategynsw@customerservice.nsw.gov.au
AMAZON BACKS SYDNEY FOR HIGH-TECH EXPANSION
Amazon is developing a new advanced storage and distribution centre near the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, creating 1,500 jobs in addition to 700 jobs during its construction, while contributing to economic recovery after COVID-19.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Amazon’s commitment reflected the NSW Government’s focus on innovation and technology to create jobs.
“This important commitment by one of the world’s leading multinationals highlights Western Sydney’s growing stature as a strong investment destination,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The construction and operation of this centre will deliver far-reaching benefits for the people and businesses of NSW, including more than 2,000 jobs at time when we need them most.”
With the ability to operate 24/7, the almost 200,000 square metre facility is expected to be the largest ‘fulfilment centre’ built in Australia. It will also be its most advanced, incorporating the company’s latest robotics systems, the first time these will have been deployed in the Southern Hemisphere.
Located at Kemps Creek, the site gives access to the new, Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird-Walton) Airport which is due to begin operating in 2026, connecting more Australian exporters with global e-commerce opportunities.
The Centre will complement the various advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defence industries developing around the nearby Aerotropolis.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Amazon’s decision was a vote of confidence in the NSW economy.
“It supports our strategy to foster new sources of growth through Innovation Precincts including the Western Sydney Aerotropolis,” Mr Ayres said.
“The project will contribute to local workforce development and provide skilled employment in areas like robotics, logistics and supply chain.
“It will also help build our local e-commerce sector, giving small and medium-sized businesses access to Amazon’s packing, shipping, customer service and returns capabilities, along with easier access to millions of customers across Australia and the world.
“NSW consumers will benefit too from a more efficient delivery and supply chain,” Mr Ayres said.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the construction of the Fulfilment Centre came at a time when it was vital to boost jobs as the NSW economy recovers from the COVID-19 shutdown.
“Creating jobs and boosting business is the most important thing we can do right now, and this project means work for hundreds of people both during construction and when it opens,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It’s been a very tough year so far but that won’t stop NSW from growing stronger, and the Fulfilment Centre is another snapshot of just how important the Western Sydney Aerotropolis will become for our state.”
The Fulfilment Centre located in the Oakdale West Industrial Estate will aim to be delivering packages to NSW residents and beyond by Christmas 2021.
FUTURE TRANSPORT LINKS CONFIRMED IN THE WESTERN PARKLAND CITY
The NSW Government has today confirmed the final corridors which will support the delivery of the proposed Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project, South West Rail Link Extension and Western Sydney Freight Line.
Preserving vital corridors for three new transport links will pave the way for a significant boost to connectivity in the region, helping bring growth and jobs to Western Sydney.
The North South Rail Line Corridor will support the delivery of both Stage 1 and future stages of Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport and run from St Marys, with a tunnel to Orchard Hills, through to the new Western Sydney Airport, Aerotropolis and Macarthur, with a tunnel from Oran Park.
The South West Rail Link Extension Corridor will run from the Aerotropolis through Kelvin Park and Rossmore to join the suburban rail network at Leppington.
The Western Sydney Freight Line Corridor will run from the future Outer Sydney Orbital at Luddenham through to the M7 at Horsley Park, where it will join a future section through Wetherill Park, which will link to the Southern Sydney Freight Line at Leightonfield, which connects to Port Botany.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance said the alignments will bring certainty to the Western Sydney community and help drive investment around the new Airport and broader Aerotropolis.
“Preserving these corridors for future passenger and freight transport links supports the development of the Western Parkland City, while planning for the needs of growing communities and industries to accommodate commuters, workers and businesses who all rely on different types of transport modes,” Mr Constance said.
“Transport will play a huge role in shaping the way our communities move around in years to come, and we want to get this vision right, which is why we have spoken to the community at great length before finalising these future transport links.”
Today’s announcement also follows the Government’s recent funding boost for Stage 1 of Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport, which will support about 14,000 jobs during construction.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the finalised transport links will form the backbone of strategic development in the Western Parkland City.
“These future transport links will offer better connectivity for residents, and provide certainty to drive investment in new employment hubs near the new Western Sydney Airport and broader Aerotropolis,” Mr Stokes said.
All submissions received during community consultation were considered and adjustments were made to the final corridor alignments to minimise impacts to nearby residents.
Each of the corridors will provide different benefits, including connections to the new airport and Aerotropolis, and support for future employments hubs, enhancing freight distribution across the emerging Western Parkland City, and freeing up capacity on other lines to allow for more passenger services.
Property owners have been notified and further details are being provided to them.
Teenager charged over alleged break and enters – Hunter region
A teenage boy has been charged following several alleged aggravated break and enter offences in the Hunter.
In June 2020, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police Proactive Crime Team commenced Operation Golding to investigate and respond to an increase in property-related crime in Maitland, Rutherford and Aberglasslyn.
Following extensive inquiries, police attended a home in Aberglasslyn and arrested a 15-year-old boy about 12.30pm yesterday (Monday 29 June 2020).
Police will allege the teenager was involved in three separate break and enter offences:
- On Thursday 16 April 2020, a business on High Street, Maitland, was allegedly broken into, where more than $16,000 worth of mountain bikes were stolen and extensive damage was caused to the shopfront.
- On Thursday 30 April 2020, a school on Weblands Street, Rutherford, was allegedly broken into and several iPads were stolen.
- On Monday 22 June 2020, a fast food restaurant on Arthur Street, Rutherford, was allegedly broken into, where a sum of cash was taken and the store suffered significant damage.
The teenage boy was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with three counts of aggravated break and enter in company with intent to steal.
He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Friday 17 July 2020.
Investigations under Operation Golding are continuing, with further arrests anticipated.
Man stabbed in home invasion – Port Stephens- Hunter
Police are appealing for information after two men were stabbed during a home invasion at Hawks Nest overnight.
About 10.30pm (Monday 30 June 2020), a 78-year-old man opened the door of his home on Booner Street and was confronted by three unknown men.
The group pushed past the man, assaulting him and stabbing him in the abdomen.
Police have been told the group went upstairs and began assaulting a 53-year-old man.
While attempting to flee, the man was stabbed in the back.
He continued to run from the attackers and was stabbed a further seven times to the back and neck.
The men stole a purse and car keys from a 40-year-old woman, before fleeing the scene on foot.
Emergency services were called, and the younger man was treated by NSW Ambulance Paramedics before being flown to John Hunter Hospital, in a stable condition.
The older man was driven to John Hunter Hospital suffering a stab wound and head injuries. He is in a stable condition.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and established a crime scene.
Investigations are continuing.
$1 Billion To Unlock Thousands Of Infrastructure Jobs In NSW
The Federal and State Liberal and Nationals Governments will support nearly 5,500 jobs across New South Wales through a joint $1 billion investment in shovel-ready infrastructure projects and road safety upgrades.
The funding will be allocated to three key priorities:
- $240 million to fix 11 congestion hotspots around Sydney, supporting 1,000 direct and indirect jobs;
- $382 million to help local councils upgrade roads across regional NSW, supporting 3,500 direct and indirect jobs; and
- $398 million for road safety projects in regional areas, supporting 950 direct and indirect jobs.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said further investment in infrastructure would play a critical role in the Commonwealth’s JobMaker plan and help the New South Wales economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Partnering with state and territory governments to invest in more major infrastructure projects across Australia is a key part of our JobMaker plan to rebuild our economy and create more jobs,” the Prime Minister said.
“This funding injection means we have brought forward or provided additional funding of more than $2.7 billion across New South Wales in the past eight months.
“This package builds on the fast tracking of $570 million for infrastructure in New South Wales which we announced last November, locking in priority upgrades that will bust congestion, increase productivity, improve safety, and boost jobs at a time we need it most.”
The jointly funded package is supported by investments from the Commonwealth ($451 million) and New South Wales Government ($569 million).
Premier of New South Wales Gladys Berejiklian said the stimulus package would drive thousands of jobs and improve the safety and travel times of journeys in both the city and the regions.
“This stimulus package builds on NSW’s record infrastructure investment of $100 billion over 4 years, including an extra $3 billion to accelerate projects and create jobs,” the Premier said.
“Projects equal jobs and fast-tracking these infrastructure projects are more important than ever as the economy recovers from the pandemic.
“Building infrastructure will be key to our economic recovery which is why we have already accelerated a number of infrastructure projects, creating thousands of jobs.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government had worked closely with State, Territory and Local governments to identify shovel-ready projects to help reignite the economy and get money flowing into jobs and businesses as soon as possible.
“This funding will help turbocharge the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program, jointly funding $382 million of projects on a 50:50 basis on the local roads that communities use every day,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“The Fixing Local Roads package will help to repair, maintain or seal priority council roads and see projects start construction in the next 12 months, creating thousands of jobs in the bush.”
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the first round of jointly funded projects would deliver more than 258 projects across 83 Local Government Areas.
“This is money for small projects that make a big difference in people’s everyday lives in regional NSW,” Mr Toole said.
“It means communities right across the State will see work starting on the local roads in their area as soon as next month.”
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the funding injection would also deliver shovel-ready, urban projects.
“We’re investing $240 million to jointly fund on a 50:50 basis a Pinch Point Program that will bust congestion for freight and bus services across Sydney’s metropolitan road network,” Mr Tudge said.
“These small-scale road improvements will make all the difference for mums and dads doing the school drop off, and people on their way home from work.
NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the program was saving Sydney drivers from millions of hours spent in traffic each year.
“Since coming into government we have completed 217 projects with huge benefits across the Sydney network. These include improving safety while busting congestion,” Mr Constance said.
“We’ve already spent $579 million on the Pinch Points program, but we have seen $1.37 billion in realised benefits. It’s these smaller scale, local projects that really help to deliver those massive time savings for drivers and make our road network more efficient.
The jointly funded package is supported by investments from the Commonwealth ($451 million) and New South Wales Government ($569 million).
Commonwealth funding for the package has been drawn from the recently announced $1.5 billion allocation for priority, shovel-ready projects and targeted road safety works.
The additional NSW funding is sourced from the $3 billion Project Acceleration Fund.
The Commonwealth Government has now committed more than $35.4 billion to transport infrastructure in New South Wales.
NSW INFRASTRUCTURE PACKAGE
Shovel-ready projects
| Project | Federal funding | Total funding |
Pinch Point Program – addressing congestion impacting freight and bus services on the Sydney metropolitan road network
|
$120 million | $240 million |
| Fixing Local Roads – repairing, maintaining or sealing priority council roads | $191 million | $382 million |
Road safety upgrades
| Project | Federal funding | Total funding |
| Safer Roads Program – including mass action rollout of rumble strips (audio-tactile line marking) |
$140 million | $398 million |
| Total | $451 million | $1.02 billion |
COVID 19: National Cabinet Statement
The National Cabinet met today to further discuss Australia’s current COVID-19 response, easing restrictions in the coming months, helping Australians prepare to go back to work in a COVID-safe environment and getting the economy moving again.
The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, provided an update on the measures underway, the latest data and medical advice in relation to COVID-19.
Treasury Secretary, Dr Stephen Kennedy, provided an update on the labour market and current economic conditions.
There have been over 7,500 confirmed cases in Australia and sadly 104 people have died. There are now around 500 active cases in Australia, and over the past week, daily infection rates have remained low. Testing remains high, with more than 2.2 million tests undertaken in Australia.
National Cabinet discussed the localised outbreaks in Victoria and the health response underway and committed to providing as much support as is necessary. Localised response plans are part of the Three-Step Framework for easing restrictions agreed by all jurisdictions. Victoria is responding well, including with testing and tracing, and the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions stand ready to assist where needed.
National Cabinet recommitted to the strategy of suppression of COVID-19 and to the Three-Step Framework to a COVID-safe Australia.
We need to continue to have the right controls in place to test more people, trace those who test positive and respond to local outbreaks when they occur. These are Precedent Conditions to enable Australia to relax baseline restrictions and enable Australians to live and work in a COVID-safe economy.
National Cabinet thanked Professor Murphy for his work on the COVID-19 response and wished him well in his new role as Secretary of the Commonwealth Department of Health.
National Cabinet will meet again on 10 July 2020.
Localised Health Response
National Cabinet discussed the outbreaks in Victoria and how best to ensure a coordinated, cross-jurisdictional response to localised health outbreaks going forward.
The National Cabinet agreed to a new plan for Australia’s Public Health Capacity and COVID-19. Under the plan developed by the AHPPC, six actions for state, territory and Commonwealth governments will improve long term sustainability of the public health workforce for the remainder of COVID‑19 and beyond by:
- strengthening a formal surge plan for the public health response workforce and review the ongoing structure of the public health units;
- progressing the national interoperable notifiable disease surveillance system (NINDSS) project and prioritise appropriate interfaces;
- establishing a national training program for surge workforce;
- better support the Communicable Disease Network of Australia (CDNA), including shared costs;
- prioritising enhancing the public health physician workforce capacity; and
- considering options for developing a formal public health workforce training program.
Hotel Quarantine
National Cabinet confirmed that the current hotel quarantine arrangements remain in place. In addition, National Cabinet agreed that further testing will be conducted for all those in hotel quarantine, including within the first 48 hours in quarantine and then on day 10-12 of quarantine.
Roadmap for arts and entertainment venues
National Cabinet asked AHPPC to develop a roadmap for re-opening arts and entertainment venues, in particular to enable planning for productions to commence.
This will build on the AHPPC Statement on the safe return of crowds to stadiums, arenas and large theatres. Under this plan the AHPPC advises that in Step 3, seated and ticked events may take place with crowd limits for example, stadiums with a capacity of up to 40,000 people may operate at 25 per cent seating capacity and stadiums with a capacity of greater than 40,000 people may not have more than 10,000 people. In later steps, states and territories may allow all large venues to admit larger crowds provided there is no evidence of community transmission, the event is seated and ticketed, physical distancing and other public health measures are maintained, and all public health risks are managed.
Small venues and physical distancing
National Cabinet agreed that under Step 3 of the Framework for a COVID-safe Australia and based on AHPPC advice, states and territories can allow small premises to apply a one-person, per two square-metre rule with a COVID-safe plan in place.
Federation Reform
National Cabinet today agreed that former Director-General of the Western Australian Department of Premier and Cabinet and former Commonwealth Cabinet Secretary Mr Peter Conran AM will lead the review of the former COAG Councils and Ministerial Forums with a view to rationalise and reset their work. National Cabinet also agreed to Terms of Reference for the Review which set out avenues for consultation with Commonwealth and state and territory ministers and officials.
National Cabinet agreed that Review will make recommendations on a streamlined structure, scope and reporting arrangements and on focused regulatory and policy work programs. The review will provide recommendations to National Cabinet by September 2020.
Additional Papers
National Cabinet endorsed a number of papers to enable reopening under a 3 Step Framework for a COVID Safe Australia:
- AHPPC Statement on the review of physical distancing and person density restrictions including for smaller venues;
- AHPPC Statement on Hotel Quarantine;
- AHPPC Statement on risk management for boarding schools and school‑based residential colleges;
- AHPPC Statement to update residential aged care facilities about minimising the impact of COVID-19;
- AHPPC Statement on preliminary media reports of the results of a randomised trial of the use of dexamethasone;
- AHPPC Statement on recent outbreaks of COVID-19 in Victoria;
- AHPPC Statement on the safe return of crowds to stadiums, arenas and large theatres; and
- Australian aviation industry’s protocol.
History and humpbacks on offer as Fort Scratchley reopens to the public
Immerse yourself in Newcastle’s military history and check out one of the best whale watching vantage points when Fort Scratchley reopens to the public on weekends from 4 July.
Following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, visitors will once again be able to explore the grounds of the historic Fort, which has been standing sentry over Newcastle since 1882.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said she looked forward to the site reopening.
“It’s fantastic that both locals and visitors can once again explore one of Newcastle’s most iconic landmarks and learn more about the important role Fort Scratchley played in our city’s history,” she said.
“Visitors may also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the humpbacks currently migrating north along the coastline, with the Fort headland offering one of the city’s most spectacular vantage points for whale watching.”
Access will be granted to the outdoor areas of Fort Scratchley, allowing self-guided tours around the barracks and above-ground defence structures, while visitors can witness the time-honoured tradition of the firing the gun at 1pm on weekends.
The large grassed headland is also ideal for those wanting to enjoy a picnic or take advantage of the panoramic views of the ocean and harbour.
Capacity limits will apply for those who want to visit the museum exhibition rooms, gift shop or onsite café, while guided tours of the historic tunnels and group bookings remain temporarily suspended.
Newcastle Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the staged reopening of the Fort will allow visitors to access many of its unique experiences whilst ensuring the health and safety of volunteers and the public.
“While it will be wonderful to visit the Fort, I remind visitors to continue to practise physical distancing and follow the signage, floor markers and direction of the dedicated volunteers from the Fort Scratchley Historical Society, who will be monitoring capacity to ensure it remains at a safe level, ” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
Fort Scratchley will reopen from 10am to 4pm on weekends only, from Saturday, 4 July. General admission entry is free and no bookings are required.
A range of enhanced hygiene measures are being implemented at the site, including touchfree hand sanitiser stations at entry points and increased cleaning regimes during operational hours.
NSW SHOWGROUNDS GET EXTRA $10.77 MILLION FUNDING
Hundreds more shovel-ready projects to repair and renew showgrounds across the State will be supported with an additional $10.77 million in funding from the NSW Government.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the extra funding is supporting a further 129 projects at 71 showgrounds as part of the government’s COVID-19 Stimulus Package.
“Last month the NSW Government allocated $12.5 million to support 393 shovel-ready projects at 137 showgrounds across the State,” Minister Pavey said.
“Today we announce a further $10.77 million will be added to the showground stimulus program to fund another 129 projects at 71 showgrounds this financial year.
“A further $12.5 million be allocated to more showground upgrade projects next financial year bringing total spending to $35.77 million.
“These stimulus investments will provide a boost for communities and their economies by supporting tradies and building material suppliers with work while strengthening showground infrastructure for the future.”
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the funding boost would support upgrades to 129 projects across the State.
“From Bega to Ballina and Barwon to Blacktown, these projects will help to revive these valuable community assets and provide an opportunity to support local businesses right across the State during construction,” Mr Stokes said.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said as the Government moved from the response to recovery phase of the COVID pandemic these vital works would help create jobs and support communities get back on their feet.
“As a Government everything we do right now is focused on job creation to keep more people in jobs and businesses in business,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Funding for projects like this will make a real difference in our regional communities by supporting local jobs and rejuvenating showgrounds which are vital community hubs for our regional communities.”