Continued funding to tackle scourge of methamphetamines

As part of our plan for a stronger future, the Morrison Government will extend the National Ice Action Strategy (NIAS), investing more than $315 million over four years in the ongoing fight to reduce the impact of ice, other drugs and alcohol.

This investment is alongside an additional $27.9 million being committed to support other critical drug and alcohol treatment projects in areas of identified need.

With today’s announcement, the Morrison Government will invest around $830 million in alcohol and other drug treatment services and programs over the next four years.

National wastewater drug monitoring shows methamphetamine use has reduced for the second consecutive year. And MDMA, cocaine and heroin consumption have all fallen.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt said while this was a good sign, there is still work to be done.

“For too many Australians, illegal drugs are still an insidious scourge on our community, robbing families of their loved ones,” Minister Hunt said.

“I’m proud that the Morrison Government will extend the National Ice Action Strategy for a further four years, allowing organisations across the nation to continue delivering innovative, community-based solutions to curb use of drugs such as methamphetamines.”

“The Morrison Government is committed to building safe and healthy communities, reducing the impacts and harms of drug and alcohol use for individuals, their families and their communities.”

Estimates from 2019 suggest that roughly 300,000 Australians used methamphetamines in the past 12 months, with over half of these using crystal methamphetamine, or ice.

The four most common drugs that people seek treatment for are alcohol (34%), amphetamines (28%), cannabis (18%), and heroin (5.1%).

Since its inception in 2016, the NIAS has helped thousands of people gain access to treatment programs and supported communities to tackle local drug and alcohol issues with local solutions.

By committing to the NIAS for a further four years, the Morrison Government is ensuring critical treatment and other programs are continued and improved.

This is particularly important for high-risk population groups, including people in rural and regional areas and indigenous communities.

Under the NIAS, drug and alcohol treatment services are commissioned by Primary Health Networks, which means they are designed with local needs front of mind.

In addition to treatment services, the NIAS supports:

  • Local Drug Action Teams (LDAT) to deliver grass roots solutions to drug and alcohol issues faced by communities. More funding will enhance and build on the 280 teams currently operating across the country and improve engagement with the community post-COVID-19.
  • The Cracks in the Ice and Positive Choices web portal, which has resources for teachers, parents and students. The portal is well respected by the sector and users, helping to reduce or delay young people using drugs or alcohol. It had more than 2.6 million views from 2016 to 2020.
  • The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screen Test (ASSIST), a questionnaire that screens for risky substance use which can be helpful in a number of settings.
  • The National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs of Concern which researches new treatment options and works with practitioners to put new evidence into practice and improve clinical care.

We are increasing our efforts at every level to reduce the impact of drug and alcohol use on individuals, families, and communities.

$43 million to expand mental health services across the Territory

More than $43 million will be invested into mental health and suicide prevention support and services across the Northern Territory over the next five years, following the signing of a landmark bilateral agreement between the Commonwealth and Northern Territory governments.

The Commonwealth will invest $30.65 million, and the Territory will invest $13.25 million to expand mental health care services to where they are needed the most.

New mental health services, particularly for people in the group known as the “missing middle”, and suicide prevention services, will be established.

The funding includes:

  • $15.4 million for two new Head to Health adult mental health satellite clinics and ongoing funding for the Territory’s first Head to Health centre that opened in January this year.
  • $9.1 million for a new Head to Health Kids Hub to improve access to multidisciplinary team care to children.
  • $5.7 million to enhance two headspace centres to increase access to multidisciplinary youth mental health services. This means more staff and more resources, to reduce wait times and support more young people.
  • $9.3 million to establish universal aftercare services, meaning all Territorians who are discharged from hospital following a suicide attempt will receive immediate follow up care. Two trial sites will also be established in the Territory for aftercare services for people who have experienced a suicidal crisis without being admitted to hospital.
  • $1.3 million to ensure all people in the Territory who are bereaved or impacted by suicide can access postvention support services.
  • $3 million to support for perinatal mental health screening.

Today’s announcement builds upon the $50 million already invested into mental health by the Commonwealth in recent years, including $20 million for the new Head to Health Centre in Casuarina, and $30 million for an additional eighteen-bed inpatient unit at Royal Darwin Hospital.

These investments are further supported by the Territory Government’s $7.5 million Stabilisation and Referral Area at Royal Darwin Hospital, which will provide a therapeutic environment for mental health clients.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the agreement will ensure Territorians will have access to additional mental health support, when and where they need it.

“This landmark partnership between the Commonwealth and the Territory will have a significant impact on the lives of many Australians across the state, including young Australians, who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Minister Hunt said.

Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said a key focus of the bilateral agreement would be reducing the heartbreaking suicide rate in Indigenous communities.

“Indigenous Australians die of suicide at more than double the rate of the non-Indigenous population. This is a national tragedy and through this agreement we will be working closing with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and Non-Government Organisation service providers across the Territory to ensure relevant services are culturally appropriate.”

The bilateral agreement supports the Australian Government’s commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

Northern Territory Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles, said the funding would create much needed support for Territorians in need.

“The pandemic has shown us that mental health is one of the biggest challenges confronting Australians right now.

“The mental health needs in the Territory are incredibly complex and vastly different to those in other jurisdictions – and we have continued to work in partnership with the Commonwealth to ensure these needs are supported.

“We have invested significantly in mental health support across the Territory, and we will continue to do so to improve services for Territorians. Thank you to the Commonwealth for partnering with us to make this support available to Territorians.”

The bilateral agreement forms part of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement, which is now in effect after being signed by the Commonwealth, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australian, Tasmanian and Northern Territory governments.

The National Agreement considers key mental health reports and inquiries including recommendations from the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Mental Health and the National Suicide Prevention Adviser’s Final Advice. It outlines actions to build a comprehensive, coordinated, consumer focused and compassionate mental health and suicide prevention system to support all Australians. 

The National Agreement will clarify roles and responsibilities; progress improvements in the mental health services available to adults, children and youth; improve data collection, sharing and evaluation; reduce gaps in the system of care; expand and enhance the workforce, including the peer workforce; and work to improve mental health and suicide prevention for all Australians, across a range of settings.

The Morrison Government has invested a historic $2.3 billion in the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan through the 2021-22 Budget to deliver significant reform of the mental health system and ensure that all Australians have access to high quality, person-centred care as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

This brings the health portfolio expenditure in mental health and suicide prevention services and supports in 2021–22 to a record high of $6.5 billion.

Australians needing support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service any time via telephone at 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au 

Anyone experiencing distress can also seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.

If you are concerned about suicide, living with someone who is considering suicide, or bereaved by suicide, the Suicide Call Back Service is available at 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Young Australians needing support can access free services through Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), their local headspace or online through eheadspace (https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/).

Record investment in NSW shark mitigation measures

Shark response capabilities will be enhanced at beaches across the state, with the NSW Government announcing a boost of $4.4 million for a suite of immediate additional mitigation methods, as well as ongoing funding of more than $85 million to continue this strategy until 2026.

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said shark interactions are always possible, regardless of the technologies deployed – but it is critical for the NSW Government to do everything possible to reduce that risk to the millions of beachgoers who hit the water every year.

“The tragic event at Little Bay earlier this year was another reminder of the threat posed by sharks and the need to take steps to ensure we can coexist as safely as possible,” Mr Saunders said.

“We are not only announcing immediate additional response capabilities, including more Shark Listening Stations, SMART Drumlines and Rapid Response Vehicles, but we’re also committing to ongoing funding for future mitigation to protect our beachgoers for years to come.”

The immediate additional response package includes:

  • 10 additional VR4G Listening Stations;
  • 60 extra SMART drumlines;
  • 500 more shark tags to trace sharks caught on an expanded drumline roll out;
  • Funding for four more Rapid Response Vessels;
  • Long Range Drone Trials in partnership with Surf Life Saving NSW;
  • Additional Surf Life Saving resources to increase their presence at beaches; and,
  • Applied research into wetsuit materials to reduce the impact of shark attacks.

The $85.6 million 2022-2026 Shark Management Program will include:

  • The extension of the 51 nets currently deployed seasonally as part of the Shark Meshing Program;
  • The continuity and expansion of the SMART drumline program;
  • The establishment of a First Responder Team based across NSW to coordinate the government’s response to shark incidents;
  • Keeping the NSW Government’s 37 shark listening stations across the coast;
  • More funding to Surf Life Saving NSW to continue and expand aerial surveillance using drones across the state’s coastline;
  • Funding to continue to enable Surfing NSW to provide shark mitigation supports and services such as trauma kits during riding competitions and surf schools;
  • Research funding for new tools, technologies and further insights into shark behaviour; and,
  • An annual survey of community confidence and sentiment in NSW Government shark mitigation efforts.

Mr Saunders said the investment builds on an already extensive suite of mitigation methods.

“This summer alone, the NSW Government committed $21.4 million to implement a number of extra mitigation tools, including SMART drumlines, drone technology, 16 additional shark listening stations, 51 shark nets, the Shark Smart app and community awareness campaigns, so today’s funding will be a welcome boost to build on these initiatives,” Mr Saunders said.

“We know sharks can be extremely dangerous and aggressive, but they’re also part of what makes NSW’s marine life so beautiful, so we need to make sure we continue to have state-of-the-art technology in place to allow them and beachgoers to coexist.

“There is no other jurisdiction in Australia or across the globe which has done as much testing and trialling of technology and approaches to mitigate shark interactions, and our shark program is now the largest and most comprehensive in the world.”

For more information, visit https://www.sharksmart.nsw.gov.au/

New battery system to power up at Liddell

A new 500 megawatt battery has received planning approval, helping to drive Liddell Power Station’s transformation into a renewable energy hub.
 
Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean said batteries will play an important role in delivering reliable and affordable electricity to the homes and businesses in NSW and will become an intergral part of the State’s energy future.
 
“The NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap is the nation’s most ambitious renewable energy plan, which is expected to attract up to $32 billion of investment in new electricity infrastructure,” Mr Kean said.
 
“Big batteries combined with solar, wind and pumped hydro will help to deliver some of the cheapest and most reliable energy to the families and businesses of NSW.”
 
“This planning approval is a big win for the Hunter, with the project expected to create up to 100 construction jobs and attract $763 million worth of capital investment.”
 
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the approval signifies a sunny future for the Hunter and will shore up energy supply as the power station closes over the next two years.
 
“This new battery is three times the size of Tesla’s battery in South Australia and will ensure our electricity grid continues to power on as coal-fired power stations power off,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“Renewable energy in NSW is a rapidly growing sector, and battery systems like this enable the industry to store renewable power and support the grid network when it needs it most.
 
“This is the third battery approved in NSW since planning rules changed two years ago, to provide a clearer, simpler process for large stand-alone batteries, with a further 13 in the pipeline. That’s a potential 3,980 megawatts worth of power in the system.”
 
The project’s proponent, AGL, has advised that the battery will be constructed in stages, with the first stage expected to be operational by 2023.

$125 million investment to drive farms of the future

Primary producers are set to benefit from the NSW Government’s $125 million investment in the Primary Industries Productivity and Abatement Program to drive sustainable land management, boost productivity and help reduce emissions.
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said this latest initiative will create opportunities for food and fibre producers, building on the success story of our farmers and ensuring they are part of the solution to a lower carbon economy. 
 
“Regional NSW is the engine room of the State, with primary producers pumping more than $13 billion into the economy every year,” Mr Toole said.
 
“The NSW Government is committed to future-proofing our primary industries by helping farmers diversify their businesses, and strengthen economic and climate resilience in our regions.”
 
Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the primary industries sector is a key driver of economic prosperity in our regions.
 
“Primary producers and land managers are playing an important role in NSW achieving its goal of reducing emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050,” Mr Kean said.
 
“This program is about improving both our planet and bottom line by supporting farmers to take up low emissions technologies and sell more produce to consumers who want a low carbon future.”
 
The Primary Industries Productivity and Abatement Program has three focus areas:

  • $52 million to develop market and industry foundations, including trusted and transparent data, metrics and frameworks to assess carbon and biodiversity outcomes;
  • $72 million to build critical mass and capacity, including incentives for land managers to reduce emissions at scale; and
  • $1 million for accelerating finance for natural capital and low carbon farming, by working with the finance sector to increase investments in natural capital and low carbon farming.

 
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the NSW Government is continuing to engage with stakeholders on the implementation of the program, with applications for funding to open in the coming months. 
 
“This is all about building economic resilience and creating jobs in regional communities, by encouraging sustainable farming practices through grants programs and partnerships with financial institutions,” Mr Saunders said.
 
“Primary producers are set to benefit from a broad range of support from this program, including advice on how to maximise carbon opportunities in their business, direct funding to projects which reduce emissions and increase sequestration of carbon in soils, and the implementation of more efficient modes of measuring and reporting environmental performance.”
 
Minister for Environment James Griffin said the $125 million investment in the Primary Industries Productivity and Abatement Program will also benefit the environment.
 
“This funding will unlock the ability of primary producers and land managers to develop new revenue streams through carbon markets while also highlighting the potential biodiversity co-benefits of our natural capital,” Mr Griffin said.
 
More info on the program: https://www.energysaver.nsw.gov.au/reducing-emissions-nsw/primary-industries-productivity-and-abatement

$20 million events boost to drive regional tourism

Major events are set to come back bigger and better under a funding boost that drives tourists to the regions and helps communities back on their feet. 

Acting Premier Paul Toole today opened applications for Round Two of the NSW Government’s $20 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund (REAF) to help bring new major sporting, lifestyle, food, music, art and cultural events to regional NSW.

“We are serious about driving investment and tourism in the regions – and this package will put more heads on beds, fill restaurants and cafés, and help drive regional NSW’s economic recovery from bushfire, floods, drought, COVID-19 and the current flooding crisis,” Mr Toole said.

“The package has already supported more than 80 events and attracted an estimated one million visitors to the regions, laying the foundations for a strong recovery across regional NSW.

“Helping organisers host world-class events in their own backyard showcases our great regional towns to national and international audiences.”

Event organisers, regional NSW councils, not-for-profit organisations, sporting bodies and Aboriginal Land Councils are eligible to apply for grants.

Applications to the Regional Events Acceleration Fund open today and close 5pm Tuesday, October 4, 2022.
The $40 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is delivering infrastructure and programs that generate economic opportunities, create jobs and improve everyday living in the bush.

For information about eligibility criteria and program guidelines, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/REAFund.

Fewer people sleeping rough in the City of Sydney

The number of people sleeping rough in the City of Sydney continues to decline as the NSW Government ramps up efforts to address homelessness across the state.
 
Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said no matter where you live, the priority is to ensure everyone has a safe place to call home.
 
“We’ve made tremendous progress in the City of Sydney by almost halving the number of people sleeping rough in only five years which is really encouraging,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“But we now need to redouble efforts to tackle this issue in regional areas to match that progress.
 
“This year I took part in the count to see first hand how it works. I want to thank the many volunteers who give up their time to do this important work as well as the staff from the City of Sydney and from the Department of Communities and Justice.”
 
The City of Sydney street count for 2022 shows 225 people sleeping rough, a 17 per cent reduction since February 2021 and a 48 per cent reduction since February 2017.
 
Across the regions there are increases in the street count with the statewide figures showing there are 1,207 people sleeping rough.
 
The 2022 figures do not include some parts of the state, including Brunswick Heads and Mullumbimby, because street counts in those areas were cancelled due to the recent extreme weather events.
 
For the first time we have expanded the count to include Glen Innes, Gunnedah, Inverell, Moree Plains, Yass Valley, Bellingen and Wentworth.
 
The NSW Government has committed to reducing street homelessness in NSW by 50 per cent by 2025, as one of the Premier’s Priorities.
 
Since April 2020, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) has expanded assertive street outreach services from three initial locations to almost 60 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across NSW, performed over 9,500 street patrols and other outreach activities to engage with people sleeping rough and offer a pathway to long-term housing.
 
“We have supported more than 1,300 people sleeping rough into social housing, and more than 600 people into private accommodation,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“We have invested in new homelessness prevention programs to support people in social housing to maintain their tenancy and avoid returning to homelessness.”
“Having a street count is an extremely valuable measurement tool. It gives us real information tailored to particular areas so that we can direct our resources where they are needed most.”
 
The Department of Communities and Justice partnered with more than 150 local organisations to conduct this year’s statewide street count in 76 LGAs across NSW.
 
In addition to efforts to address housing in flood-affected parts of NSW, the NSW Government has introduced:
 

  • A $484.3 million investment to support women and children escaping domestic and family violence into housing and specialist services.
  • An additional $183 million dedicated to fast track more social housing properties across NSW.
  • The Community Housing Innovation Fund, a $150 million program to deliver social and affordable housing in partnership with Community Housing Providers (CHPs).
  • The $1.1 billion Social and Affordable Housing Fund, an initiative to provide access to social and affordable homes together with access to tailored support services.
  • Together Home, a $122.1 million program which helps people into long-term stable housing.
  • Rent Choice, which supports access to safe and affordable housing in the private rental market.  

 
The 2022 street count figures are available at:
https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/about/reforms/homelessness/premiers-priority-to-reduce-street-homelessness/street-count
Anyone who is homeless, or at risk of homelessness, can call Link2home on 1800 152 152.

PLASTIC RECYCLING SOLUTIONS RIGHT FOR AUSTRALIA

The Morrison Government is driving new investment in sophisticated recycling technology and infrastructure, boosting the Recycling Modernisation Fund to $250 million with a $60 million new funding stream targeted at advanced plastic recycling technology that will tackle problematic plastics like bread bags and chip packets.

The investment, included in this month’s Federal Budget, builds on the $190 million Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF) which is driving a $1 billion transformation of the waste and recycling sector.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government is committed to stopping harmful plastics from entering our oceans, choking up our waterways and destroying our marine life.

“This new funding stream, dedicated to helping solve the problem of hard to recycle plastic waste, demonstrates our determination to invest in Australian industry, to growing the recycling sector and to creating a stronger economy and stronger future for Australia,” the Prime Minister said.

“Three years ago I made a commitment at the UN to stop plastic waste from entering our oceans, a commitment that has sparked a recycling revolution in Australia.

“That same commitment has supported investment in state-of-the-art recycling technology across Australia, technology that protects the environment, boosts the economy and creates jobs.”

Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said the new round of funding will fast-track access to new innovative waste technology, supporting a pipeline of plastic products ReMade in Australia.

“The time to act on hard to recycle plastics is now – fast-tracking advanced recycling infrastructure will help the industry recycle more of the 1 million tonnes of plastic packaging waste we generate every year -creating valuable new products while keeping problematic waste out of landfill,” Minister Ley said.

“This Government has placed waste firmly on the national agenda, through our transformation of the recycling sector, landmark waste legislation, National Plastics Plan and through our leadership at the recent UN Environmental Assembly on stopping plastic waste from entering our oceans.

“Australia has set a high bar as the first country in the world to ban the export of waste plastic, we will continue to take strong action on plastics in our own backyard by investing in technology, manufacturing capability and jobs.”

Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management Trevor Evans said the new round of funding will help increase plastic recycling rates with more access to plastic feedstock.

“The latest round of funding under the Recycling Modernisation Fund will create new demand for recycled materials, giving consumers the confidence that the products they buy are made from recycled content,” Assistant Minister Evans said.

“It will also help drive progress on our targets to have 70 per cent of our plastic packaging recycled or composted and 50 per cent of average recycled content in packaging by 2025.”

CITY DEAL TO TRANSFORM SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND

The Morrison and Palaszczuk Governments and the Council of Mayors South East Queensland (SEQ) have today signed the SEQ City Deal – a joint commitment to deliver $1.8 billion worth of infrastructure that will transform the region.

The SEQ City Deal will deliver a significant package of investments that will generate thousands of local jobs, boost digital and transport connectivity, enhance liveability and support one of the fastest growing regions in the country.

The City Deal is supported by a $667.77 million investment from the Commonwealth, $618.78 million from the state and $501.62 from the SEQ Council of Mayors, plus $75 million from industry.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the SEQ City Deal was all about delivering for the people of South East Queensland.

“This is a partnership for Queensland jobs and Queensland investment to deliver a stronger economy and a stronger future,” the Prime Minister said.

“South East Queensland is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, and with the population expected to continue to grow, it is crucial that we invest in the infrastructure it needs to thrive for decades to come.

“From Brisbane to Toowoomba, Ipswich to the Sunshine Coast and everywhere in between, this Deal delivers for South East Queenslanders.

“We all share a vision of a more connected, liveable and export-competitive region, and this brings that vision to life.

“The economic impact of this major investment will be significant, with more than 30 projects set to generate more than 2,000 jobs, while ensuring that the state is in the best position possible to host a successful 2032 Olympics.”

Queensland Premier and Minister for the Olympics Annastacia Palaszczuk said the cooperation between all levels of government would ensure that the region has the right infrastructure in place as the population grows.

“I have always said we work best when we work together,” the Premier said.

“The City Deal provides vital infrastructure to plan for our growing population.

“That includes new transport links for the Gabba in time for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The winners are Queenslanders.”

Key projects in the City Deal include:

  • $450 million for the Gabba Brisbane Metro Station, to deliver enhanced transport connections and support the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games;
  • $285 million for the SEQ Liveability Fund to deliver projects of social and economic priority for the councils;
  • $150 million for the SEQ Innovation Economy Fund to support capital projects that promote and grow the region’s innovation economy;
  • $105 million for resource recovery infrastructure to develop a region-wide approach to managing waste and progress the region to a circular economy;
  • $70 million for digital connectivity projects to support place based telecommunications infrastructure and improved digital connectivity.

Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said he was very pleased that the sustained work of deal partners over the past three years had now resulted in a deal being concluded.

“With three quarters of the state’s population already living in South East Queensland, it is vital that we plan and invest in the urban and social infrastructure that this region requires to support sustainable growth over the coming decades,” Minister Fletcher said.

“The investments that we are making through this Deal, in partnership with the State and local governments, will leave a lasting legacy on the region by providing improved transport links, important community infrastructure, and high quality jobs across multiple sectors.”

Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the cooperation between all levels of government will ensure that the region has the right infrastructure in place as the population grows.

“We have seen a recent surge in people looking to call SEQ home, and by 2041, the region is set to grow to 5.4 million residents,” Mr Miles said.

“A new Gabba Metro Station will improve linkages between cross-river rail and the Brisbane Metro at the Woolloongabba Olympic venue that create long-term improvements to the public transport network and transformational city shaping opportunities.”

Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Lord Mayor of Brisbane Adrian Schrinner said the deal is a critical step towards ensuring the south-east corner can cater for a booming population and is ready when the world’s biggest sporting event arrives in just over a decades’ time.

“This deal demonstrates what great things can be achieved when all levels of government work together,” Cr Schrinner said.

“There might not have been a time in our region’s history when such co-operation has been so critically important. SEQ is experiencing significant population growth as more and more Australians discover our unmatched lifestyle and want to call our region home.

“We’re also a decade away from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games which presents a unique chance to showcase our region to the world while establishing a legacy that can continue to deliver for the generations to come.

“This City Deal puts us on a path to manage population growth, deliver the best-ever Games and, importantly, improve the lives of all of our residents through ongoing co-operation.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with industry and the other levels of government to empower the SEQ City Deal to deliver the needs of our rapidly growing region.”

For more information on the SEQ City Deal, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/city-deals/SEQ.

Australia’s RNA therapy capability strengthens as UNSW RNA Institute opens

The UNSW RNA Institute, Australia’s leading RNA science, therapeutics and translational facility, has officially opened.

Established with a $25 million investment from UNSW Sydney as part of a NSW RNA Bioscience Alliance between NSW universities and the State Government, the Institute will build NSW’s capability to research, develop and manufacture RNA-based therapeutics locally.

“This is a significant milestone in the creation of the significant RNA ecosystem we are establishing here in NSW,” Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres said as he formally opened the labs at UNSW’s Kensington campus on Monday.

“A thriving NSW-based RNA industry underpinned by world-leading research talent will attract international investment and bring companies from all over the world to create high priority jobs in NSW within the $2 billion medical technology growth industry.”

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology and Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the UNSW RNA Institute heralds a new era in onshore development of novel RNA technologies and therapies post-pandemic and will play a vital role in the commercialisation of research.

“RNA-based therapeutics can also be applied to a rapidly expanding category of drugs, diagnostics and treatments for other diseases including cancer and autoimmune disorders,” Mr Henskens said.

“Working together with other University partners in the NSW Bioscience Alliance, research into these novel technologies will allow us to not only lead the way in the fight against disease, but to boost productivity through innovation and create jobs for the future.”

UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Attila Brungs said the Institute will draw together UNSW’s existing world-renowned expertise in this area to provide a vibrant foundation for increased collaboration and critical advances in RNA.

“UNSW is home to some of the best scientific minds in the world in this field. In creating this Institute, we have brought together scientists, engineers, and medical researchers to work on key bottlenecks at the frontier of RNA science and medicine,” he said.

“We are proud to collaborate with the NSW Government, industry and academic partners to drive the development of an industry which is going to have a profoundly positive impact on human health.”

The Institute will conduct pre-clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19 and cancer using RNA-based therapeutics manufactured in NSW. It’s expected pilot-scale production of siRNA for use in RNA-based therapeutics will be conducted by June this year.

Director of the Institute, Professor Pall Thordarson said the RNA revolution is just getting started.

“Some of the projects the Institute will look at range from conducting pre-clinical trials for the treatment of cancer, unravelling the complex roles that RNA has in brain development and developing short RNA based COVID-19 treatment such as inhalers,” he said.

Prof. Thordarson said by supporting the RNA research runway, from chemistry to prototype pharmaceuticals, the Institute will ensure we are ahead of the game as the industry grows.

“It will help continue Australian-led innovations of RNA science and position us a world leader in RNA science and technology,” he said.

In partnership with NSW Health, UNSW also leads the NSW RNA Production and Research Network. This Network brings together five universities – UNSW, The University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, Macquarie University and the Australian National University – plus several medical institutes and hospital-based facilities with the UNSW RNA Institute, to enable an RNA community of practice in NSW/ACT.

This Network will be underpinned by a core RNA Accelerator Manufacturing Facility for mRNA, synthetic RNA, and nanoparticle production, which will support researchers from right across NSW to fast-track research and development (R&D) towards clinical trials and major new products.

The Institute will have at its centre the ‘RNA Production Accelerator’, a facility for scaling-up and producing promising RNA and nanoparticle drug candidates at pilot-scale before having them fast-tracked for pre-clinical trials.