Sydney drivers have given the NSW Government’s new Park’nPay app the thumbs up, with 9,500 app downloads and more than 7,823 transactions since it went live in October 2019 in Liverpool City Council, The Rocks and parts of Darling Harbour and Pyrmont.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said drivers will receive a significant boost, with commercial parking giants Wilson Parking and Secure Parking coming on board in the next few weeks, by supplying data on their parking stock via the app. Central Coast Council will also trial the app.
“The app is convenient and makes life easier for drivers by putting the power of parking in their hands,” Mr Dominello said.
“The technology eliminates the need for drivers to walk to a parking meter by allowing them to pay and top up via the app. It also helps drivers avoid parking fines, by sending a notification when their meter is running low or their park is about to turn into a no stopping zone.”
Mr Dominello said having Wilson Parking and Secure Parking come on board is a game changer for drivers, with tens of thousands more parking bays across Sydney soon to be available on the app.
“Wilson Parking and Secure Parking collectively operate about 250 commercial car parks across metro Sydney, comprising of more than 125,000 parking bays, accessed by millions of drivers each year,” Mr Dominello said.
“This is a big win for drivers. Whether you’re visiting family and friends or doing some shopping, there will be more opportunities to use the app to find that ideal spot and reduce congestion.”
Both commercial parking operators will continue to manage payments through their own platforms. The app has a 92 per cent customer satisfaction rating. It is free and available on iPhone and Android phones. Drivers simply download the Park’nPay app, create an account with their licence plate and payment details. Users have the option of paying with Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Parking inspectors will check to see if a meter has been paid by searching licence plate details using an app on their phone. Parking meters will continue to accept coins and credit cards. For more information visit www.parknpay.nsw.gov.au
Month: February 2020
BUSHFIRE CLEAN-UP UNDERWAY AS EXCAVATORS MOBILISE ACROSS THE STATE
The operation to clean-up homes and businesses destroyed and damaged by bushfires across NSW took a major step forward today with debris being cleared from Rainbow Flat properties on the North Coast.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro and NSW Police Assistant Commissioner and State Recovery Coordinator Mick Willing joined Laing O’Rourke Managing Director Cathal O’Rourke in Rainbow Flat to oversee the start of clean-up operations.
Mr Barilaro said excavators will clear approximately 40 destroyed properties at Rainbow Flat in the coming days, as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to cover the cost of the clean-up on a 50:50 basis with the Federal Government, so insured and uninsured owners will have more money in their pockets to rebuild their homes.
“The sooner we can safely clear the 2,400 plus houses and thousands of other buildings that have been destroyed across the State, the sooner people can rebuild,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Initial building assessments have already been done for over 41,000 properties. Now the clean-up resources are rolling out across the State.
“Having excavators in place and working so quickly is a testament to Laing O’Rourke’s expertise. I thank them and Public Works Advisory for making this happen, especially given the challenges caused by the weekend downpours.”
Assistant Commissioner Willing said co-ordinating a safe, efficient and timely clean-up effort across the State will be challenging.
“The clean-up includes managing hazardous materials such as asbestos, dangerous trees that are near homes or commercial buildings, along with damaged driveways that could impact on the safety of the clean-up or impede the rebuilding process. We will also be ensuring the huge volume of waste is disposed of correctly,” Assistant Commissioner Willing said.
“This is a mammoth task and I ask people to please be patient for a little while longer, we are coming to your town as soon as possible.”
Mr O’Rourke said Laing O’Rourke will work with qualified local subcontractors and suppliers where possible to take advantage of local knowledge and expertise.
“Laing O’Rourke has pulled together a team of experts in their field from across the industry, and now we are ready to mobilise and get on with the task of helping people recover as soon as possible,” Mr O’Rourke said.
To opt-in to the free property clean-up service, bushfire-impacted owners must register online at www.service.nsw.gov.au or call 13 77 88.
Taser and cash seized; man charged – Newcastle
A man will appear in court today after police located drugs and more than $80,000 cash in Newcastle.
In November 2019, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District commenced Strike Force Chufa to investigate the supply of methylamphetamine in the Newcastle area.
Following extensive inquiries, police attended an apartment on King Street, Newcastle, where they spoke with a 39-year-old man.
During a subsequent search of his motor vehicle, police seized a small quantity of methylamphetamine, an electrical stun device similar to a taser, and more than $80,000 in cash.
He was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where he was charged with:
- Supply prohibited drug (22 counts)
- Supply commercial quantity prohibited drug
- Deal in proceeds of crime
- Possess prohibited weapon
He was refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 12 February 2020).
We Don’t Need No Hanson Education Bill: Faruqi
Greens Education Spokesperson, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has responded to Senator Pauline Hanson’s announcement of “The Prohibiting the Indoctrination of Children Bill” which, absurdly, would rewrite the curriculum to require teaching of climate denialism and dangerous conservative ideas of gender and sexuality.
Senator Faruqi said:
“Senator Hanson’s attempt to gag teachers and stuff the curriculum full of right-wing conspiracy theories would be laughable if it weren’t so terrifying.
“The curriculum should be based on evidence and expertise not Pauline Hanson’s latest bigoted thought bubble.
“There is no place for this kind of censorship of teachers in our democracy and our schools.
“This bill belongs nowhere but in the bin. Hanson’s spurious claims that human-caused climate change is ‘unsubstantiated’ and schools ‘teach gender fluidity and realignment to infants’ can go with it.
“It’s vital every child learns the realities of the climate crisis, the truth of Australia’s settler-colonial past and how to have respectful relationships in the context of a comprehensive sex education.
“Teachers, working with educational experts, do a great job supporting students, often working without the resources they need. They certainly don’t need One Nation’s meddling.”
Senate pressures Govt to bring on vote for Greens Federal ICAC
The Australian Senate has sent a message to the Morrison Government that it wants a federal corruption watchdog with teeth, voting for the Government to bring on the Greens’ National Integrity Commission Bill in the House of Representatives for a vote in the February 2020 sittings.
The Greens bill passed the Senate in September 2019.
Greens leader in the Senate Larissa Waters said, “The Senate has today sent a clear message that it won’t stand for the weak Government model for a Federal ICAC which is already long delayed and ineffective.
“It was very telling that it was only the Government Senators who voted against the House being compelled to bring on the Greens ICAC bill for a vote. They are plagued by integrity scandals and you’ve got to wonder if they have even more to hide.
“The Greens have been pushing for 10 years for a corruption watchdog and we urgently need action to restore community confidence following #SportsRorts and rolling integrity sagas.
“This is now a test for Prime Minister Scott Morrison – will he hear the strong message for the Senate and clean up this sideshow of scandals or continue to delay and whitewash his weak body which won’t stop corruption?
“It will also be the first indication of whether Llew O’Brien or the Nationals follow through on their threat and cross the floor to support integrity.
“Australians deserve to have their voice and values represented in parliament, a place intended to give voice to people, not the vested interests of big donors.”
Download a copy of the Greens’ National Integrity Commission Bill here:
https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=s1154
Senate Motion passed 33:29:
https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Chamber_documents/Senate_chamber_documents/Notice_Paper/Current_Notice_Paper
Senator Waters:
To move—
(1) That the Senate notes that:
(a) the Senate passed the Australian Greens’ National Integrity Commission Bill 2018 (No. 2) on 9 September 2019 to establish a federal corruption watchdog with broad remit to investigate allegations of corruption and misconduct, and to ensure strong, independent oversight of the actions of parliamentarians; and
(b) public consultation on the Commonwealth Integrity Commission model proposed by the Government ended more than one year ago, but the Government has yet to introduce legislation to establish an integrity commission,
(2) That the Senate calls on the Federal Government to bring on the Australian Greens’ National Integrity Commission Bill 2019 in the House of Representatives for a vote in the February 2020 sittings.
(3) That this resolution be sent to the House of Representatives for concurrence.
With QLD Gov Support, Greens renew calls for National Horse Register
Greens Spokesperson for Animal Welfare, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has welcomed the Queensland Government’s support for a National Horse Register following the release of the independent inquiry into the management of retired racehorses.
Senator Faruqi’s 2019 Senate inquiry into establishing a National Horse Traceability Register called for the establishment of a national working group to work towards implementing a Register in December.
Senator Faruqi said:
“I welcome the Queensland Government’s support for a national horse register.
“Australians were outraged by the horrific slaughter of racehorses exposed by 730. We need to track horses throughout their lives so the industry has no more excuses for not ensuring every horse has a dignified retirement.
“The independent inquiry is right to identify this as a national problem that requires national leadership and solutions.
“That’s why I’m calling on the Minister Littleproud to work urgently to establish a register.
“I have long said that when animals and gambling mix, animals always suffer. At the end of the day, no racehorse should end up in a slaughterhouse. We need strong enforcement and strong animal welfare laws as well. The Greens have long advocated for an independent office for animal welfare which can do this.”
High Court ruling
The Greens welcome the High Court’s decision regarding the government’s ability to deport First Nations peoples.
“Trying to deport First Nations peoples whose country we stole is a fundamentally racist thing to do,” Greens Immigration and Citizenship spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.
“All First Nations peoples who are in Immigration detention should now be immediately released.”
“It is also time to rein in the authority of both the Immigration Minister and the Minister for Home Affairs so we don’t see these kinds of gross abuses of power.”
“This is a significant development for the rights of First Nations peoples.”
Australian Greens spokesperson on First Nations issues Senator Rachel Siewert said:
“It is deeply insulting and disrespectful that Mr Dutton thinks he can deport the Traditional Owners of this land.”
“This type of Government policy directly contradicts Closing the Gap objectives.”
“With the PM set to address the Parliament tomorrow on the Closing the Gap report I would suggest that that he use the opportunity to apologise for this racist approach.”
Government avoids vote on Greens ICAC bill
The Government has today used its numbers in the lower house to narrowly avoid voting on a motion to pass the Greens’ bill for a national corruption watchdog with teeth.
“Today the Prime Minister has once again dodged scrutiny and integrity by gagging and delaying a vote on whether to have a strong federal corruption watchdog,” said Greens Senate Leader and democracy spokesperson, Senator Larissa Waters.
“The Government did not even allow any debate on the motion, just gag and delay so they can continue the dodgy conduct of their Ministers without any independent body to hold them to account.
“The procedural games can’t conceal that this government is running away from integrity and transparency as fast as new corruption scandals emerge.
“The Prime Minister now has a reputation for ignoring corruption and conflicts of interest that the pub test says breach Ministerial Standards – and he’s now also the guy standing in the way of a corruption watchdog.
“It raises the serious question – what further immoral behaviour does the Prime Minister and his scandal-ridden ministers have to hide?
“The best antidote to corruption and conflicts of interest is sunlight.
“The Government reluctantly conceded a federal corruption watchdog was needed 16 months ago but there is still no draft legislation and everyone is sick of waiting while the snouts remain in the trough.
“People, the Senate and almost half the House of Representatives are calling for the Prime Minister to clean up the sideshow of scandals. He ignores them at his peril,” she said.
The vote on whether to vote on the motion to bring on and vote on a Greens ICAC bill was very close, dividing along party lines at 72:70. The Nationals and Llew O’Brien voted with the Government.
Newcastle community helps form picture of City’s future
How do we maintain green spaces, buildings with character, access to transport and shops and a sense of community over the next 20 years with an additional 35,000 residents?
This is the question dealt with through the City of Newcastle’s draft Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), a legislated plan outlining the vision for land use along with the character and values of our growing city.
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Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the draft LSPS had been developed on the back of a comprehensive community engagement program and is now on public exhibition for feedback.
“City of Newcastle’s Local Strategic Planning Statement will shape our land-use planning priorities to meet community needs and will set out how we should manage greenfield sites, community land and potential development areas over the next two decades,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The opinions and wishes of our residents are essential to the City’s planning process.
“Surveys, face-to-face drop-in sessions and a young person’s drawing activity were just some of the ways we gathered feedback on how to best shape the way our City will look and feel in 2040.
“Over 500 people participated in a survey which canvassed our community’s vision for land-use and neighbourhood character with questions relating to transport, environment, housing and jobs.
“In 20 years the picture of our city will look much different, with 19,500 new dwellings and 35,000 additional residents projected for Newcastle.
“It’s fantastic that the largest demographic to engage with us on this draft plan was the 16-19-year age group, ensuring the desires of our future ratepayers are reflected in our vision and plans for the future.
“The ‘Big Picture’ Newcastle 2040 drawing activity provided primary school aged young people an opportunity to offer ideas on what they love about their City, how improvements can be made and what needs to be maintained to ensure the City of Newcastle remains an incredible place to live.
“Our residents value a sense of community and opportunities for people to connect and
engage in their streets and neighbourhoods, as well as special places centred on our natural environment and open space.
“It’s now time for the broader community to have their say on how Newcastle should look in 2040 by reviewing the draft Local Strategic Planning Statement before it’s finalised and put to Council for endorsement.”
The Local Strategic Planning Statement is on public exhibition until Monday, 9 March. To view or make a submission, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Have-Your-Say/Projects/Planning-Newcastle-2040
BUY REGIONAL FOR LAST-MINUTE VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS
Shoppers looking for the perfect last-minute present for their loved one this Valentine’s Day can find great gift ideas that will directly support businesses in towns impacted by bushfire or drought via the NSW Government’s Buy Regional webpage.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro and Minister for Small Business Damien Tudehope encouraged shoppers to share the flavour of regional NSW with their loved one on the 14th February this year.
Mr Barilaro said the Buy Regional webpage and campaign had significantly boosted trade for regional retailers doing it tough in the lead up to Christmas, however retailers in the bush still need the support of their city cousins to keep towns and local economies alive.
“We know the Buy Regional success stories, of the hundreds of thousands of dollars flowing directly to small businesses across towns like Uralla and Tamworth and I commend shoppers who backed these communities, but now is not the time to stop spending,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Valentine’s Day is a fantastic opportunity to discover last-minute gift ideas from the ever-expanding list of gourmet food retailers and experience providers listed with Buy Regional.
Last-minute Buy Regional gift ideas include;
- Chocolate on Purpose – gourmet chocolate varieties peppered with native Australian fruit and nuts, send with next day delivery or choose an online voucher
- Hunter Belle Dairy – delicious cheese hampers with delivery to Hunter and Sydney
- Terragong House 1858 – book a stay at the heritage property on the South Coast, receive an online gift certificate in time to give your loved one for Valentine’s Day.
Mr Tudehope said that regional NSW’s small businesses are brimming with high quality, unique products which are designed, handmade, carefully curated or prepared with love.
“So many of regional NSW’s small businesses are run by thoughtful teams who put a lot of time and effort into making sure customers have the best possible experience, from the second they click to purchase an item until well after it is received,” Mr Tudehope said.
“For those who can’t Go Regional and visit regional communities in the immediate future, a way to show your love is to purchase your next gift from Buy Regional, whether that’s for Valentine’s Day or an upcoming birthday.”
To buy a regional product or register your business, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/buyregional