NSW Planning approval gives Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 the green light

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 is moving ahead, with planning approval granted for the game-changing megaproject for Western Sydney.

It comes after the NSW Labor Government invested $200 million in the 2023-24 NSW Budget to expedite the project’s planning processes so construction can begin this term of Parliament.

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will connect Parramatta CBD to Sydney Olympic Park via the growing communities of Camellia, Rydalmere, Ermington, Melrose Park and Wentworth Point.

The 10-kilometre extension will include 14 new light rail stops that will provide residents with a long-awaited public transport link and unlock future housing growth.

The approved light rail corridor includes alignment changes around Rydalmere that will make connections to the Rydalmere Ferry Wharf easier and improve travel times.

Passengers will be able to travel from Sydney Olympic Park to Camellia in around 30 minutes, and on to the Parramatta CBD in another 7 minutes.

Construction will be phased, with initial work to begin later this year on a new 320-metre public and active transport bridge over Parramatta River, between Melrose Park and Wentworth Point.

Procurement to deliver the $602.4 million bridge is underway, with the initial contract for enabling works expected to be awarded later this year. This is the first stage in delivering Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2, with main construction work on the bridge expected to start in 2025.

The bridge will connect the growing communities of Melrose Park and Wentworth Point, located north and south of the river. It will be the first significant bridge crossing over Parramatta River since the completion of the southbound Ryde Bridge in 1987 – nearly 40 years ago.

Enabling works on the bridge are subject to approval by the Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, and the NSW Government looks forward to a positive outcome of this process in the coming months.

Find out more about the Parramatta Light Rail project

Find out more about the Determination and Conditions of Approval 

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will be part of Parramatta’s first tram network in over 80 years. Tram testing is currently underway on Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 between Carlingford and Westmead via the Parramatta CBD.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“This is a major step forward for the city-shaping Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 project, meaning our growing communities in Western Sydney will be more connected than ever before.

“With around half of local residents and a third of local employees projected to live and work across the project corridor, this new track will serve a population of close to 280,000 by 2041.

“Stage 2 will directly link residents in Parramatta to the Sydney Olympic Park precinct and give communities like Wentworth Point the public transport they’ve been promised.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“It’s great news that the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 project has been given the green light. Density in our cities is only possible if we can provide the supporting infrastructure, and that includes transport.

“The previous government announced and re-announced this project 17 times, we’re getting on with it.

“People bought in growing communities in the centre of our city on the promise of future public transport links. The previous government couldn’t deliver on that promise, we will.

“The NSW Government will continue to work closely with its partners and stakeholders so that the Conditions of Approval are met for the ongoing delivery of this vital megaproject.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis MP said:

“I am thrilled the NSW Government has reached this milestone in the planning of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2.

“I will continue to work with residents, businesses, and local groups to ensure vital transport links this one are delivered for our community.

“Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will connect communities on both banks of the Parramatta River directly to the Parramatta CBD. This will be a real game changer for the way people move around our city and I can’t wait to see work begin.”

NSW Blue Gropers deserve better

The NSW Opposition welcomes additional protections the Government has announced for our State fish, the blue groper.
 
Since 11 January the Opposition has been calling on the Minns Labor Government to invest in greater education campaigns, to improve signage where spearfishing is occurring and to review penalties to ensure they’re a sufficient deterrent.
 
“We welcome the increased penalties for fishing blue gropers announced by the Government this morning,” Mr Speakman said. “However, the announced measures are incomplete.
 
“Banning line fishing will do nothing to stop the main problem – spearfishers illegally targeting gropers and being slapped with pathetic fines.
 
“While the Government has announced increased maximum penalties, it has failed:
·           to explain why it has not reviewed the inadequate $800 fine imposed on the illegal spearfisher who killed Gus the Groper in Cronulla;
·           to explain what education activities it will carry out; or
·           to commit to improved signage especially around known spearfishing spots.”
 
“My local community in Cronulla was outraged by the illegal spearfishing of the iconic Gus the Groper. They want our waterways to be a safe home for these ‘Labradors of the sea’.”
 
Shadow Minister for Environment Kellie Sloane said there have been numerous blue gropers killed across the NSW coastline in the past few months.
 
“While most fishers do the right thing, there needs to be better measures in place to protect these wonderful animals,” said Ms Sloane.
 
“The Minns Labor Government needs to explain what its proposed education campaign will involve and ensure improved signage so people are properly informed about these iconic fish and the new protections they enjoy.”

What is the Navy Hiding?

At 11pm on 28 July last year an Australian Defence Force MRH-90 Taipan Helicopter crashed into waters around the Whitsunday islands.

The Royal Australian Navy had six ships in the area including two helicopter-capable ones, HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Choules.

Instead of being ordered to turn around the ships continued to sail in the opposite direction, away from the search and rescue operation, out to sea for at least eight hours after the crash.

What was the mission that was so important? Two helicopter-capable ships out of the navy’s total six in the area needed to be sent to instead of turning around and helping with what at the time was a search and rescue for four air crew still assumed to be alive?

Well, the ships had a photo shoot to attend with partner allies.

Instead of helping with the search and rescue, they were hundreds of kilometres off the coast to take some promotional pictures.

There may well be valid reasons why the photo shoot wasn’t cancelled, and the ships turned around. It was early in the operation, maybe there were too many assets already in the search area, but it’s what Defence did next that’s the issue.

They tried to cover up that the photoshoot ever happened, rather than admitting they sent two of their six ships in the area further out to sea.

These images were initially posted to images.defence.gov.au, but at some point, someone ordered them to be scrubbed from the site completely. There are zero photos of the photo shoot from July 29 available.

Senator Malcolm Roberts asked questions about all of the ships at Senate Estimates, including seeking details of exactly when each ship was tasked to the search and rescue operation.

Defence refused to answer, likely because they were too embarrassed to admit they did not task Adelaide and Choules to the search and rescue operation and it would reveal they were off on a photo shoot instead.

In Senate Estimates last week, the Chief of Defence Force, General Campbell, was evasive again, claiming he didn’t have further details about the unanswered questions from October.

That was until he was confronted with a picture from the photo shoot that the United States Navy had shared, with HMAS Adelaide pride of place in the front row. Defence scrubbed all their photos from the website but obviously forgot to send the memo to the US.

It is a worrying sign that the chief of our defence force is evading questions. Australia is built on a core democratic principle; that civilians are in control of the armed forces. The point at which the armed forces become a law unto themselves is the point at which our democracy will perish.

This defence force chief is too embarrassed to own up to the fact they had ships on a photoshoot. Instead of helping with the search and rescue, the admirals and generals at the top of Defence tried to cover it up. Either they come clean, answer parliament’s questions, or they go.

Motorcyclist dies, two injured following crash – Cessnock

A motorcyclist has died and two others were injured following a crash in Cessnock on the Hunter Expressway today.

Emergency services were called to a location just past Hart Road at Loxford, about 9.15am (Friday 23 February 2024), after reports three motorcyclists traveling northbound had crashed.

One of the riders died at the scene. He has not been formally identified.

Two other riders, also males, were injured and treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being transported by road to John Hunter Hospital.

Their injuries are not considered life-threatening.

A crime scene has been established to determine the circumstances behind the crash.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Traffic diversions are in place and motorists are urged to check www.livetraffic.com for the latest information.

CEOS COME AND GO, GROCERY MARKET DOMINANCE REMAINS

The upcoming departure of Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci will change nothing while the supermarket duopoly retains its market dominance and current pricing practices,  the Greens say.

“It is appropriate that Mr Banducci is leaving, however that will by no means solve the problems in the food and grocery sector” Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim, who is chairing the Senate Select Inquiry into Supermarket Pricing, said.

“CEOs come and go, but the supermarket duopoly will continue to ruthlessly use their market dominance unless forced to change.”

“Farmers, workers and shoppers are going to keep getting smashed regardless of who wears the CEO badge.”

“It is price gouging, corporate power and market dominance that are the real problems, and that is exactly what the Senate inquiry will focus on.”

GREENS WILL MOVE AMENDMENT TO RETAIN S11 OF RBA ACT

The Greens will move an amendment in Parliament to retain s11 of the RBA Act which gives the Treasurer the power to override Reserve Bank decisions.

“As the Reserve Bank was smashing renters and mortgage holders with interest rate rises, Jim Chalmers was working on a scheme to remove his own power to intervene, “ Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“Dr Chalmers wants to throw renters, first home buyers and mortgage holders under the bus by getting rid of his powers to set interest rates.” 

“His attempt to wash his hands of responsibility for interest rate rises is looking increasingly friendless and self interested.”

“Not one of the 78 public submissions to the Review of the RBA recommended removing section 11 and yet bizarrely it seems to be Dr Chalmers’ top priority.”

“The Greens will move an amendment in Parliament to ensure that this power is retained.”

“We now have three current and former RBA Governors who say that the bank is independent enough.”

“We also have Dr Chalmers’ hero Paul Keating, and former Liberal Treasurer Peter Costello who are against this move.”

“It seems that the only person who wants this change is Dr Chalmers himself.”

New cafe on the horizon as part of Newcastle Art Gallery expansion

Interest is being sought from potential operators of a one-of-a-kind cafe to be located at the reimagined Newcastle Art Gallery.

An expression of interest process, managed by Commercial Collective on behalf of City of Newcastle, kicked off this week.

The expansion will more than double the Gallery’s size, providing a fitting home to one of Australia’s most significant public collections of art, worth more than $126 million.

Alongside the expanded exhibition and education areas, the Gallery will feature a striking cafe space on the northeast corner of the building, with full height glass windows making the most of its unique position overlooking Laman Street and Civic Park.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the expression of interest was an important step towards creating a unique and high-quality destination for the Newcastle community and visitors.

“The expanded Newcastle Art Gallery will provide a significant cultural tourism opportunity for NSW, which is expected to attract 150,000 visitors per year,” Cr Nelmes said.

“In conjunction with the expanded exhibition space, the project will deliver, for the first time in the Gallery’s history, a permanent cafe that will complement and enhance the experience for visitors of this landmark cultural facilities, while also creating a hospitality destination in its own right.”

More information about the Expression of Interest is available via Commercial Collective.

The expansion project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.

Bus taskforce report: 204 page press release and no funding for recommendations

The NSW Opposition is calling out yet another example of transport policy by press release by the Minns Government.
 
Following the release of the four-month late Bus Taskforce report, the Government has not committed any new funding to meet the recommendations of its own Taskforce.
 
This follows the announcement of first report of the Taskforce which also did not include any additional funding for bus services. 
 
The report specifically requests the NSW Government to fund over $5 billion worth of recurrent and capital spending in the short term, yet the in the Minister’s press release there is no mention of additional funding.
 
The only number the Government is proud of in this report is the 204 pages length. Considering the contracts taxpayers are paying for the Chair of the Taskforce are worth in excess of $700,000 for the report, this means taxpayers are spending $3,500 per page of what is essentially another Government press release.
    
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward commented “To improve Transport services you actually need to invest, not pay your mate to do a review and then ignore it.”
 
“This Taskforce has been running Since May last year, so far the Chair is getting paid a ransom, while commuters are still waiting at the bus stop.”  
 
“It is pretty embarrassing for a Government to commission a signature taskforce with obscene salaries, be delivered the report and then not allocate money to meet the recommendations.”

Honouring Medicare champions in Medicare’s 40th year

The Albanese Government today launched the Stronger Medicare Awards, to honour those who have made a significant contribution to Australia’s primary care sector.

The Stronger Medicare awards will recognise and honour Medicare Champions from around Australia: outstanding individuals and practices that provide exceptional care, embrace innovation, and work together to improve the health of their community.

First and foremost, these Medicare Champions are individuals and practices that go above and beyond to benefit patients.

Nominations will be open to individual health professionals, practices or health centres and multi-disciplinary teams working across the full range of primary care services.

They can also extend to the many hard-working people who do not have professional qualifications in healthcare, but work for primary care services to help patients access the care they need, when and where they need it.  

Anyone can nominate an individual, team or practice for a Medicare Champion Award and highlight what makes that person special and deserving of national recognition.

This could be their contribution to patient care, innovation, multidisciplinary care or work with diverse communities or vulnerable patients.

An independent panel of respected health experts will review eligible nominations to determine the result.

Nominations will be open in coming weeks and the Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Canberra in October 2024. 

The awards are part of the commemorative activities in 2024 to mark Medicare’s 40th anniversary and celebrate all those who work to benefit patients.

For further information visit: Celebrating 40 years of Medicare

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Our nation owes an incredible debt to all those who dedicate their lives to protecting and improving the health and wellbeing of their fellow Australians.

“As we celebrate 40 years of Medicare and all that it has delivered for Australia, let’s also take time to celebrate the health workers who are the backbone of the system and the heroes of the pandemic.”

Minister Mark Butler said:

“These awards are another way to support the talented health practitioners that work to keep Medicare strong, alongside the historic investments the Albanese Government has made in new rebates, tripled bulk billing incentives, 58 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and reforms like MyMedicare.

“The Stronger Medicare Awards are an opportunity to recognise and honour the outstanding health professionals and other workers in clinics, health centres, general practices and primary care settings, all around Australia.

“Doctors, nurses and other health professionals don’t do the important work they do for the limelight, instead they are driven to improve the lives of their fellow Australians. The Stronger Medicare Awards are one more way that we can honour and say thanks for their effort and their excellence.”

Assistant Minister Ged Kearney said:

“As a former nurse, I know the life changing but often unrecognised work healthcare professionals do day in day out.

“This is a simple, yet powerful way to acknowledge the workers in primary care who have gone above and beyond to make a positive difference to our lives, our families and our communities.”

Labor spins while the Coalition listens

While Labor tries to spin and spend its way out of a cost of living crisis, the Coalition is focused on finding real solutions to this crisis.

The Cost of Living Committee is holding a hearing in Gladstone to hear how Labor’s dual cost of living and cost of doing business crises is impacting the regions.

Chair of the Committee, Senator Jane Hume, will hear from local business groups and Master Builders Australia about Labor’s industrial relations changes. Senator Hume will seek to understand how Labor’s anti-productivity agenda and high energy prices have impacted their ability to deliver lower prices for consumers.

The Committee will also hear evidence from the Gladstone Regional Council and Gladstone Women’s Health Centre, as well as not-for-profit organisation Aussie Helpers, about how the cost of living crisis is taking its toll on the community.

Senator Hume said that while the Albanese Government has been focused on the wrong priorities, Australian households, particularly those in regional Australia, have been left behind.

“The Prime Minister has finally admitted that Labor’s policies to tackle the cost of living haven’t worked. But he’s still not listening. With Australian households hurting, the Coalition will continue to pursue finding sensible solutions to Labor’s cost of living crisis.

“Everywhere we go, from suburban Melbourne to Port Augusta to Alice Springs, we hear that cost of living is the number one issue facing Australian households and businesses. Yet Labor has no plan to help them.

“Labor knows the Australian public can see through their spin on the cost of living, that’s why they’re looking to spend $40 million on a PR campaign to explain why they lied.

“Australians are paying the price for a government that has no economic plan and can’t keep its promises.”

Senator Matt Canavan said Labor’s policies are pushing up the cost of doing business, and have already cost 1000 nickel jobs in WA.

“It’s only a matter of time before our aluminium, and other manufacturers start to struggle under the weight of the extra costs of policies like the safeguard mechanism.

“We need to be listening to these businesses, and make sure that they can keep people employed in Central Queensland.”

The full Cost of Living Committee program is available here: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Cost_of_Living/costofliving/Public_Hearings.