Further efforts to relieve demand on emergency departments with expanded urgent care services are a step closer today, with expressions of interest now open.
The urgent care services, a joint commitment of the NSW and Victorian governments, can help ease pressure on emergency departments by giving people faster care for urgent but non-critical conditions and free up critical resources for patients with more serious needs.
As a result of the expression of interest process, it is expected that urgent care services will be enhanced in Western Sydney. Existing urgent care services are located in Wentworthville, Rouse Hill, Marsden Park and Castle Hill.
A total of 25 urgent care services will operate across New South Wales, with the expression of interest process to fill the remaining sites.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government was stepping up to provide a service which supports the primary care sector and reduces pressure on emergency departments.
“We know the Federal Government is looking at providing more support for GPs and primary care but we need to act now to continue to make the NSW health system the best in Australia,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Demand on emergency departments nationwide is at unprecedented levels, with many thousands of people presenting for treatment as they haven’t been able to see a GP, and often they don’t require emergency care.
“This initiative will help give people with non-critical conditions convenient and streamlined care.”
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said by expanding our urgent care services, the NSW Government is bridging the gap between GP Practices and hospitals.
“More people than ever are presenting to our hospitals, and with COVID still in our community, our health services are understandably under pressure,” Mrs Taylor said.
“We need to be bold and try different things to improve health outcomes in our communities and that is exactly what this initiative will achieve.
“By expanding the footprint of urgent care services across NSW, we will ensure that people can get the high quality care they need for less serious conditions and also free up space in our emergency departments.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the latest quarterly BHI figures reveal almost 375,000 people attending our EDs – almost half of all those coming in for treatment – were for non-critical conditions.
“Our health staff will always triage the most urgent and life-threatening cases first, which means less urgent cases who could get their treatment at a GP, end up waiting,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The expanded urgent care services, which include partnerships with General Practitioners, aim to free up those critical resources in our emergency departments for patients with more serious needs.”
Under the joint commitment with Victoria, 25 urgent care services will operate in each state for extended hours to offer more care outside the hospital system.
These services will be well equipped to handle conditions such as sprains, broken bones, wounds, insect bites and minor ear and eye problems. Patients will not be charged, and patients without a Medicare card will also have access free of charge.
Urgent care services can be delivered through a variety of models. Expressions of interest are being sought from local health districts, specialty health networks, and from general practices through primary health networks.
Further information on NSW Urgent Care Services is available at www.health.nsw.gov.au/urgentcare
Man charged after shooting – Greta
A man will face court today over the shooting of another man in the state’s Hunter region earlier this week.
About 8pm on Tuesday (1 November 2022), police were called to a home on High Street, Greta, following reports of a shooting.
Police have been told a man, aged 38, was shot in the foot during a dispute at the home and was taken to Maitland Hospital by an associate.
The injury is not considered life-threatening.
A crime scene was established and forensically examined by specialist officers.
Detectives from Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation into the matter.
About 11am yesterday (Wednesday 2 November 2022), a 58-year-old man was arrested at a home on Anvil Street, Greta, and taken to Cessnock Police Station.
A search warrant was also executed at the premises. It will be alleged that police located a number of firearms, a silencer and a small amount of cannabis.
The man was charged with discharge firearm etc intend cause grievous bodily harm, fire firearm at dwelling-house with disregard for safety, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit, holder of category A or B licence not have approved storage and possess prohibited drug.
He has been refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court today (Thursday 3 November 2022).
Inquiries are continuing.
BHP coal industrial action underway
Protected Industrial Action is underway at four Central Queensland BHP coal mines (Blackwater, Saraji, Peak Downs and Goonyella Riverside), with bans on overtime and step-up duties in place until further notice.
In addition, Mining and Energy Union members at Peak Downs and Goonyella Riverside will take five-hour stoppages on Friday 4 November from 3-8pm. The stoppages are timed to facilitate attendance at the Moranbah Miners Memorial event.
MEU Queensland District President Stephen Smyth said protected action would be strategic, measured and responsive to BHP’s willingness to address members’ job security concerns.
“With coal prices so high there is constant pressure to maintain and increase production, so we are confident our bans and stoppages will be felt.
“We are continuing our dialogue with BHP to work through members’ concerns about protecting current and future permanent jobs. We will have no hesitation in ramping up our industrial campaign if members feel that progress is not being made.”
Newcastle on track to capture more of lucrative business tourism market
Large-scale business events have returned to Newcastle following a COVID-enforced industry hiatus, with more than 360 delegates currently in the city attending the 2022 RSL NSW Annual State Congress.
The two-day conference which wraps up today at the Newcastle Convention and Exhibition Centre follows on from the International Conference on Emerging Advanced Nanomaterials earlier this month, which featured leading scientific figures including three Nobel Laureates and attracted more than 500 delegates over five days, representing approximately $1 million in economic value.
Both conferences were supported by City of Newcastle’s event sponsorship program as part of a strategic push to capture more of the lucrative business events market, which contributed over $10.4 billion annually to the NSW economy, prior to the pandemic.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said with COVID-19 restrictions now behind us, we are starting to see a growing number of face-to-face business events returning to the city.
“In March 2020, the business events industry ground to a halt in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving in-person events impacted by the necessary ongoing public health orders and restrictions,” Cr Nelmes said.
“However, there is now renewed optimism amongst the industry and demand to return to gathering face-to-face.
“This is welcome news for our city with business events a significant contributor to Newcastle’s visitor economy through the tourism, hospitality and events sectors, with the RSL NSW Annual State Congress alone expected to generate approximately 750 room nights for local hotels and deliver more than $300,000 in economic benefit.”
Newcastle has already secured multiple business events for 2023 that will cater for between 200 and 400 delegates each, including conferences for the Australian Museums and Galleries Association, Australian College of Emergency Medicine, Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia and, Australian Christian Churches as well as the joint NSW Coastal Conference and National Coast to Coast Conference. A number of other significant business events are also in the pipeline.
Cr Nelmes said Newcastle was perfectly placed to accommodate large-scale business events, with first-class conferencing and meeting facilities at privately owned and Council-run venues, while the opening of two five-star hotels added a new level of luxury to the city’s accommodation choices.
RSL NSW President Ray James said the quality of amenities on offer and the city’s rich military history made Newcastle the obvious choice for the RSL NSW Annual State Congress.
“In consultation with its sub-Branches, RSL NSW selected Newcastle to host one of the ex-service organisation’s largest events due to the city’s first-class conference venues, accommodation options, recreational facilities, and transport options available to members from across the state,” Mr James said.
“The visiting delegates will take the opportunity to visit the city’s various war memorials and museums to commemorate and pay their respects to the fallen.”
Cr Nelmes said City of Newcastle is strategically focussed on increasing business tourism through the Newcastle Destination Management Plan.
“Of the 5.1 million visitors welcomed to Newcastle in 2019, business travellers represented 22 per cent of both domestic and international overnight stays, with hotel occupancy levels consistently averaging 80 per cent mid-week,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Tourism Australia research indicates that business travellers spend 74 per cent more per night on average compared to leisure visitors.”
City of Newcastle is a long-standing member of the Australian Association of Convention Bureaux and works with local and state partners including the University of Newcastle and Destination NSW to identify, bid for, and secure business events.
When it comes to the future of business events, Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock said the region’s potential to host large-scale international events is gearing up.
“Newcastle Airport is growing, and from 2024 our expanded terminal will have the ability to welcome hundreds of thousands of international passengers annually as a result of airfield upgrades that will cater to larger aircraft including Boeing 787s and Airbus A330s,” Dr Cock said.
“This will enable direct flights between Newcastle and destinations in Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.
“Newcastle’s future as an international tourism and major events destination is bright, and the Federal Government’s $55 million funding towards the expansion of Newcastle Airport’s terminal and $66 million towards the airfield upgrade will be instrumental in transitioning Newcastle from a thriving regional centre to an emerging global city.
“Combined with the arrival of two new luxury hotels including The Kingsley and QT Newcastle, Newcastle’s appeal as a host destination for large-scale international business events is becoming even more attractive.”
Nominate a local hero for the Newcastle Citizen of the Year Awards
Applications for nominations for City of Newcastle’s 2023 Citizen of the Year Awards are now being accepted.
Categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, and Community Group of the Year, within the Newcastle Local Government Area.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the annual award program was a great opportunity to reflect on the achievements of Novocastrians over the past year.
“It’s been another challenging year as we emerge from a global pandemic that has left an indelible mark on our community,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Consider who among you has made a difference – it could be a friend, neighbour, colleague or local community group – and nominate them for City of Newcastle’s 2023 Citizen of the Year Awards.
“This is your chance to tell us whose efforts deserve formal recognition. It’s quick and easy and nominations can be submitted online.”
The 2023 award recipients, who will be selected by a panel and announced at an award ceremony in January, will join an esteemed list of past recipients, including Citizens of the Year Paralympians Lauren Parker and Kurt Fearnley OAM, and Australia’s first recognised Indigenous surgeon Professor Kelvin Kong, who is a finalist in the 2023 NSW Australian of the Year Awards.
Representing Newcastle and Australia in the green and gold at the Paralympics, Commonwealth Games and world championships, para-triathlete Lauren Parker said the 2022 Citizen of the Year title was an honour to carry.
“I was proud to be crowned Citizen of the Year and to represent Newcastle on the world stage,” Miss Parker said.
“I love competing and to do so with the full support and recognition of my hometown means so much to me, especially when facing obstacles and challenges along the way.
“I’m so happy that I can show to the people of Newcastle that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. I hope that my sporting success has brought hope to many people of the community.”
Nominations are now open online at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/citizenoftheyear until 5pm Friday 25 November 2022.
Nominees will be judged by the City of Newcastle Award Panel consisting of the Lord Mayor, CEO, Councillors, The Grainery Church Pastor Sue Irwin, and the current Citizen of the Year Award holders.
More forever families for children in need
A safe and permanent home for our most vulnerable children is critical to ensure our state’s young people are supported for the best start in life.
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said that the NSW Government is working closely with the out-of-home care sector to improve and increase understanding of the guardianship and open adoption experience.
“A stable and loving home can have life-changing benefits for children and is the foundation for a happy and healthy life,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
“Every child in NSW deserves to grow up in a nurturing, supportive home. This National Adoption and Permanency Awareness Month we are asking for those who can to open their homes and make open adoption a reality for a child in need.”
Open adoption and guardianship are just two permanency options for a loving home for children and young people.
The My Forever Family NSW program, delivered by Adopt Change, provides support for prospective adoptive parents, guardians, foster and kinship carers.
Renée Carter, Adopt Change CEO said becoming a carer means opening your homes and lives to provide the everyday experiences of childhood in a safe and stable environment.
“Every child needs a home where they are safe and supported. There are more homes needed across Australia and indeed here in NSW. This month while we recognise permanent families through adoption and other care options, we will also be seeking out more families to open their homes for children in need,” Ms Carter said.
“Adopt Change are heartened by the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting safe, nurturing and permanent family homes for children, and the provision of supports for children to thrive and heal from trauma through the My Forever Family NSW program.”
For more information about open adoption visit, facs.nsw.gov.au/families/adoption. To start your carer journey today, enquire online dcjnsw.info/becomingacarer.
Sydney Metro celebrates new driverless trains and 50 million commuters trips
The NSW Government is celebrating major milestones with Sydney Metro – 50 million commuter trips since opening three years ago and the start of passenger services on the first of 23 new trains for the next stage of Australia’s biggest public transport project.
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said 50 million passenger journeys made it very clear that commuters across Sydney’s north-west had embraced travelling on the Metro.
“Last night we hit another major milestone as new driverless trains for the Sydney Metro City and Southwest project join the existing North West Metro Line trains, following a rigorous testing regime,” Mr Elliott said.
“Most of the new trains for the Sydney Metro City and Southwest project have been delivered and undergone rigorous operational testing with four, which have completed all testing and commissioning, joining the North West Metro fleet this week.
“Once the testing program is completed, all 23 new trains are expected to be in service on the North West Metro Line in the first half of next year, doubling the number of trains on the network and providing customers with additional flexibility.
“Sydney Metro is a city-shaping project that will transform how this city moves, with metro trains able to take more people across the Harbour in the busiest hour of the peak than the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel combined. This new fleet will ensure commuters have access to metro services every four minutes from Rouse Hill to the heart of Sydney.”
The testing and commissioning confirms each train meets stringent design and operational requirements and adheres to Sydney Metro’s strict safety standards, including completing a minimum of 500 kilometres of travel prior to integration into passenger services.
Once the Sydney Metro City and Southwest line is connected with the operational line at Chatswood, trains will begin testing in the 15.5km twin tunnels under Sydney Harbour and through the seven new city stations.
More road benefits for electric vehicles
NSW continues to build its reputation as the top place in Australia to own and drive an electric vehicle (EV) with transit lane concessions to continue for another 12 months.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said EVs will be permitted to drive in transit lanes until 31 October 2023.
“Allowing EVs to drive in transit lanes builds on other initiatives from the Perrottet Government to incentivise uptake including rebates, phasing out stamp duty and building a world-class charging network to support these vehicles,” Mr Kean said.
“Through these initiatives, we have seen an 84 per cent increase in EVs in NSW since last year, the fastest growth in Australia, and we are confident this trend will continue.
“This is part of the NSW Government’s EV Strategy which is backed by a $633 million investment to accelerate the uptake of EVs and de-carbonise the state-owned vehicle fleet.”
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said allowing EVs to drive in transit lanes, regardless of the number of occupants, was yet another incentive for drivers to opt for vehicles of the future.
“Drivers of EVs are able to use the transit lanes to cut travel times which is another great reason to take up these vehicles in addition to the more than half a billion dollars in tax cuts and incentives being invested by the NSW Government over the next four years,” Mrs Ward said.
“EVs are an investment in our future, not only in the massive reduction in emissions, but also in savings on fuel and ongoing costs for drivers.”
For more information about the strategy and the NSW Government EV strategy, visit www.nsw.gov.au/initiative/nsw-governments-electric-vehicle-strategy
Fitch reaffirms triple-A credit rating for NSW
Global ratings agency Fitch has reaffirmed NSW’s triple-A credit rating with a stable outlook, the latest vote of confidence in the State’s financial management.
NSW is the only state in Australia with two triple-A credit ratings, with Moody’s also assigning a triple-A rating in September. Last month, S&P Global maintained the State’s double-A plus rating with a stable outlook.
Treasurer Matt Kean, who will this week meet with Moody’s in London to discuss the economic outlook and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk factors, said the result was proof of the State’s strong fiscal management.
“New South Wales remains the only state in Australia with a Moody’s and Fitch triple-A credit rating,” Mr Kean said.
“The State’s strong financial management has supported our credit rating and enabled the Government to continue to deliver on its record $112.7 billion infrastructure program. NSW remains on track to return to surplus in 2024-25.”
The State’s net debt is projected to stabilise at about 14 per cent of Gross State Product by June 2026, compared with a projected 26.5 per cent for Victoria at 30 June 2026.
Mr Kean, in his meeting with Moody’s, will discuss the direction of fiscal policy post-COVID and the most pressing credit risks for NSW.
19,000 homes planned for South West Sydney
The NSW Government will be responsible for assessing three planning proposals that could unlock around 19,000 new homes, and secure the protection and implementation of important koala corridors, in Appin, Gilead and North Appin.
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the Government was fast-tracking the assessment of three large, complex and interrelated proposals, as part of the Government’s $2.8 billion package to improve housing supply in NSW.
“In addition to potentially providing much-needed housing, these proposals will improve outcomes for the area’s koala population, one of only a few disease-free populations in NSW,” Mr Roberts said.
“Setting up koala corridors is a key part of our conservation efforts to make sure koalas can safely move around, and these proposals could help secure and implement koala plans identified in the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan.”
Mr Roberts said while planning proposals are normally lodged with councils in the first instance, the State will assess these proposals given their combined significance, complexity, and strong housing and environmental benefits if approved.
“The Department of Planning and Environment will undertake the assessment of these proposals, which are all located in the Greater Macarthur Growth Area, so councils don’t need to. However, it will be required to work closely with councils and other agencies to resolve any potential issues,” he said.
“Nothing about the assessment process changes including the important need for community consultation.”
The three proposals which are expected to be lodged shortly are:
- A 1,284-hectare site to support around 12,900 new homes, including affordable housing, and help secure new important koala corridors (Walker Corporation);
- A 300-hectare site for up to 3,000 new homes and help secure and implement a koala corridor along Ousedale Creek (Ingham’s Property Group); and
- An 876-hectare site for up to 3,300 new homes, a school, public open space and environmental conservation land, and land dedicated for several koala corridors, that all implement the advice of the NSW Chief Scientist (Lendlease).