January 2023 – Page 7

GREENS SLAM POTENTIAL DEAL ON FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY REGIME

The Greens have criticised the possibility of a deal between Labor and Liberal to pass the Financial Accountability Regime (FAR) without fines for law-breaking bankers.

“The Hayne Royal Commission highlighted the systemic misconduct and greed within the banking and financial services industry, and if we are going to change that we need the threat of large fines on bank executives who break the law,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“Having already broken the agreement struck with the Greens to create million dollar fines for banking executives, Minister Jones pledged to consult in good faith on the Bill.”

“That should not mean just asking the big banks for marching orders.”

“Labor has a choice here. It can support consumers by working with the Greens to impose fines on dodgy bank executives, or it can join the Liberals and roll over to the big banks.”

“Any deal between the major parties would be yet another sign that the big banks are still calling the shots in Parliament.”

GREENS CALL FOR ACCELERATION OF GAS CODE OF CONDUCT

The Greens have called for the rapid introduction of an interim Mandatory Code of Conduct with teeth for gas companies, to lay bare the excuses these massive corporations are using to justify wielding their market power to the detriment of climate and consumers.

Gas companies are reportedly refusing to sign up new commercial customers, threatening blackouts and skyrocketing prices, attempting to cause chaos in retaliation to the Government’s price caps on gas.

The Greens say with no set deadline on the introduction of the code of conduct, but with repeated and growing cartel-like behaviour by the gas industry, parts of the Code should be implemented immediately. Consultation on the final code does not close until February 7.

Separately, the ACCC has on Tuesday issued its interim compliance and enforcement guidelines for the gas industry.

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, acting Leader of the Australian Greens said:

“Gas companies are trying to hold the country hostage, sparking chaos in the energy sector and anxiety for ordinary people already experiencing intense cost of living pain – as a retaliation for Government efforts to rein in their never-ending profiteering,” Senator Faruqi said.

“The Labor Government must immediately intervene with an interim code of conduct to make sure that gas corporations can’t hide behind this excuse to cause chaos in the energy sector by arbitrarily withholding supply, and overcharging the country for its own gas.

“This needs to be an inflection point where we move away from dirty, expensive gas, instead of allowing them to hide behind flimsy excuses while threatening to cause chaos in energy markets.

“When a corporation is threatening people with withholding power unless they’re allowed to charge whatever they want, there is no point negotiating with them. They are drunk on market power that they’ve been allowed to wield unchallenged for years.

“Big gas corporations like Woodside and Santos are making obscene, five-fold profits. They are turbocharging natural disasters that cost Australia $5 billion in just one year according to Treasury. The Tax Office has labelled them ‘systemic non-payers of tax’ and in most cases they don’t even pay any royalties.

“For the sake of people and planet, we have to get out of coal and gas.”

Senator Dorinda Cox, Australian Greens Resources Spokesperson said:

“We urgently need a code with teeth, and regulatory authority that stops this constant public power game between the Federal Government and industry.

“Right now, Australians across the country are under pressure from rising costs of living, and suffering natural disaster-related loss and damages. Meanwhile, gas companies are threatening power outages and price spikes just to protect their bottom line, what the government’s own Minister calls ‘Putin profits’.

“Labor talked a big game during the election, promising to end the climate wars. Now they need to step up, be courageous, and stop the gas industry from dictating the rules.”

Broadway smash hit Come From Away breaks ticket sale records

The Civic Theatre has set a new box office record less than a month out from the Newcastle debut of the hit Broadway musical Come From Away.

More than 11,000 tickets have already been sold for the critically acclaimed production, and three new dates have been added in an extended season that will now open at the Civic Theatre on Wednesday 15 February.

Come From Away shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from around the world who were grounded in Canada in the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that welcomed the ‘come from aways’ into their lives.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said strong ticket sales indicate there is an appetite for Broadway theatre amongst Novocastrians and visitors seeking to have a good time following three years of pandemic-induced disruptions.

“It’s been 30 years since an international touring Broadway production landed in Newcastle and it’s clear that as a city, we are ready to welcome a live musical theatre production of this calibre,” Cr Nelmes said.

“With its remarkable true story about kindness and humanity, Come From Away is sure to enhance the cultural life of our city with Novocastrians and visitors ready to get back out there and enjoy themselves in 2023.

“Come From Away joins a stellar line-up on Newcastle’s 2023 major events calendar, which kicked off with Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which attracted more than 50,000 people to the city and injected more than $12 million into the local visitor economy.

“Major events are a clear economic driver and Come From Away is another significant drawcard for our city that will provide considerable benefits for Newcastle’s visitor economy.”

Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said Come From Away has already smashed the ticket sales of previous live musical theatre performances.

“With four weeks still to go, ticket sales have exceeded our expectations and previous ticket sales records held at Civic Theatre,” Ms Wallace said.

“Tickets sales have been recorded across a wide geographical area, with Newcastle-based purchases complemented by sales from as far away as Tasmania, Brisbane, Armidale, Narrabri and Coffs Harbour.

“Come From Away is also attracting new audiences to the Civic Theatre, with more than 45 per cent of bookings from first-time customers.

“Due to popular demand, we’ve added another three performances to the extended run of Come From Away and look forward to seeing this spectacular production come to life on stage with our theatre’s iconic proscenium arch, grand tiered seating and incredible atmosphere.”

Come From Away is showing at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre from 15 February until 5 March 2023.

The production runs for 100 minutes and is recommended for ages 10 and older.

Tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

Last call for Before and After School Care savings in 2023

Parents of primary school-aged children are encouraged to download the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $500 Before and After School Care (BASC) voucher by 31 January 2023.

The NSW Government’s $155 million BASC Voucher Program helps families with household budget pressures, and more than 305,000 vouchers have already been downloaded by parents. Of these, more than 219,000 have been redeemed at a BASC service to help families with the cost of care. Parents have until 30 June 2023 to redeem BASC vouchers at a participating service.

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the $500 BASC vouchers are one of the ways the Liberal and Nationals Government are supporting NSW families to juggle work and family responsibilities.

“We know the Before and After School Care vouchers help to ease financial pressures and give parents and carers increased flexibility with their work commitments,” Mr Kean said.

“Supporting working families is a priority of this government, with more than 70 rebates and vouchers available putting money back in the household budget.”

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell encouraged parents to download the $500 voucher before they close at the end of the month.

“Families with a child going into Kindergarten in 2023 can access the voucher – but with the deadline of 31 January 2023 fast approaching, time is running out to enjoy those savings!” Ms Mitchell said.

“Before and after school care services are an essential part of our school communities, providing working families with a range of options for their child to have a safe place to learn, play and socialise.

“Once downloaded, parents can use these vouchers up until 30June 2023, allowing families to take advantage of both before and after school care and vacation care in the coming months.”

The Before and After School Voucher Program is delivered in partnership with Service NSW.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Victor Dominello said BASC vouchers are easy to download and can be redeemed at their local participating BASC Service.

“I encourage all parents and carers with children enrolled in Before and After School Care to jump on the Service NSW app or website to claim their vouchers before the start of the new school year,” Mr Dominello said.

“The process of redeeming the vouchers is very simple and a list of participating BASC providers is available on the Service NSW website.”

Customers can register and apply online via a MyService NSW account, in the app, or by visiting their nearest Service Centre.

To apply or find out more information about BASC vouchers, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/basc-voucher

Western Sydney to benefit from a huge range of local infrastructure projects

Communities in north western Sydney will reap the rewards from local infrastructure projects including new pools, parks, sports fields, cycling and walking tracks funded through the NSW Government’s $5 billion WestInvest program.

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Treasurer Matt Kean today announced funding for local councils and community groups in Blacktown, Hawkesbury and The Hills to deliver 21 transformational WestInvestprojects that will change the face of Western Sydney and help secure a brighter future for local communities.

The projects are the first to be announced through the $1.6 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round, with further successful projects to be announced in the coming weeks.

The 21 projects, worth more than $400 million, include:

· Four new and upgraded swimming centresin Blacktown and Hawkesbury LGAs to provide residents with a heat refuge in the summer months and a place for exercise and relaxation all year round, including:

o $40.6 million for the Blacktown City Council for the Mount Druitt Swimming Centre Renewal project

o $77.2 million for the for the Blacktown City Council to deliver the Blacktown Aquatic Centre Masterplan project

o $30.3 million for the Hawkesbury City Council to deliver the redevelopment of Richmond Swimming Centre project

o $6.7 million for the Hawkesbury City Council to deliver the Oasis Aquatic and Leisure Centre Improvements project

· $25.4 million for Blacktown City Council for the PCYC Mount Druitt Police and Community Youth Centre– a first-class sporting and community hub to support at-risk youth through education, training and mentoring

· $19.5 millionfor Blacktown City Council for a new First Nation’s Cultural Centre in Mount Druitt,the heart of one of Australia’s largest communities of First Nations people, to strengthen connections to Country

· Funding for community groups including $44 million for the YMCA NSW and $1.6 million for the Scout Association of Australia NSWtobuild community facilities that provide exciting programs for young people and families

· $4.7 million for Hawkesbury City Council to deliver a new Cycleway Bridge over Rickabys Creek in Windsor to complete a continuous path of travel for cyclists and pedestrians between Richmond and Windsor town centres

· $5 million in funding for Autism Spectrum Australia towards a brand-new, two storey autism specific primary school in the Box Hill education precinct to support students who struggle to attend a mainstream or other special needs school due to their disability

· $23.9 million for Hawkesbury City Council to help deliver the North Richmond Community Precinct with a library, indoor sports stadium and performing arts studios to act as a meeting and cultural space, social and recreational hub, and much-needed fit-for-purpose emergency evacuation centre

· Funding for new playgrounds and open spaces including more than $600,000 for the Hills Community Aid and Information Services to deliver the Balcombe Heights Estate Centenary Sensory Gardenwhich will provide an inclusive space for relaxation and passive recreation for all ages and abilities, including people with special needs

· $4.6 million for Hills Shire Council to deliver The Castle Hill Showground – Pedestrian Bridge project to construct a new pedestrian and cycling bridge crossing Showground Road from Castle Hill Showground to Fred Caterson Reserve

Mr Perrottet said the projects funded will change the face of the Western Sydney community.

“This is all thanks to the $5 billion WestInvest program is made possible by the Government’s successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy,” Mr Perrotett said.

“Our strong economic record has enabled long term commitments to Western Sydney.

“WestInvest is delivering three projects in Mount Druitt that form part of broader revamp of the area including a new aquatic centre, a first nations centre and a community youth centre to the value of more than $85 million.”

Mr Kean said while Western Sydney is already an incredible place to live, the WestInvest projects announced today will deliver new and improved facilities, more open spaces and help connect communities for generations to come.

“These WestInvest projects vary in size and scale, offer something for everyone and provide the opportunity to learn, gather, exercise, support each other and connect communities,” Mr Kean said.

“These community facilities will improve liveability across our suburbs and I’m looking forward to seeing shovels in the ground as these projects come to life.”

More than 680 applicants submitted a WestInvest application to the value of more than $7.9 billion. The successful projects were announced after a comprehensive assessment process outlined in the WestInvest Community Project Grant Guidelines. All unsuccessful applicants will be offered a 1:1 feedback session.

The projects announced today are in addition to the 68 projects announced by the NSW Government late last year through the WestInvest Community Project Grants – Local Government Allocation that allocated more than $400 million to 15 eligible local councils to deliver transformational infrastructure projects.

Click here to view images of some of the successful projects that will be delivered in the Blacktown LGA as part of the WestInvest Community Competitive Round.

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

Truckies to help shape rest stop plans

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is encouraging truckies and the freight industry to participate in consultation to improve heavy vehicle rest stops across the state.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the initiative was important because it would help the government address gaps in the rest stop network and ensure facilities meet the needs of drivers.

“The road freight industry is critical to our state’s economy, from big business and farmers to retailers and consumers. We all rely on these drivers to ensure our goods get to us quickly and efficiently,” Mr Farraway said.

“It is important that we provide quality facilities that support heavy vehicle drivers and improve road safety. Up north in Clybucca we have installed outdoor fitness equipment for truckies to use so they can stretch and get exercise in after a long period on the road.

“The NSW freight task is expected to grow by 34 per cent by 2061 and the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is doing everything to support this growth, which will ensure our supply chain is efficient, our economy is strong and our future bright.

“We have several projects underway investigating, planning, designing and constructing heavy vehicle rest stop improvements. Industry feedback is guiding this work to ensure it meets the current and future needs of heavy vehicle drivers and the growing freight task.  

“We want to hear from the road freight industry, particularly heavy vehicle drivers on what they need and expect at rest stops across NSW and where additional facilities are needed.”

The Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association President Wade Lewis welcomed the continued progression of the NSW Heavy Vehicle Rest Stop program, which will provide new and upgraded rest areas for heavy vehicles on key freight routes in NSW.

“Rest areas are a vital component of the heavy vehicle task and support drivers to manage fatigue and comply with driving hours regulation,” Mr Lewis said.

“The NSW Heavy Vehicle Rest Stop program highlights the commitment by the NSW government to engage with industry to develop a practical and capable rest area network.”

Consultation will be open until 28 February 2023.
Feedback is being encouraged via https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/heavy-vehicle-rest-stops

New innovation grants for NSW seafood sector

NSW seafood businesses will be able to net a share in $500,000 worth of grants in a new push to drive further innovation across our local seafood industry.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said expressions of interest are officially open for the NSW Seafood Innovation Program which is aimed at creating more jobs and boosting the value of the sector.

“NSW is the seafood state. Whether it be fish, crustaceans or shellfish our hardworking commercial fishers serve up some of the freshest and highest-quality produce in the world,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Seafood businesses are critical to local jobs and the economies of so many communities along our coast. This initiative is all about unlocking further innovation and growing the value of our seafood sector over the next 10 years.

“We know some of the best seafood across the globe is caught in our waters, including on our South Coast, and this is about backing NSW businesses to continue to sell the highest-quality produce here in Australia and also across the globe.”

All proposals put forward must address one or more of the three key challenge areas including supply chain innovation, product innovation and product quality.

The program will:

· Provide innovators with a new avenue to propose ideas and technologies to increase the value of NSW seafood.

· Offer $10,000 in seed funding and expert advice to individuals, cooperatives and companies to develop their ideas.

· Offer up to $130,000 in financial assistance and mentoring to scale a new product that is already advanced in development.

· Identify ways to improve efficiency, services and outcomes for NSW fishers, fisheries and the seafood supply chain.

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the competitive grants program will invest in new ideas and help address challenges facing the industry.

“We want to hear all your ideas, no matter how big or small, how weird or quirky, because it’s this kind of out-of-the-box thinking that will propel the sector into the future,” Mr Saunders said.

“A thriving seafood sector isn’t just good for business but it’s also a big win for communities, the environment and of course our commercial fishers.

“There’s also the potential to find ways to better utilise by-catch, in a range of fields including food, pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements to make our fisheries resources more sustainable.”

The Seafood Innovation Program has been developed by NSW DPI, in partnership with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and an industry-led steering committee, made up of members with experience in the NSW seafood industry, product development and innovation processes.

All interested businesses and individuals should register to receive updates on the Seafood Innovation Program.

For more information or to apply visit – https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/seafood-innovation-program

PEDAL TO THE METAL ON FUNDING FOR PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADES

The Australian Government is fast-tracking its commitment to upgrade one of the nation’s busiest highways, accelerating $80 million in funding to the Pacific Highway – Wyong Town Centre project.

The contribution will help the NSW Government to expedite delivery of this priority project on the Central Coast.

The $420 million project will upgrade the Pacific Highway through Wyong, duplicating the highway between Johnson Road and Cutler Drive.

The existing Wyong River road bridge will also be replaced with two new road bridges, increasing clearance heights for River Road and South Tacoma Road.

The Australian Government is contributing $336 million towards the project, with the NSW Government committing $84 million.

The works are currently in the planning phase, with the delivery schedule to be determined as planning and development works progress.

To find out more about the project, visit transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/pacific-highway/wyong-town-centre-upgrade/index.html

For more information, visit investment.infrastructure.gov.au.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“The Pacific Highway is one of Australia’s busiest and most important urban arterial roadways, making investment in its improvement vital.

“With the population of the Central Coast projected to increase by about 75,000 over the next two decades, this announcement ensures we are delivering for the future.”

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said:

“The NSW Government has a clear long-term economic plan backed by a $112 billion infrastructure investment to deliver the roads and infrastructure needed to keep our state moving.

“This includes significantly upgrading what is one of the country’s busiest highways, to help ease congestion through Wyong so that local residents and visitors can get to where they need to quickly and safely.”

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“This section of the Pacific Highway connects Wyong’s growing residential and business districts to the north with the commercial and industrial areas to the south.

“World-class infrastructure networks are the backbone of our nation, and the improved access provided through projects like these deliver opportunities for regional employment and business growth.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said:

“All motorists and our freight sector need safe and efficient regional road networks, particularly along arteries like the Pacific Highway.

“Since 2011, the NSW Government has been upgrading the Pacific Highway from Sydney to the Queensland border, making it easier to get from A to B along the coast.

“I welcome this announcement; the fast-tracking of this funding will play a key role in creating local jobs and keeping regional communities connected.”

FUNDING BOOST FOR AVOCA DRIVE UPGRADES

The Australian Government has announced $70 million in additional funding towards upgrading Avoca Drive on the New South Wales Central Coast.

The additional funding comes on top of the Albanese Government’s $30m election commitment, bringing the total Australian Government funding to $100m.

The Australian Government will partner with the NSW Government to deliver the project.

The project will improve safety and reduce congestion on Avoca Drive, including widening the section between Carrak Road and Killuna Road intersections.

This will create a safer road for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“The Australian Government is committed to improving road safety, through infrastructure projects across the Central Coast that will ensure the safety of our community is prioritised.

“This upgrade will greatly improve safety and reduce congestion on Avoca Drive, ensuring motorists get to their destination faster, and safer.”

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said:

“The NSW Government has a clear long-term economic plan backed by a $112 billion infrastructure investment to deliver the roads and infrastructure needed to keep our state moving.

“This upgrade to Avoca Drive will ensuring that commuters travelling through this growing region can do so quickly and safely.”

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“The Australian Government remains committed to working collaboratively with state, territory and local governments in working towards Vision Zero: zero deaths and serious injuries by 2050.

“Upgrading Avoca Drive will make this busy road safer for residents and visitors alike.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway said:

“The NSW Government is building the infrastructure that matters to secure a brighter future for our great State.

“Earlier this week we outlined our vision of a better connected roads and transport network on the Central Coast to make daily life easier for Central Coast communities.

“The works announced today will play a role in realising this vision and ensuring our roads network remains as safe and as efficient as possible.”

First Nations voice amplified by 2023 Newcastle Citizen of the Year accolade

A passionate advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities has been selected as Newcastle’s 2023 Citizen of the Year.

Nathan Towney was crowned Citizen of the Year at an award ceremony on Wednesday, in recognition of his leadership as The University of Newcastle’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Leadership.

A Wiradjuri man, Mr Towney was pivotal in the successful launch of Ngarrama in 2022 in partnership with Awabakal Ltd and supported by City of Newcastle, and will oversee the event’s return to King Edward Park on Wednesday 25 January 2023.

The free public vigil – the name of which translates to “to sit, listen and know” – is held on the eve of Australia Day to engage the community in meaningful reconciliation through truth telling and historical acceptance, featuring performances and informative talks from local Aboriginal elders.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Mr Towney’s worthy conferral as Citizen of the Year came at a significant time in the national discourse on Indigenous affairs, ahead of the forthcoming referendum to establish a Voice to Parliament.

“Mr Towney is a dedicated community leader who is passionate about building positive relationships and creating greater awareness and understanding of the path to reconciliation,” Cr Nelmes said.

“A member of City of Newcastle’s Gurakai Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Mr Towney freely and generously gives his time and knowledge and is an exceptionally worthy recipient of the Citizen of the Year title.”

Mr Towney said it was an honour to receive the award, which gave weight to the incredible work being done in the community to shift public perceptions and improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“I’m really proud to be part of this community,” Mr Towney said. “Newcastle has been a place of opportunity for Aboriginal people for many years and there are a lot of people who do amazing work across this region. I feel this personal recognition has been made possible by the foundational work of many people who have advocated for Aboriginal people, history and cultures in Newcastle across generations.”

The 2023 Young Citizen of the Year title was awarded to local entrepreneur Dominic May, who founded CoastXP, a unique coastal sightseeing experience.

As well as actively contributing to the diversity of local tourism offerings and Newcastle’s post-pandemic economic recovery, Mr May was lauded for his rescue efforts when the crew onboard the fishing vessel ELLIE-K issued a mayday call off the Newcastle coast in July.

Mr May and a group of whale watchers arrived on scene with seconds to spare as the vessel was taking on water, rescuing the entire crew including the family dog.

In recognition of its work with all levels of government to tackle coastal erosion, Stockton Community Group Inc. was announced as the 2023 Community Group of the Year.

Led by Co-Presidents Alison Rigby and Melanie Taggart, the volunteer group was congratulated on its efforts to highlight erosion at Stockton Beach and call on the NSW State Government to “step up and act” through organised campaigns such as the Red Line Rally in July.

Stockton Community Group Inc. continues to advocate alongside City of Newcastle for the implementation of actions under the Stockton Coastal Management Plan (CMP), which was certified by the NSW Government in August 2020.