Month: January 2025

Penrith Beach the place to be this summer for free activities

Penrith Beach remains the coolest place to be this summer with a host of free activities drawing visitors from Western Sydney and beyond for a second successive swimming season.

More than 73,000 people have visited Penrith Beach since it re-opened just over a month ago.

A range of fun and interactive activities have been on show this summer including weekly bootcamps led by rugby league legend Mark Geyer, Sandy Cinema movie screenings and junior lifesaver training.

Beachgoers are continuing to flock to Sydney Zoo’s engaging Wildlife Wednesdays, with this week’s educational session focusing on snakes.

This long weekend, free skin-cancer checks are also available on Saturday, 25 January from the Skin Check Champions’ qualified nurses, with walk-ins welcome.

A six-week beach volleyball tournament will start on Sunday, 2 February and run until Saturday, 9 March. For those looking for something a little different there will also be introduction to dragon boat racing on Sunday, 23 February and Saturday, 8 March.

On-site cultural festivities will see a special Lunar New Year kite festival on Sunday, 9 February followed by a Valentine’s Day fun run on Saturday, 15 February and a Holi Festival inspired colour run on Sunday, 23 March.

Safety continues to be the top priority at Penrith Beach, with trained lifeguards patrolling daily and providing first aid services, alongside regular monitoring of water quality.

On Thursday, 30 January, Royal Life Saving NSW will begin the first of three special water-safety sessions that continue on Thursday, 27 February and finish on Thursday, 20 March, with Surf Life Saving NSW on site to assist.

To sign up for updates or register interest in any of Penrith Beach’s free activities, visit here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/penrith-beach

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Penrith Beach is a wonderful place for a dip, but it is also a space for community connection and outdoor recreation in the heart of Western Sydney.

“These free activities offer something for everyone. We have you covered at Penrith Beach this summer with everything from gruelling bootcamp workouts to educational experiences and laid-back family events.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“Despite a rainy summer, we’ve still had over 70,000 people visit the beach in just a month. The $2.5 million investment in Penrith Beach by the Minns Government means our community has free access to a great place to swim in Summer.

“Safety is front and centre for visitors at this iconic location.

“Lifeguards are not only keeping people safe with daily patrols, but are providing expert instruction on lifejacket usage, inland water safety and CPR essentials as part of their

Fairness for renters in beach car parking permit schemes

Renters would get the same rights to beach parking permits in council areas that run two-tiered schemes favouring homeowners, under reforms proposed by the NSW Government.

Mosman and Northern Beaches councils issue free parking at local beaches to ratepayers – those people who own their own property – but charge people who rent for the same permit to park at the beach.

For example, on the Northern Beaches, homeowners are issued two free, annual parking permits to 40 local beaches whereas renters need to apply and pay $250 for a parking sticker.

Homeowners are also allowed to purchase two more permits for a total of four per household – twice as many as a rented household can access.

In Mosman, property owners get a free access sticker to four car parks, including Balmoral and the Spit, while resident renters can purchase up to two permits for $61 each. Mosman property owners who reside in their property can also purchase two more on top of a free permit for the same price.

Casual car parking charges at beaches like Manly and Balmoral are up to $10 an hour for those without a permit and Bondi Beach is $10.80 an hour.

A third of people rent their home in NSW and the proportion of those renting is rising.

The NSW Government is alerting councils with parking permit schemes of the proposed changes and inviting their feedback.

Any change would be issued as part of an update to parking Guidelines under the Road Transport (General) Regulation 2021.

The changes are part of a suite of reforms by the Minns Labor Government aimed at ensuring access to Sydney beaches does not depend on someone’s postcode and they remain open and welcoming to all.

An update to the Guidelines in June last year requires that street parking duration is of a minimum one hour when it is combined with permit holder exemptions.

In one case, Woollahra Council had put a time limit of 15 minutes on visitors to Watsons Bay unless you were a resident with an all-day parking permit.

The NSW Government is also considering changes to the Guidelines which will stop councils excluding residents of strata units and multi-dwelling properties from obtaining residential parking permits on the same terms as other residents.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“In NSW, the beach belongs to everyone. That same egalitarianism should also extend to the beach car park.

“We do not believe a distinction should be made based on whether someone owns their own home or rents it when it comes to access to the beach. This is a fairness issue, and a cost-of-living issue.

“Similarly, drawing lines based on whether someone lives in a block of apartments or in a house also fails the fairness test.

“In Watsons Bay, we have already put a stop to a parking arrangement that was closer to speed dating than a relaxing visit to the beach and we are asking councils everywhere to consider the equity of their rules. We look forward to their feedback.

Support for $10,000 apprentice incentive payments

We welcome the Albanese Labor Government’s $10,000 incentive payment for apprentices in the construction and clean energy sectors and its focus on apprentice retention.

NSW leads the nation in apprenticeship and traineeship participation, accounting for nearly 30% of Australia’s total, with more than 103,000 apprentices and trainees in training.

These figures highlight the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to building a skilled workforce for the future.

Importantly, completion numbers in NSW are also on the rise, with a 10% increase in the 2024 June quarter compared with 2023.

This includes a 13% jump in apprenticeship completions and 7% growth in traineeships, well above the national average of 3%.

However, we know there is more work to do and finding innovative ways to address skills shortages in the construction sector will be key if we are to meet our NSW commitment to boost housing supply and reach net zero by 2050.

Whenever I meet apprentices, they tell me how difficult it is to keep up with cost-of-living pressures. I know this $10,000 boost will be warmly welcomed by apprentices in NSW.

This incentive payment complements the work under way as part of our newly released NSW Skills Plan, the first in over 15 years, the Apprenticeship & Traineeship Roadmap 2024-26, and the NSW VET Review, which all have a key focus on construction and renewable energy workforces and giving young people opportunities and pathways to fulfilling careers.

NSW Government releases Industrial Lands Action Plan

The Minns Labor Government has released its Industrial Lands Action Plan which sets out a new approach to plan, secure, and manage the supply of industrial lands to deliver new jobs, drive investment and support the building of more homes.

The action plan is focused on opening up more land zoned for industrial or similar purposes, such as depots, distribution centres, factories and warehouses.

These services are crucial to the economic viability of our cities and towns because they not only create valuable ongoing jobs but are also critical for the production and delivery of construction materials required for building more homes.

The action plan will identify lands as State, Regional, or Locally Significant, to make sure that each plays a specific role in supporting economic activity and long-term growth.

This will also help guide infrastructure investments that unlock the potential of each area.

But the NSW industrial sector is facing escalating land values, increased rents and in some locations almost zero vacancies in industrial lands.

The Industrial Lands Action Plan outlines initiatives to boost the supply of industrial lands.

This includes:

  • delivering a statewide categorisation policy and approach for the supply pipeline of industrial lands to replace the Retain, Review and Plan and Manage policies;
  • making planning policy amendments to increase flexibility on land zoned for industrial purposes, and
  • implementing an Employment Land Development Program to coordinate infrastructure investment for the supply of industrial land over the next two decades.

The Industrial Lands Action Plan will also provide industry, council and developers the opportunity to see where there is underutilised or isolated industrial lands which could be transitioned into alternative uses to align with NSW Government key priorities, such as alternative employment uses or housing.

For more information on industrial lands visit the NSW Planning website at https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/research-and-demography/employment-lands

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“After years of neglect, our new Statewide approach will plot the steps to help us grow our industrial pipeline across the State.

“In 2024 alone, industrial related industries and activities contributed approximately $174 billion in gross value to the NSW economy, the Industrial Lands Action Plan provides industry, developers and councils with a holistic and state-wide approach to actively plan, secure, manage and monitor industrial lands across NSW.

“By unlocking the supply of well-located, serviced and competitive industrial land, we are helping to drive investment, create jobs and support the construction industry in the delivery of housing.

“More serviced and development ready industrial lands are required to shore up the supply chain for the housing and construction materials we need to build affordable, well-located houses across NSW.”

NSW avian influenza emergency in Hawkesbury eradicated and controls lifted

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty has today confirmed the successful eradication of avian influenza in the Hawkesbury region, one of the most significant outbreaks in the state’s history.

The NSW Government’s eradication of avian influenza in this zone is a terrific win for our poultry and egg producers, plus consumers, with businesses now able to get back to normal.

From Friday 24 January 2025 the emergency zones will be removed and all emergency orders will be lifted, including movement restrictions for birds, objects and other equipment, officially bringing an end to the NSW Government’s Avian Influenza response.

This follows the easing of the Hawkesbury emergency zone in December 2024 with no new detections of the disease occurring in the area after July 2024. The required surveillance time with no virus detections has now elapsed so the control order can now be revoked.

The Minns Labor Government is serious about biosecurity and protecting our valuable primary industries, and will continue to work with farmers to safeguard agricultural industries.

The NSW Government’s avian influenza response and eradication actions included:

  • Managing depopulation of virus impacted birds
  • 288 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and inter-agency staff working on the response
  • 6,801 samples tested
  • 76,000 targeted SMS to property owners
  • 1,500 letters delivered in a letterbox drop to the Hawkesbury
  • 1,051 calls to the Emergency Animal Disease hotline

In June 2024, Government Biosecurity teams detected and responded to an avian influenza outbreak at two commercial poultry farms and four non–commercial premises in the Hawkesbury region.

All infected premises were subject to quarantine, depopulation, disposal and decontamination in accordance with the AUSVETPLAN Response Strategy for avian influenza ensuring all premises were free of traces of the diseases before regular operations could resume.

The H7N8 avian influenza strain detected in NSW was not the same as the H5N1 strain that is causing concern globally. Australia remains free of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza. In addition it was not connected to the Victorian outbreak of avian influenza.

This has taken an immense response by the NSW Government working with industry, farmers and the community to control this outbreak and eventually eradicate the virus. I want to thank all the staff and industry personnel who worked tirelessly to protect the industry and minimise impacts

Find more information on the NSW Government’s response to the H7 Avian Influenza outbreak.

Albanese Government builds Australia’s future with new investment in Clean Energy Finance Corporation

The Albanese Government is building Australia’s Future providing an additional $2 billion to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) to support Australian households, workers and businesses capitalize on our natural resources and make the shift to cheaper, clean, reliable, renewable energy.

This new investment, provisioned for in MYEFO, means the CEFC can also offer significant savings for households and small businesses making the switch to renewable energy.

The innovation and investment supported by the CEFC helps deliver reliable, renewable, cost-saving technologies to Australian households and businesses, by unlocking an expected $6 billion of private investment from global and local organisations keen to capitalise on Australia’s future energy ambitions.

Australia has the opportunity to become a renewable energy superpower, with the best resources in the world. We have unlimited potential to build a pathway to secure jobs and economic security for all Australians.

Labor’s plan for a Future Made in Australia is very clear: we want Australian workers to make more things here.

This is what Building Australia’s Future looks like and only a Labor Government will deliver it.

In 2024 the CEFC, the world’s largest dedicated green bank, invested more than $4 billion in local projects unlocking around $12 billion in private investment that flowed through to regional areas, local Australian manufacturers and industry, and supported over 4000 jobs.  

The CEFC has a major role in helping meet Australia’s emissions reduction targets with its finance helping deliver projects that ensure Australia’s overall emissions continue to decrease.

For example, the CEFC-backed Neoen Culcairn Solar Farm in NSW is expected to create more than 400 construction jobs, generate enough clean energy to power 160,000 homes and deliver local benefits to the region worth some $10 million over its lifetime.

CEFC finance is also helping deliver Collie Battery Stage 2 in WA, which is expected to deliver some 150 construction jobs to the region.

The CEFC works in partnership with retail banks and consumer bodies to help households and businesses to reduce emissions and lower power bills through delivering low cost loans.

Established by the Labor Government in 2012 and saved from abolition in 2014, the CEFC has investment commitment of close to $18 billion in more than 380 major transactions, delivering estimated lifetime emissions savings of more than 160 million tonnes, and seeing $5.4 billion of this capital already repaid.

While the Government has added specific funds to the CEFC such as Rewiring the Nation, the CEFC’s general portfolio has not been recapitalised since it was first legislated in 2012.

The CEFC’s investments are designed to deliver positive returns, as well as delivering energy savings and emissions reduction.

Today’s announcement builds on the Albanese Labor Government’s announcement earlier this week of a record $2 billion investment in the Australian-made aluminium industry, securing more well-paid jobs for Australian workers in our regions and suburbs.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: 

“Labor’s plan for a Future Made in Australia is very clear: we want Australia to make more things here.

“This boost to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation is expected to unlock around $6 billion worth of private sector investment, supporting local good well-paid jobs, energy security and economic growth.

“We are building Australia’s future, not taking Australia backwards.”

the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen: 

“The world is shifting to net zero. That means there are big opportunities and big benefits for Australia, so long as it acts now to make the most of demand for clean energy and inputs globally.

“We’re getting on with the changes needed to make the most of Australia’s natural comparative advantage, having some of the best sun, wind, and critical mineral resources in the world.

“Meanwhile Peter Dutton’s only answer to how he’d make things better is to throw this opportunity away, cancel the programs and the projects that are working to make Australia better right now, and wait 20 years to build the world’s most expensive form of power. It’s madness.”

Building Australia’s future by investing in our apprentices

The Albanese Labor Government is building the workforce Australia needs for the future by backing apprentices to complete their trade in the residential housing sector.

The Government will provide a $10,000 incentive payment – doubling the current level of support – to encourage Australians to train for jobs in this critical sector.

The new Key Apprenticeship Program will establish a Housing Construction Apprenticeship stream in response to the Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System.

The review released today found cost-of-living pressures faced by apprentices are steering people away from taking up apprenticeships.

Labor’s plan for a Future Made in Australia is very clear: we want Australian workers to make more things here and that includes building more homes.

From July 1 2025, eligible apprentices will receive $10,000 in incentive payments, on top of their wages, over the life of their apprenticeship to work in housing construction.

Apprentices will receive $2,000 at six, 12, 24, 36 months, and at the completion of their apprenticeship.

Encouraging more people into apprenticeships will ensure we have the workforce to deliver our Homes for Australia Plan, an ambitious target to deliver 1.2 million homes over the next 5 years.

It builds on the Albanese Labor Government’s plan to support more students and trainees through expanding Free TAFE and slashing HECS fees for university students.

The Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System commenced in February 2024 and was led by Dr Iain Ross AO and Ms Lisa Paul AO PSM.

The Review looked at the Incentive System’s performance, how it can align with the broader economic and social objectives of government, and how the system can support high quality apprenticeships.

It also considered how to create a safe training environment for priority apprentice cohorts and the cost of living impacts on apprentices.

The report has drawn on past reviews, research, and input from over 145 public submissions as well as consultations with more than 600 people from across the apprenticeship system.

The Albanese Government is considering the Review’s findings and will consult stakeholders on longer-term reforms recommended by the Review to inform its response.

The Government is also taking additional immediate steps to support the Review’s most urgent recommendations and address ongoing cost-of-living pressures while it undertakes consultation:

  • Maintain the 2025 Priority List and extend current Australian Apprentice Training Support and Priority Hiring Incentive payment settings by six months until 31 December 2025. This will provide consistency for employers and cost of living relief to apprentices in priority occupations during the consultation process.
  • Increase the Living Away From Home Allowance from 1 July 2025 so apprentices can meet the costs associated with moving to take up an apprenticeship.
  • Increase the Disability Australian Apprentice Wage Support payment from 1 July 2025 to support employers taking on apprentices with disability.

The program will allow eligible apprentices in construction occupations to receive an additional $5,000 compared to the Australian Apprenticeship Training Support Payment.

The reviewers final report is available at Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System.

the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese:

“Building Australia’s Future is about so much more than bricks and mortar. It is about creating a better life for Australians. It’s about building better education and creating new employment opportunities.

“Our tradies are the lifeblood of our construction sector, and that’s why today we are announcing that apprentices who finish an apprenticeship in the housing sector will receive a $10,000 incentive payment.

“This will support apprentices with cost of living, while ensuring we have the skilled workforce we need to deliver our Homes for Australia plan.

“Only a Labor Government is building Australia’s future.”

the Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Clare O’Neil:

“We’re seeing more homes built now than when we were elected – and that’s due to the billons of dollars the Albanese Government has invested in programs like Free TAFE and improved support for tradies.

“More tradies means more new homes, so supporting more apprentices in construction and housing is something we need to get right.

“The long-term fix to housing is to build more homes in our cities, suburbs and regions, and that’s why we’ve started one of the biggest home building program in Australia’s history.”

the Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:

“It is essential that we get the Australian Apprenticeships system right. We need to have a system with more apprentices finishing their training and gaining the skills and qualifications that we need in our workforce.

“The Strategic Review of the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System shows apprentices are especially exposed to the cost-of-living pressures. That’s why we are making this initial investment as a first step to help address the financial challenges apprentices and their employers face.

“This cost-of-living measure should encourage aspiring housing construction tradies to take up the call and join this critical workforce.

“Apprentices are the lifeblood of so many Australian industries. The skills they develop are vital ingredients for us to capitalise on our Future Made in Australia plan and deliver the infrastructure to achieve net zero.

“I would like to thank Dr Iain Ross AO and Ms Lisa Paul AO PSM for their comprehensive work in delivering the Review.”

Man charged over alleged pursuit – Lake Macquarie

A man has been charged over an alleged pursuit at Lake Macquarie earlier today.

About 11am (Thursday 23 January 2025), police were attending a home on Shelly Street, Toronto, to speak with a man in relation to a traffic matter.

Prior to the arrival of all responding police units, the man left the home in a vehicle allegedly bearing stolen number plates. Highway Patrol officers attempted to stop the vehicle, and when the driver allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued to The Boulevarde, Toronto, where it was terminated due to the alleged manner of driving. A short time later, the driver allegedly collided with a vehicle on Victory Road and failed to stop and exchange details. Police initiated a second pursuit on Cary Street, Toronto, which continued to Edgeworth where police lost sight of the vehicle.

Following inquiries, police attended a home on Windsor Street, Edgeworth, where police arrested a 46-year-old man. When the man was searched police seized a substance believed to be methamphetamine.

He was taken to Toronto Police Station where he was charged with 12 offences,

• Police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously (three counts)

• Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period (two counts)

• Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous

• Drive motor vehicle menaces another with intent

• Not give particulars to other driver

• Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty

• Use class A vehicle with unauthorised number plate affixed

• Unlawfully possess number plates, and

• Possess prohibited drug.

He was also charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, and drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, in relation to an earlier incident.

He was refused bail to appear before Toronto Local Court tomorrow (Friday 24 January 2025).

Appeal to locate man missing from Newcastle area

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

Clinton Reginald Smith, also known as Clinton Waterman, aged 44, was last seen in Hamilton South yesterday (Thursday 23 January 2025).

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

Police and family hold concerns for Clinton’s welfare.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm to 180cm tall, of solid build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

He is known to frequent the Hamilton South, Maitland, Carrington and Wingham areas.

Police believe Clinton is travelling in a 2002-model silver Nissan Van with NSW registration CRB 05Z and may be in the Morpeth or Tenambit area.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Joint Statement by the Quad Foreign Ministers

The text of the following statement was released by the Secretary of State of the United States, the Foreign Minister of Australia, the External Affairs Minister of India, and the Foreign Minister of Japan.

Begin text:

We, the Secretary of State of the United States and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, and Japan, met today in Washington D.C. to reaffirm our shared commitment to strengthening a Free and Open Indo-Pacific where the rule of law, democratic values, sovereignty, and territorial integrity are upheld and defended. Our four nations maintain our conviction that international law, economic opportunity, peace, stability, and security in all domains including the maritime domain underpin the development and prosperity of the peoples of the Indo-Pacific. We also strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion.

We are committed to strengthening regional maritime, economic, and technology security in the face of increasing threats, as well as promoting reliable and resilient supply chains. We look forward to advancing the work of the Quad in the coming months and will meet together on a regular basis as we prepare for the next Quad Leaders’ Summit hosted by India.

End text.