Month: January 2021

Man bitten in suspected shark attack – Lake Macquarie

A man will undergo surgery after being bitten on the arm in the Lake Macquarie area this afternoon.

About 6.30pm (Saturday 23 January 2021), emergency services were called to Yoorala Road, Lake Macquarie, following reports of a shark attack.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a 58-year-old man at the scene for injuries to his left arm before he was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital, where he will undergo surgery.
Police were told the man and a woman was swimming in the lake when he was bitten on his arm. The woman, aged 56, helped pull him to shore.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District are working with NSW Fisheries to identify the species.

Community encouraged to stay safe at local beaches

With high temperatures and hazardous sea conditions forecast today through until Tuesday 26 January, City of Newcastle is encouraging the community to stay safe around Newcastle’s beaches and coastal areas.
Community members are reminded to only visit patrolled beaches, avoid crowded areas or opt to visit the local pool, always swim between the red and yellow flags, practice sun safe measures and stay hydrated.
With COVID restrictions still in effect, additional City of Newcastle COVIDSafe beach marshals will be patrolling the city’s beaches.
Tips to stay safe at the beach across summer:
Avoid crowded areas and peak times – If you notice an area is already crowded, consider another beach, local pool or leisure option, and try to avoid peak times of the day.
Stay safe around the water – Swim between the red and yellow flags, put your hand up if you get into trouble, never swim alone, and if you are unsure ask a lifeguard.
Keep your distance – Stay 1.5 metres, or approximately a towel length apart from others.
Look out for our COVIDSafe Beach Marshals – During busy periods such as weekends and school holidays, additional lifeguards will be onsite as COVIDSafe Beach Marshals to patrol our beaches and baths, to educate the community about requirements under the Public Health Order, monitor crowd sizes and promote water safety.
Do not gather in large groups – Do not gather in large groups and all group members must ensure they can physically distance with people outside their own household.
Make decisions in the best interest of yourself and others – Make sure you stay home if you are unwell and download the COVID Safe app.
View lifeguard patrol times at our beaches.

Arrow shooting wrong way with CSG near contaminated land

The Greens call on the Queensland and federal governments to reject Arrow Energy’s massive expansion proposal to drill hundreds of new coal seam gas wells at Hopeland in the Western Downs Region and lay 440km of pipelines in fertile farm land.
Arrow Energy has applied to increase its number of coal seam gas wells at the Hopeland site from six to 286. The state government previously declared the area off-limits for future coal seam gas projects after land and groundwater was contaminated by the Linc Energy underground coal gasification disaster.
Greens Leader in the Senate and spokesperson for mining and resources, Senator Larissa Waters, said:
“The Linc Energy project was one of Queensland’s worst environmental scandals. The Queensland Government recognised the extent of damage when it set a no-go zone in the area for future coal seam gas projects and I call upon them to now reject Arrow’s expansion proposal outright.
“I also call on the federal government to reject Arrow’s application as ‘clearly unacceptable’, given the obvious threats the project poses to the region’s groundwater.
“The Greens will always stand up for our communities, our farmland, our water, and our climate in the face of corporate interests and mining magnates.
“Governments need to stop sacrificing our farmland to the highest bidder. We must protect our precious food-producing land, respect the rights of farmers and traditional owners, and stop our water from being contaminated and the climate crisis turbo-charged by leaking gas (fugitive emissions).
“That’s why for the last 10 years I’ve had a private members bill before the Senate to give landholders the legal right to say no to coal seam gas and to ban fracking, but the big parties who take donations from the fossil fuel industry keep voting against it.
“Noting the Prime Minister’s obsession with the misnomer of a gas-led recovery, I will be asking in parliament about the treatment of Arrow’s huge expansion proposals and what it will take for the government to start protecting rural communities from the massive risk to water, the climate and farm land.”
“I also encourage all farmers to lodge an objection to Arrow Energy’s expansion application to the Queensland government by 15 February.
“It’s time state and federal governments listened to scientists, farmers and First Nations Peoples about the risks to land, water and climate. You can’t eat coal or drink gas,” concluded Senator Waters.

Mobilising Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine workforce

The Australian Government is preparing for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout by securing an additional vaccine workforce and working to deliver essential training to everyone who will administer the vaccinations.
Australia’s vaccine roll out will be carried out through hospitals, General practices, state and Commonwealth vaccination clinics, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and Pharmacies.
This additional vaccination workforce will help support and supplement these existing services and assist in outreach in areas such as aged care and remote and indigenous communities working with existing providers.
Through our plan, a panel of four providers have been appointed who will be called upon to provide a vaccine workforce to supplement the existing immunisation workforce for specific populations.
The providers are Aspen Medical, Healthcare Australia, International SOS, and Sonic Clinical Services.
These providers have established their capability and capacity to provide a skilled workforce, particularly for some of the most vulnerable groups throughout each state and territory.
The Australian Government has been closely monitoring the immunisation programs operating overseas, including in the United Kingdom and the United States, and one of the critical requirements has been the availability of a ready and capable immunisation workforce.
Our vaccination strategy requires the highest levels of operational readiness. As vaccines are approved for use in Australia and our vaccination program commences, we are ensuring the workforce is there to administer the vaccines in an efficient manner, particularly to our priority groups including residential aged care, residential disability, and carers.
This vaccine workforce will support the jurisdictions for their part in the vaccine rollout. We anticipate they will also partner with peak organisations and other providers to assist in administering the vaccine for harder-to-reach populations, such as remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Work is also under way to prepare the necessary and compulsory training which will be required for each and every healthcare professional administering COVID-19 vaccines.
The Australian College of Nursing is leading the preparation of the training materials which will cover the handling and administration of COVID-19 vaccines.
The nature of the COVID-19 vaccines requires immunisers receive information on a range of issues, such as the use of multi-use vials and handling practices for the Pfizer vaccine which requires very low temperatures for storage.
Healthcare professionals and the vaccine workforce will not be able to administer any COVID-19 vaccines without having first completed the training modules.
Australia is in the incredibly fortunate position to be able to look and learn from the vaccine rollouts taking place around the world and to ensure our workforce is ready and trained to do a world class job delivering the vaccine to all Australians who chose to be vaccinated in 2021.
This is a position which we have all worked hard to achieve, by following the health advice and suppressing the spread of the virus in our community.
As reported by the Medical Journal of Australia, the Australian response to COVID-19 may have saved over 16 000 lives according to modelling that used the UK response as a template.
The World Health Organisation has identified Australia as one of the most well prepared health systems in the world, according to a 2018 evaluation report on Australian disaster preparedness.
Our next stage is to issue expressions of interest requests for General Practices and Pharmacists, with that expected to be issued this week as foreshadowed.

PLANNING APPROVAL FOR WESTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL

The Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade has received planning approval from the NSW Government, in a major step towards delivering the third road crossing of Sydney Harbour.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the mega-project includes a 6.5 kilometre tunnel, with three lanes in each direction, which will help slash travel times from North Sydney to Sydney Olympic Park by up to 20 minutes.
“The Western Harbour Tunnel will take pressure off the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor corridors to revolutionise transport capacity in and around our city,” Mr Constance said.
“The new tunnel will start at the new Rozelle Interchange and head under the Harbour to the Warringah Freeway, and will integrate new and existing public transport connections.
“This city-shaping piece of infrastructure will deliver a vital boost to the NSW economy, with the tunnel and freeway upgrade, along with Beaches Link, expected to support around 15,000 full time equivalent jobs.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the project will transform the way people move across our harbour, with traffic volumes to be reduced on some of Sydney’s busiest roads.
“Planning approval means the NSW Government can get on with delivering the first stage, which is an upgrade to one of Sydney’s busiest and most complex road corridors, four kilometres of the Warringah Freeway,” Mr Stokes said.
“Community feedback on the project has been valuable in helping understand and deliver positive changes to the design and plan, and we will continue to work closely with local communities as the project gets underway.
“Conditions of the project include an investigation of more footpaths and cycleways in the area and a requirement that any trees removed need to be replaced at a ratio of two-to-one.”
A survey of local residents and businesses will be carried out in early 2021, to ensure the project team understands and can mitigate the impact of construction.
Following the procurement process and contract awards, construction is expected to start in the first quarter of 2021.
The community is also being reminded to have its say on the Beaches Link Environmental Impact Statement which is on public exhibition until 1 March 2021.
For more information and to see the interactive portal, visit: nswroads.work/whtbl

COMMEMORATIVE GRANTS PROGRAM OPENS

Newcastle-based organisations are encouraged to apply for grants for projects that highlight the service and sacrifice of Australian personnel in wars, conflicts and peace operations.
Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP said the Saluting their Service Commemorative Grants Program is designed to preserve Australia’s wartime heritage.
“I encourage community-based organisations to apply to undertake projects that will promote appreciation and understanding of the experiences of service and the roles that those who served have played in shaping the nation,” Ms Claydon said.
“Projects may include the construction or restoration of war or peace memorials, commemorative events, digital content development, publications or public awareness activities.”
Ms Claydon said there are two categories of grants available.
“Grants up to $10,000 are available for community-based commemorative projects and activities,” Ms Claydon said.
“A second category provides grants between $10,001 and $150,000 are available for major commemorative projects and activities that are significant from a regional, state or national perspective.”
Ms Claydon said that if organisations wanted her to provide a letter of support, they should email her a copy of their application at sharon.claydon.mp@aph.gov.au
The closing date for applications is 11pm on Thursday 11 February 2021. For further information and to apply, visit www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/saluting-their-service-commemorative-grants-program or contact Sharon Claydon’s office on 4926 1555.

Car collides with unmarked police vehicle; woman charged with high-range PCA – Belmont

A woman has been charged with high-range drink driving after allegedly colliding with an unmarked police car whilst more than four times the legal limit in Lake Macquarie.
About 5.15pm yesterday (Wednesday 21 January 2021), a male senior constable stopped in the breakdown lane of the Pacific Highway, Belmont, in an unmarked police vehicle.
A short time later, a Ford Focus travelling north has veered into the breakdown lane and collided with the rear of the stationary police vehicle.
The officer called for assistance with additional police and emergency services attending. He and the Ford driver, a 42-year-old woman, underwent a roadside breath test, which the woman allegedly returned a positive reading.
She was arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station to undergo a breath analysis, which allegedly returned a reading of 0.214.
The Marks Point woman was issued a court attendance notice for the offence of high-range PCA and is due to appear at appear at Belmont Local Court on Wednesday 3 February 2021.
Her licence was also suspended.

Five charged after break-in at Hunter business

Five people – including four teenagers – have been charged in relation to two alleged break and enter offences in the Hunter region.
Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have been investigating two separate break and enter offences at a business on the New England Highway at Rutherford.
Police have been told in the early hours of Sunday 27 December 2020, three people attempted to force entry to the premises; however, were unsuccessful and fled the scene.
Then between 2.50am and 4am on Sunday 3 January 2021, police will allege a Nissan Patrol was stolen from a property in Dudley and driven to the Rutherford business, before reversing through and smashing the front doors.
Police will further allege five people exited the vehicle and stole two Kawasaki trail bikes from the business, before all five fled the scene.
It’s estimated the damage caused to the front façade and the stolen property was valued in excess of $60,000.
The Nissan was later found burnt out in nearby bushland.
Following extensive inquiries, officers have arrested five people in relation to the alleged offence:

  • About 1.30pm on Thursday 14 January 2021, investigators attended an Aberglasslyn address and arrested a 15-year-old boy. He was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal and goods in custody. He was refused bail to appear at a children’s court the next day, where he was granted conditional bail to reappear at a children’s court on Friday 12 March 2021.
  • About 7.45am on Monday 18 January 2021, investigators attended a Telarah address where a 17-year-old boy was arrested. He was charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner and aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal. He was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Friday 12 February 2021.
  • About 7.45am on Tuesday 19 January 2021, investigators attended a Tenambit address and arrested a 15-year-old boy. He was charged with steal motor vehicle be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner and two counts of aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal. He was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Friday 29 January 2021.
  • On Wednesday 20 January 2021, a 20-year-old man was issued a court attendance notice for five offences, including aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal, steal motor vehicle, drive motor vehicle while licence suspended, drive conveyance taken without consent of owner. He was remanded in custody to appear at Maitland Local Court on Thursday 21 January 2021, where he was formally bail refused to next appear at the same court on Thursday 4 February 2021.
  • Yesterday (Thursday 21 January 2021), police attended a Muswellbrook home and arrested a 14-year-old boy. He was charged with steal motor vehicle and aggravated break and enter dwelling in company steal. He was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Friday 12 February 2021.

The two Kawasaki trail bikes remain outstanding, with police continuing to conduct inquiries to locate them.
Port Stephens-Hunter Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Ranald Urquhart, said solving property crime remains a high priority for local police.
“Break and enter offences continue to occur throughout areas such as Rutherford, Aberglasslyn and Maitland, and our local police are continuing to target those crimes.
“These crimes can often be prevented through simple crime prevention tips people can introduce in and around their homes, including security systems, sensor lighting, and keeping all valuables locked inside the home or shed at all times.
“Make sure all doors and windows are locked before leaving your home or leaving your car.
“We will continue to run operations throughout the district – those who choose to continue breaking the law, we will charge you and put you before the courts,” Det Insp Urquhart said.

Release of refugees from hotel detention a belated humanitarian step

The overdue release of dozens of refugees from immigration detention is a very welcome glimmer of humanity in Australia’s refugee policy, Greens Immigration Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim says.
“These men have been through so much for so long, and for them now to be able to breathe free air is a wonderful step forward for them,” Senator McKim said.
“There are still over 150 people who suffered through years of offshore detention detained in Australia. They should also be immediately released.”
“Those released today, and those still in detention, deserved freedom and safety a long time ago. Now they need permanent protection, support in our community, and a pathway to Australian citizenship.”
“There was never a legitimate reason for their detention, and it’s time to write the end of this dark chapter in our country’s story.”
“Special thanks go to the many Australian people who have protested this appalling situation.”

Additional support for senior Australians to live independently

The Australian Government is ensuring senior Australians can live at home for longer thanks to additional assistance under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said allowing older Australians to choose how and where they lived is a priority.
“The choice to live safely and independently in their community has increasingly become a strong preference for senior Australians,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Government continues to invest in measures to make this possible no matter where people live.”
The Commonwealth Government will provide up to $124.4m in additional grants across the 2020-21 and 2021-22 financial years.
This will include an additional $32.2m per year over two years starting in financial year 2020-21 and a separate allocation of up to $60m in additional funding in 2021-22.“This funding will expand access to entry-level services to more senior Australians right across Australia, now and into the future,” Minister Colbeck said.
Eligible providers of aged care and disability services are invited to apply for the funding to deliver home support services under the CHSP.
The CHSP is an entry-level aged care program for frail people aged 65 years and over (or 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who need some help with daily tasks.
As part of its commitment to supporting the entry level care needs of older Australians, the Government has committed a total of $5.94b across 2020-21 and 2021-22 to fund the delivery of services through the CHSP.
Nationally, more than 1,400 organisations are funded to deliver CHSP home support services to around 840,000 seniors.
“Maximising independence and autonomy is a key objective of the CHSP, to help people live their best lives as they get older,” Minister Colbeck said.
Services provided under the CHSP include domestic assistance such as help with cleaning, washing and shopping, transport, allied health services, nursing care and social support, assistance with food preparation in the home and delivery of meals, support for carers including respite services and home maintenance.
The grant opportunity GO3632 is now open and will close on 5 February 2021.
Information for eligible providers and how to apply is available on Grant Connect.