Month: March 2021

Evacuation centres and orders following NSW North Coast flooding

As severe weather continues to impact the NSW Coast, emergency services are continuing to urge residents to delay all non-essential travel at this time.
A coastal low is impacting the NSW coastline, particularly the Mid North Coast – with the system gradually moving south to the Hunter, Greater Sydney and Illawarra regions today and tomorrow (Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 March 2021).
Evacuation orders have been issued by the NSW State Emergency Service for low lying properties in these areas:

  • Central Wingham and the Wingham Peninsular
  • Taree Estate, Dumaresq Island and Cundletown
  • Laurieton, North Haven, Dunbogan and Diamond Head
  • Kings Point and Macksville
  • Wauchope and Rawdon Island
  • Bulahdelah
  • Kempsey CBD
  • Lower Macleay
  • Port Macquarie

Detailed explanations of each evacuation order can be read on the NSW SES website: www.ses.nsw.gov.au
As a result, several evacuation centres have been set up to accommodate those impacted by floodwaters. These include:

  • Wingham Golf Club, 30/32 Country Club Drive, Wingham
  • Taree RSL and Golf Club, 121 Wingham Road, Taree
  • The Laurieton United Services Club, 2 Seymour Street, Laurieton
  • Kempsey Showground, 19 Sea Street, West Kempsey
  • Port Panthers, 1 Bay Street, Port Macquarie (access via Bago Road only)
  • Bulahdelah Central School, 8 Meade Street (Church Street)
  • Auditorium at Macksville High School, 40 Boundary Street, Macksville (access via Park Street)
  • South West Rocks Country Club, 2 Sportmans Way, South West Rocks

The Pacific Highway remains closed in both directions between Coopernook and Glenthorne, while the northbound lanes are closed at Moorland between Hannam Vale Road and Jericho Road.
The Oxley Highway between Mount Seaview and Walcha remains closed in both directions following a landslide.
Several towns on the Mid North Coast have been isolated due to floodwaters across the roads. A number of localised road closures are in place, for the latest traffic information please visit www.livetraffic.com or www.myroadinfo.com.au.
The Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC), has been activated to support the severe weather operation.
The Public Information and Inquiry Centre can be contacted by calling 1800 227 228.
Members of the public can contact the Public Information and Inquiry Centre for information relating the severe weather and flooding. It will operate on a 24 hours basis until at least 5pm on Monday (22 March 2021).
Members of the public in flood affected areas should continue to listen to local radio stations, or check the websites listed below.
It should be noted this inquiry hotline does not replace the State Emergency Service emergency hotline.
Members of the public seeking emergency assistance during a flood or storm should call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500, or visit their website www.ses.nsw.gov.au.
For all other emergencies, the public are advised to contact Triple Zero (000).

Living on $44 a day is soul-destroying

Today the Government gagged the Senate and allowed no time to even debate the first so-called real permanent increase in the Jobseeker Payment since 1994.
After more than a decade campaigning and tireless advocacy, we should be celebrating this moment but there hasn’t been any celebrating and there won’t be.
Today there is only distress and anger. I share that distress and anger. I stood in here a year ago and thanked the Government for doubling the Jobseeker payment when the pandemic hit saying I had tears in my eyes when I heard.
Well I had tears in my eyes when I heard about this pathetic increase – tears of distress, anger and despair.
I’m angry because this pitiful increase to Jobseeker Payment amounts to $3.57 a day.
I’m angry because the Government is choosing to entrench poverty.
I’m angry because in a wealthy country like Australia, no one should be skipping meals and going hungry.
Today I am thinking of the people who have been ignored, dismissed and demonised  by this Government and who are now condemned to poverty.
This is not over. We will not stop campaigning with the community until we get an increase that is above the poverty line.
The senate was denied the opportunity to debate this bill and to hear the voices of people who will be impacted by this cruel bill. I would like to share some of these people’s experiences today to demonstrate what life will be like for people when they are forced further below the poverty line. 
One woman said: “I am currently living in an isolated, rural area, but after many years of abuse, I have finally found peace here. My ex physically attacked me, leaving me every day in pain. I have anxiety and panic attacks when I leave the property. And I struggle with day to day life. While I am currently applying to get onto the Disability Support Pension, I am still struggling to live fortnight to fortnight on the current rate. The current rate is liveable. But cutting it back to the poverty rate is reprehensible.”
A single parent from the Northern Territory said: “Since the latest round of cuts I have had to default if paying my electricity bill- it is currently in danger of being cut off and incurring over $100 to put it back on. I won’t be able to drive my car soon as I can’t afford registration which I pay monthly.
I have given up filling one of my prescription medications as I cannot afford it. I have been unable to pursue study that I was nearly finished which would have increased by employability. I cannot afford to renew an important qualification. I have been missing six meals per week, every week in order to pay my rent Important rehabilitation is out of my reach.”
Another person said: “With the Covid 19 supplement I have been able to pay my bills, get my life preserving medication, and buy fresh fruit and vegetables. Life on $44 a day will mean I have to go back to eating packets of pasta and sauce, two minute noodles, and rice with frozen vegetables. Going back to $44 a day will mean I have to miss meals to catch public transport to go to my mandated in person meetings. Miss meals to pay for my phone that I use to look for work.”
One young person who struggles with poor health told us: “There have been several periods where I have relied on food banks and charities to afford basic necessities. I rely on the kindness of others to help me get to appointments or go get groceries when my health is bad. This pitifully low rate does not allow me to live with independence and dignity.”
There was this heartbreaking plea: “Don’t do this. You’ll be sentencing me to homelessness and starvation. Its heartless.”

City of Newcastle Budget confirms Newcastle on road to recovery from economic impact of COVID-19

Building on six years of stable and consistent progressive Budgets that have protected services and local jobs while ensuring long-term financial sustainability, City of Newcastle is forecasting a $23.5 million turnaround in its financial performance just 12 months on from the peak of the economic impact caused by COVID-19.
The draft Budget forecasts a $1.2 million surplus over the next year, while still delivering a near record $90.4 million infrastructure program that includes the restoration of the Newcastle Ocean Baths, the revitalisation of the Wallsend Town Centre, a commercial standard organics facility to recycle residential food waste and the continued delivery of the Bathers Way project from Merewether to Nobbys Beach.
Importantly, the accompanying Long Term Financial Plan indicates that the Budget will remain in surplus for the next 10 years at least, allowing the City to continue to support existing services and invest in new and upgraded infrastructure.
The $330 million Budget, which outlines the City’s planned actions for 2021/22, will be tabled at Tuesday’s council meeting, with Councillors voting to place it on public exhibition for community feedback for four weeks from 26 March.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the draft Budget has been carefully balanced to allow the City to continue supporting the community’s recovery from COVID-19 while also providing the services and infrastructure needed to support the economic and population growth of the city.
“During COVID-19, Council made brave decisions to provide financial relief and support for vulnerable groups and business, and to expand existing services, while increasing investment in projects to stimulate the local economy and support jobs,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Those efforts allowed us to deliver a $5.5 million Community Economic and Resilience Package in March last year, weeks before either the NSW or Federal Governments were in a position to respond with support programs and stimulus measures.
“These crucial decisions were only possible due to our strong financial sustainability, a legacy of six consecutive surplus Budgets prior to COVID-19 sending the national economy into recession last March.
“This year, we will spend $330 million in what is a commitment to deliver services and infrastructure that support our city and natural environment as an inclusive and sustainable place to live and work, now and into the future.
“Investment in services across the city is a key priority under the Budget, with $13.7 million for upgrades to local roads, bridges and footpaths and $9.1 million for new and improved parks, playgrounds, sporting and aquatic facilities including the much anticipated Wallsend active hub.
“The City will continue to upgrade local town centres, with $8.1 million marked for projects including the Wallsend CBD and along Orchardtown Road in New Lambton.
“A strong focus on environmental sustainability will see $10.5 million allocated to a range of projects including $2 million for Stockton Beach sand renourishment to protect property and maintain beach amenity, while the NSW Government continues to test the quality of sand mined offshore for the purpose of rebuilding Stockton Beach.”
Other highlights of the 2021/22 budget include:

  • $11 million for waste management, including $8 million for the construction of an organics facility to compost food and green waste to reduce the city’s environmental footprint
  • $7.7 million on stormwater upgrades to address flooding to property and businesses
  • $5 million for transport initiatives including $1.5m on cycleways and $3.1 million on local traffic management and pedestrian safety and access
  • $5 million for initiatives to mitigate economic and social impacts of climate change
  • $4.3 million on strategic projects including $2.4 million on Smart Cities and $1.1 million to improve customer experience
  • $4 million on the Newcastle Ocean Baths Upgrade Project
  • $3.3 million towards the expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery
  • $2.2 million on Bathers Way
  • $1.5 million for street and park trees to address urban heat island impacts.

The City’s draft 2021/22 Budget delivers on a promise by CEO Jeremy Bath to Councillors this time last year that the City’s financial foundations were strong and that the Budget would return to a small surplus the following year.
Mr Bath said the $23.5 million turnaround in the Council’s financial position has been achieved despite an expectation that COVID-19 will continue to cost it many millions of dollars in lost revenue from the impact on domestic flights from Newcastle Airport, in reduced demand for venue hire at the City Hall, and through the significant reduction in interest rates available to its investments.
“Prudent and progressive economic management and our record of financial sustainability has played a significant role in our recovery from COVID-19,” Mr Bath said.
“A key focus of the 2021/22 Budget is to continue on this path of financial sustainability, deliver the many essential services expected of local government and invest $90.4 million in projects to improve the livelihood and wellbeing of our city.
“We know our city and community is not yet completely out of the woods when it comes to the economic impact of COVID-19. That’s why we have made a conscious decision to push our capital works program as hard as is possible this year and next, knowing that the economic return on our $90 million infrastructure program will be hundreds of local jobs.
“When I commenced with City of Newcastle, I made a promise to myself that we would find the money to restore the Newcastle Ocean Baths. With the support of the Lord Mayor and Councillors, this budget is the first in more than 50 years to allocate significant funding to restoring our iconic baths. Simply, the community has waited long enough.
“Similarly, we have allocated $3.3 million towards early works associated with the expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery. Again, the Council has unanimously backed the decision to commit ratepayers’ funds to what is the most valuable art collection anywhere in regional Australia.
“We continue to speak with both the NSW and Federal Governments on addressing the $10 million funding gap that exists to allow the Gallery to be expanded over the next two years. This $3.3 million commitment to the early works of the expansion means when that final $10 million grant is secured, we are ready to close the doors and start building.”

DINE & DISCOVER NSW GOES LIVE STATEWIDE

Millions of customers will be able to take advantage of the State Government’s much anticipated Dine & Discover NSW program, thanks to the program going live state wide.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the $500 million program follows successful testing and pilots in The Rocks, Broken Hill, Sydney CBD, Northern Beaches and Bega Valley.
“This stimulus will give businesses the boost they need after an incredibly tough 12 months, and will encourage customers to get out and about safely,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“These vouchers will help businesses keep their doors open and grow, while providing customers with much needed hip pocket relief.”
Dine & Discover NSW will be rolled out progressively across NSW, with the first two stages underway.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the program will bring much needed relief to some of the State’s hardest hit industries.
“We want businesses to grow and thrive and for workers to stay in jobs. This stimulus is exactly what NSW needs as our economy goes from strength to strength,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Whether it’s a café, restaurant, cinema or gallery, these industries have done it tough during the pandemic, and these vouchers will encourage more customers to come through the door and spend.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the vouchers are simple and easy to use, with customers able to spend them via the Service NSW app.
“The app is seamless, contactless and safe. We are using digital technology to make life easier for customers and businesses,” Mr Dominello said.
“Throughout the testing and pilot phases, customers spent an average of $39, which is almost double the money going straight back into the community.”
NSW residents will be able to easily apply online to receive their vouchers through the latest version of the Service NSW app and website, and a non-digital solution will be made available to customers who don’t have a smartphone or compatible device.
Every NSW resident aged 18 and over will be eligible for four $25 vouchers worth $100 in total, to spend in participating businesses.
Dine & Discover NSW vouchers will be divided into two categories:

  • Two $25 vouchers to be used for eating in at restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and clubs 7 days a week, excluding public holidays.
  • Two $25 vouchers to be used for entertainment and recreation, including cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues, available 7 days a week, excluding public holidays.

Businesses can register to participate in the program at any time and vouchers are valid until 30 June 2021.
The vouchers can only be used at eligible businesses that have implemented a COVID Safety Plan and are registered as COVID Safe.
Throughout each week, vouchers will become available in more Local Government Areas.  Customers will receive an email letting them know when it’s their turn to apply for their vouchers, or they can use a simple eligibility checker online.
The rollout schedule is available at: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/dine-discover-nsw-vouchers-local-government-areas.
For more information on Dine & Discover NSW, visit www.nsw.gov.au

Man charged after allegedly supplying 'ice' at a barber shop – Newcastle

Two men have been charged over the alleged supply of prohibited drugs in Newcastle.
In January 2021, officers attached to the Hunter Region Enforcement Squad commenced Strike Force Wrack to investigate the supply of prohibited drugs – mainly methylamphetamine – from a barber shop in Kotara.
Following extensive inquiries, police attended a store in Kotara about 4.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 17 March 2021), and arrested a 38-year-old man.
A crime scene was established and officers located $5,000 cash within a drawer inside the store.
Police also stopped a 51-year-old man nearby where he was searched and officers allegedly located methylamphetamine.
Officers later executed a search warrant at a unit on Newcastle Beach where they located and seized methylamphetamine.
Both men were taken to Newcastle Police Station, where the younger man was charged with supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, supply commercial quantity prohibited drug and deal with the proceeds of crime, while the older man was charged with supply indictable quantity and supply commercial quantity prohibited drug.
They were both refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 18 March 2021).
As inquiries continue, police executed another search warrant at a Blue Haven property today, where officers seized cannabis, steroids and cash.
Investigations under Strike Force Wrack are ongoing.

Two men charged over alleged double stabbing near Cessnock

Two men will appear in court today charged over the alleged stabbing of a man in the state’s Hunter Region earlier this month.
About 1.50am on Friday 5 March 2021, emergency services were called to a home on Shalistan Street, Cliftleigh, about 20km north-east of Cessnock, following reports two men had been stabbed during a physical altercation.
On arrival, police found a 23-year-old man with stab wounds to his chest and head.
The man was treated at the scene before being taken to John Hunter Hospital, he has since been released.
A short time later, police were notified after a 27-year-old man attended Maitland Hospital suffering stab wounds to his chest and neck.
He was later taken to John Hunter Hospital and has since been released.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District established Strike Force Abapo to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Following extensive inquiries, about 1.30pm yesterday (Thursday 18 March 2021), strike force detectives attended a home on Shalistan Street and arrested two men – aged 23 and 66.
Both men were taken to Cessnock Police Station, where the younger man was charged with attempted murder and wound with intent to murder.
The older man was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company and accessory after the face to attempted murder.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court today (Friday 19 March 2021).

COMFIT image released as investigation into sexual assault of young girl continues – Port Stephens

Detectives investigating the alleged sexual assault of a young girl near Port Stephens over two years ago have released a COMFIT image of a man they believe can assist with their inquiries.
In December last year, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports a young girl had been sexually assaulted by an unknown man at Nelson Bay last year.
Investigators have been told the girl – then aged 11 – was at Dutchmans Beach Reserve when she was approached by an unknown man, before being taken to nearby bushes and sexually assaulted.
The incident is believed to have occurred between 11am to late afternoon on Sunday 27 January
2019.
As investigations continue, detectives have renewed their appeal for information and released a COMFIT image of a man who may be able to assist with ongoing inquiries.
The man depicted in the COMFIT image is described as being of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, aged in his 60s or 70s, with an olive complexion, grey hair and a moustache.
He is believed to have been wearing a black t-shirt at the time of the alleged assault.
Anyone who has information about the incident is urged to come forward immediately.
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and serious cases of neglect.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
 

Unemployed workers and people living in poverty want to see people supporting and campaigning for them

The Greens say that unemployed workers and people living in poverty have been very clear that they want to see their representatives in Parliament supporting and campaigning for them, doing everything they can to increase the rate of JobSeeker above the poverty line.
“People living in poverty in this cruel punitive income support system feel isolated, they feel abandoned and want people to be vocal in their condemnation of this joke of an increase in the rate of Jobseeker”, Senator Rachel Siewert said.
“When we work to improve this pathetic increase we offer a glimmer of hope that people are not forgotten, that they are seen and that their Members of Parliament do not accept that anyone in a country as wealthy as Australia should live in poverty.
“The Greens will continue to campaign for a meaningful increase in the Jobseeker payment to ensure no one in this country lives in poverty and that includes seeking the support of the Senate to amend the pathetic bill that increases the JobSeeker payment by just $3.57 a day.
“Senators and MP’s across the political  spectrum should use their power and their voices to campaign for their communities.
“The Greens support all unemployed workers and will not stop campaigning until we have an increase to JobSeeker that is over the poverty line.”
When this pathetic so-called increase gets to the Senate this week I will be seeking support to amend this bill to:
1.    Increase all income support payments to $1115 a fortnight which is in line with the Henderson Poverty Line.
2.    Retain the current income free threshold of $300 a fortnight.
3.    Abolish compulsory income management.
4.    Abolish Mutual Obligations.
5.    Increase the base rate of age pension/DSP/Carer Payment to $1115 a fortnight.

Greens say ASIO Must Name The Far-Right

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens spokesperson for Anti-Racism, has criticised ASIO’s shift away from naming the threat of right-wing extremism, as announced in its 2021 Annual Threat Assessment.
Senator Faruqi said:
“To counter the far-right, we have to name the far-right.
“The people who benefit most from a failure to name far-right extremists are far-right extremists themselves.
“ASIO backing away from calling a spade a spade will harm our efforts to confront the existential threat of far-right violence.
“Make no mistake. This shift has occurred following complaints to ASIO by right-wing Government MPs.
“There is no ideological equivalence here. ASIO itself has said, just weeks ago, that right wing extremism is on the rise while left wing extremism is “not currently prominent”.
“ASIO were happy to label extremists ‘Islamic’ when it suited the Liberals’ desire to demonise a whole community, but now the group in question is predominantly young white men, it’s suddenly out of the question.”

$2.4 billion boost to the economy as government cuts red-tape for tradies

The Morrison Government will provide a $2.4 billion boost to the economy by cutting red tape as part of our Economic Recovery Plan to allow for a uniform scheme for automatic mutual recognition (AMR) of state and territory based occupational licences and registrations.
Under this reform, builders, electricians, plumbers, architects, real estate agents, security guards and other workers who hold an occupational licence in their home state or territory and who want to do the same work in another state or territory will be automatically deemed to have the necessary licence. These workers will also not need to pay any additional fees or apply for additional licenses.
The current mutual recognition regime for licensed occupations across Australia is complex, costly and imposes an excessive regulatory burden on businesses that operate across jurisdictions. Currently, around 20 per cent of workers in the economy are required to be licensed.
In November 2020 the National Cabinet endorsed a uniform, national scheme for AMR and in December 2020 the Prime Minister, State Premiers and the Northern Territory Chief Minister signed an intergovernmental agreement for the federal government to establish the scheme and the states and territories to implement it.
This reform will directly benefit over 124,000 workers who currently work across borders and an additional 44,000 who are expected to work across borders following these reforms. In particular, the reforms will benefit those workers living in border regions, those who relocate temporarily for work, fly-in fly-out workers and people who provide services remotely. The time and cost savings associated with AMR for these workers is expected to increase GDP by $2.4 billion over 10 years.
A uniform scheme means businesses can operate more seamlessly across Australia, which helps to create jobs, increase output, competition and innovation and lower prices for consumers.