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‘Homebuilder’ Program To Drive Economic Activity Across The Residential Construction Sector

The Morrison Government is supporting jobs in the residential construction sector with the introduction of the new HomeBuilder program.
From today until 31 December 2020, HomeBuilder will provide all eligible owner-occupiers (not just first home buyers) with a grant of $25,000 to build a new home or substantially renovate an existing home. Construction must be contracted to commence within three months of the contract date.
HomeBuilder applicants will be subject to eligibility criteria, including income caps of $125,000 for singles and $200,000 for couples based on their latest assessable income. A national dwelling price cap of $750,000 will apply for new home builds, and a renovation price range of $150,000 up to $750,000 will apply to renovating an existing home with a current value of no more than $1.5 million.
The program is expected to provide around 27,000 grants at a total cost of around $680 million.
This increase in residential construction will help to fill the gap in construction activity expected in the second half of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In doing so, HomeBuilder will help to support the 140,000 direct jobs and another 1,000,000 related jobs in the residential construction sector including businesses and sole-trader builders, contractors, property developers, construction materials manufacturers, engineers, designers and architects.
HomeBuilder complements existing state and territory First Home Owner Grant programs, stamp duty concessions and other grant schemes, as well as the Commonwealth’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme and First Home Super Saver Scheme.
This year, the Government delivered the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme to help eligible first home buyers to purchase their first home with a deposit of as little as 5 per cent, allowing them to get into the market sooner. HomeBuilder will create even more opportunities for first home buyers to enter the property market, as well as support other eligible Australians to build a new home or renovate an existing home.
The HomeBuilder program will be implemented via a National Partnership Agreement, signed by the Commonwealth and state and territory governments.
More information on HomeBuilder, including eligibility, can be found on the Treasury Coronavirus Economic Response website.

City to prioritise upgrades to Newcastle Ocean Baths' pools

City of Newcastle will begin upgrading Newcastle Ocean Baths from early next year to improve the safety and accessibility of its two pools while community consultation continues on future improvements to the site’s historic pavilions.
Remediation of the 1920s-era facility’s swimming pools, promenades and pump house are among the first stage works presented to the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group (CRG) this week.

“Newcastle Ocean Baths is treasured by our community and we know how important it is to get on with the upgrades to the pools while at the same time ensuring the community has a role in co-designing improvements to the iconic pavilions,” Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“That’s why we’re prioritising a refurbishment of the pools and their surrounds to improve safety and accessibility while ensuring adequate time to work with the community on a plan for the pavilion that respects the heritage and integrity of the site.
“The City will work with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group over the coming year to develop concept designs for the future pavilion upgrades, which will then be available for further community feedback.”
The CRG was formed to help plan the renewal through discussions and co-design workshops.
Concept designs for the upcoming upgrade to the pavilions and surrounds will be developed with CRG input and be presented to the broader community for comment prior to final concept design being placed on public exhibition.
The elected Council will then consider the plan before the project progresses to detailed design.

Preliminary engagement was carried out for the future use of Newcastle Ocean Baths from November 2019 to March 2020 to capture the community’s wishes.
The engagement activities were promoted right across Newcastle to ensure the broadest number of people had a chance to comment, and included:

An online ideas wall that drew 840 comments on Newcastle Ocean Baths
898 telephone surveys
129 intercept face-to-face surveys for Newcastle Ocean Baths at locations across the LGA

Results included support for improving shade and access, maintaining the aesthetic of the existing site and enhancing the kiosk offering. The full engagement report can be downloaded here.

JOB CREATION THE REMEDY TO COVID RECESSION

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the state’s focus on job creation in its economic response to COVID-19 was the right approach to recovering from Australia’s first recession in almost thirty years.
National account figures out yesterday indicated consumer and business confidence had fallen to their lowest levels on record, reflecting the combined impacts of the drought and bushfires, as well as the beginning of COVID-19 social distancing and travel restrictions. In NSW, ABS data showed NSW state final demand (SFD) fell by -1.5 per cent in the March quarter, the weakest result in 20 years.
Mr Perrottet said the figures were worrying but not unexpected given the impact the pandemic has had on spending, with household consumption down 1.6 per cent, partly offset by a 1.8 per cent increase in government financial support.
“Right from the start of this pandemic, we’ve said we’ve got to keep our infrastructure projects moving and keep people in jobs and businesses in business,” Mr Perrottet said. “That’s why our pipeline has increased to over $100 billion and this will be an infrastructure led recovery.”
“We’ve allocated almost $11 billion in self-funded stimulus support measures – more than any other state – and we’re committed to supporting projects that create jobs across NSW.”
Mr Perrottet said figures for the next quarter are unlikely to be much better and the end of the Federal Government’s JobKeeper program in September is likely to see a further increase in unemployment.
“When hundreds of thousands of people are losing their jobs, we need to divert every dollar to create many more jobs through stimulus programs.”
“That’s why we need to hit the pause button on public sector pay rises so that we can get thousands of people off the Centrelink queues and back to work.”
“Household saving increases during times of crisis and a pay-rise would only boost that. What we really need right now is more jobs, jobs, jobs.”
“The only people who are unaware we are in a pandemic-induced recession is the NSW Labor party and they need to get with the program or get out of the way.”
The GDP result is expected to be just the start of bleak economic figures for the country, with the next set of national accounts figures due out in September.

TRAVELLERS URGED TO PLAN AHEAD FOR LONG WEEKEND

Travellers are being urged to plan ahead, allow extra journey time and stay safe this Queen’s Birthday long weekend with NSW reopened for regional travel.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the long weekend is an opportunity for people to get away with family and friends, but the safety of the community must come first.
“This is the first time many people have been able to travel across the State since COVID-19 restrictions were introduced in March,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Anyone who is thinking of travelling this long weekend must plan ahead and follow health advice about physical distancing and personal hygiene.
“Our state has so much to offer and there is nowhere better to take a break right now but we are urging everyone to do so safely.”
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said with the increased number of people moving around, there is an increased risk on our roads.
“We have seen an increase of around 6.3 per cent across Sydney’s road network and 5.9 per cent across our regions since last week, and this is expected to increase further with restrictions easing,” Mr Constance said.
“I urge drivers to allow for extra travel time and plan ahead at livetraffic.com or by using the Live Traffic apps.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said it was important everyone obey the road rules.
“Most people have not travelled long distances in a while, so please remember to stick to the speed limit, take breaks to avoid fatigue, and if you’ve been drinking do no not get behind the wheel,” Mr Toole said.
“We want everyone to arrive at their destination safely – whether you’re the driver, passenger, rider or pedestrian, every decision you make on the road matters.”
Minister for Police David Elliott reminded drivers that dangerous behaviour on our roads will not be tolerated.
“Double demerits will apply from 12.01am on Friday 5 June until 11.59pm on Monday June 8 for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle helmet offences across the long weekend,” Mr Elliott said.
“Additionally, Friday the 5^th of June is also a gazetted school day so be mindful of children around those areas and also be aware that double demerit points will apply to relevant school zone offences too.”
Extra precautions would remain on the public transport network over the long weekend, with more services added to some busy routes in metropolitan areas.
An increase in regional public transport use is also expected for the holiday weekend.

Man critical after crash – Hunter Valley

An investigation is underway following a two-car crash that left a man in a critical condition in the Hunter region overnight.
Around 8.30pm (Thursday 4 June 2020), emergency services were called to the Hunter Expressway, near Seahampton, following reports of a two-car crash.
Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended, along with NSW Ambulance paramedics, Fire and Rescue NSW, the Volunteer Rescue Association, Newcastle Rescue and Transport Management Centre.
Police have been told the two cars collided before hitting the dividing barrier on the expressway.
The driver of one vehicle, a 79-year-old man, was trapped for a short time before he was released and taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition. He is now undergoing surgery.
The driver of the second vehicle, a man aged 30, was taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing.
A crime scene has been established and the circumstances surrounding the incident will be investigated by officers from the Crash Investigation Unit.
Traffic delays are expected with both eastbound lanes on the Hunter Expressway closed and traffic being diverted onto John Renshaw Drive. Westbound traffic is being diverted into the breakdown lane.
As inquiries continue, police urge anyone with information about the crash, or who may have dashcam footage, to contact police.

Body of missing man located – Lake Macquarie

A body has been found at Cardiff, believed to be that of a man reported missing from Lake Macquarie.
A 27-year-old man was reported missing to officers from Lake Macquarie Police District when he failed to return to his home on Cedar Street, Cardiff, on Tuesday (2 June 2020).
An investigation commenced, and following inquiries, the body of a man was located in bushland in Cardiff on Wednesday (3 June 2020).
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
The death is not being treated as suspicious.

‘Homebuilder’ Program To Drive Economic Activity Across The Residential Construction Sector

Digital parking permit applications open

Newcastle residents can now apply online for digital parking permits as the City transitions to a more efficient and effective permit system.
The move to digital permits means annual email and mail applications, or visits to the City’s customer service centre, will no longer be needed to renew either resident or resident-visitor permits.
The whole process can be completed online and will no longer require residents or their visitors to stick permits on windscreens or dashboards – numberplates will indicate vehicles covered by a permit from Wednesday 24 June 2020.
All existing permit holders will receive an email from the City notifying them that they need to register for the digital permit system.
“This streamlined digital parking permit process is great news for the holders of around 2,500 permits across the city,” City of Newcastle Governance Director David Clarke said.
“Digital parking permits are the latest customer service we’re taking online after transitioning rates and on-street parking payments, library memberships and other services with great success over the past few years. Digitising permit renewals will save residents and our staff a huge amount of time and resources.
“The digital permit system will generate email reminders a month and two-weeks before permits are due to expire each year, giving residents an opportunity to update their residential, payment and vehicle details prior to permit renewal.”
Instructions on how to register and apply for permits are available on our Parking Permits page.
Enquiries can be made by contacting the Parking Operations team for assistance on 4974 2000
The resident parking permit, visitor and pensioner parking permits will be valid for 12 months from the date of approval.
Existing permits will no longer be valid from Wednesday 24 June 2020.

Want to help during the COVID-19 pandemic? This app is how

An app that allows everyday people to help local businesses struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic has been launched today.
‘Lean In Newy’ connects organisations that need support, with people wanting to help, while providing added encouragement through $50,000 in vouchers and discounts redeemable at local businesses.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Novocastrians have been brimming with community spirit in response to COVID-19 and Lean In Newy would direct people’s desire to help where it’s most needed.
“COVID-19 has had an unprecedented effect on our community, with older people experiencing increased isolation and businesses suffering a downturn in trade, while other people have found themselves suddenly with more time on their hands,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We have been hearing from many people in the community wanting to help but not knowing how. Lean In Newy is the answer to those asking, ‘How can I help?’.
“Charitable organisations like OzHarvest, Dog Rescue Newcastle and Take 3 For The Sea have registered with Lean In Newy to put out a call for volunteering opportunities, and those who put their hand up will be rewarded with incentives like a free coffee at a local café.
“There are already 23 businesses and 11 not-for-profits signed up, with more in talks, and City of Newcastle is funding the discounts or incentives offered through businesses during the COVID-19 recovery phase.
“Lean In Newy is a fantastic way for us to play our part in helping local businesses and community organisations get back on their feet.”
Lean-In-Newy-(1).jpg ^{(L-R): Family Support Newcastle CEO Sue Hellier, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Zebra Finch owner Kate McNally assemble kids’ activity packs.}
Family Support Newcastle is one of those community organisations. CEO Sue Hellier said the organisation’s role in promoting the wellbeing of children and their families, individuals and communities was more vital than ever in light of recent hardship caused by COVID-19.
“Many of our activity groups and face-to-face support services have been impacted by COVID-19, but our mission remains the same. There are still ways the community can assist, like purchasing items and assembling kids’ activity or sanitisation packs at home and dropping them off at our Waratah centre,” Ms Hellier said.
“Lean In Newy will be a great help for organisations like us that need more support during this challenging time, and we’re very thankful to City of Newcastle for developing this initiative.”
Likewise, local business owner Kate McNally, who operates Zebra Finch at Marketown and Kotara, said she was grateful for the helping hand to encourage customers back to the stores.
“As a small business, we have felt the impacts of COVID-19 closures and social distancing measures quite profoundly, with a significant downturn in trade,” Mrs McNally said.
“It’s a relief to have the City’s support to help get back on track.”
Download Lean In Newy from the App Store or Google Play or visit leaninnewy.com.au.