GREAT BARRIER REEF DECISION NO CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION

The Greens warn that despite the Great Barrier Reef’s one year reprieve from being declared “in danger”, the iconic marine ecosystem remains under serious threat – including from the Albanese Government and its reckless approval of new fossil fuel projects.

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said: 

“This Unesco decision isn’t kidding anybody who has had their eyes wide open to the unprecedented and troubling changes we are witnessing in global marine environments, especially from new marine heatwaves. 

“The world will still be watching the Great Barrier Reef moving forward. As a custodian of this great natural wonder the Albanese Government should remember this decision is no cause for celebration, but a clear warning: if we get another El Nino event this summer the Great Barrier Reef may still be listed in danger come February. 

“The burning of fossil fuels is literally cooking our oceans and degrading marine ecosystems across the globe, and nowhere else has this been more politicised than on the Great Barrier Reef. 

“The high-profile Great Barrier Reef is a barometer for the declining health of marine ecosystems everywhere, and the Albanese Government must show leadership on mitigating the root cause of the decline in these fragile ecosystems by not expanding or approving new fossil fuel projects.” 

Greens senator for Queensland, Larissa Waters said:

“The World Heritage Committee has kept the Great Barrier Reef on the “In Danger” watchlist for another year, so the pressure is now on for the Albanese Government to stop approving new coal and gas. 

“Labor continues to approve new fossil fuel projects putting at even further risk the Great Barrier Reef, which supports countless miraculous species of creatures, corals and plants, and provides a livelihood for 60,000 tourism workers.

“Recurrent bleaching as a result of the climate crisis has already changed the Great Barrier Reef forever. More than half the coral cover of the Reef has been permanently lost in successive mass coral bleachings of the Reef since 2015. 

“Climate change is the biggest threat to the Reef yet the Albanese Government has approved 3 coal mines in less than 2 months. How many more times do global scientists have to say no new coal and gas?”

Labor’s shocker misinformation bill should be torn up

The Coalition will not support Labor’s proposed Misinformation laws.

Shadow Communications Minister David Coleman said the Government’s exposure draft of the Communications Legislation Amendment (Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2023 would suppress legitimate free speech in Australia.

“This is a very bad bill. The Government should rip it up,” Mr Coleman said. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to our democracy, and the Coalition will always fight for it.

“The Bill gives the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) extraordinary powers. It would lead to digital companies self-censoring the legitimately held views of Australians to avoid the risk of massive fines.”

The many problems with the Bill include:

  • The definition of “misinformation” is so broad that it could capture many statements made by Australians in the context of political debate.
  • Authorised content by the Albanese Government can’t be misinformation, but criticisms of the Albanese Government by ordinary Australians can be misinformation.
  • Nothing an academic says can be misinformation, but statements by somebody disagreeing with an academic can be misinformation.
  • Good faith statements made by entertainers cannot be misinformation, but good faith statements made by ordinary Australians on political matters can be misinformation.
  • Journalists commenting on their personal digital platforms could have their content removed as misinformation.
  • If the Minister has a favoured digital platform, then that platform could be entirely removed from the application of the misinformation laws.

Under the Albanese Government’s proposed laws, ACMA would gain sweeping powers to require any Australian to appear at a time and place of its choosing to answer questions about misinformation or disinformation. Heavy fines would apply for non-attendance.

“The Albanese Government has got this horribly wrong,” Mr Coleman said.

“This Bill is appalling and will be strongly opposed by the Coalition.”

City of Newcastle switches on safety improvements at notorious intersection

Navigating a notorious Islington intersection has become easier and safer for cyclists, students and pedestrians following an $800,000 upgrade by City of Newcastle (CN).

New traffic signals installed at the intersection of Chinchen and Clyde streets were officially switched on last night, signalling completion of the latest stage of work by CN to improve traffic movements and safety in the area.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen with City of Newcastle Project Managers Grant Mansfield and Alex Dunn utilising the new traffic signals at the intersection of Clyde and Chinchen streets in Islington, which became operational last night.

The intersection sits at the entrance to the Tighes Hill campus of TAFE NSW and the junction of two key cycling routes, and was considered a high priority for improved pedestrian, cyclist and road user safety.

The traffic signals will also assist in the management of traffic at the level crossing on Clyde Street, allowing safe passage through the intersection.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was pleasing to see this long-awaited upgrade delivering improved outcomes for the community.

“City of Newcastle is committed to ensuring community members are able to safely and easily navigate our footpaths, cycleways and road networks,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This Islington intersection is heavily utilised by pedestrians and cyclists accessing Newcastle TAFE and Islington Public School, and we are pleased to have been able to work with the community to improve safety and traffic flows in this area.”

The project, which was funded through the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure grant program, also included the installation of new kerb and guttering as well as extended shared footpath links along Clyde and Chinchen streets.

Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the installation of the traffic signals was essential ahead of an important future stage of the project, which would create a separated cycleway in this area.

“This intersection is at the juncture of two major cycling routes, which provide connections from the University of Newcastle into the city centre as well as a key north-south link from the regional route at Griffiths Road,” Cr Clausen said.

“Heavy volumes of traffic flowing through this area necessitated the installation of these traffic signals, and I am pleased to see them become operational for the benefit of all the community.

“The signals will also pave the way for a future stage of this project, which would replace the existing on-road cycle lane with a separated cycleway in this area.

“We continue to work closely with Minister Tim Crakanthorp and the NSW Government to deliver this $950,000 separated cycleway project.”

City embraces Beatlemania as major events partnership attracts rock royalty to Newcastle

One of the world’s most successful musicians will be winging his way to Newcastle this October thanks to a major events partnership between City of Newcastle and Venues NSW.

Former Beatle and Wings frontman Paul McCartney will take to the stage at McDonald Jones Stadium on Tuesday 24 October as part of a national tour presented by Frontier Touring.

City of Newcastle Acting Executive Manager Media Engagement Economy & Corporate Affairs Nick Kaiser, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and McDonald Jones Stadium Venue Manager Dean Mantle celebrate the announcement that Paul McCartney will perform in Newcastle on 24 October.

The concert marks not only Paul McCartney’s first visit to Newcastle, but will also be the first time he has ever played in Australia outside of a capital city.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Paul McCartney concert would cap off an enviable trifecta of international acts that have set their sights on Newcastle as a result of City of Newcastle’s strategic partnership with Venues NSW.

“We are thrilled to welcome global music icon Paul McCartney to our city in October for what will be a night to remember for tens of thousands of appreciative Novocastrians and tourists,” Cr Nelmes said.

“On the back of two unforgettable performances by Elton John in January this year and ahead of next February’s sold-out Pink concert, Newcastle has become a must stop destination for promoters looking for a world-class city to include on their national concert tour schedule.”

Since entering into a formal partnership last year, City of Newcastle and Venues NSW have secured a diverse line-up of major music and sporting events, including the Australian Supercross Championship in 2022 and 2023, the Cup of Nations football double header featuring the Matildas, and an international netball Test Series match between Australia and England.

Venues NSW CEO Kerrie Mather said it’s been a transformational year for Newcastle and McDonald Jones Stadium.

“Venues NSW has worked incredibly hard over the past 12 months to ensure Newcastle becomes a regular stop on the Australian leg of any artist’s world tour,” Ms Mather said.

“Off the back of the record-breaking Elton John concerts earlier this year, we are delighted to have partnered with Frontier Touring and the City of Newcastle to secure global superstar Paul McCartney and other major events for McDonald Jones Stadium.”

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper added: “It’s incredibly exciting to secure the one-and-only Paul McCartney for Newcastle and Sydney, in what shapes to be the biggest and best concert season ever across the Venues NSW network.”

Cr Nelmes said attracting headline acts of this calibre is a testament to Newcastle’s growth as a world-class event city.

“Events deliver both an immediate and ongoing benefit for the community and economy, with greater visitation, investment and liveability outcomes,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Elton John’s visit to Newcastle injected more than $14 million into the local economy while Pink’s concert is forecast to deliver another $9 million economic windfall for the city, with similar outcomes expected during Paul McCartney’s visit.

“These events also play an essential role in boosting tourism, as well as encouraging repeat visitation in the future.”

Elton John’s concerts were watched by almost 50,000 music fans, with more than 75 per cent of people coming from outside of Newcastle. During this time, Newcastle’s accommodation occupancy rates almost double compared to the same period the year before.

The visitation trends were similarly high for the sporting events, with more than 90 per cent of the Supercross spectators and around 60 per cent of the football fans coming from outside of the local government area.

“Major events are a key part of City of Newcastle’s Destination Management Plan as a primary driver of the local tourism visitor economy,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Ongoing investment in events and tourism is integral to building a thriving, diverse and robust economy.”

Tickets to Paul McCartney at McDonald Jones Stadium go on sale on from Thursday 3 August, with further information available via Frontier Touring at www.frontiertouring.com/.

Another step closer to sand for Stockton Beach

City of Newcastle has made progress on a range of work underway to address coastal erosion at Stockton, as discussed at a meeting earlier today with the Stockton Community Liaison Group.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes reiterated the importance of continued collaboration and consultation between the City, the NSW Government and the Stockton community.

“Significant work has been undertaken by City of Newcastle staff since Minister Moriarty’s visit in June when she confirmed the NSW Government’s role in funding and delivering amenity and mass sand nourishment at Stockton Beach,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This includes all the front-end work required to support approvals for placement of sand at Stockton Beach.”

In October 2022, the NSW Government was successful in obtaining a $6.2 million grant through the Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program, which includes $4.7 million from the Federal Government and $1.5 million from City of Newcastle.

The grant funds the delivery of more than 100,000 cubic metres of sand onto Stockton Beach and studies into possible sources of much larger volumes of sand from the North Arm of the Hunter River and offshore sources. The grant will also fund the environmental approvals required for mass sand nourishment – a complex process, which has never before been undertaken in NSW.

At a meeting of the Stockton Beach Taskforce in June new Taskforce Chair Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty announced that as part of rolling out the NSW Government’s $21 million commitment for mass sand nourishment, Department of Regional NSW and NSW Public Works would coordinate and deliver the works funded by the Federal grant.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Planning and Environment, Michelle Bisson, said City of Newcastle’s work enables the NSW Government to move ahead with the required approvals for placement of sand at Stockton Beach.

“Now that the front-end work is complete, including the environmental assessment for sand placement, development of a detailed monitoring program, and liaison on a Crown Land licence, the NSW Government is in a much better position to deliver on their Stockton Beach nourishment commitments,” Ms Bisson said.

“To ensure there is efficient and seamless delivery of the entire sand nourishment program, the NSW Government is best placed to own the process of sourcing and placing sand on Stockton Beach, and it is appropriate that they own all of the associated approvals.”

Cr Nelmes reiterated appreciation for the Minister’s commitment to get sand back on the beach.

“I again thank Minister Moriarty for her previous commitment that the Department of Regional NSW and NSW Public Works will coordinate and deliver the works to finally get sufficient volumes of sand back onto Stockton Beach,” Cr Nelmes said.

“It’s only right that the NSW Government take on this critical role given it is their infrastructure, namely the breakwater and deepwater navigation channel of the Port of Newcastle, that has been proven as the primary cause of ongoing erosion at Stockton Beach.”

Chair of the Stockton Community Liaison Group Barbara Whitcher said that in this latest update she was pleased to see progress in a number of areas and that she looks forward to further progress in getting sand on the beach.

Four new programs to support startup diversity

Budding entrepreneurs will have the chance to take their startup ideas to the next level with applications now open for four pre-accelerator programs aimed at supporting founders from diverse backgrounds, and increasing the number of social impact startups entering the market.

The programslaunch will support under-represented groups in the innovation ecosystem, including women and people with diverse backgrounds, and will be delivered by Startmate, I2N (University of Newcastle), iAccelerate (University of Wollongong) and UNSW Founders (University of NSW).

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said the programs will also focus on concepts and individuals that want to drive positive change and deliver social impact.

“Startups can hold the key to solving some of society’s biggest problems and we want to grow the capabilities of entrepreneurs who want to make a difference for the community,” Mr Chanthivong said.

“We also want to build a more diverse innovation ecosystem, which is why these pre-accelerators include opportunities for female founders to take part, along with people from diverse ethnic backgrounds and people with a disability.

“Pre-accelerators are designed for people at the beginning of the startup journey, where they can further develop their concepts and learn more about the markets in which they operate. On completion of the pre-accelerator, participants may then join an accelerator and receive further training and mentoring to launch their own venture.”

Around 60 participants will take part in the pre-accelerators, running across Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, where individuals who have a startup concept but are unsure how to progress, will be provided with bespoke coaching and mentoring to further develop their ideas.

Wollongong mum Jessica Clark completed a pre-accelerator program with iAccelerate, and went onto launch eco startup Earth Worthy, which sells ethically sourced blankets and sustainable jute bags.

“Getting started as a solo entrepreneur can be a bit daunting, but through the pre-accelerator I was able to connect with peers and like-minded people at different stages of their business journey,” Ms Clark said.

“I felt I was part of a community that supported each other, and through the guidance of mentors and experts in their respective fields, I was able to expand my business networks and ensure I had access to trusted resources.”

The pre-accelerator providers will manage the application process for participants, with the programs to be delivered over the coming months and into next year.  

Find out more about the four pre-accelerator programs and how to applylaunch

Pre-accelerator providerDescriptionLocation
iAccelerate (University of Wollongong)iAccelerate will deliver a 12-week program for 10-15 entrepreneurs looking to deliver social impact.Post completion of the pre-accelerator, participants will be offered a nine-month residency with access to University of Wollongong’s facilities.University of Wollongong
I2N (University of Newcastle)I2N will deliver a 10-week program for 10-15 participants.The pre-accelerator is aimed at female founders to boost the number of female-led businesses in the regional ecosystem.University of Newcastle
StartmateStartmate will deliver a 10-week program for 20+ ambitious founders. Participants will be mentored by industry experts in the Startmate community with a social impact focus.Tech Central
UNSW Founders (University of NSW)UNSW Founders will deliver a 10-week program, called Impact-X, for 10 participants.The pre-accelerator is aimed at founders looking to address an underrepresented healthcare issue, a global unmet medical need, or a healthcare solution for marginalised groups.Westmead

Sheep and goat eID grants open for saleyards and processors

Applications are now open for saleyards and processors to apply for part of the $38 million Sheep and Goat eID Infrastructure Rebate Scheme.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said the eID support for the State’s sheep and goat industries will boost biosecurity in NSW.

“Saleyards and processors can now apply for a rebate to help them transition to eID,” Ms Moriarty said.

“Saleyards will receive a 100 per cent rebate for eligible items such as eID readers, auto drafters, structural modifications, connectivity infrastructure, eID hardware, eID software purchase, installation and training as well as project planning and design consultants.

“Processors receive a 50 per cent rebate of the cost of eligible items such as eID readers, hardware, connectivity infrastructure and related training and software.

“The maximum rebate for both saleyards and processors is dependent on their size.”

Ms Moriarty said the NSW Sheep and Goat Traceability Reference Group has been a voice for industry throughout the planning for the transition to sheep and goat eID.

“We have maintained open dialogue with industry through the Reference Group and also sought feedback across the sheep and goat supply chain through direct engagement with stakeholders,” Ms Moriarty said.

The application window for the NSW Sheep and Goat eID Infrastructure Rebate Scheme for saleyards and processors is from 1 August until 31 January 2024, and 3 October until 31 March 2024 for producers and stock and station agents.

Early applications are encouraged, as funding is limited, and applications will be considered in order of date received.

Full details for saleyards and processors can be viewed in the relevant Scheme guidelines on the Rural Assistance Authority website.

For more information on the implementation of eID for sheep and goats in NSW, visit tlaunchhe DPI website and sign up to the NSW sheep and goat eID newsletter.

Mr Paul Martin, Vice-President of Australian Livestock Markets’ Association (ALMA) said:

“ALMA is encouraged by the recent announcement of funding allocated to its NSW members to assist in the upfront capital costs to participate in this mandatory scheme,” Mr Martin said.

“We are waiting on feedback from those eligible on how the rebates will assist and if the amounts allocated are a fair and accurate reflection of requirements for their respective businesses.

Mr Patrick Hutchinson, CEO, Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) said:

“The rebate will assist processors in being ready to scan eIDs.

“The whole industry, along with the state and federal governments, must continue to work together to ensure the transition to sheep and farmed goat eID is smooth and harmonized across the jurisdictions.”

Three charged during Task Force Magnus compliance blitz

Task Force Magnus has hit the ground running, with three men charged during raids targeting organised crime.

From Thursday 27 July and Monday 31 July, NSW Police raided six homes across Sydney’s south west, with assistance from Raptor Squad, following Firearms Prohibition Orders .

Five charges have been laid against three men.

This large-scale action shows NSW Police is proactively targeting and disrupting gun-related and violent crime while also investigating links between the spate of recent shootings on Sydney streets.

Community safety is the NSW Government’s top priority and we support this significant, targeted and aggressive approach to stamp out violent criminal activity on Sydney streets.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

“We’re already seeing results and Task Force Magnus is just warming up.

“Those responsible for criminal activity on Sydney streets will be held to account and they will feel the full force of the law.

“We will work with NSW Police to ensure they have everything they need to put an end to this senseless, intolerable violence and ensure the people of Sydney feel safe where they live.”

Biosecurity and land use the focus for agriculture ministers in Wellington

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty met with the New Zealand Minister for Agriculture Damien O’Connor last week to discuss issues of mutual significance during her trip to Wellington, New Zealand, for the Food Ministers Meeting.

Ms Moriarty said biosecurity was top of the agenda given that both NSW and New Zealand are exposed to the increasing threat of outbreaks from exotic incursions that are rising in volume, complexity, and severity.

“New Zealand is a valued trading partner and I was delighted to meet with the Hon Damien O’Connor to discuss the issues facing our sector across the Tasman,” Ms Moriarty said.

“Biosecurity is the most significant threat to the primary industries sectors in NSW and New Zealand and could significantly impact the safety and sustainability of our food systems and the health of our ecosystems.

“Five of the most significant animal diseases have been detected for the first time in our Oceania region in the past 5 years, so New Zealand are equally concerned with ensuring we are doing all we can to limit the spread of exotic pests and diseases.

“The future value of the primary industries and food sector, including the protection of our international trade reputation and ongoing export market access, is contingent on our capacity to mitigate and manage biosecurity risks.

“During our meeting I was able to thank Minister O’Connor for the assistance offered by the New Zealand primary industries community in helping us form our Varroa mite response plan, which drew heavily on learnings from New Zealand’s response to the introduction of Varroa mite.”

Ms Moriarty said the discussions around the use of agricultural land were also insightful.

“The New Zealand Government is currently in the process of the review and repeal of their Resource Management Act, and they are considering very similar issues to those we are facing in NSW in terms of trying to ensure prime agricultural land is appropriately protected,” Ms Moriarty said.

“Like NSW, New Zealand recognises land use conflict can have a significant impact on the economic and emotional resilience of agricultural producers and their businesses, the communities in which they operate, and on nearby urban communities.

“In NSW, we are currently considering the role and function of the Agriculture Commissioner moving forward to ensure we are providing the best protections for farmland balanced against other competing priorities such as renewable energy and housing.

“The discussions with my NZ counterpart provided another useful perspective on this important issue.”

Minns Labor Government will deliver Sydenham to Bankstown section of City and Southwest Metro

The Minns Labor Government will deliver the final section of the City and Southwest Metro by committing to the upgrade and conversion of the T3 Bankstown Line to metro standards.

The government’s decision to complete the project comes after a responsible and careful decision-making process, informed by the recommendations made in the interim report of the Sydney Metro Independent Review. 

The government will commit up to a further $1.1 billion from existing transport budgets, including Sydney Metro, to deliver the project and begin the difficult process of converting the existing T3 Line – which is more than a century old – into a 21st century high-tech metro line.

The decision to salvage Sydney Metro City and Southwest means South West Sydney residents will receive the essential services and increased service frequency they need and deserve.

The latest advice to government suggests the conversion is expected to take up to 12 months and is anticipated to commence between July and October 2024.

Upon taking office, the Minns government was advised the conversion and shutdown could last up to 15 months, which was not disclosed to the public by the former government.

Sydney Metro is aiming to provide fast, reliable turn-up-and-go services from Sydenham to Bankstown in late 2025, after the conversion period, which includes the necessary testing.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to being transparent with the public about risks to these timeframes, noting the unique and significant challenge involved in converting a century-old railway to modern metro standard.

The government recognises that the shutdown of the T3 Line during the conversion will be painful for tens of thousands of passengers across the South West.

Transport for NSW and Sydney Metro are currently developing a comprehensive temporary transport plan to service passengers along the line for the duration of the shutdown. 

This will not simply be a plan for rail replacement buses. It will include dedicated, frequent bus routes, including express services.

Transport is also looking at ways of using the T3 Line from Bankstown to Lidcombe to convey passengers to the CBD.

The Sydenham to Chatswood section of the City and Southwest Metro is also on track to open in mid-2024. This will provide more frequent services for passengers and reduce existing pressure on the City Circle.

The government’s commitment comes after the interim report of the Sydney Metro Independent Review.

Independent reviewers Amanda Yeates and Mike Mrdak have delivered their interim findings to the NSW Government, which focuses largely on the City and Southwest project due to its critical stage of delivery.

The review’s findings include:

  • The conversion of the T3 Bankstown Line to metro standards should continue as it delivers significant benefits across the transport network.
  • The final conversion of the T3 Bankstown Line is likely to require a shutdown of up to 12 months, with a target commencement of between July and October 2024.
  • Sydney Metro and Transport for NSW will develop a comprehensive temporary transport plan to support the shutdown, which includes extensive communication with the affected communities along the line.
  • The delivery of the City and Southwest project is likely to require an increase to the funding envelope of up to approximately $1.1 billion, but that the agency should not pursue “acceleration at all costs”.

The reviewers have also highlighted the previous government’s failure to take advantage of the housing supply boost that the Sydney Metro project can provide.

Further considerations for the next phase of the Sydney Metro Independent Review will include:

  • analysis of forecast final costs for all projects
  • an assessment of the impacts of the current Australian infrastructure market and capacity
  • priorities for future extensions.

The next phase of the review will also assess the value for money of the existing Sydney Metro West scope.

View the Sydney Metro Independent Review interim report summarylaunch on the Sydney Metro website.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Today our government is announcing that we will proceed with the Sydenham to Bankstown conversion.

“This is something that the Liberals were never able to do. They had no idea how they were going to deliver this project. They considered cancelling it over and over again.

“We’re also announcing that the Sydenham to Chatswood section of the metro is on track to open in 2024.

“That means more than just a train every 4 minutes. It takes a massive amount of pressure off the city circle so we can run more train services on other train lines.”

NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“Currently, some stations on the Bankstown Line receive 4 trains an hour in the peak. When this section of the metro is completed, they will receive a train every 4 minutes. That’s a massive increase in services.

“And while the conversion won’t be easy, we’ve come up with a solution that will get it done in up to 12 months instead of the original timeline of 15 to 18 months.

“Because we’ve taken the time to plan this section of the project properly, we’ll be able to deliver metro services quicker, and ease the pain caused by converting the line.

“There is a lot of work still to do, but our commitment to the full City and Southwest project scope is an important first step.

“The former government grossly underestimated the complexity of this work and were not upfront with the community. This changes now.”

Sydney Metro Chief Executive Peter Regan said:

“We welcome the expertise of the independent reviewers and the time and care taken to understand the complexity of the Sydney Metro program. 

“This is an important reset of the project. While we understand this disruption will be difficult for passengers and the community, significant work has been done to minimise the level of disruption while we deliver this transformational new service.

“We are laser focused on opening the City section between Chatswood and Sydenham next year and look forward to welcoming passengers on board.”