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PEDAL TO THE METAL ON FUNDING FOR PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADES

The Australian Government is fast-tracking its commitment to upgrade one of the nation’s busiest highways, accelerating $80 million in funding to the Pacific Highway – Wyong Town Centre project.

The contribution will help the NSW Government to expedite delivery of this priority project on the Central Coast.

The $420 million project will upgrade the Pacific Highway through Wyong, duplicating the highway between Johnson Road and Cutler Drive.

The existing Wyong River road bridge will also be replaced with two new road bridges, increasing clearance heights for River Road and South Tacoma Road.

The Australian Government is contributing $336 million towards the project, with the NSW Government committing $84 million.

The works are currently in the planning phase, with the delivery schedule to be determined as planning and development works progress.

To find out more about the project, visit transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/pacific-highway/wyong-town-centre-upgrade/index.html

For more information, visit investment.infrastructure.gov.au.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“The Pacific Highway is one of Australia’s busiest and most important urban arterial roadways, making investment in its improvement vital.

“With the population of the Central Coast projected to increase by about 75,000 over the next two decades, this announcement ensures we are delivering for the future.”

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said:

“The NSW Government has a clear long-term economic plan backed by a $112 billion infrastructure investment to deliver the roads and infrastructure needed to keep our state moving.

“This includes significantly upgrading what is one of the country’s busiest highways, to help ease congestion through Wyong so that local residents and visitors can get to where they need to quickly and safely.”

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“This section of the Pacific Highway connects Wyong’s growing residential and business districts to the north with the commercial and industrial areas to the south.

“World-class infrastructure networks are the backbone of our nation, and the improved access provided through projects like these deliver opportunities for regional employment and business growth.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said:

“All motorists and our freight sector need safe and efficient regional road networks, particularly along arteries like the Pacific Highway.

“Since 2011, the NSW Government has been upgrading the Pacific Highway from Sydney to the Queensland border, making it easier to get from A to B along the coast.

“I welcome this announcement; the fast-tracking of this funding will play a key role in creating local jobs and keeping regional communities connected.”

FUNDING BOOST FOR AVOCA DRIVE UPGRADES

The Australian Government has announced $70 million in additional funding towards upgrading Avoca Drive on the New South Wales Central Coast.

The additional funding comes on top of the Albanese Government’s $30m election commitment, bringing the total Australian Government funding to $100m.

The Australian Government will partner with the NSW Government to deliver the project.

The project will improve safety and reduce congestion on Avoca Drive, including widening the section between Carrak Road and Killuna Road intersections.

This will create a safer road for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“The Australian Government is committed to improving road safety, through infrastructure projects across the Central Coast that will ensure the safety of our community is prioritised.

“This upgrade will greatly improve safety and reduce congestion on Avoca Drive, ensuring motorists get to their destination faster, and safer.”

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said:

“The NSW Government has a clear long-term economic plan backed by a $112 billion infrastructure investment to deliver the roads and infrastructure needed to keep our state moving.

“This upgrade to Avoca Drive will ensuring that commuters travelling through this growing region can do so quickly and safely.”

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“The Australian Government remains committed to working collaboratively with state, territory and local governments in working towards Vision Zero: zero deaths and serious injuries by 2050.

“Upgrading Avoca Drive will make this busy road safer for residents and visitors alike.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway said:

“The NSW Government is building the infrastructure that matters to secure a brighter future for our great State.

“Earlier this week we outlined our vision of a better connected roads and transport network on the Central Coast to make daily life easier for Central Coast communities.

“The works announced today will play a role in realising this vision and ensuring our roads network remains as safe and as efficient as possible.”

First Nations voice amplified by 2023 Newcastle Citizen of the Year accolade

A passionate advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities has been selected as Newcastle’s 2023 Citizen of the Year.

Nathan Towney was crowned Citizen of the Year at an award ceremony on Wednesday, in recognition of his leadership as The University of Newcastle’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Leadership.

A Wiradjuri man, Mr Towney was pivotal in the successful launch of Ngarrama in 2022 in partnership with Awabakal Ltd and supported by City of Newcastle, and will oversee the event’s return to King Edward Park on Wednesday 25 January 2023.

The free public vigil – the name of which translates to “to sit, listen and know” – is held on the eve of Australia Day to engage the community in meaningful reconciliation through truth telling and historical acceptance, featuring performances and informative talks from local Aboriginal elders.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Mr Towney’s worthy conferral as Citizen of the Year came at a significant time in the national discourse on Indigenous affairs, ahead of the forthcoming referendum to establish a Voice to Parliament.

“Mr Towney is a dedicated community leader who is passionate about building positive relationships and creating greater awareness and understanding of the path to reconciliation,” Cr Nelmes said.

“A member of City of Newcastle’s Gurakai Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Mr Towney freely and generously gives his time and knowledge and is an exceptionally worthy recipient of the Citizen of the Year title.”

Mr Towney said it was an honour to receive the award, which gave weight to the incredible work being done in the community to shift public perceptions and improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“I’m really proud to be part of this community,” Mr Towney said. “Newcastle has been a place of opportunity for Aboriginal people for many years and there are a lot of people who do amazing work across this region. I feel this personal recognition has been made possible by the foundational work of many people who have advocated for Aboriginal people, history and cultures in Newcastle across generations.”

The 2023 Young Citizen of the Year title was awarded to local entrepreneur Dominic May, who founded CoastXP, a unique coastal sightseeing experience.

As well as actively contributing to the diversity of local tourism offerings and Newcastle’s post-pandemic economic recovery, Mr May was lauded for his rescue efforts when the crew onboard the fishing vessel ELLIE-K issued a mayday call off the Newcastle coast in July.

Mr May and a group of whale watchers arrived on scene with seconds to spare as the vessel was taking on water, rescuing the entire crew including the family dog.

In recognition of its work with all levels of government to tackle coastal erosion, Stockton Community Group Inc. was announced as the 2023 Community Group of the Year.

Led by Co-Presidents Alison Rigby and Melanie Taggart, the volunteer group was congratulated on its efforts to highlight erosion at Stockton Beach and call on the NSW State Government to “step up and act” through organised campaigns such as the Red Line Rally in July.

Stockton Community Group Inc. continues to advocate alongside City of Newcastle for the implementation of actions under the Stockton Coastal Management Plan (CMP), which was certified by the NSW Government in August 2020.

NSW Government launches $40 million Biosciences Fund for innovative startups

Startups will be supported to develop and commercialise problem-solving products, devices and systems in the biological sciences space through a new $40 million NSW Government program.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the Biosciences Fund (BioSF) provides a platform for NSW’s best minds and most agile new businesses to solve pressing issues in areas such as health and the environment.

“This new program will provide financial and entrepreneurial support for startups developing cutting-edge technologies, helping navigate the often difficult transition between early-stage development and commercial success,” Mr Henskens said.

“The $40 million fund will boost the NSW Government’s support of innovative researchers, startups and entrepreneurs in the biological sciences space over the next four years, and is modelled on our highly successful Physical Sciences Fund.

“We want to foster fresh ideas and innovations that will address challenges in energy, health, the environment and waste, and grow successful businesses that create new jobs and industries that will help secure a brighter future for NSW.”

The BioSF will consider applications that target one of the three priority industries identified in the NSW Industry Development Framework – agriculture/agrifoods, medical and life sciences, and clean energy and waste – while also aligning with specific technology applications outlined in the 20-Year R&D Roadmap.

NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said the BioSF will build on areas where NSW has a competitive advantage.

“This fund will support projects across the branches of the biological sciences including exciting and relatively new fields such as biomanufacturing, genetic engineering, synthetic biology and agrifoods,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said.

The BioSF is funded under the NSW Government’s landmark Future Economy Fund. More details at www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/nsw-biosf. 

Increasing compensation for injured volunteers

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has today committed to increase compensation for volunteers who are seriously injured while performing duties.

Minister for Finance and Employee Relations Damien Tudehope said this commitment will enhance support to injured volunteers and their families.

“Bush fire and emergency rescue volunteers are pillars of our community and we are committed to enhancing compensation payments to reflect the service they provide to the public,” Mr Tudehope said.

“Volunteers who turn up in a time of crisis deserve this support when they suffer serious injury.”

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the commitment to increase compensation payments will provide additional support to volunteers who find themselves in the most difficult of circumstances.

“Volunteers are our unsung heroes and we simply couldn’t have made it through the ongoing flooding emergency without their incredible efforts,” Ms Cooke said.

“Once legislation is passed in the next term of Government, volunteers will have confidence that they will be financially supported if injured on the job.”

Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers said the changes are welcome and will better protect volunteers.

“Our volunteers give their time and expertise to protect communities across the State so it is crucial that they are financially supported if injured whilst carrying out these duties,” Commissioner Rogers said.

State Emergency Service Commissioner Carlene York welcomed the announcement.

“Providing our members financial certainty that if they are injured while volunteering will be of great help in reducing burden and stress,” Commissioner York said.

President of the Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) Scott Campbell said the Government had responded to the RFSA’s calls to deliver fairer compensation to volunteers.

“We’ve been talking with Minister Cooke about the need to support volunteers with fair compensation, and we’re delighted that the Government has listened to our concerns and increased compensation for injured volunteers,” Mr Campbell said.

The changes involve an increase to lump sum compensation payments for prescribed volunteer workers covered by the Bush Fire, Emergency and Rescue Services scheme (BFERS). The payment available to a volunteer suffering whole person impairment greater than 10 per cent will be increased to the levels available to the general workforce, including ongoing indexation.

Amendments to the relevant legislation will be introduced when Parliament resumes following the election

Helping households reduce their landfill waste

Up to half of the waste created every week by almost 290,000 households in NSW will be kept out of landfill thanks to $6.2 million in funding from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.

Minister for Environment James Griffin said 14 more council areas are receiving NSW Government funding to roll out the popular food organics and garden organics (FOGO) collection service, meaning a total of 56 councils in NSW will soon have the service.

“In NSW, more than a third of the waste we send to landfill is food, where it rots and generates damaging greenhouse gasses,” Mr Griffin said.

“Now, FOGO is revolutionising household waste. It’s a new service that will let households put food waste into green lid bins with their garden waste, where it will be composted and given a new life, instead of ending up in landfill.

“We’re empowering households to take simple and effective action to reduce the amount of waste they send to landfill each week and reduce household emissions.

“The introduction of FOGO services in Randwick has had exceptional results, preventing more than 26,000 tonnes of food and garden waste from going to landfill in the first 18 months, which is the equivalent of taking at least 9,000 cars off the road.”

The NSW Government’s $46 million Go FOGO grants program is helping households and councils divert organic waste from landfill, reduce emissions, deliver a valuable resource and save money on landfill disposal costs.

Almost half the waste in household red bins in NSW comes from food and garden organic waste, and the grants are helping to establish a circular economy in NSW.

The Go FOGO Program will divert an estimated half a million tonnes of waste and instead see it processed into compost and used in large scale agriculture, parks or gardens where it can improve soil health and boost yields.

The latest $6.2 million in funding awarded range from $62,000 to Muswellbrook Shire Council to provide a FOGO service to more than 6,000 households, to $1.8 million for Cumberland City Council to roll out FOGO to 74,000 households. 

Councils can use the funding as needed for the purchase of bins and caddies or to conduct audits, trials and education leading to the roll out of a successful weekly FOGO kerbside service. 

The Go FOGO program, funded through the NSW Government’s $356 million Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy, is helping NSW reach its target of net-zero emissions from organic waste in landfill by 2030.

More than 40 councils already have FOGO services thanks to NSW Government investment of $28 million in FOGO programs since 2013, diverting more than 210,000 tonnes of organic waste annually.

The NSW Government has also invested in a complementary infrastructure program that supported the construction or upgrade of 30 waste processing facilities, increasing NSW processing capacity for food and garden waste by 600,000 tonnes a year.

For more information visit the NSW Environment Protection Authority website.

Fine relief for safe drivers

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will waive the fines on a range of minor driving offences for motorists who have a three year clean driving record.

From 3 April, eligible motorists will be able to apply to have the fine waived for low level offences including speeding offences under 10km/hr or driving in a bus or transit lane.

School zone, heavy vehicle, red light, mobile phone and speeding offences above 10km per hour will not be eligible under the scheme given the serious safety risks involved. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the initiative struck the right balance, recognising safe driving by providing the one-off waiver for the lowest range road offences.

“For those motorists who have a history of safe driving, this initiative will save them potentially hundreds of dollars if they commit a minor road offence,” Mr Perrottet said.

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said enhancing road safety was at the core of the policy.

“To be eligible, motorists have to have a clean driving record for three years. This Liberal and Nationals policy rewards good drivers and provides a real incentive to put safety first, unlike Labor’s policy which focuses on helping serial offenders at risk of losing their licence,” Mrs Ward said.

Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said greater awareness of the scheme will encourage positive behaviour change.

“Receiving a fine can come as an unwelcome shock but under this policy, motorists will have cause to reflect on how an extended clean driving record can bring relief,” Mr Tudehope said.

“The average NSW licence holder drives 12,000 km per annum and maintaining a clean driving record over three years should be recognised and rewarded.”

In 2021, there were 227,500 fines issued for low level offences to motorists with a three year clean driving record, totalling $39.2 million in fines.

HISTORIC ROAD SET FOR CRITICAL SAFETY UPGRADES

One of New South Wales’ most historic roads is set for an overhaul, with the Australian Government committing $100 million for safety works on Bells Line of Road.

The funding will allow for safety upgrades, such as overtaking lanes, making for a safer journey for the thousands of locals and tourists who use the scenic route between the Blue Mountains and Richmond each day.

Stretching from Richmond in the east to Bell in the west, the road was heavily impacted by extreme weather in March 2021 and subsequent bouts of record rainfall.

This funding injection comes as Transport for NSW continues to undertake investigation and repair work following the damaging weather events.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Bells Line of Road is an important part of the history of Greater Western Sydney, and remains a vital piece of infrastructure for locals, transport operators, and tourists exploring the beautiful Blue Mountains.

“Today’s announcement means a safer journey for everyone using Bells Line of Road, and will help ensure its future.”

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said:

“Bells Line of Road goes through the heart of the beautiful Blue Mountains and is critical to residents who live in this region. Sadly, it has taken an absolute battering from the weather in recent years and is in desperate need of urgent safety upgrades.

“These upgrades will ensure local residents, primary producers and tourists will be able to travel safely along Bells Line of Road into the future.

“This is demonstration of the Commonwealth and the NSW Government working together to deliver world-class and safer roads across our state.”

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“The impacts of extreme weather on Bells Line of Road have taken a serious toll, and the funding we’re announcing today will make it safer in the short-term and restore it for the longer term.

“This is another example of the Australian Government working collaboratively with our state counterparts to deliver projects that make a real difference to our communities.”

NSW Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said:

“The Bells Line of Road is a critical route over the Blue Mountains, connecting Greater Sydney to regional NSW.

“This upgrade compliments our commitment towards improving safety along this major corridor and supports our plans to upgrade Richmond Bridge for the people of Sydney’s North West.”

Hidden mental health toll of worsening climate disasters on Australians revealed with new national poll 

NEW POLLING by the Climate Council, supported by Beyond Blue, has revealed the profound impact more frequent and intense disasters are having on the mental health of Australians.

The survey of 2,032 Australians found that since 2019, the majority (80%) reported they had experienced, at least once, heatwaves (63%), flooding (47%), bushfires (42%), droughts (36%), cyclones or destructive storms (29%) or landslides (8%).

Half of Australians said their mental health had been detrimentally affected by the extreme weather event they experienced and one in five reported a major or moderate impact.  

A follow-up community-level survey with people who had experienced a disaster found the most common mental health symptoms were anxiety, followed by symptoms of depression and PTSD.

More than one-third of survey participants (37%) said there was too little mental health support available to them. 

Climate Councillor, climate scientist at the Australian National University and author of Humanity’s Moment: a Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope, Dr Joelle Gergis said: “The results of this poll are confronting. It’s heartbreaking to realise that many Australians are living with significant levels of distress related to the reality of our changing climate. It shines a light on this invisible mental health crisis that is undermining the stability of our local communities all over the country.

“We need to have a national conversation about climate change adaptation and listen to the experiences of people who have lived through these disasters.

“Extreme weather events are going to escalate as our planet continues to warm, so the impacts we have witnessed in recent years are really just the tip of the iceberg. We urgently need to develop plans that protect and support our local communities as climate change-fuelled disasters continue to upend the lives of countless Australians.”

Beyond Blue’s Lead Clinical Advisor A/Prof Grant Blashki – who supported development of the mental health-related survey questions – added: “It’s clear that climate change is not just a physical threat, but a mental health threat as well. And yet, despite the high levels of need, many people affected by climate disasters find it difficult to access the mental health assistance they need.

“We must strengthen our mental health systems to cope with the demands of these extreme weather events. This involves the whole system approach rather than piecemeal band-aid approaches during a crisis. We need to prepare the mental health system for early support of those affected, and co-opt a more diverse workforce, from local mental health first aid all the way through to highly specialised mental health care.”

“By acknowledging and addressing the mental health impacts of climate change, we can build stronger and more resilient communities, better able to weather the storms – both literal and figurative – that lie ahead. It’s time to put the mental well-being of our communities front and centre as we respond to the public health challenges of climate change.”

A/Prof Grant Blashki added: “We wanted to better understand people’s personal experience of disasters and undertook a separate in-depth survey of almost 500 people who had been caught up in extreme weather events since 2019.  

“It’s as much about broken spirits as damaged buildings. People say they have been left feeling helpless, have experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression, trouble sleeping, and have children who worry when it rains, or the wind picks up. It’s important we get on top of these issues early and get people the appropriate support at the right time.”

For support please contact Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36 or explore the Phoenix Australia’s Disaster Mental Health Hub online with some excellent resources or check in with your GP or local mental health services.

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About the research

The National survey data comes from a National YouGov Poll conducted from 2-16 December 2022. The sample covered Australians aged over 18 including representatives of different genders, generations, geographies (states, city/rural, etc.), education levels, income levels, voting habits, and other characteristics.

From 1-16 December, in parallel with the national survey, the Climate Council and Beyond Blue invited Australians to share their experiences of climate-fuelled disasters with a Community Survey. This was by way of an online qualitative survey, advertised through the Climate Council and Beyond Blue respective networks.

GREENS URGE LABOR TO ACT ON CALLS TO RAISE JOBSEEKER IN MAY’S BUDGET

Australian Greens spokesperson for social services, Senator Janet Rice, is again urging Minister Jim Chalmers to heed calls from the Greens, academics, peak bodies and the millions of Australians currently living below the poverty line, to raise the rate of income support in May’s budget.

Senator Rice said:

“After calls from ACOSS and other members of the government’s own economic inclusion advisory committee to raise the rate of Jobseeker, we’re hearing the same absurd lines from Jim Chalmers today as we heard ahead of last year’s October budget – that Labor would love to help struggling Australians, but it’s just so difficult to find room in the budget. 

“New research from Oxfam shows Australian billionaires’ wealth is 61% higher than it was before the pandemic, and the richest 1% of Australians now have a combined wealth of nearly $236 billion. It’s infuriating that Labor found plenty of room in the budget to give them another $9000 a year in tax cuts, but baulk at the idea of raising Jobseeker above the poverty line.

“The cost of living crisis has only worsened in recent months. People on income support can’t cover their most basic needs and a third of Australian households are struggling to put food on the table. 

“A government has a moral responsibility to ensure its citizens aren’t left starving. Poverty is a political choice.

“Labor should scrap the stage 3 tax cuts and invest that money into raising all income support payments above the poverty line and building a proper social safety net for all Australians.

“Parliament must respond to the cost of living impacts for people on starvation wages and income support. The Greens are fighting for a livable income guarantee that would raise payments to $88 a day, above the poverty line.