Diversions are in place after a fatal crash on the Central Coast.
About 7.20pm (Saturday 24 August 2019), a vehicle was travelling north on the M1 Pacific Motorway at Cooranbong when it left the road, rolled, and caught fire.
The driver and sole occupant died at the scene.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District are in attendance. A crime scene has been established and will be forensically examined.
Diversions are in place on the M1 between Freemans Drive and Palmers Road.
For the latest on traffic information visit www.livetraffic.com.
Local agency engaged to support vibrant business precincts
City of Newcastle has engaged a local agency with over three decades of experience helping Hunter businesses thrive, under a new Business Improvement Association (BIA) support services contract.
Purser Corporate Communication (Purser) has been appointed in response to independent recommendations made to improve the use of Special Business Rate funds, which are collected to promote, beautify and develop the City’s business precincts.
City of Newcastle Director Strategy and Engagement Brett Smith said Purser would provide a range of support services to BIAs, allowing them to focus on planning and executing projects and events that make vibrant business districts.
“By providing a shared resource for BIAs to manage their administrative and compliance obligations, we are freeing-up their time and resources to focus on delivering great projects and events that will activate, promote and enhance their precincts,” Mr Smith said.
“Purser will act as the key point of contact between the City and each BIA. They’ll be responsible for ensuring that requirements, such as business plans, annual reports and other administrative material is adequately developed and provided as required.
“The City is confident that Purser will help bridge a key gap in the BIA process, ultimately rewarding the community with improved events and projects over the next 12 months.”
Purser Managing Director Meg Purser said that the new BIA model provided opportunity for businesses to support growth and economic opportunity across the city.
“The revised BIA structure has been designed to enable a panel of business people to develop and manage promotional and marketing strategies, as well as beautification projects that enhance their precinct, attract business and encourage visitation.
“It will also provide the opportunity for each precinct to work closely with other BIAs and the City of Newcastle particularly for larger scale initiatives and activations,” Ms Purser said.
Engaging a BIA Support Service is a key outcome from the independent review into the BIA model, which considered concerns about administrative inefficiencies and compliance obligations.
Established in Newcastle in 1984, Purser Corporate Communication provides specialist communication and community engagement services to the business, not for profit and public sectors.
The consultancy has undertaken extensive work across both public and private sectors and more specifically with business representative organisations and economic development projects to develop public affairs, strategic engagement and management plans that add value to corporate objectives and wider community outcomes.
BOOST TO FRONTLINE POLICE OFFICERS ACROSS NSW
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott welcomed 269 new recruits to the NSW Police Force today during a graduation ceremony for Class 338 in Goulburn.
Nineteen of the new recruits are from an Indigenous background, including five who have come through the Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) Program to boost Aboriginal Australians in the NSW Police Force.
Mr Elliott said the State would be a safer place with the new recruits assigned to local Police Commands across NSW.
“I want to welcome each and every attesting recruit to the police family, and pay particular mention to the nineteen Indigenous new recruits who will become strong leaders in their communities,” Mr Elliott said.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals have invested $583 million to introduce 1500 extra police over the next four years to enhance community safety across NSW.
“This is the biggest investment in police for more than 30 years.”
NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller said the attestation was an important milestone for recruits.
“Today is a day to celebrate. Our newest recruits have worked extremely hard to be standing on the parade ground,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Next week they will discover the great sense of pride and responsibility that comes from donning the blue uniform. I welcome them to the NSW Police Force and thank them for their commitment to preventing and disrupting crime.”
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman also attended the graduation that included 177 men and 92 women. Twenty-nine recruits were born overseas in countries including Iraq, Croatia and Wales.
Following the event, Mr Elliott and Ms Tuckerman joined local SES volunteers in Goulburn to present them with grant for a sand storage bunker to improve their operational response during flood and storm operations.
Death of The Hon Tim Fischer AC
We have lost an Australian original with the passing of Tim Fischer.
Tim Fischer was a dear friend. Jenny and I are deeply saddened by Tim’s passing. Together, with our entire nation, our thoughts are with Tim’s wife Judy, their sons Harrison and Dominic and his extended family and many friends.
Tim Fischer was a big Australian in every sense of the word. Big in stature, big in his belief, big in his passion, big in his vision for what Australians could achieve and big in his view of Australia’s place in the world. As a result, Tim Fischer will forever cast a big shadow on our nation.
Tim Fischer walked his own path with honesty and humility and that is what Australians loved about him.
Tim Fischer served as Deputy Prime Minister from March 1996 to July 1999 and led the federal parliamentary National Party for more than nine years. A former NSW state MP, he was elected to the southern central NSW federal seat of Farrer in 1984 and re-elected five times before retiring in 2001.
Mr Fischer, who served as Trade Minister in the Howard Government, was esteemed by his Coalition colleagues, respected by his opponents and loved by Australians everywhere as he travelled the country in his trademark Akubra hat.
He was an all in conviction politician. This integrity and resolve were underlined when he stood firm with Prime Minister Howard on tough new gun laws following the Port Arthur massacre in 1996. They are Tim Fischer’s gun laws too.
Gun laws were not popular in regional Australia in 1996 and Tim Fischer took to the highways and byways to persuade and convince regional Australians about the need for change.
I believe this was his finest moment. Australia will always be in his debt.
Before entering parliament, Tim Fischer served as an Australian Army Officer in Vietnam. As a parliamentarian, he always demonstrated a deep loyalty and affection to service personnel and veterans.
Later in life, he was chairman of Tourism Australia where I had the privilege to serve with him. Tim also served as national chair of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. From 2009-12, he served as Australia’s first resident Ambassador to the Holy See. Tim Fischer also wrote several books, including a number of books about trains – one of his great passions.
My Government will be offering Tim’s family a state funeral to celebrate his life and extraordinary contribution to Australia.
Scott Morrison
PYRMONT SET FOR FACELIFT
The NSW Government has outlined its strategic vision for Pyrmont and the Western Harbour precinct as a vibrant residential, entertainment and innovation hub on the fringe of Sydney’s CBD.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced the Greater Sydney Commission had been directed to immediately review the area’s planning rules to ensure they are consistent with the Government’s vision for its future.
“I am sending a strong message that Pyrmont is open for business and ready to be taken to the next level,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Sydney is Australia’s only true global city and we have a unique opportunity before us to transform Pyrmont and the Western Harbour precint into an iconic destination.
“With a growing population, we know there will be more development in Pyrmont in the future. With that will come opportunities to build more transport links including a potential Metro station.
“While individual applications will continue to be determined on their merits, this review sends a clear signal that our government believes the Pyrmont area has a bright and exciting future as a key part of the NSW visitor economy.”
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the GSC’s review would also include recommendations to the Government on how to support a greater diversity of development in the precinct.
“We need to ensure planning rules for the area are still relevant, particularly with major projects planned including the new Sydney Fishmarket, the Ultimo Creative Arts Precinct and Bays Precinct,” Mr Stokes said.
“We must ensure that our planning system is clear and effective in supporting the type and scale of development needed in a top quality, vibrant, mixed-use precinct.
“We must also ensure that any major plans to transform the area are supported with the right infrastructure to create a vibrant destination for locals, visitors and businesses alike.”
The Greater Sydney Commission commenced its review last week, with their report due to be completed by the end of next month.
LAW CHANGE SET TO EASE WAIT FOR GRIEVING FAMILIES
Families who lose loved ones in unexpected or unexplained circumstances will get the answers they need sooner under planned changes to the Coroners Act 2009.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Attorney General Mark Speakman will put forward the proposals to NSW Parliament today, which aim to avoid unnecessary post mortem examinations.
“Around 60 per cent of all cases reported to the NSW Coroner each year are the result of a natural death,” Mr Hazzard said.
“This amendment to the Act will remove the requirement to report a death to the Coroner where the deceased had not seen a doctor in the six months prior to death.”
Mr Speakman said the proposed changes would reduce the number of unnecessary referrals to the Coroner and improve timeframes of other coronial investigations.
“These amendments will remove unnecessary red tape enabling families to have their deceased loved ones returned to them sooner, so they can grieve and lay them to rest,” Mr Speakman said.
“Additionally, and importantly, the change will also bring NSW in line with other states.”
A second amendment will allow a forensic pathologist to undertake preliminary examinations of deceased people without the need for a direction from the Coroner.
This change will similarly improve timeframes for families in circumstances where a full medical post-mortem examination on the deceased person is not needed.
The obligation under the Coroners Act 2009 to report unnatural, violent or suspicious deaths and sudden deaths from unknown causes will remain untouched.
Further opportunities for appropriate ways to improve the coronial process are currently being explored by a special Government taskforce.
FIRE BUG CRACKDOWN: STANDARD NON-PAROLE PERIOD ALMOST DOUBLES
In a further crackdown on dangerous bushfire bugs, the standard non-parole period for convicted arsonists is set to increase from five years to nine years to help protect lives and property.
Attorney General Mark Speakman and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the Government would introduce an amendment to implement the recommendation of the Sentencing Council to help ensure those who commit bushfire offences spend more time behind bars.
“With another hot and dry summer around the corner, it is important there are strong laws in place to protect farmers and communities who are already struggling because of the drought,” Mr Speakman.
“The tougher standard non-parole period builds on the Government’s introduction of a tougher penalty for the bushfire offence, which increased the maximum penalty from 14 to 21 years in November last year.”
In 2018, Mr Speakman asked the Sentencing Council to review the standard non-parole period.
As a result of the review, the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 will be amended to increase the standard non-parole period for the bushfire offence under section 203E of the Crimes Act 1900. The offence applies to the charge of intentionally causing a fire and being reckless about it spreading on public land or someone else’s property.
Minister Elliott said one act of stupidity could bring a community to its knees.
“My message to would-be firebugs is to stop and think about the children and families who could be killed or injured and the huge economic and emotional toll of being homeless and having to rebuild properties and farms from scratch,” he said.
“There is no excuse for starting a bushfire, which is why the longer standard non-parole period, on top of tougher maximum sentences, reflects the seriousness of the crime.”
NSW Rural Fire Service Acting Commissioner Rob Rogers welcomed the latest reforms and called on the community to report suspicious behaviour.
“NSW firefighters already have a difficult and dangerous job responding to emergencies and keeping the community safe, let alone having to put their lives on the line because some reckless person deliberately started a fire,” he said.
“The prolonged drought means there is an increased risk of fires. It is important people remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour so offenders are caught.”
As part of its review, the Sentencing Council received submissions from stakeholders including the Law Society of NSW, Legal Aid NSW, NSW Police Force, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Rural Fire Service Association.
The majority of stakeholders agreed the bushfire offence’s standard non-parole period should be increased.
GREEN LIGHT FOR MARTIN PLACE METRO TOWERS
Sydney’s CBD will be home to two new office towers, with the NSW Government approving the development above the future Martin Place Metro Station.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance today announced the approval of a 39-storey office tower above the northern entrance of the under-construction Metro Station and a 29-office storey tower above the southern entrance.
Ms Berejiklian said the towers will create more than 2500 jobs during construction, and house nearly 9000 office, retail and hospitality workers once complete.
“Sydney is Australias only truly global city and developments like this continue to elevate our status,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The Martin Place development is a win for the community and a win for taxpayers, with Macquarie Group helping pay for the metro station build as part of the deal.”
Mr Stokes said the integrated station and towers is a great example of well-designed development being built in the right areas.
“These towers, which underwent a rigorous assessment by the Department and an independent design review panel, will enhance Martin Place’s position as a jobs and transport hub in the heart of the CBD,” Mr Stokes said.
“The new metro precinct will connect the existing T4 line with the Sydney Metro and will include shops, restaurants, offices and connections to Hunter, Elizabeth and Castlereagh Streets for commuters and workers.”
Mr Constance said construction of the towers will happen at the same time as the new Martin Place Station is being built underground, with the buildings to be completed in time for the Metro line’s opening in 2024.
“Once completed, the Metro will connect metro rail services from Chatswood, through a new line under the harbour and city, to Sydenham, where they will run on the existing Bankstown Line.”
STRENGTHENING CHILD PROTECTION LEGISLATION
Children will be better protected by legislation introduced in Parliament today which builds on the NSW Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the Children’s Guardian Bill 2019 will strengthen the independent regulator and help build more accountable, child safe organisations.
“Protecting children and young people is a top priority for our Government and this Bill sends an unequivocal message to all child-related organisations,” Mr Ward said.
“Organisations and agencies that engage contractors who work with children, as well as religious bodies, will be brought into the Reportable Conduct Scheme, with new penalties for anyone who fails to comply.
“The Bill will give the Children’s Guardian greater authority and oversight to help organisations create safer environments for more than 1.5 million children in NSW.”
The reforms will implement a number of recommendations of the Royal Commission to ensure the Children’s Guardian has the legal powers to keep our kids safe.
The NSW Government has had the most comprehensive response of any state or territory to the Royal Commission, with more than $570 million invested to protect children and support survivors of child sexual abuse.
Anglican Archbishop of Sydney Glenn Davies welcomed the changes, which he said would close the loopholes in legislation identified by the Ombudsman.
“The Anglican Church, along with other churches, has been very supportive of this move and I am glad that the highest level of protection for children in our state, will be maintained,” Archbishop Davies said.
The Office of the Children’s Guardian is an independent Statutory Authority that works to protect children and young people by promoting and regulating quality, child safe organisations and services.
Help shape our growing city's future
What will Newcastle look like in 20-plus years’ time, with more than 35,000 additional residents and 19,500 new dwellings?
City of Newcastle is asking the community to help shape the future of our growing Local Government Area, which is projected to grow by around 25 percent to a population of 202,000 by 2040.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the opinions and wishes of Novocastrians were essential to the City’s planning process.
“This is a unique opportunity to shape how our city evolves into the future. Newcastle has so many wonderful and unique features, so we want to make sure we maintain and enhance them as we grow,” the Lord Mayor said.
“It’s important our strategic planning allows us to make the most of the exciting opportunities for our city and to manage growth effectively in line with what our community wants to see.”
In March 2018 the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) was amended, which introduced new requirements for councils to develop Local Strategic Planning Statements (LSPS). The Newcastle LSPS will set out the 20-year vision for the land use of our local area, the special characteristics which contribute to our local identity, shared community values, and how growth and change will be managed in the future.
The Lord Mayor said there was a focus on engaging young people, so the future of Newcastle reflected the values of tomorrow’s ratepayers.
“The LSPS community consultation period is open now and aims to speak to a broad cross-section of residents, including the City’s youth, who will be beneficiaries of the strategic planning we do now for our city in 2040,” the Lord Mayor said.
“A ‘Big Picture’ Newcastle activity sheet provides local youth with a chance to offer feedback on what they love about their City, how improvements can be made and what needs to be maintained to ensure the City of Newcastle remains an incredible place to live.”
A series of community sessions will be hosted at the TAFE NSW Tighes Hill campus, Newcastle Pride Fair, the University of Newcastle, Newcastle Library and the Olive Tree Markets.
Community members have until Wednesday, 11 September to have their say. More information about the community consultation period including an online survey can be found here.