December 2022 – Page 4

City of Newcastle takes milestone step in journey to deliver sustainable waste vision

City of Newcastle has hit a key milestone in its plan to build Newcastle’s first Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at the Summerhill Waste Management Facility.

Consultants GHD have lodged a development application for the facility on behalf of City of Newcastle, paving the way for the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel to begin its assessment of the regionally significant project.

The MRF will sort recyclables from residents’ yellow-lid kerbside bins into separate materials such as paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, steel and aluminium, which can then be on-sold to recyclers for use in the manufacture of new products.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was pleasing to see progress continue on the MRF, which will ensure City of Newcastle meets community expectations as well as State and Federal Government recycling targets.

“The community has told us very clearly that they support measures to sustainably divert waste from landfill and City of Newcastle is committed to delivering on these expectations through our recently adopted Sustainable Waste Strategy,” Cr Nelmes said.

“As there is no MRF operating in the Hunter region, Summerhill Waste Management Facility is an optimal location for a regional solution with close access to the M1 and Hunter Expressway.

“Recyclables collected from Newcastle households have been transported to the Central Coast since 2020 when the only MRF in the Hunter closed affecting City of Newcastle and several other Hunter Councils.

“The construction of the MRF will help us transform Summerhill into an innovative regional resource recovery hub that will reduce waste, increase recycling rates, create new jobs and kick-start local business opportunities within the circular economy.

“The submission of this development application, in conjunction with the current call for tenders to design, construct and operate the MRF, will allow us to maintain momentum towards achieving this goal.”

Concept designs prepared by CN ensure the MRF is scalable to process up to 85,000 tonnes of recyclables per annum, creating a regional solution for recyclable materials from across the Hunter.

The MRF project received $5 million from the Federal and NSW Governments in August last year and is included in the adopted 2022/23 Budget as one of four city-shaping projects that will deliver key outcomes for the community.

Early childhood sector review to deliver benefits for NSW families

The first-ever review into the NSW early childhood education and care sector will kick off in 2023 as the NSW Government delivers the first phase of its $15.9 billion Early Years Commitment, for the benefit of all families.

The NSW Government has commissioned the Independent Pricing and Review Tribunal (IPART) to review the early learning sector in NSW to provide a better understanding of affordability, accessibility and consumer choice across the state.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the historic investment by the Liberals and Nationals will deliver significant growth in NSW children’s development.

“We know that this investment will change the lives of children across the state but moving forward we need better data to ensure our funding allocation will have the biggest impact for families,” Ms Mitchell said.

“IPART will collect the essential information we need to help drive down the cost of early childhood education and care, while ensuring high quality and delivering more services for NSW families right across the state,”

“Alongside mapping out costs and barriers to access, the Review will make recommendations on ways to improve affordability, accessibility and consumer choice.

“Together with the ACCC national review, the IPART Review will enable us to be fully informed as we roll out our landmark Early Years Commitment.”

IPART will look at how supply and demand affect affordability, accessibility and consumer choice across the whole ECEC sector in NSW, while the ACCC inquiry will review the drivers of childcare cost and prices in Commonwealth Child Care Subsidised services across Australia.

The Review will start in early 2023, with an interim report expected in August 2023, and a final report by December 2023.

Families, the broader community and the ECEC sector will have an opportunity to share feedback on the draft terms of reference on the IPART website until 10 January 2023. IPART will consult families and the sector during the review in 2023.

To contribute to the terms of reference, visit www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/node/1764.

Discover the perfect playground in a national park these holidays

Step out of the city and into one of 890 national parks and reserves around NSW these summer holidays, which offer a diverse range of accommodation options and activities for all ages and abilities.

NSW Environment Minister James Griffin said families are spoilt for choice these school holidays, with a huge range of spectacular landscapes to explore.

“There’s no better way to wind down from a busy year and wear the kids out during school holidays than by getting into nature in a national park,” Mr Griffin said.

“Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a multi-day adventure, we have hundreds of national parks and reserves to choose from, offering a range of accommodation options and activities for explorers young and old.

“Paddle in crystal-clear lagoons, explore war-time fortifications, go on guided bush tucker tours with an Aboriginal ranger, or discover the hidden lives of nocturnal native critters – you’ll find the perfect playground in a national park.

“Pitch a tent in one of our hundreds of campgrounds, or check out the coastal cabins, heritage-listed cottages and lighthouses, where you can eat, play and sleep in comfort.”

National parks have walks for every style of bushwalker, whether you need something suitable for prams or are after a longer, more challenging walk.

NPWS also offers a range of exciting, ranger-guided education activities, specifically designed for kids aged 5 to 12 years. They can explore the ancient Gondwana rainforest, become an insect detective, or join an Aboriginal Guide.

NSW national parks contribute about $18 million and 74,000 jobs to the NSW economy every year, and tourism to regional and rural national parks supports economic recovery, helping communities that have endured drought, bushfires and flooding.

The NSW Government is delivering the largest investment in national parks history, with $450 million dollars for more than 200 visitor infrastructure projects across the State by 2024.

Visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website to plan your next weekend or holiday.

Women’s voices at the heart of plans to make our cities safer for all

Women and girls are being asked to share their experiences and as part of a $30 million initiative by the Perrottet Government to improve safety on our streets, in parklands and at public transport hubs across NSW.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the Safer Cities Program will put female voices at the forefront of infrastructure design and is part of a wider $100 million investment in women’s safety.

“We want to hear from women and girls about how they feel in our towns, suburbs and cities. As part of the program we’ll also be partnering with 10 local councils to pilot safety-boosting initiatives,” Mr Kean said.

“We’re backing this program with a $30 million commitment that could go towards better lighting, wayfinding, smart technology and landscaping to create safer connections through streets, public spaces and around transport hubs.”

Minister for Cities Rob Stokes said $12.3 million would go towards initiatives including public space precinct improvements around Waitara, Stanmore and Redfern train stations, and in Parramatta Park and The Rocks, where extensive co-design with women and girls is already underway.

“We can only make cities, suburbs and towns better for women and girls by asking about their experiences and what their ideas are to improve the design of public spaces and parklands and transport infrastructure moving forward,” Mr Stokes said.

“That’s why we’ve invited students from Parramatta high schools to a workshop and walking tour around Parramatta Park to give us ideas and help us understand what makes them feel safe or unsafe and how we can invest to improve the experience.”

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the Government is inviting women across the state to complete a short online survey to better understand their experiences around cities and towns.

“As we continue to design and plan for our growing cities, we need to hear from women to truly understand the experience through their eyes and to ensure the solutions we come up with, work for them,” Mrs Ward said.

“I’m alarmed that a recent survey found most women and girls think twice about walking at night in Sydney, which is why we are acting to ensure everyone has the right to move about their city the way they choose.”

Ten local government areas will also have the opportunity to share up to $10 million in funding through the program.

Canterbury-Bankstown, Bayside, Cumberland, Fairfield, Lismore, Griffith, Blacktown, Wollongong, City of Sydney and Central Coast councils are eligible to sign up for pilot initiatives to help our cities and towns feel safer.

The Program will set a best practice framework for public space interventions for women, girls and gender diverse people’s safety. A public education campaign focused on safety and reducing harassment will complement the infrastructure improvements to help educate and change behaviour.

The NSW Government will release further details on how the remaining funding will be spent over the coming months.

Visit https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/safer-cities until 8 February 2023 to take the survey.

Servo savings: The Cheapest stations to fill up these holidays

Drivers are being urged to log into FuelCheck before hitting the road this Christmas after the nation-leading app identified the cheapest petrol on routes in and out of Sydney and in popular holiday spots across the state.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the FuelCheck app can help NSW drivers save up to $800 a year by filling up at cheaper petrol stations.

“This time of year, many people hit the road to join family at Christmas celebrations and to holiday within the state. FuelCheck is free and can slash your petrol bill,” Mr Kean said.

“FuelCheck is easy to use and allows customers to compare prices at local petrol stations to find the best deal by location, price or fuel type with just the touch of a button.

“The numbers have been crunched and FuelCheck has found the cheapest petrol stations on major highways in and out of Sydney and in holiday hotspots like Byron and Batemans Bay.”

Customers can compare the prices of Unleaded 91 (U91), Ethanol 10 (E10), Premium 95 (P95) and Premium 98 (P98) as well as Diesel and Premium Diesel.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said
customers going to or through Canberra can now access cheap petrol prices with the FuelCheck app or website with 60 servos added in the ACT in the last month.

“Cheaper petrol is in the palm of your hand, so please take advantage of it heading into the holidays,” Mr Dominello said.

“Last week we saw a price difference of 34c between petrol stations just 1.5km apart, so jumping on the app can really make an impact.

“FuelCheck is just one of more than 70 ways people can save through the NSW Government these holidays.”

If motorists notice the price at the pump in NSW does not match what is shown on the FuleCheck app, they can make a complaint directly to NSW Fair Trading. 
 
The FuelCheck website was launched in 2016 and has received 23 million visits, while the app has now had more than 2.3 million downloads.

For more information on FuelCheck and to download the app visit:  fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app      

Three cheers – public transport now included in your event tickets

Sports and entertainment fans travelling to the new Allianz Stadium and Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) will have even more to cheer about with public transport now included in all event tickets.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said this is a huge victory for fans, ensuring they can get to and from both venues safely and seamlessly.

“There is nothing better than a live event experience, and to help provide greater access to some of our world class stadiums is an outstanding result for the supporters of the teams that call Allianz Stadium and the SCG home,” Mr Henskens said.

“Sports fans can make the most of it this Thursday with the return of the Big Bash League, when the Sydney Sixers take on the Hobart Hurricanes at the SCG, which promises plenty of big-hitting action on-field and family-friendly entertainment – the perfect event to bring the whole family along to.”

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said catching public transport was the best way to get to the Moore Park area with world class transport infrastructure, including light rail, train and buses servicing the precinct.

“After an extraordinary Socceroos performance at the FIFA World Cup, now’s the perfect time to lock in your Christmas Eve entertainment at Allianz Stadium with the Sydney FC’s A-League Derby double-header,” Mr Elliott said.

“So whether you’re a cricket, football, AFL, league or rugby fan, or off to see Elton John at Allianz Stadium in the New Year, we’ve got you covered as you won’t need to tap on and off with your Opal or contactless card, you just need to carry a copy of your event ticket.”

This has been made possible thanks to the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government and the Moore Park sports teams and bodies including NSW Waratahs, Sydney FC, Sydney Roosters, Sydney Sixers, Sydney Swans, Football Australia, Cricket Australia and Rugby Australia.

Travel on public transport to the precinct is covered on match-days only for patrons with a valid ticket, club or stadium membership until 2025, on public transport servicing the Sydney metropolitan area.

ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and the People’s Republic of China.

In 1972, then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam took a bold decision, recognising the importance of engagement and cooperation between our two nations and peoples.

In the decades since, China has grown to become one of the world’s largest economies and Australia’s largest trading partner.

Trade between Australia and China, as well as strong people-to-people, cultural and business links have delivered significant benefits to both our countries.

Building on the recent constructive meeting between Prime Minister Albanese and President Xi in Bali on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, tomorrow Foreign Minister Penny Wong will travel to Beijing at the invitation of the People’s Republic of China to meet China’s State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, and hold the 6th Australia–China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue. This Dialogue was last held in 2018.

The meeting will coincide with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, on Wednesday 21 December.

We welcome the opportunity to mark this anniversary.

Australia seeks a stable relationship with China; we will cooperate where we can, disagree where we must and engage in the national interest.

AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES

Today we announce the Government’s intention to appoint the Hon Dr Kevin Rudd AC as Australia’s next Ambassador to the United States.

Dr Rudd brings unmatched experience to the role. Formerly Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Australia, he is now the global President and Chief Executive of leading international relations institute, the Asia Society.

He is also of the world’s most eminent and sought-after experts on China and US–China relations.

At a time when our region is being reshaped by strategic competition, our interests are well served with a representative of Dr Rudd’s standing.

The United States is Australia’s vital security ally and our closest global partner.

Our countries are aligned by who we are, what we stand for and what we seek – a region that is open, stable, prosperous and where sovereignty is respected.

Along with our deepening collaboration on defence, including through AUKUS, we have an extensive and mutually beneficial economic relationship with the United States, and we are making cooperation on climate change a hallmark of our alliance.

We thank outgoing Ambassador, the Hon Arthur Sinodinos AO, for his service.

APPOINTMENT OF AUSTRALIAN AMBASSADORS, HIGH COMMISSIONERS & CONSUL-GENERAL

Our foreign service is the driver of Australia’s engagement with the world.

Today we announce new appointments that strengthen Australia’s diplomatic capability and its prosecution of our national interests around the globe.

In keeping with past practice of appointing experienced former ministers to significant diplomatic posts, the Government intends to appoint the Hon Dr Kevin Rudd AC as Australia’s next Ambassador to the United States.

Dr Rudd brings unmatched experience to the role. He has served as Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, held prominent academic roles and worked extensively in the United States. It is intended that he will commence his posting in early 2023.

Joining Dr Rudd in the United States is Ms Heather Ridout AO as Australia’s Consul-General in New York, she is the first woman to be appointed to the role. A former Chief Executive of the Australian Industry Group, Ms Ridout brings four decades of experience to the role. She is currently Director of Sims Ltd and Director of Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) Limited.

We are also pleased to announce Ms Bronte Moules as Australia’s inaugural Ambassador for Human Rights. As Ambassador for Human Rights, Ms Moules will lead Australia’s work to protect and promote human rights globally and be a key advocate on issues of importance to our region.

Ms Stephanie Copus-Campbell has been appointed Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality. Ms Copus-Campbell will deepen Australia’s international engagement on gender equality with her expertise in community development, gender equality and health.

We also announce the appointment of career diplomats to lead Australian posts:

Ms Sophie Davies as Australia’s Ambassador to Brazil
Dr Ralph King as Australia’s Ambassador to Israel
Ms Sonya Koppe as Australia’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago
Ms Minoli Perera as Australia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe
Mr Richard Rodgers as Australia’s Ambassador to Croatia
Ms Phoebe Smith as Australia’s High Commissioner to the Cook Islands

We thank outgoing ambassadors, high commissioners and consul-general for their contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in these countries during their respective tenures.

LABOR’S CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR UNDERFUNDED PUBLIC SCHOOLS: A KICK IN THE TEETH

The Greens will explore options to remove the legislated 20% cap on the Commonwealth’s contribution to public school funding, after Labor announced on Friday that it would postpone the next National School Reform Agreement (NSRA) by a year.

The government’s decision to kick action on the public school funding crisis down the road comes despite recent data showing that the gulf between the richest and poorest students in Australia is widening, while public school parents are increasingly reaching into their own pockets to pay for building maintenance and basic education resources.

Greens spokesperson on schools, Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:

“This is outrageous. Making public school kids wait another year for a fair go while continuing to pour public money into elite private schools that don’t even need it is a complete abandonment of our most disadvantaged students and makes a mockery of the Education Minister’s pretty words about equity.

“The new NSRA was an opportunity for the Commonwealth, states and territories to end this funding crisis and restore equity to the school system. Their willingness to prolong and further entrench disadvantage is evidence of a deep sickness at the heart of our politics.

“Ten years on from Gonski, public schools in Australia remain underfunded, while the private sector is overfunded. Under the current NSRA public schools will never receive 100% of their Schooling Resource Standard funding. Not in five years; not in 100 years.

“This decision will also heap further strain on under-resourced teachers and schools and will worsen crippling teacher shortages.

“Instead of taking action, Minister Clare says they’ll be forming a panel of ’eminent Australians’ to inform the next Agreement. But we don’t need another panel, or another review, or another study. We already know what needs to be done because Gonski did the work already!

“This government will have a fight on its hands in 2023. When parliament returns the Greens will look to amend the Australian Education Act to remove the cap on Commonwealth funding of public schools, which prevents the federal government contributing more than 20% of the Schooling Resource Standard.

“The Greens will use every lever at our disposal, inside and outside parliament, to push Labor to deliver the funding teachers have been pleading for for a decade.”

Background

The NSRA sets out the school funding arrangements between the Commonwealth and the states and territories. The current NSRA, which was due to expire at the end of 2023, locks in underfunding for government schools. Under the current agreement public schools will have to wait until at least 2027 just to receive 95% of their Schooling Resource Standard (although the capital depreciation loophole will actually see that number closer to 91%), which is the bare minimum level of funding students require to achieve minimum achievement benchmarks.