Month: March 2024

GREENS CALL AIRCRAFT NOISE REDUCTION TRIAL A ‘SHAM’, CALL FOR NEW TRIAL

Under questioning from Greens Senator Janet Rice, Airservices Australia have admitted their full runway trial to reduce noise over Brisbane residents was a sham.

Officials admitted that height markers used by pilots to calculate their climb trajectory were not increased during the trial, meaning that they had no reason to climb higher than they normally would, and this explains the lack of a noticeable difference in noise.

The trial involved the use of the full runway for all flights over the city, as opposed to standard practice where many flights begin takeoff already partway down the runway (known as an “intersection departure”). This allows more thrust to be used at takeoff and therefore a steeper climb, meaning aircraft are at a higher altitude when flying over residential areas.

The Greens have written to ASA requesting an explanation and new trial.

The Estimates transcript can be found here.

Elizabeth Watson-Brown, Greens spokesperson for Transport, Infrastructure and Sustainable Cities said:

“This confirms what we already suspected – the full runway trial at Brisbane Airport was set up to fail by Airservices Australia.

“Once again we’re seeing the absolute failure of Airservices Australia to put any meaningful effort into reducing noise over Brisbane residents’ homes.

“Given the whole point of the trial was to increase the height of the aircraft over the city, it is pure negligence to not increase the height markers.

“Airservices Australia should immediately order a new trial with increased height markers.

“Flight noise has disrupted Brisbane residents’ lives, and their physical and mental health, especially since the introduction of the new parallel runway in 2020. The least that government agencies like Airservices Australia can do is run these noise improvement trials properly.”

GENDER STRATEGY STILL MAKING WOMEN WAIT FOR EQUALITY

Today’s Gender Equality Strategy: Working for Women has finally been released, but as we have come to expect from this government, it’s big on flourish, short on detail and comes with unnecessarily long wait times.

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Women, Larissa Waters said:

“Women have been waiting for the Gender Equality Strategy since the election, and now women have to keep waiting for much of what’s in the strategy.

“We welcome Labor’s support for Greens’ policy to pay super on parental leave, but why make women wait until 2025, when there is a paid parental leave bill before the Senate right now. 

“Labor has been dragging their feet on all things PPL throughout their first term of government, and now they want women to wait until after the next federal election to get super paid on PPL. 

“The Greens would fast-track putting super on PPL through the parliament if the government want to give women this long overdue workplace right by 1 July this year.

“The strategy today was silent on the other much needed PPL reforms, also recommended by the WEET, for replacement wage and 12 months of PPL by 2030.

“We are pleased to see the Government heed the Greens’ call to stop subsidising discrimination, by making companies with over 500 employees ineligible for government contracts if they are not taking steps to close their gender pay gap, but this rule should apply to companies with 100+ employees, and to government grants not just contracts.

“Health is one of the strategy’s priority areas, but the Government response to the Senate inquiry into reproductive healthcare which I initiated is 7 months overdue, with no explanation for inaction. Meanwhile people are forced to travel hundreds of kilometres and spend hundreds of dollars to access surgical abortion.

“Labor’s 2019 election pledge for taxpayer-funded abortions to be offered in public hospitals was good policy; it’s disappointing they continue to back away from it. Abortion care is basic healthcare and it should be available at any public hospital, with no out-of-pocket costs.

“The strategy also focuses on ending violence against women, but in estimates last May the Government confirmed that funding to end violence against women and children is less than half the $1 billion each year the women’s safety sector says is needed.

“Violence against women and children has not reduced since the first National Plan to end it  12 years ago. Labor must provide the funds required for the National Plan to succeed, or they risk squandering another 10 years, and more women’s lives.”

Greens spokesperson on employment Senator Barbara Pocock said:

“It’s great to see the Minister for Women adopting the Greens policy of super on Paid Parental leave. But as usual Labor’s gender equality plan is too little too late.

“One-third of the gender pay gap is attributed to time spent caring for family and interruptions to full-time employment. The Government knows this is a key factor in women’s inequality, yet their response fails to adequately address this.

“We need to demolish barriers to women participating equally in the workforce by introducing free childcare, a minimum of 12 months paid parental leave now, not after the next election, and we need workplace policies that encourage men to take on more of the unpaid work that women do, like caring for children, elderly and disabled family members, and household duties.

“We heard plenty of evidence at the Work and Care Inquiry, which I chaired, that predicts huge economic benefits through raising women’s participation in the workforce. In fact, if women’s participation matched that of men, GDP would increase by almost 9%. That’s an extra $30 billion added to our economy by 2050.”

Memorial Drive bank set to be stabilised via $5 million project

Work is expected to begin in April on a $5 million project to stabilise an embankment alongside Memorial Drive, which is used by more than 10,000 cars every day. 

The project is being delivered by City of Newcastle (CN) with around $3 million funding from the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery Program. 

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at the Memorial Drive site where the stabilisation work will begin next month.Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon and Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at the Memorial Drive site where the stabilisation work will begin next month.

Councillors voted last week to accept a tender for the work, which will repair the 115m-long section of the embankment compromised by a land slip during a period of significant rainfall.  

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the complex project would ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists using the nearby footpath and road. 

“We have carried out extensive geotechnical investigations to determine the work required for this complex project, which takes into consideration the constraints presented by this site,” Cr Nelmes said. 

“The project is considered a priority for delivery in order to prevent future rain events further impacting the embankment, the footpath and the busy Memorial Drive, which is used by around 10,000 vehicles each day. 

“We will be able to deliver this project with minimal disruption to traffic, maintaining the two-lane, two-way traffic flow on Memorial Drive for the duration of the construction.” 

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon welcomed the $3 million investment by the Federal Government into this project. 

“The Albanese Labor government is proud to be a major partner in this important restoration project, which will facilitate greater accessibility and improve safety for Novocastrians on a beloved section of our coastline,” Ms Claydon said.

Interim protection measures have been in place since the land slip on the embankment, with temporary footpath access reinstated last year. 

A new retaining wall will be constructed as part of the stabilisation works, with a series of steel-reinforced concrete piles to be poured vertically through the underlying rock. 

Upgrades at the base of the existing stormwater channel will also help improve the flow of water during periods of heavy rain. 

This will be followed by construction of a new street-level footpath on top of the renewed embankment to replace the temporary access, while kerb and guttering and road resurfacing work will also be completed. 

Pedestrians are advised to use the footpath on the eastern side of Memorial Drive during the construction phase.

New ambassador program welcomes international students to Newcastle with open arms

A new International Student Ambassador initiative launched today in Newcastle aims to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging for all international students living and studying in the Hunter.

The program, co-facilitated by the University of Newcastle together with the City of Newcastle, Study NSW, and TAFE NSW has been developed to connect international students with the community through dedicated student ambassadors.

Professor Mark Hoffman Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) University of Newcastle, Roger Hale Director of Customer and Stakeholder Relations, TAFE NSW, Manav Arora, International Student Ambassador, Nataly Soto, International Student Ambassador, Sarthak Birani, International Student Ambassador, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Nate Henderson, Associate Director – Policy and Programs, Study NSW.Professor Mark Hoffman Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) University of Newcastle, Roger Hale Director of Customer and Stakeholder Relations, TAFE NSW, Manav Arora, International Student Ambassador, Nataly Soto, International Student Ambassador, Sarthak Birani, International Student Ambassador, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Nate Henderson, Associate Director – Policy and Programs, Study NSW.

Three ambassadors have been elected to represent the voices of international students and will work closely with local government, educational institutions and the community to act as a bridge between cultures and enhance their experience living and studying in the region.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said the program would promote an inclusive and interconnected University community that celebrated diversity and addressed the needs of international students.

“We want our students to experience the very best that our region has to offer and the launch of the International Student Ambassador program will be a catalyst to building vital connections and opportunities for these students to succeed in our region,” said Professor Zelinsky.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the launch of the Ambassador Program was an important step in welcoming all international students, emphasising their contributions to creating a vibrant, global community in Newcastle.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with the University of Newcastle to help forge meaningful relationships that will establish a lifelong network of cultural exchange and collaboration,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle’s Economic Development Strategy recognises that international students help to build our global reputation for education and stimulate local business activity, while adding culture and diversity to our city.

“We hope this Ambassador Program will help international students feel more at home and gain a better understanding of all our city has to offer.”

To further support the international student experience, the NSW Government’s Study NSW has also established an international student welcome desk at Newcastle Airport, which Toshi Kawaguchi, Director Study NSW, said would provide a key first point of contact to welcome and prepare students to thrive in Newcastle.

“Newcastle brings together the best parts of NSW’s lifestyle, making it such a popular city for international students to study, work and live. Studying in a foreign city comes with its challenges, which is why Study NSW supports initiatives such as the Ambassador program. It is critical that international students feel welcome and empowered to make the most of their time studying abroad,” said Mr Kawaguchi.

“International students make incredible social and cultural contributions to Newcastle and the broader Australian community. This is one of the ways we’re giving back and providing meaningful opportunities to support their global careers.”

International Student Ambassador, Nataly Soto said she looked forward to amplifying the visibility of international students in the community and helping to build their vital connections for success in Newcastle.

“Having been an international student myself, I understand the difficulties that come with studying overseas and I firmly believe these challenges can be overcome with the right resources. I hope this program will help to create lifelong connections and make Newcastle not only a destination for education, but a true home away from home for these students,” said Nataly.

Next NSW Auditor-General announced

Premier Chris Minns today announced the appointment of Mr Bola Oyetunji as the next Auditor-General of New South Wales.

Mr Oyetunji will be sworn into office in April, when the current Auditor-General Margaret Crawford concludes her eight-year term.

Mr Oyetunji was appointed following a merit-based recruitment process.

His former roles include Group Executive Director – Financial Statements Audit Service Group and Group Head – Systems Assurance and Data Analytics Group at the Australian National Audit Office. He also had a long and successful period in senior roles at the Audit Office of NSW.

Mr Oyetunji’s extensive executive leadership experience includes strategy development, governance, data analytics, finance, accounting and auditing spanning Commonwealth, State and Local government.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“I welcome the appointment of Mr Oyetunji as the next Auditor-General of this state.

“His extensive experience across all levels of government will be valued highly in this important role.

“Under Mr Oyetunji, the Audit Office will continue to ensure public money is used to achieve the best outcomes for NSW.

“I’d like to thank outgoing Auditor-General Margaret Crawford PSM for her work over the past eight years, including the many significant reviews conducted by her and her team.”

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“Mr Oyetunji’s credentials in auditing, including his roles at the Australian National Audit Office and Audit Office of NSW, will be invaluable to ensuring public money is properly spent to best serve the people of NSW.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank outgoing Auditor-General Margaret Crawford PSM for her service over the past eight years, working tirelessly to help the Parliament of New South Wales hold governments accountable for their use of public resources.”

Mr Bola Oyetunji said:

“Being appointed as the next Auditor-General for NSW is a great honour.

“I am committed to the integrity and independence required of the role in holding government and state agencies accountable for how they govern and use resources under their management. I look forward to serving the NSW Parliament in this capacity.”

$300 million investment in TAFE NSW

Crumbling classrooms, leaking roofs, and 15-year-old Wi-Fi systems in TAFE NSW campuses will be fixed by a new $300 million Labor program now underway.

The NSW Labor Government knows that to address the critical shortage of skilled workers we must have functional classrooms with modern equipment.

The NSW Labor Government is investing $300 million into TAFE NSW this financial year to upgrade classrooms and campus infrastructure, deliver new teaching equipment, and improve digital connectivity across regional and remote campuses.

This landmark financial injection into TAFE NSW will refurbish workshops and specialist facilities to train more electricians, metal fabricators, plumbers, and healthcare workers in communities like Wagga Wagga, Albury, Goulburn, Port Macquarie, Orange, and Armidale.

From welders at Wagga Wagga, to tractors at Wollongbar and Goulburn, and forklifts at Nirimba, and Albury, the funding will deliver new equipment to support the continued delivery of industry-aligned training to learners.

In addition to maintenance work and new teaching equipment, the investment also provides more than $36 million for over 8,500 new digital devices and directs funding into improved digital connectivity at 28 regional campuses across the state.

The investment in digital connectivity is a particularly major win for regional communities and will be used to overhaul outdated network infrastructure, improve Wi-Fi connectivity, and build cyber security resilience, which is critical for effective teaching and learning in the 21st century.

The funding will also ensure the completion of the redevelopment of TAFE NSW Kingscliff and the upgrade of TAFE NSW Coffs Harbour, ensuring a pipeline of more skilled workers in these booming regional communities.

Northern NSW can expect more demand for skilled healthcare, hospitality, and construction workers over the next three years. This investment ensures TAFE NSW is well-placed to meet the educational and employment needs of such communities.

This investment reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to place TAFE NSW at the heart of the vocational and education training system.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“This critical $300 million investment will rebuild the physical and digital infrastructure at 120 TAFE NSW campuses neglected for a decade by the previous Liberal-National Government.

“When I became Minister for TAFE, I was alarmed to get letters from students at TAFE colleges in country NSW telling me they were using their own phones to get internet connectivity on their campuses – because the Wi-Fi was so out of date.

“Stories about neglected classrooms don’t help to attract the people we need to see taking on training or teaching. NSW Labor is doing something about it.

“In Wagga Wagga, this investment will mean $600,000 to deliver upgraded fabrication and welding facilities and equipment, ensuring apprentices working on major projects like Inland Rail, or maintaining local bridges across the Riverina are set up for success.

“We’ll also spend $500,000 to replace 164 digital devices, and $550,000 for a new Aboriginal Cultural safe space at Wagga Wagga TAFE.

“TAFE NSW offers learners a great experience, but we don’t want it diminished by facilities that should have been maintained properly by the last government. And now it won’t be.

“This investment adds to the NSW Labor Government’s $3.8 billion investment in the skills and training sector, made together with the Commonwealth Government.

“Employers are relying on TAFE NSW to equip learners with in-demand skills using industry-standard equipment and technology, ensuring they graduate job-ready.

“This announcement will ensure the right skills mix to drive jobs, opportunity and productivity in NSW.

“The continued investment in TAFE NSW’s infrastructure will expand learning opportunities in local communities, improve educational outcomes, and support the state’s critical skills needs.”

Funding approved for new bridge at Clarence Town

Clarence Town is set to get a new bridge over the Williams River. The new bridge will be built alongside the heritage-listed Brig O’Johnston Bridge on Limeburners Creek Road.

It will allow for semi-trailers of at least 45.5 tonnes and 68-tonne B-Doubles – more than double the load capacity of the existing bridge.

It will also cater for over-width vehicles, unlike the Brig O’Johnston Bridge, which is restricted to vehicles of up to 2.8 metres wide and can carry only one lane of traffic with a load restriction of 22.5 tonnes.

The works will also deliver a pedestrian walkway.

The project is expected to improve freight access and productivity, improve road safety, and support local industries. Tenders are expected to be called in coming months.

The new $20.6 million bridge is funded by the Australian and NSW governments. The Australian and NSW governments had previously approved $8.8 million and $5.5 million in funding respectively.

The NSW Government has now increased its contribution by a further $5.5 million to $11 million and the Australian Government by $781,000 to $9.581 million.

The Brig O’Johnston Bridge will be retained and rehabilitated.

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

“This is fantastic news for the people of Clarence Town and for surrounding businesses and industry.

“Heavy vehicles currently have to detour up to 52 kilometres to bypass the existing bridge.

“The new bridge will allow industry to increase load width and mass, eliminating the detour and enabling the use of more productive vehicles.

“This will result in time savings while reducing energy costs and emissions.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said:

“I recently visited Dungog and the growing need for a new bridge was clear to me.

“The NSW Labor Government’s announcement of additional funding to ensure the new Bridge is delivered is fantastic news for the people of Clarence Town and for surrounding business and industry.

“The key driver for this project is to provide uninhibited access and egress for heavy vehicles into the Dungog Shire area.

“It will also provide a freight link from the Pacific Highway and the Bucketts Way into rural agricultural areas of Dungog, Vacy and East Gresford.

“Many of the region’s agricultural industries will benefit from larger, more productive freight transport into this area.

“These will include larger milk collection tankers, larger livestock transport vehicles, larger feed delivery vehicles and poultry farm access for deliveries of feed and stock.”

NSW Government Duty MLC for the Upper Hunter electorate Emily Suvaal said:

“By building a more reliable road freight network, we’re ensuring that food, produce and raw materials, which feed and power our state, can move to market as efficiently as possible.

“This project is a great example of all three levels of government working together for the benefit of the community.

“It was made possible thanks to a combination of Australian and NSW Government funded programs, and I commend Dungog Shire Council on its vision and support of this important project.”

Dungog Mayor John Connors said:

“We have been advocating heavily for this project across all levels of government for several years, and we’re thrilled that we can finally deliver a safe, reliable and accessible bridge that the Clarence Town community deserves.

“As a region, the Dungog shire has been identified as potentially needing 2400 residential homes by 2041, so it’s great to know that the infrastructure on major arterial routes – such as the Clarence Town Bridge, will support this level of growth.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison and Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King for working with us to make this asset a reality for the Dungog shire.”

NSW Women of the Year Awards 2024 recipients announced

Five outstanding NSW women have been named the recipients of the NSW Women of the Year Awards 2024 at a ceremony held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney this morning.

Thirty-three women and girls have been recognised across 6 award categories, receiving the highest commendation for their contributions to community, industry and society in NSW.

Since 2012, the annual NSW Women of the Year Awards have played a key role in recognising the women and girls whose determination, bravery, skill and passion has inspired their communities and others to achieve great things.

The NSW Women of the Year Awards 2024 is a celebrated event at the heart of NSW Women’s Week, which runs from Monday 4 March to Sunday 10 March and includes International Women’s Day on Friday 8 March.

The award recipients for each of the 6 categories are:

The Ones To Watch

Get more information about the finalists, recipients and to watch the recorded livestream, visit the NSW Women of the Year Award website.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“I want to extend my congratulations to all the remarkable recipients and finalists for the incredible impacts their work and contributions have had in various parts of our state.

“These women have gone above and beyond to achieve positive change within their fields and contribute to their communities. They are exceptional women from diverse backgrounds who are incredible role models for us all to look up to.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Congratulations to all the finalists and recipients of the NSW Women of the Year Awards for being role models for the next generation of superstars.

“The record number of nominations this year is testament to the importance of these awards, but more importantly, a reflection of the broad impact women are having across our state.

“It is vital we recognise and support those who continue to challenge inequality, innovate and promote progress in their fields. I look forward to following their journeys as they continue to inspire others.”

EPA completes supply chain tracing for asbestos in mulch

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has reached the end of the supply chain as it traces asbestos contaminated mulch which was originally discovered at the Rozelle Parklands.

While the initial phase of supply chain testing is complete, the EPA’s criminal investigation continues to explore multiple lines of inquiry.

Over the past eight weeks, around 6,500 tonnes of mulch has been tracked down, assessed and tested, with nearly 1,200 samples taken for analysis.

At this stage, 75 sites have returned a positive result for asbestos in mulch. All sites had low levels of asbestos contamination and NSW Health advises the risk to health is low.

The NSW Asbestos Taskforce has supported the EPA’s investigations on the ground with crews from Fire and Rescue NSW, SafeWork, Public Works and the Natural Resources Access Regulator.

The NSW Government would like to thank the hundreds of staff across multiple agencies who were mobilised to trace and facilitate the testing, notification and removal of contaminated mulch.

The Taskforce will continue monitoring the situation while moving to broader consideration of legacy asbestos.

The NSW Government will move to tighten regulations and strengthen penalties for a range of environmental crimes.

The Office of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer is continuing its review of asbestos in waste and recovered materials, including mulch. It is expected to be finalised this year.

Anyone who has concerns about mulch should call the Environment Line on 131 555, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The EPA will continue to conduct proactive compliance campaigns across industry and investigate any reports of contamination. 

Find out more about any additional positive results at sites accessible to the public

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe:

“Asbestos is illegal in any product and should not be there. The discovery of asbestos in mulch has led to the biggest investigation in the EPA’s history.

“The first phase of this investigation is now complete. While the EPA works on its criminal investigation, the NSW Government will move to tighten regulations and make further changes as required.”

Green light for students and staff to return to Liverpool West Public School

Students and staff at Liverpool West Public School will be welcomed back to their classrooms on Monday, 11 March 2024 with full clearance received from the independent hygienist today.

This follows extensive work undertaken over the past few weeks to remove contaminated mulch at the school and fully remediate the site.

All areas of concern based on the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) investigation have been remediated with all mulch now removed.

The main classrooms and teaching areas of the school will return to usual operations now that the independent hygienist has provided a clearance certificate.

Reinstatement of landscaping materials will continue in the coming weeks and will not impact school operations.  

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

“We are pleased to be able to confirm a return to face-to-face learning at Liverpool West Public School from Monday.

“We cannot thank the incredible school staff and teams across the department enough. They have worked around the clock to get us to this point, where we can safely return our students and teachers to their classrooms.

“We would also like to thank all students at both Liverpool West and Gulygangarri, their families and carers, for their support and understanding.

“Safety has always been our top priority. The decision to temporarily close the school site was not taken lightly, and we appreciate the community’s patience while we managed the situation as safely and as quickly as possible.”

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said:

“We are privileged in Sydney’s south-west to have a strong public education community, and we’re so grateful to Gulyangarri Public School for their warm hospitality in giving students from Liverpool West a safe and welcoming place to learn during this time.

“This has been an uncertain time for many in the Liverpool West Public School community, and I am thankful to the Department for responding in a way that puts the health and safety of our kids first, while minimising disruptions to learning.

“Families at Liverpool West Public School have been waiting for their kids to be able to return to campus. I know today’s news will come as a relief to many of them.”