More plastic will be recycled and turned into new products in NSW thanks to $9 million funding to support businesses transform their operations and access the latest plastic recycling technology.
Minister for the Environment James Griffin said the new Circular Plastics Program, part of the Circular Materials Fund, is all about boosting the circular economy for plastics in NSW.
“This program is a game changer for our State because it means we’ll be reducing the amount of plastic going to landfill, and turning it into a valuable resource instead,” Mr Griffin said.
“At the moment, NSW produces about 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste every year, and about 10 per cent is recycled. That figure should be much higher and I want to see plastic being repurposed and reused as many times as possible, rather than ending up in landfill or the environment.
“Through this $9 million program, we’re giving eligible businesses the support they need to recycle and reuse more plastic when making new products.
“This is business and government working together to create a cleaner future, and generate new market demand and value for recycled plastic.”
The Circular Plastics Program is part of the NSW Government’s target to triple the plastics recycling rate by 2030 and will be delivered by the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
The matched funding will support small and medium businesses that may otherwise be challenged by initial capital costs involved in creating circularity in their business.
The program is part of the NSW Government’s $356 million Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041, and the NSW Plastics Action Plan.
More information is available here https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/grants/infrastructure-fund/circular-plastics-program. Expressions of interest close 17 November 2022.
Month: September 2022
Flags fly as surf life saving patrols begin
The red and yellow is back on NSW beaches with more than 20,000 surf life saving volunteers ready to welcome beachgoers as the official patrol season begins.
Premier Dominic Perrottet joined Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke, Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) President George Shales and volunteer lifesavers at Bondi Beach today to raise the red and yellow flags for the first time this season.
“The raising of the flags is a significant occasion for the people of NSW because it means we can get back out after a cold winter and safely enjoy all the beautiful coastline our great State has to offer,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Please listen to the advice of our Surf Life Saving experts, don’t take unnecessary risks and always swim between the red and yellow flags to make sure you and your family enjoy the water safely.”
Ms Cooke said $1 million worth of SLSNSW jet skis and support operations vehicles will be rolled out across the State to better support the work of volunteers.
“The addition of 11 jet skis and 11 fully kitted out support vehicles will further enhance the ability of our lifesavers to respond to emergencies in the water and help people when they get into trouble,” Ms Cooke said.
“Our lifesavers from the 129 clubs up and down the NSW coastline are looking forward to being on patrol every weekend and public holiday between now and Anzac Day in April.”
Mr Shales said despite a third consecutive La Nina being declared, large crowds are expected at beaches throughout spring and summer.
“We had a very wet year last season but beachgoers need to remain vigilant after a record 55 lives were lost in the 12 months to June 2022,” Mr Shales said.
“We’re ready to help if you get into trouble but we need to work together to keep our beaches and coastal waterways safe for all to enjoy.”
Patrolled beach locations, patrol times and live weather updates are available on the BeachSafe app or website.
Powerhouse and UTS partnership to boost NSW creative industries sector
Powerhouse Ultimo is set to become an immersive education and professional hub for creatives thanks to a $10 million investment by Foundation University Partner the University of Technology Sydney.
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the partnership will complement the NSW Government’s investment into the renewal of Powerhouse Ultimo, and establish Ultimo as a leading creative industries precinct.
“The partnership provides an incredible boost to the NSW creative industries sector in the heart of a thriving precinct anchored by the landmark Powerhouse Ultimo renewal,” Mr Franklin said.
“It will support NSW creatives across all stages of their career and dramatically expand the profile of Australian design and fashion on the national and global stage.”
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the partnership speaks to the University’s reputation for practice-oriented education.
“This investment by UTS will generate incredible vocational opportunities for NSW local and regional students and emerging practitioners to develop lasting industry connections and skills that will serve them at the cutting edge of the global creative industries,” Mr Henskens said.
UTS Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Andrew Parfitt said the partnership will deliver world class immersive creative industry experiences for UTS students as well as students right across NSW.
“The potential to share facilities and generate collaborations between students, researchers, museum staff and creative industries residents will elevate the creative industry output of NSW,” Professor Parfitt said.
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said the partnership offers a platform to activate the revitalised Ultimo precinct, through the delivery of major events, festivals and industry programs.
“The collaboration will elevate Powerhouse Ultimo’s renewed focus on fashion and design by connecting the museum with researchers and industry professionals at the forefront of design innovation. Together, Powerhouse and UTS will create a world-class Creative Industries Precinct in the heart of the CBD. We thank UTS for their visionary investment into the future of Powerhouse Ultimo,” Ms Havilah said.
Woman charged after man allegedly stabbed with scissors – Deniliquin
A woman has been charged with domestic violence offences after a man was allegedly stabbed with scissors at a unit in the state’s south yesterday.
Police have been told a 50-year-old man and 32-year-old woman – who are known to each other – were arguing in unit on George Street, Deniliquin, about 12.30pm yesterday (Thursday 22 September 2022), when the woman allegedly stabbed the man in the face with a pair of scissors.
The man was treated at Deniliquin Hospital and has since been released.
Officers attached to Murray River Police District initiated inquiries and, about 30 minutes later, arrested a woman at the George Street unit.
She was taken to Deniliquin Police Station where she was charged with reckless wounding (domestic violence).
The Deniliquin woman was granted bail to appear in Albury Local Court on Tuesday 11 October 2022.
Ambassador for First Nations People
The Australian Government is seeking public expressions of interest from individuals to be considered for the Ambassador for First Nations People.
The Government is delivering on its commitment to implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full, and embed Indigenous perspectives, experiences and interests into our foreign policy.
Australia’s foreign policy should reflect our modern diversity and the rich heritage of First Nations people.
The Ambassador will head an Office of First Nations Engagement within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to listen to and work in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This is the first time an Ambassador position has been open to a public expression of interest, enabling qualified and interested individuals to apply.
Further information on the expression of interest process for the Ambassador for First Nations People is available at First Nations EOI.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:
“The Ambassador for First Nations People will lead work to embed Indigenous perspectives, experiences and interests into our foreign policy, including to help grow First Nations’ trade and investment.
“The Ambassador will also lead Australia’s engagement to progress First Nations rights globally.
“This role will enhance our engagement in the Indo-Pacific region by fostering cooperation on shared interests.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Linda Burney MP said:
“Appointing an Ambassador for First Nations People is an opportunity to ensure the unique perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are included in our international engagements.
“An Ambassador for First Nations people will be supported to engage with likeminded countries to share our commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and experiences of treaty and truth telling processes”
Senator Patrick Dodson said:
“This is the first time Australia will have a dedicated level of First Nations representation to inform the way we engage with the world.”
The Munupi Clan defeats a fossil fuel giant
In a landmark hearing, Federal Court Justice Mordecai Bromberg, has ruled Santos failed to consult with Traditional Owners over its Barossa gas project.
As a result Santos’ approval for the project from the offshore regulator, NOPSEMA, has been ruled invalid and it must stop drilling in the region.
Yamatji-Noongar Senator Dorinda Cox, the Greens spokesperson for resources said:
“Today’s ruling shows mining companies and governments can’t be trusted to do the right thing without legislative pressure. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) clearly states that free, prior and informed consent is a human right. We need to fast-track the Private Senator’s Bill for UNDRIP and its implementation in our laws, policies and practice.
“This judgement sets the standard for consultation with Traditional Owners. If Labor wants to talk about recognising First Nations people, they must start with their own departments.
“It is great to see the courts acknowledge the importance of Sea Country to First Nations peoples culture and way of life.
“The regulator has clearly failed the Munupi people. NOPSEMA has not only ignored its responsibility to First Nations peoples, but all Australians. There needs to be a full investigation into previous decisions it has made around adequate consultation with Traditional Owners.
“If Labor wants to meet their own emissions target, we cannot keep opening up new coal and gas, especially on the back of ruining First Nations cultural heritage.”
Sharing ideas to shape the future of community engagement
City of Newcastle (CN) will bring together 100 people of all walks of life to help shape how the community’s voice can best be heard to guide the city’s future.
‘Your Newcastle, Your Voice’ is a public workshop to be held at Wallsend Library on 15 October as an initiative to inform CN’s new four-year Community Engagement Strategy.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN’s approach to engagement was based on inclusiveness, transparency, and responsiveness and the new strategy would build on this to ensure all Novocastrians feel a part of the Council decision making process.
“By involving the community in shaping our community engagement strategy, CN will better understand how the community want to be engaged but also if there are barriers to participating in providing feedback that will help us adapt our approach,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We are committed to genuine consultation beyond any statutory requirements because we recognise the immense value of engaging early with the community to achieve better planning outcomes.”
Earlier this year, CN released its Community Strategic Plan, Newcastle 2040, which was developed based on the input of 4,500 people from a broad representation of the community who shared their aspirations and priorities for Newcastle’s future.
“Whether developing key strategies like Newcastle 2040, or major projects like Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade, we achieve better outcomes with the community actively engaging in decision-making,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We want all members of our community to have the opportunity to shape the future of this city and through the ‘Your Newcastle, Your Voice’ workshop we will hear directly from the community about the best ways to achieve this.”
Using a series of past project case studies, the ‘Your Newcastle, Your Voice’ workshop will seek feedback from community participants on what has been effective and where CN can improve engagement with the community.
The ‘Your Newcastle, Your Voice’ community workshop will be held on Saturday 15 October from 10am to 1pm at Wallsend Library. The community can express their interest to participate in the workshop via City of Newcastle’s website.
Transforming Hunter Street’s hidden bridge
A century-old bridge over Cottage Creek in Newcastle West is set for renewal, with City of Newcastle seeking to engage a consultant to progress the design for a replacement structure.
Hidden on Hunter Street, between Bellevue Street and Steel Street, the bridge plays a critical role in traffic movement in and out of the CBD.
City of Newcastle has been inspecting and assessing the condition of the bridge on a regular basis as part of its Asset Maintenance Program.
Interim Director of Infrastructure and Property Joanne Rigby said replacing the historic bridge is on the agenda for delivery in the coming years.
“We are currently looking at options for the replacement of the bridge, so we can deliver a solution that is fit for purpose into the future within this busy section of Hunter Street,” Ms Rigby said.
“There has been a lot of change in this area in the last decade and as our city continues to evolve, it is important that our infrastructure continues to support this.”
Early history of the bridge is unclear, with historic plans of the area showing a concrete structure was in place around the late 1880s.
In September 1900, newspapers reported the construction of a new bridge on Hunter Street spanning Cottage Creek in Newcastle West was underway.
NSW Public Works then widened the Cottage Creek stormwater channel running under the bridge and completed other improvements in 1927 to allow for the construction of shops along the Hunter Street frontage.
A tender for a detailed design consultant will be issued in the coming weeks to help develop the most suitable option for the eventual replacement of the bridge.
NATIONAL MEMORIAL SERVICE TO HONOUR HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Australians will honour the life and service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at a National Memorial Service to be held in Canberra on Thursday 22 September.
The service will be broadcast live across the nation, beginning with one minute’s silence at 11am AEST.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) will be joined at the Service by official representatives from around the country.
Attendees will include the Federal Leader of the Opposition the Honourable Peter Dutton MP, State and Territory First Ministers, Members of Federal Parliament, High Court Justices, and members of the foreign Diplomatic Corps.
Broadcaster Melissa Doyle AM will be the Master of Ceremonies, with Anthony Callea and the Australian Girls Choir – who sang for the Queen during her 2011 trip to Australia – performing as part the service.
The iconic 1954 Sir William Dargie painting of The Queen will serve as the centrepiece of the service. It will be surrounded by golden wattle—Australia’s floral emblem—and sweet peas and dahlias, some of The Queen’s favourite flowers.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II opened Australian Parliament House in May 1988 during her Royal visit with His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.
The Service will be held on the National Day of Mourning which is also a one-off national public holiday.
Prime Minister Albanese said:
“The National Memorial Service is an opportunity for all Australians to pay respect to our faithful monarch for the past 70 years, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“As we pay tribute to Her Majesty, I encourage all Australians to reflect on her remarkable life of dedication and service with one minute’s silence at 11am.
“Her Majesty had a deep affection with Australia and Australians have remembered her fondly since hr passing.
“The Queen lived her life with an air of dignity and grace that will be remembered for centuries to come.”
Safe Hospital Staffing Levels: NSW Labor to Boost Nurse Numbers
A Minns Labor Government is continuing with its long term plan to redesign and repair the structure of the New South Wales health system by introducing minimum and enforceable safe staffing levels to public hospitals, starting with emergency departments.
The proposal will see an additional 1,200 nurses and midwives recruited into the system (above the government’s additional recruits outlined in 2022-23 NSW State Budget) within the first four years of a Labor Government, at a cost of $175 million.
Minimum and enforceable Safe Staffing Levels will start in Emergency Departments and be subsequently rolled out into other areas including ICUs, maternity wards, and Multi-Purpose Services in a staged approach and in consultation with healthcare professionals.
Under the proposal, hospitals will maintain safe nursing or midwifery staffing levels on a shift-by-shift basis, based on an area of care or speciality type; as well as treatment spaces or beds.
Nurses and midwives have long been calling for workforce reform, even before the emergence of COVID-19. However, the pandemic presented a breaking point for nurses, paramedics, hospital cleaners, allied health professionals, security guards and other health care heroes.
Hospitals that have been overwhelmed, under-resourced and severely neglected by the NSW Liberals and Nationals – particularly in Western Sydney, and regional and rural NSW – will benefit significantly from these landmark reforms.
After 12 years under the NSW Liberal and National Government, Western Sydney and regional and rural NSW have seen a deterioration of access to health services, including increased emergency department wait times, and delays in life-changing surgery.
Across the state, 42.9 per cent of the most critical emergency department patients did not have their treatment start on time – the highest on record since Bureau of Health Information reporting began in 2010.
In Western Sydney, this figure was a staggering two thirds (66.3 per cent) of urgent Western Sydney emergency department presentations not starting start on time.
Meanwhile, across the state, 76,117 patients left emergency departments without completing treatment – or one in 10. This is the highest number on record and a 68 per cent jump in just three years.
Research by tertiary qualified healthcare professionals, has shown safe staffing levels deliver better care, and are more cost effective.
The changes will be implemented by converting the existing Nursing Hours Per Patient Day staffing requirement into minimum and enforceable Safe Staffing Levels within the Public Health System Nurses’ and Midwives’ (State) Award.
Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader:
Our health system was in crisis before the pandemic, but after getting us through multiple waves of COVID-19, we owe it to our health workers to fix this.
“After more than a decade of the NSW Liberals and Nationals in government, our health system needs structural repair.
“Experienced nurses and midwives are either dropping their working hours or worse, leaving the system altogether because they’re not supported enough in the workplace and see the workloads as untenable.
“These changes will see more health staff retained, working in areas that need them the most, and it means better outcomes for patients and the level of care they will receive in New South Wales.”
Ryan Park, NSW Shadow Minister for Health:
“Our health system doesn’t have a recruitment problem, it has a retention problem, because our hospitals are overstretched and under-resourced.
“After 12 years of neglect of our health system, the people of New South Wales rightly don’t trust the Liberals and Nationals to turn things around at the 11th hour.
“The first phase is a $150 million commitment to fund an additional 500 paramedics in Labor’s first term, to ease the burden of chronic paramedic shortages and the unprecedented strain on our rural and regional health system.”
Daniel Mookhey, NSW Shadow Treasurer:
“NSW Labor has spent the better part of 7 months sitting down respectfully at the table, negotiating in good faith with the workforce.
“It shows what’s possible when you’re prepared to listen to our health care heroes instead of insulting them.
“This model is affordable within the fiscal environment, after 12 years of waste, debt and deficit under the NSW Liberals and Nationals.”