City of Newcastle has welcomed news that the Federal Government has committed $66 million towards Newcastle Airport’s runway upgrade as part of today’s Federal Budget announcement.
The airport project is a key part of the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan plan and expected to create 4500 jobs and generate an estimated $12.7 billion in economic benefits through international airfreight, industrial expansion and stimulation of the visitor economy.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the project will provide a vital boost for Newcastle and the wider region during the next two decades.
“Today’s announcement is fantastic news for the City of Newcastle and broader region, following ongoing advocacy to bring our airport’s runway up to international standard (Code E) and allow it to accommodate long-range, wide-bodied aircraft,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Newcastle Airport plays a key role in our city’s ongoing transition from a great regional centre to an emerging global city, connecting our local communities with family, friends and colleagues across the nation and around the globe.
“Upgrading the runway to international standard will allow us to build on the attractiveness of this region as an international destination, while also providing direct connections around the world for local travellers.
“Newcastle and the Hunter Region are also home to a wide range of businesses supplying products and services to an expanding global customer base. This upgrade will allow for a significant increase in the commercial activity flowing through the airport.
“Strengthening Newcastle’s global transport gateways such as the Airport and Port of Newcastle will ultimately lead to significant growth in the number of jobs required to provide our services and connect our people and products with national and international opportunities.
“This has never been as important as it is today, with hundreds of thousands of livelihoods affected by COVID-19.”
Newcastle Airport is jointly owned by City of Newcastle and Port Stephens Council, with the runway upgrade a top priority for the adjoining local government areas.
The upgrade aligns with a key outcome of the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan – to grow the airport and aerospace and defence precinct at Williamtown – as well as the NSW Government’s decision to create a Special Aviation Precinct that covers up to 10,000 hectares of land in and around Newcastle Airport and RAAF Base.
Month: May 2021
Newcastle’s ‘forgotten diva’ Florence Austral celebrated in new exhibition
Newcastle Libraries will celebrate the significant contribution to the city’s arts community made by world-renowned opera singer, Florence Austral, with a curated exhibition and program of events for the community to learn all about her life.
Florence Austral was a world-renowned soprano opera singer in the 1920s, originally from Melbourne. Florence came to Newcastle after her international singing career was cut short due to multiple sclerosis and she became a founding teacher of the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, now part of the University of Newcastle.
The exhibition will be delivered in partnership with Newcastle Libraries, University of Newcastle and led by Hilary Oliver from the Florence Austral Society, who has been instrumental in providing the research for the exhibition.
Curated program of Florence Austral events:
Florence Austral Exhibition
Digital Library
May to September 2021
Images from Florence Austral Archive Collection will be displayed on the Storywall and The Magic Box at our Digital Library from May to September 2021. The display consists of items from the Library’s Florence Austral Archive including sheet music, photos and recordings of Florence’s amazing voice.
Our Forgotten Diva – An evening to remember Florence Austral
Wednesday 2 June, 6-7pm
Wednesday 14 July, 6-pm
Hilary Oliver from the Florence Austral Society will present Florence’s life, operatic career, and discuss her link to Newcastle.
Treasures from the Rare Book Room
REAL Podcast
Hilary Oliver from the Florence Austral Society joins Delma Whyte, a former student of Newcastle conservatorium of music to discuss Florence Austral. This podcast is inspired by the work of the Florence Austral Society and the Florence Austral archive which forms part of the Newcastle Libraries treasures.
Visit What’s On Newcastle to find out more.
US patent waiver support leaves Australia isolated
The Greens are calling on the Morrison Government to support the patent waiver on COVID-19 vaccines.
The Greens say that the United States’ announced support for the waiver of intellectual property provisions on COVID-19 vaccines has put further pressure on Australia to back the proposal.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens spokesperson for International Aid and Development, said:
“Australia must immediately follow the United States and back the TRIPS waiver. We are one of the hold-outs and it’s morally indefensible.
“We could have played a leadership role here and taken our global responsibilities seriously. But it’s better late than never.
“By neglecting to support a waiver, Australia is taking the side of big pharmaceutical companies over the health and wellbeing of billions of people.
“I urge the Australian government to announce – today – that we are following the United States and backing the TRIPS waiver.”
Senator Rachel Siewert, Greens spokesperson for Health, said:
“The Greens welcome the Biden administration’s announcement of support for waiving intellectual property protections for COVID-19 vaccines.
“The Australian Government must be a responsible global citizen and do everything we can to ensure that lower GDP countries have access to vaccine production and that starts with supporting the proposal to the World Trade Organisation to waive intellectual property rights.
“We cannot afford to wait any longer, this is critical.”
World-class winter training facility opens in Brisbane
The Morrison Government has welcomed the opening of a world-class winter training facility in Brisbane.
Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the Geoff Henke Olympic Winter Training Centre – the Southern Hemisphere’s only all-year outdoor water ski ramp – would elevate the aspirations of athletes for generations to come.
The Commonwealth Government contributed $5.3 million towards construction of the $6.5 million facility, a collaboration with the Queensland Government, the Australian Olympic Committee and the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia.
“The Morrison Government is right behind the bid to bring the 2032 Summer Olympics and Paralympics to Brisbane, but right now we’re delivering a world-class facility to our Aussie Winter Olympians,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Australia has long enjoyed success in aerial ski disciplines, from Alisa Camplin’s historic Olympic gold medal in 2002, through to the success this year of aerial ski world champion Laura Peel and Crystal Globe winner Matt Graham, in the moguls.
“This facility will give our athletes a world-leading advantage, allowing them to train safely and comfortably in our own backyard.
“It delivers state-of-the-art facilities right now for our current winter Olympians getting ready for the Beijing Games, 2022.”
The facility boasts varying levels of difficulty making it a fitting training venue for athletes eager to hone their skills and one day represent Australia on the world stage.
Athletes can reach speeds of more than 70km/h and launch up to 17m above the water from the top of the 37metre ramp.
It allows trainees to test and perfect manoeuvres safely before transitioning to snow.
“We expect the 37m-high water jump will also become a beacon for international athletes who seek to come to Australia, hire these facilities and push our athletes to become the very best they can be,” Minister Colbeck said.
The facility is named in honour the life-long contribution Geoff Henke AO has made to Australian Winter Olympic sport.
“The idea for this facility has been more than a decade in the making, so the Morrison Government is proud to have been able to deliver it for Australia’s sporting community.”
GPs to get increased supplies of COVID-19 vaccines
In a major boost to the COVID-19 vaccination program, the Australian Government is ramping up the weekly number of doses of AstraZeneca being provided to general practices across Australia.
With deliveries commencing next week, participating general practices which have been receiving 50 doses per week, will now receive 150 doses per week, and general practices receiving 100 doses per week, will now receive 200 doses per week.
We are providing more vaccines to protect more Australians earlier, as we start the next steps of our vaccination program for people 50 years and over, and ensure that our priority populations can continue to access the vaccine as soon as possible.
Primary care vaccination sites have now administered more than 1.2 million vaccinations – more than half the total so far. This is an amazing achievement in such a short amount of time and a true reflection of the capacity of the sector.
General practice is leading the rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine to people aged 50 and over,
and will continue to be an integral partner in the delivery of our national COVID-19 vaccination program.
Our Government has brought forward to 17 May, access to AstraZeneca for people 50 years and over and I am pleased to announce that more than 800 general practices have elected to start earlier, reflecting the ongoing commitment of general practice to support their local communities.
This is in addition to the Commonwealth, state and territory Vaccination Clinics which commenced vaccinating the over 50s on 3 May. I welcome their partnership in this early delivery of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
To all Australians, please come forward and get vaccinated. It will help protect you, your family, your friends, your workmates, everybody. It will keep you, and the country COVID safe.
For more information on the vaccine program, including vaccination sites near you, visit health.gov.au
April’s events see hotel occupancy bounce back to pre-COVID-19 levels
Newcastle’s visitor economy received a major economic injection as a result of the City’s Event Packed April with industry data showing the accommodation sector returning to pre-COVID occupancy levels.
According to the Australian Accommodation Monitor Reports, demand for accommodation in Newcastle during the first fortnight in April saw occupancy levels sitting between 80-90% most days. The average daily rate for rooms increased by $52 per night, resulting in a 29% uplift in room revenue compared to the same period in 2019.
City of Newcastle’s Event Packed April was spearheaded by the World Surf League (WSL) Newcastle Cup along with SailFest Newcastle Regatta, Newcastle Seafood Festival, Newcastle Food Month, AoN Women’s University Rugby 7s and NewRun Newcastle Festival of Running.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said there is significant opportunity for an event-led economic recovery in Newcastle and it is evident in the newly released data that events are a ticket to driving Newcastle’s visitor economy toward long-term growth.
“City of Newcastle’s April events calendar returned impressive results for Newcastle’s tourism and hospitality businesses still on the road to recovery, “Cr Nelmes said.
“Pre-COVID, our city’s hotels, once filled mid-week with corporate business travellers, saw their occupancy levels sitting at 80-90% again most days, thanks to the WSL Newcastle Cup and the City’s bumper April events calendar.”
A pipeline of new hotel product is under construction, including the five-star Kingsley in the former City Administration Centre set to open in June, Doma’s Little National Hotel, Iris Capital’s QT Hotel, and with plans underway to develop the historic Newcastle Post Office into a conference and function space.
“With a fresh injection of new hotel supply, the City’s ability to pitch for major events will only boost its appeal as a host city and position Newcastle ahead of other destinations,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We are in the early stages of rolling out Newcastle’s newly adopted Destination Management Plan, designed to reposition the city as a premier tourism destination with a strong focus on events, natural assets and cultural heritage, with a raft of initiatives and projects designed to grow our visitor economy and increase visitor spend.”
City of Newcastle continues to invest and support Newcastle’s visitor economy through the Product Development and Mentoring Program, the development and implementation of the highly targeted WhoKnew destination awareness campaign, and destination marketing partnerships with Destination NSW and Newcastle Airport.
City opens record $1 million grants and sponsorships round
Community and sporting groups, businesses, tourism and event operators are invited to apply for almost $1 million of community grants and sponsorship funding from City of Newcastle.
Applications are open for projects and initiatives to activate public places, enhance community wellbeing and strengthen the city’s reputation as a tourism, business and events destination.
The announcement follows Council’s endorsement of new Community Grants and Sponsorships policies, redesigned to make applying easier following consultation with the community.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the new streamlined process would encourage more community-led projects.
“Our grants and sponsorships are a vital community-building tool. They enhance wellbeing, improve the city’s identity and make Newcastle a better place in which to live, work, play and invest,” Cr Nelmes said.
“City of Newcastle invests in a range of initiatives across the city each year, from placemaking improvements to the suburban landscape to major events attracting visitors from far and wide.”
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, who is Chair of the City of Newcastle Strategy and Innovation Advisory Committee, said that feedback from the community was that the process of applying for support could be more difficult than it should be, discouraging some groups from putting forward new ideas to make our community better.
“The great news is that we’ve listened and redesigned the process to give our community groups the opportunity to turn amazing ideas into great local projects and initiatives,” Cr Clausen said.
“New clearer grant categories include funding for recreation facilities, businesses façade improvements, community initiatives, arts, culture and heritage, as well as environmental and social inclusion projects.
“Events are a great way to attract visitors with City of Newcastle providing sponsorship for initiatives that help make Newcastle a smart, liveable and sustainable global city.”
Event sponsorship will be provided across four categories: General Events, Major Events, Regional Sport Events and Business Events, with additional funding will be offered through the Tourism / Visitor Economy Sponsorship and the Economic Sponsorship programs.
Funding opportunities open on 3 May and close 31 May 2021, with online community workshops outlining the application process and addressing questions to be held on Wednesday 12 May at 10am and Monday 17 May 2021 at 5.30pm. Further details can be viewed on our website at https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships.
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS UPDATE
Given the latest cases of community transmission and updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, COVID-19 restrictions will be temporarily tightened across Greater Sydney.
The following measures will be effective from midday today, 6 May 2021 (enforceable from 5pm) until 12.01am Monday, 10 May for the Greater Sydney region (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains):
- Visitors to households will be limited to 20 guests – including children;
- Masks will be compulsory on public transport and in all public indoor venues, such as retail, theatres, hospitals, aged care facilities and for front-of-house hospitality staff (except in a hospitality venue when eating or drinking);
- Drinking while standing up at indoor venues will not be allowed;
- Singing by audiences at indoor shows or by congregants at indoor places of worship will not be allowed;
- Dancing will not be allowed at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs however, dancing is allowed at weddings with a strong recommendation that no more than 20 people should be on the dancefloor at any one time; and
- Visitors to aged care facilities will be limited to two people.
It is also strongly recommended the community avoids mingling in large groups over the coming days, and is careful not to put our most vulnerable at risk.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the three day restrictions would help reduce the risk of a super spreading event.
“These measures are proportionate to the risk and will help reduce further cases of community transmission,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“To allow our health authorities to do their excellent work it is critical the community continues to keep their physical distance, get tested with even the mildest of symptoms and importantly continues to use the Service NSW app to check into venues.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said there are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across the State including new pop up sites in the Eastern Suburbs.
“Anyone experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms, even if they are mild, must isolate immediately, get tested and continue to isolate until a negative result is received,” Mr Hazzard said.
“It is also important to remember that even if you have had your first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine you must still come forward for testing if you have any symptoms.”
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said high testing rates are critical to NSW Health’s efforts to identify COVID-19 cases and prevent the virus from spreading.
“We are asking the community to be on alert, continue to practice COVID-Safe behaviours and stay home and get tested if they’re unwell,” Dr Chant said.
For the latest information and COVID-19 testing sites please visit:
www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
FLYING KANGAROO TO STAY IN THE PREMIER STATE
Qantas will continue to call NSW home with its global headquarters to remain in Sydney following an in principle agreement with the NSW Government.
The announcement secures thousands of existing and future jobs for NSW and includes several other benefits including Sydney being the exclusive launch city for Qantas’ ultra-long-haul non-stop flights to cities such as London and New York.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet welcomed the commitment and said it was a clear signal that Sydney remained Australia’s business capital and doorway to the world.
“It is only fitting that Australia’s national airline should be based in Sydney, and a strong vote of confidence in the future of aviation in our city,” Mr Perrottet said.
“From the early days of COVID-19 we realised the industry would be severely impacted and are proud of our efforts to keep borders open, planes in the skies and people in jobs.”
The commitment with Qantas follows the completion of the airline’s property footprint review announced in the wake of the significant challenges as a result of COVID-19.
The Qantas headquarters, which has been based in Sydney since 1938, currently employs more than 3500 people and this number is expected to grow when international borders reopen.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said keeping our national carrier in Australia’s global city sent the right message to business and leisure travelers planning to visit when the time is right.
“This decision sets Qantas up for long term future growth and cements Sydney as Australia’s aviation and aerospace capital,” Mr Ayres said.
The commitment also confirmed:
- The construction of a new Flight Training Centre with aircraft simulators to be based in NSW from 2023;
- Plans for expansion of Qantas Loyalty team in Mascot;
- Qantas working with the NSW Government to develop a comprehensive indigenous and diversity employment program.
- The final binding agreement will be subject to ongoing detailed negotiations.
$135 MILLION TO HELP SAVE LIVES ON OUR ROADS
Road users across the state are set to benefit from a $135 million investment in road safety projects under the latest round of the $822 million Safer Roads Program.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said 78 lifesaving projects will be financed this year through the Community Road Safety Fund.
“The Safer Roads program is estimated to prevent the loss of more than 1500 lives and serious injuries on our roads over 15 years. That’s 1500 people making it home safely to their families because of these projects,” Mr Constance said.
“We want to ensure everyone who travels on our roads makes it home safely at the end of the day. That’s why all money generated from the mobile speed camera program goes directly into the Community Road Safety Fund to deliver lifesaving projects like these.
“This year we will see $43 million go towards projects across metropolitan NSW, with the other $92 million dedicated to the regions.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said this latest round of the program built on the Federal and NSW Government’s $408 million commitment in March to deliver hundreds of projects designed to reduce road trauma and save lives.
“Both governments have a shared goal of no deaths or serious injuries on our roads, because no one should have to hear the devastating news that a loved one has lost their life in a crash,” Mr Toole said.
“More than $92 million of this funding will be invested in making our regional roads safer through improvements like safety barriers, rumble strips and wide centrelines.
“We know how important good roads are in the bush – projects like these are ensuring every trip is a safer one and building on our vision for a safer, stronger regional NSW.”
This latest investment in the Safer Roads Program will deliver:
- 28 kilometres of safety barrier, which absorb impact forces and protect vehicle occupants, reducing the severity of head-on and run-off-road crashes by up to 95 per cent.
- 167 kilometres of rumble strips to alert motorists they are departing from their lane, reducing the likelihood of this crash type by up to 25 per cent.
- More than 30 kilometres of wide centreline providing a greater distance for drivers to recover from lane departure, reducing the likelihood of head-on crashes by up to 50 per cent and run-off-road crashes by up to 25 per cent.
- 313 high-risk rural curve improvements including shoulder sealing, safety barriers, rumble strips, signage upgrades and line-marking upgrades.
- 47 urban intersection improvement projects including roundabouts and traffic signal upgrades.