Two teenagers have been charged with numerous property offences as part of Operation Regional Mongoose.
About 3.00am today (Friday, 10 November), two 14-year-old boys were captured on CCTV allegedly attempting to break into a home at Oxley Vale, near Tamworth.
A short time later the pair allegedly broke into another property, stealing a car and other personal items.
About 4:30am, the stolen white Hyundai i30 was captured on CCTV outside Tamworth Police Station. A review of footage allegedly showed one of the teens damaging two parked police vehicles.
About 8.50am, the stolen car was located at Jesmond Shopping Village, near Newcastle.
Just after 10.30am, officers located the two teenagers at the shopping centre and they were arrested and taken to Waratah Police Station.
One 14-year-old was charged with breach of bail, enter enclosed land with intent, drive conveyance without consent and aggravated break, enter and steal in company.
The second 14-year-old was charged with enter enclosed land with intent, be carried in conveyance without consent, aggravated break, enter and steal in company and malicious damage (two counts)
Both boys were refused bail to appear in a Childrens Court today.
With summer only a few weeks away, NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs can apply for up to $5.25 million for new and improved facilities following the opening of the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program.
This program has also just been boosted with an additional $5 million in funding in the 2023-2024 NSW State Budget, with a total of $16 million allocated to the program over 4 years.
Clubs can receive grants up to $1 million for the upgrade, restoration or construction of these critical surf life saving facilities.
The program not only keeps Surf Life Saving Clubs modern and accessible but also helps surf life savers better protect beachgoers.
The program features 3 categories with Category 1 closing on Monday 11 December 2023 and Categories 2 and 3 closing on Wednesday 31 January 2024.
“NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs deliver a world-class service, protecting swimmers in the water and keeping people safe at the beach.
“That’s why we have increased funding for this program, to ensure our Surf Life Saving Clubs are modern, inclusive and accessible, enabling people from all sections of the community to participate.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“Rain, hail or shine, surf lifesavers never waver in their commitment to protecting the community and the NSW Government will continue to support them in the incredible work they do.
“With more people enjoying our beautiful beaches during the warmer months, we are investing in these facility upgrades to support our dedicated lifesaving volunteers.”
President of Surf Life Saving NSW Peter Agnew said:
“We are pleased to see the NSW Government acknowledge and support the amazing contribution made by our volunteer lifesavers and surf clubs in NSW.
“Our lifesavers and Nippers deserve safe, secure facilities in which to train and store vital rescue equipment, as well as somewhere accessible which welcomes the community in to be part of our great and iconic movement.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has visited the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency to recognise the courage, skill and dedication of emergency management personnel and to discuss further cooperation on disaster resilience and management.
With over 100 years of mateship, Australia and the United States have a proud history of helping each other in times of need, including when faced with natural disasters.
Most recently, the United States provided significant firefighting support to Australia during the Black Summer bushfires, and Australia provided a large firefighting air tanker to Idaho to assist in firefighting across six states.
In May, Australia’s National Emergency Management agreed strengthened arrangements with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. These arrangements will increase collaboration to improve our emergency response, including through formal sharing of best practice, employee exchanges and other mutually beneficial programs across the full spectrum of natural disasters.
This complements the Climate, Critical Minerals, and Clean Energy Transformation Compact, which will see Australia and the United States collaborate to address domestic and regional climate risks, including increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
Prime Minister Albanese met with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:
“I am pleased to visit the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency and meet with Administrator Criswell.
“Our communities are already experiencing the devastating impacts of climate change, from wildfires in Hawai’i to bushfires in Victoria and NSW.
“As our recent Climate Compact demonstrates, Australia is committed to addressing the domestic, regional and international challenges of a changing climate with our partners.”
Australia has reimposed targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 19 Iranian individuals and 57 entities for their role in Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.
These sanctions were previously imposed under United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2231 and will now be listed under Australia’s autonomous sanctions framework. This is consistent with the approach taken by international partners.
In addition, a further three individuals and 11 entities were listed, due to their association with persons or entities sanctioned under UNSC Resolution 2231.
The Albanese Government is working deliberately and strategically to apply pressure on the Iranian regime for failing to uphold its international obligations, including its nuclear-related commitments.
Iran’s proliferation of ballistic and cruise missiles raises tensions in an already volatile region.
Iran must cease its escalatory actions in its nuclear program and recommit to full compliance with its nuclear-related commitments.
This includes reversing all steps away from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and allowing the International Atomic Energy Agency to completely verify Iran’s peaceful use of nuclear technology.
These sanctions demonstrate Australia’s commitment to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and determination to work with our international partners.
Stockton residents are celebrating the arrival of a 75-metre-long dredger spraying a rainbow of sand off the coastline, as it works to buffer the area from further coastal erosion.
The Danish vessel Trud R, named after the daughter of Norse god and protector Thor, arrived in Newcastle over the weekend to begin depositing an initial 100,000 cubic metres of amenity sand to help renourish Stockton Beach.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes joined Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty, Minister for Hunter Yasmin Catley, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP and members of the Stockton Community Liaison Group today to watch the long-awaited process in action.
“The commencement of amenity sand nourishment represents a significant milestone for the Stockton community and City of Newcastle as we continue to work with the NSW Government to protect Stockton’s coastline,” Cr Nelmes said.
“From City of Newcastle’s development of the state’s first certified Coastal Management Program to the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering $21 million for mass sand nourishment, our work to protect the coastline has been a collaborative effort between the local community and three levels of government.”
Sand for amenity nourishment is being sourced from the outer channel of Newcastle Harbour, then strategically placed by rainbowing, a process that involves jetting a sand slurry from the dredger into the near shore zone at the southern end of Stockton Beach. The duration of the work is dependent on weather conditions.
City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Planning and Environment, Michelle Bisson, said the work that began today is the next step towards long-term mass sand nourishment.
“We’re pleased to see the beginning of amenity nourishment for Stockton, which will see 100,000 cubic metres of sand provide a buffer from further erosion,” Ms Bisson said.
“While this important work is undertaken, further investigation and planning into sourcing 2.4 million cubic metres of sand required for mass sand nourishment will be managed by the NSW Government.”
Chair of the Stockton Community Liaison Group, Barbara Whitcher, said the community is pleased the next stage of work for Stockton’s coastline has commenced.
“It’s great to see that, at long last, additional sand is going to be placed near the beach to help prevent further erosion at Stockton,” Ms Whitcher said.
“We’re grateful to the Federal Government and City of Newcastle for the funding provided for the first step towards long-term sand nourishment.”
Amenity sand nourishment at Stockton is being delivered by Department of Regional NSW and NSW Public Works and was made possible by a $6.2 million grant obtained by the NSW Government through the Coastal Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program, which includes $4.7 million from the Federal Government and $1.5 million from City of Newcastle.
The grant also funds the studies into viable sources of sand from the North Arm of the Hunter River and offshore sources, in addition to the environmental approvals needed for mass sand nourishment.
To further protect Stockton’s coastline until mass sand nourishment takes place, the construction of a buried protection structure at the southern end of the existing Mitchell Street seawall is underway.
The draft Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program, which includes an expanded list of management actions to support the long-term strategy of mass sand nourishment, is in the final phase of development ahead of public exhibition in 2024.
The draft Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program will broaden the geographical area covered by the program to include the northern end of Stockton Beach from Meredith Street to the Port Stephens Local Government Area boundary.
The NSW Government is ramping up its efforts to have fewer development applications (DAs) withdrawn and to get more people into homes sooner by releasing new guidelines for councils.
Figures show 95% of DAs move through councils however, 9040 applications have been withdrawn since July 2021 averaging 70 withdrawals per council.
While some councils had no withdrawals, 15 councils had more than 200 withdrawals.
The new guidelines will help address the state’s housing shortfall and ensure the DA process is not delaying the pipeline of housing projects across NSW.
Under the guidelines councils will be required to accelerate DA assessment timeframes and not request unnecessary information or unnecessarily ask applicants to withdraw DA proposals.
The guidelines also require councils to direct adequate resources to their planning and assessment teams to fast-track DA assessments.
NSW will require approximately 900,000 additional homes by 2041.
National Housing Accord data indicates the state has a projected housing construction shortfall of 376,000 homes over 5 years.
The Minns Government will monitor the performance of councils in assessing development applications to ensure they are meeting expectations outlined in the new guidelines.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“We want to support councils by providing guidelines that make it clearer about when it is appropriate to withdraw a DA and when it is not.
“This clarity is needed to get more homes delivered and to clear what’s approved.”
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:
“It’s beyond belief that more than 9000 DAs have been withdrawn since July 2021 and it’s definitely not acceptable in the middle of a housing crisis.
“I’m concerned there may be instances of councils asking applicants to withdraw applications rather than assessing them, in a bid to reduce their DA processing timeframes.
“Council staff should make every effort to resolve issues before asking applicants to withdraw DAs, which can ultimately lead to less housing stock.
“We need to increase our housing supply in NSW, and we need to act now to speed up the DA process.
“Councils have a critical role in the planning process and we need them to work with us to get more people into homes sooner across our state.”
Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said:
“The only way we’re going to get people off the housing waitlist is by getting them into homes. We need to do everything we can to expedite the delivery of more housing.
“These reforms are a strong step in the right direction to help build a reliable supply of social and affordable housing in NSW.”
Newcastle will become the destination of choice for Australia’s regional tourism industry today, with more than 230 representatives from across the country travelling to the city for their annual conference.
City of Newcastle vied against 30 other destinations to secure the highly-coveted 2023 Australian Regional Tourism convention, which will be held at City Hall from 10-12 October.
It is one of 11 large-scale business events being hosted in Newcastle this month, which will see more than 2800 delegates inject over $3.5 million into the local economy.
With an additional $9 million windfall expected as a result of the upcoming visit by global music icon Paul McCartney, October is shaping up to deliver a major economic boom thanks to City of Newcastle’s strategic partnerships.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle’s evolution into a destination of choice for the business and major events markets was reaping rewards for the local economy.
“Major events and business tourism are key elements of City of Newcastle’s Destination Management Plan, as primary drivers of the local visitor economy,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Newcastle offers broad appeal as a host destination for large-scale business events, with world-class conferencing and meeting facilities as well as a range of quality accommodation options including luxury hotels.
“In addition, major events deliver immediate and ongoing benefits for the community and economy, with greater visitation, investment and liveability outcomes.”
The packed Australian Regional Tourism convention program will discuss everything from the latest trends in tourism and travel data to the opportunities in tourism driven by accessibility, sustainability, wellness, business and artificial intelligence.
City of Newcastle will also share its expertise with presentations on developing your destination proposition, while local tourism operators CoastXP, Newy Rides and Earp Distilling Co will share their success stories in a panel facilitated by Newcastle Tourism Industry Group Chair Michael Stamboulidis.
City of Newcastle Destination & Economy Manager Georgia Lazzari said the national conference provided an opportunity for local councils, regional tourism organisations, tourism professionals, business and government personnel to share, collaborate and learn.
“The conference is a wonderful chance to learn from the experiences of our colleagues in this sector, expand our networks and showcase just what our city has to offer including our incredible local tourism operators and business events venues,” Ms Lazzari said.
Australian Regional Tourism chair Coralie Bell said the convention presents an exciting opportunity to highlight Newcastle’s development as a tourism destination of choice.
“We are thrilled to be working with the City of Newcastle to deliver the 2023 Australian Regional Tourism Convention,” Ms Bell said.
“Newcastle is renowned for its innovative and creative community and vibrant cultural history, whilst its evolution as an events city has stepped up a notch recently with various major events being secured. This is all integral to the shaping of a thriving visitor economy.”
Disaster assistance will be made available in the Bega Valley Shire Local Government Area (LGA) following severe bushfires on 3 October 2023.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the bushfire across the Bega Valley area caused significant damage.
“For many in the Bega Valley the threat of bushfires is still fresh from Black Summer,” Minister Watt said.
“This early assistance will begin the recovery process for those directly affected, as we continue to collect information to understand the full impacts of the fires. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Minns government, ready to support communities.”
NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the assistance will support communities, landowners, farmers, and primary producers to help in the clean-up and recovery from the bushfires.
“It is important that we open up this funding and support so impacted councils and some residents get their lives back on track,” Minister Dib said.
Assistance available under the DRFA may include:
Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply).
Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations.
This morning, the Home Affairs Minister asked the Secretary of her Department, Michael Pezzullo, to stand aside while an Australian Public Service Commission investigation is undertaken into the allegations reported overnight.
Mr Pezzullo has agreed to step aside pending the independent review.
Former Australian Public Service Commissioner Lynelle Briggs will be conducting the inquiry.
Stephanie Foster will act as the Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs.
Denistone Station has entered a new era with the completion of vital accessibility upgrades, while honouring the site’s history.
The upgrade includes two new lifts connecting the station entry to the platforms, while accessible paths from the new lifts to the boarding assistance zones have been upgraded.
New station canopies and accessible seating have been installed on both platforms, while handrails have been adjusted to meet current standards.
A commuter drop-off space has been established on Gordon Crescent, along with a new accessible parking space. Footpaths to the station have also been regraded to accessible standards.
Two new accessible bathrooms are now operational within the existing station building, along with upgrades to CCTV, lighting and wayfinding.
Transport for NSW also responded to community requests to see the station’s Inter-War style with Art Deco influences retained, reinstating the heritage awning at the entrance and windows to the platform waiting room.
Opening day at the new station will see a smoking ceremony, Red Set vintage train rides and a free sausage sizzle for residents and visitors.
“Creating an accessible, reliable public transport system is my top priority.
“Improvements like this one reflect our commitment to creating a safe and accessible network.”
Member for Bennelong Jerome Laxale said:
“Denistone is a small station, but with an incredible history. It’s served commuters for over 85 years, but now for the first time, it will be fully accessible for everyone.
“We’ve had to campaign long and hard for every accessibility upgrade in the Ryde area. Residents in Denistone have been advocating for this upgrade since before I joined Ryde Council in 2012, now they will be able to make the most of these improvements.
“I’m also pleased we now have a State Labor Government that will fight for accessible stations that are as good as this one, across NSW.”
