Month: December 2024

MUSWELLBROOK SHIRE COUNCIL FINED $8,000 FOR LEAK AT WATER TREATMENT PLANT

Muswellbrook Shire Council has been fined $8,000 and issued with an official caution after a leak of ferric sulphate at its Muswellbrook Water Treatment Plant earlier this year in March.

Between 2500 and 3000 litres of the corrosive liquid, which is used as a coagulant, leaked from a hole in the ferric sulphate storage tank and spilled into a contained (bunded) area.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) investigation found that a temporary pump was left on, following a regular floor cleaning of the bund. This resulted in ferric sulphate inadvertently pumping into an onsite evaporative pond that stores waste lime, a by-product of the drinking water process.

EPA Director Operations David Gathercole said the incident was a reminder to always ensure that equipment is operated in a proper and efficient manner.

“Fortunately, this was contained onsite and did not result in any actual harm to the environment or human health,” Mr Gathercole said.

“Any situation where equipment is not operated properly runs the risk of potentially serious environmental impacts.

“It is also particularly important when working with chemicals to ensure that all processes and safety precautions are followed to prevent any potential harm or pollution of waters, as has occurred in this incident.”

Muswellbrook Shire Council has now implemented onsite measures to prevent future incidents.

MAITLAND TEACHER GUIDES A STUDENT TO FIRST IN THE STATE FOR A FIFTH STRAIGHT YEAR

OneSchool Global Maitland teacher Andra Rensburg has remarkably seen one of her students top the state in the Higher School Certificate (HSC) Financial Services subject for a fifth straight year.

In the 2024 HSC, OneSchool Global student Rory Wallace followed in the footsteps of four prior OneSchool winners.

The 18-year-old from Orange in Central West NSW was able to pursue his passion for Financial Services through OneSchool Global’s innovative remote learning platform, which allows students to access courses delivered from the school’s campuses across the state.

Rory said he was pleased to receive the first-place award after seizing the opportunity to study Financial Services.

“At OneSchool Global, our teachers and the school community provide us with outstanding support to achieve,” Rory said.

“To come first in the State is really exciting, and I am thankful for the effort our teacher Mrs Rensburg puts into teaching this program. I am glad I could add to the list of OneSchool Global’s students who have achieved this result with Mrs Rensburg’s support.”

With five students consecutively placing first in the State in five years, Mrs Rensburg congratulated Rory on his achievement as well as the prior OSG State students who topped the state.

“Rory has worked really hard this year, and this result is reflective of his outstanding effort. Rory and the OneSchool students who have preceded him continue to prove that commitment and hard work are the foundations to achievement and success. I look forward to seeing Rory apply this in his undoubtedly bright future,” she said.

OneSchool Global Regional Principal Kath Merritt congratulated Andra, Rory and OneSchool Global’s prior state-topping students, saying that the results are a positive reflection of the school’s vision to develop life-ready students, who learn how to learn and achieve.

“OneSchool Global congratulates Andra and Rory on this outstanding achievement. Andra’s continued success with students in this subject is a strong demonstration of how our school’s learning framework and facilities support our students and teachers to thrive.”

OneSchool Global has 31 campuses across Australia in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia.

OneSchool Global Australia provides innovative learning and teaching to more than 2,450 students with more than 340 staff.

For more information about OneSchool Global, go to https://www.oneschoolglobal.com/

Have your say and help us shape the future of transport in the Hunter 

The Draft Hunter Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) has been released for public consultation and Transport for NSW is inviting feedback from the community to help shape the final plan, due for release in 2025. 

The Draft Hunter SRITP outlines a vision for transport in the region where all communities are well connected by high quality transport infrastructure and services, allowing people to walk, ride, catch public transport or use their private vehicle safely.

The Hunter region is changing, with significant population growth and increased freight movements within and through the region.

Early engagement activities have been carried out in recent months with local councils, Members of Parliament and key regional representative groups, together with community insights from more than 2000 visits to Transport’s Have Your Say platform.

Through this extensive consultation, analysis and investigation, Transport has identified more than 55 short and medium-term initiatives, which are now on public exhibition for broader community input. 

The Draft Hunter SRITP and related documents are available at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/hunter with submissions invited until Friday 28 February 2025 via that page or by emailingengage.sritps@transport.nsw.gov.au. Pop-up events will also be scheduled in early 2025 for Transport representatives to talk with local communities.  

The Draft Hunter SRITP is one of nine Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plans (SRITPs) being developed to better reflect the transport needs of regional communities now and into the future. 

Expanding on previous transport plans, the SRITPs focus on delivering integrated short, medium and long-term solutions to help drive economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance the quality of life for residents in the regions.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“We’re listening to the community, stakeholders, and experts to create a transport network that meets the diverse and dynamic needs of the Hunter region, including its major cities and small villages, across all modes of transport.

“I urge all residents, businesses, community and industry groups to visit the website, take a look at the draft plan and share your feedback.

“A lot of work has gone into developing the draft and we want to make sure Transport for NSW gets it right when it comes to developing the final plan.

“Once all feedback is considered, the final plan will be prepared and released next year.

“The final plan will be accompanied by an implementation strategy to ensure we deliver better transport and road networks across the region and I am excited to see what the community feedback is and what the final plan looks like.”

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

“With more people moving to and visiting the Hunter, it’s critical we have quality and accessible public transport.

“It’s important this plan accounts for the Hunter’s diverse communities and everyone who lives there, which is why we’re consulting widely with community and experts.

“We want to better serve the people who live in this area and ensure they have access to more services and more places, across all days of the week.

“Our existing transport infrastructure network will be reimagined to support improved roads and public transport connections between homes, work, education, healthcare services and entertainment precincts so everyone can get where they need to be and make the most of our region.”

City of Newcastle seeks partner for landmark affordable housing project

A multi-storey affordable housing apartment building will be developed on a key Hunter Street site as City of Newcastle moves forward with a landmark mixed-use project.

The strategically positioned site, known as Rail Bridge Row, sits as a junction between Hunter Street and the Foreshore. 

The project marks the closing of a chapter in Newcastle’s history with the parcel of land the final piece of the former heavy rail corridor to be redeveloped.

The development will also be the second affordable project on the old rail line following the construction of 30 units on Merewether Street in 2020 by Evolve Housing. 

Council voted on Tuesday night to invite expressions of interest (EOI) from community housing providers to work with City of Newcastle on the project, which will include multiple levels of units above a ground floor commercial / retail development.

The partnership would be the first of its kind in the Hunter and could pave the way for similar developments in the future at other City of Newcastle sites.

Chairperson of City of Newcastle’s Asset Advisory Committee, Cr Declan Clausen, said the project could help ease the affordable housing shortage now and into the future.

“A growing population, cost-of-living crisis and shortage of housing including dwellings affordable to those on lower incomes, is exacerbating the stress being felt in households across Newcastle,” Cr Clausen said.

“The Rail Bridge Row project is the first time Council has utilised its own land to help address the housing crisis. As an elected council, we are pulling every lever available to us to increase the supply of social and affordable housing in our city. 

“By partnering with a community housing provider to deliver this project, we are creating a framework that could potentially be replicated across other City of Newcastle sites.”

The EOI will be launched early next year to identify select applicants, who will then be asked to prepare a proposal for the project.

A business case will be presented for Council approval before the preferred community housing provider is engaged.

City of Newcastle recently completed detailed site investigations for the early works and approvals needed to support future development on the site.

The 4,125 sqm lot at 280 Hunter Street stretches from Brown Street to near the intersection of Darby and Hunter Street and is opposite the Crown Street light rail stop. It was purchased by City of Newcastle from Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation in 2020.

In addition to the mixed-use development, the site could also facilitate the delivery of an important east-west commuter cycleway connection, strengthening Newcastle’s cycling infrastructure while enhancing the sustainability and liveability of the city.

Training program helps build a new future for refugees

The Minns Labor Government is helping address construction skills shortages and unlocking employment opportunities for some of the most vulnerable members of the community through a one-week training program in Coffs Harbour.

This week, 16 humanitarian refugees completed the Refugee Employment Pathways Program, receiving a certification to operate Front End Loaders and Excavators, making them job-ready and able to explore apprenticeship opportunities in the high-demand industry.

In collaboration with TAFE NSW participants from the Ezidi, African, and Myanmar community were given hands-on training to enable them to work in the civil construction industry.

The program is organised by Purpose & Growth, an organisation that brings together government and community support groups, to provide relevant training for local refugees and address skills gaps.

The NSW Department of Education has provided $30,000 to assist with training costs.

With the Federal Government projecting employment in the construction industry to grow by 12% in the decade to 2034, the program provides a timely and valuable pathway into a sustainable career.

This initiative will help build a pipeline of skilled workers to support the local civil construction industry, including one of NSW’s largest infrastructure projects, the Coffs Harbour Bypass. 

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:  

“This initiative is a win-win for the Coffs Harbour community and the 16 participants completing the program, who have come to Australia as humanitarian refugees and face language and skills barriers to gaining meaningful employment.”

“By working collaboratively with local community organisations, this program will help some of our newest community members build their new lives with meaningful employment with critical skills.

Congratulations to everyone involved, particularly our 16 newly trained front-end loaders and excavators!”

Director Infrastructure Energy & Construction Skills Team, Nicholas Bryant said:

“This program has allowed these participants to develop the skills and knowledge they need to work in the civil construction industry and apply for jobs in a booming skills area, helping to address the critical skill shortages.”

“TAFE NSW prides itself on delivering hands-on training and providing opportunities for people to achieve their career aspirations. I’m proud of the progress these participants have made throughout the program and I’m confident they will be able to apply these skills and knowledge to future roles in the civil construction industry.”

NSW Government seeks gateway agreement to progress toll reform

The NSW Government has taken another step towards creating a fairer toll road system for Sydney, presenting an In Principle Agreement to the motorway concessionaires which provides a pathway to more detailed negotiations in 2025.

The Government expects the In Principle Agreement to be signed off by the end of the year by concessionaires who hold the ten privately-owned toll road concessions of Sydney’s 13 toll roads.

It sets out further areas to discuss and refine as part of the next stage of creating a genuine toll network and a new network-wide pricing structure across the tangle of different private contracts.

The NSW Government has committed to tilting the system back in favour of motorists and ending the era of Liberal Party “Toll-Mania” with a fairer, network-wide pricing structure.

If concessionaires sign the In Principle Agreement, it will allow the process to enter the second stage of the direct dealing towards toll reform and enable negotiation of a new network-wide pricing method.

The NSW Government is committed to respecting the value of the motorway contracts – but is also intent that windfall gains that stem from toll reform go to the NSW public, rather than private operators.

The Minns Labor Government’s $60 toll cap has been an effective, targeted cost-of-living relief measure, with motorists in the most car-reliant suburbs of western Sydney claiming the most cash back.

The Government entered negotiations with the concessionaires after the July 16 release of the final report of the Toll Review of Professor Allan Fels and Dr David Cousins.

Their report declared Sydney’s toll road network to be a poorly-functioning patchwork of numerous different price structures that will cost motorists $195 billion in nominal terms in tolls over the next three and a half decades on top of the billions they have already paid.

The Government’s objectives would require the new price structure to:

  • Deliver fairer tolls
  • Lower tolls for those who must travel longer distances
  • Create a network out of the different toll roads with a network-wide pricing structure
  • Create a more efficient Sydney road network that takes more trucks off suburban streets

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to restoring fairness to the toll system and putting the interests of motorists first.

“These have been tough discussions so far, but I am pleased to say we believe we are closely enough aligned on objectives to continue negotiations.

“Creating a fairer system is no easy task given the contracts that were left behind by the previous Coalition government, but we believe reform remains possible.

“We expect to have the In Principle Agreement signed by December 31.

“Toll reform is a critical part of the NSW Government’s cost of living agenda. As we negotiate towards a single network with a network-wide pricing structure, we continue to offer toll relief under the $60 toll cap.

“We have already legislated to establish NSW Motorways, a state-owned entity that will oversee a reformed toll road network and allow the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal to monitor toll prices in Sydney, as well as facilitating the establishment of an industry toll customer ombudsman.”

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“Negotiations are on-track. We’ve put an In Principle Agreement to the concessionaires and look forward to continuing negotiations in the new year.

“We have said all along that this is about relief and reform for drivers. 

“Motorists across Sydney are getting cost of living relief with our $60 toll cap, while we are moving ahead on sensible long-term reform.

“Sydney’s complex and costly web of tolls are another privatisation legacy of the former government. We are working to make this fairer.”

NSW Government to unleash the full potential of Tech Central

The NSW Government has announced a new plan to unlock the full potential of the Tech Central Innovation District (Tech Central) – Australia’s largest technology and innovation hub. 

Tech Central, a six square kilometre precinct bordered by Haymarket, Camperdown, and South Eveleigh in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, currently has the highest concentration of

technology businesses anywhere in Australia, including Atlassian, Block (Afterpay), Canva, Safety Culture and Rokt, along with 150 research institutes and two world leading universities.

A fresh vision for Tech Central will establish the district as a leading place to live and work, and will play a critical role as a future driver of NSW Government key priorities including housing, healthcare, night-time economy, visitor economy, and world-class transport infrastructure.

The NSW Government is committed to the success of Tech Central and seeing it flourish as a melting pot for groundbreaking innovation, research, and lifestyle.

The new measures announced today include:

The development of a Tech Central Strategy

Tech Central is in a prime location with many beneficial new property developments, public transport links, as well as vibrant dining and entertainment options.

The development of a Tech Central Strategy will consider how Tech Central can empower the innovation ecosystem, as well as play a greater role in supporting housing, creative

industries, and the visitor and 24-hour economies. 

This will ensure the district is a leading place to live, work and play—all key ingredients in continuing to attract and retain leading innovative businesses.

Investment NSW will lead the development of the strategy in collaboration with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, and Transport for NSW.

The transition of the Sydney Startup Hub to Tech Central

With Tech Central positioned as Australia’s leading hub for technology and innovation, the Sydney Startup Hub will move to a location in the heart of Tech Central in October 2025.

This will ensure founders, entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, and the entire innovation ecosystem, can collaborate with universities and research institutes that are right on their doorstep.

The NSW Government is engaging closely with key stakeholders at the Sydney Startup Hub to facilitate a smooth transition and service continuity, including the international landing pad.

This will support the Hub’s residents, founders and entrepreneurs to continue to collaborate and scale their innovative products and ideas.

The NSW Government’s Innovation Blueprint—to be released in the coming months—will explore a new accommodation model at the Tech Central Scaleup Hub, including refreshed services and support for businesses across the ecosystem at all stages of growth.

Specialist support within Investment NSW will drive investment and activity at Tech Central

Investment NSW will be responsible for attracting investment and talent into Tech Central, facilitating better coordination between startups, research institutes, and universities.

It will also ensure alignment of existing and future NSW Government programs with district residents’ needs.

This approach will ensure the NSW Government’s investment and vision for the precinct continually focuses on growth in sectors of critical importance to the NSW economy.

To find out more about Tech Central visit: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/innovation/precincts/tech-central/

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Tech Central hosts the largest tech innovation ecosystem in the country.

“We are proud of Tech Central being Sydney’s heart of innovation, but there is potential for it to be much more.

“Specialist support within Investment NSW will scale existing work in investment attraction, brand promotion, and community building to improve the district’s economic potential.

“We’re also giving NSW start-ups the best chance to flourish by transitioning the Sydney Startup Hub to the heart of Tech Central.”

Co-Founder and CEO of Atlassian Mike Cannon-Brookes said:

“So many great tech companies have been born in Australia, but this journey is infinitely easier when you have a strong community around you.

“That’s why Atlassian is such a big supporter of Tech Central – the new home for Australia’s technology industry.

“Today’s announcement helps breathe life into Tech Central, because a precinct without people is just buildings, it’s not a community.

“For Tech Central to thrive, it needs to be a vibrant part of the city and support work, home and life.”

Head of Policy at the Committee for Sydney and Chair of the Innovation District Alliance Jeremy Gill said:

“It’s fantastic to see the government putting a sharp focus on innovation districts.

“Sydney has all the makings of a globally strong innovation city.

“As a key part of Greater Sydney’s innovation district network, Tech Central has a crucial role to play in shaping the state’s economic future.

“The news that a strategy’s on the way for Tech Central is a great step forward, as it gives the certainty we need to keep the economic engines firing in Sydney’s universities, research institutes, startup and business communities.”

New Commissioner appointed to casino regulator

The NSW Government has appointed experienced public administrator Christine Howlett as a new Commissioner of the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC) for a four-year term following a competitive recruitment process.

Ms Howlett fills the vacancy created by the departure of Craig Sahlin who served as a NICC Commissioner since 2022 and was a Board Member of the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) between 2016 and 2022.

The NICC is the independent statutory regulator of NSW’s two casinos, set up in 2022 to provide increased regulatory oversight of casino operations.

Ms Howlett joins the NICC with substantial executive leadership experience in public administration, corporate governance, regulation and stakeholder engagement.

From 2021 she served as Deputy Special Manager, independently overseeing Crown Melbourne’s remediation program following the findings of the Finkelstein Royal Commission, including reforms to prevent gambling harm and money laundering.

Ms Howlett has also held senior roles with Victoria’s Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission, the NSW Department of Family and Community Services, Victoria’s Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants and the National Crime Authority. 

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“An exhaustive selection process was undertaken to fill the NICC Commissioner role in accordance with legislative requirements, including the establishment of a selection panel and engagement of an independent probity adviser.

“Christine Howlett brings a wide range of skills and expertise to the NICC, with highly relevant experience in independently overseeing Crown Melbourne’s remediation program.

“She joins the NICC at a critical time with the regulator currently monitoring The Star casino’s ongoing remediation work following the Bell Two Inquiry.

“I would like to thank Craig Sahlin for his outstanding contribution to both the NICC and ILGA over the past eight years.

“His demonstrated expertise has significantly contributed to strengthening the government’s regulatory framework and public confidence and trust in the work of both the NICC and ILGA.”

NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford said:

“The NICC is pleased to welcome Christine Howlett to the role and is looking forward to utilising her experience to advance the NICC’s strategic priorities.

“Christine’s skills will be valuable to help the NICC expand its surveillance and data collection abilities to better monitor financial crime risks and compliance.

“Christine’s expertise in building internal capacity will assist the NICC to maintain effective regulatory supervision past the remediation and suitability phases, and into longer-term sustainability.

“We thank Craig Sahlin for his exceptional work with the NICC and ILGA over the past eight years. His dedication was instrumental in advancing the NICC’s mission and his efforts have contributed to the achievement of significant milestones.”

Driving Safety

A new national road safety campaign ‘don’t let a car change who you are’, funded by the Albanese Government, has launched across Australia today.

Driver behaviour is critical to improving safety on our roads and the campaign message of “Safer driving starts with you” encourages drivers to think about their own behaviour behind the wheel and reinforces the importance of driving safely.

The campaign reminds drivers that behaviour that is not considered extreme, like tailgating, speeding and mobile phone use while driving, all contribute to motor vehicle accidents and deaths on the road.

Improving road safety and achieving zero road deaths and serious injuries by 2050 is a collective effort. That’s why this campaign is designed to build on the efforts of states, territories and local governments and encourage drivers to do their part in keeping our roads safe.

Road safety is always a priority and that is why the Albanese Government has been increasing funding for local roads since 2022 and acted on long-standing calls for better safety data.

We have moved to double funding for Roads to Recovery to $1 billion a year and since then over 2000 projects have been approved, 1390 will have started by the end of December and more than 690 are due to be completed by the end of this year.

That means more potholes are being fixed, more kerbs are being replaced, more roads are being resealed, and more grading and drainage is being done.

We are also increasing the Black Spot program to $150 million per year, and revising it so more projects are eligible, and at least $200 million per year is under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

The $2.9 billion Road Safety Program continues to deliver over 1800 projects, improving the safety of over 1,910 kilometres of Australia’s road network.

We have also reversed the previous Coalition Government decision in 2014 to freeze road maintenance funding for national highways, not only permanently indexing it but also back-paying the amount lost by the freeze.

Through our latest funding agreements with the States and Territories, we are increasing the road safety data collected in order to better inform responses to road trauma and the concerning increase in road deaths.

The Albanese Government will continue to prioritise road safety and hope that at this time of year, everyone will do their part by driving responsibly to ensure that everyone can enjoy time with family and friends.

The campaign and an executive summary of the research that informed it can be found at saferdrivingstartswithyou.gov.au.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Every driver has a responsibility to ensure their own safety and the safety of others on our roads.

“I urge anyone behind a wheel these holidays to reflect on their driving behaviour, and make changes to contribute to road safety.

“My Government is committed to investing in fixing local roads and will continue to make road safety a priority.”

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

“We want families and friends gathered around dinner tables or picnics these holidays, not worried about loved ones on the road.

“That’s why the Albanese Government has increased investment in fixing roads because each dollar spent on a road is a dollar spent on road safety.

“We can each invest in our own safety by driving carefully, making the difference between getting to where we want to go safely or not getting there at all.”

Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm: 

“Any death on our roads is one too many, but unfortunately, we’ve seen an increase in deaths on our roads over the last 12 months.

“Our road safety campaign and the Albanese Government’s record investments show we’re committed to improving safety on our roads, but solving this challenge is a collective responsibility where we all play an important role.

“We’re all committed to reducing road trauma by investing in safer infrastructure and prioritising the collaboration between governments, industry, and experts, as we work towards keeping Australians safe on our roads.”

PM&C acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.