February 2023 – Page 8

Australian disaster experts to be deployed to assist New Zealand emergency

A team of Australian disaster experts will be sent to New Zealand to assist with the response and recovery in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle.

A state of emergency has been declared in New Zealand, after heavy rain caused devastating flooding on the north island.

An impact assessment team, made up of 25 expert officers from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and contributions from other jurisdictions, will be deployed to regional areas of New Zealand within the next 24 hours to assist Fire and Emergency New Zealand with the response.

Should New Zealand require any further assistance in the coming weeks, Australia remains ready to assist.

More than 70 emergency responders were also recently despatched to Turkiye, where they are currently assisting with the response and recovery in the aftermath of a deadly earthquake.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said:

Our close relationship with New Zealand has meant we have been able to mobilise assistance quickly in response to this disaster.

Whether it be as far away as Turkiye or as close as New Zealand, we stand ready to do our part to help our international counterparts in times of distress.

Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt said:

We are sending some of our best response and recovery experts to help our friends in New Zealand.

Unfortunately, over the past few years we have become experts in flood response and recovery, and these teams will be of great help to the New Zealand authorities.

In the wake of our Black Summer bushfires, the New Zealand government moved quickly to provide assistance here on the ground. Their crews also supported our State Emergency Services during the recent floods.

Our neighbours have been there for us, and we are more than willing to return the favour in their hour of need.

Community to have its say on future of Newcastle 500

Residents, businesses and racegoers are being invited to have their say on the future of the Newcastle 500 as community consultation on the event kicks off.

Submissions will open tomorrow for the online survey, which forms the first part of a comprehensive consultation strategy prepared and implemented by KPMG to guide the decision about future Newcastle 500 events in Newcastle.

The strategy was finalised after being placed on public exhibition for six weeks throughout December and January, with the online survey launched during bump-in for the Supercars season-opener event.

The survey can be completed via the City of Newcastle website from Saturday 18 February and will remain open until three weeks after the event, which is being held from 10-12 March 2023.

In-person surveys around the event precinct during the race period will provide insight into attendees’ behaviours including visitation to local businesses, while a random telephone survey will follow the event to capture a range of views from across Newcastle’s demographic profile.

Three post-event stakeholder workshops with residents, business and industry representatives will also be held to understand the perceived benefits and challenges presented by the Newcastle 500.

CEO Jeremy Bath said the feedback would help guide any decision made by City of Newcastle should Destination NSW and Supercars Australia propose a five-year contract extension of the the event in Newcastle.

“We’re committed to undertaking broad community consultation using an evidence-based methodology to understand the opinions of the Newcastle community and ensure that key stakeholders have their voices heard and considered,” Mr Bath said.

“The consultation will explore themes of liveability, economic benefit or challenges and perceptions of the event, as well as its impact on the visitor economy.

“Should Destination NSW and Supercars decide they want to extend the Newcastle 500 for another five years, our elected Council will need to decide if we agree to again be the host city.”

A report on the feedback and insights from the community consultation to inform the decision about any potential extension of the Newcastle 500 will be prepared for Council to consider in the coming months.

Preparations for next month’s race are well underway, with bump-in by Supercars having kicked off on 1 February.

In addition to three days of racing around the street circuit, the event will treat music fans to a weekend of epic performances inside the race precinct, with a world-class line-up for two concerts that includes headliners Icehouse and the Hilltop Hoods and hometown heroes the Screaming Jets and Trophy Eyes.

Access to the Friday and Saturday night concerts is available for ticket holders of the respective race days, as well as those with a three-day event pass.

A series of free community events will also be held outside the race precinct across the weekend, with race fans being given the chance to meet all 25 Newcastle 500 Supercars champions at a driver signing session from 4.30pm on Thursday, 9 March at Gregson Park, Hamilton, with kids’ entertainment options also on offer.

Car enthusiasts are in for a treat from 8am to 5pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday when the Newy Car Club hosts a display of pristine vehicles at the Newcastle Museum Forecourt, while Civic Park will be transformed into a family-friendly fun zone from 11am – 3pm on the weekend with an epic 27m long slide, free face painting and tasty snack stalls. On Saturday, visitors can experience all things art and dance with hands-on creativity and messy play for toddlers, while Sunday will see local bands battle it out on stage while community members are encouraged to get involved in the drumming workshops and a silent disco.

Keep track of all the details across the weekend by visiting whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au

New lighting for South Nowra football fields

Two football fields at South Nowra will receive a major lighting boost through the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $25 million Female Friendly Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Program.

Liberal candidate for South Coast, Luke Sikora, attended the announcement which will make these fields safer and more welcoming to female athletes.

“Everyone should feel safe when they are playing sport in the community and this funding for lighting will be going to good use at South Nowra,” Mr Sikora said.

“Women’s sport is very popular and we want to encourage more participation with an investment like this into community sport.”

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the $339,075 boost would help Shoalhaven City Council deliver high quality floodlighting for Fields 4 and 5 at South Nowra.

“Women’s sport is booming in NSW and this program will deliver the facilities women and girls need and deserve,” Mr Henskens said.

“This groundbreaking program will level the playing field by improving facilities that for decades have been predominately used by men, but now cater for a growing number of women’s and girls’ sporting teams.”

Since 2017 the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has committed more than $1 billion to deliver new and upgraded community sport facilities.

Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock said the facility is used by the football community throughout the year and this investment would help to boost female participation by providing a safer environment for women and girls.

“Community sport is a vital part of our social fabric and some of the biggest barriers faced by women and girls are the lack of female change rooms and amenities, as well as adequate lighting,” Mrs Hancock said.

“South Nowra Football Fields are not only heavily used throughout winter, they’re also used during summer for local football competitions. This funding boost to upgrade lighting will mean more women can play football safely at South Nowra.”

More information about the program is available online.

$8 million pilot to slash home energy bills and emissions

Slashing home energy bills and emissions is the focus of a new $8 million program to pilot innovative ways to fully decarbonise homes in up to three local communities across NSW.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the falling price of clean technologies like rooftop solar, batteries and heat pumps was making it easier for households to save money on their energy bills while lowering their carbon footprint.

“Households can save hundreds of dollars on their energy bills by upgrading to new, energy efficient appliances or installing rooftop solar, making it more cost effective to live in a zero emissions home,” Mr Kean said.

“This trial will focus on finding the best ways to save households money on their energy bills by installing zero emissions appliances and technologies.”

“This is all about using the latest technology to give people more control of their energy bills, while contributing to NSW’s target to reduce emissions by 70% by 2035.”

The NSW Government will run a competitive process to partner with the private sector to test cost effective ways to upgrade to zero emissions homes in an urban, regional and remote community.

Mr Kean said that no two homes were the same, from stand-alone homes in the regions to apartment blocks in the cities, making it important to trial the cheapest suite of zero emissions technologies across different communities.

The pilot program will launch in the second half of 2023 and will be voluntary for households in the selected communities to join.

Sydney’s next great parklands to be established in Western Sydney

The historic Fernhill Estate will be transformed into one of Sydney’s great public parklands making it a central part of the NSW Government’s Western Parkland City vision.

A landmark $65 million investment, made possible by the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government’s $5 billion WestInvest Program, will transform the former private Fernhill Estate in Mulgoa into a 423 hectare public park.

The new expansive parklands will support the growth of the new Western Sydney Aerotropolis and will feature a network of paths and walking trails that will connect to the wider Mulgoa Valley, Penrith region and Blue Mountains National Park.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this investment will secure, protect and enhance critical green space establishing a major new parkland for the people of Western Sydney – one of the youngest, fastest-growing and most diverse populations in the nation.

“We launched WestInvest to secure the best quality of life for families and make West and South West Sydney even better places to live and that is exactly what this project will do,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Parks and public spaces like this are Western Sydney’s answer to Centennial Park and Hyde Park in the east, a generational investment to leave a legacy of beautiful public spaces.

“Investments like this are only possible because of the NSW Liberal and Nationals economic plan for the future.”

The Greater Sydney Parklands will transform the former private property into an accessible public park showcasing the area’s great natural and cultural beauty. This will include:

· New and upgraded park entries for safe vehicle access into the Estate;

· A new estate drive and pedestrian promenade to allow people to walk to Fernhill House from key recreational areas;

· A network of pedestrian paths and walking trails connecting to the wider Mulgoa Valley, Penrith region and Blue Mountains National Park;

· 300m boardwalk around the Northern Dam and access for kayaks and small non-motorised watercraft;

· 1km arc of Indigenous planting in the shape of a lyrebird feather;

· A new nature-based playground and drop-off/pick-up zone for neighbouring Mulgoa Public School;

· Bush revegetation and new interpretative and wayfinding signage.

Treasurer Matt Kean said WestInvest is creating world-class public spaces for the growing Western Sydney population to enjoy now and into the future for exercise, excitement and relaxation.

“When we launched WestInvest, we asked Western Sydney residents what infrastructure projects would change their local areas for the better,” Mr Kean said.

“The huge majority of responses said they wanted new and improved open and green space and the opportunity to explore nature through walking and cycling tracks.

“Our WestInvest projects provide something for everyone from adventurers, to young families, to those who simply want to sit back and enjoy nature.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the funding would ensure the Western Parkland City lives up to its name.

“We’re putting the park in the heart of the parkland city. Eastern Sydney has its harbour and beaches, Parramatta has its rivers and creeks, and Western Sydney will be defined by freshwater lakes and verdant parklands,” Mr Stokes said.

“WestInvest quite literally uses a motorway to fund a greenway, delivering a legacy of parks, paths and playgrounds for Western Sydney families to enjoy.

“It wasn’t that long ago that the public were almost locked out of Fernhill Estate forever and now it’s going to be completely transformed into one of Sydney’s most-cherished public spaces.”

Fernhill Estate was purchased by the NSW Government in 2018. The upgrades and improvements as part of this investment will take place over the next five years as part of The Foundation Plan of Management to 2026.

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

Medicinal cannabis users to be captured by new harsh South Australian drug driving laws

This week, the South Australian Labor government has given South Australia Police the power to immediately strip motorists of their licence upon detection of prescribed drugs, which will affect patients using medicinal cannabis.

Thousands of patients who have been prescribed medicinal cannabis by their General Practitioner are in the firing line, with no consideration given to these South Australians who have been able to access medicinal cannabis as a treatment option since 2016.

To address this, I am introducing the Statutes Amendment (Medicinal Cannabis Defence) Bill 2023 to the Legislative Council next week.

My Bill allows for a complete defence for medicinal cannabis users when THC is detected in the person’s fluid or blood when:
• The person has a valid doctor’s prescription for the medicine containing THC;
• The person is not involved in dangerous or reckless driving; and
• An officer cannot establish impairment in the person.

My Bill is based on existing rules in Tasmania, which allow for the detection of THC at the roadside for medicinal cannabis patients so long as the motorist is not impaired while driving.

South Australia does not currently have a restricted list of medical conditions for which medicinal cannabis is prescribed. It is rightfully left to doctors and patients to establish the best treatment options. Medicinal cannabis can be accessed for conditions including paediatric and adult epilepsies, multiple sclerosis, and various types of pain, and to treat side effects from chemotherapy and HIV/AIDS therapy.

Before Monday, a positive roadside drug test would result in a driver retaining their licence until its suspension by a Magistrate.

Law-abiding medicinal cannabis patients now face heightened anxiety when getting behind the wheel as the South Australian government threatens them with immediate loss of licence with no regard to their capacity to drive. Not to mention the isolation that will add to our mental health crises for those too scared to drive while undergoing treatment.

The government needs to support my common-sense Bill to ensure patients are not stripped of their licence through no wrongdoing of their own.

BRISBANE ‘GOOD TO GO’ FOR GOLD

With the eyes of the world on Brisbane, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk are delivering the important infrastructure that will be at the heart of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and leave an enduring Games legacy.

The Queensland Government will fund the $2.7 billion redevelopment of the Gabba while the Federal Government will provide $2.5 billion for the Brisbane Arena development. Sixteen new or upgraded venues will receive close to $1.87 billion in co-funding on a 50/50 basis between the two governments.

This significant agreement will help Brisbane run a Games that will do Australia proud and leave a substantial legacy long after the closing ceremony.

Brisbane Arena is planned to be built within the Roma Street precinct with easy access for people of all mobilities to the city’s rail and bus network.

It will host Olympic and Paralympic swimming, and water polo finals, completing the list of venues that will put 16 Olympic sports within walking distance of each other.

The Gabba redevelopment, along with Cross River Rail and the Brisbane Metro will anchor a major urban renewal of Woolloongabba delivering more housing, more jobs, and better connectivity.

Access to the railway network provides fast, clean, green and easy connectivity to the rest of the south-east region.

Importantly, all venues provide city building capacity with economic and social benefits lasting well beyond 2032.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said all of Australia is backing Brisbane 2032.

“The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be the largest event that’s ever been held in Queensland.”

“The Australian Government has worked cooperatively with the Palaszczuk Government to secure infrastructure projects that will have a long-term and transformational impact on Queensland as we count down to 2032.”

“My Government is ensuring that every dollar that is invested has lasting benefits, not just for Brisbane but for all Queenslanders and all Australians.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it is important to remember no project is built solely for the few weeks of Games competition.

“For example, the Gabba has hosted sport for more than a century and is home to cricket and AFL most weeks of the year,” the Premier said.

“It must be upgraded to maintain our competitiveness for international sport and events.

“Brisbane Arena will provide a new indoor entertainment centre – something Brisbane’s CBD has not had since the demolition of Festival Hall in 2003.”

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the projects will be fiscally responsible and are in accord with the International Olympic Committee’s ‘New Norm’.

“Brisbane 2032 will be another opportunity to show what Australia can do, but more than that, it will provide a lasting benefit for Australia.”

“Better infrastructure, and building in a lower emissions environment, will not only mean the best for the athletes of the world, but that communities will have great spaces and places to use into the future.”

“I look forward to working cooperatively with Queensland on these important projects.”

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said the Games are forecast to deliver $8.1 billion in economic and social benefits to Queensland and more than $17.6 billion to Australia.

“Queensland’s population is booming, and the Games legacy will be infrastructure to cater for this growth and ensure our Queensland lifestyle in the coming decades.

“Infrastructure like Brisbane Arena and The Gabba have benefits that reach far beyond the next nine and a half years, delivering jobs and investment.

“The Gabba revitalisation will transform Brisbane providing an opportunity for more housing and an active travel corridor to South Bank and the CBD.”

The Australian and Queensland Governments are also investing in the SEQ City Deal which will deliver social, environmental and economic benefits for communities in the region and support the delivery and legacy of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Brisbane Arena

New 17,000 seat CBD indoor entertainment venue
Proposed Roma St location to be serviced by new Cross River Rail Brisbane Underground and existing train and bus services; and will be close to Suncorp Stadium
Hosts 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Swimming and Water Polo
Construction planned to start 2027. Completion 2030.

Gabba Stadium

New 50,000 seat stadium
Olympic and Paralympic Athletics and Ceremonies
New Pedestrian walkway linking to new Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro
Two minute Cross River Rail access to Brisbane CBD
Construction planned to start 2026. Completion 2030.

Additional Venues

Upgrade 9 existing venues:
1. Wyaralong Flatwater Centre and Precinct – Rowing
2. Sunshine Coast Stadium – Football
3. Brisbane Aquatic Centre and Precinct – Aquatics (including diving, artistic swimming and water polo preliminaries)
4. Barlow Park (Cairns) – Football
5. Toowoomba Sports Ground – Football
6. Brisbane International Shooting Centre – Shooting
7. Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre – Mountain Biking
8. Anna Meares Velodrome and BMX Track – Track, BMX Racing
9. Queensland Tennis Centre – Tennis
Construction of 5 news venues:
1. Breakfast Creek (Brisbane) Indoor Sports Centre – Basketball and Wheelchair Basketball
2. Chandler Indoor Sports Centre – Gymnastics and Wheelchair Basketball
3. Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre – Basketball
4. Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre – Boxing
5. Redlands Whitewater Centre – Canoe
Temporary International Broadcasting Centre
Logan Indoor Sports Centre as a potential training or competition venue
Minor upgrades to existing competition and training venues.

Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong and Papua New Guinea Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Justin Tkatchenko BEM OL MP will tomorrow co-chair the 29th Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum in Canberra.

As neighbours, friends and equals, the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea is profoundly important to both countries.

Foreign Ministers will be joined by nine Australian Ministers and sixteen Papua New Guinea Ministers, speaking to the breadth and depth of our partnership.

Ministers will discuss our economic relationship, strategic cooperation for security and stability, and social and human development.

The Ministerial Forum follows the Annual Leaders’ Dialogue between Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Marape in January, supporting their ambitious vision for the bilateral relationship.

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

“In the face of global challenges affecting our region, Australia and Papua New Guinea are working together with new energy in the interests of a safe, peaceful and prosperous Pacific.

“I look forward to working with Minister Tkatchenko and other Ministers to advance our modern partnership at the Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell said:

“Australia and Papua New Guinea share an ambition to boost our business, trade and investment relationships.

“We will continue to work together to ensure a mutually beneficial bilateral economic partnership and bolster two-way trade and investment.”

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

“Australia and Papua New Guinea are the closest of neighbours and dearest of friends. Our relationship is built on deep economic and security cooperation, underpinned by ties through culture, churches, labour mobility and of course sport.

“We are honoured to host the Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum which is an opportunity to ensure our partnership grows to reflect contemporary opportunities and challenges.”

Newcastle welcomes hit Broadway musical Come From Away

The curtains have gone up on the first professional Broadway musical to be held at Civic Theatre in 30 years, as the cast and crew from Come From Away take to the stage.

Almost 16,000 tickets have already been sold to the critically acclaimed production for its record-breaking Newcastle season, which kicked off with a preview showing Wednesday evening and will be officially opened with a red carpet premiere tonight.

Lord-Mayor-on-stage-at-Civic-Theatre-with-some-of-the-Come-From-Away-cast.JPG

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 welcomed the Come From Away cast and crew to Newcastle and said that Novocastrians and visitors are set to be wowed by the musical production.

“After enjoying enormous success on Broadway and in London’s West End, the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical Come From Away has arrived here in Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Come From Away has captured the hearts of millions of people around the world with its remarkable true story about kindness and humanity and is sure to enhance the cultural life of our city.

“With the success of Sir Elton John’s recent two shows and the news of Pink’s upcoming tour, which is expected to deliver a $9 million boost to local businesses, Newcastle has cemented its position as a host destination for international acts.

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

Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said Come From Away has smashed ticket sales records for the theatre and she actually expects sales to lift even further once the show starts thanks to positive word of mouth.

“Interest in this musical has been incredible and ticket sales have exceeded our expectations, attracting audiences from as far as Tasmania, Brisbane, Armidale, Narrabri and Coffs Harbour,” Ms Wallace said.

Newtheatricals’ producer Rodney Rigby said he is delighted to bring the Broadway production to Newcastle.

“Come From Away is the perfect show for our time; an opportunity to come together and celebrate an inspirational story of hope and humanity,” Mr Rigby said.

“The reception for this show across Australia has been ecstatic and we’re thrilled to be sharing it with audiences in Newcastle.”

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

Tickets are on sale now.

For more information and for tickets visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

New Park’nPay Accessibility Portal goes live

It is now easier for motorists with disabilities to find accessible parking across Sydney streets and carparks, thanks to a new nation-leading Park’nPay Accessibility Portal, giving drivers the power to search for hundreds of accessible spots with the tap of a button.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the Accessibility Portal is an easy-to-use web-based platform, allowing people to search for accessible parking at their desired location, and filter for the time and day the space is needed as well as by parking type.

“We are continuing our journey to improve the accessibility of services for the more than 400,000 people with mobility parking permits and want to offer them an easy way to find parking before they leave their driveways,” Mr Dominello said.

“It can often be time-consuming for drivers with a disability to find a suitable parking space especially if they are unfamiliar with the area they are travelling to.

“Motorists will be able to use the Accessibility Portal to find a spot which best suits their needs, the number of accessible spaces at a location, get directions and real-time availability for accessible spaces.”

The NSW Government has already integrated 383 accessible parking spots across four Sydney councils. When completed, the program will cover roughly 3600 accessible parking spots across 30 Sydney Metro councils.

Mr Dominello said users would be able to select a spot with the recognisable wheelchair icon to indicate it is an accessibility bay with the spot being green if it is available to use or red if occupied.

“This is a great example of using technology to be more inclusive and this enhancement will make it easier than ever to plan a journey and find a parking spot,” Mr Dominello said.

“Instead of spending time and wasting petrol driving around looking for an accessible park, we have an innovative solution which gets drivers where they need to go.

“The Park’nPay app will also have an accessibility mode option where customers with a mobile parking permit can customise their experience to search for accessible parking, start a parking session and receive notifications.”

Vice President of Google Cloud – Australia and New Zealand Alister Dias said the NSW Government and Google share a vision for a strong and inclusive digital future for all Australians, and technology can play a pivotal role in helping deliver improved outcomes.

“Working closely with the Department of Customer Service and Physical Disability Council, Google Cloud is optimising the Park’nPay experience by analysing parking sensor data to provide real time parking and travel information, ensuring motorists with disabilities can better plan trips and park with ease,” Mr Dias said.

Physical Disability Council NSW CEO Serena Ovens said: “The Accessibility Portal further enhances our member’s capacity to source accessible parking information easily including the ability to check the streetscape they will be parking in.”

“Any information that assists people with mobility needs to better understand their parking options is welcomed. PDCN applaud Google’s involvement in the Park’nPay app as an important innovation that supports the inclusion of the disability community.”

Real-time parking data will come online in the app as each council area is onboarded and will be completed in 2023.

The Portal is a joint initiative between the NSW Government, Google and the Physical Disability Council of NSW.

For more on the Accessibility Portal visit: https://accessibility.parknpay.nsw.gov.au/