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Major Connectivity Boost for Roads, Regional Communities and Farms

Better mobile coverage on roads, as well as improved connectivity for regional communities and on farms, will lead an Albanese Labor Government’s approach to upgrading regional telecommunications. 

Boosting coverage on roads and in regional communities 
  
A key element of Labor’s Better Connectivity For Rural and Regional Australia plan will be the establishment of a $400 million fund to expand multi-carrier mobile coverage along roads, as well as for regional homes and businesses.  

To support this, Labor will commit $20 million to commence in 2022 an independent national audit of mobile coverage to establish an evidence baseline to guide future priorities. 

 A competitive tender process will be used to identify a partner company capable of placing mobile signal measurement devices on Australia Post’s transport assets, to gather the best information possible.  

Priorities will be assessed independently to maximise benefits, and this will include consultation with Infrastructure Australia, and broader community consultation. 

Boosting connectivity for regional and peri-urban households and businesses 

Labor will also commit $200 million to continue investing in place-based connectivity projects. Drawing from the Regional Connectivity Program, funded projects could include better mobile voice and data coverage, targeted fibre deployments, and improved microwave and fibre backhaul capacity to locations across regional and remote Australia. 

Boosting on-farm connectivity for farmers  

To support the productivity and safety of our farmers, Labor will also commit $30 million to help expand on-farm connectivity and enable better wireless extension solutions on the field.  

This will enable more farmers to fully utilise sensor and connected-machinery technology to improve the efficiency of domestic food production and support the export growth potential of the sector. 

Labor will boost funding for the Regional Tech Hub by $6 million to serve as a trusted intermediary and source of free and independent advice. 

These initiatives supplement existing commitments Labor has made to: 

  • Expand full-fibre NBN access to 660,000 more regional homes and businesses. 
  • Upgrade the NBN fixed-wireless network to offer speeds between 100 and 250 megabits per second for all users. 
  • Increase NBN satellite data allowances to 90 gigabytes a month and unmeter data between midnight and 4 pm, with an ambition to go beyond 100 gigabytes. 

Anthony Albanese said:

“This is a comprehensive, targeted plan that will ensure better mobile coverage on roads, on farms and across regional communities, and better broadband too.” 

“This is critical to modern agriculture and making sure Australian farms are as efficient and competitive as they can be.” 

Michelle Rowland said:
  
“Improving regional connectivity is a top priority for Labor. This is why we have committed to a better plan for the NBN, and a smarter plan for expanding regional mobile coverage.” 

“We will grow the economy by investing in productivity enhancing digital infrastructure, as well as improving quality of life for regional communities and road commuters through better mobile coverage.”

Recovery from weekend weather underway

City of Newcastle (CN) is in the process of inspecting and assessing its coastal assets along its 14km coastal zone.

Temporary fencing at the South Newcastle Beach upgrade project was impacted by the weather conditions and it is in the process of being reinstated by the contractors for the works. Any costs associated with this work is at the contractor’s expense. Construction at the site will resume this week. Meanwhile construction of stage one of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade has now resumed.

In Stockton, the tides reached Corroba Oval, Barrie Crescent Reserve and the Stockton Holiday Park. During the weekend’s event, inspections and make safe work was undertaken where necessary. No occupants of the holiday park were required to be relocated.

All accessways at Stockton Beach were closed over the weekend but in some welcome good news, the accessway at Meredith Street is now open. Mitchell Street, from Flint Street to Stone Street will remain closed until the clean-up is completed.

City of Newcastle has to date invested more than $10 million combatting beach erosion at Stockton. The community’s preferred option is mass sand nourishment, and as a result is one of the key actions in the Stockton Coastal Management Program, which was approved by the NSW Government in 2020.

To restore Stockton beach, up to 4.5 million cubic metres of sand would be needed, followed by maintenance campaigns every decade. Securing this volume of sand is only possible via offshore sand mining, something that has never previously been permitted. The cost of this solution is at least $21 million and so City of Newcastle is working with the NSW Government on the necessary approvals to permit offshore sand mining and then to fund the initial $21 million cost of the work.

City of Newcastle is also in the process of developing its Southern Beaches Coastal Management Program which sets out a long-term strategy for managing future coastal hazards, such as inundation. While there is further adverse weather forecast for this weekend likely to impact Newcastle and Lake Macquarie beaches, it’s likely that sand will return to Merewether and Bar Beach relatively quickly. Locals would recall in August last year a southerly swell and huge tide stripped away the sand, exposing the man-made rock wall as the beach’s last line of defence. The sand had largely returned prior to the freak weather event of last weekend.

City of Newcastle reminds the community to follow safety warnings and adhere to any signage while the remediation work is completed.

New Children’s Ward Opens At Blacktown Hospital

Western Sydney families can now access emergency and specialised children’s health services closer to home at Blacktown Hospital’s new paediatric ward opened as part of a $700 million expansion of Blacktown and Mt Druitt hospitals.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard today visited Blacktown Hospital to open the new 12-bed paediatric ward, which also includes two negative pressure rooms to manage patients in isolation with respiratory illnesses including COVID-19.

Mr Hazzard said the new paediatric ward is equipped to manage an extensive range of paediatric conditions for babies through to 16-year-olds, from gastroenteritis, asthma, bronchiolitis, cellulitis and croup to surgical fractures and general paediatric surgery.

“This project has been more than 10 years in the making and the NSW Government has transformed this ambition into reality through our $700 million-plus expansion of Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals,” Mr Hazzard said.

“The new paediatric ward has been designed with input from staff and patients’ families, creating a warm and welcoming environment with indoor and outdoor play areas and plenty of toys and activities to help children through their treatment and recovery.”

The new paediatric ward features:

  • Inpatient services including emergency, medical and surgical bed access;
  • Day stay procedural services, for example, transfusions and drug therapies;
  • Ambulatory and community outreach services;
  • Specialist clinics including skin prick testing, food challenge and allergy clinics;
  • Commissioned art throughout the ward to help make children feel welcome;
  • Leisure and play spaces, including an outdoor play area, with appropriate toys, books and activities for children and adolescents;
  • A break out space for parents.

Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly said the new 12-bed ward had been carefully designed with local input to provide the best care possible for children and their families in Western Sydney communities.

“The bright and colourful artwork will help put children at ease during what can be a stressful time and features familiar landmarks from the local area that will help them feel at home,” Mr Conolly said.

“Having already accepted its first patients last month, the ward will work in unison with existing paediatric services at Mount Druitt Hospital to enhance and expand paediatric care across the Blacktown Local Government Area and Western Sydney.”

Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor said the specialised children’s health services provided at Blacktown Hospital’s new paediatric ward were a huge boost for families in Western Sydney.

“Having these accessible, top quality medical services for children in the heart of Western Sydney will make a big difference to local families trying to juggle day-to-day lives with the challenges of looking after unwell children,” Mr Taylor said.

“Children and young families are the heart of our community and having these specialised health services closer to home will assist health outcomes locally both now and into the future.”

In addition to the new paediatric ward, the completed $700 million Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals Expansion Project also includes a new emergency department, women’s and newborn health services, intensive care unit, operating theatres, and psychiatric emergency care service.

The $700 million expansion project brings the NSW Liberal Government’s total health investment in Western Sydney to more than $2.5 billion.

Projects include the $1 billion Westmead Redevelopment; $619 million Children’s Hospital at Westmead Stage 2; $300 million for the Rouse Hill Hospital; and, funded as part of the $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program, a new Mother and Baby unit at Westmead Hospital, and two new mental health units at Blacktown Hospital. 

The NSW Government is investing a record $10.8 billion in health infrastructure across the state over four years to 2024-25. Since 2011, the NSW Government has delivered more than 170 hospitals and health facilities across the state, with more than 110 currently underway.

New Back Home Grants for flood-damaged properties

The NSW Government will provide flood-impacted renters, landlords and homeowners with cash grants as part of a new $112 million Back Home grants that will help make their homes safe and habitable again by contributing towards the cost of replacing appliances, reconnecting utilities and making necessary repairs.

Under the Back Home grant scheme households that have been declared as damaged or destroyed and are unable to claim on insurance or natural disaster relief will be eligible for up to $20,000 cash grants. The program is available across the Hawkesbury, Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed Local Government Areas.

The funds can go towards any clean-up costs to restore housing to a habitable condition, such as:           

  • Inspection and safe reconnection of utilities, such as electrical, gas, water, hot water and sewerage equipment not otherwise the responsibility of utility companies; 
  • Necessary replacement or repairs to damaged essential household goods such as refrigerators, ovens, washing machines and microwaves;
  • Necessary replacement or repairs to damaged equipment such as computers and tools;
  • Replacing other essential household contents;
  • Moving to a new property;
  • Necessary structural repairs including roof, flooring, walls, fittings (owner-occupier/owner).

The grants will go live in the coming weeks. Applicants can register to be notified via www.nsw.gov.au/floods.

In Lismore today, Mr Perrottet said the grants would help many residents with damaged dwellings get back to their homes sooner.


“Our overriding priority is to get people into safe housing, and we are looking at every possible avenue to do that,” Mr Perrottet said.

“For those people who have properties or homes that can be repaired, this grant can be the cash that they need to make urgent repairs such as fixing roofs, making properties watertight, connecting back to electricity and replacing furniture and fridges.”

Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the grants would provide residents with money to address immediate needs.

“These grants will be delivered to the people who need it fast – we have lifted the red tape to ensure the money is delivered and homes can be repaired as quickly as possible,” Mr Toole said.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the NSW Government had already contributed more than a billion dollars to the flood recovery efforts, with today’s package worth more than $112 million.

“From the day the floods hit, our focus has been on getting important funding and support where it’s needed as quickly as possible to help people get back on their feet,” Mr Kean said.

The Back Home grants are in addition to a series of other clean-up programs and work under way.  Waste levies have been waived for flood-affected local government areas, about 17,000 truckloads of waste have been removed, and free structural assessments are being conducted under the Property Assessment and Demolition (PAD) program.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the Back Home grants were the latest addition to a range of resources and grants available to help people during the flood recovery.

“The Back Home grants will help flood-affected communities return to their homes quicker by allowing them to make vital repairs and replace damaged white goods, equipment and crucial household items,” Ms Cooke said.

“The NSW Government is continuing to work closely with local government, government agencies and stakeholders on housing solutions to make sure people have a roof over their head while they try to rebuild their lives.”

Eligibility:

  • Eligible owner-occupiers and landlords will receive up to $15,000 through the Back Home grant program, to repair and refit damaged homes;
  • An additional payment of up to $5,000 per property can be accessed for the replacement of essential household items. This is only available to renters and owner/occupiers;
  • A maximum of $20,000 will be available for any one property;
  • The program is available across the Hawkesbury, Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed Local Government Areas;
  • Those who have received the means tested Disaster Relief Grant are not eligible for this package;
  • The property must be assessed as damaged, destroyed or uninhabitable by the SES.
  • The owner or renter must be uninsured or unable to claim insurance.

SALVOS EXCLUSIVE: THE SOCIAL JUSTICE CONCERNS OF AUSTRALIANS, BY NATION, STATE/TERRITORIES, AND INDIVIDUAL ELECTORATES: Access your electorate’s specialised report to see what communities want changed – and how.

With a federal election looming following years of fire, flood and a global pandemic, The Salvation Army has delved into the very heart of individual Australian communities to discover which social justice issues are of prominent concern right now and what can ultimately be done to address them.

In an Australian first, more than 15,000 people from all demographics across every state and territory contributed to The Salvation Army’s National Social Justice Stocktake Report (NSJSR) via a survey asking which concerns are weighing on individuals, their families, loved ones and local communities – and how these issues will impact their personal decisions during the federal election.

The results of the NSJSR have been collated into a national overview; state and territories synopsis; and 151 electorate and eight state individual jurisdiction reports. All the reports are housed on a purpose-built website – www.salvationarmy.org.au/socialjusticestocktake – which the reader can negotiate by clicking through to areas of interest.

“The Stocktake has several goals, but first and foremost it is designed to help people reflect on social justice and take action on the injustice and hardship they can see,” says The Salvation Army’s Secretary for Mission, Captain Stuart Glover.

“We are releasing this report to coincide with the election of the 47th parliament of Australia to help empower candidates and voters to have a conversation about social justice. The third main objective of this project is to inform how The Salvation Army focuses its social justice, social policy and advocacy work to ensure we are being led by the communities we serve and focused on the needs at hand.”

Nationally, the top six concerns as revealed in the NSJSR are:

· Mental health (53.9 per cent)

· Housing affordability (52.4 per cent)

· Alcohol and drug misuse (42.6 per cent)

· Family violence (35.4 per cent)

· Homelessness (35.1 per cent)

· Poverty and financial hardship (25.9 per cent)

Other issues which feature include:

· Unemployment and underemployment

· Climate change

· Social isolation and loneliness

· Racism and discrimination

· Older Australian discrimination and hardship

· Gambling

· Youth employment

· Gender inequality and inequity

· Disability discrimination and hardship

· Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage

· Opportunities for children

· Treatment of refuges and asylum seekers

Feedback from participants of the NSJSR found that Australians care deeply about social injustice –but don’t always know what to do about it.

“There is a vocal element in the community that despairs there is not enough being done about the issues and injustices going on around them in their everyday lives,” Captain Glover adds. “They want to be more active in initiating change but feel powerless. So, instead of just providing findings, we’ve tried to help alleviate that sense of hopelessness by also outlining practical solutions. We firmly believe that every social justice issue can be both addressed and actioned.”

The Salvation Army’s annual Red Shield Appeal raises funds that are used to help address social issues within local communities. To support, visit: www.salvationarmy.org.au.

The www.salvationarmy.org.au/socialjusticestocktake website contains additional information on each of the Stocktake’s issues; quotes from Salvation Army experts in social mission delivery; and the specifics of the survey research.

Experts concerned as Australians downplay seriousness of influenza

With reduced social distancing, borders re-opened and international travel once again on the agenda, experts are concerned that Australians are downplaying the prospect of a serious influenza (flu) season in 2022.

A new consumer survey, commissioned by Australian vaccine manufacturer Seqirus, asked 1,000 adults aged 18 years and over about their attitudes to the flu.1

The results showed less than half (45%) of Australian adults in the survey think flu is a very serious condition that can lead to death in vulnerable people. Three in 10 respondents (29%) say they are not intending to get vaccinated against the flu while another 11% are still undecided.1

Leading infectious disease expert Professor Robert Booy says that we’ve had so little flu for so long that the reawakening of flu could be quite troublesome.

“For the last two years, we’ve had next to no flu, and vaccination rates have been low as well. As a consequence, the level of community protection has dropped significantly.”

“I’m concerned about the correlation between people who do not think that flu is serious and those who do not intend to get vaccinated,” said Professor Booy.

The survey showed that Australians who do not intend to get vaccinated for flu in 2022 are more likely than those intending to get vaccinated to say that flu is not a serious condition (29% compared to 11%).1

The data also showed a significant generational gap, with Baby Boomers more likely than younger generations to say they plan on getting the flu vaccine in 2022 (73% compared to 57% Gen X, 55% Millennials and 43% Gen Z). However, younger generations are more likely to say they would like to understand their flu vaccination options (39% Gen X, 42% Millennials and 43% Gen Z compared to 32% Baby Boomers). 1

Professor Booy also said there was the possibility that recent calls for Australians to “treat COVID just like flu” has had the unintended consequence of portraying flu as a milder disease.

“People need reminding that we’ve had some bad flu seasons in the past. Modelling data from 2010-2019, estimates that Australia averaged nearly 2,800 annual flu deaths, with more than 6,400 estimated deaths in 2017 and over 5,200 in 2019. There is no way of predicting what 2022 will be like so we need to do everything we can now to prepare.” 2

Two modest seasons of flu in Australia, limited personal contact and reduced international travel has clearly had an impact on attitudes, with only one in three (36%) Australians in the survey concerned about the upcoming 2022 flu season.1

According to Dr Daniel Furtner, Medical Director Vaccines & Biosecurity at Seqirus, protecting the public health of Australians will be crucial this winter, with our healthcare system facing pressure from COVID-19 and flu.

“The last few years have demonstrated how viruses can impact our lives, especially when we have low immunity. It’s important that we continue to focus on public health efforts including protecting high-risk communities, reducing transmission and helping people recover quickly,” said Dr Furtner.

“Washing your hands, staying home if you’re unwell, social distancing, mask-wearing on public transport and vaccination will continue to be important measures for protecting us from viruses like flu.”

LEADERSHIP PROGRAM STRENGTHENS DEFENCE STEM WORKFORCE

Defence is strengthening its science and technology workforce by selecting 80 of Australia’s brightest minds to be fast-tracked into leadership positions.

The NAVIGATE program provides a pathway for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) specialists to transition into Defence, or to provide career mobility to current Defence STEM professionals.

Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Tanya Monro said this new program offers a unique opportunity for high-performing STEM professionals from a range of academic disciplines and different backgrounds.

“NAVIGATE will enhance Defence’s ability to leverage cutting-edge technology to keep Australians safe,” Professor Monro said.

“Strengthening our STEM workforce gives us a significant advantage that is central to our efforts to further strengthen Defence capability.

“This program ensures we are enabling the best talent from across our community to realise their full potential in the service of our nation.”

A key aim of NAVIGATE is to increase female representation, particularly at more senior levels, and the program was launched with pre-determined gender targets (40% female, 40% male and 20% any gender).

Applications closed in November; of the 818 applications received, 29% of applicants were female. There were 302 applicants shortlisted to move to the assessment stage, of which 31% were female.

Of the successful candidates offered a position on NAVIGATE, 43% were female, 49% were male, and 8% were undisclosed.

“This female representation figure is very encouraging,” Professor Monro said.

Participants in NAVIGATE will have the opportunity to work on solving some of Defence’s most significant science and technology challenges.

The 12-month program includes two six-month rotations, one-on-one mentoring and a dedicated professional development program, before participants are placed into a role within Defence.

For more information, see: https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/careers/navigate

“It’s now or never”: new IPCC report issues warning to governments to speed up renewables transition

THE UNITED NATIONS and the world’s scientists are calling for an end to fossil fuels in the third instalment of the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report, saying there must be “rapid, deep and immediate cuts” to greenhouse gas emissions.

The Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC) has today released its landmark Working Group III report, Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change, compiled by thousands of scientists over the past eight years.

The central message of the IPCC report is clear: despite affordable renewable energy solutions being available now, governments and businesses are failing to act. Global greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2025 and halve by 2030 to limit warming to 1.5 degrees.

The IPCC said the dramatic reductions in the cost of wind, solar and battery storage technologies over the last decade meant they were already commercially viable and would be the key to decarbonising most of the world’s energy systems.

UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres lambasted high emitting countries saying: “Some government and business leaders are saying one thing but doing another. Simply put, they are lying and the results will be catastrophic… but high emitting governments and corporations are not just turning a blind eye, they are adding fuel to the flames. They are choking our planet, based on their vested interests and historic investments in fossil fuels, when cheaper renewable solutions provide green jobs, energy security and greater price stability.”

“Current climate pledges would mean a 14% increase in emissions and most major emitters are not taking the steps needed to fulfil even these inadequate promises.”

Greg Bourne, Climate Councillor, energy expert, former President of BP Australasia and former advisor to Margaret Thatcher said: “The latest IPCC report shows that globally we’re making some progress but climate action is nowhere near where it needs to be – and Australia is one of the world’s biggest climate handbrakes.

“If all countries copied the federal government’s weak climate response, we would be heading for a 3°C or more global temperature rise this century, which would be catastrophic.”

Dr Madeline Taylor, Climate Councillor, energy expert and Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University, School of Law said: “This new global UN report comes shortly after the UN Secretary General singled out Australia as a ‘holdout’ with the Morrison Government refusing to increase its 2030 targets. Australia is the only major developed country that has failed to significantly strengthen its 2030 target.

“We know what is required to deeply permanently and immediately reduce emissions, and as the sunniest and one of the windiest places on earth, with a wealth of critical minerals available – Australia should be cashing in on those solutions and creating a prosperous, sustainable future.”

Andrew Stock, Climate Councillor, energy expert and former Origin Energy executive, with more than 40 years experience in senior energy executive roles said: “The Morrison Government has already wasted eight years, and the decisions we make today determine our long-term future. This latest IPCC report makes it clear that we are running out of time. Our window to avoid the worst of climate change is rapidly closing.

“Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of fossil fuels and we have the highest emissions per capita among large developed nations. By strengthening our climate commitments and actions this decade, we can have a huge impact on the future of our planet.”

Premier League: Where Super Netball stars are born

Season seven of the Origin Energy Premier League gets underway at Netball Central in Sydney Olympic Park this Wednesday night and it promises to be the most competitive yet.

Since its introduction in 2016, the Premier League has become the pinnacle of netball competition in NSW, showcasing the best current and emerging talent within the state.

Across 10 franchises, who field teams in Opens and Under 23s Divisions, it offers a local elite platform for players, coaches, officials and administrators. This in turn provides bridging opportunities to the Australian Netball Championships and subsequently, Suncorp Super Netball (SSN).

Over the past two weeks players who were stalwarts of the Premier League in 2022 and 2021 made the step-up to SSN level with Kelly Singleton (Sapphires/NSW Swifts), Teigan O’Shannassy (Sapphires/Swifts), Wagga native Sophie Fawns (Hawks/NSW Swifts), Lili Gorman-Brown (Stingrays/NSW Swifts), Angela Frketic (Sparks/GIANTS Netball), Amy Sligar (Fury/GIANTS Netball), Jemma Donoghue (Sapphires/GIANTS) and Orange’s Annie Miller (Sapphires/Sunshine Coast Lighting) all debuting in the world’s greatest club netball competition.

“I think the past few weeks have shown how Premier League is preparing NSW’s best talent for the step-up to SSN,” Claire Dale, Competitions Manager at Netball NSW, said.

“We are at a stage now where we are seeing the vision that Netball NSW had back in 2016 becoming a reality.

“The setups that our franchises have are operating at a high-performance level, and when you couple that with the great work being done in the QBE Swifts and GIANTS Netball Academies you have a production line of talent.

“Annie Miller and Amy Sligar earned themselves fulltime SSN contracts while everyone who saw Sophie Fawns fill-in for the Swifts at the weekend is right to be excited.

“In previous years we’ve had some Swifts and GIANTS drop back to Premier League to get game time, and while that’s still likely to happen it’s wonderful to see young NSW kids getting to step-up to and be ready for the highest level in our game.”

In 2022 (across Opens and U23 divisions) there will be 14 regular-season rounds with all teams playing each other once in the opening nine before they split into Conferences for the final five.

All teams will play their respective Conference opponents once between Rounds 10-14 with each side also receiving a bye during the same period. Then, at the end of Round 14, the top-three sides from both Conferences A and B will progress to the 2022 Finals Series.

The Final Series will consist of Qualifying, Semi and Preliminary Finals across both Conferences before Opens and U23s Grand Finals decide who will be crowned 2022 Premiers.

Once again, in great news for the NSW netball community, fans will be able to watch every game live and free via broadcast partners Cluch TV.

“Cluch’s enthusiasm to bring excitement and innovation to our live broadcasts aligns perfectly with the rising profile of the Premier League,” Dale added.

“Their coverage has really filled a gap in the market to highlight the amazing up-and-coming athletes, coaches and umpires in our game, and we look forward to continued partnership with them in 2022.

“I really encourage all of our netball community to tune in and watch the Premier League because it is really easy to see where our next Swifts, GIANTS and Diamonds are coming from.”

All fans need to do is download the Cluch TV app, register for an account and they can watch for free on their Smart TV or phone/tablet.
Netball NSW would also like to thank Origin Energy – Naming Right Partners of the Premier League – for their support.

2022 FRANCHISES (Opens & U23s)

  • Capital Spirit
  • Central Coast Heart
  • ERNA Hawks
  • GWS Fury
  • Manly Warringah Sapphires
  • North Shore United
  • Panthers
  • South Coast Blaze
  • Sutherland Stingrays
  • UTS Randwick Sparks

Six injured in two-vehicle crash – Salt Ash

Six people have been injured – one critically – following a two-vehicle crash near Salt Ash this afternoon.

About 3.25pm (Tuesday 5 April 2022), emergency services were called to Nelson Bay Road near Marsh Road, following reports a white Subaru sedan and a red Honda SUV had collided head-on.

The female passenger in the SUV, believed to be aged in her 70s, was trapped for a short time before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital a short time ago in a critical condition.

Five other people – a man driving the sedan and a man driving the SUV and his two preschool-aged passengers – were taken by road ambulance to John Hunter Hospital for assessment and treatment for minor injuries.

Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene, which will be examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.

Nelson Bay Road is closed in both directions, with traffic being diverted onto Marsh Road. Motorists are urged to expect delays into the afternoon and evening. Motorists are recommended to monitor www.livetraffic.com for updates.

As inquiries continue, anyone with dashcam footage is urged to come forward.