A Diverging Diamond Interchange is being proposed at the Picton Road and M31 Hume Motorway interchange under a bold new plan to improve safety, reliability and efficient travel for motorists.
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward says the NSW Government is seeking feedback on the preferred option for the interchange.
“The Macarthur region is expanding in population faster than anywhere else across the state, which is why it is so important to have this road connection in place so families moving to the area can get to work and school,” said Mrs Ward.
“This innovative proposed design allows free flowing turns when exiting and entering Picton Road meaning fewer traffic light phases, making the interchange safer and more efficient for motorists.
“This project forms part of the broader upgrade of Picton Road between the Nepean River and the M1 Princes Motorway, which is a key link between the Macarthur Region and Greater Sydney.”
The NSW Government has allocated $44 million over four years for the planning of the upgrade of Picton Road and the Australian Government has committed $95.6 million to the planning of the upgrade of Picton Road and Picton bypass projects.
The Picton Road and M31 Hume Motorway Diverging Diamond Interchange is the second to be proposed in NSW, with one currently proposed for Australia Avenue, Homebush.
Member for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith MP says the NSW Government has responded to community feedback calling for improvements on Picton Road and has spent the past 12 months developing a preferred option for the interchange.
“Current and future residents of Wollondilly and surrounding region will soon have an intersection that will cut travel time and provide a safer route on to the Hume Motorway,” Mr Smith said.
“We know there are delays, congestion, and frustration for those using the interchange which contributes to less reliable access to Picton Road. As our population continues to grow, we must be able to accommodate more traffic through the interchange.”
Timing and funding for major work on the new interchange, are yet to be confirmed.
For more information on the Picton Road upgrade, view the preferred option animation or give feedback on the Diverging Diamond Interchange visit nswroads.work/pictonupgrade.
If you have any questions or would like to provide feedback on the preferred option, please contact the project team via telephone 1800 290 613 or email pictonroad@transport.nsw.gov.au
National housing boost builds on existing NSW investments
NSW residents who want to buy their first home, rent or require access to affordable and social housing will benefit from the new National Housing Accord that will deliver thousands of new homes across the state.
The National Housing Accord, announced in last night’s Commonwealth Budget, will unlock quality, affordable housing supply and aims to deliver an additional 20,000 affordable housing dwellings over the five years from 2024-25 across Australia.
Treasurer Matt Kean said NSW welcomed the landmark agreement of the Commonwealth, States and Territories, the Australian Local Government Association, institutional investors including superannuation funds, and residential development, building and construction industry representatives.
“The NSW Government in the June Budget committed $2.8 billion in housing investment to support first home buyers, deliver more affordable and social housing and free up more land for new houses,” Mr Kean said.
“The easiest way to get first home buyers into their first homes is through the NSW Government’s first home buyer choice initiative, which last week was backed by former prime minister Paul Keating, but continues to be opposed by NSW Labor.
“NSW will continue to explore further opportunities to free up landholdings for affordable housing under the Accord which builds on our existing commitments and will deliver even more housing from 2024-25 onwards.”
NSW Minister for Planning and Homes Anthony Roberts said the Accord will help address Australia’s housing supply challenges and enable the delivery of more social and affordable housing.
“It recognises the importance of states and territories to expedite zoning, planning and land releases for social and affordable housing,” Mr Roberts said.
“I welcome the construction sector peak bodies’ commitment under the Accord to support high energy efficiency rating construction and the training of more apprentices under an extended Australian Skills Guarantee.”
More quality housing for teacher in the bush
More public school teachers are being encouraged to move to the bush thanks to a significant NSW Government investment to improve the supply and quality of teacher housing.
An additional $23.5 million housing investment has been provided on top of the $174 million key worker housing investment already announced as part of the 2022-23 Budget.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said providing housing is one of the most tangible ways we can attract and retain workers in the regions.
“We know housing is one of the biggest factors in attracting workers and driving further growth in the regions,” Mr Toole said.
“It is vital that teachers who work in the regions, especially in our more remote and rural schools, have access to comfortable, modern housing close to their workplace.”
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said $8.4 million of the additional investment will be spent on new housing in towns including Bellata, Broken Hill, Coolah, Gilgandra and Ivanhoe.
“While we have generous financial incentives for teachers to go to a country school, many teachers considering a regional move have told us that housing is just as important a factor in their decision-making, if not more so,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Ensuring teachers have quality housing options available to them will attract and retain quality teachers to some of our more remote schools.”
Construction work onnew housing has already started in the State’s north this term.
Teacher housing improvements will include $12.3 million of funding for renovations to approximately 50 Teachers Housing Authority managed properties in areas including Stuart Town, Mumbil, Ellerston, Girilambone and Adaminaby.
Around 100 teacher houses will have new heating and cooling installed, worth almost $2 million, and $800,000 is being invested in increasing housing supply by taking out head leases, with the properties to be occupied by country teachers.
Investment in teacher housing is part of the Government’s delivery against the recommendations of the 2021 Regional and Remote Incentives Review.
Funding to fast track bushfire technology
NSW businesses trialling innovative, field-ready bushfire technologies can now apply for the second round of the NSW Government’s Bushfire Technology Pilots Program.
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the $2.6 million program would provide grants of up to $250,000, to help innovators turbocharge their research into practical solutions that will improve bushfire detection, preparation and response.
“We are investing in these technologies to ensure our State continues to be a world leader in bushfire technology,” Mr Henskens said.
“As well as giving homegrown innovators the opportunity to test their cutting-edge technology, the program provides them with critical links to frontline services, so they can fast track the adoption of new approaches.
“This program demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to R&D, turning local research into new industries, which will create jobs, grow the economy and help secure a brighter future for NSW.”
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the program builds on the success of the first round of funding, with five innovative ideas now being piloted.
“The first round of grants included providing power to remote sites, real-time monitoring of fire conditions and data-sharing,” Ms Cooke said.
“By their very nature bushfires are difficult to control and very dangerous, which is why we need to invest in new technology to innovate our State’s firefighting response to better protect communities from future natural disasters.
“I look forward to seeing what innovations come through next to complement the incredible work of our emergency service organisations.”
More information about the program, and how to apply, is available online.
Million-dollar vessels and command centre to boost state’s emergency response
The State’s emergency response has received a major boost with the launch of two new NSW Maritime vessels and a state-of-the-art maritime command centre in Sydney Harbour.
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the vessels worth $2 million and the $700,000 State Marine Incident Coordination Centre (SMICC) in Rozelle would help NSW Maritime crews swing into action across the State.
“Unprecedented rain and flooding this year have led to a major increase in debris on NSW waterways, resulting in an extremely busy 12 months for the Maritime Environmental Services team,” Mr Elliott said.
“These new NSW built boats will boost the clean-up effort, while our new coordination centre will be a central hub for our response to natural disasters and maritime events; whether it’s managing New Year’s Eve or the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, or supporting our partner agencies such as the joint rescue of the stricken cargo vessel MV Portland Bay in July.”
“The SMICC also has the latest in live TV capabilities with direct access to newsrooms not only across Australia but also worldwide, allowing our people to relay real-time information during an emergency.”
NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said the new maritime vessels would replace older barges – and the latter could be relocated regionally to assist with potential flood response efforts.
“The new vessels, which have an offshore capability, have been fitted out with the latest in marine technology, including navigation equipment and increased deck space for safe loading of hazards and waste,” Mr Hutchings said.
“It’s a far cry from the 1930s when cleaners used to row around Sydney Harbour in open timber boats. These days the team removes everything from drones, shopping trolleys and Christmas trees to TVs, washing machines and fridges.”
“In the year to June 30, our crews collected over 2,200 cubic metres of litter and debris from Sydney’s waterways, enough waste to fill more than 9,000 large household bins. The team also recovered 4,600 navigation hazards, improving safety for recreational and commercial vessels.”
The launch of the maritime vessels and SMICC coincides with the release of the NSW Government’s Maritime Safety Plan 2022-2026, which sets out the goal of eliminating fatalities and serious injuries on navigable waterways by 2056.
More information on the Maritime Safety Plan is available here.
Delivering quality early learning services to NSW parents
Applications are now open for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services across NSW who are looking to improve their facilities and education offerings to support NSW children.
The NSW Government is investing $21 million through the revamped Quality and Participation Grants to support eligible early childhood education services improve learning environments, increase community outreach and meet costs associated with implementing recent reforms.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Government is committed to giving every child the best start in life by providing them with quality early childhood education.
“These grants provide services with up to $15,000 to purchase equipment, undertake outdoor renovations and improve learning resources and materials,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The Quality and Participation Grants help services increase access and participation for vulnerable children, and improve learning environments to lift the experiences of all children.
“We know how beneficial a quality early childhood education is, and we are supporting services to provide the best environments for our preschoolers to grow and learn in. ”
Applications for the Quality and Participation Grants are open now and close on 14 November 2022.
More information, including further eligibility criteria, can be found at: https://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-education/operating-an-early-childhood-education-service/grants-and-funded-programs/quality-and-participation-grants-program
Second man charged over alleged jewellery store robbery – East Maitland
A second man’s been charged over his alleged involvement in the robbery of a jewellery store in the state’s Hunter earlier this year.
Just before 9.30am on Wednesday 6 July 2022, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were called to a shopping centre on Molly Morgan Drive, East Maitland, following reports of a robbery at a jewellery store.
On arrival, police were told a male approached the store and allegedly used an emergency tool to smash the glass of a jewellery cabinet, before fleeing with a number of items.
Initial inquiries were conducted by local police, before detectives attached to the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad took carriage of the matter under Strike Force Malwood.
As part of ongoing investigations, a 38-year-old man was arrested at a home in Tenambit in September and charged over his alleged role in the incident. He remains before the courts.
Following further inquiries, strike force detectives attended a correctional facility at Silverwater and arrested a 36-year-old man about 9am today (Wednesday 26 October 2022).
He was charged with steal from the person value less than $150,000 value, face blackened/disguised with intent commit indictable offence, larceny, and destroy or damage property.
The man was remanded in custody and appeared at Maitland Local Court today, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on Thursday 3 November 2022.
Making Australia stronger and more influential in a contested world
The Albanese Government is boosting Pacific security and defence, supporting critical infrastructure across our region, expanding the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme, and increasing Australia’s Official Development Assistance to the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
The comprehensive suite of measures deliver and build on what Australians voted for, and will significantly bolster the nation’s competitiveness, security and relationships at a time of global uncertainty.
Investments include $900 million over four years from 2022-23 to increase support to the Pacific family’s development and resilience.
More than $147 million over four years will advance Pacific security and engagement priorities including the continuing AFP deployment in Solomon Islands, an Australia- Pacific Defence School and training for defence and security forces, and upgrading aerial surveillance. The Government will expand the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s services and partnerships in the region, to ensure more Australian voices are heard across the region.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) will also be funded to support the development of key economic sectors.
There will be more support for infrastructure investment in the Pacific and Timor- Leste through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific. This increases the Facility from $3.5 billion to $4 billion to support grant and loan packages, and additional funding to DFAT to strengthen project and risk management capabilities.
Financing packages will also be provided through the Facility for the Timor-Leste Airport Facilities project to support construction of airport related infrastructure, and for the Fiji Transport Infrastructure Restoration project to maintain and rehabilitate major bridges and roads in Fiji.
The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme is being expanded and improved, and a new Pacific Engagement Visa will be created for up to 3,000 nationals of Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste each year to permanently migrate to Australia.
Additionally, the Government is increasing ODA for Southeast Asia by $470 million, as well as deepening Australia’s Southeast Asia capability by establishing an Office of Southeast Asia within DFAT.
This will ensure whole-of-government coordination of Australian efforts in the region, and develop a Southeast Asia economic strategy to 2040.
Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs said:
The Albanese Government is working to make Australia a partner of choice for the countries of our region, to ensure our shared security, our shared economic strength and to shape the world for the better.
“The Budget is a major step towards the goal of making Australia stronger and more influential in the world.
“Our assistance will help our regional partners become more economically resilient, develop critical infrastructure and provide their own security so there is less need to call on others.”
the Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for International Development and the Pacific said:
“The Albanese Government is bringing new energy and resources to the Pacific to help build a stronger and more united Pacific family, and a more secure region.
“Our additional investment in Australia’s Official Development Assistance will be the biggest increase over four years since 2011-12 and follows a decade of Liberal cuts.
“It will advance Australia’s interests by tackling poverty and supporting stability, prosperity and security in our region.
“And by improving and expanding Pacific labour mobility we will support Australian employers facing skills shortages and Pacific economies still struggling with the aftermath of COVID.”
City entices entrepreneurs to Newcastle
City of Newcastle (CN) is inviting entrepreneurs and professionals to set up shop for three months free of charge as part of a program to diversify and increase the local skills base.
Australian and international innovators are being offered a free three-month membership to the ‘Landing Pad’, a shared working space at the University of Newcastle’s I2N hub with access to smart city infrastructure, an investor network, and collaboration with academic experts.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen says Newcastle is ‘start-up heaven’ and the Landing Pad initiative encourages people to experience the city and its local innovation culture before establishing here permanently.
“City of Newcastle’s Economic Development Strategy is built around people, and the Landing Pad provides extra encouragement for entrepreneurs to build their base from our city and help create new jobs or support emerging industries,” Cr Clausen said.
“Local governments often spend a lot of time and money trying to attract big businesses. We’ve flipped that narrative and are attracting highly-skilled entrepreneurs who’ll bring their networks, their expertise, and their innovative businesses to create local opportunities.
“People considering a move away from the big cities will experience the best of modern Newcastle, a place brimming with innovators, a vibrant night-life, and business confidence, with more than $100m in DAs approved by Council each month.”
Senior Manager of I2N and Innovation at the University of Newcastle, Siobhan Curran said the Landing Pad supported a community of innovators to leverage technology to scale their businesses globally.
“A Landing Pad candidate might be looking to mitigate climate change or deliver better health or business outcomes. We’re industry, sector and stage-agnostic, as long as they’re developing a positive product or solution that’s scalable,” Ms Curran said.
“The Landing Pad offers professional office facilities, mentoring opportunities and a network of like-minded people in an enviable location.
“You might strike up a conversation in the cafe or kitchen that could spark your next collaboration, or connect you to customers and clients. You need to increase your surface area for luck to strike, and it’s harder to do that at home on your laptop.”
According to the Regional Australia Institute, recent banking data shows Newcastle is one of five local government areas welcoming the lion’s share of migration away from capital cities. Leading the charge are people in their 30s, looking for economic opportunities with a balanced lifestyle, close to nature.
Leadership coach, Kate Brettell, relocated her family from the Netherlands to Newcastle last year and is one of 30 Landing Pad new members.
“If you want to make an impact in your community, you can do it more easily in Newcastle than a major city. This city welcomes new ideas with open arms,” Ms Brettell said.
The Landing Pad is a joint initiative of City of Newcastle and University of Newcastle to support scaleups and skilled professionals relocating to Newcastle. Eligible applicants will be granted free access for three months to the world-class co-working space in the vibrant Honeysuckle precinct (valid until June 2023).
Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 25 October 2022
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 25 October 2022. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Solidarity with women of Iran
A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that acknowledged the women, girls and people of Iran protesting against Iran’s significant discrimination against women and ongoing egregious human right violations and reaffirms its commitment to leading a just, inclusive, and socially cohesive Newcastle. The Lord Mayoral Minute also acknowledged local community members who arranged a moving protest on 15 October in Newcastle showing their solidarity with the people of Iran, and called on Iran to cease its oppression of women.
Lord Mayor’s Scholarships renewal
A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that endorsed the request of the University of Newcastle to continue to support disadvantaged students through the Lord Mayor’s Scholarship and the Lord Mayor’s Women’s Scholarship until 2025.
Ordinary business
Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest – annual report
Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the financial year 2021/2022 by the Chief Executive Officer.
Variations to development standards
Council received the report on approved development variations between 1 July 2022 and 30 September 2022 in accordance with the Department of Planning and Environment’s concurrence to vary development standards in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.
Exhibition of draft renewal corridors section of Newcastle DCP 2012
Council voted to place the renewal corridor sections of Newcastle Development Control Plan 2012 for Islington, Mayfield, Hamilton, Broadmeadow and Adamstown on exhibition for a minimum of 28 days and receive a report following the formal exhibition period.
Adoption of Newcastle Heritage Policy
Council voted to lay the Newcastle Heritage Policy on the table so it can be reviewed by the Community and Culture Advisory Committee before coming back to the next ordinary council meeting. The policy outlines City of Newcastle’s commitment to heritage conservation by identification, preservation, conservation, celebration and promotion of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Exhibition of Mobile Food Vending (Local Approvals) Policy
Council voted unanimously to place the draft Mobile Food Vending (Local Approvals) Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. During that time council staff will investigate additional sites for food trucks that are not within close proximity of restaurants and cafes. The policy provides a framework for the approval and operation of mobile food vending vehicles in the Newcastle Local Government Area.
Adoption of 2021/22 financial statements
Council voted unanimously to receive and adopt City of Newcastle’s 2021/2022 audited annual financial statements, together with the auditor’s report.
Wallarah Road, New Lambton – raised pedestrian crossing
Council voted unanimously to approve the installation of a raised pedestrian crossing with kerb extensions on Wallarah Road New Lambton, including associated lighting upgrades, landscaping and footpath connections.
Bridge Street, Waratah – raised pedestrian crossing
Council voted unanimously to approve the upgrade of the existing children’s crossing on Bridge Street Waratah, to a raised pedestrian crossing with kerb extensions, associated lighting upgrades, rain gardens and landscaping, signage and line marking works.
Adoption of Special Rate Expenditure Policy
Council voted unanimously to place the revised Special Business Rate Expenditure Policy on public exhibition for 28 days. The policy provides a framework for City of Newcastle to manage the Special Business Rate (SBR) program.
Executive monthly performance report
Council received the executive monthly performance report for September 2022.
Notices of Motion
Submission on the draft Hunter Regional Transport Plan
Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to make a detailed submission to the NSW Government regarding the draft Hunter Regional Transport Plan 2041, which is currently on public exhibition. The submission will address a wide range of issues, such as the lack of public rail transport infrastructure in the western corridor and the importance of public transport in connecting our expanding regional employment, economic, educational, and health nodes.
Newcastle needs a year-round aquatic facility
Council supported a notice of motion to write to Venues NSW seeking confirmation that land will be preserved within the Hunter Park precinct to enable a year-round aquatic facility. Council will also develop and promote a public petition to the NSW Legislative Assembly calling on the NSW Government and Opposition to invest in a new year-round swimming facility in Newcastle.