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The NSW Government is streamlining how Central Coast Council’s water and sewerage services are regulated and administered to support good governance and sound decision making.

Until now, Central Coast Council was in a unique position – the only council in NSW providing water services under two different legislative Acts, as well as being subject to price regulation by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).

A new Bill will eliminate red tape for the Council by removing regulatory double-up and complexity, paving the way for better governance.

It will provide a simpler and clearer regulatory framework for incoming Councillors and reduce costs, freeing Council up to perform its core role of providing essential services for the Central Coast.

Additionally, it will help resolve some of the complexity that contributed to Council being placed in administration in October 2020.

The Bill will also bring the provision and regulation of Central Coast Council’s water supply and sewerage services in-line with all other local governments across regional NSW and protect these utilities as publicly owned and managed assets.

It’s important to note the proposed changes will not have any material impact on customers. The Bill does not pursue privatisation or corporatisation and Council will retain control of services and infrastructure.

The changes are also specific to Central Coast Council and do not affect other councils or local water utilities across the state.

The Bill comes off the back of a 2022 Public Inquiry into Central Coast Council which included widespread public consultation, and a review into the Council’s water utility legislative and regulatory framework in 2023.

It aligns with stakeholder feedback, as well as the review’s findings and recommendations to simplify the framework and make it more efficient.

Specifically, the Bill will:

• Remove Council as a water supply authority under the Water Management Act
• Align the regulation of Council’s water supply and sewerage services more closely with the regulatory framework which applies to all other councils
• Retain IPART as the regulator of Council’s water supply and sewerage service prices to ensure adequate oversight of Council’s pricing
• Exempt Council from unnecessary and inefficient restrictions on money transfers between the water supply fund and the sewerage fund, to improve effective management of cash flow and debt funding
• Repeal redundant Acts to improve regulatory clarity.

Minister for Water, Rose Jackson said:

“These changes are long overdue and will give residents greater confidence that their water services are being properly managed.

“It comes after a Public Inquiry and a thorough review into Council’s administrative operations, and after listening to feedback from the entire community.

“This Bill is a great outcome and fantastic news for people across the Central Coast.”

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong, David Harris said:

“We welcome this Bill which will simplify how Central Coast Council can do its job and best serve its residents, businesses and customers.”

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley said:

“By simplifying processes we’re taking the focus off jumping through tricky hoops, and back onto getting the job done.

“Eliminating unnecessary obstacles will pave the way for more time to deliver the things that matter most to the people of the Central Coast.”

Member for The Entrance, David Mehan said:

“The great thing about our Bill is that it ensures our water service will remain locally owned and controlled while the simplification of regulation and IPART price oversight will make sure we are paying no more than we should for our water and sewer service.”

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said:

“I welcome the introduction of this Bill, which will eliminate red tape for Council, so that they can focus on what matters most, providing essential services for our Central Coast community.”

Under the Albanese Labor government, a record 547,300 migrants arrived in Australia in 2023, according to ABS data published today.

No government has ever brought as many migrants to Australia in a single year. As Australians struggle with finding a place to live, with congestion on our roads, and with pressure on services like seeing a GP, Labor’s record pace of migration is not sustainable.

Labor must take responsibility for their Big Australia policy. Australia experienced record migration in 2023 because this Labor Government issued a record number of visas.

In 2023, Labor issued:

• A record number of student visas (489,289)
• A record number of student visas to offshore applicants (342,180)
• A record number of Covid work visas despite the pandemic being over (136, 459)
• A record number of Temporary work visas (other) (405,817)
• 91,256 Temporary Graduate Visas

Before the election Anthony Albanese signalled that Labor would not back the return of mass immigration – but the numbers tell a different story.

Australians don’t trust Labor to manage immigration, and for good reason. It was Labor’s Ministerial Direction 99 that made it easier for criminal non-citizens to remain in Australia instead of being deported.

Labor also released hardened criminals from immigration detention, did not issue them with the correct visas and have not monitored them adequately. Community safety has suffered as a result.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil has promised that by July 1 Australia’s migration levels will return to normal, but on current figures it is impossible to see how. O’Neil told Sunrise on 10 April: “When we get to the 1st of July this year, and I’m talking about in a few months’ time, we will be back in a normal year of migration. We will have halved our migration rate as a country.”

The Coalition will rebalance Australia’s migration program to maximise the economic benefits of immigration while managing the impacts on housing, congestion, the environment, and government services.

A joint $40 million investment in Sydney’s historic Leichhardt Oval will deliver critical upgrades to ensure the safety and comfort of competitors and fans.

The Albanese Government recognises the significant contribution Leichhardt Oval has made, and continues to make, to sport in Australia. It is on track to host 120 sporting fixtures in 2024, including both men’s and women’s national rugby league matches and dozens of other sport events including women and girls’ soccer.

It is critical we invest in iconic local sporting venues like Leichhardt Oval for the benefit of players, spectators and the wider community.

These venues are a platform for elite women and girls’ sporting competitions, such as NRLW and Women’s A League. They have formed the pathways for so many athletes to go on to major national and international success.

Leichhardt Oval has become increasingly expensive to maintain and significant upgrades are required to ensure it can continue to host elite, amateur and grassroots sporting events and training.

The $40 million investment will draw on the Inner West Council’s Leichhardt Oval Masterplan and includes upgrades to:

• New female-friendly change rooms.
• Increased seating capacity of 3,000.
• A new northern grandstand.

The Commonwealth, State and Local governments have formed a funding partnership to secure the future of Leichhardt Oval. The Commonwealth is committing $20 million to the project, with the NSW Government and the Inner West Council investing $10 million each towards the upgrade.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“There’s nothing better than sitting on Wayne Pearce Hill at Leichhardt Oval.

“My Government understands the important role suburban grounds play in the quality of life for Australians.

“This investment will not only be great for the Wests Tigers, but will see Leichardt Oval continue to be a hub for school, women and girls’ sport.

“Leichhardt Oval is a place where the faithful can go along and cheer their local sporting teams, and this funding from all three levels of government will ensure that spirit is preserved.”

Minister for Sport Anika Wells

“Leichhardt Oval has a rich history in Australian sport, and we want to see that continue.

“So many Australians have fond memories of not just watching the Tigers’ NRL and NRLW teams but soccer games and a range of women’s sporting events.

“It’s time for this iconic oval to receive the love it deserves, so I welcome our partnership with the NSW Government and the Inner West Council to deliver these significant upgrades.

“Players and fans will be able to make new memories and enjoy the facilities at the oval for generations to come.”

New South Wales Minister for Sport Steve Kamper

“Today we are joining all levels of Government to future-proof Leichhardt Oval.

“Whilst Leichhardt Oval is the spiritual home of the Wests Tigers, this oval has become much more than that. It has become a true community hub and a home for women’s sport.

“The NSW Government is committed to increasing the participation of women and young girls in sport. This funding will ensure the stadium can deliver fit-for-purpose facilities for the next generation of elite, amateur and grassroots athletes.”

A man will face Court after being charged following a police pursuit in the state’s Hunter Region.

About 11:05am today (Tuesday 4 June 2024), police were called to Finney Close, Rutherford, following reports of a man allegedly acting suspiciously near a white utility.

The vehicle drove off before officers from the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District arrived.

A short time later, the vehicle which had been reported as stolen, was located on High Street, Maitland.

Officers activated their lights and sirens and attempted to stop the utility.

When the vehicle failed to stop a short pursuit was initiated, before being terminated due to safety concerns.

A short time later the vehicle was found abandoned on the riverbank.

A man, aged 28, was arrested nearby and taken to Maitland Police Station.

He was charged with seven offences – steal motor vehicle, take and drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, police pursuit – not stop – driver dangerously, drive whilst disqualified, goods in custody, possess housebreaking implements and custody of a knife in a public place.

The man was refused bail to appear before Maitland Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 5 June 2024).

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Hunter Valley.

Connor Hodder, 21, was last seen leaving a hospital on Metford Rd, Metford at 2:30pm yesterday (Monday 3 June 2024).

When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Connor’s welfare.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, thin build, with short brown hair.

Connor was last seen wearing a grey and black jumper, black shorts and sneakers.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

City of Newcastle has secured the long-term protection of a significant wetland and woodland area, which forms an essential link in the biodiversity corridor between Stockton and the Watagans.

City of Newcastle signed a Conservation Agreement with the NSW Government for the 22-hectare parcel of land, which is located at Black Hill on the western edge of the internationally recognised Hexham Wetlands. 

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the agreement follows the unanimous endorsement of Council last year and is the first major outcome of City of Newcastle’s Newcastle Environment Strategy.

“Newcastle has a well earnt reputation as a leader in local government when it comes to protecting our precious natural environment,” Cr Nelmes said.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and her father, former Deputy Lord Mayor Paul Scobie, exploring the Black Hill site in 2016.”I visited this site in 2016 with my father, a forthright environmentalist and former Councillor, and was amazed by the rich diversity of its flora and fauna.

“This land is the gem of the north-west, providing an essential link in a biodiversity corridor identified in both regional and NSW plans.

“I acknowledge the NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe and her support as we work with the NSW Government through the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust.

“The Conservation Agreement will allow us to preserve this area in perpetuity, securing resilient homes for internationally significant migratory species and protecting state significant ecosystems in one of the largest east coast estuaries.

“We also acknowledge the cultural significance of this area of land to the Awabakal and Worimi, people and will meaningfully partner with our Traditional Custodians through our Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee on ongoing planning and management activities at this site.”

The coastal freshwater wetland and associated woodland is one of only two land parcels containing remnant riparian native vegetation along the vast perimeter of Hexham Wetlands.

The site is rich with a diverse array of important flora and fauna populations and contains high conservation value habitat, including the Lower Hunter Spotted Gum-Ironbark Forest, which is classified as an endangered ecological community.

A number of threatened species are associated with the parcel of land, including the grey-headed flying-fox, black-neck stork and netted bottle brush.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes Minister Penny Sharpe and Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen.NSW Environment Minister, Penny Sharpe, said it’s a fantastic result to see this area come under permanent protection.

“It has long-held significance to the Awabakal and Worimi people and has important ecological, cultural and social significance for Novocastrians and the Hunter community,” Minister Sharpe said.

“The conservation management actions City of Newcastle will take with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust will preserve these wetland and woodland environments for the future. They leave a lasting legacy.”

Protecting the parcel of land aligns with three of the priorities from City of Newcastle’s Environment Strategy, including building a network of high-quality blue and green spaces to connect town centres and residential areas for enhanced liveability and biodiversity outcomes.

The value of the site has also been recognised and accommodated by Transport for NSW in its design of the adjacent extension of the M1 motorway.

Cr Nelmes said she wants to see that consideration extended to other forms of transport.

“The proposed alignment of a Lower Hunter Freight Corridor cuts across the northern boundary of the land parcel so we’re hoping this Conservation Agreement will be taken into consideration during the final design phase,” Cr Nelmes said.

Lake Macquarie boaters can look forward to the Swansea Channel remaining safe and navigable with stage two of dredging underway.

13,000 cubic metes of sand will be removed from the Drop Over, Swan Bay entrance and Dog Leg over the coming weeks.

Dredging is expected to be completed in July, provided there are no delays. The sand will be placed on Elizabeth Island. 

This is the second of a two-stage dredging campaign funded by the NSW Government last year.

These works follow a successful first round of dredging which saw 16,690 cubic metres of sand removed from the three areas to create a 30-metre-wide channel, extending from the Dog Leg southeast of Elizabeth Island, up to the Drop Over northwest of the Swan Bay Entrance.

Work continues on a 10-year strategy to ensure timely, regular dredging work is conducted and allow the dredged sand to be used to revitalise Blacksmiths Beach.

Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley said:

“This clearly demonstrates a shift in the approach to dredging under the NSW Labor Government with proactive dredging taking place before the Channel becomes unnavigable. 

“This latest campaign is welcome news for the community, and I look forward to working with Minister Haylen in advancing the 10-year dredging strategy to deliver long-term certainty for local boaters”.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s Hunter Region

Gavin Wellard, aged 54, was last seen in Broadmeadow about 5pm yesterday (Friday 24 May 2024).

When he could not be contacted or located, officers attached to Newcastle Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare due to him living with a number of health conditions.

Gavin is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, medium build, short brown hair and unshaven.

It is not known what he maybe wearing.

Gavin is known to frequent the Broadmeadows area.

Anyone with information into Gavin’s whereabouts is urged to call Newcastle Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The NSW Government is today announcing the plans and design for the new $3 million Helensburgh Police Station, fulfilling an election commitment support our frontline workers and invest in essential services.

The new Helensburgh Police Station will replace the existing demountable site on Waratah Street and will accommodate up to eight officers on any shift. Previously, just three officers could be accommodated.

The modular design will manage and hold all the required operational policing equipment, provide secure parking for police vehicles and stand as a modern and permanent facility to replace the previous building that is no longer fit for purpose.

A first response police vehicle will be stationed at the new site, providing 24/7 coverage of the area and a dedicated, highly visible resource. The region is also supported by specialist resources.

The new station will increase Wollongong Police District’s ability to maintain a visible presence and support community safety in the northern sector of the Command.

It will also see officers return to the area as the current demountable is not operational due to not meeting work health and safety standards. Currently, officers are deployed from Wollongong to the northern suburbs.

The NSW Labor Government promised to upgrade the existing Helensburgh Police Station during its first term, if elected to form government in 2023. Today, the Government is delivering on that important commitment.

The demolition of the current police station is set to begin next month.

The NSW Government is committed to the long-term plan of reinvesting in our essential services with both physical infrastructure as well as the people who run the services the people of NSW need.

It builds on our commitment to attract more people to the force to address the chronic shortage of officers left by the former government by:

• abolishing the wages cap;
• setting up a new scheme to pay students to study to become an officer; and
• two recently announced programs specifically aimed at attracting both experienced officers and regional recruits.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Our government is reinvesting in our essential workers and our frontline services.

“Policing is a very difficult job. It’s not an easy profession, and this government is committed to ensuring our police officers have the facilities they need to keep people safe.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“After more than a decade of empty promises and inaction from the previous Liberal Government, this Labor Government is finally ending the talk and starting construction.

“For too long, the Helensburgh community has been served a forever promise. The new Helensburgh Police Station shows this Government’s commitment to supporting community safety and ensuring our hardworking police have the facilities and resources they need.

“Our police work tirelessly to serve and protect their community and I am determined to support them in every way I can. That’s why we’ve announced a suite of recruitment measures, including paid study, to get more boots on the ground and help prevent crime.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart said:

“I am delighted that after 12 years of inaction by the former government that Helensburgh will now have an upgraded police station and room for officers and vehicles based there to serve the Northern Illawarra.

“I thank the people of Helensburgh and the Northern Illawarra for your belief in me when committing to deliver an upgraded Police Station for this wonderful community at the 2023 election.

“I’m proud to be part of a government that is getting on with the job of providing a police presence in the Northern Illawarra that is effective for the community and the police officers serving in the area.

“The government, community and police are looking forward to this upgrade and we are looking forward to its completion, with Police staffed locally in this station.  The people of Helensburgh and Northern Illawarra deserve nothing less.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM said:

“This new station will provide a much-needed presence in the northern suburbs of Wollongong, allowing officers to respond to the growing needs of residents.

“Up to eight officers can work from the purpose-built station, which will provide modern facilities for police to operate from.

“The people of the Illawarra will now have greater access to policing and the new station will service their needs providing a high visibility presence in the community.”

The sad news from Labor’s weak and poorly-received Budget is that economists have all broadly predicted that inflation will only get worse because of federal government policies.

The primary problem with the Budget is that it hands out subsidies to cover to the cost of rising household and business costs – subsides needed because government policy is increasing the price of everything.

Economist Chris Richardson said: “You can’t subsidise your way to low inflation”. 

As Senator Malcolm Roberts said on Sky News’ panel during budget night: “Subsidies add to inflation because sellers know the subsidies exists and just raise their prices to eat that subsidy up.” 

The Reserve Bank has stated that rent subsidies add a serious component to the rate of housing inflation. 

At every turn, every Labor government policy setting is adding to the cost of living, the cost of housing and the cost of doing business. This Budget just kicks inflation down the road for a few months. 

As one analogy goes, an attempt to spend your way out of a recession is like standing in a bucket and trying to lift yourself up. Subsidies is one way the government is trying to mask the fact Australia is in a ‘per capita’ recession. 

Like everything that Labor touches, people’s lives are suffering, and Labor only makes things worse.