October 2022 – Page 16

A closer look at Newcastle’s southern beaches

Significant damage and loss of sand caused by several storm events this year has put the spotlight on future-proofing Newcastle’s southern beaches – the stretch of coastline between Nobbys Beach and Burwood Beach.

Executive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said that the coastline is changing and that the community have an important role in deciding how to manage these changes into the future.

“Significant weather events, combined with long-term sea level rising, means that waves are now reaching higher on the shoreline, exposing both bedrock and man-made structures more frequently – not just here but along the entire east coast,” Ms Bisson said.

“The City is spending $1.1 million now to reinstate safe access at Bar Beach, and also looking to the future to develop a longer-term strategy for this hugely important stretch of our coastline.”

City of Newcastle is working with coastal experts to better understand the impacts over the short and long term and what that means for the future use of these beaches and assets located along the coast.

Recent studies include an assessment of coastal inundation and erosion hazards, and follow earlier studies in 2018 that found unprotected areas of coastline are at a higher level of risk for erosion than previously thought.

“The area most at risk is the currently unprotected section of coastline from Cooks Hill Surf Life Saving Club at Bar Beach south to the cliff line at Dixon Park,” Ms Bisson said.

“Along this stretch there is no natural cliff line or man-made structure in place. The results of the coastal hazards assessment indicate a future reduction in shore width, and risk of damage to built assets including the Cooks Hill Surf Lifesaving Club building and adjacent roads and parking areas.”

“Our team is working with these coastal experts to develop a Coastal Management Program (CMP) for this area, which will consider the increasing exposure to coastal hazards and explore long-term management options for this highly valued stretch of coastline.”

Consultation on the potential impact of these predictions and possible management options has already begun with key stakeholders including Surf Lifesaving clubs along this stretch of coast and will continue with the broader community over the coming months.

The CMP will ultimately be placed on public exhibition and then brought to the Council for support. It will then be forwarded to the NSW Minister for Local Government for certification.

City of Newcastle reminds the community to follow safety warnings and to adhere to any accessway closures or hazard notices that impact use of the beach while the emergency repair work is completed.

Community invited to join the party on Darby Street

An outdoor stage with live music, roving performers and pop-up stalls will ensure an unforgettable street party along Darby Street this Saturday.

The community event will run from 10am to 8pm, with performances designed to entertain diners making the most of the large outdoor dining platform installed between Sanctum and Goldbergs restaurants and activate the revitalised Headphones Courtyard.

City of Newcastle Project Manager Bianca Field-Vo, Greater Newcastle City Commissioner Matt Endacott, New South Wales Minister for Infrastructure Rob Stokes and Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen take a look at some of the exciting changes implemented as part of the Streets as Shared Space trial on Darby Street.

Council Street will be temporarily closed between Darby and Dawson streets to create an authentic street party atmosphere with live music on an outdoor stage as well as a pop-up bar and food stalls. Shoppers enjoying Darby Street’s renowned eateries and boutiques will have the chance to win tickets to see Elton John perform in Newcastle.

The free event is being hosted by Canvas Event with support from City of Newcastle. Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said it was the perfect way to encourage more people to enjoy everything on offer along one of Newcastle’s most iconic streets.

“We’re committed to providing safe, shared open spaces for our community while supporting local businesses and this event is a fantastic way to achieve this vision in conjunction with the initiatives being trialled through the Streets as Shared Spaces program,” Cr Clausen said.

“Darby Street’s rich connections to art, culture, music and food ensure this precinct is much loved by locals and visitors alike. This trial will allow us to gain valuable feedback to guide more permanent changes as part of a potential future upgrade of this precinct under City of Newcastle’s Local Centres Program.”

The Darby Street trial has been made possible with a $500,000 grant from the NSW Government through the Streets as Shared Spaces program (Round 2) and funding from City of Newcastle’s Urban Centres Revitalisation Program.

The second round of Streets and Shared Spaces program is providing funding for councils across NSW to undertake temporary intervention projects that improve local streets and pavements as shared spaces, to trial innovative ideas that test and build the case for more permanent changes.

“These innovative and creative projects will allow people to dine under the stars and create spaces to relax and connect, which will support local business operators as they bounce back from the pandemic,” New South Wales Minister for Infrastructure Rob Stokes said.

“We’re reimagining our streets as better places for people, which will drive an increase in foot traffic and bring the community together to enjoy the vibrancy our state has to offer.”

The street party will also deliver a boost for local retailers and hospitality venues. Shoppers who spend $50 or more at participating venues will be given the chance to win one of two double passes to see Elton John when he performs at McDonald Jones Stadium in January next year.

Nici Palmer, owner of Blackbird Corner on Darby Street, said she is excited for the street party and hopes its success will allow the event to grow in the years to come.

“We really hope that this trial will help improve foot traffic along our fabulous street, and I’d love to see the Street Party become an annual event, celebrating all of the unique things Darby Street has to offer.”

The City of Newcastle is supporting a number of events along Darby Street throughout the six-month Streets as Shared Space trial. Details of upcoming events can be found at whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au

Further Festivals and Events Funding Available to Multicultural Communities

Further funding is available for festivals and events that celebrate the rich cultural spirit of our State through the NSW Government’s Stronger Together Festival and Event Grants Program.

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said local groups and community organisations can now apply for a share of $500,000 through the program.

“Community festivals and events are integral to the success of NSW and provide a meaningful way to share in our state’s cultural diversity,” Mr Coure said.

“These celebrations bring the colour and vibrancy of cultures across the world to our local communities.”

“Most importantly, they serve to break down barriers between people by fostering mutual respect and understanding.”

The program has previously funded vibrant events such as Little India Harris Park Business Association’s 2022 Deepawali Festival in Parramatta, the Australian Korean Association’s Korean Festival in Strathfield and Buddha’s Light International Association’s Moon Festival in Willoughby.

Mr Coure said this funding is in addition to the more than $1 million the NSW Government has already invested in cultural events and festivals this year.

“If you are an organiser of a community festival or event anywhere in NSW, now is your chance to apply for funding to support community harmony.”

The Stronger Together Festival and Events Grants provide between $5,000 and $15,000 towards the running of celebrations held between 1 February 2023 and 30 June 2023.

The grants program is now open. Applications close at 3pm, Friday 28 October, with outcomes announced in early December.

For further information about the grants, visit www.multicultural.nsw.gov.au.

Sydney receives its first Blue Plaques

The first three Blue Plaques for Sydney have been installed today, celebrating some of the Emerald City’s most extraordinary historic figures.

Minister for Heritage James Griffin said the May Gibbs, Brett Whiteley and Sir Edward Hallstrom Plaques were installed in Neutral Bay, Lavender Bay and Mosman.

“Every Australian remembers tales of gumnut babies and ‘big bad Banksia men’ from childhood, and May Gibbs shaped generations of children’s responses to nature,” Mr Griffin said.

“The May Gibbs Blue Plaque, which has been installed at Nutcote in Neutral Bay, celebrates her grand legacy as Australia’s first full-time, professionally trained children’s book author and illustrator, whose work continues to delight readers to this day.

“The Sir Edward Hallstrom Blue Plaque, installed at the entrance of Taronga Zoo, recognises a self-made entrepreneur and philanthropist who cared deeply about conservation and remains one of the Zoo’s most generous private benefactors.

“The NSW Government’s $5 million Blue Plaques program is a fantastic way of getting communities excited about and involved in their local heritage around the State.”

Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said the Brett Whiteley Blue Plaque, now installed at his home in Lavender Bay, is a must-see for visitors to Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden.

“Archibald-winning Brett Whiteley created some of his most famous works at his home and studio in Lavender Bay, inspired by views of Sydney Harbour,” Ms Wilson said.

“These Blue Plaques celebrate and recognise the important contributions that Sir Edward Hallstrom, May Gibbs, and Brett Whiteley have made not only to our local community, but across NSW and Australia.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such rich local heritage, and these Blue Plaques will ensure we are safeguarding our cultural heritage for future generations.”

These are the third, fourth and fifth Blue Plaques ever to be installed in NSW. The first was the Caroline Chisholm Plaque in East Maitland. The second was the Nancy Bird Walton Plaque in Kew, Port Macquarie.

So far, 21 Blue Plaque recipients have been named, and the NSW public will be invited to nominate more noteworthy people, stories and events when a second round of nominations opens.

The remainder of the Blue Plaques will be installed in yet to be announced locations in the coming weeks. To learn more, visit blueplaques.nsw.gov.au

$11.5 million to get local housing moving

The NSW Government is backing councils with funding and resources to move a backlog of planning proposals and development applications (DAs), and deliver more local housing.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the $11.5 million Unblocking Homes Program will provide targeted support, to help fast-track the delivery of tens of thousands of homes currently stuck in the system.

“We’re building on our $2.8 billion 2022 Housing Package announced in this year’s Budget, with targeted help for councils to drive more local housing delivery,” Mr Perrottet said.

“It’s timely support which will provide more opportunity and certainty for first home buyers, under-resourced councils and for the construction industry.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the support includes a new Regional Housing Flying Squad which would help regional councils clear development applications faster and speed up the delivery of new homes.

“We know there’s a shortage of qualified planners in some parts of the State. This is about overcoming that with a flying squad of experts who can help councils review development applications faster and move projects into construction,” Mr Toole said.

“We trialled this approach earlier in the year so we know it works. We’re now expanding it to ensure we are making an impact in the communities that need it most.”

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the Regional Housing Flying Squad is on track to assess more than 2,400 new homes, saving hundreds of hours of council planners’ time.

“Councils have done it tough in recent years with skills shortages, bushfires, COVID-19 and floods all contributing to a local planning backlog, and an increase in average assessment times for local DAs from 69 to 85 days between July 2021 and July 2022,” Mr Roberts said.

“We’re here to help with support for complex applications and assessments, freeing up council time and speeding up approvals to get more shovels in the ground sooner.”

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said, as at 15 September 2022, there were 107 housing rezoning proposals currently under assessment with potential for 87,583 rezoning lots.

“There were also nearly 10,000 residential development applications under assessment with the potential to deliver some 82,842 homes,” Ms Tuckerman said.

“The Unblocking Homes program will see the NSW Government partner with councils to resolve issues in complex assessments. This will help tackle the backlog and fast-track approvals to deliver more housing more quickly for our growing and diverse population – including social and affordable housing for people in need, Aboriginal communities and seniors.”

The $11.5 million Unblocking Homes Program includes 7 new and ongoing initiatives:

Regional Housing Flying Squad (expansion following successful pilot);
Planning proposal support and expert assessment for prioritised housing projects (new project);
Planning Delivery Unit Regional Case Management and Planning Concierge;
Regionally Significant DA capacity building and faster assessments;
Local Housing Strategy Implementation;
Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund; and
Faster Local Assessment Grant.

For more information visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/unblocking-homes-program

$13 million Maritime Project Hits Major Milestone

The boating community on the mid-north coast will soon benefit from the completion of a major milestone in a $13 million project to transform maritime facilities at Coffs Harbour.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the installation of a new travel lift would deliver a range of benefits for commercial and private vessels as well as the community.

“The installation of the travel lift enables 75-tonne vessels such as commercial fishing boats, cruisers and catamarans, to be lifted out of the water and maintained in an environmentally-controlled area which will minimise the risk of contaminants entering the waterway,” Mr Elliott said.

“The $13 million Coffs Harbour Marine Precinct Project will deliver improved safety and accessibility for all boating enthusiasts and commercial vessels while reducing environmental impacts.

“The NSW Government’s commitment to invest in updating maritime infrastructure makes access to waterways easier and safer for all vessels and watercraft users. Modern, safe boating facilities encourages tourists which in turns delivers an economic stimulus to local communities.”

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said he was pleased to announce the travel lift had been through final testing and commissioning and would be in operation this week.

“This new equipment will reduce the need for the use of heavy equipment as it can move larger vessels which makes servicing commercial and private boats safer and more efficient,” Mr Singh said.

“Two key projects, construction of a new boat maintenance facility, which now includes the travel lift, and the expansion of the government agency marina have already been delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $205 million Maritime Infrastructure Stimulus Program to improve and modernise maritime facilities.”

“Other key projects to be delivered in this program of works will include a new Maritime Operation Centre and the installation of an unleaded vessel refuelling facility for public and government agency use.”

NSW leading the nation in skills and training

The latest national data on apprentices and trainees shows the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s record investment in skills continues drive nation-leading results, with more than 115,000 apprentices and trainees in training across the State.

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research (NCVER) report shows NSW recorded a 9.3 per cent increase in the number of apprentices and trainees in training, compared with the previous 12 month period.

“NSW is leading the nation when it comes to skills and training, with more people in training than any other state, ensuring that we continue to build a strong pipeline of skilled, job-ready workers to help grow our economy,” Mr Henskens said.

“One of today’s highlights is an almost 19 per cent increase in female apprentices and trainees in training across NSW, which is testament to programs like Built for Women, which are encouraging more women into traditional trades.

“Across the board, commencements and completions of apprenticeships and traineeships are also up, further strengthening the skilled workforce and helping keep unemployment at historic lows.

“The data also reveals that over the last two years, despite the challenges we’ve faced, NSW has recorded a 42 per cent increase in apprenticeship and traineeship commencements. For females alone, commencements are up 59 per cent.

“The NSW Government’s record $3.1 billion investment in skills and training in the Budget will further turbocharge the take-up of vocational education and training, securing a brighter future for people in NSW.”

The NSW Government is removing barriers to vocational education and training for young people through unprecedented investments in fee-free training as well as programs like the Educational Pathways Program and Careers NSW.

Reforms to the HSC and ATAR will also increase the take-up of vocational education and training, by significantly expanding the education and employment pathways available to young people.

20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 2002 BALI BOMBINGS

Australia today marks 20 years since the 2002 Bali bombings and tragic loss of 202 lives, including 88 Australians and 38 Indonesians.

Together, on what will be a difficult day for many in Australia, Indonesia and around the world, we honour the lives of the victims and the courage and resilience shown by survivors and their families.

We also pay tribute to the first responders and volunteers who assisted efforts in the wake of the attack.

To commemorate the anniversary, Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese MP will attend a service at Coogee in Sydney.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, will host a memorial service at Parliament House in Canberra.

There, victims’ families, survivors and first responders will be joined by the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Hon David Hurley AC DSC, and former Prime Minister, the Hon John Howard OM AC.

Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Tim Watts MP, will attend a commemorative ceremony at the Australian Consulate-General in Bali.

Australia’s thoughts are with those whose lives were forever changed by the attacks.

We recommit to the ongoing work shared by Australia and Indonesia to counter the scourge of violent extremism, and reaffirm the respect and cooperation between our peoples.

ICAC finds corrupt conduct in $1-million scheme concerning Awabakal LALC land

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has found that four individuals, including two public officials, engaged in corrupt conduct through a dishonest scheme involving the purported false sale and/or development of properties owned by the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council (ALALC) that resulted in three of them deriving more than $1 million in benefits.

The Commission’s report, Investigation into dealings involving Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council land (Operation Skyline), released today, examines the conduct of Nicholas Petroulis, solicitor Despina Bakis, former ALALC chairperson Debbie Dates and former deputy chairperson Richard Green, between 2014 and 2016, and their involvement in the scheme.

The scheme comprised Mr Petroulias falsely representing that a company he controlled, Gows Heat Pty Ltd (Gows), had an option to purchase ALALC properties that it could on-sell to another party. To provide credibility for this representation, Ms Bakis prepared false contractual documents between Gows and the ALALC; she also had an undeclared conflict of interest in that she was engaged as the solicitor for the ALALC, through her legal business, Knightsbridge North Lawyers, while also representing Gows. Mr Petroulias’ conduct included improperly altering ALALC board meeting minutes and participation in preparing the sham agreements.

Gows’ purported option was “sold” to a third party, the Sunshine Property Investment Group Pty Ltd (Sunshine), for more than $1 million. While Sunshine had been informed that the bulk of the money would go to the ALALC, all of the funds went to Mr Petroulias, Mr Green, and Ms Bakis. Mr Petroulias ultimately received over $600,000, and Mr Green and Ms Bakis received financial benefits totalling $244,000 and $179,000 respectively.

This “sale” breached multiple requirements of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (the ALR Act). For example, the dealing did not have the approval of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council as required by section 42G of the ALR Act. In addition, Mr Green and Ms Dates signed the contractual agreements with Sunshine on behalf of the ALALC despite lacking the authority to do so, and other ALALC board members, staff and members were not aware of this transaction.

The Commission found that pre-existing entrenched poor governance, failures to follow the ALR Act, and a breakdown of communication made the ALALC vulnerable to the corrupt conduct exposed in this investigation. The Commission has made 15 corruption prevention recommendations, some specific to the ALALC, but also recommends that the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and the ALR Act registrar consider if they all should be applied to LALCs in general.

The Commission seeks the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on whether any prosecution should be commenced. The DPP determines whether any criminal charges can be laid, and conducts all prosecutions. The Commission is of the opinion that consideration should be given to obtaining the advice of the DPP about the prosecution of Mr Green, Mr Petroulias and Ms Bakis for various offences.

The Commission held a public inquiry in this investigation, with 53 hearing days in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Former Chief Commissioner the Hon Peter Hall QC presided at the public inquiry and 38 witnesses gave evidence. On 5 March 2021, the Chief Commissioner ruled that the public inquiry was concluded. Further information about the progress and delay in completion of the public inquiry is available in chapter 2 of the report. The report is available on the ICAC website at www.icac.nsw.gov.au.

Four arrested during raids targeting illicit drug supply – Hunter

Drug and Firearms Squad detectives have arrested four people following an investigation into the supply of prohibited drugs across the state’s Central Coast and Hunter.

In April (2022), detectives from the State Crime Command’s Drug and Firearms Squad, in partnership with the NSW Crime Commission (NSWCC), established Strike Force Great to investigate the supply of methylamphetamine throughout the state’s Central Coast and Hunter regions.

As part of ongoing inquiries, strike force detectives arrested a 38-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman following vehicle stops at Killarney Vale and Belmont shortly after 9am today (Wednesday 12 October 2022).

They were taken to Belmont and Wyong Police Stations.

A short time later, investigators executed search warrants in Belmont North, Nords Wharf and Wadalba, locating and seizing more than 2kg of methylamphetamine – with an estimated potential street value of $2 million – $220,000 cash, a gel-blaster firearm, electronic devices, and other items relevant to the investigation.

They were assisted by officers attached to Raptor Squad, Hunter Region Enforcement Squad (RES) and Northern Region Operation Support Group (OSG) throughout the operation.

A 43-year-old man was arrested during the search of a home at Belmont North and taken to Belmont Police Station.

Following further inquiries, a 42-year-old man was arrested at a workplace in Wyong about 10.30am and taken to Wyong Police Station.

All are expected to be charged.

Inquiries continue.