Appeal to locate missing girl – Port Stephens 

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a girl missing from the Port Stephens area.

Kytaya Bolt-Wells, aged 13, was last seen on Kingston Parade, Heatherbrae, about 3.30pm on Saturday (22 October 2022).

When she could not be located, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold serious concerns for Kytaya due to her young age.

Kytaya is described as being about 165cm tall, of thin build, with brown eyes and long brown hair.

She was last seen wearing a black “Champion” jumper, black tracksuit pants with skull shape patterns, and white Nike “TN” shoes.

Police believe Kytaya may be using public transport and could be making her way toward the Sydney CBD.

Anyone who may have information into her whereabouts is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Environmental works underway at former Shortland landfill site

City of Newcastle (CN) has kicked off significant environmental works at a former landfill site that took waste from across the Hunter for more than 20 years.

The remediation of the Astra Street site at Shortland, which operated from 1974 to 1995, is one of four city-shaping projects included in this year’s record $132 million capital works program.

City of Newcastle’s 2022/23 Budget included $18.6 million to protect the Ramsar-listed Hunter Wetlands by remediating and improving environmental management of the former Astra Street landfill.

The project will include capping and reprofiling, drainage improvements to manage surface water and sediment runoff and revegetation and landscaping, with the works expected to be completed by mid-2024.

Newcastle councillors recently visited the 37-hectare site to inspect the early works and discuss the project’s long-term benefits, including the protection and maintenance of the local environment, safeguarding the water quality of surrounding wetlands and aquatic ecosystems, and increasing biodiversity values to promote long-term native vegetation growth.

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure Joanne Rigby said CN is committed to ensuring sites like Astra Street, are managed with the environment front-of-mind.

“We’ve been working alongside the Environment Protection Authority on a landfill closure plan for the Astra Street site to ensure it adheres to environmental standards,” Ms Rigby said.

“This project is an important priority for protecting the long-term health of the nearby Ramsar-listed Hunter Wetlands and surrounding waterways and shows our commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our current and former waste management operations.”

The existing 20-year-old capping and drainage will be improved through the delivery of new clay capping in accordance with environmental requirements.

State’s toughest ever organised crime laws pass parliament

The NSW Government has armed law enforcement with new powers to confiscate unexplained wealth and the proceeds of crime with tough new laws targeting organised crime passing NSW Parliament.

The laws are part of a suite of game changing reforms introduced by the NSW Government that target organised crime, including tougher penalties for money laundering and new offences to target the use of dedicated encrypted criminal communication devices.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the NSW Government has acted swiftly to provide law enforcement with exactly what it needs to tackle the changing face of organised crime. 

“These are the State’s toughest ever organised crime laws and will cut organised criminals off at the source, incapacitating them financially so they can no longer reap the benefits of their insidious crimes,” Mr Toole said.

“In the last six months alone we have introduced world-leading legislation, tougher penalties and new powers to put our police and law enforcement agencies in the strongest position yet to fight organised crime.

“Gone are the days when criminal gangs can slip under the radar and hide their ill-gotten gains. If you are living the high life off the proceeds of crime, expect a knock at the door from police with a warrant to seize your most prized possessions.

“The NSW Government is backing our police every step of the way and these reforms are exactly what police they tell us they need to attack the very core of these criminal networks and keep our communities safe.”

The organised crime reforms the NSW Government has introduced in the last six months include:

  • New powers for law enforcement to confiscate unlawfully acquired assets of major convicted drug traffickers
  • Enhanced powers for law enforcement to target and confiscate unexplained wealth
  • Expanded powers for law enforcement to stop and search for unexplained wealth and more effectively investigate organised crime
  • New money laundering offences for those dealing with and caught trying to disguise the proceeds of general crime.
  • A new offence that prohibits the possession of a dedicated encrypted criminal communication device (DECCD) – and orders to target high risk individuals likely to use them
  • New powers to enable police to direct a person to provide access to a digital device, which is akin to gaining the keys to a safe
  • New laws for the security industry to target industry integrity and safeguard against misconduct and organised crime
  • New laws for the scrap metal industry to strengthen registration requirements and make it harder for illegitimate dealers who pay criminals cash in exchange for stolen parts and property to operate
  • New laws making it illegal for members of a criminal organisation to hold a tattoo licence.

New South Wales Acting Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the reforms will target organised criminals from every angle and are a huge asset in the fight against organised crime.

“We will seize their illegally acquired assets, take away their loopholes, and ban their methods of communication,” Acting Commissioner Lanyon said.

“We are committed to using every power available to us in the dismantling of criminal networks across this State.”

NSW Government welcomes Parliamentary AI Inquiry

The NSW Government welcomes a NSW Parliamentary inquiry regarding the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) across the State.
 
The inquiry will be conducted by the Committee of Law and Safety in 2023 when it is reappointed following the commencement of the 58th Parliament.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the inquiry will explore ways in which AI can be used more broadly throughout NSW.
 
“AI has the potential to significantly improve service delivery and quality of life in a host of areas, including transport, health and cyber security. It is imperative that we remain at the forefront of this ever emerging space,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“Whether it’s facial recognition, use of biometrics to enable digital identity, or use of AI and algorithms for data analysis, we must strike the right balance between advancing technology and safeguarding privacy and security.
 
“The Committee will examine these issues in depth to help ensure our policies and legislative framework is fit-for-purpose.
 
“The Government has already taken a number of steps to ensure we play a leading role in AI, including releasing an AI Strategy and Ethics Policy in 2020, developing and mandating an AI Assurance Framework in 2021, and establishing an AI Review Committee in 2022. This inquiry will build on these foundations.
 
“I would like to sincerely thank the Committee, particularly its Chair Ray Williams, for their support and commitment on this important issue.”
 
Further information on the NSW Government’s engagement with AI is available at Artificial Intelligence (AI) | Digital.NSW

Westmead to become world-class innovation hub

Westmead will be transformed into a world-class health and innovation district over the next two decades, under an integrated planning and transport vision unveiled by the NSW Government in Western Sydney today.
 
Minister for Planning and Homes Anthony Roberts said the finalised Westmead Place Strategy would guide future planning and development decisions to create Australia’s premier health and innovation district.
 
“The plan includes 12 directions, supported by planning priorities, to transform Westmead and Parramatta North into a world-leading economic powerhouse,” Mr Roberts said.
                                                                                
“Prioritising new jobs, encouraging greater housing diversity, boosting open space and protecting some of our nation’s oldest heritage sites, are just some of the priorities underpinning our vision.”
 
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott today announced the Westmead Place-based Transport Strategy in Western Sydney, which will integrate with the wider Place Strategy to support jobs, public transport accessibility and high-quality open space.
 
“Central to this strategy is a transport vision for Westmead that is well-connected and sustainable while anticipating changes in land use, population and travel demand,” Mr Elliott said. 
 
“It will capitalise on more than $14 billion committed by the NSW Government for public transport, including the Parramatta Light Rail and Sydney Metro West, to support our target of 50,000 jobs in Westmead by 2036.”
 
Minister for Active Transport and Cities Rob Stokes said 43 initiatives have been identified to achieve the vision for future transport in the area.
 
“These initiatives include the transformation of Westmead Station as a centrepiece of the precinct, along with a walking and cycling network that links locals and visitors to nearby beautiful open spaces,” Mr Stokes said.
 
“The implementation of this strategy will greatly increase access to and from Westmead within a 30-minute public transport journey, and we will explore a trial of night-time on-demand services for the activation of a 24-hour economy.”
 
The NSW Government will now progress the outcomes of the Westmead Place-based Transport Strategy and collaborate with councils to prepare an integrated transport and traffic study to support the future rezoning of the area.
 
For more on the Westmead Place-Based Transport Strategy visit Future Transport (nsw.gov.au)
 
For more on the Westmead Place Strategy visit Westmead – (nsw.gov.au)

WestInvest funding for heart of Penrith

Penrith residents can soon enjoy a new city centre in St Marys and a huge new recreation precinct thanks to the $5 billion WestInvest Program.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet, Treasurer Matt Kean, Minister for Western Sydney David Elliott and Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman today announced more than $28 million in WestInvest funding for Penrith:

  • $21 million for the St Marys City Heart and Entertainment Canopy project to deliver a new civic park and state of the art performance centre
  • $7 million towards the $41 million Gipps Street Recreation Precinct project to transform a 32-hectare former landfill site in Claremont Meadows into a multipurpose open space facility for the community.

 
Penrith City Council is contributing $34 million towards the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct project.
 
Mr Perrottet said the projects put forward by the Penrith City Council would transform the local area.
 
“St Marys is evolving into a resilient hub connected by the city-shaping Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport project that, once complete, will connect the new airport and aerotropolis to St Marys,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“This unprecedented boost through WestInvest will capitalise on the major investments we have made in critical projects, such as Metro West and Western Sydney Aerotropolis, to transform Western Sydney.”
 
Mr Kean said the St Marys City Heart and Entertainment Canopy project will revitalise the centre of St Marys to support future growth.
 
“This project will develop a city heart with an accessible civic park and state of the art performance space for local concerts, festivals, markets, fetes and celebrations,” Mr Kean said.
 
“There’ll be a performance stage, public artwork, a big screen and a huge central lawn for people to gather.”
 
Mr Elliott said the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct will include spaces for adventure play and a flood-lit pump track, the first of its kind in the local area.
 
“This former landfill site will be transformed to deliver a new sporting precinct that will benefit the growing community and local families,” Mr Elliott said.
 
Mrs Tuckerman said the WestInvest Community Project Grants – Local Government Allocation is funding council-led projects to ensure communities benefit sooner.
 
“Councils play an essential role in delivering services and facilities that meet the needs of locals. WestInvest is accelerating projects, put forward by councils, that will deliver benefit on the ground,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
 
Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said the Gipps Street Recreation Precinct project will create new sporting fields, multi-courts designed for basketball and futsal, children’s play areas, netball courts, cricket nets, a skate bowl with youth zone, an outdoor gym, a village green, nature trails and much more.
 
“These WestInvest projects will deliver an exceptional upgrade to sport and open recreation space to Penrith and St Marys communities,” Mr Ayres said.
 
Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchens said the projects funded in Penrith show the council and NSW Government are listening to the needs of locals.
 
“The people of our community told us they want to see more parks and better community infrastructure, and that is exactly what WestInvest is delivering for the people of Penrith,” Cr Hitchens said.
 
As part of the WestInvest Fund, $2 billion was reserved for priority Community Projects. This included $400 million for 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in West and South West Sydney, with each local council eligible for between $20 million and $35 million, depending on population size.
 
Announcements on other LGAs will be made soon.
 
The $5 billion WestInvest program was made possible by the Government’s successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy.
 
A further $1.6 billion from the $2 billion Community Project Grants is available to local community groups.
 
A total of $3 billion is also set aside to deliver transformational projects that will benefit local communities, led by NSW Government agencies.
 
To find out more about WestInvest visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest

NSW government’s agenda supported by the NSW parliament

The NSW Government continued its reform agenda over the last two weeks by passing a number of key Bills in the NSW Parliament.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Government will always put the community and its safety first, with new laws to crack down on money laundering and encrypted devices, the introduction of ‘No Body, No Parole’, further support to ensure the safety of our frontline workers and much more.
 
“This is a Government that is relentless in its determination to improve the lives of everyday people in every community across the State, which is supported by our extensive reform agenda passed by the NSW Parliament,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“We will be back in Parliament in two weeks’ time with more legislation to secure a brighter future for our State.”
 
Bills passed in the last two weeks include:
 

  • Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund Bill 
  • Crimes Legislation Amendment (Assaults on Frontline Emergency and Health Workers) Bill
  • Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Amendment (No Body, No Parole) Bill
  • Confiscation of Proceeds of Crime Legislation Amendment Bill
  • Criminal Procedure Legislation Amendment (Prosecution of Indictable Offences) Bill
  • Security Industry Amendment Bill
  • Crimes Amendment (Money Laundering) Bill
  • Dedicated Encrypted Criminal Communication Device Prohibition Orders Bill
  • Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Amendment (Digital Evidence Access Orders) Bill
  • Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No 2) Bill
  • Constitution Amendment (Appointment of Lieutenant-Governor and Administrator) Bill
  • Electoral Legislation Amendment Bill (No 2) Bill
  • Treasury and Energy Legislation Amendment Bill 
  • Electronic Conveyancing Enforcement Bill
  • Building and Other Fair Trading Legislation Amendment Bill
  • Electoral Legislation Amendment Bill
  • Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust Amendment (Facilitation of Sydney Metro West) Bill
  • Workers Compensation (Dust Diseases) Bill 
  • Scrap Metal Industry (Review) Bill 

Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Amendment Bill 

NSW continues to lead on a better, cleaner environment

The NSW Government will continue to play a leadership role across important environmental policies, including work to develop a national framework that puts a value on biodiversity.
 
At the first meeting of Environment Ministers since April 2021 in Brisbane today, NSW Minister for Environment James Griffin said NSW is well placed to contribute to this critical work.
 
“In NSW, we’re leading the way nationally in our work to recognise natural capital,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“It is human nature to protect what we value, and natural capital is a key focus in NSW, setting us on a path to better value nature and biodiversity, and in doing so, conserving it for future generations, while rewarding those who make a positive contribution to our environment.
 
“In NSW, we’re already developing a suite of natural capital programs that make the economic cost of environmental impacts visible, the price of restoration certain, and the value of conservation both accurate and assured.”
 
Ministers also discussed the Australian Government’s commitment with nearly 100 nations to reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, also known as ‘the 2030 pledge’.
 
In response, NSW will establish a panel of eminent Australians to provide advice by mid-2023 on how NSW can contribute to that national goal in a manner that is equitable, science-based and cost-effective, and optimises environmental, social and economic benefits for communities across NSW. 
 
“This is an ambitious target that will need to be considered by every jurisdiction, and I’m looking forward to further consultation with the Australian Government and my fellow Environment Ministers,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“NSW has a strong track record of protecting land in perpetuity, and I will ensure that any national level agreements capture the significant protections we’ve already delivered on our public and private estates.
 
“For example, 10.2 percent of the landmass in NSW is protected as part of the national parks estate, or through in-perpetuity private land conservation agreements, which is a fantastic achievement.”
 
Ministers considered strengthening protections for threatened species, and NSW reconfirmed its eagerness to share its nation-leading programs with other jurisdictions, including the Saving our Species program, and commitment to zero extinctions in the national parks estate.
 
“Ministers agreed to accelerate national efforts to prevent new extinctions, including through a NSW proposal to assess and develop emerging technologies for feral cat control,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“We know feral cats kill more than two billion native animals every year, as well as costing an estimated $6 billion annually in human health and livestock impacts.”
 
In relation to plastic bans, Minister Griffin supported a greater focus on alignment between states on the ban of plastic items, including the type and schedule of items for phase out and the need to coordinate research.
 
In relation to reducing waste and recycling, Mr Griffin presented a paper to progress better tyre recycling options to mitigate the social, economic and environmental impacts of waste tyres.
 
NSW also strongly supported the commencement of work to establish sufficient processing capacity for problem waste generated from renewable energy infrastructure and related industries.
 
“We need a nationally consistent effort and approach when it comes to waste and recycling and push towards a circular economy, especially with waste that is currently difficult to recycle,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“The NSW EPA is already delivering a $10 million Circular Solar program to reduce the landfilling of solar panels and associated batteries and increase recycling.
 
“Through the program, we’ve already provided funding to eight projects that will deliver more 10,000 tonnes of annual recycling capacity.”
 
NSW welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment to responding to the Samuel Review recommendations by the end of 2022 and further consultation with states and territories on its response.

WestInvest brings Liverpool park back to life

Light Horse Park will be transformed into a beautiful riverside recreational park in the heart of Liverpool thanks to the $5 billion WestInvest Fund.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet, Treasurer Matt Kean, Minister for Western Sydney David Elliott and Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman today announced almost $28 million in WestInvest funding for Liverpool City Council to help deliver the $36.7 million Light Horse Park Embellishment and Upgrade project.
 
Liverpool City Council is contributing $8.9 million towards the project.
 
Mr Perrottet said the Light Horse Park Embellishment and Upgrade project would significantly improve amenity and safety for locals and visitors.
 
“This project will redevelop the foreshore to create an accessible, safe and welcoming park and construct a building to provide vital community services,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
Mr Kean said the park will become a key location on the river for local events and provide a place for people to exercise, play and relax.
 
“The city of Liverpool is built adjacent to the mighty Georges River, but Light Horse Park is hard to access and underutilised. WestInvest will bring this important riverside park back to life,” Mr Kean said.
 
Mr Elliott said the refurbished park will provide important connection pathways and points between the foreshore, Liverpool CBD and the railway station.
 
“This important project will not only provide greater access to the river but also make it easier for the community to move around the local area,” Mr Elliott said.
 
Mrs Tuckerman said the revitalised park would support the nearby residents, many of whom live in apartment buildings.
 
“This park will become a much-loved destination for the many families with children living in apartments in the surrounding area,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
 
Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons said she is proud of the NSW Liberal and National Government’s continued investment in Liverpool.
 
“This investment will help to bring life back into an underutilised area and provide another place for families and young people to enjoy,” Ms Gibbons said.
 
“Our commuters will also benefit from a safer, more connected and pleasant walk to the station.”
 
Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said the project would provide a cool space for the community to gather on hot summer days.
 
“With this investment the millions of people who call western Sydney home will have an amazing place to play and enjoy for generations to come. The kids of the east have Bondi and now the kids of the West will have Georges River and Lighthorse Park,” Mr Mannoun said.
 
As part of the WestInvest Fund, $2 billion was reserved for priority Community Projects. This included $400 million for 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in West and Southwest Sydney, with each local council eligible for between $20 million and $35 million, depending on population size.
 
Announcements on other LGAs will be made soon.
 
The $5 billion WestInvest program was made possible by the Government’s successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy.
 
A further $1.6 billion from the $2 billion Community Project Grants is available to local community groups.
 
A total of $3 billion is also set aside to deliver transformational projects that will benefit local communities, led by NSW Government agencies.
 
To find out more about WestInvest visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest

WestInvest brings Liverpool park back to life

Light Horse Park will be transformed into a beautiful riverside recreational park in the heart of Liverpool thanks to the $5 billion WestInvest Fund.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet, Treasurer Matt Kean, Minister for Western Sydney David Elliott and Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman today announced almost $28 million in WestInvest funding for Liverpool City Council to help deliver the $36.7 million Light Horse Park Embellishment and Upgrade project.
 
Liverpool City Council is contributing $8.9 million towards the project.
 
Mr Perrottet said the Light Horse Park Embellishment and Upgrade project would significantly improve amenity and safety for locals and visitors.
 
“This project will redevelop the foreshore to create an accessible, safe and welcoming park and construct a building to provide vital community services,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
Mr Kean said the park will become a key location on the river for local events and provide a place for people to exercise, play and relax.
 
“The city of Liverpool is built adjacent to the mighty Georges River, but Light Horse Park is hard to access and underutilised. WestInvest will bring this important riverside park back to life,” Mr Kean said.
 
Mr Elliott said the refurbished park will provide important connection pathways and points between the foreshore, Liverpool CBD and the railway station.
 
“This important project will not only provide greater access to the river but also make it easier for the community to move around the local area,” Mr Elliott said.
 
Mrs Tuckerman said the revitalised park would support the nearby residents, many of whom live in apartment buildings.
 
“This park will become a much-loved destination for the many families with children living in apartments in the surrounding area,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
 
Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons said she is proud of the NSW Liberal and National Government’s continued investment in Liverpool.
 
“This investment will help to bring life back into an underutilised area and provide another place for families and young people to enjoy,” Ms Gibbons said.
 
“Our commuters will also benefit from a safer, more connected and pleasant walk to the station.”
 
Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said the project would provide a cool space for the community to gather on hot summer days.
 
“With this investment the millions of people who call western Sydney home will have an amazing place to play and enjoy for generations to come. The kids of the east have Bondi and now the kids of the West will have Georges River and Lighthorse Park,” Mr Mannoun said.
 
As part of the WestInvest Fund, $2 billion was reserved for priority Community Projects. This included $400 million for 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in West and Southwest Sydney, with each local council eligible for between $20 million and $35 million, depending on population size.
 
Announcements on other LGAs will be made soon.
 
The $5 billion WestInvest program was made possible by the Government’s successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy.
 
A further $1.6 billion from the $2 billion Community Project Grants is available to local community groups.
 
A total of $3 billion is also set aside to deliver transformational projects that will benefit local communities, led by NSW Government agencies.
 
To find out more about WestInvest visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest