Ecosuburbia event for smart, liveable sustainable city

Laman Street behind Civic Park will come to life with eco-market stalls, a local food swap and a range of activities to get kids thinking about sustainability when Newcastle Library hosts the Ecosuburbia Fair Share event tomorrow, Saturday 22 June.
City of Newcastle is collaborating with Permaculture Hunter and Purple Pear Farm to showcase the fair and host an “Aussie Street” City Hall talk by permaculture co-originator David Holmgren tomorrow.
Author of RetroSuburbia, the downshifter’s guide to a resilient future, Holmgren espouses a way of life aligned with the City of Newcastle’s strategy to create a smart, liveable and sustainable global city.
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“Our community collaborating to host the father of an internationally recognised social and environmental movement illustrates Newcastle’s commitment to living smarter and more sustainably,” Manager Libraries and Learning Suzie Gately said.
“His Aussie Street talk cleverly brings RetroSuburbia’s ideas into our everyday lives, using 100-plus photos and water-coloured illustrations and practical concepts from his exciting new book. Come along to be part of Holmgren’s remarkably insightful, thought-provoking vision for a resilient and sustainable future.”
Tickets for the Retrosuburbia ‘Aussie Street’ talk with David Holmgren sold out within 48 hours.
The Ecosuburbia Fair Share event from 10am is proudly delivered in collaboration with Newcastle Libraries, Hunter Permaculture and Purple Pear Farm. It will also host Slow Food Hunter Valley Soup Kitchen and live music by Newcastle Folk.
Ecosuburbia is part of the City’s embrace if the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities and Goal 10 Reduced Inequalities, which are now part of the Newcastle 2030 Community Strategic Plan.

Whale of a day set to mark nautical showpiece

Nature lovers should mark Sunday week down in their diaries for a whale of a double date.
This year, the City’s Whale Tales lecture at Bar Beach falls on the same day as an annual tally of humpback whales.
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The Whale Tales talks by Marine Naturalist Jeannie Lawson celebrate the gentle giants by canvassing their song, lifecycle and migration.
“On the day there are four sessions to choose from,” the City’s Program Development Coordinator – Environment Karenne Jurd said.
“At each session you will have the opportunity to ask Jeannie your best whale questions and hold part of a whale skeleton while watching the passing humpback parade.”
An estimated 30,000 humpback whales will swim north to Queensland breeding grounds this season in a nautical migration that’s been growing every year; so much so the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) needs help counting the whales.
Whaletales.jpgParticipants at last year’s Whale Tale Lecture at Bar Beach
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Newcastle’s Bathers Way coastal pathway offers great vantage point for ORRCA’s 19th one-day census, which last year saw 2,065 whales spotted, up from 233 in 2002.
For more information about Whale Tales please call Angus Weingott on 4974 2622 or email aweingott@ncc.nsw.gov.au.
For more information about Humpback Whale Census Day visit http://www.orrca.org.au/
Whale Tales
Sunday 30th June – 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm
Bar Beach Lookout
Cost: Free

Labor leadership needs to stick firm in tax cuts opposition

The Labor leadership needs to stick firm in its opposition to the Government’s tax cut package, despite the pressure it may be feeling from a handful of backbenchers, Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale said.
“Labor said during the election that they wouldn’t back in the Government’s disastrous tax cuts and Anthony Albanese should stand firm, do the right thing for the country and continue to oppose these cuts,” Di Natale said.
“These tax cuts would do nothing to improve the economy and everything to lock in the growing inequality in our country over the long-term.
“No matter what Labor MPs like Peter Khalil in Wills may say, backing in these tax cuts is just more of the same failed trickle-down economics that Labor has been criticising for years.
“The lessons from the last election for Labor should be clear. People want them to stand up for what they believe in, not flip flop on important issues like economic inequality and climate change.”

Angus Taylor and Josh Frydenberg must explain their actions

It is very disappointing, but hardly surprising, to hear yet again that Coalition Ministers are more interested in profits for themselves and their mates than the people they are elected to represent, Leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale said.
“It is appalling to consider that Angus Taylor would use his privileged position to approach Departmental staff and Government Ministers about an issue that directly affects his business interests,” Di Natale said.
“These new reports highlight that Coalitions MPs think it’s ok to change the rules when they don’t suit them and to put their business interests ahead of the community they were elected to work for. The Greens will not let them get away with it.
“We will be ensuring that Angus Taylor and Josh Frydenberg explain their actions to the Parliament when it resumes next month.
“This whole episode demonstrates again how urgently we need a federal ICAC that can investigate these sorts of behaviours that undermine faith in democracy,” he said.
“This Government is selling out the environment for the sake of their mates’ profits. These latest allegations are exactly why we need a federal ICAC,” Greens environment spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“This isn’t the first time Angus Taylor’s business affairs and political links have been called into question. This latest scandal involving Angus Taylor and Josh Frydenberg smells fishy and must be probed. The full, unredacted documents and correspondence must be released.”
“We are in the midst of an extinction crisis and a climate catastrophe with a government that has tried to change the rules and cover up their self-dealing. This is a government that sees the environment as something to be exploited for the profit of a few, rather than taken care of for the benefit of all Australians.”
“Scott Morrison has shown contempt for the Australian people by promoting politicians who appear more interested in helping out their mates than doing their jobs. The Greens will continue to fight this government and hold these dodgy ministers to account.”

Greens to introduce bill to ban live export of sheep and cattle following new animal cruelty footage

Australian Greens Spokesperson for Animal Welfare, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has today announced that she will introduce a Greens bill to ban all live export for slaughter, including sheep and cows, when Parliament resumes. Footage has been released by animal welfare activists in Israel showing cruelty towards cattle being unloaded in hot and crowded conditions with electric shock prodders. Dozens of calves died on board the ship and after unloading.
Senator Faruqi said:
“Live export cannot be made be made safe for sheep, cattle or any animal. It is a business model built on cruelty and is simply incompatible with animal welfare.
“These episodes of animal cruelty are just the latest in more than thirty years of scandal, suffering and brutality in the live export industry. This is just business as usual for live exporters, especially now that they have a Minister who dismisses animal welfare.
“The Greens have long argued that we should be banning all live export for slaughter and introducing this bill is part of the campaign to make that a reality.
“The recent deaths of hundreds of Australian dairy cows in Sri Lanka has highlighted big problems with the live export of animals for breeding. This requires far more stringent safeguards, and perhaps even a ban as our New Zealand neighbours are considering.
“We make no apologies for standing up for the welfare of animals. We need a phased ban with a structural adjustment assistance fund which can transition the industry to the chilled meat trade,” she concluded.

Serious road crash near Singleton

Police are advising motorists that the New England Highway, south of Singleton in the Hunter Valley, has been closed to traffic in both directions following a serious motor vehicle crash.
The two-car collision occurred around six o’clock tonight (Thursday 20 June 2019), near the intersection of Racecourse Road at Whittingham.
Police advise that as a result, there are significant delays for traffic heading north and south.
Drivers are being urged to consider taking alternative routes around the crash, including Putty and Glendon Roads; and the Golden Highway, until the scene is cleared.
For further information, motorists can refer to www.livetraffic.com.

Man charged over alleged sexual assault of teenage boy – Hunter region

A man has been charged after allegedly engaging a teenage boy online and meeting with him for sex in the Hunter region.
Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports a 14-year-old boy had been sexually assaulted by a man he met on a social media application in December 2018.
The incident was reported to local police before being referred to the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad for further investigation.
Following inquiries, detectives arrested a 27-year-old man at a home in Buttai about 9.30am yesterday (Thursday 20 June 2019).
The man was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with two counts of sexual intercourse with child between the ages of 14 and 16.
Police will allege in court that the man sexually assaulted the boy, then aged 14, in a vehicle in the Hunter region.
He was refused bail and appeared at Maitland Local Court yesterday, where he was formally refused bail to reappear at Cessnock Local Court today (Friday 21 June 2019).
Meanwhile, police are urging parents and carers to speak with their children about staying safe online.
Safe internet use – tips for parents:
• Be aware of how much time your child spends on the internet.
• Spend time talking to your child about the dangers associated with online conversations, particularly when communicating with someone that they have only ever met online.
• Spend time exploring the internet with your children and let them teach you about their favourite websites and applications.
• Keep computers or internet-enabled devices in a room the whole family can access, not in your child’s bedroom; monitor internet access on those devices.
• Consider installing filtering and/or computer blocking software provided by your internet service provider.
• Ensure you are able to access your child’s email and social media accounts and randomly check the contents.
• Check your phone bill for unusual outgoing calls and consider using ‘caller ID’ to identify incoming calls.
• Consult your telephone company for options designed to ensure privacy and security.
• Enquire with your child’s school, public library, and places they frequent to find out what internet safety measures they have in place.
• Information on internet safety is available on the NSW Police website at: http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/safety_and_prevention/safe_and_secure/online_safety
Tips for children:
• Do not send a picture of yourself to anyone you don’t know and never place a full profile and picture anywhere on the internet.
• Never give out your personal information, including full name, home address, phone number or school, over the internet.
• Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone that you have only ever chatted with on the internet.
• Tell your parents or another adult you know of any contact that makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Think carefully before uploading or sending images or videos to people over the internet. Once you press ‘send’ it’s definite and final – you can’t get it back or take it down.
• Information on youth issues, including online safety is available on the NSW Police website at:
http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/safety_and_prevention/safe_and_secure/young_people
More information and educational packages for parents and children are available from ThinkUKnow, a multi-agency program designed to educate and promote cyber safety: https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
 

Charges laid after girl sexually and physically assaulted

A man will face court today charged after allegedly sexually assaulting a girl in the Newcastle area.
Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation, after a 15-year-old girl presented to John Hunter Hospital with injuries to her neck and reported she had been sexually assaulted by a man known to her earlier this month.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives arrested a 21-year-old man at Waratah Police Station just after 6pm yesterday (Thursday 20 June 2019).
He was charged with aggravated sexual assault – inflict actual bodily harm on victim, and two counts of aggravated sexual assault – victim under the age of 16 years.
Police will allege in court that the man supplied the girl with alcohol and prohibited drugs before choking her and sexually assaulting her in a car in the Newcastle area on Wednesday 5 June 2019.
He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 21 June 2019).
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.

Baby's mother found – Newcastle

The mother of a newborn baby whose body was discovered at Stockton earlier this week has been located.
As a result of inquiries by police from Newcastle City Police District, the 18-year-old woman, has been identified and was located at Penrith.
The woman has spoken with police about the birth of her child.
Investigators have ruled out the involvement of any third party.
Police will await the results of a post-mortem examination and forensic testing to determine the direction of any future inquiries.
Due to the volume of forensic evidence involved, inquiries are expected to be prolonged.
Detectives attached to Newcastle City Police District will continue inquiries on behalf of the Coroner.
Police would like to thank the community for their assistance. At this time, no further information is available.

NSW BUDGET: RECORD $10.1 BILLION HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE SPEND

One of the largest health projects in NSW is on track to deliver world-class care to local communities for decades to come following the 2019-20 Budget’s commitment to a record $26.7 billion investment in health.
This includes a $2.7 billion spend on health infrastructure in 2019-20, up 27 per cent on last year.  This brings the Government’s health capital spending over the next four years to a record $10.1 billion – a 25 per cent increase on last year’s Budget.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard at Westmead to mark a major milestone for the Central Acute Services Building.
“This redevelopment is just one of 200 health projects completed or in progress since 2011 that the Liberals & Nationals Government has funded, and the 2019-20 Budget will ensure the cranes keep moving,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This Government has a strong track record when it comes to delivering new and upgraded hospitals and health facilities, and this year’s Budget is no exception.”
Mr Perrottet said the building, due for completion in 2020, was an investment in the future health of the people of NSW.
“The $1 billion-plus Westmead precinct redevelopment provides NSW with a cutting-edge health, innovation and education precinct,” Mr Perrottet said.
“When the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government promises to deliver world-class health services we do it and our record speaks for itself.”
Mr Perrottet said $10.1 billion, including hospital redevelopments and lease acquisitions, will be invested over four years to continue current works and commence upgrading and building a further 29 health infrastructure projects.
Within the next term, funding will ensure the delivery of four new hospitals on greenfield sites for communities at Maitland, Macksville, Mudgee and in the Tweed.
Mr Hazzard said the record investment in health infrastructure mirrors the never-before-seen funding in services and the frontline health workforce, with 8,300 additional frontline staff over the next four years.
“Whether you’re in the Tweed or in Tumut, Westmead or Wyong, Macksville or Mona Vale, all across NSW, direct and indirect jobs are being created through health builds,” Mr Hazzard said.
“We are future-proofing the health system to ensure no matter where you live in this vast State, you and your loved ones have access to care and support close to home.”
The record $2.7 billion health infrastructure investment in 2019-20 will enable the following works:

  • Commencement of new works John Hunter Hospital ($780 million), the Children’s Hospital at Westmead ($619 million) and Tumut Hospital ($50 million)
  • Continuing works at Griffith Hospital, Goulburn Hospital, Hornsby Hospital and Mona Vale Hospital
  • New hospital car parks at Liverpool, Shellharbour and Wagga Wagga
  • Planning for major projects including Sutherland Hospital, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network at Randwick and the Comprehensive Children’s Cancer Centre, and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

Other highlights of the health capital works investment for 2019-20 includes continuing work on the Nepean Hospital and Integrated Ambulatory Services redevelopment, the Randwick campus reconfiguration and expansion, the Concord Hospital upgrade and the Campbelltown Hospital redevelopment.
The new Westmead building, a collaboration between Westmead Hospital, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and the University of Sydney, will transform healthcare in western Sydney and provide a base for ground-breaking health research to benefit every Australian.
Key features of the new building include:

  • Two new emergency departments – one for adults and one for children
  • Digital operating theatres
  • Expanded imaging, pharmacy and logistics
  • Additional patient rooms, and
  • Education, training and research embedded into every floor.