February 2020 – Page 5

City to fund ocean baths restorations

City of Newcastle has committed to funding the restoration of both Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths following an unsuccessful expressions of interest (EOI) process.
With no EOI submissions progressing beyond an initial panel review, City of Newcastle will form a community reference group by the end of the month to guide the restoration of Newcastle Ocean Baths and commence further engagement on the Merewether pavilion later this year.
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The current round of community engagement is due to conclude at the end of February while initial planning continues, including detailed site investigations to further understand the condition of Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths and the level of rectification required.
“I’m determined to see the Newcastle Ocean Baths become an asset all Novocastrians can be proud of,” Cr Nuatali Nelmes said.
“This means converting feedback from the current community engagement process into the preliminary design that once costed, can be further tested with the community to ensure the Newcastle Ocean Baths receives an appropriate restoration 98 years after it was first built.
“We’ve made a great start on understanding what the community want from the Baths with more than 600 comments already logged on the City’s ideas wall. Intercept surveys are taking place at the Baths and other city locations before the end of February.
“We’ll now progress with forming a community reference group that represents user groups, the local business community and broader ratepayer base with the aim of holding our first meeting next month.
“The Baths are a treasured part of Newcastle’s history. Developed responsibly and with respect to its local heritage, we will deliver public baths that remain appealing to people throughout our city and one of our key tourism drawcards. This includes protection of its facade, the blue-stepped bleaches and its free entry to swim all year round.”
The Newcastle Coastal Plan of Management, adopted by Council in 2015, prescribed an expression of interest (EOI) for the pavilions and identified cafes, kiosks and restaurants as potential future uses, with the stipulation that revenue be re-invested in coastal upgrades and maintenance.
The City invited EOIs in November 2019 before bringing forward engagement following incorrect claims that the Newcastle and Merewether Baths would be privatised.
Under the EOI, the City committed to retaining Newcastle Ocean Baths’ iconic art-deco façade and bleacher seating, while providing renewed public change rooms with hot water showers and improving shading, car parking, disability access and seating in line with previous engagement results.
City of Newcastle Director of Infrastructure Ken Liddell said the City would review the community engagement results before preparing draft concept plans.
“Community consultation will be maintained through a reference group, while information sessions and a public exhibition will be held to present concept plans to the broader community before Councillors review and approve any restoration,” Mr Liddell said.
“I expect the concept plan will be completed this year with detailed design works to follow in preparation for construction work to start in 2021.”
City of Newcastle will form its Newcastle Ocean Baths community reference group in February with invitations to user groups and stakeholders along with an EOI for broader community involvement.
Community reference group
The stakeholder groups to be invited to be part of the community reference group (CRG) will include, but not be limited to:

Friends of Newcastle Ocean Baths
Pirates swimming club
Local business
Indigenous (Guraki / Awabakal)
Coal River Working Party
Newcastle East Residents Group
Australian Institute of Architects

For expressions of interest to the community, City of Newcastle will aim for broad representation from across the four wards and, include but not be limited to, youth, people with disability, Indigenous representation and pensioners. Applications to be part of the CRG close on February 27 and interested community members can apply here.
The Newcastle Ocean Baths Community Reference Group will have terms of reference based on the existing CRG for the Bathers Way. The CRG will be independently facilitated.

BUSHFIRE CLEAN-UP UNDERWAY IN SOUTHERN NSW

The operation to clean-up homes and businesses destroyed by bushfire is now underway on the NSW South Coast with excavators and bulldozers arriving in Mogo to clear debris.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro, NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Member for Bega Andrew Constance, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner and State Recovery Coordinator Mick Willing and Laing O’Rourke Managing Director Cathal O’Rourke, were on site in Mogo yesterday to kick off the clean-up.
“The small community of Mogo has suffered enormously this bushfire season, with 44 homes lost, plus more than 100 other properties including outbuildings and businesses destroyed,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Yesterday is an important day for people on the South Coast and in Mogo. It marks a new beginning, the sooner these structures are cleared the sooner people can start to rebuild their lives.”
Mr Perrottet said while there is a huge amount of work ahead, yesterday was a significant step forward.
“The NSW Government and recovery contractor Laing O’Rourke have responded quickly to get boots on the ground helping communities recover and get back on their feet,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Laing O’Rourke will work with qualified local contractors and suppliers where possible, to take advantage of local expertise and help the recovery happen swiftly.”
Mr Constance said more than 5,000 people to date have registered for the opt-in, to clean-up bushfire destroyed properties.
“I urge all local homeowners and businesses impacted by the bushfires to register online, call Service NSW, visit their local Recovery Centre or speak to the local recovery team to find out about the clean-up,” Mr Constance said.
Mr Willing, who is coordinating the NSW recovery effort said it is vital that large volumes of waste, including toxic materials like asbestos are disposed of correctly.
“The huge volume of waste which needs to be safely disposed of is challenging,” Mr Willing said.
“We have heard people’s concerns about waste management and I want to assure communities that we have their safety top of mind, and are working closely with councils, the EPA and NSW Public Works Advisory.”
The recovery efforts in Mogo follow the successful clean-up of properties at Rainbow Flat last week with a pilot clean-up operation also underway in the Blue Mountains.
The NSW Government and Commonwealth Government are funding the clean-up for insured and uninsured owners of properties so that people have more money to rebuild their homes.
With more than 2,400 houses and thousands of other structures destroyed by bushfire in NSW this season, the funding for clean-up is just one way the NSW and Commonwealth Governments are committed to helping bushfire communities on the path to recovery.
To register for the opt-in property clean-up service, call 13 77 88 or register online at www.service.nsw.gov.au.

NSW UNVEILS STRATEGY TO STAMP OUT SILICOSIS

Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson today announced a new plan to reduce cases of the deadly lung disease silicosis, caused by ingesting harmful dust when dry-cutting manufactured stone.
Under the plan, NSW’s workers will be better protected by the introduction of on-the-spot fines for those who engage in unsafe dry-cutting practices, the creation of a Silicosis Health Register and the introduction of a new workplace exposure standard from 1 July this year.
“Dry-cutting is an offence and for those who choose to ignore the law and put their employees at risk, SafeWork inspectors will issue tough new fines for non-compliance,” Minister Anderson said.
“Wet cutting prevents dust from escaping into the air and could significantly reduce the number of silicosis cases in NSW.”
“To help purchase new equipment the NSW Government will offer rebates of up to $1,000 to manufactured stone businesses until 30 June.”
The NSW Government will make silicosis a notifiable disease, creating a Silicosis Health Register to allow SafeWork to track and investigate the workplaces of those diagnosed with the disease.
“To protect workers from the dangers of silica dust we need more oversight of diagnosed silicosis cases, which is why it will now be a notifiable disease, with all cases listed on a single register.”
“SafeWork NSW will be notified when patients are diagnosed so they can immediately investigate the patients’ current and previous workplaces and determine the source of the unsafe work practice that led to the disease.”
The NSW Government previously announced the introduction of a new silica workplace exposure standard of 0.05mg/m3, which will be effective in NSW from 1 July.
“NSW takes silicosis seriously, which is why we will be protecting workers by implementing the new exposure standard on 1 July, more than two years before the nationally agreed start date,” Minister Anderson said.

NSW GOVERNMENT HELPING RURAL APPRENTICES

Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee today joined Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey in Nambucca to announce a new initiative to help apprentices in bushfire and drought-affected areas.
From today, apprentices in bushfire and drought-affected areas whose employers are unable to keep them on will still be able to access the training component of their apprenticeships for up to 12 months for free.
Mr Lee said the initiative means out of work apprentices in our regions will not be left behind while seeking new employers.
“We want to encourage regional youth to stay connected with their communities while on the pathway towards their future careers. We don’t want our regional apprentices to be forced to pack up and move out of their communities,” Mr Lee said.
“An apprentice who started training last year will be a fully qualified tradesperson within four years, so this is planning ahead. We will need future tradespeople in our regions.”
Minister for Regional Youth Bronnie Taylor says the inaugural Regional Youth Taskforce made it clear that young people want opportunities to be job ready in the community they love.
“At a time where we are losing young people from the regions this is exactly the sort of initiative we need to allow them to stay,” Mrs Taylor said.
This initiative is uncapped and will apply to as many apprentices as needed.
Training Services NSW will work with apprentices in drought and bushfire-affected areas to support them with ongoing training and help connect them to potential employers.
For more information, visit your local Training Services NSW office or call 13 28 11.

YOUTH PROJECTS ANNOUNCED TO GROW STRONGER COUNTRY COMMUNITIES

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said more than 500 projects will be funded through the program with more than 250 projects dedicated to benefitting regional youth.
“The new projects include training facilities, sports facility redevelopments, playgrounds and accessibility upgrades, as well as programs that promote job readiness, support wellbeing and offer social activities,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The drought and recent bush fires have had a devastating effect on regional NSW and to have $100 million worth of projects about to get underway will help boost morale at this difficult time.”
Minister for Regional Youth Bronnie Taylor, and Member for Tamworth and Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson today visited Tamworth Viaduct Park Youth Hub to announce $369,000 for a Youth Training Café, the first youth projects funded through the program.
Mrs Taylor said the café will help young locals be job ready by gaining valuable hospitality skills and experience, while also helping the café earn revenue that will be spent on training more young people.
“The Youth Training Café is a great example of the kind of projects that will help young people get work, support the local economy and making communities more vibrant and fun,” Mrs Taylor said.
“The Regional Youth Taskforce identified job readiness, digital accessibility, physical activity and wellbeing as some of the key issues that need to be addressed and I’m proud we’re delivering more than 250 projects that will do just that.”
Mr Anderson congratulated Tamworth Council on the Youth Training Café project, which will be the 15th project for the electorate funded through the SCCF.
“This project is another way to keep local kids engaged and teach them new skills at the same time,” Mr Anderson said.
“This project is just one of many projects in Tamworth that have benefitted from the SCCF – I look forward to announcing more in the near future.”
The Stronger Country Communities Fund is part of the $1.7 billion Regional Growth Fund, which together with the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund is delivering once-in-a-generation infrastructure that generates opportunities, investment and jobs.

TIME RUNNING OUT TO FIX STOCKTON EROSION DISASTER

NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay and Labor State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp have backed pleas for Stockton Beach to be declared a Natural Disaster following another devastating weekend of erosion.
Stockton’s caravan park is the latest site to come under threat, only four months after the suburb’s only childcare centre was demolished as a result of the receding coastline.
In September Ms McKay visited the community with Mr Crakanthorp and called on the Berejiklian Liberal Government to:

Immediately appoint a State Recovery Coordinator to manage a whole of government response to the erosion crisis at Stockton.
Direct the Coordinator to urgently assist City of Newcastle with repairs, stabilisation and beach replenishment works to protect Stockton and save the beach.
Work collaboratively with the City of Newcastle, the community and business to expedite the Coastal Management Program, for completion and adoption by the end of the year, to address long term erosion in Stockton.

The Government ignored Labor’s call and instead the Minister for Local Government committed to finding a long-term solution by the end of 2019. Disappointingly, the Minister failed to meet this deadline.
Ms McKay said: “The Government’s neglect of one of Newcastle’s beloved beaches is unacceptable and it would not be allowed to happen at Bondi or Manly. The people of Newcastle deserve better.”
Mr Crakanthorp said: “Time is slipping away, and Stockton is slipping faster.
“How much more do we need to lose? How dangerous does this have to become for the community before this Government pulls its finger out and acts?
“The fact that the Liberal Government ignored our calls for a State Recovery Coordinator has undoubtedly resulted in further damage to Stockton.
“A Natural Disaster declaration would be a step in the right direction, but ultimately what we need is an urgent solution to this erosion crisis and this Government must act now.”

REGIONAL TRAVEL CARD FLOP – NEWCASTLE SENIORS MISS OUT

More than 20,000 Newcastle seniors have been excluded from the NSW Government’s Regional Seniors Travel Card program, despite it being available to those living in neighbouring local government areas.
The $250 card allows eligible seniors to save on fuel and taxis, and pay for pre-booked NSW Trainlink Regional trains and coaches, however Newcastle residents miss out due to the city’s classification as ‘metropolitan’.
For example, this means that seniors in Stockton cannot receive the card, but those in the neighbouring suburb of Fern Bay can.
“The people of Stockton and Fern Bay are living side by side and it’s ridiculous to see them divided this way,” Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said.
“Newcastle’s bus service has already been decimated by this Government – this would have made it easier for seniors to access vital services, but they’ve been left out in the cold again.
“This Government’s arbitrary and inconsistent classification of Newcastle as metropolitan or regional according to their whim is unfair and wrong.”
Shadow Minister for Seniors and Cost of Living Jo Haylen said the exclusion was another blow for seniors and pensioners who were already struggling with the cost of living.
“Seniors and pensioners are the people who need this help the most, and it shouldn’t matter where they live,” Ms Haylen said.
“There has been nothing fair about the rollout of this scheme – Newcastle residents should be just as entitled to this card as their neighbours in Lake Macquarie or Port Stephens.”

LABOR CALLS FOR OFFSHORE MARINE DREDGING TO SOLVE CRISIS AT STOCKTON BEACH

NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay has slammed the Berejiklian Government for its failure to act on the worsening erosion crisis at Stockton Beach – saying immediate steps are needed before the seaside community washes away.
The call comes as it can be revealed that three separate grant applications from Newcastle City Council for emergency sand nourishment by truck remain ignored by the Minister.
On a visit to Stockton today, joined by Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp, Ms McKay questioned why the Government has failed to take any steps to overturn the ban on offshore marine dredging that could help solve the crisis.
Labor has been pressing the Government for this action since last October.
Under the Offshore Minerals Act 1999, the Berejiklian Government holds the power to release and invite applications for an area to be mined for sand to replenish beaches.
In response to a Question on Notice from Mr Crakanthorp in 2018, the Government said there were “no current plans” to release any areas for mining licenses. In October 2019, Deputy Premier John Barilaro stated “this regime has not been implemented since the Act was created and legislative changes may be required to support or improve the regime before it is used”.
The City of Newcastle also wrote to Mr Barilaro on December 9 requesting the ban be lifted.
Offshore dredging has been used successfully to combat erosion on the Gold Coast in Queensland and in other nations such as The Netherlands.
“The Berejiklian Government has twiddled its thumbs over summer while Stockton Beach slowly disappears,” Ms McKay said.
“Labor supports any necessary redrafting of existing laws to allow offshore marine dredging for the purposes of beach nourishment – subject to all other environmental and regulatory approvals being met.
“This is a sensible solution the community is calling for. The ball is in the Berejiklian Government’s court – shame on them for just doing nothing.”
Today’s visit by Ms McKay comes in the wake of more severe weather and large swells. Parts of the local caravan park were last week relocated in an emergency operation after savage storms stripped tonnes of sand from the already heavily eroded foreshore.
The Government finally declared Newcastle a natural disaster – but only after calls from Ms McKay and the City of Newcastle.
“People here feel they are on borrowed time. They are living in fear of the next major weather event. The Berejiklian Government promised to address this and they haven’t – and the Premier hasn’t even bothered to visit,” Ms McKay said.
“The Government’s neglect of one of Newcastle’s beloved beaches is unacceptable and it would not be allowed to happen at Bondi or Manly.”
In September, Ms McKay visited the community with Mr Crakanthorp and demanded the Government:

Immediately appoint a State Recovery Coordinator to manage a whole of government response to the erosion crisis at Stockton,
Direct the Coordinator to urgently assist City of Newcastle with repairs, stabilisation and beach replenishment works to protect Stockton and save the beach.
Work collaboratively with the City of Newcastle, the community and business to expedite the Coastal Management Program, for completion and adoption by the end of the year, to address long term erosion in Stockton.

The Government ignored Labor’s call and instead the Minister for Local Government committed to finding a long-term solution by the end of 2019. Disappointingly, the Minister failed to meet this deadline.
Mr Crakanthorp said a long-term solution is needed before it’s too late.
“The childcare centre has already been lost and now the Caravan Park is at risk. Residents are crying out for help because their community is quite literally washing away,” Mr Crakanthorp said.
City of Newcastle previously won funding from the State Government for emergency sand nourishment by truck in front of the Stockton Surf Lifesaving Club and Lexie’s Café. Whilst this provided a short term solution over summer the sand is now gone and the shoreline has further retreated.
However despite the beach being listed as an open coast location (erosion hotspot), which means the State Government is able to fast-track applications for funding, there are still three outstanding grant applications from Newcastle City Council that the Minister is yet to approve.
These are:
• $498,000 requested for coastal protection works at the southern end of Griffith Avenue and Stone Street, Stockton;
• An additional $240,000 for beach nourishment along the southern part of Stockton Beach; and
• $140,000 requested for additional resourcing for City of Newcastle Coastal Management Program.

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Man charged with escape lawful custody – Newcastle

A man has been charged after he allegedly absconded from a hospital in Newcastle while in the custody of Corrective Services officers yesterday.
About 2pm yesterday (Thursday 20 February 2020), officers from Newcastle City Police District responded following reports the 35-year-old, who was being treated under guard at John Hunter Hospital, had escaped.
A large-scale search involving local police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, the Dog Unit and PolAir, was initiated for the alleged escapee.
Just after 3pm, the man was arrested at a shopping centre on Northcott Drive, Kotara.
The man was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with escape lawful custody, enter prescribed premises of person without lawful excuse, and larceny.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 21 February 2020).
As investigations continue, police would like to speak with any witnesses. Those with information are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 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.

Woman charged following theft – Morrisset

A woman will face court today following the theft of two handbags from a business in Morrisset early this morning.
Just after 2am (Friday 21 February 2020) a woman allegedly entered the kitchen area of a business on Nentoura Road, Morrisset and picked up two handbags, owned by two staff members.
The staff members confronted the woman, but she fled in a red Holden Commodore being driven by another woman.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were contacted, and an investigation commenced.
Just before 2.30am, one of the staff member’s husbands saw the red Holden Commodore and began to follow it.
The two cars entered Yurunga Road – a dead-end street – in San Remo where both vehicles came to a stop. It’s alleged the Commodore began to ram the man’s car.
The two women got out of the Commodore and attempted to flee before the man subdued one of the women.
Police arrived on scene and arrested the 33-year-old woman. She was taken to Toronto Police Station where she was charged with enter dwelling with the intent to commit a serious indictable offence, enter prescribed premises of any person without lawful excuse, and drive while licence cancelled.
She was also charged with two outstanding warrants.
She was refused bail and is due to appear before Wyong Local Court today (Friday 21 February 2020).
Inquiries continue into the whereabouts of the second woman.