SearchArchives for June 2010
29 June, 2010Online support in
line for families
A new approach to service delivery for families has been announced by Minister for Child Protection, Robyn McSweeney.Based on the website, www.whereto.org.au, Mrs McSweeney said the new policy would introduce commonsense and provide better support, referral and targeted information services.
The Minister said the website would provide a tailored and integrated online and telephone service that would be developed across metropolitan and regional areas from 2010-2012
She said she hoped successful use of the website would help families avoid following a statutory child protection path.
“The first phase of this exciting initiative will start this December with the establishment of the service in Midland, Armadale, Joondalup and the South-West,” Mrs McSweeney said.
“By 2012, the whole of Western Australia will have integrated secondary family support services, connecting services within regions to improve the way in which help is provided to vulnerable children, young people and families.”
She said whereto.org.au would provide easier and earlier access to services; more personalised approaches to address complex issues; strengthened links between services for children and adults; and make case management for families available earlier and over a longer period of time for families.
“The establishment of this service will ensure the State is better positioned to manage the anticipated increase in demand in child protection services following the expansion of mandatory reporting in 2012,” Mrs McSweeney said.
Funding of $1.4 million in 2010-11 and $5.6 million over four years was announced in the State Budget to enable the non-Government sector to establish whereto.org.au across WA.
29 June, 2010
Unhealthy outlook
for hospital
An audit of the Fiona Stanley Hospital project has found it could face further time and cost overruns.Auditor General, Colin Murphy said in his audit report that unless action was taken to address risks, the already seriously troubled project could face further problems.
Mr Murphy said his report, Fiona Stanley Hospital Project, showed the hospital was running the risk of further cost increases and time delays and might not be fully operational when it opens.
He said the current capital budget was $1.76 billion, $1.3 billion more than the original estimate of $420 million and the current opening date of May 2014 was four years later than originally planned.
“This project is about more than putting up a building, it’s about delivering a working hospital for the community,” Mr Murphy said.
His report found there was no transition plan in place, workforce planning was behind schedule despite the need to have more than 2,000 staff recruited and new technology and patient administration systems might not be tested in time for the hospital opening.
“Without effective management of these risks, the opening of the hospital may be further delayed, may cost more and the hospital may not deliver all the planned services to patients when it opens,” Mr Murphy said.
The report also found additional risks remained around the awarding of a second building contract and a facilities management contract.
The Fiona Stanley Hospital is Western Australia’s largest-ever building project, but Mr Murphy said it lacked robust financial and project management systems.
While WA Health is responsible for the overall project management and budget, the Department of Treasury and Finance’s Office of Strategic Projects has been overseeing the building since 2009 on behalf of the Minister for Works.
The Auditor General’s report, including a summary of findings and recommendations, could be viewed at www.audit.wa.gov.au
29 June, 2010
Police sniff at
snout program
Western Australia Police has signed a five-year contract for specialised technology to help recruit, handle and manage confidential informants.The deal, with covert policing software specialist ABM, will see police provided with the abmpegasus suite of cutting-edge covert management tools.
The package encompasses the recruitment, handling and management of confidential informants, increasing informant performance and accountability.
Deputy Commissioner at WA Police, Chris Dawson said police had been looking for a system to help with the daily management and consolidation of confidential informants across WA.
“A recent review of the way in which we record and manage human sources has resulted in a decision to move away from our present manual paper-based solution to a commercially available, best-practice solution,” Deputy Commissioner Dawson said.
Managing Director of ABM, Alastair Luff said the contract was a fantastic opportunity for his organisation.
“Law enforcement organisations around the world are watching the progress that is being made in Western Australia and we hope that their progress and excellence in covert policing will encourage other law enforcement Agencies to adopt our best-practice solutions,” Mr Luff said.
“In the UK, abmpegasus Source Management is already used by 80 per cent of Police Services, providing a management platform in line with relevant legislative requirements and established best practice.”
Mr Luff said in a climate of global terrorism and organised crime the need to effectively deploy human intelligence sources could not be over-emphasised.
WAPOL is responsible for policing the largest, single police jurisdiction in the world covering 2.5 million square kilometres.
Abmpegasus is expected to be implemented across the State’s 162 Police Stations by the end of the year.
29 June, 2010
Green light for
gender blueprint
A blueprint for further reform in closing the gender gap has been released by the national Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick.Entitled Gender Equality Blueprint 2010, Ms Broderick said it was the next stage of reform stemming from her 2007 national listening tour.
Ms Broderick said in the wake of securing the paid parental leave scheme for Australia, there was a risk that gender equality would be considered “finished business”, making further reform unnecessary.
“Nine major national reviews have considered how best to improved gender equality in Australia and, if they tell us anything, it is that there remains a major gap in equality between women and men,” she said.
Ms Broderick said the Blueprint contained 15 recommendations in five priority areas identified during her national listening tour.
She said the recommendations focused on “practical, achievable changes” that could be made immediately and, in some areas, were already under way.
The Commissioner said three main areas of focus were childcare and out of school care, promoting women in leadership and preventing violence against women.
“We need a national childcare body, adequately empowered and resourced, that will oversee ongoing development towards a system of high quality, accessible, affordable universal childcare,” Ms Broderick said.
She said a major national prevention strategy was needed to help stop violence against women and to drive down the incidence of sexual harassment in workplaces.
“We need an independent body to monitor the implementation of the national plan to reduce violence against women,” Ms Broderick said.
The Commissioner urged the adoption of the Blueprint and encouraged the business sector to put innovative gender equality strategies in place.
The Gender Equality Blueprint 2010 was available from www.humanrights.gov.au
29 June, 2010
Bush protection
comes to town
A new planning policy for bushland in the Perth metropolitan region will protect more than 51,000 hectares of vegetation and according to Minister for Planning, John Day, will do so 10 years after the Bush Forever policy was first endorsed.Mr Day said the new State Planning Policy for Bushland in the region would be complemented by the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS) Amendment - Bush Forever, which was tabled in Parliament last week.
“This is an extremely positive step for the conservation of more than 51,000ha of regionally significant vegetation on the Swan Coastal Plain portion of the Perth Metropolitan Region,” Mr Day said.
“The policy will establish a statutory framework and greater planning recognition for the protection and future management of all Bush Forever areas.
He said the policy would provide regulatory certainty for landowners whose properties would be affected by the Bush Forever amendment, providing them with a statutory means to access compensation from the State.
“The MRS amendment is one of the largest ever compiled by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) and when finalised, 99 per cent of Bush Forever sites will be protected through the establishment of Bush Forever areas in the MRS,” Mr Day said.
To date the WAPC has purchased 1,000ha of land, to the value of $72.718 million, for Bush Forever.
Minister for the Environment, Donna Faragher welcomed the policy and the MRS amendment.
”I am delighted in this achievement by the Government and its timing is particularly fitting given 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity,” Mrs Faragher said.
”WA, including the metropolitan region, is recognised for its biodiversity and Bush Forever is an important tool in preserving our natural assets.”
The State Planning Policy for Bushland in the Metropolitan Region was available from www.planning.wa.gov.au
29 June, 2010
Miners dig in for
new royalty deal
A new agreement on iron ore royalties with BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto will produce sufficient extra income for the Government to fully fund the new state-of-the-art children’s hospital at the QEII Medical Centre site.The royalty rates are to change from 3.75 per cent to 5.625 per cent on 1 July to bring them into line with other iron ore producers, enabling the two companies to integrate their Pilbara operations.
The new rates will apply to all production by the companies and are expected to generate an additional $340 million in State royalties for the 2010-11 financial year.
Under a Heads of Agreement, the companies will also make a joint one-off payment to the State of $350 million.
Premier, Colin Barnett said modernising the State agreements reflected the maturity of the iron ore industry in Western Australia.
“This is a win-win deal which gives the companies greater flexibility to integrate their operations and ensures a better return to the community,” Mr Barnett said.
“The old agreements recognised the pioneering role the companies would play in the region and offered a discounted royalty rate to acknowledge that fine ore was not a valued product in the market at that time.”
Mr Barnett said the $350 million one-off payment would be placed in a special account for the children’s hospital, which was due to begin being constructed in 2012 and be completed by 2015.
Minister for Health, Dr Kim Hames said the project was earmarked as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) where the private sector would fund construction of the hospital and the Government would lease it back.
“This new funding is an appropriate and inspiring way for the Government to use this one-off payment from the mining companies to make a return to the community, and will result in a reduction for the need of WA Health to lease the building back,” Dr Hames said.
The new children’s hospital will replace the Princess Margaret Hospital in Subiaco, which celebrated its centenary last year.
29 June, 2010
Schools assemble
on new timetable
School timetables for 2011 are to be revised to allow more time for WA schools to prepare for the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests.The dates have been adjusted for terms one and two in 2011 to provide sufficient time to distribute the test materials State-wide and to ensure students in WA were not disadvantaged by the timing of tests
According to the Minister for Education, Liz Constable, Government school term dates for 2011 were originally gazetted by the former Department of Education and Training in 2007, and the decision to hold the NAPLAN tests in the second week of May 2011 was also made in 2007.
Dr Constable said it was in the best interests of all students and schools that a minor adjustment to next year’s term dates be made.
She said the adjustment would give students more time to settle back into the school environment after school holidays and ahead of the NAPLAN testing.
“On the advice of the Director General of the Department of Education, I have decided to make a minor adjustment to the 2011 term dates to give schools extra time before testing begins,” Dr Constable said.
“These adjustments provide Government schools with three days to distribute the test materials State-wide and to settle the students after holidays and prepare them for NAPLAN.”
Under the adjustments, Term One will finish two days earlier on Tuesday 19 April and Term Two will begin two days earlier on Thursday 5 May.
“I have also requested that the Director General of the Department of Education make the necessary arrangements with her colleagues in other States and Territories to put in place procedures to ensure this problem does not arise in future years,” Dr Constable said.
29 June, 2010
City precinct is
cultural fringe
An $11 million revitalisation of the William Street and the Perth Cultural Centre has been completed with a range of new businesses opening in restored heritage buildings.Minister for Planning, John Day said the improvements would transform Northbridge into one of Perth’s most vibrant and diverse locations.
“All the major heritage building refurbishment and restoration works are due for completion in the next couple of months and tenants will begin their own fit-outs in stages,” Mr Day said.
“I expect William Street to be well and truly buzzing and on its way to becoming one of Perth’s most interesting food and beverage and retail strips by the beginning of 2011.”
Mr Day said William Street would host some of the most exciting places to eat in Perth with many of the historic tenants such as Hare Krishna restaurant and the Barber Shop, moving back into restored premises.
Restaurateur, Nic Trimboli said he and his partners believed Northbridge was undergoing a renaissance and they wanted to be part of it.
“There’s a synergy between the commercial and creative tenants on William Street that is exciting and dynamic,” Mr Trimboli said.
“I hope our restaurant will fit right in and bring a diversity of people back to experience Northbridge,” he said.
Minister John Day said the latest confirmed tenancies complemented those already announced in March, which included independent fashion retailers, a music and book shop as original street tenants.
He said in coming months, expressions of interest to operate the historic Rechabites Hall as a multi-concept venue will be called as part of the final stage of the leasing program for William Street.
Further information on the restoration was available from www.perthculturalcentre.com.au
29 June, 2010
Sweet success for
grapefruit project
Four years of research and verification work by a specialist team at the Department of Agriculture and Food has led Japan to open its doors to grapefruit imports from Australia.Minister of Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman said the decision by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries was potentially worth millions of dollars to Australia’s growing grapefruit industry.
Mr Redman said the main barrier to Japan importing Australian citrus had been the possible presence of Mediterranean and Queensland fruit flies.
In 2006, Japan granted access for oranges, lemons, mandarins and tangelos following extensive research and verification work led by Dr Francis de Lima at the Department of Agriculture and Food.
Mr Redman said the same team led by Dr de Lima had since worked to ensure grapefruit could match the Japanese quarantine requirements by developing a cold disinfestation protocol for fruit flies.
The work was supported by Rewards Group, Citrus Australia, the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Horticulture Australia Limited and Biosecurity Australia.
“As grapefruit comprise about half of Japan’s citrus imports, this is likely to have even greater long-term value for Australian industry than the original work on other citrus varieties,” Mr Redman said.
He said Japan’s decision could also open sales to other northern hemisphere destinations such as the United States, Taiwan, Korea, China and Thailand.
Japanese quarantine inspectors visit Australia annually to clear fruit but have already returned home for 2010, so new trade will not be able to begin until 2011.
29 June, 2010
Place books place
on place list
The State Register of Heritage Places has recorded its 1,300th place of value and importance.Minister for Heritage, John Castrilli said the landmark listing was the Aquinas College Administration Building and Chapel.
“Aquinas College is situated on 62 hectares of water front property, consisting of a complex of school buildings, landscaped gardens, playing fields and bushland on the bank of the Canning River,” Mr Castrilli said.
“Built by the Christian Brothers in 1937, Aquinas College has produced some of Western Australia’s most prominent political, judicial and sporting leaders.”
The Minister said these included former Australian Attorney General, Peter Durack, former Federal Minister, Fred Chaney, Olympians Herb Elliott and Tom Hoad and former test cricketers Justin Langer and Terry Alderman.
Mr Castrilli said since Government House was listed as the first building on the register in 1992, the register had preserved a legacy of Western Australia over the past 180 years.
“Each of these places makes a unique contribution to the story of the development of WA and its people because celebration of our heritage is crucial in our understanding of ourselves as a community,” he said.
The State Register was established under the Heritage of Western Australia Act and is maintained by the Heritage Council of WA.
29 June, 2010
New pest control
tools have bite
A new set of tools to help agricultural industries manage pest and disease risks has been developed by the CSIRO with assistance from researchers in the Department of Agriculture and Food.The Enhanced Risk Analysis Tools project combines bioinvasion simulation models with economic analysis to prioritise risks to agriculture and apply social and environmental context to decisions.
It is a project of the Cooperative Research Centre for National Plant Biosecurity, led by a research economist at CSIRO, David Cook.
The project has also involved researchers from the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Department of Primary Industries, Victoria.
Dr Cook said the research provided a robust assessment of biosecurity risks.
“While the outcome of the research provided a list of the top five to 10 exotic risks to the participating industries, it goes much further than that,” Dr Cook said.
He said Researchers looked at the flow-on effect of an exotic incursion to the community and the environment, as well as the economy.
“We consulted with industry, scientific experts and other stakeholders and shared information about what would happen in the event of an incursion,” Dr Cook said.
“This helped us put the risk into context and examine the trade-off between economics and the social and environmental damage.”
He said the information would help people involved in the decision-making process during a response to an incursion.
“Our hope is that this kind of decision method will create a greater understanding about why and how things happen during a response and make better, more informed decisions,” he said.
Senior Research Officer at The Department of Agriculture and Food, Art Diggle provided modelling expertise to the project, while plant pathologist A B M Siddique had input on plant pests and diseases.
29 June, 2010
Child protection
coming of age
Proposed changes to child protection laws will strengthen their operation and deliver important new initiatives according to the Minister for Child Protection, Robyn McSweeney.Mrs McSweeney said Parliament was currently considering the Children and Community Services Amendment Bill which was designed to establish special guardianship provisions.
Mrs McSweeney said the Bill also proposed to introduce a new secure care model in line with a recommendation of the 2007 Ford Review.
She said the move came after a $3.5 million State Budget allocation for 2010-11 aimed at establishing and operating the secure care service.
“Special guardianship tackles the real issue of children experiencing multiple placements when they enter care through no fault of their own,” Mrs McSweeney said.
“This new amendment will allow long-term foster and relative carers to apply to have a child permanently placed with them until they are 18, which is a real step forward.”
The Minister said broad consultation with non-Government Agencies supported permanency planning in Western Australia for children affected by multiple care placements.
She said introducing the new secure care model at the Kath French Centre would enable the establishment of a nine-bed facility for short-term intensive intervention of up to 21 days.
“For young people aged 12-18 there is no such facility in WA that can provide suitable care if they are at immediate and substantial risk of causing significant harm to themselves and others,” she said.
The secure care model could be accessed in respect of a child already in the care of the Department or via an application by the Department through the Children’s Court.
“Based on the models I have seen in Australia and overseas, secure care will provide the best opportunity to stabilise and protect an at-risk child or young person to overcome their complex problems and behaviours,” Mrs McSweeney said.
29 June, 2010
Dieback remedy
grows on trees
The Department of Environment and Conservation has reported positive results from a fungicide technique aimed at combating the deadly plant disease, dieback.One of WA’s biggest threats to biodiversity, Phytophthora dieback affects 40 per cent of plant species in the south-west and has pushed more than 10 plant species to the brink of extinction.
Dubbed the ‘biological bulldozer,’ it is an introduced soil-borne disease that spreads through water, soil, and plant tissue, killing plants via their root system.
DEC has trialled a new phosphite application, called High Intensity Phosphite Application (HIPA) in three national parks.
Senior Research Scientist at DEC, Dr Chris Dunne said the new technique involved applying very high rates of phosphite to the trunks of trees along the edge of Phytophthora dieback infestations.
“We trialled HIPA in infested sites at Gull Rock, Stirling Range and Fitzgerald River national parks, with the goal of preventing the spread of infested areas,” Dr Dunne said.
“The results have been promising, as after three years of monitoring the HIPA treatment has shown to be capable of reducing the spread of dieback and reducing the impact of the pathogen in infested areas.”
He said an unexpected finding was that the amount of Phytophthora dieback in the soil was reduced, meaning the treatment had the potential to combat the disease in already infested areas, as well as preventing further spread.
Dr Dunne said DEC was using the technique in the Fitzgerald River National Park as a large-scale management application.
“What this technique provides is yet another option in our growing arsenal in the fight against this devastating introduced plant pathogen,” he said.
29 June, 2010
Duties cut in
call of duty
The laws governing the payment of duties have been amended with implications for superannuation, the sale of non-asset property and the restructuring of entities.State Revenue in the Department of Treasury and Finance has announced the changes saying the Revenue Laws Amendment Act 2010 would amend the Duties Act 2008 and the Duties Legislation Amendment Act 2008.
The amendment to the superannuation provisions of the Duties Act corrects an oversight that previously allowed a sale of property from the trustee of a superannuation fund to a member of that fund to be assessed for nominal duty.
The amendment provides that a nominal assessment will only apply where no consideration is paid.
The connected entity exemption applies to certain transactions between members of a family, which consists of entities that are related as parent entity and subsidiary, or those with securities stapled together.
A parent entity is one that holds at least 90 per cent of the shares or units in another entity and controls at least 90 per cent of the votes that may be cast at a general meeting of that other entity.
It was previously intended that duty on non-real business assets, such as goodwill and intellectual property, would be abolished from 1 July 2010 and provisions to this effect were included in the Duties Act and the Duties Legislation Amendment Act 2008.
However, during the 2009-10 Budget review, the Government announced the abolition of transfer duty on non-real business assets would be deferred until 1 July 2013.
The Duties Amendment Regulations 2010 were gazetted on 1 April 2010 and allow the dutiable value of new vehicles that were damaged in the storm of 22 March 2010 to be determined by the market value of the vehicle rather than the higher retail selling price.
Further information was available from www.osr.wa.gov.au
29 June, 2010
DAFWA sows seeds
of future growth
The Department of Agriculture and Food has reported a mixed outlook for the remainder of the winter growing season.Practices and System Innovation Manager at the Department, Dr David Bowran said seasonal prospects across the wheatbelt and south-west for June to October varied.
“While there are positive indicators based around the development of a La Niña-like pattern in the Pacific, the majority of global models which provide rainfall outlooks are lined up for below median rainfall over much of the wheatbelt in the next three months,” Dr Bowran said.
He said the recent lack of tropical cloud band activity centred over the wheatbelt and very southerly frontal activity was similar to patterns seen over the last five years.
“Should this pattern be maintained into July, then the prospects would tend towards below-average rainfall,” Dr Bowran said.
He said the Department had run the Stress Index model for the wheatbelt and, assuming average seasonal rainfall to the end of October, many north-eastern and eastern shires of the wheatbelt may not achieve average wheat yields.
He said in contrast, reduced waterlogging in western shires would assist crop growth and be positive for yield outlooks.
“It is important that farmers, particularly in areas with a potential for below-average yields, assess the input options around fertiliser, weed management and pest management and run break-even profit forecasts,” he said.
The Growing Season Outlook was available from www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate
29 June, 2010
Shopping precincts
in store for cities
Special trading precincts are to be established in Midland and Armadale to give the cities the same status as the Perth and Fremantle tourism precincts. Minister for Commerce, Bill Marmion said the new precincts would allow people to enjoy extended trade until 9pm on weeknights and Sunday trading from 11am to 5pm.
Mr Marmion said the final boundaries of the precincts would be determined by regulation following passage of a Bill of amendments.
He said the proposals had received positive support from local traders through surveys conducted by Local Government authorities.
“The cities of Armadale and Swan are strongly supportive of the creation of the precincts as they recognise the opportunities these changes present their communities,” Mr Marmion said.
“Extended trading hours in these areas will support increased trading activity and fill increased jobs in the local retail sector.”
He said no business would be required to open unless they wished to do so.
Mr Marmion said Midland and Armadale were located in transport and urban growth corridors and would balance the central (Perth), southern (Fremantle) and proposed northern (Joondalup) precincts.
He said the plan was designed to ensure people across the metropolitan area had greater choice and flexibility as to when they shopped or traded.
“I expect the Bill to create a special trading precinct in Joondalup will progress through the Legislative Council in the coming weeks,” Mr Marmion said.
All three new precincts are intended to be operational before Christmas.
29 June, 2010
Public urged to collect litter
Keep Australia Beautiful’s Outback Packs will become available next month.
The free clean-up kits will be distributed via 17 visitor centres across the State and will include rubbish bags, tongs and gloves to help people on the road dispose of their own rubbish and collect litter.
The Outback Packs are sponsored by Main Roads Western Australia and Keep Australia Beautiful WA is supported by the Department of Environment and Conservation.
Tourism vote deferred
The Legislative Council has deferred a vote on whether to disallow the expansion of Perth’s tourism precinct, with Members saying they want more information.
The matter will be revisited on 12 August when the Legislative Council reconvenes for its Spring session.
The Council has decided the boundary change, which came into effect in January 2010, will continue to stand for now.
Boating upgrades
Boating facilities are to be improved at 22 locations along the coast after $1.87 million was allocated from the Recreational Boating Facilities Scheme (RBFS).
The RBFS is managed by the Department of Transport and received 31 submissions requesting $4.4 million in grants from Round 15 of grants.
Further information on the upgrades was available from www.transport.wa.gov.au
Speed limit in place
An eight-knot speed limit has been introduced for all waters in Koombana Bay at Bunbury.
Regional Manager at the Department of Transport, Peter Kiely said the new speed restriction area had been formally gazetted following continued detection of floating debris in the water.
“Transport Officers will continue to monitor the debris. However, levels are expected to increase over winter due to seasonal weather conditions,” Mr Kiely said.
Cathedral heritage listed
St Boniface Anglican Cathedral and Bishopscourt in Bunbury have been entered on the heritage list.
Built in 1962, St Boniface is the only war memorial cathedral in Western Australia and is the biggest structure of its kind in the State.
The adjacent Bishopscourt was built in 1905 as the residence of the inaugural Bishop of Bunbury, following the creation of the diocese.
Arena manager chosen
‘Preferred Respondent’ status for the operational and facilities management of the Perth Arena has been awarded to AEG Ogden.
AEG Ogden is a leading international sports and entertainment company with venue ownership and management operations in London, Los Angeles, Sydney and Brisbane.
The state-of-the-art arena is expected to open in 2012.
22 June, 2010
Shared Services
opens new portal
Shared Services has launched its new IT Portal as part of the enhancement program to improve the Department of Treasury and Finance’s eBusiness services.The new Shared Services Portal replaces the Department’s previous Shared Services website and is aimed at providing customers with a centralised point for information, systems and services.
The information provided is designed around key stakeholders with a view to helping them understand the scope of services available and how they work within the new arrangements.
The entry point is available to all Department of Treasury and Finance (DFT) clients and stakeholders.
Coinciding with the launch of the new website, DTF Shared Services has introduced the iRecruitment online job application system to enable prospective job applicants to apply for jobs advertised by DTF Shared Services client Agencies from any location.
The iRecruitment system allows candidates to lodge applications online, track progress, maintain job profiles and store information relating to education, skills and qualifications.
The new recruitment system is expected to provide selection panel members and chairpersons with the information needed to shortlist and appoint candidates electronically to help reduce the time taken to process applications.
The move towards a consistent job application process for all users is also expected to bring cost savings, with efficiencies further enhanced through the introduction of additional key web applications later in 2010.
The promotion of iRecruitment as the preferred method of job application lodgement began on Monday 21 June through job advertisements.
DTF Shared Services’ launch of iRecruitment is the first of a series of new web-based services to Agencies and the general public.
Further information on the new portal was available from www.oss.wa.gov.au
22 June, 2010
New consumer laws
win happy customers
Sweeping new laws that come into effect on 1 July represent a ‘revolution’ in consumer law, according to the Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Anne Driscoll.Ms Driscoll said under the first stage of the laws, unfair contract terms would be outlawed forcing many industries to review their standard contracts.
Ms Driscoll said initially the changes would only affect corporations but that sole traders would be included from 1 January 2011.
She said the unfair contract terms laws targeted the ‘take-it-or-leave-it’, non-negotiable contracts that businesses often offered consumers.
“It doesn’t matter if a consumer signs the contract, if any terms or conditions are considered unfair, the business will not be able to rely on them,” Ms Driscoll said.
“A contract term will be considered unfair if it causes a significant imbalance in the parties’ rights and obligations and is not reasonably necessary to protect the supplier’s legitimate interests.”
The Commissioner said the main problem areas identified were the standard form contracts for telecommunication services, banking/finance/credit/mortgage services, recreation/leisure services, utilities, purchase or hire of goods, building, travel and real estate.
Also set to come into effect on 1 July is the transfer of trade measurement powers and responsibilities from the States to the Commonwealth.
Ms Driscoll said the regulation of the credit industry, including finance brokers, would be transferred to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
She said the next major development in the consumer law reform agenda would be the introduction on 1 January 2011 of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) which is expected to strengthen and clarify consumer rights.
“The laws will create a fairer and more competitive marketplace, allowing businesses to serve their customers better, become more efficient and compete more effectively in world markets,” the Commissioner said.
Ms Driscoll said services would be required to be carried out with reasonable care and skill and completed in a reasonable time.
“These changes are designed to establish a single, simplified and harmonised set of laws that will apply across all States and Territories,” she said.
“This will save time and money for businesses which operate across State borders and provide consumers with equal rights and greater protection no matter where they live in Australia.”
22 June, 2010
Safety Council onside
with soccer advice
The Road Safety Council has entered into the spirit of the World Soccer Cup by reminding drivers of the wisdom of planning ahead when going out to celebrate.Independent Chair of the Road Safety Council, Professor D’Arcy Holman said the safest and easiest way to enjoy all the games during this year’s tournament was to plan ahead by organising a skipper and knowing who would be drinking in advance.
“Sometimes people are just not aware of how much alcohol a drink contains so it is important that if you are driving, find out ahead of time, know your limit and stick to it,” Professor Holman said.
“There is a big difference in alcohol content between beer, wine, spirits and pre-mixed drinks.”
He said men should limit themselves to no more than two standard drinks in the first hour and one standard drink in an hour after that as a guide to staying below the legal driving limit of 0.05 .
“Women driving, as a guide, should drink no more than one standard drink in an hour to stay under .05,” Professor Homan said.
He reminded novice drivers they are required to have blood alcohol level of zero to be able to drive.
“The best advice for all drivers is if you plan to drink, plan not to drive,” professor Holman said.
“Call a taxi or ask a friend or relative who has not had any drinks to drive you home safely, take public transport or arrange to spend the night.”
Further information on guides to driving and consuming alcohol was available from www.ors.wa.gov.au
22 June, 2010
Bus posters show way
in anyone’s language
The Public Transport Authority has launched a series 11 multilingual posters for buses and trains to help newly-arrived migrants make best use of public transport services.Managing Director at the Public Transport Authority (PTA), Mark Burgess said providing translated information was an extension of Transperth’s community education program in cultural and linguistically diverse communities.
“Our community education officers have been delivering Transperth’s Get on Board program – which helps newly-arrived migrants use WA public transport services – through settlement Agencies and community groups for a number of years,” Mr Burgess said.
“While working with these groups, the team recognised a need to provide essential transport information in languages other than English.”
He said the PTA had consulted the Office of Multicultural Affairs to identify where the greatest need for translated information existed before placing the posters on buses and trains.
“From this month, key information and audio translations in Amharic, Arabic, Dari, Dinka, Farsi, Karen, Kirundi, Mandarin, Swahili, Burmese and French have been made available through our website,” Mr Burgess said.
“There is a panel on our homepage (www.transperth.wa.gov.au) which displays the various language names; clicking on a name links through to a page in which the text is all in that language and an appropriate audio message starts playing automatically.”
He said the PTA had installed a dedicated translation phone at the Wellington Street Bus Station and distributed multilingual posters to relevant community groups and centres to promote the Translating and Interpreting Service to access Transperth information.
22 June, 2010
DEC logs onto
firewood warning
The Department of Environment and Conservation has warned people collecting firewood in the cold weather that it is illegal to do so in national parks and conservation reserves.Regional Compliance Coordinator for DEC, Peter Lambert said taking wood from protected areas damaged the forest and was unsustainable.
“The forests surrounding Perth are renowned for their biological diversity and it is vital they are protected,” Mr Lambert said, “so serious penalties apply for people who disregard the conditions set out to minimise environmental impact in our local forests.
“Public firewood collection areas, State forests and reserves under Department for Environment and Conservation management are regularly patrolled by DEC officers."
Mr Lambert said firewood from State forests could only be lawfully collected from designated public collection areas.
"There are three clearly signposted public firewood collection areas in State forests stretching from Perth to Dwellingup within reach for Perth, Mandurah and Dwellingup residents," he said.
"Firewood may be collected from those areas, under certain conditions, during the winter season which is between 1 May and 31 October."
Mr Lambert said a permit from DEC was needed before members of the public could collect firewood from the designated public areas.
He said the permit carried a range of conditions including that firewood may only be collected from dead wood on the ground.
"Cutting standing trees poses a serious safety hazard and is illegal," Mr Lambert said.
"Vehicles must only be driven on well-formed tracks or roads, and public areas that have forest risk disease status may not be accessed by vehicles for three days following rain.”
22 June, 2010
Program blazes trail
for Indigenous youth
The Department for Communities and Office for Youth have teamed up with six other Agencies to launch a leadership program for Indigenous youths.The Departments for Communities, Child Protection, Education, Sport and Recreation and Training and Workforce Development and the Office of Crime Prevention in the WA Police helped develop and fund the 2010 One Sky, Many Paths program.
Minister for Youth, Donna Faragher said the program allowed 40 young Indigenous people to attend a five-day residential learning program.
Mrs Faragher said the learning program would be undertaken before and after the participants commenced project work in their local communities.
“During the project work, participants will receive training through an online network provided by the Challenger Institute of Technology and mentoring from local community leaders,” Mrs Faragher said.
“The residential programs in Perth will help develop their confidence and self-esteem, while allowing students to interact and encourage one another as they learn.
“This program offers young Indigenous people a great opportunity to enhance their skills so they can return to their community and work to make a difference.”
She said One Sky, Many Paths would give 40 Indigenous youths from across the State the opportunity to develop their leadership, community development and management skills.
Nineteen-year-old Yamatji woman, Corissa Boddington completed the first One Sky, Many Paths program last year.
“Leadership means helping others without expecting anything in return,” Ms Boddington said.
“People look up to good leaders- they show others what they could be doing with their lives.”
Nominations for the program close on 12 July and application forms were available for download from www.childrenandyouth.wa.gov.au
22 June, 2010
More speed cameras
now in the picture
West Australian Police have announced they’ve doubled the number of speed cameras on the State’s roads.Minister for Police and Road Safety, Rob Johnson said the second phase of a $30 million enhanced speed enforcement program involved the rollout of new speed and red light cameras, as well as digital hand-held cameras.
Mr Johnson said the addition of the cameras, together with the Vitronic dual-lens digital camera launched two months ago, meant WA Police now had twice as many cameras in their fleet.
He said Police had 26 Multanova speed cameras (23 of which are operational), an additional 30 speed and red light cameras, 14 digital hand-held cameras and 23 dual-lens cameras.
“The hand-held cameras will take video and photographic evidence of the speeding vehicle and the images can either be downloaded at a later time to issue infringements or the officer can stop the vehicle and issue an on-the-spot infringement,” Mr Jobson said.
“It will allow for a more flexible approach to policing speeding drivers.”
The Minister said the new speed and red light cameras would photograph motorists who went through red traffic lights and detect motorists speeding through the intersection at any time.
“These cameras are a proven way to slow motorists down, reduce road crashes and save the public and the hospital system hundreds of millions of dollars,” Mr Johnson said.
“People need to take responsibility for their own actions and realise that when they choose to drive above the speed limit, they are not only putting their own lives at risk, but also the lives of other innocent road users.”
He said the investment in cameras was in line with the 12-year Towards Zero road safety strategy, which recommended a mix of cameras to reduce serious road crashes on the State’s roads.
22 June, 2010
Men’s health gets
shot in the arm
A men’s health service that has been successful in the Wheatbelt is to be expanded across the State.Minister for Regional Development, Brendon Grylls and Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman announced that $2.78 million in funding from the Royalties for Regions program over three years would support the initiative.
Mr Grylls said the interdisciplinary program would operate within a “community development model” and focus on a “wellness” rather than an “illness” approach.
“Support programs will be tailored to the specific community needs rather than a one- size-fits-all approach,” Mr Grylls said.
“Raising awareness of men’s health issues, including physical aspects such as prostate cancer, stroke and heart attack prevention, and mental health matters including suicide prevention, will be some of the issues that will be addressed in the program.”
He said the initiative expanded on the Wheatbelt Men’s Health program the Department for Agriculture and Food had been running for five years.
Mr Redman said the program would run in regional areas as around 25 per cent of all WA males over the age of 15 years lived there.
“This program will deliver education and awareness of men’s health and wellbeing issues, and will work towards increasing individual and community resilience in regional WA and reducing suicide rates,” Mr Redman said.
“It will complement existing country health services and other allied services to help improve the quality of life for farming, pastoral and mining industry families and communities in regional locations.”
He said the initiative would bring men together in a social and recreational environment to allow them to talk casually, share experiences and break down barriers to men’s health.
Mr Grylls said the need for a multi-disciplinary approach in the Regional Men’s Health and Wellbeing program was recognised by health professionals, the WA Country Health Service and the community.
22 June, 2010
Mine reforms
strike paydirt
The first Assessment Notices under reforms to health and safety in the resources industry have been issued by the Resources Safety Division of the Department of Mines and Petroleum.An overhaul of the way safety and health in the resources industry is regulated is being conducted in response to increased demands brought on by community expectations of improved safety outcomes, growth of the resources industry and the findings of a number of independent reviews, inquiries and audits.
Resources for safety reforms are to be funded by the relevant industry sectors.
Data from the Department of Mines and Petroleum show there were 10 fatalities in the mining industry during the 2009-10 financial year and seven recorded the previous year.
Statistics supplied by the mining industry for 2009 show there were 388 accidents involving workers which resulted in time off due to injury.
The Mines Safety and Inspection Amendment Bill 2009 was passed by Parliament late last year and introduced regulations for a cost recovery model in the form of the Mines Safety Levy, and required all funds to be held in a special purpose account.
The levy scheme is based on the calculation of the number of hours worked by employees on a mining operation.
The regulations set out who is liable to pay the levy, how it will be assessed and charged and the payment process.
Cost recovery has been introduced in the mining sector first, with the petroleum and geothermal sectors, and dangerous goods to follow.
Fact and FAQ sheets on the mines’ safety levy were available from www.dmp.wa.gov.au
22 June, 2010
Passengers consider
fellow travellers
Transperth has embarked on a campaign to encourage train and ferry passengers to be more considerate of their fellow travellers.Managing Director of the Public Transport Authority, Mark Burgess said the campaign had been developed around the most common complaints received on Transperth’s CommentLine.
“We are putting this up as a friendly reminder for patrons to be mindful of the other passengers with whom they are sharing a journey,” Mr Burgess said.
“For example, we have recently seen a dramatic jump in the number of personal electronic devices such as iPods and mobile phones carried by passengers,” Mr Burgess said.
“While they make the journey more enjoyable for the user, they can have an adverse impact on other passengers around them if not used correctly.”
He said the campaign featured a series of well-known nursery rhymes with a twist to remind passengers to be considerate.
Mr Burgess said 10 messages, based on the nursery rhymes, had been composed to address issues such as offering a seat to someone who needs it more, letting passengers off the train before boarding, moving down the train rather than crowding at the doors and removing bags from the aisles.
He said the rhymes had been illustrated and collated into booklets that have been distributed to metropolitan schools and were also available from Transperth InfoCentres and its website.
A series of posters is also being displayed on Transperth buses and trains.
Mr Burgess said while it was important to remind some passengers about these issues, the majority of passengers were already doing the right thing by others.
“Every day people go out of their way to make the journey more pleasant for others and we are looking to recognise those people as part of this campaign,” he said.
“Our transit officers and customer service staff will be issuing I give two hoots cards to passengers that they see doing the right thing.
“Recipients can visit the Transperth website to register their details to receive a small token of our appreciation and go into the draw for one of the major prizes.”
He said the competition would run until 4 July, and further information on the campaign was available from www.transperth.wa.gov.au
22 June, 2010
Police pin honours
on Queen’s medal
Four officers with the WA Police Force were recognised for their service and contribution to the community in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.The officers: Assistant Commissioner Gary Dreibergs, Superintendent Nigel White, Senior Sergeant Tim Norrish and Senior Sergeant Anthony Mettam were awarded the Australian Police Medal.
Assistant Commissioner Dreibergs joined the WA Police in 1983 and has served at various metropolitan and country locations in a diversity of portfolios.
He is currently in charge of the Professional Development Portfolio and has responsibility for all training, recruiting and related promotional issues on behalf of the WA Police.
Superintendent White joined the WA Police in 1979 and has served predominantly in the criminal investigation area.
Currently Superintendent White is in charge of the North West Metropolitan District where he has responsibility for policing a large district made up of mainly younger couples and families in high mortgage belt suburban areas.
Senior Sergeant Norrish joined the Western Australia Police as a Constable in 1974 and throughout his 36 year career has served at numerous country postings, including key Officer in Charge (OIC) positions at Halls Creek and now Carnarvon Police Stations.
In 2008, Halls Creek was voted the “worst” town in Australia following a survey and Senior Sergeant Norrish was instrumental in adopting a strong community engagement and safety platform and developing a number of crime reduction strategies through effective law enforcement.
Senior Sergeant Mettam joined the WA Police in January 1974 and has served almost his entire career in Regional WA.
He has been the OIC of regional police stations for a total of 19 years and has a wealth of experience in station, resource and financial management.
Since his promotion to Senior Sergeant in 1997 Senior Sergeant Mettam has continuously been an OIC and has served at some of the most challenging police stations in the State.
Senior Sergeant Mettam is presently OIC of the Geraldton Police Station where he has been since April.
22 June, 2010
Prison not guilty
of overcrowding
An investigation by the Inspector of Custodial Services has found that Hakea Prison is coping well despite suffering from the pressure of ‘extreme’ overcrowding.The Inspector, Neil Morgan said staff and prisoners were tense and anxious about the potential for serious incidents to occur, especially over the hot summer months.
“It is pleasing that despite the stress, there have been no major incidents,” Professor Morgan said.
“I congratulate Hakea staff and management on the way they have managed through a very difficult period. I have been impressed by their pragmatism and good leadership.”
However, in his Report of an Announced Inspection of Hakea Prison, Professor Morgan raises a number of issues of real concern, not just for Hakea itself but the prison system as a whole.
“Hakea's primary role is that of a reception, remand and assessment prison,” he says.
“But it has been housing a large number of sentenced prisoners who have already been assessed as suitable for transfer, often to a minimum security facility.
“They have been caught in a gridlock caused by system-wide pressures, including a sharp reduction in the number of people on parole.”
Professor Morgan said his report highlighted the continuing impacts of overcrowding which were having adverse consequences for prisoners and staff.
“As a result of increased numbers, more and more prisoners across the system must share cells that were designed for single occupancy,” he said.
“At Hakea, some were sleeping on mattresses on the floor, sometimes with their heads next to the toilet bowl, a degrading and unpleasant arrangement.”
The Professor said the bunk beds being installed were preferable to mattresses on the floor but that he remained “very concerned” that the double bunking of small cells designed for one person seemed to have become an “accepted norm rather than an occasional temporary necessity.”
He said the impacts of overcrowding were also evident in the overcrowded staff facilities, the lack of work and positive activities for prisoners and in the fact Hakea was struggling to meet the needs of a growing cohort of Indonesian prisoners.
Professor Morgan’s report was available in its entirety from www.custodialinspector.wa.gov.au
22 June, 2010
Relationships built
up in built-up areas
Children and young people around Perth have been invited to take part in the creative program ‘iBUILD’, a partnership between the Commissioner for Children and Young People and Curtin University.Commissioner, Michelle Scott said the places and spaces in a community known as the 'built environment' greatly affected the wellbeing of children and youths as they grew up.
Ms Scott said iBUILD was being held in partnership with Curtin University and would help her understand how children and young people saw and experienced the built environment.
She said up to 25 children and young people would have the opportunity to take part in a fun, creative workshop on 21 August where they would use a range of art materials to transform ideas on how to improve places and spaces into reality.
The Commissioner said the children would be supported by fourth-year Curtin University Architecture students and have their ideas about how to improve the built environment displayed at an exhibition and published in a catalogue.
Ms Scott called on all children aged between six and 17 who enjoyed being creative and wanted to help improve spaces and places in the community to apply to take part in the workshop.
All you need to do is fill in the expression of interest form and send it to us before 11 July,” she said.
The EOI forms and further information on the program were available from www.ccyp.wa.gov.au
22 June, 2010
Sports Department has
running of WA Week
The Department of Sport and Recreation is inviting all Western Australians to become involved in WA Week, due to run from 18 to 24 October this year.In a statement, the Department said WA Week was providing organisations, groups, communities and individuals with the opportunity to celebrate and express pride in their State.
It said WA Week would highlight the achievements, attributes and potential of the State and its people.
DSR made a special plea to sport and recreation clubs and organisations to hold their own events during WA Week.
“They can host an event or activity, form a partnership or collaboration, contribute to an existing event, sponsor an event or activity, provide in-kind support or simply volunteer,” DSR said.
“Sport and recreation clubs and organisations can give a demonstration of what they do at a local school; organise a picnic or sausage sizzle after their regular sports match or meeting; plan a guided walk or bike ride around their suburb or region; organise a sports game at the local recreation centre; raise money or participate in a local community event by planting trees, visiting a nursing home etc.”
The Department said the WA Week program would bring new and existing events under the umbrella of WA Week to allow them to benefit from the marketing, advertising and promotional opportunities available.
“A WA Small Grants Scheme is also being offered to generate a wide range of community events and activities in all regions of the State, closing on 22 July,” the DSR said.
Further information on WA Week was available from www.celebratewa.com.au
22 June, 2010
SKA the star in
astronomy deal
A Statement of Intent between Australia’s CSIRO and the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, ASTRON, has been signed to develop and test vital technology for the radio-telescope project, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA).A joint bid by Australia and New Zealand has been shortlisted to host the SKA in Western Australia, competing for the honour against a site in Southern Africa.
Federal Minister for Innovation, Senator Kim Carr welcomed the partnership with ASTRON.
“The SKA is a global project and this Statement of Intent between CSIRO and ASTRON is an example of the cooperation needed to bring such a monumental undertaking to fruition,” Senator Carr said.
“Science – and particularly astronomy – reaches across national boundaries and we are proud of the leading role that Australia plays in the international community.”
Senator Carr said Australia would be working closely with other countries to develop technology to allow the best astronomers from around the world to work together to research the evolution of the universe.
“CSIRO and ASTRON will be working on phased array feeds – receivers with many separate, simultaneous beams for detecting radio waves – which have the potential to give telescopes a much wider field-of-view,” he said.
The technology will initially be used on the first six antennas of the Australian SKA Pathfinder radio-telescope, due to be completed in early 2011 at Murchison in Western Australia.
The SKA is an international project involving 20 countries and has an estimated whole-of-life operating cost of around $13 billion.
22 June, 2010
Land strategy is
down to earth
A new strategy to guide the supply of industrial land in the South-West for the next 20 years has been developed jointly by the Departments of Planning, State Development and Agriculture and Food with LandCorp and the South West Development Commission.Minister for Planning, John Day said the South West Region Industrial Land Study would help ensure an optimum supply of industrial land was readily available to meet long-term demand.
“While the region offers sufficient industrial land suitable for heavy, general and light industry to meet short-term demand, supply is expected to diminish in the medium to long-term,” Mr Day said.
“To meet the expected increase in demand of industrial land in the South-West, the Government is taking a deliberate and strategic approach to ensure an adequate supply of appropriately zoned land into the future.”
He said the study would be conducted in three stages with the first being the development of an in-depth understanding of the industries operating in the South-West and their future land needs during the next 20 years.
Mr Day said the next stage would be a review of the ability of existing industrial estates to meet land needs and the identification of locations for further investigation to address the level of forecasted demand for the future.
The Minister said in the final stage, an Industrial Land Strategy for the South-West would be developed to facilitate the co-ordinated and timely delivery of industrial land to the market.
“Getting the best information up-front will be crucial to the success of the study and the strategy developed as a result,” Mr Day said, “which is why we are encouraging active involvement from business and the wider regional community.’
He said the final strategy was expected to be released mid-2011, following a public comment period.
Further information was available from www.southwestindustrial.com.au
22 June, 2010
Union puts MPs’ views
The Community and Public Sector Union/Civil Service Association of WA has published the comments of MPs about the Public Sector Reform Bill on its website.
The comments resulted from messages of concern about the Bill sent to MPs by hundreds of union members.
The MPs’ views can be read at www.cpsucsa.org
Museum chief recognised
Chief Executive of the Western Australian Museum, Alec Coles has been included in the British section of the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours List as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Mr Coles, who relocated to WA from the United Kingdom in March, was recognised for his services to museums and, in particular, for his work as Director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, in north-east England.
The lists of honours and awards could be viewed at www.london-gazette.co.uk
School pay up
Pay increases to school support workers have been awarded by the WA Industrial Relations Commission, bringing an end to a long-running pay dispute.
Government-employed education assistants are to receive an 11 per cent increase over three years and school cleaners and gardeners an 8.75 per cent increase over three years.
The claim had required arbitration by the IR Commission.
Taxi Ride arrives
WA’s Extraordinary Taxi Ride has been completed after arriving in Broome, the final destination on its 10,000-plus kilometre journey.
The Tourism promotion attracted media interest throughout Australia and the world, paving the way for the next stage of the campaign which will include the publication of images, video and personal experiences collected along the way.
Taxi driver, Doug Slater drove a total of 22 passengers from Australia and around the globe on various sections of the journey.
Landlord seminar
Consumer Protection is hosting a free information session aimed at improving landlords’ awareness of rights and responsibilities.
During a one-hour presentation at Midland Sports Complex in Middle Swan on 29 June, topics such as bond administration, the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 and the role of Consumer Protection will be covered.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Anne Driscoll said the seminar was an important way of interacting with property owners and to get Consumer Protection messages across.
Turtle out of water
Wildlife authorities are concerned a native WA turtle has been discovered outside its known distribution area.
The flat-shelled turtle, commonly found in the Pilbara, Midwest and Goldfields regions, was found by a Department of Fisheries officer near Mandurah, who believed it may have been dumped by someone.
The Department urged members of the public to contact it if they had an unwanted native or non-native turtle or reptile, saying releasing them could damage the natural environment.
ASC shows commitment
Australian submarine builder ASC has demonstrated its continued commitment to growing the local submarine industry in Western Australia with the docking of its first submarine at the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson.
The docking represented a milestone for the $35 million purpose-built submarine support facility.
SunWater to irrigate
Queensland company, SunWater has been named as the preferred irrigation water service provider for the initial stage of the Ord Irrigation Expansion Project by the Department of Water.
SunWater’s role is expected to include the operation and maintenance of irrigation and supporting infrastructure to service more than 8,000 hectares of new farmland on the Weaber Plains in the East Kimberley.
The selection was made by an inter-Agency panel from the Departments of Water; Regional Development and Lands and LandCorp. It is the first time the State Government has engaged in a competitive process to identify a water service provider.
Parenting for scrutiny
People involved in the parenting industry have been invited to attend Parenting WA’s Parenting Matters seminar series.
The seminar is expected to address areas such as where parents get their messages from and the challenges for practitioners and policy-makers.
South Australian early childhood educator, Pam Winter is to facilitate the seminar which will also explore how parenting services can best engage families in their early years.
The free event will be held on 24 June at the Royal Street Theatrette, Department of Health/Department for Child Protection, 189 Royal Street, East Perth.
15 June, 2010
360 to be waved off in
wave of separations
The second round of voluntary separations from the WA Public Service has attracted more than 360 applications.Premier, Colin Barnett said early estimates indicated up to 300 were initially expected to accept the Government’s offer of voluntary separation.
Mr Barnett said Cabinet had approved an extra $6 million to meet full employment separations costs of the 365 Public Servants while a total of $30 million was included in the Budget.
He said reducing staffing levels aimed to achieve savings of $15 million per year from 2010-11 onwards.
“The first round of the program, offered in 2008-09, led to the voluntary separation of
469 employees, predominantly from management roles,” Mr Barnett said.
“Of these, 371 were aged 51 years and over and 394 were from metropolitan-based jobs.”
He said the latest offer, which closed on 14 May, would bring the total number of people choosing to exit the public sector to 834.
He said the offer would be applicable for all appropriation-funded general Government sector Agencies.
According to the Premier, those leaving would receive full employment separation costs while Agencies would be allowed to retain 50 per cent of the recurrent salary savings as an incentive to participate and to help meet existing cost pressures.
He said the remaining 50 per cent saved would be returned to the Consolidated Account.
Officers who have taken up this offer must exit the public sector by 30 June and are entitled to three weeks’ pay for every year of service to a maximum of 52 weeks, holiday and long service leave entitlements and, where applicable, 12 weeks’ pay in lieu of notice.
15 June, 2010
PS chimes in with
gongs from Queen
Western Australian Public Servants have featured prominently in the Queens Birthday Honours List with two becoming Members of the Order of Australia (AM) and one a Public Service Medal (PSM).The honours were announced by the Governor-General, Quentin Bryce.
MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA (AM)
Douglas Keith COUGHRAN AM
Department of Environment and Conservation
For service to conservation and the environment, particularly through the disentanglement of whales, as a practitioner and educator.
Mr Coughran is a Senior Wildlife Officer with DEC
Margaret LOBO AM
For service as an advocate and promoter of the status and health of women, particularly through Soroptimist International.
Ms Lobo is a radiographer with BreastScreen WA
Professor Geoffrey John RILEY AM
University of western Australia
For service to medical education, particularly to rural and clinical practice, as an academic and administrator, and to professional organisations.
PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL
Rosinda SEARA PSM
For outstanding public service to education, particularly at the Hamilton Senior High School.
Mrs Seara has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to serving the children of Western Australia with her desire to improve teaching and learning.
She has shown outstanding leadership through advisory roles on national working groups into civics and citizenship assessment, has provided strong support to the coordinator in the leadership and coordination of the successful Hamilton Emergency Service Cadets program, and has played a pivotal role in building partnerships with community stakeholders who support the Cadets.
Her passion for education, her values of care, equity and respect, successful stakeholder relationships and dedication to the best possible outcomes for children have directly strengthened the delivery of services to children at the multicultural Hamilton Senior High School campus.
15 June, 2010
Model contract the
fashion for Housing
A new contracting model for repairs and maintenance for public housing has been announced by the Minister for Housing, Bill Marmion.Mr Marmion said the new model would see head contracts awarded to three major groups and was expected deliver cost savings of over $20 million over three years.
He said the model would increase the level of service for repairs and maintenance on the State’s public housing stock.
Mr Marmion said the changes followed a review of the Department of Housing’s maintenance arrangements relating to contracts, procurement and quality assurance.
He said the new head contractor model entailed the appointment of an overall maintenance contractor for each of the 10 housing regions in WA to be the single point of contact for all repairs and maintenance issues in their region.
He said head contractors would manage the workloads and appoint sub-contractors or employees to undertake the work.
Mr Marmion said under the previous system, the Department had to manage up to 700 individual contracts across the different trades and regions of WA.
He said new contracts required successful tenderers to have a local operational office in the region, to provide local employment and to source goods and materials locally where possible.
Mr Marmion said they must also adhere to a payment schedule for agreements with sub-contractors.
“The model that WA is adopting has been running very successfully in a number of other States with significant savings and a more efficient service to tenants,” Mr Marmion said.
The new system is set to begin on 1 July and will cover the 40,000 Government-owned dwellings across WA that require continuing maintenance.
15 June, 2010
Weather Bureau
settled on radar
The Bureau of Meteorology has installed a new weather radar at Serpentine which will improve weather alert coverage for 200 kilometres around Perth.The new facility was commissioned by the Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Western and Northern Australia, Gary Gray.
Mr Gray said the radar was part of the Government’s $62 million weather radar replacement and upgrade initiative, which aims to improve the Bureau of Meteorology’s severe weather warning capabilities.
“The importance of radar to the community was highlighted in March, when radar imagery was used extensively to monitor and track the severe hail storm that struck Perth,” Mr Gray said.
“This new radar will play an important role in providing enhanced weather services to inform and protect families, business and farmers in Perth and surrounding towns.”
He said the radar was more sensitive than its predecessor and would provide detailed data to support meteorological forecasts for the region.
Mr Gray said it incorporated the latest technology and could generate high resolution images every 10 minutes.
The Serpentine radar is to support improved short-term forecasts and warnings of severe weather, including hail, damaging winds and tornadoes and improve radar-derived rainfall rates to help warn of floods.
“The radar will provide improved coverage for the Perth metropolitan area and its surrounds, and will provide Bureau forecasters with more detailed information on rainfall from summer storms and winter cold fronts,” Mr Gray said.
15 June, 2010
New directory
shows the way
A new directory of services has been produced by the Office of Multicultural Interests to assist new arrivals to Western Australia.Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests, John Castrilli said the third edition of the directory provided an essential road map for people resettling in WA.
Mr Castrilli said the 2010 Directory of Services for New Arrivals in Western Australia covered areas such as housing, employment, education, health, transport, childcare and legal services, as well as backgrounds on Federal, State and Local Government.
“WA is one of the most culturally diverse of all Australian States and Territories and for new arrivals it can be a challenge to find what services are available,” Mr Castrilli said.
He said an extended version of the directory that had over 600 entries was available online with service descriptions, contact details and links to service providers.
Mr Castrilli also launched the ‘WA Interpreter’s Card’ and Guidelines for communities and Government to assist them with the Western Australian Language Services Policy 2008.
“The card will assist people with limited English accessing Government services to request an interpreter, and for Government Agencies to arrange interpreters,” he said.
“Translated online in 11 languages, the card will ensure language is not a barrier to accessing information and services.”
The Directory of Services and the WA Interpreter Card guidelines were available from www.omi.wa.gov.au or by phoning (08) 9217 1600.
15 June, 2010
EPA digs in for
talks with builders
The Environmental Protection Authority is to begin consulting with developers earlier in its environmental assessment process in a bid to streamline the system.The new procedures have been endorsed by Minister for the Environment, Donna Faragher who said discussions would now take place before the proposed conditions were submitted for her consideration.
“This move is about resolving technical deficiencies and other potential issues up front,” Mrs Faragher said.
“At the moment, the only avenue for proponents to raise issues with recommended conditions is through the appeals process.”
The Minister said appeals sometimes involved mistakes in interpretation or perceived difficulties with the implementation of a condition.
“These relatively simple matters will now be able to be resolved through the new consultation period,” she said.
Mrs Faragher said the timeliness and effectiveness of the Authority’s functions would be improved by introducing outcome-based conditions where appropriate; using a risk-based assessment where applicable; improving project tracking; greater consistency in the scoping phase; focusing more on timelines; and providing more guidance to proponents.
“Collectively, these reforms are designed to achieve a thorough, clear, consistent and timely environmental impact assessment process that meets the expectations of the community,” she said.
Details of the new initiative were available from www.epa.wa.gov.au
15 June, 2010
Tourism achiever on
track for award
A Visitor Services Officer with the Department of Environment and Conservation is to represent Western Australia in the Young Regional Tourism Achiever Awards in Victoria in August.James Spurgeon, from Yanchep National Park, liaises with visitors, promotes environmental awareness and publicises WA at tourism events and in the media.
Minister for Tourism, Liz Constable, said Mr Spurgeon was the ideal person to represent the State in the national award.
“He plays an important role at the Yanchep National Park,” Dr Constable said.
“Australia’s young professionals are the future of our industry, so it is vital we help develop their talents and support a wide range of career paths within tourism.”
Minister for Environment, Donna Faragher said Mr Spurgeon was one of many Department of Environment and Conservation officers dedicated to improving the experience for visitors to WA’s national parks.
“I have seen first-hand the great work James and his co-workers are doing at Yanchep to ensure park visitors have an enjoyable and rewarding visit,” Mrs Faragher said.
The awards are held as part of the Australian Regional Tourist Convention which brings industry members together to discuss challenges and opportunities facing regional tourism.
The convention will run from 16 to 20 August in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges of Victoria and include presentations, field trips, professional development workshops and networking functions.
The winner of the Young Regional Tourism Achiever Award will receive a professional development scholarship sponsored by the Australian Regional Tourism Network.
Further information about the Australian Regional Tourism Network, the convention and the achiever award was available from www.regionaltourism.com.au
15 June, 2010
FESA raises alarm
on emergency calls
The Fire and Emergency Services Authority has issued a reminder that the 132 500 SES emergency number is strictly for people in need of urgent assistance for storm and flood damage to their property.Assistant Chief Operations Officer with FESA, Gary Gifford said SES volunteers worked tirelessly to help home and business owners in the metropolitan area by temporarily repairing buildings and removing fallen trees.
“People should consider the nature of their inquiry and the appropriate Agency to deal with it, to avoid clogging up emergency hotlines with unrelated requests,” Mr Gifford said.
He said the message was simple.
“You should call 000 to report all fire and life threatening emergencies and if your home or property has been damaged by a storm and you need urgent assistance call the SES on 132 500.”
Mr Gifford said during a storm, SES volunteers attended to trees that had fallen on homes and cars, structural damage and could help if homes had been badly flooded by pumping out flood water.
He said their role included rescuing trapped or injured people and helping people relocate if they were in danger.
Mr Gifford said volunteers would not attend to trees that had fallen on fences, broken fences or if there was debris around properties or in swimming pools.
“The responsibility falls back on the owner for sorting these types of things out,” he said.
“People should contact their insurance company or property manager if they have damage and to organise permanent repairs.”
Additional information about what to do before, during or after a storm was available from www.fesa.wa.gov.au
15 June, 2010
Public to pounce on
cat control laws
Public comment has been invited on proposed new laws to control domestic cats in WA.The Minister for Local Government, John Castrilli has issued a consultation paper on the proposal which is intended to deal with high numbers of stray cats across the State.
“In Western Australia more than 5,000 cats are put down each year by the Cat Haven,” Mr Castrilli said.
“Unwanted cats have a big impact on the community and the natural environment.”
He said establishing a consistent and comprehensive regulatory approach across the State would help to tackle the issue as just 19 of the 139 Local Governments in WA had introduced local cat control laws.
“Under the proposal, Local Governments will be required to administer and enforce the legislation, which includes compulsory identification through micro-chipping, compulsory registration and compulsory sterilisation,” Mr Castrilli said.
“Community feedback will enable the State Government to make a well-informed decision on the impact of this legislation across the broader community and Government sector.”
The Minister encouraged people most affected by cat legislation, including cat owners, Local Governments, and animal welfare organisations to have their say on the legislation.
He said the proposed laws would promote responsible pet ownership, reduce the number of cats being bred, reduce the number of cats being put down, allow for cats found in a public place or on a private property to be seized and help reunite lost cats with their owners.
“I encourage members of the community, Local Governments and interested organisations to provide written submissions to the Department of Local Government before 30 July,” Mr Castrilli said.
The consultation paper, Proposed Domestic Cat Control Legislation, was available from www.dlg.wa.gov.au
15 June, 2010
Writing on the wall
for graffiti fund
Another round of grants from the Graffiti Fund has been announced with Local Government and community organisations sharing in almost half a million dollars to step up the fight against the damaging practice.Minister for Police, Rob Johnson said the funding would support the work of the Graffiti Taskforce and WA Police as they fought against graffiti.
“The grants cover the costs of graffiti clean-up and provide financial support to community programs, many of which have been successful at preventing graffiti at a grassroots level,” Mr Johnson said.
The Minister said WA Police were also focusing their efforts on graffiti and recently completed a successful two-week operation across Perth’s seven metropolitan districts.
“Operation Ksyrium involved police gathering intelligence and identifying hotspots and ‘tags’, as well as targeting and apprehending people who had been linked to graffiti offences,” he said.
“As a result, police charged 84 people with 183 offences. Nine people have been arrested and a further 54 have been summonsed.”
Mr Johnson said WA Police would continue to focus on offenders throughout the metropolitan districts in a bid to reduce the level of graffiti in the community.
“WA Police are better resourced than ever before, with hundreds of additional police officers out on the streets responding to anti-social behaviour and preventing crime such as graffiti,” he said.
“WA Police and crime prevention groups have made great inroads in the fight against graffiti and this Government will ensure they continue their excellent work.”
Mr Johnson said the new funding was in addition to the $4 million allocated in the Budget for the next four years.
15 June, 2010
Food campaign not
to be scoffed at
The local food promotion campaign Be Vocal About Eating Local has increased consumer awareness of locally-produced food ‘significantly’ according to the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terry Redman.The campaign is an initiative of the Buy West Eat Best program, a partnership between the State Government, growers, producers, manufacturers and retailers.
Mr Redman said the campaign had significantly lifted consumer awareness of the Buy West Eat Best brand.
He said an online survey revealed 68 per cent of respondents who had seen the advertisements were encouraged to buy local produce more often.
Understanding of the brand was shown to be clearer, with 77 per cent recalling the buy Western Australian food message.
The Be Vocal About Eating Local campaign was launched in February and features animated food brought to life by the voices of WA growers.
“The advertisements have helped increase recognition and understanding of the Buy West Eat Best brand, which helps consumers support their local industry by easily identifying products grown, farmed, fished or produced in WA,” Mr Redman said.
“We still have to lift brand prominence in the shops, but the program is making great progress.”
The Minister said the campaign had drawn strong support and financial contributions from many Buy West Eat Best members.
The program was launched to consumers in 2008 and has since grown to 98 industry members.
Mr Redman said the Government was in the process of working with industry to hand over the now-established brand to a new entity.
Further information on the campaign was available from www.buywesteatbest.org.au
15 June, 2010
Warm welcome for
burning target
Prescribed burning in the South-West has reached its annual target for the first time in five years.Minister for the Environment, Donna Faragher said the 200,000 hectare target was reached following a prescribed burning program of forests between Mundaring and Walpole.
Mrs Faragher said prescribed burning was critical to help mitigate the impact of summer bushfires.
“The events in Victoria in 2009 illustrated the destructive power of bushfires and their ability to cause loss of life and significant property and infrastructure damage,” Mrs Faragher said.
She said evidence presented to the Royal Commission into the Victorian fires by independent fire scientists promoted fuel management through controlled fires as the most effective way to reduce the threat bushfires posed to towns and communities.
She said there had been almost 300 bushfires in 2009-10 on South-West lands managed by the Department of Environment and Conservation, more than 90 per cent of which were contained to a few hectares.
She said only one exceeded 10,000ha but had been contained within the forest estate and had not threatened private property.
Mrs Faragher said smoke management, particularly over Perth and near vineyards in the South-West, had become an increasingly important part of prescribed burning operations.
“Managing smoke impacts, especially after several days of burning, is a challenge and, while every effort is made to reduce the impact of smoke, at times some impact is unavoidable,” she said.
“In reaching this target, we acknowledge that there has been a level of community tolerance to occasional smoke impacts.”
The Minister urged all West Australians to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to reduce the risk of bushfires despite the successful prescribed burning operation.
She said prescribed burns had also been undertaken across 4,000ha between Denmark and Esperance and 760,000ha in the Mid-West, Kimberley, Pilbara and Goldfields.
15 June, 2010
Child safety in
grown up move
The child safety program Constable Care is to be expanded into regional areas.Minister for Police, Rob Johnson said Constable Care had been educating and successfully connecting with WA children for more than 20 years.
Mr Johnson said the program’s budget would be boosted to $3 million across the next four years, to allow for its expansion.
“More than 180,000 school-age children are taught Constable Care respect and responsibility messages each year in WA to help shape their attitudes on a range of social issues as they grow into adulthood,” Mr Johnson said.
“Constable Care provides proactive early intervention life skills education with a specific focus on bullying, protective behaviours (child sexual abuse), drugs and alcohol, graffiti vandalism, road safety, health and hygiene, stranger danger, antisocial behaviour, personal safety responsibility and respect issues.”
He said the program would now link with other police crime prevention school programs such as Police Rangers, the PCYC, graffiti education and Protective Behaviours.
“We aim to introduce as many schoolchildren as possible to the positive messages and important life lessons that Constable Care has to offer to enable them to grow into responsible and socially-aware adults to create a safer society in the future,” the Minister said.
Chief Executive of the Constable Care Foundation, Vick Evans said the extra funding would also be used to update much-needed equipment and develop new programs and resources.
“The Government’s contribution will also enable us to deliver our effective programs to an additional 28 regional locations, including Dardanup, Eaton, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Kambalda, Moora, Watheroo, Dalwallinu, Kalanie, Wongan Hills, Dowerin, Albany, Bunbury, Picton, Boyanup, Busselton, Vasse, Carnamah, Leeman, Mingenew, Morawa, Lancelin, Jurien Bay, Badgingarra, Meekatharra, Mt Magnet, Yalgoo and Cue, as well as many childcare centres across the State,” Mr Evans said.
Constable Care has received national recognition for its school-based program, winning four Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards.
15 June, 2010
Mining Centre to
be new treasure
Building has begun on the Central Institute of Technology’s new Mining and Renewable Energy Training Centre. Minister for Training and Workforce Development, Peter Collier joined the Federal Minister for Education, Julia Gillard in a sod-turning ceremony at the site.
Mr Collier said the development would allow the Institute to deliver high-quality technical training to meet industry demand.
“Mining and green skills training are major growth areas for the Western Australian economy,” Mr Collier said.
“The new centre at Central will enable the State to better respond to industry demand in these areas, providing specialised training in mining exploration, mineral processing, geology, gold assaying, solar panel and wind turbine installation and maintenance.”
He said it would also consolidate Central’s training delivery in the key areas of resource development, creative industries, community services and science-based disciplines.
Jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments, the $3.3 million centre is located at the East Perth campus and is expected to be completed by the end of 2010.
Mr Collier said the new Centre would reinforce Central’s position as the major training provider in Perth city, catering for more than 26,000 students.
Managing Director at Central, Neil Fernandes said the centre would provide state-of-the-art facilities for training jobs that were in great demand.
“The new centre will further add to Central’s capacity as the major deliverer of technical training for the mining and renewable energy industries,” Mr Fernandes said.
15 June, 2010
Education funding
passes the test
Four teaching and research institutions in WA are to receive funding from the Commonwealth under its Education Investment Fund.The University of Western Australia, Central TAFE, Pilbara TAFE and the CSIRO have secured the funding which is expected to improve the quality and diversity of courses offered to tertiary students and cement WA’s position in marine science and astronomy.
Federal Minister for Education, Julia Gillard said the projects would boost participation in tertiary education to enable more Western Australians to get the skills and education they need to fill jobs and deepen the nation’s research capability.
The Commonwealth Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr said $105.5 million had been allocated to the four Western Australian projects in the third round and the sustainability round of the Education Investment Fund.
Senator Carr said the CSIRO’s Sustainable Energy for SKA program had received funding to build geothermal and solar power generation and distribution infrastructure at the Murchison Radio-Astronomy Observatory and the Pawsey High Performance Computing Centre in Perth.
He said both sites were critical to Australia’s bid to host the world’s largest radio-telescope, the Square Kilometre Array (SKA).
Senator Carr said construction of a new Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre at the University of Western Australia would be undertaken thanks to the funds.
He said a major redevelopment of Pilbara TAFE’s Pundulmurra Campus at South Hedland would build on its reputation as the preferred provider of culturally-appropriate, industry-relevant training for Indigenous people.
The Senator said a new Green Skills Training Centre at Central TAFE in Perth had been designed to provide green training for engineers, builders, plumbers, painters and environmental, water and renewable energy technicians.
“The Government has decided to extend the funding for this round to include an additional $200 million for projects that focus on teaching and research, particularly the areas of climate change and sustainability,” Senator Carr said.
Further information on the Education Investment Fund was available from www.deewr.gov.au
15 June, 2010
Health pokes nose into
mosquito warning
The Department of Health has issued a warning to people living and holidaying in the Kimberley to take extra care against mosquitoes following a case of the potentially fatal Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE) being detected for the first time this season.Medical Entomologist at the Department, Sue Harrington said the Kunjin virus also continued to be detected.
Ms Harrington said rainfall during May had resulted in populations of biting mosquitoes that could be carrying the viruses.
“Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE) virus and Kunjin virus are both carried by mosquitoes, and while the risk of being infected and becoming unwell is low, the illnesses can be severe and people should take sensible precautions to avoid mosquito bites,” Ms Harrington said.
“Initial symptoms of MVE include fever, drowsiness, headache, stiff neck, nausea and dizziness and people experiencing these symptoms should seek medical advice quickly.”
She said in severe cases, people could experience fits, lapse into a coma and could be left with permanent brain damage or die.
Ms Harrington said infection with the Kunjin virus caused symptoms similar to Ross River virus disease such as swollen and aching joints, fever and rash.
She said in rare cases this progressed to more severe symptoms including headaches, neck stiffness, fever, delirium and coma.
Ms Harrington said people most likely to be affected by MVE or Kunjin virus were newcomers to affected regions, such as babies, young children, tourists and new residents.
“Transmission of other mosquito-borne viruses is also continuing in the north, with 13 cases of Ross River virus disease and Barmah Forest virus disease reported from the Kimberley in the past three months,” she said.
“There are no specific cures or vaccines for MVE, Kunjin, Ross River or Barmah Forest viruses so it is very important that people take care to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes,” Ms Harrington said.
15 June, 2010
Consumer protection moves
The Department of Commerce at Kalgoorlie has moved offices, along with the Kalgoorlie contact for consumer protection information, Anne-Marie Algefski.
Previously based in West Kalgoorlie, Senior Regional Officer at Consumer Protection, Ms Algefski is now located in Kalgoorlie’s Central Business District.
Her phone, fax and PO Box numbers remain the same, as does her email address.
Train parking improved
A total of 270 new parking bays have been brought into operation at Mandurah Train Station.
A further 75 have been provided at Rockingham Train Station, enabling the station’s car park to now hold 775 vehicles.
The parking spaces form part of the Government’s pledge to build 3,000 new parking bays at stations along the Mandurah and Joondalup lines.
Super clinic approved
Plans for a $10 million Midland GP Super Clinic have been announced.
Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon said the GP Super Clinic would be part of the historic Midland Workshops building at the corner of Yelverton Place and Centennial Place.
The Minister of Planning has approved the proposal which has been endorsed by the Midland Redevelopment Authority.
Respite comment sought
A new respite centre for people with a disability, their families and carers living in the south-eastern metropolitan region is to be established in Gosnells.
Consultations with the community are to be held in the coming weeks in order to hear directly from local people about their preferred service model.
Community forums will be held at the Lyal Richardson Hall on 25 and 28 of June and further information was available by emailing teressa.andrews@dsc.wa.gov.au
New fees for Landgate
A new scale of fees for Landgate’s regulated services will come into effect from 1 July.
The hourly service rate for products and services will increase from $130.90 to $136.40. The last hourly service fee increase was in January 2009.
A 2.5 per cent price increase will be applied to some Landgate products and services.
Landgate is the Agency responsible for Western Australia’s land and property information.
Boats penned in
The Department of Transport has announced that the 20 new boat pens at Hillarys Boat Harbour have all been allocated.
Boat owners have taken the pens under five-year licence agreements.
The new pens were part of a $3.6 million construction project completed earlier this year at the Transport-managed facility that saw a total of 44 pens built.
The Department has also constructed 67 pens at Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour.
New tower for Broome
Airservices Australia is to build a $20 million combined air traffic control tower and fire station at Broome Airport.
It will be the first combined facility of its type in Australia and designed to ensure the safe management of air traffic in and around the Broome airport.
A temporary tower service will operate while building works are underway with the new facility scheduled to be complete in mid 2011.
Bypass successful
Annual bypass work has resulted in the removal of more than 87,000 cubic metres of seagrass and sand from the beach at Port Geographe.
The Department of Transport said the project was completed on schedule and under budget.
The bypass operation supplies sand to the beach at Wonnerup to protect the coastline.
Land release begins
A staged release of land at the Beadon Creek Maritime Facility near Onslow in the Pilbara has begun.
The Department of Transport has called for proposals from companies interested in leasing a site at the facility.
Proposal packs were available from www.transport.wa.gov.au or by contacting Transport on (08) 9216 8932.
8 June, 2010
Extension planned
for social housing
A new initiative to accelerate the growth of social housing in Western Australia has been announced.The plan aims to place as many as 559 new dwellings with not-for-profit community housing providers in the second half of this year.
Minister for Housing, Bill Marmion said a significant proportion of houses being built with Commonwealth economic stimulus funding would be offered to non-Government community housing organisations to manage.
Mr Marmion said the potential transfer of housing worth $169 million to established community housing organisations was essential to help address the shortage of social housing.
“Traditionally the Department of Housing has managed the bulk of social housing,” Mr Marmion said.
“However, with a growing waiting list of nearly 24,000 applications from people on low incomes and increasing pressure in the real estate market, we need to look to innovative solutions for building the stock of homes more rapidly.”
He said once the system was established it would give participating providers equity with which to leverage capital borrowings for the construction of additional dwellings of their own.
“Our end goal is to have a much greater pool of homes and a wider range of social housing options available to the growing number of people in the community in need,” Mr Marmion said.
The Minister said under formal Community Housing Agreements with providers, WA would retain a caveat over titles stipulating homes could only be let to applicants on the social housing waiting list or from low income categories in the Affordable Housing and Commonwealth Rental Assistance programs.
“The Department of Housing has registered six larger community housing growth providers who already own or head-lease 2,200 properties, and in recent years the Department has been working to help these organisations scale up in terms of financial viability, asset management experience and outcomes for tenants,” he said.
8 June, 2010
Lessons salvaged from
boating tragedy
The Department of Transport is to review the findings of the Coroner following a boating incident off Carnarvon in 2007 to see if additional operational issues needed to be addressed.General Manager Marine Safety at the Department, David Harrod, who appeared at the Coroner’s inquest, said the findings would be carefully considered and any necessary additional operational changes would be made.
“Since 2007, as part of Marine Safety’s ongoing program of review and improvement, there have been changes implemented designed to enhance operational safety at regional ports administered by Transport,” Mr Harrod said.
“The reforms include the requirement for Regional Transport Officers to hold Certificate III Marine Operations to ensure uniform levels of service across the State.”
He said the Department was also committed to introducing a Quality Management System to provide a systematic, robust and auditable system of documenting and executing marine safety regulatory processes and procedures.
“In addition, vessels in certain circumstances will be required to display more lights than are required by the international collision regulations,” Mr Harrod said.
Four Transport officers appeared at the inquest, which was told the Department of Transport was responsible for operating the Carnarvon Port and took reasonable steps to ensure the temporary anchorage of the barge involved, Seatow 61, did not present a navigation hazard to passing vessels.
Mr Harrod said in responding to a ‘Port of Refuge’ request from barge owner Seatow in March 2007, the Harbour Master had exercised his discretion and more than adequately performed his duties when he consulted a local colleague and a former Harbour Master for the port, which he was not required to do.
“The instructions given by the Harbour Master for the barge to anchor in the chosen location and comply with the current collision laws regarding day marks and night lighting adequately mitigated the foreseeable risks of collision,” he said.
Four people onboard the Norma Jean died following a collision with Seatow 61 before dawn on 18 March 2007.
8 June, 2010
School attendance
strategy on a roll
A new strategy to improve student attendance in public schools has been launched by the Department of Education.The strategy, Better Attendance: Brighter Futures, is an attempt to counter irregular attendance by a significant number of students.
Minister for Education, Liz Constable said non-attendance was an issue that needed co-ordinated community action.
“While the majority of children who miss school do so for legitimate reasons, such as illness, it is concerning that 36 per cent of absences are unexplained,” Dr Constable said.
“The Department of Education has consulted widely in developing the Better Attendance: Brighter Futures strategy to help ensure parents, the business community and local Agencies work together to improve regular attendance.”
Dr Constable said the new strategy would take a multi-pronged approach to attendance by focusing on improving student attendance in the early years; offering increased support to parents and schools and prosecuting parents whose children continually failed to attend school regularly.
“Because attitudes to attendance are formed when children are very young, we will be undertaking an advertising and information campaign during June and July on the importance of attendance in a child’s early years,” she said.
“This campaign will coincide with the enrolment period for kindergarten and pre-primary and will include a special Aboriginal focus.”
The Minister said additional resources would be given to schools with the most serious non-attendance issues and the process for prosecuting parents who have been provided with support but refused to ensure a child in their care attends school regularly would be streamlined.
Dr Constable said the strategy was developed in response to recommendations by the Auditor General in his 2009 report on student attendance.
Copies of the Better Attendance: Brighter Futures strategy were available at www.det.wa.edu.au
8 June, 2010
Doctors promised
flu check-ups
The Department of Health is to keep General Practitioners in WA advised on the seasonal influenza vaccination program for children aged under five following the Commonwealth’s continued suspension of the program.Minister for Health, Kim Hames said there had a lot of confusion from members of the public and the medical profession after the indefinite suspension of this program.
Dr Hames said it was important for people to continue to protect themselves from influenza and that seasonal influenza vaccinations for all other age groups should continue as normal.
“Data compiled in WA showed a clear link between young children having severe reactions to the seasonal influenza vaccine manufactured by CSL (Fluvax),” Dr Hames said.
“We did not find a link between other influenza vaccinations and severe reactions; however we accept the Commonwealth’s decision to continue suspension of the program.”
He said General Practitioners would be told the seasonal influenza vaccine produced by CSL was still suitable for children over five years and adults, including high-risk adults such as pregnant women.
Ensuring adults are still vaccinated will help keep community levels of influenza at a minimum.”
Dr Hames said the data supplied to the Commonwealth from WA had been pivotal to the move to continue suspension of the vaccination program.
He said that this year, WA Health had reported 56 cases of fever related convulsions in children under five - 55 following Fluvax and one where the manufacturer was unknown.
“WA Health staff have worked tirelessly in the past few weeks to document and analyse clinical and epidemiological information, and provide that to national authorities,” the Minister said.
Dr Hames said a review of the Department of Health’s response to the program suspension was continuing and results would be known in coming months.
8 June, 2010
Women’s meeting to
be a frill a minute
The newly-established Women’s Advisory Council is hosting its first ever symposium on 14 June to explore issues affecting women in the State.Minister for Women’s Interests, Robyn McSweeney said among the areas to be discussed were leadership roles, economic security, stereotyping of women by the media, training and workforce development, education and small business.
“The symposium is an opportunity for Western Australian women to directly express their ideas and concerns on a broad range of issues about what affects them most,” Mrs McSweeney said.
“By getting involved in the symposium, not only will women hear from others what issues are important to them, it will be an opportunity to get involved in the shaping of relevant Government policies.”
The Minister said keynote speakers included the expert on leadership and change management, Anne Riches; Executive Director of Marvic Packaging Australia, Kellie Benda; and Chief Executive of Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre, June Oscar.
“I am looking forward to hearing the opinions of all delegates and I am sure many innovative suggestions will come out of this symposium,” she said.
“I encourage women from all backgrounds to attend this unique event.”
Mrs McSweeney said the Women’s Advisory Council was made up of professional women from Government and non-Government backgrounds.
She said the Council, which is chaired by Maria Saraceni, included representation from women’s service organisations such as the National Council for Women, Country Women’s Association and Zonta International.
Prospective participants can secure a place at the symposium by registering online at www.wacs2010.com.au
8 June, 2010
New angles sought for
fishery management
A discussion paper detailing the framework for a proposed new Act of Parliament to manage the State’s fisheries is out for public comment.Fisheries Minister, Norman Moore said significant pressures had developed in Western Australia’s fisheries and the aquatic environment since the current Fish Resources Management Act 1994 (FRMA) came into force 16 years ago.
“The proposed Act will replace the FRMA and the Pearling Act 1990, establishing the basis for a sea change in the management of aquatic biological resources, fisheries, and their environment,” Mr Moore said.
“There is a critical need to provide an effective legal framework which can meet the sustainability challenges posed by WA’s marine and freshwater environments and better integrate our approach across Government and industry.”
The Minister said as WA’s population expanded the demand for natural resources was increasing and it was vital that aquatic ecosystems were appropriately managed and protected.
“Our goal is sustainable use of our aquatic resources for the long term - the ongoing environmental, social and economic health of our society,” he said.
“A more integrated approach, with sufficient flexibility, will be needed to meet the challenges ahead.”
Mr Moore said discussion and feedback about how to meet the challenges of the future would be vital to ensuring a sustainable future for living aquatic resources.
Submissions close on 26 July and a final proposal for the new Act is to be developed following an analysis of public input.
Mr Moore said subject to State Cabinet approval, a draft Bill would be prepared and further public input would then be sought on the detailed content of the new Act.
8 June, 2010
Animal inspectors
launch pet project
Sale yards, abattoirs and live export depots are to be visited by officers from the Department of Agriculture and Food to promote national animal welfare guidelines. Chief Veterinary Officer with the Department, Tony Higgs said the officers were committed to helping the State’s livestock industries meet the national Fit to Load guidelines.
“Failure to comply with Fit to Load guidelines could expose producers and transporters to risk of prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act 2002,” Dr Higgs said.
“Stock that are visibly weak or diseased, extremely thin, or have unhealed injuries must not be loaded.”
He said owners and transporters must ensure animals can bear weight on all legs, can see and are not in late pregnancy.
Dr Higgs said if there was any doubt about an animal’s fitness for loading, it should be left out.
Chief Executive of the WA Meat Industry Authority, Renata Paliskis said the industry supported the Fit to Load guidelines.
“We encourage all those involved in the stock movement process — owners, agents, transporters and sale yards’ staff — to become familiar with and observe these national guidelines,” Ms Paliskis said.
The Department has produced a new publication, Transporting Livestock: When are Animals Fit to Load? to help owners and transporters assess whether stock meet the guidelines.
The publication was available from www.agric.wa.gov.au
8 June, 2010
City Budget
to be built up
Perth City Council’s capital works budget for 2010-11 is to focus on major projects such as redeveloping Forrest Place, the Northbridge Link project and improving city infrastructure.Lord Mayor, Lisa Scaffidi said the Budget reflected Perth’s status as the fastest growing Local Government in Australia in terms of residential population.
“The city’s growth, along with the Council’s sound financial management, has also been a contributing factor to containing rate increases for 2010-11 to an average of only 3.8 per cent across all classes,” Ms Scaffidi said.
“The increase, which is necessary to fund ongoing capital works in the State’s capital city, is likely to be among the lowest for Local Governments in Western Australia.”
The Lord Mayor said the Council’s rates base had grown as development of the city took place and new buildings came on stream.
”However, like most organisations, the City has had to contend with rising costs and charges and fallout from the global financial crisis,” she said.
“Over the next 12 months the city will continue to improve as major building developments move towards completion, street enhancements are carried out and other services and facilities improved.”
Ms Scaffidi said the City Council would deliver on its commitment of $25.5 million to The Link project which would connect the CBD with Northbridge when completed.
The City Council has increased some fees and charges from 1 July, including for off-street and on-street parking.
8 June, 2010
New laws a snap on
child restraints
New laws aimed at reducing the risk of injury from unsuitable child restraints in cars are to come into force on 1 October.The laws specify the type of restraint to be used at different ages and where children must be seated in a vehicle.
Minister for Road Safety, Rob Johnson said the current system of allowing young children over the age of 12 months to use a standard seat belt did not provide them with an adequate level of safety.
“Every year in WA, about 14 child passengers aged between 0 and 16 years are killed on our roads, with a further 230 seriously injured,” Mr Johnson said.
“Just over 20 per cent of deaths in this age group, and nine per cent of those seriously injured, were not wearing a restraint at the time of the crash.”
He said the changes would ensure WA complied with the new Australian Road Rules and would require children from birth to the age of six months to be restrained in a rearward facing child restraint (such as an infant capsule).
Mr Johnson said from six months up to the age of four children must be strapped in a rearward or forward facing child restraint with in-built harness; and from four up to seven in either a forward facing child restraint or booster seat restrained by a fastened seat belt or child safety harness.
He said children aged seven years and over could still use an adult seat belt.
The Minister said the Government was not introducing the new laws until October to give parents and carers enough time to purchase or hire restraints, or to make the necessary modifications to their vehicle.
8 June, 2010
Western power
in pole position
Western Power is on track to deliver all 33 recommendations made in EnergySafety’s 2008 Distribution Wood Pole Audit Review.Minister for Energy, Peter Collier said Western Power had also addressed other significant issues raised by EnergySafety which focused on managing, inspecting and maintaining the wood pole network.
“This has resulted in major improvements in the inspection techniques used by Western Power in monitoring its wood pole network, and improving the training and monitoring of pole inspectors,” Mr Collier said.
“Recommendations in the audit which were due now have been completed by their required time frames. The other recommendations are all on track to be completed within EnergySafety’s requested time frames.
“I am confident the work Western Power is carrying out will make a significant impact towards ensuring Western Australia has a secure and reliable electricity network.”
Mr Collier said Western Power had also prioritised its funding to address the highest priority investments in public safety and regulatory compliance, as reflected in the Budget.
He said work already completed, as outlined by EnergySafety, included identifying untreated and unsafe jarrah poles in the rural network; improving the reinforced pole replacement program; developing an enhanced quality assessment process for the new wood pole inspection contract to be implemented on 1 July; and implementing a more effective investigation process for all pole failures.
Mr Collier said Western Power would refocus its energy on distribution asset replacement and renewal; targeted distribution reliability improvement work; and distribution compliance initiatives including bushfire mitigation.
8 June, 2010
Centrecare signs on
for suicide pact
Centrecare Inc has been named as the preferred non-Government organisation to implement the Western Australian Suicide Prevention Strategy 2009-2013.Minister for Mental Health, Graham Jacobs said about 2,000 Australians died from suicide every year and that for every one of these people, at least another 30 attempted suicide.
Dr Jacobs said in the past 20 years there had been more deaths from suicide than fatalities on the roads.
“That means suicide is everybody’s business; family and friends of the person who has died experience great sadness and grief, and as a community we share their pain and have a role to play in preventing this loss of life,” Dr Jacobs said.
He said Centrecare would support the Ministerial Council for Suicide Prevention to implement the strategy.
“Centrecare have demonstrated a clear understanding of the strategy, a strong community focus and excellent organisational structures,” Dr Jacobs said.
“The Ministerial Council will identify priority areas across the State to effectively target suicide prevention strategies and will oversee initiatives to improve community strength and resilience, expand community knowledge of suicide and support capacity building in communities at increased risk.”
He said Centrecare would be funded by reconfiguring current resources held by the Mental Health Commission and would work collaboratively across the State to engage community members and ensure the strategy’s aims were achieved.
8 June, 2010
Scientists plant
seeds of discovery
Two scientists from Kings Park have discovered a treasure trove of new plant species during a six-day field trip to remote areas of the Kimberly.Brothers, Matt and Russell Barrett discovered at least 10 new species and recollected two plants that had never before been seen in flower from an area near the Prince Regent River and the Mitchell Plateau in March.
The new species include Acacia, Hibbertia, a rheophyllous Melaleuca, Boronia, Triodia (Spinifex), Solanum (bush tomato) and Eucalyptus while the two recollected plants were the Backhousia and Auranticarpa.
Director of Kings Park Science, Kingsley Dixon said the discoveries were very exciting as the horticultural and medicinal values of them were completely unknown.
“The Kimberley is the last great botanical frontier in Australia,” Mr Kingsley said.
“There are around 3,000 known plant species in the Kimberley, an increase from 1,500 when Kings Park scientists started exploring the area in the 1980s, but there are possibly hundreds more plant species yet to be discovered.”
The Barrett brothers grew up on a station in the Kimberley and have been researching plant species in the area for the past 15 years.
Mr Kingsley said the pair had added more to the knowledge about flora in the region than any other botanists in recent history.
Dr Matt Barrett said the remoteness of the location was the reason the species had remained a secret for so long.
“We have to fly in by helicopter and trek through rough terrain in sometimes extreme weather conditions, all while trying to stay out of the way of the large numbers of crocodiles and deadly snakes that call the area home,” Dr Barrett said.
“Some of these species are also quite shy, only coming into flower for a short period of time each year, so if you don’t come at exactly the right time you will miss seeing it altogether.”
Dr Barrett said scientists would now work to identify, record, propagate and further research the newly found species.
8 June, 2010
Aboriginal job plan
draws line in sand
A strategy that will “open the door” to new opportunities for Aboriginal jobseekers has been developed by the Department of Training and Workforce Development.The Aboriginal Workforce Development Strategy outlines a series of findings and recommendations and is aimed at establishing a stronger connection between employers and jobseekers.
Minister for Training and Workforce Development, Peter Collier said Aboriginal people remained among the most severely disadvantaged groups in the labour market and that there was a clear need to improve the situation.
Mr Collier said the strategy was developed by the Training Together-Working Together Committee and followed a series of metropolitan and regional workshops involving business, industry and community members.
“One of the main findings of the Committee was a lack of connection and co-ordination between employers, jobseekers and service providers,” Mr Collier said.
“Western Australia is on the cusp of the next wave of prosperity, with a host of new opportunities starting to emerge.
“While a large number of Aboriginal people are already in training, we need to ensure they transition smoothly into ongoing employment.”
The Minister said in order to achieve this goal, employers had to know how to engage successfully with the jobseekers.
As an initial response to the strategy’s recommendations, an Aboriginal Workforce Development Centre - the first of its kind in WA - has been established, and will be complemented by a series of regional centres.
“Staff at the Centre, located in the Perth CBD, will work with employers, Government Agencies and the Aboriginal community to remove barriers to Aboriginal participation in the workforce,” Mr Collier said.
“Some of the first regional centres will be located in Broome, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Bunbury, providing a direct link between Aboriginal people and local employers.”
The Minister thanked the Training Together-Working Together Committee, co-chaired by Sue Gordon and Keith Spence, for developing the strategy which could be downloaded from www.stb.wa.gov.au
8 June, 2010
Environment awards
get green light
Nominations for the 2010 WA Environment Awards are now open.Acting Director General of the Department of Environment and Conservation, Robert Atkins said individuals, community groups, businesses, and Local and State Government Agencies were all eligible to enter.
“Western Australians are well known for their commitment to the natural environment,” Mr Atkins said, “and it is important to recognise the numerous environmental projects underway throughout the State.”
Now in its ninth year, the WA Environment Awards recognise projects that set new environmental benchmarks in native bushland conservation, minimising waste, caring for native wildlife, implementing energy efficiency measures and rehabilitating estuarine environments.
“This year, the WA Environment Awards program has strengthened the focus on rivers, wetlands and estuarine environments through the creation of a specific category sponsored by the Swan River Trust,” Mr Atkins said.
“Last year, we received entries from as far north as Kununurra to inland Kalgoorlie to Esperance on the State’s south coast and I hope to see this again this year in even greater numbers.”
He said the 11 categories were: Corporate Business Leading by Example; Government Leading by Example; Small Business Leading by Example; Biodiversity Conservation; Bush, Land and Waterways; Resource and Waste Management; Environmental Education and Communication; Community Energy Efficiency; Rivers, Estuaries and Wetlands; Community Achievement – Regional; and Community Achievement – Metropolitan.
An overall environment award winner will be chosen from the category winners.
Mr Atkins said nominations closed on 23 July and further information was available from www.dec.wa.gov.au
8 June, 2010
Make-over for women
in Local Government
A number of long-standing elected women in Local Government have been acknowledged by the Minister for Local Government, John Castrilli.In an address to the Women in Local Government Conference, Mr Castrilli highlighted the importance of the increased participation of women in the Local Government sector.
Mr Castrilli said this involvement would be increasingly important in the next stage of the reform implementation process as Local Governments improved their capacity and sustainability and provided better services to the community.
He said although the overall representation of women in senior positions in WA remained relatively low with just 11 female Chief Executives, it was encouraging to see a wide range of initiatives under way to develop further opportunities.
“Women have been making a substantial contribution to Local Government through review, forward planning and change of management activities in their local and regional areas and this has been evident in the reform process,” Mr Castrilli said.
The Minister said greater female participation would expand the skills resource and increase the overall effectiveness of Local Government decision-making and service delivery.
“It is important to remove structural barriers in advancing women into senior management and leadership positions,” Mr Castrilli said.
The following women were recognised for more than 20 years of service to Local Government: Ainslie Evans (Shire of Katanning), Olwen Searle, (City of Gosnells), Chris Thompson (Shire of Murray), Judith Jones (City of Bunbury), Janet Savage (Shire of Gnowangerup), Maria Haynes (City of Swan), Anne Brinkworth (Town of Bassendean) and Barbara Thomas (Shire of Mullewa).
8 June, 2010
Planning rolls dice
on Burswood plan
Public comment has been invited on the proposed development of the Burswood Peninsula in Perth.The plan proposes the development of urban centres similar to those at Melbourne’s Docklands and Sydney’s Pyrmont-Ultimo.
Minister for Planning, John Day said the Burswood Peninsula Draft District Framework outlined the creation of two urban centres focused on Burswood and Belmont Park railway stations.
“These urban centres could potentially house up to 20,000 new residents,” Mr Day said.
“There are two concept scenarios for this future development; the first is a more intensive urban scenario that suggests redevelopment of part of the Burswood Park Public Golf Course and full redevelopment of the Burswood Dome site.”
He said the second scenario was less intensive and reinforced the recreation and entertainment focus of Burswood by retaining the golf course and the State Tennis Centre.
Mr Day said Docklands and Pyrmont-Ultimo were thriving high-density inner city neighbourhoods that had been regenerated to boost the local economy and enrich public life.
“Burswood Peninsula is already one of Perth’s most important tourism, entertainment and recreation destinations and the new framework will seek to enhance this role as well as provide new activities for locals and visitors,” he said.
The Minister said while continued inner city development was a key element of sustainable metropolitan growth, it was important that planning decisions provided community certainty and did not discourage investment.
“The development of Burswood Peninsula will occur over several decades,” he said.
“The framework acknowledges this and clearly identifies that, even if supported, development of the golf course would be unlikely to occur for 25 to 30 years.”
Mr Day encouraged residents, community groups and local businesses to provide feedback by 30 July by visiting www.planning.wa.gov.au
8 June, 2010
CEOs to sleep outside
Senior Public Service managers are being invited to take part in WA’s contribution to the national Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
The event challenges business and community leaders to experience homelessness first-hand for one night to gain insight and change social opinions on the issue.
The WA Sleepout will be at Perth’s WACA ground on 17 June. Further information was available from www.ceosleepout.org.au
CCC finds CFO guilty
A Corruption and Crime Commission investigation has resulted in the former Chief Finance Officer of the Pilbara Development Commission being found guilty of two counts of fraud.
The former CFO was released on bail and is scheduled to appear before the Court on 2 July for sentencing.
The convictions relate to a false claim for a Government subsidy worth more than $70,000 over about five years.
Police tackle behaviour
The WA Police Internal Investigations Unit has charged a Public Servant attached to WA Police with unlawful access to a police computer.
The Public Servant, who has been an unsworn member of the force since March 2000, is alleged to have unlawfully accessed the police computer system between May 2005 and December 2009.
Tidy towns tidy up
The Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Program has seen a surge of interest with an increase in registrations of more than 50 per cent since 2009.
The number of towns or communities rose from 41 in 2009 to 64 in 2010, with Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley rising from three to 16. Registrations from the Pilbara were also up.
Submissions are due from communities by 5 July.
Schools wise up to waste
More than 70 schools across the State have been accredited through the Waste Wise Schools program.
Community Education Coordinator at the Department of Environment and Conservation, Wendy Aspden said in order to receive accreditation, schools in the program needed to reach certain benchmarks including forming a committee, writing a waste reduction plan and policy and conducting a waste audit.
Accredited schools receive a sign in recognition of their achievement.
Creative power centre
The former Midland Railway Workshops, now a creative industries centre called the Midland Atelier, is producing its own power.
A solar installation will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 94 tonnes per year, roughly equivalent to burning 56 barrels of oil, or taking 30 cars off Perth’s roads.
The installation is a $500,000 project jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments.
Jetty stands out
A new $420,000 jetty has been officially opened near Rottnest Island’s hotel to replace one built on the site over 100 years ago.
As part of the official opening, a new ranger vessel was named Roland Smith in honour of one of the island’s navigation pioneers.
The new jetty is expected to ease boat congestion.
Science nominations open
Nominations have opened for the 2010 Western Australian Science Awards, with the State’s scientists, science teachers and science outreach programs all eligible.
The awards recognise the role of science in helping to diversify the State’s economy. Categories are: Scientist of the Year, Early Career Scientist of the Year, Science Educator of the Year – Primary, Science Educator of the Year – Secondary and Science Outreach Initiative of the Year.
Nomination forms were available from www.commerce.wa.gov.au
Power Station opens
The Karratha Power Station has been officially opened and will contribute an extra 86KW into the North West Interconnected System which services Horizon Power customers in Karratha, Port Hedland and surrounding towns.
The new station has been built beside Horizon Power’s head office in Karratha, adjacent to its 132 kV terminal.
Construction of the power station started in March 2009, with the first gas turbine being commissioned in February and the second in April.
EOI call for car parks
Expressions of interest have been called to build, finance and operate multi-storey car parks at QEII Medical Centre in Nedlands.
The car parks will service the centre which, over the next six years, is expected to evolve into one of the State’s biggest medical, education and research facilities.
Improved access to public transport alternatives for patients, visitors and staff is also planned.
Schools merge
The 2011 school year will see the amalgamation of East Claremont and Claremont primary schools.
The move was planned the two Schools Councils in a bid to boost class sizes and ensure the long-term viability of public education in the Claremont area.
While the new school will initially operate from two campuses, a master planning study will determine the facilities needed for the future.
Dancers accept award
Dancers from St Mary’s College in Broome have won the 2010 Positive Image Award for their performances that promote reconciliation, resilience and respect,
Previously an individual award, this year’s Positive Image Award has recognised secondary school students as a class, group or team.
The Award is run by the Office in Youth in the Department for Communities.||
1 June, 2010
Juveniles hitch
ride with DCS
The Department of Corrective Services is to resume responsibility for transporting juvenile offenders in regional areas.The Department will take the role from WA police in November.
Police have transported juveniles since signing a Memorandum of Understanding with DCS in 2000.
Minister for Corrective Services, Christian Porter said the decision to revert the function back to DCS meant Police would no longer have to transport juveniles over long distances in vehicles not designed for the work.
“A transfer of funding from WA Police will allow DCS to employ additional custodial officers to manage the transportation of juveniles,” Mr Porter said.
“The changes will give DCS control over recruitment, selection, training and supervision of staff to ensure high standards are maintained.
“Importantly, this will also free up police to focus on core policing responsibilities in regional WA.”
Mr Porter said WA Police would provide initial transport to an agreed regional hub where DCS staff would take over to provide the remainder of the escort.
The Minister said all police stations within a four-hour drive of Perth would be considered hubs and that in more remote regions, hubs would be centres with appropriate holding, transport and airstrip facilities.
He said DCS would also begin testing the market for a new Court security services contract using a mixed service delivery model of public and private sector resources as their current contract with G4S expires in July 2011.
“The Government’s preferred option is to outsource the component of the Court Security and Custodial Services transport that represents regular scheduled travel between police facilities, prisons and Courts but keep some or all of the ad hoc prisoner transportation services such as medical escorts, funeral escorts and family visits in the public sector,” Mr Porter said.
1 June, 2010
Regional Commissions
in place for review
Reviews have been ordered for the State’s nine Regional Development Commissions (RDCs).Minister for Regional Development and Lands, Brendon Grylls said the RDCs played an important role in delivering projects throughout Western Australia, including many initiatives announced in the State Budget.
Mr Grylls said the review would consider the cost efficiency of the RDCs and the effectiveness of the existing model in delivering regional development initiatives.
He said it would also look at options to improve service delivery for regional development including administrative arrangements to enable regional decision making and to avoid duplication of roles and responsibilities with other Agencies or organisations.
He said the review would take into account changes that had been introduced over the past two years to create a stronger regional development program.
“The establishment of the Department of Regional Development and Lands in 2009 and the introduction of Royalties for Regions are having an enormous positive impact on regional development across Western Australia,” Mr Grylls said.
“RDCs are statutory authorities that were established under the Regional Development Commissions Act 1993 to coordinate and promote the economic development of the State’s regions.”
The Minister said the review would be chaired by Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Regional Development, Wendy Duncan.
Its members would include the Chief of Staff to the Minister for Regional Development, Doug Cunningham; Regional Development Council Chair, Graham Thomson; Public Sector Commissioner, Mal Wauchope and Director General, Department of Regional Development and Lands, Paul Rosair.
The review group is expected to release an issues paper for public comment before it reports to the Minister in September.
Terms of reference for the review were available from www.rdl.wa.gov.au
1 June, 2010
Heads of Government
on CHOGM block
The next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is to be held in Perth in October next year.Premier, Colin Barnett welcomed the announcement, saying it signalled an important milestone in planning for the event.
Mr Barnett said CHOGM would coincide with a royal visit and that planning for all the events could now proceed in greater detail.
“CHOGM will be the biggest event to be held in Perth for many years, with the leaders of 54 Commonwealth nations set to participate,” Mr Barnett said.
“The meeting not only provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of the value and function of the Commonwealth, but it is also an opportunity to put Perth on the map as Australia’s Indian Ocean capital city, and establish Perth and Western Australia as a modern and world-class destination.”
The Premier said the meeting provided a rare opportunity to promote Western Australia throughout the world, particularly in Southern Asia and the African-Indian Ocean Rim.
“I am confident we can provide great venues and showcase the State,” he said.
“We will be very much at the centre of world political debate for that week in October 2011.”
Mr Barnett said CHOGM was more than a meeting of Commonwealth leaders and included business and youth and community forums surrounding the leaders’ meeting.
“These events will provide some opportunities for business and the community to participate,” he said.
1 June, 2010
WA has numbers
for census trial
The Australian Bureau of Statistics is to test-run its procedures and practices for the 2011 Census in a number of remote Indigenous communities in Western Australia.Describing the test as a “dress rehearsal’’, Australian Statistician, Brian Pink said it would be conducted in three States over the next two months.
Mr Pink said the 5-yearly Census of Population and Housing gave a comprehensive picture of the nation by providing data about the number of people, their key characteristics, and where they lived.
“The Census is the largest statistical operation undertaken by the ABS, and one of the biggest peacetime operations in Australia,” Mr Pink said.
“This year’s dress rehearsal, in a small number of areas in three States, is a critical test run for next August’s main event.
“The test will include a sample of 20,000 dwellings and several remote communities, and will be conducted between 31 May and 2 July 2010.”
He said the test would provide the ABS with valuable knowledge and experience to help ensure procedures were right for the Census in 2011.
Mr Pink urged people living or staying in Census test areas to participate so the ABS could get the most accurate count of the nation when the Census is conducted on 9 August 2011.
“Policymakers use Census data to understand the needs of different communities and neighbourhoods, while community organisations, private organisations and all levels of Government use it to plan local services like health, education, retail and transport,” he said.
“Australia’s population estimates are also based on the Census, and are used to allocate the number of seats for each State in the House of Representatives, and the distribution of Commonwealth funding, including GST revenue, to the States and Territories.”
Mr Pink said Census forms could be filled in online using the ABS’s eCensus option.
The other States involved are NSW and South Australia.
1 June, 2010
Speed a factor in
car inspections
A new fast-track vehicle inspection process for hail damaged vehicles purchased at auction has been introduced by the Department of Transport General Manager Licensing at the Department, Alastair Bryant said the hail storm on 22 March had affected many motorists and that the streamlined process would be a win for the motor trade, the insurance industry and the vehicle owner.
Mr Bryant said the inspection process would apply to unlicensed vehicles purchased at auction with hail and minor glass/light damage but not to those with structural damage.
“When buyers want to re-license these hail-damaged vehicles, following repairs of glass/light damage, the new fast-track vehicle inspection process will make it quicker and cheaper,” Mr Bryant said.
“Most importantly, the new streamlined process will be undertaken without compromising safety standards.”
He said the Department had taken extraordinary steps to ensure public inconvenience was reduced following Perth’s most severe weather event for decades.
He said the Department had arranged special fast-track inspection sessions where vehicles could be inspected and re-licensed outside normal working hours on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays.
More information about hail-damaged vehicles purchased at auction and the new fast-track vehicle inspection process was available online at www.transport.wa.gov.au
1 June, 2010
Teachers chalk
up new awards
Nominations have opened for a new award recognising the six best new teachers in WA public schools.The winners are to be selected come from the new teachers that have joined Western Australia’s public schools so far this year.
Director General of the Department of Education, Sharyn O’Neill said parents and school communities could nominate the best new teacher at their child’s school as part of the WA Education Awards 2010.
Ms O’Neill said prizes for the awards totalled $183,000, including the new WA Beginning Teacher of the Year category, which would see three metropolitan and three regional teachers receive prizes of $3,000 each for professional development.
“We need to recognise exceptional new teachers and encourage them to stay in the profession for the benefit of students now and in the future – this new award is a great way to do that,” Ms O’Neill said.
“Department statistics show that this year alone, more than 757 new teachers have joined our public schools and many of these people would have impressed students, parents and fellow staff who should take the next step and nominate them for the award.”
Other categories at the Awards include outstanding principal, outstanding teacher and outstanding school support staff member.
Nominations for the Awards close on 30 July with the winners to be announced in a breakfast ceremony at Perth Convention Exhibition Centre on 6 December.
To nominate or to find further information on the Awards, visit www.det.wa.gov.au
1 June, 2010
WA sees light on
solar energy
Western Australia is to adopt a solar power feed-in tariff scheme.Minister for Energy, Peter Collier said under the scheme a subsidy would be provided to householders with new and existing photovoltaic (PV), wind and micro-hydro systems.
Mr Collier said the scheme would open for applications from 1 July and that payments were expected to be made from 1 August.
He said it would be available for residential installations where the system was owned by the home owner, including tenanted properties.
“The net feed-in tariff scheme has been set at 40c per kilowatt hour (kWh) on electricity exported into both the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) and regional grids,” Mr Collier said.
“This provides a genuine incentive for home owners to install renewable energy systems, which not only have a positive impact on the environment but will also help householders manage their electricity bills.”
The Minister said the scheme would help system owners recover the cost of installing solar PV systems, with recipients receiving the net feed-in tariff payments for 10 years.
“The scheme will not require any changes in metering for existing system owners,” he said.
Mr Collier said a feasibility study was being undertaken into the potential for a similar scheme for businesses.
Electricity retailers Synergy and Horizon Power will administer the net feed-in tariff scheme.
This scheme follows the introduction of the Household Renewable Energy Scheme in 2009, with rebates to be paid to almost 4,500 home owners who had installed solar energy systems between 6 September 2008 and 2 June 2009.
Further information on the scheme was available from www.energy.wa.gov.au
1 June, 2010
New resources send
graffiti to the wall
A hotline, website and toolkit to help manage graffiti have been developed by the Office of Crime Prevention. The 24-hour Goodbye Graffiti Hotline and website are available to members of the community who want to report graffiti while the Graffiti Management Toolkit is aimed at helping stakeholders manage and prevent graffiti vandalism and evaluate interventions.
Reports to the hotline are forwarded to relevant Local Councils and major asset owners to notify them of the need to remove graffiti.
If a victim of graffiti makes the report to the hotline, a police report will be lodged and photos of the scene are collected to be added to the victim report.
Free brochures and posters promoting the hotline and website are available to all Local Councils, which will also have access to weekly statistic reports.
The Graffiti Management Toolkit contains a range of information on current State Government initiatives, examples of ‘good practice’ in graffiti management, templates/frameworks for strategies and pro-formas for evaluating graffiti related projects.
It advocates a ‘rapid removal’ policy that encourages the owners of assets to remove graffiti promptly and within 48-hours if possible to diminish the level of recognition achieved by the graffiti vandals.
The toolkit provides a list of useful resources for dealing with graffiti and was developed by the Office of Crime Prevention in consultation with the Department of Justice in Queensland;
Crime Prevention Victoria; and Constable Robyn Cottman from WA Police.
The toolkit could be downloaded from www.goodbyegraffiti.wa.gov.au
1 June, 2010
Landgate’s Roy
lands award
The Department of Treasury and Finance has congratulated State Revenue employee Roy Caudle for taking out a prestigious award presented by the Australian Institute of Conveyancers.Mr Caudle works at Landgate, the Agency responsible for Western Australia’s land and property information and was among nine people from the private and public sector nominated for the Bruce Thurston Award.
The Award recognises outstanding contributions and services to the Australian Institute of Conveyancers’ membership by people not employed within the conveyancing industry.
Mr Caudle said he was proud just to be nominated, but that winning the award came as a surprise
“Landgate had two officers nominated and had earlier in the evening won an award in a different category,” he said.
“I was pleasantly surprised to hear my name called out.”
Mr Caudle said customer service had been a long-term focus of the Department and considerable resources and effort had been allocated to maintain and improve service standards.
A statement from the Department said the efforts of staff often went unnoticed by the members of the public and industry who accessed its services.
“But through recognition like this award and feedback through facilities such as the Complaints and Compliments facility on the website, we are reminded that we can make a difference and that our customers do notice,” it said.
1 June, 2010
Pilbara water plan
up and flowing
A 20-year plan to guide water management in the Pilbara has been launched by the Minister for Water, Graham Jacobs.Dr Jacobs said the Pilbara regional water plan 2010-2030 set out a strategic vision and five-year action plan to guide sustainable management of the region’s water resources and water services.
He said it also provided a longer-term strategy towards sustainable water resource planning and management.
“Water is a defining feature of the Pilbara, supporting a unique landscape which also boasts the economic powerhouse of the country,” Dr Jacobs said.
“However, despite the usual difficult balance and trade-offs between development, environment and Indigenous values, the uncertainty of the region’s water resources being recharged by cyclonic rains, makes it even more complex.”
The Minister said increasing population, industry demands, and making the region an attractive place to live and work were challenged by unreliable rainfall and uncertainty around the future climate.
“People, energy and water are the key drivers to viable regional development and the State Government must be well placed so that water does not become the limiting growth factor in the development of a revitalised Pilbara,” Dr Jacobs said.
MP for the North West, Vince Catania said the plan supported mining expansion in the Pilbara as the nation’s key economic driver.
Mr Catania said the plan also recognised that by 2030, overall water use would more than double.
He said mine dewatering discharge was anticipated to increase threefold - particularly in the next 10 years - with the anticipated rapid expansion of the mining industry.
Dr Jacobs said the Government had taken into account the public submissions received during the plan’s comment period and encouraged interested parties to read the plan to enhance their understanding of the issues and planned solutions.
Pilbara regional water plan 2010-2030 could be downloaded at www.water.wa.gov.au
1 June, 2010
Broad view taken of
broadband network
Work has begun on a fibre-optic communications system linking Perth and Geraldton.The project is part of the Federal Government’s National Broadband Network Regional Backbone Blackspots Program.
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy said one of the biggest obstacles for fast affordable broadband in regional areas was the lack of competitive infrastructure.
“This infrastructure provides the communication links that connect our towns, cities and rural areas to each other and the world,” Senator Conroy said.
He said the new link would benefit around 35,000 people in regional Western Australia.
“Once complete, other broadband providers will be able to enter the market and offer faster broadband speeds, cheaper prices and more choice for people and businesses across the region,” Senator Conroy said.
He said the new system was expected to boost the joint Australia-New Zealand bid to host the $2.5 billion Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio-telescope, which will be based in WA’s Mid-West if the bid is successful.
Minister for Innovation, Senator Kim Carr said the fibre-optic system would be of great benefit to the SKA bid.
“This infrastructure comes on top of the fibre-optic link between the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory and Geraldton being built by the CSIRO,” Senator Carr said.
“This infrastructure is a tremendous boost to the SKA bid. The combination of the new link and CSIRO’s fibre means we can offer the international project a cost-effective solution to the massive data transport requirements of the SKA.”
He said hosting the SKA would give Australia and New Zealand a key role in a mega-science project of global reach.
1 June, 2010
Injuries drive road
safety campaign
A new road safety campaign focusing on the 2,800 West Australians seriously injured in vehicle crashes each year has been launched by the Minister for Road Safety, Rob Johnson.Mr Johnson said the new campaign aimed to raise awareness of WA’s hidden road toll, which had a significant economic and social cost to the community.
“Most road users underestimate the number of people seriously injured on the roads and do not have an understanding of the implications it can have on the community,” Mr Johnson said.
“These serious injuries can leave people with lifelong disabilities or brain damage, changing their lives forever.”
He said stage one of the campaign included advertising in the press, online, on metropolitan Perth bus shelters and on the radio.
“As a community, we should not accept road injuries as being inevitable,” Mr Johnson said.
“We all need to realise how our driving actions can have a serious impact on one another and the wider community.”
The Minister said serious road crashes also caused financial and emotional stress to the victim, their families and friends, as well as to the entire community and the health system.
Mr Johnson said it was estimated that the number of people seriously injured on WA roads in 2008 cost the State approximately $1.2 billion.
“We must all work together to ensure our entire road system is as safe as possible and aim to be safe drivers in safe vehicles travelling on safe roads at safe speeds,” he said.
“Slow down; don’t drink and drive; avoid driver distractions; buy the safest vehicle possible; ensure you and your passengers are wearing seatbelts; don’t drive tired; and be cautious and courteous when driving.”
1 June, 2010
New banana project
wins hands down
A trial program growing bananas under nets has been labelled an early success by the Department of Agriculture and Food.The Department’s experiment has seen bananas grown under the netting on Gascoyne Research Station out-yield unprotected crops by up to 25 per cent in their first harvest.
Manager of the project, Chris Schelfhout said bunches grown under the net weighed around 40 kilograms compared with the 32 kg bunches grown without nets
Dr Schelfhout said the trial was planted more than 12 months ago with support from Horticulture Australia Limited and the Sweeter Banana Company in Carnarvon.
“The strong winds at Carnarvon buffet bananas, causing shearing of the leaves that limits plant growth, rubs the fruit and causes blemishes,” Dr Schelfhout said.
“Full protective netting reduces the wind effects, improving the environment for plant growth and fruit development.”
He said fully enclosed nets were traditionally used for wind and bird protection in table grape and vegetable crops and that the idea to test them on bananas had come after a group of growers and Department staff visited Israel.
Dr Schelfhout said planting densities were also being investigated in a separate trial, including impact on yield. Preliminary results indicated that the closer plantings would increase overall yields despite smaller bunch sizes.
He said while netting costs were substantial, they could be worth the investment if returns were increased significantly through faster growth, more productive plants and higher quality fruit.
1 June, 2010
Cockatoo researchers
cocky after survey
A survey of Perth’s nocturnal roost sites for Carnaby’s black cockatoo has revealed valuable information about the endangered species.The Great Cocky Count 2010, funded by the Natural Resource Management program, was coordinated by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and Birds Australia.
The survey saw 189 roost sites visited by 350 volunteers on 7 April to count cockatoos.
Of these sites, 130 were confirmed as active nocturnal roosts, with about 6,500 Carnaby’s black cockatoos counted in the greater Perth area.
This is consistent with the estimate of between 10,000 and 15,000 birds across the Swan Coastal Plain from Lancelin in the north to Dunsborough in the south, but is below previous estimates of 8,000 to 10,000 birds for the greater Perth area.
Regional Ecologist at the DEC, Geoff Barrett said a survey in 2006 gave a minimum number of black cockatoos at 4,500, but this estimate was based on counts at a smaller number of roosts and therefore could not be compared to the 2010 survey.
Dr Barrett said DEC would use the roost information, as well as feeding and breeding observations, to map habitat used by the Carnaby’s black cockatoos, with the aim of protecting key sites for the species.
“Surveys planned for future years will enable DEC to monitor changes in numbers of birds and breeding success from season to season,” Dr Barrett said.
He said the Carnaby’s black cockatoo was under threat from habitat loss and that each year birds migrated to the Swan Coastal Plain over summer, when they become a highly visible and iconic part of the Perth environment.
1 June, 2010
Surfers sail into
exemption trial
A 12-month trial of exemptions from safety requirements for tow-in surfers is to continue for a further year.Coordinator of Safety and Compliance at the Department of Transport, Peter Beattie said the trial exempted tow-in surfers using personal water craft (PWC) from laws that would normally only allow PWCs to tow a person in a designated water ski area and required an observer to sit behind the driver.
“Tow-in surfing is increasingly popular in WA and the extension of the trial will allow for a thorough evaluation of the safety requirements for the relatively new activity,” Mr Beattie said.
He said the exemptions only applied to PWC operators over 17 years of age while involved in tow-in surfing at offshore breaks and outside of water ski and PWC-prohibited areas.
Mr Beattie said enthusiasts must comply with a list of conditions for exemption.
He said the PWC driver and the person being towed must have a recreational skipper’s ticket; towing must be limited to one at a time; other aquatic activities cannot be impeded and must be given right of way; and towing operations must be conducted between sunrise and sunset.
Mr Beattie said a minimum of 45 metres must be maintained between tow-in surfers and they must stay 200 metres from all other water activities - including swimmers.
“Operators who do not comply with all the conditions of the exemption risk prosecution,” he said.
Mr Beattie said the Department strongly recommended PWC operators gain specialised training before participating in tow-in surfing activities.
1 June, 2010
Caravans annexe
land tax break
Caravan parks are to be exempt from paying land tax under amendments to the Land Tax Assessment Act 2002.Minister Assisting the Treasurer, Bill Marmion said the 50 per cent land tax concession currently provided for caravan parks, park homes and camping grounds would be raised to a 100 per cent concession on 1 July.
“An increase in land values across the State was putting financial pressure on caravan park operators, who were being hit with big increases in land tax bills,” Mr Marmion said.
“This was having an impact on the viability of caravan parks as businesses, threatening the future of low cost, affordable holiday accommodation in the State’s popular tourism destinations and undermining the outlook for the many people who have chosen to live in caravan parks for budget and lifestyle reasons.”
He said removing land tax on parks provided caravan park owners with one more reason not to sell up to developers and displace longer-term residents.
Mr Marmion said the State Government recognised land values had risen rapidly and had provided the new concession to help the long-term viability of caravan parks.
He said the concession would be accompanied by an increased ‘clawback’ period for reassessment of land tax from five years to 10 years if caravan park land is sub-divided.
The amendments flowed from the recommendations of a 2009 Legislative Assembly Economics and Industry Standing Committee report on WA’s caravan parks and camping grounds.
“The Standing Committee found that rising land values had effectively negated the value of the 50 per cent land tax concession to caravan park operators,” Mr Marmion said.
The amendments introduced to State Parliament last week and were announced as part of the 2010-11 State Budget.
1 June, 2010
Indigenous funding
to blaze new trails
Additional funding for the provision of municipal services will benefit 22 regional Local Governments whose boundaries include Indigenous communities.Minister for Local Government, John Castrilli said $1.44 million would be provided across three years to help the Local Governments develop business plans for service delivery to Indigenous communities.
“The development of business plans is a step towards improving the circumstances of Aboriginal West Australians and will provide the resources to address the infrastructure and assets requirements,” Mr Castrilli said.
“The aim is to have the same levels of service which are found in non-Indigenous communities reflected in Aboriginal communities.”
The Minister said the business plans were a key recommendation of the Local Government Advisory Board.
“A template has been prepared to form a foundation for each business plan and Department of Local Government officers will provide support and assistance to individual Local Governments to develop their plans,” he said.
Local Governments that will have the opportunity to access funding are the Shires of Ashburton, Broome, Carnarvon, Coolgardie, Derby/West Kimberley, Dundas, East Pilbara, Halls Creek, Laverton, Leonora, Meekathara, Menzies, Mullewa, Murchison, Ngaanyatjarraku, Northampton, Roebourne, Upper Gascoyne, Wiluna and Wyndham-East Kimberley, the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the Town of Port Hedland.
Mr Castrilli said funding would be in addition to money allocated to those country Local Governments participating in a Regional Transition Group or Regional Collaborative Group as part of the Government’s reform initiative.
1 June, 2010
Stadium upgrade
An $83 million Budget commitment will turn ME Bank Stadium into Perth’s major rectangular stadium.
Construction work is expected to start in 2012, with the timetable contingent on the Government reaching agreement with the Town of Vincent on the future ownership of the facility.
When complete, the facility will be able to accommodate 25,000 spectators.
CCC brings charges
A 57-year-old woman is facing two charges of stealing a total of $186,000 while she was a canteen attendant at the Princess Margaret Hospital for Children.
The charges have been brought by the Corruption and Crime Commission, which has acknowledged the cooperation of Princess Margaret Hospital in conducting the investigation.
The woman was dismissed from her position last December.
Motorbikes park free
The City of Perth is trialling free parking for motorcycles for 12 months, after which time the trial will be reviewed.
A total of 57 free, all-day motorcycle parking bays have been introduced on Mounts Bay Road to the west of the Mitchell Freeway overpass.
Fees for motorcycle parking in the City’s off-street parking stations were recently reduced from half of a car fee to one-third.
Ambulances spread
Seven new ambulances are to be provided to Derby, Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek under a $26.1 million cash injection into regional emergency healthcare.
Funding has also been allocated to improve services in Wyndham while the Pilbara towns of Marble Bar and Nullagine will also receive an ambulance.
An additional 25 ambulances are to be provided throughout the remainder of WA.
Historic grants
Owners of historic buildings damaged in last month’s earthquake in Kalgoorlie-Boulder have been invited to apply for funding from the $5 million Goldfields Earthquake Restoration Fund set up to ensure restoration is progressed as quickly as possible.
The grants aim to help to bridge the gap between the cost of conservation works that retain the heritage values of the buildings and the insurance payout.
Owners without insurance, or with inadequate insurance, will be partly funded.
Plans for comment
Plans for the development of the Latitude 32 Industry Zone at Hope Valley, Wattleup are open for comment.
The plans will guide development of the remaining 1,269 hectare area following the approval of the area’s first estate in 2008.
The plans can be viewed at www.latitude32planning.com.au and public submissions close on 26 July.
Indigenous youths awarded
The 2010 NAIDOC Perth Award for Indigenous young people aged 12 to 16 years is to be sponsored by the Commissioner for Children and Young People, Michelle Scott.
The award recognises one male and one female young person who are role models within their community or have otherwise excelled.
Nominations close on 4 June and winners will be announced on 4 July at the opening of NAIDOC week. Further information was available from www.naidocperth.org.au
All rosy on the apple front
An industry preview of apples developed by the Department of Agriculture and Food has given them the thumbs up.
Industry representatives were enthusiastic about the latest apple selections from the Department’s National Apple Breeding Project after trialling them at Manjimup.
A spokesperson for the Department said they aimed to release one variety that received particularly good reviews by 2012.
Abalone for comment
The Department of Fisheries is seeking public comment on how to manage the future of recreational abalone fishing.
The consultation follows the setting of a 40 tonne Total Allowable Recreational Catch (TARC) for the Perth recreational abalone fishery.
The consultation paper outlines options for the future of recreational abalone fishing and submissions will be accepted until 2 July. Further information was available from www.fish.wa.gov.au