May 2022 – Page 3

Social and affordable housing gets fast-tracked

A $12 million social housing funding agreement between the City of Newcastle and NSW Land and Housing Corporation was endorsed by councillors at last night’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

The landmark agreement sets out a commitment from the NSW Government to match City of Newcastle’s contribution of approximately $2 million annually for the next three years.

The funds will be invested in the delivery of new social and affordable housing in Newcastle, in priority locations such as Wallsend.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the endorsement by councillors is a significant step towards fast tracking social and affordable housing outcomes for people in Newcastle, while also supporting investment and jobs growth.

“With over 10,000 families suffering from housing stress across the city, housing affordability in Newcastle is close to crisis point, which is why this issue is a priority of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan and the Newcastle Local Housing Strategy 2020,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This historic partnership between City of Newcastle and the NSW Government will increase the supply and range of social and affordable housing to ease the stress of the most at-risk community members, while supporting investment and creating more jobs in Newcastle.

“Affordably priced housing plays a critical role in the health and wellbeing of people and their families, and social housing provides an important safety net for the community.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the agreement would deliver positive social and affordable housing outcomes for the people of Newcastle.

“The NSW Government is currently investing more than $250 million to fast-track the delivery of more social and affordable housing across the state – but we can’t do it alone,” Mr Roberts said.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the City of Newcastle to address housing supply and affordability, and we hope this investment will encourage more of our local government partners to do the same.

“We need to work across all levels of government to keep pace with the growing need for social and affordable housing.”

Research undertaken by City of Newcastle shows that one in three people don’t believe there are enough diverse housing options for everyone across the city, and one quarter of people don’t believe they can afford a reasonable standard of housing in the area.

The latest forecasts show the population is set to increase by 41,150 residents to 202,050 by 2041 in the Newcastle local government area (LGA), which will stimulate demand for almost 20,000 new dwellings.

“The NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) owns 4,300 social housing dwellings across the Newcastle LGA, and City of Newcastle is working in close partnership with LAHC to fast-track projects such as the renewal of existing properties in Waratah West and Wallsend,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Construction has already commenced on the redevelopment of two ageing homes on Landa Parade Waratah West that will be transformed into a low-rise, accessible building that features six two-bedroom units and four one-bedroom units for up to 16 residents.

“City of Newcastle and NSW Land and Housing Corporation wants to ensure future social housing continues to be built in the right places with good access to jobs, services, public transport and open space, and through this partnership with the NSW Government our organisations will lead the way to deliver better outcomes for the community.”

Construction completed on Campbelltown Hospital’s new $632M clinical services building

Construction of the new 12-storey clinical services building at Campbelltown Hospital, the centrepiece of the $632 million Stage 2 redevelopment, is now complete.

Premier Dominic Perrottet, Health Minister Brad Hazzard, Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons and Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves today toured the new building, which is undergoing final touches in readiness for its 12-week commissioning period, which will further boost first-class healthcare facilities in South-West Sydney.

“This major investment in Campbelltown Hospital is strengthening our frontline services to deliver better services sooner and closer to home,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Our record investment in our health system is ensuring we are building what matters to make daily life better so people have access to the healthcare they need.

“The NSW Government is delivering major projects across South-West and Western Sydney to make these communities an even better place to live, work, play and raise a family.”

The state-of-the-art building will help service the more than 130,000 new residents expected to call the Macarthur region home over the next decade.

It will boost bed capacity across the hospital by more than 50 per cent as well as deliver a raft of new and expanded health services for patients.

This will include a new maternity unit, increased medical and surgical services, expanded kids’ services, as well as significantly increased mental health services.

Mr Hazzard said the project was part of the NSW Government’s record $10.8 billion investment in health infrastructure over the four years to 2024-25.

“This project follows completion of the $134 million first stage redevelopment of Campbelltown Hospital and the completion of the new $34 million hospital car park,” Mr Hazzard said.

“No matter whether you look north, south, east or west across this vast State, the NSW Government is delivering more hospitals and health facilities than any other in history.

“More than 170 hospitals and health facilities since 2011, with a further 110 currently underway. It is an extraordinary achievement to support our health staff and patients.”

The new 12 story clinical services building includes:

New state-of-the-art digital operating theatres and procedure rooms;
A new dental and oral health department – a first for the hospital;
Double the ICU bed capacity;
Expanded Cancer Therapy Centre;
Almost double the number of maternity beds (as well as an almost 60 per cent increase in the special care nursery and 50 per cent increase in birthing suites);
New and expanded surgical services, including interventional radiology; and
Significantly expanded mental health services, including a specialised older people’s unit and civil secure unit for adults.

Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons said the project was part of the NSW Government’s record investment in South West Sydney’s public hospitals.

“This redevelopment will transform local healthcare and ensure people living in and moving into the fastest growing region in our state have better access to a broad range of key health services, closer to home,” Ms Gibbons said.

Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves welcomed the expansion of key medical services, including those for children and women, mental health, and the care of older members of the community.

“I am incredibly pleased that this redevelopment will not only cater to the needs of our community for years to come, but has also seen the involvement of around 4,000 workers over the life of the project,” Mr Sidgreaves said.

A community open day will be held on Saturday 4 June, offering locals a behind-the-scenes tour of the new building before it opens to patients.

To register interest in the community open day visit and learn more about the Campbelltown Hospital Stage 2 redevelopment, visit www.campbelltownredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au

Over the last three years around 4,000 workers were on the job to support construction for the Stage 2 redevelopment providing a major boost to the local economy and jobs.

Western Sydney to lead advanced manufacturing revolution

Western Sydney will be at the heart of Australia’s high-tech manufacturing capability with the investment of $260 million in a national-first shared-use research facility to be built on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney International Airport.

The full-scale Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF) will be the focal point of the new Bradfield City Centre, the 115ha urban and employment area next to the airport.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the AMRF will be at the leading edge of Australia’s advanced manufacturing revolution helping to strengthen our economy now and into the future.

“We are securing a brighter future of our families and our country, right here in Western Sydney,” Mr Perrottet said.

“The NSW Government is building what matters to make Western Sydney an even better place to live, work, learn, play and raise a family.

“The AMRF will create new high-paying jobs of the future in Western Sydney by making Bradfield City Centre the national capital of advanced manufacturing bringing industry and universities together.”

Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the AMRF was planned to be operational in 2026.

“Western Sydney has one of the largest concentrations of manufacturing businesses in Australia. The AMRF will allow manufacturers from Western Sydney the support to transition to new ways of doing business, creating the high value components for the next generation of space, aerospace, defence and medical technologies,” Mr Ayres said.

“It will mean more jobs and more investment in Western Sydney. But even more importantly, it puts Western Sydney at the centre of some of the biggest global industrial trends of this century.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the facility will change the face of manufacturing in Australia on the doorstep of the new International Airport.

“The high-tech machines we are purchasing will give businesses and researchers in Western Sydney access to some of the most advanced manufacturing technologies in the world.

“This investment will return dividends for the taxpayers of NSW through private investment and premium jobs as the new city and industries grow together.”

Modelled on examples of successful precincts overseas, such as the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Sheffield UK, the AMRF will have a manufacturing hall and collaborative workspaces.

It will bring together businesses, engineers and researchers to prove out new technologies, scale up and commercialise.

The Western Parkland City Authority will also be releasing the first of a $23 million package of tenders for advanced manufacturing equipment to be installed in the pilot of the AMRF due to open in 2023.

The first tender package, released this week by the Western Parkland City Authority, is for precision additive manufacturing equipment to be used in the aerospace, defence, automotive and medical industries.

State’s first hydrogen bus to hit Central Coast streets

The state’s first trial of a hydrogen-powered electric bus will begin on the Central Coast later this year, as the NSW Government transitions its fleet to zero emission technology.

The Government is partnering with local and national industry suppliers to test the future fuel source.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the project would help create a thriving green hydrogen industry in NSW.

“Unlocking hydrogen use in the heavy transport sector is key to creating new industries and achieving the economic prosperity that comes with it,” Mr Kean said.

“A green hydrogen industry will encourage NSW investment in clean technology, grow our economy, boost our exports and support regional jobs.”

The project is a partnership with the Department of Planning and Environment, local bus manufacturer ARCC, Central Coast operator Red Bus, and Origin Energy.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said industry is partnering with bus operators to develop trials, to understand how the technology could be implemented across regional NSW.

“Hydrogen buses have a greater range than battery electric buses, which could make them better suited for use in regional and outer metropolitan areas of the state,” Mr Farraway said.

“This trial is the first step towards us getting a better understanding of how hydrogen buses perform in local conditions, as well as the infrastructure needed to support them.

“The results of the battery electric bus trial on the Central Coast will be compared against the hydrogen bus to understand any key differences, including fuel economy and refuelling times.

“In some regional areas buses need to travel greater distances before they refuel which is why trials like this are important.”

Managing Director and founder of ARCC Peter Murley said the Australian-owned business was committed to a sustainable, zero-emission transport future.

“Our focus is on helping local and state governments reach zero-emission targets with turnkey transport options that are 100 per cent Australian designed, built and supported,” Mr Murley said.

On-road testing will take place on roads surrounding the development facility at Smithfield before the trial begins.

The first hydrogen fuel cell electric bus is expected to arrive on the Central Coast later this year before starting a local trial of the technology.

Charges after double fatality – Tea Gardens

A man has been charged after a double fatal crash near Port Stephens in March.

Shortly before 1.40pm (Thursday 24 March 2022), emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway at Tea Gardens, near Viney Creek Road West, after reports of a crash involving two cars and a motorcycle.

An Isuzu D-Max utility travelling southbound collided with a motorcycle and a Toyota station wagon, both travelling northbound.

The male motorcyclist died at the scene.

The female driver of the Toyota was trapped by confinement; however, she died at the scene a short time later.

A female passenger of the Toyota was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital.

Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist officers from the Crash Investigation Unit.

Following enquiries, about 9am on Thursday 26 May 2022, officers arrested a 59-year-old man at Raymond Terrace Police Station.

He was charged with two counts of dangerous driving occasioning death-drive manner dangerous, negligent driving (occasioning death), cause bodily harm by misconduct – in charge of motor vehicle, negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm), and not keep left of dividing line.

He was given conditional bail to appear before Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 4 July 2022.

Experts respond to energy regulator power price increase

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has released its Default Market offer (DMO). See expert responses below:

Andrew Stock, Climate Councillor, energy expert, former Origin Executive and past Director of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation said:

“The significant increases in electricity prices for consumers approved by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) today demonstrate that Australia must get off fossil fuels – and fast. Big increases in fossil fuel costs for gas and coal are the main reason behind the big increases.”

“NSW and Queensland are seeing the biggest percent increases because they still rely heavily on expensive gas and coal, and their old coal power stations increasingly fail. South Australia, which has much more renewable electricity, sees far lower increases, and expensive gas is the main reason for the increase there too.”

“These results show once again that Australia must implement plans to get off expensive, polluting and unreliable fossil fuels fast. The previous Federal Government stalled the transition to renewables wherever possible, causing investment in large scale new renewable capacity to collapse, backed fossil fuel expansion, and put off coal closure. It demonstrates starkly just how much of an expensive energy failure the policies of the former Morrison Government have been. Now electricity consumers will be forced to pick up the tab.”

“The climate and energy wars have cost Australian consumers dearly. Their impacts will be felt for years to come because most of the nation has wasted a decade in the energy transition to renewables. Now we need the new Australian federal government to get on with it and show strong climate leadership.”

Nicki Hutley, Climate Councillor, leading economist and former Partner at Deloitte Access Economics said:

“This demonstrates the cost of remaining heavily reliant on fossil fuels for energy. Soaring energy bills for many households will exacerbate already significant inflationary pressures. Much of the price pressure comes from global factors, notably the Russian invasion of Ukraine. But this underscores our need to reduce our reliance on global factors, which European nations in particular are already planning as fast as possible.”

“As one of the sunniest and windiest countries on earth, we have the tools we need. Governments can step up by attracting capital and by investing in more labour skills to support the transition.”

“South Australia is showing the rest of the nation how investing in renewables delivers greater returns to households and businesses in the form of cheaper, cleaner energy. And in addition to the economic dividends from renewables, we will have far better health outcomes as we wean ourselves off coal- and gas-fired power.”

Dr Madeline Taylor, Climate Councillor, energy expert and Senior Lecturer at Macquarie University, School of Law said:

“The latest findings from the AER show that Australia’s reliance on volatile fossil fuels will have a significant impact on mounting cost of living pressure. This proves the two most important issues of the election – climate change and cost of living are deeply intertwined.

“We knew this was coming and it’s clear evidence of what we’ve been expecting here for a long time as a result of the inherent volatility of the oil and gas market. This coupled with geopolitical tensions has resulted in increased prices for all states across the National Electricity Market.”

“Consumers and manufacturers are now feeling the pinch from soaring fossil fuel prices. We need to double down on speed and support for renewable energy and storage to help protect ourselves, lower emissions, create new industries and become more self-sufficient.”

Three charged over alleged sexual assault – Newcastle

Three men have been charged over an alleged aggravated sexual assault in Newcastle earlier this year.

Police will allege in court at about 11pm on Saturday 26 February 2022, a 19-year-old woman was sexually assaulted at a unit on Parry Street, Newcastle West.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District were notified a short time later and established Strike Force Bombe to investigate the incident.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators executed a search warrant at a home on Glen Logan Road, Bossley Park, about 7.40am on Friday 6 May 2022.

A 28-year-old man was arrested and taken to Fairfield Police Station.

He was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault in company with other person/s and one count of sexually touch another person without consent.

He was refused bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court on Friday 6 May 2022, where he was granted strict conditional bail to reappear at the same court on Monday 4 July 2022.

Following further investigation, detectives executed two search warrants at properties in Edensor Park and Horsley Park about 6.45am today (Wednesday 25 May 2022).

Two men – aged 20 and 28 – were arrested and taken to Fairfield Police Station.

The older man was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault in company with other person/s. He was refused bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court today (Wednesday 25 May 2022), where he was granted conditional bail to reappear at the same court on Monday 4 July 2022.

The younger man was charged with one count of aggravated sexual assault in company with other person/s, being that of principal in the 2nd degree. He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Fairfield Local Court on Monday 4 July 2022.

Investigations under Strike Force Bombe are continuing.

CDU students involved in rare Pluto observation in Katherine

Charles Darwin University (CDU) students are joining a team of NASA-funded scientists and astronomers to observe Pluto pass in front of a distant star in Katherine on June 1.

The event, known as a stellar occultation, happens when Pluto passes in front of a distant star and casts its shadow on the Earth, much like a solar eclipse.

The Earth, Pluto and the distant star would be perfectly aligned, and the centre of Pluto’s shadow will be located north of Katherine.

CDU students are joining teams of observers from the United States that are bringing 12 portable telescopes set up between Darwin and south of Katherine to watch Pluto pass in front of the distant star.

This is the first time that NASA telescopes will be set up in Australia, making it a valuable opportunity for the students and community to get involved.

CDU STEM Pathways lecturer, Dr Carla Eisemberg, said this is a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical observation that is also exciting for the community.

“It is fantastic that NASA is engaging with our CDU students and the community. Their research is fascinating and will help to inspire Territorians interested in careers in technology and science,” Dr Eisemberg said.

Observing such a precisely timed event takes practice, so plenty of practice time is planned to acquaint the students with the telescopes and equipment so they can be full participants in this astronomical observation.

The observation will tell astronomers information about the structure and state of Pluto’s atmosphere, seven years after NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft visited Pluto in July 2015.

The path that Pluto follows around the Sun is tilted compared to the rest of the solar system, and the path is shaped more like an ellipse than a circle, making Pluto a dynamic world.

Pluto’s atmosphere and surface both change during the planet’s 248-year-long trip around the Sun, and the new observation will help scientists identify the latest changes.

The NASA-funded scientist team is planning some outreach programs in which they will present an overview of the observation campaign and an update on NASA’s New Horizons mission since its Pluto flyby.

A community workshop and seminar will be held at CDU’s Katherine rural campus from 6.30 to 10.30pm on May 29, where the community is welcome to come to meet the astronomers as they practise with the telescopes, with an opportunity to look at the stars and planets through the NASA telescopes.

Colin Barnett is right: Labor cannot achieve climate action while approving Scarborough, Beetaloo

Adam Bandt has today called on Labor to listen to climate voters and refuse to open up catastrophic climate destroying gas projects of Scarborough in WA and the Beetaloo in the NT.

Former WA Premier, Colin Barnett, today is reported in the Australian Financial Review as saying:

“But climate change is what people talked about and Labor talked about [at the election] so it will be difficult to achieve a tougher target for 2030 when you’ve got a big project like Scarborough.

“The project needs to happen, but it’s going to be a dilemma for Albanese because a lot of people would say he’d be breaking his word – the emissions out of Scarborough dwarf everything else.”

Woodside’s Scarborough gas project will release 1.4b tonnes of pollution while pollution from the Beetaloo will increase Australia’s already high emissions by as much as 13%.

Yesterday, Kiribati’s former president Anote Tong and Tuvalu’s former prime minister Enele Sopoaga called for a commitment to no new coal and gas projects in Australia rather than “greenwashing” and political stunts.

Adam Bandt MP said:

“Colin Barnett is right that if Labor proceeds with climate bombs like the Scarborough gas project, the increased emissions will ‘dwarf everything else’ and Labor won’t meet even its own weak climate targets.

“Labor proceeding with climate-destroying gas projects like Scarborough and Beetaloo would indeed be breaking a promise with people who voted for more climate action.”

“The first rule of dealing with an emergency is to stop making the problem worse but Labor is vowing to open up new methane projects like Scarborough and Beetaloo, adding fuel to the fire and putting a safe climate further out of reach.

“These projects can still be stopped. The incoming government has the power to hit the pause button, and that’s what the scientists are telling us we need to do because we’re in a climate emergency.

“For Whitehaven to suggest their economic contribution will assist budget recovery is shameless deception. Coal and gas corporations are amongst the most egregious tax avoiders in the country, so stopping new projects will have a very manageable impact on the Federal budget.

“‘Budget repair’ can be achieved by other means; climate repair cannot.”

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 24 May 2022

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 24 May 2022. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Election of a Federal Labor Government
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was unanimously supported congratulating Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the four local Members of Parliament following the election of a Federal Labor Government.

Council will write to Prime Minister Albanese and the city’s local MPs reiterating City of Newcastle’s support for a continued close collaborative partnership with the Federal Government and include an updated version of our 2022 Federal Advocacy document of significant projects supported by Council for the advancement of our city.

Acknowledging Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was unanimously supported noting that Newcastle City Police District Commander, Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey APM has transferred to the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District, with Superintendent Tracey Chapman to act in the role until November when Superintendent Kylie Endemi takes command of Newcastle City Police District.

The Minute congratulates both Commanders on their new appointments, and thanks Detective Superintendent Humphrey for his dedicated service to the people of Newcastle and his collaborative working relationship with Council.

ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability
A Lord Mayoral Minute (LMM) was endorsed that recognises the City of Newcastle’s long-standing membership of ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability and pledges support for the Malmö Commitment on Inclusive & Equitable Communities, to be captured within CN’s draft Environmental Strategy.

Ordinary Business

Compulsory acquisition of community land by Transport for NSW – Newcastle Inner City Bypass
Councillors agreed to reject an offer made by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) for the compulsory acquisition of eight parcels of community land owned by City of Newcastle (CN) in Lambton and New Lambton.

City of Newcastle will seek a determination by the Valuer General regarding the compensation payable for the land. The transfer of the land is estimated to occur on or around 10 June 2022.

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest
Councillors noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 February to 30 April 2022 by the Chief Executive Officer, in accordance with the codes of conduct for Councillors and Staff.

NSW Land and Housing Corporation Funding Deed
Councillors unanimously endorsed a Funding Deed with NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC), which outlines the purpose, amount, timing, reporting and other responsibilities of City of Newcastle and LAHC in relation to funding under the previously endorsed Memorandum of Understanding.

Public exhibition of Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy
Council voted to place the draft Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy on public exhibition for 28 days and receive a report following the exhibition period.

March Quarterly Budget Review
Councillors received the March Quarterly Budget Review Statement as at March 31, 2022 and adopted the revised budget.

Quarterly performance report on the 2018-2022 Delivery Program
Councillors received the 2018-2022 Delivery Program performance report for the January to March 2022 period.

Executive monthly performance report
Council received the executive monthly performance report for April 2022, which reports on City of Newcastle’s monthly performance.

Tender report – Astra Street landfill capping and environmental management works
Councillors voted to accept a tender for Astra Street landfill capping and environmental management works.

Tender report – electrical and communications services
Councillors voted to accept a tender for electrical contractors to provide electrical and communication installation, repairs and maintenance services.

Write-off sundry debt
Council agreed to write-off a balance of sundry debt consistent with City of Newcastle’s Debt Management Guidelines and in accordance with the provisions of CI 213 Local Government (General) Regulation, 2005.

Supplementary Report – Public Exhibition of Draft Delivering Newcastle 2040
Council resolved to apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a one-off Additional Special Variation (ASV) of 2.5 per cent for 2022-2023 financial year, and for this to be a permanent increase retained within the rate base.

Notice of Motion

Hunter fig trees in East End upgrade
Council unanimously endorsed a Notice of Motion calling for a public briefing regarding plans for the four fig trees at the end of Hunter Street Mall on the refuge island between Hunter and Scott Streets, on the basis that three of the trees are proposed to be removed in 2023 due to their poor condition.

State Environmental Planning Policy
Council endorsed a Notice of Motion to write to the Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes to request a formal explanation regarding the decision to dispense with planning reforms under the proposed State Environmental Planning Policy (Design and Place) 2021.