Editors Picks
16 September 2023
NSW AMBOS REACH GENDER PARITY
NSW Ambulance has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first emergency service in NSW to reach gender parity within its workforce, with women now constituting over 50% of its personnel. This development is seen as a crucial step in ensuring that the workforce reflects the population it serves, promoting workplace gender diversity and fostering an inclusive environment. NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce praised the milestone, highlighting the benefits of gender diversity in healthcare. NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dominic Morgan expressed gratitude to the women who contributed to this achievement, emphasizing the importance of skills and experience in employment rather than gender.
16 September 2023
4,500 NEW HOMES AT CASTLE HILL
CASTLE Hill’s Showground Station precinct is now capable of accommodating an extra 4,500 potential new homes following an amendment to The Hills Local Environment Plan (LEP).
The precinct previously had a cap of 5,000 dwellings imposed when it was rezoned in 2017 due to a lack of supporting infrastructure.
Planned transport and other upgrades are in place or progressing, with Sydney Metro now in full operation and upgrades around the station, including road improvements, now complete.
The Department of Planning and Environment will continue to work with School Infrastructure NSW to plan for schools in the area, and to address any additional demand expected in the Showground precinct because of the lifting of the cap.
Development applications and approvals are approaching the 5,000 limit – however, now that the cap is removed, the area could welcome 9,500 new homes.
The introduction of the Government’s reformed infrastructure contributions scheme on 1 October 2023 provides a framework for growth to contribute towards further infrastructure demand and will allow funding for any additional infrastructure as required.
Removing the dwelling limit provides certainty for industry to continue investment in the precinct and removes uncertainty impacting current $115-120M contract negotiations by Sydney Metro and Landcom with a development partner.
Featured
20 August 2023
PLATYPUS FOUND IN SYDNEY'S NORTHWEST
Rare sightings in Hawkesbury Nepean
ELIZABETH FRIAS
WHILE Australia’s rare mammal platypus population has been on a decline, Western Sydney University ecology researchers have found evidence they multiply in waterways in the northwest.
30 July 2023
CALL OUT FOR RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS
AS disasters increase in Australia, the demand for Australian Red Cross emergency services is rising. NSW requires more of the 1,200 volunteers who play a vital role in supporting communities during crises. Volunteers assist locally and nationally, providing aid in evacuation, recovery centres, and disaster preparedness activities. Australian Red Cross offers internationally and nationally developed training in various areas. With over 3,400 emergency services volunteers nationwide, joining as a volunteer means becoming part of a long-standing movement aiding communities since 1914. Interested individuals can find more information at www.redcross.org.au/volunteer
30 July 2023
FALSE CLIMATE CHANGE CLAIMS
THE Climate Council urges Australian Parliament to address false climate claims from fossil fuel giants. In a recent submission, they expose 10 corporations with questionable climate plans. The Council insists on action to cut emissions drastically, highlighting how supposed net-zero targets are contradicted by fossil fuel expansion. They call for a ban on misleading 'carbon neutral' claims, requiring genuine emission reduction efforts, and prioritizing total life cycle emission reduction. Parliament must crack down on greenwashing to ensure real climate action.
30 July 2023
ROADMAP FOR GAMING REFORM
NSW Government has formed an independent panel for gaming reform roadmap, combating gambling harm and money laundering. Chaired by Michael Foggo, the panel includes experts from law enforcement, academics, and industry. It will oversee a cashless gaming trial and suggest reforms. Privacy protection will be prioritized, with input from Cyber Security NSW and NSW Police. Recommendations for cashless gaming in hotels and clubs will be provided, along with an implementation roadmap by November 2024. Additionally, a ClubGRANTS Scheme review will be conducted. Previous reforms include banning gaming room signage and reducing poker machine entitlements and cash input limits. Political donations from clubs with pokies are also banned.
30 July 2023
MAYORS MAKE COMM GAMES BID
HAWKESBURY Mayor Sarah McMahon has backed an unusual bid to host the Commonwealth Games in Western Sydney, despite lacking any support from the council or the NSW state government. The announcement, boldly shared on the Hawkesbury City Council’s official mayor’s Facebook site, occurred without any democratic vote or agreement from the council. Mayor McMahon’s blatant disregard for due process has left ratepayers stunned. “If Dan Andrews can’t do it – then Western Sydney surely can! And to start making the case, today Ned Mannoun – Mayor of Liverpool and I joined forces to say that the 2026 Commonwealth Games belong in our backyard,” Cr Mahon wrote, encouraging readers to tune onto commercial television nightly news last night, to see her in action. “With the new Western Sydney International Airport on the way, billions of dollars in roads and rail rolling out and with a very capable Sydney Olympic Park in Homebush, CommBank Stadium in Parramatta and Penrith Regatta Centre already built for example, we have the necessities to make it happen!”
