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Expanded Moruya Hospital Emergency Department opens

The Moruya community will benefit from expanded emergency treatment and care services with treatment spaces more than doubled at the Moruya Hospital Emergency Department (ED), following investment from the Liberal and Nationals Government.

Premier Dominic Perrottet officially opened the new ED today, which will ensure a seamless transition for staff into the new $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital.

“Our strong economic record has enabled long term commitments to boost healthcare services across regional NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Growing the capacity of the emergency department in Moruya is key to ensuring we provide the community with high-level emergency health care now and into the future.

“This emergency department will be crucial in preparing the local workforce for the expanded services that will be offered at the brand new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, with construction set to be completed in 2025.

The new ED includes additional resuscitation and consulting spaces for patients as well as a new undercover vehicle ambulance bay.

Upgrade works have also included an enhanced Close Observation Unit which will provide 24 hour specialist supervision and care for patients with complex medical, or surgical needs.

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the community can expect to see early works begin on the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital in coming weeks, including Aboriginal archaeological works.

“The Liberals and Nationals in Government know how important health care is in the regions, and the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will not only change lives, but save lives,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Today is an exciting day for the region, and will ensure the health needs of the people of the entire Eurobodalla community from Narooma to Batemans Bay are met while work continues on delivering the new hospital.”

The expanded Moruya ED is part of the $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital redevelopment which will deliver a sustainable, modern and purpose-built hospital.

The Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will be built to accommodate a Level 4 health facility including:

· Emergency Department

· Eight bed Intensive Care / Close Observation Unit

· Increased capacity for chemotherapy and increased access to renal dialysis

· Surgical and operating theatres and a day stay surgical unit

· Expanded medical imaging department, including MRI service

· Ambulatory care for community and outpatient services

· Paediatric and maternity beds, and a special care nursery

· Mental health beds for short term admission

· Enhanced education and training facilities, including a simulation laboratory.

Eurobodalla Regional Hospital is part of the NSW Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over four years to 2025-26, with nearly a third of the capital allocation in this financial year going towards regional and rural health facilities.

Since 2011, the government has delivered more than 180 health capital projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway – of those, more than 90 are in rural and regional areas. This includes the new South East Regional Hospital at Bega, jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth governments.

The NSW Government is investing $4.5 billion to recruit 10,148 full time equivalent (FTE) staff to hospitals and health services across the state over the next four years, as part of the 2022-23 Budget, with 3,800 of those positions in rural and regional areas.

The NSW Government is also incentivising hard-to-fill, critical roles in hospitals and health facilities with an $883 million investment targeted at recruiting and retaining staff in regional, rural and remote areas.

Detention of Dr Yang Jun

Today marks four years since Australian citizen, Dr Yang Jun, was detained in China.

Our thoughts are with Dr Yang and his family.

Dr Yang faced a closed trial in Beijing on 27 May 2021 and he still awaits a verdict.

The Australian Government is deeply troubled by the ongoing delays in his case.

Since Dr Yang was detained, the Australian Government has called for basic standards of justice, procedural fairness and humane treatment to be afforded to Dr Yang, in accordance with international norms and China’s legal obligations.

The Australian Government will continue to advocate for Dr Yang’s interests and wellbeing at the highest levels and provide consular assistance to Dr Yang and his family.

WOODSIDE NEEDS TO CLEAN UP AFTER ITSELF

An oil tower containing toxic chemicals once used by Woodside to produce oil near the Ningaloo Reef ceased operations and should have been decommissioned by the company in 2018.

Woodside originally planned to tow the tower to Perth for disposal within six months, but a flooded compartment and malfunctioning valves meant the tower could not be moved.

The regulator, NOPSEMA, said the problems demonstrated Woodside, which had skipped a planned 10-yearly inspection of the compartments, had not maintained the tower properly. NOPSEMA are investigating whether Woodside’s poor maintenance was a breach of the law.

Greens spokesperson for resources and tourism, and Yamatji-Noongar woman, Senator Dorinda Cox said:

“Woodside appears to only be interested in profit. Their negligent attitude is clear as this issue remains unresolved since 2018.

“Woodside engaged Dutch company Heerema to decommission this offshore infrastructure in mid-2022, but instead of action we get excuses.

“When will the Australian Government strengthen the laws and regulations that govern the decommissioning of these toxic facilities? We know the industry will delay and cut costs to save their billion-dollar bottom line at the expense of the environment and the taxpayer.

“Failure to uphold their responsibility to maintain this tower demonstrates Woodside’s blatant disregard for rules and regulations. We shouldn’t be waiting any longer for them to clean up this mess, it sets a shocking precedent for other fossil fuel companies.

“The Greens call on the regulator to direct Woodside to immediately decommission this toxic tower and prevent the company from putting the precious Ningaloo Reef at risk for another 18 months. Ningaloo is a world heritage-listed marine playground, and the pride of West Australians, holidaymakers and our multi-million-dollar tourism industry.”

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said:

“We shouldn’t be risking our marine wildlife for the sake of sparing a multibillion dollar company a few bucks and some convenience, and regulators shouldn’t let these oil and gas giants run roughshod over our oceans.

“Putting our marine life at risk to suit the financial interests of one of the world’s biggest polluters isn’t acceptable.

“A toxic chemical spill this close to the Ningaloo Reef World Heritage Area would be devastating for WA’s precious marine wildlife, including thousands of species of whales, sharks, fish, turtles and corals.

“Big businesses make millions of dollars in profits from this oil field, they can afford to clean up after themselves.”

GREENS SLAM POTENTIAL DEAL ON FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY REGIME

The Greens have criticised the possibility of a deal between Labor and Liberal to pass the Financial Accountability Regime (FAR) without fines for law-breaking bankers.

“The Hayne Royal Commission highlighted the systemic misconduct and greed within the banking and financial services industry, and if we are going to change that we need the threat of large fines on bank executives who break the law,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“Having already broken the agreement struck with the Greens to create million dollar fines for banking executives, Minister Jones pledged to consult in good faith on the Bill.”

“That should not mean just asking the big banks for marching orders.”

“Labor has a choice here. It can support consumers by working with the Greens to impose fines on dodgy bank executives, or it can join the Liberals and roll over to the big banks.”

“Any deal between the major parties would be yet another sign that the big banks are still calling the shots in Parliament.”

GREENS CALL FOR ACCELERATION OF GAS CODE OF CONDUCT

The Greens have called for the rapid introduction of an interim Mandatory Code of Conduct with teeth for gas companies, to lay bare the excuses these massive corporations are using to justify wielding their market power to the detriment of climate and consumers.

Gas companies are reportedly refusing to sign up new commercial customers, threatening blackouts and skyrocketing prices, attempting to cause chaos in retaliation to the Government’s price caps on gas.

The Greens say with no set deadline on the introduction of the code of conduct, but with repeated and growing cartel-like behaviour by the gas industry, parts of the Code should be implemented immediately. Consultation on the final code does not close until February 7.

Separately, the ACCC has on Tuesday issued its interim compliance and enforcement guidelines for the gas industry.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, acting Leader of the Australian Greens said:

“Gas companies are trying to hold the country hostage, sparking chaos in the energy sector and anxiety for ordinary people already experiencing intense cost of living pain – as a retaliation for Government efforts to rein in their never-ending profiteering,” Senator Faruqi said.

“The Labor Government must immediately intervene with an interim code of conduct to make sure that gas corporations can’t hide behind this excuse to cause chaos in the energy sector by arbitrarily withholding supply, and overcharging the country for its own gas.

“This needs to be an inflection point where we move away from dirty, expensive gas, instead of allowing them to hide behind flimsy excuses while threatening to cause chaos in energy markets.

“When a corporation is threatening people with withholding power unless they’re allowed to charge whatever they want, there is no point negotiating with them. They are drunk on market power that they’ve been allowed to wield unchallenged for years.

“Big gas corporations like Woodside and Santos are making obscene, five-fold profits. They are turbocharging natural disasters that cost Australia $5 billion in just one year according to Treasury. The Tax Office has labelled them ‘systemic non-payers of tax’ and in most cases they don’t even pay any royalties.

“For the sake of people and planet, we have to get out of coal and gas.”

Senator Dorinda Cox, Australian Greens Resources Spokesperson said:

“We urgently need a code with teeth, and regulatory authority that stops this constant public power game between the Federal Government and industry.

“Right now, Australians across the country are under pressure from rising costs of living, and suffering natural disaster-related loss and damages. Meanwhile, gas companies are threatening power outages and price spikes just to protect their bottom line, what the government’s own Minister calls ‘Putin profits’.

“Labor talked a big game during the election, promising to end the climate wars. Now they need to step up, be courageous, and stop the gas industry from dictating the rules.”

Broadway smash hit Come From Away breaks ticket sale records

The Civic Theatre has set a new box office record less than a month out from the Newcastle debut of the hit Broadway musical Come From Away.

More than 11,000 tickets have already been sold for the critically acclaimed production, and three new dates have been added in an extended season that will now open at the Civic Theatre on Wednesday 15 February.

Come From Away shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from around the world who were grounded in Canada in the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that welcomed the ‘come from aways’ into their lives.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said strong ticket sales indicate there is an appetite for Broadway theatre amongst Novocastrians and visitors seeking to have a good time following three years of pandemic-induced disruptions.

“It’s been 30 years since an international touring Broadway production landed in Newcastle and it’s clear that as a city, we are ready to welcome a live musical theatre production of this calibre,” Cr Nelmes said.

“With its remarkable true story about kindness and humanity, Come From Away is sure to enhance the cultural life of our city with Novocastrians and visitors ready to get back out there and enjoy themselves in 2023.

“Come From Away joins a stellar line-up on Newcastle’s 2023 major events calendar, which kicked off with Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which attracted more than 50,000 people to the city and injected more than $12 million into the local visitor economy.

“Major events are a clear economic driver and Come From Away is another significant drawcard for our city that will provide considerable benefits for Newcastle’s visitor economy.”

Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said Come From Away has already smashed the ticket sales of previous live musical theatre performances.

“With four weeks still to go, ticket sales have exceeded our expectations and previous ticket sales records held at Civic Theatre,” Ms Wallace said.

“Tickets sales have been recorded across a wide geographical area, with Newcastle-based purchases complemented by sales from as far away as Tasmania, Brisbane, Armidale, Narrabri and Coffs Harbour.

“Come From Away is also attracting new audiences to the Civic Theatre, with more than 45 per cent of bookings from first-time customers.

“Due to popular demand, we’ve added another three performances to the extended run of Come From Away and look forward to seeing this spectacular production come to life on stage with our theatre’s iconic proscenium arch, grand tiered seating and incredible atmosphere.”

Come From Away is showing at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre from 15 February until 5 March 2023.

The production runs for 100 minutes and is recommended for ages 10 and older.

Tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

Last call for Before and After School Care savings in 2023

Parents of primary school-aged children are encouraged to download the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $500 Before and After School Care (BASC) voucher by 31 January 2023.

The NSW Government’s $155 million BASC Voucher Program helps families with household budget pressures, and more than 305,000 vouchers have already been downloaded by parents. Of these, more than 219,000 have been redeemed at a BASC service to help families with the cost of care. Parents have until 30 June 2023 to redeem BASC vouchers at a participating service.

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the $500 BASC vouchers are one of the ways the Liberal and Nationals Government are supporting NSW families to juggle work and family responsibilities.

“We know the Before and After School Care vouchers help to ease financial pressures and give parents and carers increased flexibility with their work commitments,” Mr Kean said.

“Supporting working families is a priority of this government, with more than 70 rebates and vouchers available putting money back in the household budget.”

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell encouraged parents to download the $500 voucher before they close at the end of the month.

“Families with a child going into Kindergarten in 2023 can access the voucher – but with the deadline of 31 January 2023 fast approaching, time is running out to enjoy those savings!” Ms Mitchell said.

“Before and after school care services are an essential part of our school communities, providing working families with a range of options for their child to have a safe place to learn, play and socialise.

“Once downloaded, parents can use these vouchers up until 30June 2023, allowing families to take advantage of both before and after school care and vacation care in the coming months.”

The Before and After School Voucher Program is delivered in partnership with Service NSW.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Victor Dominello said BASC vouchers are easy to download and can be redeemed at their local participating BASC Service.

“I encourage all parents and carers with children enrolled in Before and After School Care to jump on the Service NSW app or website to claim their vouchers before the start of the new school year,” Mr Dominello said.

“The process of redeeming the vouchers is very simple and a list of participating BASC providers is available on the Service NSW website.”

Customers can register and apply online via a MyService NSW account, in the app, or by visiting their nearest Service Centre.

To apply or find out more information about BASC vouchers, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/basc-voucher

Western Sydney to benefit from a huge range of local infrastructure projects

Communities in north western Sydney will reap the rewards from local infrastructure projects including new pools, parks, sports fields, cycling and walking tracks funded through the NSW Government’s $5 billion WestInvest program.

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Treasurer Matt Kean today announced funding for local councils and community groups in Blacktown, Hawkesbury and The Hills to deliver 21 transformational WestInvestprojects that will change the face of Western Sydney and help secure a brighter future for local communities.

The projects are the first to be announced through the $1.6 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round, with further successful projects to be announced in the coming weeks.

The 21 projects, worth more than $400 million, include:

· Four new and upgraded swimming centresin Blacktown and Hawkesbury LGAs to provide residents with a heat refuge in the summer months and a place for exercise and relaxation all year round, including:

o $40.6 million for the Blacktown City Council for the Mount Druitt Swimming Centre Renewal project

o $77.2 million for the for the Blacktown City Council to deliver the Blacktown Aquatic Centre Masterplan project

o $30.3 million for the Hawkesbury City Council to deliver the redevelopment of Richmond Swimming Centre project

o $6.7 million for the Hawkesbury City Council to deliver the Oasis Aquatic and Leisure Centre Improvements project

· $25.4 million for Blacktown City Council for the PCYC Mount Druitt Police and Community Youth Centre– a first-class sporting and community hub to support at-risk youth through education, training and mentoring

· $19.5 millionfor Blacktown City Council for a new First Nation’s Cultural Centre in Mount Druitt,the heart of one of Australia’s largest communities of First Nations people, to strengthen connections to Country

· Funding for community groups including $44 million for the YMCA NSW and $1.6 million for the Scout Association of Australia NSWtobuild community facilities that provide exciting programs for young people and families

· $4.7 million for Hawkesbury City Council to deliver a new Cycleway Bridge over Rickabys Creek in Windsor to complete a continuous path of travel for cyclists and pedestrians between Richmond and Windsor town centres

· $5 million in funding for Autism Spectrum Australia towards a brand-new, two storey autism specific primary school in the Box Hill education precinct to support students who struggle to attend a mainstream or other special needs school due to their disability

· $23.9 million for Hawkesbury City Council to help deliver the North Richmond Community Precinct with a library, indoor sports stadium and performing arts studios to act as a meeting and cultural space, social and recreational hub, and much-needed fit-for-purpose emergency evacuation centre

· Funding for new playgrounds and open spaces including more than $600,000 for the Hills Community Aid and Information Services to deliver the Balcombe Heights Estate Centenary Sensory Gardenwhich will provide an inclusive space for relaxation and passive recreation for all ages and abilities, including people with special needs

· $4.6 million for Hills Shire Council to deliver The Castle Hill Showground – Pedestrian Bridge project to construct a new pedestrian and cycling bridge crossing Showground Road from Castle Hill Showground to Fred Caterson Reserve

Mr Perrottet said the projects funded will change the face of the Western Sydney community.

“This is all thanks to the $5 billion WestInvest program is made possible by the Government’s successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy,” Mr Perrotett said.

“Our strong economic record has enabled long term commitments to Western Sydney.

“WestInvest is delivering three projects in Mount Druitt that form part of broader revamp of the area including a new aquatic centre, a first nations centre and a community youth centre to the value of more than $85 million.”

Mr Kean said while Western Sydney is already an incredible place to live, the WestInvest projects announced today will deliver new and improved facilities, more open spaces and help connect communities for generations to come.

“These WestInvest projects vary in size and scale, offer something for everyone and provide the opportunity to learn, gather, exercise, support each other and connect communities,” Mr Kean said.

“These community facilities will improve liveability across our suburbs and I’m looking forward to seeing shovels in the ground as these projects come to life.”

More than 680 applicants submitted a WestInvest application to the value of more than $7.9 billion. The successful projects were announced after a comprehensive assessment process outlined in the WestInvest Community Project Grant Guidelines. All unsuccessful applicants will be offered a 1:1 feedback session.

The projects announced today are in addition to the 68 projects announced by the NSW Government late last year through the WestInvest Community Project Grants – Local Government Allocation that allocated more than $400 million to 15 eligible local councils to deliver transformational infrastructure projects.

Click here to view images of some of the successful projects that will be delivered in the Blacktown LGA as part of the WestInvest Community Competitive Round.

To find out more about WestInvest visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest

Truckies to help shape rest stop plans

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is encouraging truckies and the freight industry to participate in consultation to improve heavy vehicle rest stops across the state.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the initiative was important because it would help the government address gaps in the rest stop network and ensure facilities meet the needs of drivers.

“The road freight industry is critical to our state’s economy, from big business and farmers to retailers and consumers. We all rely on these drivers to ensure our goods get to us quickly and efficiently,” Mr Farraway said.

“It is important that we provide quality facilities that support heavy vehicle drivers and improve road safety. Up north in Clybucca we have installed outdoor fitness equipment for truckies to use so they can stretch and get exercise in after a long period on the road.

“The NSW freight task is expected to grow by 34 per cent by 2061 and the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is doing everything to support this growth, which will ensure our supply chain is efficient, our economy is strong and our future bright.

“We have several projects underway investigating, planning, designing and constructing heavy vehicle rest stop improvements. Industry feedback is guiding this work to ensure it meets the current and future needs of heavy vehicle drivers and the growing freight task.  

“We want to hear from the road freight industry, particularly heavy vehicle drivers on what they need and expect at rest stops across NSW and where additional facilities are needed.”

The Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association President Wade Lewis welcomed the continued progression of the NSW Heavy Vehicle Rest Stop program, which will provide new and upgraded rest areas for heavy vehicles on key freight routes in NSW.

“Rest areas are a vital component of the heavy vehicle task and support drivers to manage fatigue and comply with driving hours regulation,” Mr Lewis said.

“The NSW Heavy Vehicle Rest Stop program highlights the commitment by the NSW government to engage with industry to develop a practical and capable rest area network.”

Consultation will be open until 28 February 2023.
Feedback is being encouraged via https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/heavy-vehicle-rest-stops

New innovation grants for NSW seafood sector

NSW seafood businesses will be able to net a share in $500,000 worth of grants in a new push to drive further innovation across our local seafood industry.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said expressions of interest are officially open for the NSW Seafood Innovation Program which is aimed at creating more jobs and boosting the value of the sector.

“NSW is the seafood state. Whether it be fish, crustaceans or shellfish our hardworking commercial fishers serve up some of the freshest and highest-quality produce in the world,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Seafood businesses are critical to local jobs and the economies of so many communities along our coast. This initiative is all about unlocking further innovation and growing the value of our seafood sector over the next 10 years.

“We know some of the best seafood across the globe is caught in our waters, including on our South Coast, and this is about backing NSW businesses to continue to sell the highest-quality produce here in Australia and also across the globe.”

All proposals put forward must address one or more of the three key challenge areas including supply chain innovation, product innovation and product quality.

The program will:

· Provide innovators with a new avenue to propose ideas and technologies to increase the value of NSW seafood.

· Offer $10,000 in seed funding and expert advice to individuals, cooperatives and companies to develop their ideas.

· Offer up to $130,000 in financial assistance and mentoring to scale a new product that is already advanced in development.

· Identify ways to improve efficiency, services and outcomes for NSW fishers, fisheries and the seafood supply chain.

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the competitive grants program will invest in new ideas and help address challenges facing the industry.

“We want to hear all your ideas, no matter how big or small, how weird or quirky, because it’s this kind of out-of-the-box thinking that will propel the sector into the future,” Mr Saunders said.

“A thriving seafood sector isn’t just good for business but it’s also a big win for communities, the environment and of course our commercial fishers.

“There’s also the potential to find ways to better utilise by-catch, in a range of fields including food, pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements to make our fisheries resources more sustainable.”

The Seafood Innovation Program has been developed by NSW DPI, in partnership with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and an industry-led steering committee, made up of members with experience in the NSW seafood industry, product development and innovation processes.

All interested businesses and individuals should register to receive updates on the Seafood Innovation Program.

For more information or to apply visit – https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/seafood-innovation-program