January 2023 – Page 9

New Ambulance Station for Berkeley Vale

Liberal candidate for The Entrance, Nathan Bracken, welcomed the Perrottet Government’s announcement of a new ambulance station for Berkeley Vale.

“This community will be getting its first ambulance station, a major frontline emergency care boost, which will give the locals faster access to necessary support,” Mr Bracken said.

“The Entrance has really benefited from the Perrottet Government’s investment in our health care and services, and this is another great example of its work to make the lives of this community better.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said it is a big win for the region and will ensure locals continue to receive quick access to emergency care when and where they need it most.

“This is an exciting day for Berkeley Vale and the wider Central Coast region. Along with new ambulance stations earmarked for Lisarow and Kincumber and a rebuild of the Woy Woy ambulance station, the NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government are ensuring the emergency health needs of the people of the Central Coast are met now and into the future,” Mr Crouch said.

“The exact location for the new ambulance station will be determined following further planning and consultation with key stakeholders including Council and our local emergency services personnel.

The construction timeline will be determined once a site has been confirmed.

“The new station will feature internal parking for emergency ambulance vehicles, vehicle wash facilities, staff parking, multipurpose spaces to support staff education and rest, logistics and storage spaces, an office area for administration as well as staff amenities,” Mr Crouch said.

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the announcement forms part of a record $1.76 billion NSW Government investment which will transform NSW Ambulance services over the next four years with more than 2,000 extra staff, including 1,858 paramedics, and 30 new ambulance stations across NSW.

“Ambulance services are experiencing unprecedented demand across rural and regional NSW, and these three ambulance stations for the Central Coast will keep us ahead of the curve,” Mrs Taylor said.

“The investment will bring more jobs to the local area and provide a better working environment for our amazing paramedics who are giving their utmost to serve communities across our great state.”

The new ambulance stations for the Berkeley Vale, Lisarow and Kincumber communities are being delivered as part of the $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure program and will support local paramedics to provide the best emergency medical care now and into the future.

The Perrottet Government is committed to increasing the capacity of NSW Ambulance. In total, more than $1 billion is being invested across three major NSW Ambulance infrastructure programs, with more than 100 projects announced since 2014.

The Government’s $1 billion investment in NSW Ambulance infrastructure includes:

• Sydney Ambulance Metropolitan Infrastructure Strategy ($184 million) – 19 projects – 18 projects completed to date with one due for completion late 2023. Program began 2014

• NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program ($615.5 million) – 30 projects – 8 in early planning. Program announced in 2022-23 State Budget.

• RAIR program Stage 1 & 2 ($232 million) – 54 projects – 39 complete, 15 underway. Program began 2015.

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Driving growth and investment across the Central Coast

More than $23 million is being invested by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to unlock housing, jobs, and opportunities for the Central Coast.

The Central Coast Strategy for Economic Growth will be released today, together with the Draft Central Coast Regional Transport Plan, supporting the NSW Government’s vision to drive growth and investment across the region.

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the Central Coast Strategy for Economic Growth had a particular focus on unlocking land for employment.

“We know the Central Coast is an incredible place to live and play. We’re now investing in unlocking key employment sites to create the jobs and opportunities for the future, strengthening the local economy and improving lives,” Mr Stokes said.

“The Central Coast will thrive as part of the NSW Government’s Six Cities vision. With commitments for faster rail at Wyong and a new university campus at Gosford, we’re backing the Central Coast to grow a stronger economy, invest in better services, and make lives easier for local families.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the Draft Central Coast Regional Transport Plan has also identified 80 initiatives which include an upgraded interchange on the M1 at Ourimbah and more connected neighbourhoods.

“The Central Coast is a region on the move – with increasing tourism, expanding employment areas and a population that’s set to grow by 70,000 people by 2041,” Mr Farraway said.

“The draft plan highlights the initiatives worth investigating to ensure the Central Coast continues to be well-connected by a safe, efficient and accessible transport network.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said the community’s feedback would continue to be critical.

“We’re already in the process of delivering some of these projects including an upgrade to the Pacific Highway at Lisarow, accessibility improvements to Tuggerah Station and changes to the intersection of Ocean Beach Road and Rawson Road,” Mr Crouch said.

“These changes will secure the future growth of a region which is already a great place to live, work and play.”

The Central Coast Strategy for Economic Growth was informed by community consultation beginning in 2020 and can be viewed here. Its delivery will be further supported by the Six Cities Region Plan, to be developed during 2023.

Transport for NSW is asking residents and stakeholders to contribute to the Central Coast Regional Transport Plan by making their submissions by Friday, 24 February at future.transport.nsw.gov.au/CCRTP

$1 billion for critical Western Sydney roads

Western Sydney is set for a major boost with the NSW Liberal National Government announcing a $1 billion investment from the WestInvest fund to upgrade critical roads across the region.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Government was backing the people of Western Sydney with this major investment in the road network to keep people moving, reduce congestion and boost flood resilience.

“Western Sydney is booming and we are making sure that families who live across this fast growing region have the very best roads and infrastructure to keep them moving,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This $1 billion investment in critical upgrades to major roads across the region is a game changer and will make sure that Western Sydney continues to grow and thrive.

“We are backing Western Sydney communities by making their roads safer, making sure they spend less time and getting tradies and other business to where they need to go quicker.

“This is all part of our long-term economic plan for Western Sydney, which includes targeted cost of living measures including toll relief, $16 billion for critical transport infrastructure, more than $480 million on local hospitals and health services, and the construction of new schools.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the $1 billion investment was made possible because of the NSW Government’s strong economic management.

“This investment will not only ensure people get to spend more time with family and friends instead of in traffic, but it will significantly improve the safety profile of these critical corridors,” Mr Kean said.

“The increased productivity which results from these road improvements will inject millions of dollars into the state’s economy which benefits every single person across NSW.”

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the improvements are also targeted to improve flood evacuation routes for families in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley and around Pitt Town.

“We are working towards widening Garfield Road East to a four-lane divided road, providing a flood evacuation route with increased capacity as well as a better connection to the communities of Marsden Park, Box Hill, Richmond, Schofields and Rouse Hill,” Mrs Ward said.

“The Pitt Town Bypass is also a project the community has been calling for so I’m incredibly pleased we can deliver it, significantly increasing the community’s resilience to flooding events.”

The funding will support a range of significant road projects across 15 Local Government Areas, including:

· $200 million for safety improvements on Elizabeth Dr at critical sections between Devonshire Rd and Western Road, Kemps Creek;

· $100 million to construct the Pitt Town bypass which has been identified as a crucial project following recent flooding events in the Hawkesbury-Nepean valley;

· $100 million to enable the upgrade of a 3.4 kilometre section of Garfield Road East between Piccadilly Street, Riverstone and Windsor Road, Box Hill;

· $600 million for roads infrastructure upgrades to be delivered within the 15 eligible WestInvest Local Government Areas, to be determined.

First home buyer choice and stamp duty refunds begin today

Eligible first home buyers will be able to ditch upfront stamp duty from today in favour of a smaller annual fee on properties purchased up to $1.5 million, while those who’ve bought in the last two months can now apply for a refund.

First Home Buyer Choice begins today and eligible first home buyers who bought after November 11, 2022 when the initiative became law, can opt in to the annual fee and will receive a stamp duty refund within 10 business days.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said First Home Buyer Choice will help thousands of NSW families achieve the benefits of home ownership sooner.

“The new year brings a new choice for first home buyers. Our plan means first home buyers will shave years off the time needed to save for a property and will help them achieve their home ownership dreams,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This will be a game-changer for first home buyers. The Liberal and Nationals are backing first home buyers to get the keys to their first home sooner.

“This national first will significantly reduce upfront costs, reduce the time needed to save for a deposit and will see most first home buyers pay less tax overall.

“The wide scope of First Home Buyer Choice means it is now assisting first home buyers to get the keys to their first home, whether it is an apartment in Holsworthy, a townhouse in Kellyville or a large freestanding home in Orange.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said interest in First Home Buyer Choice was strong with more than 56,000 calculations made online comparing the smaller annual fee to upfront stamp duty.

“Eligible first home buyers can now opt out of stamp duty in favour of a smaller annual fee while those who have bought since November 11, 2022 can get a refund of stamp duty within 10 business days and pay the annual fee instead,” MrKean said.

“This new choice is empowering first home buyers to get a foot on the property ladder.

“This important reform means 97 per cent of first home buyers will get a leg up under the Liberal National Government’s policies, allowing them to buy the type of home they want, where they want to live.”

The property sector has been engaged and briefed on the program and is ready to help potential buyers choose what will work best in their circumstances.

First home buyers can get more information and calculate their options here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/initiative/first-home-buyer-choice

First home buyers who have bought since 11 November 2022 can apply to opt into annual property tax and have their stamp duty payment refunded within 10 business days. They can apply at: : https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/grants-schemes/first-home-buyer/first-home-buyer-choice#apply

First Home Buyer Choice is part of the NSW Government’s $2.8 billion Housing Package announced in the 2022-23 Budget, which aligns with the Housing 2041 vision.

Supporting Northern Beaches SES volunteers

Liberal candidate for Pittwater, Rory Amon, has welcomed the Perrottet Government’s $255,000 capability boost for Northern Beaches’ NSW State Emergency Services (SES) volunteers, with the delivery of a new Medium Storm Vehicle and General Purpose Trailer.

Mr Amon said the new equipment will be a huge help for the local volunteers, who will be able to use it for storm damage operations, including dealing with complex tree and roof situations, and flood rescues.

“As an emergency services volunteer, I know that having access to the right equipment can make all the difference in the world to a successful operation or rescue,” Mr Amon said.

“This is one of the many reasons I’m proud to be campaigning for the Perrottet Government, which has been a great supporter of the NSW SES and its volunteers – including its commitment of $116 million for the strategic replacement of the SES fleet.”

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke joined Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes, SES Commissioner Carlene York and SES volunteers and staff today to hand over the keys to the new vehicle and equipment.

“The Warringah-Pittwater Unit’s 128 members are some of the most active in NSW and I’m very grateful for their work in the Northern Beaches community as well as deployments to regional areas,” Ms Cooke said.

“The two new assets being officially handed over today form part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $116 million Fleet Replacement Program to provide our wonderful volunteers with the best possible resources and equipment.”

Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes said the new vehicle and trailer are a welcome sight following relentless rain and flooding over the past year.

“The Medium Storm Vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive suite of equipment to enhance the volunteers’ capability in storms and flood rescues, while the General Purpose Trailer will assist with the transport of sandbags, tools, water, food, medicines and other items,” Mr Stokes said.

“These new assets will help our volunteers better protect the community, keeping residents safer and stronger when severe weather strikes.”

Commissioner York said the new assets will provide additional capability for the Unit.

“This investment into the Northern Beaches community will ensure our volunteers will always be there to assist in a timely and efficient manner during a weather emergency,” Commissioner York said.

Warringah-Pittwater Unit Commander Mark Colwell said volunteers will utilise the trailer in their everyday operations.

“Over the past three years, our volunteers have responded to an astonishing 3,500 requests for assistance – that’s the equivalent of going out into the community three times a day to help tarp roofs, secure trees, resupply goods and ensure the wellbeing of residents,” Mr Colwell said.

South Head protected for future generations

Liberal candidate for Vaucluse, Kellie Sloane, welcomed the Perrottet Government’s listing of South Head added on the State Heritage Register.

Ms Sloane said the listing recognises one of the city’s most spectacular natural wonders, and ensures that it will be protected for future generations.

“We are privileged to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, and I am a vocal champion of protecting the unique natural character of this community,” Ms Sloane said. “This listing shows the great job that the Perrottet Government is doing to preserve our heritage, and is just one example of why I am proud to be running to be a part of the Perrottet team.”

Minister for Heritage James Griffin said heritage listing South Head will ensure future generations can experience and learn about a place that helped shape NSW.

“With its soaring sandstone cliffs, much loved beaches and green open spaces, South Head is one of the most outstandingly beautiful parts of Sydney,” Mr Griffin said.

“Listing the South Head Cultural Landscape on the State Heritage Register acknowledges the diverse and important stories of this place, which deserve recognition because they helped shape NSW as we know it today.

“South Head has strong historical and archaeological links to the Birrabirragal people, with evidence of Aboriginal occupation into the middle of the 19th century, including at Camp Cove, which is known to have been the home to Cora Gooseberry, a significant Aboriginal leader.

“The site tells us stories of thousands of years of continuous Aboriginal occupation, first contact encounters between British and Aboriginal people, Sydney’s history as a working harbour, and South Head’s role in its defence during periods of war.”

The State Heritage Listing includes the South Head precincts of Sydney Harbour National Park, Hornby Lighthouse, Camp Cove Beach and the rock shelf that surrounds them.

Much of South Head has been a national park since 1977, and the site is a popular recreational area for locals and visitors to Sydney.

Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton said after years of working with the community towards this historic outcome, South Head is now protected forever.

“This has been a long journey and worth every bit of effort together with my community. South Head is a place of unique and international cultural, environmental and historical significance. It holds a special place in our hearts for its exceptional natural beauty with deep ties to our local and indigenous history,” Ms Upton said.

“As the heritage gateway to Sydney Harbour, South Head marked the entrance to Port Jackson for ships and served as a landmark for early European settlers’ arrival into the Harbour. Prior to that, it was an important place for Aboriginal people, including for fishing, art and other rituals.”

“The exceptionally high number of public submissions received in support of the heritage listing shows the importance of South Head and its value to the people of NSW.

“I am so proud we will soon be finalising the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Head Masterplan. The Masterplan will give more opportunities to enhance cultural and natural attributes and improve accessibility and amenity for locals and visitors alike.”

South Head is home to historically and technically significant buildings and ruins that illustrate the themes of maritime safety, defence and water policing.

These include Hornby Lighthouse, the extensive network of fortifications and defence structures at Inner South Head and Lady Bay, and the archaeological remains of important water policing structures.

Listing on the State Heritage Register provides legal recognition that an item or place is of State heritage significance and that the community wants to keep it for future generations.

For more information, visit the Heritage NSW website.

BOOST FOR NORTH QUEENSLAND RENEWABLE HYDROGEN HUB

The Albanese Government is turbocharging Australia’s green hydrogen industry, with a $70 million investment to support the development of a hydrogen hub in Townsville.

The Government will today release guidelines for the competitive Townsville Region Hydrogen Hub program, which will deliver $70 million towards projects that accelerate the development of a hydrogen industry in North Queensland

With matched funding, the region will see a $140 million investment in renewable hydrogen for our own use or to supply the rest of the world as fuel, energy generation and storage, or as a chemical feedstock.

The Townsville Hydrogen Hub will create regional jobs, support Australia’s transition to a clean energy economy, and encourage decarbonisation in hard-to-abate sectors, such as industrial processing and transport.

The region’s port facilities, workforce capacity, and proximity to Asian trading partners make it an ideal location for a green hydrogen hub.

The Government’s investment in hydrogen hubs is now more than $525 million, including the $454 million Regional Hydrogen Hubs program for projects in places like Gladstone, the Hunter Valley, the Pilbara, Port Bonython and Bell Bay.

The Government is also investing $89.5 million to help the transport sector make the switch to hydrogen, including through hydrogen refuelling stations along Australia’s busiest freight routes.

By 2050, Australia’s hydrogen industry could generate $50 billion in additional GDP and create over 16,000 jobs, as well as an additional 13,000 jobs from the construction of renewable energy infrastructure to power the production of green hydrogen.

Producers, consumers, and potential exporters of hydrogen across industrial, transport, export and energy markets are eligible to apply for the Townsville Region Hydrogen Hub program. Guidelines are available at: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/regional-hydrogen-hubs-townsville-region

Grants from $30 million to $70 million will be available under an open and competitive application process when applications open in March 2023.

Applicants will be assessed in two stages, with an initial open competitive process. This will be followed by a formal application process for shortlisted applicants.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will provide an information session for potential applicants in the coming months.

Please register your interest at hydrogenprograms@industry.gov.au.

Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia said:

“This is an important development for Australia and North Queensland. Australia is already one of the largest exporters of energy in the world; a thriving hydrogen industry here in North Queensland will be critical for us to become a renewable energy superpower as well.

“The hub will help secure jobs and economic growth in Queensland, delivering on one of our key commitments, and could also pave the way for exports to our valued trading partners in Japan, South Korea and across Asia.”

Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy said:

“Green hydrogen will play a crucial role in Australia’s clean energy transformation and create jobs for technicians, tradespeople and engineers, as well as significant opportunities in related businesses and service industries.

“It is important that we support hard-to-abate sectors, including heavy industry and transport, to reduce their emissions and achieve net zero by 2050.

“These regional hubs will give our green hydrogen industry an early-stage springboard to scale, which will help to promote further growth and investment in clean technology.”

SANTOS’ SPONSORSHIP OF TOUR DOWN UNDER IS UNWELCOME

One of South Australia’s biggest tourism and sporting events, the Tour Down Under, begins today.

Santos, a major fossil fuel company and carbon emitter in the Asia-Pacific region, has been the naming rights sponsor of Australia’s premier cycling event since 2010.

Greens spokesperson for Resources and Tourism, Yamatji-Noongar woman, Senator Dorinda Cox said:

“The Tour Down Under is an internationally-regarded, much-loved event that showcases the natural beauty of South Australia and draws tourists to the state, like the cycling grand tours of Europe. I call on Events South Australia to look for alternative sponsorship arrangements that better align with the protection of that natural environment.

“Santos is a huge contributor to climate change, yet its sponsorship of important events like the Tour Down Under goes unchallenged.

“Holding the long-standing naming rights sponsorship of the Tour Down Under demonstrates how fossil fuel companies use the soft power of sport to greenwash their operations and climate action credentials.

“Saying no to new coal and gas projects and expansions, also means saying no to the invasive, greenwashing sponsorship deals that fossil fuel companies covet.

“Last year, we saw athletes and supporters from cricket, netball and Aussie Rules football speak out against sponsorship deals with fossil fuel companies that don’t align with their values.

“Tennis Australia ended its partnership with Santos with years left on their deal after bushfires and poor air quality impacted the Australian Open. This proactive climate-first approach was welcomed by the broader community.

“Transitioning away from coal and gas sponsorship is not impossible, as the move away from tobacco sponsorship shows. It’s time that we apply that same commonsense to fossil fuel companies sponsoring sporting, cultural and tourism events.”

Playground program breathes new life into the city’s recreational spaces

Young people will soon be swinging, sliding and climbing around five local playgrounds as City of Newcastle (CN) embarks on a $750,000 replacement program in 2023.

The program is set to include a makeover of Beresfield’s Vera Wilson Park, Loch Ness Drive Park in Fletcher, Harold Myers Park in Birmingham Gardens, Avon Street Reserve in Mayfield, and Waratah Park.

Lord-Mayor-Nuatali-Nelmes-opening-a-new-playground-in-Tarro-with-the-community-in-2022.jpg

Upgraded equipment will cater for a range of ages, with swings, challenging climbing components, slides and multi-play units – as well as a new stairway at Fletcher and a mini trampoline at Waratah – among the new play attractions.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said up to five of Newcastle’s 134 local playgrounds are replaced each year under a commitment to delivering improved recreational opportunities for families across the local government area.

“We know how much our community values open spaces and playgrounds, which is why City of Newcastle is investing $750,000 to upgrade five local playgrounds this year,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The city’s playgrounds provide children and families with the opportunity to spend more time outdoors and engage in an active and healthy lifestyle.”

City of Newcastle has invested more than $9.5 million in playground projects during the past five years, including the construction of an inclusive playground at Stevenson Park in Mayfield, Stockton Active Hub, and the adventure playground at Richley Reserve.

The Wallsend community also celebrated the recent completion of the $2 million Wallsend Active Hub. Its delivery caps off more than $7.7 million worth of investment by City of Newcastle into four District-level playgrounds across the area during the past five years.

In addition to these planned playground renewals, CN will be constructing a new inclusive playspace and waterpark for the Harbour Foreshore Precinct in Newcastle’s East End as part of the implementation of the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan.

The playspace will include a junior and toddler space based around themes of the beach, as well as a splash pad with interactive water play, tugboats, Awabakal canoes, and water mazes. There will also be a large swing set based on maritime navigation, flying foxes, and purpose-built shade structures.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works to stay up to date with progress on playgrounds and other projects in your area.

Drone lasers to pinpoint bush fire threats

State-of-the-art colourised laser technology has been added to Fire and Rescue NSW’s (FRNSW) fleet of drones, giving firefighters the ability to more accurately identify bush fire threats.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors will help firefighters to better manage fuel loads by mapping bushland density.

“This state-of-the-art technology gives our firefighters a greater understanding of the bush so during a fire they can better protect properties, and during a hazard reduction operation they can more effectively target areas with higher fuel loads,” Ms Cooke said.

“Having lasers fitted to drones in Fire and Rescue NSW’s $5.4 million fleet will give firefighters greater capability to keep our communities safer and stronger throughout this period of increased fire danger.”

The LiDAR sensors produce precise, three-dimensional point data fully integrated with colourised red, green and blue high-resolution imagery.

During a hazard reduction operation, laser imagery collected before and after the burn will allow firefighters to accurately determine how much bushland has been treated.

FRNSW Deputy Commissioner Megan Stiffler said LiDAR sensors can also be used during a flood recovery operation, helping clean-up crews target their efforts.

“The LiDAR sensors use eye-safe lasers to measure the volume of flood debris and gives FRNSW a better visual of the product so we can determine what it is. That information takes a lot of the guesswork out of flood recovery operations, leading to a faster and more efficient clean-up,” Deputy Commissioner Stiffler said.

“This technology, which can work in any light conditions, day or night, is a real game-changer for Fire and Rescue NSW and significantly increases our aerial firefighting capabilities.”