The Australian Government must use every diplomatic means at its disposal to insure that Turkey does not invade Kurdish-controlled Rojava in Syria following President Donald Trump’s latest erratic and dangerous foreign policy decision, said Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale.
“Any invasion of Kurdish-controlled areas by Turkish forces could displace hundreds of thousands of people and would almost certainly trigger a humanitarian crisis in one of the most stable and secure parts of Syria. Syrians have suffered enough,” Di Natale said.
“The Kurdish people have put their lives on the line to help defeat ISIS. They have helped the Yazidi people escape genocide. President Trump’s dangerous and erratic decision, enacted apparently with no foresight or consideration of the consequences, is an act of callous betrayal.
“Kurds have been persecuted across the Middle East: in Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey. To abandon them now, while Turkish President Erdogan has made it clear that he intends to attack them given the chance, would be a disgrace and against our strategic interests.
“We know that Erdogan intends to settle ethnic Syrian refugees in these Kurdish areas once they’ve been removed, which would be an act of ethnic cleansing.
“Scott Morrison’s Government also has a responsibility to look after Australian citizens who have been left to languish in camps inside Syria, more than 40 of whom are children, mostly under the age of 5. The window to safely move and repatriate them is limited.
“This is yet another erratic and dangerous decision taken by President Trump with no forethought or appreciation of the consequences. Further proof that Australia needs to chart our own indepedent, non-aligned foreign policy instead of following a dangerous U.S. president, consequences be damned.”
Month: October 2019
Public will never forgive ALP if it abandons climate action: Greens
The Australian public will never forgive the Labor Party if it abandons any commitment to taking genuine action on the climate crisis as Joel Fitzgibbon is now arguing, said Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale.
“Hundreds of thousands of people from all across the community are coming together to demand urgent action on the climate emergency. If the ALP’s response to this growing movement is to abandon its already weak climate policy and instead mimic the Government’s, the community will never forgive them,” said Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale.
”It’s time for the Labor Party to take a stand; no more sitting on the fence or saying one thing in Queensland and another in Victoria. Either Labor stands with the community and the Greens for strong, urgent action and the tens of thousands of jobs that will create, or they are with the climate deniers in the Coalition.”
“Labor needs to decide if it’s still committed to stopping dangerous runaway global warming. If Labor walks away from its already weak 2030 targets, it walks away from the Paris Agreement goal of keeping global warming below two degrees. As the Greens fight the Tories, Labor looks set to join them,” said Greens Climate Change Spokesperson Adam Bandt MP.
“As the record drought shows, Australia and the world is in the middle of a climate crisis. It’s an emergency, but Labor wants to send the fire truck back to station.”
City answers parking call from Darby St traders
City of Newcastle has answered a call from businesses to extend the existing one-hour limits on Darby Street, giving customers more time to both enjoy a meal and retail therapy on the popular strip.
The new two-hour, unmetered, parking limits will be introduced between Bull and Queen streets this week, operating from Monday-Saturday, 9am-7pm.
A four-hour, unmetered, parking limit will also be introduced on Sundays between 9am and 4pm to encourage more parking turnover on the traditionally quieter day, which wasn’t previously subject to time restrictions.
Makers and Traders of Newcastle City representative Tim McPhee said local businesses welcomed the new arrangements and the City’s response to their concerns.
“The Darby Street business community went to Council and asked for help with the time limits for parking – to be extended from one to two hours and also to make it consistent,” Mr McPhee said.
“City of Newcastle have been fantastic and worked closely with us to make sure it is easier for visitors to spend more time exploring the ever-many wonderful stores and eating places on Darby Street.”
City of Newcastle Governance Director David Clarke said the changes, which were being implemented in response to traders’ requests, will also benefit those visiting the popular shopping and dining precinct.
“We consulted with businesses in the area to develop this plan to streamline parking zones, responding to traders’ preference for a two-hour parking limit,” Mr Clarke said.
“Darby Street is an icon of the City’s retail and hospitality economy, so it’s important that we get the balance right in a rapidly changing City environment.
“We believe these revised parking arrangements will be welcomed by both consumers and businesses. Shoppers and diners can enjoy the strip’s relaxing, social atmosphere for longer while providing businesses with the opportunity to benefit from their increased stay.”
In addition to the timed parking changes, existing motorcycle parking will be moved clear of café outdoor dining areas to a quieter location further south, with future additional spaces under consideration for Council Street.
City Hall serves up lunchtime menu of music
Talented local musicians and the resonant tones of a Steinway grand piano are providing the perfect recipe for a lively lunch during a month-long series of free concerts being held at City Hall.
The performances will showcase a range of musical genres, with today’s concert featuring some of the world’s finest classical compositions performed by accomplished music students from across Newcastle.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the free lunchtime performances provided a fantastic opportunity for the community to engage with one of the city’s iconic cultural assets.
“Newcastle is blessed to have such a wonderful cultural heart, with the art gallery, library, Civic Theatre, City Hall and museum all within walking distance of each other within the Civic precinct,” the Lord Mayor said.
“These concerts encourage locals and visitors to explore beyond the stunning sandstone façade of one of the architectural jewels in our crown to enjoy the unique acoustics and stunning 1920s architecture of City Hall’s magnificent concert hall.”
Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said the free performances were also designed to support the wealth of local talent within the city.
“The concert hall has a history of live music events and is a renowned classical music venue, however it was also a popular venue for dances, big band events and other performances,” Ms Wallace said.
“We hope to continue these past traditions by inviting our communities to access the space, while also furthering our commitment to support artists within in our community by giving local musicians the opportunity to perform at our magnificent venue.”
Following this week’s recital of Chopin, Beethoven, Brahms and others, the Steinway will be put through its paces on 16 October with a performance by mezzo-soprano Kathryn Dries and pianist Michael Power, before the free concerts come to a close on 23 October with the next generation of classical musicians from Newcastle Grammar School.
Ms Wallace said if the initial series of concerts proved popular, there was an opportunity to establish a twice-yearly program with autumn and spring recitals coinciding with the relevant school holiday periods.
All performances run from 12.30pm to 1.15pm, with audiences invited to bring along their lunch and enjoy the free musical entertainment.
Image: Frenchman St Jazz Band
LIGHT RAIL COUNTDOWN HITS HOME STRAIGHT
Tram testing is ramping up in the CBD – and will soon begin for the first time in Kingsford and Kensington – as Sydney counts down for the commencement of commuter services in December.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Transport Andrew Constance, NSW Police and the NRMA today reminded road users to be alert around the new light rail corridor as testing steps up.
“As we get ready for services to start in December, Sydneysiders will see more trams every day. Driver training extends into the CBD this week and there will be up to 12 trams out testing day and night, seven days a week,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I’m also pleased to confirm that trams will soon start testing in Kingsford and Kensington.
“It’s an exciting time for Sydney as the countdown begins to the first passenger services from Randwick to Circular Quay, but it’s also a timely reminder for pedestrians and drivers to be vigilant.”
Mr Constance said new safety videos, launched today by Transport for NSW, will remind drivers to be aware around the light rail as part of the “Heads Up, Play It Safe around Light Rail” campaign.
“We have a number of busy intersections along the light rail route, particularly in the CBD, such as George and Bathurst streets. We remind drivers not to queue across these intersections and always follow traffic signals,” Mr Constance said.
Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians have mistakenly entered the tram corridor at busy intersections, including those around Pitt Street and Eddy Avenue at Central, and at Devonshire and Bourke streets in Surry Hills.
“We know people are getting used to having trams around, but we really need everyone to be mindful of the tram corridor when turning at intersections, and if you end up on the tracks, drive or ride carefully to the next cross street and exit safety,” Mr Constance said.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy reminded drivers they must stay off the cement tram corridor and stick to the asphalt roads.
“Drivers and operators of heavy vehicles must follow the new traffic signals and always stop on the red. Never turn in front of a tram and do not queue across intersections. Food delivery operators and couriers are also reminded to not ride in the tram corridor,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“The message for all road users is the same; ditch the distraction, follow the road rules and pay attention.”
NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said pedestrians also need to change their behaviour.
“The NRMA report released in July, Look Up, found over one third of pedestrians crossed busy intersections while distracted by their smartphones or wearing earphones,” Mr Khoury said.
“Taking this sort of risk around the new Light Rail can have devastating consequences. Trams are quiet and too many pedestrians have yet to adjust their behavior around this new mode of transport in the heart of Sydney – this needs to change now.”
2019 A GREAT YEAR FOR CLEAN BEACHES
Environment Minister Matt Kean was pleased to release the annual State of the Beaches report which has returned great results for beaches across the NSW.
Minister Kean said 2019 is one of the cleanest years of recreational water quality on record since monitoring began in 1989.
“Clean beaches are great news for the community and encourage more people to get out and about as we head into the start of the swimming season,” Mr Kean said.
“This year, 86 per cent of the State’s swimming sites are rated ‘very good’ or ‘good’ which is a significant achievement and great news as we head into beach season.
“Estuarine swimming sites have never been this clean, with a record breaking 82 per cent listed as ‘very good’ or ‘good’.
“This is in addition to the 98 per cent of ocean beaches shown to be clean and safe, as were four of the five ocean baths.”
Mr Kean said that while these figures are welcome, they also show there is still work to do.
According to the report, coastal lakes, lagoons and estuarine swimming spots were adversely affected by heavy rain, with the number of clean lake and lagoon swimming sites declining.
Lower levels of flushing in coastal lakes, lagoons and estuaries means these swimming sites take longer to recover from stormwater events.
The NSW Government committed $500,000 to address water quality at Terrigal Beach and surrounding lagoons, and $200,000 to establish an expert panel to determine the best way to improve water quality in Tuggerah Lakes.
“Terrigal Beach has already shown signs of improvement, having been upgraded to good, from a poor grade last year, which clearly demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to improving the environment,” Mr Kean said.
2019 A GREAT YEAR FOR CLEAN BEACHES
Environment Minister Matt Kean was pleased to release the annual State of the Beaches report which has returned great results for beaches across the NSW.
Minister Kean said 2019 is one of the cleanest years of recreational water quality on record since monitoring began in 1989.
“Clean beaches are great news for the community and encourage more people to get out and about as we head into the start of the swimming season,” Mr Kean said.
“This year, 86 per cent of the State’s swimming sites are rated ‘very good’ or ‘good’ which is a significant achievement and great news as we head into beach season.
“Estuarine swimming sites have never been this clean, with a record breaking 82 per cent listed as ‘very good’ or ‘good’.
“This is in addition to the 98 per cent of ocean beaches shown to be clean and safe, as were four of the five ocean baths.”
Mr Kean said that while these figures are welcome, they also show there is still work to do.
According to the report, coastal lakes, lagoons and estuarine swimming spots were adversely affected by heavy rain, with the number of clean lake and lagoon swimming sites declining.
Lower levels of flushing in coastal lakes, lagoons and estuaries means these swimming sites take longer to recover from stormwater events.
The NSW Government committed $500,000 to address water quality at Terrigal Beach and surrounding lagoons, and $200,000 to establish an expert panel to determine the best way to improve water quality in Tuggerah Lakes.
“Terrigal Beach has already shown signs of improvement, having been upgraded to good, from a poor grade last year, which clearly demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to improving the environment,” Mr Kean said.
PYRMONT TO BE THE NEW GATEWAY TO SYDNEY CBD
Pyrmont and the Western Harbour precinct will be transformed into the next jobs hub and economic driver of Sydney under a NSW Government plan to revitalise the key inner-city precinct.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian made the announcement following the release of the Greater Sydney Commission’s (GSC) review into the area’s planning rules.
“Today we are sending a clear message that Pyrmont is open for business and ready to be taken to the next level,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are, for the first time, treating Pyrmont and the Western Harbour precinct as the gateway to the CBD.
“For our city and State to continue to be the jobs capital of the nation, we need this area to be revitalised. We have successfully transformed Barangaroo into a spectacular waterfront precinct and are in the midst of revitalising Central.
“Pyrmont is the next frontier.”
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the NSW Government would immediately move to amend the planning controls with a focus on jobs and economic activity to better support proposals to develop the area.
“We can support larger-scale development and maintain the unique heritage nature of Pyrmont – it’s not an ‘either/or’ choice,” Mr Stokes said.
“However, we must plan for the precinct strategically, rather than on a site-by-site basis, to ensure the long-term liveabilty and sustainability of the area.”
The NSW Government will fast-track work to investigate the feasibility of building a Metro station in Pyrmont to support greater density and jobs in the area.
Mr Stokes said the Government would also ensure there is greater coordination of large scale developments in Pyrmont, including the Powerhouse, Bays Precinct, Harbourside Shopping Centre, University of Technology Sydney expansion, the Star casino and the existing and future Fish Market sites.
“This is our opportunity to work together to develop a vision and collaboratively plan for the future of Pyrmont, which hasn’t been done in more than 20 years,” Mr Stokes said.
“This is a prime jobs and tourism precinct on the fringe of the CBD which will become increasingly important as our city grows.”
The NSW Government has accepted the three key recommendations of the GSC report, which can be found here: www.greater.sydney/project/pyrmont-planning-review
Man charged after two officers stabbed – Lake Macquarie
A man has been charged following a confrontation with police yesterday, leaving two officers hospitalised with stab wounds.
Just before 1pm (Sunday 6 October 2019), a man was involved in a road rage incident at the intersection of The Boulevarde and Carey Street, Toronto, and is alleged to have used a knife to slash a tyre of the vehicle.
Witnesses attended nearby Toronto Police Station and notified police.
Two officers confronted the man, armed with knives, at a nearby service station, before he immediately attacked them.
The two senior constables used OC spray and a baton in an attempt to disarm the man, however, both suffered stab wounds – one to leg and the other to the hand.
The 25-year-old man pursued the officers before a number of shots were discharged by police; however, the man was uninjured, and charged at police. He was detained by officers with the assistance of witnesses and arrested.
Both officers were taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition for further treatment. One of the officers has since been released from hospital.
The man was taken to Toronto Police Station where he was charged with two counts of wound with intent to resist arrest, destroy/damage property, common assault, and breach of bail for drug related offences.
The Bronte man has been refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 7 October 2019).
Multiple crime scenes have been established with The Boulevarde and Carey Street remaining closed as inquiries continue.
Alleged threats lead to firearm charge – Port Stephens
A man has been charged following an alleged domestic violence related incident involving a firearm in the state’s Hunter region last night.
It is alleged that at 6.30pm (Sunday 6 October 2019), a man was involved in an altercation with another man at a property on Hinton Road, Osterley.
Following the argument, he retired to the granny flat where he stays, where it is alleged he made threats to the other man through a window while holding a firearm.
A woman who was also in attendance, contacted police and reported that a man was threatening another man with a rifle.
About 10.30pm (Sunday 6 October 2019), police attended and arrested a 57-year-old man.
Officers from the Port Stephens / Hunter Police District conducted a search of the premises and seized two firearms and ammunition.
The man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with common assault, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm and holder of category A or B licence not have approved storage.
He was given conditional bail and an apprehended violence order has been put in place. He will appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Tuesday 22 October 2019.