March 2023 – Page 17

Man charged over alleged animal cruelty & domestic assault– Raymond Terrace

A man will appear in court today after allegedly throwing a puppy against a wall and assaulting a man in the Hunter Region.

About 9am (Friday 3 March 2023), officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced an investigation into an alleged assault and act of animal cruelty.

Police have been told two men – aged 18 and 24 – became involved in an argument before the younger man allegedly assaulted the older man, causing an injury to his eye.

The younger man has allegedly thrown a cattle x kelpie puppy against a wall causing serious injuries.

Eight-week-old ‘Dax’ was taken to a local vet for treatment for injuries including a broken leg, which had to be amputated.

Following inquiries, police arrested an 18-year-old man in Maitland about 7pm (Friday 3 March 2023).

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV) and commit an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal.

The man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Court on Saturday 4 March 2023.

Investigation underway after Muswellbrook home invasion

Police will address the media following an aggravated home invasion at Muswellbrook overnight left four people injured.

About 1.15am (Saturday 4 March 2023), emergency services were called to a home on Forbes Street, Muswellbrook, following reports of an aggravated robbery.

Police have been told five men – wearing balaclavas and armed with weapons including machetes, knives, hammers and a pole – forced their way into the house and assaulted four occupants, demanding money.

A 59-year-old man, a 47-year-old woman, a 20-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were treated at the scene for injuries including a suspected skull fracture, broken jaw, broken arm and lacerations. They were all taken to John Hunter Hospital at Newcastle for further treatment. Their injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Two dogs at the home were also struck with machetes and have been treated by a vet; they are reported to be in a stable condition.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene and have commenced inquiries into the incident.

GREENS WELCOME AUSTRALIA’S DECISION TO CO-SPONSOR VANUATU’S ICJ CLIMATE RESOLUTION

Deputy Greens Leader and International Aid & Global Justice spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has welcomed the Australian Government’s decision to co-sponsor Vanuatu’s UN bid to seek an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the rights of present and future generations to be protected from climate change.

The Greens, along with civil society groups, have been pushing Australia to step up and co-sponsor the resolution.

Senator Faruqi said:

“The Government’s decision to co-sponsor Vanuatu’s initiative is a positive signal to Pacific nations that Australia is starting to listen to them and their campaign for climate justice.

“Now, Australia has to back this up with strong, credible climate policy at home: a transition to renewables and no new coal and gas. Shamefully, Labor’s safeguard mechanism policy is pro-coal and gas.

“The Government’s decision is reportedly based on a recognition that the climate crisis is the single greatest threat to our Pacific neighbours. At the same time, the Government is nonetheless willing to make the climate crisis worse by opening new coal and gas.”

“Wealthy, colonial countries of the Global North, including Australia, bear overwhelming responsibility for causing and driving the climate crisis. Australia must advocate for global climate justice and critically, must stop making the climate crisis worse by opening new coal and gas.”

GREENS URGE LABOR TO STARE DOWN LIVE EXPORT INDUSTRY PRESSURE

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Australian Greens Deputy Leader and Spokesperson for Animal Welfare, has criticised efforts by the live sheep export industry to pressure Labor into backflipping on their election promise to ban live sheep exports, as reported today.

Senator Faruqi said:

“Labor went to the last two federal elections with a policy to end live sheep export, a measure that polling repeatedly shows is supported by a clear majority of people.”

“The Government must stare down this brazen attempt by a cruel and brutal industry to bully it into backflipping on that promise.”

“The industry’s claims that it has reformed and can now be trusted is rubbish. Sheep continue to die in large numbers on live export ships and suffer oppressive heat stress.”

“We know even the most basic transparency measures, such as independent observers, are not being followed, making a mockery of any of their animal welfare claims. The Government is being taken for a ride by this cruel industry.

“The industry is right on one thing though: Animal welfare campaigners won’t stop at just the live sheep industry. Live animal export should be shut down entirely, as New Zealand is doing. It is simply incompatible with animal welfare.”

GREENS CALL FOR IMMEDIATE TASMANIAN DEVIL POPULATION SURVEYS IN TEMDUDHEKER/WOOLNORTH AND ON PILITIKA/ROBBINS ISLAND

The Greens call for immediate Tasmanian devil population surveys in temdudheker/Woolnorth and on pilitika/Robbins Island, after very sad and shocking revelations today that devil facial tumour disease – responsible for wiping out 95% of the Tasmanian devil population – has been detected in an area of the state’s north west previously considered disease-free.

Greens Senator for lutruwita/Tasmania, Peter Whish-Wilson said:

“This news is absolutely devastating. Tassie devils are only just clawing their way back from this horrendous disease, whilst also battling a myriad of other pressures such as becoming roadkill, land clearing, mining and logging.

“The Greens call for Tasmanian devil health surveys to be conducted urgently in and around the remaining temdudheker/Woolnorth populations and on the critical pilitika/Robbins Island, to help better inform conservation management plans.

“This shocking news adds urgency to acting on roadkill mitigation measures, such as reducing speed limits in the area, as agreed upon in the recent Circular Head Council meeting.

“My colleague Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP and I will be writing to the Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek today to bring this sad news to her attention. We will also seek urgent assistance for health and population surveys as part of the devil’s federal recovery plan and stress the need for increased focus on devil protection and conservation in this critical area.

“The Federal Government has responsibilities under the EPBC Act to help devils recover, but hasn’t committed a cent towards the devil’s recovery in the last five years and this needs to change.

“Abandoning the Tasmanian devil now, after so much time, money and love has been poured into keeping the treasured species alive and healthy, is a cruel death sentence.”

Commitment needed to deliver renewed plan for Stockton

City of Newcastle is calling for a meeting of the NSW Deputy Premier’s Stockton Beach Taskforce, to determine which NSW Government agencies will fund and own the sand nourishment implementation actions for managing erosion in Stockton, as discussed at a meeting with the Stockton Community Liaison Group this morning.

The draft Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP) steps out an expanded list of management actions that support the long-term strategy of mass sand nourishment outlined in the 2020 Stockton CMP, and broadens the geographical area covered to include the northern end of Stockton Beach from Meredith Street to the Port Stephens Local Government Area boundary.

The complementary actions featured in the Extended CMP are intended to prolong the benefits of mass sand nourishment.

The Deputy Premier’s Stockton Beach Taskforce was established by John Barilaro in May 2020 to drive the implementation of sustainable long-term solutions to the coastal erosion issues for Stockton Beach – with a focus on sand sourcing options and pathways to seeking funding – and last met in June 2022.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that collaboration and leadership from all levels of government is vital to delivering a solution for the Stockton community.

“Delivering the CMP is a complex process, and each action outlined in the plan needs to be championed and funded by the most appropriate agency,” Cr Nelmes said.

“It is appropriate that the NSW Government be tangibly involved in a solution for Stockton Beach, as it is their infrastructure, namely the breakwater and deepwater navigation channel of the Port of Newcastle, that has been proven as the primary cause of ongoing erosion at Stockton Beach.”

Chair of the Stockton Community Liaison Group, Barbara Whitcher, called on the State Government to commit to a solution as a matter of urgency.

“The east coast lows are likely to arrive any time, and we need commitment from the State Government to solve the problem of erosion.”

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said mass sand nourishment remained the long-term solution to protecting the NSW Government owned Stockton Beach, and the Extended CMP is an important next step to delivering the long-term vision.

“The Extended CMP has been informed by extensive consultation with the community, as well as the findings of additional studies and investigations undertaken since the development of the 2020 CMP,” Ms Bisson said.

In October 2022, the NSW Government was successful in obtaining a $6.2 million grant through the Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program, which includes $4.7 million from the Federal Government and $1.5 million from the City of Newcastle.

NSW Public Works were appointed earlier this year to manage the project funded by the grant, which includes the delivery of the initial amenity nourishment for Stockton, studies into possible sources of mass sand from the North Arm of the Hunter River and offshore sources, as well as the environmental approvals required for mass sand nourishment – a complex process which has never before been undertaken in NSW.

Pending confirmation of the allocation of responsibility for actions, the draft Extended Stockton CMP will then be finalised ahead of public exhibition in mid-2023.

Legal assistance for flood impacted victims

Flood affected communities in NSW will be able to obtain free legal advice as a result of a $7 million Commonwealth funding investment to aid ongoing relief and recovery.

Commonwealth Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the new funding for community legal services in NSW meant people will have ongoing ready access to free, independent and confidential support to help navigate legal problems including insurance claims, housing and tenancy rights, employment issues and social security, credit and debt, domestic violence, destroyed documents and parenting arrangements.

“These devastating floods have taken every material thing from those affected. The Commonwealth’s extra funding for Community Legal Centres means they’ll now have the legal assistance they need to help rebuild their lives,” Mr Dreyfus said.

“Every part of people’s lives is impacted by these natural disasters and we want to ensure that legal assistance is available to them at this critical time.”

NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman said the funding will help Community Legal Centres (CLCs) continue to support people through the ongoing flood recovery.

“The floods wreaked havoc on our State,” Mr Speakman said.

“In the challenging aftermath of a natural disaster free legal assistance is crucial, especially to people who are socially and economically disadvantaged.”

Seven CLCs will each receive $250,000 per year, over four years:

· Northern Rivers CLC

· Shoalcoast CLC

· Mid North Coast Legal Centre

· Illawarra Legal Centre

· Central Tablelands and Blue Mountains CLC

· Welfare Rights Centre

· Tenants’ Union of NSW

Port of Eden transformation reaches major milestones

Liberal candidate for Bega Russell Fitzpatrick has welcomed the Liberal Government’s vision to transform the Port of Eden into a thriving maritime precinct and cruise destination is taking shape with the construction of a $32 million wave wall at Snug Cove.

“The South Coast Boating Network Plan identifies investment opportunities to revamp existing boating infrastructure and services that support marine tourism at 17 of the region’s waterways,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

“This plan is supported through the NSW Government’s $205 million Maritime Infrastructure Stimulus Program and the Boating Now Program which has delivered more than 330 projects since it began in 2014.

“Eden has already been identified as a significant investment location to support not only the cruise industry but also commercial fishing, tourism and recreational boating in NSW. The delivery of major projects such as these will help further unlock the Sapphire Coast’s tourism potential.”

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the 366-metre-long wave attenuator on the NSW far South Coast, due to be completed within the next few days, marks another major milestone in the transformation of the Port of Eden.

“This is an engineering feat which required mega purpose-built marine construction equipment and materials to build this game-changing maritime asset,” Mr Elliott said.

“The purpose of the wave attenuator is to deliver a safe harbour for commercial boats, private vessels and maritime infrastructure by providing protection from high winds and wave conditions.

“Providing a safer harbour will not only enhance Eden’s reputation as a first-class boating destination but will also stimulate local investment in the community’s maritime and tourism sectors and boost the local economy.

“The design of the wave wall was developed based on extensive site-specific wave data, weather history, environmental and geotechnical conditions plus ship and vessel simulations.”

Projects that have already been funded through these programs include:

repairs to the Wollongong Harbour Slipway to enable continued operation
a new Kayak launch and pontoon at Shell Harbour Marina
an upgrade of the Woolamia and Myola Boat Ramp facilities, near Jervis Bay
a new boat ramp precinct at Lake Conjola
an upgrade of the boat ramp facility at Hanging Rock, Batemans Bay
an upgrade of the Narooma Town Wharf

NSW’s first hydrogen bus trial underway on the Central Coast

The state’s first hydrogen-powered electric bus will soon take to the streets of the Central Coast in a local trial of the technology.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the trial was one of many that were paving the way to a zero emissions future by bringing together industry and the transport and energy sectors.

“These hydrogen buses are the first step in growing our green hydrogen industry which is estimated to grow the NSW economy by an extra $600 million each year from 2030 onwards and attract $80 billion in investment by 2050,” Mr Kean said.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the trial is an important milestone in the plan to transition the state’s 8000-plus public transport buses to zero emissions technology.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is keeping our state moving forward by investing in the technology that will deliver widespread benefits to our communities, commuters and our economy,” Mr Farraway said.
“The new hydrogen bus is believed to be the first of its kind manufactured in NSW and we know this trial will be key to supporting the development of the hydrogen industry right here in NSW.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said unlocking hydrogen use in the heavy transport sector will ensure investment in clean technology, grow the economy and support regional jobs and manufacturing.

“This state first trial will help determine the most suitable zero emissions technology to deliver the best services for our regional and rural communities.

“Hydrogen may have the potential to travel longer distances without refuelling and have faster refuelling times, which is an important factor in regional NSW.

“Red Bus has already conducted a trial using a battery electric bus so this trial will allow for a direct comparison between how electric and hydrogen perform in the same location.”

The project is a partnership between the Department of Planning and Environment, local bus manufacturer ARCC, Central Coast operator Red Bus, and Origin Energy.

The new hydrogen bus will be in service from Monday 6 March until the end of June 2023.

More information is available at https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/zero-emission-buses

A cleaner Sydney Harbour using AI technology

For the first time, key waterways in Sydney Harbour will be equipped with innovative technologies to help reduce the amount of rubbish polluting the Harbour, thanks to the new Smarter, Cleaner Sydney Harbour initiative co-funded by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.

Minister for Environment James Griffin said the pilot program is using cutting-edge science and technology to protect one of Australia’s most iconic environments by preventing rubbish from making its way into the Harbour.

“Sydney Harbour isn’t just the world-famous jewel in Sydney’s crown, it’s an important ecosystem that supports abundant marine life such as seals, seahorses and little penguins, which will be even better supported thanks to this initiative,” Mr Griffin said.

“Through the Smarter, Cleaner Sydney Harbour project, we’re investing in technology that will keep our Harbour cleaner and create healthier ecosystems by using cameras and sensors to monitor litter moving along estuaries and creeks in real time.

“Through this initiative, almost 80 sensors will be fitted to traps on local waterways to alert councils and government authorities in real time when they need emptying, helping them remove litter before it reaches the Harbour.

“This initiative complements our $9.1 million Seabirds to Seascapes project, which is helping restore Sydney Harbour by replanting seagrass meadows, installing hundreds of Living Seawall panels, supporting fur seals and little penguins.”

The Smarter, Cleaner Sydney Harbour project will help reduce the 3,500 cubic metres of litter currently entering Sydney Harbour, equivalent to about 44,000 wheelie bins.

Cameras will be fitted to bridges along key waterways, including throughout Sydney Olympic Park, and will detect litter in the water using advanced analytics and artificial intelligence, detecting build up in gross pollutant traps.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the initiative will help authorities proactively manage waterway health, making maintenance more efficient, timely and cost effective.

“AI software will be used to identify the types of litter floating in the water – distinguishing between a chip packet, a bottle and can,” Mr Dominello said.

“This data will help water authorities work out where the litter hot spots are and how to better target litter prevention activities.

“At the end of the trial we will assess its success with a view to the technology being rolled out across the Greater Sydney region to be used by all councils who manage stormwater networks.”

The Smarter, Cleaner Sydney Harbour pilot is a collaboration between Sydney Olympic Park Authority, Sydney Coastal Council Group Inc, Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, Parramatta River Catchment Group, and is co-funded by the NSW Government.

The pilot received a $545,000 co-contribution from the $47.5 million Smart Places Acceleration Program, part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Digital Restart Fund.

For more information, visit https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/industry/cities-and-active-transport/smart-places