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Disaster assistance has been extended to the Clarence Valley Local Government Area (LGA) following severe bushfires on 13 October 2023 in New South Wales.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and is also available for people impacted by bushfires in the Inverell, Kempsey, Kyogle, Mid-Coast, Mid-Western, Port Macquarie-Hastings and Tenterfield LGAs.

The assistance available includes:

• help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged, including assistance for people to meet immediate needs, grants to replace essential household items, and grants for essential structural repairs to homes
• support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets
• concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, sporting and recreation clubs, and non-profit organisations to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property
• freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the bushfire caused significant damage across the region.

“This is a really intense time for people affected by these dangerous fires, and I want to recognise the collective effort from agencies across all levels of government and thank those heroes working to get these fires under control,” Minister Watt said.

“The Albanese Government is supporting impacted communities with this emergency assistance, so recovery can get underway for those directly affected.

“We continue to work alongside the NSW Government to collect information and fully understand the impact of this disaster.”

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said bushfire impacted communities, landowners, farmers, and primary producers will be supported in their clean-up and recovery from bushfire.

“We are continuing to assess the impacts of fire events as quickly as possible, with disaster declarations like these the crucial first step in unlocking assistance for those in need,” Minister Dib said.

“In recent weeks thousands of volunteer firefighters have been out across NSW firegrounds.

“Firefighters have faced challenging conditions across NSW and I would like to thank them for their ongoing response to the fires and their commitment to protecting communities.

“This is a challenging time for the community and this important disaster assistance will provide bushfire affected residents with vital support to help them get back on their feet.”

For information relating to financial assistance, replacing lost documents, location of your nearest recovery centre and more, please contact Service NSW on 13 77 88launch or visit www.service.nsw.gov.au

To apply for a concessional loan or primary producer grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593launch or visit The Rural Assistance Authority websitelaunch.

Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s website.

Residents and tourists in regional NSW can now drive their electric vehicles with greater confidence as the Minns government delivers more EV chargers through the Destination Charging Program.

Residents in regional NSW and tourists can now drive their electric vehicles with greater confidence as the Minns Government delivers more EV chargers through the Destination Charging Program.

Applications are now open for small to medium regional tourism businesses and councils to install EV charging infrastructure.

Successful applicants will receive 75 per cent of the cost of purchasing and installing up to four charge points at each site.

The $10 million allocated for round two of the Destination Charging Program is expected to support the installation at least 1,500 EV charge ports at tourism destinations. Destinations could include motels, wineries, cafes, restaurants, natural attractions, visitor information centres, museums, zoos and local government facilities.

Following the successful rollout of the chargers, a series of EV tourist drives will be developed to promote EV travel across NSW.

The Destination Charging Program is part of a $209 million investment in charging infrastructure which also includes $10 million in grants to retrofit apartments with EV chargers, $10 million for more kerbside charging and $149 million for ultra-fast charging infrastructure.

The NSW Government has also committed an additional $260 million in the 2023–24 Budget to underpin the rollout of a new NSW EV Strategy being delivered in partnership with industry stakeholders which is a key driver to achieving our state’s Net Zero emissions targets.

Find out more about EV destination grantslaunch

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“Providing EV charging plugs at regional destinations across our state will help make ‘range anxiety’ a concern of the past and give more drivers to confidence to make EV purchases.

“More EVs on the roads is an important part of the decarbonisation of our transport system and essential to meeting our net zero by 2050 target.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The destination charging grants are another example of this Government putting the needs of regional people at the heart of its decision making.

“Regional residents as well as tourists deserve to have the confidence to be able to purchase EVs knowing the required charging infrastructure is available to them locally.”

A Great Koala National Park on the state’s Mid North Coast is a step closer, with the establishment of 3 advisory panels to provide input into the creation of the park.

NSW Premier Chris Minns, Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe and Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty have today visited Bongil Bongil National Park near Coffs Harbour to see first-hand the areas that will form the park and meet scientists who are using drones to improve the accuracy of the NSW koala count.

The 3 advisory panels representing the views of industry, the community and Aboriginal groups will give feedback on the process of assessing land for inclusion in the national park. They will also provide information on economic, social, ecological and cultural matters.

The panels have been created to represent a broad cross-section of stakeholder views and facilitate data and information sharing. They will hold their first meetings before the end of the year.

The process of establishing a Great Koala National Park also includes an independent economic and social assessment which will consider the impacts on local jobs and communities. There will be an expert environmental and cultural assessment to safeguard the unique environmental and cultural heritage of the region.

The establishment of the advisory panels is another important step towards the NSW Government’s commitment to save koalas in the wild. This will be done while balancing the need to have a sustainable timber industry. $80 million has been committed to the Great Koala National Park in the 2023 to 2024 NSW Budgetlaunch.

Timber harvesting operations have stopped in 106 koala hubs within the areas being assessed for inclusion in the park. Koala hubs are areas where there is strong evidence of multi-generational, high-density populations of the iconic animal. These areas account for 42% of recorded koala sightings in state forests in the assessment area since 2000.

Premier Chris Minns, said:

“Inaction and neglect by the previous Coalition government saw the koala officially listed as endangered in NSW. Creating a Great Koala National Park will turn around the animal’s grim trajectory.

“The Industry, Community and Aboriginal Advisory Panels will ensure we consult with all stakeholders, to create a park that will both protect our native animals and create job, tourism and other economic opportunities on the Mid North Coast of NSW.”

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe, said:

“The government looks forward to working closely with the Industry, Community and Aboriginal Advisory Panels as the areas for inclusion in the park are assessed, and to receiving a wide range of knowledge and advice.

“The creation of a Great Koala National Park is the Labor Government’s most significant environmental commitment.”

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“We are working hard across government to deliver our commitment to establish the Great Koala National Park and a sustainable timber industry for mid and northern NSW.

“I look forward to working with the panels and hearing how we can all work together to deliver this iconic undertaking of a Great Koala National Park, integrated Aboriginal knowledge and leadership, plus a sustainable timber industry that can deliver the products we need in the future.”

State and Federal Government representatives and veteran support organisations have come together with local veterans and the defence community on Kokoda Day to focus on veteran wellbeing, mental health and support to transition to civilian life.

There was a great turnout at the forum held on the Central Coast, which according to the most recent Census, has the highest number of veterans of any local government area in NSW.

The forum was also held on Kokoda Day, an annual day of acknowledgement in honour of all those who served in the Kokoda campaign in the Second World War. The NSW Government designated 3 November as NSW Kokoda Day to officially acknowledge the Kokoda campaign last year.

Minister for Veterans and the Central Coast used the forum to praise the bipartisan and multi-government support of the veteran’s community, welcoming the recent announcement by the Albanese Government to tripling of the payment to allow veterans to access GP services. With increasing costs of living and rising costs for business, it has been hard for veterans to find GPs who will treat them without out-of-pocket costs.

There are also a number of NSW Government services available on the Central Coast including Service NSW, NSW Trustee & Guardian, and NSW Ageing and Disability Commission that veterans and their families can access.

The NSW Government is committed to honouring our veterans and their families, and the NSW Veterans Strategy and 2023-2024 Action Plan ensures that the veteran community is supported.

More information on veterans’ supportlaunch

Minister for Veterans, David Harris said:

“It was wonderful to come together today with the Central Coast veteran and defence community to hear about and discuss the great initiatives, services and supports available for veterans and their families in our community.

“The increase in Veteran Access Payment will give veterans and eligible dependents the access to GP services that they deserve. There are more than 27,000 White and Gold Card holders in NSW who will benefit from this change.

“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring veterans are provided with the best services and support, and I applaud the Prime Minister and the Commonwealth Government for implementing these changes and look forward to seeing how this change improves the wellbeing of the veteran community.

“Collaboration is key, and by working together to further enhance support and programs for the veteran community on the Central Coast, we can continue to acknowledge their service and that of their families.”

The Minns Labor Government has taken the first steps to bring the management of Junee Correctional Centre into public hands, for the first time.

US multi-national GEO Group currently holds the contract.

The decision to move the management of this crucial service to the public sector will lock in around 340 well-paid public-sector jobs for the region. 

Following the expiry of the existing contract with GEO Group in March 2025, centre management will be taken over by Corrective Services NSW.  Junee Correctional Centre will remain a crucial part of the NSW prison network.

Corrective Services NSW operates Australia’s largest prison system, responsible for approximately 9,200 inmates across 31 correctional centres.

Corrective Services and Justice Health will work with employees, the community and GEO Group through this period. 

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This is just the first step in this process which won’t be completed until 2025. 

“This is a win for frontline staff and the community. It means locking in stable, secure and well-paid public-sector jobs for the region.    

“We’ll consider all options as contracts for other privately run facilities get closer to renewal with a focus on delivering the best value for NSW and better outcomes for communities and the inmates.”

The NSW Government is partnering with Royal Life Saving NSW in its Active Adults campaign to highlight the importance of water safety for seniors this summer.

The Active Adults campaign encourages participation, and the low impact nature of aquatic activity makes it an ideal form of activity and recreation.

Research from Royal Life Saving NSW shows that in the past 12 months there were 281 drowning deaths, with 57% adult 45 years and older. Those aged over 65 represented 27% of fatal drownings and there’s been a 43% increase in the past 20 years.

The top three drowning deaths of those 65 years and older were swimming and recreating (32%), fall (16%) and boating (95).

People over 65 are encouraged to follow these five tips to enjoying aquatic recreation:

• share the fun with someone.
• wear a lifejacket when on the water.
• check any medications don’t interfere with your ability to swim.
• watch your step around water.
• know your limits and avoid taking risks.

Royal Life Saving NSW is a leader in drowning prevention and water safety education in the state.

Toolkits and guides are availablelaunch

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“With a hot summer expected, there was need for older people to keep water safety top of mind when planning a day in, on or near the water.

“There’s been a concerning increase in drowning deaths in older people and we want to make sure our seniors can enjoy the water safely – whether it is participating in watersport or simply walking around it.

“We know that when we focus on water safety in young people, we get results, with a 33% decrease in drowning deaths in 0-4 year olds.

“By partnering with Royal Life Saving NSW on this campaign, the Government wants to amplify the message that water recreation is a great way to stay active and fit, while emphasising that water safety must remain top of mind for people of all ages, especially for our seniors.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Australia is lucky to have great beaches, lakes and rivers that many enjoy spending time at.

“Now as the weather starts heating up, it’s a good time to focus on how everyone can stay safe in and around water.”

“Raising awareness of the dangers for older people, such as watching out for trip and fall hazards near water, is important for making sure everyone can enjoy a day out at the beach.”

CEO of Royal Life Saving NSW Michael Ilinsky said:

“Preventing drowning in older people is a priority because Australians are remaining more active into their later years and are well-placed to realise the benefits of fun fitness and recreation activities.

“Participation rates show older Australians are highly motivated to stay connected with their communities, however 75 per cent of people over 65 are under-active.

“We want people of all ages and abilities to be ready to enjoy the summer. The Active Adults campaign will ensure we’re providing appropriate water safety education to keep people active, social and safe.”

Following dramatic revelations of the potential rorting of the impartiality of the public service in Transport Minister Jo Haylen’s office, the only option for the Government is to refer the matter to the Independent Public Service Commissioner Kathrina Lo.
 
While the Opposition welcomes an investigation, it must be conducted independently. The Coalition Government appointed an Independent Public Service Commissioner to deal with matters such as this.
 
The referral of the matter by the Transport Minister to her hand-picked Secretary Josh Murray is nothing more than an attempt at a cover-up by a Minister who does not think the rules apply to her.
 
A Head of a Department cannot investigate a Ministerial Office that they report to, that is a blatant conflict of interest.
 
While the Minister wants this to appear like a department staff member gone rogue, the facts are:

• Senior Transport Executives were aware the Transport Minister’s Chief of Staff would be requesting Mr Ash to join the Office on the same day Minister Haylen was sworn in.
• The Transport Minister’s Office requested Mr Ash specifically, with senior Transport Executives raising concerns regarding his impartiality.
• Mr Ash’s secondment to her Office was extended at the request of the Transport Minister’s Chief of Staff.
• The A/Secretary of Transport for NSW Howard Collins raised concerns with her Chief of Staff regarding Mr Ash’s duties and conduct
• Mr Ash’s Secondment was cut short only a week after initial media inquiries regarding his duties.

This ‘investigation’ is nothing more than an attempt to throw a junior staffer under the bus to protect a Minister.
 
Does any reasonable person think Josh Murray, the Minister’s handpicked Secretary is really going to find the Minister committed any wrongdoing?
 
A controversially Labor appointed Secretary is investigating the Minister who got him the job regarding an operative her office requested doing political activities – It doesn’t pass the pub test. 
 
Department Liaison Officers are at the direction and responsibility of the Minister and their Chief of Staff. Whatever credibility the Transport Minister has left, she needs to do the honourable thing and refer the matter to the Public Service Commissioner.

Following revelations that the Planning Minister may have withheld from the Premier a report questioning floodplain modelling, the Opposition is calling on the Government to pause decisions in the North-West Growth corridor and to release the Owens report.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said that it was concerning if the Government is relying on outdated information to make decisions that affect new housing developments, and that potentially drive up people’s insurance premiums and drive down their land values.
 
“The Planning Minister has questions to answer about the modelling that the Minns Labor Government has been relying on, and whether a report by the former Deputy Police Commissioner Dave Owens APM had been intentionally ignored,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“For most people their home is their largest investment. Decisions like this have a fundamental impact on people’s property and its incumbent on the Government to get these decisions right,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Scott Farlow, called on the Government to release the report from Mr Owens.
 
“Models are only as good as the data that is put into them and if there is a question on the adequacy of the data, then the Government should pause its decisions until the information can be fully scrutinised.”
 
“Dave Owens is a highly respected former Deputy Police Commissioner who has been tasked in the past with the 2019-20 NSW Bushfire Inquiry and the 2017 Independent Northern Rivers flooding review,” Mr Farlow said.
 
“The Minister needs to tell the community if he had provided Mr Owens’ report to the Premier and Cabinet, and if not why not. So that landholders can have all the information, the Minister should publicly release Mr Owens’ report.”