A man will face court today charged over allegedly deliberately lighting a bushfire in the Lake Macquarie region.
Just after 5.30pm on Thursday 3 January 2019, emergency services were called to a suspicious fire in bushland near Fassifern Railway Station.
The fire was extinguished, and no one was injured.
The Financial Crimes Squad’s Arson Unit commenced an investigation under Strike Force Wollybutt.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives, with assistance of officers from Police Transport Command, arrested a 25-year-old man near Victoria Street Railway Station in East Maitland about 9.30am yesterday (Thursday 10 January 2019).
He was taken to Maitland Police Station, where he was charged with intentionally cause fire and be reckless as to its spread, receive/dispose stolen property, and goods suspected stolen.
Police will allege in court that the man deliberately lit fire, with 22 points of ignition identified across four areas of the fire ground.
Police will also allege in court that the man was in possession of and disposed of stolen bankcards in a bin at Fassifern Railway Station.
The man was refused bail and is due to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Friday 11 January 2019).
Police are also reminding people that they could face penalties if found responsible for the lighting of bushfires – accidental or otherwise.
Penalties relating to bushfires under the NSW Crimes Act, the Rural Fires Act, and Rural Fires Regulation include:
– Damaging property with the intention of endangering life – up to 25 years imprisonment;
– Manslaughter – up to 25 years imprisonment;
– Starting a bushfire and being reckless as to its spread – up to 21 years imprisonment.
Author: admin
$300 MILLION BOOST TO WESTERN SYDNEY ROAD UPGRADES
Western Sydney drivers will soon see shovels in the ground on more than $300 million worth of road upgrades to ease congestion and improve safety along major arterial roads in Prospect and Kellyville.
The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government today announced it will duplicate both the Prospect Highway between Reservoir Road at Prospect and St Martins Crescent at Blacktown and Memorial Avenue between Old Windsor Road and Windsor Road at Kellyville.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said work on the two major upgrades is now underway with the Government to start procurement on both projects immediately and construction to begin this year.
“Around 35,000 vehicles currently use the Prospect Highway each day, including around 5000 heavy vehicles, so it is great to see work will soon start on this important project,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Once complete the upgraded three kilometre section of the Prospect Highway will be widened to a four-lane divided road improving safety and travel times. The work will include upgrades to bridges across the M4 and Great Western Highway, and the on and off ramps to the M4.”
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is also building for future generations by upgrading Memorial Avenue in Kellyville.
“On Memorial Avenue work will be carried out to upgrade the existing 2.2 kilometre road to a four-lane divided road, with shared pedestrian and cyclist paths to be built on both sides of the road,” Mr Ayres said.
“This investment in Prospect Highway and Memorial Avenue will allow people to spend less time in traffic and more time at home and it is only being delivered because of the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals.”
Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor and Member for Baulkham Hills David Elliott have both welcomed the significant investment in roads in their electorates.
“The duplication of the Prospect Highway will make a huge difference to the lives of drivers who travel along this major road corridor each day,” Mr Taylor said.
“The upgrade of Memorial Avenue is a crucial project for the future of Kellyville and I can’t wait to see construction underway,” Mr Elliott said.
Police appeal for assistance to locate missing girl – Lake Macquarie
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a girl reported missing from a home in Lake Macquarie.
Carly Gibson, aged 11, was last seen at a house in Gradwells Road, Dora Creek, just before 6.30pm on Monday (7 January 2019).
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified when she failed to return home and commenced an investigation.
Police hold concerns for her welfare due to her age and believe she may be in the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle or Edgeworth areas.
Carly is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 145cm-150cm tall, of a medium build and with blonde hair and blue-grey eyes.
She was last seen wearing a yellow midriff top, grey cardigan, denim skirt, black hat, blue and pink tie-dye socks and black boots.
Anyone who sees Carly or has any information on her whereabouts are urged to come forward.
Police warn of phone scam
Police are issuing a warning for members of the public to be wary of potential phone scammers, who attempt to coax people into handing over their personal and financial details.
Officers from Camden Police Area Command have received reports from people who have received phone calls from someone claiming to represent either, NSW Police Force, or the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
The caller claims to be a police officer and tells the person that they have an outstanding ATO bill or debt that must be paid, or they will be arrested.
The number displayed on the caller identification is that of the local police station, and it is unclear how the scammers are utilising the actual number.
Police are warning members of the public to be wary of any requests for personal details or payments made over the phone and are urging them not to give any personal details or to transfer any money to people over the phone.
Community members are reminded that the Australian Taxation Office will never:
- threaten you with immediate arrest
- ask you to pay money to receive a refund or payment from us
- ask you to pay a debt via iTunes vouchers, or pre-paid credit card or store gift cards
- ask you to provide personal information, such as your tax file number (TFN) or credit card number, via email or SMS
- ask you to pay money into a personal bank account
- direct you to download files from the internet, or open attachments in unsolicited emails.
Further information can be found by clicking on the following link.
https://www.ato.gov.au/general/online-services/identity-security/verify-or-report-a-scam/
Furthermore, the following advice on how to protect yourself is provided by SCAMWATCH
Protect yourself
- If you receive a phone call out of the blue from someone claiming to be a representative of Telstra and their call relates to a problem with your internet connection, just hang up.
- If you have doubts about the identity of any caller who claims to represent a business, organisation or government department, contact the body directly. Don’t rely on contact details provided by the person – find them through an independent source such as a phone book or online search.
- Remember that you can still receive scam calls even if you have a private number or have listed your number on the Australian Government’s Do Not Call Register (link is external). Scammers can obtain your number fraudulently or from anywhere it has been publicly listed such as in a phone book.
- Don’t let scammers press your buttons – scammers use detailed scripts to convince you that they’re the real deal and create a high-pressure situation to make a decision on the spot.
- Always keep your computer security up to date with anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall. Only buy computer and anti-virus software from a reputable source.
- Never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source.
- Never give a stranger remote access to your computer, even if they claim to be from a reputable business.
- If you think your computer’s security has been compromised, use your security software to run a virus check. If you still have doubts, contact your anti-virus software provider or a computer specialist.
- If you think you have provided your account details to a scammer, contact your bank or financial institution immediately.
Report
- If you have lost money as a result of this type of scam, please report the matter to your local Police Station.
- You can also report scams to the ACCC via SCAMWATCH or report a scam page or by calling 1300 795 995.
NETBALL AND TENNIS BIG WINNERS IN OLYMPIC PARK UPGRADE
Netball and tennis players and fans are set to benefit from a major upgrade to create an international level facility for both sports in Western Sydney.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres today to announce the $50.5 million upgrade to the Tennis Centre at Sydney Olympic Park.
“This upgrade will provide better facilities for netball and tennis fans and athletes, and provide opportunities for both sports to meet growing demand especially in Western Sydney,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We know the Swifts and Giants netball teams have completely outgrown their existing facility, and a bigger and better venue is needed. This upgraded facility will have 10,000 seats, so more fans can support their team.”
As part of the upgrade, a new roof will be installed over Ken Rosewall Arena and Show Court 1 to create an all-weather high performance environment for both sports. A timber sprung floor will also be installed at the Arena, capable of hosting major netball events.
The upgrade will improve players’ facilities, lighting, ventilation, seating and public amenities.
Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said this upgrade will help secure major international sporting events as part of the Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 years strategy,
“We are bringing the best sporting events in the world to NSW, and this upgrade will allow us to host ATP Tennis World Team Cup event in January 2020.
“We want the best tennis players in the world playing in Western Sydney – and this upgrade is part of our strategy to make that happen.”
Netball NSW CEO Carolyn Campbell supported the announcement and said that by providing access to a purpose built facility, netball will continue to see strong growth.
“Netball is one of the top sports in NSW when it comes to participation, and is the
market leader for women and young girls. Sydney requires a fit for purpose indoor venue to accommodate our professional franchises, the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball.”
“Today’s announcement is a wonderful development, which will provide us with a much more cost-effective venue that also allows us to raise the number of people who will be able to watch our game at the elite level.”
Tennis NSW CEO Lawrence Robertson welcomed the news, stating that the upgrade will allow tennis to attract new events and the best international talent.
“The redevelopment of Ken Rosewall Arena and Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre is extremely exciting for tennis in NSW and for Sydney. It will ensure that the facility here remains one of the nation’s premier tennis facilities and allows us to bid for new world-class events such as the ATP World Team Cup,” said Mr Robertson.
“Sydney has a long tennis history and is home to one of the world’s oldest professional tennis tournaments. These upgrades will go a long way to ensure we are in the best possible position to continue that tradition when the biggest event outside of the Grand Slams makes its debut on the tennis calendar in January 2020
$100 CREATIVE KIDS VOUCHERS GO LIVE
As parents begin planning for the year ahead, they can now access Creative Kids vouchers, providing them with $100 for every school-age child to help cover the cost of enrolment for creative and cultural learning activities.
Parents can use one voucher for every school-age child per year to help meet the cost of structured creative and cultural activities, such as music lessons, languages, coding, drama and theatre, photography and graphic design.
Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello said the NSW Government’s Creative Kids program builds on the success of the Active Kids program, which is back this year, helping to reduce the cost of registration for sport and organised physical activity.
“The start of the school year is just around the corner and we are encouraging parents to get in early by jumping on the Service NSW website to register for their Creative Kids vouchers,” Mr Dominello said.
“Involvement in creative and cultural learning activities is critical to a child’s growth and development but the enrolment costs all add to the family budget and can be prohibitive.
“The NSW Government recognises that cost of living is a major issue for families and because of our strong budget position, we are proud to be providing this extra assistance for children to participate in these valuable creative and cultural programs.
“This program compliments the hugely popular Active Kids voucher and for a family with two children, Creative and Active Kids combined will save you $400 a year.”
There are still thousands of providers out there which could be eligible to be part of the Creative Kids program throughout 2019. The Government is calling on them to register with Service NSW so that parents can claim their vouchers with them.
Creative Kids is one of a raft of NSW Government initiatives helping to ease cost of living pressure for households. Others include cheaper Green Slips and refunds, free car registration for regular toll users and the FuelCheck app. Further information on how to register as a provider and the program is at www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/creative-kids
ACTIVE KIDS SAVING PARENTS MONEY AND TACKLING CHILDHOOD OBESITY
The NSW Government’s Active Kids program is now open for 2019 after an enormously successful first year, which saw families save more than $54 million in children’s sport, fitness and recreation activities.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said 540,000 of the $100 vouchers were redeemed in 2018 making sport more accessible for families and helping to reduce childhood obesity.
“We have made it a priority to reduce childhood overweight and obesity rates in NSW and now with Active Kids we have almost half of all school-enrolled kids enjoying the benefits of exercise,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It is clear the first year of the program has been a huge success and I want to see even more families take advantage of the vouchers and enroll their children in sport in 2019.
“The Active Kids program is just one of the ways the NSW Government is easing cost of living pressures on families. We also have our $100 Creative Kids vouchers, cheaper Green Slips, free and half priced car rego for toll road users.”
Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said parents can register for the Active Kids program again in 2019 by registering online to receive their $100 voucher to go towards membership expenses and fees.
“Active kids are happy and healthy kids and this program means that every child in the State has the opportunity to be fit and active,” Mr Ayres said.
Active Kids supports the Premier’s Priority to reduce overweight and obesity rates of children by five per cent over ten years.
There are 9600 approved Active Kids providers across NSW. For more information and a list of approved providers, visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/activekids
Greens call for emergency water measures in wake of unprecedented fish kill
The Federal Water Minister must force the NSW and QLD Governments to urgently invoke their powers and embargo the cotton industry’s water extraction from the Murray Darling Basin after widespread fish deaths, the Greens say.
“The Federal Water Minister must intervene and force an embargo on water extraction for cotton irrigation as a matter of urgency. The Federal and State Governments must act to stop over extraction, and lift the freeze on environmental water buybacks,” Greens environment and water spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“We need an emergency intervention to the unfolding ecological disaster in our river system. The NSW and QLD Water Ministers must use their emergency powers to embargo further water take for cotton irrigation.
“The Liberal National Party is trying to blame this on drought when in fact it is cotton, corruption and climate change killing these fish and our river. We should be putting people and the environment before big corporate cotton growers.
“Greedy cotton farmers upstream are still storing water and irrigating their crops. We are watching this river die along with the hundreds of thousands of fish floating along the banks of the lower Darling.
“There was a 1,000km algal bloom in 1991 and we did not see mass fish death at this scale. This is the clearest demonstration of what happens when a political culture of robbing the environment for corporate interests goes unchecked.
“We are spending $13 billion on the Murray Darling Basin Plan and it has failed at the first drought. This is the consequence of terrible mismanagement by all levels of government.
“Rivers die from the bottom up. The Coorong is dying, the Lower Darling is in the midst of ecological collapse. Our river won’t survive if we continue putting corporate irrigators above all else.
“The Murray Darling river system is the lifeblood of communities, from QLD to SA, and for too long governments have prioritised their big cotton grower mates over the environment and the communities who rely on the river to survive.
“There must be an immediate embargo on water extraction on the river if we are to have any hope of making positive steps in managing this precious resource.”
Consultations on a National Child Sex Offender Register
The Australian Government has commenced national consultations on a proposal to establish a National Public Register of Child Sex Offenders.
A National Public Register of Child Sex Offenders would be the first of its kind in Australia and would make certain information about child sex offenders available on a publicly accessible website.
Consultations have begun with state and territory governments and law enforcement agencies and will also involve non-government stakeholders.
The Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton said a register would be an important measure to improve protections for families and children.
“It would have a strong deterrent effect on offenders and ensure that parents are not in the dark about whether a registered sex offender has access to their children,” he said.
“The abuse and exploitation of children is a global epidemic that is becoming more prevalent, more organised and more extreme.
“Thwarting that exploitation is a key priority for me as Minister for Home Affairs. I have always fought for the protection of children and this is a battle that we must win.”
Some states and territories already publicly release information about child sex offenders in specific circumstances. However, a nationally consistent approach would afford nationwide community protection and ensure offenders cannot evade public scrutiny.
Reports of child sexual abuse and exploitation in Australia continue to rise – reports to the Australian Federal Police soared by 77 per cent in 2018 over 2017.
Mr Dutton said the Morrison Government was already making substantial efforts to protect children – including establishing the Australian Centre to Combat Child Exploitation – and a national public register of sex offenders would complement and enhance those efforts.
“It will send a clear message that Australia will not tolerate individuals preying on the most vulnerable members of the community – our children.
“I look forward to working with state and territory government and key non-government stakeholders on this important initiative,” Mr Dutton said.
Non-government stakeholders are expected to include the Law Council of Australia, National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, Carly Ryan Foundation, Bravehearts, the Alannah and Madeleine Foundation and other interested child protection and advocacy groups.
Welfare dependence drops to lowest level in 30 years
The proportion of working age Australians receiving welfare benefits has fallen to its lowest level in 30 years, Federal Minister for Families and Social Services Paul Fletcher said today.
New Department of Social Services analysis of recently released Australian Bureau of Statistics population data shows that 14.3 per cent of the working-age population was receiving working-age income support payments in June 2018.
This is a sharp drop on the previous year’s level of 15.1 per cent and markedly lower than the figure of 16.5 per cent when Labor left office.
“Our plan for a stronger economy is working,” Mr Fletcher said.
“We’ve created more than 1.2 million jobs and we’re getting people off welfare and into work.
“In fact, over the last year, full-time employment growth has accounted for 63.1 per cent of the total increase in employment.”
Mr Fletcher said the Government’s success stood in sharp contrast to Labor’s plan, announced today.
“Labor want to junk the principle of mutual obligation that has reduced welfare dependency to record lows and helped create 1.2 million new jobs. They want and consign many more Australians to a life of welfare dependency,” Mr Fletcher said.
“Labor’s plan means welfare payments would balloon again and they’d be paid for by higher taxes on those working.
“It’s taken sustained hard work by the Liberal National Government to steadily bring down the share of the working population which depends on welfare.
“But Labor’s announcement today confirms that if they get into government they will abandon our successful approach.
“The figures are very clear – the share of the working population on welfare always goes up under a Labor Government.”
Mr Fletcher said labour force participation increased to 65.7 per cent in November 2018, which was close to a record high.
“We’ve brought unemployment down from 5.7 per cent when Labor left office to 5.1 per cent,” Mr Fletcher said.
“The best form of welfare is a job – and today’s figures show that our plan to generate more jobs and get more Australians off of welfare is working.”