The two major pipelines that provide 90 per cent of Sydney’s drinking water will be better protected from development under proposed new planning laws.
The planning guideline is designed to be a comprehensive resource for developers and councils to ensure new developments consider the impacts on the the Upper Canal and the Warragamba Pipelines in Western Sydney.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said there are currently no specific planning provisions protecting these pipelines from urban development and its associated environmental impacts.
“We’re proposing changes to planning rules that would require any new proposed development around the canal and pipelines to consider them as part of the planning and assessment process,” Mr Stokes said.
“This will ensure development is done carefully, enabling the pipelines to continue to supply safe and reliable drinking water as Western Sydney grows.”
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the main risk to the Upper Canal pipeline is the threat of water being contaminated from pollutants arising from nearby developments.
“There is also a risk of developers relying on existing drainage systems to service stormwater runoff from developments upstream of the Canal Corridor,” Ms Pavey said.
“The Warragamba pipelines are most at risk from storm or flood water which can undermine the infrastructure that support the pipelines. This risk is increased by development increasing runoff and the risk of erosion.”
Community feedback is encouraged and to view the proposed changes and make a submission visit www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/draftplans/exhibition/isepp-water-supply
Month: April 2021
MORE THAN $15 MILLION TO REVITALISE YOUR HIGH STREETS
High streets throughout NSW will be revitalised with more than $15 million in grants to boost local business, support jobs and create better public spaces for the community.
The NSW Government’s Your High Street program will provide 19 councils with up to $1 million to help them deliver projects that will permanently transform streetscapes into more liveable, accessible and vibrant public spaces.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the program builds on the success of the Streets as Shared Spaces program, which piloted street transformation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The pandemic has helped shift our perception of streets as more than just places to walk or drive. One year on from the lockdown, Your High Street is the second phase of the program which cements the role of our streets as places for people to gather, socialise, dine and do business,” Mr Stokes said. .
“From Penrith to Parkes, councils throughout NSW have answered the call to create more welcoming and attractive main streets for their communities.
“Nineteen councils have been successful in securing funding to transform their high streets, with a total of $8.2 million going to 12 regional councils and $6.9 million awarded to councils in Greater Sydney.”
The regional councils to receive funding are Ballina, Gilgandra, Shoalhaven, Maitland, Parkes, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Griffith, Wagga Wagga, Hay, Tweed Shire, Moree Plains and Newcastle), and in Greater Sydney, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Randwick, Inner West, Parramatta, Hornsby and Penrith.
Projects receiving funding include:
- Lakemba’s Haldon Street will be transformed with wider footpaths, more seating, extra trees and artwork to create creating a safe, comfortable and attractive space;
- Parramatta’s Philips St will become a “smart” street by revitalising the area with condition-responsive lighting, street furniture with built-in USB ports, smart irrigation, public artwork and lighting;
- Lennox Village Vision will upgrade the streetscape of Lennox Head’s commercial centre by slowing traffic, widening footpaths, adding street lighting and seating which will provide places for people to gather while retaining the village atmosphere;
- Heart of Drummoyne builds upon the Streets as Shared Spaces funding to create new public spaces next to Victoria Road by closing Formosa Street and providing seating, more trees, public art and an outdoor dining space;
- The Mill on Miller St in Gilgandra will link the heart of the town with the natural beauty of the Castlereagh River and Windmill Walk by providing landscaping, a new stage area for events, improved lighting and public art.
All 19 projects are expected to be completed within 12 months. Your High Street follows the success of the $15 million Streets as Shared Spaces program launched in 2020.
The Your High Street grant program contributes to the delivery of the Premier’s Priority to increase the proportion of homes in urban areas within a 10-minute walk of quality green, open and public space by 10 per cent by 2023.
For more information visit: https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/premiers-priorities/great-public-spaces/streets/grants-for-councils
Man charged over alleged public place shooting – Cardiff
A man will face court today following an alleged public place shooting in Cardiff earlier this year.
About 11.15pm on Sunday 14 February 2021, officers from the Lake Macquarie Police District were called to a home on Newcastle Street, Cardiff, following reports of an affray between a group of men.
Upon arrival, police spoke with a 26-year-old man, however were unable to locate any further persons nearby.
A 21-year-old man has been charged in relation to the alleged affray, he remains before the courts.
Following extensive inquiries, police received information that a firearm was allegedly produced during the affray and discharged twice.
On Tuesday 16 March 2021, officers attended a property on Newcastle Street and spoke with a 37-year-old man.
He was arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with fire firearm in/near public place and fire firearm manner likely injure persons/property.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Belmont Local Court today (Wednesday 28 April 2021).
Investigations into the alleged affray are ongoing, anyone with information is urged to come forward.
Universal Telehealth extended through 2021
Over the last 12 months, Telehealth services have been life changing for many in need of support, which is why as part of the 2021-22 Budget, the Australian Government is investing more than $114 million to extend Telehealth until the end of the year.
Telehealth items were rapidly implemented in March 2020 to ensure our primary care sector could continue to function and that Australians could continue to access important health services.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said Telehealth has played an important role in supporting Australians through the pandemic.
“The extension will ensure that Australians can continue to see their GP, renew scripts and seek mental health support from the safety of their own home. This allows vulnerable Australians to feel protected and supported during these unprecedented times,” Minister Hunt said.
“It is critical that Australians continue to look after their health and stay engaged with your primary care providers.”
From 13 March 2020 to 21 April 2021, over 56 million COVID-19 MBS telehealth services have been delivered to 13.6 million patients, with $2.9 billion in Medicare benefits paid. More than 83,540 providers have used telehealth services.
The extension of Telehealth includes services for general practitioners, medical practitioners, specialists, consultant physicians, nurse practitioners, participating midwives, allied health providers and dental practitioners.
The Government continues to work with peak bodies to co-design permanent post pandemic Telehealth as part of broader primary care reforms to modernise Medicare and provide flexibility of access to primary and allied healthcare services.
City takes next step in $20 million-plus Wallsend flood commitment
City of Newcastle is a step closer in delivering a range of projects to help mitigate flooding in Wallsend with a preferred tenderer for the upgrade of stormwater infrastructure at Cowper Street to be considered at tonight’s Council meeting.
The planned upgrade includes installing a stormwater bypass across from Cowper Street bridge which helps Ironbark Creek to manage heavy rain events which historically affect Wallsend Town Centre.
These works also include widening and realigning the upstream section of the creek, which will be flanked by sandstone to renew the existing concrete-walled channel.
The improvements at Cowper Street will follow the recently commenced demolition of a vacant building next to Nelson Street bridge, which was acquired by the City of Newcastle in 2018 to facilitate the future widening of Hunter Water Corporation’s Ironbark Creek stormwater channel.
Widening the Hunter Water channel and replacing the Tyrrell Street, Nelson Street and Boscawen Street bridges are key elements of the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City was continuing to deliver on its commitment to improving Wallsend for current and future generations.
“We’re getting on with our $20.7 million, Council-endorsed work as part of the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan along with traffic improvements and public amenity upgrades to Wallsend Town Centre, which will support businesses and residents.
“The installation of the Cowper Street Bridge bypass culvert is a critical first step before the City can proceed with upgrades to the nearby intersection of Cowper and Kokera Street, replacing the roundabout with traffic signals.
“Further traffic improvements in Wallsend are planned under the Wallsend Local Centres Program, with detailed design for the upgrade of existing traffic signals at the intersection of Cowper and Nelson Streets to commence later in 2021, including blackspot funding from Transport for NSW.”
A new Tyrrell Street Bridge was opened in April last year following the City’s $3.3 million replacement of the original 1930 built structure.
Detailed design of the replacement and raising of the Nelson and Boscawen Street bridges is scheduled to commence later this year.
$31 MILLION NEW POLICE STATION OPENS FOR MONARO
The new $31 million Queanbeyan Police Station has officially opened following a formal ceremony attended by Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro, Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM.
Mr Barilaro said the impressive new police station is a substantial commitment into regional infrastructure and the Monaro Police District.
“The safety of our community is paramount and it is vital that our men and women in blue are equipped with the very best resources, equipment and a modern work-base so they can continue to protect our region now and into the future,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We all know what an incredible job the officers within the Monaro Police District do. This station will not only service the immediate region but will be the headquarters for the district, bolstering policing across the Monaro.”
Mr Elliott said Queanbeyan Police Station sets a new standard for regional policing and will provide a major boost to police resources in the district.
“The NSW Government continues to deliver on the election commitment to invest in a police station infrastructure program to support the vital work of our police men and women in all parts of the state,” Mr Elliott said.
“This state-of-the-art police station is the 33rd police station to be built or upgraded by the NSW Government since 2011 and will ensure communities are well supported by our law enforcement agencies.”
The NSW Government has also committed to $583 million to deliver 1500 extra police over four years. As part of this investment, the Monaro Police District has received nine additional permanent police positions.
Commissioner Michael Fuller welcomed the new purpose-built police station.
“This is a major investment into the crime fighting capabilities in the Monaro Police District,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Our new police facility is something that this town can be proud to call its own – it will protect all, both the community and the officers that serve it,” he said.
The facility houses general duties, specialist, tactical, crime prevention and investigative units, including highway patrol, taskforce and region enforcement squad officers.
NETBALL WORLD CUP 2027 RETURNS TO SYDNEY
Australian netball fans will once again have the chance to see the world’s best netballers in action on home soil, with the NSW Government today announcing the International Netball Federation Netball World Cup will return to Sydney in 2027.
Secured by the NSW Government, in partnership with Netball Australia, the 2027 Netball World Cup is expected to deliver an estimated $31 million boost to the NSW visitor economy.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said winning the hosting rights for this major sporting tournament brings NSW one step closer to fulfilling the NSW Government’s 2018 pledge to secure 10 World Cups in 10 years.
“The Netball World Cup 2027 is the ninth addition to the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 years initiative, which means we are well on track to not just deliver but to exceed this target,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The NSW Government’s COVID-19 response has enabled our State to put a strong bid forward for major events like this and I have no doubt there will be more to follow, delivering enormous economic and social benefits to our State for years to come.
“This is the fourth Women’s World Cup event secured for Sydney alongside the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.”
Minister for Investment, Jobs, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the chance to host the prestigious event was testament to an exemplary record of hosting international sporting events throughout NSW.
“Sydney set the benchmark with a record-breaking Netball World Cup in 2015 and I have no doubt we will put on an even bigger and better show when the event returns to our shores,” Mr Ayres said.
“This will be the third time the Netball World Cup has been held in Sydney and with Australia winning the previous two tournaments in 1991 and 2015, all of NSW will be hoping Australia can bring the trophy home for a third time in 2027.”
“Hosting major events like this is crucial in helping our tourism and events industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, creating jobs and leveraging the extensive expertise our State has in delivering major sporting events throughout NSW.”
Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said hosting the Netball World Cup will grow participation and inspire future generations of netballers.
“In 2015 the Australian Diamonds shined in front of packed home crowds in Sydney, breaking records on and off the court,” Mr Lee said.
“NSW boasts over 115,000 netballers across the State, which equates to 25% of the national pool.
“I am very confident the Netball World Cup 2027 will see current and future generations of NSW netballers aspiring to wear the green and gold.”
International Netball Federation President Liz Nicholl, CBE, said she was confident in Sydney delivering an excellent event, whilst also focusing on the development of the sport across Australia.
“As our sport continues to grow and evolve at an unprecedented rate around the globe, we look forward to working with the Organising Committee and Netball Australia on netball’s growth and development whilst delivering a thrilling world-class event that will no doubt inspire all and work towards creating a better world through netball,” Ms Nicholl said.
Netball Australia Chair Paolina Hunt said securing the 2027 World Cup was another critical step in the rapid development of the sport.
‘’We know that netball plays a key role in connecting and empowering young women and girls and an event such as this is a North star for young athletes who can now dream of working to represent the Diamonds in front of huge home crowds,” Ms Hunt said.
A key element of Australia’s bid was a post-tournament legacy that will deliver lasting benefits for women and girls both within netball and the broader community.
Following today’s announcement, a Local Organising Committee will be established with further details about the tournament to be advised once finalised.
For more information on the 2027 Netball World Cup, go to netball.com.au.
FUNDING AVAILABLE TO RESTORE WAR MEMORIALS
War memorials across NSW can now undertake further conservation work, with applications opening for the NSW Government’s Community War Memorials Fund.
Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said applicants can apply for funding to support the repair, protection and conservation of war memorials across the state.
“Thousands of people pay their respects each year at their local war memorial and it’s important we protect these significant monuments,” Mr Lee said.
“Grants of up to $10,000 are available and can cover projects like conservation assessments, honour roll repair, cleaning, and repairs to war memorial halls.”
Organisations including memorial trusts, veteran groups and local councils can apply.
“We need to maintain our NSW memorials for future generations, whether it’s trees lining a reflection drive or an honour roll in the main street,” Mr Lee said.
“Big, small, living or manmade – all war memorials are an important way our communities can honour the service of former defence personnel and their families.”
Previous recipients include Hornsby Shire Council, which was awarded $10,000 for restorative work on the Beecroft War Memorial. Established in 1928, it lists the names of Beecroft servicemen, including a local solider who has no known grave.
St George’s Anglican Church in Parkes also received funding of $2,700 to repair and clean a memorial window displaying various representations of Australian Defence personnel.
Originally gifted by the Parkes Sub-branch of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers and Airman’s Imperial League of Australia, the Window is dedicated to all from the Parkes district who gave their lives during the First World War, the Second World War and the Korean War.
Community War Memorials Fund applications close on 26 July 2021. For more information or to apply, visit: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/community-war-memorials-fund
Early childhood boost must make it free
Australian Greens Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has said reports that the Coalition government is considering a boost to childcare funding are welcome, but early learning must be made universal and free.
Senator Faruqi said:
“Any funding boost for early learning is welcome. But let’s be real: the most sensible and equitable move would be to make childcare universal and free.
Anzac Day 2021 Is an Opportunity to Show Our Support for Our Veterans and Defence Personnel
Anzac Day is a significant day for all Australians and a time to remember and reflect.
The last year has been a challenging one for our nation, and particularly for our defence personnel and veterans.
The release of the Brereton report, the announcement of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, and uncertainty about whether the Government would listen to widespread calls for a Royal Commission into veteran suicide have made for a difficult time for current and former service personnel.
This is why it is important this Anzac Day to show our respect for all those who serve, but particularly the current generation of men and women who keep us safe in an increasingly challenging world.
As well as remembering Australians who have served and died in recent conflicts and operations like Iraq and Afghanistan, we recognise those personnel who have been supporting the COVID-19 pandemic response.
Last year, we found new and innovative ways to mark Anzac Day through private commemorations at home, writing letters to veterans, and conducting welfare checks on current and former defence personnel in our communities.
As we emerge from the health emergency, it is good to see Anzac Day returning to some normality and we encourage Australians to attend a local ceremony wherever they can, subject to local health advice.
This year again, there will be a range of ways people can commemorate the day in a COVID-Safe way, including attending local ceremonies, holding driveway dawn services, and watching broadcasts and livestreams of major services.
Anzac Day is a time to reflect upon the Anzac values of mateship, courage, initiative, resilience and sacrifice, and how these values are upheld by Australia’s servicemen and women today.
We are also reminded of the impacts of conflict on our returned service men and women, and why as a nation we have solemn duty to look after them and their families.
However Australians choose to commemorate the day, it’s important that we all show support for our veterans, current Australian Defence Force members and their families, and recognise their outstanding contribution to our nation.
We remember them and their loved ones this Anzac Day.
Lest We Forget.