Free parking at regional health facilities in NSW

Patients, staff and visitors will be able to  access free parking at hospitals and health facilities across regional NSW from Tuesday 1 August 2023.

NSW Regional Health Minister Ryan Park said the change will make a big difference for patients, their families and carers.

Mr Park made the announcement at the site of the new Tweed Valley Hospital where he was joined by Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot and Health Services Union Secretary Gerard Hayes.

Mr Park said free parking was already available for staff in NSW regional hospitals but has been expanded to include patients and visitors.

“As part of our election commitment, free parking has now been extended to regional hospitals, including here at the Tweed, Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Maitland, Belmont and Shoalhaven,” Mr Park said.

“The NSW Government has fulfilled its promise to communities across regional NSW on this issue.

“I’m pleased to be making this announcement here at the new Tweed Valley Hospital, where residents have been vocal about the need for free parking.

“We’re committed to improving access and delivering high-quality healthcare to our rural, regional and remote communities.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has been a longstanding advocate for free parking at health facilities.

“I’ve been determined to deliver on this for my community in Lismore, and I am really pleased that it will not just be delivered for my community, but at hospitals and health facilities across regional NSW,” Ms Saffin said.

“With the rollout of the free parking initiative across regional health facilities, we’re easing the financial burden on patients and visitors to our hospitals.

“The initiative is designed to make hospital access more seamless for regional, rural and remote communities who are faced with unique geographical challenges when accessing healthcare.”

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot joined Minister Park for the announcement at the site of the new Tweed Valley Hospital.

“We know trips to the hospital can be a challenging time for patients and their families, and this announcement will make a big difference to them,” Ms Elliot said.

“In regional areas driving is often the only option to get home from the hospital for patients, staff and visitors.”

NSW Government takes steps to improve justice outcomes for victim-survivors of child sexual assault

The NSW Government acknowledges community concern about the use of good character as a mitigating factor in sentencing for some child sexual offences and the impact on victim-survivors. 

The NSW Attorney General has asked the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) to commence a review into s 21A(5A) of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 and the use of evidence of good character in child sexual offence matters.

In conducting the review, DCJ will consult victim-survivors and victim-survivor advocacy groups, along with legal stakeholders, on options for reform to improve the experiences and outcomes for victim-survivors. 

An options paper will be distributed to targeted stakeholders in August 2023, with a view to progressing any legislative reform by November 2023. 

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“The NSW Government is open to hearing the views of victim-survivors about how legislation impacts upon them, and we are committed to facilitating the best possible experience for victim-survivors in the criminal justice system.

“By conducting careful consultation with victim-survivors and legal experts, the NSW Government aims to achieve a legal outcome that will provide long-term benefits to the community as a whole.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government looks forward to working closely with victim-survivors to improve their experience in the justice system, and hearing about the experiences of victim-survivors in the context of this important issue.

“The NSW Government acknowledges the hard work of advocates to raise awareness of this matter.”downloadDownload as PDFprintPrint this pageshare

$12.5 million in community infrastructure grants open

Community organisations across the state are encouraged to apply for funding under the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program to enhance local services and improve residents’ quality of life.

From 31 July, the $12.5 million program will welcome applications for arts, sports, community infrastructure and disaster preparedness projects to build or upgrade facilities.

There are 4 funding categories:

  • Arts and Culture: $50,000 to $200,000 available per project
  • Community Infrastructure: $50,000 to $250,000 available per project
  • Disaster Readiness: $50,000 to $200,000 available per project
  • Sport and Recreation: $50,000 to $300,000 available per project.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said the NSW Government is pleased to be supporting organisations making a positive difference in their communities.

“The Infrastructure Grants program is all about supporting projects that improve community connectedness in the arts and sport, provide new or improved facilities or deliver innovative local solutions in emergency preparedness,” Mr Harris said.

“Over the last 10 years, more than 700 projects have been funded right across NSW, under this program, helping to create connected, cohesive and resilient communities. I look forward to the next rounds doing the same.”

Funding under the program is made possible by Clubgrants Category 3, which re-invests profits from registered clubs’ gaming machines into community projects. Applications are assessed by an independent expert panel administered through the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling.

Since 2013, the Infrastructure Grants program has provided $125 million to support more than 700 local council and not-for-profit community projects.

The 2023–2024 program offers 2 grant rounds: 31 July to 21 August 2023 and 27 November to 18 December 2023.

Find out more and how to apply for Responsible Gambling Fund grants and funding under the Infrastructure Grants program.

DA drop further reason for BASIX deferral

Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Scott Farlow, has pointed to the recent drop in Development Applications as further proof that the NSW Government needs to defer the introduction of increased BASIX standards for twelve months, in line with other States, to support the building of more homes in NSW.

“From May to June it is taking longer for fewer development applications to be submitted, lodged and determined, which is a worrying development for a Government that has committed to build 314,000 homes over the next five years,” Mr Farlow said.

 May 2023June 2023Change
DAs submitted5,6035,262-6.1%
DAs lodged4,3294,147-4.2%
DAs determined4,2833,904-8.8%
Average time to determine1121152.7%

Source: NSW Planning Performance Dashboard, 24/7/2023

“In the middle of a housing crisis, on every metric, we are seeing performance in our planning system declining and the last thing NSW needs is a new measure that could decrease housing supply.

“These figures should give the Government cause for concern and lead them to heed the Opposition’s and industry’s calls to defer the introduction of the increased BASIX standards on 1 October by twelve months, in line with other States.”

“The Government already imposed a tax of up to $12,000 on new homes across Sydney, the Central Coast, the Lower Hunter and Wollongong and scrapped the Coalition’s popular First-Home buyer choice program – now is not the time to be imposing additional costs on new homes.”

“The construction industry has seen costs escalate by more than 12% in the last year, if these changes are implemented on 1 October, purchasers will be footing additional bills that they simply can’t afford and it could have an impact on supply.”

“Every cost in construction is passed on to the purchaser and threaten the feasibility of new projects, especially with the largest interest rate rises in a decade.”  

“If the Government is serious about delivering 314,000 new homes over the next five years, they need to defer the implementation of BASIX,” Mr Farlow said.

REMEMBERING THE VETERANS OF THE KOREAN WAR

Tomorrow we mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, and commemorate the sacrifice of the Australians who served.

Beginning on 25 June 1950, the Korean War saw North Korea (People’s Democratic Republic of Korea) launch an invasion of South Korea (Republic of Korea) in an attempt to unify the country under its communist government.

The Australian Government was one of 21 member countries to send personnel in support of the South in an attempt to unify the country between 1950 and 1953.

The Australian military served with distinction during the War and, while tomorrow will mark the end of the fighting, Australian forces remained in Korea in a peacekeeping role until 1957.

Approximately 18,000 Australian military personnel served during the Korean War and the post-armistice phase, including the Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army.

The demilitarised zone that was established as part of the Armistice agreement still exists today as North and South Korea remain in a state of war.

More than 350 Australians lost their lives, more than 1,200 were wounded and 30 taken prisoner. More than 40 Australians are still listed as missing in action in Korea.

For veterans and their families, this anniversary may be a challenging time. I encourage veterans and families who may need support to reach out and access the services available.

For more information about Korean Veterans’ Day and the Korean War, visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ Anzac Portal.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Seventy years after the armistice that marked the end of the Korean War, we reflect on those who served in our name with valour and with honour.

They showed a spirit and strength of character that was often tested, but never found wanting.

We hold on to their names, we remember their courage, and we give our thanks to them all.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh said:

“True to the ode ‘lest we forget’, rather than being ‘the forgotten war’, today we honour the Australians who served with distinction in the Korean War for their freedom, especially those that paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

“I am honoured to be representing Australia in South Korea to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, to those whose scars remain some 70 years later and to acknowledge all those still missing in action. They will not be forgotten.

SENATE INQUIRY INTO ADHD CARE TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING IN PERTH

As the Senate inquiry into Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Assessment and Support Services in Australia enters a critical phase, a groundbreaking public hearing is scheduled to take place in Perth on Monday, 24th July. 

The hearing will provide a platform for West Australians with lived experiences of ADHD, ADHD advocacy bodies, First Nations organisations, healthcare professionals, and education advocates to present crucial evidence to the committee.

Approximately one million people in Australia are directly impacted by ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disability that is often misunderstood that can cause significant impairment and dysfunction in the lives of those affected. 

Senator for WA Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens spokesperson on Disability Services, Health and Mental Health said:

“People with ADHD have been left behind in this country for far too long. Over the past year of engaging closely with ADHDers, I’ve heard countless stories of people experiencing barriers around cost, wait time and stigmas associated with seeking ADHD assessment and support services.

“I am proud to be bringing the committee to WA. It’s clear that too many people in our community can not afford a diagnosis, and if they can, they’re being met with closed-books and long waitlists. The wait times are deplorable, and are leading to significant impacts on the quality of life for so many West Australians. 

“Particularly concerning is the impact on children and their families, with some children waiting up to two years to see a paediatrician to begin their journey of an ADHD diagnosis and support. 

“We are hearing from the community that more supports are needed following a diagnosis; including the need to have healthcare funded through Medicare and support hours available through the NDIS. 

“The goal of this inquiry is to create community-led recommendations that address the common barriers people encounter while seeing ADHD assessment and care. As this crucial inquiry advances, I remain optimistic that the committee’s findings will pave the way for a more accessible and compassionate system that benefits all ADHDers.”

MURRAY NEEDS ACTION, NOT DELAY

Responding to the announcement that the Murray Darling Basin Plan will not be delivered on time, Greens spokesperson for Water and the Environment, South Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“We need a plan for action, not a plan for delay to save the Murray Darling.

“The failure to deliver the Murray Darling Basin Plan on time is a broken promise to every South Australian and risks breaking our river Murray.

“Years of rorts, water theft and delays under the Liberal-Nationals had left our precious river in a precarious position. The Albanese Government had promised to deliver the Murray Darling Basin plan on time and in full.

“For years upstream states and big cotton have dragged the chain on ensuring South Australia gets the water it needs and has been promised.

“Our Murray needs an urgent recommitment to action not a go-slow on saving the River.

“Delaying further action on the plan for three more years is simply not an option if we want to preserve our river and the ecosystems that depend on it.

“We are in a climate crisis and facing what experts predict will be another summer of extreme heat. We cannot afford to delay the actions we know are urgently needed to protect our river.

“The Albanese Government needs to stand up to the big irrigators and the upstream states and deliver on the water that was promised for South Australia and for the environment.

“With Labor Governments in every Basin state, it’s time for real action to protect our river and to finally deliver the Murray Darling Basin Plan in full, including the 450gL for South Australia.

“The Greens are willing to work with the Government on reforms that are needed to ensure that more water is delivered but we cannot support continuing to kick the can down the road. We need a plan to deliver the water before the next election.”

City of Newcastle develops environmental roadmap to help combat climate change 

Net zero carbon emissions, renewable energy initiatives, more cycleways, connected wildlife corridors and sustainable construction materials are part of how City of Newcastle (CN) intends to create an environmental legacy for future generations.

The vision has been outlined in CN’s draft Newcastle Environment Strategy, which will be tabled at Tuesday’s Council meeting ahead of a proposed four-week public exhibition period.

Designed around the three priority areas of climate change, nature-based solutions and the circular economy, the Strategy sets out a 10-year environmental roadmap for a sustainable Newcastle, with 15 key actions identified to be delivered within the first four years.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Strategy would ensure CN continues its decades-long action and advocacy to protect and improve our environment.

“Newcastle has a well earnt reputation as a leader in local government when it comes to protecting our precious natural environment, while also investing in progressive actions to ensure our city is more sustainable,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Since the watershed Pathways to Sustainability international conference held in Newcastle in 1997 under the leadership of former Lord Mayor Greg Heys, we have recognised that we must take local action towards addressing global environmental challenges.

“Through this Strategy, we are sending a message to our community that we remain strongly committed to protecting and enhancing Newcastle’s natural environment today, and for future generations of Novocastrians.”

The Strategy is based on a shared community vision for our environment, having been informed by more than 4,500 pieces of feedback from over 2,600 community members and environmental experts received during the Community Strategic Plan engagement program.

It sets out the initial actions to be delivered by CN or in partnership with state and federal governments, business and the community by 2027.

This includes transitioning CN’s vehicles, plant and equipment to electric-powered or low emissions alternatives and expanding our urban forest to create connected green corridors for iconic, threatened and pollinator species.

Other actions include working in partnership with local traditional custodians to integrate indigenous knowledge into the way we care for and manage our land, and increasing the use of recovered materials and sustainable product alternatives in CN operations and construction works.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the Strategy provides a definitive roadmap for achieving our progressive environmental ambitions.

“Through our Newcastle Environment Strategy, we will become an even more sustainable city, where we value our natural environment and continue to take decisive action to respond to challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and the overuse of resources,” Cr Clausen said.

“With its accompanying delivery plan, we have identified clear and tangible actions that will allow us to achieve net zero emissions, build resilience to climate change in our community, infrastructure and natural areas, and transform our city through circular economy solutions.”

The Newcastle Environment Strategy will be delivered in conjunction with CN’s Our Sustainable Waste Strategy, Newcastle Transport Strategy and On Our Bikes Cycling Plan and is currently supported by the Newcastle Climate Action Plan 2021-2025.

Pending approval from Councillors at Tuesday’s meeting, the draft Strategy will be placed on public exhibition for four weeks before returning to Council later this year for adoption.

Community members will be given the chance to comment on the Strategy via the Have Your Say page on CN’s website and will be invited to enter a free photography competition designed to capture the different ways people value Newcastle’s environment.

Planning gets underway for new public high school at Medowie

The Minns Labor Government has taken an important step in the planning for a public high school in Medowie, opening an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to locate the most appropriate site for the school.

The EOI campaign launches today and will close on the 30 August 2023.  Local landholders will have an opportunity to put forward possible locations for the high school, in addition to the land on Ferodale Road currently owned by the Department of Education.

The Medowie community has been waiting decades for a high school and this announcement goes a long way in making it a reality.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car and Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington today visited Medowie Public School to outline the next steps for the community’s new high school.

The site selection process is underway, which considers a range of factors, including site size, location, environmental reports and travel considerations for the future school community. 

After the site is determined, the project will progress to master planning, concept design, and community and stakeholder engagement planning stages.

The new high school at Medowie will provide modern flexible classrooms, a library, school hall, outdoor play and sports areas, and administration space to support the growing community.

It is one of multiple major school projects currently in progress in the Hunter region to accommodate expected population growth in the area.

Upgrades are being delivered at Hunter River High School, Irrawang High School and Muswellbrook South Public School. Planning is underway for the new Newcastle Education Campus and the redevelopment of Gillieston Public School, as well as a new public school and high school in Huntlee.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“I’m excited to announce that the process to identify a suitable site for this much-needed new high school is underway. It is important that we explore all options to ensure we choose the best possible site for future students.

“The new school will mean families can be assured their children will have a place at a local public school. Students will have a shorter, easier daily commute. Most importantly, a new connected school community will be able to grow and thrive in Medowie.

“The Hunter is one of the fastest growing regions in New South Wales, and the work and planning we are doing is vital to support the current and future needs of students in the community.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“Our community has been waiting a very long time for this day, and it has finally arrived.

“This is the first step in delivering a public high school in Medowie, which we all know is desperately needed and long overdue.

“The Minns Labor Government was only formed 4 months ago, and we’re already getting on with the job of delivering for our community here in Port Stephens.”

Sydney confirmed to host simply the best NRL Grand Final

The 2023 NRL and NRLW Grand Finals will be played in Sydney on Sunday 1 October following an agreement reached between the NSW Government and the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC).

The Grand Final will be played at Accor Stadium, Olympic Park, with Sydney retaining its traditional role as the home of the competition decider.

Grand Final tickets are expected to be in hot demand, with the 2023 NRL competition one of the closest in history and the NRLW competition going from strength to strength with 4 new teams added this season.

Tickets to rugby league’s ‘big dance’ go on sale on Wednesday 2 August.

Sydney continues to build its credentials as the major events capital as the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 progresses towards the final at Accor, the Sydney Marathon’s candidacy to become a World Marathon Major and 3 UFC mega Pay Per View events.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:

“We all love a Grand Final, but this event has become so much more, making a big social and economic contribution to the state.

“This event attracts thousands of fans from interstate and overseas who also visit Sydney’s many attractions, enjoy shows and arts, eat and drink in our world-class restaurants, supporting jobs in the visitor economy.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Sydney is the nation’s birthplace of rugby league and the heart of its passionate fans, so it is fantastic the NRL and NRLW Grand Finals are remaining in their home place once again.

“Rugby league fans will flock to Sydney and Accor Stadium will be abuzz with a capacity crowd of 82,500 on Grand Final day.”

ARL Commission Chair Peter V’landys said:           

“We have worked closely with the NSW Government to reach an agreement for the 2023 Grand Final. I’d like to thank Premier Chris Minns and Ministers Steve Kamper and John Graham who have taken a pragmatic approach to reaching an agreement for this year’s Grand Final. We have a great partnership with the NSW Government and we are grateful for their support of rugby league.”