Month: July 2024

The NSW Government has today issued a circular to councils asking them to take into consideration the need for supply chain recovery over the next two weeks when responding to any complaints about operations at warehouses and distribution centres, wholesale and retail centres.

The unprecedented software failure first detected on Friday ground deliveries of fresh produce and other grocery items at many warehouses and distribution centres across NSW to a halt.

The NSW Government is asking councils to be sympathetic to the exceptional circumstances and support supermarkets and other essential retailers to help keep their shelves stocked following disruptions to supply chains caused by last week’s CrowdStrike global IT outage.

Supply chains depend on IT systems to manage their inventory, coordinate the movement of goods and share information. When those systems failed, it left items unable to enter or leave warehouses and distribution centres.

While many warehouses and distribution centres have resumed normal operations, there is still a significant backlog of fresh produce and other essential goods requiring processing before they can reach supermarket shelves and other retailers.

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and its regulation authorises councils to take compliance action in response to breaches of conditions of a development consent relating to operating hours, noise limits and vehicle movement caps.

The planning circular however reminded councils they also have discretion in choosing whether to exercise their enforcement powers. This includes considering the temporary nature of any breach, the low level of harm caused and the broader public interest in restoring supply chains.

To read the circular, visit here

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“It’s imperative that our state’s supply chain systems be provided with flexibility in order to recover and return to normal service after this global IT outage. This will enable customers to receive delivery of these essential goods while also avoiding food wastage.

“I’m asking councils to use their discretion in choosing whether to issue penalty infringement notices for warehouse and distribution centres as well as wholesale and retail centres operating beyond their normal hours as well as being restocked.

“This temporary approach for the next two weeks will allow our supermarket shelves to continue to be stocked with essential food and household items.”

The Minns Labor Government is helping businesses and food rescue organisations tackle food waste with $4.6 million in new grants to save more edible food from landfill.

The funding has been awarded to organisations that can make the most impact to reduce the 1.7 million tonnes of food that is wasted each year in NSW. By reducing food waste, we can support people facing food insecurity while reducing our greenhouse gas emissions from landfill.

Under the first round of the new Food Rescue Grants, nearly $3 million has been given to support 20 charities and community organisations to rescue more surplus or donated food and deliver it to people in need across NSW.

Recipients include larger state-wide organisations like FoodBank, OzHarvest and SecondBite as well as community-based organisations fighting food insecurity across Sydney and in regional centres like Dubbo, Albury and Wollongong.

The grants will be used to enhance and expand food rescue infrastructure, helping organisations to buy bigger trucks and fridges and employ more people to save edible food and feed the vulnerable in NSW.

At the same time, $1.66 million has been awarded through the first round of Business Food Waste Partnerships Grants to help peak bodies, sector leaders and councils work together to find opportunities to stop food from going to waste.

Thanks to this funding, Sydney Children’s Hospitals, the NSW Department of Education, organisations in the Hunter and Riverina, and a range of hospitality and winery businesses will leverage their partnerships to improve their focus on food waste avoidance and recycling.

For more information about the Food Rescue Grants, go to: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/grants/organics-infrastructure-fund/food-rescue-grants

For more information about the Business Food Waste Partnerships Grants, go to: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/grants/organics-infrastructure-fund/business-food-waste-partnership-grants

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe:

“Across NSW, up to 70% of wasted food is still edible, we have to turn this around.

“It’s not about just reducing waste but rethinking how we value and use the food we have

“This funding will help food rescue charities by giving them better infrastructure to take more donated and rescued food.

“It will also make sure businesses, hospitals, councils and other institutions are upskilling their networks to avoid food waste, and increase their donations and recycling – helping to save nearly 600,000 tonnes of food waste every year.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to safeguard the future of regional communities and the agriculture sector  with the fullfillment of a key election commitment to appoint an Independent Biosecurity Commissioner.

Premier Chris Minns, first announced this commitment in an address to the NSW Farmers Association annual state conference in 2022.

Today, in an address at the same event the Premier has announced the fulfillment of this commitment.

Dr. Marion Healy PSM has been appointed as the state’s first Independent Biosecurity Commissioner, following her successful tenure as the interim Commissioner, which commenced in June 2023.

Dr. Healy holds a PhD in molecular genetics and has over twenty years of experience in senior roles across government and industry. For her outstanding public service to policy and regulatory practice Dr. Healy was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2021.

This appointment follows the NSW Government passing the Biosecurity Amendment (Independent Biosecurity Commissioner) Bill in November 2023.

The appointment of an Independent Biosecurity Commissioner will strengthen the impact and accountability of the $945.7 million biosecurity protection program announced in the recent budget.

Dr. Healy will provide independent and impartial advice to the Parliament and Government on the program’s effectiveness and opportunities for improvement.

The Biosecurity Commissioner’s work and the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to regional New South Wales’s industries will be supported by further appointments announced today.

Rachel Connell has been appointed as the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Biosecurity in the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Kate Lorimer-Ward has been appointed as the first ever female CEO of Local Land services.

Ms Lorimer will work closely alongside the new Local Land Services State Board Chair, Tess Herbert.

As Board Chair Mrs Herbert will be responsible for driving the strategic direction and general policies of Local Land Services, while collaborating with the chairs of the 11 local boards.

Mrs Herbert is an agribusiness owner and manager, based in Eugowra. She holds a Masters in Agribusiness and brings to the role more than 30 years combined experience in the red meat industry, agriculture policy research and development and marketing.

Biosecurity threats have an impact farm beyond the farm-gate – with invasive species costing New South Wales approximately $2.4 billion annually, including the cost of lost production from pests and weeds.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to building better communities and knows that for many regional communities biosecurity incursions have significant impacts on local agriculture and in turn the local economy.

These appointments lay an important foundation to boost the state’s response to and protection from biosecurity threats.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“I’ve visited country towns all across the state to hear firsthand about the issues facing regional New South Wales – whether it’s Red Fire Ants in the north, or feral pigs in the Riverina, my government is determined to take meaningful action.

“We know that we cannot address these issues without working directly with local communities, and these appointments will play a vital role in ensuring that voices on the ground are heard and reflected in our governments approach to biosecurity.

“Prior to the election I heard from many advocates about the importance of appointing a Biosecurity Commissioner who was independent of government, and I am proud that today we can announce we have delivered on that commitment.

“Congratulations to Dr. Healy, I look forward to working with her on the big task ahead of ensuring our states farmers and regional communities can continue to thrive, with confidence that the NSW Government is taking biosecurity seriously.”

NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Government is committed to protecting our primary industries and investing in strengthening our biosecurity defences, management and performance. The development of the Biosecurity Commissioner role and the appointment of Dr Healy is a milestone for the sector.

“Dr Healy is well-respected by her peers across the industry and her biosecurity expertise will ensure the independent biosecurity commission is equipped and ready on day one to build and strengthen the resilience of our agriculture industry.

“I congratulate Dr Marion Healy, Tess Herbert, Rachel Connell, and Kate Lorimer-Ward on their appointments and look forward to working alongside them as they focus on their important roles that support our farmers.

“This is a momentous time to see so many incredible professional women appointed to roles that support biosecurity and primary industries across the state.”

Incoming Biosecurity Commissioner Dr Marion Healy said:

“It is an honour to be appointed to this role and I commend the NSW Government for its commitment to prioritising this growing issue.

“I have spent many years working to protect our industries and environment from pests and diseases and I very much look forward to working hand in hand with government, land holders and communities utilising the strong and valuable relationships I have built during my career.

“Collaboration and coordination will be key to success as biosecurity is a shared responsibility. I know how hard farmers work to fight invasive pests and weeds on their land, I will work to ensure they are not doing this alone.

“It’s estimated that weeds and invasive species cost the state’s agriculture sector almost $2 billion a year, and as we all know too well pests and weeds don’t stop at the fence, their impacts go well beyond the farm-gate.”

Incoming Local Land Services Board Chair Tess Herbert said:

“As a former member of the Central Tablelands Local Land Services Board, it’s exciting to be appointed the state Board Chair because I recognise the importance of the organisation, and how the Board supports the success of Local Land Services.

“I look forward to leading the strategic direction and supporting the governance of the organisation so it can continue to make valuable, on-the-ground connections with landholders, especially as we move towards a greater focus on how we manage land.

“Local Land Services plays an important role in regional and rural NSW, and through my position in governance, I want to highlight the real value we can offer to rate payers and land managers right across the state.”

Work to help plan for a potential future Moss Vale Bypass is now continuing after the NSW Labor Government released vital funding previously promised but never delivered.

Wingecarribee Shire Council has received $10.8 million to conduct further studies, planning work and to finalise a business case for a future Moss Vale Bypass.

In 2019 the former state Liberal government promised to provide $14.3 million to progress the project, however the council was only given $3.5 million.

Now the full funding amount has been provided, council can continue critical planning work previously started.

In advocating for the project, council has stated a bypass would:

• provide an alternative route across the Main Southern Railway Line, eliminating height restrictions and flooding concerns;
• reduce congestion on Argyle Street during peak periods
• support the future growth of Moss Vale

The government will review the councils final business case when it is expected to be completed in by August 2025.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“I am pleased the NSW Labor Government is helping to progress planning for a future Moss Vale Bypass.

“Not only are we delivering on our election commitments; we are also busy fulfilling the former government’s commitments too in Moss Vale.

“I look forward to working with council on further progressing this project.”

Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Director of Service and Project Delivery Karin Targa said:

“The funding secured through successful negotiations with Transport for NSW will allow Council to incorporate innovative elements into the design.

“Upon completion of the design and confirmation of a favourable cost-benefit ratio, together with a robust business case, the funding will support early-stage construction works.”

The Minns Labor Government has announced a $2.5 million funding package to help rehome research animals.

The Research Animals Rehoming Grant Program will support animal rehoming organisations to find ‘lifelong’ homes for cats, dogs and other animals after they have completed their involvement in research.

Animal welfare is a priority for the NSW Government and this grant program will deliver significant benefits for animals, researchers and the community.

The aim of the grant program is to:

• improve outcomes for animals at the end of their involvement in research including increasing the number of animals rehomed
• make it easier for these animals to be rehomed by preparing them for life with families and others in ‘forever homes’ and
• help rehoming organisations as they manage animals into the next phase of their lives.

In 2022, the most recent figures, more than 100 domestic cats and almost 30 domestic dogs have been rehomed across NSW.

The vast bulk of cats and dogs used in research are either part of programs designed to taste test new pet foods or as part of animal medicine test programs run through vet clinics with the approval of the animal’s owner.

Grants will be available for equipment and services needed to rehome research animals, with organisations able to access grants from $20,000 and up to $1 million.

Projects which could be eligible include:

• repairs, maintenance and building new animal care facilities
• purchase of equipment, such as crates and bedding
• access to veterinary services, including desexing and vaccinations
• services to the deliver training or rehabilitation and
• awareness programs to increase knowledge and awareness of animal rehoming practices.

Online applications, https://localcommunities.smartygrants.com.au/RAR for the 2024 program will open from Monday 22 July from 4 pm and close on Friday 13 September at 12 pm.

In NSW, the Animal Research Act 1985 sets out the requirements which protect the welfare of animals used in research.

Research establishments must apply to be accredited, and all research must be carried out under the approval and monitoring of an establishment’s Animal Ethics Committee.

Animal Welfare League NSW is a peak body and industry leader of practices in the field of animal welfare in NSW.

Animal Welfare League NSW is also an active member and participant in various professional organisations, advisory committees, councils, associations, and services in the field of animal welfare in NSW.

Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is committed to improving the welfare outcomes of research animals.

“This $2.5 million grant program will be dedicated to improving animal welfare outcomes by supporting organisations to successfully rehome research animals.

“Successful rehoming requires education and a coordinated, cooperative approach, which the NSW Government is supporting by working with research, rehoming and animal welfare organisations to achieve an appropriate and optimum outcome for research animals when they retire.”

Animal Welfare League NSW CEO Stephen Albin said:

“AWL NSW aims to rehome all the animals that come into our care, regardless of their origins.

“Our commitment involves enhancing each animal’s socialisation skills by understanding their past, respecting their individual needs, and providing a safe and protected sanctuary here at our Kemps Creek Shelter.

“We offer every animal, including those from research, high-quality veterinary care, behavioural improvements, including walking animals four times daily, nutritional enhancement and careful matching with potential owners.

“Our unique ‘Hope to Love’ journey allows for prolonged stays demonstrating our dedication to animal welfare.

“Through these innovative animal welfare programs, we focus on enhancing the lives of thousands of animals every year, more than 3,500 in 2023 to 2024, and strengthening the bond between pets and their owners.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to future proof the New South Wales agricultural industry, and increase the resilience of farms to the changing climate, with the appointment of 11 new Natural Capital Advisors.

The NSW Government has invested $2.5 million into the program run by Local Land Services, which following the appointments announced today will be expanded state wide.

Natural Capital Advisors provide support and tailored advice to farmers and land managers to understand the opportunities available to them when investing in Natural Capital.

Natural Capital refers to the value of natural assets on land such as, soil, trees, water, plants and ecosystems.

Good management of natural capital has multiple benefits to landholders and the environment, including increased biodiversity, reduced pollution and improved air and water quality – increasing a farms resilience against climate change.

The Natural Capital Advisors will engage with farmers and assist them in understanding the environmental and financial opportunities available to them in the growing Environment Market. These markets are formed when people buy, sell and trade natural assets for monetary value.

The NSW Government is working to ensure NSW Farmers are at the forefront as these markets expand to reflect consumers, investors, banks, and insures increasingly taking environmental outcomes into account when making decisions.

Landholders who wisely invest in Natural Capital have the opportunity to earn a return by participating in one of the environmental market streams, including:

• Biodiversity markets – A landholder can create biodiversity credits by managing, restoring or protecting species or ecosystems on their land.
• Capital asset accounting – Land managers can also add the natural assets that they manage to their business balance sheet through natural capital accounting methods.

As part of its new natural capital support services, NSW Local Land Services will be hosting Natural Capital Conversation events in August and September to provide landholders with information on how they can manage their natural assets to grow their farm business.

At the upcoming Natural Capital Conversation events, landholders will learn about the natural capital they are managing on their properties. They will find out about emerging opportunities, as well as benefits and risks, so farmers can make the best decision for their business.

Landholders can register their interest in the NSW Government’s new natural capital profiling service to get a snapshot of their natural assets and possible market opportunities.

For more information visit: www.lls.nsw.gov.au/natural-capital  

Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is committed to working with farmers so they can futureproof their operation, better protect their land and expand their revenue streams.

“We know that farmers want to find ways to make their farms more productive and sustainable, maintain access to markets, and improve natural resources on their farms.

“That’s why we’ve invested in this natural capital initiative and appointed 11 natural capital advisors to provide independent information and support landholders navigate decisions in natural capital management and environmental markets.

“From today, farmers can contact the advisors to get started on their natural capital journey and be rewarded for good environmental stewardship.

“We will continue to support farmers to ensure NSW continues to have a strong agriculture sector and prioritise its interests alongside those of our natural environment.”