Month: February 2023

New home for women’s sport in NSW

Sydney will cement itself as the home of women’s AFL and Rugby League with the Showring Oval at Moore Park one step closer to a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence, thanks to a $15 million grant from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said women’s sport is booming across NSW and the multi-sport project, in partnership with AFL NSW/ACT and the Sydney Roosters would provide grassroots players access to a world-class training hub. 

“This facility will be a fantastic community asset, bridging the gap between elite and grassroots sports, which will help grow participation and provide local talent pathways for our future AFLW and NRLW stars year round,” Mr Henskens said.

“Since 2017, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has invested more than $2 billion grassroots community sport, through infrastructure grant programs and our nation-leading Active Kids voucher program.”

The project will deliver a community oval and multi-purpose green spaces, universally inclusive change rooms and amenities, and a high-performance training and administration centre.

Head of AFL NSW/ACT, Tiffany Robertson, said this is a truly exciting moment for Australian football across community, talent pathways and the elite game in Sydney and across NSW.

“A revitalised Showring Oval in Moore Park will help accommodate the increasing number of women and girls striving to be their best on the football field as well as provide a world-class facility for multiple sporting groups and the broader community to share,” Ms Robertson said.

“Thank you to our project partners and the NSW Government for acknowledging and supporting the value of a reimagined Showring Oval.”

Roosters CEO, Joe Kelly, said the first Women’s rugby league match was played in Australia in 1921 on what was previously known as the showgrounds of the Royal Agricultural Society.

“More than a hundred years later, it is a wonderful reflection of the pace at which women’s participation in sports like rugby league and AFL is growing, that the NSW Government has committed to re-developing Showring Oval with both the Sydney Roosters and AFL,” Mr Kelly said.

Projects funded through the Centre of Excellence Fund must include multi-purpose facilities, enabling organisations to expand community programs and engage with the community.

AUSTRALIA STANDS WITH UKRAINE WITH ADDITIONAL MILITARY SUPPORT AND SANCTIONS

Today marks one year since Russia launched its illegal and immoral full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

We mourn the incalculable losses that Ukraine has endured.

We honour the unwavering resolve and strength of the Ukrainian people as they stand up to Russia’s continued aggression.

We are proud to stand with Ukraine as it defends its people, its territory, and its sovereignty.

Today, on this most sombre occasion, the Australian Government is announcing additional military assistance to Ukraine and further costs on Russia, including additional sanctions.

The Australian Government will provide additional Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) to Ukraine. These systems provide a battlefield intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability for the Ukrainian Armed Forces as they continue to fight.

Additionally, today in the United Kingdom the first rotation of around 200 Ukrainian recruits will graduate from military training supported by Australian Defence Force personnel as part of Operation Kudu, Australia’s contribution to a UK-led multi-national training program.

The Australian Government has imposed further targeted financial sanctions and travel bans on 90 persons, and targeted financial sanctions on 40 entities. The new sanctions targets include Russian ministers with responsibilities spanning energy, natural resources, industry, education, labour, migration and health.

We are imposing sanctions on persons and entities engaging in activities of economic and strategic significance to Russia or that threaten the territorial integrity or sovereignty of Ukraine. This includes new listings of those perpetuating the Kremlin’s mistruths to shore up support for President Putin and key players in Russia’s defence industry: 

  • Kalashnikov Concern, one of Russia’s largest arms manufacturers
  • Submarine developer Admiralty Shipyards
  • Aviation company Tupolev
  • Missile designer Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau,
  • Infantry fighting vehicle producer Kurganmashzavod.

Australia has now imposed more than 1,000 sanctions in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Overnight, Australia also joined 140 other member states to support a resolution calling for a just peace in Ukraine at an Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

We again call on Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukrainian territory and end this war.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“This is a most sombre occasion for the people of Ukraine. One year on from Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified and unlawful full-scale invasion, the costs of Russia’s aggression are incalculable.”

“In the face of Russia’s aggression, the Ukrainian people—led so resolutely by President Zelenskyy—have displayed extraordinary strength and courage. We continue to stand with Ukraine.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said:

“In response to requests, Australia is providing more Uncrewed Aerial Systems to the Ukrainian Government; this support will provide a battlefield intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability to the Ukrainian Armed Forces as they continue to fight against the unwarranted aggression of Russia.”

“This announcement coincides with the first graduation of Australian-trained Ukrainian soldiers as part of a UK-led multinational training effort to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. They leave with skills and knowledge that will save lives when they take up the fight against Russia.”

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said:

“Australia is imposing additional sanctions, targeting those in the Russian Government who are helping prolong this war, those financing this war, and those spreading mistruths to justify this war.

“Australia’s sanctions regime against Russia is our largest. This reflects our support for the people of Ukraine and for the fundamental norms of sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

SECURING THE FUTURE IN THE ILLAWARRA

The Albanese Government is delivering on a commitment to build the skills and capabilities to take advantage of Australia’s transition to a clean energy future with a $10 million investment at the University of Wollongong.

The funds will establish an Energy Futures Skills Centre located at the university, with a second investment of $2.5 million to upgrade equipment and teaching aids, creating a Renewable Energy Training facility at the Wollongong TAFE.

The two facilities will work together to help build the energy workforce of the future, using state-of-the-art teaching laboratories and upgraded equipment to provide real world examples of clean energy technology for teaching and research.

This investment will deliver teaching programs to re-train and upskill workers for a career in clean energy and clean manufacturing.

This investment will add to other initiatives to build a clean energy future, including installing community batteries, mandating local content in new infrastructure to modernise the electricity grid, and developments through the National Reconstruction Fund.

Making the change to renewable energy will bring new economic opportunities, while helping reduce power bills, and ensuring a better future for the people of the Illawarra and the nation.

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese said:

“Renewable energy not only means more affordable and reliable energy over the long term, it means greater economic opportunity in the regions that have always powered Australia.

“That’s why we are skilling the workforce needed to power Australia’s future with renewable energy.”

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

“Creating jobs in the regions where people live will mean a better future for those who want to stay where they grew up, near their families and communities while they build their lives.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the Illawarra’s future jobs, industries and technology.”

Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor said:

“After a decade of neglect, putting the skills and research that will drive renewable investment in the regions that can take advantage of the opportunity will grow jobs and local business 

“This investment sets up Wollongong to develop the skills to be a leader in the energy transformation of the coming years and decades.”

WET WEATHER WORRIES DRAINED AWAY BY PEAKHURST PARK UPGRADE

A major upgrade to Peakhurst Park in southern Sydney has been officially opened by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The valuable community sport and recreation facility received a $473,662 upgrade thanks to funding from the Australian Government and Georges River Council.

The project delivered new turf, a full sub-surface drainage system and a 120,000-litre water storage tank supplying an irrigation system for the entire field.

The upgrade will help reduce ground closures due to wet weather, and improve the quality and safety of the playing surface for up to 80,000 players using the park each year.

The works supported around 30 construction jobs, with Georges River Council expecting a further eight potential ongoing jobs as a result of the project.

Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese said:

“This is a great example of how investment in local sporting infrastructure can benefit entire communities, for improving health and providing places for people to connect with each other.

“These upgrade works have created a quality, local environment that will encourage increased use of this important sporting site for Peakhurst and the St George area.

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

“The Australian Government is committed to investing in economic prosperity by providing access to funding for capital works for community and economic infrastructure.

“I look forward to continuing to partner with councils and local communities to create jobs, build opportunity and unlock economic growth and productivity.”

FEDERAL FUNDING PUTS SHOALHAVEN ON THE ROAD TO SAFER JOURNEYS

The Australian Government is delivering on our election commitment to invest $40 million in critical safety upgrades for six Shoalhaven roads.

This project will improve safety by delivering a range of road works, including rehabilitation, re-surfacing, widening and intersection upgrades on:

  • Culburra Road, between Wollumboola and Culburra Beach ($14 million)
  • Forest Road, east of the Princes Highway ($8 million)Callala Bay Road ($6 million)
  • Callala Beach Road ($5 million)
  • Worrigee Intersection ($5 million)
  • Callala Bay Intersection ($2 million)

This builds on other Government investments in the region, including $155 million towards the Nowra Bridge, $32.8 million towards the Far North Collector Road Network in Nowra and $97 million towards the Nowra Bypass – Planning project.

The Australian Government will work closely with Shoalhaven City Council, which will deliver the project, to determine the scope of works, construction timeframes and ensure works get underway as soon as possible. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: 

“Nothing is more important than getting people home safe at the end of each and every trip, whether it’s a quick duck down to the shops, the regular school run, or a longer haul.

“That’s why we are investing $40 million to improve safety along six crucial roads and intersections in the Shoalhaven region, which will make an incredible difference for motorists in the region.”

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

“This package delivers on an election commitment and is yet another example of how our Government is here to walk the walk when it comes to delivering the infrastructure Australians need to get home sooner and safer.

“Not only will this project deliver lasting infrastructure upgrades that will bolster road safety for the Shoalhaven region, it will support much-needed jobs and economic stimulus during construction.

“It will also provide a welcome long-term boost for the region, as better road networks are critical for connecting people to services and employment, as well as businesses to customers and markets.”

Fiona Phillips MP said:

“Locals know how badly our pot-holed local roads need fixing.” 

“I’m proud the Albanese Government is investing $40 million to assist Shoalhaven City Council fix local roads.”

“This will make a difference to the lives of people who live in the Shoalhaven region, improving journeys and getting people back home to their families safely.”

AUSTRALIA SHOULD CO-SPONSOR VANUATU’S ICJ RESOLUTION

Greens Deputy Leader and International Aid & Global Justice spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has urged the Australian Government to co-sponsor a UN resolution from Vanuatu requesting an International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on climate change.

Last year, the Greens urged Australia to support Vanuatu’s initiative for an ICJ opinion, and Australia now supports this. Vanuatu and other countries have now called on countries to go a step further and join as co-sponsors of this resolution.

Senator Faruqi said:

“This is Australia’s opportunity to back climate justice on the world stage.

“If the Albanese government is serious about delivering climate justice and supporting the Pacific, they should put Australia’s name on this resolution. We should also commit to publicly advocating for its success when it comes up for consideration at the UN. 

“The time for nice-sounding words is over. We need clear and unambiguous commitments from Australia to show solidarity with our Pacific neighbours who are facing the worst threats from climate change.

“An ICJ advisory opinion could be a powerful way of driving countries to take stronger climate action. 

“Climate justice also means the government stopping new coal and gas.” 

Investing in a stronger, healthy region

Australia will invest in high-quality health programs across the Pacific and Southeast Asia as part of the Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative, a new five-year program to improve health outcomes and promote regional prosperity and stability.

The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on health services in our region has been severe. Vaccination coverage for diseases such as measles and diphtheria has declined and the burden on health systems posed by non-communicable diseases like heart disease is increasing. More progress is needed on preventing, diagnosing and treating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

In response to this shared challenge, the Australian Government is inviting proposals that support the needs of our region – in particular, to tackle infectious disease outbreaks, address non-communicable diseases and improve mental health.

In addition, the Government will fund the research and development of vaccines, drugs and diagnostics for diseases that affect the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

We will also expand regional health assistance provided by key Australian Government agencies and extend partnerships with international and regional agencies supporting health systems in our region.

Existing investments in sexual and reproductive health and rights will also be continued.

This initiative seeks to support gender equality and women’s empowerment, disability inclusion, and address the health impacts of climate change.

More information is available at Indo-Pacific Health Security.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:

“Improving the health and wellbeing of communities across the Pacific and Southeast Asia is critical to ensuring our region’s security, prosperity and stability.

“COVID-19 has reversed health and development gains in our region, and Australia is working with partners to restore their health systems and build on investments made during the acute phase of the pandemic.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP said:

“This new initiative demonstrates the Australian Government is serious about investing in health in our region, the Indo-Pacific, to support more resilient communities, improve health outcomes and save lives.

“This initiative will complement Australia’s ongoing health assistance in the region, through support to partner governments, multilateral organisations, and non-government organisations.”

Have your say on the future of Wickham

New cycleways and footpaths, tree planting and public art opportunities are being proposed under a concept plan designed to guide future streetscape upgrades in Wickham.

City of Newcastle’s draft concepts for Wickham’s public spaces, prepared as part of the delivery of a Public Domain Plan, outline key elements to help realise the long-term vision of the Wickham Masterplan 2021 with a focus on connecting green spaces, prioritising pedestrian and cyclist activity, and upgrading Union Street as an attractive pathway to the heart of the precinct.

Creating open community spaces, activating the historic Bullock Island Rail Corridor and improving access and connections to Wickham Park and the harbour’s waterfront are also on the agenda, along with future opportunities for public art and interpretation of both Aboriginal and European heritage.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said plans for the area aim to facilitate the long-term expansion of the city centre towards Wickham and increase opportunities for transit-oriented development around the Newcastle Interchange.

“We are starting to see a real change in Wickham, with growing investor and developer interest in recent years transitioning the semi-industrial area into a mixed-use urban neighbourhood, supporting the Newcastle West CBD,” Cr Clausen said.

“The Public Domain Plan aims to create a welcoming and positive environment for residents and visitors while improving safety, accessibility, and amenity.

“We have worked closely with a number of stakeholders on these draft concepts including local community group Great Lifestyle of Wickham.

“We’re now looking to receive broader feedback from the community to help inform key features of the final plan, which over the long term will deliver greater road and pedestrian links within Wickham and to adjoining areas, improved cycleways and increased investment in community infrastructure to support the growing local population.”

The development of a Public Domain Plan will provide a clear, shared vision for the Wickham public domain, enabling future staged implementation, including directly by developers as continued growth occurs in Wickham. The Plan will ensure consistency in outcomes, regardless of whether new infrastructure is delivered by City of Newcastle, or by the private sector as part of their new development.

The draft concept plans for the Wickham Public Domain Plan will remain open for online feedback via newcastle.nsw.gov.au/haveyoursay until 22 March. Community drop-in sessions will be held at Marketown on Thursday 2 March from 11am to 1pm and at the Tree of Knowledge Park in Wickham on Saturday 18 March from 11am to 1pm.

City of Newcastle is also seeking feedback on the Community Infrastructure Incentives in the Wickham Planning Proposal, which seeks to deliver identified community infrastructure and facilitate urban renewal in Wickham through the provision of development incentives.

The Community Infrastructure Incentives in the Wickham Planning Proposal will remain open for comment via newcastle.nsw.gov.au/haveyoursay until 22 March.

Offshore wind farms drive new jobs and investment for Newcastle

City of Newcastle has welcomed the prospect of unlocking billions of dollars of investment and hundreds of local jobs after the Federal Government opened consultation into establishing Australia’s second offshore wind zone off the coast of Newcastle.

The announcement was made by Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen during a visit to Newcastle today.

Hunter Jobs Alliance Coordinator Warwick Jordan, Hunter Workers representative Jack Galvin-Waight, State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon, Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, and Glen Williams from the Maritime Union of Australia.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said a renewable energy industry built on large-scale offshore wind farms would offer a sustainable new future for Newcastle, which was once home to Australia’s first large scale, land-based single wind turbine at Kooragang Island.

“City of Newcastle has a long history of supporting and implementing renewable energy projects, including becoming the first local government in NSW to move to 100 per cent renewable electricity,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We are committed to transitioning towards a low carbon economy to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy our city and region, and believe that a mix of renewables, including offshore wind, is essential to achieving this target.

“Offshore wind also provides the perfect opportunity to diversify Newcastle’s economy by pivoting thousands of jobs in the local manufacturing, construction, maritime, transport and logistics industries into the renewable energy sector.

“In addition, the accessibility of the Port of Newcastle and our existing local skills base would allow offshore wind to precipitate the emergence of a new renewable energy industry in Newcastle and the Hunter.

“This can unlock billions in new investment in renewable energy infrastructure and pave the way for our city to become the renewable energy hub for the Asia-Pacific region.”

Cr Nelmes said the offshore wind industry offers many potential benefits for Newcastle, but was mindful of the need for measures to be put in place to protect and deliver local jobs, and consider any potential impacts on visual amenity and our marine environment.

“With the correct legislative and regulatory framework, offshore wind along the coast of Newcastle has the potential to play a significant role in sustaining our state’s future energy needs, and provide a significant boost to the local economy,” Cr Nelmes said.

“However, its development must be done with guarantees in place that it would preference the employment of local workers and use of local materials for the benefit of our communities.”

Digital connectivity receives $3.5 million funding boost

Organisations committed to solving critical connectivity issues will receive $3.5 million in funding as part of NSW Telco Authority’s Next Generation Digital Connectivity initiative.

The initiative aims to provide connectivity to recovery assistance points for people affected by disasters, enhance technology and keep communities connected.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the NSW Government was partnering with a select number of businesses to trial a range of different connectivity solutions for emergency services, government agencies and the community.

“Digital connectivity is essential to everyday life, whether it’s emergency services able to communicate during a bushfire, or a person in a remote community able to contact a loved one anywhere in the world,” Mr Dominello said.

“Thanks to the collaboration created through these trials, the Government will drive innovative solutions and create ground-breaking projects that could shape the future of connectivity.

“The Next Generation Digital Connectivity trials are the building blocks for potentially bigger future projects, whose scopes could reach across the Government.”

Mr Dominello said there was no one-size fits all solution to the connectivity challenges currently faced by NSW businesses and citizens and investment in evolving technology was crucial to deliver seamless connectivity. 

“The funding will enable partnerships with industry and government agencies to leverage their resources, skills and knowledge to create ground-breaking solutions that will drive the future of connectivity,” Mr Dominello said.

The initiative will include trials with the NSW Rural Fire Service, Service NSW, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the NSW Reconstruction Authority who will work with industry partners to find real-world solutions for specific connectivity challenges.

Following a request for proposals in September 2022, NSW Telco Authority determined proposals by Wireless Innovations, Av-Comm, Vocus, Optus, and Field Solutions Group were best suited to work with the NSW Government to conduct trials to better understand how to solve state-wide connectivity challenges. 

Findings from the trials are expected to be published in mid-2023.

For more information about NSW Telco Authority visit:   https://www.nsw.gov.au/telco-authority