The Morrison Government will invest more than $22 million to deliver practical environmental projects, giving communities new opportunities to protect and care for their local environment.
The Communities Environment Program will provide up to $150,000 to each Federal electorate in 2019-20 for community-led projects that deliver real environmental benefits.
The program builds on the Coalition’s strong record of investing in grassroots environmental action through initiatives such as our $1 billion National Landcare Program and 20 Million Trees.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government was backing community organisations to deliver a range of on-ground projects that conserve and protect Australia’s environment.
“We are harnessing local communities and local knowledge to protect our environment,” the Prime Minister said.
“Locals know best and we will support and encourage projects such as revegetating riverbanks and wetlands, removing weeds from parks and reserves or restoring sand dunes on our coasts.
“If it’s backing local community organisations through this program or investing $3.5 billion in a new Climate Solutions Package to reduce emissions and support renewables, we can only do this because of a strong economy.
“Only the Liberal and Nationals Government can protect the environment without raising taxes.”
Minister for the Environment Melissa Price said the new program would protect the environment.
“From Sydney’s iconic waterways, to the beaches of Perth, to Port Phillip Bay and beyond, we will be supporting local groups to deliver clear and measurable benefits to our environment and our communities,” Minister Price said.
“The environment belongs to us all and Australians want to do their bit to protect and enhance the world around them for future generations.”
The program is modelled on the Government’s successful Stronger Communities program. Each electorate can receive funding for up to 20 projects, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.
The program will fund small-scale projects that deliver outcomes for priorities such as restoring coasts, wetlands, riverbanks and waterways, protecting native animals, reducing waste and litter, and greening local parks and urban areas.
A broad range of organisations will be eligible, including community clubs like Lions Clubs and Rotary Clubs, Indigenous organisations, Landcare groups, schools, and other community and conservation groups.
More information is available: www.environment.gov.au/cep
Taxpayer money wasted on failed water efficiency projects
The ANU scientific report into water efficiency infrastructure is another piece of scathing evidence showing the Murray Darling Basin Plan is failing, the Greens say.
“Billions of dollars that was meant to be spent saving the River has instead been handed to big irrigators and has left the environment in collapse. This report from the ANU is yet more evidence that the Plan to save the river is not working,” Greens environment and water spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“These so-called water efficiency measures have failed. Instead of forking out billions to corporate irrigators for measures that don’t return water to the river, we need to lift the ban on buybacks and place an embargo on corporate cotton growers extracting water from the river.
“There is a huge financial burden on taxpayers for this failure, and a massive environmental cost. As river communities brace for more fish kills, and suffer through drought, the Liberal National Government cannot keep hiding from this dire issue.
“The Greens will continue to push for a federal Royal Commission to get to the bottom of what is going on, and clear out the corruption.
“Economists, lawyers and respected scientists are telling us business as usual is leaving the river for dead. The Liberal National Government is overseeing the destruction of the nation’s most important River system, it must be investigated.”
Greens announce plan to empower young people on day of final Lowering the Voting Age hearing
Australia’s youngest ever Senator, Jordon Steele-john, has today announced the Greens plan to ensure young people are empowered to take part in our democracy, including giving 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote.
Senator Steele-John said the last five years of Coalition Government had sought to silence the voices of young people through systematic funding cuts to youth advocacy bodies and engagement initiatives.
“These important reforms are proof the Australian Greens movement is the only party committed to realising the rights of my generation, and ensuring young people have a voice in politics,” he said.
“Under 35 year olds make up more than 40 per cent of our population yet just over 1 per cent of our Parliament.
“Our society treats 16 and 17 year olds as adults in so many ways yet politics ignores them almost completely. The major parties view the perceived disengagement of young people as politically convenient but what this approach is doing is turning a generation, who cares deeply about the future, away.
“16 and 17 year olds can legally work full-time and pay taxes, own and drive a car contributing to the maintenance of our roads and transport infrastructure, have sex and make medical decisions about their bodies. They can be tried as an adult by our justice system, join our Army, Navy or Air Force, legally sign a tenancy agreement or become part of a political party. Yet they can’t vote.
“Today is the final hearing of a Senate Inquiry looking into my bill to lower the voting age and the response has been overwhelmingly positive from young people, academics and legal and constitutional experts – giving 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote will improve Australian demopcracy!
“The Greens will also reinstate funding for National Youth Week and the National Youth Peak Body, Australian Youth Affairs Coalition, both of which were scrapped by successive Coalition budgets in 2014 and 2015.
“Finally, we would re-establish a Federal Minister for Youth to ensure that issues affecting young people are never again forgotten. Each year, more and more funding is slashed from youth engagement, education and support services without a Minister answerable to those funding cuts.
“It’s clear from the lack of action on climate change, sustained political attacks from those in power on funding for, and access to, our tertiary institutions, and the fact that work has never been more insecure that only the Greens care about creating a future for all of us!”
The Greens’ plan to empower young people:
- Reinstate funding for National Youth Week;
- Reinstate funding for the national youth peak body;
- Establish a Federal Minister for Youth;
- Give 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote; and
- Make each voice count in the political process.
Investigation underway following fatal collision – Upper Hunter
An investigation is underway into a collision between a car and truck near Willow Tree in the Upper Hunter region last night.
About 10.10pm (Monday 4 March 2019), police and emergency services responded to reports of a head-on collision between a fully-laden semi-trailer and a BMW on the New England Highway, Willow Tree.
The semi-trailer has then veered across the road and through a railing before bursting into flames and falling onto its side.
The 49-year-old male truck driver has managed to extricate himself from the cabin before the entire truck was destroyed by fire.
He was treated at the scene before being taken to Quirindi Hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing.
The male driver – and sole occupant of the BMW – died at the scene. He has yet to be formally identified.
Investigators from Oxley Police District believe the collision was a deliberate act by the BMW driver. A report will be prepared for the information of the NSW Coroner.
$750 MILLION FOR ROYAL PRINCE ALFRED HOSPITAL
The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will invest $750 million in the redevelopment of Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, the largest investment in its 137-year history.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the significant investment is only possible due to the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
“RPA is a shining jewel in our health crown, and it is about to get the biggest investment in its 137-year history. This $750 million commitment for the Stage 1 redevelopment of RPA is a game changer for medical staff and patients,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is committed to ensuring RPA continues to deliver world-class patient and family-centred health care. The new facilities at RPA will build on the hospital’s strength of integrating treatment with research and innovation.”
The Stage 1 redevelopment will include expansion of the Emergency and Imaging departments, reconfiguration and expansion of operating theatres and integration of ambulatory care services.
Mr Hazzard said the Liberals & Nationals Government is investing more than $8 billion in health infrastructure over the next four years, and has invested nearly $10 billion since 2011.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has already built or upgraded more than 100 hospitals and other health facilities across the State and now RPA is getting its turn,” Mr Hazzard said.
“This investment will ensure that RPA continues to function as a fully integrated research and education precinct leading Australia with world-class clinical research facilities.
“This huge investment by the NSW Liberals & Nationals in the future of RPA Hospital will ease pressure on staff and enable them to continue delivering world-class care in the future,” Mr Hazzard said.
The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government commenced the transformation of this site with the Professor Marie Bashir Centre opened in 2014, and the $34.6 million staff car park opened in 2018, in addition to its ongoing support of Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.
OPAL PARK AND RIDE TO BE EXPANDED TO 10 MORE COMMUTER CAR PARKS
The highly successful Opal Park and Ride program will be rolled out at 10 more train station commuter car parks giving more public transport customers access to free parking across the rail network.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said planning work to convert 10 carparks to Opal Park and Ride will begin immediately, which will allow commuters travelling with an Opal Card to park for up to 18 hours for free.
“The goal is to make sure commuter carparks are available for those actually using public transport, and not those who might be shopping or working locally,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Opal Park and Ride is already working at 10 locations and today the NSW Government is committing to convert carparks at Kiama, Sutherland, Penrith, Holsworthy, Gosford, Campbelltown, Hornsby, Warwick Farm, Revesby and Jannali.”
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said the program is needed because research showed almost half of people who use commuter car parks at train stations do not catch public transport.
“There is a high demand for commuter car parks and Opal Park and Ride is about ensuring car parks are saved for their intended purpose – for people who are using public transport,” Mr Constance said.
“At the same time this Government is delivering more commuter car parking spaces. We have added more than 6000 spaces with another 6000 in planning or under construction.”
Customers who do not catch public transport within 18 hours from the time of entry will be charged at a daily rate in line with the commercial rates for the local area.
Opal Park and Ride has already been rolled out to Ashfield, Brookvale, Dee Why, Gordon, Kogarah, Manly Vale, Mona Vale, Narrabeen, Seven Hills and Warriewood.
NEW AGRIBUSINESS PRECINCT TO CREATE MORE AEROTROPOLIS JOBS
Having already secured major deals with aerospace, defence and education institutions, the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will now turn its attention to attracting agribusiness to the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
Ten MoUs signed to date will contribute to the creation of 200,000 jobs at the Aerotropolis, with Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announcing that a new agribusiness precinct will contribute 2500 direct jobs and support up to 12,000 more.
“We’ve worked hard to bring unemployment down to a record low of 3.9 per cent and our plans will continue to create more jobs for people across the State. I’m particularly excited about the jobs and opportunities that the airport will create for families and future generations in Western Sydney,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Western Sydney Airport and the precincts we are delivering around the airport will create tens of thousands of jobs over the next decade and support employment across NSW.
“I’m also thrilled that the agribusiness precinct will support farming jobs by enabling even more of our world-class fresh produce to be exported to the world.” The new agribusiness precinct will link directly with the Sydney Markets, which has agreed to have a base at the Western Sydney Aerotropolis. It will see NSW’s worldclass fresh produce be exported to the rest of the world in record time.
The agribusiness precinct will consist of a series of high-tech farming and climate controlled glasshouses that will produce fresh food and handle incoming produce from NSW farms for global export.
For the first time, it will mean that food produced in NSW can be flown from the farm gate to international consumers within 24 hours.
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Western Sydney Airport was creating major opportunities for families and businesses.
“The airport is a game changer for Western Sydney and for NSW. If you are a young family living in Western Sydney, the employment opportunities being created through initiatives like the agribusiness precinct are incredibly exciting,” he said.
At the same time the NSW Government is creating the jobs for the future in the Aerotropolis, it is also making a significant investment to upgrade the road network in the area to support the new industries.
Some $3.6 billion is being invested to duplicate The Northern Road and Bringelly Road, with construction on both projects already well underway. Planning is continuing on the new M12 motorway which will link the M7 and The Northern Road to the Western Sydney Airport.
The NSW Government has also announced today that the Western City and Aerotropolis Authority (WCAA) will be located in Penrith. The WCAA is tasked with planning and leading the development of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
Greens announce Julian Burnside as candidate for Kooyong
Julian Burnside AO QC will stand for the Greens in the electorate of Kooyong at the upcoming federal election, said Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale.
“I’m so excited to be able to announce that Julian Burnside is running as a candidate for the Greens in Kooyong. It’s going to be a tough contest, no question, but we’re in with a real shot now,” said Senator Di Natale.
“This Government has been an absolute disaster and no one personifies their absolute failure to take meaningful action on climate change and refugees like Josh Frydenberg.
“We’re giving Kooyong voters a real choice between Julian Burnside, who’s devoted a lifetime to standing up for the values of decency, generosity and public service and Josh Frydenberg who stands for the interests of his rich donor mates.”
Julian Burnside AO QC said he decided to run because our political system is failing to deal with the big issues of our time.
“I always said I would never enter politics but I feel compelled to throw my hat in the ring because our political system is too broken to deal with the serious issues facing our nation and the globe,” said Burnside.
“The Government has utterly failed to take meaningful action on climate change, the most urgent and important issue of our time, and both the Labor and Liberal parties are in lock step over the inhumane treatment of people seeking asylum.
“Both parties are compromised by their allegiance to their big corporate donors but I commit to listening to advice of scientists and experts and the voice of people in Kooyong.
“I look forward to working with Oliver Yates to show that by denying climate change and human rights, the Liberals no longer represent the people of Kooyong. The old parties are no longer standing up for the best interests of people. The time has come for change, and I look forward to Oliver Yates and I prosecuting our respective visions for a fairer, smarter Australia.
“I’m proud to stand as a candidate for the Greens and it would be a great honour to represent the people of Kooyong. It will be a challenging contest but I’m looking forward to the campaign ahead.”
Pilot unhurt after Hunter Valley plane crash
Police and emergency services are at the scene of a light plane crash at Pokolbin, in NSW Hunter Valley, this afternoon.
The crash occurred on Wine Country Drive around 3.45pm (Monday 4 March 2019).
The male pilot and sole occupant of the plane was not hurt. After speaking with police at the scene, he was taken to John Hunter Hospital for precautionary medical checks.
Inquiries are continuing.
NEW AGRIBUSINESS PRECINCT TO CREATE MORE AEROTROPOLIS JOBS
Having already secured major deals with aerospace, defence and education institutions, the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will now turn its attention to attracting agribusiness to the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
Ten MoUs signed to date will contribute to the creation of 200,000 jobs at the Aerotropolis, with Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announcing that a new agribusiness precinct will contribute 2500 direct jobs and support up to 12,000 more.
“We’ve worked hard to bring unemployment down to a record low of 3.9 per cent and our plans will continue to create more jobs for people across the State. I’m particularly excited about the jobs and opportunities that the airport will create for families and future generations in Western Sydney,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Western Sydney Airport and the precincts we are delivering around the airport will create tens of thousands of jobs over the next decade and support employment across NSW.
“I’m also thrilled that the agribusiness precinct will support farming jobs by enabling even more of our world-class fresh produce to be exported to the world.” The new agribusiness precinct will link directly with the Sydney Markets, which has agreed to have a base at the Western Sydney Aerotropolis. It will see NSW’s worldclass fresh produce be exported to the rest of the world in record time.
The agribusiness precinct will consist of a series of high-tech farming and climate controlled glasshouses that will produce fresh food and handle incoming produce from NSW farms for global export.
For the first time, it will mean that food produced in NSW can be flown from the farm gate to international consumers within 24 hours.
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Western Sydney Airport was creating major opportunities for families and businesses.
“The airport is a game changer for Western Sydney and for NSW. If you are a young family living in Western Sydney, the employment opportunities being created through initiatives like the agribusiness precinct are incredibly exciting,” he said.
At the same time the NSW Government is creating the jobs for the future in the Aerotropolis, it is also making a significant investment to upgrade the road network in the area to support the new industries.
Some $3.6 billion is being invested to duplicate The Northern Road and Bringelly Road, with construction on both projects already well underway. Planning is continuing on the new M12 motorway which will link the M7 and The Northern Road to the Western Sydney Airport.
The NSW Government has also announced today that the Western City and Aerotropolis Authority (WCAA) will be located in Penrith. The WCAA is tasked with planning and leading the development of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.