New multimillion-dollar funding package to help the Far North recover from Ex-TC Jasper

The Albanese and Miles Governments are delivering further disaster assistance to help Far North Queensland continue its recovery following ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.

The exceptional circumstances assistance is jointly-funded by the Albanese and Miles Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Today’s announcement will further support local tourism, clean-up efforts and invest in specialised recovery staff:

  • A $24.25 million Tourism Recovery and Resilience Program will develop a grants program for Far North operators who have been cut-off or heavily affected by the extreme weather. Grants will be made available to impacted operators to re-establish their business, continue employing their staff and rebuild stronger with flood-resilient infrastructure such as solar panels and other mitigation infrastructure. The program will also fund a tourism and events marketing campaign to attract more visitors back to the region.
  • A $20 million Clean-Up Program will assist in response to both ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the South East Queensland storms. FNQ Councils and state agencies will be supported as they continue their work clearing debris from community assets, parks, national parks, beaches and waterways.
  • Cyclone Industry Recovery and Resilience Officer (CIRRO) Program – three specialised resilience officers will work with FNQ industry, Councils and impacted farmers to support local community-led, regionally-coordinated recovery approaches to disaster risk reduction for future events.
  • Recovery Project Managers – in recognition of their resourcing constraints, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council and Douglas Shire Council will also receive a small amount of direct funding to engage project managers and other skilled workers to design, coordinate and manage extraordinary recovery efforts following TC Jasper.

Previously announced financial assistance for impacted residents, businesses and councils also remains available, including Personal Hardship Assistance grants and Disaster Assistance Loans.

Residents in need of disaster support can call the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“This beautiful place has been ravaged by this disaster, and we want to help Far North Queensland get back on its feet as soon as possible.

“Disaster recovery at this scale will take time so it’s vital we keep making these investments so that Far North Queensland can bounce back faster and stronger.

“Tourism in particular is one of the lifeblood industries of Far North Queensland, and we want to make sure businesses hit hard can not only survive but thrive again.

“We’re also giving a boost to clean-up efforts and focused recovery for primary producers and the councils of Wujal Wujal and Douglas, which will make a major difference for the region.”

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said:

“Today’s announcement is more evidence that our governments stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Far North Queensland communities.

“Tourism is a pillar of the economy and we will do everything we can to ensure local businesses and households are supported through this time.

“This additional extraordinary funding comes on top of the $64 million package we announced before Christmas, and of course the millions in Personal Hardship Assistance that’s already in the pockets of residents.

“We know there’s still a long road to travel until the Far North has fully recovered from Jasper, but this announcement today significantly strengthens our work.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said:

“This latest package is informed by our conversations with councils, industry and the community, and I acknowledge their strength and resilience in these tough times.

“With investments like the $20 million Clean-Up Program we’re removing the financial strain on councils, giving them full confidence to keep going with their great work.

“Employing recovery and resilience officers to help FNQ primary producers, and recovery project managers for Wujal Wujal and Douglas will also ensure we’re achieving the best possible outcomes that are informed by local experience in the Far North.”

minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Nikki Boyd said:

“This is the next step in the recovery journey for the Far North.

“It’s funding that helps across the Far North, from the community and councils to cornerstone employers like tourism and primary industry.

“And we will keep working with councils and the Federal Government to develop further support.”

Federal Minister for Tourism Don Farrell said:

“Australia’s tourism operators are remarkably resilient and many are already once again showing visitors the wonders of the region.

“This package will help those unable to re-open quickly to overcome this challenge and get back to what they do best – delivering unique, world-class tourism experiences to international and domestic visitors.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Michael Healy said:

“These funds will be a lifeblood for many businesses who remain closed in areas like Cape Tribulation and along the Captain Cook Highway, weeks after the cyclone and flooding hit the Far North.

“The support will be targeted at helping them retain skilled staff and improve their operations, while encouraging visitors to start getting ready to plan a trip north.

“Tourism is the lifeblood of our region, and we are steadfast in our commitment to support tourism operators through this difficult period.”

CEO, Tourism and Events Queensland Patricia O’Callaghan said:

“This is a multi-faceted funding package that will be warmly welcomed by the tourism industry in the Far North, the majority of whom have reopened their doors to visitors while simultaneously rebuilding after the extreme weather.

“Far North Queensland is one of the most unique and awe-inspiring places on the planet so we’re incredibly excited to promote it to the world and let everyone know that now is the time to visit for that dream holiday or event.”

CEO, Tourism Tropical North Queensland Mark Olsen said:

“The support will provide relief for Tropical Queensland tourism operators who missed their peak season over Christmas and New Year and are unlikely to see significant visitor numbers until Easter.

“It is critical for the businesses that remain isolated to receive assistance so they can continue to pay wages and make the repairs necessary to resume trading once their access roads are open.”

More information:

Tourism Recovery and Resilience Program – $24.25 million

  • $10 million grant program for exceptional impacts to support the tourism industry in Tropical North Queensland. The grant program focuses on supporting businesses that have been isolated or unable to trade due to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Jasper flooding.
  • $10 million in Building Resilient Tourism Infrastructure grants will be available to tourism operators who were severely impacted to rebuild stronger with flood-resilient infrastructure such as solar panels and other mitigation infrastructure.
  • $3 million for event promotions and a tourism campaign to attract more visitors back to the region.

The Queensland Reconstruction Authority will administer the funding that will be delivered by the Department of Tourism and Sport to council areas including Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Cook, Douglas, Hope Vale, Mareeba, Tablelands, Wujal Wujal and Yarrabah.

This package is in addition to the $5 million tourism recovery package that is also being jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments, featuring discounted airfares and accommodation and disaster recovery assistance grants.

Clean-up Program – $20 million

  • Available to impacted councils and state agencies in response to both ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the South East Queensland storms.
  • Funding for extraordinary clean-up activities and damage assessments of community and recreational assets, parks, waterways and beaches, and national parks.

Cyclone Industry Recovery and Resilience Officers – $2.25 million

  • Will allow state officers to be employed to support primary producers impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper with their immediate recovery.
  • Work undertaken in the roles will also help build resilience to future natural disasters within the local sector.

Recovery Project Managers – $1 million

  • Managers will coordinate complex relief and recovery efforts in consultation with Douglas, Wujal Wujal and Scenic Rim councils, communities and state agencies.

Further information on DRFA exceptional circumstances measures can be found at Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

Appointment of Dr Craig Emerson as Independent Reviewer of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct

The Albanese Government has appointed Dr Craig Emerson to lead the 2023-24 review of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct (the Code) to ensure that the supermarket sector is working as it should.

The Food and Grocery code is prescribed under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Aldi, Coles, Woolworths and Metcash are signatories to the Code and are bound by it.

The Code was introduced to improve standards of business behaviour in the food and grocery sector.

The Code regulates the conduct of these retailers and wholesalers towards suppliers.

Dr Emerson was the Federal Minister for Small Business from 2007-2010 and Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs from 2009-2010. He was Minister for Trade from 2010-2013. He is a former Queensland Government Director-General and Senior Economic Adviser to Prime Minister Bob Hawke.

Today, the Government has also released the Review of the dispute resolution provisions (Part 5) of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct and the Government’s response to the review.

The Government supports all of the recommendations in the Review to amend the
Code to:

  • Enable Code Arbiters to mediate and allow suppliers to contact and seek preliminary information from Code Arbiters without making a formal complaint, and
  • Enhance the Independent Reviewer’s role in overseeing the conduct and complaint handling practices of the Code Arbiters.

The recommendations will be implemented as part of a broader package of reforms to the Code following the conclusion of the 2023-24 review of the remaining provisions of the Code.

You can have your say on the 2023-24 review and become involved in the public consultation process by visiting the Treasury website.

The Review of the dispute resolution provisions (Part 5) of the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct can be found on the Treasury website along with the Government’s response to the Review.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“We are tackling cost of living and ensuring Australian families have an economy that works for them.

“We have been clear – if the price for meat and fruit and vegetables is going down at the farm gate then families should be seeing cheaper prices on supermarket shelves too.

“Supermarkets have a duty to make sure they’re providing affordable options for all Australians, especially when they’re making savings on their own costs.

“We’ve made looking after consumers a key priority over the past 18 months and we’ll keep looking at every option to make sure Australians aren’t paying more than they should or getting less than they deserve.

“If there are further steps that are needed then the Government will not hesitate to take action.”

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said:

“We expect all companies to treat Australian consumers fairly including in the food and grocery sector.

“As a Government we’re taking a fresh look at the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct to make sure the sector is giving consumers and suppliers a fair deal.

“When the price of meat and fruit and veggies comes down for supermarkets, it should come down for families as well – it’s a big chance for the big supermarkets to do the right thing.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said:

“We’ve been making clear for many months now that retailers should start dropping their prices to reflect the reduction in prices farmers are getting for their produce.

“Farmers deserve a fair price for their hard work and the some of the prices supermarkets are charging just don’t pass the pub test.

“While the Government is getting on with taking action on the cost of groceries, the ball is in the court of the big retailers.

“They don’t have to wait until this review is finalised to drop their prices, they can do that right now to help Australian families doing it tough.”

Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh said:

“Craig Emerson is one of Australia’s top policy economists, and will bring his wisdom and compassion to this vital economic reform. Dr Emerson’s work will form an important part of the wider review of policy settings that’s being led by the Competition Taskforce. 

“In the 1990s, the Keating Government’s competition reforms raised household incomes by $5000. History shows competition reforms can change lives for the better.

“Capitalism depends on competition. Monopolies gouge consumers and workers, and undermine fairness. Competition means better prices and more choice for Australian families.”

Labor’s Worsening Primary Care Crisis Confirmed

The Albanese Labor Government is overseeing a serious crisis in Australia’s primary healthcare system, which is making it harder and more expensive to see a doctor.

The report released by Cleanbill today has confirmed a trend that has been evident for months – Bulk billing is collapsing under Labor, after being at record highs under the former Coalition Government.

Cleanbill’s report states that there has been a “catastrophic” reduction of 11% in the number of bulk billing options available across the country and that over 1.2 million Australians avoided attending a GP over the last financial year due to cost concerns.

This study follows the RACGP’s Health of the Nation report released late last year, which showed that the number of GPs who bulk bill all their patients has halved in just one year, while the cost of seeing a GP has increased by $11 on average.

The Shadow Minister for Health, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston said that the Albanese Government is overseeing the collapse of bulk billing at a time when Australians are struggling to pay the bills, let alone cough up for an unexpected GP appointment.

“Since Labor came into government, bulkbilling rates have dropped consecutively every single month, with the latest quarterly data showing rates have plummeted to the lowest levels in over a decade.

“This Government was elected with a promise to ‘strengthen Medicare’, yet all of the data is steamrolling in the opposite direction.

“This is a seriously concerning trend that Australians just cannot afford. Not only is it pushing up out-of-pocket expenses for families, but we also know that a weakened primary care system only increases the pressure on our over-burdened hospitals.

At a time when we are seeing historic ramping across the country, the Albanese Labor Government must urgently address this primary care crisis to reduce avoidable interactions with our hospitals and support Australians with the rising costs of healthcare.

Without urgent action from the Government to address this collapse in bulkbilling, Australians’ access to critical healthcare will be increasingly at risk.

NCC Code of Conduct investigation

In accordance with the Council resolution of 12 December 2023 (below), City of Newcastle (CN) sought advice on the proactive release of the outcome letter and investigation report prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer, in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act).

As required under the GIPA Act, CN consulted with third parties whose information was captured in the documents prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer.

The outcome letter was prepared by the independent Conduct Reviewer and is a summary of the independent Code of Conduct review and its findings. The outcome letter was made available to Councillors at the Council meeting held on 12 December 2023.

Third party consultation is now complete and a full copy of the outcome letter is available.

The investigation report is the full report prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer. Consultation on the investigation report continues, in accordance with the GIPA Act. As noted in the Council resolution, the Procedure does not provide for Councillors to receive a copy of the investigation report where the finding is there is no breach of the Code of Conduct.

CN is currently working through its legal obligations in relation to the investigation report, having regard to the Code of Conduct, the Procedure and the GIPA Act. This will take some time as it is important CN complies with its legal obligations. A further update will be provided in due course as to whether the investigation report is able to be proactively released under the GIPA Act, but this is not expected to be till late January 2024 at the earliest.

22 December 2023

In accordance with the Council resolution of 12 December 2023 (below), City of Newcastle (CN) sought advice on the proactive release of the outcome letter and investigation report prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer, in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act).

As required under the GIPA Act, CN consulted with third parties whose information was captured in the documents prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer.

The outcome letter was prepared by the independent Conduct Reviewer and is a summary of the independent Code of Conduct review and its findings. The outcome letter was made available to Councillors at the Council meeting held on 12 December 2023.

A redacted copy of the outcome letter is available. The redacted sections of the outcome letter are currently the subject of consultation with a third party. Once the consultation is completed, CN will be able to determine whether it can release the information, in accordance with the GIPA Act.

The investigation report is the full report prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer. Consultation on the investigation report continues, in accordance with the GIPA Act. As noted in the Council resolution, the Procedure does not provide for Councillors to receive a copy of the investigation report where the finding is there is no breach of the Code of Conduct.

CN is currently working through its legal obligations in relation to the investigation report, having regard to the Code of Conduct, the Procedure and the GIPA Act. This will take some time as it is important CN complies with its legal obligations. A further update will be provided in due course as to whether the investigation report is able to be proactively released under the GIPA Act, but this is not expected to be till late January 2024 at the earliest.

Statement attributable to David Clarke, Executive Director Corporate Services

In accordance with Council’s resolution of 12 December 2023, City of Newcastle sought advice on the proactive release of the outcome letter and investigation report prepared by the independent, external Conduct Reviewer into alleged Code of Conduct breaches by City of Newcastle’s Chief Executive Officer.

City of Newcastle is governed by strict requirements under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) when considering the proactive release of documents which contain the information of third parties.

City of Newcastle has undertaken consultation on the outcome letter, which was prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer and is a summary of the independent Code of Conduct review and its findings. The outcome letter was made available to Councillors at the Council meeting held on 12 December 2023″.

A redacted copy of the outcome letter is available on City of Newcastle’s website at [link]. The redacted sections of the outcome letter are currently the subject of consultation with a third party. Once the consultation is completed, CN will be able to determine whether it can release the information, in accordance with the GIPA Act.

The investigation report is the full report prepared by the external Conduct Reviewer. Consultation on the investigation report continues, in accordance with the GIPA Act.

The investigation report is not able to be considered for release until the GIPA Act requirements have been finalised. A further update will be provided in due course.

14 December 2023

An independent investigation has been undertaken into alleged Code of Conduct breaches by City of Newcastle’s (CN) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following a resolution of Council on 25 July 2023 and a letter from the Minister for Local Government.

In accordance with CN’s Procedure for Administration of the Code of Conduct, the matter was referred to an external Conduct Reviewer, independent of CN, for assessment and investigation.

The investigation found no evidence that the CEO incentivised the author to write the articles, nor did he reveal to the author confidential information, which was contained in the letters to the Newcastle Herald.

There is no evidence that the CEO directly contributed to the letters and the investigation found both allegations were not substantiated.

The Conduct Reviewer has referred allegations of how confidential electoral roll details about Council staff and their friends and family came into the possession of journalists to the appropriate external agencies to determine the next steps.

The procedure does not provide for the Conduct Reviewer to take action or make a referral in relation to the Code of Conduct for Members of the Legislative Assembly.

Now the matter is finalised, CN will advise the Minister for Local Government and relevant external agencies of the outcome of the investigation.

The investigation report remains confidential, and the procedure does not provide for Councillors to receive a copy of the investigation report where the finding is there is no breach of the Code of Conduct.

CN will proactively consider and seek advice to determine whether the outcome letter and investigation report issued by the Conduct Reviewer, in part or full, can be released publicly in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.

The full Procedure for Administration of the Code of Conduct is available on the CN website.

The Resolution to Ordinary Council Meeting 12 December 2023 regarding the outcome of this matter is also available.

Newcastle Museum offers chance to explore Indigenous stories of the stars

Newcastle Museum is preparing to transport budding astronomers to the farthest reaches of the universe this month as part of its summer of space exploration.

Using a 4K projection system and surround sound technology, Starr’s Planetarium will take participants on an immersive, 360-degree journey through the solar system, with a presentation designed to unlock the secrets of Indigenous Australian astronomy.

The inflatable mobile planetarium is just one of the space-themed activities on offer at the Museum during the school holidays to complement its blockbuster summer exhibition, Australia in Space.

The Museum’s series of popular free science shows kicked off today with a fun and educational exploration of the mysteries of space, while a free coding workshop on Thursday will teach participants to create a computer game inspired by the International Space Station.

The planetarium will touch down at the Museum with a number of ticketed sessions on 18 and 19 January, while Fizzics Education will allow participants to discover the science required to reach the moon in an engaging, free presentation on 23 January.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen and City of Newcastle's Director Museum Archive Libraries and Learning Julie Baird at the Australia in Space exhibition

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the exhibition and activities will excite audiences of all ages, with an emphasis on school-age children.

“Developed by the Questacon National Science and Technology Centre, Australia in Space offers hands-on displays inspired by stories of Australian innovators making it safer to live and work in orbit, and using space technologies to improve life on Earth,” Cr Clausen said.

“To complement the exhibition, we’re offering a range of free science shows and workshops, as well as the low-cost Starr’s Planetarium experience, which will deliver an insightful and inspiring insight into how Indigenous cultures describe constellations that are fundamental to their daily lives.

“I’d encourage our visitors to make a day or weekend trip to explore Australia in Space as well as Newcastle Museum’s other exhibitions, activities and collections.”

Tickets for Australia in Space cost $15 for adults, $10 for concession card holders, and $7.50 for children between five and 14, with children under five admitted for free. A family pass (two adults and two children) is $40.

Visitors with a disability or low-sensory needs who want to experience Australia in Space before the Museum opens to the public can also take part in one of the dedicated low-sensory sessions, with the next one being held from 9am to 10am tomorrow (10 January).

Entry to Starr’s Planetarium costs $10 per person, with tickets on sale from 15 January and bookings essential.

More disaster assistance rolls out for SEQ

  • The Australian and Queensland Governments have announced new support measures to boost disaster recovery and resilience operations in South East Queensland.
  • The exceptional circumstances assistance is jointly funded through Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and comes in the wake of some of the worst storms SEQ has ever experienced.
  • Additional grants for small businesses, farmers and non-profit organisations also activated for SEQ.

The Albanese and Miles Governments are delivering further disaster assistance to help South East Queensland recover from recent severe storms.

Today’s announcement will support local clean-up efforts, invest in specialised recovery staff and provide grants to primary producers, small business owners and non-profit organisations:

  • A $20 million Clean-Up Program will assist in response to both the South East Queensland storms and ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper. Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Logan and Far North Queensland Councils, and state agencies will be supported as they continue their work clearing debris from community assets, parks, national parks, beaches and waterways.
  • Grants of up to $75,000 have been activated for affected primary producers, and up to $50,000 for affected small business owners and non-profit organisations in impacted parts of South East Queensland.
  • Local Recovery and Resilience Grants of $1 million, announced last Thursday, will be jointly funded by Commonwealth and State, and provided to the City of Gold Coast, Logan City Council and Scenic Rim Regional Council to go towards local recovery initiatives and disaster relief.
  • In recognition of its resourcing constraints, Scenic Rim Council will also receive a small amount of direct funding to engage a project manager and other skilled workers to design, coordinate and manage extraordinary recovery efforts.

A range of previously announced financial assistance for impacted residents, businesses and councils remains available as well, including Personal Hardship Assistance grants and Disaster Assistance Loans.

Residents in need of disaster support can call the Queensland Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Our Government is here for Queensland in this critical time of need. We are committed to helping Queensland communities recover from the devastating impacts of extreme weather events.

“This support will deliver the expertise and the resources to keep the job going and ensure recovery efforts are seen through.

“We know it’s been a terrible start to the year for many Queenslanders, but we will continue to work with the Miles Government to make sure the South East rebounds stronger than before.”

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said:

“The resilience shown by impacted communities has been remarkable, but we know targeted disaster assistance is required to keep recovery moving at speed.

“Queenslanders are bred tough, but when we’re faced with testing times we need to band together and support each other, doing whatever it takes to help.

“I want to acknowledge the incredible will of our frontline services, councils and residents, and this exceptional circumstances package we’re announcing today will help them continue doing the vital work our state needs right now.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said:

“The road to recovery will be challenging, but we are standing with Councils to give them certainty of funding so they can keep full focus on their clean-up efforts.

“The $20 million Clean-Up Program is accessible to our hardest-hit local governments, while the $1 million grants for Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim can be put towards not only recovery but greater overall resilience.

“We are also opening up new grants for affected farmers, small business owners and non-profit organisations to help get them back on their feet.”

minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Nikki Boyd said:

“The recovery efforts in the South East and Far North will be enormous and we are with those communities every step of the way.

“This assistance recognises the extraordinary support that’s needed.

“I also want to remind disaster impacted Queenslanders of the various other financial measures available – anyone needing help should phone our Community Recovery Hotline, 1800 173 349.”

More information:

Clean-up Program – $20 million

  • Available to impacted councils and state agencies in response to both the South East Queensland storms and ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
  • Funding for extraordinary clean-up activities and damage assessments of community and recreational assets, parks, waterways and beaches, and national parks.

Local Resilience and Recovery Grants – $3 million

  • Confirmed Commonwealth-State funding (announced on Thursday) will deliver $1 million to each of the three councils hardest hit by the SEQ storms: Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim.
  • Grants to undertake locally-led recovery initiatives, build greater community resilience, and reduce the impacts of future severe weather events.

Assistance Grants for small business:

  • Grants of up to $50,000 are available for directly-impacted small businesses to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, replace or repair damaged infrastructure and stock, and other costs associated with the recovery process.

Assistance Grants for farmers and primary producers:

  • Primary producers who have suffered direct damage can apply for grants of up to $75,000.
  • Grants will assist with short-term recovery needs including pasture rehabilitation, fodder, replacing livestock, and repairs to infrastructure and equipment.

Assistance Grants for non-profit organisations:

  • Grants of up to $50,000 are available for directly-impacted non-profit organisations to hire or purchase equipment and materials, clean up, remove debris, repair or replace damaged infrastructure or goods and other costs associated with the recovery process.

Further information on DRFA exceptional circumstances measures can be found at Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

Perkins Street stairs open to public

City of Newcastle has completed restoration works on the heritage sandstone retaining wall and stairs linking Church Street and Perkins Street, Newcastle.

The original stairs are estimated to have been built over a century ago and are located within the Newcastle City Centre Heritage Conservation Area.

Movement was identified in the structure and the stairs were closed to the public, while an appropriate design solution was investigated.

Rectification works on the heritage steps began in March this year and was completed and opened to the public, prior to Christmas.

The project included anchoring the structure to the existing bedrock, replacing the stairs, and updating stormwater drainage.

Maintaining the sites heritage and original features played a key role in the design.

The original stone treads were removed and replaced with a reinforced concrete flight of steps, that replicates the original stairs.

Recovered stones from the works have been repurposed as two public seats. One at the top of the wall looking down Perkins Street toward the harbour and the other forming a winter seat at the bottom of the wall.

Remaining stones have also been stockpiled at the base of the wall with plans currently underway to create a remnant stone garden in the two garden areas either side of the footpath at the walls base.

The rusted handrail and balustrade have also been replaced with a similar detailed handrail which reuses the recovered top rail from the original stairs.

License to chill: Jetskiers reminded to ride safe in 2024

In the first state-wide compliance blitz of the new year, Operation Stay Afloat, NSW Maritime officers have stressed to jetskiers a good time should be a safe time for everyone on the water.

As part of the safety and educational campaign aimed at driving home the importance of responsible riding on the state’s waterways, NSW Maritime crews conducted more than 2000 vessel safety checks.

While 87% of boat and jetski operators were found to be complying with all license and safety requirements, NSW Maritime issued 186 official warnings and 81 penalty notices.

31.4% were issued for not wearing or carrying a lifejacket, 27.7% were for unlicenced drivers or unregistered vessels and 11.2% were for speeding. 

It follows a year where jetski-related offences were on the rise. There were a total of 1560 jetski offences recorded in NSW during 2023, up 53% on the previous year’s 1023 jetski infringements. Speeding made up almost 30% of offences recorded.

More jetskiiers are found to be non-compliant in Sydney waters compared to other parts of NSW, with the George’s River, Botany Bay and Port Hacking taking the top spots for illegal activity leading to infringements.

The popularity of jetskis and personal watercraft has soared over the last 4 years, with over 90,000 licenced riders in NSW, an increase of over 35% since 2020.

The largest jump in jetski licences has been among Generation Z, those born between 1995 and 2010. There are more than 23,000 licenced riders aged between 13 and 28 in NSW, an increase of 22% on this time last year.

The top 5 Local Government Areas for newly issued licences are Canterbury-Bankstown, Sutherland Shire, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and the Northern Beaches.

A spate of serious injuries involving personal watercraft, including jetskis, has authorities on high alert a week into the new year. Locations of particular concern to authorities are Brighton Beach and Georges River in Sydney.

For more information on jetski safety, check out the Personal Watercraft (PWC) Handbook.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“Jetskis are a lot of fun, but they’ve got to be used responsibly.

“The best way to enjoy a day out on a jetski is to plan your adventure, pack essentials like water, food and sunscreen, wear a lifejacket and stick to the rules.

“It’s great to see a new generation enjoying our beautiful waterways, but inexperience means they need to be extra vigilant when it comes to safety.

“Dangerous driving can be deadly, so ski carefully and look out for yourself and others.”

Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson said:

“The George’s River is South-West Sydney’s very own water wonderland where locals from Picnic Point to Bankstown come to cool off and create fun memories with the whole family. Everyone has a role to play in making it a safe place for boaters, swimmers and jetskiers alike.

“We’re lucky to live on the banks of one of NSW’s most beautiful and accessible inland waterways, the George’s River. Compliance blitzs like these keep our waterways safe. It’s important that everyone knows the rules, behaves sensibly and is looking out for each other so people can keep making happy memories here for generations to come.”

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“Speeding and unsafe riding on a jetski is a recipe for disaster on our waterways.

“Jetskis are overrepresented in serious injury incidents, if you have an accident on one, it’s highly likely you’ll suffer a serious injury.”

“They are fast and they don’t offer much protection. Use common-sense if you jump on one.

“We want our Illawarra and South Coast communities to feel safe and relaxed when using all of our beautiful waterways, including Lake Illawarra. If jetski riders are making others uncomfortable, Maritime will take action.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“A fun day on the water shouldn’t turn into a tragedy.

“It’s great we’re seeing locals enjoy our Hunter waterways on jetskis, including young people. But we need them to look after themselves, and each other. Safety and compliance are the priorities.

“When you take out a jetski, just like anything on the water, follow the rules so everyone can relax and enjoy themselves.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“The Central Coast’s beautiful waterways are one of the things that make the Coast such a wonderful place to live. While we are out and about on the water this summer, it’s important to remember that our beaches and waterways are there for everyone to enjoy.

“I am always thrilled to see people get out and enjoy the water in new ways and encourage everyone to get out and enjoy our stunning maritime landscapes. However please remember, safety always comes first. Be mindful of those around you in the water, making sure that everyone can stay cool and safe on our beautiful waterways this summer.”

Jetski Club member Wahib Gereige said:

“Spending a day out on your jetski with friends is what summer’s all about. Ruining it for others by being reckless or irresponsible, isn’t.

“There is a stigma about jetski riders which is giving us all a bad reputation. Rules and regulations are there for a reason, respect them and everyone can have a great time out on the water.”

2024 New Year’s resolutions for Chris Minns

Leader of the NSW Opposition Mark Speakman has called on Premier Chris Minns to put the people of NSW first in 2024 and make some New Year’s resolutions to fix his Government’s many failures.
 
“There is a long list of New Year’s resolutions Chris Minns should make, and it should start with removing his two of his embattled Ministers from their critical portfolios,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“Jo Haylen’s ‘jobs for Labor mates’ scandal continues to distract from the important task of delivering on our state’s transport needs. Yasmin Catley has failed to comprehend the most basic elements of her job as Police Minister.”
 
“Chris Minns should also resolve to address the ongoing cost-of-living crisis with better support for families and households. He should immediately adopt the Coalition’s energy relief plan which would see every household in NSW eligible for $250 off their bills.”
 
“Chris Minns went to the election saying he would ‘roll over’ important cost-of-living programs including Active Kids, Creative Kids and back-to-school vouchers. Instead, he viciously cut these programs leaving many families worse off in the middle of Labor’s cost-of-living crisis.”
 
Chris Minns’ New Year’s resolutions list, for starters:

  1. Remove embattled Ministers Jo Haylen and Yasmin Catley.
  2. Restore cost-of-living support for families and households.
  3. Come clean on impact of union wage deals.
  4. Reverse heartless cuts to palliative care.
  5. Involve local communities in addressing housing supply.
  6. Outline new infrastructure plans to match new housing proposals.
  7. Reverse attacks on community clubs.
  8. Reverse parking charges for hospital staff.
  9. Address the state’s rising road toll.

 
The NSW Opposition will continue to hold the Minns Labor Government to account in 2024, put families and households before unions and deliver the vision and drive that NSW deserves.

Missing man located – Newcastle

A man reported missing from Newcastle has been located.

The 31-year-old was last seen at a licensed venue on Wharf Road, around 5.30pm yesterday (Sunday 7 January 2024).

Officers from Newcastle City were notified and commenced inquiries to find him.

Following extensive inquiries the man was located safe at Waratah today (Monday 8 January 2024).

Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.