New refuge supports Walgett victim-survivors of domestic & family violence

A new refuge – Walgett Women’s Safe House – opens today, providing crisis accommodation and support for women and children fleeing domestic violence in the local area.

With a $4.6 million investment by the government, the complex has been delivered by Maas Constructions and local community Elders will be invited to give each building an Aboriginal name.

There is an urgent need for safe housing in Walgett which has the highest rate of reported domestic violence assault incidents in NSW.

A priority group for this refuge is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children who will have access to culturally appropriate supports and connections within their community.

The NSW Government is working hard to address this crisis of domestic and family violence in the state through our $245.6 million domestic violence package.

The Government is also committed to our Closing the Gap target of reducing family violence and abuse against Aboriginal women and children.

Walgett Women’s Safe House is one of the many initiatives the NSW Government is implementing to respond in a meaningful and sustained way to reduce the high number of Aboriginal women and children impacted by family violence.

This refuge comprises 5 houses and an on-site office where residents will have access to specialist domestic and family violence case worker support.

Mission Australia will manage the safe house and deliver support services to residents, including counselling and legal assistance.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Domestic and family violence is one of the main causes of homelessness in women and children.

“The NSW Government is committed to addressing this issue, with $5.1 billion in our most recent budget to build safe, accessible and affordable housing, with half of them prioritised for people escaping abusive relationships.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“Closing the Gap is a top priority of the NSW Government and strong, local and culturally sensitive services are so important to healing and recovery for women and children who are experiencing domestic and family violence.

“This refuge will boost on-the-ground housing and specialist support services in Walgett and provide vital whole of community care for its residents.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting victim-survivors of domestic violence and ensuring women and children can live safely and freely in their own communities.

“Walgett Women’s Safe House will provide a home for women and children fleeing abusive relationships, and a place where recovery is encouraged and supported, including holistic healing and wraparound support for Aboriginal women and families.”

Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP said:

“Having a safe place to come home to at night is a basic human right. Women in Barwon who are affected by domestic violence currently have a shortage of places where they can take refuge. This safe house at Walgett will provide a much-needed secure refuge for women escaping domestic violence.”

Labor spokesperson for Barwon Stephen Lawrence said:

“The Labor Government has identified the need for this vital service and is taking concrete action.

“The Women’s Safe House Walgett is a crucial addition to supports for women and children escaping domestic violence and an essential service in this regional community.”

Mission Australia Executive Ben Carblis said:

“As people struggle to access affordable housing across the region, refuges and women’s safe houses are vital beacons of safety and security.

“The combination of housing with the provision of onsite wraparound services at the Walgett Women’s Safe House ensures that women and their children can remain connected to their communities while being supported by Mission Australia staff as they start to rebuild their lives.”

New scorecard highlights strengths and opportunities for NSW innovation sector

New analysis of the state’s innovation system shows NSW leads the nation when it comes to harnessing opportunities from new investment, ideas, industries and talent.

The NSW Innovation and Productivity Council’s 2024 Scorecard compares NSW against domestic and international jurisdictions using a range of data sources and metrics to highlight opportunities for the state to perform even better.

The report card shows that NSW outperforms the rest of the nation in new startup and spinout companies arising from universities and research institutes, and tops Canada, Germany and Japan on venture capital investment as a share of Gross State Product (GSP) or Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

While NSW beats other Australian states when it comes to economic and productivity growth the report card finds there is room for NSW to improve productivity growth when it comes to international comparisons.

The scorecard has been released as the NSW Government continues to work on its Innovation Blueprint, which will set a clear framework for the way businesses, universities and government work together.  

View the NSW Innovation and Productivity Council’s 2024 Scorecard Dashboard and accompanying Companion Report.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The ability to innovate across the economy will be crucial to creating the jobs of the future and tackling our biggest challenges, including rebuilding manufacturing in NSW.

“The scorecard shows that NSW is a national and global leader but there’s much more to do to ensure government, industry and communities are working together for maximum impact.

“The NSW Innovation and Productivity Scorecard highlights the strengths of our innovation system but also gives us a good indication of where we should be focussing our efforts to capture new opportunities or improve outcomes.

“We’ll be using this work to strengthen the Innovation Blueprint and putting in place a clear strategic direction for growing and supporting the NSW innovation sector.”

NSW Innovation and Productivity Council Chairman Charlie Taylor said:

“Our latest Innovation and Productivity Scorecard is a comprehensive analysis of NSW’s place in the global innovation context and outlines where we can sharpen our focus to achieve long-term success.

“NSW has a highly educated and skilled workforce underpinned by our world-class universities and researchers.

“We also have a wealth of ambitious startups, supported by strong venture capital, that are developing innovative products and services.

“These ingredients combined with meaningful support for innovators through collaborative and effective programs will optimise NSW innovative capacity based on good evidence ensuring a meaningful relationship between the Government, industry and the innovation ecosystem.”

Investment NSW Deputy Secretary Rebecca McPhee said:

“The NSW innovation system is evolving and government policy is evolving alongside it.

“To continue to mature and take advantage of new opportunities, we need a strong strategy. We’re working across the innovation system on a NSW Innovation Blueprint which draws on the best available evidence, such as the 2024 Scorecard, to chart a clear course forward for our state.”

Forest Alliance: Exit native forest logging

The peak body for NSW native forests has called for Premier Chris Minns to consult with them on a clear strategy to exit native forest logging in this term of Government. The Forest Alliance NSW has informed the Government that they expect to be consulted on the soon to be announced future of forests plan. Their 5 demands include a roadmap for the end of native forest logging, an industry transition plan, and inclusion of forest ecology experts on any formal advisory panel.

Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment Sue Higginson said “The environment and forest movement in NSW is united behind the calls for an urgent end to native forest logging in NSW, and the Forest Alliance has laid out our expectations in this statement,”

“We expect that the Government will be announcing their promised roadmap for forests and forestry in the coming weeks, but we will not accept an industry led process that continues the destruction of native forests. Our forests simply cannot afford for logging to continue past this term of Government,”

“There is a genuine concern that the Minns Labor Government is planning to continue the unprofitable and extinction-driving logging of our public native forests, making them more susceptible to intense fire, while attempting to greenwash the practice – just like the former Coalition Government,”

“The high profile logging of threatened species, including the Greater Glider and Koala, is costing the people of NSW a future that has healthy forests and access to iconic and critical forest dependent species. The Forestry Corporation has proved themselves to be bad faith and untrustworthy custodians of natural heritage, and so-called ‘sustainable’ native forest logging a sick joke that costs us millions of dollars every year,”

“There must be an interim plan for communities to apply for an exemption from logging for critical native forests, to ensure that the Forestry Corporation cannot double down on logging in areas that are the last foothold for biodiversity. The logging within the Great Koala National Park, and forests like the proposed Kiwarrak Flora Reserve show that the rogue Forestry Corporation will not stop their destruction without immediate Government intervention,” Ms Higginson said.

New EV fast chargers come online across Canberra

New electric vehicle (EV) chargers continue to come online across Canberra thanks to funding from the ACT Government.

Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction Shane Rattenbury said the new DC fast chargers are now operational in Calwell, Curtin, Jamison Plaza, Braddon and Hobart Place in the City.

“The new DC fast chargers in these areas brings the total amount of public chargers in the ACT to 170, which means we are well on track in reaching our goal of 180 by 2025,” Minister Rattenbury said.

“It’s exciting to see more fast chargers installed in areas we know have been asking for more infrastructure, and it’s great we’ve been able to see the rollout progress throughout the Territory with more chargers in the north, the south, and the inner city.

“Government funding continues to support the rollout of a mix of DC fast chargers and slower AC chargers. This gives the community flexibility on how they would like to charge their vehicle, whether it’s a quick top-up while heading into the shop or cafe, or a longer stay when they are at work or school.

“We now have an established EV charger network in the ACT, which means government funding can support new chargers that fill gaps in the existing network. More EV chargers will be coming soon in strategic locations across Canberra that are supported by the ACT Government’s Public EV Charging Infrastructure Fund. 

“Transport currently accounts for over 60% of ACT emissions, but more and more Canberrans are making the switch to electric, with the ACT having the highest update of EV ownership in the country.

“We are continuing to support Canberrans making the transition to an electric vehicle through stamp duty exemptions, lower registration, and interest free loans,” said Minister Rattenbury.

The new public chargers are operated by Evie Networks. Seven public chargers received support from ACT Government. Two additional public chargers, one each at Jamison Plaza and Calwell, have been installed with the support of funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). This brings the total number of chargers at the five sites to nine.

Find out more about public charging in the ACT on the Everyday Climate Choices website.

Adrian Salinas, Knowledge Sharing Manager – Transport Portfolio of ARENA:

“The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is supporting the rollout of charging infrastructure under the Driving the Nation Program to support projects that reduce road transport emissions through EV uptake by improving access to advanced EV charging infrastructure.

“Grants are expected to deliver innovative charging solutions for Australians such as those living in apartment blocks and in our remote and regional communities.

“This investment will help ensure Australia’s EV charging infrastructure is accessible and modern, and will inform regulation that will make it easier to install and operate chargers.”

Geoff Brady, Chief Operating Officer of Evie Networks:

“We’re excited to further expand the Evie fast charging network in the ACT thanks to the invaluable support from the ACT Government and ARENA.

This demonstrates our ongoing commitment to making electric vehicle charging convenient, sustainable and widely available.”

Elizabeth O’Neill Journalism Award 2024

I congratulate Hamish MacDonald and Rully Kurniawan, the recipients of the Elizabeth O’Neill Journalism Award for 2024.

Mr MacDonald is a co-host of ABC Radio National Global Roaming program and a Walkley Award winner. Mr Kurniawan is a senior correspondent for CNN Indonesia with over 19 years’ experience in broadcast media.

They have each demonstrated a commitment to furthering their understanding of Indonesia and Australia respectively.

The Award will support Mr MacDonald to spend two weeks in Indonesia and Mr Kurniawan to spend two weeks in Australia. They will engage in specialised programs to deepen their understanding of contemporary issues in each country.

The Award commemorates the distinguished career of Elizabeth O’Neill OAM, who died while serving her country in Indonesia on 7 March 2007. It continues the legacy of Ms O’Neill, who was passionate about fostering mutual understanding of Australia and Indonesia through informed media coverage.

The Award is open to high-achieving journalists from print, radio, television and online media organisations across Australia and Indonesia.

Albanese government unleashes green tape bomb on small business

Labor and the Greens have teamed up to ram through new mandatory disclosure laws which impose an unacceptable compliance burden on the Australian economy.

Treasury analysis confirms these changes impose a $2.3 billion a year compliance cost on Australian businesses. This cost will be passed on to small businesses and is bad for investment, bad for the economy and bad for productivity.

The government motion was supported by Senators David Van, Jacquie Lambie, and David Pocock.

Australia is entrenched in a GDP per capita recession and almost 19,000 businesses have gone insolvent since the government came to power. Now is not the time to add even more red tape and $1.3 million per year, per business to comply.

These new climate reporting requirements also put Australia out of line with international peers. The United States, Canada, Japan, and most of Australia’s trading partners do not require the reporting of Scope 3 emissions.

The Productivity Commission has confirmed to Senate Estimates that this sort of misalignment in regulation will harm investment and make Australian business less competitive.

The inclusion of Scope 3 emissions reporting means big companies will pass risk and costs down their supply chain to their small business customers – this could be a farmer banking with a big company, a café owner in the lobby of a big company, a building supplier fitting out the office of a big company, or a manufacturer buying components from a big company.

At Senate Estimates, ASIC and the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman confirmed that this massive compliance cost will be passed on to small businesses.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said Labor’s relentless attacks on Australian small business must stop.

“This green tape bomb comes on top of Labor’s cuts to small business tax concessions, anti-competitive workplace laws and soaring energy bills.

“The Albanese Labor Government is essentially outsourcing activism to stop programs and industries they don’t like.

“Activists may tell banks to stop lending to farmers who don’t do as they’re told. And a tradie doing office fit outs may have to work out the emissions from their ute and report it to the company they’re doing the fit out for.

“Unlike Labor and the Greens, the Coalition will make it easier to do business and boost productivity by tackling anti-competitive red tape.”

Shadow Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Luke Howarth said the government has given up on reducing red tape.

“In a cost of living and doing business crisis, more red tape is the last thing the Australian economy needs.

Unnecessary regulation ultimately costs small businesses and consumers by raising prices. The former Coalition Government had a strong deregulation agenda which has fallen by the wayside under Labor.”

Minns Government delivering for the Illawarra

The Minns Labor Government continues to deliver for communities in Wollongong and across the Illawarra region.

Significant progress has been made on a range of vital projects since the 2024-25 Budget was handed down in July.

These include the appointment of a main works contractor for the new Shellharbour Hospital and the appointment of a design team to lead the master planning for the upgrades and redevelopment of Wollongong Hospital.

The NSW Building Commissioner has landed in the region to crack down on dodgy builders, with a newly established permanent office servicing the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.

More homes are being delivered in line with meeting the Minns Government’s five-year housing target of 13,900 new dwellings, through its Transport Oriented Development policy which is already accepting Development Applications around Corrimal and Dapto, along with the affordable housing bonus scheme which has attracted strong interest in the region.

And first home buyers in the Illawarra have been beneficiaries of the expanded stamp duty relief program, saving an average of $22,477 across the region.

In the Wollongong LGA alone, 780 first home buyers have saved an average of $22,500 to get a foot on the property ladder since the scheme began in July last year. Across the Illawarra more than 1500 first home buyers have benefited.

The 2024-25 NSW Budget included significant investments in improving essential services and infrastructure in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region, including:

  • $781.9 million for the new Shellharbour Hospital and the new Warrawong Community Health Centre
  • $390 million investment to build a new Mount Ousley Interchange in partnership with the Commonwealth Government
  • $21.9 million Wollongong Hospital package
  • $19.9 million for the construction of the Cleveland Road upgrade
  • $10 million to develop the Illawarra Rail Resilience Plan
  • $5 million for the BlueScope Surplus Land Masterplan, preparing for the creation of a jobs centre for the State within the Illawarra
  • $2 million for the activation plan for the Lake Illawarra foreshore land at Warrawong
  • Ten new public preschools

Three sites in Wollongong will also be among the first in NSW where Homes NSW will trial the use of modular housing to deliver much needed social homes.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring that everyone in NSW has access to world class health care, public education, housing, and essential services.

“Our 2024-25 Budget supported growing regional communities like the Illawarra by investing in hospitals and preschools, bringing more frontline workers to the regions and increasing housing supply.

“These investments are must-haves for the Illawarra region, and we are making progress on delivering them.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“The Minns Labor government is focused on delivering for Wollongong and the Illawarra, for residents of all ages and at all stages of life.

“We’ve already seen great take up of our first home buyers scheme, helping to get more people into homes today as we rezone areas to help deliver more homes for the future.  At the same time we’re cracking down on dodgy builders.

“We’re also looking to the region’s future with the hard work underway to create a great public space on the Lake Illawarra foreshore at King Street and working across government on the planning to make sure that the surplus BlueScope lands deliver the best possible jobs and economic outcome for the region and state.

“Our investments in the region will improve people’s lives with our focus on building better homes, creating more jobs and building better communities.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Tania Brown said:

“Since the election of the Minns Government, I’ve been pleased to develop an even stronger working relationship with the NSW Government.

“It’s very clear to me that Wollongong and its future is high on the priorities of the government.

“I look forward continuing to work with them and provide new leadership for Wollongong’s future.”

Community to have its say on plans to revitalise Narrabri and deliver up to 2,100 new homes

The NSW Government and Narrabri Shire Council are seeking community feedback on the future of Narrabri and how they would like to see the city grow and evolve over the next 20 years.

The draft Narrabri Place Strategy identifies the potential for up to 2,100 homes on flood-free land supported by local amenities in the residential precinct.

This proposal will allow for a rezoning of land for new homes, community facilities, infrastructure and services to revitalise the area.

The proposal also includes rezoning land connected to the inland rail to accommodate new investment and employment opportunities.

It aims to build a vibrant and growing community to stimulate development, encourage population growth and provide new investment opportunities to further support the existing township.

The draft Narrabri Place Strategy will deliver:

  • An Eat Street concept within Narrabri town centre.
  • The Lakeside Village, previously Narrabri West, will leverage off its central location within Narrabri township to improve amenity for residents through new and existing sport, recreation and social infrastructure.
  • A residential precinct to accommodate up to 2,100 new homes in a flood-free area with a mix of detached and medium density housing types, mixed-use village centre, and health and education facilities.
  • Rezoning of the Employment Land and Northern Inland Port precinct to accommodate new economic and social opportunities. This will be facilitated by future projected investment and development demand within Narrabri.
  • Open space and new recreational opportunities as well as enhanced wetland and an active transport network.

The proposal is on exhibition from Friday 23 August and closes Friday 20 September.

For more information and to have your say, visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/narrabri

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“It’s important that we are looking at all opportunities for more well-located homes. Investment and jobs will help to stimulate development, encourage population growth and provide new opportunities for Narrabri.”

“Development within the proposed residential precinct will support the population growth in the Narrabri area over the next 20 years.”

“I encourage the community to have their say on this project.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“I asked the State Government to get involved in a master plan for Narrabri to avoid a cost burden on the Narrabri Shire Council and its ratepayers. I want to thank Minister Scully for responding quickly, with the Narrabri Place Strategy now on display.

“These planning instruments provide for future housing, population, and industry growth. They set the scene for reduced housing pressure in Narrabri and provide more flood-free land for housing.

“These are costly processes, and while the need for housing is undeniable, having the State Government involved has spared significant costs to Narrabri Shire Council and ratepayers.

“Your feedback is crucial. For the master plan to be successful, it should encapsulate the community’s vision and values for the future. The more community input we receive, the better the long-term outcomes for the community will be. Please take the time to share your thoughts.”

$4m Aboriginal Languages boost as new grant round opens

The NSW Government is delivering on its ongoing commitment to revitalise Aboriginal Languages, with the announcement of more than $4 million in grants to fund 74 Aboriginal Language projects across the state.

This new funding builds on the $3.9 million delivered in 2023, double the Coalition Government’s spend in 2022.

The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris announced the funding while visiting one of the grant recipients, First Linguists, in the town of Brewarrina on Thursday.

First Linguists, supported by Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council, will receive a $15,000 grant to develop workshops to revitalise and preserve the Ngemba, Ualarai, Murrawarri and Kimilaroi Languages.

The NSW Government investment, via the Aboriginal Languages Trust (ALT), will empower Aboriginal people and organisations across the state deliver events, initiatives and projects tailored to the needs of their communities.

Aboriginal languages are central to Aboriginal culture and vital to sustaining traditional knowledge.

The growth and strengthening of Aboriginal Languages and Culture is also a key outcome for Closing the Gap, a national commitment to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people. 

NSW remains the only jurisdiction in Australia to enact legislation that recognises the importance of Aboriginal Languages and establishes mechanisms for a focused investment in their revitalisation. 

In 2023/24 the Aboriginal Languages Trust offered six grant programs, including a new Educational Scholarship Program, which aims to contribute to the growth of Aboriginal Languages by supporting individuals to pursue languages training and education.

Among the many projects the grants will support, include:

  • Warren Performing Arts and Language Place Incorporated will record four original songs in the Wayilwan Language and deliver Community Language workshops at Warren in central-west NSW
  • Walhallow Local Aboriginal Land Council near Tamworth will create an animation to tell the Dreamtime story of Yurrandaali, the main totem for Aboriginal people of the Liverpool Plains 
  • Elders will deliver on country language workshops for Aboriginal young people on Bundjalung Land in northern NSW
  • Leeton and District Local Aboriginal Land Council will create four 360-degree interactive videos filmed on country and digitally animated to explore a world using Wiradyuri/Wiradjuri Language in 3D
  • Newara Aboriginal Corporation will employ an Anaiwan Language Project Officer and Facilitator, a role vital to supporting Newara as the primary Language organisation and hub for the Anaiwan community in Armidale
  • Winangakirri Aboriginal Corporation will employ two Language support workers, a contract Linguist and Archivist, to develop Language learning materials for Community use 
  • Blake Cusack will be one of six recipients of the Aboriginal Languages Education Scholarship Program. Blake currently works full time as a Gumbaynggirr language teacher at Gumbaynggirr Giigana Freedom School in Coffs Harbour.

Apply for a NSW Aboriginal Languages Week 2024 grant

Aboriginal organisations and groups in NSW are now invited to apply for grants to hold events and activities celebrating NSW Aboriginal Languages Week 2024 from 20 to 27 October.

Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available for initiatives to celebrate Aboriginal Languages across NSW, including community events, exhibitions, language classes and language workshops.

In its second year, NSW Aboriginal Languages Week aims to celebrate and promote languages with a broad range of stakeholders and audiences through a series of events, programs and promotional activities.

NSW Aboriginal Languages week also recognises the passing of the Aboriginal Languages legislation, which came into law on 24 October 2017.

Applications are open until 6 September 2024. For more information, visit the ALT website, www.alt.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said: 

“Aboriginal communities and organisations are delivering critical work to ensure the first languages of New South Wales are strengthened today, for generations to come.

“Aboriginal languages  are a core aspect of our state’s cultural heritage that must be protected and celebrated.

“It’s pleasing to see the diverse activity happening in this space and to be able to support Aboriginal organisations and people to be change makers.” 

Executive Director, Aboriginal Languages Trust Clare McHugh said:

“Increased engagement by new and returning community organisations demonstrates that funding is leading to a proliferation of activities and programs across NSW that are strengthening Aboriginal languages.

“Each community has their own Language needs and priorities, and their own timeline.

“This year we’re really seeing the positive impact of sustained support for communities, with languages going from strength to strength in numerous regions.

“Other communities seeing that progress have been encouraged to seek funding for the first time, expanding the Trust’s impact.”

First Linguists Director Melissa Kirby said:

“We are very grateful for the NSW Government’s support to allow the Brewarrina community to finally govern their traditional language space.

“The funding enables First Linguists employees to recognise and build the talent in a traditional language speech Pod with the aim to grow more speakers of Ngemba.”

Hunter Joint Organisation awarded $349,000 Waste Solutions Fund Grant

Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils and partners are working collaboratively to better understand and address the barriers to using circular products and solutions in councils.

This project aims to help councils reduce the impact of the materials they consume as an organisation, by working with suppliers and looking at lower impact alternatives. The 10 member councils of the Hunter JO intend to reduce the need for new materials and instead look at innovative ways to re-use and reduce their environmental footprint.

This project continues from phase one which built a strong foundation where all councils of the Hunter region worked together to understand what circular procurement is, and the opportunities that could exist to reduce their material consumption. The funding received from EPA for phase two is critical to assist councils to implement circular practices in their day-to-day business operations.

The funding is part of a second round of grants awarded for the Local Government Waste Solutions Fund (LGWS), that provides support for NSW councils and regional waste groups delivering innovative recycling projects.

The funding was available for new projects aimed at improving the way we reuse and recycle products to minimise waste.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has awarded almost $1.9 million worth of grants in the latest round to help fund 10 projects across 25 local government areas.

The project will run between August 2024 and March 2026.

Round 3 of the LGWS fund is scheduled to open in September 2024.

Individual councils, council groups and regional waste groups in the waste levy paying area are eligible to apply. Individual councils can apply for up to $200,000 in funding, and groups of two or more councils can apply for up to $400,000 in funding.

For more information on Round 2 grantees and how to apply for Round 3 visit: Local Government Waste Solutions Fund (nsw.gov.au)

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:

“This is an exciting, innovative new project that will give councils across the Hunter more tools and processes to help reduce waste and strengthen our circular economy.

“I’d like to thank the Hunter Joint Organisation for their ongoing advocacy and action within our region.

“The Hunter is one of the most beautiful regions in this state. It’s projects like these that will ultimately help preserve that natural beauty for decades to come.”

Chair of the Hunter Joint Organisation and Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore said:

“The combined value for products and services purchased by the ten Hunter JO member councils is in excess of $500 million per year, much of which has significant potential to be circularised in some way.

“That collective buying power has the potential to be used to create local markets for circular products and lower the environmental impacts of material usage by councils in the region.

“By enabling councils and suppliers to better understand each other’s needs, the project aims to identify and address the current barriers to better uptake of circular and sustainable alternatives.

“These barriers are sometimes difficult to solve, but by working collaboratively we can attempt to break down those barriers.”

Mayor of Lake Macquarie, and Chair of the Hunter JO Circular Economy Sub-Committee, Cr Kay Fraser said:

“The success we’re seeing at Soft Landing in Lake Macquarie, where thousands of mattresses each year are dismantled and recycled, demonstrates what can be done when local government joins forces with companies and organisations that have circular economy principles entrenched in their day-to-day operations.

“There is enormous potential to expand this concept through a wide range of applications, whether it’s using recycled glass and rubber in pavement, fly ash in bricks or green waste for compost.

“We must continue to be brave and innovate to minimise waste and maximise the value of the products we buy and use.”