All known asbestos is due to be removed from Newcastle East Public School buildings by the end of the year, in a win for the school community.
The calls for asbestos removal were launched by State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp and the school community earlier this year, after it was revealed on the first day of Term 1 that friable asbestos had been found in the school’s heritage building during its renovation over the summer holidays.
The Department’s action on this was queried through recent Budget Estimates, where Mr Crakanthorp asked several questions through the Upper House.
In response, it was confirmed that all known asbestos will be progressively removed from buildings by the end of 2020, while artificial turf will be laid on already-encapsulated asbestos in the school playground.
In addition, Mr Crakanthorp’s questioning revealed that $1.4 million has been spent on removing asbestos from the school to 25 March 2020, while almost $150,000 has been spent on replacing potentially contaminated and subsequently destroyed library books and sports equipment.
“This is a big win for the Newcastle East school community, and after the start to the year they had it will be very welcome,” Mr Crakanthorp said.
“I need to thank Minister Sarah Mitchell for acting on mine and the parents’ calls to have the known asbestos removed from this school.
“Ultimately what we needed was some peace of mind for this community, and I’m thrilled that the parent body and I have been able to work together to achieve this.”
Breakdown of latest Public Health Act charges and Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs)
Police have charged two people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 10 COVID-19-related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:
• About 4am yesterday (Thursday 23 April 2020), officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were called to a hotel in Sydney’s CBD in relation to a loud party being held in one of the rooms. When officers arrived, there were only two people left in the room. One of those people – an 18-year-old man – admitted he was there “to hang out with friends”. Checks revealed the man had been previously issued with a PIN for breaching the Public Health Act. It will be alleged that as officers moved in to arrest him, he resisted and assaulted police, before being brought under control and taken to Day Street Police Station. The Punchbowl man was charged with resist officer in execution of duty, assault officer in execution of duty, and not comply with noticed direction. He was refused bail and appeared before Central Local Court yesterday, where he was given conditional bail. The man is due to re-appear before the Downing Centre Local Court on 4 June 2020.
• About 4.30pm, officers from the Mt Druitt Proactive Crime Team were patrolling when they stopped and spoke with three men at a shopping centre in Mt Druitt. Checks revealed one of the men, aged 31, had previously been given three PINS for breaching the Public Health Act. Once again, the man could not provide a reasonable excuse for being away from his home. He was subsequently charged with not comply with noticed direction and is due to appear before Mt Druitt Local Court at a future date.
Yesterday’s PINs include:
• About 8.50pm, officers attached to Mid North Coast Police District stopped a vehicle on Sydney Street, Kempsey. The driver, a 32-year-old man, was spoken to by police and identified as someone who was required to be in self isolation. The man, who had previously been warned for similar breaches of the Public Health Act, the man was issued with a PIN.
• About 10.30am, officers attached to Surry Hills Police Area Command responded to reports a man was allegedly harassing members of the public at Albion Street, Surry Hills. On arrival, they spoke with a 50-year-old man who had received a warning several hours earlier for not having a valid excuse for being away from his registered address in Parramatta. He was fined $1000 and directed to return home. About 3.10pm, officers from Kings Cross Police Area Command spoke to the man at Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross, and again he was unable to provide a reason for not being home. He was issued with a second PIN for failing to comply with ministerial directions.
• About 7pm, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were patrolling Catherine Hill Bay when they spoke with a man and woman, both aged 33. Neither were able to provide a reasonable excuse for not being home. The woman had received a warning three days earlier (Monday 20 April 2020) and was issued with a PIN. The man was given a formal warning and directed to return home.
• About 11.50pm, officers attached to Campbelltown City Police Area Command were conducting proactive patrols on Harold Street, Macquarie Fields, targeting drug-related crime and anti-social behaviour. Police approached two men after allegedly seeing one of them dispose of a knife. They were unable to provide a reasonable excuse for not being home at the time. Following inquiries, an 18-year-old was charged with custody of knife in public place and issued with a court attendance notice. He was given a formal warning for breaching COVID-19 restrictions. The second man, aged 23, was identified as having received a warning previously for not complying with ministerial directions and was issued with a PIN.
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.
Gravesites graffitied – Tuncurry
Police are appealing for public assistance after several gravesites were damaged by graffiti at a cemetery on the Mid North Coast.
This morning (Friday 24 April 2020), officers from Manning-Great Lakes Police District were called to a cemetery on The Lakes Way, Tuncurry, following reports of damage to several headstones.
Police arrived and located at least a dozen gravesites damaged by white spray paint.
Detectives have commenced an investigation into the incident.
Police believe the damage occurred sometime between 11am yesterday (Thursday 23 April) and 9am today (Friday 24 April).
Police are urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the Forster and Tuncurry areas between these times, anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam vision, or who may have any information which could assist investigators is urged to contact Taree Police Station on 6552 0399 or to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or 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.
Blacktown train station assault appeal
Police are appealing for information following the assault of three staff at Blacktown Railway Station yesterday.
About 1pm (Thursday 23 April 2020), police observed a female attempt to enter the station via the wide access barrier on the main concourse while smoking a cigarette.
A male member of staff approached to advise her that smoking is not allowed on the concourse, before the female spat onto the man’s face, stating “I have COVID” before walking through the ticket barrier.
At the same time, a male ran over to the scene, coughing and spitting in the staff member’s face and punching him in the neck and back of the head multiple times.
A second staff member attempted to intervene and has also been punched to her head.
A third staff member sustained a small laceration to her thumb and an injury to her back when she tried to assist.
The male and female ran from the train station towards Main Street and were last seen running down David Lane.
Police would like to speak to the male and female and ask that anyone who has any information or witnessed the incident to contact police.
The female is described as being Caucasian in appearance, aged 15-17, 157cm tall, with black hair. She was last seen wearing a black ‘Nike’ t-shirt with ‘Just do it’ emblazoned in red and white on the front, long black pants and black shoes.
The male is described as being Caucasian in appearance, aged 15-17, 155cm tall, with a black moustache. He was last seen wearing a brown baseball cap, a white Nautica branded t-shirt with a red and black logo, long dark pants and black shoes.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence
HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF TRADES JOBS AT RISK
Hundreds of thousands of jobs are at risk with a massive drop in homebuilding activity projected to hit the housing industry due to the impact of COVID-19.
Housing construction has been spared from lockdown measures but current projects are winding up, and new work is drying up.
According to a survey by the Master Builders Association, 73 per cent of residential construction businesses reported a substantial fall in forward work, with 40 per cent being lost on average.
The projected number of annual new builds has also dropped significantly from over 160,000 to 100,000.
Right now, there is a risk that as Australia goes back to work, tradespeople will run out of work.
This is about people and their ability to pay their bills and look after their families.
In times of economic shock, housing construction has played a vital role in national economic recovery.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that for every $1 invested in new housing construction, $3 of activity is created for the broader economy.
The Government and National Cabinet urgently needs to develop a plan with the housing industry to make sure hundreds of thousands of tradespeople don’t lose their job.
This could include:
- Repair and maintain existing social housing.
- Incentivising new builds in the housing sector.
- Encouraging apprentices and apprenticeships.
The economy won’t snap back if this industry snaps.
WA’s Biggest Road Project, Northlink, Open, Finished And Ready For Business
The biggest road infrastructure project in WA’s history, the $1.02 billion NorthLink WA is now fully open, providing a free-flowing link between Morley and Muchea, doubling road capacity and improving journey times and productivity.
Road users travelling from Kewdale to Muchea can now avoid up to 16 sets of traffic lights, two railway crossings and 21 speed limit changes.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the third and final section of the project – a 22-kilometre dual carriageway highway between Ellenbrook and Muchea – will transform how traffic enters and exits Perth from the state’s north.
“The opening of the final section means road users, particularly freight, can now realise the full benefits of the 37-kilometre highway,” the Prime Minister said.
“NorthLink WA has also supported around 7000 direct and indirect jobs for Western Australians throughout its construction.”
Federal Member for Pearce Christian Porter said the project would also significantly reduce heavy vehicle traffic on Great Northern Highway through the Swan Valley tourism region, enabling a safer road environment for visitors and local businesses.
“One of the many benefits of NorthLink WA’s latest section is that it will take trucks and heavy vehicles off Great Northern Highway, reducing congestion and making roads safer along the beautiful Swan Valley,” Mr Porter said.
“Our northern suburbs have always been great places to live and work, but the unprecedented investment behind key infrastructure projects like NorthLink WA has made them even more accessible and primed for future growth.”
Cyclists and pedestrians can now access a four-metre-wide Principal Shared Path, from Railway Parade in Bayswater to Muchea ¬ a distance of around 42 kilometres.
Traffic speeds (outside work zones) are 100 kilometres an hour to Ellenbrook and 110 kilometres an hour between Ellenbrook and Muchea, reducing travel times significantly and improving both safety and the driving experience for motorists.
Finishing works are still underway, so please pay careful attention to the new configuration and obey the signage.
The NorthLink WA project was jointly funded with the Australian Government providing $820.84 million and the Western Australian Government $204.06 million.
Australia to Boost Fuel Security and Establish National Oil Reserve
The Australian Government is boosting the nation’s long-term fuel security by taking advantage of dramatic falls in global oil prices and building on our historic agreement with the United States to access their Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR)
Under the new measures, Australia will establish its first Government-owned oil reserves for domestic fuel security.
This will include a deal with the United States to store Australian Government owned crude oil in the US SPR.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Government would also work with the private sector to consider options for improving domestic fuel security, and would work with refineries on temporary measures to ease the stockpiles of jet fuel by amending fuel standards under the Fuel Quality Standards Act.
“The Government is taking action to improve Australia’s fuel security and enhance our ability to withstand global shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when they reach our shores,” Minister Taylor said.
“Australians can be reassured there is plenty of fuel in the country and we are extremely well placed to keep supplies flowing through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The new measures will take advantage of the current low prices for oil and Australia’s privileged position of access to the SPR, which is amongst the world’s most cost-effective long-term oil storage facilities. This work is a down payment on a stronger and more secure fuel supply for Australian households, motorists, industry and the national economy.
“Today’s announcement delivers immediate and medium-term measures that form a framework for a highly successful and domestically-centred approach to fuel security, which will underpin our economic prosperity for the next decade and beyond.”
Global oil prices have hit new lows due mainly to a significant drop in demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of cost-effective long-term storage options.
Australia has been negotiating access to the SPR since 2018, with Minister Taylor and US Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette signing the first arrangement of its kind to facilitate this deal in March of this year.
Australia will spend $94 million to buy oil at the current low global prices. Australia has access to hold oil in the US SPR for an initial period of 10 years.
Minister Taylor said the Government would shortly launch a process to work with the private sector to identify the best options for further strengthening fuel security in Australia. Terms of reference to guide this process will be released in due course and will focus on investment options, supporting the refining sector and assessing the most effective stimulatory options.
To help refineries, the Government will work on a temporary change in fuel standards to provide refiners with more flexibility to adapt their operations to manage the changes in demand and oil prices as a result of COVID-19. Any change will be closely managed to ensure refiners have increased flexibility while motorists and the environment are protected.
“The temporary change provides Australian refineries with flexibility and can assist them to shore up their viability by helping them resolve some storage and supply issues,” Minister Taylor said.
At the end of February, Australia had 81 days’ worth of oil supplies, including 25 days of stocks in overseas ports and in transit to Australia.
The oil held in the SPR will count towards Australia’s IEA 90 day stockpiling commitment.
Today’s COVID-19 fuel security package includes:
- Purchasing crude oil to store in the US SPR,
- Launching a process to work with the private sector to identify options to further strengthen our domestic fuel security, and
- Working on changes to the fuel standards to provide immediate relief to refineries for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
BETTER PUBLIC SPACES ON THE WAY FOR INNER WEST
Communities in Sydney’s inner west will benefit from new and improved public spaces, thanks to $20 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Parramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said this funding will help Inner West Council deliver 10 projects across Annandale, Leichhardt and Petersham, including improved public spaces, three new cycleways and a new neighbourhood park.
“The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the vital role our public spaces and the green links that connect them play in bolstering both our wellbeing and our local businesses,” Mr Stokes said.
“We will continue to support councils to deliver attractive, usable public spaces for their communities to enjoy now and once this crisis is behind us.”
The 10 projects include:
- A new cycleway along Dot Lane between Norton Street, Balmain Road and through to Hay Street in Leichhardt;
- A new shared pedestrian and cycle path along Johnstons Creek from Wigram Road to Chester Street in Annandale;
- A new dedicated cycle path at Pyrmont Bridge Road between Mallet Street and Parramatta Road in Annandale;
- Converting Petersham Street between Parramatta Road and Queen Street into a 300 square metre park with new trees, benches and bike racks; and
- Improvements to six streets that cross Parramatta Road in Leichhardt and Petersham, including new trees, benches, lighting and cycleway markings.
Mr Stokes said the projects are a fantastic example of the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering great public spaces while providing much-needed jobs to keep the economy moving in these uncertain times.
These projects are in their final stages of planning and design and will create 50 jobs once construction begins in the spring.
For more information visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/pruaip
NSW TRANSPORT AND ROADS PROJECTS KEEPING 130,000 PEOPLE IN JOBS
Critical construction and maintenance work across NSW roads and transport networks is being ramped up to keep people in jobs during COVID-19, and protect the livelihoods of more than 130,000 people directly and indirectly employed by Transport for NSW.
Transport and Roads Minister Andrew Constance said transport infrastructure projects will also be key in rebuilding the State’s economy after the pandemic.
“The NSW Government is pushing ahead with delivering $57.5 billion worth of transport infrastructure across the next four years, so it’s essential to keep moving during a time like this,” Mr Constance said.
“Continuing work on critical transport infrastructure is great news for industry as thousands of jobs will be sustained in the coming months. This work will also provide significant economic benefits to suppliers, manufacturers and supporting sectors.”
Mr Constance said crews were already taking advantage of the reduced number of cars on our roads to fast-track projects.
“Earlier this month, the M5 East Motorway was completely closed to fast track resurfacing work in the usually busy tunnels,” Mr Constance said.
“This was a great result for drivers as the work usually would have been carried out across a number of weeks at night.
“Given the success of this work, we are now fast-tracking maintenance work in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, which will be closed to traffic from tomorrow night until Monday morning.
“This is all part of our plan to keep people in jobs and the NSW economy moving.”
Transport is also playing a vital role in providing services for essential travel and keeping the supply chain moving as NSW navigates the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Constance said the freight network has been incredibly busy in the past few weeks, delivering supplies and materials to hundreds of locations.
“People are relying on us to keep road and rail routes open so we can get food to supermarkets and important medical supplies to hospitals and medical centres across the state,” Mr Constance said.
“This has been a very tough time for the people of NSW and it is crucial we keep our transport network moving for those who need to carry out essential travel.
“The main priority is to ensure the health and safety of all customers and staff.
“We’ve deployed hundreds of extra cleaners across the network who have worked an extra 83,000 hours since the beginning of March,” Mr Constance said.
“Thousands of litres of hand sanitiser and thousands of packets of disinfectant wipes have been distributed to all stations, depots, work sites and offices.
“I also want to pay special tribute to our front line workers who are keeping services running for those who can’t work from home or need to access essential services,” Mr Constance said.
“We do not underestimate the importance of a safe public transport and road network at a time like this and we will continue to work with all levels of government to deliver just that.”
ANZAC DAY 2020: WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
NSW residents will be able to commemorate ANZAC Day from home this year with a broadcast of special services to honour our veterans and serving Defence personnel.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said with traditional marches and local memorial services cancelled this year, ANZAC Day has a renewed meaning.
“As our community works together to stop the spread of COVID-19, we draw inspiration from the brave heroes we commemorate on this day,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“One hundred and five years after they set foot on the Gallipoli shore, the ANZACs speak to us more resoundingly than ever. The legend forged more than a century ago guides us in this moment. It inspires us to dig in and look out for others, no matter the obstacles.
“The best way to honour our ANZACs is to echo them, and we will, for the ANZAC spirit lives in each of us. We will remember them.”
The day will begin with a 5:30am commemorative service broadcast from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, followed by a NSW service at 10am.
The Premier, Governor Margaret Beazley, RSL NSW Acting President Ray James, a bugler and a vocalist will take part in the 30 minute service from the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park and the Cenotaph in Martin Place.
Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said community safety is our top priority.
“Social distancing and staying home is saving lives and so continuing that trend will keep our community and veterans safe,” Mr Lee said.
“Let’s all unite with that Anzac spirit as we pay our respects at home and remember those who bravely made the ultimate sacrifice for us.”
Acting President of RSL, NSW Ray James said despite the pandemic, ANZAC Day is forever embedded in the hearts and minds of Australians.
“Nothing can ever take away the importance of ANZAC Day and what it means to all of us as well as the eternal respect, thanks and admiration the Australian people have for those who protect us,” Mr James said.
The NSW Government is encouraging people to share videos reciting The Ode and post photos on social media using the tag #ANZACspirit.
The NSW service will be broadcast live on ABC TV and streamed on the ANZAC Memorial and RSL Facebook pages. The service will not be open to the public and the community is urged to continue following the latest health advice by commemorating at home.