Thousands more people will spend their tourism dollars in the Geelong and Great Ocean Road regions thanks to an agreement between the Federal and State Government that unlocks the region’s visitor economy.
The $355 million Geelong City Deal is a ten-year partnership to revitalise the city and the broader regional economy.
The agreement follows a further $45 million joint investment in the Shipwreck Coast Master Plan and Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Deal will turbo-charge the economic potential of the tourism industry, boost emerging businesses and ensure Geelong remains a great place to live and visit.
“The City Deal will be a game-changer for hard-working families in Geelong and the rest of the region, by generating an extra $1.1 billion into the economy and delivering nearly 1000 jobs every year.
“This is what locals have been advocating for – infrastructure that delivers jobs and supports business.
“I am pleased to have been able to work together with Sarah Henderson and Premier Andrews to reach agreement and get this deal done.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the agreement had locked in the delivery of the 1000-seat Geelong Convention Centre.
“We’ve fought long and hard to secure the remaining funding for the Geelong City Deal since we backed it a year ago.
“The Geelong City Deal will transform Geelong and the Shipwreck Coast, creating thousands of new jobs and attracting visitors from right around the country – and we’re proud to have led the way in delivering it.”
Federal Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said he looked forward to further working with the local councils to deliver on the commitments under the City Deal.
“Today’s announcement supports the continued transformation of Geelong by leveraging the strengths of the city and the region,” Mr Tudge said.
“It means all three levels of government will continue to work together to align planning, create jobs and stimulate urban renewal.
“This will help make Geelong and the broader region an even better place to live in the future.”
Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas said the Convention Centre would bring $350 million to the regional economy during construction and about $50 million each year once it is operating.
“The Convention Centre will support 270 jobs, boost tourism and drive new business growth in the region,” he said.
“The Deakin University waterfront car park site is set to be transformed to a valuable asset for Geelong and all of Victoria.”
The additional funding of $45 million brings the total Federal Government contribution to the Deal to $183.8 million with the Victorian Government providing $172 million.
More information is available at https://citydeals.infrastructure.gov.au/geelong.
Airport Rail Link closer to takeoff as joint agreement signed
Melbourne Airport Rail Link (MARL) is set to become a reality, with the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments formally signing off on the project.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the signing of the Heads of Agreement today, which sets out the strategic objectives, governance arrangements and information sharing processes for the $10 billion joint commitment.
Mr Morrison said the people of Melbourne and Victoria had been waiting far too long for the rail link to become a reality.
“For decades Victorians have talked about a train line to the airport. We are delivering it. In last year’s Budget we made a $5 billion investment in the Melbourne Airport Rail Link, it was the biggest infrastructure commitment in the Budget.
“Melbourne is truly a global city that deserves world class infrastructure. The Rail Link is part of our plan to bust congestion across the city, and get people home faster and safer.
“I’d like to thank the Premier and Minister Tudge who have worked constructively with me to land this agreement and bring the project closer to fruition.”
A project team will be established to drive the development of a full Business Case for the project, which will not only connect Melbourne Airport to the rail network for the first time, but also integrate it with the Metro Tunnel and the future Suburban Rail Loop, and pave the way for fast rail to the regions.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the Victorian Government is not wasting a minute leading the planning work for an Airport Rail Link that delivers for all Victorians.
“The Melbourne Airport Rail Link has been talked about for far too long – we’re doing the detailed planning and development work to make it a reality,” Mr Andrews said.
“By choosing the Sunshine route, we are ensuring all Victorians can benefit from the rail link, including people living in Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo. As we complete the business case, we’re also doing the work needed to deliver fast rail to the regions.”
Melbourne Airport is a key part of Victoria and Australia’s economic growth. In 2016/17, it handled more than 35 million passenger movements and by 2038, it is expected to almost double to more than 67 million, as Victoria’s population continues to grow and demand increases.
Melbourne Airport Rail Link will alleviate congestion on the main road connection to the airport, the Tullamarine Freeway, and unlock capacity for the growing population in Melbourne’s north-west.
Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said following the successful widening of the Tullamarine Freeway, the airport link would bust congestion for generations to come.
“This is a critical project for Melbourne. It will make it easier for residents and make our city more attractive to visitors,” Mr Tudge said.
“When complete, someone in Pakenham, Frankston or Ringwood will be able to get onto the train and be at the airport in the time it would have taken to drive, but without having to worry about parking.”
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said this is part of the Victorian Government’s unprecedented pipeline of major transport projects.
“We’re building the Metro Tunnel, removing dangerous level crossings and getting on with the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.”
“This is not just about getting from the airport to the city – it’s about better connecting our suburbs and regions, so people have better services wherever they live.”
Planning and development of the MARL Business Case is already well underway. Rail Projects Victoria has engaged expert technical and commercial advisers for the project and ecological, traffic and geotechnical investigations have begun.
Early market engagement on the MARL attracted submissions from more than 100 local and global organisations. Further market sounding will be undertaken to assess equity partners, private sector involvement, financing arrangements and other matters.
A reference group including community, industry and local government representatives will be established to provide guidance and feedback to the project team as the Business Case is developed.
The State and Federal Governments have committed up to $5 billion each to deliver MARL. The total cost of the project is estimated to be in the range of $8-13 billion, with construction to take up to nine years and due to commence in 2022.
The Business Case will be delivered by 2020 and will assess station and procurement options, value capture and creation opportunities, and economic analysis of the recommended solution.
Royal Commission terms of Reference missing investigation, prosecution and, most importantly, redress for survivors of violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect
Australian Greens Disability Rights spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John has claimed the publication of draft terms of reference for public consultation on a Royal Commission into the violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect as a win for the disability rights movement and the greens, but said certain key elements are still missing.
This is not a moral awakening, but a government bowing to community pressure.Less than a month ago this Government voted against a Royal Commission again; today they have published a draft terms of reference which embody some of the key demands of disability advocates.
Senator Steele-John said he had expected redress would be explicitly mentioned in the terms of reference to provide future certainity for survivors, as it had been for Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
“A clear pathway forward for survivors of violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect must be included in any Royal Commission including prosecution, investigation and most importantly, redress,” he said.
The following line was included in the Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse Royal Commission and similar language must be included in this terms of reference: ‘What institutions and governments should do to address, or alleviate the impact of, past and future child sexual abuse and related matters in institutional contexts, including, in particular, in ensuring justice for victims through the provision of redress by institutions, processes for referral for investigation and prosecution and support services.’
“Now is the time for this government to engage with and listen to the community so that the terms of reference and execution of this Royal Commission are what disabled people need it to be, not what politicians want us to have.
“Finally, this government must stop treating disabled people as a financial burden.
“They must commit to covering the full cost of this investigation fromm the budget so that it can get underway before the election is called. Justice for disabled people must not be kept waiting whilst the government haggles over who will fit the bill.”
Submissions can be made here: https://engage.dss.gov.au/royal-commission-into-violence-abuse-neglect-and-exploitation-of-people-with-disability/
Strike Force Trawler charge man over alleged online exploitation of child
Strike Force Trawler detectives have charged a man over the alleged online grooming of a child.
In January 2018, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) began engaging online with a man from the Newcastle area.
Police will allege in court that the man believed he was speaking with a 14-year-old girl and engaged in sexually explicit conversations and sent indecent material to the child.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested a 22-year-old man at a home in Lambton about 8.40am yesterday (Tuesday 12 March 2019).
A search warrant was executed at the property, where investigators seized a computer, a video game console, a mobile phone, USB drives, and other electronic devices. These items will undergo forensic examination.
The man was taken to Waratah Police Station, where he was charged using a carriage service to groom persons under 16 years of age.
He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 11 April 2019.
Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by the CEIU into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.
Regular covert online investigations are conducted by the CEIU; and police in NSW work closely with their law-enforcement colleagues interstate and overseas.
0.252 reading brings drink drive charge for mum on school run
A woman will face court next month after being charged with high-range drink driving when she attended a Hunter region primary school to collect her children.
About 4.35pm on Monday 11 March, police from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were called to a Salamander Bay school after a teacher became concerned for the welfare of a parent who had arrived at the school to collect her six-year-old daughter.
The woman’s two-year-old son was in the car at the time it arrived at the school.
A roadside breath test returned a positive reading.
The woman was arrested and taken to Nelson Bay Police Station where a subsequent breath analysis returned an alleged reading of 0.252
Her licence was suspended, and a Child at Risk Notification has been lodged.
The 30-year-old Nelson Bay woman was issued a Court Attendance Notice to appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 1 April 2019.
Investigation continues into death of woman – Lake Macquarie
As investigations continue into the death of a woman in the Lake Macquarie area today, police are now searching for a man, who they believe may be able to assist with their inquiry, and a vehicle he may be driving.
Officers were called to a home on Stephens Avenue about 11.30am (Wednesday 13 March 2019), after a woman was found suffering stab wounds.
She was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where she died.
A crime scene was established at the woman’s house and detectives are now searching for a man known as Tafari Walton, who is described as having a dark complexion, aged in his early 20s with a long black ponytail, and wearing a grey top with black short.
It’s believed he may be driving a 2008 white Mitsubishi Outlander with NSW registration AW67VV.
If anyone knows the whereabouts of this man or the vehicle please do not approach but contact Triple Zero.
BIG COST SAVINGS FOR NSW SMALL BUSINESSES
NSW small businesses will save thousands of dollars under a NSW Liberals & Nationals Government, with the introduction of a raft of cost saving measures including cheaper insurance premiums, payroll tax cuts and access to the Energy Switch program.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet today announced the Liberals & Nationals business booster package, which will ensure NSW remains the leading economic and employment powerhouse of Australia.
“Small business is the backbone of NSW, employing more than a million people, and helping to shape the future of the state we all love,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The Liberals & Nationals know how important it is to ensure businesses can thrive and grow, so that they can employ more people.
“That’s why we are reducing costs, cutting tax, and slashing red tape – unlike Labor, who see NSW businesses as a cash cow.”
Key measures to assist businesses under the Liberals & Nationals include:
- $300 million in workers compensation insurance premium discounts over three years for 280,000 employers, delivering an average discount of 8 per cent, and maximum of 12.5 per cent, for employers with the safest workplaces.
- Ensuring 760,000 small business can utilise the NSW Government’s popular Energy Switch program and potentially save thousands off their bill.
- Continuing to slash payroll tax brackets progressively up to $1 million in 2021/22, with up to 38,000 businesses saving up to $8175 off their tax bill.
- Giving small businesses and tradies a head start in procurement by requiring NSW Government agencies to consider small business suppliers for everything they buy.
- Continuing to cut red tape and enhance the “Easy to do Business” program through work being undertaken by the NSW Productivity Commissioner.
Minister for Small Business John Barilaro said the latest small business numbers from the ABS show NSW is once again leading the nation with the highest number of small businesses added in the last year; a rise of almost 30,000.
“The Liberals and Nationals have a proven track record in supporting business growth across NSW, and small business is helping drive jobs growth and new opportunities in our state”, Mr Barilaro said.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the package of measures was a real win-win for both business and employees and would create thousands of jobs for NSW.
“The Liberals & Nationals understand that a vibrant business community means more jobs, increased opportunity and the chance for people to build a better future for themselves and their family,” Mr Perrottet said.
“These measures have very real consequences which could be the difference between a business hiring another employee or not.
“Our payroll tax cuts will benefit up to 38,000 businesses, while Labor are not only refusing to cut tax but planning to stop major infrastructure projects like the F6 extension and South-West Metro, costing thousands of jobs and stalling the NSW economy.”
The workers compensation premium discount rewards employers for making their workplace safer. Savings will vary from employer to employer depending on size, industry and safety record.
As an example, a medium sized employer in the childcare industry with a fair safety record and an Average Performance Premium (APP) of $50,000 would receive a discount of $1250 each year for the next three years.
Local flora exhibition blossoms from partnership
A cross-pollination of science, environment, education and art has spawned a vivid depiction of Newcastle’s diverse flora, now on exhibition at Newcastle Museum.
The Flora of the Hunter Region exhibition features 33 natural illustrations of plant life carefully reproduced from images in a newly released book published by the University of Newcastle in partnership with the CSIRO.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Museum Director Julie Baird at Newcastle Museum
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the exhibition had several layers to it, which have come about through an important collaboration of scientific, academic and artistic minds.
“This is a striking and colourful art exhibition that wraps the science and history of Newcastle’s endangered flora all into one,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The level of thought and the detail to which this exhibition has been planned and curated is truly remarkable and a credit to our staff and exhibition partners.
“What was first simply a conversation to launch a book has now turned into an established partnership between the University of Newcastle, CSIRO and Newcastle Museum that adds serious credibility to the book’s meaning, and in turn, the museum’s exhibition.”
Newcastle Museum Director Julie Baird said the exhibition captures the exceptional level of detail and history of the local plant life contained within the book.
“The University approached us about a space to launch a new book they were publishing on endangered plant life of the Hunter.”
“Three months since that December meeting, we’re proud to say we’ve been able to achieve that vision.”
The book, Flora of the Hunter Region – Endemic Trees and Larger Shrubs, piqued the interest of the CSIRO, Australia’s chief science agency, due to its level of rare and insightful scientific information.
Co-authored by Hunter-based botanist and University Conjoint Stephen Bell, Christine Rockley and Anne Lewellyn, it details 54 endemic trees and large shrubs native to the Hunter.
Information includes the identification, habitat, ecology and distribution of each of the 54 different each species.
The exhibition itself will showcase 33 of the images contained within the book, including three plant species new to science and two presumed extinct. Everyone one of them is native to the Hunter.
Broad-Leaved Pepperbrush: Installation by Esther Bolz
The exhibition will be on display in Newcastle Museum from 12 March until 10 June 2019. For more information, visit http://www.newcastlemuseum.com.au/Exhibitions/Exhibitions/FLORA-of-the-Hunter-Region.
The Flora of the Hunter Region exhibition features 33 natural illustrations of plant life carefully reproduced from images in a newly released book published by the University of Newcastle in partnership with the CSIRO.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Museum Director Julie Baird at Newcastle MuseumLord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the exhibition had several layers to it, which have come about through an important collaboration of scientific, academic and artistic minds.
“This is a striking and colourful art exhibition that wraps the science and history of Newcastle’s endangered flora all into one,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The level of thought and the detail to which this exhibition has been planned and curated is truly remarkable and a credit to our staff and exhibition partners.
“What was first simply a conversation to launch a book has now turned into an established partnership between the University of Newcastle, CSIRO and Newcastle Museum that adds serious credibility to the book’s meaning, and in turn, the museum’s exhibition.”
Newcastle Museum Director Julie Baird said the exhibition captures the exceptional level of detail and history of the local plant life contained within the book.“The University approached us about a space to launch a new book they were publishing on endangered plant life of the Hunter.”
“Three months since that December meeting, we’re proud to say we’ve been able to achieve that vision.”
The book, Flora of the Hunter Region – Endemic Trees and Larger Shrubs, piqued the interest of the CSIRO, Australia’s chief science agency, due to its level of rare and insightful scientific information.
Co-authored by Hunter-based botanist and University Conjoint Stephen Bell, Christine Rockley and Anne Lewellyn, it details 54 endemic trees and large shrubs native to the Hunter.
Information includes the identification, habitat, ecology and distribution of each of the 54 different each species.
The exhibition itself will showcase 33 of the images contained within the book, including three plant species new to science and two presumed extinct. Everyone one of them is native to the Hunter.
Broad-Leaved Pepperbrush: Installation by Esther Bolz
The exhibition will be on display in Newcastle Museum from 12 March until 10 June 2019. For more information, visit http://www.newcastlemuseum.com.au/Exhibitions/Exhibitions/FLORA-of-the-Hunter-Region.
Greens release policy to help give babies breast start in life
The Greens will boost maternity care and breastfeeding support with a $10million per year pledge announced by party leader Senator Richard Di Natale and co-deputy leader and first person to breastfeed in federal parliament, Senator Larissa Waters today.
Public hospitals will receive the additional $10m a year to understand the experiences of mothers who have recently given birth through a survey of experiences of care, including breastfeeding support, and to expand the number of public hospitals that are accredited as Baby Friendly.
“We recognize that maternity care is complex and the system is currently underfunded and not sufficiently focused on new parents and babies,” Dr Di Natale said.
“We want to ensure everyone is able to get best-practice pregnancy and post-birth care regardless of where they live in this country.
“Our breastfeeding and maternity care policy will help breastfeeding mums get the support they need, and will also increase access to up-to-date information in the antenatal and postnatal period. It complements other Greens’ initiatives to improve our healthcare system and support women’s rights and address the roots of gender inequality.”
Senator Waters said she had received great care and support when she had her two daughters, which helped her to be able to breastfeed her daughter Alia in the Senate in 2017, but not all new mums received that, especially in rural and regional areas.
“Breastfeeding isn’t possible for everyone, but where it is possible, it gives babies a great start in life. Our health system must do more to support breastfeeding mums and increase rates by breaking down the known barriers.
“It’s just not good enough that only 23 per cent of hospitals are accredited under the Baby Friendly Health Initiative and that women in so many areas outside of metropolitan areas are unable to access maternity care and breastfeeding support.
“Our plan for a survey of prenatal and antenatal care will collect valuable data about birth and care experiences of women in hospitals so policy decision makers can ensure our health system is meeting their needs. We’ve allocated $4m per year for four years for this important initiative.
“We will also ensure all public hospital maternity facilities meet best practice standards for promoting and supporting breastfeeding by giving $6m per year over four years of additional funding for public hospitals to become Baby Friendly accredited.
“Together with a reversal of the cuts made to public hospitals by the major parties, our plan will go a long way to helping give babies the best start in life and that’s in the best interests of us all.”
Man charged after alleged carjacking and police pursuit – Raymond Terrace
A man has been charged after an alleged carjacking and police pursuit at the weekend.
About 8.40pm on Saturday (9 March 2019), a 45-year-old man was at his home on Corelli Close at Raymond Terrace, when a man, known to him, and a woman attended and requested to be driven to another address.
The trio left the home in a Mitsubishi Lancer and a short time later, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attempted to stop the vehicle on Irrawang Street for a random breath test.
The man allegedly threatened the 45-year-old man who was driving, and a police pursuit was initiated after the vehicle failed to stop.
On Adelaide Street, the Mitsubishi slowed down, and the driver jumped out.
The Mitsubishi took off again and the pursuit continued for a short time before it was terminated due to safety concerns.
Following inquiries, police attended Maitland Road at Mayfield about 9am today (Tuesday 12 March 2019), after the couple were sighted.
Following a short foot pursuit, officers arrested a 40-year-old man nearby on Hanbury Street.
The woman was last seen fleeing in a blue Nissan Navara.
The man was taken to Waratah Police Station and charged with aggravated take/drive motor vehicle with person in it – in company, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (domestic), custody of knife in public place.
He appeared in Newcastle Local Court today (Tuesday 12 March 2019) and was formally refused bail to reappear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 25 March 2019.
Inquiries are continuing to locate the woman.