Month: October 2023

FANCY TV COMMERCIALS WON’T FIX TEACHER SHORTAGE

The Greens say that while 98% of public schools remain underfunded a new government advertising campaign to encourage people to pursue a teaching career will do little to reverse the mass exodus of teachers from the profession.

Greens spokesperson on Education (Primary and Secondary), Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:

“If Labor’s advertising campaign encourages more people to consider teaching as a career, and to remind the community of the vital role that teachers play in society, then that’s good.

“But what awaits these new teachers when they enter the classroom? A lack of resources and support staff, mountains of paperwork, and a workload that is impossible for many teachers to sustain.

“Teachers aren’t leaving the profession because they’re not getting enough nice TV commercials made about them – they’re leaving because the conditions are appalling, and they’re not able to do the jobs they love.

“If the government wants to attract and keep teachers in the classroom it needs to make sure they have the resources and support they need to actually teach. Because right now, only 1.3% of public schools receive the bare minimum funding they need.

“With the new National School Reform Agreement (NSRA) due next year, and Labor in power federally and in every mainland state and territory, there has never been a better time to end decades of decline and fully fund the public education system.

“Every public school in the country must be funded to 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard at the start of the next NSRA, in January 2025.”

PRODUCTIVITY COMMISSION SUPPORTS BUYBACKS AS SENATE INQUIRY HEARS BOGUS IRRIGATION PROJECTS SHOULD BE SCRAPPED

Key elements of today’s report from the Productivity Commission call for more water buybacks and accountability measures, as a Senate Inquiry into the Murray Darling Basin hears today that bogus & expensive irrigation infrastructure projects should be scrapped. The Greens, who are in balance of power on the amendment to the Water Act, have welcomed elements of the PC report.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens Spokesperson for the Murray Darling Basin and the Environment said:

“‘Buy more water for the environment and stop funding expensive, dodgy irrigation projects’ is what we’ve heard today from the Productivity Commission and the Senate Inquiry. It’s a message the Government should heed.

“The Greens can not rubber stamp the Government’s amendment to the Water Act as it stands. The Bill must include a guarantee that the water promised for the environment and South Australia will be delivered on time and not delayed again. 

“The Productivity Commission has today said the current plan is failing to deliver water for the environment and that more water buybacks are the most cost effective way to protect the Murray Darling Basin from vested interests.

“Today’s Senate inquiry has also heard from almost all witnesses that the bogus and costly irrigation infrastructure projects which have failed to deliver water should be scrapped, and money should instead be used for buybacks. The Productivity Commission has also clearly recommended that a range of dodgy and expensive water supply projects should be scrapped.

“We can’t afford another decade of delay, broken promises and political buck-passing on the Murray Darling Basin. As we head into a hot, dry, El Niño summer, the Murray Darling Basin is at serious risk.

“A river system dies from the mouth up – which is why it’s crucial that the Coorong, lower lakes and Murray mouth get the water science says is needed.”

City of Newcastle charging towards environmental legacy

City of Newcastle is taking responsible action to reduce pollution by powering up electric alternatives for fuel-based vehicles and equipment as part of its landmark Newcastle Environment Strategy.

The Strategy, which was adopted at tonight’s Council meeting, provides a 10-year roadmap for a sustainable Newcastle based on the priority areas of climate change, nature-based solutions and the circular economy.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Strategy would ensure CN continues its decades-long action and advocacy to protect and improve our environment.

“The Newcastle Environment Strategy is our definitive roadmap for achieving our progressive environmental ambitions,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Through this strategy, we are sending a signal to the community that we are strongly committed to protecting and enhancing Newcastle’s natural environment today, and for future generations of Novocastrians.”

Fifteen key actions have been identified to be delivered by CN or in partnership with state and federal governments, business and the community within the first four years, including renewable energy initiatives, city-wide electric vehicle charging infrastructure, connected wildlife corridors and sustainable construction materials.

CN will continue its drive towards net zero emissions with a range of activities, including the development of a vehicle, plant and equipment transition plan.

This will guide the implementation of low emissions and electric alternatives to slash the use of fossil-based liquid fuels, such as diesel and unleaded petrol, in CN cars, trucks, plant and equipment. City of Newcastle was the first Council in NSW to use 100% renewables in its operations, delivered in part through the construction of a council owned 5MW solar farm at Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

The transition plan will build on successful trials of electric vehicles within CN’s fleet, as well as a recent roll-out of electric plant and equipment to help maintain the city’s natural environment.

“While we’ve been successfully trialling the use of electric vehicles within our fleet for a number of years, we’ve also recently purchased around 50 pieces of electric equipment, including hedge trimmers, chainsaws, blowers, pruners, shears and an electric mower,” Cr Nelmes said.

“These pieces of equipment have been fit for purpose for use by our City Greening and Natural Areas teams, as well as at Blackbutt Reserve and Summerhill Waste Management Centre, offering a range of benefits alongside important carbon emissions reductions by being quieter, lighter, faster to start and easier to maintain.

“This initiative is just one example of how City of Newcastle is continuing to invest in progressive actions to ensure we create an environmental legacy for future generations.”

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 31 October 2023 

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 31 October 2023. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Lord Mayoral Minutes

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People of the City of Newcastle

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported that recommits to the 1998 Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People of the City of Newcastle, noting that 53% of Newcastle residents voted ‘Yes’ to constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through a Voice to Parliament, with Newcastle receiving the highest ‘Yes’ vote outside of a capital city.

Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that acknowledges the work of the Royal Commission over the last four years with the release of the Report of the Disability Royal Commission and commits to the continued implementation of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan over the next two years.

New Annual success

A Lord Mayoral Minute was unanimously supported that noted the recent conclusion of the highly successful New Annual, Newcastle’s flagship arts and cultural festival and recognises New Annual’s success over the last three years in attracting 95,000 visitors.

Ordinary business

Authorisation for signing of the financial statements

Council received the draft Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2023 and unanimously voted to authorise the signing of City of Newcastle’s statements by Councillors and Management as required.

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest annual report

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the financial year 2022/2023 by the Chief Executive Officer.

Adoption of Newcastle Environment Strategy

Council voted to adopt the Newcastle Environment Strategy 2023, repealing and replacing the Newcastle Environmental Management Strategy 2013.

Conservation agreement for Black Hill wetland

Council unanimously voted to endorse the establishment of a Conservation Agreement over 185D Lenaghans Drive, Black Hill.

Draft Newcastle City Centre Heritage Conservation Areas Review report

Council unanimously voted to exhibit for a minimum of 28 days the Draft Newcastle City Centre Heritage Conservation Areas Review Report, which recommends ways to preserve and protect the cultural heritage in the Newcastle City Centre.

Adamstown Park Masterplan

Council unanimously voted to adopt the Adamstown Park Masterplan, which has been developed to guide the future vision and renewal of the precinct over the next 15 years.

Adoption of Crown Land Plan of Management 2023 and application to the Minister

Council voted to adopt the Crown Land Plan of Management 2023 following public exhibition and endorsement by Crown Lands, and to make an application to the Minister for Local Government for consent to grant a lease as per the Local Government Act following the CEO’s decision to award a tender for the operation of City of Newcastle’s inland swimming pools.

Draft Council Property Lease and Licence Policy

Council unanimously voted to place the Draft Council Property Lease and Licence Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. It would establish a framework for optimal use and utilisation of Council Property based on community need, equitable access, and affordability.

Newcastle Show Day 2024

Council voted to make an application to the Minister for Industrial Relations seeking the proclamation of Show Day for Friday 1 March 2024 as a Local Public Holiday, and if that is not approved by the Minister, request their approval for it to be proclaimed a Local Event Day as set out in the Public Holidays Act 2010 (NSW).

Release of easement at New Lambton Heights

Council unanimously voted to support the request to release an existing easement for drainage and create an easement to drain water at 13 Grandview Road, New Lambton Heights.

Public positive covenants in Lambton

Council unanimously voted to support the release of the two public positive covenants currently burdening 79A Young Road, Lambton.

Major events update

Council voted to support City of Newcastle’s commitment to attracting and hosting major events, as well as an amendment to prioritising universally accessible experiences for every person, for every event. Council also voted to support Cessnock City Council’s effort to retain Supercars in the Hunter with the proposed Wine Country 500.

Executive monthly performance report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for September 2023.

Cell 9 stage 2 upper batter contract

Council unanimously voted to accept a tender for the construction of the Cell 9 Stage 2 upper batter component of the Cell 9 landfill at Summerhill Waste Management Centre.

Notices of Motion

Hillcrest Tennis Club

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that congratulated the Hillcrest Tennis Club, Mayfield on celebrating its 85th anniversary and committed to the protection of the Hillcrest Tennis Courts and continued partnership with Tennis NSW and the Tennis Club in the development of a Tennis Strategy as an action of the 10-year Strategic Sports Plan.

Newcastle Mines Grouting Fund

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that called on the NSW Government to restore the Newcastle Mines Grouting Fund, noting the fund had minimal impact on the State Budget, but provided significant benefits and assurance to the redevelopment and revitalisation of Inner-City Newcastle.

Community preparations to ensure a safer summer

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that intends to ensure the safety of the community during the upcoming summer season and empowers residents with the knowledge and resources necessary to protect themselves, their families, and properties from the potential risks and threats posed by heatwaves, bushfires, and storm activity.

Recognition of carers

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that recognises the contribution of informal and family carers in caring for loved ones across our community and supports the creation of a national carer advisory body to provide advice on the development and implementation of a National Carer Strategy.

Past privatisation agreements to be publicly released

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey has delivered on a key promise for transparency in NSW by starting the process for releasing privatisation agreements signed by the previous government.

Mr Mookhey is writing to ports and energy companies notifying them he expects to make information about their agreements available to the public.

Where required, he has requested the consent of the relevant authorities to release the documents.

This includes the commitment deeds for Port Botany, Port Kembla and the Port of Newcastle.

The key agreements relate to the privatisation and long-term leases of:

  • Port Botany, Port Kembla and Port of Newcastle
  • Ausgrid, Transgrid and Endeavour electricity networks
  • Liddell, Bayswater, Colongra, Eraring, Shoalhaven, Mt Piper, and Vales Point power stations.

Subject to consent where required, the documents will be tabled in parliament.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“The people of NSW deserve to know exactly what is in the agreements made when public assets were privatised.

“This will provide an opportunity for NSW citizens, for the first time, to be able to access important documents that set out what the state’s existing assets, rights and liabilities are from past privatisations.

“People should not have to wait until next century to learn what has been agreed to. The previous government should have revealed these details earlier.”

Driver animations make Rozelle Interchange a virtual reality

Motorists can start preparing for driving conditions inside the final piece of WestConnex, with the release of animations to help navigate the more than 16km of new tunnels that make up the Rozelle Interchange.

The animated in-car videos show motorists how to negotiate the underground interchange which links the M4 and M8, Anzac Bridge, City West Link, the toll-free Iron Cove Link, as well as the future Western Harbour Tunnel.

With Rozelle Interchange opening before the end of the year, the animations give an early glimpse inside, including signage in the tunnels and on adjoining surface roads, while a flyover video gives a useful overview of how Rozelle Interchange connects west and south-west of Sydney with the CBD and inner west.

About 100,000 vehicles a day are expected to travel through Rozelle Interchange every day and the Minns Labor Government wants them to do so with confidence from day 1.

The ongoing final phase of work to complete the interchange is testing the incident response, ventilation and IT systems to ensure the highest possible level of safety is delivered for motorists.

On Tuesday 7 November, the Crescent overpass will open to traffic to improve access from Annandale and Glebe to Victoria Road and the Anzac Bridge.  Drivers can access the overpass via Johnston Street or Link Road to travel over City West Link and onto Victoria Road or the Anzac Bridge.

There will be a temporary no left turn from The Crescent onto City West Link for approximately 4 weeks to allow for final elements of construction at the intersection.

NSW Roads Minister, John Graham said:

“Rozelle Interchange is a complex feat of Australian engineering, which has become a reality due to the hard work of a skilled local workforce, and we look forward to opening to traffic soon. 

“Now is a good time for drivers to start thinking about their journeys and how they may change after the opening of the interchange. These videos provide a preview of the new connections and will help in planning.

“When a major piece of road infrastructure like Rozelle Interchange opens, we expect drivers will take time to adjust to the new roads and route options, but these videos will give a head start.

“We are expecting an increase in congestion along Victoria Road and the City West Link as well as some queuing on the new M4 exit ramp in the AM peak until road users adapt and establish new travel patterns.

Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins said:

“Rozelle Interchange is close to completion, and we look forward to opening 16.6km of new roads to give Sydney motorists more options to get where they want to go across our growing city.

We know from the opening of other major road infrastructure projects that motorists can take time to adjust to changes on the road network. 

“These driver animation and flyover videos will help people familiarise themselves with the new routes as motorists familiarise themselves with the interchange and its various connection points.

“These new additions to the road network will require a change of behaviour for drivers and we are eager to help the public as much as possible before the green light goes on for Rozelle Interchange.”

The public can view the driver animation and flyover videos on the Transport for NSW website.launch

Police recruitment breakthrough – trainees will be paid to become officers

The NSW Government is continuing to rebuild our frontline services today announcing an historic breakthrough agreement to address the ongoing critical shortfall in police numbers by paying Student Police Officers while they study at the Goulburn Police Academy.

This is an important workforce incentive to encourage more people to take up a career in the NSW Police Force.

From March 2024, Student Police Officers will be paid to study at the Goulburn Police Academy. Student Police Officers will be employed as clerk grade 1/2 administrative employees on a temporary fixed term contact.

They’ll receive a total salary of approximately $30,984 over the 16-week study period.

That works out to be $1,360 per week plus superannuation and an estimated $380 in award-based allowances.

At the end of their studies, they will be employed and paid as Probationary Constables, as is the current arrangement.

This initiative also brings NSW in line with other states and territories who already offer students extra allowances.

To ensure the current classes are not worse off, they will receive a scholarship administered by their education provider – Charles Stuart University.

Class 360 will receive a pro-rata scholarship from the date of today’s announcement.
Class 361 will receive a $21,760 scholarship.
NSW Police is being severely strained by a huge shortfall in police numbers.

We are currently carrying more than 1,500 vacancies – a legacy of the previous government’s mismanagement of police recruitment and retention.

These vacancies are placing significant strain and an increased workload on serving officers. It is critical that something is done to address this.

The scheme, combined with NSW Police’s Associate Degree level qualification that police recruits earn at Goulburn Academy will make NSW the most attractive jurisdiction in Australia to train as a police officer.

This will unlock opportunities for a more diverse range of recruits including mature age students who have existing financial responsibilities, women, particularly women with families, and people from low-income households who simply can’t afford to study for four months with no income.

Our plan to rebuild essential services is only possible because of the careful and responsible approach to repair the budget without privatising our essential assets or imposing an unfair wages cap on our workforce.

We are a government with a clear focus – managing our finances responsibly so we can provide support when you need it most and improve the essential services that we all rely on, now and into the future.

This is an important workforce incentive to encourage more people to take up a career in the NSW Police Force.

From March 2024, Student Police Officers will be paid to study at the Goulburn Police Academy. Student Police Officers will be employed as clerk grade 1/2 administrative employees on a temporary fixed term contact.

They’ll receive a total salary of approximately $30,984 over the 16-week study period.

That works out to be $1,360 per week plus superannuation and an estimated $380 in award-based allowances.

At the end of their studies, they will be employed and paid as Probationary Constables, as is the current arrangement.

This initiative also brings NSW in line with other states and territories who already offer students extra allowances.

To ensure the current classes are not worse off, they will receive a scholarship administered by their education provider – Charles Stuart University.

  • Class 360 will receive a pro-rata scholarship from the date of today’s announcement.
  • Class 361 will receive a $21,760 scholarship.

NSW Police is being severely strained by a huge shortfall in police numbers.

We are currently carrying more than 1,500 vacancies – a legacy of the previous government’s mismanagement of police recruitment and retention.

These vacancies are placing significant strain and an increased workload on serving officers. It is critical that something is done to address this.

The scheme, combined with NSW Police’s Associate Degree level qualification that police recruits earn at Goulburn Academy will make NSW the most attractive jurisdiction in Australia to train as a police officer.

This will unlock opportunities for a more diverse range of recruits including mature age students who have existing financial responsibilities, women, particularly women with families, and people from low-income households who simply can’t afford to study for four months with no income.

Our plan to rebuild essential services is only possible because of the careful and responsible approach to repair the budget without privatising our essential assets or imposing an unfair wages cap on our workforce.

We are a government with a clear focus – managing our finances responsibly so we can provide support when you need it most and improve the essential services that we all rely on, now and into the future.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“We owe a great debt of gratitude to NSW Police and this announcement makes it clear that the NSW Labor Government backs our police officers 100 per cent.

“I’m committed to improving working conditions, stopping our frontline workers quitting and attracting more people to these vital roles – that’s why we are introducing this new incentive for future police officers.”

“Police do an incredible job to keep us safe, but the truth is they are stretched and overworked, and we can’t fix that if we don’t recruit and retain more officers. 

“We want to attract a diverse new cohort of NSW Police Officers, my message to anyone who has considered joining the NSW Police is that now is the time to apply.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“This is a historic day. NSWPF recruitment has been in the doldrums for years.

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of the team, along with Commissioner Webb, that has delivered this landmark reform for our trainee police.

“I want to thank the Police Association of NSW which has advocated tirelessly for this reform and been a huge support to me and the Government in seeing it delivered.”

“This will be an enduring legacy of my time as Minister and Karen’s as Commissioner. We’re both very proud of it.”

“I’ve heard many stories of people wanting to change careers and join the NSW Police Force but who simply cannot afford to train for four months without income. I’m thrilled that’s about to change.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said:

“This announcement is a game changer for our organisation. Post covid, recruitment in policing has suffered in Australia and across the world. Breaking down the barriers for people to leave one job and start with us without being financially disadvantaged is the most attractive incentive we’ve been able to offer for many years.”

“I can’t think of a more exciting announcement for the NSW Police Force and it comes at a time when I know all our current hard working, dedicated officers will be very relieved. The calvary is coming!”

“We owe a great debt of gratitude to NSW Police and this announcement makes it clear that the NSW Labor Government backs our police officers 100 per cent.

“I’m committed to improving working conditions, stopping our frontline workers quitting and attracting more people to these vital roles – that’s why we are introducing this new incentive for future police officers.”

“Police do an incredible job to keep us safe, but the truth is they are stretched and overworked, and we can’t fix that if we don’t recruit and retain more officers. 

“We want to attract a diverse new cohort of NSW Police Officers, my message to anyone who has considered joining the NSW Police is that now is the time to apply.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“This is a historic day. NSWPF recruitment has been in the doldrums for years.

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of the team, along with Commissioner Webb, that has delivered this landmark reform for our trainee police.

“I want to thank the Police Association of NSW which has advocated tirelessly for this reform and been a huge support to me and the Government in seeing it delivered.”

“This will be an enduring legacy of my time as Minister and Karen’s as Commissioner. We’re both very proud of it.”

“I’ve heard many stories of people wanting to change careers and join the NSW Police Force but who simply cannot afford to train for four months without income. I’m thrilled that’s about to change.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said:

“This announcement is a game changer for our organisation. Post covid, recruitment in policing has suffered in Australia and across the world. Breaking down the barriers for people to leave one job and start with us without being financially disadvantaged is the most attractive incentive we’ve been able to offer for many years.”

“I can’t think of a more exciting announcement for the NSW Police Force and it comes at a time when I know all our current hard working, dedicated officers will be very relieved. The calvary is coming!”downloadDownload as PDFprintPrint this page

Funding boost to bridge walking and cycling gaps in Western Sydney

The NSW Government has announced $60 million for councils across the state to improve walking and cycling, with a major focus on Western Sydney and regional communities.

From today, councils can apply for grants in the latest round of Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active funding programlaunch to deliver projects that will encourage walking and cycling, and vibrant places to live, work and play.

This year, the Get NSW Active program will include $10 million in funding for councils to deliver projects within walking catchments to primary schools to provide a safer and more comfortable walk or ride to and from school for kids and parents.

Upgraded and wider footpaths, cycleways, quality crossings, reduced speed zones, new trees, and improved safety features for bike riders and pedestrians are some of the initiatives eligible for funding.

More than half of the funding will be prioritised for projects and initiatives in Western Sydney Local Government Areas (LGAs) and regional NSW.

The announcement coincides with the opening of the $19 million Alfred Street Bridge, a new pedestrian and cycling connection across the Parramatta River at Alfred Street.

The bridge was funded by Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active program ($3.5m), NSW Department of Planning ($8.15m) and City of Parramatta Council ($7.5m). It provides a 200m long link over the river to the Parramatta Light Rail’s Tramway Avenue stop, as well as access to the 20km Parramatta Valley Cycleway, which weaves along the river.

The Alfred Street Bridge also connects to the new 5.7km shared path that runs alongside the Parramatta Light Rail corridor, a missing cycleway link built by Transport between George Street and Noller Parade on Alfred Street and will link to the future George Street East Pedestrian and Cyclist Paths, which are due to be delivered next year by council under Transport’s Get NSW Active program.

These projects form part of a growing network of safe cycleways and shared paths that will allow easier access to key attractions, community hubs, and current and future transport options including Sydney Metro West.

The City of Parramatta was also successful in the last round of Get NSW Active funding, receiving $341,000 for planning new or improved active transport links.

The Get NSW Active annual program (2023-2024) received a record 523 applications from councils across the state with funding allocated for 46 Greater Sydney projects and 41 regional projects.

Applications for Get NSW Active funding grants can be made from now until midnight 12 December 2023 on NSW Government grants and funding.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“The Get NSW Active program is all about working with councils to make it easier for people to walk and cycle through their neighborhoods.

“It is exciting to see projects funded by this program now coming to life. The Alfred Street Bridge is a stunning new connection across the Parramatta River for people walking or jumping on their bikes.

“With an estimated 1.5 billion walking and bike riding trips taken each year across NSW, it’s vital we make it safer and easier. “

“I encourage NSW local governments make the most of this opportunity and put their applications in for the next Get NSW Active funding round.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Public Spaces Legacy program seeks to provide quality public open space for the community while speeding up the delivery of local projects.

“Alfred Street Bridge delivers on this commitment as well as providing a new active transport link catering for Parramatta’s growing population with a convenient, safe and scenic walking and cycling link over the river.

“Residents can now directly access the Parramatta Light Rail stop on the southern side, along with services, schools and recreational areas.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“The only way is up for Parramatta and that means making the most of what we have by connecting our community via well-designed, attractive and reliable infrastructure.

“The NSW Government is committed to making Parramatta a destination to live, work, study and play with the revitalisation of the river and its surrounds.”

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Pierre Esber said:

“Alfred Street Bridge is a distinctive new landmark for our city that will make it safer and faster for our growing community to travel throughout Parramatta.”

“We live in a beautiful City and Alfred Street Bridge will cut down commute times and make it easier to connect to public transport and travel to the CBD. It’s an important link that will connect the community to more than 20km of pedestrian and cycling paths to enjoy and explore our natural surroundings.”

PROVIDER SELECTED FOR BUNDABERG MEDICARE URGENT CARE CLINIC

The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to Bundaberg locals with a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (Medicare UCC) provider selected following an Expression of Interest process.

The Indigenous Wellbeing Centre on Barolin Street in Walkervale will be established as the Bundaberg Medicare UCC and will start seeing patients from late November 2023.

The Bundaberg Medicare UCC will deliver on the Australian Government’s commitment to make it easier for people in Queensland to get the urgent treatment they need – from highly qualified doctors and nurses – while taking pressure off the nearby Bundaberg Hospital.

The Medicare UCC will be open for extended hours, 7 days a week, and offer walk-in care that is fully bulk billed for everyone.

Over 41 per cent of presentations to the Bundaberg Hospital are for non-urgent or semi-urgent care.

The Bundaberg clinic is one of 11 Medicare UCCs being established across Queensland – located in Cairns, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Northern Brisbane, Murrumba Downs, Rockhampton, Southern Brisbane, Toowoomba and Townsville. The Australian Government will continue to work closely with Primary Health Networks and the Queensland Government to deliver the remaining Medicare UCCs, all of which will open this year.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“All around Bundaberg and the surrounding areas, when Queenslanders need urgent care that isn’t life threatening – the Bundaberg Medicare UCC in Walkerville will be here to help.

“Prior to the election last year, we committed to rolling out 50 new Urgent Care Clinics across the country.

When we complete our rollout – we’ll have exceeded our target and there’ll be 58 centres giving Australians urgent care, taking pressure off emergency departments all over the country.”

Minister Butler said:

“The Bundaberg Medicare UCC will make a big difference to patients in the region who will be able to walk in seven days a week and get free urgent care from a nurse or a doctor.

“The clinic will ease pressure on Bundaberg Hospital, so that its hard-working doctors and nurses can focus higher priority emergencies.

“The Bundaberg Medicare UCC is just another way the Government is strengthening Medicare and making it easier to see a doctor.”

Minister Fentiman said:

“We know that our state is experiencing exponential growth, and it’s great to see the Albanese Government providing free healthcare options for Queenslanders.

“Urgent Care Clinics are designed to take pressures off our health system and GPs by being an accessible and community-based alternative to busy hospitals.

“I’m thrilled that the Bundaberg community who will soon have this wonderful clinic open and available for their urgent health needs.”

Assistant Minister Chisholm said:

“This new Medicare UCC will offer high-quality care for residents in the Bundaberg region who need to see a medical professional for a health issue that is urgent and requires treatment but is not life-threatening and doesn’t require attending the emergency department.

“The Bundaberg Medicare UCC will ease pressure on emergency departments and offer more convenient care for the local community – closer to home, at short notice, and free under Medicare.

“As the Wide Bay Burnett region continues to grow, that means more demand for local hospitals. Our government is committed to delivering the health services that regional Queensland needs to improve waiting times and protect lives.

“This is another example of the Albanese Labor Government delivering for Queensland’s rapidly growing regions.”

BUNDABERG BREWED DRINKS’ REFRESH AND JOBS BOOM

The global success of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks is set to continue as the business’s new super brewery is opened in Bundaberg today.

The new facility will allow for increased production of the brand’s iconic ginger beer and other soft drinks, further ensuring the company’s growth for many years to come.

The $152.4 million facility took two years to construct and includes an innovation centre, large storage and cold room facilities, a laboratory as well as manufacturing and processing equipment.

The Australian Government provided $19 million, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks provided $133.4 million and the Queensland Government provided $575,800 towards the super brewery.

The project supported more than 850 jobs during construction and has created more than 600 ongoing jobs in the region, ensuring production stays in Bundaberg.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“I’m not sure there’s a more Australian way to cool down in summer than ripping off the top of a Bundaberg Ginger beer.

“But this isn’t just about supporting an iconic Australian brand – it’s an investment of $19 million from the Federal Government in jobs for the Wide Bay Burnett region.

“More than 850 jobs in the construction phase of the super brewery and more than 600 ongoing jobs in the region with this new facility which has an innovation centre, large storage and cold room facilities, a laboratory as well as manufacturing and processing equipment.

“My Government backs Australian manufacturing, we back jobs in the regions, and we back the innovation and success of Queenslanders at every turn.”

Assistant Minister Anthony Chisholm said:

“We see backing businesses like Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, as integral to the Albanese Government’s agenda when it comes to strengthening local manufacturing.

“Bundaberg Brewed Drinks’ iconic ginger beer and other soft drinks are doing a roaring trade, and are the perfect example of how investment in Queensland’s regional economy provides benefits that extend well beyond the Wide Bay Burnett region.

“In addition to ensuring production remains in Bundaberg, the new brewery will benefit local suppliers, farmers and other direct and indirect affiliates of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks. The super brewery will also support global market growth, while improving operational capabilities by increasing annual production.

“This is yet another demonstration of the Australian Government supporting transformational projects that unlock long-term economic growth and regional jobs.”