Month: March 2022

Floods add to the looming rental crisis 

Flooding damages homes

Australia is facing a rental crisis that has been exacerbated by the recent flooding events, according to Pete Wargent, co-founder of Australia’s first national marketplace for buyer’s agents, BuyersBuyers.

Mr Wargent said, “rental markets were already in a tightening cycle. The floods in New South Wales and Queensland have added further pressure in certain markets, such as the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, where there was already a housing shortage, and for family-suitable housing in Brisbane.”

“All of the eight capital cities were already seeing a trend decline in vacancy rates with the honourable exception of Darwin, while many regional markets are, practically speaking, at full capacity” Mr Wargent said. 

Figure 1 – Rental vacancy rates

“Brisbane saw an estimated 15,000 homes flooded in this event, rendering potentially thousands of homes uninhabitable, and vacancy rates were already at decade lows there too. So the disruption is going to cause a good deal of friction in the rentals market.”

“More broadly, nationally the rental vacancy rate has fallen to around 1 per cent for the first time in over a decade-and-a-half, and there are further declines in the post as the international borders finally reopen and as total employment surges to record highs at over 13½ million this year” Mr Wargent said. 

Building crunch

BuyersBuyers CEO Doron Peleg said fewer new homes will be completed in 2022 as building approvals decline and the rising cost of materials and construction labour discourages development.

Mr Peleg said, “not only are financing costs set to rise but the cost of building materials and trades labour has also already jumped. The problem when you have a disaster with widespread impact such as flooding over two states is that this typically adds further pressure to the cost of labour and materials.”

“The HomeBuilder stimulus package was successful in getting more homes built for a period of time – and major renovation activity has been running hot – but approvals are now dropping away.”

Figure 2 – Detached house approvals by capital city

“Furthermore, there is considerably less demand from overseas investors, which means that attached dwelling approvals, in particular for high-rise unit developments, have failed to gain as much traction through this market cycle” Mr Peleg said. 

Figure 3 – Attached dwelling approvals by capital city

Construction insolvencies inevitable


BuyersBuyers co-founder Pete Wargent said, “the recent announcement that Probuild may be heading into administration appears likely to be canary in the coalmine for the construction sector.

Mr Wargent said, “profit margins are typically thin for developers and overlapping supply shocks have put a great deal of pressure on the cost of materials and labour.”

“Insolvencies have been exceptionally low for two years in the construction sector, but we can see that is now already changing, and further insolvencies will see many projects left incomplete as funding costs rise.”

Figure 4 – Construction insolvencies by state

“Overall, there were already a range of factors which were conspiring to put a good deal of pressure on rental markets.” 

“Talk of potential hikes in interest rates will naturally tilt the balance from buying to renting for many marginal households, and with landlords less eager to invest then the result is likely to be a rental crisis and double-digit growth in rental prices” Mr Wargent said.

FORCES ARRIVE FOR MARINE ROTATIONAL FORCE – DARWIN 2022 

United States (US) Marines have begun arriving in the Northern Territory to commence the eleventh annual rotation of the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D). 

The 2022 MRF-D will see up to 2200 US personnel conduct combined training with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) including crisis response exercises and engagement with regional partners. 

This year, for the first time, US Army personnel will deploy to work alongside and support the MRF-D. 

Commanding Officer Headquarters Northern Command, Colonel Marcus Constable said that the rotation would build on the success of last year’s deployment which coincided with the 70th anniversary of the Australia, New Zealand, and United States (ANZUS) treaty.

“Australia’s alliance with the United States is our most important defence relationship and is central to Australia’s strategic and security arrangements.” He said.

“The MRF-D is a key way we increase regional cooperation with partners in the Indo Pacific and deepen interoperability between the ADF and the US Marine Corps.”

“Together we conduct a comprehensive range of training activities including humanitarian assistance, security operations and high-end live fire exercises. These better position our forces to respond to crises in the region,” Colonel Constable said.

MRF-D Commanding Officer Colonel Christopher Steele said it was an honour to build upon the continuing legacy of the U.S. – Australia Alliance. 

“This year our Marines will be coming from Camp Pendleton in Southern California as the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force assumes this mission, working alongside our US Army and Australian Defence Force counterparts,” Colonel Steele said. 

“We are excited to serve as the first regimental headquarters to lead MRF-D, and integrate two highly capable and interoperable forces that advance our shared goals, demonstrate the strength and endurance of our alliance, and contribute to regional security.

“Being able to continue MRF-D rotations while making the necessary adjustments to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic is a testament to the alliance relationship and the discipline of our forces,” Colonel Steele said.

The procedures for managing MRF-D’s arrival, border entry protocols and possible cases of COVID-19 have been developed and agreed in full consultation with NT Health authorities and will strictly adhere to all Australian Government requirements to mitigate the risk of COVID-19.

The US Marines are expected to complete the rotation in Australia in October 2022. 

MRF-D is one of the United States Force Posture Initiatives that sits alongside an expanded program of Enhanced Air Cooperation between the Royal Australian Air Force and United States Air Force.

Australia launches first ever Indigenous health workforce plan

The Morrison Government has launched a ten-year plan to increase the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce and improve health and wellbeing outcomes.

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan 2021–2031 (National Workforce Plan) was released today by the Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, and the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt.

The National Workforce Plan is the first of its kind. It seeks to have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people equally represented alongside non-Indigenous workers across the health sector by 2031.

It will mean an unprecedented increase in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, health workers and health practitioners working across the health system through the next decade, providing culturally safe and responsive health and medical care.

The plan aims to lift the rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working in the sector from the current 1.8 per cent to 3.43 per cent by 2031, better reflecting overall population numbers.

The plan has been designed in close partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including health leaders from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak bodies and the community-controlled health sector.

It commits all governments to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to grow and strengthen the workforce through a consistent, yet flexible, approach to increasing employment, training and leadership opportunities.

Under the plan, a wide range of actions will be implemented at a national, state and territory, and regional level across the health system. These will attract, recruit and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across all roles, levels and locations. Structural, systemic, organisational and personal barriers to growing and retaining a skilled workforce will be removed. There will be clear pathways for health students.

“The National Workforce Plan sets an ambitious and achievable, target,” Minister Hunt said.
Authorised by Greg Hunt MP, Liberal Party of Australia, Somerville, Victoria.

“Not only will it expand access to culturally safe care and significantly improve the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it will also increase economic prosperity by having First Nations people in well paid, secure employment.”

To help implement the plan, the Morrison Government has committed $53.1 million from 2022-23 to 2025-26.

This includes $11.9 million for the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association, $12.7 million for the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives, $18.9 million for Indigenous Allied Health Australia and $9.3 million for the National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners. $0.3 million in support for the National Health Leadership Forum (NHLF).

This investment builds on the $159.1 million committed since 2021-22 to support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce.

The National Workforce Plan complements the 2020 National Agreement on Closing the Gap and the refreshed National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan. Like them, it encompasses an approach that acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership is fundamental to drive real action and change to achieve its vision.

“One of the most important features of this National Workforce Plan is that it was developed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Minister Hunt said.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt, said the National Workforce Plan is a strong example of governments working in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sector and communities so that policy and action are designed and delivered by those who understand community best.

“Growing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce participation across the health sector will help ensure culturally-safe, trauma-informed and responsive care is available for families and communities,” Minister Wyatt said.

“It will mean Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel more comfortable to access health services and experience better outcomes when they do.

“Increasing employment, training and leadership opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and embedding Indigenous knowledge and culture in our health services, will help deliver prevention-focused health services that are free of racism.”

Ministers Hunt and Wyatt thanked state and territory ministers, and the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector, for their continued commitment to the plan.

NHLF Chair, Donna Murray, said: “A strong and empowered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce is central to improving our health outcomes.

“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce brings culturally safe perspectives and practices into a western biomedical focused health system. Culture is a protective factor – a positive determinant of health – that strengthens our identity, and our connection to community and Country.

“We are committed to achieving health equity, and we draw strength from cultural integrity, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing. The NHLF welcomes the release of the National Workforce Plan and look forward to continuing to work in partnership with governments to develop the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.”

Vital health support for flood-affected regions

The Morrison Government is providing more than $35.9 million to ensure communities affected by the East Coast floods can continue to access vital health services and additional mental health support.

The widespread floods in Queensland and New South Wales have had a devastating effect – and the impacts on many thousands of Australians will be felt for years to come.

The Government recognises immediate health support is required to assist local residents to get back on their feet, support their families and rebuild their lives.

Mental health and trauma support for adults, youth and children

The Morrison Government is providing $31.2 million over two years for additional mental health support for Australians effected by the floods.

This includes

  • $16.6 million for local mental health services to meet immediate psychological needs of communities, including:
    • $13.5 million to boost availability of psychological therapies delivered by local service providers.
    • $2.4 million for local Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations to deliver culturally appropriate, locally designed mental health services in impacted communities.
    • $200,000 to assist the Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma provide psychological support for current clients impacted by the floods.
    • $500,000 to ensure the Australian Psychological Society can continue to deploy its Disaster Response Network of over 500 trauma-trained psychologists.
  • $9 million to support the mental health of children and young people, including:
    • $4.5 million to fund headspace services currently impacted by the floods, including funding to rebuild or relocate headspace Lismore and provide outreach services to Ballina and surrounding regions.
    • $4.5 million to provide dedicated services to impacted children and young people, with a focus on working through school communities, provided by Royal Far West.
  • $1.2 million to accelerate the establishment of a Head to Health centre in Lismore, with a particular focus on trauma recovery and PTSD treatment.
  • $3 million towards Wellbeing and Resilience Grants that allow communities the opportunity to choose their response to the loss, anxiety and distress they have experienced, as well as actively participate in their recovery

The Morrison Government recognises the significant impact multiple disasters, including the floods, the COVID-19 pandemic and bushfires, are having on individuals, families and communities, and is providing significant investment to better support recovery from this most recent disaster.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said these measures will ensure immediate and longer-term mental health support for individuals, families, and communities affected by the disaster, and will also include a range of community recovery initiatives.

“Importantly, this package of support will be provided over the next two years because we know support won’t just be needed in the next few months, and people living in flood-affected regions of QLD and NSW will need substantial ongoing support,” Minister Hunt said.

“Mental health is one of the Morrison Government’s highest priorities and we will continue to ensure that all Australians can access the mental health support and treatment they need, no matter where they are.”

Immediate healthcare supports

The Morrison Government is providing $4.7 million to ensure continuity of primary health care services for flood-impacted Australians, particularly in worst hit communities.

This includes:

  • $2.5 million for primary health care emergency response teams to ensure urgent access to health services in flood-impacted regions.
  • $1.5 million to establish a shared temporary business premises in Lismore for displaced local primary health care providers to ensure delivery of health services for Lismore.
  • $700,000 to create a temporary surge workforce able to meet the current emergency need in Lismore and a longer-term capacity to meet demand if practices are inoperable or GPs need respite for the medium term.

“In the immediate term, our Government will provide support to help ensure continuity of primary health care services – including the vital services provided by general practices, pharmacies and mental health providers. This support is essential to help affected communities respond to the urgent challenges they face” said Minister Hunt.

MBS telehealth continues to be available across affected regions. An exemption has been made to normal MBS rules so people in flood-affected regions don’t have to have an existing relationship with a GP to access MBS-subsidised telehealth services (video and phone).

Primary Health Networks (PHNs) in significantly flood affected regions will be funded to support their emergency response activities. In particular, the PHNs will work with primary health care providers in their regions and with relevant state and local agencies to help ensure affected communities are able to access urgent primary and mental health care services.

In the severely impacted northern NSW community of Lismore, locum support for general practices and pharmacies will bolster the local workforce and assist in providing continuity of health care for residents where a number of general practices and pharmacies have been forced to close.

Temporary shared practice accommodation is also being established in Lismore for displaced primary health care providers, including general practitioners, pharmacists, allied health providers, mental health service providers and dentists.

Contacts for support

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.

If you are concerned about suicide, living with someone who is considering suicide, or bereaved by suicide, the Suicide Call Back Service is available at 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au

Young Australians needing support can access free services through Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), their local headspace or online through eheadspace.

Islington Park re-opens to the public

Islington Park has been re-opened to the public this morning following clearance by independent assessors yesterday.

The park been closed since 2 March due to contamination generated by the recent fire at the Wickham wool stores. Multiple specialist asbestos crews were deployed last week to clean the park. These crews removed fragments of asbestos containing materials (ACM) from grassed areas, gardens, the sporting oval, the carpark, bike paths, the playground, skate bowl and around the amenities building.

High traffic areas such as footpaths and the playground were also cleaned with HEPA (high efficiency particulate arrestance) vacuums.

Following the clean-up, an independent Licenced Asbestos Assessor inspected all areas of the park and found no visible asbestos remaining, allowing for a clearance certificate to be issued on Sunday 13 March.

Air monitoring was undertaken during the clean up and also as part of the clearance inspection – with all results coming back clear of airborne asbestos fibres.

It is important to remember that as with other areas that have been cleaned and given clearance, it is possible for the occasional fragment to be introduced into the area from vehicles or falling from trees. Further findings of fragments should be reported to the EPA’s environment line on 131 555 so that the area can be listed for inspection and re-cleaning if necessary.

Now that clearance has been issued, City of Newcastle will plan for the safe resumption of services such as mowing and ongoing park maintenance.

Waratah Park has also been inspected and cleaned and is open to the public.

For the latest updates visit www.newcastle.gov.au/wickhamfire

Mental wellbeing package for flood-impacted communities

The NSW Government will fast-track access to essential trauma and recovery services to communities hardest hit by the recent flooding in NSW as part of a $25 million investment.
 
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said this package will provide mental health support to people in flood-affected communities across the State to help them get through the recovery as they begin to rebuild.
 
“Providing immediate mental health and well-being support in recovery centres to people devastated by the floods to help them get back on their feet as soon as possible,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“This commitment will ensure we put people in touch with the right support so they can get the help they need now and into the future.”
 
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the investment will have an initial focus on communities across the Northern Rivers, with other areas likely to be included as the full impact of the floods becomes clearer.
 
“The task before us is complex and extensive. People’s mental health will not only be affected by the floods but by the enormity of the clean-up effort and the uncertainty it brings,” Mr Toole said.
 
“To ensure the mental health recovery effort is as coordinated, responsive and targeted as possible, we’ll work with Headspace and Lifeline to manage the response, with local input sourced from the community and local health networks.”
 
NSW Health will support the immediate mental health needs of the Northern NSW community by deploying mental health clinicians from Northern NSW, Mid North Coast and Northern Sydney Local Health Districts.
 
Teams from Hunter New England and Western NSW Local Health Districts are also being prepared to travel to northern NSW to assist.
 
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said $5 million in grants will be allocated to non-government organisations to deliver local trauma and recovery programs so support is available long after the clean-up has finished.
 
“It is locals who know their community best, and that is why we want them to play an active role in developing initiatives and programs that will help their communities in their road to recovery,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“We are also funding ten full-time Local Recovery Coordinators to be our eyes and ears on the ground to monitor the local mental health impacts, as well as help services better connect with people most in need.”
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the devastating floods will have a lasting impact on affected communities, and the emergency services personnel who responded.
 
“Please take care of yourselves and look out for each other because the impacts of this devastating flood and the ongoing cleanup efforts will be felt by those affected for weeks, months and in the years ahead,” Ms Cooke said.
 
Key highlights of the Wellbeing Package include:

  • $7 million over three years to fund Primary Health Networks to engage both clinical and non-clinical workforce, including staff for the Safe Havens, to boost local access to psychological and clinical support;
  • $5 million over three years to establish grants program for NGOs to fund trauma-based programs. Key focus on supporting young people, older residents and Aboriginal communities;
  • $5 million for state-wide needs based resourcing and support;
  • $3.5 million over three years to appoint Headspace and Lifeline work with affected communities to identify what each community needs;
  • $3.5 million over three years to recruit 10 Local Recovery Coordinators to:
    • Coordinate mental health service delivery within their designated LGA, ensuring service providers are working with each other to plug gaps but also avoid duplication;
    • Identify and respond to emerging issues, such as increases in mental health hospital activity, self-harm or suicidal ideation;
    • Work closely with primary health initiatives, community and welfare agencies and mental health services to provide direct care and respond to local community needs and issues on the ground.
  • $1 million to set up four pop-up Safe Havens in the areas hardest hit. Safe Havens are a place for people experiencing suicidal thoughts or in distress to seek refuge and support from people with lived experience. The space is welcoming and has a range of activities to help people divert their suicidal thinking. No referral is required to access a Safe Haven.

The NSW Government’s initial $25 million in mental health support will also be complimented by the Commonwealth Government’s mental health support packaged announced earlier this week.
Further mental health and well-being support will be provided to flood-affected communities across NSW as part the recovery process.

If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 or one of these services:

  • Lifeline 13 11 14
  • Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
  • NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

Support rolled out for recovery, clean-up housing and finance in flood impacted regions

In the 12 days since the first disaster declarations were made for this devastating flood event, around $1.5 billion of support has been committed to the recovery from the NSW Government in partnership with the Commonwealth.
 
In addition to the financial response, on-the-ground support from NSW emergency services and the Australian Defence Force today reached 8,000 active personnel across the state, who are ensuring supplies reach communities that are still cut off by floodwaters, as well as supporting communities with the huge clean-up operation.
 
The Commonwealth and NSW Governments have also started the process of transitioning people from evacuation centres, hotels and motels, into longer-term accommodation as part of a $285 million Temporary Housing Support Package.
 
Communities impacted by the floods will have access to 16 weeks’ rental support available soon, temporary housing pods, temporary housing in recreation camps in the Northern Rivers, plus a housing brokerage service enabling the Australian Red Cross to work with private rental companies, such as Airbnb and Stayz, to help connect people with rental homes.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said with flood waters now receding, the NSW Government is putting every available resource in to supporting the recovery effort.
 
“Our key focus areas right now are clean-up, housing and financial supports. We know there is more to do and this is just the start of the recovery process and we will be with communities every step of the way,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“We have close to 100 clean-up crews in action across Northern Rivers and the Hawkesbury regions, removing 4,000 tonnes of waste a day. These crews have shifted on average over the past four days, the same amount of waste that was shifted in four weeks post the February/March 2021 floods in Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Nambucca.
 
“We are rolling out our standard recovery supports as quickly as possible, as well as addressing specific needs as they arise. This is why we didn’t wait and set up our housing package ahead of time so we can assist the 2,000 people we are helping with accommodation transition into more medium-term accommodation.
 
“We’ve also announced $25 million in mental health support today, topping up numerous mental health programs to reach more people and support them through what for many has been a deeply traumatic event.”
 
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said Primary Producer grants had been activated faster than ever before, with farmers able to access grants of up to $15,000 immediately, with grants of up to $75,000 available.
 
“Our whole of Government approach is driving this rapid response to ensure affected communities are able to rebuild their lives and livelihoods, faster,” Mr Toole said.
 
“We’ve already had more than 400 applications for our primary producer grants, and I would urge others to apply. We’ve also helped farmers by delivering 1.9 tonnes of fodder.” 
 
Service NSW is taking registrations from those who expect they might need housing and has helped 30,000 people so far with everything from grants to replacing IDs with the support line open until 10pm.
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said thousands of emergency services personnel have kick-started the clean-up by making roads accessible, helping with the washout of properties, and removing bulk waste.
 
“SES teams are undertaking damage assessments on households, businesses and industry premises, with close to 15,000 completed so far,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“It’s vital people know what support is available to them and I would urge everyone to visit the nearest recovery centre so then can the help they need.”
 
Resilience NSW currently has nine recovery centres open and continues to open up recovery centres in areas where emergency evacuation orders have been lifted.
 
For more information, please see nsw.gov.au/floods

Recovery Centre opens at South Windsor

A dedicated Recovery Centre will open its doors in South Windsor for the first time today, providing face-to-face support for locals affected by the current flood event.
 
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Recovery Centre would assist communities transition from response into clean-up and recovery.
 
“A range of NSW Government agencies, community organisations and welfare bodies will work from the Recovery Centre to assist anyone who has been impacted by the record-breaking flooding,” Mr Ayres said.
 
“Whether it be receiving clean-up help, replacing lost documents or requesting short-term accommodation, I encourage everyone across the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley to take advantage of this assistance.”
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the Recovery Centre is open seven days a week and will support individuals, families, farmers and business owners to find the various forms of practical support available.
 
“We will work with local communities and councils to progressively build on the services offered at the Resilience NSW operated Recovery Centres, and their doors will stay open for as long as the community needs,” Ms Cooke said.
 
Member for Hawkesbury Robyn Preston said the flooding experienced in Windsor and the surrounding towns was over one metre higher than the March 2021 flood event.
 
“We have a big recovery effort ahead of us and it’s fantastic to have a mass mobilisation of resources including personnel from the Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, Public Works Advisory, Resilience NSW, NSW Police Force and Australian Defence Force to help with the damage assessments and clean-up,” Ms Preston said.
 
Recovery Centres are currently operating at:

  • Ballina: Ballina Surf Club, Lighthouse Beach Parade, East Ballina;
  • Casino: Casino Community and Cultural Centre, 35 Walker Street, Casino;
  • Grafton: Old St George Bank, 32 Prince Street, Grafton;
  • Kyogle: Kyogle Memorial Institute, 131 Summerland Way, Kyogle;
  • Lismore: V Block, Southern Cross University, Military Road, East Lismore;
  • Mullumbimby: 55 Dalley Street, Mullumbimby;
  • Murwillumbah: Murwillumbah Civic Centre Auditorium, 10-14 Tumbulgum Road, Murwillumbah; and
  • South Windsor: South Windsor Family Centre, 6 Greenhills Way, South Windsor.

 
Resilience NSW will establish a Recovery Centre in Wisemans Ferry shortly.
 
For those wanting to be assisted remotely, Service NSW is operating as an online one-stop shop, with Customer Care specialists also available on the phone via 13 77 88.

New Maitland Hospital Marks Major Milestone

The Hunter Valley community is celebrating first-class health care close to home, with the official opening of the NSW Government’s $470 million new Maitland Hospital.
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard, joined by Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin, today marked the milestone for the new hospital, which has seen significantly enhanced and expanded health services.
 
“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring that everyone in our State has access to the very best healthcare possible closer to home,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“This incredible facility delivers a range of new and expanded services and has substantial capacity to expand in the future, ensuring the health needs of the community continue to be met.”
 
Minister for Regional Health and Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said today’s official opening marks an historic milestone for the community.
 
“The NSW Government’s $470 million investment is delivering the latest treatment and diagnostic services, including some that weren’t previously available,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“This hospital sets a new standard for healthcare in the region, featuring more beds and treatment spaces, increased maternity services and a sensory room for mental health patients – a first of its kind in NSW.”
 
Mr Martin said cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and immune therapies, are available locally for the first time with a dedicated 12-chair oncology treatment centre so patients no longer need to travel to Muswellbrook or Newcastle.
 
“Projects like this also boost economic growth, with almost 5,000 new jobs created as part of the hospital development, including work for 58 previously unemployed locals through the Maitland Connectivity Centre,” Mr Martin said.
 
The new Maitland Hospital includes:

  • Capacity to offer up to 80% increase in beds (additional 150) and more treatment spaces
  • New 12-chair oncology treatment centre
  • New ‘hot floor’ dedicated to critical care, combining theatres, intensive care, close observation unit, birthing, neonatal special care nursery and a cardiac catheterisation lab
  • New maternity and birthing space, including six individual birthing rooms, each with a birthing bath (additional five baths)
  • 12-bed paediatric unit with an additional four beds for day surgery, testing and observation
  • A sensory room for mental health patients
  • Two dedicated endoscopy procedure rooms
  • New rooftop helipad to facilitate faster transfers for critical patients

 
Mr Hazzard said despite the extraordinary impact of a one-in-100 year pandemic, the new Maitland Hospital was delivered on time and on budget.
 
“The challenges of COVID-19 have not just been limited to our frontline health workers but to workers ensuring the planned pipeline of $10.8 billion worth of health infrastructure projects continues uninterrupted through to 2024-25.”
 
“The Hunter should be enormously proud of those tradespeople who worked shoulder to shoulder with developers and the Government through COVID to deliver this magnificent hospital on time and on budget for patients, staff and the local community.”
 
Since 2011, the government has delivered more than 170 hospitals and health facilities across NSW, with more than 110 currently underway – of those, more than 70 are in rural and regional areas.

$13.7 MILLION TO SUPPORT OUR DEFENCE KIDS

More children of Australian veterans and Defence personnel will receive additional support thanks to a new $13.7 million investment in the successful Kookaburra Kids ‘Defence Kids’ mental health program.

This new investment comes as Kookaburra Kids celebrates its 20th year of providing services. It builds on our Government’s investment of $2.1 million for a pilot of the Defence Kids program in 2016 and $7.7 million to expand the program in 2018.

The additional funding will see the program expanded to more regional areas: Wagga Wagga, Albury/Wodonga, the Mornington Peninsula, Bendigo, Ballarat, and Geelong.

For the first time, services will also be available for children in north and south Tasmania.

The Prime Minister said the Defence Kids program was making a massive difference to the lives of children of Defence families, and the funding would ensure it could reach even more kids and families.

“Being a kid can be tough enough, and there can be added challenges for kids from Defence and veteran families,” the Prime Minister said.

“Often, our Defence kids have to move away from friends, they change schools and they deal with a parent being away for extended periods of time or who may be facing mental health challenges.

“The Kookaburra Kids Defence Kids program helps kids to manage these challenges, and brings them together with others facing similar experiences.

“We want to give our Defence kids as much support as possible, and give our veterans and Defence members the confidence that their families are well looked after. The extension of this program will ensure just that.

“I also congratulate Kookaburra Kids on their 20th anniversary. From their start in the Shire, to now reaching out across the nation to help thousands more kids, it’s truly great work.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said the additional funding would grow the program across the regions and provide access to even more kids.

“The Kookaburra Kids program has already had more than 4,300 engagements with children in the Defence and veteran community, and this significant additional investment will see more children reap the benefits,” Minister Gee said.

“Kids aged 8-18 years old can get involved by attending camps and activity days where they develop coping skills and resilience, building up their mental health while understanding their unique experience.

“The program delivers tailored, evidence-based, age-appropriate education, prevention and early intervention mental health services.

“Prevention is key in supporting our Defence kids and providing them with the help they need to thrive. I’m extremely supportive of anything that supports our Defence families.”

The funding will also see face-to-face services continue in all mainland capital cities as well as the regional centres of Townsville, the Hunter, Wollongong, Shoalhaven and the NSW South Coast.

To find out more about the Kookaburra Kids ‘Defence Kids’ program visit: https://kookaburrakids.org.au/our-programs/defence-kids-activities/