A new 2.5 hectare park at Powells Creek has opened today, transforming an unused corridor in Sydney’s west into a new recreation and green space for the local community.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said Ismay Reserve, located next to the New M4 just north of Parramatta Road to Pomeroy Street at Homebush, is another example of the NSW Government’s commitment to creating new green open spaces.
“This is the first new park to open as part of the WestConnex Legacy project and unlocks a previously inaccessible area for the local community that will be enjoyed for many years to come,” Mr Stokes said.
“Almost 6,000 homes are within 10 minutes’ walk of this fantastic new park, which has something for everyone, including a children’s playground, barbeque facilities, ping pong tables, exercise stations and even a futsal court.
“There’s also a new shared pedestrian and cycle path between Parramatta Road and Pomeroy Street that connects to Sydney Olympic Park to make it easier for people to get outside and enjoy the outdoors.”
WestConnex worked closely with Strathfield Council and the Greater Sydney Commission to create Ismay Reserve, which is located on the site of a former brick pit.
About 160 trees have also been planted in the new park, with another 5,500 trees to be added to the local tree canopy as part of the New M4 project.
More green space will be delivered through WestConnex than any other urban road project in Australia’s history, with more than 18 hectares of new open space to be created in Sydney’s inner west
GOVERNMENT PILOT TO BOOST SMALL BUSINESS
A new NSW Government pilot program will mean it’s easier for small businesses to win work from their local council – boosting local economies and communities.
The Local Procurement pilot program – part of the NSW Government’s Making Business Easier offering – aims to increase direct contact between small businesses and councils by cutting red tape and simplifying the tender process.
Minister for Small Business Damien Tudehope said the six month pilot would enable small businesses to operate on a more level playing field when securing contracts with their local council.
“NSW Councils spend significant funds on goods and services each year but many small businesses couldn’t compete with larger competitors for contracts.
“A toolkit has been developed to help small businesses win council contracts, while providing tips to local councils on how they can become more small business friendly.
“This is a great opportunity for local businesses to tender for local government work and boost local economies,” Mr Tudehope said.
In June, the NSW Government changed the Local Government Act 1993 to increase the threshold for tenders from $150,000 to $250,000, which will provide more opportunities for councils to engage businesses directly without a tender process.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the Local Procurement pilot was a great example of how state and local governments were working together to help small businesses reach their full potential.
“Several councils including Georges River Council, Eurobodalla Shire Council, Campbelltown City Council and Central Coast Council have already expressed interest in the program.
“I encourage all NSW local councils to get involved in this fantastic program and see more of their contracts secured by their local small businesses,” Mrs Hancock said.
For more information go to www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/local-procurement
WATER PRESSURE RETURNS IN THE GREAT ARTESIAN BASIN
The NSW Government is investing $13 million over the next four years to continue their ‘Cap & Pipe the Bores Program’ in the Great Artesian Basin, work that has seen water pressure in the area increase for the first time in decades.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the program spans across 4.2 million hectares, an area roughly the size of the land between Sydney and Cowra, and is currently saving 76 gigalitres of water per year.
“In 20 years we have saved 1,100 gigalitres of water from this program, or the equivalent of two Sydney Harbours,” Mrs Pavey said.
“Bore water is essential for many farms and towns, helping to reduce demand on our drought-ravaged rivers and supporting a population of over 200,000 people.
“Before the program began, the Great Artesian Basin was being tapped by 1,400 bores, many of them decades old, with around 95 per cent of the water lost through evaporation. This significantly reduced water pressure across the Basin, resulting in many bores ceasing to flow.”
Under the NSW ‘Cap and Pipe the Bores Program’ leaky bores are being fixed, open collection ponds are replaced with storage tanks, open water channels replaced with pipes, and disused bores are being capped and closed.
“Since the program’s inception, 18,000km of piping has been installed, enough to go from Sydney to Perth and back again – twice, and 10,000km of bore drains removed, which is enough to go half way along the Great Wall of China,” Mrs Pavey said.
“The NSW Government is investing a further $13 million to continue this important work and ensuring only the water needed is being drawn from the basin, safeguarding the long term sustainability of the Great Artesian Basin.”
The ongoing, long-term benefits of the program include:
- Increased resilience of pastoral enterprises to drought and climate change;
- Partnerships between landholders, government, industry and communities;
- Investment, employment and opportunities for economic growth in rural communities;
- Enhanced productivity of pastoral industries;
- Improved water quality for stock and domestic use;
- Improved sustainability, security and management of Basin water;
- Increased water pressure in the Basin;
- Support for endangered species at Basin springs.
Further detail on the NSW ‘Cap and Pipe the Bores Program’ can be found at: https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/water/basins-catchments/gab/cap-pipe-the-bore
SA Govt Murray RC response is a defence of Barnaby Joyce, and sells out the River
The South Australian Government has ignored the most damning elements of the Murray-Darling Basin Royal Commission in its response finally released yesterday, the Greens say.
“After nine months, the South Australian Government’s response to the SA Royal Commission is a complete cop-out,” Greens Spokesperson for Water and Senator for SA, Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“This response from the SA Water Minister says very little and shows a complete disregard for the scientific warnings over the health of the River.
“Minister Spiers has ignored the biggest problem facing the management of the Murray-Darling, that being the health of river has been compromised by political and corporate interests.
“Too much water is still being taken out of the river system for irrigation and not enough has been returned as the science requires to keep it alive.
“The Minister’s rejection of water buy backs, in favour of spending public money on bogus ‘efficiency’ and ‘infrastructure’ projects – even for the 450GL promised to SA – shows he has rejected the key recommendations of both the SA Royal Commission and the Productivity Commission.
“The Minister has backed Barnaby Joyce, over SA and the River. Without reinstating the water buy-backs, scrapped by Mr Joyce, SA will never get the water and the River will not survive.
“It seems the SA Government has drunk the Federal Government’s kool-aid when it comes to what actually needs to be done to save the River and the communities that depends on it.
“This dereliction of duty to protect the River and South Australians who rely on it is shameful and only adds weight to the case for a Federal Royal Commission to hold all those responsible for killing the Murray-Darling to account.”
Backing Our Farmers and Drought Affected Communities
Farmers and their communities will have access to more support with the Coalition Government announcing it will provide more funding, cut red tape and increase services.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said a new support package will deliver nearly $100 million to drought-hit communities, which is on top of more than $7 billion in drought support funding already provided by the Government.
“Supporting drought affected communities remains our Government’s most urgent priority,” the Prime Minister said.
“I know that things are only getting harder for many farmers and rural communities, and that’s why we are taking further action and providing even more support.
“We’ve been in constant contact with farmers and businesses, and we’re using their feedback to keep improving our response.
“As I’ve said before, this isn’t set and forget. We need to keep listening and keep taking action.
“We know we can’t make it rain, but we must keep finding ways to do everything we can to make life just a bit easier and remove some of the burden. That’s why our Government is providing more money to help people with bills, more money for counselling and more money to local councils.
“We’ve got to get more cash into these communities and cut more red tape, making it easier to access support.
“I will do everything in my power to ease the burden on farmers and their communities. That’s our Government’s promise.”
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the package of measures would provide an immediate economic stimulus at the local level as well as employment for people whose work has been affected by drought.
“We are delivering $33.42 million to resume the Drought Community Support Initiative, which will deliver up to $3000 to eligible farming households experiencing hardship due to drought,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“And we are providing a $13 million extension to the Drought Community Programme to deliver support at the local government level where it counts.
“Thirteen Local Government Areas will be provided up to $1 million for local infrastructure and drought relief products.”
Minister for Agriculture, Senator Bridget McKenzie, said targeted relief followed careful assessment of the current challenges farmers were facing.
“We know that FHA is a vital hand-up for farmers in times of need—but the Independent Review of Farm Household Allowance told us it could be improved,” Minister McKenzie said.
“Farming families have told me that the FHA program does not currently treat them as business owners and places a real burden on farmers already doing it tough. This was reflected in the review.
“Today we are announcing a radical simplification of the FHA application process and key settings.
“We will remove the requirement for business income reconciliation, change the time limit on payment from four years in total to four out of every ten years, simplify the assets test, recognise agistment as being part of primary production income, and redesign the application process. For the first time, couples will be able to apply for the payment using just one application.
“These changes will make FHA quicker and easier to access, better reflect the nature of farm businesses, and to acknowledge that farmers may experience more than one period of hardship in their lifetime.
“Some of these changes will require amendments to legislation, but through Centrelink we will implement as many of the changes to the application process immediately.”
Minister McKenzie also announced today an injection of $740,000 of contingency funding to five Rural Financial Counselling Service providers who are experiencing pressure from increased demand for their services.
Minister for Drought David Littleproud said the Coalition Government was delivering a comprehensive suite of support measures to farmers in hardship.
“This shows our commitment to stay flexible and respond as needed,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Today’s announcement further strengthens our drought response which includes concessional loans, farm management deposits, tax breaks, and mental health support.
“The government is already providing more than $7 billion in assistance and concessional loans to support those affected by drought.”
“This shows the Coalition Government’s commitment and belief in hard working farming families.”
Lifeguard patrols kick off as beach season begins
City of Newcastle lifeguards are prepped and ready to go as soaring spring temperatures pave the way for another busy beach season.
Seasonal beach patrols will begin on Saturday at Dixon Park, Newcastle and Stockton beaches, as well as Merewether Ocean Baths.
While lifeguards patrol year-round at Nobbys, Bar and Merewether beaches and Newcastle Ocean Baths, the seasonal patrols run over a 30-week period that kicks off annually during the September/October school holidays.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes joined the City’s team of aquatics staff at Nobbys Beach this morning as they were put through their final paces in preparation for the season-opening weekend.
“Newcastle beaches attract more than one million swimmers and sun-seekers to our picturesque coastline each year,” the Lord Mayor said.
“But behind the stunning beauty of our beaches lies the inherent risks that they can present. Last season was one of the busiest on record, with our lifeguards saving more than 100 people in significant rescues and completing 15,000 preventative actions.
“We have an amazing team of lifeguards and aquatics staff who carry out this important service every year with great courage and skill, protecting tourists and locals from the potential perils of the sea.
“With more than 1.2 million beachgoers to keep watch of throughout the season this is no easy feat, and I encourage everyone to take appropriate care and exercise sun and water safety when visiting our beaches in the coming months.”
As part of today’s final pre-season preparations, aquatics staff were required to undertake a demanding “lifeguard mission” that included a 600m ocean swim, 600m board paddle, two 800m runs and a simulated board rescue scenario.
Councillor Nelmes was also on hand this morning to unveil one of the City’s rough terrain vehicle (RTV), part of the fleet of RTVs and jet skis used by the lifeguards during patrols and rescue missions.
“These vehicles play a crucial role in our patrols, allowing our lifeguards to respond to situations faster, provide lifesaving transport to beachgoers requiring emergency attention, and also help move equipment around the beach to where it is needed most,” the Lord Mayor said.
Seasonal beach patrols will begin on Saturday at Dixon Park, Newcastle and Stockton beaches, as well as Merewether Ocean Baths.
While lifeguards patrol year-round at Nobbys, Bar and Merewether beaches and Newcastle Ocean Baths, the seasonal patrols run over a 30-week period that kicks off annually during the September/October school holidays.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes joined the City’s team of aquatics staff at Nobbys Beach this morning as they were put through their final paces in preparation for the season-opening weekend.
“Newcastle beaches attract more than one million swimmers and sun-seekers to our picturesque coastline each year,” the Lord Mayor said.
“But behind the stunning beauty of our beaches lies the inherent risks that they can present. Last season was one of the busiest on record, with our lifeguards saving more than 100 people in significant rescues and completing 15,000 preventative actions.
“We have an amazing team of lifeguards and aquatics staff who carry out this important service every year with great courage and skill, protecting tourists and locals from the potential perils of the sea.
“With more than 1.2 million beachgoers to keep watch of throughout the season this is no easy feat, and I encourage everyone to take appropriate care and exercise sun and water safety when visiting our beaches in the coming months.”
As part of today’s final pre-season preparations, aquatics staff were required to undertake a demanding “lifeguard mission” that included a 600m ocean swim, 600m board paddle, two 800m runs and a simulated board rescue scenario.
Councillor Nelmes was also on hand this morning to unveil one of the City’s rough terrain vehicle (RTV), part of the fleet of RTVs and jet skis used by the lifeguards during patrols and rescue missions.
“These vehicles play a crucial role in our patrols, allowing our lifeguards to respond to situations faster, provide lifesaving transport to beachgoers requiring emergency attention, and also help move equipment around the beach to where it is needed most,” the Lord Mayor said.
Newcastle’s first disability inclusion festival launched to break down barriers
Newcastle’s first disability inclusion festival has today been launched to increase engagement in the community of people with disabilities and break down long-held barriers and stigmas.
The month-long festival includes a range of events held throughout the local government area, including everything from inclusive games to educational opportunities.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Festival, which takes place between 26 September and 25 October would focus on engagement and highlight the benefits of inclusion in our community.
“City of Newcastle prides itself on accessibility and inclusion. Our community is warm, supportive and values diversity,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The Count Us In Festival effectively and respectfully links people with disabilities with the broader community and breaks down the barriers to inclusion.
“We can all think about the role we play to help create a City that includes all people socially, culturally and in the workplace.”
Diversity is reflected in the broad range of activities in the program, which have been curated to establish Newcastle as an inclusive community for people with disability, their families, carers and significant others.
“From inclusive skateboarding, surfing, barbecues and comedy shows to board games, documentary screenings, low sensory museum experiences and picnics, there are plenty of opportunities for people of all ages and walks of life to get involved,” the Lord Mayor said.
Activations focus on education and awareness, such as the role local business can play in creating employment opportunities and making their workplaces more inclusive for people with disability, positive parenting sessions and workshops that focus on support networks for carers.
The Lord Mayor said there was no shortage of positive reasons to develop accessibility within our social and built environment.
“Recent research into the ‘accessible tourism’ dollar shows businesses are missing out on potential spending if their services and business spaces are not inclusive of people with disabilities.
“With the likelihood of disability increasing with age and with an ageing population, more of our residents, visitors and workers will require more inclusive services.
“What’s key is that attitudes and behaviours are reported as significant barriers to inclusion, often much greater than any physical barrier,” the Lord Mayor said.
For full details about the program of events and how to get involved, visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/count-us-in
The month-long festival includes a range of events held throughout the local government area, including everything from inclusive games to educational opportunities.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Festival, which takes place between 26 September and 25 October would focus on engagement and highlight the benefits of inclusion in our community.“City of Newcastle prides itself on accessibility and inclusion. Our community is warm, supportive and values diversity,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The Count Us In Festival effectively and respectfully links people with disabilities with the broader community and breaks down the barriers to inclusion.
“We can all think about the role we play to help create a City that includes all people socially, culturally and in the workplace.”
Diversity is reflected in the broad range of activities in the program, which have been curated to establish Newcastle as an inclusive community for people with disability, their families, carers and significant others.
“From inclusive skateboarding, surfing, barbecues and comedy shows to board games, documentary screenings, low sensory museum experiences and picnics, there are plenty of opportunities for people of all ages and walks of life to get involved,” the Lord Mayor said.
Activations focus on education and awareness, such as the role local business can play in creating employment opportunities and making their workplaces more inclusive for people with disability, positive parenting sessions and workshops that focus on support networks for carers.
The Lord Mayor said there was no shortage of positive reasons to develop accessibility within our social and built environment.
“Recent research into the ‘accessible tourism’ dollar shows businesses are missing out on potential spending if their services and business spaces are not inclusive of people with disabilities.
“With the likelihood of disability increasing with age and with an ageing population, more of our residents, visitors and workers will require more inclusive services.
“What’s key is that attitudes and behaviours are reported as significant barriers to inclusion, often much greater than any physical barrier,” the Lord Mayor said.
For full details about the program of events and how to get involved, visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/count-us-in
Stockton Safety Update
Students are being warned about the dangers of sand cliffs due to the erosion on Stockton Beach, ahead of the school holidays.
A warning has been issued for people not to stand too close the top or bottom of sand cliffs, as they have the potential for sudden collapse under zero weight loads, without warning.
Coastal engineers have identified the most dangerous area as the zone 4m back from the top of the sand cliff and anywhere around the base, City of Newcastle staff have marked the danger area at Barrie Crescent, to help to alert locals of the danger.
High tides and swell are expected this weekend (28/09/19) and this could lead to further erosion. If this occurs City of Newcastle will remark the 4m danger exclusion zone.
The beachfront north and south of the rock seawalls and at the Caravan Park have also been identified as a dangerous zone, people are encouraged to exercise caution when visiting the beach.
A warning has been issued for people not to stand too close the top or bottom of sand cliffs, as they have the potential for sudden collapse under zero weight loads, without warning.
Coastal engineers have identified the most dangerous area as the zone 4m back from the top of the sand cliff and anywhere around the base, City of Newcastle staff have marked the danger area at Barrie Crescent, to help to alert locals of the danger.
High tides and swell are expected this weekend (28/09/19) and this could lead to further erosion. If this occurs City of Newcastle will remark the 4m danger exclusion zone.
The beachfront north and south of the rock seawalls and at the Caravan Park have also been identified as a dangerous zone, people are encouraged to exercise caution when visiting the beach.
Officer charged – Maitland
A serving NSW Police officer has been charged with multiple domestic violence related charges.
Yesterday (Thursday 26 September 2019), about 11.50am, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command attended a property in South Maitland and arrested a 60-year-old man.
The senior constable, attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station. He was charged with three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, three counts of common assault, three counts of intimidation and illegal access to computer system.
The alleged domestic violence offences relate to multiple incidents dating back to 2015.
The unlawful access to police records system allegedly occurred in May 2018.
The man was granted conditional bail which includes no contact with his alleged victims. He will appear at Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 16 October 2019.
The officer’s employment is under review.
Woman dies following head-on crash – Maitland
A woman has died following a head-on crash in Maitland this morning.
About 2.30am today (Friday 27 September 2019), emergency services were called to Cessnock Road, Maitland, following reports a Kia Rio and a Ford Falcon sedan have collided head-on.
The female driver and sole occupant of the Kia Rio, believed to be aged in her 50s, died at the scene and is yet to be formally identified.
The male driver and sole occupant of the Ford Falcon sedan, believed to be aged in his 50s, sustained a back injury. He was taken to hospital for treatment and will also undergo mandatory blood and urine testing.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District with assistance by officers from the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit will investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Cessnock Road is closed between the New England Highway and Gillieston Road while the scene is being examined.
Motorists are advised to visit www.livetraffic.com for the latest traffic information.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.