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SearchArchives for January 2011
27 January, 2011
PS chimes in
for gongs
Public Servants across the South Australian public sector have been recognised in the Australia Day Honours List, receiving special awards for their excellence, commitment and dedication to duty.
Governor-General, Quentin Bryce announced the following recipients of Public Service Medals, Australian Police medals, Ambulance Service Medals and Emergency Services Medals.
PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM)
Sharon May BROADBENT PSM
Stonyfell
For outstanding public service in the area of education in disadvantaged areas.
Ms Broadbent has been Principal of the Northfield Primary School since 2002.
A year earlier the school was formally considered dysfunctional due to a disconnection with the local community, bad student behaviour and disruption in classrooms.
Ms Broadbent saved the school in her first12 months, reconnecting parents, staff and children. Northfield Primary School now has high educational standards and expectations for all children and is a superb example of a school working towards and delivering an education.
Christopher Andrew DEARMAN APM
Klemzig
For outstanding public service in the area of security and emergency management.
Chris Dearman has a long history of service in security and emergency management.
He has made an impact at the local, State and national level as a pioneer in consulting and engaging across government and providing input into forums including the Australian Emergency Management Committee, the Ministerial Council for Police and Emergency Management and COAG
Professor Robert Keer LEWIS PSM
Millswood
For outstanding public service in the area of primary industries research and development.
Professor Lewis has held positions in research, research leadership, administration and management for 38 years.
He was appointed Executive Director of the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) in 1992 and held the position until June 2010, guiding the Institute to the position of pre-eminent State government research department in Australia.
Professor Lewis also made a strong contribution the Waite campus and its partners including the University of Adelaide, CSIRO, the Australian Wine Research Institute, the Department of Primary Industries and Resources of South Australia, and SARDI.
AUSTRALIAN POLICE MEDAL (APM)
Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Charles JENKINS APM
Details not available at the request of Detective Senior Sergeant Jenkins.
Sergeant Susan Jane LOCK APM
Sergeant Lock served the South Australia Police as a specialist in supporting victims of sexual assault for the past 20 years.
She is currently the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Coordinator and involved in a number of sexual assault reference groups across South Australia.
Superintendent Ferdinand Walter PIT APM
Since 1976 Superintendent Pit has provided leadership and made a major contribution to the Human Resource Service in the Elizabeth Local Service Area.
He was involved implementing wide-ranging changes to Human Resource management arising from a whole-of-organisation review of the South Australia Police aimed at establishing an achievement culture and improvement in service delivery.
AUSTRALIAN FIRE SERVICE MEDAL (AFSM)
Robert John CROCKFORD AFSM
McLaren Vale
Mr Crockford is an accomplished firefighter with the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS).
He was a co-founder of the MFS and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Unit (CBRN) and the main force behind CBRN awareness and preparedness in South Australia.
Darryl James HORSELL AFSM
Whyalla
Mr Horsell has served the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) for more than 43 years.
He was involved in the development of the Fire Investigation procedure model currently in use by the MFS and the South Australian Police and is currently Regional Manager, West Coast.
Mervyn John ROBINSON AFSM
Jamestown
Mr Robinson joined the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) (then the Emergency Fire Service) in 1963.
He has a Fire Control Officer, Deputy Supervisor and Supervisor and in 1989 became the inaugural Group Officer for the Hallett Council Area CFS Group, a position he still holds.
Gerald Anthony THOMSON AFSM
Andrews Farm
Mr Thomson has been a ember of the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) since 1982 and has held the positions of Brigade Lieutenant, Brigade Captain with both Smithfield and Dalkieth CFS, and Deputy Group Officer.
He is currently a Deputy Group Officer of the Para Group and a member of the State Level 3 Incident Management Team, Region 2 Incident Management Team and an instructor in Tactical Command and Leadership.
AMBULANCE SERVICE MEDAL (ASM)
Dieter Bruce SCHEURICH ASM
Wynn Vale
Mr Scheurich’s ambulance career began as a St John Ambulance cadet in 1968.
He has been an emergency medical dispatcher in the Emergency Operations Centre for many years and is playing a significant role as a subject matter expert in the South Australian Computer Aided Dispatch project.
Mr John TRELOAR ASM
Cummins
Mr Treloar has been a member of the South Australian Ambulance Service (SAAS) volunteer team at Cummins for over 13 years.
He is seen as a role model for SAAS and his experience and knowledge is widely sought from both volunteers and SAAS management alike.
He has been an active member of various local committees and boards.
EMERGENCY SERVICES MEDAL (ESM)
Warren Anthony HICKS ESM
Lower Mitcham
Mr Hicks is Chairperson of the South Australian State Emergency Service Volunteers' Association and has shown leadership, required at times due to the diversity of representatives and varying issues from region to region.
He has been a volunteer with the State Emergency Service (SES) in South Australia since 1992.
27 January, 2011
More support floods
into Queensland
South Australian support for Queensland flood victims continues with a team of Council workers flying to Brisbane this week to relieve call centre staff.
President of the Local Government Association, Felicity-ann Lewis said 12 experienced customer service centre staff from various metropolitan and regional Councils had volunteered to go, following a call for support from Brisbane City Council.
She said it was a good example of Local Government standing together in times of need.
“We always respond well as a group in times of crisis like this,’’ Mayor Lewis said.
| SA Council workers lend a hand |
“We were overwhelmed by the response we received from Councils throughout the State who offered their assistance without hesitation and we are very grateful for that.”
While the Council staff prepare to go, the Minister for Health, John Hill welcomed home four South Australian paramedics, who had been to Queensland to help out.
He said the SA Ambulance Service paramedics worked as extra crews in Brisbane to allow local staff to move out into country areas and deal with their own flooding issues.
Mr Hill said they also gave up their rest day to help out with the recovery effort in flood-affected areas.
“We’re all enormously proud of the efforts of these paramedics, who have played a part in the mammoth task of rescue and recovery in Queensland,” Mr Hill said.
“In times of trouble we all want to help our fellow Australians, whether that’s by donating money to the recovery fund or by giving time and skill as these four have.”
Intensive Care Paramedic, Almina Redjepi said it had been it had been great to see everyone working together to get their town back together but it was heartbreaking to watch.
“I’m just glad that I’ve been able to help, even in a small way by providing my service,” Ms Redjepi said.
27 January, 2011
Seeds of concern in
Council tree report
Local Councils have been advised to take a sustainable and proactive approach to tree management on public land.
An independent report prepared for the Executive Committee of the Local Government Association looks at the benefits and risks of trees and how they were being managed. It makes recommendations to protect and promote the benefits of trees, while responsibly managing the risks.
Chair of the Independent Board of Inquiry, Brian Cunningham, said the Board was established by the Local Government Association in May 2010.
| Talks planned on looming dangers |
“The Board received numerous submissions on this very complex topic and we have made 20 recommendations for the future management of trees by Councils,” Mr Cunningham said.
“There are several good reasons why we think that the incidence of tree failure will increase.”
He said those reasons included the age of trees, particularly in some urban areas, the effects of climate change and impending urban consolidation.
“We found that Councils, in general, have historically adopted a reactive approach to tree risk management,” Mr Cunningham said.
“As the incidence of tree and tree limb failure is likely to increase, this is not a sustainable approach in the long term.”
He said there were no easy solutions to tree maintenance, given changing climatic conditions, water restrictions and funding implications.
The main recommendations from the Inquiry included development of formal Tree Management Policies linked to Councils’ strategic management plans and developed through community consultation and community education.
LGA President, Felicity-ann Lewis said the Association would begin a new stage of consultation with Councils in response to the report.
She said the recommendations had considerable resource implications for Councils so the LGA would conduct a workshop with them to look at the implications, implementation and funding of the Board’s recommendations.
The workshop would be conducted in conjunction with the LGA Mutual Liability Scheme.
27 January, 2011
Globe recycling
sees the light
A recycling program that offers householders the chance to drop off used light globes at no cost has been launched in Adelaide.
Chief Executive of Zero Waste SA, Vaughan Levitzke said through the BackLight Household Light Globe Recycling Program, Mitre 10 stores, in partnership with Chemsal Resource Recovery, would take-back used or unwanted light globes from householders for recycling.
“The globes will be pre-processed in Adelaide and then sent to a facility in Sydney where the materials will be separated,” Mr Levitzke said.
| Service to collect used lightbulbs |
“The aluminium and mercury will be used to make new light globes, the phosphor powder into fertiliser, and the glass will be re-used into a variety of other glass products.”
He said the program would be piloted for three years, providing South Australians with greater access to dispose of light globes, free of charge in an environmentally responsible manner.
Mr Levitzke said it complemented the Australian Government’s voluntary Fluoro-Cycle scheme which was aimed at recycling the majority of commercial mercury-containing lighting.
“When the Federal Government banned the retail sale of incandescent light bulbs from November 2009, the South Australian Government welcomed this decision,” he said.
“Energy-efficient alternatives to incandescent globes, such as compact fluorescent lights use as little as one fifth of the energy of incandescent lights.”
Mr Levitzke said fluorescent lights contained a small amount of mercury which could be recovered and recycled, preventing its release into the environment.
“The Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy 2010 will ban fluorescent and other mercury containing lighting from landfill from September 2012 in metropolitan Adelaide, and September 2013 for the rest of the State,” he said.
“This ban encourages an even greater push for the development of efficient systems to enable fluorescent lights to be diverted away from landfill and into recycling.”
Mr Levitzke reminded householders that globes should not be placed in the kerbside recycling bin.
27 January, 2011
Football agreement
is kicking goals
A partnership between the Australian Football League (AFL) and the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) is to be extended for a second year to encourage young Indigenous people to stay in school or training.
Federal Minister for Indigenous Employment and Minister for Sport, Senator Mark Arbib said the Learn. Earn. Legend! program was part of a commitment to closing the gap on Indigenous employment.
He said with the assistance of Government funding, the AFL had selected an Indigenous All Stars team to participate in the AFL Players Association Indigenous Camp from 29 January to 5 February 2011 and would encourage young Indigenous Australians to stay in school or training and become a legend in their community.
| AFL legend program extended |
Senator Arbib said the Indigenous All Stars team would be involved in education and career sessions, community visits, culminating in a game against the Richmond Tigers in Darwin.
“We know the best thing all kids can do is get a good education,” Senator Arbib said.
“We know the more education they have, whether that is school, TAFE, an apprenticeship or tertiary studies, the more likely they are to get a good job.”
He said Sydney Swans co-captain Adam Goodes was the AFL Learn. Earn. Legend! Ambassador for 2011.
Senator Arbib said business and sporting codes across Australia had come together to support the Learn. Earn. Legend! program and it would continue in 2011. He said the Commonwealth had provided the AFL with $375,000 to assist in hosting multiple events and programs throughout the year.
“2011 is a year filled with Learn. Earn. Legend! Events,” he said.
“In February we have Cricket Australia’s Imparja Cup Carnival, the National Rugby League’s All Stars Game and Youth Summit.
“The AFL will then assist in hosting four Indigenous career and employment expos during the 2011 AFL season.”
27 January, 2011
Water maps show
flood boundaries
A series of maps showing potential flood impacts along the River Murray has been produced by the Department for Water.
The Department said after a long period of drought the river was receiving increased flows over the South Australian border due to rainfall across the Murray-Darling Basin.
It said the additional flows were providing major environmental benefits but could also result in some low-lying areas being flooded.
The Department said the 51 maps it produced covered a stretch of the river from Morgan to Mannum and showed potential areas of inundation along the river and surrounding floodplain.
| Increased flows to impact on Murray |
It said this area had been mapped first because of the high number of structures, particularly holiday homes, on low-lying areas.
Mapping of other areas along the river was being undertaken and would be made available when completed.
The Department said the mapping was complementary to the River Murray Flow Advice which had been released by the Department for several weeks.
South Australia was likely to receive a peak flow of 80,000 ML/day in late January to early February, and high flows were expected to continue into March.
According to the Department, flows of this level had not been experienced since 1992 and many holiday homes along the river had changed ownership during that time.
It said a flow of this level did not pose a major risk to towns along the river, but some low-lying areas and floodplains could be affected.
The Department said the maps were indicative only and should only be used as a guide for broadscale risk management and planning, and should not be used to draw conclusions about flooding on individual properties.
The maps were available at this PS News link.
27 January, 2011
Soldiers marching
into Edinburgh
More than 1,000 soldiers are on their way to call Edinburgh home following a $750 million transformation of the Edinburgh Parks precinct in Adelaide’s north.
Premier Mike Rann said the 1,100-strong 7th Royal Australian Regiment Battle Group, as well as their families, would soon move into the state-of-the-art defence facility.
“By next week, there’s expected to be more than 550 soldiers operating from the base, growing to 700 by the end of the year,” Mr Rann said.
“The 7RAR Battalion – along with other elements of Army’s 1 Brigade - will continue to grow in line with Army planning to reach 1,100 personnel by 2014.”
| Battalion to call base home |
He said the Government campaigned for the Battalion to be relocated to Adelaide, because it consolidated the State’s position as the Defence State, and was expected to inject an additional $107 million into the state economy each year, with up to 1,900 people including partners and children, integrating into the northern suburbs.
Mr Rann said the Federal Government announced the relocation of the Battalion to South Australia in December 2005, and construction of new facilities on RAAF Base Edinburgh itself had been underway since 2008.
“This is the most extensive reconstruction of any Defence facility in Australia, with Defence spending about $750 million to upgrade or build new facilities, including accommodation, working and training facilities, a driver training area, a vehicle wash point and common use facilities for both Army and Air Force including health, mess, fitness and community facilities,” the Premier said.
“And residents in the greater Edinburgh Parks precinct are also benefiting through a $24 million package of infrastructure upgrades in the area, including significant upgrades to roads and transport corridors across Elizabeth and Salisbury.”
Mr Rann said in addition to general industry, the Greater Edinburgh Parks precinct incorporated the State’s existing major Defence facilities – the Defence Science and Technology Organisation and RAAF Base Edinburgh.
27 January, 2011
Time is right for
aged care report
A draft report on Australia’s aged care system by the Productivity Commission recommends the establishment of an independent new regulatory commission to recommend prices for aged care services and accommodation and be responsible for quality accreditation and complaints.
The recommendation is one of many in the Commission’s report Caring for Older Australians which is open for public comment.
Welcoming the report, the Federal Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler said the Commonwealth had tasked the Productivity Commission with undertaking a public inquiry to develop detailed options for redesigning Australia’s aged care system.
| Comment called on draft plans |
Mr Butler said he would wait for the PC’s final report in June before responding to any of its recommendations, adding that he would be guided through the process by the following three broad principles.
“First, every older Australian has earned the right to be able to access quality care and support that is appropriate to their needs, when they need it;
“Secondly, older Australians deserve greater choice and control over their care arrangements than the system currently provides; [and]
“Thirdly, funding arrangements for aged care need to be sustainable and fair, both for older Australians and for the broader community”.
The draft report says the system suffers several key weaknesses, including being difficult to navigate; the quantity of services was limited; there were gaps in service coverage and pricing; and subsidies and user co-contributions were inconsistent.
The report says that under the proposed reforms, older Australians would contact a simplified ‘gateway’; receive a flexible range of care and support services; choose to receive care at home or in a residential facility; and contribute in part to the cost of their care.
It says safety and quality standards would be retained.
Mr Butler said the report could be found at www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/aged-care/draft and written submissions would be received by Monday 21 March 2011.
He said public hearings would also be held in all capital cities except Darwin.
More information could be obtained by phoning (02) 6240 3233, visiting this PS News link, or emailing agedcare@pc.gov.au
27 January, 2011
Enhanced website to
click with parents
Enhancements to the Commonwealth’s MyChild website mean the site can now tell parents whether child care services have casual or ongoing vacancies.
Federal Minister for Child Care, Kate Ellis said the improvements to www.mychild.gov.au build upon recent website developments announced in November 2010.
“This is great news for parents and carers who may be looking for either casual or ongoing child care in their area,” Ms Ellis said.
“Families have told us they want useful, easy-to-access information about child care and MyChild is helping to meet these needs.”
| Extra features for MyChild |
She said the MyChild website provided a searchable database of more than 13,500 child care centres, including information on vacancies, locations, fees and services.
“Child care services can now display vacancies on the MyChild website for casual care by age group, for each day of the week that they are open,” Ms Ellis said
“Future improvements to MyChild will include information on session type, such as whether the vacancy is for a full day, half day or other session type.”
She said the Government would continue to improve and update the MyChild website, to ensure parents were getting the information they needed to make the best choices in child care for their children.
Ms Ellis said the Australian Government was committed to supporting parents and children, providing $18.2 billion over four years to improve the quality, affordability and accessibility of child care.
“Australian parents and families deserve to know that when they drop their children off to care, they will be well looked after,” she said.
“The MyChild website is part of our commitment to providing transparent information about child care to Australian families.”
Ms Ellis said more information about child care, vacancies and early childhood education was available at www.mychild.gov.au or parents could ring the Child Care Access Hotline on 1800 670 305 (8am to 9pm Monday to Friday).
27 January, 2011
Paper means business
for not-for-profits
A consultation paper has been released on the design of a new national regulator for the not-for-profit sector.
Assistant Federal Treasurer Bill Shorten said the paper sought the views of stakeholders to determine the precise role, functions, feasibility and design options for a “one-stop shop” regulator.
“The consultation paper marks the beginning of a reform process that will deliver smarter regulation, reduce red-tape and improve the transparency and accountability of the sector,” Mr Shorten said.
| National Regulator proposed |
“Without the work of Australia’s 600,000 not-for-profits and community organisations, many of our most disadvantaged and vulnerable citizens would not be able to access the vital services they require.”
Mr Shorten said commissioning the Commonwealth Treasury to undertake a scoping study for a national not-for-profit regulator delivered on an ALP election commitment to strengthen the sector.
He said the Treasury would use the consultation paper to seek the views of stakeholders on the goals and scope of national regulation, and the functions and form of a national regulator.
Federal Minister for Social Inclusion, Tanya Plibersek said the current regulatory framework was complex and placed a significant compliance burden on the sector, which was growing in size and importance.
“We want to make it easier for not-for-profits to do what they do best – help people,” Ms Plibersek said.
“A new national regulator should streamline reporting requirements, reduce compliance costs and provide certainty to not-for-profits about their rights and responsibilities.”
She said submissions in response to the paper would close on 25 February 2011 and the consultation paper was available on the Treasury’s website at www.treasury.gov.au
27 January, 2011
Farmers saved from
Salvation Jane
A 10-year project to bring the iconic weed Salvation Jane (aka Patterson’s Curse) under control has proven the value of biocontrol agents according to SARDI’s Susan Ivory.
Ms Ivory, from the South Australian Research and Development Institute, said that in1984 it was estimated that Salvation Jane had infested 4 million hectares in South Australia.
“The annual net cost of controlling Salvation Jane or Patterson’s curse in South Australia has been estimated at $2.3 million,” she said.
“Classical biological control was considered one of the best ways forward and the search for effective and host specific agents began.”
| Biocontrol agents effective |
Ms Ivory said that in 1995 SARDI joined a national project with CSIRO and the agricultural Departments in Victoria, NSW and Western Australia to rear, distribute and monitor biological control agents for the control of Salvation Jane.
She said the first agent, the crown weevil was released by SARDI Entomology’s Ken Henry in 1995 and by 2005, five biocontrol agents were in use in South Australia: the leaf mining moth; the crown weevil; the root weevil; the flea beetle and the pollen beetle.
In the last year of the project Ms Ivory and Mr Henry undertook 105 releases using insects mainly sourced from South Australian field sites.
“It’s such a great feeling when you can go from a few releases sourced in the lab or interstate to collecting thousands of insects with 10 to 30 enthusiastic people from all around the State,” Ms Ivory said.
She said SARDI data provided the key to the success of the project, telling the team which agents were working best under the different geographic and climatic conditions, and when sites were ready and the agents established sufficiently to become repositories for future field collection and distribution.
“Biocontrol is a long-term option for controlling weeds,” Ms Ivory said.
“In some cases it can take up to 30 years for populations of the agents to be sufficiently high across the landscape for effective suppression to occur.”
27 January, 2011
Urban trail opened
in blaze of PR
The recently completed Lynton to Belair Urban Trail has been officially opened.
The 1.6km track is a shared-use trail through Council reserves and was opened by the Commonwealth’s Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Senator Don Farrell and the Federal Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, Simon Crean.
Senator Farrell said the Australian Government had partnered with the South Australian Government and the City of Mitcham to complete the $710,000 project, contributing more than $600,000.
“This path makes a vital cycling and pedestrian connection between the Mitcham hills and the plains, providing a safer alternative to using local roads,” Senator Farrell said.
“The Council has designed the trail to accommodate horses and, importantly, emergency vehicles, which will be able to use the trail in the event of fires.”
He said the trail’s construction had included a number of additional measures to make it as safe and accessible as possible, including widened steep sections, stopping areas and signage at key points.
Mr Crean said the Australian Government contributed to the project under the $40 million National Bike Paths Projects.
“This program is another example of the Australian Government empowering local leaders and communities, to put forward important local infrastructure projects,” Mr Crean said.
“We have partnered together to identify the need, created by a growing number of recreational users of the area, and we have built the trail to meet it.”
27 January, 2011
Violence study
tackles trust
The Australian Institute of Criminology has found a lack of trust in the justice system and Government Agencies to be one of the factors preventing Indigenous Australians from reporting violence, especially family violence.
The AIC paper Non-disclosure of violence in Australian Indigenous communities was funded by the Australian Crime Commission’s National Indigenous Intelligence Task Force and showed that the interconnectedness of Indigenous society along with its rules and obligations tended to operate against disclosing victimisation.
| Identifies reasons for non-reporting |
Director of the AIC, Dr Adam Tomison, said that in some Indigenous communities violence was so widespread there was an expectation that it was inevitable and was something to be tolerated and not disclosed.
“Overall, Indigenous people experience violence (as offenders and victims) at rates two to five times those experienced by non-Indigenous people,” Dr Tomison said.
“This can be even higher in some remote communities and much higher for Indigenous women.”
He said Indigenous people were more likely to turn to their families and communities than police when victimised, due to a fear of being ostracised, causing more harm to their families and the possibility of disclosures leading to further violence in the community.
Dr Tomison said in addition, societal obligations and previous experiences with the criminal justice system were found to be barriers to disclosing violence, especially child abuse.
He said the paper showed some female victims feared that reporting violence might lead to their children being taken away.
Dr Tomison said a lack of Indigenous-specific victim support services and a lack of Indigenous staff within mainstream services were also found to reduce disclosure by Indigenous victims.
“It is essential that services take flexible culturally-secure approaches that respond to the diversity in Indigenous culture”, Dr Tomison said.
“Responses for Indigenous victims need to be developed in conjunction with Indigenous communities and incorporate Indigenous perspectives, while recognising the practicalities of service provision in this environment.”
27 January, 2011
Control program
shells oysters
A four-year program to control wild Pacific Oysters in the State’s main Oyster growing regions has concluded successfully.
Biosecurity SA’s Manager of Marine Biosecurity, Michael Sierp said the project in the Ceduna area was set to gain risk-free status.
He said risk-free status was a great achievement for the Oyster industry as it meant there were no significantly dense populations of wild Pacific Oysters in the area.
Dr Sierp said the Oyster industry was the second largest aquaculture sector in South Australia producing almost 5.8 million dozen oysters in 2008/09, valued at more than $32.6 million at the farm gate.
| Pests driven from growing regions |
He said growers had joined Government and industry representatives to clear more than 200,000 wild Pacific Oysters from Cape Beaufort, Matts Point, Thevenard reef (Denial Bay, Ceduna) and Cape Vivonne.
He said the Ceduna project was the largest area of significant wild Pacific Oyster colonisation in South Australia.
“We have previously surveyed and cleared Oysters from the Kingscote wharf on Kangaroo Island, Mount Dutton Bay, Port Douglas, Black Springs and the Brothers Islands in Coffin Bay and the shipping wharf at Thevenard,” he said.
“The Ceduna project comes off the back of the successful exercise in Coffin Bay last February also involving industry volunteers.
“With their support, we were able to clear about 100,000 wild Pacific Oysters across 25km of affected coastline.”
Dr Sierp said the South Australian Oyster Growers Association (SAOGA) delegates and growers who donated their labour, support vessels and time should be commended for their support of the program.
He said wild Pacific Oysters could become a threat to native biodiversity, could cause infringements on public amenity and infrastructure (through the formation of dense sharp reefs), and could compete with cultured Pacific Oysters to increase growing times.
27 January, 2011
Retail campaign could
be in for a shop
A marketing expert at the University of South Australia has cautioned retailers against calling to extend the GST to online purchases saying they could be shooting themselves in the foot.
Senior Research Associate at UniSA’s Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science, Svetlana Bogomolova said the campaign was likely to backfire for the retailers.
“So far this retailer campaign has done a great job of reminding the Australian public that buying online from overseas is much cheaper,” Dr Bogomolova said.
“It is well known that Australians are yet to catch up to the rest of the developed world in online shopping.”
She said more Australians might now consider overseas online shopping as an alternative to their traditional shopping from Australian retailers.
Dr Bogomolova, a brand expert, said it was also creating a public image issue for big business.
“The heavy media campaign could portray Australian retailers as greedy giants prepared to go a long way to eliminate their competition,” she said.
“That won’t help them in a battle against the growing popularity of overseas online venders, who may now appear friendlier than ever due to their flexibility and the convenience of shipment options, not to mention a much wider range and lower prices.”
Dr Bogomolova said the retailers’ campaign was based on a flawed argument that’s more likely to annoy consumers than boost sales.
“The tax proposed could only affect a tiny portion of sales, 1.5 per cent at the most, or even less if a portion of the 3 per cent of online sales is worth more than $1,000 and is already taxed, so, contrary to what the big Australian retailers are asserting, this measure is unlikely to save many retail jobs,” she said.
“The cost of creating infrastructure to enable the Australian Government to charge the tax could be much higher than the potential gain of its introduction.”
27 January, 2011
Numbers up for
phone report
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a consultation paper on the future of telephone numbers.
Entitled Customer location information and numbering data, the paper says that while telephone numbers have provided a successful way of conveying a range of information to allow call connections, provide price details, as well as identify customer name and locations, the information is under pressure as alternative communications devices and services become more widely adopted.
Chairman of ACMA, Chris Chapman, said some of the pressures on numbering included the dominance of mobile phones and the decline in landline phones which led to callers being more often dynamic than fixed; the growth of IP-based voice services, which were not constrained to fixed locations; and the widespread use of alternative communications services that did not use numbers at all, including chat and social network services.
| Consultation paper explores future |
He said these pressures also impacted on location data used by emergency services.
“Finding alternative models to enable communication services and networks to provide accurate and dynamic location information to emergency services in an all-IP environment will be a key challenge for the future,” Mr Chapman said.
He said the consultation paper sought views on the role telephone numbers should play in a future communications environment; how the Numbering Plan could support bridging in the current communications environment; and the future extent to which numbers could and should be used to achieve policy objectives or support call routing, charging and other functions of carriage service providers.
“This work program is not about immediate changes, but is interested in identifying transition paths in the medium term that will take advantage of opportunities to capture, and on-forward information created by new technology in the medium term,” Mr Chapman said.
He said ACMA would accept responses until 18 March 2011.
27 January, 2011
Water use down
South Australians have dropped their daily water use by a third over the last 10 years, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistic (ABS).
According to the statistics, between 2000-01 and 2009-10, the average daily water use by South Australian households fell from 756 litres to 501 litres.
In 2003, the introduction of Permanent Water Conservation Measures saw average daily water use fall from 762 litres ( 2002-03) to 644 litres (2003-04) - a 15 per cent decrease.
Another decline happened in 2007 - Level 3 Water Enhancement Restrictions came into effect with a further reduction of around 100 litres per day.
Cup day call a loser
A request from the racing industry to move the Adelaide Cup holiday from March has been rejected.
Minister for Industrial Relations, Paul Holloway said it was in the interests of the South Australian public for the public holiday to remain in March to coincide with the many major events now held at that time of the year.
Mr Holloway said the Government would be seeking the Governor’s approval to proclaim the second Monday in March as the public holiday in 2012 under the Holidays Act 1910.
He said it would also consider an amendment to the Act which would permanently adopt the second Monday in March as a public holiday.
Media claims rejected
WorkCover SA has rejected media claims that changes to its legislation had led to an increase in injured workers committing suicide.
WorkCover said story of 14 January’s Advertiser was incorrect.
“Any such claim or inference is not consistent with the facts and is not true,” It said in a statement.
Blue line gets thicker
Twenty new police graduates have been sworn into South Australia’s police force and will shortly join more than 4,400 other officers on the beat.
The seven women and 13 men are aged between 21 and 50 years and have completed 36 weeks of intense training.
All 20 members will be posted to metropolitan Local Service Areas while they complete the initial phase of their probationary constable training.
Per capita, South Australia continues to lead the nation, having highest rate of sworn police officers of any Australian State.
A total of 106 cadets, 81 men and 25 women remain in training at the Police Academy.
Bike path honours cyclist
Adelaide’s newest bike path has been named in honour of cyclist Lance Armstrong.
The LiveStrong Pathway is a shared use cycling and walking path adjacent to the tramline from City West to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
LiveStrong is Mr Armstrong’s foundation, which aims to improve the lives of people affected with cancer.
The shared use path, along the western edge of Bonython Park, was constructed during the tramline extension to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre and the 1.5km pathway was completed in late August 2010 but wasn’t named at the time.
Mining permits awarded
Four offshore exploration permits have been awarded in the Great Australian Bight creating the potential for almost $1.5 billion in spending on the search for petroleum.
The permits have been granted to BP Exploration (Alpha) Ltd and extend from the continental edge in water depths of 200m increasing to depths up to 4000m in the central Ceduna Sub-basin.
The new permit areas lie in Commonwealth waters, and are jointly administered with the South Australian Government.
A location map of the four permit areas can be found online at: this PS News link.
Wind farm loses steam
The major project declaration for the Myponga/Sellicks Hill Wind Farm has been revoked.
TrustPower has declined to proceed with the wind farm as approved in November 2003, despite being given a deadline of September 2010 to begin substantial construction work.
In 2009, the company was given a 12-month deadline to begin construction or risk having the declaration revoked.
After more than seven years of delays it is no longer appropriate to grant further extensions to this development approval and so the Governor has revoked this major project declaration.
20 January, 2011
Experts flow north
for flood assistance
South Australia has been quick to respond to the Queensland flood emergency by providing specialist agency staff as well as police, firefighters and other emergency services to assist with the State’s recovery.
Minister for Families and Communities Jennifer Rankine said a group of 20 South Australians from State Government agencies would provide critical assistance to victims of the flooding.
“One team of 10 workers will staff recovery centres where they will provide information to people and families affected by the floods about financial assistance and other help available,” Ms Rankine said.
“The other team will be outreach workers who will visit people impacted by the flooding to offer information and support.”
She said the workers would remain in Brisbane for at least two weeks.
Police Commissioner Mal Hyde said the first contingent of 13 SAPOL officers had also arrived in Queensland.
He said 12 of the officers would join Operation Safeguard, a taskforce established to help keep Brisbane’s streets safe during the flood clean-up and the other officer, from
SAPOL’s Media Section, would work with the Queensland Police media team to assist with the ongoing need to distribute timely public information.
South Australia had also provided an initial 10 Metropolitan Fire Service firefighters and two Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) specialists with swift water rescue skills.
MFS Chief Officer, Grant Lupton said all 12 MFS staff would form part of a national USAR task force managed by the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and coordinated by Queensland Police.
“One of the main tasks our firefighters will likely carry out on arrival in Queensland is to conduct searches and rescues using specialist equipment and training,” Mr Lupton said.
The firefighters are in addition to the 41 SES volunteers and staff who have also flown to Queensland to provide support to their Queensland colleagues.
South Australians wanting to make a personal contribution to the flood relief effort can do so at this PS News link.
20 January, 2011
Councils stand by
to lend a hand
South Australian Councils are standing by ready to help their Queensland colleagues in the long and difficult rebuilding phase after the current floods.
President of the Local Government Association (SA), Mayor Felicity-ann Lewis said that while emergency services personnel were doing a fantastic job under dreadful conditions in Queensland as the emergency continued, it would be when the floodwaters receded and rebuilding began that the LGA would be the most useful.
“While our thoughts and prayers are certainly with the people of Queensland at this dreadful time we also have to look at the practicalities that the State is in a state of disaster and the clean up and repair job is going to take months,” Mayor Lewis said.
“We have offered to coordinate a ‘maintenance team’ of volunteers from SA Councils to assist Queensland Councils in any way that they need us.”
She said much of the community infrastructure, including roads, bridges and buildings had been either totally annihilated or significantly damaged and would need to be completely rebuilt.
“The State emergency services personnel and all other relief people working in Queensland at the moment are doing a fantastic job under dreadful conditions but the work of re-building will begin when the floodwaters recede and this is when we can help our colleagues in Queensland,” Mayor Lewis said.
She said well-meaning people were being encouraged not to send foodstuffs and other material until a relief system was properly coordinated as unsolicited donations could cause storage and distribution problems for relief workers.
Mayor Lewis said conditions in northern NSW and in Victoria, where flooding had been predicted, were also being monitored and offers of assistance would be given if required.
Mayor Lewis said cash donations could be made by phoning the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Fund on 1800 219 028.
20 January, 2011
Danger warning
for Murray Mouth
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has issued a public warning on potentially dangerous water conditions at the Murray Mouth.
District Ranger, Coorong and Lakes District, Simon Oster said fast-flowing water was exiting the Coorong and Lower Lakes system out to sea, creating hazardous conditions for people boating or swimming in the area.
“Boat operators intending to traverse or anchor within the Murray Mouth precinct will encounter stronger than normal currents and tidal movements,” Mr Oster said.
“The fast movement of sand will cause changes to the safe navigation passage for boats, while underpowered vessels, sail boats or people using kayaks may encounter difficulties due to strong currents – these people are advised to consider giving the Murray Mouth a wide berth at this time.”
He said visitors accessing the site from both Sir Richard Peninsula and Hindmarsh Island were also warned not to enter the water, and to keep a close watch on children playing along the water’s edge.
Mr Oster said conditions were not likely to ease any time soon, with strong River Murray flow predicted to continue for some time.
He said boat operators visiting the Murray Mouth should stay well clear of barrage releases into the Coorong as water was extremely fast flowing and could pose a serious threat to public safety.
Mr Oster said operators should observe the 150m “no-go zone” regulation that applied around barrage structures (unless intending to use the locks at Tauwitchere or Goolwa barrages).
He said in addition, the State Emergency Service offered the following advice to visitors to the River Murray and Murray Mouth: be aware of the risks of faster flowing water when travelling on, or swimming in, the water; be aware that branches and other hazardous debris may be hidden below the surface of the river, along with submerged objects; and regularly monitor water levels in the local area and take care not to become isolated by rising water, particularly if camping or travelling near the water’s edge.
20 January, 2011
Archives agreement
sets records straight
The State and Federal Governments are to co-locate their archive records services at South Australian State Records’ City Research Centre.
Academics, researchers, genealogists, students and the general public will be able to access federal, state and local government records from the one central location.
Minister Assisting the Premier in Public Sector Management Paul Holloway said it was a fundamental principle of any democratic society that citizens were able to access public information and examine the performance of their governments.
“To ensure this happens, records documenting the decision-making process of government and citizen entitlements must be retained, preserved and made available to the public,” Mr Holloway said.
“Once archives from all three tiers of government can be searched and accessed from the one site at Leigh Street in the city, this will create a convenient and efficient way for the public to gain the information they need.”
Commonwealth Minister for Freedom of Information Brendan O’Connor said the co-location of archival services would ensure South Australians could access a variety of government records from one convenient location.
“The Government is making changes across the federal sphere to ensure a more open and accountable Government and this is one more way we’re achieving that,” Mr O’Connor said.
He also said the Commonwealth would return to South Australia archival records that were transferred interstate in 2000.
“This is being done in acknowledgement of South Australia’s 175th anniversary this year and will complement moves to co-locate records,” Mr O’Connor said.
He said that, coinciding with the anniversary, South Australian Colonial post, railway and customs records held in Sydney would be returned as part of the co-location.
20 January, 2011
Feedback sought on
WorkCover review
Community feedback is being sought on a review of the South Australian WorkCover Scheme.
The review, initiated by Minister for Industrial Relations Paul Holloway, will consider the impact of the amendments to the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1986 (the principal Act) made in 2008.
In 2007 the Government commissioned an independent review of the South Australian WorkCover Scheme. The Clayton Walsh Review made 65 recommendations which led to the changes to the Scheme made by the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation (Scheme Review) Amendment Act 2008 (the Amendment Act).
Mr Holloway said Bill Cossey and Chris Latham would undertake the review of Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation (Scheme Review) Amendment Act 2008 (the Amendment Act).
He said Bill Cossey was a highly respected independent consultant and Chris Latham was a senior partner at PriceWaterhouseCoopers with more than 20 years experience in providing advice on the operation of accident compensation schemes.
Mr Holloway said the review would begin on 24 January and the review team was expected to finalise their report within four months.
He said the Terms of Reference for the review were set out in Schedule 2 of the Amendment Act which required the independent reviewer to assess: the impact of the amending Act on workers who have suffered compensable disabilities and been affected by the operation of the Act; the impact of the amending Act on levies paid by employers under Part 5 of the principal Act; and the impact of the amending Act on the sufficiency of the Compensation Fund to meet the liabilities of the WorkCover Corporation of South Australia under the principal Act.
Submissions, to be received by 4 March, should be provided in writing to: 2011 WorkCover Review, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, GPO Box 2343, SA 5001; or via email to: 2011workcoverreview@sa.gov.au
20 January, 2011
Planning has numbers
in population squeeze
A new set of population projections produced by the Department of Planning and Local Government shows South Australia could be home to 2.28 million people by 2036.
According to the Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Paul Holloway the projections reinforce the need to plan ahead.
Mr Holloway said the report: Population Projections for South Australia and Statistical Divisions 2006-2036 shows the State’s population grew from 1.51 million at the 2001 census to 1.57 million by the 2006 census and was projected to grow to 1.67 million by the 2011 Census.
He said the projections contained in the report included a high, medium and low series and were designed to flexibly cater for a range of future population outcomes to 2036.
Mr Holloway said that by the end of the projection period in 2036, the state’s population was projected to be 1.88 million, 2.09 million and 2.28 million under the low, medium and high series respectively.
He said under the medium series the state would achieve a population of 2 million by 2030 which was consistent with the 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide forecasts of 2 million by 2027.
“The report also shows that the population of the state will continue to age under all projection series, and that we need to plan for this in terms of the choices of housing available to older people,” Mr Holloway said.
He said the report indicated that under all projection series the number of people of working age (18-64 years) was projected to increase by between 8 per cent (low series) and 31 per cent (high series) by 2036.
“This forecast reinforces the need to plan for an adequate supply of both housing and employment land for the 258,000 new homes and 282,000 new jobs required to house and employ Adelaide’s growing population,” Mr Holloway said.
The full report is available online at this PS News link.
20 January, 2011
SA Health warning
puts bite on mozzies
SA Health has warned people to guard against mosquito bites following a spike in the number of mosquito borne infections reported in the first weeks of January.
Director of Health Protection, Dr Chris Lease said people in the Riverland and Murray Mallee areas were being reminded to protect themselves as the numbers of infections across the State were already higher than last year.
“There have been 147 cases of Ross River virus (RRv) and Barmah Forest virus
(BFv) across SA this year so far, with 28 of these from residents living in the Riverland,” Dr Lease said.
He said this compared with only 11 cases across the State at the same time last year.
Dr Lease said mozzies bred anywhere there was still or pooled water and the high levels of water in the Murray River and the Murray Darling basin had created optimal breeding conditions.
He said while mosquito bites might seem more annoying than harmful, they could potentially spread serious diseases, such as RRv and BFv.
Dr Lease said the symptoms caused by these infections may vary in severity from person to person and could include joint pain, rash, fever, fatigue or muscle pain.
“While most people will recover completely in a few weeks, anyone suffering from symptoms should contact their doctor for advice,” he said.
Dr Lease said there were a number of simple things that people could do to protect themselves from mosquito bites, including: covering up with long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing and using an insect repellent containing either DEET or Picaridin.
He said people could also reduce the number of potential mosquito breeding sites around their home by emptying or discarding containers that could hold water such as pot plant drip trays, bottles, cans and tyres.
Information on how to Fight the bite! and protect against mosquito bites and infections is available at this PS News link or from your local council.
20 January, 2011
Part-time solution to
Commissioner’s job
The position of Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement has been divided into two part-time positions.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, Grace Portolesi said Klynton Wanganeen, a Narungga-Ngarrindjeri descendant, had been reappointed to the position he had held since January 2008, however, in recognition of the important work he was doing at the national level, his appointment had been made part-time.
“This will enable Mr Wanganeen to continue on the National Executive of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples,” Ms Portolesi said.
She said the second part-time position would be filled by Khatija Thomas, who had substantial experience as a solicitor practising in the areas of native title and family law.
“The appointment of Ms Thomas to the role of Commissioner will provide a strong voice for Aboriginal women in South Australia,” Ms Portolesi said.
“Ms Thomas is a Kokatha woman who brings significant knowledge of the complexities of issues facing local and regional Aboriginal family groups and communities.”
She said Ms Thomas would be focusing her work in specific sectors of the Aboriginal community to achieve better outcomes in school retention.
“This specific focus is in addition to the wider role the Commissioners will continue to take in publicly advocating for greater understanding and connections between the broader community and Aboriginal South Australians,” Ms Portolesi said.
“The Commissioners will also continue to consult with non-government organisations and peak Aboriginal bodies and representing their views to the State Government.”
She said Mr Wanganeen had been a strong and dedicated advocate through his role as Commissioner and she was sure the new changes to the position and the appointment of Ms Thomas would add to the work that had already been done.
20 January, 2011
Bandwidth overhaul
for government radio
New arrangements to simplify and harmonise all Government’s use of the radio spectrum are expected to help State and Federal Emergency Services ‘interoperate’ better.
After a comprehensive review of spectrum arrangements in the 400 MHz band, the Commonwealth’s Australian Communications and Media Authority has released implementation plans and timeframes for the new arrangements.
Chairperson of ACMA, Chris Chapman said the change should reduce congestion in the band, harmonise government spectrum, and promote greater opportunities for new and emerging technologies.
“The harmonisation of government spectrum use in the 400 MHz band provides an unprecedented opportunity for significant gains in essential and emergency service interoperability between and amongst State and Federal government agencies,’’ Mr Chapman said.
“ACMA hopes that this harmonisation will mark the beginning of a new era in Government radio communications use through the development of large, efficient, integrated networks for emergency services and other vital government objectives.”
He said the review’s release also gave industry the certainty it needed to plan for the future and take advantage of the longer term benefits offered by the new arrangements.
He said ACMA acknowledged that transitioning to the new arrangements would be challenging for many users, but believed the implementation plans maximised the benefits of the review while minimising disruption and costs to existing licensees.
Mr Chapman said it was intended to finalise transition to the arrangements by 31 December 2015 in congested areas, and by 31 December 2018 in others.
The Way Ahead – Timeframes and Implementation Plans for the 400MHz Band is available on the ACMA website at this PS News link.
20 January, 2011
Migration plan to
beat skills drought
The State and Federal Governments have signed a new State Migration Plan to help South Australia meet its need for skilled workers.
Minister for Industry and Trade, Tom Koutsantonis said the plan specified the occupations that were available for state sponsorship in the “general skilled” category for 2010-11.
“This Plan recognises that there are specific occupations required by South Australia’s industry sectors in order for the state to build a prosperous economy,” Mr Koutsantonis said.
“With more than $80 billion of major projects underway or in the pipeline, and strong prospects of outperforming the national economy over the next decade, there is a demand for skills in South Australia that may not be met by our local workforce.”
He said there were 258 occupations on the State Migration Plan, some of which were unique to South Australia.
Mr Koutsantonis said that under the plan, there would be an overall target for visa grants each year, and for 2010-11, South Australia’s quota was 4,890 visa grants, which included primary applicants and their dependants.
He said South Australia’s sponsorship policy was also designed to support international students who studied in South Australia, offering pathways for those with a high likelihood of employment.
Federal Minister for Immigration Chris Bowen said State Migration Plans were agreements between individual states and territories, which specified an overall number of applicants that each state and territory could nominate, and what occupations they could nominate skilled migrants to work in.
“The implementation of State Migration Plans will provide flexibility for state and territory governments to nominate skilled migrants in a broader range of occupations than are currently offered on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL),” Mr Bowen said.
He said the Plans represented a change in emphasis within the national skilled migration program, giving a higher priority to state-sponsored migrants.
South Australia’s nominated occupations and associated eligibility criteria are listed on the Immigration SA website this PS News link.
20 January, 2011
Tattoo law changes
to make their mark
Proposed changes to the laws governing tattooing and body modification that expand their ban for minors have been announced by the Attorney General, John Rau.
Mr Rau has opened public consultation on the draft Summary Offences (Tattooing, Body Piercing and Body Modification) Amendment Bill 2011.
He said all of the procedures in the Bill were associated with a level of risk and complications and had been known to have long lasting, if not permanent affects on the body, including permanent disfigurement.
“It is important that the health, safety and wellbeing of South Australia’s young people is protected,” Mr Rau said.
“In the case of minors it is appropriate for their parents and guardians to be aware of the risks associated with these procedures.”
He said some procedures, including those with the greatest risk to health or the most permanent and damaging to the body, would be prohibited to minors, reducing the pressure some parents must feel when asked to provide consent.
“We are seeking the community’s view about the draft Bill and thoughts on the impact of the changes from both a consumer and an industry point of view,” Mr Rau said.
He said public consultation was invited on the draft, which included the following proposed reforms: prohibiting minors from obtaining “branding, scarification or implantation” irrespective of consent; prohibiting minors from obtaining genital, tongue, nipple, neck and other serious and invasive piercing irrespective of consent; and requiring minors to obtain consent from a parent or guardian for piercing of the eyebrow, nose, or naval.
Mr Rau said that under the existing legislation the penalty for unlawfully tattooing a minor was $1,250 or three months imprisonment.
“The Bill proposes to increase these penalties to deter those who would consider breaching the legislation with a maximum penalty for unlawful procedures of $5,000 or 12 months imprisonment,” Mr Rau said.
The draft is released for a six week public consultation and will be available on the Attorney-General’s website at this PS News link.
20 January, 2011
Locust plague still
bugs farmers
The war against plague locusts is far from over according to Biosecurity SA which has called on landholders to keep reporting sightings.
South Australian locust response incident controller, Michael McManus, said calls to the locust hotline about egg laying and second generation hatching, as well as reports of low to medium density adult swarms, had significantly increased since the start of the year.
“Most calls continue to come from the Riverland and Mallee region, but we’ve also received sightings from the Mid North and northern Barossa through to metropolitan suburbs such as Tea Tree Gully and Golden Grove,” Mr McManus said.
“While our spring spraying program – covering approximately 475,000ha – was successful in avoiding crop damage and reducing the migration of high density swarms, it was impossible to prevent some locusts reaching maturity and becoming an aerial threat elsewhere.”
He said there was a chance of seeing flying adult locusts, with sightings of second generation hatchings (from eggs laid by locusts last December) also likely to result in an increase in hopper nymphs and hopper bands being observed into February.
“We strongly encourage people, especially producers, to report egg laying and sightings of second generation locusts to the locust hotline (1800 833 451), so we can accurately assess the risks,” Mr McManus said.
He said Biosecurity SA would not be spraying adult locusts and all landholders were reminded it was their primary responsibility to control locusts on their property. This included council-owned land such as recreation ovals.
“Flying adults are difficult to combat, but there is an opportunity for people to spray at dusk and dawn when locusts have settled on the ground,” Mr McManus said.
He said eligible landholders were reminded to lodge chemical rebate applications no later than 31 March this year.
For more information, including fact sheets, situation updates and chemical rebate applications, visit this PS News link.
20 January, 2011
Regions the focus
of skills training
Skills training in regional areas is to be boosted over the next six months with the South Australia Works program receiving an extra $3 million in funding.
Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Jack Snelling said the funding had been allocated to the new Working Regions program which aimed to increase workforce development and participation across the state.
“This funding will allow more than 3,950 South Australians to either gain a job over the next six months or take part in learning, training and skills development programs to help them get a job in the future,” Mr Snelling said.
“The funding is being boosted by a further $462,000 over the next six months in additional funding leveraged from other State, Commonwealth and Local Government agencies, industry and community organisations.”
He said South Australia Works was the State Government’s workforce participation program linking people with skills and jobs, while simultaneously helping industry and employers to have access to and keep a skilled workforce.
“A recent review of South Australia Works recommended further strengthening the already successful regional approach to skills delivery and employment programs in local communities aimed at supporting people who want to work, but face barriers in entering or re-entering the workforce,” Mr Snelling said.
“The 17 South Australia Works networks across the State work in partnership with Regional Development Australia Boards, Local Government and economic development agencies to identify the challenges facing regions in improving workforce participation in their communities,” he said.
The Minister said these networks were well placed to know what skills were needed by local business and industry and what skills would provide their people with sustainable jobs.
“They also increase the ability of local communities to respond effectively and quickly to changes in skills needs and employment opportunities,” Mr Snelling said.
“South Australia Works supports the State Government’s Jobs Strategy to create 100,000 new jobs and an additional 100,000 apprenticeships and training places over the next six years.”
20 January, 2011
History grants to
make history
Forty-one community groups are to receive grants of up to $3,000 to encourage participation in the State’s 175th anniversary this year.
The Minister Assisting the Premier in the Arts, John Hill said more than $100,000 in grants would help South Australians share their history during the anniversary of European settlement.
“This funding kick-starts an exciting range of activities during the 175th anniversary next year,” Mr Hill said.
“South Australians are passionate about telling their story, and celebrating the role their communities have played in forming our diverse, vibrant society.”
He said the funding meant that now even more South Australians could get involved in celebrating their State’s history.
Mr Hill said some of the projects receiving funding under the grant scheme included: Splash Theatre Company – to develop a performance about CJ Dennis and his life growing up in the State’s Mid-North; Nunkuwarrin Yunti of South Australia – to record oral history interviews; and Adelaide Colonial Dancers – to hold a Colonial Costume Ball in the Adelaide Town Hall.
He said other projects to be funded were: Australian Refugee Association – to produce a series of short films by young people from refugee backgrounds; Flinders University – to hold a series of public lectures by prominent historians; and Living Kaurna Cultural Centre – to re-enact first contact between Kaurna and European settlers.
Mr Hill said the grant fund was part of a total commitment of $229,000 in State Government funding to mark the 175th anniversary.
He said the remainder of the funding would be directed towards the month-long History Festival, About Time, where around 90,000 people were expected to take part in more than 400 events.
Mr Hill said that as well as the festival and the Government-funded community projects, there would be a range of other activities reflecting important moments in the history of South Australia.
20 January, 2011
Remote housing
exceeds targets
A program of building new houses for Indigenous families in remote Northern Territory communities exceeded its targets in 2010.
Federal Minister for Housing and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin said almost 1,200 Indigenous families in remote communities were provided with improved housing under the Strategic Indigenous Housing and Infrastructure Program.
She said 174 new houses had been built and 1,023 rebuilds and refurbishments were now finished, exceeding the target of 150 new houses and 1,000 rebuilds and refurbishments by 31 December 2010.
Ms Macklin said the program was also exceeding its 20 per cent Indigenous employment target, with more than 30 per cent of the workforce made up of Indigenous employees.
She said decent housing and reduced overcrowding was essential for protecting children, improving health, education and employment and re-building positive community norms.
She said the program was one element of the National Partnership Agreement on Remote Indigenous Housing which is delivering $5.5 billion nationally over 10 years to tackle the housing backlog across remote Australia.
The Minister said this included $1.7 billion for remote housing and housing related infrastructure in the Northern Territory.
She said exceeding the 2010 SIHIP targets confirmed the Australian and Northern Territory Governments’ recent decision to accelerate delivery of housing and housing-related infrastructure in the Northern Territory under the National Partnership.
She said the Governments’ SIHIP commitment of 750 new houses, 230 rebuilds and 2,500 refurbishments would be delivered within the SIHIP budget.
Ms Macklin said by accelerating the National Partnership, the Governments would also build about 180 new houses and 180 rebuilds in the Northern Territory under the National Partnership sooner than anticipated.
She said the Governments were rolling out new houses, rebuilds and refurbishments in the Northern Territory as quickly as possible so that families could live in safe and healthy homes.
20 January, 2011
New strategy for
ports floated
A new national strategy to improve the efficiency and productivity of Australia’s ports has been put to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) by Infrastructure Australia and the National Transport Commission and welcomed by industry groups.
Chief Executive of the peak body Infrastructure Partnerships Australia, Brendan Lyon said the Commonwealth’s new National Ports Strategy offered an important opportunity to address some of Australia’s most significant productivity challenges and safeguard Australia’s global competitiveness.
“The Ports Strategy offers a uniting national plan that will end the variable approach to long-term infrastructure planning and support Australia’s sea ports through this century of growth,” Mr Lyon said.
“Planning for future growth is essential to ensure that our ports continue to be competitive global gateways, not supply chain bottlenecks.”
He said in the coming few decades, the volume of freight Australia needed to move through its ports and across road and rail connections would more than triple.
“Business has long argued for a coordinated, national approach to deal effectively with growth across the national freight network and the National Ports Strategy is a good first step,” Mr Lyon said.
“One of the principle outcomes of the Strategy will be a requirement for port authorities to develop long-term master plans that consider the future transport connections that will be needed and ensure that steps are taken now to protect the land corridors that will be required for these in the future.”
He said protecting infrastructure corridors would help avoid the mistakes of the past, by setting aside now the land needed to accommodate growth in 50 years time.
“The strategy also recommends important reforms in terms of streamlining planning and approval measures, giving greater investment certainty and allowing for efficient infrastructure delivery,” Mr Lyon said.
“The benchmarking of the actual performance of each port against national and international competitors will also provide much greater visibility about where our most urgent shortfalls are.”
The National Ports Strategy can be accessed at this PS News link.
20 January, 2011
Hospital plans online
The development application for the new Royal Adelaide Hospital is now available online.
The publication of the Category Two application will enable local land owners to inspect and comment on the proposal before it is considered by the independent Development Assessment Commission (DAC).
A copy of the application will be available for download from the DAC website: www.dac.sa.gov.au and the Adelaide City Council website www.adelaidecitycouncil.com
Interested parties have 10 business days from the date of notification to submit written comments to DAC on the proposed development.
The notification process for the new Royal Adelaide Hospital ends at 5pm on 25 January.
Firefighters graduate
Eighteen South Australians have graduated as the State’s newest firefighters.
The new recruits were selected from a strong field of hundreds of applicants who applied to join the Metropolitan Fire Service as professional firefighters.
They have completed an intensive, 14-week training course, which involved general fire fighting exercises, breathing apparatus training, operating in confined spaces, compartment fire fighting and technical rescue.
All MFS firefighters are encouraged to commit to life-long learning and to explore specialist areas within the fire service such as community safety, training, urban search and rescue, operations, infrastructure and logistics, communications, road crash rescue and hazardous materials.
WorkCover reappoints lawyers
Minter Ellison has been reappointed as WorkCoverSA’s principal legal provider for the next two years, with the opportunity for an extension for up to a further three and a half years.
WorkCover conducted a thorough and rigorous six month procurement process to appoint a legal service provider for workers compensation claims.
Minter Ellison were reappointed, as of 1 January, based on their ability to provide the best outcome for the WorkCover Scheme.
Broadband links
The company building the National Broadband Network has announced new arrangements to provide fibre broadband infrastructure in new estates.
From 1 January, developers of broadacre developments can apply to have fibre infrastructure installed by NBN Co.
The company has recorded more than 70 online applications since New Year’s Day.
Homes and businesses in new development will be among the first to be connected to the fast speeds offered over the National Broadband Network.
Tram depot upgrade
The first stage of the Glengowrie Tram depot upgrade has been completed.
Minister for Transport Patrick Conlon said the addition of six Citadis trams to the current tram fleet presented the perfect opportunity to upgrade the depot.
He said the new “home” would increase the stabling and maintenance capacity of the depot and improve the operational and staff facilities for increasing staff numbers.
In addition to the remodelling within the tram barn maintenance facility, there was now an automated tram wash for cleaning the Flexity class and Citadis trams, he said.
Port development
A proposed $455 million deep-water port on the Eyre Peninsula has been declared a major development.
The deep-water port at Sheep Hill between Tumby Bay and Port Neill will also provide an opportunity for local mining and grains industries to have effective access to international markets.
Premier Mike Rann said the site was ideal for a deep water port with a capacity to handle up to 20 million tonnes annually.
The major development declaration enables the independent Development Assessment Commission to set the guidelines for the proponent to undertake an environmental impact study, a Public and Environmental Report or Development Report – whichever is deemed to be the most appropriate.
Sardine catch remains
The Total Allowable Commercial Catch for the 2011 sardine season is to remain at 34,000 tonnes.
Minister for Fisheries Michael O’Brien said the South Australian sardine stock remained in a strong position thanks to conservative fisheries management measures and a cooperative and flexible approach by industry.
He said sardine licensees could also now fish for anchovies with a preliminary TACC of 1,000 tonnes.
A review of fishing activity will be conducted by industry, Primary Industries and Resources SA and SARDI following the first year of the preliminary Anchovy TACC.
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