Council gives its support to Supercars date for Newcastle 500 in 2023

The Newcastle 500 could return to the city’s streets in March next year after councillors voted to support new dates for the final event to be held under the existing agreement between Supercars Australia and City of Newcastle.

The event would be held in Newcastle on 10-12 March 2023 as the season-opening race, although its staging is still subject to approval from State Government agencies including the Heritage Council of NSW, NSW Office of Sport and Destination NSW.

Supercars Australia is awaiting the outcome of its application under Section 60 (S60) of the Heritage Act 1977 to facilitate holding the last Newcastle 500 event under the existing agreement, as the existing S60 for the Camp Shortland area expired in April 2022.

The COVID-19 pandemic prevented the final race scheduled under the existing contract between Destination NSW, City of Newcastle and Supercars Australia from proceeding in 2021 and 2022.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Council’s support of the March 2023 date ensures clarity for local business and residents. Newcastle could continue as one of Supercars’ premier events, delivering massive promotion for the city and region, while avoiding the previous impact to east end businesses in November and December when Christmas end-of-year trading was occurring.

“Clarifying these new dates in March provides a good alternative to the previous season-closing events in terms of maximising the potential of the event from an economic perspective while also minimising disruption to the community and business operators,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The most recent economic assessment report by Ernst and Young found that on average, the Newcastle 500 delivered $36.2 million annually in total economic impact, which when compared with the $1.6 million cost of Council supporting the race, equates to $22.60 being returned to the local economy for every $1 council invested in the race.

“Local tourism and accommodation providers that have been heavily impacted by COVID-19 will be looking forward to benefiting from the economic stimulus provided by the Newcastle 500’s likely return in March next year.”

Council also committed to partner with Destination NSW to prepare and publicly exhibit a community engagement plan in order to deliver extensive and broad community and stakeholder consultation on the potential to extend the current Supercars 500 agreement beyond 2023.

“The future of the Newcastle 500 beyond the final race is a decision of the NSW Government in the first instance as the consent authority for the race,” Cr Nelmes.

“Any inclusion of Newcastle as a potential host city for another five years will be subject to broad community and stakeholder consultation, and a decision of the elected Council after the proposed event next mid to late 2023.”

Councillors also voted to delegate authority to the CEO to enter necessary agreements to facilitate the March 2023 Newcastle 500. The agreements to enable the March 2023 event will be communicated to Councillors and published on City of Newcastle’s website.

Expansion project moves underground as mine remediation kicks off at Newcastle Art Gallery

Early construction works that will pave the way for a $40 million expansion kicked off this week at Newcastle Art Gallery.

Fencing has been erected and a specialist drill rig has been installed on site to begin the process of remediating abandoned mine workings underneath the Art Gallery.

Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey, Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton, City of Newcastle Project Manager Matthew Bennett, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Daracon workers at the site where mine void remediation work is taking place ahead of the Art Gallery's $40 million expansion.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the remediation was a crucial step to ensure the safety of the site ahead of the main expansion works, which are expected to begin in mid-2023. Shortlisted applicants from the expression of interest process will be invited to tender for the main construction works later this year.

“Newcastle’s long coal mining heritage means that much of the city centre sits on top of a number of historical underground mine workings, which date back as far as the early 1800s,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Remediating these coal seams in the early stages of this project will ensure the long-term stability and protection of the expanded Art Gallery and its nationally significant $126 million collection, which has been relocated into secure off-site storage for the duration of the work.

“We have been waiting more than 16 years to see this expansion come to fruition, so it is exciting to see this significant step being taken, paving the way for the main construction work to begin next year.

“By doubling the size of the Gallery, significantly increasing the exhibition space and delivering a suite of modern facilities, this project will deliver an expanded and upgraded Gallery of international standing that will offer a valuable cultural tourism opportunity for Newcastle and the Hunter.”

The remediation is expected to be completed in the first half of 2023 subject to weather and will target the 6.5 metre thick Borehole Coal Seam, which sits around 75 metres below ground level, and the 1 metre thick Dudley Coal Seam located around 27 metres below ground.

More than 100 bores will be drilled throughout the site to allow approximately 15,000 cubic metres of grout to be deployed into the seams as part of the expansion project’s Grouting and Verification Plan approved by Subsidence Advisory New South Wales.

City of Newcastle has successfully applied for funding through the NSW Government’s Newcastle Mines Grouting Fund, which will contribute to the cost of the remediation.

While the Gallery car park has been closed for the duration of the work, the car park on Queen Street behind Newcastle Library remains open, with access monitored by traffic controllers to ensure the safety of visitors to Darby Street and the Library. Other alternative parking can be found nearby on Tyrell Street.

Newcastle Art Gallery’s $40 million expansion project will deliver an additional 1,600 square metres of exhibition space with dedicated areas for the Gallery’s significant collection on the lower level, while the upper level will cater for a variety of temporary exhibitions, showcasing local, national and international artists.

The project includes a new café and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational program space, a secure international standard loading dock, and will extend the building’s footprint east along Darby Street and Queen Street.

Media statement – Beresfield Golf Course

City of Newcastle (CN) has been advised by the operators of Beresfield Golf Course, Avana Pty Ltd, that they intend to abandon their lease of the council-owned facility on 31 August.

CN is bitterly disappointed by this decision, which comes just two years into a five-year lease offered to, and signed by, Avana in 2020 following a review of their business plan and financial statements.

Despite returning healthy profits for the past five years, Avana approached CN in June 2022 requesting the early termination of their lease citing financial difficulties and operational constraints imposed by the continued wet weather.

CN endeavoured to work with Avana on a feasible solution that would ensure the continued operation of Beresfield Golf Course for the community.

However, they responded with an unacceptable proposal that sought to shift the costs of operating and maintaining the facility onto Newcastle ratepayers, while Avana would still benefit from the net profits.

Avana has also written to the members of the Viney Creek Golf Club to advise them of their decision to abandon their lease. CN is extremely concerned by a number of false claims made in that communication.

Despite the assertions in their communication to members, the Viney Creek Golf Club does not “belong” to Beresfield Golf Course, it is owned and run by Avana Pty Ltd and was set up by that company in November 2016. As such, members concerned about club memberships paid just two months ago should speak with the owners about a prorated refund.

An additional claim that the competition schedule will continue to operate post Avana’s departure from the course is also false. Having been given just two weeks’ notice of Avana’s intention to walk away from their lease, it is not possible for CN to secure another operator for the club within this time.

CN has written to Avana today to inform them that they are in default of their lease obligations and must remedy that default or CN is within its rights to seek any damages resulting from the default.

Should they continue with their intention to abandon their lease on 31 August, CN will explore options to secure a new operator for the Beresfield Golf Course going forward.

$30 million flood recovery fund to rebuild community infrastructure

Applications open today for a $30 million recovery package which supports repair works for arts and culture, sports and Aboriginal-owned community infrastructure damaged in the February-March flood event.
 
The eligible Local Government Areas are Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Hawkesbury, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed.
 
Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, said the majority of the works are being funded as part of the jointly-funded $150 million Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package (CLIRP) announced in April.
 
“Community arts and cultural facilities and Aboriginal Keeping Places across New South Wales are a vital part of our cultural fabric. They are also an important part of our economy, supporting thousands of jobs across New South Wales,” Minister Watt said.
 
The New South Wales Government has separately committed an additional $12 million for the repair of sporting fields and facilities in the eight worst affected local government areas (LGAs) to get people in those communities back to their favourite sport or recreational activities.
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade and Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said these funds will ensure vital infrastructure will be rebuilt.
 
“Many of the places our communities rely on were hit hard by the devastating floods, rendering them unsafe or unusable, and this funding is intended to provide support to help those communities to rebuild their local infrastructure,” Mr Henskens said.
 
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and the Arts Ben Franklin said the funding is another important step towards helping flood-affected communities, including the State’s much-needed local arts and cultural industries and Local Aboriginal Land Councils, to get back on their feet.
 
“This continued commitment by the Australian and New South Wales governments recognises the importance of cultural infrastructure to the vitality of our communities and the wellbeing of those that live within them,” Mr Franklin said.
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said rebuilding community infrastructure is an important part of the recovery process.
 
“Repairing community infrastructure not only boosts local economies and jobs, it helps residents get back to a sense of normality, which is one of the most important parts of the flood recovery process,” Ms Cooke said.
 
The package includes:

  • Up to $12 million in grants for councils ranging from $15,000 to $500,000 for community sport infrastructure projects;
  • Up to $12 million in grants for eligible arts and cultural organisations, councils and regional arts development organisations ranging from $5,000 to $500,000; and
  • $6 million for repairs to community infrastructure in the most impacted Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs), including $3.45 million in grants to support further repairs and rebuilds for LALCs and Aboriginal organisations.

 
More information on the funding streams and guidelines is available on the Office of Sport, Create NSW and Aboriginal Affairs NSW websites.

Riders to go Wylde at western Sydney’s new mountain bike and BMX hub

Western Sydney will be home to the largest mountain bike and BMX hub in the country with the re-opening of the 86-hectare state-of-the-art Wylde facility this weekend. 
 
Minister for Cities, Infrastructure and Active Transport, Rob Stokes said the community will have access to 15 kilometres of bushland trails, a kids loop, a new BMX race track and the southern hemisphere’s biggest pump track. 
 
“Whether you are young, young-at-heart, a beginner or an advanced rider, there really is something for everyone to enjoy at this one of a kind facility,” Mr Stokes said. 
 
“This is a great way for people to get out on their bikes, experience the thrills of riding the trails and get their hearts pumping which is good for wellbeing, the environment and family budgets. 
 
 “The entire region will see the benefits of Wylde as it becomes a major biking hub and attract tens of thousands of avid riders from all over the country.” 
 
Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said Western Sydney Parklands, the home of the Wylde biking hub, is the green heart of the growing western Sydney region. 
 
“Major recreational facilities like Wylde give people more active places to enjoy the outdoors. The people of western Sydney now have the benefit of this impressive facility, the largest of its kind in Australia, right on their doorstep,” Ms Davies said. 
 
Wylde Mountain Bike and BMX will officially open on Sunday 28 August. 
 
The $13.5 million facility was funded and delivered by the NSW Government’s M12 Motorway project with a $500,000 funding contribution by Liverpool City Council. It will also be the new home of the Western Sydney BMX Club. 
 
Western Sydney Parklands spans 27 kilometres and offers more than 5,000 hectares of green space for both recreation and biodiversity conservation, including more than 60 kilometres of tracks and trails. 

NSW families set to reap more than $7 billion in savings

From free car rego to household energy rebates and sporting discounts, NSW residents can take their share of the record cost of living savings on offer this year.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the State is on track to reach more than $7 billion in savings by the end of the year and urged everyone to take advantage of the more than 70 savings on offer to boost their household budgets.
 
“There are cost of living savings for everyone, from seniors to families and young professionals,” Mr Kean said.
 
“Whether it’s free car rego and driver licences for pensioners, electricity and gas rebates to cut power bills, or $500 vouchers for before and after school care, the NSW Government is committed to boosting family budgets.
 
“We’re continuing to help households with the NSW Budget containing $7.2 billion in cost of living measures including up to $750 a year in toll relief and $150 vouchers to help parents cover the cost of school essentials.”
 
New data shows $6.33 billion has been delivered in savings just through Savings Finder programs since July 2017.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said Service NSW’s online Savings Finder tool and Savings Specialists are available to help boost household budgets.
 
“The online tool is a 24/7 easy-to-use one-stop-shop for savings,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“We also encourage families to book a free appointment with a Savings Specialist who can provide personalised assistance.
 
“They do the heavy lifting by checking your eligibility and then claiming savings, with the average saving per appointment in excess of $750.”
 
More than 4.7 million people have accessed the webpage and taken advantage of available translation services, making it easier for multicultural communities to gain access to the programs.
Savings Specialists have already carried out more than 109,000 free appointments in local service centres across the state.
 
Examples of savings on offer include the $500 Before and After School Care voucher, $100 Creative Kids and $100 Active Kids vouchers, Parents NSW vouchers, the Regional Seniors Travel Card and the Family Energy Rebate.
 
The NSW Government also has a range of rebates and discounts especially for pensioners.
 
Savings Specialists are available in person at selected Service NSW centres or via phone on 13 77 88, providing tailored assistance to find which initiatives are best suited to a customer’s individual needs.
 

TOP 5 REBATES CLAIMED THROUGH SAVINGS FINDER  VALUE
National Parks Concession Pass     $4,922,230
Low Income Household Energy Rebate $2,711,740 
Pensioner concessions on vehicle registrations     $1,422,140 
NSW Gas Rebate  $1,035,170 
Seniors Energy Rebate$762,730

*results based on Service Centre appointments. Service NSW does not track all programs and their savings values
 
For more information, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/savings-finder

Government builds on Housing Taskforce response

The NSW Government will accept all 15 recommendations put forward by the Regional Housing Taskforce to help deliver improved housing supply and affordability in regional NSW.
 
The comprehensive suite of measures includes more homes for key workers, accelerating development assessments, and identifying options to use Government land for more social and affordable housing.
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the acceptance of all 15 recommendations, as well as investing $2.8 billion in housing as part of the NSW Budget, demonstrates the State Government’s commitment to addressing housing challenges.
 
“We are getting on with the job of easing housing pressures in the regions, both now and for the future,” Mr Toole said.
 
“We’ve listened to the recommendations of the Regional Housing Taskforce and put together a comprehensive, multi-pronged plan to unlock land and drive the supply of new and affordable homes. 
 
“It builds on the investment we’ve made through the NSW Budget to improve housing supply and ensure locals and key workers moving to the regions have a place to call home.”
 
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said regional councils will benefit from a share of $12 million to help them plan for housing that is affordable, diverse, and resilient to natural hazards.
 
“The councils can apply for up to $250,000 each through the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund, to help them undertake the up-front planning work needed to speed up housing delivery,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“The grants will help councils deliver strategic plans, housing policies and technical studies that pave the way for new homes needed to support growing communities.
 
“Our initial $30 million Regional Housing Fund is already helping 21 regional councils in high-growth areas deliver 25 new projects to provide services, open space and connections to fast-track a pipeline of new homes.”
 
The Government’s response also includes:

  • Delivering around 270 more homes for key frontline workers in the regions;
  • Expanding the Urban Development Program to more high-growth regional areas, to improve infrastructure coordination and delivery;
  • Improving data by auditing residential land, identifying infrastructure gaps and environmental constraints, to establish a clearer housing supply pipeline;
  • Identifying opportunities to use suitable Crown land for social and affordable housing development;
  • Working with local government to improve assessment timeframes for new housing through the Faster Local Assessment Grant program;
  • Investigating the introduction of standardised planning pathways for certain types of temporary accommodation, to address spikes in housing demand; and
  • Preparing Regional Housing Delivery Plans in targeted economic areas.

 
Councils have until 30 September 2022 to submit their applications for the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.
 
For more information on the fund and to view the Government’s response to the Regional Housing Taskforce, visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/regional-housin

Bright future for solar power in NSW

Revised guidelines to make the assessment of large-scale solar energy projects clearer have been released today by the NSW Government.
 
Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said solar farms will play a critical role in the modern electricity system the NSW Government is building.
 
“NSW has some of the best renewable energy resources anywhere in the world,” Mr Kean said.
 
“Harnessing their power will help us deliver cleaner and cheaper electricity to households and businesses across the State, slashing energy bills and boosting industry.
 
“These guidelines will provide investors with the certainty they need to mobilise private capital and deliver the energy infrastructure of the 21st century.”
 
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the revised Large-Scale Solar Energy Guidelines would ensure solar farms are built in the right areas to benefit the community.
 
“There are 83 projects that have been approved or are in the planning pipeline, with a combined capacity to power 7 million homes,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“That’s on top of the 18 large-scale solar energy farms, worth more than $30 million, which are operational.
 
“As solar energy becomes more and more common, it’s becoming increasingly important that solar farms are well-designed and in appropriate locations.
 
“Our revised guidelines help deal with emerging concerns and issues, and assist applicants and the community to better understand the planning and engagement process – from choosing a site, to decommissioning a project and rehabilitating the land.”
 
The guidelines have been updated to include guidance on key issues, including visual impacts, the use of agricultural land and community benefit sharing. This follows changes to planning rules late last year, aimed at protecting the character and future growth potential of regional cities from renewable projects

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ROYAL COMMISSION INTO ROBODEBT

The Governor-General His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) has issued Letters Patent establishing a Royal Commission into the former debt assessment and recovery scheme commonly known as Robodebt. 

The inquiry will examine, among other things: 

  • The establishment, design and implementation of the scheme; who was responsible for it; why they considered Robodebt necessary; and, any concerns raised regarding the legality and fairness;
  • The handling of concerns raised about the scheme, including adverse decisions made by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal;
  • The outcomes of the scheme, including the harm to vulnerable individuals and the total financial cost to government; and
  • Measures needed to prevent similar failures in public administration.

The Royal Commission’s focus will be on decisions made by those in positions of seniority. The full scope of the inquiry is outlined in the Royal Commission’s Terms of Reference.

Commonwealth agencies will work to respond expeditiously to requests made by the Royal Commission.

The Royal Commissioner is Catherine Holmes AC SC. The Commissioner is a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland and brings vast experience from a distinguished legal career.

The Commissioner led the Queensland Floods Commission of Inquiry following the 2010-11 floods and acted as counsel assisting the Commission of Inquiry into Abuse of Children in Queensland Institutions in 1998-99.

The Government has allocated $30 million for the Royal Commission and the final report will be delivered to the Governor-General by 18 April 2023.

The headquarters of the Royal Commission will be in Brisbane and information about hearing dates and how to participate will be provided in the coming weeks.

A legal financial assistance scheme will be available to people requested to formally engage with the Royal Commission, for example, to appear as a witness.

Greens push for Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry into Morrison

The Greens are calling for a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry into Scott Morrison’s conduct in being secretly sworn into Ministries. Greens spokesperson for Justice Senator David Shoebridge said today that this was the best way of ensuring a full and independent inquiry. 

A Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry can be established by legislation as soon as Parliament returns with the full powers of a Royal Commission, including resources and ability to compel witnesses, and importantly it would report to the Parliament, rather than the Government.

The Greens have said they will consult with other members of Parliament on the proposed terms of reference for the inquiry. The Greens have previously pushed for a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry into the banking industry, which led to the establishment of the Banking Royal Commission.

The Greens’ calls for greater transparency come as the Speaker declined to refer the former Prime Minister to the Privileges Committee on Tuesday afternoon.

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson for Justice said:

“Scott Morrison has treated the people and the Parliament with contempt.

“Deception and secrecy has no place in politics, and people voted overwhelmingly at the last election in favour of accountability and transparency.

“The Greens will move for a Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry, with the resources and powers of a Royal Commission, that reports to the whole Parliament, not just to the Government.

“We have seen how Governments often use inquiries, with hand picked chairs and limited powers, to produce political rather than fair or factual outcomes, and we can’t afford a similar outcome this time.

“We need a full and independent inquiry into Scott Morrison’s secret ministerial appointments, where witnesses can be summonsed and documents examined. 

“Scott Morrison was able to build this incredible centralised power by hiding from scrutiny. We can only force light on these shadowy powers by compelling the people who knew what happened, and when it occurred, to take the stand. 

“The former Prime Minister’s attack on democratic norms and conventions needs to be met with transparency and it needs to bring accountability,” Senator Shoebridge said.