February 2024 – Page 17

Record funding to support Landcare and deliver on-ground Landcare projects

The NSW Government has reached a major milestone on an election commitment, allocating funding for 83 full-time equivalent local and regional Landcare coordinators and support staff through its $59 million NSW Landcare Enabling Program 2023-2027.

Following a competitive grant and assessment process, 16 Landcare groups based across NSW were successful in receiving funding for coordinators and support staff.

The aim of the regional and local Landcare coordinators is to deliver and support on-ground projects specific to the needs of the local natural environmental and agricultural systems.

In addition to the delivery of on-ground projects, the local and regional coordinators will deliver on a number of other priorities, including:

Strengthening the capacity of Landcarers which will result in effective, efficient support to landcarer volunteers, farmers and the community ensuring effective collaboration and partnerships between Landcare groups, Local Land Services, other government agencies
Landcare NSW leveraging funding opportunities to maximise socio-economic and environmental outcomes.
As part of the funding, each local and regional coordinator can also access up to $5000 to undertake professional development over the course of the 4-year program.

Get more information about the current funding opportunity and the NSW Landcare Enabling Program.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

It gives me great pleasure to announce the successful applicants from this major funding opportunity.

There was strong interest in the funding opportunity and the NSW Landcare Enabling Program more broadly, so it’s great to have such engagement from our Landcare community.

I am also very pleased that the Landcare community have worked together on region wide applications in many cases. This will support better outcomes for the Landcare community.

By providing this funding, our coordinators will have more time to focus on improved facilitation and delivery of on-ground projects that care for our environment and boost agricultural productivity.

For the first time, support staff roles were also included and we know that was important to provide additional support with administrative tasks, allowing coordinators to focus on the delivery of on-ground projects.

Full list of grant recipients:

Central West Lachlan Landcare Inc.
North West Regional Landcarers Inc.
South East Landcare Inc.
Greater Sydney Landcare Network Incorporated.
West Hume Landcare Inc.
Holbrook Landcare Group Ltd.
Western Landcare NSW Inc.
Western Murray Land Improvement Group.
New England Landcare Network, Inc.
Corowa District Landcare Inc.
Mid Coast 2 Tops Landcare Connection Inc.
Hunter Region Landcare Network Inc.
Ricegrowers’ Association Of Australia Inc.
North Coast Regional Landcare Network (NSW).
Watershed Landcare Group Incorporated.
Murrumbidgee Landcare Association Incorporated.

Lessons for future school planning as audit reveals former government’s failure to deliver for booming suburbs

The failure to plan and deliver school infrastructure in the state’s fastest-growing communities has been laid bare in an audit of enrolment growth in NSW that will inform better school infrastructure planning into the future.

Delivery of the Enrolment Growth Audit, released today by the NSW Department of Education, is a key election commitment of the NSW Government and part of its Growth Areas Schools Plan to ensure families in fast-growing areas have timely access to high quality public schools.

The audit found that the top 10 student growth areas between 2018 and 2023, all located in Sydney’s North-West and South-West corridors, collectively accounted for close to 40 per cent of all student enrolment growth in NSW.

These areas have been identified as priority growth precincts by successive NSW Governments since the mid-2000s; however, planning has failed to accurately predict the growth and deliver the schools needed.

These growth corridors not only exceeded the population projections made in 2016, but have done so at lightning pace: the growth of student populations in these areas has skyrocketed by more than 240 per cent in the past five years.

In the areas of Schofields (east), Marsden Park-Shanes Park, Denham Court-Bardia, Gledswood Hills-Gregory Hills, and Jordan Springs-Llandilo, enrolments in 2023 more than doubled the 2016 projection for 2023 and have already surpassed the 2016 enrolment projections for 2041.

Edmondson Park, Denham Court, Marsden Park and Ryde/Denistone were identified as examples of areas where a failure to factor in the speed of development left families without the local public schools they need.

The audit also identified the regional communities of Gillieston and Lennox Head as areas with booming populations where planning for school infrastructure had not kept up with development.

As part of the NSW Government’s plan to address the school infrastructure backlog and rebuild essential services, the 2023-24 Budget is delivering a record $3.5 billion for new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney and another $1.4 billion for regional schools.

This includes 15 new schools and 17 upgrades in the state’s top 10 student growth areas identified in the Enrolment Growth Audit. All top 10 student growth areas have funded capital works projects in the 2023-24 Budget.

For future planning, the audit identified an improved population projection methodology to more accurately monitor growth and demographic changes, improving enrolment and population projections.

It also lists actions for School Infrastructure NSW to adopt to ensure effective and timely responses to enrolment growth.

These include developing localised school population projections using an enhanced range of data sources, developing a strategic property provision pipeline in priority growth areas, and active monitoring of the top 10 growth areas.th areas 2018-2023:

Schofields – East
Marsden Park – Shanes Park
Oran Park
Denham Court – Bardia
North Kellyville
Box Hill – Nelson
Gledswood Hills – Gregory Hills
Jordan Springs – Llandilo
Leppington – Catherine Field
Epping (East) – North Epping

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The NSW Labor Government is committed to building new and upgraded facilities to ensure every student has access to high quality learning environments at their local public school.

“We have delivered on our commitment to conduct this Enrolment Growth Audit as a matter of priority, to fix the school planning failures of the former Liberal National government.

“We delivered a record budget for new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney to fix the former Liberal National Government’s school infrastructure backlog.

“Communities in growing suburbs like Schofields, Gregory Hills, Leppington and Sydney Olympic Park have been fighting for years for much-needed new schools, and elected Labor to deliver the schools the former Liberal National government did not build.

“Our targeted investment in growing communities, supported by this audit, will ensure working families get access to a world class public education on their doorstep into the future.”

Casino teen’s brave bus rescue recognised with Premier’s Award

NSW Premier Chris Minns has today awarded Casino High School student Izzy Miller a Premier’s Award to honour her brave actions in preventing a bus crash last year.

In November, a bus with around 20 local students aboard began moving after the bus driver had stepped out from the vehicle.

Izzy quickly realised the danger as the bus moved toward a petrol station, with CCTV showing customers and staff were in harm’s way.

Izzy jumped into the empty driver’s seat and took control of the wheel. She located the brake pedal and steered the bus to safety, avoiding petrol bowsers, pedestrians and other vehicles.

Izzy, who was in year nine at the time, prevented what could have been a serious accident, with all passengers escaping unharmed.

Premier Chris Minns presented Izzy with a Premier’s Award trophy at a school assembly to recognise her heroic act.

The Premier’s Award gives recognition to people or groups in NSW who have contributed to the state, either through their significant act, contribution, or achievement.

This is the first Premier’s Award awarded by Premier Minns.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Thank you, Izzy, for showing courage and judgement beyond your years.

“Your bravery and quick thinking saved students and members of the public from a potential disaster.

“What makes your actions even more remarkable is you don’t even have your L-plates yet.

“I am so pleased to be able to present you with this award.

“You are a deserving recipient of the first Premier’s Award I have presented since coming to office.”

Anzac commemorations funded across the State

92 community groups, schools and ex-service organisations will share in over $100,000, from the Anzac Community Grants Program (ACGP) to commemorate veterans across the state.

The ACGP provides small grants, of up to $3000, for a range of projects that help commemorate and educate communities about the service and sacrifices of our current and former military servicemen and servicewomen.

This year has seen a record 110 applications from a range of organisations including schools, RSL sub-Branches and LifeCare highlighting the importance of honouring veterans in local communities.

Projects funded include:

Purchase of a bagpipe at the Hastings Secondary College, Westport Campus so students can perform at significant Anzac events.
Purchase of jerseys for the Schofields Junior Rugby League Club players to participate in the Penrith Juniors Rugby League commemorative Anzac Day round.
Preservation of memorabilia, handmade during the First World War, for display by the Prince Henry Hospital Trained Nurses Association in Randwick.
Purchase of banners to display across the Wollondilly region by the Council to honour veterans and promote Anzac Day.
Purchase of pull-up banners to support the on-going digital honour board, by the City of Canada Bay Heritage Society, recognising the contribution of soldiers, sailors, nurses and airmen from Canada Bay area.
School holiday art workshops at Kiama Library for children to reflect on the spirit of remembrance for Anzac Day.
Creation of a memorial wall to commemorate the actions and service of the 1st/15th Royal NSW Lancers and precursor units at the New South Wales Lancers’ Memorial Museum in Parramatta.
Creation of an Anzac Day Mural at Goulburn High School which will serve as a reminder of the service and sacrifice of the Anzacs
Creation and installation of a decorative mural to promote learning about Australia’s involvement in peacekeeping operations and war service at Mount Warrigal Public School.

See the full list of ACGP recipients and find out more about the program

Minister for Veterans, David Harris said:

“The NSW Government is committed to honouring our veterans and their families.

“It is great to see so many organisations, especially our schools, keen to honour our veterans and their contributions in their communities.

“And that what this program is for – to fund great projects that not only recognise Australia’s war service history, but importantly also educate a new generation and support the wellbeing of the NSW veteran community.”

Ms Leisa Mooney, Mount Warrigal Public School said:

“The contribution will help our school to honour the strength, courage, and sacrifice of our service men and women.

“The mural will encourage rich discussion about Australia’s involvement in peacekeeping operations and war service throughout history within our classrooms and school community.”

Bulli Urgent Care Centre hours extended

Residents living in the northern Illawarra region who require care for minor injuries or illness will have access to Bulli Urgent Care Centre (UCC) seven days a week, with the service extending opening hours to include Sundays from this weekend.

Health Minister Ryan Park said the extended coverage will ensure the community can receive care quickly for conditions which can be safely and appropriately treated outside the emergency department.

“I am delighted to announce we’re delivering on our election commitment by expanding access to the Bulli UCC to seven days, which will continue to help ease pressure on busy emergency departments, and of course, reduce wait times for those with less urgent conditions,” Mr Park said.

“This model of care remains a real success story. The number of presentations being managed now has more than doubled to an average of 36 people a day, compared with around 15 to 20 in June 2022.

“We know many people who visit our emergency departments could receive timelier and better tailored care in a community setting.

“Services providing urgent care like this one bridge that gap, providing a better option for patients who receive care faster and closer to home.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart said having the centre open on Saturdays and Sundays will make a real difference to the community.

“This is an important enhancement to health services for our community – it gives people a genuine alternative outside of a busy ED, when they have difficulty getting a GP appointment, or when their GP is closed, such as on a weekend,” Ms Stuart said.

“Bulli UCC is an important part of the local healthcare network, especially for people living in the Illawarra’s northern suburbs. The Bulli UCC has seen a significant increase in presentations since it re-opened after COVID, and again when we extended operations to six days a week in June last year.

“The Bulli UCC is well-supported to treat a range of illnesses and injuries which are deemed urgent, but not life-threatening, such as wounds, minor burns, infections, sprains, minor breaks, gastroenteritis, rashes and conjunctivitis.”

With the extension of the Bulli UCC on 11 February, it will be open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Patients who attend on the weekend will be able to access the usual weekday services, including radiology.

The Bulli UCC is staffed by a combination of nursing and medical teams, supported by GP Visiting Medical Officers and Nurse Practitioners.

People are reminded that if they are experiencing an emergency such as a life-threatening illness or injury, they should go straight to Wollongong Hospital ED which provides a higher level of care, or phone Triple Zero (000).

NSW Health has partnered with Primary Health Networks to deliver additional Urgent Care Services right across the state, in an effort to ease pressure on busy hospital EDs and ensure the people of NSW receive the most appropriate care.

The NSW Government has committed $124 million over two years to deliver 25 Urgent Care Services in NSW by mid-2025.

Bulli Hospital has also made it easier for locals to visit loved ones in hospital by expanding its free shuttle service.

From Monday 12 February, the Bulli Hospital Shuttle Bus will be available to visitors and carers as well as staff. The hours of operation will be extended and include an on-demand option from locations within the Bulli area.

Parking is available at Bulli Showground, where the shuttle service will run every 15 minutes. The bus will drop off at the front entrance doors of Bulli Hospital, and return. The service will be in operation Monday to Friday 6.45am to 4.45pm.

“We know parking around the hospital can be a challenge, and while longer-term options are being investigated, it’s terrific to see the free shuttle service expanded to provide a great alternative to driving and parking at the hospital,” Mr Park said.

Kennedy Community Centre set to soar

Work is underway on the $113 million Kennedy Community Centre Stage 1 Project, which is set to elevate the Hawthorn Football Club facilities to a nationally-significant sporting venue.

Once complete, the centre will include the ‘Harris’ Elite Training and Administration Facility, which will comprise of an MCG-sized oval with lighting, an indoor training field, aquatic facilities, unisex change rooms, function centre, public amenities and a carpark area with lighting.

An adjacent AFLW and Community oval and three-level pavilion will also be delivered, featuring full broadcast capabilities and grandstand seating.

Construction is expected to be completed by late 2025.

The Australian Government has committed $15 million to the project. The Allan Labor Government ($15 million), the Hawthorn Football Club ($73 million), the AFL ($5 million) and the Kingston City Council ($5 million) have provided the remaining $98 million towards the project.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“‘Teamwork is the thing that talks’ – and my Government is very pleased to be working with the State Government, Kingston City Council, the AFL and the Hawthorn Football Club to help bring this great project to life.

“This centre will be a focal point and a home for community sport, men and women, boys and girls, all ages and so many sporting codes.

“It will be a place in the best of the Australian tradition – where sport belongs to the people and sport brings people together.”

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“The Australian Government is pleased to partner with the Hawthorn Football Club, the Victorian Government, the City of Kingston and the AFL to deliver this wonderful project.

“The project will deliver the best facility of its type in southeast Melbourne for the community, encouraging both passive and active participation in the sport.”

Federal Member for Isaacs Mark Dreyfus said:

“I’m delighted the Kennedy Community Centre is being supported to become a hub for Dingley, Isaacs and the broader community.

“Sport is an integral part of the Isaacs community spirit – it brings us together and promotes teamwork, inclusivity and resilience. The Centre will be a great asset for local sport and help boost our local economy.”

Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said:

“This is such an exciting step in helping deliver the Hawthorn Football Club elite facilities for the club’s AFLW team while creating a home base for the brown and gold for many years to come.”

Mayor of City of Kingston Cr Jenna Davey-Burns said:

“Our Council is passionate about supporting sport, particularly the participation of women and girls, and we are thrilled to see the Kennedy Centre project come to fruition.

“Community sport is all about great physical and mental wellbeing, provides a real sense of belonging and helps build strong connections. It’s great to think we could soon be seeing the next generation of Tilly Lucas-Rodds, Jazzy Flemmings, Chad Wingards and Jai Newcombes getting their start on a brand-new community oval here in Dingley Village.”

STILL NO ENFORCEMENT BODY TO HOLD MPS TO ACCOUNT, TWO YEARS ON

Today is the second anniversary of the day the government adopted former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins’ Set the Standards report, after its release in November 2021.

The recommendations in that report were intended to be adopted within 12 months. With the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC) now delayed until October 2024, an enforcement body to uphold the codes of conduct for parliamentary behaviour will be almost two years overdue.

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on women Senator Larissa Waters said:

“When former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins released the Set the Standard Report in 2021, the recommendations were intended to be fully implemented within 12 months – not 3 years.

“Establishing an independent, trauma-informed Parliamentary Workplace Support Service to support staff and MPs dealing with harassment and abuse has been a huge step forward, as has the adoption of long overdue draft codes of conduct for the parliamentary chambers, but without enforcement powers, they cannot solve the problem.

“I am proud of the progress that has been made, but we still need an Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC) to enforce codes of conduct.

“The timeframe for that IPSC was first extended until February, and has now blown out 1 whole year until October 2024.

“We know that without real prospects that an MP will be sanctioned, staff are reluctant to come forward. Consequences are crucial.

“As a member of the Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce I know that work to set up the IPSC is complex, but there is no excuse for it having been so slow.

“The Greens will continue to push for real accountability and transparency, so that here in Parliament our workplace is leading by example to Set the Standard.”

SCATHING CLOSING THE GAP REVIEW SHOWS IT’S TIME TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT HANDING MONEY AND DECISIONS OVER TO FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE

Following the review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, the Greens support the Review’s calls for urgent fundamental changes in the way government departments engage with the priority reforms.

The Greens also reiterated their expectation that the government will advance Truth and Treaty through a Makarrata Commission in this term of government.

Senator Dorinda Cox, Greens First Nations portfolio holder said:

“This review is excruciating reading but it is also a brave and necessary act of Truth Telling.

“What this review confirms is we are closing no gaps. It says government departments scorn accountability. It says actions by the government, and I’m quoting here, “exacerbate rather than remedy disadvantage and discrimination”.

“I am appalled by the reported lack of accountability from government departments. The complacency. The business as usual, government-knows-best approach to First Nations communities.

“This is the definition of institutional racism. This is the arrogance of white bureaucrats, systems and managers reinforcing the disempowerment of our people.

“These attitudes keep First Nations people out of schools, out of hospitals, out of workplaces.

“These attitudes empower state violence against our people and ensure we do not get justice.

“Many First Nations people trusted the Albanese government last year when they said they wanted to put us in charge of our own solutions.

“That trust cannot be broken. It’s time for the government to put their money where their mouth is, and that means handing both money and decision-making power over to Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations.

“This is everyone’s business. It’s not just up to people with the Blak portfolios to solve these problems – we need every Minister and every Head of Department to understand it is their job to Close the Gap. And we need them to know there will be consequences if they don’t.

“Business-as-usual has failed, and it’s clear from these results that the government does not know what’s best for our people.

“Now is the time for Truth and Treaty.

“The referendum campaign clearly demonstrated the need to have an honest and informed discussion about our shared history so we can speak the truth, heal and move forward together through Treaty and the affirmation of First Nations Sovereignty – which has never been ceded.

“We have an opportunity to do things differently in this country by starting that process now.”

FELS REPORT SHINES LIGHT ON PRICE GOUGING AND INFLATION

The Greens welcome the findings of the comprehensive report led by Professor Allan Fels AO on the disturbing practices of price gouging and unfair pricing within Australia’s major industries, including the supermarket sector.

“The findings of Professor Fels’ report are a testament to the urgent need for reform within our supermarket industry and beyond,” Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

”It confirms what many Australians have long suspected – that excessive corporate profits and monopolistic practices are contributing significantly to the cost of living crisis and undermining our social fabric.”

“Professor Fels was clear that there is a lack of competitive pressure in the supermarket sector and that Australia needs divestiture laws to break up big business.”

“The Greens could not agree more.”

“There is no doubt that corporate profiteering is occurring in Australia. A corporate super-profits tax would help rein it in and provide extra revenue for the government to help people struggling to make ends meet.”

“The upcoming Senate inquiry into these matters will be a pivotal moment for supermarket CEOs to face public scrutiny.”

”We intend to examine into the issues highlighted by Professor Fels, ensuring that the CEOs of these corporations answer for their actions.”

“We thank the ACTU and Professor Fels for this important report.”

GREENS WIN A RIGHT TO DISCONNECT IN FAIR WORK BILL

Following months of negotiations with the government and the crossbench, the Greens have secured support in their push for a legislated right to disconnect for workers.

As a long-time campaign and demand of the Greens, this win allows workers to ignore contact from their employers outside of work hours, unless they are paid for it.

The amendments to the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No. 2) Bill 2023 will give employees an enforceable right to refuse contact from their employer out of hours unless that refusal is unreasonable. Where the issue cannot be resolved at the workplace, and the behaviour continues, the Fair Work Commission can issue stop orders. If they are breached, the normal civil remedies of the Fair Work system will apply.

Factors like the reason for contact, the level of contact, compensation, job role and responsibility, and workers’ personal circumstances will be taken into account in deciding what is reasonable contact.

Having reached agreement with the government and crossbench on the right to disconnect, the Greens will back the bill when it comes before the Senate today.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt said:

“The Greens have won workers a right to disconnect,” Mr Bandt said.

“Whether you’re a nurse, teacher, or hospo worker, the Greens believe you shouldn’t have to answer calls or texts from your boss on your day off or after hours if you’re not being paid for it.

“The Greens are in Parliament to fight for workers, and by winning workers a right to disconnect, we have reclaimed the weekend for millions of people who need that time off.

“This is especially a big win for women and carers who are often forced to juggle work and caring responsibilities.”

Senator Barbara Pocock said:

“This right will make a real difference for millions of Australian workers and their families who need some backup when they want to say no to 24/7 contact from their workplace.

‘The right is clear, practical and reasonable. It will make a difference for workers who are not paid for being available and who donate many unpaid hours to their workplace.

‘In implementing this right, we are playing catch up with 20 other nations who have already acted on this massive problem.

‘This change will help workers protect their mental health and improve work-life balance. It will especially help those in insecure jobs who need that legislative backup.

“I want to thank the government and the Senate crossbench for their constructive engagement and their support for our right to disconnect plan.