Month: October 2024

Community urged to give feedback on plans for precinct around future Orchard Hills Metro

As part of the Minns Government’s commitment to deliver more well-located homes close to jobs and transport, the community surrounding the future Orchard Hills Station is being consulted on the precinct’s Stage One rezoning proposal.

The proposal for the rezoning has been placed on public exhibition for community comment on the Orchard Hills Stage 1 rezoning proposal and structure plan.

The draft plans propose a new mixed-use local centre at the Orchard Hills Station, with opportunities for retail, commercial, and community uses.

Following consultation on precinct planning which began in 2022, this proposal includes thousands of new homes and up to 4,000 local jobs.

The precinct will be centred around a series of walkable and connected centres, home to local shops and entertainment, supported by crucial local infrastructure updates and around 50 hectares of public open space, including recreational and sporting fields.

Providing a catalyst for urban growth in the area is the Orchard Hills Station, currently under construction, which will service passengers taking off at Western Sydney International Airport.

The documents on exhibition also provide the community and landowners with certainty over the future intent for the remaining stages of the Orchard Hills precinct, which could provide capacity for more homes, new centres and more employment land. Development in these areas would be subject to future rezonings.

The rezoning proposal and draft structure plan builds on the feedback provided by the community on the Orchard Hills discussion paper in late 2022.

Orchard Hills was identified as a precinct suitable for state-led rezoning under the existing Greater Penrith to Eastern Creek (GPEC) strategic planning framework and the $73.5 million Rezone and Build initiative. The state-led rezoning process commenced in mid-late 2022.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will consider all feedback provided by the community during exhibition to inform a final rezoning and structure plan to be delivered in 2025.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Western Sydney’s transformation continues to meet the growing needs of a changing population.

“Orchard Hills is a great opportunity to provide much needed housing as we strive towards our National Housing Accord Target of 377,000 homes by 2029.

“The NSW Government is getting on with the job of delivering more homes and the infrastructure needed to support growth, actively planning for the region’s future.

“We stand ready to capitalise on the development opportunities that the new Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line, Western Sydney International Airport and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis will bring for communities like Orchard Hills.

“We are also seeking to provide certainty for current landowners over the future intent of the other stages of the Orchard Hills precinct.

“The work of the Independent Community Commission, Professor Roberta Ryan, will continue to support this exhibition process to assist the community and landowners with the rezoning proposal.

“We are now looking to create accessible, well-located housing in Orchard Hills. These future homes will be close to transport, schools and public spaces with opportunities for new cycleways and walkways to improve connectivity.”

Man dies after being struck by vehicle near Maitland

A man has died after being hit by a vehicle north-west of Maitland overnight.

Emergency services were called to the New England Highway at Harpers Hill, about 9.30pm (Wednesday 30 October 2024), and found a man had been struck by a vehicle which failed to stop.

The man – believed to be aged in his 30s – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Valley Police District established a crime scene, which will be examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit (CIU).

Wong must strongly condemn and sanction Israel after shocking UNRWA bill

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens Deputy Leader and International Aid Spokesperson, has condemned new Israeli legislation labelling UNRWA a terrorist organisation and restricting its operations, and has called on the Albanese government to sanction Israel. 

Senator Faruqi: 

“Israel just keeps reaching new levels of depravity while the Australian government watches on. If committing a genocide wasn’t enough, now they want to effectively block the main UN agency from providing relief to desperate Palestinians.

“Undermining and stopping UNRWA from providing aid to Palestinians has been a long term goal of Israel and it’s outrageous that now they are even closer to achieving this because the world has refused to take action to stop them.

“Israel is only proving to the world that it is a rogue, genocidal state that has no regard for international law or institutions.

“The Labor government has been ‘urging’ Israel to abide by international law for a year, and all we’ve seen is its war crimes and genocide escalating. 

“Enough with the weasel words. It’s time for Albanese and Wong to impose sanctions and expel the Israeli ambassador.”   

Labor’s politics of pollution fueling wildlife wipeout: Greens

The Federal Environment Minister is presiding over a wildlife wipeout in Australia by failing to protect endangered species from extinction, including failing to meet her own deadline to protect the Maugean Skate by stalling a decision until after the election.

The ancient species of skate is sliding towards extinction due to  the toxic Atlantic salmon farming industry, with less than 120 adult Maugean skate remaining in the wild. 

Greens Senator for Tasmania Nick McKim:

“Labor has today chosen multinational corporate profits over the survival of one of the world’s most unique creatures.”

“The science shows Macquarie Harbour is unsuitable for industrial salmon farming. The way to give the Maugean Skate the best chance of survival is for the Minister to evict toxic salmon farms out of Macquarie Harbour.”

“She has the power, and has all the science she needs to make that decision today.” 

“This is a cowardly political decision by the Minister which prioritises corporate profits over the survival of an ancient species.”

“Delaying a decision until after the next election risks handing the future of the Maugean Skate into the hands of a Dutton government minister. We all know how that would end.”

“If the Maugean Skate slides into extinction Tanya Plibersek will have blood on her hands.”

“Let’s be clear: if Peter Dutton becomes Prime Minister, this ancient species has no chance. A Dutton Minister won’t rein in the salmon industry one bit – it’s a death warrant for the skate.”

“Successive governments and the salmon industry have misled Tasmania’s regional communities for years, overstating the viability of salmon farming in Macquarie Harbour.

“It’s well past time to transition workers into sustainable industries that don’t come at the cost of our environment and endangered species.”

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is spokesperson for the Environment & Senator for South Australia:

“This delay is a coward’s decision – putting politics ahead of nature.

“Tasmania’s salmon industry is toxic and is wiping out the precious Maugean Skate while the Albanese Government panders to polluters in an election year. 

 “By kicking the can down the road past the election, the Environment Minister is putting politics and pollution before environmental protection. The Minister has failed to meet the deadline and is failing to halt extinctions here in Tasmania and across Australia.

 “Tomorrow, almost 50 other threatened species and ecological communities are due for a conservation assessment decision from the Environment Minister. This is the state of the environment in Australia: more extinctions, habitat destruction and wildlife wipeouts.

 “I urge the Albanese Government to work with the Greens to pass stronger environment laws to protect endangered species, stop native forest logging and safeguard the climate for our kids.”

Rocket launching approval blows up Labor’s environmental credentials in SA

The Greens say federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s decision today to approve a rocket launching site on habitat critical for endangered animals is a disaster for the environment and a slap in the face for the local community.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens Spokesperson for the Environment, Senator for South Australia:

“The Environment Minister has one job: protect the environment, but her decision today will trash this pristine part of South Australia and threaten endangered wildlife and animals.

“This is an insult to locals who clearly said they don’t want rockets threatening their environment, or tourism and local industries, including fishing.

“This decision shows the Albanese Government is not genuine in its pledge to stop wildlife extinction and habitat destruction. This ecosystem is critical for the endangered Southern Emu Wren of which there are only 750 left, not to mention the Mallee Whipbird, the Australian fairy Tern and the Eastern Hooded Plover.

“You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to appreciate that rocket testing at Whalers Way is bonkers.

“There are no conditions that could make this project acceptable, the Minister should have rejected it.

“Space has a place in SA, but a rocket launch site bang in the middle of a delicate ecosystem and against the wishes of this vibrant coastal community is not it.”

NSW Police Force attempt to sink Newcastle climate protest

The NSW Police Commissioner has taken the organisers of the planned Rising Tide climate protest at the Newcastle Coal Port to the Supreme Court in a bid to stop it from going ahead.

This is the second time this month the NSW Police Force has tried to stop public protests through the Supreme Court. Rising Tide’s planned protest known as “The People’s Blockade of the World’s Largest Coal Port”, last year received international attention as it brought together thousands of people united in their call to end coal exports, shutting down the coal port for 32 hours. This year, it has attracted big named performers such as Midnight Oil’s Peter Garrett, John Butler and First Nations rapper Dobby.

Greens MP and spokesperson for climate change and justice Sue Higginson says, “This is an expensive, unnecessary and retrograde step of the police and it sends a very dangerous message to the people of NSW who care about the right to protest and those who want the Government to do more about climate change,”

“Rising Tide have been steadfast in their responsibilities around organising this iconic climate protest event. They have approached the police in good faith seeking to work with them to ensure the event is safe and orderly and not only have they been let down they are now at the other end of a legal case. When the state fights the people in this way it says that something is very wrong with the administration of our democracy,”

“The People’s Blockade of the world’s largest coal port is not just a protest, it is part of a movement. It is a creative, inclusive and grass roots response to the climate crisis that has already significantly impacted so many of us. Rising Tide, along with other climate organisations have united thousands of people from all corners of the country, and have planned a weeklong gathering full of music, art, workshops and intelligence sharing culminating in a weekend action on the water in kayaks to symbolically shut down the coal port for 50 hours,”

“It is frankly outlandish of the Premier Chris Minns to say the event shouldn’t go ahead because he has no intention of ending coal and coal exports in NSW. The Premier does not get to dictate what people think, say or do in their disagreement with his position and policy. It is precisely that the people disagree with him and his Government’s policy on coal that they are coming together to express their collective disagreement, that is what happens in a mature democracy,”

“Organised protests like these are essential in a functioning democracy. This one has the support of so many people. Icon Australian author Tim Winton just last week was encouraging people to get to the protest and the line up of acclaimed artists who will be performing is testament to support and the need for this gathering,”

“It appears to me the “People’s Blockade of the World’s Largest Coal Port” will go ahead, regardless of what the police do in court, because the State can not stop people from coming together,” Ms Higginson said.

Australia joins global conventions to protect workers’ rights and safety

Australia has now ratified all ten International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Fundamental Conventions, reaffirming the Albanese Government’s commitment to protect workers’ rights and safety.

The final Fundamental Convention – Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention 187 – was ratified by Australia overnight [29 October] in a tripartite ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland, with representatives of the Australian Council of Trade Unions and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Convention promotes nationwide policies, systems and programs to support a safe and healthy working environment, and prevent occupational injuries, diseases and deaths.

This achievement underscores the Government’s belief in upholding international rules, norms and standards, and securing a safe and healthy working environment for all.

Ratification ensures Australian Governments continue to promote labour standards and protect workers from occupational harm, in line with international best practice.

For more information on the ILO’s Fundamental Conventions, see International Labour Standards.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong:

“While our Government is making sure that Australians make more and keep more of what they earn, we are also ensuring that their working conditions are safe and supportive.

“This is a major milestone for Australian workers. We are demonstrating Australia’s leadership and ongoing commitment to workers’ rights, as well as internationally agreed rules, norms and standards.”

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Murray Watt:

“By ratifying these conventions, Australia sends a powerful message: we respect the fundamental rights of all workers.

“As such, Australia upholds all fundamental international labour rights and is a fair, safe and secure place to work and do business.

“Through the Albanese Government’s workplace law changes and ratifying these Conventions, we are delivering secure jobs and better pay to Australian workers.

“Australia is committed to workplace health and safety as a fundamental principle and right at work.”

Community unites for World Stroke Day Morning Tea

City of Newcastle, in collaboration with the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), held its annual Lord Mayor’s World Stroke Day Morning Tea at Newcastle Museum this morning.

The event brought together community members, researchers, and stroke survivors for a morning of learning and conversations, aimed at raising awareness about stroke prevention, detection, and recovery.

Image Caption: Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, i-REBOUND program developer Meredith Burke, Professor Coralie English and Kim Beesley stand behind as Professor Beata Bajorek checks stroke survivor and advocate Emma Beesleys blood pressure. This was a free service facilitated for all community members at today's event.Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, i-REBOUND program developer Meredith Burke, Professor Coralie English and Kim Beesley stand behind as Professor Beata Bajorek checks stroke survivor and advocate Emma Beesleys blood pressure. This was a free service facilitated for all community members at today’s event.  

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, a retired anaesthetist with 40 years of experience, emphasised the importance of addressing health disparities within the region.

“Newcastle is fortunate to have some of the most talented clinicians in the country working in stroke prevention and treatment, and it’s been said that Newcastle is the safest place in Australia to have a stroke,” Cr Kerridge said. 

“Unfortunately, our community faces some of the highest rates of cardiovascular disease in the country. Partnering with HMRI allows us to highlight local research and ensure Novocastrians have access to life-saving information and resources.”

The morning featured insightful talks from HMRI researchers and stroke survivors, who shared their experiences and discussed new developments in stroke treatment and rehabilitation. 

Stroke remains the leading cause of long-term adult disability in Australia, with someone experiencing a stroke every 19 minutes. In NSW alone, around 19,000 people suffer a stroke each year, with a significant proportion from regional and rural areas.

Attendees gained valuable knowledge on recognising stroke symptoms and understanding what to do in an emergency, while also learning about lifestyle strategies to reduce stroke risk. 

Professor Coralie English, HMRI’s Deputy Director, Heart and Stroke Program and expert in stroke research at the University of Newcastle, highlighted that community awareness is essential in preventing strokes. 

“Eighty percent of strokes can be prevented, but many people are unaware of the risk factors or the importance of early detection,” Professor English said. 

“Sharing the latest research and prevention strategies helps our community take proactive steps towards healthier lives.”

The event also explored HMRI’s innovative work in stroke prevention, emergency treatments, recovery, and wellbeing, including the iREBOUND program, which supports stroke survivors in their rehabilitation journey. 

As a leader in clot-busting therapies, the Hunter region continues to make significant strides in advancing recovery outcomes for stroke patients.

City of Newcastle remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve health outcomes and promote awareness across the region.

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 29 October 2024

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 29 October 2024. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions. 

Lord Mayoral Minutes  

Recognition of Vietnam veteran Alwyn Craig’s service to Australia

A Lord Mayoral Minute was supported to facilitate the use of City Hall for a special medal presentation by the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment recognising the military service of Alwyn Craig, a long-time member of the Newcastle community.

Ordinary business 

Performance benchmarking comparator

Council noted that City of Newcastle (CN) has been invited to participate in a performance benchmarking project comprising of similar-sized councils in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, with an update on the outcome of the comparison to be delivered in the first quarter of 2025.

Authorisation for signing of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2024

Council received the draft Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2024 and formally referred them to City of Newcastle’s Auditor, the Audit Office of New South Wales, in accordance with Section 413(1) of the Local Government Act 1993 (Act).

Adoption of fees for Lord Mayor and Councillors (including superannuation)

Council voted unanimously to approve the Lord Mayor and Councillors to be paid the maximum fee payable (as per the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal’s annual determination) for the duration of the Council term.

Tabling of Register of Disclosures of Interest annual report

Council noted the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the financial year 2023/2024 by the Chief Executive Officer. 

Islington cycleway

Council voted unanimously to approve a bidirectional cycleway along Chinchen Street and Hubbard Street Islington, from Linden Street to John Hooker Street, which includes a combination of on-road separated cycleway and off-road shared path sections.

Supplementary report – interim appointment of City of Newcastle representatives on Newcastle Airport and related companies

Council noted that Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge has declared a significant non-pecuniary conflict of interest in regard to Newcastle Airport, which he will manage by declining appointment to any associated roles. Jeremy Bath and Nuatali Nelmes will continue for an interim period as City of Newcastle’s Nominee Directors and shareholder representatives of Newcastle Airport and its various companies, until a new appointment is selected to the Ordinary Council Meeting in February 2025.

Granting of easement – University Drive catchment rehabilitation

Council voted unanimously to approve the creation of an easement in City of Newcastle’s favour on Hunter Water Corporation’s land at 131 Lorna Street Waratah West to ensure CN has continued access for maintenance purposes.

Voting delegates for the Local Government New South Wales annual conference

Council unanimously approved an amended motion and voted to nominate Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge, Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, Cr Sinead Francis-Coan, Cr Declan Clausen, Cr Deahnna Richardson, Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk and Cr Nuatali Nelmes as voting delegates for the 2024 Local Government New South Wales Annual Conference, which will be held from 17-19 November 2024 in Tamworth.

Executive monthly performance report

Council received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for September 2024.

Tender report – provision of legal services

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the provision of external legal services to City of Newcastle.

Tender report – civil design services panel contract 

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the provision of Civil Design and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) drafting services for projects within City of Newcastle’s works program.

Tender report – bulk haulage of recyclables

Council voted unanimously to accept a tender for the bulk haulage of kerbside collected recyclables to a Material Recovery Facility located at Somersby on the Central Coast.

Tender report – supply of ready mixed concrete

Council voted unanimously to establish a panel of suppliers from which a participating council in the Hunter region may source ready mixed concrete material in support of operational needs on an as required basis.

Notices of Motion 

Recommitting to social, affordable and liveable housing in Newcastle 

Council supported an amended notice of motion to reaffirm Council’s commitment to provide council-owned land for social (affordable) housing, supported by amenity and infrastructure in well-serviced neighbourhoods. Council will receive a briefing on the status of City-led social housing projects, including at Rail Bridge Row, as community hubs, and co-located with community facilities such as libraries, parks, and halls, in sites throughout the city for example, in Beresfield, Hamilton, Mayfield and Wallsend.

Supporting community in household electrification

Council supported an amended notice of motion that resolved to, as part of City of Newcastle’s Empowering Newcastle program, investigate options to advocate for or deliver City-wide initiatives that support equity in access to renewable energy and electrification.

Investigate other site options for the proposed Hunter Indoor Sports Centre

Council unanimously supported an amended notice of motion noting that the Hunter Indoor Sports Centre is State Significant Development and will be assessed and determined by the NSW Government’s Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, and invited community members and Councillors to make individual submissions to the State Significant Development assessment process by 11 November 2024.

Late item of business

Expedition of Minmi Road widening works

Council unanimously supported a late item of business to request that staff examine the potential for the September quarterly budget review process to include a significant increase in funding for the Minmi Road widening project between Wallsend and Fletcher to enable construction to be significantly brought forward to as soon as January 2025.

Community and councillors back Islington cycleway connection

A new cycleway and shared footpath along Chinchen Street and Hubbard Street in Islington has been endorsed by the elected Council after City of Newcastle received overwhelming community support for the project.

The 665-metre stretch will connect existing cycling infrastructure and provide a continuous protected cycleway from the Scholey Street rail bridge in Mayfield, through to Islington Park and on to the city centre, utilising on-road separated cycleway and off-road shared pathway.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Transport and Regulation Ryan Tranter said the community feedback was extremely positive.

“City of Newcastle is committed to encouraging the uptake of active transport by providing safe, connected, convenient, and comfortable infrastructure that will support people to choose cycling and walking as their preferred option for travel,” Mr Tranter said.

“More than 90 percent of people who made submissions during the community engagement process supported each aspect of the proposal.

“We’re excited to deliver this vital infrastructure to a local community who are strong advocates for active transport, especially parents, staff and students who walk, cycle, scoot, and skate their way to and from Islington Public School and the Tighes Hill TAFE campus. This project caters for all users of varying confidence and ability.”

The Islington Cycleway project will include:

  • An on-road separated bidirectional cycleway, using concrete separators, along the north side of Chinchen Street between Linden Street and the east side of Styx Creek bridge.
  • A shared path along Chinchen Street and Hubbard Street from Styx Creek bridge to John Hooker Street.
  • Landscaped kerb extensions at the Linden Street intersection to provide improved visibility and separation for cyclists crossing.
  • Connections into the existing shared path at the Clyde Street traffic signals to provide a separated off-road option through the intersection.
  • A continuous path along Hubbard Street across John Hooker Street, which gives priority to shared path users over road users.

Construction of the new infrastructure at Islington is expected to start early next year.

The project is being delivered by City of Newcastle, utilising $950,000 from the NSW Government through Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active program.

The Islington section will form an important link in City of Newcastle’s ‘On Our Bikes’ Cycling Plan, which proposes the creation of cycling connections from the western suburbs of Minmi and Wallsend all the way through to the inner city.

The new cycleway will also complement City of Newcastle’s $800,000 upgrade of the intersection of Chinchen and Clyde streets, which was completed last year featuring new traffic signals for improved pedestrian, cyclist and road user safety.