Fire trail upgrade near Cootamundra

More than $167,000 in upgrades have been undertaken to fire trails near Cootamundra by the NSW Labor Government to improve safety and protect the local community.

The upgraded trails on the Matilda Fire Trail Network west of the town, will allow firefighters to efficiently access the area to fight bushfires if they break out to protect homes and property, and support hazard reduction burns to reduce bushfire risk.

Crown Lands accounts for 30.8 million hectares of NSW. Making up roughly 40 per cent of the state, maintaining and caring for this land is a mammoth task.

The NSW Labor Government is taking a responsible approach to managing the state, to deliver the facilities and services our communities require.

The Matilda Fire Trail Network is located on a 66.26 hectare reserve. About 1.4 kilometres of fire trails have been repaired and upgraded to Rural Fire Service standards as part of the project.

Fire trails have been graded to eight metres wide, reshaped and capped with gravel so that they can be used by fire fighting vehicles year-round.

Work has included construction of vehicle turning and passing bays to allow fire vehicles to better manoeuvre.

Water and erosion control work has included installation and clearing of drains, installation of new bed level crossings and cross banks to manage the movement of stormwater, and maintenance of culverts. The project also removed seven dumped car bodies to protect the environment and improve the amenity of the area.

The upgraded fire trail network will support an ongoing program of low-intensity hazard reduction burns in the area over coming years, with the first burn to occur in late autumn to reduce vegetation growth and bushfire fuel levels.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Labor Government is focused on delivering the essential services and infrastructure our communities need to be safe.

“The community can be confident that with the completion of these fire trail upgrades firefighters will be able to do their job battling bushfires if they break out, and teams will also be able to safely conduct hazard reduction burns to reduce bushfire risk.

“Crown Lands does about 800 projects each year to maintain and upgrade fire trails and Asset Protection Zones to guard against bushfires. It manages over 1,300 fire trails covering about 2,200km.

“Annual helicopter inspections are also used to check more than 540 fire trails including remote areas difficult to access by ground vehicles. Aboriginal traditional burning techniques are also being used to help support appropriate land management practices using traditional knowledge.” 

NSW planning in chaos

The Minns Labor Government’s plans to address Sydney’s housing affordability crisis is failing, with their own plans being thrown into chaos, with mixed messages on its proposed re-zoning across Sydney causing confusion and inaction. 

The NSW Opposition is calling on the Minns Government to concede its approach hasn’t worked, and has called on it to work with communities to implement a better plan to deliver much-needed housing. 

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Labor’s arrogant, lazy one-size-fits-all approach is falling apart. 

“It has now been reported that the Minns Labor Government is telling some councils that they can have an extension, while telling others may be able to ignore the Transport Oriented Development State Environmental Planning Policy altogether,” Mr Speakman said. 

“If Chris Minns had consulted with local communities from the start, instead of telling them to ‘get out of the way’, we would be down a constructive path to delivering more housing instead of his Government having to make concessions because its approach is falling apart.” 

Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said that with the chaos around Minns Government’s plans, it needed to answer ten key questions about the status of its mishandled reforms. 

“Addressing the housing crisis will require a clarity of vision and policy, as well as co-operation with local communities, and that can only come with complete transparency on the part of the Minns Government about its planning reforms,” said Mr Farlow. 

Ten questions the Minns Labor Government must answer: 

1. What are the Government’s housing targets for this year and for the next four? 

2. What is the definition of a town centre under the proposed low-and mid-rise changes? 

3. When will the Government make land available for development that has been identified by its Land Audit? 

4. What are its infrastructure plans for roads, school and hospitals around the newly rezoned sites? 

5. Has the Minns Government made any progress on the Vacant Housing Audit to which it committed? 

6. Has the Government’s Rosehill MoU with the ATC lapsed? 

7. When will Councils receive their housing targets? 

8. Which Councils will get an extension for the provision of the TOD SEPP as it comes into effect? 

9. After Chris Minns abolished the Western Sydney Parkland Authority and the Greater Sydney Commission, will he just recreate these agencies under a different name? 

10. When will the Government release the infrastructure priorities list for its $1.5 billion tax on new homes? 

Australia’s new Governor-General

His Majesty King Charles III, on my recommendation, has approved the appointment of Ms Samantha Mostyn AO as Australia’s next Governor-General.

Ms Mostyn will succeed His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) and will be Australia’s 28th Governor-General when she is sworn in on 1 July 2024.

Ms Mostyn is known for her exceptional service to the Australian community. She is a businesswoman and community leader with a long history in executive and governance roles across diverse sectors.

In 2021, Ms Mostyn was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to business, the community and women. She has been a member of the Australian Faculty of The Prince of Wales’s Business & Sustainability Programme for 12 years, and a senior associate in the International Programme.

Ms Mostyn, a daughter of an army officer, is a lawyer by training, who started her career as an associate in the Court of Appeal of the NSW Supreme Court, and has worked at law firms Freehills and Gilbert and Tobin. She has more recently been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the Australian National University.

Ms Mostyn has had an extensive career in the Australian business community, including working at senior levels in telecommunications and insurance companies in Australia and globally. She has also held senior non-executive roles on boards including Transurban, Virgin Australia, and has been chair of Citibank Australia. She currently chairs AWARE Super and Alberts Music Group and is on the board of Mirvac.

Ms Mostyn has been a Commissioner with the Australian Football League (AFL) and a driving force behind the AFL Women’s (AFLW).

Ms Mostyn has chaired multiple not-for-profit boards, including Beyond Blue, the Foundation of Young Australians, Australians Investing in Women, Ausfilm and the Australian National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety and Australian Volunteers International. She has been President of the Australian Council for International Development and President of Chief Executive Women as well as a National Mental Health Commissioner.

The Governor-General holds office at the pleasure of The King, however the term is usually understood to be five years.

His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley will conclude his appointment on 1 July 2024.

On behalf of the Government and the people of Australia I thank General Hurley for his service to our country and convey our deep respect for the outstanding way he discharged his duties as Governor-General.

I extend sincere congratulations and best wishes to Ms Mostyn on her appointment.

Opening of Moorebank Interstate Terminal fulfils long term vision

The Interstate Terminal at the Moorebank Intermodal Precinct officially opens this morning, marking an important milestone in the Albanese Government’s commitment to build a resilient, efficient and sustainable national supply chain and support a future made in Australia.

It will be Australia’s first major metropolitan ‘independent’ interstate terminal, operating under an open access arrangement and not controlled by a single existing above rail operator.

The site will be able to manage 500,000 twenty-foot containers annually, with each train that comes through the terminal able to move 1,500 tonnes of freight.

Each of the 1,800 metre trains the Interstate Terminal can accommodate has the potential to remove 100 ‘B Double’ trucks from Australia’s roads, easing congestion.

This will help the movement of rail freight between cities and regions, and help drive efficiency and competition across the national freight network which will ultimately flow onto savings for businesses and consumers.

When complete, the fully integrated industrial precinct at Moorebank will house over 850,000 square meters of modern industrial warehouses and will support more than 6,800 jobs. It is also home to Australia’s largest rooftop solar installation with the capacity to generate over 100 megawatts of renewable energy.

The Moorebank Interstate Terminal is being developed as a joint venture between the Australian Government-owned National Intermodal Corporation, with Qube Holdings and LOGOS, with the Australian Government having committed $570 million towards the Intermodal Precinct.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“The opening of the Moorebank Interstate Terminal is a major milestone in the development of the broader precinct that will create and support Australian jobs, while improving the efficiency of supply chains.

“We want to see a future made in Australia and having the key infrastructure in place will play a huge role in supporting more good, well paying Aussie jobs.

“The new terminal will play an important role in improving travel for Sydneysiders taking more than 3,000 heavy trucks off Sydney roads daily. That means less time spent on the roads and more time with family and friends.

“The Moorebank Intermodal Precinct demonstrates how Government leadership and co-investment with industry can deliver world class infrastructure assets resulting in significant value for future generations.”

the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King

“The new Interstate Terminal connects the Precinct to the interstate rail and road network – including the future Inland Rail project – enabling movement of vital consumer goods between Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

“The Interstate Terminal is the cornerstone of the Moorebank Intermodal Precinct, providing for the servicing of trains up to 1,800-metre-long, directly adjacent to modern warehouse facilities and last mile delivery services.”

the Minister for Finance, Katy Gallagher

“Together with the terminal’s strategic location, with direct connections to Port Botany, the M5 and M7 motorways, it offers unrivalled logistics benefits for both industrial customers and consumers.

“Moorebank Intermodal Precinct is Australia’s largest logistics hub. Located in the heart of Sydney’s west, it offers economically critical direct connections to Port Botany and major road and rail networks.”

National Intermodal CEO James Baulderstone

“The Interstate Terminal together with the entire Moorebank Intermodal Precinct has delivered Australia’s most modern intermodal precinct, setting a benchmark for the future of our supply chain.

“The Interstate Terminal has an open access arrangement that allows multiple rail operators to use the terminal, driving competition and delivering further cost savings to end users.

“The precinct’s scale also provides the platform and location for major renewable energy generation, enabling warehouse owners and last mile delivery transport companies to reach their net zero ambitions.”

Qube Holdings Managing Director Paul Digney

“Qube is proud to deliver the new Interstate Rail Terminal, which complements Qube’s Import and Export (IMEX) Terminal, and which will revolutionise freight efficiencies between interstate capitals and further strengthen supply linkages for customers to warehousing and Port Botany.

“This is an exciting day for Qube and for our project partners LOGOS, John Holland Group, Mainland Civil and Vaughan Civil. The delivery of this critical new asset will play a significant role in boosting rail’s share of freight, which is currently is only 11 per cent across the eastern seaboard.

“Getting more freight off the road and onto rail will be key to achieving Australia’s emissions reduction targets, especially given rail freight generates 16 times less carbon pollution than road, and this new Interstate Rail Terminal at Moorebank will be a key enabler in that transition.”

Appeal to locate missing man – Newcastle City PD

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Newcastle area.

Ryan Daley, aged 40, was last seen between at the Braxton Hotel about 5pm on wed 3rd April 2024.

Unable to be located or contacted since, Ryan was reported missing to officers attached to Newcastle City Police District, who commenced inquiries to locate him.

Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare.

Ryan is described as of Caucasian appearance, about 198cm tall, of solid build, with brown eyes, brown hair in a ponytail, a beard and tattoos on both arms.

Police believe Ryan may be driving a white 2011 Mazda 6 station wagon with NSW registration ‘BVD25R.

Anyone with information in relation to Ryan’s whereabout is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Appeal to locate missing girl – Newcastle City PD 

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a missing girl from the Newcastle area.

Pheobe D’Arcy, aged 12, was last seen on Christo Road, Waratah, about 6pm yesterday (Tuesday 2 April 2024).

Unable to be located since, family reported her missing to officers attached to Newcastle City Police District, who commenced inquiries to locate her.

Police and family hold serious concerns for Pheobe’s welfare due to her age.

Pheobe is described as being of Aboriginal/ Torres Strait Islander appearance, of slim build, about 145-150cm tall, with shoulder length black hair. She was last seen wearing an oversized black hooded jumper, navy tracksuit pants and yellow shoes.

She is known to utilise public transport and frequent the Jesmond and Waratah areas.

Anyone with information into Pheobe’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Death of Lalzawmi ‘Zomi’ Frankcom

It is with overwhelming sadness that the Australian Government confirms the death of an Australian aid worker in Gaza.

The tributes flowing for Lalzawmi ‘Zomi’ Frankcom tell the story of a life dedicated to the service of others, including her fellow Australians during natural disasters.

Her tireless work to improve the lives of others should never have cost Ms Frankcom her own.

The Government expresses its deepest sympathies to her family and loved ones, just as we mourn all civilian deaths in this conflict.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to her family in Australia.

The death of any aid worker is outrageous and unacceptable.

Throughout this conflict, Australia has called for restraint, for the protection of civilians and safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance.

The Australian Government condemns this strike. The Government has made representations to the Netanyahu Government and seeks a thorough and expeditious review.

We expect full accountability for these deaths.

We repeat our demands for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire leading to a sustainable ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and that international humanitarian law be upheld.

GREENS SUPPORT VAPING BILL GOING TO INQUIRY

The Therapeutic Goods and Other Legislation Amendment (Vaping Reforms) Bill 2024 has proceeded to a Senate Inquiry. 

The Australian Greens are strongly supportive of sending this bill to a fulsome Senate inquiry through the Community Affairs References Committee.

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens spokesperson for Health: 

“The Australian Greens are deeply concerned about increasing rates of vaping and see increasing nicotine dependence rates as a significant public health problem” 

“The status quo in Australia is far from ideal. It’s unacceptable that children have access to vapes, and vaping products that have been entering Australia are unsafe, falsely labelled and have dangerous unknown ingredients. 

“I’ve heard from parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals about their deep concerns about the impact of vapes. It’s time for change. 

“The Greens will be pushing for this bill to go to a Senate inquiry. What is proposed in this legislation will be world-leading, such a big change must be scrutinised by the parliament and the community. 

“We need a carefully regulated scheme that focuses on public health outcomes, reducing harm and minimising use.

“We’ll be looking at the practicalities of the prescription model. Right now, GP appointments are booked out and are unaffordable to many. We must ensure that no one is incentivised to return to cigarette smoking and that people can get support when they need it. 

“No one should be penalised for personal use of vapes. The prohibition of drugs has failed. The Greens are concerned about the vague provisions around acceptable personal quantities, and how the provisions for prosecution would apply in practice.  

“We’ll also be looking at the public health interventions supported by this legislation. For example, many people under 18 are nicotine dependent. We need to ensure we have the settings right so this group are supported through quitting vaping.

“We’ve got to get this right. We need the government to fund education campaigns and ensure that there are appropriate regulations regarding the production, supply and sale of vapes.”

Safe showbags the go for the Easter Show

As thousands of people head to one of the biggest days of the Royal Easter Show, visitors to this year’s event can be confident the 403 showbags varieties on sale contain no unwanted surprises.

NSW Fair Trading Inspectors completed checks of every type of showbag to be offered at this year’s show finding just one non-compliant item.

This item, a small handheld toy wand had a small piece which was easily removed from the toy and presented a choking hazard. It has been removed and is not included in any showbags available for sale.

Inspectors were on the lookout for toys with missing warning labels and products which contain toxic chemicals or cosmetic products such as face painting kits, which are banned from sale.

After pre show checks, NSW Fair Trading Inspectors returned to Sydney Olympic Park at the start of the Sydney Royal Easter Show for final checks of the showbags and to conduct safety checks of other products offered for sale around the Showgrounds precinct.

The Sydney Royal Easter Show runs until 2 April at Sydney Olympic Park.

Find out more about the safety of children’s products and toys

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“More than two million people are expected to attend the Sydney Royal Easter Show and the showbag pavilion is often one of the first places they head to after passing through the turnstiles.

“Whether their favourite showbag is Barbie, Bertie Beetle or Paw Patrol, those purchasing a showbag can be assured every item sold has been checked to ensure the toys and novelty items are safe for the whole family.

“I am extremely pleased with the excellent compliance levels shown by the showbag sellers this year, with only one non-compliant item found among the 403 showbag varieties to be offered for sale.

“This continues the trend in recent years of having fewer non-compliant items found during NSW Fair Trading’s inspections and highlights the agency’s efforts to ensure toys and novelty items are compliant with Australian Consumer Law, safe and age appropriate.”

Central Sydney Ambulance Station Official Opening

One of the largest ambulance stations in NSW is now operational, with the official opening today of the Central Sydney Ambulance Station.

Located on the site of the former Coroner’s Court of NSW in Forest Lodge, the Central Sydney Ambulance Station is on the doorstep of the CBD.

The Central Sydney Ambulance Station includes:

  • 30 parking bays for ambulance vehicles and 5 parking bays for motorcycle rapid response units
  • Rapid roller door allowing crews to get on the road faster
  • Administration, office areas and training rooms
  • Gym room, showers, changerooms and rest area to promote the wellbeing of our emergency workers
  • Rooftop solar panels along with uninterrupted power supply batteries.

The NSW Government has committed $438.6 million to a major boost to NSW Ambulance in our regional and rural areas, with 500 paramedics to be recruited over a 4-year period and 3 new helicopter bases to be built.

The NSW Labor Government is committed to rebuilding essential services in our state, including delivering a record pay increase for paramedics.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Today marks a new chapter in NSW Ambulance’s nearly 130-year history serving people in and around Sydney’s CBD.

“Ambulance services in Sydney began in a borrowed police station at Railway Square in 1895. This new facility shows just how far ambulance services have come since then.

“The new Central Sydney Ambulance Station will serve this part of Sydney for many years to come.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“This new facility means our paramedics are in the best place to respond to any job, while having a facility with the capacity for the current and future growth needs for emergency ambulance services, not just in the CBD but throughout surrounding suburbs.

“The state-of-the-art Central Sydney Ambulance Station can accommodate more than 200 staff, 30 ambulance vehicles as well as space for 3 motorcycle rapid response units, which is a massive boost to our growing network of ambulance stations throughout the state.

“This purpose-built facility will be a centralised hub for paramedics to start and finish their shifts from; it will also streamline logistical tasks such as cleaning and restocking and provide space for on-station training and education.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said:

“The Central Sydney Ambulance Station will further enhance paramedics’ ability to save lives.

“Sydney is an international city that attracts millions of visitors from overseas and interstate each year, therefore having a large ambulance station right near the heart of the city will further optimise our responses within the CBD and surrounding suburbs.

“Central Sydney Ambulance Station is a vital hub in our network of hundreds of stations right across NSW. This new facility will ensure we continue to provide excellent emergency medical care now and into the future.”