Month: June 2024

New Aussie-built ferry arrives at Sydney Opera House

The second new Australian-built Parramatta River Class ferry, named John Nutt, has sailed towards the sails of the Opera House – marking a stunning arrival into Sydney Harbour from Tasmania to prepare to welcome passengers.

John Nutt completed her maiden landing at the Man O’War steps this morning following a successful 3 day voyage across Bass Strait.

Making a beeline for the Opera House was a fitting entrance, as the ferry’s namesake is unveiled as Dr John Nutt, known for his lead role in the construction of the world-famous landmark.

The vessel will now be handed over to operator Transdev for final checks to ensure she’s in ship-shape, before the first passengers board in July.

John Nutt will predominantly run in the calm river conditions of the F3 route, between Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park and Circular Quay.

From July 1, an extra seven ferry services will be added to the F3 between Circular Quay and Sydney Olympic Park every weekday. This comes on top of the seven additional services on weekdays and 26 on weekends announced in January this year for the F3 route.

The ferry is second of seven new Northern Beaches-designed vessels being built by Hobart-based shipbuilder Richardson Devine Marine. The first vessel in the fleet, Frances Bodkin, has been in service since April.

A team of 60 people is working to build the remaining five, which are expected to progressively enter passenger service over the course of the next 18 months.

Their names can now be revealed, honouring pioneering Australians in science and innovation. In addition to the Frances Bodkin and John Nutt, Sydneysiders will be able to enjoy journeys on:

  • The Isobel Bennett
  • The Martin Green
  • The Ruby Payne-Scott
  • The Norman Selfe
  • The Jack Mundey

These ferries will be a significant improvement compared to those procured by the former government that contained asbestos, exploding engines and dangerous visibility issues for crews.

The Australian-made fleet is more reliable and comfortable, with upgraded safety systems, greater accessibility and sleeker design.

The seven new vessels will replace the RiverCat and SuperCat vessels which will be retired after 30 years of service.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to building the state’s domestic manufacturing capacity. A local domestic manufacturing industry is essential both for the future of jobs in NSW and our ability to deliver the safe and reliable public transport our state needs to grow.

A plan to build a better NSW.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“John Nutt was the engineer behind one of Sydney’s most famous landmarks, now we’re honouring him with another.

“This classic green and cream ferry, made in Australia, will serve the Parramatta for years to come.

“It’s the second of our Parramatta River class vessels which are more fuel efficient than the vessels they replace.

“Plus the panoramic windows will give every passenger an excellent view of the John Nutt engineered Opera House as they pull into Circular Quay.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“These new ferries, and the more frequent timetable on the popular F3 route are a big win for anyone catching the ferry to work, school or events around Sydney.

“The population right across the Sydney Olympic Park precinct is growing, and we need more public transport services to meet demand.

“We’re meeting that demand with more ferry services, and in the future, with the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 extension that received funding from the Minns Labor Government in the most recent budget.”

Crown land managers honoured in award ceremonies

Volunteers representing six separate Crown Land boards have been honoured for their long-standing service to their local communities.

Sixteen people were awarded Crown Lands Service Recognition Awards for long-term service for managing Crown reserves at two ceremonies in Dunedoo and Gilgandra.

All award recipients have been Crown Land managers for ten years or more, with two individuals dedicating more than 50 years towards managing public land: Ken Milling has been a Crown land manager of the Dunedoo Racecourse and Recreation reserve since 1969, while Darryl Cluff has been in his position on the volunteer board of Birriwa Recreation reserve since 1971.

There are over 2,500 volunteers involved in Crown reserve management across the state, freely giving their time, skills and energy for the good of their local communities. Their efforts ensure public assets are taken care of and can be equitably accessed by everyone.

Over coming months, many more long-term Crown land volunteers will receive award certificates for their service, including another 30 individuals who have volunteered their services to the management of Crown land for over 30, 40 and some who have served on a board for over 50 years.

There are over 700 Crown reserves managed by volunteers who play an important role in the management of these valuable community assets for the people of NSW. Find out more about volunteering to be a Crown land manager for your community here.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Crown land reserves are reliant on volunteers who dedicate their time and energy towards ensuring public land is managed effectively and for the benefit of all. I commend all the volunteers in the state’s Central West for their steadfast commitment to their communities.

“Crown reserves play an important role protecting the environment and supporting communities with everything from green open space, parks and walking tracks to showgrounds, sporting ovals and community halls.”

Gilgandra Racecourse and Recreation Reserve board member John Smith said:

“I love volunteering. It makes me feel proud that I’ve helped maintain this beautiful reserve and it’s a jolly good thing to give back to your community.

“The racecourse is important to people in Gilgandra. It’s a beautiful spot where we hold morning tea, weddings and funerals. I am glad that I can help take care of the racecourse so the next generation can enjoy it for years to come.”

Dunedoo Racecourse and Recreation Reserve board member Ken Milling said:

“Volunteering is a natural thing for me, I love getting involved in my community and I am very proud to look after our local racecourse in Dunedoo.

“Horse racing and polocrosse are very popular sports in our community. We’ve held many equestrian events at the racecourse over the years, which helps bring our community together.”

Birriwa Recreation Reserve manager Darryl Cuff said:

“I’ve been a volunteer in Dunedoo since the early 70s and I’ve loved every minute of it. I love giving back to the community and catching up with other locals.

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done at Birriwa Recreation Reserve, including building boundary fencing, planting more trees and constructing a shed that’s used by the Rural Fire Service to house their fire truck.”

Crown Land managers who received Crown Lands Service Recognition Award certificates in the state’s Central West region

Birriwa Recreation Reserve:

  • Darryl Cluff – Over 50 Years of service
  • Lloyd Graham – Over 40 years of service
  • Ronald Jackson – Over 30 years of service
  • Maurice Cluff – Over 10 years of service

Gilgandra Racecourse and Recreation Reserve:

  • John Smith – Over 40 years of service
  • Barry Nangle – Over 40 years of service
  • Andrew Schier – Over 20 years of service
  • Stuart Border – Over 20 years of service
  • Trevor Johnson – Over 20 years of service

Dunedoo Racecourse and Recreation Reserve:

  • Ken Milling – Over 50 years of volunteer service

Dunedoo Showground Reserve:

  • Ronald Bowman – Over 30 years of volunteer service
  • Stirling Fergusson, Mark Dent and William Gaden – Over 20 years of volunteer service

Elong Elong Public Hall Reserve:

  • Garry Craft – Over 30 years of volunteer service
  • Jenny Tunks – Over 20 years of volunteer service
  • Elinor (Rae) Craft – Over 10 years of service

Uarbry Recreation Reserve:

  • Warren Piper – Over 10 years of volunteer service.

Central West Orana REZ transmission project gets planning approval in Australian first

NSW has reached a significant milestone in the renewable energy rollout, with the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) transmission project securing planning approval.

It is the first REZ in Australia to achieve this critical step, paving the way for the construction of essential transmission infrastructure to connect large-scale solar, wind and energy storage projects to the electricity grid.

The project is expected to drive up to $20 billion in private investment in solar, wind and energy storage projects, supporting around 5,000 jobs during peak construction.

The Central-West Orana REZ is a key initiative under the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap to deliver clean, affordable and reliable energy to households and businesses across the state. The project will deliver at least 4.5 gigawatts of transmitted electricity, which is equivalent to powering 1.8 million homes.

Planning approval of transmission lines will mean work can begin on the construction and operation of around 240km of lines and supporting infrastructure within the Central West Orana REZ. This transmission infrastructure is critical to NSW’s renewable energy future. It will connect multiple major renewable energy projects to the grid, to pump cleaner, affordable power to homes and businesses across the state.

The Environmental Impact Statement was exhibited in late 2023 and included measures to avoid, minimise or mitigate potential environmental and community impacts. Extensive community and stakeholder engagement informed a number of key changes to the project.

In order to proceed with planning approval, the NSW Government assigned nearly 100 approval conditions to support the rollout of the transmission project.

The Central-West Orana REZ is approximately 20,000 km2, and takes in cities and towns including Dubbo, Dunedoo and Mudgee.

The Central-West Orana REZ offers significant opportunities for the region and will:

  • drive economic growth through substantial private investment
  • Invest in community benefit projects that will leave a lasting legacy
  • create local jobs in construction and ongoing maintenance

Financial close for the project is scheduled for the second half of 2024. Construction works are expected from late 2024, with initial operation anticipated in 2028.

More information will be available here at 9am.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe:

“This is the first REZ Transmission Project in the country to obtain planning approval, paving the way for a significant boost in renewable energy generation to replace aging coal-fired power stations.

“It’s not just about clean energy. This project will bring long-term financial benefits to both NSW electricity consumers and the local communities which will host the Central-West Orana REZ.

“The Minns Labor Government will continue to work closely with communities, the Australian Government and the preferred network operator to finalise the project.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:

“Planning approval for the Central-West Orana REZ transmission project is a huge step forward in progressing 12GW gigawatts of generation under the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap and moving towards our clean energy future.

“The Minns Labor Government is accelerating the delivery of renewable energy infrastructure. We also know that if done right, this energy generation transition will develop a wave of new industry and jobs. That means transmission jobs, manufacturing jobs, construction jobs and maintenance jobs.

“Our recent budget invested money into the planning system to support and speed up the NSW Government’s assessment of renewable energy projects and meet our 2050 goal of Net Zero emissions.”

Labor – Mr Julian Assange

Australian citizen, Mr Julian Assange, has tonight been reunited with his family in Australia.

His return to Australia is possible due to the conclusion of a plea arrangement between Mr Assange and the United States Department of Justice, which was accepted by a United States court in Saipan on Wednesday 26 June.

This ends a long-running judicial process.

The Australian Government has been clear in its view that Mr Assange’s case had dragged on for too long.

We have, on every occasion and at every level, consistently advocated for Mr Assange’s case to be brought to a conclusion and for Mr Assange to come home.

Australian officials, in particular Ambassador Kevin Rudd and High Commissioner Stephen Smith, have worked closely with US and UK officials in support of these efforts and to enable his smooth return to Australia.

Tonight, we express our appreciation to the United States and the United Kingdom, for their efforts to find a pathway that met the interests of all parties.

As Mr Assange reunites with his loved ones in Australia, we ask that media respect his family’s privacy.

Hunter man charged by Joint Counter Terrorism Team

A man will appear in court today as the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) Sydney continues to investigate an incident in an office in Newcastle yesterday.

About 12.30 yesterday (Wednesday 26 June, 2024), officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended premise in Workshop Way and arrested a 19-year-old man.

A number of items were seized when the man was searched and these have been taken for further analysis.

The man was taken to Newcastle Police Station and has now been charged with one count of Other acts done in preparation for, or planning, for terrorist act, contrary to section 101.6 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).

Following further inquiries, police have become aware of the existence of a document that had been circulated to a number of public figures and media outlets.

The man, from Raymond Terrace, has been refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 27 June, 2024).

There is no ongoing threat to the community relation to this investigation.

Inquiries are continuing.

Teenager arrested after being found in possession of knives, tactical equipment

A 19-year-old male has been arrested by Newcastle Police District after allegedly being found in possession of knives and tactical equipment.

About 12.30 today (Wednesday 26 June 2024) police received a concern for welfare report regarding a 19-year-old male.

Following inquiries officers attached to Newcastle Police District attended a premises on Workshop Way where they arrested the man.

Following a subsequent search police located a number of items which have now been seized.

The teenager was taken to Newcastle Police Station.

Following further inquiries officers became aware of the existence of a document that had been circulated to a number of public figures and media outlets.

The male is currently assisting police and there is no ongoing threat to the community relating to this investigation.

Investigations continue by Newcastle Police District with specialist investigators attending to assist.

GREENS SECURE AMENDMENTS TO CORPORATE CLIMATE DISCLOSURES

After securing amendments to the government’s Financial Market Infrastructure Bill to require large Australian companies to report against both 1.5 degree and catastrophic warming scenarios the Greens will support the legislation.

The changes to the Bill will also mean the Parliament retains oversight of ASX ownership and not just leave this decision solely with the Treasurer of the day.

The 1.5 degree scenario will test a company’s transition risk, where companies are too slow to respond to the transition, with quickly changing markets and government policy leaving a company’s assets or business model stranded.

The 2.5 degrees or more of warming scenario will test physical risk, which is the damage inflicted by natural disasters turbocharged by coal, oil and gas heating up our planet.

A company or super fund will have to examine how their business or their assets will be affected in a warmed world. For instance if critical public infrastructure they use to get their goods or services to market is destroyed or rendered inoperable.

The existing oversight of the Parliament to disallow a Treasurer’s approval where a company takes an ownership stake greater than 20% of the Australian Stock Exchange Ltd will remain in place.

Senator Nick McKim

“The planet is currently on track for a terrifying 2.5 to 3 degrees of warming by the turn of the century, so requiring companies to test how their businesses will cope in this transformed world will lead to better decision-making and planning.

Better climate risk reporting means investors are better informed and empowered to support climate-smart businesses and pull their money out of companies which have no future in a zero emissions economy. 

As the Liberal and Labor parties commit to expanding coal and gas and making the climate crisis worse, these amendments will focus the minds of company boards on how to deal with the consequences of these decisions by the government and their coal and gas donors.

Getting these stress-tests into legislation means a future climate-denying government can’t unwind these requirements in a radioactive pursuit of cutting red tape.”

JULIAN ASSANGE TO RETURN HOME AFTER PLEA DEAL

In breaking news this morning, Julian Assange has reached a plea deal with the U.S. Justice Department of Justice which means he can walk from his prison cell and return home to Australia to be with his family.

The price Julian Assange has paid for telling the truth about the United States military, war and power has been extreme, and the world is thankful for the courage he has shown for so long. 

Greens Senator and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge said: 

“I along with millions of Australians are looking forward to welcoming Julian back home where he belongs with his family and his friends. 

“To those around Australia and the the world who have said #FreeAssange, thank you. This would not have happened without sustained pressure from millions of people who support truth telling. 

“To Julian who told the truth and did it knowing he would face a global attack, we are immensely grateful.

“Let’s be clear, Julian Assange should never have been charged with espionage in the first place or had to make this deal. 

“Julian Assange has spent years in jail for the crime of showing the world the horrors of the US war in Iraq and the complicity of governments like Australia and that is why he has been punished.

“We should take a moment to reflect on what this one person has faced, years in solitary confinement, years lost with his family and years of holding to his convictions in the face of impossible pressure.

“Whistleblowers like Julian continue to pay an unfair price for telling the world the unethical and criminal actions of Governments. 

“On this day we again commit to fixing whistleblower laws in Australia and supporting truth telling across the globe,” Senator Shoebridge said. 

Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said:

“This has been a hard fought battle and although justice has not been served today is a day to celebrate that Assange is finally coming home. 

“The persecution of Julian Assange has shone a light on a broken legal system, one in which an innocent man must plead guilty to be free. 

“We should never forget why Julian was targeted by the US for over a decade: for telling an awful, inconvenient truth about war crimes. 

POLITICAL DUOPOLY VOTES TO PROTECT SUPERMARKET DUOPOLY

Labor and the Liberals voting down the Greens’ Divestiture Bill shows they are siding with the supermarket corporations over the interests of everyday Australians, the Greens say.

“The political duopoly has today voted to protect the supermarket duopoly from the consequences of their anti-competitive behaviour,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“Labor and the Liberals have sided with the profits of Coles and Woolworths. It is up to them to explain why they voted the way they did today

“Coles and Woolworths have price gouged customers, treated their own workforce appallingly and driven suppliers to the wall.”

“Their market dominance and political donations have allowed them to get away with it. It needs to end.”

“Thank you to the Nationals Senators and crossbenchers who supported the Greens today.”

“Last time a vote went this way, we ended up with the Banking Royal Commission. We will not stop fighting until there is more competition and lower food prices.”

Australian progress on tackling modern slavery recognised in key report

The Albanese Government’s efforts to tackle Modern Slavery have been recognised as among the world’s best in the US Department of State 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report.

Australia is one of just 33 countries to have been ranked as Tier One in the report which finds “the Government of Australia fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.”

The report highlights the passage of the Albanese Government’s legislation last month establishing Australia’s first Anti-Slavery Commissioner as one of the reasons for the Tier One ranking.

The independent Commissioner will lead the fight against modern slavery by supporting victims and survivors, raising community awareness, and helping business address the risk of modern slavery practices in their operations and supply chains.

The Government has committed $8 million over four years in the 2023-24 Budget to support the Commissioner’s establishment and operation.

The Commissioner will also play a key role in helping to shape the implementation of future modern slavery reforms, including those arising from the statutory review of the Modern Slavery Act 2018.

The Government has now begun the search for the inaugural Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner through a transparent and merit-based selection process.

Of course, there is more work to be done to eliminate the scourge of modern slavery from Australia and from Australian supply chains, and the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to this outcome.