Month: June 2019

City to seek clarification about offshore sand extraction

City of Newcastle will seek clarification on the NSW Government’s position on offshore sand extraction for nourishment and replenishment of Stockton Beach, following a successful Lord Mayoral Minute at last night’s Council meeting.
The minute cited advice from the UNSW’s Water Research Laboratory (WRL), commissioned by the NSW Government’s Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), identifying offshore sand extraction as one of the only viable methods for large-scale beach nourishment along the open coast.
Stockton-damage-inside-release-(1).jpg
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that despite the expert advice, the NSW Government’s position remained unclear.
“A recent NSW Government-sponsored report identifies offshore sand extraction as possibly the only method to renourish Stockton Beach, however it remains unclear whether the NSW Government will support the use of this mechanism as a part of City of Newcastle’s Coastal Management Program,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“I want to thank the Stockton Community Liaison Group and the Newcastle Coastal Planning Working Group for the work they have done to date to address coastal erosion at Stockton.
“This minute, supported by the City of Newcastle, and the groups currently assisting to develop our coastal management programs, simply seeks clarification about the use of offshore sand extraction for the replenishment of sand at Stockton Beach.
“It is clear from my discussions with both groups that clarity from the NSW Government is urgently needed to move forward with our vital coastal planning and management.”
Ron Boyd, a Stockton-based expert on coastal erosion, and member of the liaison group and the Newcastle Coastal Planning Working Group, said clarification of the supply of marine sand for beach replenishment was a critical component of NSW coastal councils’ response to the Coastal Management Act of 2016.
“The severe sand erosion problem at Stockton can only be remediated by sand replenishment,” Associate Professor Boyd said. There are limited options for sourcing this sand and the marine option may prove to be the most suitable and cost effective.
“I’m aware that there’s an abundance of sand available on the inner shelf off Newcastle for this purpose, as well as a large sand deposit accumulating seaward of Nobbys Beach.
“Many coastal councils would also be considering this option, and in the short window available to draft Coastal Management Programs, it’s critical to identify if this option is available and how to proceed to include it.”
For more information about City of Newcastle’s coastal planning processes, visit our website: http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Living/Environment/Coast/Coastal-Planning
A copy of UNSW’s Water Research Laboratory’s ‘Guidelines for Sand Nourishment: Science and Synthesis for NSW can be accessed here: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/-/media/OEH/Corporate-Site/Documents/Water/Coasts/sand-nourishment-guidelines-science-synthesis-nsw.pdf

Green tick for new city budget

City of Newcastle will invest $32 million into sustainable waste measures and deliver major infrastructure projects, cultural facilities and workforce development under a new budget adopted by Council tonight.
Delivering a $12 million surplus, the $297 million City budget features a strong focus on environmental outcomes via a $12.35 million organics recycling facility that will divert thousands of tonnes of waste from landfill and save ratepayers an estimated $5.5m in state levies over the next six years.
The 2019-20 budget also sees the City ‘balancing the books’ by not relying on reserve funds for any services or works projects, as adequate revenue is generated.
“The adoption of tonight’s budget formalises a sustainable financial blueprint for the next 12 months and beyond,” the Lord Mayor said.
“It offers significant investment in major sustainability projects, while still delivering essential projects and services that the community expects from local government.
“Forty per cent of our $81 million works budget is committed to environmental initiatives, including new waste facilities, improvements to recreational parks and continued coastal revitalisation.
“Our budget includes a $32 million investment in the expansion of the Summerhill Waste Management Centre, including the organics facility and a $6 million resource recovery centre which allow the City to generate new income from the sale of organic and other recycled materials.”
Other highlights of the newly adopted budget include:

  • $21.6 million investment in City parks and recreation,
  • $14.8 million on cultural facilities ($2.3 million on Newcastle Art Gallery, $2.3 million on Newcastle Museum, $8 million on Civic Theatre)
  • $13.8 million on road infrastructures projects; and
  • $10 million in library services and upgrades
  • $5 million towards replacing outdated fleet
  • $2.5 million on graduate apprentice and trainee recruitment.
  • $2 million on Smart City projects
  • $1.5 million towards improving development application processing

The Lord Mayor said the 2019-20 budget was a strong indicator of the City’s sound financial position.
“Financial sustainability is one of the foundations of good government and this budget will guide our revenue and expenditure balance over the next 12 months to help maintain our strong financial position,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The income and spending outlined in this budget will allow us to deliver the many essential services expected of the city as well as helping to deliver improvements to many areas of business.
“Delivering a surplus that equates to 3.9 per cent of our forecast income of $309 million ensures that we have the required financial flexibility to address unforeseen events, such as natural disasters.
Twenty-four submissions were made on 32 different matters in the draft 2019-20 Our Budget and draft 2019-20 Fees and Charges Register.

Australia can't follow Trump into another disastrous war in the Middle East

The Australian Greens are gravely concerned at reports today that the Morrison Government is considering joining Donald Trump in his counter-productive and erratic so-called strategy to pressure Iran.
Australian Greens Leader Richard Di Natale said: “Donald Trump is a dangerous President and could easily start another needless war in the Middle East.  His inflammatory language and reports of aborted military strikes clearly demonstrate the danger he poses. Prime Minister Morrison needs to make clear at the G20 Summit in Japan this weekend that Australia will not have a bar of another disastrous US war.”
“Both the Coalition and the ALP are at risk of sleepwalking into another deadly and costly military entanglement in the Middle East. We need leadership now, not politicians who unquestionably follow the US into all its military follies. The stakes could not be higher.”

Aggravated armed robbery – Stockton

A man has been injured during an aggravated armed robbery in Stockton overnight.
About 11.30pm (Wednesday 26 June 2019), two men entered a licenced premises on Fullerton Street, Stockton, armed with what’s believed to be a rifle and a tomahawk.
The two men threatened patrons and staff, during which a 40-year-old man received a small laceration to the face.
One of the men demanded cash from a staff member before the pair fled the scene in a vehicle.
A car was later found well alight at Pitt Street Reserve, Stockton.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District arrived and established two crime scenes.
The 40-year-old man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics; no one else was injured.
Police are now appealing for anyone with information or anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the area at that time to come forward.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

NORTH WEST METRO MARKS ONE MONTH AS TBM PREPARES TO GO UNDER THE HARBOUR

More than 1.8 million journeys have been completed in the first month of operation on the new North West Metro, which has already helped to ease pressure on our roads and the existing rail network.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the North West Metro has been an incredible success and it is just a taste of what is to come with the turn-up-and-go services being extended under the harbour and through the CBD.
“Since opening one month ago there has been an average of 65,000 journeys on weekdays, taking people off motorways, buses and the existing rail network,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Over the past month 20,000 fewer cars used the M2 compared to the same time last year and up to a 20 per cent fall in usage at key stations on the T1 Western Line.
“This demonstrates the enormous community benefits of Metro and now delivery of the next stage is underway, with a Tunnel Boring Machine almost ready to start digging the second harbour rail crossing.”
Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Kathleen will be launched from Barangaroo next month to dig the historic rail crossing deep under Sydney Harbour.
Ms Berejiklian and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance joined workers 30 metres underground to complete the final inspection of TBM Kathleen.
“Not since Bradfield delivered the Sydney Harbour Bridge almost a century ago has there been a vision for public transport on the scale of Sydney Metro,” Mr Constance said.
“Now, TBM Kathleen is shaping Sydney’s future as she gets ready to build the first railway tunnels under Sydney Harbour.
“This is the next stage of Sydney Metro which will deliver a turn-up-and-go Metro service stretching 66 kilometres from Rouse Hill in the North West to Bankstown in the South West and the CBD in between.”
The 975 tonne tunnel boring machine was assembled deep under Barangaroo and will start digging the first of twin one-kilometre tunnels, 40 metres below the Harbour at its deepest.
This specialised TBM is named after Kathleen Butler, who played a vital role in the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as the technical advisor to legendary engineer John JJC Bradfield.
TBM Kathleen will join the four borers currently digging from Marrickville and Chatswood towards the harbour’s edge.
Together, all five TBMs will deliver twin 15.5 kilometre rail tunnels for Australia’s biggest public transport project.
The first stage, North West Metro, opened one month ago with Opal data revealing:

  • An average of 65,000 trips on weekdays;
  • After the opening fare free day, Thursday 30 May was the busiest day on the Metro with 75,000 trips;
  • Tuesday 18 June was the busiest morning peak with 23,000 trips;
  • Tuesday 28 May was the busiest afternoon peak with 28,000 trips; and
  • More than 7000 metro train services have run so far.

QUALITY GREEN SPACES AND A MILLION MORE TREES BY 2022 UNDER NEW PREMIER’S PRIORITIES

Creating more quality green spaces closer to homes and increasing the tree canopy by planting one million trees in Greater Sydney by 2022 are two new Premier’s Priorities announced today.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the first of the priorities is to increase the proportion of homes in towns and cities across NSW within a reasonable walking distance of quality green, open and public space.
“Planting trees and creating new parks is just as important as building new roads, rail lines, schools and hospitals,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Green and public open spaces should be accessible to everyone across the State, no matter where they live.
“That is why, for the first time, I have made it a priority to make sure more people are within walking distance of quality public space.”
Ms Berejiklian joined Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes in Sydney’s South West to also announce planting one million trees across Greater Sydney by 2022 is another Premier’s Priority.
Mr Stokes said the program will contribute to the Government’s long-term target of planting five million trees by 2030.
“We’re backing councils like Campbelltown City Council to increase the tree canopy cover across Sydney through funding and support,” Mr Stokes said.
“More trees means more shade, cooler suburbs, more oxygen and a better urban environment for communities to enjoy.”
The plans announced today are on top of the NSW Government’s decision to appoint a dedicated Minister for Public Spaces and the $340 million Open Spaces and Greener Sydney package.
The two Premier’s Priorities have been unveiled after Monday’s announcement to increase the number of public school students in the top two NAPLAN, or equivalent, bands for literacy and numeracy by 15 per cent by 2023.
Ms Berejiklian will reveal her full Premier’s Priorities later this week.

NSW GOVERNMENT ENLISTS CSIRO IN $25M STEM PLAN

The NSW Government has teamed with the CSIRO to launch a new $25 million program to attract, support and retain young people in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education and skilled careers.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said Generation STEM is a 10-year education program that will initially be rolled out in Western Sydney to create the next generation of STEM-skilled workers.
“The Generation STEM program will help create a steady pipeline of STEM skilled students,” Mr Lee said.
“This investment by the NSW Government in a smart workforce of the future will benefit industries that can support continued growth of quality jobs for our economy.”
Mr Lee said the first phase, the STEM Community Partnerships Program (STEM CPP), will see Year 9 and 10 students develop STEM projects focused on local industry challenges. The Western Sydney location was selected because it has major developments that will require large numbers of STEM-skilled staff, including the Western Sydney Airport, Aerotropolis and Sydney Science Park.
Upon completion, the projects will be showcased to industry, local councils and schools.
Students will also attend web-based masterclasses, and visit workplaces to meet STEM professionals to learn about STEM career opportunities.
Generation STEM takes an industry-led and community driven approach, ensuring tailored programs address local employer requirements and equip young people with the relevant skills to secure local jobs.
The investment will be held by the Science and Industry Endowment Fund (SIEF), for which CSIRO’s Chief Executive, Dr Larry Marshall is the Trustee.
Dr Marshall said the CSIRO solves Australia’s greatest challenges through innovative science and technology.
“Through this endowment to SIEF, the Generation STEM partnership will inspire tomorrow’s STEM leaders and grow Australia’s future success and prosperity,” Dr Marshall said.
“Today’s students will use science to invent their own careers, creating a better future for all of us. Generation STEM will help to make this vision a reality”.
For more information visit https://www.csiro.au/en/Education/Programs/Generation-STE

City to seek clarification about offshore sand extraction

City of Newcastle will seek clarification on the NSW Government’s position on offshore sand extraction for nourishment and replenishment of Stockton Beach, following a successful Lord Mayoral Minute at last night’s Council meeting.
The minute cited advice from the UNSW’s Water Research Laboratory (WRL), commissioned by the NSW Government’s Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), identifying offshore sand extraction as one of the only viable methods for large-scale beach nourishment along the open coast.
Stockton-damage-inside-release-(1).jpg
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that despite the expert advice, the NSW Government’s position remained unclear.
“A recent NSW Government-sponsored report identifies offshore sand extraction as possibly the only method to renourish Stockton Beach, however it remains unclear whether the NSW Government will support the use of this mechanism as a part of City of Newcastle’s Coastal Management Program,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“I want to thank the Stockton Community Liaison Group and the Newcastle Coastal Planning Working Group for the work they have done to date to address coastal erosion at Stockton.
“This minute, supported by the City of Newcastle, and the groups currently assisting to develop our coastal management programs, simply seeks clarification about the use of offshore sand extraction for the replenishment of sand at Stockton Beach.
“It is clear from my discussions with both groups that clarity from the NSW Government is urgently needed to move forward with our vital coastal planning and management.”
Ron Boyd, a Stockton-based expert on coastal erosion, and member of the liaison group and the Newcastle Coastal Planning Working Group, said clarification of the supply of marine sand for beach replenishment was a critical component of NSW coastal councils’ response to the Coastal Management Act of 2016.
“The severe sand erosion problem at Stockton can only be remediated by sand replenishment,” Associate Professor Boyd said. There are limited options for sourcing this sand and the marine option may prove to be the most suitable and cost effective.
“I’m aware that there’s an abundance of sand available on the inner shelf off Newcastle for this purpose, as well as a large sand deposit accumulating seaward of Nobbys Beach.
“Many coastal councils would also be considering this option, and in the short window available to draft Coastal Management Programs, it’s critical to identify if this option is available and how to proceed to include it.”
For more information about City of Newcastle’s coastal planning processes, visit our website: http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Living/Environment/Coast/Coastal-Planning
A copy of UNSW’s Water Research Laboratory’s ‘Guidelines for Sand Nourishment: Science and Synthesis for NSW can be accessed here: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/-/media/OEH/Corporate-Site/Documents/Water/Coasts/sand-nourishment-guidelines-science-synthesis-nsw.pdf

Green tick for new city budget

City of Newcastle will invest $32 million into sustainable waste measures and deliver major infrastructure projects, cultural facilities and workforce development under a new budget adopted by Council tonight.
Delivering a $12 million surplus, the $297 million City budget features a strong focus on environmental outcomes via a $12.35 million organics recycling facility that will divert thousands of tonnes of waste from landfill and save ratepayers an estimated $5.5m in state levies over the next six years.
The 2019-20 budget also sees the City ‘balancing the books’ by not relying on reserve funds for any services or works projects, as adequate revenue is generated.
“The adoption of tonight’s budget formalises a sustainable financial blueprint for the next 12 months and beyond,” the Lord Mayor said.
“It offers significant investment in major sustainability projects, while still delivering essential projects and services that the community expects from local government.
“Forty per cent of our $81 million works budget is committed to environmental initiatives, including new waste facilities, improvements to recreational parks and continued coastal revitalisation.
“Our budget includes a $32 million investment in the expansion of the Summerhill Waste Management Centre, including the organics facility and a $6 million resource recovery centre which allow the City to generate new income from the sale of organic and other recycled materials.”
Other highlights of the newly adopted budget include:

  • $21.6 million investment in City parks and recreation,
  • $14.8 million on cultural facilities ($2.3 million on Newcastle Art Gallery, $2.3 million on Newcastle Museum, $8 million on Civic Theatre)
  • $13.8 million on road infrastructures projects; and
  • $10 million in library services and upgrades
  • $5 million towards replacing outdated fleet
  • $2.5 million on graduate apprentice and trainee recruitment.
  • $2 million on Smart City projects
  • $1.5 million towards improving development application processing

The Lord Mayor said the 2019-20 budget was a strong indicator of the City’s sound financial position.
“Financial sustainability is one of the foundations of good government and this budget will guide our revenue and expenditure balance over the next 12 months to help maintain our strong financial position,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The income and spending outlined in this budget will allow us to deliver the many essential services expected of the city as well as helping to deliver improvements to many areas of business.
“Delivering a surplus that equates to 3.9 per cent of our forecast income of $309 million ensures that we have the required financial flexibility to address unforeseen events, such as natural disasters.
Twenty-four submissions were made on 32 different matters in the draft 2019-20 Our Budget and draft 2019-20 Fees and Charges Register.

Council Update Tuesday 25 June 2019

Following is a summary of the Ordinary Council Meeting for Tuesday 28 May 2019. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 
Lord Mayoral Minutes 
A LMM calling for the development of a Social Infrastructure Strategy – to fund, plan and deliver important social services that will help meet the needs of City of Newcastle’s increasing and diverse population – was supported by Council.
A LMM requesting the City write to NSW Government ministers regarding their policy on offshore sand extraction for the purposes of beach replenishment and nourishment – amid ongoing erosion at Stockton Beach – was supported by Council.
Ordinary Business 
Adoption of 2019/20 Our Budget
Council resolved to adopt the 2019-20 Our Budget and 2019-20 Fees and Charges register.
Making of the Rates and Charges for 2019/20
Council resolved to adopt the 2019-20 rates and charges as displayed in full in the final 2019-20 Our Budget.
Interest on Overdue Rates and Charges 2019/20
Council voted to apply the full rate of 7.5 per cent interest a year on overdue rates and charges. Councillors also voted to adopt a 3.09 per cent fixed rate of interest on overdue rates and charges that are deferred against an eligible ratepayer’s estate for 2019/20.
Making of the Rate – Hunter Catchment Contribution and Commission for the year commencing 1 July 2019
Council voted to take a five per cent commission on levies collected from landowners on behalf of Hunter Local Land Services. The levy, known as the Hunter Contribution Catchment rate, is compulsory for relevant properties with a land value greater than $300.
Adoption of the Code of Conduct and its associated procedures
Council endorsed the 2019-20 Code of Conduct for Councillors, staff and volunteers, which was part of NSW Government reforms to consolidate all ethical standards for local government.
Adoption of Compliance and Enforcement Policy
Council endorsed the new Compliance and Enforcement Policy which provides information to all internal and external stakeholders and interested parties about the City’s position on compliance and enforcement matters.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Council received the Executive Monthly Performance report for May.
Notice of Motions
Phase out of Glyphosate
Councillors supported a NOM to begin phasing out the use of the product Roundup because of its use of Glyphosate and instead to use alternative products where possible.
DA Committee  
2 Parnell Place, Newcastle east – Alterations and Additions to Dwelling 
A Development Application seeking consent for construction of a chimney, indoor garden and internal lift at 2 Parnell Place, Newcastle East, was approved by councillors.
70 and 72 Blue Gum Road, Jesmond – Modification to Multiple Dwelling Housing (42 dwellings) 
An application to change the use of an already-approved development at 70-72 Blue Gum Road, Jesmond, from serviced apartments to dwellings, increase the number of dwellings from 36-42 and modify the development’s dimensions, was supported by councillors.