Month: September 2023

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy missing from the Hunter region

Bodhi Nancarrow, aged 16, was last seen at Maitland Railway Station about 8pm on Sunday (24 September 2023).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers from the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were later notified and commenced inquiries to locate him.

Police and family hold concerns for Bodhi due to his age.

Bodhi is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of a medium build, has a short black hair, and a left nose piercing.

He was last seen wearing a brown jumper with the ‘Make Memories’ writing, black shorts with ‘MM’ writing, black and white sneakers, and was carrying a black backpack.

Anyone who sees Bodhi or has information of his whereabouts, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

CLIMATE TRIGGER NEEDED AMID CLIMATE COUNCIL REPORT & NEW COAL PROJECT APPROVAL

The Greens have today backed an expert report from the Climate Council calling for climate change to be a key objective in new environment laws, as Labor signs off approval for the new South Wambo coal project in NSW. The Greens have slammed the Government for approving more fossil fuel projects as we head into a hot dry summer.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens Spokesperson for the Environment:

“Another day, another new coal project approved by the Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek.

“The Greens welcome the Climate Council’s expert report today calling for climate change to be a key objective within our environment laws. That’s why we are calling on the Government to work with us on our Climate Trigger Bill currently before the parliament.

“Every time the Minister approves a new coal or gas project it makes the climate crisis worse. That means more frequent and extreme bushfires and extreme weather events.

“Coal and gas approvals wreck our River Murray and our Great Barrier Reef

“Australia’s environment laws are broken. We need laws that stop pollution from new coal and gas projects. The Labor government should work with the Greens to fix them with a Climate Trigger that would new stop coal and gas in its tracks.

“Minister Plibersek has one job as the Environment Minister, but rather than protecting the environment, she keeps giving green light to big coal and gas mines and making pollution worse.”

Nothing technical about inflation pain

Today’s monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) data has shown the impact of inflation on everyday Australians is real and it is acute.

The headline inflation rate of 5.2% remains well above the Reserve Bank of Australia’s target band of 2-3%. Soaring prices of electricity, gas, insurance, rent and automotive fuel mean what Australians are feeling is far worse than the headline figure suggests.

Excluding volatile items, CPI also remains well above the headline rate at 5.5% with annual trimmed mean inflation at 5.6%.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said household budgets are being squeezed at every possible angle under Labor.

“Soaring energy bills, rising grocery prices, sky high mortgages and rents and now escalating fuel prices. How much more can Australians cop?” Mr Taylor said.

“Despite promising day after day to bring the cost of living down before the election, Labor has made a bad situation worse.

“The Coalition has been calling on the government for over a year to rein in its spending to take pressure off prices but Deutsche Bank analysis this week has shown Labor governments around the country increasing spending by 2% of GDP.

“Families are paying a hefty price for Labor’s failure to take inflation seriously.

“Energy companies told the Cost of Living Committee there’s been a dramatic increase in the number of Australians struggling to pay their energy bills with more people now accessing hardship programs than during the COVID pandemic.

“Despite the real pain families are feeling, the Treasurer started the week claiming balancing growth with keeping inflation low was a ‘narrow’ and ‘technical’ objective.

“This is a government missing in action on the fight against inflation and is distracted by its Canberra Voice and repaying favours to its biggest donors – the unions.

“Labor must treat inflation as priority one, two and three. Unfortunately that’s not what we’re seeing and it’s hardworking Australians paying the price.”

Unprecedented number of Aussies in hardship due to Labor’s cost of living crisis

The number of Australians on energy bill hardship programs is now higher than the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the greatest concern for customers being the risk of another interest rate rise.

Representatives from EnergyAustralia, AGL Energy and Origin Energy told the Cost of Living Committee at its hearing in Perth that there has been a “significant increase” in the number of customers on hardship plans.

One energy retailer reported that the number of customers on hardship plans had almost doubled from the peak of the pandemic, and they expected the number to increase into the future.

The Committee heard that “more supply is critical” to reducing energy prices, but that the Albanese Government’s interventions in the gas market “tend to discourage supply”.

An “unprecedented demand” in the number of Australians seeking charitable assistance is also being reported across various organisations in the West Australian charity sector.

Foodbank WA said they were now providing food assistance to dual income households, a demographic they said they “never expected to support”, with the number of eligible Foodbank cardholders recently skyrocketing from 5,000 to 14,000 due to the cost of living crisis.

The Salvation Army said it had seen a 60% increase in wage earners seeking assistance, while the Anglicare WA said employed people coming to it for assistance had tripled in the last three months.

Exasperating the challenges charities are facing is the fact that the sector is not seeing donations increase at the same rate as requests for assistance, and it is harder to find volunteers.

Chair of the Committee Senator Jane Hume said that the increase in the number of Australians accessing hardship programs and charities, shows the very real impact the cost of living crisis is having on families.

“Labor went to the election promising a plan to lower the cost of living and reduce energy bills by $275, but the evidence we heard today is that energy bills are going up, and Australians are struggling to cope.

“The fact that there are now more Australians on hardship programs than during the peak of the pandemic and the fact that charities are now servicing dual income households, show that Australians are not better off under Labor.”

Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury Dean Smith said the charities and non-profits sector is operating in a perfect storm of record demand and rising overheads.

“Charities are working in overdrive, but their own costs are up – one told us today they’ve spiked 66% – while both donations and the supply of volunteers are generally down,” Senator Smith said.

“And a light is now being shone on ‘hidden’ hardship, households with two working parents, not eligible for Government financial and housing support, but living in cars with their kids and relying on food support.”

“These are the very human faces of the Albanese Government’s cost of living crisis.”

Government finally moves on Russia, Belarus sanctions

Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism, the Hon Kevin Hogan MP said the Albanese Government should have moved earlier on extending the 35% customs tariff on Russia and Belarus.

“I called on the Government to do this more than a month ago, saying on August 3 that with no end in sight to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine with Belarussian support, they had no choice but to extend Australia’s trade sanctions against these regimes beyond this month’s end date,” Mr Hogan said.

“Australia must continue to take whatever measures we can to denounce Russia and Belarus for their illegal aggression. This removal of most favoured nation status and the imposition of this customs duty is such a measure.

“Many Australians are becoming increasingly concerned that the Albanese Government is pulling back on Australia’s commitment to support Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as put in place measures that will support a future rebuild effort.”

Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham stated all efforts should be made by the Albanese Government to utilise the mechanisms at its disposal to support Ukraine and extending these sanctions was the obvious course of action.

“While prolonging these sanctions was the only course of action this Government could have taken their delays in implementing a double tax agreement with Ukraine have been more than disappointing,” Senator Birmingham said.

“This is a government which seems incapable of being proactive on these sorts of issues and instead has to be dragged to the table with reactionary solutions that risk coming too late.”

“Australia must continue to send clear and strong messages of condemnation for Russia’s illegal invasion and abhorrent actions against Ukraine.”

The Coalition introduced the 35% customs duty on goods that are the produce or manufacture of Russia and Belarus from 25 April, 2022.

South Australia sold a lie on urgent care clinics

The 5 Urgent Care Clinics promised to be established in South Australia by 1 July this year remain undelivered, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese finally confirmed their locations today.

On top of this broken delivery timeframe, today’s announcement is a shameful hollow promise.

At least four of the five SA clinics appear to be merely a rebadging of existing clinics, with the promised ‘extended hours’ already confirmed by the Department of Health to be a blatant lie.

Labor promised that every Urgent Care Clinic would be open during the extended times of 8am-10pm as a key part of their operation, but it was revealed in Budget Estimates that this will not be possible.

This is far from providing the promised improved access to critical healthcare and reduced pressure on hospital emergency departments.

Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care Anne Ruston said that Labor’s Urgent Care Clinics are a smokescreen that are not addressing the serious pressure on hospital systems across the country.

‘Ramping is at record highs in South Australia, and yet the only action we are seeing from either the State or Federal Labor Government is a handful of re-badged health clinics that are still months away,’ Senator Ruston said.

‘These clinics have not been delivered on time, they are unlikely to be open for the promised extended hours, and health experts have raised concern that they will not take significant pressure off emergency departments.’

‘Labor is misleading South Australians at a time when they need genuine and urgent support with accessing critical healthcare when they need it.’

This failed mismanagement of Labor’s headline health promise also comes at a time when bulk billing rates have fallen every single month under the Albanese Labor Government.

The latest data showing a total Medicare bulkbilling rate of 77%, and 80.2% for non-referred GP appointments, in the 12 months to June this year.

It is becoming more and more evident that Labor has sold the public a lie.

Under the Albanese Labor Government, less than half of their promised Urgent Care Clinics are operational, bulk billing rates are at the lowest levels since 2013, and it is harder and more expensive to see a doctor.

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 26 September 2023

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 26 September 2023. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Paul Woseen Condolence Motion

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that extended its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Paul Woseen, and acknowledged and celebrated the significant cultural and artistic contributions made throughout his career. The Minute recognised the impact of the Screaming Jets, a band born in our own city, as a source of pride and inspiration for the Newcastle community and committed to preserving and promoting the band’s musical heritage as part of our city’s cultural legacy.

10 Years of Service to Newcastle by Sharon Claydon MP

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that expressed its congratulations and deepest appreciation to Sharon Claydon MP for her 10 years of service as the Federal Member for Newcastle. The Minute commended her outstanding contributions to our community and her tireless efforts to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Newcastle whilst reaffirming CN’s commitment to working collaboratively with Ms Claydon and all our state and Federal Government representatives.

Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that noted for the first time in more than a decade, City of Newcastle will host the free, family-friendly Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Aircraft Flying Display on Saturday 18 November 2023. The Minute thanked our delivery partners at the RAAF, Port Stephens Council and the NSW Government for their wonderful contribution to securing this event for Newcastle.

Ordinary business

Exhibition of Outdoor Trading Policy

Council voted to publicly exhibit the Draft Outdoor Dining Policy 2023 and Draft Outdoor Dining Guidelines 2023, with a report to be received by Councillors following the exhibition period.

Exhibition of Draft Newcastle Development Control Plan 2023

Council unanimously voted to publicly exhibit the Draft Newcastle Development Control Plan 2023 for a period of 28 days, with a report to be received by Councillors following the exhibition period.

Proposed granting of Right of Carriageway easement over operational land – 45 Lookout Road New Lambton Heights

Council endorsed the creation of an easement for a Right of Carriageway over Operational Land at 45 Lookout Road, New Lambton Heights for the benefit of 4 Bushlands Close, New Lambton Heights.

In addition, Council granted authority to the Chief Executive Officer or his delegate to execute all relevant documentation to authorise the transaction.

Change to adopted Meeting Schedule 2024

Council endorsed a change in Council’s meeting cycle; with the Newcastle leg of Paul McCartney’s tour taking place at McDonald Jones Stadium on the night of the next scheduled meeting, moving the Ordinary Council Meeting from Tuesday 24 October 2023 to Tuesday 31 October 2023.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for August 2023.

Tender Report – Newcastle Ocean Baths Upgrade Stage 2 – Principal Design Consultant – 2023/163T

Council unanimously voted to accept a tender for a Principal Design Consultant for the Newcastle Ocean Baths Stage 2 upgrade project in accordance with Contract 2023/163T.

Notices of Motion

Busking Policy

Council supported a notice of motion to develop a Buskers Policy and Licence, managed by the City of Newcastle, that supports live performance opportunity and creates enjoyable ambience in public spaces, while ensuring public safety, city amenity, and the quality of performances.

Beaumont Street – Mockingbird Outdoor Dining Refusal

Council supported a notice of motion acknowledging the active support and encouragement by City of Newcastle to increase the operation of outdoor dining in the city, and the ongoing concerns experienced by the owner of Mockingbird Café at 131 Beaumont Street, Hamilton.

Council unanimously voted to adopt the Executive Director’s recommendation, endorsed by the Newcastle City Traffic Committee, to implement immediate changes to parking restrictions in the vicinity of 131 Beaumont Street, Hamilton.

City of Newcastle will apply to Transport for NSW to review the servicing of the 21 Bus Route, including resolving the optimum location of the bus stop in the vicinity of 131 Beaumont Street Hamilton to best serve the route to provide for fully compliant operations, and reports back to the Newcastle City Traffic Committee as to the outcome of the review.

In addition, City of Newcastle will contact the Mockingbird Café encouraging them to submit an application for a compliant outdoor dining permit in accordance with CN’s Outdoor Trading Policy.

Environment, mobility and ageing population the focus of future development planning

Sustainability, access and inclusion are at the centre of proposed enhancements to planning guidelines that will support future developments across the city.

City of Newcastle (CN) has undertaken a comprehensive review of its current Development Control Plan (DCP) and created a raft of enhanced provisions for new developments, to be publicly exhibited, following endorsement by the elected Council at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

The draft DCP 2023 includes improvements to building design guidelines to minimise the impact of extreme heat by reducing UV exposure on the community, infrastructure that encourages more active modes of transport, and design requirements that address the needs of ageing people or those with mobility needs.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the draft DCP 2023 has been a collaborative effort with the Liveable Cities Advisory Committee and DCP Working Party.

“By undertaking a comprehensive review of the current DCP (2012) we are ensuring better outcomes for the community in alignment with CN priorities, including the Newcastle 2040: Community Strategic Plan, the Local Strategic Planning Statement and best practice guidelines,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The draft DCP 2023 details enhanced sustainable housing development guidelines to reduce emissions in our built environment and to reduce the community’s exposure to climate change impacts, whilst protecting our environment for future generations.

“As Newcastle’s population ages, it’s vital we have effective planning guidelines in place to increase accessibility in our city and to create liveable housing options that address mobility together with disability access requirements.”

Councillor and Chair of the Liveable Cities Advisory Committee John Mackenzie said traffic, parking and moveability around the city was a key area of focus.

“The draft DCP 2023 has been designed to future-proof our city, including taking on the challenges of transport in our city. The clear, measured development controls will encourage the uptake of more active modes of transport like cycling, micromobility and walking,” Cr Mackenzie said.

“The infrastructure that support this is vital for people with mobility issues, and will combine with greater access to public transport to ease traffic congestion, reduce parking stress and improve our health and air quality.

“The next step creates a great opportunity to consider, discuss and seek comment from the community on the new and enhanced provision in the draft DCP 2023.”

Councillor and Chair of the DCP Working Party, Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk, welcomed the focus on sustainability in the updated DCP.

“The new controls to support biodiversity and address urban heat will deliver real outcomes for our local environment,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“This updated DCP will ensure future developments result in buildings that promote healthy and sustainable communities.”

The draft Newcastle Development Control Plan (2023) will go on public exhibition from Thursday 28 September to seek community and industry feedback, with a report and resolution going back to Councillors following the exhibition period.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay for more information.

Sand on the way for Stockton Beach

City of Newcastle has welcomed the news that a contract has been awarded to obtain and place 100,000 cubic metres of sand along the Stockton coastline from next month.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes celebrated the milestone with Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, and Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon MP this morning.

“A huge amount of work has been undertaken to get to this point, and this is a very important day for the Stockton community and for City of Newcastle,” said Cr Nelmes.

“Our team has been working alongside the community for a number of years, developing the state’s first certified Coastal Management Program, securing the $21 million commitment from the NSW Government for mass sand nourishment, and now working collaboratively with Department of Regional NSW and NSW Public Works to see this much needed first round of amenity sand nourishment finally on its way to Stockton.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon also welcomed the announcement.

“I am very pleased to see the Federal Government’s $4.7 million for Stockton Beach is now being put to work,” said Ms Claydon.

“The Stockton community has been waiting a long time for action on this matter. I am delighted to see that sand will finally be deposited on Stockton Beach.”

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Planning and Environment, Michelle Bisson, acknowledged the significance of this first step.

“This 100,000 cubic metres will improve the beach experience for locals and visitors and importantly, provide some protection while investigations are underway into sources for the 2.4 million cubic metres of sand needed for mass sand nourishment,” Ms Bisson said.

“It is pleasing to see all three levels of government working together to achieve this fantastic outcome for Stockton.”

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 City of Newcastle.

In addition to the delivery of amenity sand nourishment, the grant funds the studies into possible sources of much larger volumes of 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.

Further efforts to shield Stockton’s coastline until mass sand nourishment continue with the construction of a buried protection structure at the southern end of the existing Mitchell Street seawall underway, and the draft Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program in the final stages of development ahead of public exhibition next year.

The next iteration of the program 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.

Community-led program repairing homes and lives in Lismore

More than 350 flood affected homes in the Northern Rivers region can now be repaired, getting vulnerable people back on their feet and into safe housing thanks to Resilient Lismore’s Two Rooms Project, backed by $5 million in funding from the NSW Government.

The Minns Government is delivering on its election commitment to fund the program, addressing the urgent need for additional flood recovery support in the Northern Rivers.

Premier Chris Minns joined Minister for Planning and Public Places Paul Scully, Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib, Minister for Housing Rose Jackson, Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin and Resilient Lismore Executive Director Elly Bird in Lismore.

The Two Rooms Project, a partnership between not-for-profit The Winsome, The Lismore Catholic Diocese, Joel Jensen Constructions, charity Reece Foundation and volunteers, has already enabled the restoration of windows, walls, kitchens and bathrooms in more than 160 homes.

Resilient Lismore launched the program in July last year and now coordinates an army of skilled tradespeople, labourers and volunteers to help rebuild homes. They also provide outreach and referrals to community support services. Priority is given to vulnerable people and those who cannot afford to pay for repair work themselves.

This commitment is on top of the news last week the NSW Government has established a new $150 million Community Restoration Flood Fund in the 2023–2024 Budgetlaunch to support disaster impacted communities in the Northern Rivers and Central West.

The cash injection will be used towards measures such as:

  • Priority Disaster Adaptation Plans, including for the Northern Rivers and Central West, so communities are better prepared
  • repair and replacement of critical community assets and improving the resilience of public infrastructure, including bridges and roads
  • a second instalment to the ongoing Resilient Homes Program in the Northern Rivers
  • further assistance with housing programs, with work to be further developed with councils and community leaders.

Over the next 2 months, the NSW Reconstruction Authority will work closely with local community leaders to prioritise the additional funding and determine potential future funding which may be required.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“We know there are no simple fixes in the Northern Rivers. This package and our Community Restoration Flood Fund is an acknowledgement that we are standing by communities for the long haul.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We know recovery is not a short-term fix and requires evidence-based planning and community leadership.

“That’s why we’ve reset the way we work and communicate with the community, bringing local Councils and groups together through the Community Leaders Forum so they have a say in how to shape and rebuild their communities.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“We’ve seen first-hand how flood recovery efforts are progressing and it’s critical that we continue to support communities who have borne the brunt of the 2022 floods.

“Local initiatives like the work led by Resilient Lismore are so important, by funding practical recovery programs like this we are ensuring the local community is involved in driving flood recovery in the Northern Rivers.”

Member for Lismore and Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“Initiatives like the Resilient Home’s investment and the additional injection from the Community Restoration Flood Fund are a welcome start on the wide range of recovery and reconstruction work that still needs to be done across the Northern Rivers. Like me, I know everyone who experienced the 2022 floods and is still dealing with the after-effects day in and day out understands we have a long road ahead of us and additional support will be required.”