Maritime operators and first responders have joined forces on Sydney Harbour today to deliver strong safety messages on how to keep safe on the State’s waterways this summer.
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the display of all emergency services highlighted the strength, capability and inter-agency cooperation of our first responders.
“This weekend is the start of the Boating Season so we are calling on all watercraft users, boating enthusiasts and swimmers to make safety their priority when they head out to the rivers, lakes and beaches this season,” Mr Elliott said.
“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring our first responders and emergency services personnel from NSW Maritime, NSW Police, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, and NSW Ambulance Helicopter Operations are all highly trained and have the latest technology to keep people safe this boating season,”
“Our goal is to make sure everyone has a safe season and knows the basic safety measures they can take to ensure they make it home safely.”
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said persistent wet weather and a third consecutive La Nina declared, large numbers of people are expected around waterways this season.
“The higher than average rainfall in recent times hasn’t stopped people enjoying our beautiful waterways and coastline and we hope that continues safely this Boating Season,” Ms Cooke said.
“Whether you’re fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, water skiing or heading to the beach please listen to advice from the agencies and our volunteers to make sure you and your loved ones have a fun but safe day.”
Transport for NSW Acting Chief Operations Officer and NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said the season launch coincided with the start of National Safe Boating Week (1-7 October), with lifejacket wearing the key message.
“Now is the time to get ready for the season. With many boats sitting idle during winter, it’s critical that boaters check their vessels and safety equipment before heading out on the water,” Mr Hutchings said.
NSW Police Force Marine Area Commander Detective Superintendent Murray Reynolds reminded boat owners to plan their trips and that officers will be out patrolling waterways.
“Police will be targeting anti-social behaviour and illegal activities on our waterways. Skippers are reminded that drug and alcohol testing, as well as compliance checks will be conducted – so look after your friends and family and act responsibly,” Superintendent Reynolds said.
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell said the last two years have been their busiest on record with more than 8,000 rescue missions Statewide, and a few simple precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable day on the water.
“Check your vessel’s engine and battery are in good working order, the fuel tank is full and make sure you’ve Logged On with us, we’ll start searching if you don’t return as planned,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell said.
Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said people should avoid taking unnecessary risks after a record 55 drownings along the coastline last season which is almost 30 per cent higher than the 10-year average.
“Swim between the flags, make sure you supervise your children, wear a life jacket where it’s necessary, and if you do that, we’ll have a great summer and keep everyone safe,” Mr Pearce said.
NSW Ambulance Deputy Commissioner David Dutton said last financial year NSW Ambulance responded to almost 900 water-related callouts across the state.
“We will be there for you, but the reality is we don’t want to be putting you in the back of the ambulance or helicopter,” Deputy Commissioner Dutton said.
For more information on boating safety, please go to: lifejacketwearit.com.au
Author: admin
$15 mil for flood repairs on crown land
The NSW Government will contribute $15 million to repair crucial Crown land features, damaged during the recent floods.
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said 62 local councils can now apply for a grant under the Crown Land Flood Recovery Funding.
“The February and March flooding events were disastrous for many communities. The record rain caused landslides, erosion, roads to collapse and significant damage from overflowing rivers and creeks,” Mr Anderson said.
“This $15 million will be used to help clean-up, repair and restore smaller community assets on Crown Land, such as parks, playgrounds, reserves, visitor and cultural sites and Crown roads, bridges, drains and other structures.”
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the funding will also ensure local infrastructure in flood-affected communities is built back to a more resilient standard to help withstand future natural disasters.
“62 local government areas were impacted by this flooding and I encourage each council to make the most of this funding opportunity so we can be better prepared for future severe weather events,” Ms Cooke said.
Applications are open until 14 October, after which they will be assessed by the Department of Planning and Environment – Crown Lands to determine the amount of funding to be allocated to each local council.
Local councils can contact the Crown Lands Flood Recovery Program team on floodrecovery@crownland.nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 886 235.
Government Funding for 20 NSW War Memorials
Work to conserve 20 war memorials across the state will soon be undertaken following grants provided from the NSW Government’s $125,000 Community War Memorials Fund.
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the money, made available under Round 1 of the Community War Memorials Fund 2022/23, would be invested in the protection and repair of local war memorials.
“Thirty-nine applications were received from a range of organisations including RSL sub-Branches, local councils, and community committees to help support war memorials in communities across NSW,” Mr Elliott said.
“War memorials help local communities commemorate the sacrifice of service men and women and reflect more than 100 years of service and sacrifices made by our veterans.
“Grants up to $10,000 will provide a significant boost to community organisations to help ensure the presence of local war memorials in the community is secured for future generations.
“On Anzac Day communities gather at their local war memorials to pay respect and honour our diggers – it is vitally important these memorials are protected to ensure all generations understand and remember the sacrifices made during the war,” Mr Elliott said.
“Funding is being provided to assist with a range of conservation projects including condition assessments, specialist cleaning and repairs, which are all important aspects of how we manage the places of commemoration that help us acknowledge our military history.”
City of Wollongong RSL sub-Branch President, John Sperring, said the $10,000 received would be a significant help in the restoration work of the Wollongong Cenotaph including cleaning, repairs to sandstone and marble features, and repainting of lettering.
“I would like to thank the NSW Government for this funding, which will now enable the restoration to be completed ahead of the 100th anniversary of the memorial in June 2023,” Mr Sperring said.
Round 2 of the Community War Memorials Fund will open on Remembrance Day, 11 November, 2022 and close on 13 February 2023. Further information available here.
Fatal crash – Hunter Region
Investigations are underway following a fatal crash in the Hunter Region today.
Just before 11am (Saturday 1 October 2022), emergency services were called to Flaggs Road near Depot Road, Merriwa, following reports a vehicle had left the roadway and hit a tree, before rolling a number of times.
NSW Ambulance paramedics attended and assisted the occupants; however, one of the passengers – a 10-year-old boy – died at the scene.
The second passenger – a 15-year-old girl – was taken by road to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.
The driver – a 46-year-old man – was airlifted to the same hospital in a critical condition.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash and are appealing for anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Sentencing of Professor Sean Turnell
The Australian Government rejects today’s court ruling in Myanmar against Australian Professor Sean Turnell and calls for his immediate release.
Professor Turnell was tried in a closed court. Australia’s Chargé d’Affaires and consular officials in Myanmar made every effort to attend the verdict but were denied access to the court.
The Australian Government has consistently rejected the charges against Professor Turnell during the more than 19 months he had been unjustly detained by the Myanmar military regime.
We will continue to take every opportunity to advocate strongly for Professor Turnell until he has returned to his family in Australia. We acknowledge the strong international support shown for him, including from our region.
Professor Turnell is internationally respected for his work to support the people of Myanmar and their economic development.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will continue to provide consular assistance to Professor Turnell and his family for as long as required.
We ask that his family’s request for privacy continue to be respected.
Australia condemns violent crackdown in Iran
The Australian Government condemns the deadly and disproportionate use of force against protesters in Iran, following the tragic death of 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini.
We have raised concerns into the circumstances surrounding her death in custody with the Iranian Embassy in Canberra.
Australia supports calls led by the Acting UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for a prompt, impartial investigation into Ms Amini’s death by an independent body, which ensures her family has access to truth and justice, with those responsible held to account.
We are alarmed by reports that dozens of people have been killed and many more injured, including teenagers, during heavy-handed measures Iranian authorities have implemented to crack-down on ongoing protests.
Australia supports the right of the Iranian people to protest peacefully and calls on the Iranian authorities to exercise restraint in response to ongoing demonstrations.
Reports of internet restrictions are also deeply troubling and suggest an effort to stifle freedom of expression.
Australia regularly raises Iran’s significant discrimination against women and human rights violations with officials in both Tehran and Canberra, as well as in multilateral fora.
Australia stands with Iranian women and girls in their struggle for equality and empowerment, and we call on Iran to cease its oppression of women.
Australia is committed to promoting gender equality and women’s human rights, empowerment and ending violence against women and girls worldwide.
Loy Yang early closure reinforces need for National Energy Transition Authority
AGL’s announcement today that it will be shutting the Loy Yang A power station in the Latrobe Valley nearly a decade earlier than planned adds to the growing pressure on the government to establish a National Energy Transition Authority, the Greens say.
Greens spokesperson on Industry, Transition and Regional Development, Senator Penny Allman-Payne, introduced the party’s National Energy Transition Authority Bill to parliament on Tuesday. The bill has been referred to the Senate Economics Committee for inquiry with a reporting date of March 14, 2023.
Senator Allman-Payne will meet with stakeholders and hold a community consultation in the Latrobe Valley on Wednesday next week.
Greens spokesperson on Industry, Transition and Regional Development, Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:
“Today’s announcement by AGL that it’s bringing forward the closure of the Loy Yang A power station is great news for the climate and for our chances of keeping global heating below 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.
“But we can’t afford to let this inevitable transition to a zero emissions economy happen in a haphazard way. Without a national body to plan and coordinate our shift to renewable energy the workers and communities who have for generations relied on the jobs and investment the coal industry has provided will be left behind.
“Decisions to rapidly bring forward the closure of coal fired power plants, however welcome, should not be announced via a company’s media release to the ASX. It should be a planned and coordinated process that allows local workers control.
“The transition to renewables represents a once-in-a-generation nation-building opportunity that can create tens of thousands of green, secure jobs, open up new export markets and reinvigorate regional Australia.
“We know from similar energy transition bodies in Europe that if you plan the transition, workers can move into new well-paid jobs, be redeployed through industry-wide pooling or benefit from early retirement.
“There is wide support among workers, unions and businesses for a transition authority and during the Senate inquiry I look forward to hearing directly from communities and Traditional Owners about what they need to make the transition to a zero emissions economy.
“With Labor’s support we can make a National Energy Transition Authority a reality during the life of this parliament. Let’s get it done.”
Renters $3000 better off under Greens rent freeze plan
Analysis by the Parliamentary Library estimates that renters across Australia would be $7.1 billion better off if rents had been frozen nationwide for the past 12 months. With rents increasing by 14% nationwide, the average renter is paying $3,151 more for their home than last year.
The Greens recently called on the Federal Government to intervene in the housing crisis by freezing rents nationwide for two years, followed by ongoing rent caps and an end to no grounds evictions, minimum standards for rental properties and tenant rights to make minor improvements to the home.
Over the last 12 months, rents have grown seven times faster than wages in capital cities, putting millions of Australians into severe rental stress and seeing rents hit record highs in 85% of Australian suburbs.
Max Chandler-Mather MP, Greens spokesperson for Housing and Homelessness said:
“A rent freeze could put an extra $3000 in the pockets of the average Australian renter and provide real and immediate cost of living relief.“
“For families choosing between buying food and paying the rent, $3000 could mean the difference between eviction into homelessness and keeping a roof over their heads.”
“Rents are out of control, millions of Australians are struggling to pay the rent, and families are facing living in tents and cars because they can’t afford record rent increases.”
“When Australian renters have paid an extra $7 billion in rent over the last year alone, no wonder so many are struggling.”
“Along with a major and immediate investment in social housing, phasing out negative gearing and capital gains discounts, and a 2 year rent freeze, followed by ongoing rent caps will help stop this housing crisis boiling over into a national disaster.”
“If the government is serious about cost of living relief, if they’re serious about affordable housing, then it’s a no-brainer to freeze rent rises.
Stockton Local Centre receives $5 million upgrade
City of Newcastle has completed a $5 million facelift of Stockton’s Local Centre, delivering new footpaths, increased shade and improved pedestrian and cyclist safety in time for the school holidays.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said upgrading Mitchell Street in Stockton will provide a range of benefits for locals and visitors and continues City of Newcastle’s significant investment in the coastal suburb.
The Local Centre upgrade is one of 26 projects valued at more than $17 million delivered in Stockton during the past five years, including coastal protection works and the hugely popular Active Hub.
“I’m pleased to see the finished work on this important upgrade, which has created a safer, and more vibrant public space for the Stockton community to enjoy,” Cr Nelmes said.
“With the school holidays now underway, this refreshed space encourages residents to support local Stockton businesses, providing improved spaces to shop, dine, and meet with friends.
“The Stockton Local Centre upgrade also includes a significant improvement to the natural environment with the number of trees in the area being increased from three to 40 trees, which is a major boost to the shade canopy along the main street.
“In a nod to Stockton’s character and heritage, sandstone from existing kerbs has been retained and reused to frame garden beds and raingardens at three key intersections along Mitchell Street, while interpretive signage developed in collaboration with the Stockton Historical Society, will be installed along the street as well.
“I am looking froward to celebrating the conclusion of works with the community on Sunday 30 October at our fun, family-friendly event celebrating all things Stockton and featuring lucky-door raffles, face painting and more.”
Lucas Gresham, a local Stockton resident and President of Creative Property, states that the upgrade of infrastructure has been long awaited.
“The Stockton Local Centre upgrade entices new business to the area and as a community, it encourages people to shop local and provides a big economic boost.”
Neighbouring Crown Street will also benefit from further enhancement works to be completed by end of this month.
The Stockton project was completed under City of Newcastle’s Local Centres program, which is delivering upgrades to suburban centres across the local government area. Previous projects have included Beresford Avenue, Beresfield, Young Street, Carrington, James Street Plaza, Hamilton, Llewellyn Street, Merewether, Joslin Street, Kotara, and Sandgate Road, Shortland while construction is underway at Orchardtown Road, New Lambton.
Darby Street outdoor dining transformation begins
Newcastle’s renowned “eat street” precinct on Darby Street in Cooks Hill will come alive as part of a six-month trial with extended outdoor dining facilities, community focused events and improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure under the Streets as Shared Spaces initiative.
The start of Darby Street’s transformation was officially launched today by Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen.
The trial will calm traffic and bring diners out onto the street as the extended footpath dining areas commence.
Newcastle ord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Darby Street trial is part of the Streets as Shared Spaces initiative and aims to test and build innovative ideas that attract people back into public spaces, in a safer way.
“Novocastrians are changing the way they explore and connect. Residents are walking and cycling more, and this means that we need to have a larger focus on providing spaces that are safe, green, welcoming, and accessible,” Cr Nelmes said.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the temporary nature of the works allowed the City of Newcastle to trial these pilot projects with the support and feedback from the community and local businesses.
“By implementing this trial, we hope to gain valuable insights that will allow us to plan for long-term positive change across the City’s Local Centres Renewal Program which delivers attractive, vibrant, and healthy open spaces.”
A large 120m2 temporary dining platform, built using recycled materials, has been placed over several car parks between the Sanctum and Goldbergs restaurants. The new dining platform allows businesses to more than double their outdoor dining space and frees up the footpath for pedestrians, providing an immediate boost to local cafes and restaurants.
Further along Darby Street, a new pedestrian crossing safely leads visitors to the re-energised Darby Headphones Courtyard. New street furniture, lighting, surfacing, and public art in the courtyard encourages people to visit, stay and connect.
A condition of the NSW Government grant required Darby St speed to be reduced. Transport for NSW have approved a temporary 30km/hr speed reduction for approximately 400 metres of Darby St, between the Newcastle Art Gallery and 188 Darby St.
Co-Owner of Three Monkeys café on Darby Street, Anthony Strachan said he is hopeful the trial will draw more people to the precinct and help showcase all that Darby Street has to offer.
“The last couple of years have been extremely challenging for all small businesses. We are already seeing people come back into the city and we are hoping this trial will lead to more excitement and an enhanced Darby Street experience,” Mr Strachan said.
To assist with availability of short-term free parking in the area, temporary drop off and pick up zones will be installed near to Council Street and car parking spaces to the rear of the Newcastle Library will be converted to 2P free spaces for the duration of the trial, offsetting carparks impacted by the temporary dining platform.
The trial will celebrate Darby Street’s link to culture, art, music and food through a series of events including, temporary pavement murals and a pavement art competition by Chalk the Walk as part of the New Annual Festival and a free day of activities at the Darby Street, Street Party on the corner of Council Street, Saturday 15 October 2022.
More details on the Darby Street, Streets as Shared Spaces trial events can be found at whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au
The trial has been made possible with a $500,000 grant from the NSW Government through the Streets as Shared Spaces program (Round 2) and funding from the City of Newcastle Urban Centres Revitalisation Program.