Creating innovative asphalt using recycled crushed glass (RCG) is now even easier thanks to new guidelines released by the NSW Government.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the guidelines would help industry navigate the steps for establishing and operating glass-recycling facilities, and processing glass to the standard required for use by Transport for NSW.
“Transport for NSW has already incorporated the use of recycled crushed glass on a number of its construction and maintenance projects, and has the potential to use up to 45,000 tonnes in the next three financial years, which equates to 234 million glass bottles,” Mr Constance said.
In addition, the NSW Government has awarded more than $735,000 in grants to three separate projects which will unlock new markets for the use of recycled glass in road construction.
Fulton Hogan has been awarded a $250,000 to upgrade its Eastern Creek asphalt plant and a further $236,000 grant to use recycled glass as a replacement for natural sand in asphalt on construction of the Albion Park Rail Bypass.
Construction company, John Holland has also received a grant of $249,987 to develop and trial geopolymer concrete containing recycled crushed glass as a replacement for virgin sand.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said these grants will encourage the reuse of construction and demolition waste, and also encourage the use of recyclable materials such as glass, plastics and cardboard in civil construction projects.
“Through this grant program, the NSW Government is boosting the future of recycling services in NSW, and helping industry prepare for the ban on the export of waste glass from Australia, coming into effect in January next year.” Mr Kean said.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said this technology would not just benefit the city, but would also be used on regional roads.
“The NSW Government is leading the way in delivering innovative solutions that can allow us to build more roads at less cost, while minimising the impact on the environment, so it’s great to see what would have been waste products given a new life in new roads such as the Albion Park Rail Bypass,” Mr Toole said.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said councils have supported the use of recycled materials in the roads sector, including local roads, and will continue to do so as part of the NSW Government’s plan to increase the use of recycled materials.
“We will continue to work with industry and councils to help develop the supply chain and reduce barriers to uptake in the use of recycled materials in road and building projects,” Mrs Hancock said.
Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said he was extremely pleased to see recycled crushed glass being used in the construction of the Albion Park Rail Bypass project.
“It is fantastic to see recycled materials being used which is paving the way for other projects to follow suit and will see more recycled materials being incorporated into major infrastructure projects across the State,” Mr Ward said.
Month: September 2020
$700 MILLION FOR SHELLHARBOUR HOSPITAL
NSW Government investment in Shellharbour Hospital has more than doubled, ensuring a world-class facility on a new site, boosting local jobs and the economy.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the $320 million funding boost is part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan to fast-track infrastructure and create jobs across the state.
“The NSW Government has increased its contribution from $250 million to $570 million to deliver the Illawarra a state-of-the-art hospital on a new site,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This investment is about creating thousands of new jobs and ensuring the South Coast has a world-class hospital with the capacity to care for the health needs of the community now and into the future.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said a total of $700 million will be funnelled into the project from the State and Federal Government.
“Not only will this bigger facility attract world-class clinicians and hospital staff to the region but it will deliver up to 2,800 jobs during construction to boost the local economy,” Mr Perrottet said.
“And by building a brand new hospital on a greenfield site, it provides greater opportunity to design a campus which can accommodate future demand and growth.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the new Shellharbour Hospital will relieve pressure on the existing hospital network and offer locals first-class facilities on their doorstep.
“We know in the next decade one in four people in the Illawarra will be aged 65 or older and need better access to care, in addition to its millions of visitors,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Work is already underway to identify a site where health services for all demographics could be collocated in one place and building can commence as soon as possible.”
Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said this investment would change lives in the region.
“When I make a promise to our community, I always get it done. I’ve been fighting hard for southern Illawarra residents to ensure we have a hospital that will serve our region for many years to come,” Mr Ward said.
“As a local MP, I’ve worked hard to deliver infrastructure that changes lives and saves lives – this announcement takes the cake.”
Minister for Local Government and Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock said scores of senior Illawarra doctors had petitioned her and fellow MPs for this outcome.
“This investment is a terrific outcome for patients and health professionals because it will concentrate vital services in one spot and bring forward works,” Mrs Hancock said.
NEW ROOF CHANGING CENTRAL’S SKYLINE
A new landmark is taking shape above Central Station, with a feature roof going up as part of the Sydney Metro construction works.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the roof over the Northern Concourse is nearly two thirds complete, after workers installed the steel girders, affectionately known as the “hockey sticks”, and cassette roof sections.
“The 80-metre-long and 40-metre-wide roof extends from the northern end of Platform 8 to Platform 16, and will sit more than 16 metres above ground to enable natural light to filter into the station,” Mr Constance said.
“More than 500 workers are currently delivering the Sydney Metro works at Central, with more than 5,000 working across the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project.”
The roof structure was manufactured and preassembled in the Hunter Valley town of Kurri Kurri, before large sections were transported to Sydney in the middle of the night.
Principal Contractor Laing O’Rourke has worked with architects Woods Bagot and John McAslan + Partners on the bespoke design for the 330 tonne roof.
As part of the upgrade to Australia’s busiest railway station, two new underground Metro platforms are being built as well as the landmark Central Walk – a new underground pedestrian concourse to help customers connect between light rail, suburban and inter-city trains, the Metro and buses.
Excavation work to build the underground Metro platforms “box” has reached 18 metres below ground level and preparations are in place to break into the tunnel in the coming months, as workers head for the final depth of 30 metres.
More information about the roof:
- 58 cassette sections being installed, each weighing around five tonnes.
- Largest cassettes are 16m long and 4.5m wide.
- Eight girders being installed, each weighing 30 tonnes.
- Longest girders are near the Station Master’s Office, measuring 21 metres long.
- 21,000 square metres of existing canopy was demolished for the new roof.
- Roof has perforated aluminium cladding panels, 21 distinctive diamond shape skylights, lighting and speakers.
Sections of the roof will be progressively installed over the Northern Concourse until the end of the year, with the Central Walk expected to be open to customers in 2022.
Sydney Metro construction will continue with metro rail services through the city expected to start in 2024.
Former tennis coach charged over alleged indecent assaults – Hunter region
A former tennis coach will face court today charged following an investigation into alleged child indecent assault offences in the Hunter region.
In June 2017, detectives from Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation into alleged indecent assault offences committed against a teenage girl in the late 1990s and the early 2000s.
Following extensive inquiries, a 57-year-old man, was issued with a Court Attendance Notice on Thursday 30 July 2020 for the offences of:
- Indecent assault
- Incite aggravated indecency victim under 16 and under authority (three counts)
- Incite aggravated indecency victim over 16 and under authority (two counts)
Police will allege in court that the man, who was a tennis coach, indecently assaulted a girl he was coaching – aged between 13 and 17 at the time – on multiple occasions in the East Maitland and Hunter region.
He is due to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Wednesday 9 September 2020).
Man charged after allegedly threatening man with a tomahawk – Newcastle
A man has been charged after allegedly threatening a man with a tomahawk in Newcastle overnight.
About 7.40pm yesterday (Monday 7 September 2020), police will allege in court that a 39-year-old man was involved in a verbal altercation with a man on Sandgate Road at Shortland.
The 39-year-old left and returned a short time later allegedly armed with a tomahawk and confronted the man.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and arrested him at the scene.
He was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with affray and armed with intent to commit indictable offence.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Tuesday 8 September 2020).
As investigations continue, police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact Waratah Police or to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Man charged with providing false documentation to leave hotel quarantine
Police have charged a man after he allegedly produced false documentation to leave hotel quarantine in Sydney.
On Friday 4 September 2020, a 30-year-old Victorian man arrived at Sydney Airport without an exemption.
The man was taken into hotel quarantine; however, the following morning he provided what he claimed to be a valid exemption document stating he was in NSW to visit his terminally ill grandfather in hospital.
The man was subsequently released from the hotel.
Following inquiries, police determined the documentation he provided was false. Further checks revealed the man’s grandfather was not in hospital.
Yesterday (Monday 7 September 2020), police attended a home on Rodley Avenue at Penrith where they arrested the man.
He was charged with fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to 7/8/9 -COVID 19, and produce false or misleading application.
He was given bail to appear in Penrith Local Court on 12 October 2020.
The man was returned to hotel quarantine.
Images released as police investigate aggravated robbery in Merewether
Police have released CCTV images and are appealing for public assistance following an aggravated robbery in Newcastle at the weekend.
About 3pm on Saturday (5 September 2020), a 45-year-old man parked a blue BMW M2 coupe on Lloyd Street, Merewether, and sat down on a nearby bench.
A short time later, three unknown men arrived in a Toyota Kluger 4WD – believed to have been stolen from an Islington address the day before (Friday 4 September 2020) – when they approached the man and punched him before taking his keys, wallet and phone.
All three men drove away in the BMW and were last seen heading west towards Scenic Drive.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District were called and commenced an investigation.
As inquiries continue, police have released CCTV images of three men they wish to speak to who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
They are all described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance and aged in their mid-20s.
One man is also described as being of a solid build, with mohawk-style hair and a ponytail. He was last seen wearing a grey hoodie.
A second man is described as being of slim build, wearing a black t-shirt and jeans.
Police are also appealing for anyone who may have seen a blue BMW M2 coupe with NSW registration DSS 71W, to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Australia Leads Way on Global Health Action
Australia has led a successful push for worldwide action to tackle two key global health issues – cervical cancer and eye health.
The Morrison Government welcomes the recent adoption of two Australian-led resolutions by member states of the World Health Organization (WHO):
- Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control: Accelerating the Elimination of Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Problem.
- Integrated People-Centred Eye Care, including Preventable Vision Impairment and Blindness.
Australia was successful in adding Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control to the World Health Assembly agenda in 2018, and led the development of the resolution. Australia is a global leader on cervical cancer elimination. The resolution garnered co-sponsorship from a number of countries.
We now stand ready to work with the international community to take these commitments forward.
The resolution on Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control has been recognised by the President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), Princess Dina Mired of Jordan, as “a generational commitment to eliminate a cancer for the first time”.
“Civil society applauds this achievement, which will bring true momentum to providing girls and women the health care they need to thrive,” she said.
“UICC salutes Australia’s global leadership in championing this cause, inspiring countries with the highest burden of cervical cancer and greatest needs to also commit to elimination.”
The cervical cancer resolution highlights the importance of women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health rights in responding to public health issues like cervical cancer.
Australia’s world leading cervical screening and HPV immunisation programs are highly effective at preventing and detecting cervical cancer. Australia remains on track to eliminate it in this country by 2035.
Australia’s leadership reinforces the clear pathway for countries to fast track and strengthen action to eliminate cervical cancer worldwide.
About 800 to 900 Australian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, with more than 200 deaths. Since the start of the National Cervical Screening Program in 1991, using the Pap test, there has been a 50 per cent reduction in cervical cancer incidence and mortality in Australia.
The resolution on Integrated People-Centred Eye Care, co-led by Australia and Indonesia, is an important step in ensuring eye health is integrated as part of universal health coverage worldwide. It supports implementation of effective strategies to address eye care needs, global research, and targets for eye health by 2030.
Globally, at least 1 billion people have a vision impairment that could have been prevented or is yet to be addressed, and this rate is expected to rise. The burden of poor eye health is particularly felt by vulnerable communities and low and middle income countries.
Australia’s global leadership aligns with our strong domestic eye health agenda. This includes Federal Government support for a five-year plan to improve access and close the gap in preventable blindness rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, funding for eye checks for people with diabetes under the KeepSight program, and activities to raise awareness about macular disease in line with the National Strategic Action Plan.
$500 Million Paid To Keep Australian Apprentices And Trainees On The Job
More than $500 million has been paid to 51,200 employers to keep 89,300 apprentices in work to protect workers and businesses from the impact of COVID-19.
Since launching the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy in April, these payments have ensured stability for apprentices, trainees and employers across Australia.
Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said this critical measure is helping the economy recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This $500 million milestone demonstrates the Government’s commitment to a skilled economic recovery,” Minister Cash said.
“This targeted financial support is providing rapid and direct assistance to protect jobs and keep businesses, apprentices and trainees connected to the benefits of training already undertaken.
“The $2.8 billion wage subsidy is a vital part of rebuilding our economy, while at the same time, building a skilled workforce for the future.”
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships, the Hon Steve Irons MP, said the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy is available to small and medium businesses who retain an apprentice or trainee. In addition, employers of any size that re-engage an eligible out of trade apprentice or trainee are also eligible.
“The initial $1.3 billion package was extended and expanded in July with an additional $1.5 billion of investment from the Government. This will see up to 180,000 apprentices and 90,000 employing businesses supported,” Assistant Minister Irons said.
“Eligible employers will receive a subsidy of 50 per cent of an apprentice’s or trainee’s wage—up to $7,000 per quarter—with the program also extended to March 2021.”
Minister Cash said the wage subsidy is part of the Australian Government’s $6.5 billion investment in VET in 2020-21.
“We are working closely with jurisdictions to establish the $1 billion JobTrainer Fund, with a $500 million investment to the JobTrainer fund, matched by the state and territory governments,” Minister Cash said.
“This will provide up to an additional 340,700 free or low-fee training places to help Australians upskill and reskill in areas of demand.”
Further information on how to apply for the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees wage subsidy is available at https://www.employment.gov.au/supporting-apprentices-and-trainees
Australia Secures Onshore Manufacturing Agreements For Two COVID-19 Vaccines
A free COVID-19 vaccine will be available progressively throughout 2021 in Australia, if promising trials prove successful, following a $1.7 billion supply and production agreement between the Australian Government and pharmaceutical companies.
Under the agreement, the University of Oxford/AstraZeneca and the University of Queensland/CSL will provide more than 84.8 million vaccine doses for the Australian population, almost entirely manufactured in Melbourne, with early access to 3.8 million doses of the University of Oxford vaccine in January and February 2021.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said both vaccines would need to be proven safe and effective, and meet all necessary regulatory requirements, prior to being made available to the public.
“Australians will gain free access to a COVID-19 vaccine in 2021 if trials prove successful,” the Prime Minister said.
“By securing the production and supply agreements, Australians will be among the first in the world to receive a safe and effective vaccine, should it pass late stage testing.
“There are no guarantees that these vaccines will prove successful, however the agreement puts Australia at the top of the queue, if our medical experts give the vaccines the green light.”
Health Minister Greg Hunt said Australians would be among the first in the world to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, once it is available.
“The Australian Government is a strong supporter of immunisation in that it is a safe and effective way to prevent the spread of many diseases in the community that can cause hospitalisation, serious ongoing health conditions, or even death,” Minister Hunt said.
“All vaccinations help save lives and protect lives. This vaccination though is fundamental to the safety of individuals and our nation and it will protect our elderly and our frail and we can all help save lives.”
“While the Government supports immunisation, it is not mandatory and individuals maintain the option to choose not to vaccinate.
“Any decisions regarding vaccines will be based on the advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation and other experts, and will be contingent on a vaccine meeting all requirements with regard to testing and safety.”
This commitment forms a crucial part of the Federal Government’s response to COVID-19 and our strategy to protect the health and wellbeing of Australians and the national economy.
The Prime Minister also remains committed to ensuring early access to the vaccines for countries in the Pacific as well as regional partners in Southeast Asia. Both agreements allow for additional orders to be negotiated and for doses to be donated or on-sold (with no mark-up) to other countries or international organisations.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said these agreements demonstrate what can be achieved when researchers and industry work together.
“Both these vaccines were initially tested by the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong, while the UQ vaccine is being developed with $5 million in support from the Federal Government,” Minister Andrews said.
“Now our nation’s manufacturing prowess will ensure Australia is in the strongest position to roll out a vaccine as quickly as possible, if and when it proves safe and effective.
“The work we are doing now will also build our knowledge and strengthen our local manufacturing capability, which will grow our pharmaceutical and medtech sectors for the future.”
The University of Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is world leading, having entered Phase three trials. To date it has generated strong immune responses, with no significant safety concerns.
The University of Queensland (UQ) vaccine has been developed in Australia by world class scientists and researchers, with support from the Australian Government.
UQ has recently announced that pre-clinical testing showed the vaccine is promising and already effective in animal models.
This production and supply agreement is part of the Australian Government’s COVID Vaccine and Treatment Strategy and was recommended by the expert advisory group – COVID-19 Vaccine and Treatments for Australia – Science and Industry Technical Advisory Group.
The deal leverages the manufacturing capability of experienced Australian pharmaceutical manufacturer CSL/Seqirus and will ensure that the vaccines will be manufactured onshore, to the highest quality standards at the earliest possible time.
Australia has a long history of vaccine development and vaccination which ensures Australians are protected from deadly and debilitating diseases including vaccines for rubella, polio and cervical cancer.
The Australian Government is contributing significantly to vaccine development work both in Australia and around the world, investing $362 million in vaccines, therapeutics and COVID medicines – including $257 million in vaccines.