Better connecting communities, new targets for affordable housing and creating more jobs are front and centre in the NSW Government’s ambitious plan for the Six Cities.
The Six Cities Discussion Paper released today further takes forward our plan to build Australia’s only truly global city region: Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle City, Central Coast City, Illawarra-Shoalhaven City, Western Parkland City, Central River City and Eastern Harbour City.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said this vision was key to building a brighter future for the people of NSW.
“This is a blueprint to better connect and create more liveable cities across NSW as well as providing more access to services and opening new doors for businesses to thrive,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This is the next step in establishing a globally competitive city region with more jobs, housing, education opportunities and lifestyle benefits, bettering the lives of everyone in the Six Cities.
“Our ambitious vision includes unlocking new opportunities for businesses across the Six Cities in traditional industries and also in the industries of the future such as defence technology, aerospace, medtech and renewable energy.
“This vision also lays the groundwork to supercharge the development of more modern and advanced manufacturing in the Six Cities which will be key to boosting economic activity and creating more skilled jobs.”
Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the Sandstone City region can become a global exemplar of sustainable urban development.
“Housing targets need to be more ambitious to address supply challenges and I want to ensure that all new residential development on Government land includes 30 per cent social, affordable and diverse housing,” Mr Stokes said.
“With more migrants set to settle in the Six Cities – our plans will include targets to achieve the housing we need.
“We also have to reduce our dependence on cars and provide more safe options for people to walk or cycle. In order to achieve that we need to continue to plan and invest in the right active transport infrastructure.”
The Greater Cities Commission’s Discussion Paper is a starting point for a deep engagement period throughout the Six Cities, both online and in-person.
Following engagement on this vision, work to develop and finalise the Six Cities Region Plan will be undertaken in 2023.
To read the paper and join the conversation, visit: greatercities.au.
Month: September 2022
Free wattles and bottle brushes for Sydneysiders
Up to 6,000 native trees are on offer to residents across Greater Sydney this month, with the latest round of the NSW Government’s Tree Giveaway kicking off today.
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said it was great to see the program continuing in partnership with Bunnings Warehouse stores.
“I’m thrilled that Sydney residents can head into spring with this new round of tree giveaways,” Mr Roberts said.
“We’ve seen incredible progress in tree planting numbers since we began this project in 2020.
“This latest round will give us a final push towards achieving the Greening our City Premier’s Priority of planting one million trees in Greater Sydney by the end of the year. We are closing in on that target with 922,814 already planted.”
This month’s giveaway focuses on providing a range of native trees, including Fringed Wattles, Lilly Pillies and Bottle Brushes. With the hope to secure some more varieties later in Spring.
Mr Roberts said trees are vital to maintaining health and wellbeing, as well as keeping backyards nice and shady and our homes cooler.
“They make the air we breathe more pure and healthier not to mention the beautiful wildlife they attract,” he said.
“With summer fast approaching, now is a good time for community to get involved in planting efforts.”
The Tree Giveaway is open to residents from all 33 council areas in Greater Sydney, who have not already received a free tree this year.
For more information and to claim your free tree, visit: dpie.nsw.gov.au/free-tree
Revesby reaches new firefighting heights
Communities in South Western Sydney will be better protected following the delivery of a new $2.5 million aerial firefighting truck to Revesby Fire Station.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the Compressed Aerial Pumper (CAP) features an air foam system, a 2,000 litre water tank, a 24.5 metre extendable ladder with an outreach of 11 metres, and has the capability to haul 330 kilogram loads.
“While the skyline across South Western Sydney continues to grow with new residential and business developments, it’s important firefighters are equipped with state-of-the-art appliances to support and protect people and property in a range of emergency situations,” Ms Cooke said.
“The delivery of this aerial pumper delivers on the NSW Government’s $37 million commitment to increase and upgrade the FRNSW aerial fleet.”
Member for East Hills Wendy Lindsay today handed over the truck’s keys to firefighters at Revesby Fire Station.
“Whether it’s large-scale fires in shopping centres, industrial complexes and multi-storey residential buildings or other operations like rescues and evacuations, this pumper will give our Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) personnel the equipment they need to better protect the community,” Ms Lindsay said.
“This is the first of 11 aerials pumpers being rolled out across the State and I’m so proud it’s based at Revesby.”
Each CAP is also fitted with thermal imaging cameras to detect heat signals which can be transmitted in ‘real-time’ to the FRNSW Command Centre.
FRNSW Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Darryl Dunbar, said the new asset provides firefighters with the best tools to do their work and protect the irreplaceable.
“We are always on the lookout for new equipment and technologies to help our crews adapt to the changing needs of the communities they serve,” Chief Superintendent Dunbar said.
“The addition of the CAPs to the FRNSW fleet allows firefighters to quickly reach the seats of multi-storey blazes and extinguish them more efficiently and effectively.”
AUSTRALIA LEGISLATES EMISSIONS REDUCTION TARGETS
The Albanese Government’s landmark Climate Change Bills have now passed the Senate, ensuring Australia’s emissions reduction target of 43 per cent and net zero emissions by 2050 will be enshrined in legislation.
For almost a decade, Australia stumbled from one policy to another, and our economy and communities missed out on billions of dollars in public and private clean energy investment. But today that changes.
This overdue legislation will provide the energy policy and investment certainty needed to usher in economic growth and opportunity in a decarbonising global economy.
The Bills ensure a whole-of-government approach to drive down emissions and accountability through an annual update to Parliament.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the legislation puts Australia on a credible path to net zero.
“The passage of the Climate Change legislation sends a message to the world that Australia is serious about driving down emissions, and serious about reaping the economic opportunities from affordable renewable energy ,” Minister Bowen said.
“Legislating these targets gives certainty to investors and participants in the energy market and will help stabilise our energy system.
“It also strengthens transparency and accountability through the annual climate change statement and will ensure public debate informs government decisions.”
This legislation has brought together business, industry, unions, farmers, community and conservation groups, all of whom have asked the Parliament to put Australia on the path to net-zero emissions.
- Business Council of Australia: ““Prime Minister Albanese and Minister Bowen have brought Australia a step closer to ending the climate wars that have put a handbrake on progress and become a serious economic barrier. We welcome this legislation and the adoption of key elements of the Business Council’s plan to reach net zero emissions.”
- Australia Council of Trade Unions: “There doesn’t have to be a fight between jobs and climate action, we can and must have both. With the Albanese Government and a new Parliament, we can finally work towards the future.”
- Australia Chamber of Commerce and Industry: “The business community has been very clear, consensus on energy and emissions reduction policy must be achieved. The best way to secure the planning, investment and innovation that will underlie an efficient energy transition is through legislated targets.”
The legislation empowers the Climate Change Authority to provide the government with independent and expert advice while agencies including the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Infrastructure Australia and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility will embed amended targets in their objectives and functions.
The Senate Environment and Communication Legislation Committee recommended passage of the Bill on 31 August.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth the Second, an historic reign and a long life devoted to duty, family, faith and service has come to an end.
The Government and the people of Australia offer our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, who are grieving for a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother—the person whom for so long was their greatest inner strength.
Australian hearts go out to the people of the United Kingdom who mourn today, knowing they will feel they have lost part of what makes their nation whole.
There is comfort to be found in Her Majesty’s own words: “Grief is the price we pay for love.”
This is a loss we all feel, for few have known a world without Queen Elizabeth II. In her seven remarkable decades on the throne, Her Majesty was a rare and reassuring constant amidst rapid change. Through the noise and tumult of the years, she embodied and exhibited a timeless decency and an enduring calm.
From the moment the young princess became Queen, shouldering the mighty weight of the institution into which she was born, Her Majesty made dedication to duty and service above self the hallmark of her reign.
She celebrated our good times, she stood with us in the bad. Happy and glorious but steadfast too. In particular, we recall the sympathy and personal kindness she extended to Australians afflicted by tragedy and disaster.
Throughout it all, she was a monarch who let her humanity show, performing her duty with fidelity, integrity and humour. In this, she was supported so long and so lovingly by the late Prince Philip, her “strength and stay” for 73 years.
From her famous first trip to Australia, the only reigning sovereign to ever visit, it was clear Her Majesty held a special place in her heart for Australia.
Fifteen more tours before cheering crowds in every part of our country confirmed the special place she held in ours.
As monarch for more than half the life of our Federation, the relationship between Australia and Britain matured and evolved throughout Her Majesty’s reign.
The Queen greeted each and every change with understanding, good grace and an abiding faith in the Australian people’s good judgment.
This was the deft and diplomatic way she bound the diversity of the modern Commonwealth, nations around the world who will mourn her passing.
Today marks the end of an era, the close of the second Elizabethan age. This time of mourning will pass but the deep respect and warm regard in which Australians always held Her Majesty will never fade.
May she rest in eternal peace.
Cost of living pushed up by climate-driven floods
The cost of living for Australian families is being driven up by climate damage as the Australian Insurance Council reveals households across Australia paid a higher cost of living because of flooding in NSW and Queensland earlier this year.
Farmers for Climate Action CEO Dr Fiona Davis said neither working families nor Australian farmers could afford increases in cost of living due to climate damage.
“The McKell Institute confirms what we knew: Climate change is driving up the cost of living,” Dr Davis said.
“The McKell Institute report finds each Australian family has paid $525 in the increased cost of food and other farm products because of the huge floods in NSW and Queensland earlier this year – floods made far worse by climate change.
Those floods came just two years after the deadly Black Summer Fires and extreme weather events driven by climate change are becoming more and more frequent.
“The report says the hit to Australian households from floods, fires, drought and other climate-driven events this financial year was almost double the decade average of $888 at $1532.
“Australian families can’t afford the huge hit to their hip pocket climate damage is causing.
“Insurance Council of Australia figures reveal losses from the floods were $5.28 billion, while losses in the Black Summer fires were $2.32 billion. This does not take into account the massive health impacts from these climate events.”
Dr Davis said farmers were worried about the cost of insurance premiums, which are rising steeply because of climate damage.
“Huge hikes in insurance premiums following climate damage are coming as farmers continue to count the cost of floods six months ago. Some of our farmer members have reported losses of more than $100 000.
“We need deep emissions reductions in this, the decisive decade, to protect our farming families and our food supply.”
A recent report by GHD saw GHD Australian Water Market Leader Lindsay Brown noted climate damage to the agriculture sector was not limited to on-farm damage, but also to “ability to transport and equipment losses, and all the things that actually make that part of our economy viable”.
Dr Davis said Farmers for Climate Action’s Fork in the Road report had identified exactly the same thing and showed consumers were already paying more for food because of climate damage.
Farmers for Climate Action is a movement of 7000 farmers calling for strong economy-wide climate policies.Key facts:
Cost of living takes massive hit from climate-driven floods earlier this year
Report by the McKell Institute reveals a hit to each Australian household of $525 due to higher prices paid for food and farm products, plus extra government spending
We need deep emissions reductions this decade to protect our farmers and our food supply
Further person charged following alleged home invasion and shooting – Lake Macquarie
A third man has been charged after a joint investigation by detectives from the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad and Lake Macquarie Police District into an alleged home invasion and public place shooting in Lake Macquarie earlier this year.
Police had been told a 24-year-old woman attended John Hunter Hospital about 11pm on Tuesday 8 March 2022 suffering a laceration to her leg and head, after two men allegedly forced entry to her home in Edgeworth and slashed her with a machete.
Local police later attended the Laurel Avenue home and commenced inquiries, which were later taken carriage by detectives from the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad under Strike Force Jigsaw.
Then about 9.10pm on Friday 8 April 2022, emergency services responded to reports of a public place shooting at a carpark on Arnott Street, Edgeworth.
A 27-year-old man was found suffering gunshot wounds to the right leg and was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment.
Detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced investigations into the shooting under Strike Force Undola.
Initial investigations led detectives to believe the incidents were linked and allegedly involved members of the Nomads Outlaw Motorcycle Gang.
Two people – a 42-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man – have since been charged for their alleged roles in the incidents, they both remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, strike force detectives attended a correctional centre at Nowra, where they arrested a 47-year-old man yesterday (Wednesday 7 September 2022).
He was charged with 10 offences, including special aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence, fire firearm in or near public place, discharge firearm intend cause grievous bodily harm, possess unauthorised firearm, and knowingly direct activities of criminal group.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Toronto Local Court tomorrow (Friday 9 September 2022).
Greens Support Veterans Calls for More Health and Mental Health Supports
Geoff Parkes, a Vietnam-era national servicemen who was conscripted into the Australian armed forces is taking his #NashoFairGo petition representing other service personnel like him to Australian Parliament House tomorrow. So far, the petition has been signed by 25,000 Australians.
The campaign is seeking recognition and additional health support from the Labor government on behalf of 48,000 Nashos (of which only 35,000 are expected to be alive).
The Nashos are a cohort of Veterans who had been given an impossible choice by the government. To choose between being conscripted into the armed forces, or going to jail. They put their lives on hold, underwent intensive training but didn’t serve in a war zone. The main aim of the petition is to obtain DVA Gold Health Cards for their service.
Greens Spokesperson for Health and Mental Health Jordon Steele-John, and Veterans’ Spokesperson Senator David Shoebridge will accept Geoff’s petition, and table it in the Senate today.
“I want to obtain justice for the men Australia forgot,” says Geoff. “We have received no thanks, recognition, benefits or reparation for the two years of their youth that were taken from us.”
Senator Jordon Steele-John is “proud to receive the petition from the Nashos. The Australian Greens are committed to ensuring all Veterans, especially those who were conscripted into the armed forces receive access to the health and mental health supports to maintain their wellbeing. Being provided with the DVA Veteran Gold Card will enable many of these gentlemen to access health services without worrying about the financial cost of doing so.
Senator David Shoebridge said: “The Department of Veterans Affairs is failing in its duty of care to veterans and is in urgent need of reform. Too often it is a barrier to veterans getting the support they need, entitlements are inconsistent and arbitrary, and veterans are forced to struggle against a departmental culture that fails to respect their service.
“We have a new government and a new Parliament and veterans need to hear a loud message from them that they are now on their side.”
Greens back early childhood workers’ shutdown
Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Australian Greens Deputy Leader and spokesperson for education, has backed the early childhood educators action to Shut Down the Sector on Early Childhood Educator’s Day today and urged the Albanese government to act on wages and workforce shortages.
Senator Faruqi said:
“The Greens are right with early childhood educators as they shut down the sector today.
“The low pay and difficult conditions early childhood educators are subjected to are a national shame. Educators deserve professional pay that reflects the skill and responsibility of the work they do every day.
“Parliament needs to hear these workers’ calls for an immediate pay rise. Early childhood educators, who we know are predominantly women, have been taken for granted for far too long. They’ve had enough.
“The Greens call on the government to bring legislation to lift wages, fix conditions and deal with the critical workforce shortage in early learning and care. These steps, hand in hand with the Greens’ plan for free early learning and care for all, are vital to building a better future.”
It’s ‘unparliamentary’ to call out racism, but not unparliamentary to be racist
Today, Liberal Senator Alex Antic used his two minute statement to complain about the “threat” of critical race theory and “victimhood.” Senator Lidia Thorpe called these comments racist. Senator James McGrath called for Senator Thorpe to withdraw her comments.
Senator Thorpe refused, saying that she was simply stating a fact. Senator Mehreen Faruqi asked why those calling out racism were asked to withdraw, yet there are no consequences for being racist.
TSenator Lidia Thorpe said:
“This parliament punishes Blak women for calling out racism, yet there are no consequences for being racist in the Senate Chamber. I am not safe in this workplace.”
“The Jenkins report talks about the ‘intersection of multiple forms of discrimination and harassment (…) on the basis of gender, age, race, disability and sexual orientation’ as well as the importance of everyone feeling ‘safe and welcome to contribute.’
“If I didn’t withdraw, I could have been kicked out of the Chamber for a day and The Greens would be down a vote. They cut off my microphone and told me to withdraw my comment. How is that creating a workplace where everyone is ‘safe and welcome to contribute’?!
“It’s ‘unparliamentary’ to call out racism, but not unparliamentary to be racist. Racism is a disease in this Country. It’s violent and literally makes people sick. We need an anti-racist code of conduct for MP’s to be accelerated and implemented to stop this from happening in the first place.”