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NSW unveils plan to support wine exporters

The NSW Government has unveiled a plan to boost wine exports and create new jobs and opportunities for people in NSW.

From July Investment NSW will kick off a targeted 12 month program of initiatives to bring international buyers to NSW and make it easier for local wine makers to take their products to markets around the world.

The program will be available to producers of NSW’s $420 million wine exports looking to re-enter the newly reopened Chinese market but will also support exporters in key emerging markets including India, Japan and Vietnam.

The NSW Government is focusing its efforts on the markets with the highest value and highest potential for growth.

The 2024/25 export program includes:

A NSW Wine Promotional Roadshow in China reintroducing the NSW wine industry to importers and distributors across Shanghai and Shenzhen
Going Global Export Programs focused on beverages to China, UK, Korea, Japan and Vietnam
Export Capability Building workshops in the Central West, Hunter & New England and Riverina regions
Cellar Door to China in One Click – ‘How to‘ program
China and South East Asia Inbound Buyer Missions to NSW
Supporting export ready NSW wineries through trade missions that culminate in ProWine Mumbai 2024 and Expo 2025 Osaka
An e-commerce campaign to support existing distributors of NSW wine in the Japan market

The value of goods and services exported from NSW to the world topped $150 billion, contributing 19 per cent to NSW’s $777 billion Gross State Product last year.

With renewed focus and a better targeted trade program, NSW is on track to reach trade worth more than $200 billion by 2031.

To find out more about exporting from NSW and the support available, visit https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/export/

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Our state has the best products in the world, and global markets are willing to pay a premium that flows back to NSW in new and better jobs and higher incomes.

“We’re delivering smarter trade policy that focusses on key markets and sectors that can deliver for people in NSW.

“The state’s wine industry helps employ around 50,000 people and we believe they can do even more with help accessing expanding markets.

“I recently sat down with NSW Wine and wine makers in Orange to listen to their challenges and discuss how we can work together to grow exports.

“We know that visibility of export programs and initiatives over a longer term horizon is important for wineries to plan and target international markets.”

NSW Wine President Mark Bourne said:

“The NSW wine industry, particularly our exporters, have been facing significant challenges recently. The NSW Government and NSW Wine’s collaboration on a long-term export development support program will provide crucial assistance to the sector.

“The tailored approach of this program will allow wineries to select initiatives that address their specific business needs, optimising resources and maximising the potential for success in international markets.”

Batlow Fruit Company packhouse upgrade complete

Batlow Fruit Company – the largest grower and packer of apples in NSW – is now able to package more apples than ever at its Snowy Valleys location, thanks to the Australian and NSW Governments.

A project to modernise the company’s Batlow packhouse received more than $2.7 million in joint funding under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, with an additional $274,000 from Batlow Fruit Company.

The upgrade was officially opened by the NSW Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, while in Batlow today.

The grant is part of the Commonwealth and NSW government’s continuing commitment to focus of the economic and social development of regional and rural NSW.

The upgrades are now complete, with new grading and sizing technology bringing the facility in line with modern fruit processing standards and replacing technology which had been in place for over 40 years.

Batlow Fruit Company’s packing facility is one of the few in NSW able to meet the specifications of Australia’s major supermarkets.

Greater automation will ensure the packhouse can continue to process local apples and will provide Batlow Fruit Company with the flexibility needed to provide the highest quality product in response to changes in market demand.

On average Batlow Fruit Company distributes more than one million cartons of apples a year.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said:

“I spent time in Batlow after the Black Summer bushfires and spoke with growers who’d been impacted.

“Backing economic recovery after a disaster is critical, especially for regional communities like Batlow, which relies so much on the orchards that were extensively damaged and destroyed.

“It’s great to see that with support from the Australian and New South Wales Governments, the Batlow Fruit Company has modernised its operations to stay in business, supporting workers and the local community through the economic hardship off the back of the fires.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“Assisting companies like the Batlow Fruit Company is an important part of the Government’s support for regional and rural NSW

“By modernising its processing capabilities, the Batlow Fruit Company has ensured Batlow remains a financially competitive location for growers to get their apples packaged.

“This certainty will help it maintain its existing workforce and remain the largest employer for the Batlow region.

“Batlow Fruit Company has been growing and packaging apples out of Batlow for more than 100 years and these upgrades ensure they can continue to do so for many years to come.

Batlow Fruit Company Director Matt Palise said:

“The upgrade of the packing shed will improve our efficiency, reduce downtime and lower water and power usage.”

“The new equipment makes us a much more sustainable operation, ensuring we can continue to deliver high quality packaging services to Batlow growers.”

“The greater efficiency will help future proof our operations and make us better able to withstand disruptions to our supply chain caused by natural disasters. It will also provide better service for our growers, helping increase their returns.”

“I want to thank the Australian and New South Wales Governments for their support for this project.”

Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain said:

“The Dunns Road fire had a devastating impact on the Batlow community in 2020, with extensive damage to orchards and infrastructure taking a hit on our local fruit production.”

“That’s why it’s fantastic to see these upgraded and modern facilities at the Batlow Fruit Company in action – a real testament to the strong advocacy from the operators and Batlow community who made this happen.

“This new equipment will boost their operation, unlock new economic opportunities for Batlow, and secure the next 100 years of world-class produce from the Mighty Eden-Monaro.”

Dr Joe McGirr, State Member for Wagga Wagga said:

“This modernisation program comes at a time when Batlow is rebuilding from the disaster of the Black Summer fires and the success of the Batlow Fruit Company will be integral to driving that growth.

“The works will enhance the pipeline from Batlow’s orchards to consumers around the country and that’s great news, not only for the company and its employees but also growers and the wider community whose future depends on a strong and vibrant apple industry.

“I’d like to congratulate the company on driving this important project and thank the state and federal governments for their investment in the community’s future.”

Speers Point bottleneck election commitment on its way

Consultation is about to commence on the New South Wales Labor government’s election commitment to deliver a congestion busting $11 million upgrade of the Speers Point roundabout and road network.

As part of the government’s plans to build better communities across the state, the proposed upgrade will cut travel times while improving safety and reducing congestion in north west Lake Macquarie.

With this area expected to be home to 12,000 more residents and 6000 more jobs over the next 20 years, the government’s plan for the Speers Point roundabout upgrade will help ensure the growing number of families in this region spend less time in traffic and more time doing what matters to them.

A key focus of the proposed upgrade project will be changing traffic movements on Five Islands Road, restricting movements into and out of Creek Reserve Road as well as providing a dedicated left turn lane on TC Frith Avenue.

The upgrade will also seek to improve walking and cycling connections as well as public transport facilities, to help support more sustainable modes of transport.

Transport for NSW is also considering several additional improvements, including the potential installation of traffic lights at the intersection of TC Frith Avenue and Seventh Street, which would also involve extending the two lanes in each direction on TC Frith Avenue from The Esplanade to north of Seventh Street.

As the upgrade project’s public feedback period kicks off, Transport staff and contractors will be on site over the coming weeks to undertake traffic data collection and identify utilities, geotechnical and environmental constraints, that will help shape design of the final upgrade.

Community members can provide feedback on the initial proposed upgrade options between 30 May and 23 June.

After the feedback period ends, a report responding to the community views will be published and further detailed upgrade design work will be carried out after taking into account community feedback.

Timing for construction is not yet confirmed and would be dependent on planning approvals.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“After 12 years of neglect in the Hunter, the New South Wales government is delivering for local communities including like Lake Macquarie with this much-needed upgrade at Speers Point.

“With $3.5 billion worth of infrastructure projects underway across the Hunter, our communities will benefit from more reliable travel times and safety improvements while also meeting the future needs of our Hunter communities.”

Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said:

“Congestion around Speers Point roundabout has been a source of frustration for the Lake Macquarie community for many years. During peak periods traffic can often bank back for several kilometres along TC Frith Avenue and this is happening seven days of the week.

“Progress on this long-awaited project will be a welcome relief to residents who lose valuable hours travelling on these roads every day. I encourage all residents to take this opportunity to review Transport for NSW’s plans and to provide feedback into the design options proposed.”

Labor’s spokesperson for Lake Macquarie Emily Suvaal MLC said:

“Everyone locally knows the Speers Point roundabout at the intersection of Five Islands Road, TC Frith Avenue and The Esplanade is a local bottleneck and it’s great to see work progressing to deliver this much needed upgrade.

“We took a commitment to the election to boost funding for this infamous roundabout, and it is wonderful to see this work commencing.

“Across the state the NSW Labor Government is investing in projects like this to set communities up for the future by reducing congestion and improving safety on our roads.”

Labor’s targets show biggest growth coming to the West

Western Sydney will be required to face faster population growth than other parts of Sydney under the Minns Labor Government’s new housing targets, according to analysis undertaken by the NSW Opposition.

Visiting the Hills Shire, which will see a proposed 35% increase on existing dwellings in just five years, Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said that despite the Premier Chris Minns’ talk about re-balancing growth, the truth is that the Hills, Wollondilly, Camden, Liverpool and Ryde will be seeing the largest percentage increases in their populations under the Labor’s targets.

“Under the Labor Government’s housing targets, the Hills Shire is called upon to increase its number of dwellings by 35% from 66,450 to 89,750 dwellings in just five years,” Mr Speakman said.

“This is while the Hills has the most stretched schools in the State, with almost half over its cap by over 100 students each, including 11 primary schools and two high schools.”

Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow highlighted that the Hills Shire was not alone, with Wollondilly required to add 28% more homes in just five years, Camden 25% more homes, and Liverpool and Ryde 21% each.

“This compares with a Sydney-wide average of 14% growth on existing dwellings. The growth is largest in the West with ‘Central’ council areas comprising Blacktown, Cumberland, Georges River, the Hills Shire, Parramatta and Liverpool collectively growing by 17%, while Sydney councils further west will grow collectively by 14% and eastern councils by 11%,” Mr Farlow said.

“It’s no wonder that the Inner West Labor Mayor embraced its target when they are only required to produce 9% growth in homes in their council area over the next five years.”

“Despite Chris Minns beating his chest about bringing housing closer to the CBD, the reality is that the communities which will see the biggest impact in growth are in Western Sydney.”

The Hills Shire Council Mayor Peter Gangemi said the Minns Labor Government had more than doubled the Hills’ housing completion target for the next five years.

“We now have the highest housing targets in NSW; we could deliver more homes than any other council in NSW yet not receive a cent from the Minns Labor Government’s $200 million infrastructure fund,” Cr Gangemi said.

“We are a Council that is assisting greatly with the housing crisis and are not opposed to doing more. However, the target imposed on us is unachievable logistically and financially for the construction industry.”

Mr Speakman concluded, “we’re in this position because Chris Minns signed up Canberra’s housing targets that he could never meet, without any advice from his own Planning Department. All the while he’s still refused to call on Anthony Albanese to reduce immigration to ease the affordability and supply pressures on our housing market.”

JUST FUND FRONTLINE SERVICES ALREADY

he Greens welcome the government’s review to improve prevention of violence against women, but frontline services remain underfunded and women continue to be killed by men’s violence.

Australian Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on women, Larissa Waters

“Prevention must be prioritised to stop women being killed by men’s violence and to dismantle our persistent rape culture. We welcome this review of existing prevention programs but are alarmed there is no funding in the Budget for whatever the review recommends.

“We need well-funded, effective national education campaigns for the prevention of violence against women, including efforts in sporting clubs, workplaces and other places where adults gather. Early evidence is that saturating local areas with prevention and behaviour change programs can reduce violence, so these local saturation programs should be evaluated and amply funded.

“For school aged children, consent and respectful relationships education is now mandatory in our national curriculum, but additional funding is needed to properly resource public schools and specialist third-party providers to deliver and implement this essential education.

“Stopping violence against women will take systemic action to tackle root causes and transform harmful social norms, but it also requires adequate funding of the organisations that do the hard work on the frontlines of this epidemic.

“Violence against women is a national emergency, but Labor refuses to fund it like one – crisis accommodation, accredited men’s behaviour change programs, trauma-informed training for first responders and judicial staff – all of these prevent women from being killed by men’s violence.

“Raising the rate of income support would be an immediate act of prevention, noting 60% of single mums have experienced abuse.

“Funding crisis housing and long term affordable housing is another crucial means of preventing violence against women by ensuring women aren’t choosing between violence and homelessness.

“Funding frontline responses services to meet demand is necessary if we are to have any chance of keeping women and children safe. The women’s safety sector has called for $1 billion per year for frontline services to be able to help everyone who seeks it, Labor has so far only committed less than two thirds of this amount.

“How many reviews will it take before Labor stumps up the funding for frontline services to ensure no one who needs help is turned away?”

HUSIC’S CORPORATE TAX CUT CALLS

Calls by Cabinet Minister Ed Husic to lower the corporate tax rate show that Labor are massively out of touch and have the wrong priorities, the Greens say.

“Ed Husic’s call for lower corporate taxes is massively out of touch, and ignores the struggles of millions of Australians facing rising costs and stagnant wages,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“One in three of Australia’s biggest corporations pay no tax at all – this is where Mr Husic and his Labor colleagues should be focussing.”

“The Greens are fighting for a tax system where big corporations pay their fair share so we can fund essential public services like housing, healthcare and education.”

“Instead of reducing corporate taxes, we should be introducing a super profits tax to make sure that the corporations who have driven inflation contribute to a fairer society.”

“Lowering corporate taxes would also sabotage our climate efforts, rewarding industries that pollute our environment.”

“Fossil fuel corporations already enjoy substantial subsidies. Our priority should be holding them accountable for their environmental impact.”

VOTING FOR PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD A KEY TEST FOR LABOR’S HUMANITY

Following the devastating attack on a Palestinian refugee camp in Rafah, and with Norway, Ireland and Spain set to formally recognise Palestine tomorrow, the Greens say that Labor must formally support Palestinian statehood in a vote tomorrow, saying failure to do so would be inexcusable and a broken promise by Labor.

The motion simply formally acknowledges that the House of Representatives recognises the State of Palestine. No further or more complicated process is required for Australia to join 143 other nations in recognition.

Last week Norway, Ireland and Spain announced they will formally recognise Palestine tomorrow, following Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados earlier this year and joining 140 countries from around the world.

Text of the motion:

“I shall move that: This House recognise the State of Palestine.”

Adam Bandt MP, Leader of the Australian Greens:

“Labor made an election promise to support Palestinian statehood, but words are meaningless unless they vote for it and join the 143 other nations that recognise Palestine, including Norway, Ireland and Spain,” Mr Bandt said.

“Recognition alone won’t stop the invasion or end the occupation, but it will be a big step towards ensuring that Palestinians have the same rights as Israelis to live in peace and security with full rights under international law.

“Instead of making hand-wringing statements while backing the invasion of Gaza, Labor should vote to recognise Palestine, back a permanent ceasefire, sanction Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet, end the two-way arms trade with Israel and expel the Israeli Ambassador until this horror ceases.”

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens Foreign Affairs spokesperson:

“Labor needs to stop simply offering hollow words – platitudes that mention weak concern with no conviction or action underpinning them. People are seeing through their inaction.” Senator Steele-John said.

“Recognising statehood is not just accepting the reality that Palestinians deserve to be able to live in peace, security and equality. It demonstrates that the Australian government is willing to go beyond words into genuine action.

“This needs to just be the first step. Australia must expel the Israeli ambassador, end the arms trade with Israel, and sanction Netanyahu and his war cabinet.”

Notice of Motion text to recognise Palestine

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 28 May 2024

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 28 May 2024. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Condolence motion – Professor Lyndall Ryan AM

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported acknowledging with profound sadness the passing of Emeritus Professor Lyndall Ryan AM on Tuesday, 30 April 2024.

The Minute recognised the significant impact Professor Ryan made throughout her remarkable career, as an activist, scholar and educator.

City of Newcastle sends sincere condolences to Professor Ryan’s family, friends and colleagues.

NSW Government Inquiry – Ability of Local Governments to Fund Infrastructure & Services

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported acknowledging that the NSW Government is currently undertaking an inquiry into the ability of local governments to fund infrastructure and services.

City of Newcastle has made a detailed submission to the NSW Government Inquiry.

City of Newcastle grants and sponsorship program

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported noting that City of Newcastle’s 2024/25 annual Grants and Sponsorships and Special Business Rate programs will soon open for applications, funding approximately $900,000 across a number of streams.

The Minute asked that in light of the current cost of living crisis, up to $100,000 in additional funding be considered for eligible Social Inclusion grant applications should the program be oversubscribed.

Ordinary business

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest (for the period 1 February to 30 April 2024) by the Chief Executive Officer.

March Quarterly Performance Report

Council received the 2022-2026 Delivery Program – March Quarterly Performance Report and voted to adopt the revised budget.

Endorsement of draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy for public exhibition

Council voted to place the draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy on public exhibition for 42 days, noting the supporting documents including the Local Infrastructure Discussion Paper and the Interim Aboriginal Engagement Outcomes Report. Council will receive a report on the outcomes of the exhibition.

St James Primary development – transport infrastructure amendments

Council voted unanimously to approve the transport infrastructure amendments in Vista Parade and Princeton Avenue Kotara to support the St James Primary School development. The proposed transport infrastructure amendments are consistent with the Planning Agreement endorsed by the Council in February 2023.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for April 2024.

Tender report – asphaltic concrete and pavement services

Council voted unanimously to accept tenders for the provision of asphaltic concrete and pavement services required by Civil Construction and Maintenance to deliver pavement maintenance and renewal as required across the Newcastle local government area.

Tender report – Smith Park sports field upgrade

Council voted unanimously to accept the tender for the construction of the Smith Park sports fields upgrade.

Late item

Winten developments in Newcastle

Council voted unanimously to accept a late item that reiterated the previous concerns of the elected Council over the many inadequacies of Winten’s current and future proposed work in the city between Fletcher and Minmi, that suggest a disregard for the potential significant impacts on the local community.

An urgent traffic investigation will be undertaken by City of Newcastle staff on the operation and capacity of Minmi Road including potential funding mechanisms, to service current and future populations across a range of transport modes.

Notices of Motion

Public Art Reference Group items

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that noted the success of City of Newcastle’s Public Art Reference Group and requested that the draft 2024/25 Budget consider funding a resource to achieve coherence of City of Newcastle’s public art policy and subsequent art outcomes.

The motion requested that the Director of the Newcastle Art Gallery, in consultation with the Executive Director of City Infrastructure, implement an appropriate process for the curation, conservation and maintenance of public art owned by City of Newcastle.

The motion further requested that City of Newcastle’s draft 2024/25 budget consider whether additional funding is required to enable the repair of the Michio Ihara ‘Wind’ sculpture on Newcastle Foreshore.

Community invited to have their say on the future of Broadmeadow

City of Newcastle is inviting the community to provide feedback on a 30-year plan that outlines how housing, employment opportunities and public spaces are developed in Broadmeadow.

Councillors voted unanimously last night to place the Draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy on public exhibition next month for six weeks.

The Strategy presents a shared vision to revitalise the 313-hectare precinct, with up to 20,000 new homes for 40,000 people, and 15,000 jobs to be created, while retaining Broadmeadow as the region’s premier sport and entertainment destination.

It was developed by City of Newcastle in collaboration with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) in response to the NSW Government’s Rezoning Pathways Program, which identified Broadmeadow as one of 10 precincts to significantly contribute to housing supply across NSW.

The precinct includes areas of Broadmeadow, Hamilton, Hamilton North, and Hamilton East.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Broadmeadow Place Strategy will help set the vision, direction and guide where key infrastructure and services should be located.

“Broadmeadow offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deliver vital affordable housing, jobs and infrastructure to support our housing strategy, as well as access to quality public open spaces and improved leisure facilities in the heart of Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The NSW Government has been working in partnership with City of Newcastle to develop the Place Strategy. We are the only Council in NSW involved in such a partnership, ensuring early input into the strategic planning for the renewal of the Broadmeadow precinct.

“Our vision for Broadmeadow is to be a vibrant destination with highly connected neighbourhoods that balance the needs of a dynamic community and growing Newcastle.

“The draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy provides strategic direction on how to achieve that vision.”

“I encourage the community to take this opportunity to have their say so that together we can plan for Broadmeadow’s future and create a new and enhanced place for people to live in and visit for years to come.”

To support the supply of new housing, DPHI will also release a discussion paper that proposes the development of more than 3,000 new homes on certain parcels of government-owned land as part of the first stage.

This will be placed separately on public exhibition by the NSW Government.

Cr Nelmes said feedback from the community and stakeholders will help ensure the Place Strategy is fit for purpose and comes with the social, community and transport infrastructure required for a growing community.

“There have been many plans and promises for this site for many years, it’s great to have the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure now leading community engagement to ensure that all our current users and future residents are included in the plans,” Cr Nelmes said.

“It’s vital that any future changes incorporate the continued operation of the PCYC, Newcastle Basketball, Newcastle Tennis, Broadmeadow Magic and Newcastle Show in the precinct, together with significantly enhanced public community open space, indoor sports and leisure and aquatic facilities.

“We support the advocacy from the Hunter Community Alliance for a minimum of 30 per cent of new homes to be set aside as social and affordable homes in perpetuity as part of any residential development that goes ahead.

“We also support the integration of transport planning principles via the inclusion of the extension of the light rail corridor to Broadmeadow. Increases in population must come with commensurate investment into public transport infrastructure across the city.

“It is really important to advocate strongly and clearly our expectations for this 30-year vision, and for what is delivered in the next decade in particular.”

The outcomes of the Draft Broadmeadow Place Strategy public exhibition will be reported back to Council later this year.

Breeding technology breakthrough to revolutionise cropping

The NSW Government today announced new crop breeding technology, which promises to revolutionise crop protection and yield enhancements, has been developed by scientists from NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

The innovative new approach enables scientists to pin-point plant defence mechanisms and select superior resistance combinations against pathogens.

This will result in the development of crop varieties that are resistance to fungal diseases and deliver higher yields.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty today visited DPI Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute to see trials that have demonstrated the ability of the new breeding technology.

Breeding varieties with resistance has been estimated to contribute $2.6 billion per year in protection to Australian wheat crops alone.

This revolutionary technology will help protect those existing gains and accelerate the discovery of new resistances.

In a significant leap forward for plant pathology across Australia, the technology is in the final step of patenting in Australia, with DPI scientists now calling for expressions of interest to commercialise and conduct further research.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“This exciting breakthrough in plant breeding technology highlights the NSW Government’s commitment to undertake research and development that maximises outcomes for NSW agriculture.

“The new technology will enable industry to adopt disease-resistant crop varieties faster and easier, resulting in increased profitability and productivity for our growers.”