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Small steps to make a big difference to energy reserve in the heat

Businesses, households and NSW Government agencies are being encouraged to temporarily reduce non-essential use of electricity late this afternoon and early this evening, when hot temperatures will increase demand for power.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has measures in place to maintain reliable electricity supply.

However, with temperatures forecast to reach 40 degrees in parts of NSW including Sydney, AEMO is forecasting that the reserve of electricity supply will be under pressure.

AEMO forecasts power use in NSW to peak between 5pm and 9pm.

To prepare for this, AEMO has notified market participants, which may result in increased generation or reduced consumption.

The NSW Government is also taking steps to reduce demand. The Government Energy Action Response protocol has been activated and will see NSW Government agencies reduce electricity use.

Agencies will reduce air conditioning where safe and feasible, switch off non-essential lights and turn off equipment when not in use.

As a precaution, the NSW Government is also encouraging the community to reduce energy use between 5pm and 9pm, where it’s possible and safe to do so.

There are several simple ways to reduce energy usage late this afternoon:

If you are using air conditioning, raise the set point temperature to between 24 and 26 degrees. Each degree reduces energy use by around 10%.
Reduce use of non-essential appliances. Use dishwashers, washing machines and dryers late at night or wait until the morning.
If you have a pool, temporarily turn off the pool pump.

Reducing electricity use must not compromise health. Community members are assured they should use air-conditioning if it’s needed.

For tips on how to keep safe if you suffer from a medical condition and could be affected by the heat, visit the NSW Healthlaunch website.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“The NSW Government has worked closely with AEMO and network operators to prepare for this El Nino summer. Today’s events are an opportunity to put these arrangements are in place.

“With the community and the NSW Government working together during hot weather we can help minimise the risk of disruption to the energy grid.

“Nobody should turn off an appliance they need. Instead, we’re asking households to make small changes to the way they use non-essential appliances, to make a big difference to demand on the network and power bills.”

Cuts to health to fund paramedic pay increases

Before the election Chris Minns promised that public sector wage increases would be 100% funded through productivity savings and wouldn’t cost the Budget a cent.

Instead, today’s pay increase for paramedics will cost the taxpayer $500 million over four years. This is yet another broken promise.

We don’t think anyone could reasonably begrudge a pay increase for paramedics, and we acknowledge and applaud the hard work and dedication of NSW paramedics.

However, the Minns Government should not be robbing our health system to pay the paramedics. By their own admission, this deal will see further cuts in the Health portfolio. This includes what the Government coyly calls “savings associated with recruitment challenges”; that’s code for leaving frontline vacancies (including nurses) unfilled.

Before today the Government had already cut Health spending this year by 4% in real terms, including ripping $150 million out of palliative care.

Chris Minns must immediately detail these latest cuts and guarantee no reductions in budgeted frontline services.

Chris Minns should have had this dispute resolved months ago. Instead he almost allowed our state’s Triple Zero system to collapse.

The people of NSW shouldn’t have to suffer cuts to health services in order to pay for the Government’s union deals.

Nomination to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women

The Australian Government proudly endorses Ms Natasha Stott Despoja AO for re-election to the United Nations (UN) Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

Ms Stott Despoja was first elected to CEDAW in 2021 and is the first Australian to serve on the Committee in almost 30 years.

CEDAW — a body of 23 independent experts — monitors the progress of UN member states’ efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women.

Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, commended Ms Stott Despoja’s lifelong contribution to progressing gender equality and eliminating violence against women.

“Ms Stott Despoja is a fierce advocate for the progression of women’s human rights and the advancement of women’s representation in decision-making institutions domestically and internationally,” Minister Gallagher said.

“She is an influential global leader for gender equality, advocacy she will take into a second term on the committee and to her representation of Australia and advocacy for women’s human rights across the globe.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, affirmed Australia’s commitment to eliminating discrimination against women at home and abroad.

“Gender equality is at the centre of the Australian Government’s international and domestic policy agenda,” Minister Wong said.

“Ms Stott Despoja’s continued service on the Committee will strengthen Australia’s advocacy for women’s human rights as we work collaboratively with CEDAW to achieve gender equality globally and at home.”

MYEFO: LABOR RETAIN GIANT TAX CUTS WITH NO COST OF LIVING RELIEF FOR PEOPLE STRUGGLING

Labor’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook prioritises Labor’s political strategy over Australians crushed by the cost of living crisis.

“Despite millions of Austalians struggling to afford food and rent, Labor has conformed today it will continue with $317 billion in Stage 3 Tax Cuts for politicians, billionaires and the wealthy,” Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“There are plenty of decisions that can be made to help people with the bare essentials of life without driving up inflation like a rent-freeze, putting dental and mental health into medicare and providing free childcare.”

“Labor is boasting about a bulging bottom line while renters are being smashed by spiralling rent increases and mortgaged home owners are struggling with record rate rises.”

“Under Labor’s ‘Liberal-Lite’ policies, more people are living in tents and skipping meals. Meanwhile property speculators are supercharging their wealth and corporations are making record profits from price gouging.”

Tax concessions for property investors will cost a colossal $39 billion this year alone. Over the decade Labor are giving away $90 billion in fossil fuel subsidies.

“Labor claim they are reducing spending to fight inflation, but they are more than happy to spend big by giving massive tax concessions to their corporate and billionaire mates, while forcing more and more everyday Australians below the poverty line.”

“Budgets are about choices, and once again, Labor are prioritising big corporations and billionaires over millions of Australians struggling to afford food and rent.”

Updated planning and design guidelines set to future-proof the city

Sustainability, access and inclusion are at the forefront of enhanced provisions for new developments that were endorsed by Councillors at tonight’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

City of Newcastle’s (CN) newly adopted Development Control Plan (DCP) 2023 features improvements to design guidelines that minimise the impact of extreme heat on the community, encourage more active modes of transport, and address the needs of ageing people or those with mobility needs.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Council’s endorsement is the result of a collaborative effort with the Liveable Cities Advisory Committee, DCP Working Party, industry stakeholders and our community.

“This is the most comprehensive review we have undertaken to update planning and design guidelines for the city to better address environmental impacts, mobility and our ageing population,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Extensive community and industry consultation has helped inform key features of the final DCP, which in the long term will deliver better outcomes for the community in alignment with CN priorities, including the Newcastle 2040: Community Strategic Plan, the Local Strategic Planning Statement and best practice guidelines.

“The Newcastle DCP 2023 details enhanced sustainable housing development guidelines to reduce emissions in our built environment and to reduce the community’s exposure to climate change impacts, whilst protecting our environment for future generations.”

The latest forecasts show the population is set to increase by 41,150 residents to 202,050 by 2041 in the Newcastle local government area, which will stimulate demand for almost 20,000 new dwellings.

“As Newcastle’s population grows and ages, it’s vital we have effective planning guidelines in place to increase accessibility in our city and to create new liveable housing options that address mobility together with disability access requirements,” Cr Nelmes said.

Councillor and Chair of the DCP Working Party, Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk said sustainability, the environment and accessibility were key focus areas in the adopted DCP.

“The DCP 2023 will future proof the city by ensuring that developments result in buildings that are people-centred and climate ready, because everyone deserves a safe and healthy home to live in,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“The new controls to support biodiversity and address urban heat will deliver real outcomes for our local environment and our community by promoting healthy and sustainable buildings and outdoor spaces.

“The infrastructure that supports this is vital to people with diverse mobility and ability needs, and will combine with greater access to active and public transport to ease traffic congestion, reduce parking stress and improve our health and air quality.”

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 12 December 2023 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 12 December 2023. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Local Climate Action Summit

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported aacknowledging that the United Nations Climate Change Conference was recently held in Dubai, with the COP28 Presidency and Bloomberg Philanthropies inviting Local Government representatives from Australia to participate in the Local Climate Action Summit.

The Minute noted City of Newcastle’s recently adopted Newcastle Environment Strategy and welcomed the outcomes of the Summit, which recognised the critical role local government leaders play in reducing emissions and addressing climate risk.

Peace in Israel and Palestine

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported acknowledging the concerns of Novocastrians regarding the ongoing Israel-Gaza Crisis, and the profound impact of ongoing hostilities on innocent civilians and supports the United Nations call for a return to a path of peace, a respect for international humanitarian and international human rights law, and an end to the suffering of people in Gaza and in Israel, and those families still waiting for their loved ones to return.

Ordinary business

Newcastle Art Gallery loan contract

Council unanimously voted to approve the CEO to review, accept and execute a loan contract with NSW Treasury Corporation for $12.6 million, with funds to be utilised toward the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project.

Hunter Street trial cycleway Stage 2 design

Council unanimously voted to adopt the proposed Hunter Street Cycleway Stage 2 design between National Park Street, Newcastle West and Ivy Street, Islington.

Longworth Avenue and Minmi Road Wallsend concept designs

Council unanimously voted to adopt the Longworth Avenue and Minmi Road widening concept designs, which will see an increase to two travel lanes in each direction to improve traffic flow and alleviate congestion.

Adoption of the Council Property Lease and Licence Policy

Council unanimously voted to adopt the Council Property Lease and Licence Policy, setting out the way Council Property will be leased and licenced by individuals, organisations and business.

Annual Review and adoption of the Investment and Borrowing Policy

Council unanimously voted to adopt the Investment and Borrowing Policy, which ensures the investment and borrowing functions of City of Newcastle comply with relevant legislation and guidelines.

Adoption of Outdoor Dining Policy and Guidelines

Council voted to adopt the Outdoor Dining Policy 2023, Outdoor Dining Guidelines 2023 and the proposed annual fee for permanent fixtures.

Throsby, Styx and Cottage Creeks Flood Study

Council voted to adopt the Throsby, Styx and Cottage Creek Flood Study, with the amendment that flood mapping is identified as ‘subject to further investigation’ at John Parade, Merewether, Kimbarra Close, Wallace Street and Gregory Parade, Kotara.

Newcastle Development Control Plan 2023

Council voted to approve the Newcastle Development Control Plan 2023, which will become operational on 1 March 2024.

Draft Newcastle Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme

Council voted to commence the statutory process to amend the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 to progress the draft Affordable Housing Contribution Scheme.

505 Minmi Road Fletcher

Council noted that City of Newcastle will be requesting the Minister not to proceed with the planning proposal for land at 505 Minmi Road Fletcher, due to the proponent not having satisfied the Department of Planning and Environment’s Gateway determination conditions.

Code of Conduct annual statistics

Council noted City of Newcastle’s Code of Conduct complaints statistics report for the period 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023 in accordance with Office of Local Government requirements.

Notices of Motion

Merewether Beach emergency first response safety measures

Council supported an amended motion noting that City of Newcastle regularly monitors water safety signage at its six patrolled beaches and has new signage planned for installation at the southern access point to Merewether Beach before the end of December. CN will write to Surf Live Saving NSW seeking advice on the provision of an Emergency Response Beacon at the city’s beaches to enhance communication to the State Operations Centre.

City of Newcastle rolls out plans to get Novocastrians on their bikes

The push for more pedal power in Newcastle has gone up a gear following the elected Council’s decision to move ahead with an extension of the separated cycleway along part of Hunter Street.

Councillors voted last night to adopt the designs for stage two of the trial cycleway, which will be constructed on both sides of Hunter Street between National Park Street, Newcastle West and Ivy Street, Islington.

A cyclist makes use of the separated cycling lane in the first stage of the Hunter Street cycleway.

Once implemented, it will create a dedicated 2km separated cycleway that will connect Islington, Tighes Hill and Hamilton to the city. The inclusion of a cycleway in this area was identified under City of Newcastle’s Cycling Plan and the adopted West End Streetscape Plan.

Community feedback overwhelmingly supported the extension as part of ongoing efforts to deliver safe, connected and convenient cycleways across Newcastle.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said this latest development is part of City of Newcastle’s (CN’s) plan to become a liveable, sustainable and inclusive global city.

“Changing how we travel is a big part of this shift so we’re making a significant investment in new, safe cycleways with almost $5 million being allocated to cycling infrastructure in this year’s budget,” Cr Clausen said.

“Through our community engagement survey we found that 90 per cent of respondents support stage two of the Hunter Street project and they’re happy with improvements to the network in stage one, particularly with the focus on safety.

“By continuing our investment in Newcastle’s cycleway infrastructure we hope to support making cycling play an even larger role within our transport mix.”

Detailed designs of stage two of the Hunter Street cycleway are due to be completed by April next year, with construction to start shortly after.

The adoption of the Hunter Street design follows the elected council’s decision last month to approve cycleway improvements between Broadmeadow and Hamilton, as well as the first stage of the Jesmond Cycleway.

Chair of the Liveable Cities Advisory Committee Councillor Dr John Mackenzie said these improvements are important links in CN’s On Our Bikes – Cycle Plan 2021-2030, that outlines the need for safe and connected cycling in the Newcastle LGA.

“We know the main barrier to people getting on their bikes is safety. What this does is it creates the connectivity in a difficult location between existing cycleway networks,” Cr Mackenzie said.

“If you can’t get safely from one end of the journey to the other then you won’t take the cycleway at all. We’re building cycleways which are safe for people who are eight to 88 years old.

“This aligns with the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan which outlined a vision for Newcastle in which walking, cycling and public transport are viable options for the majority of trips.”

The Hunter Street project has been made possible with a $1.5 million grant from Transport for NSW under the State Government’s Get NSW Active Program.

For more information on City of Newcastle’s current and future cycleways projects visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/cycleways.

Local productions to UpStage the classics in Newcastle

A day in the life of a modern café, inspired by Goldbergs on Darby Street, is a taste of the local flavour that features in the UpStage at the Playhouse program.

Written by Carl Caulfield, Karma Kafe showcases hard-working young staff and a diverse bunch of regulars and is one of four new and reimagined works that will call the Civic Theatre’s intimate Playhouse home in 2024.

Playwrights Louise Chapman, Vanessa Bates, Ang Collins, Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace, Councillor Margaret Wood, Playwrights Carl Caulfield, Charlotte De Wit and Pip Thoroughgood

Deputy Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Councillor Margaret Wood said this is an incredible opportunity to introduce works by home-grown theatre companies.

“Civic Theatre and City of Newcastle are investing in local productions, providing space and marketing support to local creatives,” Cr Wood said.

“We invited Newcastle’s creative and performing arts community to express their interest in being part of UpStage and we’re excited about the range of applications, especially the top four productions.

“The atmospheric 195-seat Playhouse is ideal for presenting smaller shows and we’re hoping a program such as this cements the connections between the theatre, our community, and the arts industry.”

Alongside Karma Kafe, another original production on the program is Blueberry Play, written by Ang Collins, a one-woman show that explores the highs and the lows of being a teenage girl in a small town, packed with heart, humour and aching nostalgia.

The Magic Hour, a dark comedy written by Vanessa Bates, is described as Little Red Riding Hood meets Trainspotting, featuring an episodic take on Grimm’s fairy tales, where Jack’s beanstalk grows in his parent’s backyard and Rapunzel’s tower is on top of a housing commission high-rise.

Romeo and Juliet reimagined by Charlotte De Wit & Pip Thoroughgood is an adaption of the timeless classic, which seeks to bridge the gap between centuries, weaving the enduring beauty of Shakespearean prose with the visceral power of movement, dance and physical theatre.

Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said the program will bring local shows to local audiences and highlight the creativity in our region.

“The fact all four of these productions have been written by Newcastle playwrights just shows the depth of talent we have in our city,” Ms Wallace said.

“The Civic Theatre is aiming to build the capacity and exposure of our artists and to build Newcastle’s reputation as a cultural capital.

“It’s wonderful to see original and re-imagined productions form part of the UpStage at the Playhouse program.”

Each show will be given a two-week placement in the Playhouse, which is co-located in the same building as the iconic Civic Theatre.

Tickets for UpStage at the Playhouse will go on sale from 15 February 2024, with shows to run from August to November.

For more information visit https://www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/upstage

Consultation begins on reforming Emergency Services Levy

The NSW Treasurer has begun consultations with key stakeholders to discuss reforming the way emergency services are funded.

In the first round of meetings today, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey met with property and retail industry stakeholders – the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales, the Property Council of Australia and the Shopping Centre Council of Australia.

Face-to-face meetings with representatives from the insurance sector are also scheduled this week.

Premier Chris Minns announced last month that the government would remove the Emergency Services Levy (ESL) from insurance to help reduce premiums for households and businesses.

The ESL on insurance has led to NSW having one of the highest average insurance costs for business and households in the country.

NSW is also the last state in the country to rely on a levy on insurance to fund emergency services.

A public consultation paper seeking views from industry stakeholders and the broader community on how best to reform emergency services funding will be released early next year.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“Today’s meeting was the first productive step in hearing from key stakeholders on ways to best reform the ESL.

“The ESL adds to the cost of insurance at a time when too many NSW households are already uninsured.

“The costs of natural disasters are only expected to rise with climate change. We must seize the opportunity now to find a more sustainable way to fund our fire and emergency services and ease the pressure on insured households and businesses.”

Get set for a safe summer on NSW roads

Holiday makers are reminded to plan ahead and avoid peak travel times, for road trips with minimum stress and optimum cheer this summer festive season.

Based on historical data, the heaviest traffic is expected on Friday 22 December and between Boxing Day 26 December and Friday 29 December.

Transport for NSW will be monitoring traffic at known pinch points on the Pacific Highway, including:

Coffs Harbour, Tugun and Hexham heading north
Mt Victoria on the Great Western Highway going west
Nowra, Jervis Bay, Milton and Ulladulla on the Princes Highway heading south.

Thousands of extra cars on the road will increase the risk of incidents. Drivers should avoid rushing, plan regular rest stops, service vehicles in advance, check the weather forecast and expect potential delays of up to 40 minutes.

While a number of major regional roads projects will be shutting down during the holiday break, many projects will still have reduced speed limits in place. Motorists are reminded to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs. Even when road crews are not on site there may be damage to the road condition that requires lower speed, so stick to the limit.

If loading up the car, trailer, caravan, or boat for a trip, take the time to check everything is secure, all tyres and blinkers are in good condition, and drivers are across the rules around how to drive safely when towing.

Transport has fast-tracked the onboarding and training of 123 councils, including all 94 regional councils, to upload data in real time to Live Traffic NSWlaunch. This means information on emergencies or planned incidents will be fed directly through to motorists through major navigation apps including Google and Apple maps.

To find the best times to travel to your destination, use the TfNSW pinch point journey planning tool at myjourneynsw.infolaunch and get the latest traffic updates by downloading the Live Traffic NSW app, visiting livetraffic.comlaunch or calling 132 701launch.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“We want people to have a safe and happy festive season. The best way to do this is to plan ahead, so you don’t get caught out by delays, and arrive at your destination well rested.

“As schools break up we’ll see thousands of families head in and out of the regions for the Christmas holidays.

“We need people to plan their journeys ahead with plenty of time and try to avoid the peak periods on our roads so they have a safe trip and don’t get stuck in traffic.

“We expect the busiest days on the roads will be the Friday before Christmas, and from Boxing Day to the New Year’s Eve weekend.

“Consider leaving home earlier or later in the day than you otherwise would to avoid peak times along your route. Tragically, as of midnight 11 December 2023, 334 people had lost their lives on NSW roads so far this year which is 67 more than for the same time last year. So I’m asking everyone to please take extra care on our roads.”