The first sod has been turned for major construction today for the Parramatta Light Rail project, which will transform the Greater Parramatta region.
Acting Minister for Transport and Roads Paul Toole said it was an exciting time for Greater Parramatta as works ramp up for the new high-frequency light rail.
“Today marks a significant step on a project that will transform transport connectivity in a growing part of Sydney,” Mr Toole said.
“The new 12-kilometre light rail project will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia, and is set to open in 2023.
“We’ve already hit the ground running with the decommissioning works along the closed Carlingford rail line, in preparation for its conversion to light rail.”
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the project was a major win for the region, as it would support the creation of new communities.
“This Parramatta Light Rail will bring people living in Greater Parramatta together with a safe and efficient public transport network,” Mr Lee said.
“It will improve connections to popular key destinations across the region, while also linking into Sydney’s greater public transport networks.
Mr Toole said Transport for NSW was working hard to minimise the impacts of construction on businesses and the local community.
“Some disruption is unavoidable, which is why we will continue working with businesses to ensure they have the information and support they need,” Mr Toole said.
“Transport for NSW will also pause construction from 1 November until 31 January each year along ‘Eat Street’ to allow businesses to take advantage of the holiday trading period.
“During this time, events and activities will be put on to support local businesses and encourage families and friends to continue to enjoy all that is on offer.”
From this Saturday, 1 February, Church Street between Macquarie and Market Streets will be closed to traffic, with diversions in place. Motorists will be encouraged to use Marsden and Smith Streets. The free 900 shuttle bus service will also run on a new route along George Street in the Parramatta CBD.
For more information, visit parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au.
Author: admin
Axes, baton, firearms seized; man charged – Lake Macquarie
A man has been refused bail after several prohibited weapons were located at two Lake Macquarie homes.
About 7am yesterday (Thursday 30 January 2020), officers attached to the Lake Macquarie Police District Target Action Group attended a home on Newport Road, Cooranbong, and spoke with a 55-year-old man.
During a search of the home, police located and seized a pistol, ammunition and methylamphetamine.
The search was suspended, and police applied for and executed a search warrant later in the day, where officers located and seized a vehicle, a motorbike, NSW Police insignia, knuckle dusters, a baton and homemade weapons.
Later in the morning, officers executed a second search warrant at a home on Bushells Ridge Road, Wyee, where police located and seized further prohibited weapons, ammunition, drug paraphernalia and vehicles believed to be stolen.
The man was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station and charged with nine offences, including possess prohibited weapon, supply prohibited drug, unauthorised handle explosives, possess ammunition without permit and breach weapons prohibited order.
He was refused bail to face Toronto Local Court yesterday (Thursday 30 January 2020), where he was refused bail again to face the same court on Tuesday 4 February 2020.
Further charges are expected to be laid.
Two arrested after public place shooting – Cessnock
Two men will face court today charged following an investigation into a public place shooting in the Hunter Valley earlier this week.
About 3am (Wednesday 29 January 2020), police were called to Mills Crescent, Cessnock, following reports of shots fired.
Following inquiries, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District stopped a Holden Commodore sedan on Doyle Street, Cessnock, a short time later.
Four men exited from the vehicle, with two allegedly fleeing the scene by foot.
The two remaining men were arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station.
They were released later that day, pending further inquiries.
Following further inquiries, two men – aged 27 and 21 – were arrested in Cessnock and taken to Cessnock Police Station about 12pm yesterday (Thursday 30 January 2020).
Both men were charged with fire firearm at dwelling with disregard for safety, fire firearm in a manner likely to injure persons/property, possess loaded firearm in a public place and destroy/damage property.
They were both refused bail to face Cessnock Local Court today (Friday 31 January 2020).
Greens condemn Trump’s efforts to further entrench injustice and conflict in the Middle East
The Australian Greens today condemned US President Donald Trump’s blatantly unfair “peace” proposal for Israel and Palestine, which would instead further entrench injustice and conflict in the Middle East.
“This proposal is not worth the paper it’s written on. It fails to provide the minimum requirement for a Palestinian State and rewards breaches of international law like the Israeli Government’s flagrant settlement building,” said Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale.
“This is very clearly a political document drafted by men who are desperate to distract from the corruption allegations that surround them. The Palestinian people have been excluded from this process and will be forced to reject this deal, because it compels them to effectively live on scraps of territory.
“The Australian Greens call on the Coalition and the Labor Party to condemn this terrible proposal, and clearly communicate to the US and Israeli Governments that it will further entrench conflict and division. It is critical that Australian voices speak out before we see emboldened ultranationalists illegally annexing even more territory.”
Assisted departure and strict quarantine for Australians from Wuhan/Hubei
The Australian Government is working across agencies to assist the departure of isolated and vulnerable Australians from Wuhan and to put strict quarantine arrangements in place.
Australian diplomatic and consular staff have been working very closely with the Chinese authorities and with other partner countries to develop options for the departure of Australians in Wuhan and Hubei Province, in what continues to be a difficult and complex situation.
The Australian Embassy in Beijing is now seeking formal approval from the Chinese Government to send a plane to Wuhan to assist the departure of Australians from Hubei Province.
We thank the Chinese Government for the cooperative way they have dealt with Australian counterparts and those of other countries who have citizens in Wuhan and Hubei province.
Australians departing on any flight arranged by the Australian Government will be flown to Christmas Island to undertake a period of quarantine of up to 14 days based on current medical advice, as a condition of their assisted departure.
They will also be required to commit to making a contribution to the cost, consistent with normal arrangements in these circumstances.
This will ensure we are also prioritising public health in Australia.
A consular team is positioned to support an assisted departure. A temporary Consular office is being set up in Wuhan to work with local authorities to help give effect to this plan. We do not have a permanent consular presence in Wuhan.
An Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) will provide medical support and expert advice to returning Australians upon arrival at Christmas Island.
There are just over 600 Australian citizens currently registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. We will seek to speak with each of them in relation to the Government’s announcement. Our focus and priority is on vulnerable and isolated citizens.
We are endeavouring to make further contact with those people who have provided us their details. Contact can be difficult due to high demand on phone lines in China. We request that those who have registered their details contact DFAT again if they have not spoken to Australian consular officials in the past 24 hours. The DFAT emergency number is +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas or 1300 555 135 if you are calling from Australia on behalf of a family member.
We also thank Qantas, which has offered to support Australians out of Wuhan if the authority to proceed is provided.
We understand this is a very stressful time for those impacted. We encourage people to make contact with family and friends, stay in touch with travel providers and contact your insurers. Australians should continue to follow all health precautions which are available on the Smart Traveller website – www.smartraveller.gov.au.
We advise that Australians do not travel to Hubei Province and reconsider their need to travel to China overall.
There is still significant work to do but we are taking all necessary steps to ensure that we can help Australians to leave Wuhan as soon as possible.
PREMIER ANNOUNCES NSW INDEPENDENT BUSHFIRE INQUIRY
Premier Gladys Berejiklian has today announced an independent expert inquiry into the 2019-20 bushfire season to provide input to NSW ahead of the next bushfire season.
Dave Owens, former Deputy Commissioner of NSW Police, and Professor Mary O’Kane AC, Independent Planning Commission Chair and former NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer, will lead the six-month inquiry, which will review the causes of, preparation for and response to the 2019-20 bushfires.
“Professor O’Kane and Mr Owens have an extraordinary breadth and depth of experience into the matters they will be examining. I am confident their inquiry will be comprehensive and robust,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“NSW is incredibly proud of the efforts of all our emergency services personnel and volunteers throughout this ongoing bushfire season, but the scale of these fires has been unprecedented and we must leave no stone unturned.
“This inquiry will allow NSW to learn from this season and the catastrophic conditions we’ve faced, and apply these learnings for the future.”
Ms Berejiklian said recovery efforts are ongoing and remain the NSW Government’s focus, as we work to ensure communities are supported as they begin to rebuild.
“Unfortunately the fire season is not over. Whilst we are focussed on the rebuilding process we are mindful of the remaining fire threats,” Ms Berejiklian said.
The inquiry will commence within days and accept submissions from the public.
A report will be submitted to the Premier at its conclusion.
HELPING NSW WOMEN START THEIR OWN BUSINESS
The NSW Government has offered a boost to women in business, with Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee and Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor launching a free online mentoring program.
The landmark $7 million Women in Business program provides practical resources for women running small businesses, micro-businesses or start-ups.
New ABS data has revealed more than a third of the nation’s small businesses are headed by women, with 12.1 per cent of the nation’s 5.9 million female employees now their own boss.
Mr Lee said the NSW Government, through TAFE NSW, was determined to support this entrepreneurial spirit by providing as much support as possible to women in business.
“Women now have access to a range of free online information, advice from leading Australian entrepreneurs, as well as events and workshops,” Mr Lee said.
The Women in Business program connects business owners with a range of resources and support services provided by the NSW Government.
Mrs Taylor said the NSW Government wants to ensure that women-led businesses have the best possible opportunity to succeed.
“The Women in Business program will ensure entrepreneurial women across the state are supported, regardless of where they live,” Mrs Taylor said.
“It also allows businesswomen to select the resources that best suit their needs, at a time that is convenient to them.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said women-led businesses play a vital role in the State’s economy.
“The NSW Government wants to see even more women succeed in small business which is why we are giving them the support they need to get ahead,” he said.
The program is part of the NSW Women’s Strategy for 2018-2022. Participants can access training topics such as creating a business plan, keeping your business cyber-safe and leveraging social media.
To register for the free program visit tafensw.edu.au/womeninbusiness or call 131 601.
24 NEW AND UPGRADED SCHOOLS OPEN
Term 1 2020 will see the largest investment made in public school infrastructure across NSW, with 7 new and 17 upgraded schools opening their doors in Term 1.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell visited students at Gledswood Hills Public School, Preston Public School, Epping Public School and Parramatta Public School.
Ms Berejiklian said the new and upgraded schools will benefit more than 20,000 students across NSW.
“It is set to be another big year for public schools with 24 new and upgraded schools opening this term,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The state of the art schools include new classrooms, performance studios, sports facilities, outdoor learning areas, halls and libraries to ensure students are receiving the best education.”
The NSW Government is investing $6.7 billion over four years to deliver more than 190 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.
Ms Mitchell said the new and upgraded schools were part of the NSW Government’s commitment to education and ensuring that Australia’s largest education system is world class.
“Schools in both regional and metro NSW are benefitting from this historic $6.7 billion investment in school infrastructure,” Ms Mitchell said
“These 24 new and upgraded schools represent a $974 million investment in our children’s education for generations to come.
“Along with our fantastic teachers and staff, these new buildings will be an asset to children who learn in them.”
New and upgraded schools opening in Term 1 across NSW:
Day 1 Term 1
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ALBURY-WODONGA HEALTH REDEVELOPMENT TO BEGIN
The New South Wales and Victorian governments are working together to build a new emergency department and the first short stay unit at Albury Wodonga Health to meet the future health needs of the community.
NSW Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard, Victorian Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Jenny Mikakos and NSW Member for Albury Justin Clancy visited Albury Wodonga Health today to announce the almost $36 million redevelopment.
Mr Hazzard said the strong relationship between the NSW and Victorian governments will help ensure the Albury-Wodonga community receives world-class healthcare close to home.
“The NSW Liberal & Nationals Government has committed $30 million to expand Albury Wodonga Health’s emergency department from 16 to 42 treatment spaces to provide the community with high quality emergency care now and into the future,” Mr Hazzard said.
Ms Mikakos said the Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority will work closely with NSW Health and NSW Health Infrastructure to successfully deliver the project.
“The Andrews Labor Government is providing almost $6 million to build a 16 bed short stay unit which will help reduce wait times in the emergency department, so local patients can get the very best care, sooner,” Ms Mikakos said.
Mr Clancy said the $36 million investment is welcome news for the local community.
“With one of the busiest emergency departments in regional Australia, this funding is crucial to enabling Albury Wodonga Health to meet demand,” Mr Clancy said.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the redevelopment of the emergency department together with the short stay unit will ensure the region has access to critical health services.
“It will support almost 80,000 patients projected to go through the emergency department by 2031,” Ms Symes said.
The NSW Government has invested $10 billion on health infrastructure statewide since 2011, and is investing $10.1 billion more over the next four years, including more than $900 million for rural and regional areas in 2019-20.
The Victorian Government has committed $7 billion on health infrastructure since 2015, delivering the largest health building program in the state’s history.
The project will begin this year and is expected to be completed by 2022.
SOLAR PANELS SAVE ENERGY AT HORNSBY HOSPITAL
Hornsby Hospital will benefit from major energy efficiencies as part of the NSW Government’s $8.1 million solar package for hospitals.
Energy Minister Matt Kean and Health Minister Brad Hazzard today announced the NSW Government will spend $1.5 million on the installation of solar panels on available roof space at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital.
“The NSW Government is committed to delivering a secure, modern and affordable energy system for our State and I am thrilled Hornsby Hospital is at the centre of this initiative,” Mr Kean said.
“This initiative shows the benefits of using solar energy to save our hospitals money and reduce our carbon footprint.”
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the $8.1 million package will also be used to fund solar panel installations at Fairfield, Canterbury and John Hunter hospitals.
“The $3.2 million solar panel installation at John Hunter Hospital will be the biggest hospital solar project in Australia, with solar panels covering 12,000 square metres of the hospital’s roof space,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Hospitals use a sizeable portion of the state’s total energy consumption, so using our roof space to generate power is a smart way to reduce our dependency on the grid.
“By making our hospitals more energy-efficient, these solar projects will help bring our costs down, freeing up funds that can be invested back into the health system.”
Port Macquarie Hospital was the first in NSW to have solar panels installed under this program. Around $224,000 has been saved on electricity costs since June 2018. Solar panels are being installed at Blacktown Hospital and are due to go live in February 2020. They are expected to save $194,000 every year in electricity costs.
The 2019-20 budget for Northern Sydney Local Health District is $1.7 billion, an increase of $57 million on last year.