Month: May 2023

City of Newcastle’s record Budget to deliver everyday benefits to community

More than $25.7 million will be invested into maintaining and enhancing the city’s roads, bridges and footpaths as part of a record Budget unanimously adopted by Council last night.

City of Newcastle is significantly boosting its investment in essential community infrastructure in 2023/24, pouring $7.5million into its road resurfacing program and more than doubling its spending on road rehabilitation projects as part of the largest annual capital works program to date.

More than $137 million has been earmarked for investment into local facilities and infrastructure, with almost 270 projects planned across the local government area during the next financial year.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this was a financially prudent Budget balancing community needs with a forecast $6.9 million surplus.

“This Budget is focussed on providing real benefits for our community in their everyday lives, whether it’s investing more than $15 million into improving our roads, spending $1.2 million to extend our city’s footpath network or making it easier for people to get around Newcastle with $3.6 million for new cycleways,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We recognise the important role our recreational facilities and open spaces play in the lives of our community, so we’re investing $19.7 million into new and improved parks, playgrounds, sporting and aquatic facilities, including $5 million towards the new all abilities playground at Foreshore Park and $1.9 million for the playspace at Gregson Park.

“We’re also committed to caring for our natural environment, with $13.5 million for environmental sustainability initiatives including $8 million towards planning and protecting our coastline, estuaries and wetlands, $1.5 million towards street tree planting projects and $1 million for upgrades at Blackbutt Reserve.

“City of Newcastle’s 2023/24 Budget will meet the expectations of our community while still following a path of financial stability to ensure our city remains an attractive and inclusive place to live, work and visit, now and into the future.”

Other highlights of the 2023/24 Budget include:

  • $41.2 million to be invested in four City Shaping projects including the expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery, remediation of the former landfill at Sandgate, and construction of waste diversion facilities at Summerhill Waste Management Centre
  • $7.5 million to improve our inland pools and ocean baths, including the Newcastle Ocean Baths stage one upgrade and the Lambton Pool grandstand upgrade in time for the swim season
  • $6.9 million for urban and city centre revitalisation projects including the next stage of the East End upgrade in the Hunter Street Mall, and Local Centre upgrades at New Lambton
  • $4.9 million to improve our stormwater network to address localised flooding
  • $4.4 million to support our waste management
  • $4.2 million towards the replacement of the Boscawen Street Bridge as part of plans to reduce the risk of flooding in the Wallsend CBD
  • $2 million to continue works to beautify and improve access along Bathers Way.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said prudent financial management will deliver a second consecutive surplus budget without compromising the Council’s capacity to maintain services and meet community commitments.

“During 2023–2024, we will invest almost $377 million into our city, delivering key services and infrastructure that ensure Newcastle is a liveable, sustainable, inclusive global city,” Mr Bath said.

“Our record $137 million infrastructure program continues to deliver essential projects for the benefit of our community, yet despite the economic challenges of inflationary pressure and the high cost of living, we are continuing to build on our past financial management to deliver an improved Budget surplus of $6.9 million in 2023/24.”

$1M for exercise therapy for Newcastle cancer patients

The Albanese Government has delivered on its commitment to cancer patients in the Newcastle region, thanks to a $1 million injection to the Kaden Centre.

The funding, which has been delivered through the Hunter, New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network, will ensure the Kaden Centre can continue its unique services for cancer patients through specialised exercise physiology care.

The Kaden Centre is a purpose-built facility where people experiencing all stages of cancer can undertake customised, targeted exercise programs, under the guidance of health professionals.

The Centre was established by the inspiring Suzanne Clark Pitrolo as a not-for-profit enterprise as a result of her experiences as a cancer patient. Since opening four years ago it has treated more than 1,200 people from the Newcastle and Hunter region with cancer and chronic illness.

There is strong evidence that exercise provides benefits to cancer patients. Appropriate oncology exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression and fatigue, reduce hospital admissions and length of stay, and moderate the side effects of treatment.

Minister Butler said:

“I’ve spoken firsthand with many patients who have benefited from the Kaden Centre.

“We know exercise is not only safe for cancer patients, its known to help them cope better with their condition and their treatment.

“The Kaden Centre delivers custom, targeted exercise programs, prescribed by allied health professionals to drastically improve the long-term health outcomes for people living with cancer.  

“The Government is committed to helping all Australians diagnosed with cancer to access the best multidisciplinary care, as close to their homes as possible.”

Sharon Claydon MP said:

“I’m delighted that the Albanese Labor Government has kept the Kaden Centre’s doors open to continue their innovative oncology exercise program.”

“The Kaden Centre has helped over a thousand people in the Newcastle area, and it is vital that they are able to continue to do this important work thanks to the Albanese government’s investment.”

GREENS WELCOME END TO NATIVE FOREST LOGGING IN VICTORIA, URGE LABOR TO PASS GREENS FEDERAL BILL

The Greens have welcomed today’s announcement that the Victorian Labor Government intends to bring forward the state’s transition out of native forest logging, and are ready to work with the Albanese Government to end logging nationwide.

The Greens’ Ending Native Forest Logging Bill 2023 is already before Parliament to repeal the Regional Forest Agreements, closing the loophole that gives the logging industry a free pass to skirt national environmental protections. 

Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for Forests said:

“If the Albanese Government is serious about fighting the climate crisis and protecting our environment, it must now follow the lead of Victoria, and other state governments, and stop all native forest logging.

“Native forest logging is a dying industry and there’s no way around it. 

“If Labor bring on the Greens bill to a vote, we can immediately ban all native forest logging across the country. 

“The Regional Forest Agreements have allowed reckless destruction of native forests for decades across Australia, pushed native wildlife to the brink of extinction, destroyed First Nations heritage, endangered our water supplies, heightened bushfire risk, and made the climate crisis worse.

“The Government has a responsibility to stop this destruction, protect native forests and fix our broken environment laws. 

“The Greens are ready to work with the Albanese Government on a national ban on native forest logging, ensure a just transition for forestry workers and protect what remains of our precious native forests.”

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for the Environment said:

“This is an important breakthrough in Victoria and must force the Federal Government to act – we now need a permanent, national ban on native forest logging across the country.

“In 2023 in the midst of a global extinction and climate crisis there is no excuse for Australia to keep logging our great forests.

“The Victorian Government has today made the right decision for our native forests and wildlife, but this must be nation-wide.

“The Greens will move to make this national and permanent in our Federal environment laws. It is good for the environment, good for the economy and popular.

Inaugural Advisory Board for Centre for Australia-India Relations

Today we announce the inaugural Advisory Board for the Centre for Australia-India Relations, that will drive greater collaboration between our countries from its new Western Sydney base.

The Centre will work across government, industry, academia and the community to build greater understanding within the Australia-India relationship and support business to seize the opportunities of our economic partnership.

The Centre’s headquarters will be in Parramatta, an emerging hub for entrepreneurship and innovation and home to one of Australia’s largest Indian communities. The new headquarters is being supported by the NSW Government.

Joining the Chair of the Advisory Board, Ms Swati Dave, and the CEO of the Centre, Mr Tim Thomas, we are pleased to make the following appointments to the Board:

  • Ms Florence Drummond, CEO, Indigenous Women in Mining and Resources Australia
  • Mr Adam Gilchrist AO, former Australian cricket captain
  • Ms Amrit Gill, Creative Program Lead, City of Melbourne
  • Ms Catriona Jackson, CEO, Universities Australia
  • Mr Sammy Kumar, CEO, Sayers Group
  • The Hon. Martin Hamilton-Smith, former South Australian Minister for Trade
  • Ms Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, CEO, Mind Blowing Films
  • Ms Jodi McKay, National Chair, Australia India Business Council
  • Mr Gunjan Pagare, Executive Manager, Community Investment, Commonwealth Bank
  • Mr Amit Singh, Managing Partner, Mandala Partners
  • Ms Jan Adams AO PSM, (ex-officio), Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Centre will also deliver the Maitri (friendship) program of scholarships, fellowships, cultural partnerships and grants. For more information on the Centre for Australia-India Relations, visit its website: www.australiaindiacentre.org.au.

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 23 May 2023

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 23 May 2023. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Women’s World Cup Live Site – Go Matildas!

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported acknowledging the incredible success and community support for City of Newcastle’s public screening of the Socceroo’s vs Argentina World Cup Game on 4 December 2022 in Wheeler Place which attracted thousands of attendees.

Council unanimously supported investigating options for hosting live site public screenings in Wheeler Place of all Matilda’s games during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 when they play in Australia from 20 July.

IPART Emergency Services Levy

A Lord Mayoral Minute noted Council’s forced emergency services contribution is manifestly disproportionate to the 2023/24 rate cap, resulting in additional financial stress, with the unexpected cost hit due to absorb almost all IPART-approved rate rise for this year and in some cases absorb more than 100 per cent, for many councils.

Council unanimously supported writing to the Chair of the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Authority (IPART), noting the financial sustainability impacts of the Emergency Services Levy on the Local Government sector, and to work towards an appropriate solution to ensure the ongoing financial sustainability of local councils.

Ordinary business

Adoption of Delivering Newcastle 2040

Council unanimously voted to adopt the 2023-2024 Delivering Newcastle 2040 and the 2023-2024 Fees and Charges, following public exhibition.

Adoption of Inland Pools Strategy 2034

Council unanimously voted to adopt the Inland Pools Strategy 2043 – our plan for protecting and improving Newcastle’s public pools for the next 20 years.

Council received the Inland Pools Strategy 2043 Engagement Report and endorsed the establishment of the Inland Pools Reserve Fund to set aside funding as part of the annual budget process to enhance the city’s five publicly owned inland swimming centres over the next 20 years.

Public exhibition of draft Community Engagement Strategy

Council unanimously voted to publicly exhibit the draft Community Engagement Strategy for a minimum of 28 days.

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest – 1 February to 30 April 2023

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the period 1 February to 30 April 2023 by the Chief Executive Officer.

Proposed road closure and sale – road reserve adjoining 34 Robert Street Wickham

Council voted to lay item 8.5 on the table.

Proposed sale of operational land – 55 Cowper Street Wallsend

Council voted to lay item 8.6 on the table.

Adoption of planning proposal, draft Development Control Plan and draft Planning Agreement for 23 Merewether Street and 8 Lingard Street, Merewether, Lingard Planning Proposal

Council voted to endorse the planning proposal, the Local Environmental Plan be made and finalise the Development Control Plan and Planning Agreement for the Lingard Hospital Precinct, Merewether.

Variations to development standards (Reporting From 1 January 2023 To 31 March 2023)

Council received the report on approved development variations between 1 January 2023 and 31 March 2023 in accordance with the Department of Planning and Environment’s concurrence to vary development standards in the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012.

March Quarterly Budget Review

Council received the March Quarterly Budget Review Statement and adopted the revised budget as detailed therein.

Quarterly Performance Report on the 2018-2022 Delivery Program

Council received the 2022-2026 Delivery Program – March Quarterly Performance Report.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for April 2023.

Tender report – Lambton Pool Grandstand Upgrade 2023/065t

Council unanimously voted to adopt a tender report for the construction of a new reinforced concrete grandstand beneath the existing grandstand roof at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre (Lambton Pool).

Tender report – Material Recovery Facility – Construction Works 2023/049t

Council unanimously voted to adopt a tender for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

Proposed sale of 16 cabins – Stockton Beach Holiday Park

Council endorsed the sale of 16 cabins at Stockton Beach Holiday Park.

Tender report – Management of Inland Swimming Centres – Contract No 2022/137T

Council delegated the CEO authority to determine the tender for the lease and operation of CNs five owned inland swimming centres.

Notices of Motion

Request to release Climate Security Report

Council noted that the Office of National Intelligence has prepared a Climate Security Report.

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion to write to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Defence requesting that the government urgently releases the declassified version of the Report.

Newcastle City CBD – Vandalism – Graffiti Attacks – Crime Prevention – Business Retention – Review of Mainstreet Economic Development throughout City Construction – 2023-2026

Council supported an amended notice of motion that notes City of Newcastle staff are reviewing opportunities to focus resources specifically on development of the Hunter Street public domain and welcomes CN’s investment of more than $8.5 million in events and activation programs developed to support local City Centre businesses since 2018.

New recycling plant ushers in new era for recycling in Newcastle and the Hunter

City of Newcastle (CN) will move forward with its landmark investment into the future of recycling in the region after awarding the contract to build Newcastle’s first Material Recovery Facility (MRF).

Councillors unanimously voted on Tuesday evening to accept a $56.7 million tender from Australian-owned recyclables processor iQRenew to design and construct the MRF at CN’s Summerhill Waste Management Facility.

The Central Coast based company will also be responsible for operating and maintaining the facility, which will be capable of processing up to 85,000 tonnes of recyclables per year.

The MRF will sort recyclables from residents’ yellow-lid garbage bins into separate materials such as paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, steel and aluminium, which can then be on-sold to recyclers for use in the manufacture of new products.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the MRF will deliver a regional recycling solution designed to divert waste from landfill, cut greenhouse gas emissions and create local jobs.

“City of Newcastle is committed to delivering responsible, environmentally sustainable, and commercially feasible waste and recycling operations to manage our current and future waste streams,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The sudden closure of the only MRF in the Hunter in 2020 meant recyclables from Newcastle had to be transported to a processing facility on the Central Coast. For other local councils their recyclables now have to be transported to Sydney at significant expense to their ratepayers.

“The establishment of a local, Council owned facility will remove around 6,000 tonnes of transport-related greenhouse gas emissions over the next 25 years while also ensuring almost 200,000 tonnes of recyclables from Newcastle homes are diverted from landfill.

“Beyond meeting the needs and expectations of Newcastle residents, the MRF’s scalable processing capacity and optimal location close to the Hunter Expressway and M1 will make it an essential piece of regional infrastructure capable of servicing the entire region. City of Newcastle is progressing the design of a secondary access road as part of its Sustainable Waste Strategy, linking Summerhill Waste Management Centre to the Hunter Expressway and M1 following concept DA approval last year.

“The delivery of the MRF will also provide a major economic boost to our region, creating around 185 jobs during the construction and fit-out phase and up to 28 ongoing jobs when it becomes operational.”

CN’s plans to build the new facility have been overwhelmingly endorsed by the community, with ninety-eight per cent of residents surveyed during development of the project indicating their support.

A development application for the MRF is currently being assessed by the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel, with a decision expected in the second half of 2023. Pending approval, preliminary earthworks for the project would begin later this year with construction of the facility expected to get underway in the first quarter of 2024.

The project has received $5 million from the Federal and NSW Governments and plays a key role in CN’s Our Sustainable Waste Strategy, as well as addressing future government targets on waste diversion and recycling.

Labor stunt ignores most of NSW

At the last election, NSW Labor ran a blatant Mediscare style campaign on the privatisation of Sydney Water.

The shameless campaign had no basis in fact, as the Coalition was not going to privatise water assets, and strongly supported keeping them in public ownership.

Labor’s political campaign has now resulted in a legislative stunt, which is not only unnecessary but also does not adequately protect end-to-end water supply either within Sydney or outside of Sydney.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman called out the Labor Bill as an improper use of the NSW Constitution, and the culmination of a shameless scare campaign orchestrated by Labor and the unions in order to trick voters and win an election campaign.

“We will be moving amendments to the Bill, but our preference is to have protections in their own Act of Parliament, in accordance with proper constitutional principles,” Mr Speakman said. “If Labor’s objective for the Bill is to protect water assets from privatisation, then this Bill falls severely short. It’s hurried policy simply designed to suit the Labor Government’s political purposes.”

“Our amendments would properly protect the State Owned Corporations responsible for the supply and delivery of water from privatisation.”

Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens said the limited scope of this legislation could be interpreted as a secret agenda by the Labor Government to privatise excluded water assets.

“The Warragamba Dam is owned by WaterNSW rather than Sydney Water or Hunter Water and this Bill raises the question of whether there is a secret agenda to privatise the many water assets in our state that lie outside of the scope of Sydney Water and Hunter Water,” said Mr Henskens. “WaterNSW’s own website shows that it supplies two-thirds of water used in NSW, and it is not covered by this Bill.”

Shadow Minister for Water Steph Cooke said the Bill falls desperately short in protecting the water rights of people across State.

“This Bill discriminates against the 1.85 million people who obtain their water from water utilities other than Sydney Water and Hunter Water,” Ms Cooke said. “By focusing just on Sydney and Hunter and failing to acknowledge the rest of the NSW, this Bill raises serious questions about to the future security of WaterNSW and the 89 local water utilities across regional, rural and remote NSW.”

“If Labor were truly serious about protecting end-to-end water supply in New South Wales, they will support our proposed amendments and not exclude one third of our State’s population, simply because of the location of their water meter.”

CELEBRATING AUSTRALIA-INDIA TIES WITH PRIME MINISTER MODI

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met today in Sydney for bilateral discussions that deepened the friendship between our two nations.

The Australia-India relationship is already strong, but we both see potential for growth and an opportunity shape a better future for our region.

The meeting built on the outcomes from the Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit in March and reinforced their commitment to an open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific.

The leaders discussed the strength of the bilateral trade, investment and business relationship and reiterated their shared ambition for an early conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.

Further reinforcing the economic and people to people ties between our two countries, the leaders announced the finalisation of the Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement, which will promote the two-way mobility of students, graduates, academic researchers and business people, while also enhancing cooperation to prevent irregular migration and people smuggling.

The Prime Ministers welcomed progress towards establishing an Australia-India Green Hydrogen Taskforce and today announce the Terms of Reference for the Australia-India Green Hydrogen Taskforce have been agreed.

Prime Minister Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that the new Centre for Australia-India Relations will be head-quartered in Parramatta. The Centre began operations this month and will drive deeper engagement with India through business, policy and cultural activities and work with Indian diaspora communities. The Centre will be led by Chair Swati Dave and CEO Tim Thomas.

Prime Minister Albanese also announced the establishment of the new Australian Consulate-General in Bengaluru. Expanding Australia’s diplomatic footprint to Bengaluru will connect Australian businesses to India’s booming digital economy and innovation ecosystem, and reinforce our growing links in science and technology. Prime Minister Albanese welcomed India’s plans for a Consulate-General in Brisbane.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Modi celebrated Australia’s valued Indian diaspora communities at a community event at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. In recognition of the important contributions of the Indian diaspora to Australia’s rich multicultural society, the leaders unveiled a plaque for the foundation stone of a “Little India” gateway for Harris Park.

The leaders also welcomed the City of Perth and Western Australian Government’s decision to rename a road along Perth’s Swan River in recognition of Private Nain Singh Sailani, one of 12 known ANZACs from the Indian community who fought in the Australian Imperial Force during the First World War.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Australia has strengthened the close and strong relationship that Australia enjoys with India.”

“This is a relationship we need to invest in. Our strong partnership with India will deliver benefits for Australia in trade, investment and business, and in regional security and stability.”

“In my first year as Prime Minister, I have met with Prime Minister Modi six times, which underscores the value we place on deepening ties between our nations.”

“Australia is a better place because of the contributions of Indian-Australian community, and we want to see more connections between our countries.”

CRADLE MOUNTAIN CABLEWAY

The Greens have welcomed news revealed in Senate Estimates that the Commonwealth has withdrawn federal funding for the Cradle Valley Cableway.

“Tasmania’s wilderness is far too precious to be despoiled for profit, and surely now this horrendous project can be consigned to the dustbin where it belongs,” Greens Senator for Tasmania Nick McKim said.

“This is a terrific result for Tasmania’s precious wilderness, and a relief for the countless Tasmanians who want our National Parks properly looked after.”

“The project never stacked up, and never had a social license.”

“It was simply a pipe-dream of the develop-at-all-costs brigade, and a lazy attempt at pork barrelling. Its cheerleaders should be ashamed of themselves.”

“For the Liberals to be prioritising funding for a $190 million cable car and a billion-dollar stadium during a housing crisis shows how grossly out of touch they are.”

The response to the Greens’ question on notice can be found here.

NEW ENVIRONMENT LAWS MUST BAN NATIVE FOREST LOGGING

Only a total ban on native forest logging will help conserve the environment and save the wildlife that call our forests home, the Greens say, following comments by Labor MP Josh Burns.

Greens spokesperson for the Environment, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“If the Albanese Government is serious about making Australia’s environment laws fit for purpose they must put a stop to native forest logging.

“In 2023 in the midst of a global extinction and a climate crisis there is no excuse for Australia to keep logging our great forests.

“In Australia halting extinction means the Government must do everything in their power to stop destruction of our forests. We cannot save wildlife like the koala while continuing to destroy their homes. 

“Sadly the Government has done nothing so far to protect what remains of our native forests, but the Greens are willing to work with them to fix this.

“If the Albanese Government’s new environment laws don’t stop native forest logging and continue to approve projects that make climate pollution worse, they won’t be worth the paper they are printed on.”

Greens spokesperson for Forests, Senator Janet Rice said:

“The Regional Forest Agreements have failed to protect our forests; Labor’s new environment laws must end RFAs and the logging of native forests.

“RFAs have allowed for decades of reckless destruction of native forests across Australia, pushed native wildlife to the brink of extinction, endangered our water supplies, heightened bushfire risk, and made the climate crisis worse.

“Josh Burns is clearly feeling the pressure from his constituents who know the proposed EPBC Act reforms won’t protect Australia’s precious native forests.

“The logging industry should be subject to the same environmental review standards as all other industries, not get a free pass for ecological vandalism because of the RFAs.

“The Government has a responsibility to stop this destruction, protect native forests and fix our broken environment laws.”