Fifteen events and promotions ranging from a street basketball tournament to a public art festival will share in more than $820,000 in the first round of funding aimed at activating the city centre and other commercial areas.
The funding is delivered through City of Newcastle’s Special Business Rate, which uses a business levy paid by property owners in the CBD and Darby Street to drive visitation and vibrancy.
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“Newcastle is set for a jampacked schedule of events, activations and promotional initiatives intended to attract tens of thousands of people to the city centre,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“From music and street art festivals, to a new interactive app showcasing our city’s iconic heritage buildings, this round of funding will inject regular and varied activity to the CBD, and help deliver two events in Hamilton and Wallsend.
“The second round of expressions of interest for local business districts, such as Wallsend, New Lambton and Hamilton, will open in the New Year and we’re looking forward to seeing what innovative and unique ideas are out there.”
Hundreds of basketballers will descend on Newcastle in January to contest an inaugural three-on-three basketball tournament, to be staged by successful applicant Playgrounds Park.
The tournament will see the teams and their entourages rotate between Wheeler Place, Customs House Plaza and Honeysuckle, where quick paced, 10-minute matches will be played on world-class temporary half courts.
“Our event will bring 3 on 3 basketball, which is the largest urban team sport in the world, into the heart of Newcastle’s city centre from January 18 to 19,” Playgrounds Park’s spokeswoman Sally Leacy said.
“We’re planning for Newcastle to become Australia’s home of 3 on 3 basketball, a phenomenon which has taken-off overseas and brought thousands of visitors to host cities across the world.”
Another grant recipient, Big Picture Festival, expects to draw 15,000 people to the city to see large murals painted by world-renowned artists and to enjoy a ‘block party’, tech installations and art projections.
In another drawcard, tourists, students and heritage buffs will explore the city’s history through the History Here initiative, giving smart phone users a look back in time at Newcastle Post Office, Civic Theatre and Bank Corner with an augmented reality experience.
The full list of SBRP funding recipients is available on City of Newcastle’s website here.
Month: November 2019
ASSISTANCE FOR BUSHFIRE DISASTER CLEANUP
The NSW Government is providing disaster recovery relief to help bushfire affected communities get back on their feet as soon as possible.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott have committed up to $25 million to facilitate the cleanup of homes and properties damaged and destroyed by the recent fires.
“Having witnessed firsthand the devastation these bushfires have inflicted on local communities, it is vital the Government acts right away to provide assistance as quickly as possible,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Our tremendous volunteers are still on the fire ground battling these blazes, and while this mammoth effort continues, the recovery is already underway.”
Mr Barilaro said the funding will help pay for the cleanup of hazardous materials including the removal of asbestos-contaminated material released as a result of the bushfires, concrete slabs and all dangerous debris including destroyed homes and trees.
“Regional NSW is going through an incredibly difficult time with the drought biting hard and ferocious bushfires across the state and this funding is an important step towards helping communities get back on their feet,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Homes and lives have been destroyed and this Government will do everything we can to help regional families rebuild and recover for the long run.”
The NSW Government will also waive waste levy fees for residents disposing of bushfire-generated waste at nominated facilities saving households thousands of dollars. Building materials, furniture and any other bushfire-generated waste is included.
Mr Elliott said the NSW Government would be part of the disaster recovery for the long term and more support will be made available as the extent of the damage becomes clear.
“Communities are hurting right now and we hear their calls for assistance. We still have fire fighters on the frontline saving lives and property but we are already fighting to save livelihoods,” Mr Elliott said.
“We are in it for the long haul and by your side every step of the way.”
The next step in disaster recovery will involve additional funding for rebuilding and repairing infrastructure but the true of extent of the damage won’t be known until it is safe to enter all affected areas.
WASTE LEVY WAIVED FOR BUSHFIRE AFFECTED AREAS
The NSW Government has waived the waste levy fee for residents disposing of bushfire generated waste in areas across NSW that have been declared bushfire Natural Disaster Areas.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said thousands of people across NSW are reeling from the effects of the November bushfires that are still burning.
“Where the emergency has passed in some areas, residents will face a hard and painful clean-up process,” Mr Kean said.
“To help these communities dispose of their bushfire damaged goods quickly and safely we have waived the NSW Government waste levy in levy-affected areas.
“Building materials, furniture and any other bushfire generated waste is included.
“We know that the effects of these bushfires will be felt for months and even years to come, and we hope that this streamlined waste process can provide a little relief for those coping with the effects of these horrible bushfires.”
The exemption applies until 29 February 2020 on debris and waste created by these bushfires.
The levy will be waived at waste facilities nominated by the councils listed below and local waste facility gate fees may still apply.
Residents should check with their local council for the name and opening status of the nominated facilities, as well as for any specific requirements to dispose bushfire damaged waste, noting that bushfire affected conditions can change rapidly.
Waste facilities will need to ensure the waste is bushfire generated before they can waive the Government’s waste levy.
“We hope this eases some of the pressure people are feeling after these devastating bushfires,” Mr Kean said.
For a full list of all Councils where waste levy exemptions apply click here.
Missing Lake Macquarie woman found safe
An elderly woman reported missing from the Lake Macquarie region has been found safe.
Family of the 99-year-old woman reported her missing to Lake Macquarie Police.
Following inquiries, the woman was found safe around 2.45pm today (Tuesday 19 November 2019).
Lake Macquarie Police thank the community and the media for their assistance in sharing our appeal.
Appeal to find missing woman – Lake Macquarie
Police are asking for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the Lake Macquarie region.
Doris Wheeler, aged 99, was last seen at Gosforth Grove in Lakelands about 11am today (Tuesday 19 November 2019).
Doris’s family and police have concerns for her welfare due to her age and because she lives with dementia.
Doris is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 154cm tall with a slim build, and grey hair.
She was last seen wearing a navy floral top, denim jeans and black shoes.
Anyone who may have seen Doris or who has information about her whereabouts is urged to call Triple Zero (000) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.Police appealing for public assistance to find an elderly woman who is missing from the Lake Macquarie region.
Doris Wheeler, aged 99, was last seen at Gosforth Grove in Lakelands about 11am today (Tuesday 19 November 2019).
Doris’s family and police have concerns for her welfare due to her age and because she lives with dementia.
Doris is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 154cm tall with a slim build, and grey hair.
She was last seen wearing a navy floral top, denim jeans and black shoes.
Anyone who may have seen Doris or who has information about her whereabouts is urged to call Triple Zero (000) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
As climate bushfires continue government must reject CCS pipedream: Bandt
Greens climate and energy spokesperson Adam Bandt MP has slammed the government’s latest push for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, dismissing it as a useless pipedream.
“As the climate bushfires continue to devastate the country, the government’s only climate proposal is a pipedream,” said Mr Bandt.
“The clear message we’ve been hearing from former emergency services chiefs and those impacted by the bushfires is that we need to tackle the climate emergency. If you don’t have a plan to phase out coal you don’t have a plan to tackle the climate crisis.
“CCS won’t save coal and won’t save people from the climate crisis. This apparent policy miracle has been hailed as the magic bullet for over a decade, but in reality it’s just a pipedream.
“If this government wants to invest in infrastructure, they should invest in clean, renewable energy to make Australia a renewable energy superpower.
“Today, as the Insurance Council added their voice to calls for the government to factor in climate crisis to bushfire preparations, it’s time for the government to come to the table with real policy solutions, not another coal-fired thought bubble.”
Greens push for local content quotas ahead of Disney+ launch
Ahead of the Disney+ launch in Australia on Tuesday, November 19, the Greens have made a renewed push for local content quotas for streaming services.
Greens Spokesperson for Communications Sarah Hanson-Young said it was time local content rules applied to all screen industry players.
“Local content quotas are a huge boost for Australian creative content and deliver jobs for Australian production and recording companies, writers, directors, musicians, talent and stories,” Senator Hanson-Young said.
“But not only are current local content quotas weak, unambitious and poorly enforced, they don’t apply to the international giants like Netflix and Amazon, and now Disney+, who are operating in the Australian market.
“These overseas streaming services create very little employment in Australia and often pay very little tax, the least they could do in exchange for consumer dollars is spend some money on local content.
“The screen and music industries inject almost $14billion into our economy and employ hundreds of thousands of people so it makes good economic sense to support this industry and share it with the rest of the world.”
Faster Delivery of Road and Rail Projects to Boost South Australia’s Economy
The South Australian economy will be boosted by a $415 million infrastructure package to bust congestion and make regional roads safer.
The Morrison Government has been working with states and territories to bring forward critical road projects across Australia to drive jobs, strengthen the economy and get people home sooner and safer.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the South Australian package included the acceleration of more than $328 million in federal funding across six projects.
“By bringing forward these important road projects we will drive jobs, boost the economy and make roads safer, while reducing travel times so people can be with their families instead of being stuck in traffic,” the Prime Minister said.
“Delivering critical road projects sooner, as part of our $100 billion pipeline, is responsible and considered economic management, in stark contrast to Labor’s daily calls of panic and crisis in their attempt to blow the Budget.
“In South Australia we will provide additional funding for the Darlington Upgrade and Flinders Link Projects as part of Adelaide’s North-South Corridor, while bringing forward funding for the Eyre Highway and Eyre Peninsula and Horrocks Highway corridors, Victor Harbor Road duplication and a major rural roads upgrade.”
South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said South Australians would continue to reap the benefits of a constructive working relationship with the Morrison Government.
“Today’s announcement builds on our massive $11.9 billion pipeline of infrastructure works over the next four years as we continue to grow our economy and jobs,” Premier Marshall said.
“By working collaboratively with the Morrison Government we have been able to fast track a number of regional road projects to help build regional communities, improve road safety and help save lives on our country roads.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals Government is focused on job growth and strengthening the economy.
“The Government’s record $100 billion infrastructure pipeline is delivering projects people want and need, while providing job opportunities and economic growth for communities across Australia,” Mr McCormack said.
“These projects will enhance liveability and connectivity, improve travel times and importantly, enhance safety for all South Australians.”
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the new package followed a significant funding boost for South Australian infrastructure at the most recent Budget.
“Since coming to Government we have committed more than $8.4 billion towards infrastructure in South Australia and this new package will now see nearly $2 billion delivered across the state over the next 4 years,” Minister Tudge said.
“Today’s announcement not only brings funding forward for projects that can be delivered sooner, there is $78 million in additional funding for existing projects to take them through to completion.
“It also demonstrates a strong capability between the Morrison and Marshall Governments to deliver the infrastructure South Australia needs, whether it’s major projects like the North South Corridor upgrades or smaller, targeted projects through our Urban Congestion Fund.”
Minister for Transport, Planning and Local Government Stephan Knoll said the Marshall Government announced a record $1.115 billion in the most recent State Budget for regional roads and infrastructure.
“South Australia’s regions were neglected for 16 long years under the former Labor administration,” Minister Knoll said.
“South Australia’s regions finally have a Liberal Government that is putting its money where its mouth is and investing record amounts in regional roads.
“Since coming to government, in conjunction with the Morrison Government, we are delivering key regional road projects including the Port Wakefield Bypass, Joy Baluch Bridge duplication, Victor Harbor Road duplication, fixing the Horrocks Highway and investing hundreds of millions of dollars on road safety treatments right across South Australia.”
Project funding brought forward:
- $100 million for the $143 million SA Rural Roads Safety Package
- Funding to flow immediately and over the next two financial years to enable the commencement of works after previously being allocated beyond 2021-22
- Australian Government contribution to the project is $114.4 million ($80 million brought forward)
- South Australian Government contribution to the project is $28.6 million ($20 million brought forward)
- $86.75 million for the $125 million Port Augusta to Perth corridor
- Funding to flow immediately and over the next two financial years to enable the commencement of works after previously being allocated beyond 2021-22
- Australian Government contribution to the project is $100 million ($69.4 million brought forward)
- South Australian Government contribution to the project is $25 million ($17.35 million brought forward)
- $75 million for the $92 million Victor Harbour Road Duplication
- Funding to flow immediately and over the next three financial years to enable the commencement of works after previously being allocated beyond 2022-23
- Australian Government contribution to the project is $73.6 million ($60 million brought forward)
- South Australian Government contribution to the project is $18.4 million ($15 million brought forward)
- $50 million for the $55 million Horrocks Highway corridor
- Funding to flow immediately and over the next three financial years to enable the commencement of works after previously being allocated beyond 2022-23
- Australian Government contribution to the project is $44 million ($40 million brought forward)
- South Australian Government contribution to the project is $11 million ($10 million brought forward)
Additional funding:
- $87.5 million for the Darlington Upgrade
- Funding to flow immediately and enable completion of the project on-time in mid-2020.
- Total cost of the project has increased from $667 million to $754.5 million.
- The additional Australian Government contribution to the project is $70 million (increase of total contribution from $533.6 million to $603.6 million).
- The additional South Australian Government contribution to the project is $17.5 million (increase of total contribution from $133.4 million to $150.9 million).
- $16 million for Flinders Link
- Funding to flow immediately and enable completion of the project on-time in late-2020.
- Total cost of the project has increased from $125 million to $141 million.
- Both the Australian and South Australian Government will provide an extra $8 million to the project (increasing each government’s total contribution from $62.5 million to $70.5 million).
MAKE YOUR MARK ON GRAFFITI LAWS
A review of NSW’s graffiti laws is giving people across the State the opportunity to make their own mark in shaping these laws for the future.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said the review of the Graffiti Control Act 2008 would examine whether the legislation was delivering on its objectives of combatting graffiti.
“Tackling graffiti and illegal bill posting helps drive down crime in local communities and protect public facilities and private properties. We want to find out whether graffiti laws are helping to reduce costs for councils, local businesses and residents who foot the bill for clean-ups,” Mr Speakman said.
The Graffiti Control Act 2008 deals with graffiti offences, the supply of spray paint cans to minors, possession of graffiti implements, removal work by local government and bill posting. The NSW courts finalised a total of 960 charges for offences under the Act in 2018 -19. 570 of these were dealt with in the Local Court and 390 in the Children’s Court.
There are eight criminal offences under the Act, including an offence targeting serious and persistent offenders who intentionally mark premises that is not readily removable with a maximum penalty of $2,200 or 12 months imprisonment.
Mr Speakman said the community was frustrated waking up to find trains, buses, schools, fences and buildings being marred by ugly graffiti tags.
“Our government has taken a strong stance on graffiti including introducing tougher penalties and giving magistrates the power to put offenders on community based orders so they are forced to fix the damage caused by their vandalism,” Mr Speakman said.
The Department of Communities and Justice has prepared a discussion paper which provides an opportunity for people to have their say on the Graffiti Control Act 2008. For more information please email policy@justice.nsw.gov.au or visit the website
Submissions close on 15 December 2019 and should be sent to policy@justice.nsw.gov.au
COMMUNITY AT THE HEART OF NEW GLEBE PROJECT
The NSW Government will partner with Prince’s Trust Australia on a mixed tenure housing project to deliver 75 new dwellings in the inner-city suburb of Glebe, including additional social and affordable housing.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey, said the landmark agreement between NSW Land and Housing Corporation and Prince’s Trust Australia will enable new housing for those most vulnerable.
“Today, we are releasing our vision to transform a 1,800 square metre site into a showcase housing project with significant community benefits,” Ms Pavey said.
“This project will include a multi-purpose community hub which will be managed by Prince’s Trust Australia.
“Importantly, the project will partner with local education and support services to help build career pathways for young people.”
Prince’s Trust Australia Trustee and sustainable communities champion, Dominic Richards said Prince’s Trust Australia was delighted to be working with the NSW Government on its first Sydney project (and its second in Australia).
“The ongoing challenges of increasing urban density, housing affordability and climate change mean we are all responsible for improving urban livability and minimising development impacts on our natural environment,” Mr Richards said.
“This project will help address these and other challenges – contributing to the wellbeing of the Glebe community through excellence in environmental sustainability, design, place making and community engagement.
“Our aim is for this project to be sustainable, respect local character and create a mixed income community which includes social and affordable housing.”
Prince’s Trust Australia, inspired by the values of its founder, His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, seeks to deliver social impact by transforming lives and building sustainable communities in Australia.
Architects Kiong Lee and Graeme Dix from Sydney-based firm Johnson Pilton Walker have prepared a project design that celebrates historic and iconic building forms.
The project is located on two blocks, on Cowper Street and Wentworth Park Road, separated by a laneway and adjacent to Wentworth Park and MJ Doherty Reserve. The 75 dwellings will include a mixture of social, affordable and private housing.
The NSW Government will engage with the local community and stakeholders prior to lodging a planning proposal with the City of Sydney Council.
For more information on the project visit www.communitiesplus.com.au. For more information about Prince’s Trust Australia visit www.princes-trust.org.au