April 2024 – Page 4

Call for input into noise camera trial in Bayside

For too long residents in the Bayside local council area have had to put up with noisy vehicles interrupting their peace. The NSW Government is taking action to end that.

The NSW Labor Government committed in the election to trialling noise cameras and cracking down on cars that disturb the peace.

Residents are now being invited to provide input into the noise camera trial, which is due to start in the coming months.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) will trial noise cameras in Bayside and Wollongong in response to community concerns about the impact of noisy vehicles.

Residents can make suggestions on where the noise cameras should be trialled, via the EPA’s website. The EPA plans to test the moveable cameras at several locations.

Vehicle noise cameras are an emerging technology currently being tested in various formats in major cities around the world, including in London, Paris and New York.

In NSW, the EPA works in partnership with local government, NSW Police and NSW Roads and Maritime Services to enforce noise control regulations.

Give input on the noise camera trial

Report noisy vehicle pollution

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“Car hoons are on notice. The NSW Government has heard the community’s concerns about noisy vehicles and is committed to sourcing and testing the most effective methods to deter anti-social behaviour on our roads.

“Work is underway to test noise cameras in communities fed up with noisy vehicles, and we invite all residents to have their say and play a key role in the trials.”

Member for Rockdale Steve Kamper said:

“The local Rockdale community has been calling for action against disruptive noisy vehicles for years.

“In the first 12 months of Government, we have already delivered three new fixed speed cameras along The Grand Parade to address the reckless behaviour endangering our local community.

“The Noise Camera Trial is the next step in addressing the antisocial behaviour. I encourage all interested residents in the Rockdale and Bayside Council area to have their say.”

Recovery support extended for flood-affected NSW communities

Disaster assistance will be extended to the Armidale, Campbelltown, Lismore, Moree Plains, Northern Beaches and Port Stephens Local Government Areas (LGAs), following heavy rainfall and flooding across NSW from 1 April 2024.

The assistance measures are being provided by the Albanese and Minns Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Support includes:

assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation or small cash payments to purchase essential items generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres
grants for eligible residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living
grants for eligible residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a safe and habitable condition
support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets
concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property
freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said the extent of the flooding impact is still being assessed.

“This flood event has caused damage across communities, impacting homes, farms, businesses and volunteer groups,” Minister Watt said.

“Many Government agencies and community groups are still out on the ground to assess the damage and continue the mammoth clean-up effort.

“I know the Minns Government is continuing to assess the situation and is adapting as we gain a clearer picture of the impact of this disaster, and our Government stands ready to support as needed.”

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the extension of the Natural Disaster Declaration is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing response to the flooding and storm events earlier this month.

“The extension of this disaster declaration unlocks assistance for additional communities in need, as the full extent of the damage becomes known,” Minister Dib said.

More information and support

For information relating to financial assistance, replacing lost documents, location of your nearest recovery centre and more, please contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit www.nsw.gov.au/floods

To apply for a concessional loan or primary producer grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au

Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au

Investigation to be launched into Liverpool City Council

The Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig has requested the Office of Local Government to undertake an investigation into Liverpool City Council.

The Section 430 Investigation will look at whether there has been a breakdown in the council’s operations amid ongoing reports about dysfunction and staff matters within council.

Under Section 430, the Deputy Secretary Local Government has the power to carry out investigations into council operations either independently or at the request of the Minister for Local Government.

The Terms of Reference for the Inquiry will be finalised in the coming days and will be available on the Office of Local Government website.

A report into the investigation will be provided to the Minister for Local Government and Liverpool City Council.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“I’ve been concerned about the operations of Liverpool Council for some time and it’s clear there’s a fractured relationship between councillors and staff.

“I’ve asked the Office of Local Government to undertake an investigation into the Council because the local community needs reassurance that their council is operating properly.

“Elected officials have a responsibility to their communities to operate effectively and efficiently, and I’m concerned about the level of dysfunction within Liverpool Council that is playing out publicly.

“A robust investigation undertaken by the OLG will shore up public confidence and ensure council is focused on delivering for its community.”

Eliminating malaria in our region

Australia is investing up to $30 million to support governments and communities across the Pacific and Southeast Asia deliver new tools and build critical skills to eliminate malaria.

Malaria remains a major challenge in our region with over 7 million reported cases in 2022, and rising infection rates in some countries. Malaria is a burden on families and health systems, slowing development and restricting growth.

New tools are urgently needed to address the emerging resistance to current treatments, and the impact of climate change, which threaten to roll back progress achieved against malaria.

Our new package, announced on World Malaria Day, provides comprehensive support ranging from preventing infections through strengthened mosquito control to developing better testing tools and improved treatments.

This includes $5 million to James Cook University to support Pacific countries to strengthen surveillance and control of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue and zika.

It also includes a new $8 million partnership with non-government health organisation PATH, in a consortium with Australia’s Burnet Institute and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, to develop new diagnostic tests targeted to our region.

Additionally, we are partnering with the Medicines for Malaria Venture, providing $17 million for the development of new malaria treatments including medicines suitable for use in pregnancy and for children.

This new package is part of the Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative, which works with governments and civil society organisations in the Pacific and Southeast Asia to build resilient, equitable and inclusive health systems.

It adds to our existing support for malaria elimination, including through the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance, and the Innovative Vector Control Consortium.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Malaria is not only a threat to the health and wellbeing of communities in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, it also impacts education, tourism and economic growth.
“Investing in our partnerships with our region and its capacity to test and treat malaria is clearly in Australia’s interest.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“The Australian Government is supporting the development of new health tools and skills to fight malaria at every stage.
“We are investing to support our region with better surveillance, better control to prevent infections, better diagnostics to detect cases, and better medications so people with malaria receive the best possible care.”

WOMEN MUST FEEL SAFE IN ALL WORKPLACES

The Guardian reports today that the Australian Border Force’s marine unit is rife with “inappropriate workplace behaviours including sexual harassment and bullying”.

A secret AHRC report revealed that in the marine unit every woman who responded to a survey had witnessed sex discrimination, as well as sexual and/or sex-based harassment, and 78% had personally experienced the same behaviour.

Senator Larissa Waters, Greens Leader in the Senate and spokesperson on women

“The Respect at Work reforms were the centrepiece of the government’s response to workplace harassment, and no workplace, including the Australian Border Force can continue to operate without regard to the new legal framework.

“The remoteness of the marine unit has allowed an unacceptable culture to develop. The ABF must act immediately to comply with its positive duty and ensure base stations are not hostile work environments.

“The sex discrimination commissioner, Anna Cody is correct, immediate intervention is required. Border force leadership must be held accountable for addressing incidents of inappropriate workplace behaviours.”

Research project aiming to prevent local extinction of threatened marsupial

City of Newcastle (CN), the University of Newcastle and FAUNA Research Alliance have joined forces to investigate ways to protect Squirrel Gliders in the Lower Hunter.

The marsupial is at risk of local extinction due to habitat loss, damage and fragmentation, while also contending with heat stress, vehicle collisions and predation by introduced species.

Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk joins the University of Newcastle’s Dr Ryan Witt, Sam Hayley and Oliver Brynes at Richley Reserve as part of the Squirrel Glider research project.Intensive monitoring by a University of Newcastle team has confirmed the presence of Squirrel Gliders in Blackbutt Reserve and Jesmond Bushland, with a thermal drone detecting body heat signatures of the animals hidden in the canopy.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the collaborative research project will evaluate the abundance, habitat use and genetics of the threatened species across the two bushland reserve systems.

“Research and monitoring can inform long-term conservation management to support viable Squirrel Glider populations and prevent local extinction,” Cr Nelmes said.

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk said our Newcastle Environment Strategy, which aims to protect and regenerate natural systems, will contribute to long term conservation outcomes for the Squirrel Glider.

“Squirrel Gliders keep our bushland healthy by feeding on plants and invertebrates. They help with pollination of our Eucalypt forests and regulate the number of insects such as caterpillars, cicadas and beetles,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Newcastle’s bushland areas are simply an invaluable refuge for our fauna, including our threatened species, and are irreplaceable in light of the documented biodiversity emergency we are facing locally, nationally and internationally.”

Squirrel GliderWildlife conservation scientist Dr Ryan Witt from the University of Newcastle, who is leading the research effort, said Squirrel Gliders are one of the city’s last remaining threatened marsupials.

“Importantly, our research uses multiple monitoring methods, including nest box monitoring, pipe trapping, thermal drone surveys and genetic analysis to develop a baseline understanding of the status of the Squirrel Glider populations living in Blackbutt and Jesmond bushland,” Dr Witt said.

“Over time, it will be possible to evaluate the trajectory of the populations. Our team has already detected 19 males and 18 females living across the two reserves.

“We have not observed Squirrel Gliders moving across major road structures, including between the east and west portions of Jesmond bushland, and between Blackbutt and Jesmond.

“This highlights the importance of identifying points within the environment in which structures like rope bridges could be installed, which are likely to be required to maintain the populations genetic diversity and prevent local extinction.”

As part of the Natural Connection program the first of CN’s Squirrel Glider events will take place on Thursday 2 May when CN staff and University of Newcastle researchers hold an evening information session at Wallsend Library to share details of the Squirrel Glider research project.

Other ways residents can help include planting Squirrel Glider food trees and shrubs, keeping cats inside at night, leaving water out for local wildlife in hot weather and calling 13000 WIRES or Hunter Wildlife Rescue on 0418628483 if they find injured wildlife.

For more information about the information session visit whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au

NSW honours the service and sacrifice of veterans on Anzac Day

Today on Anzac Day, communities across NSW are coming together to honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans and current serving members of the Australian Defence Force.

The NSW Dawn Service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place commenced this morning at 4:30am, the approximate time it is believed the first Anzacs waded ashore at Gallipoli.

The Service was attended by representatives of the Commonwealth and NSW Government, Ex-Service Organisations, veterans’ groups and over 5000 spectators.

NSW Premier Chris Minns recited the poem Salute by Elliott Napier and laid a wreath to acknowledge the service of our veterans and servicemen and servicewomen from NSW.

Minister for Veterans David Harris participated in a special Anzac Day service atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge shortly after sunrise.

The service, organised by RSL Lifecare Veterans Services in partnership with BridgeClimb, was attended by a number of veterans and members of the community.

The Anzac Day March commences at 9am on Elizabeth Street with over 8000 current serving members and veterans expected to march past the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park and concludes at Liverpool Street.

Marching in Sydney again this year are a number of veterans from the Second World War who will be honoured by thousands of spectators along Elizabeth Street. The March will culminate with the Commemoration Service at the Anzac Memorial commencing at 12:30pm.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service personnel will be recognised at the Coloured Digger March this afternoon in Redfern.

Now in its 18th year, the event will begin at 1pm at the Redfern Community Centre.

Official events in the Sydney CBD will come to a close with the solemn sunset service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place from 5pm.

With thousands of people expected to attend commemorations in the CBD, it is recommended to use public transport for all Anzac Day travel.

Additionally, there will be a highly visible police presence throughout the city and the community is asked to honour our veterans in a safe and respectful manner.

Free travel is available for current and former Australian Defence Force members and their families on Anzac Day, with additional early morning services running into the city.

The Community War Memorials Fund, managed by the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs, also opens today. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to help conserve, repair and protect war memorials across NSW.

For more information on how to apply please visit the Veterans Affairs website.

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“Anzac Day is a time to come together and pay tribute to the Anzacs who served in World War One, and all the brave servicemen and servicewomen who have since followed in their footsteps.

“Anzac Day gives the community an opportunity to pay their respects to those who have served our country.

“I attended an Anzac Day Service on the Harbour Bridge this morning for the first time and it was a special location to pause and remember all who have served our nation, allowing us the freedoms we afford today.

“If you cannot make it into the Sydney CBD, you can watch the march on ABC TV or attend one of the many local services and events in your community.

“I encourage all of NSW to attend a commemorative service, dawn service or march and to pause and pay respects to our veterans and current serving members, and their families.”

Regional towns made big sacrifice for Australia

The NSW Government acknowledges the sacrifice and bravery of all that have fought for our country. Soldiers have enlisted across the state and regional and rural NSW monuments can be found honouring the sacrifice made by residents, often from communities where the population was smaller than the average present day city neighbourhood.

In WW1 thousands of young men from regional communities, many who had never even been to Sydney let alone Europe, left their normal lives for war, a sacrifice that was echoed through WW2, Korea, Vietnam and even today in ongoing operations around the world.

NSW recorded the highest enlistment rate in the country during WW1 with 164,030 people (many from regional communities) signing on to join the war, with an estimated 21,000 never to return home, leaving bereft communities across the state.

When WW2 broke out the people of NSW once again answered the call, many the sons, brothers or relatives of those who served in WW1, 276,741 of them answered the call with the still fresh memory of the horrors of war.

Today the reminder of regional NSW’s sacrifice is seen through the war memorials that can be found in nearly every regional and rural town.

These monuments have a sombre history in country towns where they were often used as substitute graves that family and friends of those who died in battle overseas were able to visit to remember their loved ones.

Today these monuments act as a congregating place for the local community to come together and commemorate the bravery and sacrifice so little gave to so many, and the continuing service and sacrifice being made by those serving in our armed forces.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The role of regional NSW communities in contributing to the war effort in WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam and even in present day peace-keeping operations cannot be overstated.

“Families in these communities saw their sons, brothers, and fathers go off to war overseas and were left bereft when many never returned home, having made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

“Today we honour the contribution of all service men and women throughout the country and throughout our history and I thank them for their service, contribution and sacrifice that they have and continue to make in order to keep our country safe.”

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“The Anzac Memorial in Sydney’s Hyde Park, the state’s principal war memorial, commemorates the service of our veterans from across NSW. There are 1,701 samples of soil displayed within the walls of the Hall of Service at the Memorial, this sacred soil representing the names of each of the towns, cities, suburbs and homesteads given as a home address by First World War enlistees.

“The Hall of Service demonstrates the geographical reach of the call to serve, and signals the willingness and enthusiasm of so many from diverse regions who answered the call to join the war. It contains the incalculable loss and grief of communities across the state whose men and women did not return.

“Today on Anzac Day, we come together as a community to remember our veterans and current serving members of our Defence Force, many of whom come from regional areas across our state. We pay tribute to their service, and we thank them for their efforts to allow us the freedoms we afford today.”

210,000 visitor milestone marks end of successful Penrith Beach season

Hundreds of thousands of Western Sydney families enjoyed the sandy shores of Penrith Beach this summer, taking full advantage of the first-ever beach season at Penrith.

The beach provided much-needed relief to the community as the temperature frequently soared towards 40 degrees. The overwhelming response from locals resulted in the extension of the season for an additional three weeks until ANZAC Day.

Penrith Beach has hosted more than 210,000 visits since the gates opened on 19 December 2023. Figures show residents from the Penrith and Blacktown LGAs were the most frequent visitors to the site now famously dubbed as ‘Pondi’.

This hasn’t just provided access to a great swimming spot in the heart of Western Sydney but has also acted as a cost free activity for so many families throughout summer.

The NSW Government is now considering future options for Penrith Beach following the conclusion of this trial period.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“This free swimming spot has been a huge success with families, and I’ve been so thrilled to see it embraced by the local community.

“Western Sydney families deserved this beach after years of waiting and I’m really proud we delivered it last summer.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Western Sydney’s decades-long dream of having a local beach was achieved within just nine months of Labor coming into Government.

“The trial represents the importance of every community having access to safe and fun places to swim, and I’m keen to explore future options for Pondi’s potential return.”

Inner West Light Rail to roll into the night

Passengers using the L1 Dulwich Hill line will enjoy extended hours from Monday 29 April, with services now operating from 5am to 1am, 7 days a week.

These changes mean an extra 160 services will be added to the weekly timetable for Inner West light rail passengers, supporting early risers and late-night revellers to travel around the Inner West and CBD.

Services will run every 15 minutes from 5am to 6am every morning, with a service every 15 minutes from 11pm to 1am each night.

This is another way the NSW Government is supporting the revival of the night time economy while making it easier to travel around Sydney.

Newly extended hours also build on recent service uplifts, with a total of 450 additional services per week on the Inner West Light Rail (L1) since June 2023.

This permanent timetable change also brings the L1 operational hours in line with the L2 and L3, with all Sydney Light Rail services now operating from 5am to 1am daily. It also aligns with the wider public transport service in Sydney.

For more information or to plan your trip, visit transportnsw.info

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“This permanent extension to the L1 operating hours is a big win for the inner west.

“Every time we’ve extended light rail operating hours for major events, people have flocked to the late-night services.

“But every night is a good night to be out and about in Sydney, so ensuring people have a way home is vital.

“With an earlier start time of 5am, Light Rail will also become a great option for early risers, heading to work in areas like Pyrmont, Ultimo and the CBD.

“We’ve been really focused on improving frequency along the line, as a result passengers are voting with their feet and L1 passenger numbers are quickly catching pre-COVID levels.”

Transport Coordinator General Howard Collins said:

“We’re bringing the L1 in line with the operating times of the L2 and L3 in our CBD and east.

“Not only will this guarantee a better service for passengers in the Inner West, but it’ll make our light rail network easier to navigate for visitors who will appreciate the consistency across all of our lines.

“Light rail is growing in popularity, and we’ll keep doing everything we can to meet demand.”

Duncan Edghill ALTRAC Light Rail said:

“These extra services will make the L1 Dulwich Hill line an even more attractive transport option. This is especially important for workers who need to get to their jobs early or late in the day, as well as students and socialisers travelling outside peak times.

“Light Rail is proving to be exceptionally popular with Sydneysiders. We’re delighted to have worked with TfNSW and our partners in delivering these additional services on the L1 Dulwich Hill line.”

Arsene Durand-Raucher Transdev Sydney said:

“Our goal is to serve the community and contribute to making Sydney a great place to live by operating and maintaining a safe and reliable light rail service on behalf of Transport for NSW, and our teams have worked diligently to ensure passengers have a seamless and safe experience with these additional services.”