An Albanese Labor Government will cut power bills for households, and reduce emissions, by installing an initial five community batteries across Perth.
More than one in three Western Australian households have installed rooftop solar panels.
But very few have a battery, because it’s still too expensive. This means families aren’t getting the full benefits of rooftop solar, and it’s putting pressure on our electricity grid.
That’s why Labor will install an initial five community batteries across Perth: in Coogee, Dianella, Kinross, Port Kennedy and Stratton.
This commitment will allow local households to feed solar power into the shared battery during the day and draw from it at night – cutting electricity bills and emissions, and reducing pressure on the grid.
Local households who might be unable to install solar, like renters and people living in apartments, will also be able to draw from excess energy stored in the battery.
Up to one in two households in these areas have rooftop solar. The areas have been selected in consultation with the WA Government.
All WA communities will be able to apply for a battery under Labor’s Power to the People plan, which will invest $200 million to install 400 community batteries across the country.
In WA, Power to the People will build on the trials already led by Western Power and Synergy.
This is part of Labor’s Powering Australia policy to cut power bills, reduce emissions and create jobs by boosting renewable energy.
In contrast, after nine years of energy policy chaos under the Liberals, Scott Morrison is focussed on photo-ops and marketing tricks – and attacking Western Australians.
Communities across WA deserve better – an Albanese Labor Government that will cut power bills and work for a better future for all Australians.
Month: March 2022
Morrison Government providing quicker and easier access to assistive technology for NDIS participants
The Morrison Government is improving the participant experience for people on the National Disability Insurance Scheme, with easier access to assistive technology.
Minister for the NDIS Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC has announced an increase in the upper limit for automatic approval of assistive technology (AT) purchases. This limit has now increased from $5,000 to $15,000.
“I have listened closely to participants and their representatives, and what they have told me is they want a Scheme which is more person focused, with less red tape,” Minister Reynolds said.
“This is another example of the Morrison Government’s commitment to improving the NDIS and improving the participant’s experience.”
The changes will also assist many participants who currently have quotable AT under $15,000 in their plans. The NDIA will automatically approve the funding for these items so participants can access this AT faster.
This new measure is still subject to the necessary checks and balances to maintain the integrity of the scheme.
The most commonly purchased AT within the $15,000 price range includes manual wheelchairs, specialty beds and bathroom chairs/stools.
The NDIA has summarised these changes in an updated guideline and new participant factsheet, setting out what evidence participants need to provide and what to do before buying AT.
The NDIA has also created a new guideline and template on vehicle modifications and driving supports, which includes simpler and clearer information. These will help participants work with assessors to provide evidence for vehicle modification support requests over $15,000.
Exhibition celebrates 50th anniversary of protest movement that saved Blackbutt Reserve
A union-backed community protest movement that helped stop Blackbutt Reserve being cut in two by a new highway in the 1970s is being celebrated in an exhibition at Newcastle Library.
Power to the People, 50+ Years of Union and Community Green Ban Action celebrates the 50th anniversary of the “green ban” movement, which effectively saw union members refuse to work on construction projects that were deemed environmentally or socially undesirable.
Green bans were conceived by Builders Labourers’ Federation (BLF) NSW secretary Jack Mundey and were instigated at the request of, and in support of, residents’ groups.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the exhibition showcases an important time in history through the story of Jack Mundey and the green ban movement, and local Newcastle strike action to save Blackbutt Reserve and protect historic houses in the East End.
“Historical green bans demonstrate the value and impact that Newcastle’s communities can have when their passion and drive to protect our city’s rich natural and build environment is mobilised,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Power to the People 50+ years of Union and Community Green Ban Action explores green bans to save Blackbutt Reserve and Newcastle’s East End, both initiated by the BLF, Newcastle Trades Hall Council and over 25 community groups in the 1970s, which protected two extremely important features of Newcastle.
“Newcastle green bans were born in parallel with the Sydney bans from 1971 onwards, and the legacy of the movement cannot be underestimated as it led a shift towards ensuring heritage and conservation were central to planning and policy.”
While many of the green bans in the early 1970s were focussed on Sydney, the protest movement also made its way to Newcastle through the Newcastle Trades Hall Council.
In one of the most significant instances locally, a green ban was enforced to help community groups stop a NSW Government plan to bulldoze more than 15 acres of Blackbutt Reserve for a 1.2 km section of Highway 23.
The road, which was being built to link the Sydney-Newcastle Expressway near Windale to the Pacific Highway at Sandgate, would have also effectively separated an additional 40 hectares of land from the main Blackbutt Reserve site.
Power to the People, 50+ years of Union and Community Green Ban Action has been curated by Newcastle Libraries in partnership with Cross Arts Projects, University of Newcastle and Newcastle Trades Hall Council.
The exhibition draws on archival material preserved in collections held by Newcastle Libraries, the University of Newcastle, the Hunter Living Histories, and Newcastle Trades Hall and presents an eclectic mix of stories that depict community uprising over unequal planning, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island heritage, social housing justice, heritage buildings, land rights and conservation.
It will be on display at Newcastle Libraries’ Lovett Gallery in Laman Street, Newcastle until Thursday, 14 April.
Weather warning for Newcastle’s coastline
The Bureau of Meteorology has advised that a low offshore from the Mid North Coast continues to move towards the central New South Wales coast today. This system is currently weakening and will continue to weaken into the evening. A severe weather warning remains in place for gale force winds, heavy rainfall, damaging surf and an abnormally high tide for the NSW Coast, which may pose risks to Newcastle’s coastline.
City of Newcastle has implemented safety precautions in preparation of the east coast low forecast for this week.
Surf and swell conditions are expected to be hazardous for swimming, surfing and rock fishing at all beaches and at Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths during this period.
City of Newcastle has prepared and is monitoring its coastal facilities and assets along the Newcastle coastline including areas in Stockton which may be further impacted by coastal erosion. Please be aware that coastal erosion can change beach conditions dramatically and quickly.
City of Newcastle asks the community to follow safety warnings, to abide by all road closures and to drive safely in the forecast hazardous weather conditions. The high tide and large swell have forced the closure of a number of beach accessways at Stockton Beach. A current list of closures can be viewed here.
To stay up to date on weather warnings visit the Bureau of Meteorology www.bom.gov.au and for information about any emergencies visit the State Emergency Service at www.ses.nsw.gov.au or phone 13 25 00.
New program set to expand defence and aerospace capabilities across regional NSW
The NSW Government is set to boost the state’s commitment to sovereign defence industry capabilities with the launch of a new $1.23 million Regional Defence Networks Program aimed at making it easier for local businesses to expand and supply to the defence and aerospace industry.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres said that the three-year program will focus on driving business growth across four key regions: Western Sydney, Shoalhaven/Illawarra, Riverina-Murray and the Hunter.
“We know that procurement requirements and entering the defence market requires a deep understanding of the industry, so we want to do all we can to help existing suppliers grow, and support new players to enter the sector,” Mr Ayres said.
“This program is about helping businesses understand the defence supply chain and identify that their offering has value and need. We want to turn local businesses from being ‘Defence Interested/Able’ to ‘Defence Ready’.”
Following a competitive procurement process, Investment NSW, working with Western Parkland City Authority and Regional NSW, has appointed four partner agencies to deliver the program:
- Ai Group for the Western Sydney region
- Shoalhaven City Council for the Shoalhaven/Illawarra region
- Hunter Defence Cooperative for the Hunter region
- NSW Business Chamber for the Riverina-Murray region.
“These organisations have a deep understanding of the defence ecosystem in their respective regions, which is critical to achieving the program’s objectives and in turn expand NSW’s defence and aerospace capabilities,” Mr Ayres said.
Find out more about the NSW Defence and Industry Strategy at
https://www.business.nsw.gov.au/defence-nsw/what-we-do/nsw-defence-and-industry-strategy.
Flexible learning programs bring quality education to remote preschoolers
The littlest learners living in remote NSW now have better access to quality early childhood education with three new flexible learning programs in Ivanhoe, Louth and Pooncarie.
The flexible approach will allow bespoke delivery of programs for children in remote parts of the state, including engagement through School of the Air and partnerships with local schools.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the NSW Government is providing support for children and families in the most remote parts of NSW to enable children to have easy access to a quality education.
“This is a win for our little ones in the regions and I am excited that they will have the same opportunities as their city counterparts, despite living in some of the most remote parts of the state,” Mr Toole said.
“We know that this will have enormous benefits and long term impacts for the rest of their lives and help to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.”
Located in the Far West of NSW with a population of around 200, the town of Ivanhoe is home to one of the state’s newest preschool programs, with additional communities expected to take up the opportunity in 2022.
Two days per week, preschoolers at Ivanhoe will participate in both face to face learning and online learning through School of the Air.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said this was part of an ongoing commitment from the NSW Government to increase universal access to quality preschool in remote areas of the state.
“It is important every child in NSW has access to a quality early childhood education, no matter their background or location,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The flexible learning programs are part of the Rural and Remote Education Strategy we established to ensure that all children in rural and remote communities have access to quality early childhood education in the year before school.”
Principal of Ivanhoe Central School Greg Edwards said the concept of the preschool program on site has been embraced by the small town and said he hoped that it would attract more people to live there.
“Having access to preschool is essential for our kids and helps them to start their first year of school with a strong foundation,” Mr Edwards said.
“Parents have told me how excited they are for the program to begin and how easy it will make their lives having it located right here on school grounds.”
The program is now also available to children in Pooncarie and Louth who commenced learning at their new preschools this week.
Immediate Disaster Assistance
Individuals and councils impacted by the flood events unfolding in NSW can now access the first tranche of NSW Government support through Service NSW.
Since February 22, 17 Local Government Areas have been declared as disaster areas.
The first round of immediate support is now available to assist as some areas start their recovery.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said Service NSW was ready to support anyone needing flood assistance.
“The scale of these floods is unprecedented and right now, we are still in emergency and response mode. This is the immediate assistance available that has been unlocked by the NSW Government as part of the disaster declarations,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This is the start of our support measures and there will be more announced in the coming days.”
Seventeen local government areas (LGAs) have been declared as disaster areas and are eligible for support through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
These areas are: Armidale, Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Glen Innes Severn, Hornsby, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Nambucca, Port Macquarie/Hastings, Richmond, Tenterfield, The Hills and Tweed.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello encouraged people in need of help to contact Service NSW straight away.
“The phone lines are staffed, and the information is available – please call 13 77 88 if you need help to find the support you require and assistance you can access,” Mr Dominello said.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the danger is far from over for many communities across NSW.
“While we are still in the emergency phase, recovery is a process that must start as soon as it possibly can,” Ms Cooke said.
“The provision of this assistance will ensure we can get people and communities back on their feet as quickly as possible.”
Through www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods/financial-assistance the following assistance is now available for those impacted by the floods:
Individuals
- A Disaster Relief Grant – to assist low income earners faced with disaster hardship who have suffered damage to the structure or contents of their home.
- Personal and financial counselling.
- Assistance finding temporary housing for those who have been forced from their homes.
Small business, primary production and not-for profit organisation support
- Small business and primary producers concessional loans of up to $130,000
- Concessional interest rate loans for not-for-profits
- Freight subsidies of up to 50 per cent for primary producers
Councils
- Assistance with operational costs and the restoration of essential public assets.
Additionally, residents may be eligible for the Commonwealth Government’s Disaster Recovery Payment, a one-off, non-means tests payment of $1,000 for adults and $400 for children who have been seriously injured, lost their homes or whose homes have been directly damaged, or the immediate family members of a person who has lost their life, as a direct result of the storms and floods. Disaster Recovery Allowances are also available through the Federal Government via Services Australia at servicesaustralia.gov.au
Service NSW customer care specialists are also able to connect flood-affected customers with services and support information, including:
- Access to emergency accommodation;
- Relevant charitable services;
- Mental health and wellbeing services;
- Financial assistance;
- Insurance and legal advice; and
- Replacing lost ID.
For assistance please contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or online via service.nsw.gov.au and via www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods/financial-assistance
For emergency help in floods and storms, call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500. In life threatening situations call triple zero (000) immediately.
More Jobs for Western Sydney with another Metro Rail Contract Awarded
A major contract has been awarded as part of the new Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line, marking another important milestone in the delivery of this critical rail project.
The $538.5 million contract to deliver approximately 10.4 kilometres of surface and civil alignment works has been awarded to CPB Contractors and United Infrastructure.
The contract includes:
- 3.5 kilometres of elevated viaduct at Orchard Hills and Luddenham.
- 6.7 kilometres of earthworks for track formation.
- A 190 metre long rail bridge over the new M12 motorway.
- A 20 metre long rail bridge within the airport.
- Temporary and permanent access roads.
- Bulk earthworks for the stabling and maintenance facility site.
The driverless 23-kilometre metro line will link St Marys to the centre of the new Aerotropolis at Bradfield via the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. Six stations will also be built along the alignment.
Work on the project will be ramping up in coming months, providing a significant boost for the region creating 14,000 new jobs, including 250 apprenticeships during construction, and with at least 20 per cent of the workforce to be from Greater Western Sydney.
The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said this new rail line will become the transport spine for this growing region, with government investment unlocking a new city that will take shape before our eyes.
“This project is creating significant economic stimulus for Western Sydney, ensuring there is a steady pipeline of opportunities for young people in the years to come,” Mr Perrottet said.
“A world class city deserves a world class transport system, this is the next stage in delivering that for the people of Sydney.”
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the new metro line would provide a critical transport connection to the new Western Sydney International Airport.
“Our government is continuing to invest billions of dollars in infrastructure across Western Sydney – an investment that will leave a lasting legacy on the region by creating jobs and providing the connections that the region needs as an economic powerhouse,” Minister Fletcher said.
“Today we have announced another major contract for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project, which once complete will help service the millions of travellers that will use the new Western Sydney International Airport annually once it begins operations in 2026.
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said the Surface, Civil and Alignment Works will support railway tracks and associated infrastructure and follows the $1.8 billion contract to CPB Contractors and Ghella in late 2021 to deliver 9.8 kilometres of new twin metro rail tunnels.
“A new generation of engineers, carpenters, steelfixers, machine operators and other trades will get their start on this project – a unique opportunity to help shape the new Western Sydney Parkland City,” Minister Elliott said.
The third and final major contract package to be procured for the project is expected to be awarded at the end of this year.
FUNDING TO HELP FLOOD-HIT COMMUNITIES, FARMERS, SMALL BUSINESSES AND COUNCILS
A new support package for flood-affected communities across New South Wales will be released today to support farmers, businesses and local councils to recover and rebuild.
This initial $434.7 million of funding from the Commonwealth and New South Wales governments will be provided to support communities clean up and remove damage and debris, as well as further support local government areas (LGAs) that have been flood-affected.
Grants of up to $75,000 for primary producers and up to $50,000 for small businesses and not for profit organisations devastated by flooding will soon be available through NSW Government agencies, with registration now open through Service NSW. This program will be demand driven.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this package is just the first phase of the financial support that will support communities in need.
“We will be there to help farmers, small businesses and every community in New South Wales to get back on their feet as soon as possible when flood waters recede,” the Prime Minister said.
“Farmers will need to restock and rebuild and small businesses will need help replacing damaged goods and shop fronts, and when more support is needed, more support will be given.
“I have already asked the New South Wales Premier to provide my Government with a proposal for a second support package to ensure all communities get the support they need.
“We are working with Queensland on what support will be made available under Category D funding, ensuring communities receive the funding they require to rebuild, and my Government has requested a proposal of projects from the Queensland Government.
“This initial package is in addition to the federally funded $1,000 disaster relief payment and the 13-week income replacement for employees and small business, which to date has already paid out almost $63 million in a matter of days.”
New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government stood ready to support communities hit hard by the floods across the State.
“We activated these measures during the 2021 floods, and we have done so again – they are large grants that will get much-needed funds to people quickly to provide some relief and assistance,” Premier Perrottet said.
“We know these supports will have an immediate positive effect and I would encourage anyone in NSW impacted by these awful floods to please contact Service NSW and find out what you are eligible for.”
Seventeen LGAs have been declared as disaster areas and are eligible for support through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Bridget McKenzie said the activation of extraordinary Category D grant assistance under the DRFA was vital to help kick start the recovery of affected primary producers and small businesses.
“The Commonwealth and NSW Governments are focused on giving small businesses and not-for-profits the tools they need to clean-up, rebuild and keep operating,” Minister McKenzie said.
“We will continue to work with the NSW Government to roll out ongoing targeted support for communities impacted by these devastating storms and floods.”
New South Wales Deputy Premier Paul Toole said a phased approach to support was being adopted to ensure communities had the resources and support they needed at every stage from response to recovery.
“We know it’s going to be a long road to recovery for many of our regional communities and this targeted funding will ensure they get immediate assistance as well as in the weeks and months ahead,” Deputy Premier Toole said.
“In addition to the funding now available, Service NSW offers a one-stop shop for all information and support on disaster assistance by phoning 13 77 88 or online via service.nsw.gov.au.”
New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the mass clean-up is already underway and recovery grants have been designed to kick-start recovery.
“Many areas are still in the emergency phase and many more are unfortunately at risk of flooding. We are focused on delivering as much support as possible to impacted communities right across the State,” Ms Cooke said.
“While the acute response continues, we are working tirelessly in the background preparing for the significant clean-up and recovery ahead of us.”
People in NSW requiring assistance are urged to contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or online at: www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods.
People and businesses can register their interest for these grant programs through Service NSW, with funding soon available through NSW Government agencies at: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/storm-and-flood-assistance-businesses
The phase one package includes:
- Demand driven – $75,000 grants to assist primary producers that have suffered direct damage from the recent severe weather and flooding. NSW Government estimate this to initially be $111.5 million.
- Demand driven – $50,000 grants to assist small business and not-for-profit organisations that have suffered direct damage from the event. NSW Government estimate this to initially be $89.7 million.
- $210 million to assist affected communities with the clean-up and removal of flood and storm related damage, debris and green waste. This will enable LGAs to work with Resilience NSW and NSW Government agencies to coordinate clean-up activities in their communities.
- $1 million grants to impacted councils to assist with their immediate social, built, economic and environmental needs. This list may continue to grow.
- $6.5 million to provide Community Recovery Officers to support communities impacted by this event.
The 17 LGAs are Armidale, Ballina, Bellingen, Byron, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Glen Innes Severn, Hornsby, Kempsey, Kyogle, Lismore, Nambucca, Port Macquarie/Hastings, Richmond, Tenterfield, The Hills and Tweed.
This is one tranche of assistance that will be offered to NSW residents, and is in addition to the disaster payments already available to flood victims.
The Commonwealth stands ready to provide similar financial help to victims of the flood disaster in Queensland once a request is received from the Queensland Premier.
Speeding Fines in 2021 Surge by 842 Per Cent
The Government raised a record $46.3 million from low range speeding fines in 2021, new government data obtained by NSW Labor reveals.
New South Wales drivers were slugged with almost 333,000 fines for low range speeding offences of under 10km/h over the limit.
The Government reaped over nine times the revenue from low range speeding fines in 2021 compared to 2020 – and almost 20 times the revenue compared to 2019.
The $46.3 million figure represents an 759 per cent increase from the previous year.
In December 2021 the NSW Liberal Government back-flipped on their scheme of hidden mobile speed cameras and agreed to reintroduce warning signs, following pressure from NSW Labor and the broader community.
The NRMA and former Roads Minister and Nationals MP Duncan Gay have previously criticised the practice of hidden mobile speed cameras, noting that warning signs work as important behaviour change tools.
Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader said:
“In a year of lockdowns and financial hardship for many people, this Liberal National Government has collected an extraordinary $46.3 million in revenue from low range speeding fines across 2021.
That’s an over 800% increase compared to the previous year.
“This Government has form on announcing changes but failing to act. They said they would put the signs back in but there is no timeframe for when that is going to happen. In the meantime, NSW motorists will continue to get slugged for fines in this blatant cash grab. It has to end.
John Graham, NSW Shadow Minister for Roads said:
“Another record month of fines.”
“No NSW government has ever collected so much from drivers in fines, tolls and licence fees.”
“When will the Premier’s promise to bring signs back be put in place?”