A new report shows health projects like the $240 million Dubbo Hospital redevelopment are not only delivering world-class healthcare, they’re boosting regional economies across NSW.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Health Minister Brad Hazzard visited Dubbo Hospital to release Regional Economic Impacts of Public Hospital Investment by the Regional Australia Institute and NSW Health Infrastructure.
The report shows a 15 per cent jump in healthcare jobs in Dubbo from 2011-2016, more than double the previous five-year period. There was also a significant boost to construction jobs, which had a spillover benefit to the local accommodation, travel, food and transport sectors.
“This shows the benefit of our health infrastructure spends for the whole community and that’s never been more important than now – in the middle of a drought,” Mr Perrottet said.
“A secure job and the stability that brings gives people a better quality of life and that benefits regional communities now and into the future.”
The NSW Government has invested $10 billion on health infrastructure since 2011, with $10.1 billion more over the four years from 2019-20, including more than $900 million for rural and regional areas in 2019-20.
More than $240 million has been spent on the Dubbo Hospital redevelopment and a further $35 million in federal and state funding has been allocated to the Western Cancer Centre.
Mr Hazzard joined Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders to announce Lipman Pty Ltd as the successful tenderer to construct the Western Cancer Centre, due for completion in 2021.
“This Centre will provide patients here in the west with advanced diagnostic services and life-saving treatment closer to home,” Mr Hazzard said.
Mr Saunders said: “Having world-class cancer facilities in Dubbo will help attract and retain health professionals, and will be life-changing for patients living from Bourke to Mudgee.”
Federal Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional Services, Mark Coulton, welcomed the tender for the Centre as a significant step forward for the community.
“As the report shows, investment in health infrastructure in Dubbo is providing the community with a much needed boost, particularly as we face the challenges of the drought. The Western Cancer Centre is a project we can all be extremely proud of, and it promises far-reaching benefits for Dubbo and Western New South Wales,” Mr Coulton said.
Month: November 2019
TOORALE PEEBLES DAM WORK STAGE ONE COMPLETE
The removal of the first dam on Toorale National Park to enhance flows down the Warrego River and into the Darling has been completed.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said the removal of Peebles Dam would have an immediate impact on the next flow.
“This work should have been completed a decade ago. I’ve heard the community’s concerns about the time it’s taken to deliver this project and I am glad it was done in time for yesterday’s rain,” Mr Kean said.
“The removal of the Dam was Phase One in improving the connection of flows down the Warrego River into the Darling River.
“This project will assist in ensuring water, our most precious resource, remains in the river system and is not held in unnecessary infrastructure, a legacy from Toorale’s days gone by.
“As promised in recent stakeholder meetings the works were commenced in October and completed ahead of schedule.”
Phase Two will begin in 2020 and includes the modification of the remaining structures on Toorale to further increase flows passing down the Warrego.
The overall project will see enhanced river flows, while maintaining the important cultural and environmental values of the Toorale National Park.
“Phase Two will also include works to improve the ability for fish to pass by the structures still in place up and down the river,” Mr Kean said.
This work is funded by the Commonwealth Government and will assist in managing the environmental water the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder holds in this region.
CASH INJECTION FOR YOUTH PROJECTS
Projects promoting life skills, positive mental health initiatives and employment outcomes are among successful recipients of the NSW Government’s $1.5 million Youth Opportunities program.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said 36 innovative projects driven by young people would receive up to $50,000 each.
“We’re committed to engaging young people by providing positive opportunities that help them improve their wellbeing and thrive into adulthood,” Mr Ward said.
“These grants are the perfect platform to promote valuable and innovative ideas and I’m pleased to see so many outstanding projects receive Youth Opportunities funding.”
The 36 organisations funded under the program cover all corners of NSW, with projects encompassing areas of education, arts, culture and health.
Among them is a short film festival to highlight the voices of young people in Gymea and a statewide campaign to raise awareness about hearing health and deafness.
Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women Bronnie Taylor said more than half of the successful projects stem from regional and rural NSW.
“Youth are the lifeblood of regional communities across our state and we want to give them every opportunity to showcase what they’ve got to offer,” Ms Taylor said.
“These grants will see some exciting initiatives come to fruition and provide vital funds for others that have proven successful.”
Since the NSW Government established the Youth Opportunities program in 2012, almost $12 million has been invested in more than 280 projects.
For information about successful projects, visit www.youth.nsw.au/youth-opportunities
Wagga Wagga to host 2020 Masters competitions
Netballers from all over the state will be descending on Wagga Wagga next year with the town set to host the 2020 BING LEE Masters State Titles and Netball NSW Social Masters on the same weekend in October.
Like in 2019, both events will run concurrently and be held at the Wagga Wagga Netball Association on Saturday and Sunday, 17-18 October. Games will also take place in the Wagga Wagga Indoor Stadium.
After Netball NSW successfully took both the Masters State Titles and Social Masters to Tamworth last month, the organisation is excited to take them regional again in 2020.
“It is very important that we take these competitions to different parts of the state as we have huge numbers in every region,” Competitions Manager Claire Dale said.
“We had a brilliant weekend when we headed north of Sydney to Tamworth this year, and we can’t wait to head south to Wagga Wagga in 2020.
“Like Tamworth, Wagga Wagga has fantastic indoor and outdoor facilities which can accommodate everyone, from those looking to play in a competitive environment, to those just looking for some social fun.
“We look forward to working with the Wagga Wagga Netball Association over the next year in the run-up to what promises to be a fantastic two-day festival of netball.
“I strongly encourage all Associations to mark this date on their calendars for next year and come and make a weekend of it in a beautiful part of NSW.”
Formerly known as the State Championships – Masters, the Masters State Titles will have Association Representative Teams competing.
The Social Masters, meanwhile, is all about getting together with friends for some fun, good times, and a little bit of netball.
Netball NSW would like to thank BING LEE for their support of the Masters State Titles and their continued support of netball at all levels across the state.
Missing woman located – Singleton
A woman reported missing from the Hunter region earlier this week has been located safe and well.
A 30-year-old woman was last seen leaving a property in Singleton between 2.30 and 4.30pm on Tuesday 5 November 2019.
Following inquiries, about 10pm yesterday (Wednesday 6 November 2019) the woman attended Port Macquarie Police Station safe and well.
Police wish to thank the public and the media for its assistance.
GREENS EXPRESS EXTREME DISAPPOINTMENT OVER UNION SUPPORT FOR SEGREGATED EDUCATION
Australian Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John said he was extremely disappointed at evidence given by the Queensland Teachers’ Union President, Kevin Bates, during this morning’s Disability Royal Commission hearing.
“I was absolutely shocked to hear Mr Bates confirm that the Queensland Teachers Union support the segregation of disabled children into ‘special schools’ and would be supportive of building new segregated schools in Queensland, contrary to the inclusive education policy of the Queensland Government,” Steele-John said.
“ I was equally shocked to hear Mr Bates describe the segregation of disabled children into special education settings – separated from their non-disabled peers – as an ‘unfortunate compromise’ required by ‘economic rationalism’.
“Let’s be really clear, there is zero academic evidence to support the suggestion that segregated ‘special schools’ are appropriate learning environments for disabled kids.
“Just yesterday, the Commission heard examples of the horrendous abuse that occurs in these settings with experts making it clear that the future of education must be inclusive of all children.
“The human rights of disabled kids are violated by these institutions. Families are forced, everyday, to place their children in these settings because of discriminatory practices and a lack of resourcing.
“In Australia, and indeed around the world, the union movement has played a critical role in ending segregationist policies based on race and gender. IOt is so disappointing to see the QTU depart from this history when it comes to the rights of disabled kids.
“Disabled kids deserve their human rights, and supporting these rights is union business. The Queensland Teachers’ Union’s position is a barrier to ending the violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect of children in Queensland’s education system.
I will urgently be seeking a meeting with the Queensland Teachers’ Union to discuss these concerns.
Animals Suffered in Cup: Greens
Greens animal welfare spokesperson, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has reacted to the suffering of racehorses in today’s Melbourne cup. Rostropovich is reported to have suffered a cracked pelvis and was rushed to an equine clinic while Prince Of Arran was whipped to the point that jockey Michael Walker received a seven-meeting ban and $10,000 fine.
“When animals and gambling mix, animals always suffer,” Senator Faruqi said.
“This is just so tragically predictable. Year after year we see the needless suffering of horses, yet nothing changes. I really hope Rostropovich recovers fully.”
“Cruel practices like whipping happen every day in the horse racing industry, just as horses are pushed to the point of injury – all for the sake of a bet.
“Today’s suffering at the Melbourne Cup is yet more evidence we need a Royal Commission into cruelty in the horse racing industry. I’ll be calling on the Senate to support a Royal Commission when Parliament sits again next week. If the major parties care about animal welfare and preventing the kind of suffering they saw today they will support my call,” she concluded.
Scott Morrison needs to listen to the scientists, not his big donors
Scott Morrison needs to stop listening to his big donors in the fossil fuel industry and pay attention to the 11,000 scientists who have jointly declared that we are in a climate emergency and must act urgently in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, said Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale.
“We are now in a climate emergency and that is a fact. The scientists know it and the community knows it, but Scott Morrison and the Liberal Party still have their heads buried firmly in the sand,” said Di Natale.
”This Government has no plan to address dangerous climate change beyond running interference for its big corporate donors in the fossil fuel industry. Scott Morrison needs to ignore his big donors and listen to the scientists and the community, who know we need to phase out coal and other fossil fuels and make the transition rapidly to a jobs-rich renewables economy.”
“This is an unprecedented move that confirms governments do not have the climate crisis under control,” said Greens Climate Change Spokesperson Adam Bandt, MP.
“When over 11,000 scientists speak so strongly, the Australian government must act as if our lives depend on it. After 30 years of warning from the scientific community, they are sounding the final alarm.
“The Greens will press on with our push to have Parliament declare a climate emergency so government will start taking the urgent action we need.”
Australian government must intervene to stop Assange's extradition to US
Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale has once again called upon the Australian Government to intervene to ensure that Julian Assange is not extradited to the United States, following comments from the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture that Assange is showing acute signs of exposure to psychological torture.
“We have all seen the serious deterioration in Julian Assange’s health at his recent court appearances, and now the UN Special Rapporteur has warned that his life is at risk. This situation cannot be allowed to continue,” Di Natale said.
“Regardless of what you think about Assange as an individual, he is facing extradition to the US on charges relating to his work to shine a light on potential war crimes – an act that won him Australia’s highest honour for journalism.
“He is being held in isolation by the UK authorities at severe cost to his physical and mental health and it is well past time for the Australian Government to intervene and ensure that Assange is brought back to Australia, not extradited to the very country whose wrongdoing he exposed.”
Ocean Baths redevelopment FAQs
City of Newcastle is inviting expressions of interest to redevelop the iconic Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths pavilions in overhauls that could include restaurants, recreational and community facilities and other services. Newcastle Ocean Bath’s iconic art deco exterior will be retained in any redevelopment, while new public change rooms, disabled access, car parking, new seating, shading and other community facilities will be mandatory inclusions at both sites.
Are the ocean baths being privatised?
No. City of Newcastle is the Crown Land Manager of both pavilion buildings for the Crown Lands Division of the NSW Government, so neither site can ever be sold – only offered up for lease for a period of 21 years. That’s why the City is looking to enter into a partnership with interested parties.
Will there be a fee to use the baths?
No, the baths will remain public assets and swimming will remain free.
Will the redevelopment look like the designs in the EOI?
The images in the EOI document are simply an artist’s impression of Newcastle Ocean Baths. Final design is yet to be determined, and any design would be subject to an approved DA which would require extensive community consultation.
Will Newcastle Ocean Baths’ façade be knocked down?
No. The heritage façade will be retained as part of any redevelopment. Successful proponents will have to comply with heritage controls as the Newcastle Ocean Baths are listed as a local heritage item in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 and located within the Newcastle East Heritage Conservation Area
Can the Merewether pavilion be demolished to make way for redevelopment?
While there are no current plans for demolition or otherwise, the Merewether Baths Pavilion is not heritage listed.
Will redevelopments include car parking?
Yes. Car parking, new seating, shading, disabled access and new public change rooms all are conditions that interested parties will have to meet.
What are the next steps in the process?
A panel will be formed to evaluate the responses and decide whether to proceed to a competitive tender. If yes, the strongest EOI submissions will be invited to a selective tender.
If no, the City will explore other internal funding options.
Will there be consultation?
Yes. No upgrades will take place prior to the community having an opportunity to provide feedback on proposed designs.
Can I access the EOI documents?
Yes, they can be accessed via Tenderlink. Please note you’ll need to register.
Are the ocean baths being privatised?
No. City of Newcastle is the Crown Land Manager of both pavilion buildings for the Crown Lands Division of the NSW Government, so neither site can ever be sold – only offered up for lease for a period of 21 years. That’s why the City is looking to enter into a partnership with interested parties.
Will there be a fee to use the baths?
No, the baths will remain public assets and swimming will remain free.
Will the redevelopment look like the designs in the EOI?
The images in the EOI document are simply an artist’s impression of Newcastle Ocean Baths. Final design is yet to be determined, and any design would be subject to an approved DA which would require extensive community consultation.
Will Newcastle Ocean Baths’ façade be knocked down?
No. The heritage façade will be retained as part of any redevelopment. Successful proponents will have to comply with heritage controls as the Newcastle Ocean Baths are listed as a local heritage item in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 and located within the Newcastle East Heritage Conservation Area
Can the Merewether pavilion be demolished to make way for redevelopment?
While there are no current plans for demolition or otherwise, the Merewether Baths Pavilion is not heritage listed.
Will redevelopments include car parking?
Yes. Car parking, new seating, shading, disabled access and new public change rooms all are conditions that interested parties will have to meet.
What are the next steps in the process?
A panel will be formed to evaluate the responses and decide whether to proceed to a competitive tender. If yes, the strongest EOI submissions will be invited to a selective tender.
If no, the City will explore other internal funding options.
Will there be consultation?
Yes. No upgrades will take place prior to the community having an opportunity to provide feedback on proposed designs.
Can I access the EOI documents?
Yes, they can be accessed via Tenderlink. Please note you’ll need to register.