Category: Newcastle News

A 9.6-hectare section of the Hexham Wetlands used by the Awabakal people as a place of spiritual connection and ceremony has become the first site in Newcastle officially protected with an Aboriginal Place declaration by the NSW Minister for Heritage.

The elevated outcrop known as Rocky Knob is located on the northern outskirts of the suburb of Fletcher within an area of Burraghihnbihng (Hexham Wetlands) traditionally used as a hunting and gathering place of the Pambalong Clan of the Awabakal people.

Associated with spiritual beliefs that have been passed down through generations, the site is a place of ceremony and ritual used to mark the passing of ancestors and is one of the few undisturbed Aboriginal burial grounds that still exist in NSW.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was important to honour the traditional custodians of the land and their cultural practices by conserving the region’s rich Aboriginal heritage for future generations.

“I am pleased NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin has taken steps to safeguard the cultural significance of this site by declaring it Newcastle’s first official Aboriginal Place,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This will provide it with valuable protection under the National Parks and Wildlife Act and ensure it can continue to be a place where cultural practices and stories can be passed on to future generations of First Nations people.”

The area of Rocky Knob and its surrounds have connections through links in Songlines (cultural pathways) to Mount Sugarloaf, Black Hill Ridge and Doghole Cultural Site in Stockrington. The elevated site has views to and is visible from a number of other culturally significant sites for the Awabakal people including Mount Sugarloaf in the southwest, Black Hill Ridge in the west, Tarro to the north and Newcastle to the southeast.

Any land in NSW that is deemed to have special significance for Aboriginal culture, including public and private land, can be proposed for declaration as an Aboriginal Place, which acts as a process to recognise and legally protect Aboriginal cultural heritage.

The request to list Rocky Knob was made by the NSW Local Land Services.

A scholarship program designed to foster emerging talent within Newcastle’s creative community will culminate in a month-long exhibition of LGBTIQ+ artists at Newcastle Museum.

Curated by Jasmine Fletcher, a non-binary multidisciplinary artist and founder of not-for-profit events organisation Queer and Now, Unabbreviated will showcase 32 LGBTIQ+ creatives from the Hunter and Central Coast, who work across a range of mediums including painting, textile, drawing, print making, mixed media works and written responses.

The exhibition forms part of Jasmine’s 12-month Roost Creative Scholarship, which is designed to enable emerging creatives to explore, refine and connect with established creative professionals in Newcastle.

The scholarship is delivered by not-for-profit creative organisation and co-working space, The Roost, with support from Newcastle Museum, The Business Centre and Imprint Newcastle.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen will help officially open Unabbreviated at a special event on Thursday 7 July and said the exhibition showcases the breadth of talent and diversity within our community.

“City of Newcastle has demonstrated a long held and consistent advocacy for Newcastle as a diverse and inclusive city, and proud activism in support of our LGBTIQ+ community,” Cr Clausen said.

“Hosting this exhibition at Newcastle Museum is another great way to help foster inclusivity and celebrate our diverse community while also highlighting the depth of creative talent in our region.”

Newcastle Museum Director Julie Baird said the exhibition, which will be displayed in the ‘A Newcastle Story’ gallery, has strong links to the Museum’s overarching 2022/23 programming theme of ‘Fluidity’ and would encourage new perspectives on the diversity of identity in our community.

“A Newcastle Story provides a space for Novocastrians and visitors to discover answers to how and why we are a distinct and fascinating community, making it the ideal place to reflect on the importance of identity and inclusiveness,” Ms Baird said.

“It is necessary to acknowledge people who are not afforded the same rights for who they love, how they look or what they believe in. To exist outside the norm is the ultimate rebellion.

“Unabbreviated acknowledges and celebrates creatives that would not usually exhibit together in this context and is a wonderful addition to A Newcastle Story.”

Jasmine said Newcastle lacks permanent spaces for LGBTIQ+ community to connect and believed this exhibition, although temporary, would help foster social connections, visibility and representation, which is invaluable to the wellbeing of people who are a part of this community.

“Unabbreviated showcases sexual and gender diverse people and aims to focus on the creative practice of the individual, it does not attempt to classify or address the queer experience,” Jasmine said.

“By celebrating LGBTIQ+ artists, makers and creators, Unabbreviated creates an opportunity to feature works, share their stories and start important conversations.”

Unabbreviated will open to the public from 6pm on Thursday 7 July and run until 31 July.

Inspirational leader Ronni Kahn will share her passion for sustainability as part of City of Newcastle’s annual Humble Lecture to celebrate Australian Library and Information Week.

The key theme of Library and Information Week ‘Rewrite. Renew. Reimagine.’ highlights that the act of rewriting stories has been an essential part of expanding and varying our point of view, reimagining or re-evaluating the past, and envisioning alternative futures.

Image Credit: Dumbo Feather

Ronni Kahn will deliver a keynote address on her journey to disrupt the status quo, reduce food insecurity and food waste. Attendees will also gain an insight into the circular economy and finding your passion, as well as learn about new sustainable initiatives across Newcastle.

The social entrepreneur founded food rescue charity, OzHarvest and is a passionate advocate, activist and leading voice on the issue of reducing food waste. An Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), Ronni Kahn was named Australian Local Hero of the Year in 2010 and is the subject of a feature film, Food Fighter and recently published memoir, A Repurposed Life. She is always on the lookout for innovative ways to tackle inequality and inspire people all over the world to find their own purpose.

The annual Humble Lecture is a City of Newcastle event established in honour of a young Newcastle Libraries staff member, Jennifer Humble, who passed away from cancer in 2018. Jennie was a passionate information professional concerned about democracy and social justice.

The Lecture will be held at City Hall on Friday 22 July in the lead up to Library and Information Week, which celebrates the work that library and information workers do across Australia and showcases resources and services available to communities through programs and events from 25 – 31 July 2022.

Tickets to the event are free and bookings are essential by clicking here.

Community members are encouraged to reengage with local libraries by pondering stories and reimagining a new vision during Library and Information Week.

A survey seeking community feedback on proposed changes to timed parking at New Lambton’s Blackbutt Village launched today as part of a $3.7 million upgrade of the popular local centre.

Traffic and Transport Manager Ryan Tranter said that improving the management of parking has been a focal point of discussions with businesses and residents.

“When we spoke to the community during the development of this upgrade we heard concerns about pedestrian safety and connectivity, and also the importance of available of short-term parking for people visiting the shops and local services,” Mr Tranter said.

“We understand that it is important for the New Lambton community to be able to support small local businesses, and that parking is a key consideration when choosing where to shop.”

The online survey is seeking community views on a range of free, timed parking options encouraged to boost the availability of spaces close to the shops. Proposed restrictions will reduce all day parking in the area and promote active turn-over of spaces to improve access to the precinct.

The options were developed in consultation with local businesses at a workshop held earlier this year.

The Local Centre upgrade commenced in March, beginning with construction of a new footpath along Freyberg Street connecting Orchardtown Road and Richley Reserve, and the planting of over 30 street trees. Similar improvements are currently being delivered in Dunkley Avenue, and construction of upgrades to stormwater infrastructure and road surfaces in the western car park will also commence soon.

Construction is scheduled for overall completion in early 2024. The upgrade has been supported with a $591,677 grant from the NSW Government under Round Seven of the Resources for Regions program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said Resources for Regions has delivered 242 projects worth $420 million for mining communities in the last 10 years.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting regional mining towns that supply our state with these precious resources, that’s why we’re topping up the Resources for Regions fund in the 2022-23 Budget,” Mr Toole said.

The project is being delivered as part of City of Newcastle’s Local Centres program and follows similar upgrades at Carrington, Beresfield, Joslin Street in Kotara, Llewellyn Street in Merewether, James Street Plaza in Hamilton, and upgrades currently under construction in Stockton and Shortland.

Visit our Have Your Say page to complete the survey.

Part of Hexham Swamp near Fletcher, Rocky Knob has been declared as an Aboriginal Place in recognition of its importance to the Pambalong Clan of the Awabakal nation.

Heritage NSW’s Executive Director, Sam Kidman, said Rocky Knob and the surrounding Hexham Wetlands are a significant cultural area for the Aboriginal people of the Hunter Region.

“Rocky Knob is known to the local Aboriginal people as a place for burial ceremonies and to pay respect to those who passed into the next life. It also represents the adaptability and resilience of the Aboriginal people of the Hunter region”, said Mr Kidman.

Rocky Knob is an elevated site of about 360 metres square sitting above the Hexham Swamp. The elevated position of the site provides views to all directions including to the Watagan Ranges.

Rocky Knob is connected through songlines to other cultural sites in the area, including Mount Sugarloaf, Black Hill Ridge and the Doghole Cultural Site in Stockrington.

“Rocky Knob is considered by the Awabakal peoples as a significant spiritual and sacred area,” said Ms Kerrie Brauer on behalf of the Awabakal Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and the Awabakal Descendants Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.

“The continual protection of Rocky Knob is so vitally important to our People, and the Aboriginal objects collected within close proximity are physical reminders left by our Ancestors which provide us as Descendants of the Awabakal People, an opportunity to make a physical connection through time with our Ancestors’, said Ms Brauer.

“Rocky Knob is an iconic landform and significant place within the landscape to the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council and wider Aboriginal community. It is known for its spiritual, cultural, and aesthetic values,” said Peter Townsend on behalf of the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Artefacts and burials found on and around Rocky Knob have the potential to contribute to our understanding of Aboriginal cultural practices in the Hunter Region and to NSW Aboriginal culture and history.

Further information can be found on the Heritage NSW website at heritage.nsw.gov.au

A new film that tells the story of how the local Indigenous language was recorded and preserved in Newcastle 200 years ago will premiere on Sunday as part of Newcastle’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Biraban and Threlkeld: Finding the Third Space was created by local filmmakers Stories of Our Town with support from a City of Newcastle community grant, to tell the story of how missionary Reverend Threlkeld and local Indigenous figure Biraban worked together to preserve the local Aboriginal language.

The film will be premiered at Newcastle Civic Theatre on the first day of NAIDOC Week celebrations, which run from 3 – 10 July across Australia, with this year’s theme‘Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! ‘, promoting the importance of systemic change.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the film screening is among a number of events on offer throughout NAIDOC Week that celebrate the stories and rich history of the oldest continuous living culture on Earth.

“NAIDOC Week is an extremely important time of year and an opportunity for our community to acknowledge that the story of Australia began far before European settlement, while recognising that First Nations peoples have occupied and cared for our land for over 65,000 years,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This year the theme for NAIDOC Week is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up, in support of systematic change to keep rallying for our Indigenous communities. Biraban and Threlkeld: Finding the Third Space, reflects this theme by telling the story of two men, one Aboriginal and one European, who stood up for the local language through their unique connection.

“I encourage our community to celebrate our Indigenous culture this NAIDOC Week and take advantage of the free events on offer throughout the city.”

Biraban and Threlkeld: Finding the Third Space will screen at The Civic Theatre and will be followed by a Q&A session hosted by Councillor Carol Duncan, founder of the Lost Newcastle website.

A second film, Wash My Soul in the River’s Flow, which celebrates the creative lives of First Nations people and is a cinematic reinvention of the legendary Kura Tungar – Songs from the River concert, will screen at the Civic Theatre on Sunday 9 July. Both film screenings are free and bookings can be made online at civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

To celebrate NAIDOC Week, Newcastle Art Gallery and Newcastle Libraries will host free interactive Torres Strait Islander storytelling and art workshops for children and families led by local Torres Strait Islander artist Toby Cedar on 2 and 3 July. The drop-in workshops will be held at Newcastle City and Lambton Libraries and further information can be found online at nag.org.au

Awabakal is marking NAIDOC Week on Friday 15 July with a Family Fun Day, commencing with a flag raising in Civic Park at 9am followed by a march to Foreshore Park where family friendly celebrations featuring performances from dancers, the Quokkas, the Cooee Project and Mitch Tambo will commence at 10am.

City of Newcastle has also supported the Cooee Project, a professional creative and cultural mentoring program for local First Nations young people, with sessions held throughout June, culminating in a performance at the Newcastle NAIDOC Family Fun Day.

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia annually in the first week of July to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is predicting hazardous surf conditions and strong winds for Newcastle’s coastline between Sunday 3 July and Monday 4 July, with elevated swells again on Tuesday 4 July.

Moderate to heavy rain is forecast throughout the weekend, with the higher totals being realised late Sunday and early Monday.

City of Newcastle is monitoring its facilities and assets along Newcastle’s coastline including areas in Stockton which may be impacted by coastal erosion. The conditions are expected to present challenging conditions for north Stockton emergency structures, dunes and accessways, and potentially cause road inundation.

Newcastle’s southern beaches may also be at risk, particularly in locations which are in an eroded state from the severe storms in April.

This system will coincide with the start of the school holidays and an increase in road traffic. The community is encouraged to stay safe and follow the direction of signage and abide by beach and road closures.

Following the weekend’s swell event and when safe, the City will inspect all beaches and undertake any repairs required prior to opening any effected beaches.

To keep up to date with the weather, visit bom.gov.au

An innovative app developed by City of Newcastle (CN) as part of its $5.5 million COVID-19 Community Economic Resilience Package (CERP), generated more than 68,000 acts of kindness and injected more than $390,000 into local businesses to get them back on their feet.

The app, which ceases today, was developed to combat the economic and social impacts of the pandemic.

More than 8,500 registered users downloaded the Lean In Newy app since it was launched in June 2020. Users participated in over 68,000 wellbeing-focused challenges via the app, which resulted in a wide range of community-based outcomes including over 150 blood donations, around 850 donations to charity and more than 5200 volunteer hours.

Every challenge earnt the user points to be redeemed through vouchers and discounts at 185 local businesses and charities. CN fully reimbursed participating businesses for more than 4800 vouchers redeemed for rewards offered through the app.

The initiative successfully connected local businesses and charitable organisations seeking support with people that genuinely wanted to help during height of the COVID-19-induced downturn, providing a platform to engage and propel people’s behaviours.

Charitable organisations like OzHarvest registered with Lean In Newy to seek more volunteers, with the extra help allowing them to meet the increased demand from people experiencing food insecurity during the economic downturn, while local business owners reported an increase in sales as a result of participating as a reward partner.

City of Newcastle invested $95,000 in rebate funding via the Lean In Newy app as part of its CERP, which led to more than $390,000 of direct stimulus invested back into local businesses, returning four times the initial investment.

In addition to the Lean in Newy app, City of Newcastle’s CERP delivered a range of financial relief, business and community support programs including rapid response grants aimed at supporting our vulnerable and emerging at-risk community members, online business training and mentoring programs, as well as economic development and community grants.

The CERP was formally acknowledged as the best response from a local government anywhere in NSW, with a second phase of support worth $2.5 million rolled out in 2021.

With communities continuing to move beyond the recovery phase from COVID-19, the support provided by the Lean In Newy app has been concluded, with thanks given to all those who participated.

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 28 June 2022. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Defend abortion rights rally

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that condemns the recent decision of the United States Supreme Court overruling previously held decisions that the United States Constitution confers a right to an abortion and supports the planned Defend Abortion Rights Rally from 5.30pm on Thursday 30 June at Newcastle Museum and concluding at Nobbys Beach Reserve.

Unfair grant program exclusion

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported unanimously that called on Council to write to the Minister for Local Government, Wendy Tuckerman MP advising of the inequity of inconsistent State Government classification, which makes City of Newcastle ineligible for many grant programs. Council will request the Minister’s assistance in resolving the issue as a matter of urgency.

25th anniversary of the Newcastle Declaration

A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was supported unanimously that noted 5 June 2022 marked the 25th anniversary of the Newcastle Declaration and acknowledged City of Newcastle’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and equitable communities. The LMM reaffirmed City of Newcastle’s commitment to the objectives of the original Declaration and the continued pursuit for an environmentally sustainable future.

Ordinary business

Public Art Reference Group (PARG) Annual Report

Council received the 2020/21 Annual Report of the Public Art Reference Group. The group acts as an Advisory Committee to the City of Newcastle on public art and met six times in 2021, with a focus on public art associated with development applications and community mural and artwork in the private domain.

Adoption of Code of Meeting Practice

Council voted to adopt the Code of Meeting Practice, noting the submissions received in response to its public exhibition. Cr McCabe will lead engagement and consultation with all interested parties regarding proposed changes to the preamble and prayer, and report back to the Community and Culture Advisory Committee.

Asset Advisory Committee Charter

Council voted to adopt the Asset Advisory Committee Charter, which had been revised to better reflect the intent and objectives of the Committee, as well as revisions for current organisational structure and terminology. The Committee was established to investigate, consider, and provide advice on strategic property asset issues.

Interest on overdue rates and charges for 2022/23

Council voted to adopt the rate of 6.0% per annum on interest on overdue rates and charges for the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023.

Making of the rate – Hunter Catchment Contribution and commission for 2022/23

Council voted to continue the making, levying and collection of the Hunter Catchment Contribution on behalf of Hunter Local Land Services, and adopt the rate of commission payable to CN as 5% of the Hunter Catchment Contributions collected, as determined by Hunter Local Land Services.

Adoption of Delivering Newcastle 2040 and Resourcing Newcastle 2040

Council voted to adopt the 2022-2023 Delivering Newcastle 2040, 2022-2023 Fees and Charges, and Resourcing Newcastle 2040.

Making of the Rate and Charges for 2022/23

Council voted to make the Rates and Charges for the period 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023 in accordance with the provisions of sections 532 – 535 of the Local Government Act 1993.

Executive monthly performance report

Council received the executive monthly performance report for May 2022.

Notices of Motion

25 years’ anniversary of NSW apology to the Stolen Generation

Council supported a notice of motion that acknowledged the 25^th anniversary of Premier Bob Carr MP’s apology to the Stolen Generation and apologised for the intergenerational trauma, hurt, abuse and injustices suffered by Aboriginal children and their families, because of those government policies. The motion also recognised the hard work and dedication of the Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee, and the contribution by the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to the City of Newcastle, and reaffirmed City of Newcastle’s commitment to truth-telling and reconciliation, noting the City’s unanimous support for the campaign for a referendum for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition through a Voice to Parliament.

Playground replacement program 2022/23

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that noted the ongoing success of CN’s Playground Replacement Program, and confirmed the following five playgrounds would be upgraded in 2022/23 – Waratah Park, Waratah, Harold Myers Park, Birmingham Gardens, Vera Wilson Park, Beresfield, Highland County, Fletcher and Avon Street Reserve at Mayfield. CN will also continue to work collaboratively with the users of Stevenson Park, Mayfield, to deliver the improvements detailed in the Stevenson Park Masterplan.

Curbing illegal dumping driven by insecure housing

Council supported a notice of motion that notes that insecure housing can be a significant driver of illegal dumping, and advocate to the NSW State Government to amend the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 to address housing insecurity and ensure that the cost of eviction is not borne by those who can least afford it. Council will also request that City of Newcastle’s Affordable Housing Working Party consider Council’s response to the issue of illegal dumping resulting from insecure housing, including in multi-unit dwellings.

15 years since Wallsend flooding event

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion that acknowledged the 15-year anniversary of the 2007 flood event that inundated the CBD of Wallsend, noted the steps taken by City of Newcastle to prepare for and mitigate future flood events and reaffirmed Council’s commitment to delivering flood mitigation works and work with key stakeholders to take appropriate actions to help reduce the impact of future flood events. CN will write to NSW Government and Opposition seeking funding for Hunter Water Corporation to widen the Ironbark Creek stormwater channel in Wallsend.

Mega-watt scale battery installation

Council unanimously supported a notice to motion to consider and investigate opportunities for a mega-watt scale energy storage system in the development of the City of Newcastle Fleet Transition Plan and City of Newcastle Waste Strategy.

International campaign to abolish nuclear weapons

Council supported an amended notice to motion to write to the Prime Minister and relevant Minister to urge them to urgently progress the signing and ratification on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Council will also write to Minister for Defence and Minister for Defence Industry to express City of Newcastle’s opposition to a nuclear submarine base in the Port of Newcastle.

Update on city-wide climate action pathway

Council supported a notice to motion to request a briefing from the SDG Hunter Region Taskforce on progress to date on developing a city-wide pathway and timetable to carbon neutrality by no later than 2040 in line with Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2021-25 and in conjunction with business, the public sector and the community. The briefing should also recommend measures to progress economic diversification as fossil fuel industries become less reliable within the LGA and more broadly across the Hunter.

A historic Budget that balances record infrastructure spending with long-term financial sustainability, as well as a return to surplus has been approved by City of Newcastle’s elected Council and follows widespread community support expressed during community engagement.

Council voted last night to adopt the $424 million Budget, paving the way for a record $132 million infrastructure spend on projects including the long-awaited expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery, the much-needed revitalisation of the Newcastle Ocean Baths, the construction of two major recycling facilities and a record spend on new cycleways.

The Budget forecasts a modest surplus of $1.3 million, which will see City of Newcastle (CN) deliver a balanced budget for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on the economy.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the largest works program in CN’s history will play an important role in delivering on the community’s vision of Newcastle as a liveable, sustainable, inclusive global city.

“City of Newcastle’s 2022/23 Budget received an overwhelming endorsement from the community during the public exhibition period with its focus on delivering everyday benefits for residents, as well as major city-shaping projects that will leave a legacy for future generations to enjoy,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We’re investing in infrastructure where it matters most to our community, with $16 million for upgrades to local roads, bridges and footpaths, $5.9 million on stormwater upgrades to address flooding to property and businesses and $4.4 million for improving Newcastle’s cycleway network, as well as $15.3 million for new and improved parks, playgrounds, sporting and aquatic facilities including $5.8 million towards the rehabilitation of the pool and lower promenade at Newcastle Ocean Baths.

“A significant investment is being made to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and increase recycling, with $9.4 million to begin construction of a fully-enclosed organics processing facility and $5 million towards planning a new material recovery facility for plastics, paper, cardboard, glass and metals collected from kerbside recycling bins.

“We’ll also continue to invest in environmental sustainability with $8.2 million for a range of projects including planting 2,000 street trees and $2 million towards further rehabilitation of Ironbark Creek.

“Our Budget is a commitment to investing in projects that are fundamental to improving the way we work and live, as well as ensuring we continue to be an attractive destination for visitors and businesses.”

Other Budget highlights include:

• $18.6 million towards protecting the RAMSAR-listed Hunter Wetlands by remediating and improving environmental management of the former Astra Street landfill site in Shortland
• $17.4 million to kick off construction of the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion
• $6.7 million towards urban and city centre revitalisation, including Hunter Street Mall works and the Local Centres program with upgrades underway in New Lambton, Stockton and Shortland and planning underway for future works at Georgetown and Waratah
• $4 million to enhance economic development, tourism, smart city initiatives and improve customer experience
• $2.1 million for community infrastructure and amenities (public toilets, community buildings and caravan parks)
• $1.3 million to continue implementing available actions from the Stockton Coastal Management Plan while a pathway to mass sand nourishment is determined by the NSW Government.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said while COVID-19 had caused enormous financial challenges, prudent financial management will allow CN to return to a surplus budget of $1.3 million.

“City of Newcastle is forecasting a positive net operating result in 2022-2023, which is an indicator of the underlying financial strength of our organisation,” Mr Bath said.

“Ratepayers will be spared the full force of recent inflation with rates to rise by just 2.5 per cent as decided by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), with the average ratepayer seeing their rates increase by $10 per quarter.

“The Budget also continues our commitment to stimulating the local economy, with independent modelling showing our record infrastructure program will create up to 740 new jobs while providing the local economy with a $325 million boost.”