Month: July 2021

History made as 2032 Olympics secured for Queensland

Australia will host the Olympics for the third time and Paralympics for the second time after Brisbane and South East Queensland tonight secured the 2032 Games.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said securing the Games was a coup for the nation.
“It’s a historic day not just for Brisbane and Queensland, but for the entire country,” the Prime Minister said.
“Only global cities can secure the Olympic Games – so this is fitting recognition for Brisbane’s standing across our region and the world.
“It also marks an important leap forward for Australia as we look toward major events that lock in economic growth and social benefits that will echo for years to come.
“We know the impact on Sydney more than two decades ago was transformative. We can now expect a repeat for Brisbane and communities across Queensland.
“It’s a proud day for Queenslanders and Australians everywhere.”
Minister Richard Colbeck said securing the biggest sporting event in the world offered a tantalising goal to any young Australian who dared to dream big.
“If you think of the young sports fans sitting at home today who aspire to be an Olympian – they now have something tangible to aim for – a chance to compete on home soil in just over a decade.
“It’s a huge opportunity. We saw it in 2000 when Cathy Freeman and so many others performed so brilliantly and inspired a new generation of sports stars.”
Minister Colbeck said the Morrison Government had backed the bid every step of the way and preparations for the event would now trigger considerable growth and investment.
“We will see Brisbane and Queensland deliver an Olympic and Paralympic Games which are affordable, beneficial and sustainable for Queensland and Australia,” Minister Colbeck said.
“In the coming years investment in infrastructure will continue to ensure transport and venues are not just fit for the purpose of the Games but support future growth in the region and remain shining examples of Australia’s success in staging some of the most important global events.
“Hosting the 2032 Games sets us working towards a common purpose, from those in the heart of the action in Brisbane, to people across South East Queensland and beyond.
“It will reinforce unity, health and wellbeing and celebrate Australia’s enduring love of sport.”
KPMG has estimated economic and social benefits at $8.1 billion for Queensland and $17.6 billion for Australia.
Ted O’Brien, who has served as the Prime Minister’s representative for the Queensland bid, said hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games will see “a decade-long runway paved in green and gold all the way to 2032”.
“Hosting the 2032 Olympics will not only inject billions into the economy, it will also create around 120,000 new jobs, including 90,000 jobs for Queenslanders,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Local companies and businesses right across Queensland should take the opportunities which will come over the next decade to contribute to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“For Queenslanders, this is our moment and it’s now up to us to make the most of it.
“We’ve just won the right to host the biggest show on earth right here on home soil, but this is far larger than two weeks of sport,” said Mr O’Brien. “It’s about two decades of transformation that only an Olympic and Paralympic Games can unleash – a decade in the lead up to the Games, and a decade beyond.”
“As the Games approach, Queensland will be well-positioned to host training camps and Olympic teams as they arrive and acclimatise prior to the start of competition and in the years before the Games.
“Construction, services, retail and hospitality will all be winners, and then there are the social benefits from health and wellbeing, social inclusion and improved accessibility for people with a disability.”
Minister Colbeck said the Olympics and Paralympics will be the crowning achievement in Australian sport, but well before the Olympic torch is lit there are other top tier events coming to Australia.
“From next year, we will see many of the world’s best competing right here in Australia in a range of sports, including, potentially, 4 of the top 5 largest sporting competitions in the world,” he said.
2022

  • ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
  • FIBA Women’s World Cup
  • World Athletics Cross Country Championships
  • UCI Road World Championships
  • VIRTUS Oceania Asia Games (for athletes with an intellectual impairment)

2023

  • World Transplant Games
  • FIFA Women’s World Cup

2025

  • ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships

2026

  • UCI BMX World Championships

2027

  • Netball World Cup
  • Rugby World Cup (decision pending)

2032

  • Olympic Games
  • Paralympic Games

Newcastle Art Gallery expansion set to proceed

A $35.6 million project to double the size of the Newcastle Art Gallery looks set to receive the green light from Council.
A financial report to be considered by the Council on Tuesday night has concluded a fixed interest rate of less than 1% presents a pathway for the City of Newcastle to fund the long-awaited expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery.
Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton.
“An expansion of the Gallery has been discussed for 16 years with more than $10 million raised by the community to support the project. I’m pleased to say that City of Newcastle staff have identified a funding pathway to more than double the size of this wonderful community asset and make our shared dream a reality,” Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“With the current favourable economic conditions, including historically low interest rates, the time has come for City of Newcastle to make this project happen.”
Cr Nelmes said a number of options including using cash reserves, external loans or a combination of both, have been evaluated in the report to Council, with a recommendation to borrow up to $22.6 million via a fixed interest rate loan of 0.88% over 10 years to fund the balance required for the expansion project.
The various options were compared on their Net Present Value (NPV), with estimates showing that borrowing up to $22.6 million over 10 years at all-time low interest rates far outweighs the benefits of using our own cash.
“City of Newcastle is committed to the Newcastle Art Gallery continuing to be a symbol of excellence and source of pride as a major cultural asset for our state, which is home to a nationally significant collection that includes more than 7,000 works valued at $115 million,” Cr Nelmes said.
The financial report recommends the preferred funding option is to borrow up to $22.6 million over a 10-year fixed rate term from NSW Treasury Corporation, which is the central borrowing authority for the New South Wales public sector.
Loan borrowings are a desirable option given the current economic conditions, which enable Council to undertake this significant work while continuing to deliver a budget surplus and cash reserves.
Cr Nelmes said while this funding option has been identified as preferable, City of Newcastle would continue to seek Federal and State grant funding before taking out the loan to ensure all available grant funding options have been exhausted.
A render of the exterior of the proposed Newcastle Art Gallery expansion.
City of Newcastle has already approved a development application for the project, which includes upgrading and expanding the Gallery to provide modern facilities such as a new café and retail shop, multi-purpose and educational program space, improved display and secure international standard loading dock.
An additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space will include dedicated areas for the Gallery’s collection on the lower level, while the upper level will cater for a variety of travelling exhibitions, including international shows.
A tender report will be submitted to Council later this year seeking approval to award a construction contract.
A render of the exterior of the proposed Newcastle Art Gallery expansion.
Fast Facts

  • Newcastle Art Gallery was Australia’s first purpose-built regional art gallery, officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.
  • The Gallery is home to the most valuable collection in regional Australia, with more than 7,000 works valued at $115 million, including art by Arthur Boyd, William Dobell, Donald Friend, Tracey Moffatt, Margaret Olley, John Olsen, Patricia Piccinini, Gwyn Hanssen Pigott and Brett Whitely.
  • The current footprint of the 44-year-old building only allows 1% of the collection to be exhibited over the course of a year.
  • The outstanding cost of the expansion is estimated to be $35.6 million, with City of Newcastle having already invested $3.6 million getting to the project to the position of being shovel ready.
  • Significant funds are being held in trust with the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Board for the specific purpose of expanding the Art Gallery, including a $10 million bequest from Valerie Ryan, a commitment to additional community fundraising of $2.5 million and $500,000 from the Margaret Olley Art Trust.
  • City of Newcastle committed to contributing $16.2 million towards the project (including the $3.6 million already invested) following a unanimous resolution of Council in February this year.
  • The project was included in the NSW Government’s Cultural Infrastructure Plan 2025, which identified the redevelopment of the Art Gallery precinct as a ‘regional opportunity’.
  • A business case prepared in accordance with NSW Treasury guidelines demonstrates a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.77 and a positive Net Present Value (NPV) of $24.1 million for the project, which is expected to create 170 jobs, including 152 in construction and 18 ongoing once it is complete.
  • The expansion is expected to inject more than $1 million into annual regional revenue by attracting more than 14,000 additional local visitors and tourists each year.
  • Further additional visitation is estimated at 73,590 in relation to use of the additional Gallery facilities outside of exhibition spaces; generating revenue of $2.7 million in relation to the use of these facilities.

Major boost to NSW Government digital workforce

The NSW Government is redoubling its efforts to deliver world-leading customer service, with a recruitment drive underway to hire more than 200 digital specialists.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the NSW Government boasts one of the largest digital workforces in the country, and this additional investment would ensure the continued delivery of a world-class customer experience.
“NSW is the most digitally advanced jurisdiction in Australia and we’re committed to becoming world leaders in service delivery. By recruiting additional engineers, designers, and frontline support staff, we’re fulfilling our promise of putting the customer at the centre of everything we do,” Mr Dominello said.
“We’ve seen through the pandemic with QR Codes, Dine & Discover Vouchers and the delivery of business grants, how important a world-leading digital product is for the people of NSW. This recruitment will ensure that we continue working towards making life safer and easier for the people.”
The roles being recruited include 135 Product/Software/Data/Salesforce engineers and 70 Content/Service/Product designers.
Service NSW is already at work on the digitisation of vocational licences and other transactions, including moving towards an integrated ‘tell us once’ model of government that securely shares details across different government agencies and departments with consent.
“In order for us to compete for tech talent with the private sector, we need to demonstrate to graduates that the NSW public service is a dynamic, fast paced and rewarding place to work,” Mr Dominello said.
“You need to look no further than Service NSW to find a public sector organisation that defies the stereotypical view of ‘working in Government’. Through organisations like Service NSW, the NSW Government is offering tech graduates the opportunity to work on a huge pipeline of transformational, customer-facing digital products and services.”
Prospective applicants can learn more at www.service.nsw.gov.au

$1 million for community education resources

The NSW Government has today announced a $1 million investment to help not-for-profit community education providers upgrade crucial infrastructure and training equipment.
Around 30 Adult and Community Education (ACE) colleges across NSW have received crucial funding from the NSW Government in recognition of the services they deliver to disadvantaged students, communities and regions.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the funding will see students benefit from upgraded resources and industry standard training equipment.
“ACE colleges support the delivery of training to disadvantaged students who face barriers engaging in mainstream vocational education,” Mr Lee said.
“The funding will allow 30 ACE colleges to expand their online delivery by providing IT equipment, laptops and software as well as upgrading industry‐specific plant and equipment for specialist vocational training.”
Mr Lee said the grants had come at an important time and will help community colleges advance their virtual teaching capabilities thanks to the new IT equipment.
North Coast Community College executive officer Kate Kempshall said the funding will allow their not-for-profit college to invest in updated specialised equipment to facilitate vital First Aid, Hospitality and Primary Industries courses.
“The funding will ensure our students are learning with the advanced technology and resources to meet the requirements of emerging industries,” Ms Kempshall said.
“We will be investing in new manikins for first aid, and safer and more reliable chainsaws for primary industries inclusive of up-to-date safety equipment.”
“This funding will also allow us to purchase new video conferencing equipment increasingly more important for today’s learning environment.”

Industrial jobs boom in Blacktown

Up to 500 new jobs will be created in Blacktown thanks to the NSW Government paving the way for a new industrial precinct close to the future Western Sydney Airport.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said a proposal had been approved to rezone nearly 30 hectares of land in Prospect to build the industrial hub south of the M4 Motorway.
“Prospect South will provide plenty of industrial employment opportunities for hundreds of workers in the heart of Western Sydney and on the doorstep of the future airport,” Mr Stokes said.
“Importantly, all 7,000 square metres of Cumberland Plain Woodland on the site will be retained, with a 10-metre buffer to separate and protect it from development on the site.
“It is vital that we strike the right balance between rolling out new infrastructure and job-generating development, while protecting the natural environment, and this project delivers exactly that.”
Minister for Western Sydney and Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said the project provided much-needed industrial land that was highly accessible to major road and freight routes.
“This rezoning unlocks the future development of a wide range of manufacturing and warehouse related businesses close to major transport links,” Mr Ayres said.
“This is a great outcome for the site and for Western Sydney families as we transform the vacant paddocks into a productive and job-generating development closer to where people live.”
Any development of the site will be subject to development applications, expected to be lodged next year.

CCTV released as police investigate linked armed robberies – Lake Macquarie

Lake Macquarie detectives have released CCTV as they continue to investigate several armed robberies across the region.
Strike Force Woonooka was established in June 2021 to investigate four armed robberies at three service stations in Lake Macquarie last month.

  • About 3am on Thursday 10 June 2021, a man armed with a large knife entered a service station on Main Road, Cardiff and threatened an employee. He stole cash and cigarettes before fleeing the scene on foot, last seen headed north on Lowry Street.
  • About 10.50pm on Saturday 12 June 2021, a man armed with a large knife entered a service station on Main Road, Edgeworth, and threatened an employee before stealing cash and cigarettes. He was last seen on foot heading south on Garth Street.
  • About 3.30am on Tuesday 29 June 2021, a customer was attempting to enter a service station on Main Road, Cardiff, when another man approached him armed with a knife. The armed man attempted to gain entry to the store, however was unsuccessful and fled north on foot on Lowry Street.
  • About 7.15pm on Friday 9 July 2021, a man armed with a large knife entered a service station on Collier Street, Redhead, and threatened an employee. He stole cash and cigarettes before fleeing on foot. He was last seen headed south on Woods Street.

In each of the incidents, there were no reports of injuries.
Strike force detectives are investigating whether all four incidents are linked.
As inquiries continue, investigators have released CCTV footage of a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
He is described as being of medium build, wearing dark-coloured clothing and a face covering.
Anyone who has information which could assist strike force detectives or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage from the around the times and nearby locations of the incidents is urged to contact Belmont Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Investigations under Strike Force Woonooka are continuing.

Third person charged after East Maitland alleged tomahawk assault

A man will face court today charged over an alleged assault and affray incident in the Hunter region last week.
Just before 8pm on Tuesday (13 July 2021), a 28-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man were inside a home on Alliance Street, East Maitland, when five people arrived at the home and an argument broke out.
Police will allege in court the 28-year-old woman was assaulted and the 35-year-old man was struck several times with a tomahawk.
The injured man contacted emergency services while the group left the scene.
The 35-year-old was later taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment to injuries to his back; he has since been released.
Two people – a 20-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man – have been charged in relation to the incident; they both remains before the courts.
Following further inquiries, detectives from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District, assisted by officers from the Queensland Police Service – travelled to the Sunshine Coast and arrested a 23-year-old man about 3pm on Tuesday (20 July 2021).
He was taken to the Maroochydore Magistrate’s Court where detectives applied for and were granted his extradition to NSW.
Yesterday, he was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and affray.
The Tarro man was refused bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Thursday 22 July 2021).
Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.

Australia must implement carbon price to avoid EU tariffs: Greens

Leader of the Australian Greens Adam Bandt MP has called for the urgent return of the Greens/Labor/Independent carbon price and the lifting of 2030 climate targets, warning that exporters will be subjected to international tariffs beyond our control without it.
A primary condition of the Greens-Labor agreement after Mr Bandt got elected in 2010 and his support was required for Labor to secure government, the carbon price was successfully reducing pollution until it was repealed by Tony Abbott’s Liberal Government in 2014.
“By repealing the Greens-secured carbon price, the Liberals have exposed Australian industry to carbon tariffs and our exporters are going to have a price on carbon whether Scott Morrison likes it or not, but it will be one designed overseas instead of here,” Mr Bandt said.
“To give certainty to our exporters and resource industry, we need to lift 2030 emissions targets and re-establish our own carbon price before we have one set for us in 2023.
“We had a carbon price working as intended until it was torn up by the Liberals in an act of climate bastardry. We should have one again.”

JobKeeper 2.0 and JobSeeker lift needed: Greens

The Morrison Lockdowns in Sydney and Melbourne are taking a political toll on the Prime Minister, but the Greens say the long-term damage of the mismanagement will land hardest on young people, and are calling on the Prime Minister to ensure no-one is left behind by lifting JobSeeker back to $1,100 a fortnight and implementing JobKeeper 2.0.
Quotes attributable to Greens Leader, Adam Bandt:
“These Morrison lockdowns are hitting many people just as hard as last year, so the Prime Minister must give people the same level of support as before.”
“The PM might be taking the political hit, but it’s everyone else that’s hurting.”
“The PM’s failures have led to these lockdowns, so now he must make sure no-one is forced to live through them in poverty.”
“If full JobKeeper and $1,100 a fortnight JobSeeker were needed last time, they’re needed again now.”
“Young people are getting hit particularly hard. Scott Morrison’s determination to shortchange young people on everything from superannuation to climate change will drive economic stress for a whole generation.
“The Morrison government is failing young people with housing prices skyrocketing and rents soaring, insecure work and huge student debt growing, all as they watch other countries vaccinating everyone.”

Anti-Muslim racism revealed in AHRC report

Australian Greens Anti-racism spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has said that a new report by the Australian Human Rights Commission has found that 4 in 5 Australian Muslims have experienced discrimination, and a similar proportion feel the Christchurch mosque attacks made them afraid for their community.
Senator Faruqi is the first Muslim woman elected to the Australian Senate.
Senator Faruqi said:
“This report makes for disturbing reading, but I have to say I am not surprised by its findings, and I expect many Muslims would say the same thing. The discrimination is very real and so are its consequences.
“In recent decades, Muslims have experienced substantial discrimination in Australia and have been on the receiving end of serious racism and bigotry in the community, the media and in politics.
“Most catastrophically, anti-Muslim hatred led an Australian man to murder 51 innocent Muslims in Christchurch two years ago. But we can see anti-Muslim hatred and intolerance throughout our community and we must fight it with everything we have.
“Australia urgently needs to recommit itself to anti-racism and fighting Islamophobia, especially in the face of a resurgent far-right. We need to invest in and roll-out a national anti-racism program, stronger laws on extremism and hate speech, and much better representation of people of colour in public life.
“It has not escaped me that this report has recommended better representation of Muslims in the Australian media in the same week it was revealed Channel Seven cast a woman with a history of toxic Islamophobia and racism in an upcoming TV series. This saga was a strong reminder of the sustained Islamophobia and racism in the Australian media,” she said.