January 2025 – Page 10

Extraordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 14 January 2025

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council meeting of Tuesday 14 January 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Notices of Motion

Shark Management Program in Newcastle

Council supported a notice of motion to respond to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) 2024 Preferences Survey to indicate its support for shark mitigation technology measures such as drones, SMART Drumlines and tagged shark listening stations. An amendment was supported that opted to leave the question about shark nets blank with the addition of a Part B. Another amendment was supported that reiterates the DPI is best placed to manage the Shark Meshing Program in a coordinated manner across NSW and emphasises the importance of broad community consultation, a robust state-wide public education campaign, and continued funding and leadership from DPI for shark detection technologies.

Management and replacement of commemorative plaques in the City of Newcastle

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to explore the cost and replacement of a range of commemorative plaques that have been stolen from prominent locations in Newcastle since October 2024.

Heritage listing of Newcastle Ocean Baths

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion that formally reaffirms Council’s support for the proposed listing of the Newcastle Ocean Baths to the Heritage Council of NSW via a submission, noting Council’s record of investment in enhancing the Baths while safeguarding their enduring heritage values.

Pressurised washing of footpaths in Main Street business precinct areas

Council unanimously supported a notice of motion to improve the amenity of heavily populated main streets through high pressure cleaning of footpaths, noting the Business Improvement Associations of Hamilton, Newcastle, Wallsend and Mayfield have identified that footpaths on their main streets would benefit from a water pressure washing at least once every four years.

Doors open to bigger and better Broken Hill Service NSW Centre

The Broken Hill community can now enjoy completing NSW Government transactions in a larger, modern Service NSW Centre which is easily accessible by public transport.

The centre has relocated to the Westside Plaza on Galena Street near banks and other retailers, doubling the space of the previous Service NSW Centre.

The new location ensures customers can access the Service NSW Centre via public transport with a bus stop opposite the shopping complex and increased availability of parking spots.

All 1300 NSW Government transactions and services remain available at the new site including applying for financial assistance for Far West NSW residents impacted by last October’s power outage.

More than $2 million in Power Outage Grants has been paid into accounts already with eligible adults able to receive a single, one-off payment of $200 to help provide some financial relief for expenses while eligible business owners can claim a $400 grant.

Service NSW team members have assisted around 30 per cent of the individual power outage support grants with other applications being completed digitally.

A dedicated space is available in the new Service NSW Centre for customers who have booked one-on-one appointments with team members who can provide guidance on cost-of-living support while business owners can meet with a Business Concierge for free, personalised support.

Driver testing parking spots for applicants will be located adjacent to the Service NSW Centre in the customer parking area.

Broken Hill Service NSW Centre team members assisted more than 23,000 customer visits in 2024.

The centre’s opening hours are 9am – 4pm weekdays. For more information, visit the Service NSW website.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“The communities of Broken Hill, Tibooburra, Wilcannia, Menindee, White Cliffs, and surrounding areas have faced disruptive and challenging times since the severe storm last October and this newly opened Service NSW Centre shows the NSW Government remains committed to ensuring government services remain accessible.

“Eligible residents and businesses have until the end of March 2025 to apply for Power Outage Grants, so I encourage people to pop into the new Broken Hill Service NSW Centre if they have any questions.

“Service NSW is a one-stop-shop that makes working with government easier for people and business owners whether you are completing a driving test, applying for an Owner-Builder permit, or requiring personalised business advice through the Service NSW Business Bureau.

“Service NSW is committed to our regional and rural communities and where there is increased demand for NSW Government services, such relocations are vital to ensuring an enhanced customer experience.”

Independent Member for Barwon, Roy Butler MP said:

“This new Service Centre in the Westside Plaza offers convenience particularly for people who rely on public transport in Broken Hill – the closest bus stop to the former Service Centre was around 700 metres away whereas a bus stop is just steps away from the new location.

“Service NSW team members have worked to ensure continuity of services at the new location and look forward to assisting people over the counter or via self-serve touch screens in a bigger, better, modern space.

“This relocation has also provided a boost for the community with local tradespeople assisting the fit-out of the new Centre.”

Call to curb feral rabbits in south-east NSW

As part of the NSW Government’s billion-dollar commitment to protecting the state against biosecurity threats farmers and landowner in the state’s south-east are being urged to join efforts to control feral rabbit populations while conditions are favourable.

With grass drying off, it’s an ideal time for neighbours in the Queanbeyan-Palerang area to sign up to an upcoming coordinated control program led by South East Local Land Services.

Feral rabbits are a priority pest in the South East due to the widespread agricultural and environmental damage they can cause.

The use of biocontrol agents, such as calicivirus, has proven effective in combination with traditional control methods like baiting, trapping, and shooting.

South East Local Land Services will deliver a targeted release of calicivirus in the Queanbeyan-Palerang area around February to March, weather permitting.

Landholders are encouraged to register their interest online to participate and receive updates.

The more landholders who join the program, the better the results are likely to be.

Recent successes highlight the power of collaboration. In Carwoola, 22 landholders worked together to manage rabbit populations across 126 hectares, showing how community efforts can yield significant results.

For more information and resources, download the CISS Glovebox Guide to Rabbit Control guide and South East Regional Strategic Pest Animal Management Plan 2024-2028.

Landholders can contact their local biosecurity officer on 1300 795 299 at any time to develop a control plan tailored to their property.

NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“Feral rabbits are one of the most widespread and destructive pests in NSW, wreaking havoc on local ecosystems, farmland, and native wildlife.

“The NSW Government urges landholders in the Queanbeyan-Palerang area to take advantage of the free advice and support Local Land Services offers to help control feral rabbits.”

Local Member for Monaro, Steve Whan said:

“Protecting against feral rabbits can’t be achieved on your own, so working with your neighbours and Local Land Services is very important.

By working together, we can make a positive difference to the widespread damage rabbits do to farms and the environment.

Local Land Services Senior Biosecurity Officer, Louise MacDonald said:

“Landholders have a general biosecurity duty to manage pests on their properties, including feral rabbits.

“For effective, long-term control, feral rabbit populations must be curbed by at least 90 per cent using a combination of control methods.

“This can’t be achieved on your own, so working with your neighbours and Local Land Services is vitally important.

“In addition to the calicivirus release program, landholders are also being asked to assist with trapping efforts and surveillance testing for calicivirus resistance to monitor effectiveness.”

Disaster support for Port Stephens, Maitland, and the Snowy Valleys after severe storms

The Albanese and Minns Governments are supporting communities in the Maitland, Port Stephens, and Snowy Valleys Local Government Areas (LGAs) following severe thunderstorms and intense rainfall that impacted the regions between January 15 and January 17.

Assistance measures that may be provided to communities through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) include:’

Support for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation.
Grants for low income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
Grants for low income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a safe and habitable condition.
Support for affected local councils and other agencies to help with the costs of cleaning up, keeping the community safe and restoring damaged essential public assets.
Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.

More LGAs may submit assessment forms outlining damage from this event in the coming days and weeks ahead, with the opportunity to expand the proposed Natural Disaster Declaration for this event.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said the severe weather system had impacted multiple states and thousands of homes. “The assistance activated today will ensure communities can access essential supplies and accommodation and ensure councils can start clean up and repairs,” Minister McAllister said. “It is still a dynamic situation, and I urge people in affected areas to stay up to date with the latest emergency warnings and follow the advice of emergency services.”

“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of first responders and the local councils who are doing a fantastic job in difficult circumstances.”

“The Australian and NSW governments are working hard to activate support as quickly as possible. The assistance activated today will ensure communities can access essential supplies, help restore what’s been lost, and repair what’s been damaged.”

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said disaster declarations like these are crucial in unlocking assistance for communities so they can begin cleaning up as quickly as possible. “The NSW Government is committed to helping people and businesses clean up debris and remain safe after the severe thunderstorms and intense rainfall,” Minister Dib said.

“There have been a high number of calls to the NSW SES, and I would like to thank our incredible volunteers and emergency responders who have responded to these incidents and provided vital support for the community.”

“They have been busy throughout the night and will respond when needed as this wet weather continues. Please continue to watch the weather conditions and follow the advice of emergency services.”

Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website.

Appeal to local woman missing from New Lambton Heights

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman missing from the state’s north.

Kaytana Smallwood, aged 29, was last seen at a hospital on Lookout Road, New Lambton Heights, about 4pm on Wednesday 15 January 2025.

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare.

Kaytana is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165-170cm tall, of thin build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

She was last seen wearing black pants, a black shirt, black cap and carrying a black bumbag.

Kaytana is known to frequent the Hamilton South and New Lambton areas.

Anyone knowing of Kaytana’s whereabouts is asked to call Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Appeal to locate man missing from Newcastle area

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Newcastle area.

Jesse Milne, aged 28, was last seen leaving a medical facility on Edith Street, Waratah, about 12pm last Sunday (12 January 2025).

When he was unable to be contacted again, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Jessie’s welfare.

Jesse is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, 180cm tall, of large build, with short to medium-length black hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, navy shorts, and black shoes.

Jesse is known to frequent the Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie areas.

Middle East ceasefire and hostage deal

Australia welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage agreement in Gaza after 15 months of conflict and a devastating loss of civilian life.

Australia has consistently been part of the international call for a ceasefire and release of hostages.

We urge all parties to respect its terms and safeguard a lasting peace, including ensuring the immediate release of all hostages and unimpeded and sustained increases in humanitarian assistance to all parts of Gaza.

Our thoughts are with all the civilians killed, displaced and taken hostage in this conflict, and the many humanitarian workers who lost their lives in the service of others.

This agreement is a constructive step towards peace and stability in the region. It must mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Israeli and Palestinian people.

Australia will continue working with the international community towards a two-state solution – a Palestinian state and the State of Israel, living side by side in peace and security within internationally recognised borders.

We hope it will allow the Palestinian people the opportunity to rebuild, reform their governance, and pursue self-determination.

Australia remains unequivocal in our condemnation of Hamas’ atrocities on 7 October, and its ongoing acts of terror. There must be no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza. Any future Palestinian state must not be in a position to threaten Israel’s security.

We will continue to act in partnership with the international community to support the urgent humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza.

We thank the mediators—the United States, Qatar and Egypt—for their tireless efforts to bring parties to an agreement to end this war.

Funding lifeline needed to save Adelaide Koala & Wildlife Centre: Greens

The Greens have called on the State and Federal Governments to provide an urgent funding lifeline to save the Adelaide Koala & Wildlife Centre from imminent closure.

The Adelaide Koala & Wildlife Centre is run largely by volunteers and donations and provides critical care to injured, ill and orphaned native wildlife – but will be forced to shut within months without funding. The Greens have also today launched an online crowdfunding campaign in partnership with the Centre.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young is Greens spokesperson for the environment and visited the Centre today:

“I’m extremely concerned that the Adelaide Koala & Wildlife Center will be forced to close within months. This Centre is run largely by volunteers and funded by donations. It provides critical care to thousands of vulnerable animals. It must be saved.

“The State Environment Minister Susan Close and the Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek must step in and deliver a funding lifeline so that this wildlife Sanctuary can keep operating.

“South Australians love our wildlife and our koalas. The staff here have saved more than 14,000 injured and vulnerable animals. We can not afford to let the center close down, we need to keep the doors open.

“I’ve been visiting the Centre for a number of years now, and I know that the volunteers here, the vets who work here, and the individuals involved do such important work.

“Australia is at risk of losing our koalas altogether, as those in the eastern states face extinction due to loss of habitat and logging. Here in SA we have a responsibility to help keep the koala population strong and healthy. The important work of the Adelaide Koala & Wildlife Centre is invaluable to helping protect these beautiful animals going extinct.

“Today, in partnership with the Adelaide Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary, we are launching an online crowdfunding campaign to keep the Centre open so it can keep saving the lives of vulnerable animals.”

Greens to save our public schools with full funding commitment

The Greens are the only party committed to public schools with the announcement today of a plan to deliver 100% of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) to every public school by July 2025; the creation of a capital grants fund available only to government schools; and funding for airborne hazard risk reduction measures in all classrooms.

Under the Greens’ plan the Commonwealth share of spending on public schools will rise to 25% – except in the Northern Territory where it will be 40% – and the Morrison-era loophole that allows states and territories to deduct 4% of non-classroom costs from their SRS funding contribution will be abolished.

The Greens will invest $6.8 billion over the forward estimates to save public schools.

The Greens will also establish a new grants fund for public schools to invest in infrastructure, reversing a 2017 Coalition decision that saw the Commonwealth abandon capital investment in public schools. The fund will disperse $1.25 billion in its first year, and $350 million annually after that. Funding will be allocated to states and territories based on the share of public schools and the needs of students in each jurisdiction.

And under the party’s “Safer Classrooms” commitment the Commonwealth will provide $388 million for all schools in Australia to purchase and install an air ventilation system and HEPA filter, as well as a carbon dioxide monitor, in each classroom and indoor communal space.

Greens spokesperson on primary and secondary education, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“Every child deserves a high-quality, inclusive, safe and free public education. It’s what strong societies are built on.

“But under successive Labor and Liberal governments, our public school system has been left to rot, while a growing share of school spending shifts towards the private sector.

“Under Labor, private schools are banking $51 million each day from the Commonwealth, while 98% of public schools receive less than the bare minimum funding. That means overworked teachers, crumbling infrastructure and rising out-of-pocket costs for families already slammed by the cost-of-living crisis.

“Public school teachers, students, parents and carers suffered through a decade of neglect under Abbott, Turnbull and Morrison. Labor promised them that they would end this nightmare by finally delivering full funding.

“But under Albanese’s plan, every single public school that is underfunded today will still be underfunded in a decade.

“With Labor giving up on fighting inequality and the Liberals ideologically opposed to the very existence of public education, only the Greens are fighting for our public schools.

“The Greens will save our public schools by delivering full funding from July 2025, and establishing a capital works fund so our kids have the classrooms and facilities they deserve.

“We will make sure that schools are healthy and productive environments by funding air ventilation systems, HEPA filters and carbon dioxide monitors in every classroom and indoor communal space.

“This election the Greens can secure the balance of power and fight harder for the things that all Australians deserve: dental and mental into Medicare; real climate action; and genuinely affordable housing.

“Inequality continues to widen under Labor and the Liberals. The Greens will make corporations pay their fair share and invest in health and education for everyone.

“We can’t keep electing the same two parties and expect anything to change. If Australians want change, they have to vote for it.”

Statement on State of Israel and Hamas ceasefire deal

The reports of a ceasefire deal between the State of Israel and Hamas are welcome and overdue, but the invasion of Gaza is something that should never have occurred, and has resulted in genocide.

Over the past 15 months we’ve witnessed unimaginable tragedy as Gaza – an area half the size of Canberra with a population of more than two million – has been invaded and tens of thousands of people have lost their lives.

Families have been deprived of food, water, and medicine while schools, hospitals, and mosques have been reduced to rubble.

From day one the Greens called for the release of all hostages and for no invasion of Gaza. Sadly, Labor and Liberal backed the invasion of Gaza.

The Greens are once again calling on the Labor government to do its part in upholding international law by:

Calling for a permanent ceasefire that sees the end of the occupation of Palestine by the State of Israel.
Ending the two ways arms trade between Australia and the State of Israel
Sanctioning members of the Israeli government directly involved in war crimes.
Having Australia formally intervene on behalf of South Africa at the International Court of Justice and the commitment to uphold International Criminal Court warrants.

It is a testament to the millions of people who have peacefully protested week-on-week over the past year, including here in Australia, that we’re seeing news of a ceasefire today.

Today’s six-week ceasefire deal is an encouraging first step, and will hopefully bring relief to many. But we can’t let it stop there. The ceasefire must be permanent and lasting, and the occupation of Palestine must end.

We must ensure international humanitarian law is upheld and those who have committed war crimes are held to account.

And we must recognise the right to self-determination, the statehood of Palestinians, and the right of both Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace.

The Greens will always advocate for peace, and will be urging Labor to do everything they can to bring an end to this devastating genocide and end the occupation of Palestine.