City of Newcastle has welcomed the NSW Government’s approval of its application to secure funding to deliver 5,500 tonnes of sand to the southern end of Stockton Beach as a short-term measure.
The work will see sand trucked in south of the Lexie’s Cafe accessway before the Christmas school holidays as the first of a two-stage project.
Additional sand will be deposited north of the accessway, adjacent to the Surf Club, as part of stage two in the New Year, subject to further approvals from the NSW Government.
The initial $350,000 project (funded 50:50 by City of Newcastle and the NSW Government) will restore the beach’s amenity and also allow the City to monitor sand movements along the Stockton Coast.
“I would like to thank our staff at the City who have worked tirelessly on short and medium-term measures of our Coastal Zone Management Plan, from dune stabilisation and sand scraping to beach renourishment, for many years,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“Our staff have worked hard to address immediate risk from recent erosion events and now, with another successful grant application, the NSW Government has agreed to jointly fund a one-off beach nourishment project. These funds will allow City of Newcastle to proceed with the trial restoration of the section of Stockton Beach from the holiday park to Lexie’s Cafe in the short term.
“The project aims to re-instate the amenity of the beach previously enjoyed by locals and visitors this summer. This work is not a preventative measure. A long-term solution to erosion is still required.
“The City continues to work with the community and NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment on long-term solutions, with investigation of multiple options, including offshore sand extraction for more substantive nourishment programs.
“Discussions to date with the Deputy Premier have been very positive. He understands the issue and that a solution similar to how the Gold Coast ensures the sustainability of its beaches is possible under the Minerals Act.
“I thank the Stockton community and particularly the Stockton Liaison Committee for their support and expertise as we secure both a short and long-term solution to coastal erosion.”
The replacement sand will be sourced from a local commercial quarry and require hundreds of truck movements to Stockton Beach.
Due to the presence of heavy machinery required to perform the work, access to parts of the beach will be restricted over coming weeks.
Author: admin
NSW GOVERNMENT WEEKLY UPDATE – 22 NOVEMBER 2019
ASSISTANCE FOR BUSHFIRE DISASTER CLEANUP
- The NSW Government is committing up to $25 million to facilitate the cleanup of homes and properties damaged and destroyed by the recent bushfires.
- The funding will help pay for the cleanup of hazardous materials including the removal of asbestos-contaminated material released as a result of the fires, concrete slabs and all dangerous debris including destroyed homes and trees.
- Waste levy fees for residents disposing of bushfire-generated waste will be waived, saving households thousands of dollars.
- The NSW Government will be part of the disaster recovery for the long term and more support will be made available as the extent of the damage becomes clear.
LEVEL TWO WATER RESTRICTIONS FOR GREATER SYDNEY AND THE ILLAWARRA
- Sydney, Blue Mountains, and the Illawarra will soon experience Level 2 Water restrictions from 10 December to continue to protect Greater Sydney’s water supply from drought conditions.
- Dam levels are currently close to 46% and continue to drop every week.
- Under the new restrictions, people will be required to use a bucket or watering can to water their gardens between approved times, cars can only be washed with a bucket or taken to a commercial car wash and topping up of pools and spas is limited to 15 minutes a day with a trigger nozzle.
- Fines will apply for breaches of water restrictions – $220 for residential breaches and $550 for businesses.
- For up-to-date information, visit lovewater.sydney/restrictions.
REPLACEMENT IDENTITY DOCUMENTS FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED BY BUSHFIRES
- People who lose important identity documents in the bushfires can have them replaced for free to help them recover as quickly as possible.
- Anyone who has lost paperwork such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate can apply to have them replaced at no cost as a priority.”
- The NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages (BDM) can assist people who have lost documents in the fire to quickly re-establish their identity
- Customers requiring a new driver’s licence will be issued with an interim licence on the spot allowing them to get back on the road immediately, with the new licence card being delivered 7 to 10 days after the transaction.
BLUEPRINT CHARTS TRILLION DOLLAR FUTURE FOR NSW
- The NSW Government has released the NSW 2040 Economic Blueprint, a landmark document designed as a roadmap for continued success.
- The Blueprint forecasts NSW will continue to power the nation, with our State economy tripling in size to be worth as much as two trillion dollars by around 2040.
- The billions we are pouring in to infrastructure are helping drive the economy and create jobs now, but also positioning the State for ongoing growth.
- For more information, visit treasury.nsw.gov.au/nsw-economy/nsw-2040-economic-blueprint.
AFFORDABLE, RELIABLE POWER FOR NSW
- Households across NSW are expected to save $40 per year on their electricity bills and the State will have one of the highest reliability targets in the world under the NSW Electricity Strategy.
- The Strategy will ensure reliable and affordable electricity supply for the people of NSW, particularly in peak summer periods.
23 METRO TRAINS ON THE WAY FOR SYDNEY’S SOUTHWEST
- 23 new metro trains will be ordered as part of a contract package to extend and operate Sydney’s first driverless Metro railway beyond Chatswood – into the city and on to Bankstown, delivering a 66 kilometre line by 2024.
- Minister for Transport Andrew Constance announced the NSW Government has approved Sydney Metro exercising a pre-agreed extension to the existing Northwest Rapid Transit Public Private Partnership contract, which was awarded in 2014.
HISTORIC REFORMS FOR BETTER TRANSPORT
- Customers and the community are set to benefit from historic reforms to the NSW Government’s transport agency, which will result in better planning, thinking, and delivery of services now and into the future.
- Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) ceased to exist following the passage of the Transport Administration Amendment (RMS Dissolution) Bill 2019 through the NSW Parliament.
- The RMS functions will now be transferred into a new, fully integrated Transport for NSW.
- With $55.6 billion being invested in transport and roads infrastructure over the next four years, an integrated transport agency that meets the needs of the community is vital.
- Changes enabled by the Bill’s passage will strengthen the NSW Government’s focus on delivering integrated transport solutions across the entire state.
PARAMEDIC SAFETY PROMPTS BODY CAMERA TRIAL
- Paramedics will be fitted with high-tech body cameras as part of the NSW Government’s $48 million reform package to improve the safety of frontline health staff.
- Paramedics from Liverpool, Sydney Ambulance Centre at Eveleigh, and Hamilton in suburban Newcastle will be part of a 12-month voluntary trial.
- 60 body cameras will be used in the trial by paramedics and if it is successful, more could be rolled out statewide.
- The cameras will be another set of eyes for our paramedics and in addition to deterring abuse, there is scope to use them for training purposes further down the line.
REFORMS PROVIDE BETTER PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN
- Offenders convicted of certain crimes against children who fail to comply with reporting obligations will be better held to account under reforms that passed NSW Parliament.
- Offenders on the Child Protection Register who claim to have a ‘reasonable excuse’ for not complying with their reporting obligations will now have to prove that excuse in court.
- The reforms will also improve legal procedures in certain cases for children under the age of 14 who are victims or alleged victims of sexual offences.
- The amendments will enable a ‘suitable person’, like a parent or guardian, to consent to the child’s counselling records to become evidence in court.
- In the past, these records would have been inadmissible because of sexual assault communications privilege, which protects the relationship between a counsellor and a victim of sexual assault.
QUALITY IS THE STAR IN EARLY CHILDHOOD RATING SYSTEM
A clearer and simpler rating system for early childhood services was announced today, making it easier for parents to understand how their service rates under the National Quality Framework (NQF).
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the change is something both parents and services have been calling for.
“All providers will be required to display their National Quality Standard (NQS) rating in the format of four stars that correlate to their NQS rating level,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Services will display the stars where parents can see them clearly, and will be requested to provide more detailed rating information to parents and families at enrolment from July 1, 2020.
“A fifth star can be obtained through an additional application to Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority.
“We have worked with the sector and families to find a better way for promoting and understanding the quality ratings, and have set aside a further $8 million to support providers to improve the quality of their services, building on the $5 million already invested.
“Ensuring parents and carers understand the rating of their early childhood service is essential for families, and also for maintaining and improving quality.”
Early Childhood Australia CEO Samantha Page said the Quality Ratings Guide will be a great way for families to start a conversation with services.
“Parents should play an active role in communicating with services about all aspects of quality, and the star graphic invites them to learn more about quality improvement,” Ms Page said.
“It also gives services the opportunity to pro-actively engage and focus on quality as an ongoing priority.”
The new four star format will display a service’s NQF rating as:
- Exceeding NQS = 4 stars
- Meeting NQS = 3 stars
- Working towards NQS = 2 stars
- Significant Improvement Required = 1 star
For more information on the new Stars system visit the website: https://education.nsw.gov.au/early-childhood-quality
DIGITAL INNOVATION TO TACKLE HOMELESSNESS
A new digital data service will record information relating to rough sleepers in real-time to better facilitate collaboration between service providers for those experiencing homelessness in NSW.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said global tech giant Microsoft has partnered with the NSW Government and the Act to End Street Sleeping Collaboration to bring the project to fruition.
“Every day more than 37,000 people in NSW experience homelessness and this new initiative will provide us with a more accurate understanding of the challenges they face,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“By using technology to collect a range of social and demographic data on rough sleepers, we can improve the way we respond to homelessness.”
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the launch of the initiative comes during the inaugural Connections Week, which aims to create a by-name list of people sleeping rough in Sydney’s CBD.
“The homelessness targets our Government has set require an innovative approach as well as collaboration with our non-government partners,” Mr Ward said.
“By compiling a database of rough sleepers, our assertive outreach teams and NGOs will be able to better collaborate towards a common goal.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the data will be captured using a mobile device and include geolocation technology.
“We are using digital technology to make life easier for some of the most vulnerable people in the community.”
Act to End Street Sleeping Convener Graham West said the aim is to create a vulnerability index of rough sleepers across the state, to determine risk and help prioritise specialist services.
Data collected this week will be used to inform potential expansion of the program across the state.
$15,000 GRANTS TO HELP REBUILD FIRE AFFECTED COMMUNITIES
Primary producers and small businesses impacted by recent fires in the Northern Tablelands, North Coast and Mid North Coast have received welcome relief with the announcement today of $15,000 recovery grants.
Minister for Agriculture and Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall welcomed the announcement, saying it was critical to help farmers get back on their feet.
“Our State’s farmers have already been battling the worst drought on record and recent fires have been an absolute kick in the teeth,” Mr Marshall said.
“Today’s announcement of $15,000 recovery grants for farmers and small businesses impacted by the fires is welcome news, and will help our hard-working farmers get back on their feet.
“This cash will assist farmers to rebuild their businesses and fix the damage caused by these unprecedented fires.
“For many it will mean cash in the pocket to rebuild fences, purchase new equipment and procure feed and fodder.”
The $48.5 million recovery package announced today also includes $18.2 million in funding for targeted community projects as well as mental health support.
“These fires have not only devastated farms and small businesses – they’ve also sent an absolute shockwave through entire communities,” Mr Marshall said.
“That’s why I’m pleased the fire recovery package includes grants for targeted community projects as well as mental health support.
“I encourage farmers and small businesses who have been impacted by the recent fires to get in touch with the NSW Rural Assistance Authority and apply for grant assistance.”
To apply for a recovery grant contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au
HIGHER LEARNING SOARS IN PARRAMATTA
Parramatta’s transformation into a cultural, economic and education precinct is another step closer thanks to the NSW Government’s approval of a new Engineering Innovation Hub in the heart of the CBD.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the new 19-storey education hub will be shared by Western Sydney University and the University of NSW.
“The hub will be used by 1,600 engineering and architecture students and will bring world-leading research and innovation to Sydney’s second CBD,” Mr Stokes said.
“The hub will also create almost 1,000 construction jobs and more than 1,300 full-time ongoing jobs close to the ferry, train station, main bus routes and the future light rail.
“Open space in Parramatta will be improved with new public space in the form of terraces and a ground level plaza that connects Hassall Street to Lancer Barracks.”
Skills and Tertiary Education Minister and Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said education and innovation opportunities are soaring in Parramatta.
“This will be the third high-rise education building approved in the Parramatta CBD, following Western Sydney University’s campus at Parramatta Square and the nearly completed Arthur Phillip High School,” Mr Lee said.
“A shared vision and collaboration is crucial to delivering great results and this innovative partnership between two universities will see Parramatta continue to develop into an economic and knowledge-based powerhouse.”
Construction of the new education facility will continue from the early works approved by Council and is expected to be welcoming students in 2021.
NSW CABINET GOES OUTBACK FOR DROUGHT
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro, along with the entire State Cabinet, today travelled 770km from Sydney into outback NSW to hold a Cabinet meeting in Bourke.
Ms Berejiklian said it is the first time in the State’s history a formal cabinet meeting has been held in Bourke.
“I want to thank the Mayor of Bourke Barry Hollman and the entire community for inviting the NSW Cabinet to the outback, and undertaking the huge task of hosting the NSW government in town for the day,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I know that these communities are suffering through this devastating drought.
“The most critical issue in Bourke right now is of course access to water and so, today we are announcing $2 million in immediate funding for the construction of an additional bore and pipeline in Bourke to increase the towns’ long-term water supply.”
Mr Barilaro said Bourke fortunately fell under a rain cloud earlier this month, receiving 100ml, extending the town’s water supply in the immediate future but more urgent measures are still needed to guarantee the town’s long-term water security.
“Bourke was facing the prospect of running out of water in the near future but fortunately Mother Nature intervened and extended their water supply for six months,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The $2 million in emergency water funding for Bourke, announced by the Premier and I today, is one example of the emergency measures we are undertaking across the state to prevent towns and cities from running out of water.
“Recent rain has brought a green tinge to the region and a pulse down the Darling River but this drought is pushing our country resilience to the edge. I want Ministers to roll up their sleeves and get dust on their boots today to see first-hand what we need to do to keep our regional communities going.
“NSW needs towns like Bourke to grow and to continue to carry on the tradition of strong outback communities contributing to our State’s history and prosperity.”
We have committed close to $3 billion to drought relief and water security since 2017, which includes funding for 60 bores across 23 communities and 14 pipelines, such as that from Wentworth to Broken Hill.
Police release image of vehicle linked to disappearance of teens – Strike Force Arapaima
Detectives investigating the disappearance – and suspected murder – of three Lake Macquarie teenage girls have released an image of a vehicle which is similar to the one they believe may be linked to two of the cases.
In April 2019, Lake Macquarie detectives established Strike Force Arapaima to re-examine the investigation into the unsolved disappearances and suspected murders of Robyn Hickie, Amanda Robinson and Gordana Kotevski.
Robyn Hickie, aged 18, left her home around 7.15pm on Saturday 7 April 1979, and was last seen standing at a bus stop on the Pacific Highway, Belmont North.
A fortnight later, Amanda Robinson, aged 14, was last seen on Saturday 21 April 1979, also near a bus stop on Lake Road, Swansea, after attending a dance at her high school in Gateshead.
About 9pm on Thursday 24 November 1994, Gordana Kotevski, aged 16, was forced into a vehicle on Powell Street, Charlestown, while walking from Charlestown Square Shopping Centre to her aunt’s home on the same road.
Despite extensive investigations at the time, and over the years, none of the girls have been located.
A subsequent Coronial Inquest into their disappearances found that the girls were deceased, most likely as a result of foul play.
As part of ongoing investigations, strike force detectives have identified a vehicle which they believe may be linked to the disappearance and suspected murder of both Robyn Hickie and Amanda Robinson.
They have released an image of a similar vehicle, which is described as a distinct green-coloured, mid-1970s four-door Holden Torana sedan.
Lake Macquarie Police District Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Greg Thomas, said this is a significant new lead in the investigation of these cases.
“We are hoping anyone who was living in the Lake Macquarie region in the late 1970s may have a recollection of this Holden Torana, in particular in the month of April 1979.
“We understand it’s been 40 years since Robyn and Amanda’s disappearances, however, we are seeking assistance from anyone who may even have moved to a different state or who may have some memory of this vehicle to come forward to police – you can remain anonymous through Crime Stoppers if you wish.
“It may seem like small or insignificant information from decades past – but it could help investigators solve these cases,” Det Ch Insp Thomas said.
Investigations under Strike Force Arapaima continue.
Anyone with information about any of these cold cases 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.
Police pleased with crowds as Operation Newcastle Supercars 2019 concludes
Police have praised the good behaviour of tens of thousands of race goers following a high-visibility operation at this year’s Coates Hire Newcastle 500.
Operation Newcastle Supercars 2019 commenced last Thursday (21 November 2019), to ensure the safety and security of competitors, officials and spectators throughout the event.
General duties officers from Newcastle City Police District and across Northern Region, the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operations Support Groups (OSG), Dog Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, Youth Command (PCYC), Marine Area Command, Police Transport Command and Traffic & Highway Patrol Command were involved in the operation.
Of note, officers attached to Operation Newcastle Supercars 2019 arrested four males on Saturday 23 November about 3.30pm following an incident inside the precinct near Watt and Scott Streets. All four were charged for a range of offences including drink liquor in ticketed area, offensive behaviour, use offensive language and resist arrest. They were all conditionally bailed to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 12 December 2019.
Operation Newcastle Supercars 2019 Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM, said he was extremely pleased to see the majority of spectators behave appropriately and enjoy themselves at the event over the weekend.
“Dozens of officers were out in force across the event footprint, focusing on road safety, crowd behaviour, and minimising the impact of the event on the local community,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
“We were quite happy with the behaviour of most people who attended the race, and it was great to see so many families return to the city this year in support of the Newcastle 500.
“Despite the forecast wet weather yesterday, spectators turned out in the thousands and enjoyed the Supercars finale while knowing their limits and respecting others around them.
“Police worked closely with Supercars, the City of Newcastle and Transport NSW before and during the event to create a safe and family-friendly atmosphere.
“There were a small number of race goers who engaged in anti-social behaviour and didn’t listen to the warnings. They tried to spoil the fun for others, but they were identified and quickly dealt with by officers, security and Supercars officials,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
Road safety was another focus of the operation, with police conducting 913 random breath tests and issuing 108 traffic infringement notices for offences including speeding, using a mobile phone whilst driving and not wearing a seatbelt.
“We will continue our presence on the roads in and around Newcastle and the Hunter today to ensure everyone’s journey home is a safe one,” Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell said.
“Our Traffic and Highway Patrol officers have done an excellent job this weekend, reminding drivers of the dangers of speeding, using a mobile phone behind the wheel and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“With the festive season just around the corner, we are reminding the public to leave the racing to the professionals on the track.
“We do not want to see any more tragedies on our roads and those that choose to engage in risky driver behaviour will face the full force of the law,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.
Special event clearways and road closures will remain in place throughout the week. Motorists are urged to visit www.livetraffic.com for more information.
Community Recovery Package for Farmers, Small Businesses & Non-Profit Organisations in NSW Communities Hit by Bushfires
Farmers and small businesses on the North Coast, Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands that were hit by the recent NSW bushfires can now access recovery grants of up to $15,000.
Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the $15,000 grants would help bushfire affected communities get back to doing what they do best.
“Getting back to business is one of the best ways to bounce back,” Minister Littleproud said.
“This will make sure businesses can open and people are back to work sooner.
“When money flows around a community it can help to speed up the whole recovery.
“An $18.25 million Community Recovery Fund has also been set up for targeted community project grants and mental health support.
“The mental toll on the community, volunteers and emergency service staff can linger long after the fires and they will need ongoing support.
“In addition the targeted grants will be available for projects that help with the recovery and improve disaster resilience.”
Premier of New South Wales, Gladys Berejiklian said that the assistance package is a commitment from both governments to not only assist the long term recovery effort of bushfire affected communities, but also the farming and business sectors by making available recovery grants of up to $15,000 to eligible primary producers and small businesses.
“The impact to communities has been evident over the last few weeks, however the extent of the impact to our farming and business sectors has not been fully quantified as these bushfires continue to burn.
“We also know the emotional impact a disaster like this can have on communities which is why we are committing $4.05 million to mental health services,” Premier Berejiklian said.
New South Wales Deputy Premier, John Barilaro said regional New South Wales is going through a difficult time with the drought biting hard and ferocious bushfires across the state.
“This funding is an important step towards helping communities recover and we will do everything we can to help regional families rebuild for the long run,” Mr Barilaro said.
New South Wales Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott said the State and Federal Governments are working together to help communities impacted by the recent bushfires get back on their feet as soon as possible.
“The Community Recovery Fund and the recovery grants will be targeted across three regions that have been identified as the worst affected,” Minister Elliott said.
Assistance is being provided through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
To apply for a recovery grant, primary producers and small businesses should contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit raa.nsw.gov.au.