A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner following the death of a motorcyclist in the Hunter Valley yesterday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to Great North Road, Bucketty (40km north-west of Somersby), about 4.30pm (Sunday 23 February 2020), responding to reports of a crash involving a motorcycle and SUV.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District were told a man was riding north and a Mitsubishi SUV was being driven south, when the crash occurred in the southbound lane.
The SUV left the road, crashing down a ravine trapping the driver, while the motorcyclist was thrown down the same ravine.
Paramedics were winched by helicopter down the ravine to the injured motorcyclist; however, he died a short time after being brought up to the roadway.
He is believed to have been aged 59 and from Mardi.
A 44-year-old woman, from Paxton, was released from the wreckage of her SUV and escaped with relatively minor injuries.
She was taken to Wyong Hospital for mandatory testing.
Police were assisted at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, Rescue helicopter crew, RFS and VRA volunteers.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Author: admin
Net zero by 2050 and new coal mines will not save us from the climate emergency: Bandt
Today, Labor Leader Anthony Albanese committed the party to a target of net zero emissions by 2050, however he refused to indicate a 2030 target or commit to concrete steps to cut pollution and tackle the climate crisis.
Adam Bandt MP said:
“The science is clear. ‘Net-zero by 2050’ alone blows the Paris climate target of staying well below 2 degrees. Net-zero by 2050 is walking away from Paris.
“Without urgent action, scientists have us on track to hit a catastrophic 1.5 degrees as soon as 2030 and 2 degrees could follow soon after.
“We are in a climate emergency and what matters most is what we do in the next decade, not in 30 years’ time.
“We are on the edge of catastrophic climate tipping points and the science is calling for deep cuts right now and zero emissions no later than 2040.
“A target for 30 years’ time doesn’t mean much if we continue to open new coal mines and export coal. If you don’t have a plan to phase out coal and gas you don’t have a real plan for the climate crisis.
“Coal is the real climate test for Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese and so far they are both failing.
“Labor and Liberal both support new coal mines and Labor has just approved fracking in the Betaloo basin, which is a bigger climate bomb than Adani.
“Scott Morrison has us on track for a catastrophic 3 degrees of global warming, but if Anthony Albanese wants to be a climate leader rather than a climate fraud, he needs a strong target for 2030 and a plan to phase out coal and gas.”
Adam Bandt MP said:
“The science is clear. ‘Net-zero by 2050’ alone blows the Paris climate target of staying well below 2 degrees. Net-zero by 2050 is walking away from Paris.
“Without urgent action, scientists have us on track to hit a catastrophic 1.5 degrees as soon as 2030 and 2 degrees could follow soon after.
“We are in a climate emergency and what matters most is what we do in the next decade, not in 30 years’ time.
“We are on the edge of catastrophic climate tipping points and the science is calling for deep cuts right now and zero emissions no later than 2040.
“A target for 30 years’ time doesn’t mean much if we continue to open new coal mines and export coal. If you don’t have a plan to phase out coal and gas you don’t have a real plan for the climate crisis.
“Coal is the real climate test for Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese and so far they are both failing.
“Labor and Liberal both support new coal mines and Labor has just approved fracking in the Betaloo basin, which is a bigger climate bomb than Adani.
“Scott Morrison has us on track for a catastrophic 3 degrees of global warming, but if Anthony Albanese wants to be a climate leader rather than a climate fraud, he needs a strong target for 2030 and a plan to phase out coal and gas.”
Government funding for domestic violence response and prevention should top $5 billion
”This pitiful and belated amount shows the Government continuing to ignore women and experts on the scale of action needed to address domestic violence – instead they give Pauline Hanson an inquiry platform to call women liars,” Greens Senate Leader and spokesperson on women, Senator Larissa Waters said today.
“We need an urgent investment of $5.3 billion for a new ten-year billion National Partnership Agreement on Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women between state and Federal governments.
“Under the plan, perpetrator interventions including men’s behaviour change programs and early intervention programs would receive $128 million over four years.
“We must treat the number of Australians who survive or are killed by domestic violence as the national emergency that it is. No survivor should be turned away when they need help.
“This plan would give 10-year funding certainty for frontline response services and radically boost their funding by investing $2.2 billion over four years over the decade.
“As part of that 10 year funding commitment, we’d support increased, long-term funding for Our Watch and ANROWS (Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety), the national primary prevention and cultural change experts.
“It would also be vital to provide grants directly to domestic violence survivors, helping about 1,000 survivors each month at a time when they need practical support to help re-build their lives.
“There have now been eight women killed by violence in 2020, after 61 were murdered last year.
“This can be the decade where we ensure women and children are safe in their homes, on our streets or wherever they are. But it won’t happen unless we lift our ambition now and resource a comprehensive domestic violence plan,” she said.
“We need an urgent investment of $5.3 billion for a new ten-year billion National Partnership Agreement on Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women between state and Federal governments.
“Under the plan, perpetrator interventions including men’s behaviour change programs and early intervention programs would receive $128 million over four years.
“We must treat the number of Australians who survive or are killed by domestic violence as the national emergency that it is. No survivor should be turned away when they need help.
“This plan would give 10-year funding certainty for frontline response services and radically boost their funding by investing $2.2 billion over four years over the decade.
“As part of that 10 year funding commitment, we’d support increased, long-term funding for Our Watch and ANROWS (Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety), the national primary prevention and cultural change experts.
“It would also be vital to provide grants directly to domestic violence survivors, helping about 1,000 survivors each month at a time when they need practical support to help re-build their lives.
“There have now been eight women killed by violence in 2020, after 61 were murdered last year.
“This can be the decade where we ensure women and children are safe in their homes, on our streets or wherever they are. But it won’t happen unless we lift our ambition now and resource a comprehensive domestic violence plan,” she said.
Celebrate 90 magical years of Civic jewels
To celebrate the 90th anniversary of the opening of the Civic Theatre and City Hall, a first ever ‘access all areas’ tour will be offered to the general public on Sunday 1 March.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the event was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the historic pasts and bright futures of both the Civic Theatre and City Hall.
Civic Theatre and City Hall under comnstruction.
“City Hall and the Civic Theatre are beautiful buildings which are part of the cultural and civic fabric of our city,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“They are owned by and maintained for the people of Newcastle. Our 90th anniversary celebrations are an opportunity to show residents and visitors aspects of both venues they have never seen before.”
The event kicks off in Wheeler Place at midday, with a host of free, fun activities, including an aerial circus show, circus skills workshops, live music including a funky brass band, giant wooden games and puzzles, face painting and air brush tattoos.
Manager Civic Services Delia O’Hara with Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace and the Lord Mayor.
The Civic Digest café will be open for business and the art deco Civic Bar will provide somewhere to relax with music performed by talented local musicians throughout the afternoon.
“After the official launch in Wheeler Place, guests are invited to come on special behind-the-scenes guided tours of both City Hall and the Civic Theatre, running between 12.30pm and 3.30pm,” Manager Civic Services Delia O’Hara said.
“Bookings are not necessary, but we advise you to be early, so you don’t miss out.
“On the Civic Theatre tour, you will go up onto the stage and into the backstage areas, normally off limits to the public. You will hear about what goes on behind-the-scenes, and while on stage a range of leading local Newcastle drama, dance and musical theatre companies will provide a rare insight into the secrets of staging a production – from auditions through to tech runs. This program is presented in collaboration with the City of Newcastle Drama Association.
“The City Hall guided tours will take guests through all three levels of the building – including the Lord Mayor’s office and Council Chambers – giving visitors an insight into the many uses of the building over the past 90 years and major events which have taken place.
“In the Cummings Room, we will present an historical exhibition about both venues, including a rarely seen silent film commissioned locally in the 1930s, and local historian Sue Ryan will be on hand from 1pm-2pm to answer questions about the history of both buildings.
“Guests are also welcome to visit the Concert Hall where, between 12.30pm and 3.30pm, some of our most talented local musicians will present the ‘Showcasing the Steinway’ program.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the event was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the historic pasts and bright futures of both the Civic Theatre and City Hall.
Civic Theatre and City Hall under comnstruction.“City Hall and the Civic Theatre are beautiful buildings which are part of the cultural and civic fabric of our city,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“They are owned by and maintained for the people of Newcastle. Our 90th anniversary celebrations are an opportunity to show residents and visitors aspects of both venues they have never seen before.”
The event kicks off in Wheeler Place at midday, with a host of free, fun activities, including an aerial circus show, circus skills workshops, live music including a funky brass band, giant wooden games and puzzles, face painting and air brush tattoos.
Manager Civic Services Delia O’Hara with Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace and the Lord Mayor.The Civic Digest café will be open for business and the art deco Civic Bar will provide somewhere to relax with music performed by talented local musicians throughout the afternoon.
“After the official launch in Wheeler Place, guests are invited to come on special behind-the-scenes guided tours of both City Hall and the Civic Theatre, running between 12.30pm and 3.30pm,” Manager Civic Services Delia O’Hara said.
“Bookings are not necessary, but we advise you to be early, so you don’t miss out.
“On the Civic Theatre tour, you will go up onto the stage and into the backstage areas, normally off limits to the public. You will hear about what goes on behind-the-scenes, and while on stage a range of leading local Newcastle drama, dance and musical theatre companies will provide a rare insight into the secrets of staging a production – from auditions through to tech runs. This program is presented in collaboration with the City of Newcastle Drama Association.
“The City Hall guided tours will take guests through all three levels of the building – including the Lord Mayor’s office and Council Chambers – giving visitors an insight into the many uses of the building over the past 90 years and major events which have taken place.
“In the Cummings Room, we will present an historical exhibition about both venues, including a rarely seen silent film commissioned locally in the 1930s, and local historian Sue Ryan will be on hand from 1pm-2pm to answer questions about the history of both buildings.
“Guests are also welcome to visit the Concert Hall where, between 12.30pm and 3.30pm, some of our most talented local musicians will present the ‘Showcasing the Steinway’ program.”
City to fund ocean baths restorations
City of Newcastle has committed to funding the restoration of both Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths following an unsuccessful expressions of interest (EOI) process.
With no EOI submissions progressing beyond an initial panel review, City of Newcastle will form a community reference group by the end of the month to guide the restoration of Newcastle Ocean Baths and commence further engagement on the Merewether pavilion later this year.
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The current round of community engagement is due to conclude at the end of February while initial planning continues, including detailed site investigations to further understand the condition of Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths and the level of rectification required.
“I’m determined to see the Newcastle Ocean Baths become an asset all Novocastrians can be proud of,” Cr Nuatali Nelmes said.
“This means converting feedback from the current community engagement process into the preliminary design that once costed, can be further tested with the community to ensure the Newcastle Ocean Baths receives an appropriate restoration 98 years after it was first built.
“We’ve made a great start on understanding what the community want from the Baths with more than 600 comments already logged on the City’s ideas wall. Intercept surveys are taking place at the Baths and other city locations before the end of February.
“We’ll now progress with forming a community reference group that represents user groups, the local business community and broader ratepayer base with the aim of holding our first meeting next month.
“The Baths are a treasured part of Newcastle’s history. Developed responsibly and with respect to its local heritage, we will deliver public baths that remain appealing to people throughout our city and one of our key tourism drawcards. This includes protection of its facade, the blue-stepped bleaches and its free entry to swim all year round.”
The Newcastle Coastal Plan of Management, adopted by Council in 2015, prescribed an expression of interest (EOI) for the pavilions and identified cafes, kiosks and restaurants as potential future uses, with the stipulation that revenue be re-invested in coastal upgrades and maintenance.
The City invited EOIs in November 2019 before bringing forward engagement following incorrect claims that the Newcastle and Merewether Baths would be privatised.
Under the EOI, the City committed to retaining Newcastle Ocean Baths’ iconic art-deco façade and bleacher seating, while providing renewed public change rooms with hot water showers and improving shading, car parking, disability access and seating in line with previous engagement results.
City of Newcastle Director of Infrastructure Ken Liddell said the City would review the community engagement results before preparing draft concept plans.
“Community consultation will be maintained through a reference group, while information sessions and a public exhibition will be held to present concept plans to the broader community before Councillors review and approve any restoration,” Mr Liddell said.
“I expect the concept plan will be completed this year with detailed design works to follow in preparation for construction work to start in 2021.”
City of Newcastle will form its Newcastle Ocean Baths community reference group in February with invitations to user groups and stakeholders along with an EOI for broader community involvement.
Community reference group
The stakeholder groups to be invited to be part of the community reference group (CRG) will include, but not be limited to:
With no EOI submissions progressing beyond an initial panel review, City of Newcastle will form a community reference group by the end of the month to guide the restoration of Newcastle Ocean Baths and commence further engagement on the Merewether pavilion later this year.
The current round of community engagement is due to conclude at the end of February while initial planning continues, including detailed site investigations to further understand the condition of Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths and the level of rectification required.
“I’m determined to see the Newcastle Ocean Baths become an asset all Novocastrians can be proud of,” Cr Nuatali Nelmes said.
“This means converting feedback from the current community engagement process into the preliminary design that once costed, can be further tested with the community to ensure the Newcastle Ocean Baths receives an appropriate restoration 98 years after it was first built.
“We’ve made a great start on understanding what the community want from the Baths with more than 600 comments already logged on the City’s ideas wall. Intercept surveys are taking place at the Baths and other city locations before the end of February.
“We’ll now progress with forming a community reference group that represents user groups, the local business community and broader ratepayer base with the aim of holding our first meeting next month.
“The Baths are a treasured part of Newcastle’s history. Developed responsibly and with respect to its local heritage, we will deliver public baths that remain appealing to people throughout our city and one of our key tourism drawcards. This includes protection of its facade, the blue-stepped bleaches and its free entry to swim all year round.”
The Newcastle Coastal Plan of Management, adopted by Council in 2015, prescribed an expression of interest (EOI) for the pavilions and identified cafes, kiosks and restaurants as potential future uses, with the stipulation that revenue be re-invested in coastal upgrades and maintenance.
The City invited EOIs in November 2019 before bringing forward engagement following incorrect claims that the Newcastle and Merewether Baths would be privatised.
Under the EOI, the City committed to retaining Newcastle Ocean Baths’ iconic art-deco façade and bleacher seating, while providing renewed public change rooms with hot water showers and improving shading, car parking, disability access and seating in line with previous engagement results.
City of Newcastle Director of Infrastructure Ken Liddell said the City would review the community engagement results before preparing draft concept plans.
“Community consultation will be maintained through a reference group, while information sessions and a public exhibition will be held to present concept plans to the broader community before Councillors review and approve any restoration,” Mr Liddell said.
“I expect the concept plan will be completed this year with detailed design works to follow in preparation for construction work to start in 2021.”
City of Newcastle will form its Newcastle Ocean Baths community reference group in February with invitations to user groups and stakeholders along with an EOI for broader community involvement.
Community reference group
The stakeholder groups to be invited to be part of the community reference group (CRG) will include, but not be limited to:
- Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths
- Pirates swimming club
- Local business
- Indigenous (Guraki / Awabakal)
- Coal River Working Party
- Newcastle East Residents Group
- Australian Institute of Architects
For expressions of interest to the community, City of Newcastle will aim for broad representation from across the four wards and, include but not be limited to, youth, people with disability, Indigenous representation and pensioners. Applications to be part of the CRG close on February 27 and interested community members can apply here.
The Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group will have terms of reference based on the existing CRG for the Bathers Way. The CRG will be independently facilitated.
BUSHFIRE CLEAN-UP UNDERWAY IN SOUTHERN NSW
The operation to clean-up homes and businesses destroyed by bushfire is now underway on the NSW South Coast with excavators and bulldozers arriving in Mogo to clear debris.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro, NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Member for Bega Andrew Constance, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner and State Recovery Coordinator Mick Willing and Laing O’Rourke Managing Director Cathal O’Rourke, were on site in Mogo yesterday to kick off the clean-up.
“The small community of Mogo has suffered enormously this bushfire season, with 44 homes lost, plus more than 100 other properties including outbuildings and businesses destroyed,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Yesterday is an important day for people on the South Coast and in Mogo. It marks a new beginning, the sooner these structures are cleared the sooner people can start to rebuild their lives.”
Mr Perrottet said while there is a huge amount of work ahead, yesterday was a significant step forward.
“The NSW Government and recovery contractor Laing O’Rourke have responded quickly to get boots on the ground helping communities recover and get back on their feet,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Laing O’Rourke will work with qualified local contractors and suppliers where possible, to take advantage of local expertise and help the recovery happen swiftly.”
Mr Constance said more than 5,000 people to date have registered for the opt-in, to clean-up bushfire destroyed properties.
“I urge all local homeowners and businesses impacted by the bushfires to register online, call Service NSW, visit their local Recovery Centre or speak to the local recovery team to find out about the clean-up,” Mr Constance said.
Mr Willing, who is coordinating the NSW recovery effort said it is vital that large volumes of waste, including toxic materials like asbestos are disposed of correctly.
“The huge volume of waste which needs to be safely disposed of is challenging,” Mr Willing said.
“We have heard people’s concerns about waste management and I want to assure communities that we have their safety top of mind, and are working closely with councils, the EPA and NSW Public Works Advisory.”
The recovery efforts in Mogo follow the successful clean-up of properties at Rainbow Flat last week with a pilot clean-up operation also underway in the Blue Mountains.
The NSW Government and Commonwealth Government are funding the clean-up for insured and uninsured owners of properties so that people have more money to rebuild their homes.
With more than 2,400 houses and thousands of other structures destroyed by bushfire in NSW this season, the funding for clean-up is just one way the NSW and Commonwealth Governments are committed to helping bushfire communities on the path to recovery.
To register for the opt-in property clean-up service, call 13 77 88 or register online at www.service.nsw.gov.au.
NSW UNVEILS STRATEGY TO STAMP OUT SILICOSIS
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson today announced a new plan to reduce cases of the deadly lung disease silicosis, caused by ingesting harmful dust when dry-cutting manufactured stone.
Under the plan, NSW’s workers will be better protected by the introduction of on-the-spot fines for those who engage in unsafe dry-cutting practices, the creation of a Silicosis Health Register and the introduction of a new workplace exposure standard from 1 July this year.
“Dry-cutting is an offence and for those who choose to ignore the law and put their employees at risk, SafeWork inspectors will issue tough new fines for non-compliance,” Minister Anderson said.
“Wet cutting prevents dust from escaping into the air and could significantly reduce the number of silicosis cases in NSW.”
“To help purchase new equipment the NSW Government will offer rebates of up to $1,000 to manufactured stone businesses until 30 June.”
The NSW Government will make silicosis a notifiable disease, creating a Silicosis Health Register to allow SafeWork to track and investigate the workplaces of those diagnosed with the disease.
“To protect workers from the dangers of silica dust we need more oversight of diagnosed silicosis cases, which is why it will now be a notifiable disease, with all cases listed on a single register.”
“SafeWork NSW will be notified when patients are diagnosed so they can immediately investigate the patients’ current and previous workplaces and determine the source of the unsafe work practice that led to the disease.”
The NSW Government previously announced the introduction of a new silica workplace exposure standard of 0.05mg/m3, which will be effective in NSW from 1 July.
“NSW takes silicosis seriously, which is why we will be protecting workers by implementing the new exposure standard on 1 July, more than two years before the nationally agreed start date,” Minister Anderson said.
NSW GOVERNMENT HELPING RURAL APPRENTICES
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee today joined Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey in Nambucca to announce a new initiative to help apprentices in bushfire and drought-affected areas.
From today, apprentices in bushfire and drought-affected areas whose employers are unable to keep them on will still be able to access the training component of their apprenticeships for up to 12 months for free.
Mr Lee said the initiative means out of work apprentices in our regions will not be left behind while seeking new employers.
“We want to encourage regional youth to stay connected with their communities while on the pathway towards their future careers. We don’t want our regional apprentices to be forced to pack up and move out of their communities,” Mr Lee said.
“An apprentice who started training last year will be a fully qualified tradesperson within four years, so this is planning ahead. We will need future tradespeople in our regions.”
Minister for Regional Youth Bronnie Taylor says the inaugural Regional Youth Taskforce made it clear that young people want opportunities to be job ready in the community they love.
“At a time where we are losing young people from the regions this is exactly the sort of initiative we need to allow them to stay,” Mrs Taylor said.
This initiative is uncapped and will apply to as many apprentices as needed.
Training Services NSW will work with apprentices in drought and bushfire-affected areas to support them with ongoing training and help connect them to potential employers.
For more information, visit your local Training Services NSW office or call 13 28 11.
YOUTH PROJECTS ANNOUNCED TO GROW STRONGER COUNTRY COMMUNITIES
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said more than 500 projects will be funded through the program with more than 250 projects dedicated to benefitting regional youth.
“The new projects include training facilities, sports facility redevelopments, playgrounds and accessibility upgrades, as well as programs that promote job readiness, support wellbeing and offer social activities,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The drought and recent bush fires have had a devastating effect on regional NSW and to have $100 million worth of projects about to get underway will help boost morale at this difficult time.”
Minister for Regional Youth Bronnie Taylor, and Member for Tamworth and Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson today visited Tamworth Viaduct Park Youth Hub to announce $369,000 for a Youth Training Café, the first youth projects funded through the program.
Mrs Taylor said the café will help young locals be job ready by gaining valuable hospitality skills and experience, while also helping the café earn revenue that will be spent on training more young people.
“The Youth Training Café is a great example of the kind of projects that will help young people get work, support the local economy and making communities more vibrant and fun,” Mrs Taylor said.
“The Regional Youth Taskforce identified job readiness, digital accessibility, physical activity and wellbeing as some of the key issues that need to be addressed and I’m proud we’re delivering more than 250 projects that will do just that.”
Mr Anderson congratulated Tamworth Council on the Youth Training Café project, which will be the 15th project for the electorate funded through the SCCF.
“This project is another way to keep local kids engaged and teach them new skills at the same time,” Mr Anderson said.
“This project is just one of many projects in Tamworth that have benefitted from the SCCF – I look forward to announcing more in the near future.”
The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the $1.7 billion Regional Growth Fund, which together with the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund is delivering once-in-a-generation infrastructure that generates opportunities, investment and jobs.
“The new projects include training facilities, sports facility redevelopments, playgrounds and accessibility upgrades, as well as programs that promote job readiness, support wellbeing and offer social activities,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The drought and recent bush fires have had a devastating effect on regional NSW and to have $100 million worth of projects about to get underway will help boost morale at this difficult time.”
Minister for Regional Youth Bronnie Taylor, and Member for Tamworth and Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson today visited Tamworth Viaduct Park Youth Hub to announce $369,000 for a Youth Training Café, the first youth projects funded through the program.
Mrs Taylor said the café will help young locals be job ready by gaining valuable hospitality skills and experience, while also helping the café earn revenue that will be spent on training more young people.
“The Youth Training Café is a great example of the kind of projects that will help young people get work, support the local economy and making communities more vibrant and fun,” Mrs Taylor said.
“The Regional Youth Taskforce identified job readiness, digital accessibility, physical activity and wellbeing as some of the key issues that need to be addressed and I’m proud we’re delivering more than 250 projects that will do just that.”
Mr Anderson congratulated Tamworth Council on the Youth Training Café project, which will be the 15th project for the electorate funded through the SCCF.
“This project is another way to keep local kids engaged and teach them new skills at the same time,” Mr Anderson said.
“This project is just one of many projects in Tamworth that have benefitted from the SCCF – I look forward to announcing more in the near future.”
The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the $1.7 billion Regional Growth Fund, which together with the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund is delivering once-in-a-generation infrastructure that generates opportunities, investment and jobs.
TIME RUNNING OUT TO FIX STOCKTON EROSION DISASTER
NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay and Labor State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp have backed pleas for Stockton Beach to be declared a Natural Disaster following another devastating weekend of erosion.
Stockton’s caravan park is the latest site to come under threat, only four months after the suburb’s only childcare centre was demolished as a result of the receding coastline.
In September Ms McKay visited the community with Mr Crakanthorp and called on the Berejiklian Liberal Government to:
- Immediately appoint a State Recovery Coordinator to manage a whole of government response to the erosion crisis at Stockton.
- Direct the Coordinator to urgently assist City of Newcastle with repairs, stabilisation and beach replenishment works to protect Stockton and save the beach.
- Work collaboratively with the City of Newcastle, the community and business to expedite the Coastal Management Program, for completion and adoption by the end of the year, to address long term erosion in Stockton.
The Government ignored Labor’s call and instead the Minister for Local Government committed to finding a long-term solution by the end of 2019. Disappointingly, the Minister failed to meet this deadline.
Ms McKay said: “The Government’s neglect of one of Newcastle’s beloved beaches is unacceptable and it would not be allowed to happen at Bondi or Manly. The people of Newcastle deserve better.”
Mr Crakanthorp said: “Time is slipping away, and Stockton is slipping faster.
“How much more do we need to lose? How dangerous does this have to become for the community before this Government pulls its finger out and acts?
“The fact that the Liberal Government ignored our calls for a State Recovery Coordinator has undoubtedly resulted in further damage to Stockton.
“A Natural Disaster declaration would be a step in the right direction, but ultimately what we need is an urgent solution to this erosion crisis and this Government must act now.”