16 News – Page 1485 – Newcastle and Australian News

DRUG AMNESTY BINS FOR MUSIC FESTIVALS

Music festivalgoers will have a chance to discard illegal drugs into amnesty bins without fear of prosecution or penalty as part of the NSW Government’s ongoing efforts to reduce drug-related deaths and injuries.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the measure formed a key part of the NSW Government’s response to the Deputy Coroner’s recommendations following her inquest into the deaths of six patrons at NSW music festivals.
“The recent deaths at music festivals are tragic reminders of the dangers of illegal drugs,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We will continue to send the strong message that drugs can and do kill.
“Amnesty bins will provide a quick and easy way for music festivalgoers to discard their drugs – no questions asked.”
Under today’s announcement, the NSW Government will extend targeted education campaigns, improve information sharing between State agencies about the toxicology of drugs found at music festivals and will work with festival organisers to ensure they continue to improve the health services being provided at their events.
Minister for Police David Elliott said the Government has been working closely with NSW Police to improve safety at music festivals.
“We want people to use these amnesty bins for illegal drugs and enjoy their time at music festivals,” Mr Elliott said.
“The bins give an opportunity to discard dangerous substances without fear of prosecution.”
NSW Health has also released updated Guidelines for Music Festival Event Organisers which support the delivery of safer music festivals. These were developed in consultation with key stakeholders and health experts.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said combining illicit drugs with hot weather and cramped festival conditions can be a deadly mix.
“Our health professionals do an outstanding job at music festivals to keep people safe and provide valuable information to festivalgoers about the dangers of drugs,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Amnesty bins are another tool in our arsenal as we fight the scourge of illicit drugs.”
The NSW Government will work with NSW Police, health experts, music festival organisers and other key stakeholders regarding the design and operation of the amnesty bins.
Today’s announcement builds on the NSW Government’s existing measures to keep people safe at music festivals, which includes:

The introduction of an offence that holds drug dealers responsible for deaths they cause;
A more stringent licensing regime that requires high-risk music festivals to prepare safety management plans;
A trial of on-the-spot fines for drug possession at music festivals; and
The ongoing Special Commission of Inquiry into the drug ice.

The NSW Government’s full response to the Deputy Coroner’s recommendations can be found here:https://www.justice.nsw.gov.au/lsb/Pages/coronial-recommendations.aspx

NEW SOCIAL AND AFFORDABLE HOMES IN PIPELINE FOR WESTERN SYDNEY

The revitalisation of the old Telopea housing estate is a step closer, with Frasers Property and Hume Community Housing announced as the successful proponents to transform the ageing 13 hectare site into a new, integrated community and vibrant town centre.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, said Telopea would be transformed into a master-planned neighbourhood with new community amenities, more transport links, a mixture of high quality housing types and improved access to health, education, and jobs.
“The renewal of the Telopea site will set the standard for our new integrated communities under the Communities Plus program, delivering more social, private and affordable housing, in partnership with the private sector,” Mrs Pavey said.
“The proposal will see the current site redeveloped to create about 4500 homes, with a target of 1000 new, fit-for-purpose affordable and social housing dwellings.”
Mrs Pavey said Hume Community Housing will work with public housing tenants to break the cycle of disadvantage by providing access to education, training opportunities and wrap-around support.
“We are increasing the supply of social and affordable housing but at the same time we’re focused on providing opportunities to our tenants to create an aspiration to leave social housing.”
Member for Parramatta, Geoff Lee, said the partnership with the NSW government, Frasers Property and Hume Community Housing provided great opportunities for the community.
“This project will rejuvenate Telopea and has a focus on connecting people, ranging from enhanced mobility, community service access, creating places of congregation, and enhancing economic opportunities that arise when a community has the confidence to pursue its aspirations,” Dr Lee said.
Fraser Property AHL CEO, Rod Fehring, said forging long-term partnerships between Government, the private sector and specialist community housing providers was essential to extract the benefits of combining agile capital with place-making capabilities to build a balanced and resilient sense of belonging for residents.
Hume Community Housing CEO, Nicola Lemon, said: “The partnership brings together a shared passion for delivering and supporting a vibrant and welcoming Telopea of- the- future.”
The NSW Government’s $22 billion Communities Plus program has a target of 23,000 new and replacement social housing dwellings, 500 affordable housing units and up to 40,000 private homes across the greater Sydney, Illawarra, Newcastle and North coastal areas.

Man charged with alleged firearms offences – Raymond Terrace

A man will face court today after police allegedly located a loaded firearm in his vehicle in the state’s Hunter region.
About 8.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 10 December 2019), officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District stopped a vehicle on Brown Street, Raymond Terrace and spoke with the driver – a 25-year-old woman.
Police then spoke with a 28-year-old male passenger and arrested him in relation to an outstanding arrest warrant.
During a subsequent search of the vehicle, police allegedly located and seized a shortened rifle and ammunition.
The man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with an outstanding warrant as well as several firearms offences, including possess shortened firearm without permit, possess loaded firearm in public place, not keep firearm safely and goods in custody.
He was refused bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Wednesday 11 December 2019).

Man charged with alleged firearms offences – Raymond Terrace

Religious Discrimination Second Exposure Draft

The second exposure draft of the Liberals’ Religious Discrimination legislation has made already bad legislation even worse.

“The Liberals have massively widened the scope of the legislation, which will increase the number of organisations that will be able to discriminate,” Greens Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“The legislation maintains its undermining of state-based protections against discrimination, including Tasmania’s nation-leading laws.”

“This whole process has always been a smokescreen for bigotry.”

Greens LGBTIQ+ spokesperson Janet Rice said:

“This has been a sham of a process to appease the far-right of Morrison’s party, letting them chip away at the rights of LGBTIQ+ people and other minorities.”

“The Attorney General’s second exposure draft remains a Trojan horse for hate.”

“Despite the concerns expressed by a raft of legal, faith and LGBTIQ+ organisations, it appears that the bill still includes the potential for a manager to tell their employees, ‘your homosexual lifestyle is a sin’, or a counsellor to encourage their client to pray for healing of their ‘sexual brokeness’.”

“This kind of bigotry cannot stand. Any Bill that comes to the parliament must ensure all Australians are treated equally.”

“The bill should only act as a shield for people of faith, not as a sword to be used against other minority groups.”

Latest Live Export Cruelty Scandal Shows Nothing Has Changed

Australian Greens Senator and Animal Welfare Spokesperson, Dr Mehreen Faruqi, has responded to reports hundreds of Australian cattle sold for breeding to the Indonesian Government in 2018 are malnourished or dead. This new scandal has highlighted the lack of protections for breeder and dairy cattle. Senator Faruqi has called for the release of the full report into the incident.
Senator Faruqi said:
“Yet again, we see the callousness of the live export industry with photos of Australian cattle dead or severely malnourished. These animals have clearly suffered immensely because of the live export industry’s indifference to animal welfare.
“Thousands of breeder cattle have gone to Indonesia and we have no way of knowing what happened to them or even if they are still alive and being treated humanely. There is a huge loophole in the live export industry that really risks the welfare of breeder cattle because the Government is more interested in money than animal welfare.
“We’ve seen the debacle with dairy cattle in Sri Lanka where hundreds died and many more fell sick, so I am really concerned with the fate of these animals. The Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) system monitoring animals sent for slaughter is flawed but at least it is something. These poor cattle seem to have no monitoring at all so it is imperative they are included in ESCAS.
“When Livecorp had the opportunity to update Parliament on what was happening with these breeder cattle, they completely obfuscated. This really raises the question of what are they hiding. Where there is smoke, there is fire and we must get to the bottom of it. They must be transparent and release the full report,” she concluded.

Adani gets 12.5 billion litres of water while 67% of Queensland in drought

The Morrison Government’s decision not to consider the impacts of Adani sucking up 12.5 billion litres of water from a region in deep drought shows the Government has been completely captured by big mining companies, according to Greens Co-Deputy Leader and Mining spokesperson, environmental lawyer Senator Larissa Waters.
“What an insult to Queensland farmers that on the same day as two-thirds of the state is drought declared, Adani gets another freebie from another government they have donated to.
“Our environmental laws are pathetically weak. They haven’t required the climate impacts of Adani’s mine to be considered before approval was issued, and now they don’t require the water impacts of a pipeline for water to wash that coal with to be considered.
“These 20 year old environmental laws ignore climate impacts and now ignore water impacts, and are working perfectly for all the mining companies who donate to the Liberal party. I hope that this decision gets challenged for a second time in court.
“If you ever needed a better example that this government has sold out to big mining, this is it.
“Adani can’t get insurance and have had to self-fund after more than a dozen global financiers ruled out funding its climate-bomb coal mine. They have made false promises about jobs, when regional Queensland is desperate for real jobs and for protection of their drought-stricken lands and precious water resources.
“We won’t get real action on the climate emergency driving the drought until big mining companies stop making donations to political parties and stop calling the shots,” Senator Waters said.

Council update Tuesday 10 December 2019

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting for Tuesday 10 December 2019. Note it is not a full record of Council.
Ordinary business
Code of Conduct Statistics report
Council resolved to note City of Newcastle’s Code of Conduct Statistics Report for the period 1 September 2018 to 31 August 2019.
Local Emergency Management Centre
A motion to construct a Local Emergency Operations Centre within the City Administration Centre at 12 Stewart Avenue, Newcastle West was carried. City of Newcastle is required to provide executive support facilities for the Local Emergency Management Committee and the Local Emergency Operations Controller in its area as outlined in the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 (SERM Act). The Local Emergency Operations Centre will provide a large flexible space for multiple city emergency and functional agencies.
Adoption of procurement policy
Council adopted a new Procurement Policy and authorised the Chief Executive to make any administrative changes to it, where necessary, to reflect changes in legislation or maintain business continuity for City of Newcastle.
Affixing Council seal to deed of indemnity to Newcastle Airport
Council voted to enter into and affix its seal to Deeds of Indemnity for a newly appointed Director of Newcastle Airport and Greater Newcastle Aerotropolis.
Endorsement of Draft Local Strategic Planning Statement for Exhibition
Council resolved to place the draft Local Strategic Planning Statement, Housing Needs and Character Study Evidence Report and Employment Lands Strategy on public exhibition for 28 days.
Exhibition of Draft Section 7.11 Western Corridor Local Contributions Plan 2013
Council voted to place the Draft Section 7.11 Western Corridor Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan 2013 on exhibition for 28 days.
Draft Amendment to Newcastle DCP 2012 – 233 Wharf Road and 250 Scott Street, Newcastle
Council resolved to exhibit a proposal to rezone a section of Newcastle’s former rail corridor for public feedback early next year.
Classification of Council Land – Honeysuckle Domain Plan
Five harbourside lots stretching from the Cowper Street Bridge, Wickham, to Lynch’s Hub Café will be officially transferred to the City for permanent use as the harbour promenade after being endorsed by Council.
Classification of Council Land – 452 King Street, Newcastle West
Council resolved to classify 452 King Street, a strip of land that will become a shared pathway between King and Hunter Street, as operational land.
Review of S.355 Committees
Council resolved to dissolve the operations of six Section 355 Committees that manage sportsground assets on the grounds of non-compliance with the required standards of governance or that have expressed a desire to cease. A Sports land Strategic Advisory Committee will be established to provide a vehicle for interested former members of the s.355 committee to continue to provide strategic advice on the management of the City’s sports lands including the development of the City of Newcastle’s Strategic Sports Plan during 2020.
Notices of Motion
A Notice of Motion to reinforce the intent of the City’s endorsed Live Music Strategy and Night Time Economy Strategy and progress both – to protect and grow the live music industry and their economic benefits – was supported.
Submission to National Environment Law Review
A NOM to review the Federal Government’s discussion paper on its review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 – and make a submission to the review before February – was supported.
Developing a heatwave and homelessness program
A NOM to develop a heatwave and homelessness program was supported.
Broadmeadow Locomotive Depot
A NOM for Council to receive a report on the current status and any future plans of Transport for NSW or Transport heritage NSW in relation to Broadmeadow Locomotive Depot was supported.

Kick off the new decade with indie rock and butterflies

City of Newcastle has announced Australian indie-rock legends You am I will headline this year’s New Year’s Eve celebration at Newcastle Foreshore.
New Year’s Eve 2020 will feature a record-fireworks display and inclusive activities for the whole family with colourful butterfly theming.
IMG_1840-(1).JPG Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the foreshore will transform into an event precinct for one of the city’s favourite gatherings, which last year attracted 35,000 people.
“With multi-Aria Award winning band You Am I headlining this year’s concert plus our largest ever fireworks display, we’re expecting locals and visitors to head to the Foreshore in droves.
“The event will be ‘butterfly’ themed, with colour and light throughout the family friendly precinct including interactive craft activities, art installations including a 7-metre butterfly dome and illuminated fibre optic trees sure to capture everyone’s imagination.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the wide array of entertainment and inclusive activities planned to ring in 2020 are designed to be enjoyed by everyone in our community.
“2019 has been an incredible year of achievement for Newcastle and the city deserves to celebrate all that we love about our home, and everything we’re looking forward to in 2020.”
Headline act You Am I will be supported by popular local talents Jets Play Jets and reggae rock outfit Rum Jungle. UK electronic act Antony & Cleopatra will join the line up to provide a great range of musical entertainment at a free concert at Foreshore Park.
The crescendo of the New Year’s Eve celebration will be the 15-minute fireworks display, a traditional showstopper over the City’s iconic harbour.
“We are fortunate to have a beautiful harbour and foreshore location for our fireworks display and my favourite part of the evening is seeing the awe and wonder on children’s faces as the spectacular colours and sparkling lights fill the sky,” Cr Carol Duncan said.
The kids zone features inflatable slides and jumping castles, while local artist Bliss Cavanagh of Happy Senses will create a safe and magical sensory experience harbour side for people with disabilities and their families.
“Back by popular demand this year is the sensory zone which provides a safe base from where registered participants can explore the whole event or simply relax and enjoy the music and fireworks,” Cr Duncan said.
City of Newcastle is facilitating fundraising for those affected by bushfires and drought, including at the New Year’s Eve event by collecting cash donations for the Red Cross. No savings could be made from cancelling the fireworks display as contracts were signed several months ago and display materials have already been purchased.
Event information
Entertainment kicks off at 5pm with festivities to conclude following the 9pm firework display. For more information, visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au or follow the City of Newcastle on social media.
Entertainment:
5.00 – 5.40pm: RUM JUNGLE
6.00 – 6.40pm: ANTONY & CLEOPATRA
7.00 – 7.40pm: JETSPLAYJETS
8.00 – 9.00pm: YOU AM I
9.00 – FIREWORKS
Family Fun Zone, Market Street Lawn
Work off some energy on the safe and accessible inflatable slides and jumping castles and enjoy the free family-friendly entertainment. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the butterfly dome and admire the fibreoptic trees.
Food Alley, Market Street Lawn and along Wharf Road
Discover the range of mouth-watering treats on offer from a wide range of food vans, located in the New Year’s Eve food alley at either end of the event precinct. From burgers to desserts and everything in between, the vendors will have something to suit every taste.
VIP Sensory Area, west of Queens Wharf
Back by popular demand, Local artist Bliss Cavanagh will once again create a very special VIP Sensory Area to help make the event more accessible, safe and fun for people with disabilities. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity, as spaces are limited! Register now via our online form at www.studiobliss.com/NYE2019 Registrations close by Friday 27th December 2019.
Picture caption: Councillor Carol Duncan, Grant Walmsley and Richard Lara from Jets Play Jets, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Josh Giles and Frazer McDonald from Rum Jungle announced the NYE entertainment today surrounded by giant butterflies created by local artist Bliss Cavanagh.

M4 CHURCH ST OFF RAMP EXTENSIONS COMPLETE

Drivers using the M4 Motorway off ramp at Church Street will be safer and face less congestion when new and extended lanes open ahead of tomorrow morning’s peak.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said the project was a key safety priority following a number of incidents near the eastbound exit to Church Street.
“We fast-tracked delivery of this upgrade before Christmas, which will keep traffic flowing and drivers safe as they exit this busy part of the M4,” Mr Constance said.
“The eastbound left turn lane is nearly 100 metres longer to help reduce traffic queues and improve the efficiency and safety of the off ramp, especially in peak periods.
“The upgrades will allow even more vehicles to pass through the traffic lights each time they turn green, reducing queuing on the Motorway.”
A new right turn only lane for motorists heading towards Woodville and Parramatta Roads has also been installed, further increasing the capacity of the off ramp where thousands of vehicles exit the M4 daily.
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the upgrade work follows a safety review of the M4 Motorway and its surrounds.
“The Government looked closely at data like crash statistics and road user behaviour, which showed completing this work near Parramatta was a key priority,” Mr Lee said.
“Transport for NSW will continue monitoring traffic flow now improvements are in place. We urge all motorists to please drive to the conditions, indicate and slow down on approach to ensure you merge safely and legally onto the extended off ramp.”
A maintenance bay is also being installed on the southern side of the off ramp, to help repair crews respond to any issues on the Motorway. Work will also be carried out to make the road surface smoother, and improve signage and lighting.