August 2024 – Page 28

Greens secure key integrity and anti-corruption change in Victoria

The Victorian Greens have secured a significant integrity reform today, legislating a non-government chair and majority for one of Parliament’s most powerful committees.

The Parliament today passed the Greens amendment to the Parliamentary Standards and Workplace Integrity Bill 2024 which legislates that the chair and majority of the powerful Integrity and Oversight Committee must be independent from government.

Last year, the Greens secured commitments from the government to have a non-government chair and majority of the Integrity and Oversight Committee during this term, but by securing this change in legislation, it means the Chair of this committee will stay in non-government hands into the future, and ensure that after the next election governments can’t go back to marking their own homework.

Unfortunately both Labor and the Liberals voted against further Greens amendments to remove government control of the important Budget estimates process, which is designed to scrutinise Government Budgets and spending, but is deeply ineffective in Victoria due to being government-controlled.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:

“When it comes to scandals, corruption and integrity measures, Governments should not be allowed to investigate themselves. That’s why the Greens’ win today is so significant.

“We’ve seen scandal after scandal here in Victoria. Clearly Victoria’s integrity and anti-corruption measures are not up to scratch.

“The Greens’ win today is an important first step in fixing Victoria’s broken anti-corruption system, and we’ll continue to push for even more reform.”

Greens spokesperson for integrity, Tim Read:

“We need non-government chairs and majorities on these powerful parliamentary committees in order to properly hold the government to account.

“Government control of the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee greatly limits the extent to which non-government MPs can question ministers about their spending, so it’s deeply disappointing to see Labor and the Liberal party joining together to vote against fixing this. ”

GREENS ANNOUNCE REFORMS TO PROTECT RENTERS, IMPROVE AFFORDABILITY

The ACT Greens have today announced a range of rental reforms that will go further and faster to ensure that every Canberran has access to a safe, secure and affordable home.

“Housing is a human right. Every Canberran deserves a safe, affordable and comfortable place to live – whether they are a homeowner or a renter,” said ACT Greens Leader, Shane Rattenbury.

“Right now, more people than ever are struggling to put a roof over their head. We are in a housing crisis – rents are among the highest in the country and house prices are out of reach for many Canberrans.

“In March 2023, a report from Anglicare Australia showed that none of the properties listed as available in the ACT were affordable and appropriate for essential workers.

“For decades, Labor and the Liberals have used tax breaks to rig the housing market in a way that builds wealth rather than providing safe and secure places to live.

“That’s why the ACT Greens have a plan to reform the system to address the significant power imbalance that exists between landlords and renters and ensure that every Canberran has a safe and affordable place to live.

“As part of our plan, the ACT Greens will establish an independent Rental Commissioner to provide a timely and targeted service to resolve rental questions and disputes, and attempt to resolve issues outside of the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

“Importantly, the Commissioner will be empowered to enforce rental laws and issue fines. This will ensure renters’ rights are protected, without relying on renters to pursue matters themselves through a tribunal – a process that can be prohibitively costly, stressful and intimidating for renters.

“The ACT Greens will also implement a two-year rent freeze and a subsequent fixed rent cap of 2% of the existing rent. A rent freeze will provide a much needed circuit-breaker for the many renters who are struggling with increasing rents alongside the increasing cost of living. The subsequent caps will create the long term structure change that the system needs.

“Because we are in a housing crisis, people shouldnt have to choose between putting food on the table and paying their rent – it’s just not good enough.

“The ACT Greens will ban all unsolicited ‘rent bidding’, to prevent potential tenants offering more than the asking price – which locks others out of the market and increases rental prices. We will also enforce rules on no cause evictions and rent increase limits via the Rental Commissioner – to ensure that renters are empowered to enforce their rights in rejecting illegal rent increases.

“These and other measures in this policy form part of the Greens broader plan to fix the housing crisis. Renters are at the heart of this plan, because the current system is designed to deliver profit to landlords, not homes for people. The system is stacked against renters and that needs to change.

“The ACT Greens have worked hard to improve rights for renters, we have banned ‘no cause’ evictions, banned solicited rent bidding and introduced minimum ceiling insulation for rental properties.

“While we have achieved a lot, the Labor and Liberal parties have continually blocked our attempts to deliver better protections for renters such as a rent freeze and improved rent caps.

“If we are re-elected in October, the ACT Greens will deliver practical and concrete measures to fight for renters and fix the private rental market,” Mr Rattenbury said.

ACT Greens Member for Brindabella and renter Laura Nuttall, who is re-contesting her seat, believes the Government should do more to assist renters with the housing and cost of living crisis.

“The cost-of-living crisis is not getting any better, and we know more and more people are struggling to keep up with basic living expenses,” Miss Nuttall said. “Just over a year ago I was putting off going to medical appointments and putting off paying for medication just to stay on top of groceries. I, like many others, spent a lot of time organising my life around not having quite enough money to get by comfortably. Rent is a huge driver of the cost of living crisis and it shouldn’t be this way.”

“During COVID we saw that the rent relief fund made a huge difference for a lot of people in having a safe place to call home. In a cost-of-living crisis the ACT Greens believe the rent relief fund should exist permanently to help protect renters from the risk of eviction and homelessness and help people manage those unexpected short term financial shocks,” Miss Nuttall said.

“I know first-hand that moving house is expensive and stressful and can be quite unexpected. Renters are often forced to move for reasons outside their control, and requirements such as rental bonds increase the costs even further. We’re talking about people living in rental duress also being $2000 out of pocket for weeks.”

ACT Greens Member for Yerrabi and renter Andrew Braddock said he knows the feeling of powerlessness that renters experience in the market.

“A year ago I was notified that my landlord had decided to sell my house vacant. I experienced the powerlessness of not being able to guarantee a roof over my head and a home for myself and my young children despite my immense privilege. I had to explain to my children why they needed to pack up their belongings and leave their home at short notice.”

“A Rental Commissioner will help inform renters who are often at a power and financial disadvantage, of their rights and provide accessible avenues to resolve disputes.

“Other practical help including a portable bond scheme and rent freeze, plus permanent rent relief fund will greatly assist renters who are struggling in an unaffordable rental market,” said Mr Braddock.

Students unleash creativity to promote water safety

Local primary school students will have the chance to design the city’s next water safety poster as part of a City of Newcastle program that has been saving lives for almost 60 years.

More than 150 Jesmond Public School students were amongst the first participants in this year’s Water Safety Education Program, which has been delivered annually by City of Newcastle’s lifeguards since 1966.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes joins City of Newcastle lifeguards Julian Boag, Dan Collins and Lily Forbes, and vice captains Rocky Stevenson and Vienna Wills at Jesmond Public School for a Water Safety Education session.The free program teaches students vital water safety lessons they’re being asked to incorporate into a poster, with the winning design to be displayed across the city’s five inland swimming centres.

With close to 280 drowning deaths across Australia every year, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it is important to empower kids with the water safety knowledge to keep them safe.

“We are so lucky to have a stunning coastline and lots of swimming spots to enjoy in Newcastle, but it’s important to be aware of the risks and what we can do to minimise them,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Over the next eight weeks our amazing team of lifeguards and aquatics staff will utilise their extensive skills and experience to educate more than 13,000 students about dangerous water conditions, how to swim safely and what to do if they get into difficult situations.

“This year’s poster competition not only gives students a chance to see their artwork displayed at our inland pools, but it is a great way to reinforce the lessons they learn through the Water Safety Education Program and to share them with the wider community.”

The school visits form one of City of Newcastle’s most significant youth engagement programs and are a key component of the overall approach to water safety.

Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said City of Newcastle lifeguards commit more than 700 hours each year to educating and promoting water safety messages across the city, with delivery of the program being a highlight for many.

“Our lifeguards are passionate about engaging students in fun, smart and interactive ways to help prevent aquatic accidents and drownings,” Ms Duffy said.

“Encouraging students to tap into their creative side to design a water safety poster is another way we can ensure the next generation understands and appreciates these potentially life-saving lessons.”

Students from the school with the winning design will also have the chance to cool off with a fun-filled pool party at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre in the lead up to summer.

First new work commissioned for expanded Newcastle Art Gallery

Art lovers are being given an early glimpse of the six-metre-wide suspended sculpture that will eventually fill the atrium and greet visitors at the new-look Newcastle Art Gallery.

Seventh generation Novocastrian and proud Awabakal descendant Shellie Smith has completed the design and concept proposal for the work of art, which will be made up of 30 cast aluminium fish shimmering in a spiralling school.

Councillor Margaret Wood, Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM, Councillor Deahnna Richardson, artist Julie Squires, artist Shellie Smith, Councillor Carol Duncan, and Newcastle Art Gallery Society President, Prue Viggers OAM and Vice Chair Gael Davies OAM with part of the commissioned work.Inspired by Smith’s personal stories of fishing with her grandmother in the Port Stephens area, the work will be visible from the ground floor and first-floor corridor, which will connect the existing building with the new galleries.

Fellow artist and fabricator Julie Squires will work with Shellie to produce the sculpture, which will be based on Smith’s original fibre weaving.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this is the first of three new major works of art being planned for the expanded gallery.

“It’s fitting that two of our prominent local artists will collaborate to create an inspiring welcome to the Newcastle Art Gallery, where visitors will have access to exhibitions from home and abroad,” Cr Nelmes said.

Ms Smith said the sculpture was partly inspired by an incredibly rare Aboriginal artefact she was privileged to view as part of the Smithsonian collection in Washington DC.

“It’s one of only a few intact possum skin cloaks in the world and features patterns and iconography of fish, people and water etched into the leather surface,” Ms Smith said.

“I feel so privileged to be given this opportunity to tell a story that’s really personal to me, but also very connected to Newcastle.

“This is one of my first major commissions. It’s a very large and substantial work for me.

“I’d really like to thank the Newcastle Art Gallery Society for supporting this commission, and I’m also really grateful to the Awabakal descendants for supporting me.”

Councillor Deahnna Richardson, a proud Wiradjuri woman, said Shellie Smith’s work provides a special connection to Country.

“As part of the Newcastle 2040 Community Strategic Plan, we are committed to recognising, acknowledging and celebrating the Awabakal and Worimi people’s strength, resilience and living culture,” Cr Richardson said.

“Shellie’s work uses First Nations traditional weaving techniques, drawing inspiration from Awabakal patterns and iconography. It will be a fitting tribute to the traditional owners of the land on which the Art Gallery stands.”

City of Newcastle’s Public Art Reference Group Chair, Councillor Carol Duncan said this work of art is another key step in creating a space that will attract Novocastrians and visitors.

“The expanded Newcastle Art Gallery will only enhance our reputation as a city that’s known for its culture,” Cr Duncan said.

“It will allow us to increase Newcastle’s opportunities in the areas of employment, education and the economy while celebrating the arts and Aboriginal culture.”

The Newcastle Art Gallery Society is supporting the project with a donation of $30,000.

“Newcastle Art Gallery Society is delighted to be associated with the acquisition of this work, one that records the history of Newcastle, while recognising the wealth of talented local artists in the city,” Society President Prue Viggers OAM said.

“Since the Art Gallery Society’s inception 55 years ago the proud tradition of assisting with the acquisition of works of art for the Gallery’s collection will be continued.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said it will be exciting to have new works of art displayed alongside the gallery’s nationally significant collection.

“The completed Art Gallery will feature an additional 1,600 square meters of exhibition space, enabling us to show off more of our $126 million collection as well as some of the best touring exhibitions,” Director Morton OAM said.

“We look forward to announcing more commissions for the expanded Art Gallery in the near future.”

The Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years.

A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.

Community invited to drop in and enjoy world-class walk overlooking South Newcastle Beach

City of Newcastle has delivered the next stage of its landmark Bathers Way coastal revitalisation project, transforming South Newcastle Beach into a vibrant hub for community activity.

The upgraded shared pathway reopened to the public today as part of the multi-faceted project, which also includes the Hunter’s first wheelchair-accessible (WCMX) skate bowl.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley and Paralympian Paul Nunnari with City of Newcastle staff, Daracon representatives and community members cutting the ribbon to officially open the Bathers Way South Newcastle Beach upgrade.Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the renewal of this precinct, which is located along an important stretch of coastline.

“The Bathers Way provides an accessible and inclusive opportunity for locals and visitors to enjoy six kilometres of Newcastle’s incredible coastline,” Cr Nelmes said.

“I am thrilled to see the completion of these works at South Newcastle Beach, and to welcome the community back into this space to enjoy the new facilities.

“This project doesn’t just represent an investment in important coastal assets like the seawall at the southern end of the site, but an investment in quality public spaces for all of the community, young and old, to enjoy.”

The four-metre-wide pathway provides a more accessible connection between Shortland Esplanade and King Edward Park and forms a key link in Bathers Way coastal walk, which links the city’s five iconic beaches.

Opportunities for passive and active recreation have been created to re-activate the precinct, with new seating, shade and viewing areas along the upper and lower promenades, while exercise equipment delivers an outdoor gym experience with a panoramic outlook.

Newcastle’s thriving surf and skate community have been well catered for with new amenities including outdoor showers where beachgoers can rinse off, as well as a $1.8 million inclusive skate bowl and terrain park for skaters, scooters and riders including wheelchair athletes of all skill levels, providing an alternative to the advanced-level facilities at nearby Empire Park.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the focus on inclusive design in earlier stages of the project has been brought to life through the project’s delivery.

“We know how much the community values this section of coastline, and through community consultation we heard how important the renewal of the assets in this area was to create a safer, more inclusive and vibrant public space,” Cr Clausen said.

“Through collaboration with a range of subject matter experts and our Community Reference Group we were able to refine the design, and ultimately deliver a precinct that is significantly more accessible and provides a more inviting space for people to pause and take in the views while on a walk, although swimmers are reminded to stay safe and continue to swim between the flags at the northern end of the beach.

“The upgrade has also delivered a unique sporting facility not just for Newcastle, but for our region. The South Newcastle Beach site will become an inclusive hub for skateboarders, scooter and bike riders that enhances our ability to host events and competitions, which in turn drives growth in the sport and contributes to the local economy.”

Paralympian and Inclusion Consultant Paul Nunnari said it was fantastic to see City of Newcastle incorporate the needs of all members of the community into the design for this upgrade.

“City of Newcastle’s Bathers Way upgrade at South Newcastle Beach offers a new benchmark for inclusive facilities and design along our coastline, ensuring that all members of the community can enjoy Newcastle’s great beaches, recreational facilities and unique way of life,” Mr Nunnari said.

The NSW Government contributed $5 million to the $20 million project to show its support for initiatives that increase the attractiveness of regional NSW as a place to live and do business.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley noted the importance of public spaces like Bathers Way in bringing the community together.

“Bathers Way is such an iconic strip and its fantastic to unveil such a significant transformation. Thanks to support from the NSW Government, the area has been revitalised to make it more accessible and enjoyable for locals and visitors,” Minister Catley said.

“The upgrades are designed to cater for everyone, and they certainly make the space more inclusive and accessible. I look forward to the community seeing it for themselves.”

Local artists have made their mark on the project including a stunning mural by Ellie Hannon inspired by the native trees and flowers found in the Glenrock and Awabakal Nature Reserves, which has been sandblasted into the retaining wall underneath the elevated skate bowl.

The wall adjacent to the new skate bowl features the work of artist Bronte Naylor, who celebrates skating, scooter and surf culture, as well as the surrounding landscape.

A new kiosk has also been constructed on site, with the internal fit-out now in the final stages ready to begin serving patrons in the coming months.

Other key elements of the Bathers Way upgrade at South Newcastle Beach include the construction of a new sea wall and the restoration of the 115-year-old heritage stone arches and shelter, which are among the oldest European hand-crafted structures on the New South Wales coast.

Executive Manager Project Management Office Rob Dudgeon said City of Newcastle had delivered important upgrades to infrastructure alongside a revitalised recreational precinct that has transformed a long dormant part of the coastline.

“The project involved significant investment to ensure the community will enjoy this space for generations to come,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“This included upgrades to the seawall, retaining wall, bleachers and stairs at $3.9 million, the installation of new buildings, Bathers Way promenade and public amenity including the protection of the heritage stone arches at a cost of $6.5 million, as well as a new inclusive skatepark at $1.8 million to replace the former facility built in 1995.”

Cliff stabilisation works were also completed concurrently with this project to reinforce an area located to the south of the Bathers Way upgrade known by the Awabakal name Yirannali, which means “a place of falling rocks”.

City of Newcastle invites the community to join them in celebrating this renewed public space with a series of family friendly activities being held from 8.30am to 11.30am on Sunday 18 August. For the latest information about the free community event visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/bathersway

From sauces to spirits: NSW food and drink makers to take centre stage at leading tradeshow

The Minns Labor Government is putting a spotlight on 12 of the state’s best food and drink manufacturers at this year’s Fine Food Australia 2024 tradeshow.

Twelve NSW businesses have each received $6,000 to help showcase their innovative products for buyers across the globe, export more and create new jobs and opportunities at home.

Each business with products ranging from spirits to artisan chocolates will be front and centre in the Flavours of NSW Zone of the tradeshow, which is major event for global buyers looking for new products to get into international markets.

The event attracts more than 26,000 visitors every year from more than 50 countries, including suppliers, distributors, retail and hospitality businesses, presenting a unique opportunity for food and drink manufacturers to meet new customers and buyers and expand their reach.

Riverina olive oil manufacturer Morella Grove will showcase its artisanal products at this year’s event.

Olive trees were first planted on the family farm in Griffith in the early 2000’s after drought conditions challenged their ability to farm traditional crops. The olives were harvested and pressed locally before being shared with local restaurants to kick start the Morella Grove journey.

Fine Food Australia 2024 will be held between 2-5 September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event alternates between Sydney and Melbourne each year.

NSW Government business support and trade experts will be on hand to help exhibitors in the ‘Flavours of NSW’ zone to showcase their products and facilitate connections with prospective buyers during the tradeshow.

For more information on the Flavours of NSW zone at Fine Food Australia 2024 go to investment.nsw.gov.au/focus-sectors/advanced-manufacturing/food-and-beverage-manufacturing/fine-food-australia-2024/

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong:

“The NSW Government is committed to building the capacity and the export capabilities of our food and beverage producers, which is why we support local businesses to exhibit at Fine Food Australia – the southern hemisphere’s leading trade event for the food and beverage industry.

“Our food and beverages are renowned around the world for being the highest quality. I heard this firsthand during my trade mission to Southeast Asia in July. There are enormous opportunities for manufactures to take the next step and pursue growth throughout Australia and internationally, and the Fine Food Australia trade show is a great opportunity to do exactly that.”

Morella Grove Co-owner Natasha Dal Bon:

“We’ve expanded a lot since the early days – our product range now includes caramelised vinegars, jams and sauces and are available at gourmet food shops across the country.

“However, there’s significant growth opportunities in international markets that we’d like to pursue, so we’re looking forward to connecting with buyers, distributors and investors using Fine Food Australia as a launch pad to grow our brand globally.”

The NSW businesses receiving subsidies to exhibit at Fine Food Australia 2024 are:

The Apple Thief: Producer of alcoholic and non-alcoholic ciders, based in Batlow in the NSW Snowy Mountains.
Australian Food and Pharmaceutical Industries: Manufacturer of innovative foods on the NSW South Coast, including Mast Chew – a plant based, organic and sugar-free chewing gum.
Binjang Tea: A First Nations business that produces a range of bush teas incorporating native plants, based in Central West NSW.
Byron Bay Spirits: This distillery in the heart of Byron Bay distils innovative small batch spirits using local ingredients with an Italian twist.
Cocoa Nib Artisan Chocolates: Based in Newcastle, Cocoa Nib creates handcrafted chocolates, tarts and desserts.
Duro Pasta: Based on the South Coast, Duro Pasta is made from 100% Australian durum wheat and produced using sustainable farming practices.
LORE Australia: A First Nations company based in Bellingen solving immunity and gut health with Native Probiotic Sodas, Guradji tea and Native Prebiotic Chocolates.
Morella Grove: Producers of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, vinegars, jams and gourmet sauces, based in the NSW Riverina.
Nocktail: A Northern Beaches based producer of all natural non-alcoholic cocktail inspired drinks for the conscious consumer.
Spicecraft: Ryde based family business specialising in gourmet Indian cooking kits to make restaurant quality meals at home.
Unexpected Guest: A distillery and bar in Marrickville that produces various flavoured gins.
Ziggy’s Wildfoods: Based in Bellingen, Ziggy’s Wildfoods utilises native ingredients to create fermented hot sauces, condiments and beverage mixers.

$2 million recreational fishing program announced

The Minns Government has today announced a new $2 million recreational fishing small infrastructure grants program, as well as the largest ever survey of NSW recreational fishing licence holders.

The grants program is part of the Government’s plan to ensure more of the licence fees collected from recreational fishers is invested back into the small infrastructure that makes fishing accessible, safe and convenient.

In addition, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) will undertake a state-wide survey of recreational fishers to enable them to provide direct feedback on potential future investment from the Recreational Fishing Trusts who hold the licence fee income.

The NSW Government will provide greater support to the recreational fishing community by:

Making the grant applications processes clearer and simpler, so fishers and fishing clubs have the best opportunity to receive funding.
Demonstrating through the Recreational Fishing Trust’s Annual Reports that the DPIRD and the Trust have reinvested license fees back into practical fishing initiatives.
Strengthening communications with all fishers and clubs so that they know when and how to apply for grants to improve their local areas.

$2 million recreational fishing small infrastructure grants program

The new $2 million recreational fishing small infrastructure grant program will make it easier for fishing clubs, community groups and other organisations to apply for funding for projects such as fishing platforms, fish cleaning tables and other fishing facilities.

Eligibility criteria and funding guidelines for the new program will be developed over the coming months and will be included as part of the next Recreational Fishing Trust grants and funding round.

Applications for grants of up to $200,000 will be open soon.

Major survey of NSW recreational fishing licence holders

The Department survey will provide recreational fishers with greater input on the way fishing fees are spent while at the same time reinforcing the Government’s commitment to the transparent and accountable management of public funds.

The survey will seek input from fishers on new initiatives for potential future investment, including current programs:

Fish stocking and fish breeding
Fishing platforms and fish aggregation devices
Artificial reefs and habitat improvements
Education programs to teach young fishers about safe and responsible fishing.
Fishing regulation awareness.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“Fishing is a pastime everyone can enjoy.

“I want to revamp the process to make it easier for grass roots fishers and fishing clubs to be able to fund the infrastructure they would like to see in their local area.

“The fees that fishers pay each year must continue to be used effectively to improve fishing for everyone.

“The fishing infrastructure grant fund will ensure more money gets to grassroots recreational fishing groups.

“I understand that many of the small fishing groups and clubs might struggle to provide all the information needed to successfully get money from the Trust. I want to make it easier for grant applications to be successful.

“The survey is an important way for the Government to understand how recreational fishers would like to see licence fees spent.”

Local Labor Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland said:

“I commend the Minister for Agriculture and the Minns Labor Government for their commitment to the recreational fishing sector.

“I look forward to the $2 million small fishing infrastructure grant program and the Government’s interest in our recreational fishing licence holders’ opinions on current programs and future investments.

“Recreational fishing is an important part of our local culture and attracts thousands of visitors to this beautiful electorate.

“It contributes significantly to the health and economy of the Bega electorate.”

More than $4 million to tackle litter and illegal dumping

The Minns Labor Government is tackling illegal dumping and litter head on by rolling out more than $4 million to help councils, businesses, community groups and public land managers protect our local environments.

$3.6 million has been awarded to 16 projects focusing on reducing litter in every part of our environment and in a variety of locations, from Sydney Airport and inner-city suburbs such as Marrickville, to regional cities such as Bathurst and Maitland.

Inner West Council is one of nine successful councils that has been awarded $400,000, taking a total of more than $1 million invested in litter prevention in and around the Cooks River since 2021.

The funding has helped Cooks River Alliance and Council to drive down litter in what was one of the most polluted waterways in Sydney. This work, together with state-wide litter prevention initiatives, has seen litter reduced in the river system by up to 60% since 2018-19.

More than $700,000 has also been awarded to 13 projects cracking down on illegal dumping through increased surveillance, infrastructure solutions, clean-ups, education, research, and collaboration.

The illegal dumping projects target two common dumping locations, with 47% of reported incidents occurring on the kerbside and another 41% in bushland.

Applications are now open for the next intake of litter prevention and illegal dumping grants. More information about the successful applicants and further funding opportunities is available here.

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe:

“The Minns Labor Government has taken steps to deter this type of activity by doubling on-the-spot fines for general littering of small items and increasing maximum penalties for small-scale illegal dumping.

“Our reforms respond to community concerns and calls from local councils for stronger action and powers on illegal dumping.

“By 2030, we want to reduce litter by 60%. These new projects will help to propel us forward by changing behaviours and delivering critical infrastructure to encourage better waste disposal.”

Dental investment benefits Aboriginal communities

Patients at 15 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) across NSW will benefit from improved dental services following a $1,705,000 funding boost.

ACCHOs are incorporated Aboriginal organisations initiated by and based in local Aboriginal communities. They deliver holistic and culturally appropriate health services to their communities.

The NSW Government remains committed to its partnership with the Aboriginal health sector and funds 25 ACCHOs to provide dental care for patients across the state.

These one-off grants will see selected metropolitan, regional and rural ACCHOs replace, update or purchase additional dental equipment such as an intra oral camera, prosthetist services dental chairs and x-ray machines.

The additional funding will ensure ACCHOs can tailor their services as needed, allowing them to both improve and increase their ability to provide holistic health care to the community now and into the future.

Find further information on public dental services.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Oral health can influence general health. A healthy mouth ensures people can eat, speak and socialise without discomfort and embarrassment.

“A targeted funding boost to allow ACCHOs to update or replace their equipment helps address disparities experienced in vulnerable population groups and will have a positive impact on the overall population’s health and wellbeing.

“The oral health teams working in ACCHOs are highly skilled dental practitioners, managers, and support staff and with this additional funding they’ll now have the latest equipment.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris:

“We’re committed to ensuring people can continue to have access to oral health services that are culturally responsive, safe and of high quality.

“This targeted funding ensures services meet the unique needs of the local Aboriginal communities they’re within.”

Australian-first tech gives overheight trucks a real-time reality check

State-of the art sensor technology to be trialled in Sydney will scan trucks in real time and use connected warning signage to divert drivers of overheight vehicles from their routes before causing traffic headaches for motorists.

The trial is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing crusade to reduce disruption from overheight incidents that has seen tunnel closure minutes in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel cut by 80 per cent.

The automatic system will give drivers an accurate real-time height reading on their vehicle, giving heavy vehicle drivers time to change their route to avoid dangerous tunnel incidents that can cause system wide disruptions to Sydney’s road network and damage to critical infrastructure.

In an Australian first, Transport for NSW has combined the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scanning technology with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) software.

The six-month trial will see trucks taller than four meters scanned as they pass under the sensor, and their height and number plate information will be gathered and instantaneously displayed to drivers on the overhead Variable Message Sign (VMS).

The first site is now live on the southbound lanes of the M1 Pacific Motorway at the Mount White Heavy Vehicle Safety Station which is operated by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).

The Minns Government has introduced a zero-tolerance approach to overheight trucks, including six-month registration bans for offending trucks, sending the message to truck owners and trucking companies that it is their responsibility to manage, along with drivers.

This crackdown in combination with the work of the industry wide Overheight Truck Taskforce, launched in June 2023, resulted in a dramatic drop in over height incidents in Sydney tunnels. In the first six months of the taskforce’s operation (July to December 2023) there was a 67 per cent decrease in total closure time minutes and a 32 per cent reduction in incidents, the lowest level in seven years. Over the same period, the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, the most disrupted route, saw an 80 per cent reduction in closure minutes and a 58 per cent reduction in incidents.

The reduction in incidents has continued across the network in 2024, with 26 recorded overheight incidents between January and June, 62 per cent fewer than the same period in 2023.

For more information on the driving safely through Sydney’s tunnels, click here.

The Overheight Truck Taskforce Report can be found here.

Minister for Roads, John Graham said:

“This Australian-first scanning technology takes the guesswork out of load heights with real-time accurate calculations that allow drivers to act immediately and head off overheight incidents.

“The NSW Government remains resolute in its commitment to stopping overheight trucks from shutting down our city and inconveniencing motorists. This new technology on trial will help us strengthen the approach even further.

“I want to thank the vast majority of truckies who always know their height and their route. This technology is an awareness, not enforcement tool, it arms drivers with the right information so they can make the right decisions on the road.

“This trial came out of the work of the Overheight Truck Taskforce that brought together the trucking industry, Transport for NSW, the NSW Police and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. I want to thank the taskforce for its work which has delivered results beyond expectation.”

Transport for NSW Executive Director Customer Journey Management, Craig Moran said:

“Responding to overheight incidents comes at a huge resource and productivity cost – not to mention resulting delays and damage. Following the conclusion of the taskforce’s successful approach, Transport is taking the learnings forward to ensure our road network is safe, efficient and reliable.

“This project involved Transport Commanders on the ground, network experts in the Transport Management Centre (TMC), our journey planners, safety and heavy vehicle experts, compliance teams, and technical and engineering teams behind the LiDAR technology working together on innovative solutions.

“This saves time for motorists and money for NSW, with repair costs down and closure minutes more than halved.

“We will continue to work with industry to provide the right information, at the right time, to safely plan and manage journeys and prevent disruption.

“We’re starting at Mount White but aim to eventually roll out this new technology to all key heavy vehicle routes entering Sydney. We’ll evaluate the results of the trial in six months’ time.”

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Chief Executive Officer, Sal Petroccitto OAM said:

“The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator supports the investment by NSW Government into the use of new technologies like LiDAR scanning and ANPR software to help industry and ultimately drive greater safety and productivity outcomes.

“This system not only enhances road safety but also underscores our commitment to fostering innovation within the heavy vehicle industry.

“We are proud to continue our collaboration with Transport for NSW to reduce overheight incidents and ensure safer road transport for all.”