Month: October 2024

GIRDER LIFTS FOR NORTHERN INTERCHANGE AS PART OF M1 MOTORWAY EXTENSION TO RAYMOND TERRACE

The M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace has reached a significant milestone with the successful lifting of the first girders at the northern interchange on the Heatherbrae Bypass.

Motorists will see the interchange come to life after the lifting of eight bridge girders onto the northern interchange on Thursday 24 and Friday 25 October.

The overbridge at the northern interchange will serve as the main direct access off the M1 Pacific Motorway, to the Pacific Highway and the townships of Heatherbrae and Raymond Terrace.

When completed, the interchange will provide southbound motorists the option to continue into Heatherbrae using the local road network or take the new motorway across Windeyers Creek bypassing Heatherbrae.

The work to build the overbridge includes geotechnical investigations, relocation of utilities, drainage, earthworks, bridge substructure and superstructure, and pavement works.

The team has already lifted 62 of the 827 bridge girders into place across the project, with more than 70 per cent of the Heatherbrae Bypass workforce sourced from the Hunter Region, including 38 apprentices and 12 trainees.

The extension is expected to be open to traffic in mid-2028.

For more information and to sign up for regular updates on the progress of the M1 extension visit nswroads.work/m12rtportal.

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

“This is an exciting step forward for the M1 Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace project.

“Once complete, this project, together with the Coffs Harbour bypass, will provide the remaining major upgrades to complete a free-flowing route between Sydney and Brisbane with no traffic lights.

“The Australian and NSW Governments are proud to be working together to deliver the ‘missing link’ and strengthening our road network across the nation.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“This is great news for the 48,000 motorists from across NSW who travel on the notorious bottleneck on the Pacific Highway at Hexham.

“Combined with the Hexham Straight Widening project, this will significantly improve journeys for local motorists, visitors and the freight industry.

“The Australian and NSW Governments are delivering legacy infrastructure which will cater to the needs of our great state in the decades ahead.”

Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson:

“This is a vital missing link that I have pushed the Federal Government to support since 2016 and has been accelerated under the Albanese and Minns Governments.

“The M1 extension to Raymond Terrace will transform travel in this region by removing up to 25,000 vehicles a day away from key congestion areas, saving motorists around nine minutes off their trip.”

NSW Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington:

“It’s great to see the progress being made on the M1 Pacific Highway extension to Raymond Terrace.

“Once completed, this project will be a huge time saver for locals and visitors traveling in and around Port Stephens.

“The Heatherbrae Bypass will reduce traffic on our local roads, making them safer for everyone.”

Additional humanitarian assistance to Lebanon

Australia will provide a further $10 million in humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected civilians in Lebanon.

Around 800,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon by the conflict between Israel and Hizballah. Emergency shelters have been overwhelmed and humanitarian workers killed.

Australia’s humanitarian assistance will be delivered through United Nations partners to address immediate and emerging needs, including access to food, shelter, healthcare and other critical services.

This will support international efforts, including through the International Conference in Support of Lebanon’s People and Sovereignty, convened in Paris overnight.

Since 7 October 2023, we have committed $94.5 million in humanitarian assistance to support civilians impacted by conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon and to respond to the refugee crisis in the region worsened by those conflicts.

Australia has been clear in its call for ceasefires in both Lebanon and in Gaza. We continue to call for all parties to uphold international law and protect civilians and humanitarian workers.

We continue to advise Australians not to travel to Lebanon. Australians in Lebanon should leave. Australians in Lebanon can register on DFAT’s Crisis Portal or by calling the Australian Government’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“The conflict in Lebanon is taking a heavy toll on civilians, including women and children, with around 800,000 people having now been displaced.

“Australia and our partners continue to press for ceasefires in Lebanon and in Gaza. This additional contribution will help those in urgent need, through access to food, shelter and healthcare.”

Minister for International Development and The Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“Civilians and humanitarian workers must be protected, and humanitarian personnel must be able to access all individuals in need of assistance.”

“Australia’s humanitarian funding will provide critical services for people displaced or affected by these conflicts and help protect the most vulnerable.”

Pacific Policing Initiative Steps Up at CHOGM 2024

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has today joined other Pacific leaders to mark the first deployment of the new Pacific Police Support Group, part of the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI), backed by Australia and endorsed by Pacific Island Forum leaders in August 2024.
 
More than 40 police officers from 11 Pacific countries are part of this deployment, providing security support for Samoa’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.  The deployment includes officers from Pacific partners trained at the PPI’s Pinkenba training hub in Brisbane.
 
The Pacific Police Support Group is a new multi-country police capability ready to respond to emergencies or assist during major events, at the request of a Pacific Island Forum Government.
 
Australia has committed approximately $400 million over five years to ensure the Pacific Policing Initiative delivers on the agreement by leaders that the security of the Pacific is the shared responsibility of the Pacific family.
 
The PPI is a Pacific-led initiative designed to strengthen policing capacity and coordination in the region. The PPI has three pillars – regional police training Centres of Excellence, the Pacific Police Support Group and a Pacific Policing Development and Coordination Hub, based in Brisbane.
 
In marking this first deployment, Prime Minister Albanese confirmed that Australia will support the establishment of four regional Centres of Excellence under the PPI. The Centres of Excellence will be purpose-built to train police from across the region in a range of specialist capabilities.
 
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
 
“Samoa is the first Pacific island country to host CHOGM. Australia is proud to join our Pacific family to provide police and security support for Samoa as host.
 
“Two months since the Pacific Policing Initiative was endorsed by Pacific leaders, we are seeing it deliver for the region at CHOGM 2024.
 
“The Pacific Policing Initiative will play an important role in promoting regional security across the Pacific region.
 
This is about Pacific security, delivered by the Pacific, in support of Pacific sovereignty.”

Appeal to locate elderly man missing from Lake Macquarie 

Police are appealing for public assistance as they continue to search for a missing elderly man in the Lake Macquarie area.

George Linz, aged 98, was last seen on Silverdale Parade, Jewells, about 10.30am yesterday (Friday 25 October 2024).

When George couldn’t be located, officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries.

Police hold concerns for George’s welfare due to his age and as he has limited mobility.

George is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of slim build, and with grey hair.

He was last seen wearing an apricot-coloured jumper, grey trackpants and dark-coloured sneakers.

Anyone with information on George’s whereabouts is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

NSW Government delivers on its commitment to establish a LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council

The Minns Labor Government has today established the inaugural LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council, fulfilling an election commitment.

The council’s first priority will be to work with the Government to develop NSW’s first LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy.

Members of the council will work closely with the NSW Government to provide insights and recommendations on issues affecting LGBTIQ+ communities.

The 16 inaugural members range from national trailblazers to local champions, and bring with them the expertise needed to establish the council.

Members were selected based on their experiences, expertise and dedication to advocating for LGBTIQ+ communities and will serve a two-year term.

Robyn Kennedy and Dr Justin Koonin have been appointed as the inaugural Co-Chairs of the council.

Robyn is a 78er, having protested in the first Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and is highly regarded in the community for her decades of service to advancing equality and inclusion, including through roles with InterPride, Sydney WorldPride, Qtopia Sydney, and First Mardi Gras 78ers.

Justin has been the President at ACON since 2015 and is recognised in LGBTIQ+ communities for his leadership, expertise and advocacy as a long-serving Convenor of the NSW Gay and Lesbians Rights Lobby.

Also joining the council is Ian Roberts, the first openly gay professional rugby league player.

We congratulate all members who have been appointed to the council:

  • Robyn Kennedy
  • Dr Justin Koonin
  • Anna Brown OAM
  • Dr Morgan Carpenter
  • Danny Dalton
  • Brad Farrugia
  • Will Lawrence
  • Veronica Mason
  • Benjamin Oh
  • Dr Chris Pepin-Neff
  • Dr Victoria Rawlings
  • Ian Roberts
  • Nicholas Stewart
  • Dr Cris Townley
  • Kelly Young
  • Charlie Zada

This follows ongoing work by the NSW Government to progress reforms that ensure all members of our community feel valued, respected and equal.

The Minns Labor Government has already fulfilled our election commitment to ban ‘LGBTQ+ conversion practices’ through the Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024, which passed the NSW Parliament in March.

The Premier also issued a formal apology in June to people convicted under discriminatory laws that criminalised homosexual acts, and this year passed legislation that meant more of these offences were able to be extinguished.

In September, the NSW Government supported all 19 recommendations delivered by the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes, which examined the unsolved deaths of LGBTIQ people and found shortfalls in historical responses by the NSW Government.

Earlier this month, the Government supported the amended Equality Bill which passed NSW Parliament after being introduced by the Independent Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich.

Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council, Penny Sharpe said:

“Establishing the LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council is another step forward for LGBTIQ+ people in our state who deserve to be visible and heard. It will drive a more inclusive and equitable NSW.

“The council is testament to our Government’s commitment to ensuring that every person in NSW can live a life free from discrimination and prejudice.

“The diversity of expertise and experiences being brought together in this council is exceptional.”

Co-Chair of the council, Robyn Kennedy said:

“As a lesbian and 78er, I am honoured to serve as Co-Chair of this council. Our work will focus on ensuring that all LGBTIQ+ individuals in NSW are supported, respected, and have their rights upheld.

“This is what our community has always stood for through our decades of advocacy and resilience”

Co-Chair of the council, Dr Justin Koonin said:

“There are legal, social and health issues that continue to impact the human rights, safety and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ people in NSW.

“As Co-Chair of the council I am looking forward to working with members to ensure the NSW Government has direct access to the communities’ experiences, ideas and solutions.

“I am proud to be part of a council that will work towards equality for all.”

SafeWork NSW inspectors launch blitz targeting scaffold safety

SafeWork NSW inspectors are out in force, targeting scaffold safety on construction sites across the state as part of their Scaff Safe 2024 campaign​.

Falls from heights remains the leading cause of fatalities on NSW construction sites, with falls from unsafe scaffolds a significant contributor.

In Newcastle, where the “Scaff Safe” campaign is being launched, a zero-tolerance approach to workers lives being put at risk has seen the number of penalty notices more than double since 2021, while the number of falls from unsafe scaffolding has halved.

Across the state, the most common injury as a result of a fall from height was ligament, muscle and tendon damage or a traumatic joint injury with more than 5,200 incidents reported since 2021/2022.

Scaffold incidents commonly involve:

  • people falling from, or through, scaffolds that are poorly erected, incomplete or have been altered including having components removed by unlicenced workers, such as brickies, builders, painters,
  • people falling from scaffolds due to misuse, for example standing on rails or boxes, adding makeshift work platforms,
  • scaffold collapse or failure of components due to incorrect assembly, overloading platforms, or incompatible or overly rusted/rotted componentry,
  • objects falling off scaffolds and hitting people below,
  • scaffolds being struck by mobile plant/vehicles or being snagged by a crane, and
  • scaffolders being injured when unsafely erecting, adjusting or dismantling scaffold.

Inspectors will be visiting sites to talk with principal contractors and site supervisors about how to ensure their site is ‘Scaff Safe’, including verifying they have a plan in place to manage scaffold safety for each stage of the build.

Inspectors are taking a zero-tolerance approach to workers lives being placed at risk and can issue on-the-spot fines for not managing the risk of scaffolds, falls from heights and alterations by unlicenced workers. Individuals may be fined up to $900 and businesses up to $4,500.

Further information for workers, employers and licence holders about managing the risks of scaffold can be found at: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/scaffolding

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis

“It’s important employers understand their duties under work health and safety laws.

“Scaffold requires constant attention and coordination. It can kill workers when not built safely, with the main risks being falls from heights, falling components, scaffold collapse and contact with powerlines.

“SafeWork Inspectors take a zero-tolerance approach to workers lives being placed at risk around scaffolding and will issue on-the-spot fines to enforce compliance.

“All workers have the right to go home to their loved ones at the end of their workday.”

Tim Crakanthorp, State Member for Newcastle

“Scaffolds are a focus for inspectors for good reason. Falls from heights are one of the biggest causes of fatalities and serious injuries on NSW building sites.

“Newcastle is proud to help lead the way in New South Wales when it comes to helping keep workers safe on our construction sites.”

Revitalised Lake Parramatta opening for summer after $1.4 million upgrade

Idyllic Western Sydney swimming spot Lake Parramatta will reopen this weekend for the summer season complete with its own beach, after the Minns Labor Government funded a $1.4 million upgrade.

The works ensure families in Western Sydney now have access to another safe and accessible swimming spot close to home, without needing to travel long distances to a beach.

More than 50,000 annual visitors to Lake Parramatta can now enjoy:

  • A sandy beach within the swimming area, supported with a retaining wall;
  • Improved water access through footpaths, and other accessibility features such as handrails and traction treatments for steps;
  • New seating, sandstone walls, shaded areas, landscaping, bushland regeneration, improved signage, an outdoor shower; and
  • The installation of a formal lifeguard viewing platform which will provide improved sightlines over the swimming area for lifeguards.

These changes improve safety and accessibility for visitors, while preserving the natural beauty of the bushland site.

The Lake Parramatta upgrade has been completed thanks to the NSW Government’s Places to Swim program and Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program.

The upgrade is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to expanding access to swimming sites for communities who live away from the coast, particularly in Western Sydney.

It comes after Labor successfully unlocked Western Sydney Lakes last summer to open Penrith Beach to the public – a major hit with locals that will return again this year following a further $2.5 million investment. 

Lake Parramatta officially opens to the public from 10am Saturday, 26 October and will have lifeguards on duty each weekend from 10am to 6pm until Sunday 24 November 2024.

From Saturday 30 November 2024 to Thursday 30 January 2025, lifeguards will be on duty seven days per week from 10am to 7pm before returning to weekend-only patrols from 10am to 7pm from Saturday 1 February to Sunday 30 March 2025.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“Lake Parramatta is great spot for the people of Western Sydney to escape the summer heat, now more than ever after this upgrade.

“The revitalisation of this swimming spot is in no small part thanks to the advocacy of Donna Davis, who as Lord Mayor pushed so hard for it to be funded. Now the whole community can benefit from this investment in local amenity here in Parramatta.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, said:

“The NSW Government’s Places to Swim program is about creating cool spaces for families and friends to gather, relax and enjoy a dip in the water.

“Through the funding received from the NSW Government, this idyllic location will now be safer, more accessible and more accommodating to its thousands of visitors each year.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“The City of Parramatta design work and community consultation for these upgrades occurred during my time as Lord Mayor, so it makes me very proud to see the work completed for the benefit of local residents and visitors to Parramatta.

“These upgrades support Parramatta’s fast growing population, ensuring a beautiful, functional place for people of all ages and abilities to relax, recreate and return to again and again.”

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said:

“Lake Parramatta is an iconic swimming spot, and these upgrades really elevate this oasis and provide a safe and comfortable environment to cool off on hot days.

“The eastern suburbs have Bondi, Penrith has Pondi and now more people can safely enjoy this gem in the West – Lake Parramatta.

“We welcome everyone to make memories here this summer and remind people to bring a friend and swim in the designated swimming area when supervised by lifeguards.”

Staff and volunteers celebrated at the NSW Health Awards

Staff and volunteers across the NSW health system have been celebrated for their dedication, compassion, innovation and outstanding achievements at the 2024 NSW Health Awards, held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney last night.

The awards recognise the people, teams and programs in NSW Health that make such a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of patients of the communities they care for. It is – most of all – a celebration of the team enriching health in millions of ways every day.

Some of the innovative projects to win awards across the 13 categories included the use of artificial-intelligence to develop a wound app reducing average healing times, research to develop oral insulin as an alternative for injectible insulin expanding treatment options for diabetics and establishing a video interpreting service for multicultural communities.

Awards were presented by Minister for Health Ryan Park, Minister for Medical Research David Harris, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Regional Health Dr Michael Holland, and NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM.

186 nominations were received across 13 categories, including:

  • Staff Member of the Year Award
  • Volunteer of the Year Award
  • Secretary’s Award
  • Environmental Sustainability Award
  • Excellence in Aboriginal Healthcare Award
  • Excellence in Multicultural Healthcare Award
  • Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Award
  • Health Innovation Award
  • Health Research Award
  • Keeping People Healthy Award
  • Patient Safety First Award
  • People and Culture Award
  • Transforming Patient Experience Award

The full list of winners and finalists and their projects is available on the ​​NSW Health website.​​

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I want to congratulate the winners and all 42 finalists for their outstanding contributions to our health system. Every day in NSW Health we see fantastic examples of care, dedication and innovation when it comes to improving the health and wellbeing of people across NSW.

“It’s fantastic to see that five of the NSW Health Award winners are from rural and regional areas, highlighting the great care available to communities right across the state.

“I would particularly like to highlight the great work of Dr Nhi Nguyen from Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, who was named Staff Member of the Year for her leadership across initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between clinicians, policy makers and the community.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“I offer my congratulations to the South Western Sydney Local Health District who took out the Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services award for their Aboriginal Mental Health Transfer of Care project.

“This work has had a positive impact on hundreds of people and their communities, with a team of specialists set up to provide culturally responsive care and better discharge planning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, nearly halving unplanned re-admissions.

“Across every nomination in this category we see shining examples of a commitment to patient care and safety so I personally want to thank all the finalists for their dedication to providing compassionate mental health services right across the state.”

Minister for Medical Research David Harris:

“Sydney Local Health District were a deserving winner of the Health Research category, for their ground-breaking work to expand treatment options for people with diabetes. The team has created an oral insulin treatment that is preparing for clinical trials early next year.

“It was a pleasure to celebrate the people helping position NSW as a global leader in health and medical research, and the work in Sydney Local Health District reflects many of the amazing initiatives underway in our state.”

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM:

“NSW Health is very proud to celebrate the people and teams who are enriching health in millions of ways every day – our incredible healthcare staff and volunteers.

“All of the nominees, finalists and winners reflect the incredible work our people do, in a wide variety of roles right across the public health system., and I thank them sincerely for it.”