City of Newcastle has returned a sixth consecutive annual operating surplus.
Audited financial statements endorsed by Council tonight show City of Newcastle delivered a budget surplus of $9.4 million for the year 2018/19.
The financial statements also show the City registered operational income of $336.3 million and total operating expenses of $295.9 million.
“City of Newcastle continues on the path of financial sustainability, delivering a sixth consecutive budget surplus,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“This compares favourably to a growing trend of budget deficits in local government and demonstrates that the City has the capacity to respond to rising service expectations and unforeseen events.
“Development and investment activity remain strong in Newcastle, with the total value of building approvals again topping $1 billion in 2018/19.
“Our record $91.6 million capital works program for 2018/19 is contributing to this growth, as we maintain heritage assets while revitalising and re-inventing our city.
“The works program delivered projects including popular playgrounds at Blackbutt’s Richley Reserve and the South Stockton Active Hub, plus upgrades to our local centres at Carrington and Beresfield.
“Meanwhile, tourism and visitation are at record numbers, bolstered by the success of the Newcastle 500 and growth in a wide range of events spanning sport, music, art and culture – many of which are supported by CN sponsorships and grants.
“From landmark infrastructure projects to local centre upgrades and flood mitigation works in Wallsend, we’re improving the amenity, safety and sense of community right across the city.”
CEO Jeremy Bath said the City had met or exceeded all six financial performance ratios set by the NSW Office of Local Government (OLG).
“These benchmarks are a measure of financial sustainability and highlight the robust financial health of the City of Newcastle,” he said.
“The figures show ratepayers can be confident that we will continue to deliver high-quality services and projects in a financially responsible way,” he said.
The OLG manages a website that rate payers can use to track how their Council is faring compared to other local governments https://yourcouncil.nsw.gov.au/council-data/newcastle-1560307491/
Council update Tuesday 22 October
Following is a summary of the Ordinary Council Meeting for Tuesday 22 October 2019. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Ordinary business
Adoption of 2018/19 annual financial statements
Council voted to receive and adopt City of Newcastle’s annual financial statements and accompanying notes for the year ended 30 June 2019.
Tabling of disclosures by designated persons – annual report
Council resolved to note the annual disclosure of interest by designated persons returns (for the financial year 2018/2019) by the CEO.
Administration of 2020 Council election
Council resolved to enter an election arrangement with the Electoral Commissioner to administer the 2020 ordinary election of Council.
Supplementary report – exhibition of draft Fern Bay and North Stockton Strategy
The draft Fern Bay and North Stockton Strategy Implementation Plan and Background Investigations will be placed on public exhibition for 28 days.
Adoption of Community Participation Plan
Council adopted the Community Participation Plan and will publish it on the NSW eplanning portal by 1 December.
Adoption of Joslin Street Local Centre Public Domain Plan and Traffic Plan
Council has adopted the Joslin Street Local Centre Public Domain Plan and Traffic Plan.
Acquisition of 8A Albert Street and 161 Railway Street, Wickham
Council resolved to accept the transfer of 8A Albert Street, Wickham, from Rail Corporation NSW for the purposes of widening it and also 161 Railway Street for use as a public road.
Carrington Greenspace Masterplan public exhibition
The draft Carrington Greenspace Masterplan will be placed on public exhibition for a period of 60 days.
Executive monthly performance report
Council received the monthly report.
Greater Newcastle Aerotropolis – Appointment of Council’s representatives
Council voted to appoint Lord Mayor Councillors Nuatali Nelmes and CEO Jeremy Bath as shareholder representatives to Greater Newcastle Aerotropolis.
Notices of Motion
National Park Plan of Management
A Notice of Motion to commence a site-specific Management Plan at National Park through consultation with the community and relevant stakeholders was supported.
Emergency Egress for high rise occupants with a disability
A Notice of Motion to receive a report on emergency egress from high-rise buildings for occupants and visitors with a disability, including options for amendments planning documents, was supported.
Contracts with value of $1 million or more
A notice of motion that all contracts greater than $1million that City of Newcastle awards go to a tender process and reported to Council for approval was not supported.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Three Lord Mayoral Minutes were supported at tonight’s meeting.
Council agreed to prepare detailed Budget submissions for both Commonwealth and NSW Treasurers to consider as a part of their funding allocation, with 14 projects listed including Stockton Coastal Erosion, Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project, expansion of Newcastle Light Rail, flood mitigation at Wallsend and rate rebates for pensioners.
Council will also prepare a submission to the NSW Productivity Commissioner, providing City of Newcastle’s feedback about how the NSW Government can best support continued growth in living standards for all Novocastrians, with specific reference to the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036 noting that an opportunity exists for legislative reform and support that could expedite the implementation of the Plan.
Following the success of the Lord Mayor’s Scholarship for Women, council accepted the proposal from the University of Newcastle to support the expansion of the scholarship program to create the Lord Mayor’s Scholarship, which will be open to all students facing disadvantage.
NEW CURRICULUM MAKING IT EASIER FOR STUDENTS TO TAKE UP A TRADE
School leavers will benefit from an accelerated pathway from Year 12 to TAFE NSW with the NSW Government announcing a new program to incentivise study at TAFE.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the program will to make it more attractive for high school students to take up a trade or apprenticeship by allowing students to receive recognition for what they have already learnt at school.
Today’s announcement follows the Government’s release of the interim curriculum review which indicated there needs to be greater focus on embedding trade education within senior years of the curriculum. The review also noted the need for greater collaboration between schools, vocational education providers, universities and industry.
“We are focused on preparing young people for the jobs of the future,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This announcement will allow school leavers to build skills across emerging industries such as advanced manufacturing, technology and engineering.
“We want universities and VET to be thought of in the same sentence for young people looking to prepare themselves for the high value jobs of the future.”
Mr Lee said that around a quarter of students who start a bachelor degree but drop out of university could be better suited to attending TAFE.
“We are incentivising high-achieving HSC students into our vocational education sector by giving them a head-start at TAFE NSW,” Mr Lee said.
“We will do this by mapping HSC units to vocational competencies and allowing eligible students to proceed straight to assessments.
“Educational research identifies that some students are feeling pressured to go to university, regardless of whether it’s the best option for their future careers.”
HSC subjects that could qualify for these new TAFE pathways include mathematics, engineering studies, industrial technology and, software design and development.
HITACHI: FIRST TO MOVE FROM MOU TO TENANT
One of the world’s largest companies – the Japanese conglomerate Hitachi – has signed up to be the first tenant at the Aerotropolis, with a collaboration and research centre that will generate hi-tech jobs.
The centre, based on Hitachi’s successful Kyoso-no-mori facility in Japan, will promote collaborative creation-style research between business, academics and government.
It will create more than 85 advanced technology jobs in Western Sydney, in fields such as data analytics, artificial intelligence and other technologies.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian made the announcement at Parliament House with Dr Norihiro Suzuki, Vice President and Executive Officer, CTO and Mr Hideki Osumi, General Manager of Smart Digital Solution Business Development Division, and General Manager of Smart Life Business Management Division, from Hitachi Ltd.
Ms Berejiklian said the ‘Kyoso’ centre would bring Hitachi’s successful ‘Social Innovation Business’ concept to Western Sydney, and was an important step towards ensuring the new Aerotropolis delivers on its promise to be a hub for innovation, research and development.
“Their presence at the Aerotropolis will attract the brightest minds and the best in business to the region – a great opportunity for economic development and job creation into the future,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said this initiative will create opportunities for Western Sydney to lead on solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges in NSW and abroad.
“Hitachi have been on board with our Government’s ambitious Aerotropolis vision from the start. It is exciting that Hitachi is exploring advanced manufacturing and digital research and development in the Western Parkland City,” Mr Ayres said.
Dr Suzuki said Hitachi’s vision was to investigate challenges facing society, customers and stakeholders and to work together to identify ways to resolve the issues.
“It means we can attract the brightest minds and the best in business to the region: a great opportunity for economic development and job creation into the future.”
“Hitachi looks forward to being a founding tenant of the new smart city and will continue to work with the Western City & Aerotropolis Authority to contribute to the planning and design of the Advanced Manufacturing and Research Precinct,” Dr Suzuki said.
“By drawing on vast experience and technology in social infrastructure and information technology, Hitachi works to provide the best outcomes and help improve customers’ economic, social and environmental value. Hitachi hopes to accelerate Kyoso-style collaborative creation in Western Sydney.”
Construction on the Kyoso centre is expected to begin in late 2022. To date, the NSW Government has signed 17 MOUs with national and international Foundation Partners in the Aerotropolis, with more commercial agreements expected to be signed over the coming months.
Roadworker suffers head injuries in M1 crash
Inquiries are continuing into a crash which has seriously impacted traffic on the M1 Motorway at Berowra this morning.
Emergency services were called to scene shortly after 3am today (Wednesday 23 October 2019), after a roadworker was struck in the breakdown lane by a utility, driven between the roadwork safety vehicle and the rock wall.
The 28-year-old roadworker was treated at the scene by paramedics for head injuries before being taken to Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious condition.
The driver of the utility, a 72-year-old man from Kingsgrove, has also been taken to Royal North Shore for mandatory testing and to be treated for a minor head injury.
Officers from Ku-Ring-Gai Police Area Command attended and established a crime scene; however, inquiries are now been taken over by the Crash Investigation Unit (CIU), who are on site.
Advice from the Transport Management Centre are that motorists are advised to avoid the Pacific Motorway with all northbound lanes of the M1 closed and motorists are being diverted onto the Pacific Highway at Windybanks Interchange.
Southbound motorists can now use the M1 to travel south but are doing so on the northbound carriageway. Southbound motorists can also divert onto the Pacific Highway at the Berowra off-ramp.
Traffic is very heavy in both directions, especially southbound.
Motorists should allow plenty of extra time, expect delays, reduce speed and exercise caution.
Anyone needing to travel between the Central Coast and Sydney, including HSC students, should consider catching a Central Coast and Newcastle Line train instead.
For the latest traffic information, visit www.livetraffic.com
2020 NSW State Team coaching setups finalised
The New South Wales Coach and Support teams for the 2020 National Netball Championships in Hobart have been finalised.
The Nationals are a chance for the brightest young talent in Australian netball to represent their state or territory. They are also a crucial pathway opportunity, and a chance to get national exposure and catch the eye of Netball Australia selectors.
NSW 19/U head coach Jennifer Wright (Eastwood-Ryde) will be assisted in her role by former National League player Alison Tucker-Munro (Randwick), with Virginia Welsh (Manly Warringah) on board as an apprentice coach and Di Bills (Eastwood Ryde) fulfilling the role of team manager.
In the 17/U setup, head coach Amber Cross (Wyong District) will be assisted by Kath Tetley (Baulkham-Hills Shire), with Kirstie Fuller (Gunnedah) working as an apprentice coach, and Jenny Gage-Traill (Northern Suburbs) named team manager.
Netball NSW State Pathways Manager Margaret Hamley said she was delighted to have both coaching teams in place for a big year ahead.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone appointed in what is a proud moment for all concerned,” she said.
“These coaches have come along the Netball NSW pathway and both Jennifer and Amber are excited to have very good teams behind them.
“This year NSW brought back silver in both the 17s and 19s competitions and in 2020 we’ll be looking to take that final step and bring gold back to the state.”
The Nationals will be held from the 18-23 April at the Hobart Netball and Sports Centre with the winners of both the 17/U and 19/U Divisions crowned in Gold Medal matches on on the last day of play.
NSW 19/U State Team
Head Coach: Jennifer Wright (Eastwood-Ryde)
Assistant Coach: Alison Tucker-Munro (Randwick)
Apprentice Coach: Virginia Welsh (Manly- Warringah)
Manager: Di Bills (Eastwood-Ryde)
NSW 19/U State Team
Head Coach: Amber Cross (Wyong District)
Assistant Coach: Kath Tetley (Baulkham-Hills Shire)
Apprentice Coach: Kirstie Fuller (Gunnedah)
Manager: Jenny Gage-Traill (Northern Suburbs)
Man dies after house fire near Maitland
Emergency services remain at the scene of a fatal house fire near Maitland tonight.
Shortly after 8.30pm (Tuesday 22 October 2019), emergency services were called to
Peppertree Circuit, Aberglasslyn, following reports a house was on fire.
Fire fighters attended and extinguished the blaze, however; the home sustained extensive damage.
The body of a man was located inside.
A woman and a 13-year-old teenage boy sustained minor injuries and were taken to John Hunter Base Hospital as a precaution.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District established a crime scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the blaze.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Right to Know campaign a welcome offensive against attack on media freedoms
Today’s landmark campaign by media outlets is a welcome offensive against the erosion of media freedom and whistleblower protections, the Greens say.
“Whether it’s cruelty of horses as we saw last week, abuse in aged care, or misconduct of the banks, media freedom and whistleblower protection isn’t just about journalists, it’s about the public’s right to know,” Greens Spokesperson for Media and Communications and chair of the Senate Inquiry into Press Freedoms, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“In just two years there’s been about 22 pieces of legislation the Federal Government has rammed through the Parliament that increase secrecy in our democracy, under a guise of ‘national security’.
“The truth is, those in power don’t want the public to know what they’re up to and are shutting down transparency and accountability to serve their own interests.
“This campaign by the Right to Know coalition provides many examples of wrongdoing and misconduct that would never have had a spotlight on them without whistleblowers and the protection of journalists’ sources and media freedoms.
“What’s really at stake here is one of the pillars of our democracy. The message to the government is very clear and it’s time they acted. Giving discretionary power to the Attorney-General just doesn’t cut it. Journalism is not a crime and legislation should protect them, not criminalise them.”
Bandt will move to amend free trade laws
Greens Acting Leader, Adam Bandt MP, will move to amend laws designed to implement the controversial Indonesian, Peru and Hong Kong free trade agreements currently before the House of Representatives.
His amendments will seek to delay the implementation of the agreements until guarantees on local jobs and protections from corporations being able to sue governments are included, and until the human rights situation in Hong Kong is resolved.
Many Labor members and unions are up in arms about the agreements.
Greens Acting Leader Adam Bandt MP said:
“Liberal and Labor have done a dirty deal to fast-track laws that will give corporations more rights than governments or workers.
“These dodgy deals allow corporations to boost their profits by suing governments who do things like lift the minimum wage or pass laws to protect the environment.
“Labor’s ‘big win’ appears to be an unenforceable side-letter from the Liberals that existing loopholes will continue to apply.
“The Greens stand with the workers and civil society groups who want these agreements rewritten so that basic rights are protected.
“We will move amendments to the bills to ensure jobs are advertised locally, corporations can’t sue our government and the Hong Kong deal is delayed while the conflict there continues.”
Life-changing medicines listings to save cystic fibrosis patients up to $250,000 a year
The Morrison Government will provide immediate access to life-changing medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to help support people with cystic fibrosis, saving them and their families up to $250,000 per year.
From 1 December 2019, the life-changing cystic fibrosis medicine Symdeko® will be listed on the PBS for patients with cystic fibrosis over the age of 12, who have specific gene mutations.
The current listing of Orkambi® will also be expanded for children aged 2-5 years of age, allowing earlier access to this life changing medicine.
Patients can gain access to Symdeko® and Orkambi® immediately, with the manufacturer agreeing to the Government’s request to provide early access, until the medicine is listed on the PBS on 1 December.
This is expected to provide new or improved treatment options for up to 1,400 patients.
People might otherwise pay up to $250,000 a year for Symdeko®, or for Orkambi®, but with the Government’s investment they will now only pay a maximum of $40.30 per script, with concessional people paying just $6.50.
In Australia, one in 2,500 babies are born with cystic fibrosis, and there is currently no cure.
Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. A defective gene causes a thick, sticky build-up of mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs.
The average life expectancy for Australians with cystic fibrosis is 38, still less than half that of the average Australian.
This is why it is so important to provide access to new medicines that can extend the lives of people with cystic fibrosis.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommended these medicines be listed on the PBS.
PBAC is independent of Government by law and in practice. By law, the Federal Government cannot list a new medicine without a positive recommendation from PBAC.
Unlike Labor, we are subsidising all drugs recommended by the independent medical experts.
Since 2013, the Government has listed more than 2,200 new or amended items on the PBS.
This represents an average of around 30 listings per month – or one each day – at an overall cost of around $10.6 billion.
Our commitment to ensuring that all Australians can access affordable medicines remains rock solid. Our plan for a strong economy continues to deliver record funding for essential health services that saves lives.
More information these new PBS listings:
- Symdeko® will be made available through the PBS for the treatment of people with cystic fibrosis who have two copies of the f508del mutation in the CFTR gene, and are 12 years or older.
- Symdeko will also be made available for people with cystic fibrosis who have only one copy of the f508del mutation, and have one other residual function mutation.
- The current listing of Orkambi®, used to treat people with cystic fibrosis who have two copies of the F508del mutation in the CFTR gene, will be expanded so that children can commence subsidised treatment from two years of age.