City of Newcastle’s transition to a zero emissions fleet is powering forward with the unveiling of its first electric truck.
The medium rigid Hino truck is the only one of its kind in Newcastle and will replace a diesel vehicle currently being used by City of Newcastle’s (CN) Parks and Recreation team, reducing CN’s carbon emissions by more than 20 tonnes each year.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the launch of the electric truck was part of a broader sustainability strategy that will deliver a 100% reduction in carbon emissions from CN vehicles during the next decade.
“City of Newcastle was the first council in NSW to shift to 100% renewable energy in our operations, with our own solar farm at Summerhill and a power purchase agreement with the Sapphire Wind Farm,” Cr Clausen said.
“Fossil-based liquid fuels such as diesel and unleaded petrol in CN cars, trucks, waste fleet, plant and equipment account for more than 90% of our remaining operational carbon emissions.
“This is produced from more than 1.6 million litres of fuel used annually across CN’s operations.
“City of Newcastle is working to deliver the adopted Climate Action Plan 2021-2025, which sets out a roadmap for achieving emission reduction within CN operations. This includes the development of a Fleet Transition Plan to target zero emissions from vehicles for 100% of the fleet by 2030.
The launch of the electric truck follows previous trials of electric vehicles within CN’s fleet, including the replacement of four pool cars with equivalent full electric passenger vehicles.
City of Newcastle will be participating in the NSW Government’s recently announced Drive Electric NSW EV fleets incentive, which will help support the transition of its passenger fleet.
City of Newcastle is helping to support the community’s transition to electric vehicles as well with the development of a council-owned public electric vehicle charging network. This currently includes seven chargers installed across four sites, which provide 11 charging bays, with additional sites planned to be built this year.
Month: January 2022
Supporting our small businesses and NFPs through tough times
Mogo small businesses will get government recovery support, through the new Storm & Flood Small Business Disaster Recovery Grant, which will allow them to apply for up to $50,000 to help pay for clean-up and reinstatement of operations.
Liberal candidates for Bega and Gilmore, Dr Fiona Kotvojs and Andrew Constance, welcomed support for local businesses that have been doing it tough after a series of natural disasters while also dealing with the impact of the COVID pandemic.
Andrew Constance said that local small business owners have been hit by one disaster after another.
“No one can imagine the pain these businesses have suffered after fire, pandemic and flood,” Mr Constance said. “It has been unbearable and I hope that today’s announcement goes some way to helping them through this dark time.”
Dr Fiona Kotvojs thanked the local businesses for their advice and guidance, in support of the advocacy to the state and federal governments.
“Andrew and I want to thank Naomi LaFranchi for her advocacy and representation on behalf of local businesses doing it tough,” said Dr Kotvojs. “Between natural disasters and COVID keeping many tourists away, this community hasn’t had much of a break.”
“These businesses are the backbone of the Mogo community, and helping them makes it a bit easier for the whole community to recover.”
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said it was vital to provide support to help small business bounce back as quickly as possible.
“The Australian and NSW Governments are focused on giving small businesses and not-forprofits the tools they need to clean-up, rebuild and keep operating,” Senator McKenzie said. “We will continue to work with the NSW Government to roll out targeted support for communities impacted by these devastating storms and floods.”
New South Wales Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales Paul Toole said the Australian and NSW Governments are standing by the people of the regions.
“We know that small businesses are the lifeblood of regional communities and have borne the brunt of recent natural disasters,” Mr Toole said.
“We will continue to support them for as long as it takes to bounce back.”
New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke urged communities to utilise the available support.
“These new grants of up to $50,000 complement a number of existing flood recovery supports for individuals, primary producers and local councils,” Ms Cooke said.
“Storm season will continue until March, so I am encouraging communities across our State to be vigilant to the ongoing threats in the short-term, and continue working with us in the long-term to build a more resilient NSW.”
New South Wales Minister for Small Business Eleni Petinos said the Government was committed to working closely with small businesses in their recovery.
“This immediate support will help to protect local economies while communities recover, keeping businesses open and people in jobs,” Ms Petinos said.
To register interest for the grant and be notified when applications become available, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au or call 13 77 88.
Helping those that help our community – supporting the volunteers
The NSW Government is delivering hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of new equipment and facility upgrades for rescue and emergency crews across the region, to help support their essential work.
Liberal candidate for Bega, Dr Fiona Kotvojs, welcomed the Government’s $2 million investment in local Rural Fire Service (RFS) brigades and Marine Rescue and State Emergency Service (SES) units, ensuring that they are better equipped to face emergencies.
“After a decade as an RFS volunteer, I know that having good equipment and facilities makes all the difference in the world,” said Dr Kotvojs. “After having to respond to the floods, bushfires and numerous other emergencies our community has gone through, it’s great to see this level of support for our volunteers from the NSW Government.”
The State Emergency Service’s Moruya Unit is receiving a new General-Purpose Vehicle and a specially-equipped Light Storm Trailer worth $157,000.
The Marine Rescue NSW Batemans Bay Unit has had a $529,000 facilities upgrade. For the first time, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers with a disability will also be able to access the meeting and operational areas of their headquarters, thanks to the installation of a lift.
Eight new appliances have also been handed over to Rural Fire Service volunteers on the Far South Coast. Members of the Tuross Head, Deua River, Moruya, Batemans Bay, Long Beach, Bodalla and Narooma Brigades will benefit from a large-scale tanker and six smaller appliances, as well as a Senior Field Commander vehicle based at the Moruya Fire Control Centre.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the resources and facilities are an investment in the safety of local volunteers and the communities they serve.
“Communities up and down the South Coast have faced some of the worst fires, floods, storms and other emergencies this State has ever seen,” Ms Cooke said.
“We rely on our wonderful volunteers to protect us and that’s why the NSW Government is dedicated to providing our emergency services with safe, reliable and modern resources and facilities.”
AUSTRALIA'S SUPPORT TO TONGA
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is supporting the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)-led effort to support the Government of Tonga following the eruption of Tonga’s Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai underwater volcano on 15 January.
As part of the international response to the volcanic eruption in Tonga, Japan has deployed four transport aircraft, including two Japan Air Self-Defense Force Lockheed C-130H Hercules and two Kawasaki C-2, to move essential humanitarian assistance supplies from Japan to Tonga via RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland.
Japan proudly joins Australia and other pacific nations working alongside the people of Tonga as the archipelagic nation recover from the effects of the devastating eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano and subsequent tsunami.
The ADF contribution, named Operation TONGA ASSIST 22, includes air reconnaissance using P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, airlift support using C-17A Globemaster III and C-130J Hercules transport aircraft, as well as the deployment of HMAS Adelaide with embarked supplies, helicopters and Army engineer contingent.
Tennis Australia Drops Santos: Other Codes Must Follow Suit
THE CLIMATE COUNCIL is calling for Aussie sports to ditch their polluting fossil fuel sponsors after Tennis Australia dumped oil and gas giant Santos, a year into what was meant to be a multi-year sponsorship.
Almost 12 months after some of the nation’s most high profile athletes, including Australian Cricket Captain Pat Cummins, called for greater climate action, the Climate Council has welcomed the decision to cut ties with the fossil fuel industry from one of Australia’s biggest sporting events.
Australia’s summer of sport is under threat from climate change, which is being driven by the burning of coal, oil and gas. Recent examples include:
- Temperatures at the Australian Open Tennis in Melbourne have repeatedly hit +40°C with games suspended and players taken to hospital.
- In 2018 and again in 2019, dangerous heatwaves forced organisers of the Santos Tour Down Under cycle event to shorten the route.
- In 2018, at the Sydney Ashes Test, England’s captain Joe Root was hospitalised as air temperature hit 41.9°C.
- Bushfires smoke from the 2019-20 Black Summer exposed athletes and spectators at all levels to dangerous air pollution.
- In November 2020, AFL Northern Territory league implemented an extreme heat policy with mid-30°C temperatures forecast for weekend games.
Dr Martin Rice, the Climate Council’s Director of Research, said:
“Santos is a huge contributor to climate change, and yet it’s sponsoring some of our most beloved sports including Rugby Australia and the Santos Tour Down Under, the largest cycle race in the southern hemisphere that is taking place right now in South Australia.”
“Other fossil fuel sponsored sporting codes must take note of this move by Tennis Australia and kick fossil fuel-backed companies into touch. Sporting clubs and codes can also rapidly cut their own greenhouse gas emissions by changing the way they build venues, power events, travel and by cutting waste.”
“Fossil fuel companies sponsoring our sporting events, from a professional to community level, makes as much sense as if they were being supported by the tobacco industry. We ditched tobacco sponsorship in sport, now we need to do the same for polluting coal, oil and gas companies, which are driving worsening climate change and putting the future of sports at risk.”
Australian sport is worth $50 billion to the economy and employs over 220,000 people, but governments are ill prepared for escalating climate risks. You can learn more about how climate change is affecting sport in Australia and how it can also be a powerful force for change in the Climate Council’s ‘Game, Set, Match’ report.
National Research Centre to support Australians with Eating Disorders
The Morrison Government is investing $13 million to establish a world-leading National Eating Disorder Centre, where Australia’s best researchers will collaborate to transform how eating disorders are diagnosed and treated.
The University of Sydney’s InsideOut Institute, Orygen, Black Dog Institute, and seven other universities and institutes will lead the new Research Centre, which will support research into:
- transforming eating disorder clinical practice
- informing future policy
- developing the capacity and capability of the research workforce
- supporting the delivery of evidence-based treatment options, and
- coordinating research activities across the country.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said eating disorders were complex and affected people of all ages across the country.
“At any one time, there are more than a million Australians with an eating disorder, and we want to ensure they can get easy access to the best possible treatment,” Minister Hunt said.
“There is evidence that early intervention into eating disorders can reduce the duration of the illness and improve outcomes for patients. It is possible for many people to make a full recovery if they get the right treatment at the right time.
“Eating disorders are a priority for the Morrison Government and the new research centre will find innovative ways to care for patients, improve prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery rates.”
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said the centre was the result of Australia’s first Australian Eating Disorders Research and Translation Strategy 2021-31.
“Globally, eating disorders have tragically high mortality rates,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
“By working with researchers, clinicians, consumers and carers – locally and internationally – the new research centre will help to translate research into practice, build the capacity and capability of the research workforce, and ultimately improve the quality of life for all Australians with eating disorders, their families, supporters and carers.”
Funding for a National Eating Disorder Research Centre is part of $26.9 million provided for eating disorder research and support as part of the Morrison Government’s 2021-22 Budget.
The Morrison Government has made mental health a national priority, and since 2018 has delivered unprecedented support for eating disorder research, support and treatment. This includes historic investments such as $110.7 million to provide up to 40 Medicare-subsidised psychological and 20 dietetic therapy sessions, $63 million for establishment of a national network of residential eating disorders treatment centres, $5 million for research through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), and $13.4 million for the National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC).
Through the $2.3 billion National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan in the 2021-22 Budget, the Morrison Government continues to transform the mental health system to ensure that all Australians can access, high-quality, person-centred care when and where it is needed.
If you or anyone you know is concerned about eating disorder or body image issues, you can contact the Butterfly Foundation’s national eating disorders helpline, ED Hope, on 1800 33 4673 or through www.butterfly.org.au.
Anyone experiencing distress can also seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).
Australians with severe dermatitis to benefit from PBS listing
From 1 February 2022, Australians with severe atopic dermatitis will have access to a new treatment listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Australians aged 12 years or older living with this form of dermatitis will benefit from the extended listing of Rinvoq® (upadacitinib) on the PBS.
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition affecting the skin, causing redness, itching and sometimes infections.
Uncontrolled eczema has a significant impact on the day to day life of patients and their families, including sleep deprivation, an increased risk of skin infection, depression and anxiety.
Rinvoq® helps to improve the condition of the skin, reducing itching and flares by blocking enzymes which create signals in the body’s immune system resulting in inflammation.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said this listing will benefit around 3,600 Australians a year.
“Without this subsidy, patients might pay more than $27,000 per year treatment, instead they’ll pay $42.50 or as little as $6.80 per script,” Minister Hunt said.
“Since 2013, the Coalition Government had approved more than 2,800 new or amended listings on the PBS. This represents an average of around 30 listings or amendments per month – or one each day – at an overall investment by the Government of $14 billion.
“Our Government’s commitment to ensuring Australians can access affordable medicines, when they need them, remains rock solid.”
The listing of Rinvoq® on the PBS has been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.
Tragic spike in NSW coastal drownings
Beachgoers are being urged to take responsibility for their safety and swim between the flags, after NSW recorded an increase in the number of drownings this summer.
Since December 1, there have been 15 coastal deaths and drownings, including three rock fisherman, which is two more than the same time last year.
Premier Dominic Perrottet is reminding the public to swim between the flags, observe safety warnings and look after loved ones when close to the water.
“Australia Day is traditionally a high-risk holiday on our waterways. While our lifesavers and first responders are always vigilant, this is one of the days where more rescues and sadly drownings often occur,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Whether you’re at a beach, pool, river or lake, my message to swimmers is to know the risks, be aware of your surroundings and look out for each other.”
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said beachgoers can take simple precautions in and around the water to keep themselves safe.
“A tragedy can unfold in seconds on our beaches. Please supervise children, swim between the flags, wear a life jacket when required and always listen to the warnings from emergency services,” Ms Cooke said.
“I want to thank the 75,000 Surf Life Saving NSW volunteers and 129 surf clubs who have worked tirelessly this summer to keep locals and visitors safe on our beaches.”
Member for Pittwater and Surf Lifesaver Rob Stokes thanked the Warriewood surf club for their tireless efforts, after a difficult summer holidays.
“Tragedy has struck here at Warriewood with the death of a rock fisherman on New Year’s Day. We ask all beachgoers be vigilant and make sure their trip to the beach is one to remember for all the right reasons,” Mr Stokes said.
Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said despite the recent wet weather, Surf Life Saving NSW has had an extremely busy holiday period across the State.
“The NSW coastline boasts beautiful beaches and everyone can enjoy them safely by checking the conditions before swimming, wearing a life jacket when boating or rock fishing and remembering that alcohol and water activities don’t mix,” Mr Pearce said.
Over the Australia Day long weekend last year, surf lifesavers and lifeguards rescued 815 people, which accounted for 22 per cent of all rescues recorded in the entire year.
Since July 1, there have been more than 31 coastal drownings and deaths in NSW, including five rock fishermen.
Covid-Smart plan to start 2022 school year
Students will return to school under COVID-smart settings that will minimise the risk of the virus and allow teachers and pupils to return safely to the classroom.
As part of the new measures, every student and teacher in NSW government and non-government schools will be able to receive rapid antigen test (RAT) kits before school returns on February 1.
The COVID-Smart Plan to keep schools open and students safe includes:
- Twice a week surveillance testing for primary and high school students, school staff and early childhood staff. Surveillance testing will be undertaken for the first four weeks of term, with two weeks of supply distributed before term starts
- Mandatory mask wearing for all staff and high school students, with masks encouraged for children in primary schools
- Limiting interaction between year groups
- Limiting visitors to those providing essential curriculum and wellbeing support
- COVID-safe settings in place for music, sport and excursions
- Maximising natural and mechanical ventilation, with air purifiers dispatched to where they are needed
- Contingency plans in place to manage any disruptions to the workforce
Premier Dominic Perrottet said supporting students to return safely to the classroom is vital after two years of disruption to their education.
“Students learn best at school, some students have spent a quarter of their schooling at home. We’re committed to bringing students back safely,” Mr Perrottet said.
“New COVID-smart measures will help make this happen, including surveillance testing both students and staff twice weekly with RATs.
“What is most important about this approach is that it allows students to enjoy all aspects of their schooling in a safe and sensible way.
“The government is distributing more than 12 million RATs to over 3150 government, non-government schools and early childhood centres to assist with surveillance testing of staff and students.”
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said testing complements other COVID smart measures in schools, including mandatory vaccination for staff, increased vaccination coverage for students , mask-wearing, cleaning, cohorting and limited visitors on-site.
“We have worked closely with the Victorian Government to create plans that achieve the same important goals of seeing our students learning in their classrooms safely and with minimal disruption,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Activities students love, such as music, school sport and assemblies, will continue with settings in place similar to late last year.”
A number of staffing contingencies are in place including utilising retired and studying teachers.
The Association of Independent Schools of New South Wales Dr Geoff Newcombe AM said all three school sectors worked closely together to develop the back to school arrangements.
“School communities should feel confident about returning for Term 1 under these arrangements, which allow a wide range of activities to proceed with appropriate risk-assessment and planning,” Dr Newcombe said.
Catholic Schools NSW Chief Executive Officer Dallas McInerney said it is imperative that we have schools that are safe and that remain open.
“We need to keep our students, teachers and families safe and also provide stability. We know that our kids learn best when they’re in the classroom with their teacher and peers,” Mr McInerney said.
Families will be notified by their schools on how and when to collect the RAT kits for their children.
In the 12 to 15-year-old age group, more than 80 per cent of children have had their
first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 78 per cent are double-dosed. In the 5 to 11-year-old age group, more than 24 per cent of children have had their first dose.
Clinical evidence suggests the Omicron variant is milder and less likely to result in serious illness, particularly amongst children, and that vaccines, especially boosters, are effective in protecting the community. More information on the return to school settings for NSW public schools is available at https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families
Changes to pre-departure testing for international arrivals to Australia
The Australian Government has reviewed the requirements for pre-departure testing for international arrivals to Australia and will make changes to provide more flexibility for people to demonstrate they have a negative COVID-19 test result prior to departure.
Under the Biosecurity Act 2015 the Government will change the requirements for a pre-departure test of any nucleic acid amplification test (such as PCR tests) within three days, to allow the flexibility for passengers to instead show a negative test result through a rapid antigen test (RAT) within 24 hours of the flight departure time.
These changes will come into effect from 1.00am Sunday 23 January 2022.
While PCR tests remain the gold standard test, a RAT within 24 hours is an acceptable indicator of whether a traveller has COVID-19 before flying to Australia.
This is consistent with moves within Australia to accept RATs for diagnostic purposes.
In addition to this, the time between receiving a positive test result and being able to be cleared for travel to Australia will be reduced from 14 to seven days. This will reduce wait times for travellers who contract COVID-19 overseas to return to Australia in line with the new domestic isolation requirements.
The pre-departure testing requirements will continue to be reviewed regularly, taking into account the domestic and international epidemiology.
Travellers to Australia must still wear a mask during their flight and follow the directions of state and territory governments regarding quarantine and on-arrival testing.
The Government will continue to take measures to protect Australia by preventing and controlling the entry, emergence, establishment and spread of COVID-19.