Sporting facility upgrades for Alder Park in New Lambton, Empire Park opposite Bar Beach, Cook Park in Shortland and Hamilton Park Tennis Club are among 59 projects awarded a combined $450,000 in funding from the City of Newcastle.
Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, who is a member of the City’s Liveable Cities Advisory Committee, said the grant funding is eligible to projects that improve sportsgrounds used by grassroots sporting clubs.
“Novocastrians love their sport, which is why City of Newcastle is committed to assisting local clubs with projects that will benefit the region’s players for years to come,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
“Grant funding provides clubs the opportunity to enhance the facilities they use on a weekly basis, without impacting upon the cost of playing.
“The injection of $450,000 of grant funding into the local economy will also assist in the creation of jobs as Newcastle recovers from COVID-19 and the recent lockdown.”
Image: Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz and New Lambton FC President Clayton Harrison at Alder Park, which will benefit from new seating thanks to City of Newcastle grant funding.
New Lambton Eagles Football Club President Clayton Harrison said that the grant funding secured through City of Newcastle’s Infrastructure Grants Program will be used to enhance spectator experience with new seating at Alder Park.
“We’re grateful for the financial support from City of Newcastle, which will allow our club to install tiered seating at Alder Park in New Lambton,” Mr Harrison said.
“The seating will not only benefit New Lambton FC spectators throughout the winter season, but also the athletics community which operates from the park during summer.”
Financial support has also been provided to Wallsend Football Club for playing surface improvements at Cook Park, Hamilton Park Tennis Club for electrical upgrades and Merewether District Cricket Club for irrigation upgrades at Empire Park.
The Community Support and Infrastructure Grants assist a wide variety of projects across diverse funding streams including arts, culture and heritage projects, environmental programs and social inclusion initiatives. Façade improvement projects and sustainability initiatives have also been funded through the program.
Month: October 2021
Tourism and events recovery turbocharged as visitor economy bounces back
More than $530 million will be invested in reviving events across the state and getting tourism back on track as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
The tourism and events recovery package includes:
- $250 million for the expanded Stay & Rediscover scheme providing a $50 voucher to all NSW adults to redeem at accommodation premises across NSW;
- $150 million to support the recovery of major event activity across the state including $50 million for a Regional Events Package to support major events, festivals, agricultural shows and community events across the regions.
- $60 million for an Aviation Attraction Fund to incentivise international airlines to re-commence flights to Sydney;
- $6 million to bring business events back to the city;
- $50 million for the CBDs Revitalisation Program to support events and activations in CBDs across Greater Sydney and surrounds; and
- An Event Saver Fund to provide immediate support to organisers if events are cancelled or disrupted by any public health orders during the 2021-22 summer.
- $25 million for the Festival Relaunch package – to stabilise established commercial and not-for-profit festivals, big and small, so they can program with confidence into 2022/23.
- $10 million for a Recovery Marketing Campaign including an extension of the successful roadtrips campaign launched in 2020
Premier Dominic Perrottet said this package would bring back tourists and supercharge the businesses and attractions that contribute $38 billion to our economy, making the state one of the world’s most popular destinations.
“Millions of people around the world dream of visiting Sydney and our regional areas. This package not only ensures they can, but that they’ll experience the very best of what we have to offer,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It’s also great news for people right across our state, reviving events and businesses and bringing our major drawcards back to life. Importantly, more than 300,000 people rely on our tourism industry and our aim is to reclaim our position as one of the world’s favourite destinations.”
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the much needed investment will help revive shuttered businesses and bring tourism providers back to their vibrant best.
“This was a one in one hundred year event which severely damaged our tourism industry, operators barely hung in there as they lost bookings, customers and staff, now as we rebuild we can do so with confidence,” Mr Ayres said.
“For our visitor economy to reach its full potential we need event owners to dream big, airlines to fly in and for locals and visitors to embrace our world class venues and hospitality with enthusiasm once again.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said getting tourism back on track and reviving the visitor economy is key to our economic recovery.
“We know NSW is the best place to live, work, learn and play, but this is about bringing visitors back, boosting business and serving up the best of what NSW has to offer to the world,” Mr Kean said.
“We want to support citizens to get out and explore their own backyard, give our events sector the confidence to get back to business and send the signal to the airline industry that NSW is and always will be Australia’s gateway to the world.”
24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said the lights of our cities have been dimmed for too long.
“Whether you are heading back to the office, in town for a show or a game, or meeting some friends for an alfresco drink, we want to make going into city centres a magical experience”.
The tourism recovery package is a key part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy.
Green light for electric vehicle strategy
Motorists in NSW are now closer than ever before to getting behind the wheel of their first electric vehicle (EV) with the NSW Government’s NSW EV Strategy legislation passing through the NSW Parliament.
The NSW Government has committed $490 million towards EVs, helping to cut taxes, provide $3,000 rebates and install ultra-fast EV chargers right across the State.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said these incentives make NSW the best place in Australia to buy and drive an electric vehicle.
“This is a comprehensive suite of measures, which ensures we have the right mix in place to boost the take-up of electric vehicles and give people access to the latest technology,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The strategy also starts us down the road of long-term tax reform as we embark on phasing out stamp duty on electric vehicles and making sure everyone who drives on our roads contributes to their funding and maintenance.”
Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean said the NSW EV Strategy is nation-leading and will ensure at least 50 per cent of new cars sales are EVs by 2030.
“To achieve net zero emissions by 2050, the majority of new cars sold in NSW need to be EVs by 2035,” Mr Kean said.
“This is the beginning of an EV revolution in NSW, with more drivers set to benefit from lower taxes and $3,000 rebates on their next EV purchase.”
“Our Strategy is all about helping more drivers to benefit from the latest and best driving technology and I welcome the cross party support for the legislation.”
Drivers who have registered a new, eligible EV after 1 September 2021 can apply for a refund of the stamp duty and one of the 25,000 rebates worth $3,000. Applications will open on 1 November 2021.
Also from 1 November, eligible electric vehicles will be able to use Transit T2 and T3 lanes until at least 31 October 2022, making travelling in an EV even easier.
Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said the EV Strategy would help to reduce air and noise pollution created on the State’s roads.
“The transport sector currently makes up one-fifth of carbon emissions in NSW, with almost half of those coming from passenger vehicles,” Mr Stokes said.
“This policy will give the green light to industry to increase model availability and cut the costs of EVs.”
Scholarships open for vulnerable youth
Some of the state’s most disadvantaged young people will be supported to achieve their academic aspirations as part of the NSW Government’s Youth Development Scholarships program.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said applications are now open for the $1,000 scholarships to students in Years 10, 11 and 12 or TAFE equivalent.
“A good education is the foundation for a better future. This program supports disadvantaged students by reducing financial barriers so they may engage in study,” Mr Henskens said.
“It is about giving young people who need support a helping hand. These scholarships will help students achieve their educational dreams.”
The program supports young people living in social housing or on the housing register, students receiving private rental assistance, or those living in supported accommodation or out-of-home care.
The funds can be used to help pay for education-related expenses such as textbooks, IT equipment and internet access.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said more than 3,300 students have been supported by the scholarship program since it was established in 2017.
“Fires, floods and COVID-19 have posed significant social and economic challenges for our communities, and have particularly affected young people,” Ms Mitchell said.
“These grants will help reduce the financial burden for more students so they can focus on their studies.”
The Youth Development Scholarships program is part of Future Directions for Social Housing in NSW, a ten-year plan to drive better outcomes for social housing tenants.
For more information on how to apply, visit Youth Development Scholarships 2022.
New $96 Million RNA Pilot Manufacturing Facility for NSW
Motorists in NSW are now closer than ever before to getting behind the wheel of their first electric vehicle (EV) with the NSW Government’s NSW EV Strategy legislation passing through the NSW Parliament.
The NSW Government has committed $490 million towards EVs, helping to cut taxes, provide $3,000 rebates and install ultra-fast EV chargers right across the State.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said these incentives make NSW the best place in Australia to buy and drive an electric vehicle.
“This is a comprehensive suite of measures, which ensures we have the right mix in place to boost the take-up of electric vehicles and give people access to the latest technology,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The strategy also starts us down the road of long-term tax reform as we embark on phasing out stamp duty on electric vehicles and making sure everyone who drives on our roads contributes to their funding and maintenance.”
Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean said the NSW EV Strategy is nation-leading and will ensure at least 50 per cent of new cars sales are EVs by 2030.
“To achieve net zero emissions by 2050, the majority of new cars sold in NSW need to be EVs by 2035,” Mr Kean said.
“This is the beginning of an EV revolution in NSW, with more drivers set to benefit from lower taxes and $3,000 rebates on their next EV purchase.”
“Our Strategy is all about helping more drivers to benefit from the latest and best driving technology and I welcome the cross party support for the legislation.”
Drivers who have registered a new, eligible EV after 1 September 2021 can apply for a refund of the stamp duty and one of the 25,000 rebates worth $3,000. Applications will open on 1 November 2021.
Also from 1 November, eligible electric vehicles will be able to use Transit T2 and T3 lanes until at least 31 October 2022, making travelling in an EV even easier.
Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said the EV Strategy would help to reduce air and noise pollution created on the State’s roads.
“The transport sector currently makes up one-fifth of carbon emissions in NSW, with almost half of those coming from passenger vehicles,” Mr Stokes said.
“This policy will give the green light to industry to increase model availability and cut the costs of EVs.”
Sydney trains achieves net zero emissions
NSW’s heavy rail network is the first in the country to transition to 100 per cent net zero emissions, four years ahead of schedule.
Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said it was a massive achievement for Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink.
“Our rail operators have smashed the net zero target of 2025 by becoming the first heavy rail network in Australia to transition to completely green energy,” Mr Stokes said.
“Transport is one of the largest consumers of energy, and we are investing in renewables for a greener future for our customers and our state.
“With over 3,200 timetabled train services every weekday, our rail network is not only the vital lifeblood of NSW, but is now leading Australia’s transition to a decarbonised public transport network.”
Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland says the existing electricity supply contract had flexible terms to allow for the expansion into green energy and now comes entirely from certified renewable sources.
“Through this agreement, Sydney Trains has accelerated our original goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2025 to an immediate, greener reality, placing the railway at the forefront of NSW Government action on emissions reductions.
“Our electricity supply contract is 100 per cent renewable from now to the end of financial year 23/24, and we are preparing to go to market to test solutions to maintain a commitment to renewable energy into the future.”
Sydney Trains has also committed to reduce energy consumption by at least 10 per cent by 2025, through solar energy generation at 27 locations across the network, lighting upgrades and improvements in train operations.
$2.8 billion package launched to turbocharge NSW recovery from covid-19 pandemic
Families, individuals and businesses across NSW will benefit from a targeted $2.8 billion package developed to accelerate recovery following the three month lockdown due to the Delta COVID-19 outbreak.
The NSW Government’s Economic Recovery Strategy released today includes funding to stimulate economic activity in cities and regions with a strong focus on rebuilding and supporting businesses, helping the hip pocket and boosting jobs.
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Treasurer Matt Kean today revealed that as part of the package, households of school-aged children in 2021, will receive $250 in vouchers to stimulate spending and economic activity.
“One of the biggest challenges for so many families during lockdowns was learning from home, and now as life returns to normal we want to encourage people to get out and boost economic activity,” Mr Perrottet said.
“In many senses this is a ‘Thank You’ that will go some small way towards helping family finances that took a big hit and at the same time supporting businesses and jobs.”
The $250 in vouchers will be available through Service NSW in early 2022. The vouchers will be available to households which had a school-aged child in 2021.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the people of NSW had shown great strength and ingenuity throughout the pandemic, supported by more than $10 billion in NSW Government measures throughout the winter 2021 lockdown, and the latest package would position the State for a safe, robust and rapid recovery.
“This package will boost confidence, provide fresh opportunities and support NSW to return to a way of life we know and love,” Mr Kean said.
“But we don’t just want to recover what we lost, we want to bounce back better than ever – and this package lays the foundations to do exactly that.”
The NSW Government’s Economic Recovery Strategy includes:
- $500 million to restore consumer and business confidence, including the expansion of Dine & Discover and Stay & Rediscover accommodation vouchers;
- $250 million to support jobs and skills, including help for job seekers to retrain or upskill;
- $212.2 million to boost vital sectors, including additional funding for the performing arts sector, an Alfresco Restart Package, and support to bring our cities back to life;
- $200 million to boost regional NSW, including support for events, facilities and local infrastructure, and housing; and
- $75 million to boost communities across the state, including support for tourism, events, sport and recreation.
The strategy also assists those most impacted during lockdown including:
- $739.3 million in household and social support, including housing support for vulnerable Aboriginal communities, expansion of solar rebates, support measures for victims of domestic and family violence, and vouchers to parents who have facilitated home learning for their children;
- $495 million in education support to address learning gaps for children in need and to help schools adapt to future possible learning disruptions; and
- $130 million for a mental health recovery package to provide immediate access to help for anyone whose mental health has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 24 Hour Economy Commissioner will take on the additional role of NSW COVID-19 Recovery Commissioner to oversee the implementation of the Economic Recovery Strategy. For more information and to view the full strategy visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/economic-recovery-strategy
New Federal Court judges welcome, but long overdue
It has been eight long years of pleading with successive Liberal governments to properly resource our Federal Courts in Newcastle, so news of two new Federal Courts judges being appointed to our courts is certainly welcome. This is a huge win for the people of Newcastle and our region.
The Newcastle Registry had been down a senior judge for more than two months since the former Judge Janet Terry reached the mandatory retirement age of 70. But leaving judicial positions vacant for months on end has become a shocking pattern of neglectful behaviour under this government.
It has taken eight long years, three different attorney-generals, and the abolition of our stand alone family court system, for the Liberal Government to finally accept that our Federal Courts are at breaking point.
It’s more than time that the Commonwealth Attorney-General prioritised our community interests over and above the narrow political interests of the Morrison Government.
Given the heavy caseload in the Newcastle Registry, and the complexities of these cases, which often involve the trauma of marital breakdown, domestic violence, drug abuse and child custody disputes, it is beyond doubt that Newcastle was entitled to additional resources.
I welcome the appointment of Ms Julie Kearney to replace Judge Janet Terry and Ms Vivienne Carty as an additional judge to Newcastle’s Federal Courts. They have an enormous workload ahead – made worse by the Morrison Government’s continuous attacks on the Family Court – and must be properly resourced to do their jobs.
The Federal Government has a very clear responsibility to provide efficient and appropriate judicial and court services to the people of Newcastle. Having neglected our Federal Courts for so long, the Attorney-General must now fix the damage done.
It’s time for the Morrison Government to put an end to this reckless management of our Federal Courts once and for all.
The Newcastle Registry had been down a senior judge for more than two months since the former Judge Janet Terry reached the mandatory retirement age of 70. But leaving judicial positions vacant for months on end has become a shocking pattern of neglectful behaviour under this government.
It has taken eight long years, three different attorney-generals, and the abolition of our stand alone family court system, for the Liberal Government to finally accept that our Federal Courts are at breaking point.
It’s more than time that the Commonwealth Attorney-General prioritised our community interests over and above the narrow political interests of the Morrison Government.
Given the heavy caseload in the Newcastle Registry, and the complexities of these cases, which often involve the trauma of marital breakdown, domestic violence, drug abuse and child custody disputes, it is beyond doubt that Newcastle was entitled to additional resources.
I welcome the appointment of Ms Julie Kearney to replace Judge Janet Terry and Ms Vivienne Carty as an additional judge to Newcastle’s Federal Courts. They have an enormous workload ahead – made worse by the Morrison Government’s continuous attacks on the Family Court – and must be properly resourced to do their jobs.
The Federal Government has a very clear responsibility to provide efficient and appropriate judicial and court services to the people of Newcastle. Having neglected our Federal Courts for so long, the Attorney-General must now fix the damage done.
It’s time for the Morrison Government to put an end to this reckless management of our Federal Courts once and for all.
Competition calls all Novocastrian shutterbugs
Building on the huge success of 2020, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon has launched the 2021 Newcastle Photography competition today, calling on all budding and seasoned photographers alike to capture the essence of Newcastle on camera.
The winning photo will be featured on her annual Christmas Card.
“The winning photograph will be showcased in a card that will be sent to every household in the city as well as businesses and community groups in our area and dignitaries such as Members of Parliament, Ambassadors and the Governor-General.” Ms Claydon said.
“The winner will also receive a $150 voucher and the three runners-up will receive a $50 each to spend at MacLean’s Booksellers or any one of the dozens of creative, independent and locally owned Makers and Traders Newcastle businesses.”
Ms Claydon said the photo must be taken in the electorate of Newcastle by a Novocastrian.
“I’ll be keeping my eye out for photos which feature Newcastle’s breathtaking beauty and its unique character.”
“The photo can come from any sort of camera, smartphone or drone, but it must have been taken this year,” Ms Claydon said.
“But you’ll need to get in quick because entries close in a few short weeks on Monday, 8 November.”
“It’s been a tough year for Novocastrians, and I look forward to seeing the incredible artistic talent our community has to offer.”
“If last year’s entries are anything to go by, we can look forward to a wonderful and diverse selection of photographs showcasing our beautiful city.”
For more information or to upload your photo visit https://www.sharonclaydon.com/local_issues
The winning photo will be featured on her annual Christmas Card.
“The winning photograph will be showcased in a card that will be sent to every household in the city as well as businesses and community groups in our area and dignitaries such as Members of Parliament, Ambassadors and the Governor-General.” Ms Claydon said.
“The winner will also receive a $150 voucher and the three runners-up will receive a $50 each to spend at MacLean’s Booksellers or any one of the dozens of creative, independent and locally owned Makers and Traders Newcastle businesses.”
Ms Claydon said the photo must be taken in the electorate of Newcastle by a Novocastrian.
“I’ll be keeping my eye out for photos which feature Newcastle’s breathtaking beauty and its unique character.”
“The photo can come from any sort of camera, smartphone or drone, but it must have been taken this year,” Ms Claydon said.
“But you’ll need to get in quick because entries close in a few short weeks on Monday, 8 November.”
“It’s been a tough year for Novocastrians, and I look forward to seeing the incredible artistic talent our community has to offer.”
“If last year’s entries are anything to go by, we can look forward to a wonderful and diverse selection of photographs showcasing our beautiful city.”
For more information or to upload your photo visit https://www.sharonclaydon.com/local_issues
Man airlifted after unit fire – Newcastle
Police remain at the scene of a unit fire in Newcastle’s CBD this morning.
About 6.45am (Thursday 21 October 2021), emergency services were called to Darby Street, Cooks Hill, following reports a unit was well alight.
As residents evacuated the building, they assisted a 41-year-old man from his unit.
He was treated by an off-duty nurse prior to the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics; he was then airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital for treatment to severe burns.
Crews from Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished the blaze a short time later.
Darby Street has since reopened to traffic. Officers from Newcastle City Police District have established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation into the circumstances and cause of the fire.