admin – Page 1490

$184 Million Boost to the NT Economy

Critical infrastructure upgrades that improve connectivity for rural and remote communities in the Northern Territory will be brought forward under a $184 million package.
The projects, which include the Outback Way, the Mango Industry Roads upgrades in Litchfield, and upgrades along the Adelaide River to Wadeye road corridor will provide better and more reliable freight links, and keep drivers safer on the Territory’s roads.
The Liberal and Nationals Government has been working with states and territories to bring forward critical infrastructure projects across Australia to drive jobs, strengthen the economy and get people home sooner and safer.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said delivering critical road projects sooner, as part of a $100 billion pipeline, was a key part of the Government’s plan for a stronger economy.
The Prime Minister said more than $84 million of the new package would be spent in the next 18 months as part of an overall commitment of more than $2.4 billion investment in Territory infrastructure since the 2013 election.
“By bringing funding for these important projects forward, we will drive jobs, boost the Northern Territory economy, reduce travel times and make roads safer,” the Prime Minister said.
“By getting these projects moving, the Territory benefits by getting goods to market more efficiently, improving connectivity and road safety, particularly during severe weather events, in rural and remote communities.
“Delivering critical road and rail projects sooner, as part of our $100 billion infrastructure pipeline, is responsible and considered economic management in partnership with the states and territories – not a knee-jerk reaction.”
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Michael Gunner said the Territory was ready to go with delivery of these important projects.
“We welcome the Australian Government’s recognition of the challenges facing the Northern Territory as it plans investments in infrastructure projects,” Mr Gunner said.
“I am pleased to see an early injection of funding that will help us to deliver important upgrades to roads infrastructure across the Territory. This investment builds on the NT Government’s ongoing construction, tourism and housing stimulus programs.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the package included agreement to move ahead with the delivery of work the Northern Territory Government has indicated is ready to proceed.
“With these measures, the Liberal and Nationals Government has shown it is listening to states and territories and working cooperatively with them to deliver infrastructure projects,” Mr McCormack said.
“The Australian Government is investing heavily in key roads across the Territory that are vital to improved safety and supporting the economy through improved connectivity to the regions and to our markets.
“The Government recognises the need for these key rural roads to receive the upgrades they need to be safer, more efficient transport corridors as soon as possible.”
Northern Territory Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Eva Lawler said she was pleased funding was being brought forward to deliver these projects for Territorians.
“These projects will benefit the Territory’s economy by improving regional freight roads such as the Mango Industry Roads in Litchfield, as well as improving the quality of life for Territorians, including the many Indigenous communities, that live in remote regions of the Northern Territory”, Ms Lawler said.
“We will continue to work with the Australian Government to deliver other nationally significant infrastructure projects to further open up economic development in the Territory.”

PROJECT FUNDING BROUGHT FORWARD:

$91.7 million for upgrades on the Alice Springs to Darwin road corridor, including the Mango Industry Roads upgrades in Litchfield;

- Funding to flow immediately and over the next three years after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.
- The Australian Government contribution to the project is $73.4 million and the Northern Territory Government contribution is $18.35 million ($91.7 million brought forward).

$54.3 million for the Adelaide River to Wadeye road corridor;

- Funding to flow immediately and over the next three years after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.
- The Australian Government contribution to the project is $43.5 million and the Northern Territory Government contribution is $10.8 million ($54.3 million brought forward).

$37.5 million for upgrades on the Outback Way;

- Funding to flow in 2021–22 after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.
- The Australian Government contribution to the project is $30 million and the Northern Territory Government contribution is $7.5 million ($37.5 million brought forward).

Monaro Highway Upgrade Funding Brought Forward

Residents of South Canberra and Tuggeranong will benefit from an acceleration of funding for upgrades to the Monaro Highway.
The $200 million project which is being jointly funded by both governments, includes widening works and targeted safety upgrades to bust congestion along the corridor.
The Liberal and Nationals Government has been working with states and territories to bring forward critical infrastructure projects across Australia to drive jobs, strengthen the economy and get people home sooner and safer.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government’s plan for a stronger economy meant critical road project work could be brought forward as part of the Government’s $100 billion pipeline.
The Prime Minister said fast-tracking $30 million for the Monaro Highway to the 2020-21 financial year would help to expedite upgrades which increase safety, improve freight productivity and boost tourism.
“By bringing funding forward, we can get on with our infrastructure commitments like the Monaro Highway upgrade which will cut travel times and increase road safety while driving more jobs in the ACT,” the Prime Minister said.
“Delivering critical road and rail projects sooner, as part of our $100 billion infrastructure pipeline, is responsible and considered economic management in partnership with the states and territories.”
Acting ACT Chief Minister Yvette Berry said it was important that the Australian Government contribute funding to infrastructure projects that benefit people living in the national capital and wider region. The ACT Government has also agreed to bring forward $15 million of its contribution to allow the first $45 million of major works to commence construction in the 2020-21 financial year.
“The ACT Government has detailed a 10-year, $14 billion Infrastructure Plan to provide services and jobs to our community, and to grow our regional economy,” Minister Berry said.
“We’re focused on maintaining the Capital as a great place to live, work and visit and so this funding from the Australian Government is welcome.
“The ACT Government has agreed to bring forward $15 million of its contribution to allow the first $45 million of major works to commence construction in the 2020-21 financial year and receiving the Australian Government funding sooner will better support planning and expedite construction for the jointly funded project.
“Completing the upgrades between Royalla Drive and Williamsdale Road and upgrades to the Old Cooma Road intersection in time for the 2020 ski season will help keep Canberrans safe on the roads.
“It is fantastic that the upgrades between Royalla Drive and Williamsdale Road, and upgrades to the Old Cooma Road intersection will now be complete in time for the 2020 ski season,” Minister Berry said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Government recognises the need for key rural roads to receive the upgrades they need to be safer, more efficient transport corridors as soon as possible.
“Not only are we bringing forward $30 million for the $200 million Monaro Highway Upgrade, we are also investing in the Barton Highway, Kings Highway and the William Slim Drive Duplication,” Mr McCormack said.
“These upgrades will improve connectivity for freight and commuters, slashing travel times and getting people home sooner and safer.”
ACT Minister for Roads and Active Travel Chris Steel said he was especially pleased that the accelerated federal funding will get the Monaro Highway Upgrade done sooner for Canberrans.
“The upgrades will keep Canberrans moving by removing at grade intersections to improve safety, traffic flow and speed along the Monaro, between Isabella Drive and Hindmarsh Drive,” Minister Steel said.
Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja said he was delighted to see the upgrades moving forward, after campaigning for funding to fix congestion and safety issues on the Monaro since 2016.
“In 2016, I committed $1 million to a scoping study into easing congestion for Canberrans on the Monaro and was thrilled to be able to deliver $100 million last year to carry out the recommendations of the study, a commitment I’m pleased has been matched by the ACT Government,” the Senator said.

PROJECT FUNDING BROUGHT FORWARD:

$30 million for the $200 million Monaro Highway Upgrade project
- Brought forward funding to flow from 2020-21 to expedite construction;
- Total cost of the project is $200 million;
- The Australian Government contribution to the project is $100 million ($30 million brought forward to 2020-21);
- The ACT Government will contribute its first $15 million in 2020-21;
- The ACT Government total contribution to the project is $100 million;

Stockton to see sand before Christmas

City of Newcastle has welcomed the NSW Government’s approval of its application to secure funding to deliver 5,500 tonnes of sand to the southern end of Stockton Beach as a short-term measure.
The work will see sand trucked in south of the Lexie’s Cafe accessway before the Christmas school holidays as the first of a two-stage project.

Additional sand will be deposited north of the accessway, adjacent to the Surf Club, as part of stage two in the New Year, subject to further approvals from the NSW Government.
The initial $350,000 project (funded 50:50 by City of Newcastle and the NSW Government) will restore the beach’s amenity and also allow the City to monitor sand movements along the Stockton Coast.
“I would like to thank our staff at the City who have worked tirelessly on short and medium-term measures of our Coastal Zone Management Plan, from dune stabilisation and sand scraping to beach renourishment, for many years,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“Our staff have worked hard to address immediate risk from recent erosion events and now, with another successful grant application, the NSW Government has agreed to jointly fund a one-off beach nourishment project. These funds will allow City of Newcastle to proceed with the trial restoration of the section of Stockton Beach from the holiday park to Lexie’s Cafe in the short term.
“The project aims to re-instate the amenity of the beach previously enjoyed by locals and visitors this summer. This work is not a preventative measure. A long-term solution to erosion is still required.
“The City continues to work with the community and NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment on long-term solutions, with investigation of multiple options, including offshore sand extraction for more substantive nourishment programs.
“Discussions to date with the Deputy Premier have been very positive. He understands the issue and that a solution similar to how the Gold Coast ensures the sustainability of its beaches is possible under the Minerals Act.
“I thank the Stockton community and particularly the Stockton Liaison Committee for their support and expertise as we secure both a short and long-term solution to coastal erosion.”
The replacement sand will be sourced from a local commercial quarry and require hundreds of truck movements to Stockton Beach.
Due to the presence of heavy machinery required to perform the work, access to parts of the beach will be restricted over coming weeks.

NSW GOVERNMENT WEEKLY UPDATE – 22 NOVEMBER 2019

ASSISTANCE FOR BUSHFIRE DISASTER CLEANUP

The NSW Government is committing up to $25 million to facilitate the cleanup of homes and properties damaged and destroyed by the recent bushfires.
The funding will help pay for the cleanup of hazardous materials including the removal of asbestos-contaminated material released as a result of the fires, concrete slabs and all dangerous debris including destroyed homes and trees.
Waste levy fees for residents disposing of bushfire-generated waste will be waived, saving households thousands of dollars.
The NSW Government will be part of the disaster recovery for the long term and more support will be made available as the extent of the damage becomes clear.

LEVEL TWO WATER RESTRICTIONS FOR GREATER SYDNEY AND THE ILLAWARRA

Sydney, Blue Mountains, and the Illawarra will soon experience Level 2 Water restrictions from 10 December to continue to protect Greater Sydney’s water supply from drought conditions.
Dam levels are currently close to 46% and continue to drop every week.
Under the new restrictions, people will be required to use a bucket or watering can to water their gardens between approved times, cars can only be washed with a bucket or taken to a commercial car wash and topping up of pools and spas is limited to 15 minutes a day with a trigger nozzle.
Fines will apply for breaches of water restrictions – $220 for residential breaches and $550 for businesses.
For up-to-date information, visit lovewater.sydney/restrictions.

REPLACEMENT IDENTITY DOCUMENTS FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED BY BUSHFIRES

People who lose important identity documents in the bushfires can have them replaced for free to help them recover as quickly as possible.
Anyone who has lost paperwork such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate can apply to have them replaced at no cost as a priority.”
The NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages (BDM) can assist people who have lost documents in the fire to quickly re-establish their identity
Customers requiring a new driver’s licence will be issued with an interim licence on the spot allowing them to get back on the road immediately, with the new licence card being delivered 7 to 10 days after the transaction.

BLUEPRINT CHARTS TRILLION DOLLAR FUTURE FOR NSW

The NSW Government has released the NSW 2040 Economic Blueprint, a landmark document designed as a roadmap for continued success.
The Blueprint forecasts NSW will continue to power the nation, with our State economy tripling in size to be worth as much as two trillion dollars by around 2040.
The billions we are pouring in to infrastructure are helping drive the economy and create jobs now, but also positioning the State for ongoing growth.
For more information, visit treasury.nsw.gov.au/nsw-economy/nsw-2040-economic-blueprint.

AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE POWER FOR NSW

Households across NSW are expected to save $40 per year on their electricity bills and the State will have one of the highest reliability targets in the world under the NSW Electricity Strategy.
The Strategy will ensure reliable and affordable electricity supply for the people of NSW, particularly in peak summer periods.

23 METRO TRAINS ON THE WAY FOR SYDNEY’S SOUTHWEST

23 new metro trains will be ordered as part of a contract package to extend and operate Sydney’s first driverless Metro railway beyond Chatswood – into the city and on to Bankstown, delivering a 66 kilometre line by 2024.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance announced the NSW Government has approved Sydney Metro exercising a pre-agreed extension to the existing Northwest Rapid Transit Public Private Partnership contract, which was awarded in 2014.

HISTORIC REFORMS FOR BETTER TRANSPORT

Customers and the community are set to benefit from historic reforms to the NSW Government’s transport agency, which will result in better planning, thinking, and delivery of services now and into the future.
Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) ceased to exist following the passage of the Transport Administration Amendment (RMS Dissolution) Bill 2019 through the NSW Parliament.
The RMS functions will now be transferred into a new, fully integrated Transport for NSW.
With $55.6 billion being invested in transport and roads infrastructure over the next four years, an integrated transport agency that meets the needs of the community is vital.
Changes enabled by the Bill’s passage will strengthen the NSW Government’s focus on delivering integrated transport solutions across the entire state.

PARAMEDIC SAFETY PROMPTS BODY CAMERA TRIAL

Paramedics will be fitted with high-tech body cameras as part of the NSW Government’s $48 million reform package to improve the safety of frontline health staff.
Paramedics from Liverpool, Sydney Ambulance Centre at Eveleigh, and Hamilton in suburban Newcastle will be part of a 12-month voluntary trial.
60 body cameras will be used in the trial by paramedics and if it is successful, more could be rolled out statewide.
The cameras will be another set of eyes for our paramedics and in addition to deterring abuse, there is scope to use them for training purposes further down the line.

REFORMS PROVIDE BETTER PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN

Offenders convicted of certain crimes against children who fail to comply with reporting obligations will be better held to account under reforms that passed NSW Parliament.
Offenders on the Child Protection Register who claim to have a ‘reasonable excuse’ for not complying with their reporting obligations will now have to prove that excuse in court.
The reforms will also improve legal procedures in certain cases for children under the age of 14 who are victims or alleged victims of sexual offences.
The amendments will enable a ‘suitable person’, like a parent or guardian, to consent to the child’s counselling records to become evidence in court.
In the past, these records would have been inadmissible because of sexual assault communications privilege, which protects the relationship between a counsellor and a victim of sexual assault.

QUALITY IS THE STAR IN EARLY CHILDHOOD RATING SYSTEM

A clearer and simpler rating system for early childhood services was announced today, making it easier for parents to understand how their service rates under the National Quality Framework (NQF).
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the change is something both parents and services have been calling for.
“All providers will be required to display their National Quality Standard (NQS) rating in the format of four stars that correlate to their NQS rating level,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Services will display the stars where parents can see them clearly, and will be requested to provide more detailed rating information to parents and families at enrolment from July 1, 2020.
“A fifth star can be obtained through an additional application to Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority.
“We have worked with the sector and families to find a better way for promoting and understanding the quality ratings, and have set aside a further $8 million to support providers to improve the quality of their services, building on the $5 million already invested.
“Ensuring parents and carers understand the rating of their early childhood service is essential for families, and also for maintaining and improving quality.”
Early Childhood Australia CEO Samantha Page said the Quality Ratings Guide will be a great way for families to start a conversation with services.
“Parents should play an active role in communicating with services about all aspects of quality, and the star graphic invites them to learn more about quality improvement,” Ms Page said.
“It also gives services the opportunity to pro-actively engage and focus on quality as an ongoing priority.”
The new four star format will display a service’s NQF rating as:

Exceeding NQS = 4 stars
Meeting NQS = 3 stars
Working towards NQS = 2 stars
Significant Improvement Required = 1 star

For more information on the new Stars system visit the website: https://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-quality

DIGITAL INNOVATION TO TACKLE HOMELESSNESS

A new digital data service will record information relating to rough sleepers in real-time to better facilitate collaboration between service providers for those experiencing homelessness in NSW.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said global tech giant Microsoft has partnered with the NSW Government and the Act to End Street Sleeping Collaboration to bring the project to fruition.
“Every day more than 37,000 people in NSW experience homelessness and this new initiative will provide us with a more accurate understanding of the challenges they face,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“By using technology to collect a range of social and demographic data on rough sleepers, we can improve the way we respond to homelessness.”
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the launch of the initiative comes during the inaugural Connections Week, which aims to create a by-name list of people sleeping rough in Sydney’s CBD.
“The homelessness targets our Government has set require an innovative approach as well as collaboration with our non-government partners,” Mr Ward said.
“By compiling a database of rough sleepers, our assertive outreach teams and NGOs will be able to better collaborate towards a common goal.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the data will be captured using a mobile device and include geolocation technology.
“We are using digital technology to make life easier for some of the most vulnerable people in the community.”
Act to End Street Sleeping Convener Graham West said the aim is to create a vulnerability index of rough sleepers across the state, to determine risk and help prioritise specialist services.
Data collected this week will be used to inform potential expansion of the program across the state.

$15,000 GRANTS TO HELP REBUILD FIRE AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

Primary producers and small businesses impacted by recent fires in the Northern Tablelands, North Coast and Mid North Coast have received welcome relief with the announcement today of $15,000 recovery grants.
Minister for Agriculture and Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall welcomed the announcement, saying it was critical to help farmers get back on their feet.
“Our State’s farmers have already been battling the worst drought on record and recent fires have been an absolute kick in the teeth,” Mr Marshall said.
“Today’s announcement of $15,000 recovery grants for farmers and small businesses impacted by the fires is welcome news, and will help our hard-working farmers get back on their feet.
“This cash will assist farmers to rebuild their businesses and fix the damage caused by these unprecedented fires.
“For many it will mean cash in the pocket to rebuild fences, purchase new equipment and procure feed and fodder.”
The $48.5 million recovery package announced today also includes $18.2 million in funding for targeted community projects as well as mental health support.
“These fires have not only devastated farms and small businesses – they’ve also sent an absolute shockwave through entire communities,” Mr Marshall said.
“That’s why I’m pleased the fire recovery package includes grants for targeted community projects as well as mental health support.
“I encourage farmers and small businesses who have been impacted by the recent fires to get in touch with the NSW Rural Assistance Authority and apply for grant assistance.”
To apply for a recovery grant contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au

HIGHER LEARNING SOARS IN PARRAMATTA

Parramatta’s transformation into a cultural, economic and education precinct is another step closer thanks to the NSW Government’s approval of a new Engineering Innovation Hub in the heart of the CBD.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the new 19-storey education hub will be shared by Western Sydney University and the University of NSW.
“The hub will be used by 1,600 engineering and architecture students and will bring world-leading research and innovation to Sydney’s second CBD,” Mr Stokes said.
“The hub will also create almost 1,000 construction jobs and more than 1,300 full-time ongoing jobs close to the ferry, train station, main bus routes and the future light rail.
“Open space in Parramatta will be improved with new public space in the form of terraces and a ground level plaza that connects Hassall Street to Lancer Barracks.”
Skills and Tertiary Education Minister and Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said education and innovation opportunities are soaring in Parramatta.
“This will be the third high-rise education building approved in the Parramatta CBD, following Western Sydney University’s campus at Parramatta Square and the nearly completed Arthur Phillip High School,” Mr Lee said.
“A shared vision and collaboration is crucial to delivering great results and this innovative partnership between two universities will see Parramatta continue to develop into an economic and knowledge-based powerhouse.”
Construction of the new education facility will continue from the early works approved by Council and is expected to be welcoming students in 2021.

NSW CABINET GOES OUTBACK FOR DROUGHT

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro, along with the entire State Cabinet, today travelled 770km from Sydney into outback NSW to hold a Cabinet meeting in Bourke.
Ms Berejiklian said it is the first time in the State’s history a formal cabinet meeting has been held in Bourke.
“I want to thank the Mayor of Bourke Barry Hollman and the entire community for inviting the NSW Cabinet to the outback, and undertaking the huge task of hosting the NSW government in town for the day,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I know that these communities are suffering through this devastating drought.
“The most critical issue in Bourke right now is of course access to water and so, today we are announcing $2 million in immediate funding for the construction of an additional bore and pipeline in Bourke to increase the towns’ long-term water supply.”
Mr Barilaro said Bourke fortunately fell under a rain cloud earlier this month, receiving 100ml, extending the town’s water supply in the immediate future but more urgent measures are still needed to guarantee the town’s long-term water security.
“Bourke was facing the prospect of running out of water in the near future but fortunately Mother Nature intervened and extended their water supply for six months,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The $2 million in emergency water funding for Bourke, announced by the Premier and I today, is one example of the emergency measures we are undertaking across the state to prevent towns and cities from running out of water.
“Recent rain has brought a green tinge to the region and a pulse down the Darling River but this drought is pushing our country resilience to the edge. I want Ministers to roll up their sleeves and get dust on their boots today to see first-hand what we need to do to keep our regional communities going.
“NSW needs towns like Bourke to grow and to continue to carry on the tradition of strong outback communities contributing to our State’s history and prosperity.”
We have committed close to $3 billion to drought relief and water security since 2017, which includes funding for 60 bores across 23 communities and 14 pipelines, such as that from Wentworth to Broken Hill.

Police release image of vehicle linked to disappearance of teens – Strike Force Arapaima

Detectives investigating the disappearance – and suspected murder – of three Lake Macquarie teenage girls have released an image of a vehicle which is similar to the one they believe may be linked to two of the cases.
In April 2019, Lake Macquarie detectives established Strike Force Arapaima to re-examine the investigation into the unsolved disappearances and suspected murders of Robyn Hickie, Amanda Robinson and Gordana Kotevski.
Robyn Hickie, aged 18, left her home around 7.15pm on Saturday 7 April 1979, and was last seen standing at a bus stop on the Pacific Highway, Belmont North.
A fortnight later, Amanda Robinson, aged 14, was last seen on Saturday 21 April 1979, also near a bus stop on Lake Road, Swansea, after attending a dance at her high school in Gateshead.
About 9pm on Thursday 24 November 1994, Gordana Kotevski, aged 16, was forced into a vehicle on Powell Street, Charlestown, while walking from Charlestown Square Shopping Centre to her aunt’s home on the same road.
Despite extensive investigations at the time, and over the years, none of the girls have been located.
A subsequent Coronial Inquest into their disappearances found that the girls were deceased, most likely as a result of foul play.
As part of ongoing investigations, strike force detectives have identified a vehicle which they believe may be linked to the disappearance and suspected murder of both Robyn Hickie and Amanda Robinson.
They have released an image of a similar vehicle, which is described as a distinct green-coloured, mid-1970s four-door Holden Torana sedan.
Lake Macquarie Police District Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Greg Thomas, said this is a significant new lead in the investigation of these cases.
“We are hoping anyone who was living in the Lake Macquarie region in the late 1970s may have a recollection of this Holden Torana, in particular in the month of April 1979.
“We understand it’s been 40 years since Robyn and Amanda’s disappearances, however, we are seeking assistance from anyone who may even have moved to a different state or who may have some memory of this vehicle to come forward to police – you can remain anonymous through Crime Stoppers if you wish.
“It may seem like small or insignificant information from decades past – but it could help investigators solve these cases,” Det Ch Insp Thomas said.
Investigations under Strike Force Arapaima continue.
Anyone with information about any of these cold cases 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.