Month: August 2022

Union demands will be an economic wrecking ball

The ACTU’s radical plan for higher taxes, higher inflation and heavy-handed Government will send a wrecking ball through the economy.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said with inflation on the rise globally, the ACTU’s reckless demands for Labor’s Jobs and Skills Summit are a recipe for ruin, not recovery.

“Today’s calls from the ACTU show that Labor’s only plan is to make a bad situation worse,” Mr Taylor said.

“The answer to addressing rising inflation isn’t heavy-handed government or eliminating stage three tax cuts – it’s to have sensible fiscal and monetary policy driven by a focused, independent Reserve Bank.

“The comments made by Sally McManus criticising the RBA are completely irresponsible.

“It is critical the RBA’s core mandate is not diluted in any way. Calls for heavy-handed interventions to control inflation like price-fixing, corporate intervention and more taxes will cripple Australian businesses and send the economy further backwards.

“The Treasurer must categorically rule out adopting these proposals.

“It’s become increasingly clear over the past few weeks that the Labor Government will always back their union bosses over hardworking Australian businesses, families and workers.”

Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Michaelia Cash said this is just further proof the so-called Jobs Summit will be nothing more than a union-dominated talkfest.

“It’s a stunt that will no doubt end in the Government rolling over to their union paymasters and delivering whatever they want. Calls for more taxes will be a disaster for the economy as we recover from the pandemic,” Senator Cash said.

“The Treasurer must explain why he has chosen to give voices like the ACTU a disproportionately large voice at his forthcoming Jobs and Skills Summit.”

Awards season shines spotlight on City of Newcastle

City of Newcastle’s culture of excellence, transparency and continuous improvement has been recognised amongst its peers at a host of recent industry awards ceremonies.

For the second consecutive year, City of Newcastle’s (CN) Annual Report has won gold at the 2022 Australasian Reporting Awards (ARA) for Excellence.

The Awards give organisations an opportunity to benchmark their reports against world’s best practice, with a gold rating recognising a report’s high-quality coverage against criteria such as providing a balanced and reasonable picture of economic, environmental, and social performance, as well as transparency of the organisation’s core business.

Meanwhile, the Masterplan for the future of Hamilton’s historic and much-loved Gregson Park was recognised as a finalist at the Parks and Leisure Australia NSW/ACT Awards.

The Gregson Park Masterplan celebrates the European and Indigenous heritage of the site, while meeting the recreational and accessibility needs of the community. It features a larger inclusive play space with water play, yarning circle, and a planted swale with indigenous plantings, a new community shelter, more shaded seating, and the potential for community gardens and a kiosk.

Finalists in this award are recognised as outstanding examples of strategic planning that have enriched and revitalised a community.

At the Local Government NSW Awards, CN’s Public Art Reference Group (PARG) was a finalist in the Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture Awards category. This award recognises councils that have excelled in strategic policy, planning, delivery and evaluation in arts and culture.

Established in 2018, the PARG provides advice on the commissioning and development of new public art works in the city that are reflective of Newcastle’s history, culture, and community.

City of Newcastle’s 2020-21 Annual Report is available for download as a full version or a summary version.

Visit City of Newcastle’s website for the 2020-21 Annual Report along with further information about the Gregson Park Masterplan and the Public Art Reference Group.

Hundreds of projects worth $7.8 billion in the running for WestInvest funding

Hundreds of local organisations in West and South West Sydney are now competing for a share of $1.6 billion under the WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round.

Treasurer Matt Kean said organisations from Burwood to the Blue Mountains, and Wollondilly to the Hawkesbury stepped up in numbers with ideas for city-shaping infrastructure projects.

“We’ve received an overwhelming response with almost 680 projects worth $7.8 billion submitted for assessment,” Mr Kean said.

“The majority of projects sought funding to make local communities in West and South West Sydney even better places to live with open and green spaces.”

WestInvest funding was available to Aboriginal groups, sporting groups, multicultural groups, volunteer groups and many more based in 15 eligible local council areas.

A breakdown of the applications in the WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round shows:

  • Almost 680 projects have been submitted for assessment
  • 325 applications related to green and open space projects
  • 270 applications related to community infrastructure projects
  • 180 groups applied for projects worth $1 million and under
  • 296 groups applied for projects worth over $1 million and under $10 million
  • 201 groups applied for projects worth over $10 million

The 15 eligible local councils also submitted 71 projects under the WestInvest Community Project Grants – Local Government Allocation, which awarded each council a share of $400 million in funding, based on population size.

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said councils are at the heart of every community.

“WestInvest is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will celebrate and improve local communities for generations to come,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“The 15 local councils of Western Sydney have submitted some fantastic ideas for consideration, and I’m really looking forward to seeing some of these projects come to life, to invigorate their local precincts and facilities for their residents.”

All applications will now go through a comprehensive assessment process, with the successful projects expected to be announced in the Local Government Allocation from September and the Competitive Round later this year.

The project proposals include:

  • Transforming city centres and precincts to celebrate community, food and culture;
  • Creating safer cycling paths, pedestrian links and walking tracks to promote healthier lifestyles and allow more families to walk to school;
  • Upgrading and modernising community facilities and libraries; and
  • Building new pools, sports fields, playgrounds, youth centers, multicultural centres and leisure and fitness centres.

The $5 billion WestInvest program also includes $3 billion to deliver transformational projects that will benefit local communities, led by NSW Government agencies.

The Budget committed $478.2 million from the $3 billion fund to modernise and upgrade nine public schools. Further projects funded under the WestInvest NSW Government allocation will be announced later this year.

To find out more about WestInvest visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest

High tech lights to boost safety at level crossings

The NSW Government will trial new technology to reduce the risk of level crossing collisions between trains and vehicles in the bush.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the government will fund trials of innovative signs with LED flashing lights at level crossings in Narromine and Bribbaree, to improve awareness and safety.
 
“There are more than 2700 road level crossings on the NSW rail network and we want to improve safety in country areas where there is less visibility,” Mr Dominello said. 
 
“Contracts have been signed with ARCGS at Bribbaree and Sage Automation at Narromine to install new level crossing signs and the detailed design work is underway.
 
“Level crossing crashes devastate families and communities which is why we want to use innovation and technology to help save lives.”
 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the government had listened to concerns raised through the community petition led by Maddie Bott.
 
“Sixty-eight per cent of public road crossings use only stop and give way signs to warn about the presence of a level crossing and the need to stop to look for trains,” Mr Farraway said.
 
“Transport for NSW has developed a new strategic direction to help fast track improvements at level crossings which will involve trialling the use of new technology.
 
“On top of this we have reduced speed limits to 80km per hour at more than 50 level crossings across regional NSW as part of the Level Crossing Speed Zone Reduction Program.
 
“We know a lot of crashes at level crossings occur where the road speed limit is 100km an hour or greater, so reducing the speed limit gives drivers more time to see the level crossing ahead and stop for oncoming trains.”
 
TrackSAFE Foundation’s Executive Director Heather Neil said TrackSAFE welcomed today’s announcement from the NSW Government.
“NSW has thousands of level crossings and new technology will play an important part in improving safety,” Ms Neil said.
“This week is Rail Safety Week, and we remind travellers, pedestrians, commuters and rail workers that they can all play an active role in rail safety. And we urge the Australian community to Stay Rail Safe.”
ARCS Commercial Director Phil Lock said they are very excited to be partnering with the NSW Government and delivering innovative technology to improve safety for regional communities. 
 
“I’m looking forward to working with government to develop technology that could potentially save more lives in country communities,” Mr Lock said.
 
SAGE Automation Smart Cities Lead Ashby Martin echoed these sentiments.
 
“SAGE is passionate about developing new systems to improve road safety in partnership with Transport for NSW and the NSW Government,” Mr Martin said.
 
The trial is funded through the Digital Restart Fund and will commence later this year and the data collected will be used to determine the effectiveness of the new technology.
 
The trial will commence later this year and the data collected will be used to determine the effectiveness of the new technology.
 
The trial in Narromine will evaluate the effectiveness of a stop sign with LED warning lighting. The Bribbaree trial will also monitor the effectiveness of stop signs with LED warning lights and LED streetlights.
 
For more information on safety at level crossings, visit:
https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/level-crossings/index.html  

Funding to enhance university collaboration

Young people will be supported and encouraged to study at university, upskill and pursue entrepreneurship through innovative new projects that aim to enhance educational outcomes and break down barriers to university study.
 
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said four projects will receive a share of the $1.75 million NSW Government Collaboration and Innovation Fund, which focuses on supporting innovation and addressing challenges to partnerships within the university sector.
 
“These grants will help break down barriers that prevent people who want to study at our world class universities and will drive innovative new projects in collaboration with the university sector,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“Projects funded through this round of the program include workshops to encourage high school students to explore technology entrepreneurships and toolkits to help regional and culturally and linguistically diverse students bridge the skills gap between school and university.”
 
Projects funded through the Collaboration and Innovation Fund, include:
 

  • Startup @ Schools (University of Technology Sydney and the University of Newcastle) with workshops to encourage Year 9 and 10 students to pursue technology-enabled entrepreneurship as a career;
  • Teachers Aide Pathway (Charles Sturt University, TAFE NSW and Regional Development Australia Orana)  to upskill teachers’ aides currently employed in NSW schools to become qualified teachers in regional communities;
  • Start @ Uni (UNSW Sydney and The University of Sydney) for first-year regional and culturally and linguistically diverse students transitioning to university, which aims to address academic skills gaps between high school and university; and
  • The Academy (University of New England and the Dhiiyaan Centre) preparing Aboriginal students for higher education from Year 8 through to tertiary enrolment via a curriculum that merges Aboriginal knowledge with science.

 
The Collaboration and Innovation Fund provides grants to support university projects that address education goals included in the NSW Higher Education Strategy.

Have your say Mental Health Line

People with lived experience of mental illness and their carers are helping shape the future of the Mental Health Line by sharing their experience with the NSW Government.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the 1800 011 511 NSW Mental Health Line was a free phone service which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering specialist advice, support and referral to specialist NSW Health mental health services.

“We want to ensure it continues to meet the mental health needs of our communities,” Mr Dominello said.

“Co-designing the Mental Health Line with people with lived experience of mental illness is the best way to ensure the next evolution continues to make a real difference to those who need it.

“Our aim to be the most customer-centric government by 2030 starts by learning from our customers’ experiences and needs.

“Recent Have Your Say consultations have helped us to better understand areas such as digital inclusion and digital identity, with these engagements generating new ideas for how we can better deliver services to the people of New South Wales.

“We encourage people to get involved in the Have Your Say consultation, whether they have experience using the Mental Health Line or may have not known about the service, we want to hear from all.”

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the events of the last few years have highlighted the importance and the need to invest in mental health services.

“The importance of health and specifically mental health in our society is evident, with the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing showing two in five Australians experience a mental health issue in their lifetime,” Mrs Taylor said.

“The Mental Health Line is an important service which helps people to access appropriate mental health services but there are always areas to improve.

“In 2020-21 around 864,000 Australians accessed at least one digital service for their mental health, but it is understood this represents only one in ten of those who experienced mental health distress.

“People need to be able to easily access services which can help them when they are at their most vulnerable. This is something we can and need to address.”

The NSW Government has allocated $2.2 billion across four years to invest into digital transformation projects through the DRF. The fund is administered by the Department of Customer Service and targets smart, simple technology solutions which create efficiencies for customers across the State. 

To Have Your Say on the future of the Mental Health Line, please visit: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/nsw-mhl-consultation  

Man charged over several alleged armed robberies – Newcastle 

A man has been charged by Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives as part of an ongoing investigation into several alleged armed robberies in the Newcastle area this year.

In July 2022, detectives attached to the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad established Strike Force Kulla – with assistance from Newcastle City Police District – to investigate three alleged armed robberies, including:

  • About 10.25pm on Sunday 3 July 2022, a man – armed with a knife – approached two staff members as they were leaving a licenced premises on Station Street, Waratah. The man demanded the employees reopen the hotel before he allegedly stole cash and fled the scene on foot.
  • About 3.20am on Friday 8 July 2022, a 21-year-old male employee was leaving a licenced premises on Denison Street, Hamilton, when he was approached by a man armed with a knife. He allegedly threatened the employee and demanded to be let inside the premises, before stealing cash and fleeing the scene south along Beaumont Street.
  • About 1.20am on Sunday 7 August 2022, two staff members were leaving a licensed premises on Denison Street, Hamilton, via an exit on Steel Street, when they were approached by a man – allegedly armed with a handgun. The armed man threatened the staff members, before stealing cash and fleeing the scene towards Veda Street.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives – with assistance from Newcastle City Police District and the Tactical Operations Unit – attended a home on Everton Street, Hamilton, about 7.30am today (Tuesday 9 August 2022).


Upon police arrival, a 29-year-old man refused to leave the home and a police operation commenced.


Crews from Fire and Rescue NSW attended following reports of a small fire inside the home, however, were not required.


Specialist officers, including negotiators, attended the scene before the man was arrested without incident about 10.30am.


A search warrant was subsequently executed at the Hamilton home, and a second was executed at a home on Scholey Street, Mayfield – where officers seized a number of items for further forensic examination.


The man was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with two counts of robbery armed with offensive weapon, robbery while armed with dangerous weapon.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 10 August 2022).

Investigations under Strike Force Kulla are ongoing.

Dogs Australia urges Aussie dog owners to walk their dogs daily: 10 reasons why 

Aussie dog owners are being urged to grab that lead, put it on their pooches and take their dogs for a walk each day. It’s vital to keep them physically and mentally healthy, says Dogs Australia, a leading peak body that promotes responsible dog ownership.

“Exercise is vital for dogs – and us! And it should be part of every dog’s daily routine,” says Hugh Gent, Dogs Australia President, who is also a dog breeder and dog show judge. “But sadly, some dog owners rarely, if ever, take their dogs for a walk, assuming the dog will be happy just spending time in their yard. 

“During the pandemic, many people purchased puppies – and now that people are back at work and school, a lot of dogs are being left at home alone and are missing out on the exercise and interaction they had previously. Separation anxiety has become a major issue. It must be remembered: dogs are not just cuddly toys; they have their own needs, which dog owners need to take into account.”

Hugh says that most dogs need at least 1-2 walks a day (unless specified by your vet). “A rule of thumb is that they should be exercised for between 30 and 45 minutes daily. Of course, senior dogs won’t need as much but it’s still important to give them gentle daily exercise to keep their joints moving and keep them happy.

“Dogs that don’t get enough exercise get a build-up of energy, and they don’t know how to release it. This brings on bad behaviour such as excessive barking, jumping, destructive chewing or even biting. Science shows that taking your dog for walks is good for them, both in terms of their behaviour and physical exercise.”

Research from Finland shows the importance of exercise for all dogs*. It looked at non-social fears such as fear of objects, surfaces (like hardwood floors), heights and noises such as fireworks and thunder. Dogs who took part in more activities with their owner (including walking) and who received more training had the lowest levels of non-social fears. 

“In Germany, dog owners are required by law to exercise their dog twice a day for a total of at least an hour – and while it’s more likely to be enforced for kennels rather than private individuals, it’s certainly brought the topic to the fore. I understand some people aren’t able to always take their dogs for walks, which is why professional dog walkers can be a great option,” adds Hugh.

  1. reasons why your dog needs to be walked daily:
  1. It keeps your dog healthy and limber: daily exercise keeps joints limber and strengthens the muscles supporting those joints.
  2. Fitness: dogs that are walked daily stay lean and trim. 
  3. Weight management: studies have proven that dogs that are walked regularly are less likely to be overweight, and eliminating obesity truly extends their life.
  4. Helps reduce undesirable behaviours, such as barking, licking, chewing, digging, and other anxiety-related and attention-seeking behaviours.
  5. Promotes physical health: in addition to keeping your dog fit, daily exercise/walking provides exposure to fresh air and Vitamin D from the sunshine. For puppies, Vitamin D is used for proper bone development and growth. Sunshine also speeds up healing, kills bacteria and fungi. 
  6. Promotes emotional and good mental health – for both your dog and you! 
  7. Helps boost your dog’s confidence: a daily walking routine helps to provide structure and stability to your dog’s life, which helps boost confidence.
  8. Provides mental exercise: physical activity is an essential source of mental stimulation, which in turn helps prevent boredom and frustration. 
  9. Helps with socialisation: dogs need to be exposed to all kinds of things in order to be well adjusted in new situations and environments. Daily walks and exercise provide a great opportunity for you and your dog to meet new dogs, new people and see new things.
  10. Helps build a better relationship between you and your dog.

*Hakanen et al 2020

Dogs Australia is a not-for-profit organisation, promoting responsible dog ownership. It is the consumer face of the Australian National Kennel Council, which was established in 1958. 

More information: 

www.dogsaustralia.org.auKey facts:

– Dogs Australia, a leading peak body that promotes responsible dog ownership, is urging Aussie dog owners to walk their dogs daily

– It’s crucial to keep dogs physically and mentally healthy

– Sadly, some dog owners rarely, if ever, take their dogs for a walk

– Dogs Australia provides 10 reasons why it’s important to walk your dog

Newcastle’s top young engineer and project announced 

Newcastle’s Young Professional Engineer of the Year and Project of the Year have been announced at the Engineers Australia Excellence Awards – People & Projects Newcastle. 

 “The Engineers Australia Excellence Awards recognise outstanding engineers who show innovation and resourcefulness in their work and the region’s top engineering projects and the teams behind them,” said Engineers Australia Newcastle Division General Manager Helen Link.

“The Newcastle region is home to some of the globe’s oldest engineering structures, as well as world-class people and projects pushing the boundaries of engineering excellence to provide creative solutions to local problems.” 

Project of The Year – Newcastle

Pacific Complete -Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade

Joint Venture between Laing O’Rourke and WSP Australia, in partnership with Transport for NSW

The Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade converted 155km of the Pacific Highway to a four lane, divided carriageway between Hexham and the Queensland border. 

The project team navigated two major river catchments, floodplains, soft soil, threatened species habitat, and sensitive heritage areas to provide safer, reduced travel times and better connectivity for local communities. 

The size, scale and complex nature of the project provided unique challenges to the project team, who devised innovative solutions to leave an economic, social, and environmental legacy. 

Young Professional Engineer of the Year – Newcastle

Steve Adamthwaite, MIEAust

As leader of Arup’s NSW/ACT Water Business Steve Adamthwaite drives sustainable, community-oriented solutions to deliver service and infrastructure excellence to industry and the community. 

Adamthwaite represents the next generation of leaders and innovators – driving change, leading projects, and developing skills to underpin a sustainable future for the infrastructure sector, its people and the communities that rely upon it. 

He also shapes future strategy through leadership positions with WaterAid NSW (Deputy Chair), Australian Water Association (Vice President NSW) and Engineers Australia (Deputy Chair, National Young Engineers Committee, Shadow Board). 

Winners from the Engineers Australia Excellence Awards – People & Projects Newcastle now go into the running for the National Young Engineer of the Year Award and the Sir William Hudson Award – the highest accolade which an engineering project can receive from Engineers Australia. 

The national awards will be held at the Sydney Hilton on October 5.

Labor’s Social Housing Plan will abandon hundreds of thousands of people to housing stress and homelessness

Greens spokesperson for housing Max Chandler-Mather has today responded to the Housing Minister’s comments on social housing, calling Labor’s plan to build 20,000 afforable homes over 5 years deeply unambitious and inadequate to address Australia’s social housing crisis.

Max Chandler-Mather MP, Greens spokesperson for Housing and Homelessness said:

“While it’s good to see the Housing Minister talk about social housing today, Labor’s plan doesn’t even come close to touching the surface of Australia’s massive housing crisis, and in fact under their plan things will only get worse.”

“There are 163,500 households sitting on social housing waitlists across Australia and that number grows by 7600 homes a year, which means Labor’s 4000 social homes a year will literally see the waitlist grow every year.”

“We would never accept 163,500 kids sitting on waitlists to access public schools, so why should we accept that number of people waiting for a home?”

“Once you take into account people living in severe housing stress, then the actual need for social and affordable housing is over 600,000 homes.”

“The Federal Labor Government plans on spending $224 billion over 10 years on the Stage 3 tax cuts, but only $10 billion on building social and affordable housing, which is a real kick in the teeth for the hundreds of thousands of people in desperate need of a home.”

“The Greens plan would see at least 250,000 public and affordable homes built over 5 years, and 1 million over 20 years, which is exactly what we need to ensure everyone has a place to call home.”

“ We have the capacity, money and resources to build enough public housing for everyone who needs one, we just need to break the hold banks and property developers have over our political system.”