Encouraging more diverse housing, prioritising infrastructure delivery, and revitalising the night-time economy are features of an updated vision for the Central Coast.
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts released the finalised Central Coast Regional Plan 2041 today, which will guide the region’s future over the next 20 years and responds to community feedback.
“With the region’s population expected to grow by almost 57,000 by 2041, there’s no surprise this booming community is facing housing pressures,” Mr Roberts said.
“Our blueprint identifies actions to boost local housing stock, including encouraging innovative solutions such as tiny homes and 3D-printed housing, and establishing an Urban Development Program Committee to oversee the plan’s implementation.
“The Committee will also monitor the housing supply pipeline and facilitate infrastructure coordination to unlock development-ready land, enabling industry to build more homes in the right areas.
“The Central Coast is one of four areas where Urban Development Programs will be rolled out in response to recommendations made by the Regional Housing Taskforce, with Upper Hunter, Mid-Coast, and the Canberra Region also set to benefit.”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said the plan includes initiatives to promote sustainability, improve the night-time economy, and enhance connections to public space.
“Meeting our net zero emissions by 2050 target will be prioritised in all planning decisions, as well as ensuring the daily needs of residents can be accessed within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from where they live, reducing reliance on cars,” Mr Crouch said.
“It also highlights strategies to help Aboriginal communities better control the destiny of their land, direct development away from important environmental areas, improve the water quality of Tuggerah Lakes, and expand the Coastal Open Space System.
“The finalised plan also includes objectives to revamp the Central Coast’s nightlife, such as offering more after-hours activities, and allowing shops, cafes, galleries and museums to open their doors for longer in popular tourist towns.”
To view the blueprint, visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/centralcoast2041
The magic mix paving the way for faster pothole repairs
The NSW Government is trialing new, innovative ways to plug potholes faster than ever before during extreme weather events.
Unprecedented heavy rain this year has seen more than 152,000 potholes filled across the state since the start of March, including almost 18,500 on Sydney roads alone – the equivalent of re-sheeting the Sydney Cricket Ground 35 times.
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said extreme weather created a huge challenge for road maintenance crews who have already fixed four times the number of potholes compared to last year.
“The NSW Government is committed to making sure our roads are safe and reliable, which is why we are exploring new ways to fill our potholes faster and make sure the repairs last longer,” Mrs Ward said.
“One of the biggest challenges facing repair crews using traditional repair methods is the need to wait until the road is dry before being able to fill a pothole. The prolonged wet weather also increases the risk of the same pothole re-forming.
“We’ve been used a new ‘cold mix’ product on some of our worst potholes and it has already produced outstanding results – our road crews have not needed to refill a single pothole since they started using this product.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the NSW Government was collaborating with industry on a trial of a range of ‘cold mix’ materials to see which were more effective during severe weather.
“We’ve asked the experts for solutions and new technology we can foster to patch up potholes faster when it’s cold and wet,” Mr Farraway said.
“Our crews have fixed more than 135,000 potholes on the State’s regional roads in NSW since the first wave of severe weather in February.
“We are responding as fast as possible when the weather conditions allow for road crews to undertake repairs.
“We’re also hiring more than 80 new full time workers to help with the delivery of the $19.4 billion regional roads and transport pipeline during the most significant La Nina event the state has faced.”
Local councils are responsible for fixing local roads. If you see a pothole on your local road, please report it to the local council or online at nswroads.work/reportdamage
COVID-19 support extended for vulnerable communities
People most vulnerable to COVID-19 will continue to be supported in protecting themselves against the virus with the NSW Government extending free access to Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to 31 January next year.
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the NSW Government shows the Government’s continued commitment to keeping those most vulnerable to the virus safe.
“It’s essential that people who need it most are able to take the test when they feel sick or exposed to the virus, to help with early detection and treatment ,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
“We want to help ease the cost of living pressures on the community in any way we can, and RATs are an added cost vulnerable communities should not have to worry about.”
The NSW Government has already made millions of tests available to vulnerable and multicultural communities, homelessness services, social housing tenants, children and young people in out-of-home care, and Commonwealth Concession Card holders.
Minister for Multiculturalism and Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said this is again the NSW Government filling a gap that was left by the Federal Government after it ditched its program in July this year.
“The extension of this program is about doing the right thing for those most vulnerable to COVID-19—not leaving them behind,” Mr Coure said.
“We want people to be focusing on spending time with loved ones as we approach the holiday period, not worrying about accessing RATs and extending this program is the key to helping them do that.”
Eligible Commonwealth Concession Card holders in NSW can access a further 10 Rapid Antigen Tests over three months until 31 January 2023.
Tests are available through 210 neighbourhood and community centres, and Service NSW centres across the state. To find one near you, visit www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/rapid-tests.
New incubator program to fast-track startups
Aspiring entrepreneurs will be supported through their startup journey, thanks to a new program which will provide them with the skillset needed to commercialise their ideas and develop successful deep tech businesses.
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the Deep Tech Commercialisation Training Program will ensure research-led ideas are translated into financially viable businesses which will deliver social, environmental and economic benefits to NSW.
“Most deep tech companies are built on new and unproven technology that have the potential to change people’s lives, but they struggle to navigate the ‘valley of death’,” Mr Henskens said.
“By helping companies gain a clearer commercialisation perspective and a stronger appreciation of factors such as market analysis, supply chain issues and customer engagement, this program will help them secure later stage capital and remain in NSW while they grow and scale.
“This program continues on our commitment to support research and development so we can be a world leader in translating research into economic outcomes that deliver a brighter future for our State.”
The NSW Government is partnering with Sydney-based incubator Cicada Innovations, which designed and will deliver the program.
Cicada Innovations CEO Sally-Ann Williams said that NSW has the opportunity to be a global epicentre for innovation.
“As the home of deep tech in Australia for over two decades, we understand the commercial pathways to take ideas from the lab to global markets,” Ms Williams said.
“By working alongside the NSW Government to deliver this program we will support the best emerging deep tech ventures in NSW, and help them navigate turning breakthrough science and technology into sustainable business that positively impact Australia and the world.”
More information about the Program and how to register is available online.
Clean technology research and development set to take off
The NSW Environmental Trust has awarded $6.3 million in grants to clean technology research and development projects to support emissions cuts in high-emitting or hard-to-abate industries to 2030 and beyond.
The four projects are part of a $40 million research and development program which includes solar-powered production of e‑kerosene for sustainable aviation fuel and development of copper-based solar modules to cut electricity costs.
Minister for Energy Matt Kean said NSW has a track record of developing global clean tech success stories, pointing to UNSW’s world leading solar research and development.
“NSW has a once in a generation opportunity to export the ideas and creations of our best and brightest to the rest of the world,” Mr Kean said.
“Investing in clean technology not only creates new pathways to reduce emissions across hard to abate parts of our own economy, it creates new markets for our researchers and entrepreneurs to develop and grow their businesses.”
The successful applicants are:
- Sundrive Solar received $3 million to further develop their solar cell technology that replaces high-cost silver with copper, which is significantly cheaper.
- Hysata received $1.5 million to support development of a new type of simple, cheap and highly efficient water electrolyser that promises to deliver the world’s lowest cost ‘green’ hydrogen which is considered vital to achieving net zero emissions in the global economy.
- Southern Green Gas received $1 million to develop a solar powered e‐kerosene production module for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for the hard‐to‐abate aviation sector.
- Quickstep Technologies received $803,000 to develop a carbon fibre filament winder system in NSW to build Type IV hydrogen tanks for ground transportation and aviation applications.
Round 2 of the grants will open on Monday, 31 October 2022, with up to $14 million available for funding. The funding will be available for individual grants of between $400,000 and $3,000,000.
To learn more about these projects, click here.
NORTHERN RIVERS’ VOLUNTARY HOME BUY BACKS TO START
Around 2,000 homeowners in flood-prone areas of the Northern Rivers of New South Wales will now be eligible to raise, repair, retrofit or have their home voluntarily bought back, as part of a new $800 million program.
The Commonwealth and New South Wales Government joint funding will support residential homeowners impacted in the February-March 2022 floods, in the seven Local Government Areas of Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed.
The voluntary buy-back scheme will be offered to Northern Rivers residents located in the most vulnerable areas where major flooding would pose a catastrophic risk to life.
The Northern Rivers Resilient Homes Fund package will also provide financial assistance of up to $100,000 for house raising or up to $50,000 for retrofitting for homeowners in areas where flood risk can be reduced by better building standards.
The New South Wales Government will provide $100 million to acquire land and open up new flood safe locations for future development, in partnership with the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporation. The Corporation is currently conducting an expression of interest process to identify suitable parcels of land.
Eligible homeowners will be offered one of the three available measures, based on expert property assessments; flood impact severity data, safety risks, and potential future flood levels.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that by retrofitting homes to make them more flood resilient, and moving those at most risk away from danger, communities can be safer during future flood events.
“We know that disasters are expected to become more frequent, and more severe due to climate change, and that’s why we’re working with the NSW Government to develop practical solutions to protect lives and livelihoods,” he said.
We know this repeated, relentless flooding can be emotionally and financially draining and we want communities to know we will be there to support them now, and as they recover.”
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Resilient Homes Program would help Northern Rivers’ residents take further steps on the road towards recovery while also boosting community resilience in the long-term.
“I saw first-hand the devastation extreme flooding caused across the Northern Rivers and I hope this program provides relief for so many residents who have suffered for too long,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We are stepping up to provide options for residents to move out of harm’s way and protect themselves and their families but we cannot continue to build back as we have in the past.”
“We will work with the Northern Rivers community to ensure repairs, retrofitting and voluntary buy-backs are undertaken in a way that will better protects people and their homes from future flood events.”
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, said both governments would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the region on the long road to recovery.
“The Northern Rivers has been absolutely devastated by flood after flood,” Minister Watt said.
“We know that being prepared for future disasters is a huge boost when it comes to the damage and long-term recovery of the region. Investing in resilience measures in the home can significantly reduce the effort, cost and time to recover from disasters.
“I’m very pleased to be part of this program which gives Northern Rivers residents more options in their flood preparedness toolkit.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole, said offers to individual homeowners will be based on extensive analysis of the 2022 floods and expert advice on any subsequent disasters.
“There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to building back and this program offers multiple measures to help residents stay in the region in homes that can better withstand future floods,” Mr Toole said.
NSW Minister for Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke, said the Resilient Homes Program complements the Resilient Land Program, which is identifying Northern Rivers’ locations that could be considered for future developments.
“We want to ensure residents who do choose to move are able to relocate into areas where there is community infrastructure and amenities so that they can start their lives anew, not from scratch,” Ms Cooke said.
The Flood Property Assessment Program provides a first point of entry, with registered homeowners automatically considered for the Resilient Homes Program.
Other homeowners can register their interest in the Resilient Homes Program by filling in the online registration form at https://www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/northern-rivers-reconstruction-corporation/resilient-land-program
The NSW Government will contact eligible homeowners from mid-November onwards.
For detailed information about the program, including guidelines, eligibility and co-contributions, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/NRRC
Man in court over alleged arson attacks at care facility – Cessnock
A man will face court today charged over two alleged arson attacks at a care facility in the Hunter Valley.
Just before 5am yesterday (Thursday 27 October 2022), emergency services were called to a care home in Hutton Street, Cessnock, following a fire at the facility.
Police will allege a flammable object had been thrown at the kitchen door and the fire was extinguished by an employee at the facility. No one was injured.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation into the incident.
About 4.45pm yesterday, emergency services were called to the same facility and police will allege in court that another flammable object was thrown at the kitchen door.
The fire was extinguished by staff and Fire and Rescue NSW. No one was injured.
Following inquiries, investigators arrested a 46-year-old man nearby and he was taken to Cessnock Police Station.
The man was charged with two counts of damage property by fire and was refused bail to appear before Cessnock Local Court today (Friday 28 October 2022).
Investigations are continuing.
Greens flag student debt bill as inflation soars
Greens Deputy Leader and Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi will today give notice of a private senator’s bill that abolishes indexation on all education and training loans – effectively freezing existing student debt – and raises and ties the minimum repayment income to the median wage.
Student debt has grown rapidly over the last decade, from $25.5 billion in 2012 to more than $68.7 billion in 2021.
The Education and Other Legislation Amendment (Abolishing Indexation and Raising the Minimum Repayment Income for Education and Training Loans) Bill 2022, which Senator Faruqi will introduce during the November sittings, halts indexation on student debt from 1 July 2022 and ties the minimum repayment income to the median wage from 1 July 2023.
Student debt is currently indexed by CPI annually on 1 June. This year, with inflation so high, debts were indexed by 3.9% – the highest rate in a decade. The average student debt was estimated to have risen by $923.
Inflation has since risen to 7.3%, meaning an even higher indexation rate is expected in 2023.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens spokesperson for Education said:
“Student debt is no small problem. About three million people in Australia have the burden of student debt.
“At a time when the cost of living is biting hard, governments can no longer ignore the student debt crisis and its impacts.
“Study debts are impacting people’s ability to obtain loans, their mental health, their ability to save up to buy a home or simply afford to live a good life.
“Scrapping indexation on HELP debts and raising the minimum repayment threshold will provide much needed money in people’s pockets to make ends meet or pay rent.
“No one should be shackled with a debt sentence just in order to study. Higher education should be free. This bill is one of the first pieces of the puzzle in making that vision a reality.
“Fixing the repayment thresholds means that no one with a study debt will repay a cent of that debt until they’re earning above the median wage.
“Labor has an opportunity to work with the Greens and wind back Liberal-era policies which have saddled people with more debt which takes longer and longer to pay off.”
Greens Call for Continuation of 20 Subsidised Psychology Appointments
“People are unable to get the mental health support they need. We know that the availability of local services, long waitlists, and the cost are major barriers to people getting mental health supports.
“The Australian Greens are disappointed that Labor’s budget did not commit to an extension of the additional 10 psychology sessions under the Better Access scheme.
“This government should not be going backwards. We can not return to only 10 Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist.
“The Australian Greens are calling on the government to make more mental health services free under Medicare. We are calling on the government to give certainty to the community and improve access to a range of mental health supports. We hope to see the Better Access evaluation and the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce provide recommendations to enable this.”
Greens Spokesperson for Youth, Stephen Bates said:
“We are in the midst of a devastating mental health crisis that is disproportionately impacting young people. For LGBTQIA+, disabled, and multicultural Australians, this situation is even more dire.
“Young people are being failed by mental health services because there is not enough capacity to treat them. Nearly 1 in 3 young people have received mental health support in the last two years, and more than 1 in 10 young people sought mental health support but did not receive it.
“Labor’s Budget fails to address the immediate need for mental health support, as well as the systemic issues that are causing young people psychological distress, like climate inaction, homelessness, and housing insecurity.
“The very least that the Government should commit to is extending the additional 10 psychology sessions under the Better Access Scheme during this time of great need.
“Until mental healthcare is universally accessible and fully funded under Medicare, we cannot begin to address the scale of the youth mental health crisis in this country.
“The idea that Labor is even considering reducing current support shows how out of touch they are with everyday people.”
Greens call on Government to uphold Human Rights in Iran
The Australian Greens remain deeply concerned about the ongoing situation in Iran and are in solidarity with the protestors in Iran. We will always protect the right to protest. And we will always fight for people’s rights to choose their dress, their partner, their religion, their career, and what they do with their bodies. The Iranian authorities’ suppression of the rights of women, LGBTIQA+ people, and other minorities, including the Bahai, must end.
Today, 40 days after the death of Jina Amani, there are reports that Iranian security forces have shot tear gas and opened fire on people gathered in Zindan Square, Saqqez city.
Jina Amani was arrested by Iran’s morality police for failing to comply with a new national code requiring women to wear a hijab. She was allegedly beaten and died from her injuries.
The Australian Greens are deeply disappointed in the lack of response from the Australian Government. Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Senator Jordon Steele-John on behalf of the Australian Greens are calling on the government to take 10 clear actions:
- Clearly express to the Iranian regime that they, and countries like them, will face consequences from the international community for allowing violence against women and minorities within their borders.
- Meet with the Iranian Ambassador as soon as possible to express Australia’s concerns directly.
- Call on the Iranian government to end its violent crackdown on protesters and request the release of all arrested protestors.
- Hold those responsible for Jina Mahsa Amini’s death accountable through a criminal investigation.
- Call on the Iranian government to respect the basic human rights of Iranian women’s choice of clothing.
- Impose Magnitsky-style or other targeted sanctions, including financial asset freezing and introduce visa bans on people linked to the Iranian regime (including the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), key security officials, Basiji Militia and the morality police).
- Declare the IRGC a ‘terrorist organisation’ under the Criminal Code Act 1995.
- Pass, sponsor and support a strong resolution against the criminal actions of the Islamic Republic both in the Australian Parliament and at the UN General Assembly and encourage counterparts in allied countries to take similar steps.
- Take steps to remove Iran from the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
- Support Iranians’ access to the Internet and social media networks as well as the Iranian Civil Society in all possible manner.
Additionally, Senator Jordon Steele-John welcomes that the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will investigate the Australian Government’s response to the situation in Iran. It is our hope that this inquiry may get the government to finally take some action to support people in Iran.