Following today’s revelations that the Government has mapped all of the Inner West local government area for development up to six storeys, the Opposition is calling on the Government to make its mapping of the Low and Mid-Rise SEPP public, so the community can be fully informed about the Government’s intended changes to local communities in the biggest rezoning in Australia’s history.
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said it’s clear that Labor’s approach to housing isn’t working.
“The Minns Labor Government planning reforms are falling apart because they arrogantly dumped important consultation with local councils and communities. To ensure full transparency, the Government should immediately release mapping prepared by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure which shows the impact of these changes and the Department’s definition of ‘well located areas’,” said Mr Speakman.
“In Budget Estimates last week, the Government conceded that they had done the mapping, and we’ve seen it referred to in their own briefing documents, but they refuse to share it with the people of NSW.”
“While we know from these internal briefings to the Minister that the entire Inner West is mapped for six-storey apartments; it begs the question of what impact Labor’s one-size-fits-all planning policy has on other communities across the State.”
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said that under-pressure Planning Minister Paul Scully continues to show a concerning lack of understanding of the impacts of the Minns Labor Government’s “one-size-fits-all” approach by claiming his own briefing documents are “misleading, fanciful and designed to scaremonger”.
“It’s ludicrous that the Planning Minister is now calling briefings prepared by his own department ‘misleading’. Chris Minns and Paul Scully should release the mapping of the Low and Mid-Rise SEPP so the community is fully informed about what the Government knows,” Mr Farlow said.
“To address the housing crisis, the Liberals and Nationals believe in working with local communities to set housing targets, allowing communities to formulate their local controls and, if they refuse to do so within appropriate strict time limits, to impose state planning controls – not at the beginning,” said Mr Farlow.
Author: admin
Roads Minister embarrassing blunder leaves western Sydney drivers behind
The NSW Opposition is calling out the NSW Roads Minister John Graham for his complete lack of knowledge when it comes to Western Sydney roads investment.
This morning at Budget Estimates, Shadow Minister for Roads Natalie Ward asked Minister Graham directly what new funding the Minns Labor Government has committed to the Aerotropolis precinct since coming to office almost 12 months ago.
In an embarrassing blunder, the Minister was unable to name a single project, before attempting to take credit for the upgrade to Elizabeth Drive and the M7/M12 Interchange both funded under the former Liberal and Nationals Government.
In a desperate pivot to maintain an appearance of any knowledge, the Roads Minister referenced his election commitment to upgrade 15th Avenue, which a department bureaucrat had previously confirmed to Parliament was only enough to plan for the upgrade.
The Minns Labor Government’s clear lack of investment in Western Sydney was further exposed when asked to detail the Premier’s statement that his Government was investing $600 million over five years on the Aerotropolis, the Roads Minister declined to provide any detail.
Shadow Minister for Roads Natalie Ward commented “The Roads Minister’s eyes are clearly not on the road when it comes to investment in Western Sydney Roads.”
“People can’t drive on ‘plans’, they drive on upgraded roads. Upgrading roads requires investment and this Labor Government cannot name a single project they have provided delivery funding for.”
“Western Sydney communities be warned – there is a clear difference between planning and delivery funding for road investment. This Labor Government promises everything, but won’t actually build these roads.”
A stronger partnership between Australia and Laos
Prime Minister Albanese and HE Mr Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, signed an agreement elevating ties between Australia and Laos to a Comprehensive Partnership.
Australia is proud to be one of Laos’ longest-standing partners, a relationship built on mutual respect, understanding and close cooperation.
The Australia-Laos Comprehensive Partnership will drive bilateral cooperation across four pillars, reflecting our shared priorities for the future:
- People, education and human resource development;
- Economics, trade and investment;
- Climate, environment and energy; and
- Defence and law enforcement.
Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 identified agriculture and food, resources and green energy as key areas of opportunity for Australian business in Laos. The Comprehensive Partnership will also support Laos to maximise sustainable development in these sectors.
Prime Minister Albanese also announced that Australia has committed $3 million to Monash University’s World Mosquito Program to assist in the elimination of dengue fever in Laos. The program will fund research and allow Australia to share world-class knowledge and resources to manage the spread of dengue fever in Laos.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:
“I am honoured to Co-Chair this week’s ASEAN Special Summit with Prime Minister Sonexay.
“This milestone Comprehensive Partnership reflects our commitment to bring Australia and Laos even closer together.”
A new era for Australia Vietnam relations
Today Prime Minister Albanese and the Prime Minister of Vietnam, His Excellency Mr Pham Minh Chính, announced a major upgrade of the Australia – Vietnam relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Our relationship is underpinned by strategic trust, mutual respect and shared ambition. Last year, Australia and Vietnam celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations.
The landmark Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will support expanded cooperation on climate, environment and energy, and digital transformation and innovation, building on established collaboration across defence and security, economic engagement and education.
Leaders acknowledged a range of new initiatives as part of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
A new Peacekeeping Partnership Arrangement announced by leaders will solidify Australia’s support to Vietnam’s peacekeeping efforts, including the UN Mission in South Sudan. This agreement is an example of how Indo-Pacific partners can work together to support global peace and security. Leaders also agreed to elevate the Australia-Vietnam Security Dialogue to the Ministerial level to advance cooperation on law enforcement issues.
To grow trade and investment links between Australia and Vietnam, the Prime Ministers welcomed new cooperation in agriculture that will encourage trade in new commodities. They welcomed arrangements that will enable 1,000 Vietnamese workers to work in the agricultural sector to fill labour gaps in rural and regional Australia and a new agreement between agencies responsible for trade and investment promotion.
Education has long been a pillar of the Australia-Vietnam relationship, and a source of warm ties between our people. A renewed framework for cooperation between Australian and Vietnamese education institutions will strengthen our ability to work together on early childhood, primary, secondary and tertiary education, to deliver the workforce that we require to seize the opportunities of the future.
Leaders also welcomed new agreements between our maritime and science agencies to support Vietnam’s management of its maritime resources, including through adaption to climate change.
To formalise our growing partnership, leaders also agreed to new ministerial dialogues on priority areas. An annual ministerial dialogue on energy and minerals will drive cooperation in our energy and resources sectors, including critical minerals supply chains. The first Annual Trade Ministers’ Dialogue, held on 5 March between Minister Farrell and Minister Dien, provided a platform to build trade and investment between our countries.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:
“It is a pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Chính to Australia following my visit to Vietnam last year.
“Australia and Vietnam share an ambitious agenda across climate change and sustainability, digital transformation and innovation, defence and security, economics and trade, and education.
“This new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reflects our cooperation, our strategic trust and shared ambition for our region.
“There is enormous potential to be realised through closer ties between Australia and Vietnam.”
Statement on Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon
Our thoughts are with our friend Joel Fitzgibbon and his family following the tragic death of his son, Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon, in a Special Forces training accident.
The extraordinary men and women who volunteer to serve in the Australian Defence Force do our nation proud every day.
Every death in the service of Australia carries the heavy weight of loss and sadness. The tragedy of a life cut cruelly short.
This tragic accident is a harsh reminder that there are no easy days for those who defend our nation.
We are so grateful to every Australian who serves and puts themselves on the line for all of us.
Today the burden of grief falls on a dear friend to so many in the Labor family.
Our hearts are filled with sorrow for Jack, and his loving family – Joel, Dianne and his sisters – who are now holding on to his precious memory.
We think also of all who served with Jack and are now coming to terms with the loss of their friend and mate.
May Jack rest in peace.
Man charged over alleged drug supply and traffic offences – Maitland
A man has been charged following a drug supply investigation, as well as an alleged pursuit near Maitland today where an officer was injured.
About 11.40am (Wednesday 6 March 2024), officers attached to Hunter Region Enforcement Squad (RES) attempted to stop a BMW sedan on Lawes Street, Maitland, as part of the ongoing drug supply investigation.
As police approached the BMW, the driver allegedly reversed and collided with a NSW Police officer before fleeing the scene.
The male officer was assessed at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Maitland Hospital for the treatment of a leg injury.
The BMW was sighted by Port Stephens-Hunter Police in Chisholm a short time later, and a pursuit was initiated.
Road spikes were deployed on Harvest Boulevard, Chisholm, and the vehicle came to a stop on Raymond Terrace Road where the driver allegedly fled into nearby bushland.
Following a search of the area, police located the 40-year-old man, and following a short struggle in which a taser was deployed, he was arrested.
The man was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, assault police officer in execution of duty, use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, deal with property proceeds of crime, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, possess unauthorised pistol, and three counts of possess prohibited drug.
He was also charged with more than 50 drug supply charges including:
Two counts of supply prohibited drug – large commercial quantity,
Two counts of supply prohibited drug – commercial quantity,
15 counts of supply prohibited drug – indictable quantity,
30 counts of supply prohibited drug, and
Two counts of supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis.
He was refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 7 March 2024).
Bio-bitumen trial removing the roadblock for a greener future
A new trial is laying the groundwork for a greener road network through the use of bio-bitumen.
Transport for NSW recently laid the bio-bitumen asphalt, also known as ECO5, on a section of road at Raymond Terrace as part of the trial.
The bio-bitumen uses repurposed materials including recycled crushed glass, asphalt and crumbed rubber derived from end-of-life tyres, allowing for a lower carbon output per tonne of asphalt and fewer emissions.
The carbon footprint of ECO5 asphalt is 30 per cent less than that of conventional asphalt.
Transport for NSW will continue to monitor the trial over coming months and, if successful, it could pave the way for similar technology to be adopted across the state’s road network.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“The NSW Government is committed to supporting initiatives that improve sustainability in road infrastructure projects.
“This trial, a first for Transport for NSW, is a huge step on the road to exploring ways we can reduce our carbon footprint.
“Trialling innovative technologies, such as bio-bitumen, is vital in achieving the goal of net zero emissions for the transport section by 2050.
“Well done to Transport for NSW and its contractors for paving the way for a more sustainable future.”
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:
“This trial is an important milestone in moving towards using more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials as part of our daily road practices.
“The asphalt company Colas developed the ECO5 product, and the asphalt produced for this trial, came out of their Tomago plant in Port Stephens. The product was developed through a combination of local and international research and development.
“It’s great to see Port Stephens is laying the foundations for a greener future and better local roads.”
Transport for NSW Senior Manager Maintenance and Delivery North Stuart Baverstock:
“Transport for NSW wanted to see what sort of environmentally beneficial asphalt products were out in the market and what we could utilise on our roads as a better environmental product.
“Transport for NSW uses a huge amount of asphalt. It is a very carbon-rich product, so if we can reduce that even in small amounts then we will get huge savings.”
Grants to support the Australia-ASEAN relationship
Today, we announce the Australian Government will be supporting 38 community, university and business projects to strengthen collaboration between Australia and ASEAN members.
These innovative projects have been awarded funding through the Australia-ASEAN Council and the Australia-Indonesia Institute.
Australia and the countries of Southeast Asia share a region and we share a future.
This year we celebrate 50 years since Australia became ASEAN’s first formal Dialogue Partner, and welcome ASEAN leaders and delegations to Melbourne for the ASEAN‑Australia Special Summit.
We are laying the groundwork for the next 50 years of our cooperation, as we develop a partnership for the future, across governments, the private sector and the community, including through Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Strategy to 2040.
The successful Australia-ASEAN Council grants include:
- Australia-ASEAN Youth Summits for high school students from across Australia and Southeast Asia to walk in the shoes of country leaders and have a voice on regional issues;
- support for the University of Sydney to develop workshops and online exhibitions, support museums in ASEAN and Australia to interpret and communicate our shared maritime histories; and
- support for Deakin University to deliver a series of workshops to accelerate the energy transition in Malaysia, Vietnam and Australia.
The successful Australia-Indonesia Institute grants include:
- workshops and training by the New South Wales Rural Doctors Network in Maluku, Indonesia, to enhance community health capacity in remote areas; and
- programs to empower women entrepreneurs through mentorship, capacity-building, and networking, including the ‘Shehacks’ program to support women-led startups in Indonesia, fostering global connections and knowledge transfer.
We are also pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Alfira O’Sullivan to the board of the Australia-Indonesia Institute.
Ms O’Sullivan brings diverse experience to support the objectives of the Institute. An accomplished artist and educator, Ms O’Sullivan has led contemporary dance workshops in Indonesia and across the globe and has long been an advocate for forging cultural connections.
I am also pleased to announce the reappointment of Emeritus Professor Greg Fealy as Board Chair, and the reappointment of board member Professor Nicholas Anstey for another term. I thank outgoing member Ms Noni Purnomo for her contribution over many years.
Established in 1989, the Australia-Indonesia Institute has a long history of fostering people-to-people links and underpins our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Indonesia.
For more information and a list of the successful grants, visit the Australia-Indonesia Institute and Australia-ASEAN Council websites.
Labor’s hidden price hike revealed
The Albanese Government has prioritised politics over people, as it is confirmed they were waiting until after the Dunkley by-election to announce increases to private health insurance premiums.
The announcement today marks the longest time in 15 years that Australians have had to wait to find out how much more they will need to fork out for private health cover.
In the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, it is completely unacceptable that the Prime Minister would purposely provide Australians with less time to prepare for a price hike.
The Prime Minister tried to hide from accountability last week by saying they were negotiating for ‘the best deal possible,’ but clearly this was not the case.
In comparison to the 3.03% increase announced today, PHI premiums were at the lowest level since 2001 at 2.7% when the Coalition left government, a change which we were able to announce during the prior December.
The Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston questioned whether Minister Butler really expects us to believe he was at the negotiating table over the weekend in the middle of a by-election.
“The Prime Minister had an opportunity to be honest with the Australian public last week, but instead we saw more lies from Anthony Albanese.
“He has blatantly delayed this announcement, with no apology to the more than 14 million Australians who need to prepare for this additional cost as they already struggle to pay the bills under Labor.
“We also know that the increase announced today is only based on the average industry price, so some consumers will be paying substantially more – with less time to budget or shop around.
“Australian families just cannot afford this Government’s wrong priorities. They will always be paying more under Labor, and this hidden price hike is just another example.” Senator Ruston said.
The Opposition remains strongly committed to supporting the role of private health insurance in our healthcare system. During our time in Government, we supported the more than 14 million Australians to take out private health cover at the lowest rate in more than twenty years.
Visitor numbers surge as community embraces revitalised Newcastle Ocean Baths
Visitation to the Newcastle Ocean Baths has skyrocketed since the refurbished pool was reopened to the public, with almost 56,000 swimmers taking a dip in the past two months.
The figure represents visits that have occurred during the lifeguard patrolled hours at the facility since 21 December. It is almost five times higher than the number of swimmers using the Ocean Baths during the corresponding period in 2021/22, before the pool and promenade areas were upgraded.
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes unveil a plaque commemorating the completion of stage one upgrade works at the Newcastle Ocean Baths.
NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully joined Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes this morning to unveil a plaque officially commemorating the delivery of stage one of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade.
Minister Scully said it was fantastic to see so many members of the community embracing the newly refurbished facility.
“It’s great to see this historic public asset restored for the community to continue enjoying for many years to come,” Minister Scully said.
“Newcastle Ocean Baths represent the rich history of the region, and this significant upgrade has increased safety and accessibility, returning it to its former glory.
“Upgrades such as this are an important reminder of how great, quality public spaces can bring communities together and increase liveability.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said, “I’m committed to restoring and investing our public infrastructure, the popularity of the Ocean Baths was testament to City of Newcastle’s once-in-a-generation undertaking to restore the much-loved Newcastle icon.
“We worked closely with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group and other stakeholders during the planning and design stages of this project to ensure it meets the needs of current and future users,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The huge increase in swimmers using the Ocean Baths since they reopened reflects the importance of this upgrade and the significantly improved facilities we have delivered.
“The Newcastle Ocean Baths have played an important role in our city’s history for more than 100 years and their revitalisation will ensure they remain accessible to all Novocastrians for generations to come.”
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the Baths have never looked better.
“Having the Newcastle Ocean Baths open made it feel like summer again and I know people can’t wait to swim here through autumn,” Minister Catley said.
“The reopening in December gave us back a favourite place to swim. It’s even better today. The City of Newcastle has delivered a perfect restoration and the NSW Government is proud to help fund it.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath and City of Newcastle staff at the Newcastle Ocean Baths.
City of Newcastle Acting Executive Director City Infrastructure, Robert Dudgeon said that work is continuing to progress designs for stage two of the project, with Principal Design Consultant Tonkin Zulaikha Greer preparing concepts for the upgrade of the pavilion buildings, including the heritage façade.
“We will continue to engage with the Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group and the wider community as the designs are developed,” Mr Dudgeon said.
“We plan to share the concept designs and open a conversation with the community in the coming months.”
Accessibility improvements will again be a key consideration in the design of stage two, informed through consultation with community members and specialist consultants.
“During the development of the design for stage one we heard loud and clear from the community that improvements to accessibility needed to be prioritised, and we continue to listen to this feedback and refine our approach accordingly,” Mr Dudgeon said.
“As with any community facility, there are mixed requirements and preferences amongst users, which also need to be balanced with the operational requirements for managing and maintaining the facility.”
The $9.5 million recovered from the sale of City of Newcastle’s Fred Ash building helped fund the Newcastle Ocean Baths stage one upgrade along with $3 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Public Spaces Legacy Program.
The NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program is an investment in high quality public open space and delivers vital infrastructure for communities to love the place they live.