Western Australia Minister for Planning John Day

COAG Recognises WA Planning Achievements

Victor P Taffa

• WA planning system awarded best practice in three major categories 
• Perth one of four cities to score top ranking in more than one category  

 Western Australia is well on the way to achieving the State’s goals of a sustainable, productive and liveable capital city, according to The COAG Reform Council’s Review of Capital City Strategic Planning Systems. The review considered the planning mechanisms of every capital city in Australia and concluded the WA planning system was performing well.   

“Significantly, the review noted the Western Australian Government has made significant progress in dealing with the challenge of accommodating projected population increases.” Planning Minister John Day said.

“The COAG review identified the Western Australian Planning Commission as a leading mechanism for the delivery of integrated whole-of-government advice to State Cabinet.”

“This demonstrates the strength of our statutory planning system, which provides a solid foundation for the implementation of the State’s Direction 2031 strategy.”

Mr. Day said Directions 2031 and Beyond provided a strong overall housing and land strategy that would shape the long-term vision for Perth.

“Not only is Western Australia performing well in strategic planning terms but is also achieving best practice recognition for the Urban Growth Monitor, which delivers detailed analysis of land supply as it progresses through the planning process.” Mr. Day said.

“This is an invaluable tool in monitoring the implementation of Directions 2031 and Beyond and reinforces the value that Geographical Information Systems provide to planning as a whole.”

“Another hallmark of the WA planning system, the Metropolitan Region Scheme, was also acknowledged as an efficient tool for identifying and reserving land for urban expansion and transport corridors within the metropolitan area.”

The Minister said COAG’s positive assessment followed the Property Council of Australia’s recently released Development Assessment Report Card 2012, ranking WA as the highest performing State.

“Reform of Western Australia’s planning system has been a major priority of the Government since coming to office in 2008, and substantive progress has been made, including the Development Assessment Panels. However, we recognise that further progress needs to be made and this remains a priority of Government.” Mr. Day said.

Western Australia Minister for Science and Innovation John Day

State-Wide Search For WA’s Science Stars

Victor P Taffa

• Nominations open for WA Science Awards
• Six categories spanning science research, engagement and education
• Fostering science and innovation provides significant benefit to WA

Science and Innovation Minister John Day today called for nominations in the 2012 Western Australian Science Awards – the State’s most prestigious competition, acknowledging outstanding achievement in the field.

Mr. Day said it was important to recognise the people whose passion, ambition and commitment to science made a significant impact on the way we live.

“Science plays a vital role in the development of the ideas, decisions and innovations that transform the lives of all West Australians.” Mr. Day said.

“Since its inception in 2002, the WA Science Awards have recognised and supported outstanding achievement across science research, engagement and education, and have provided an opportunity to acknowledge the role of each of these functions in strengthening science and innovation in the State.”

“Previous winners have contributed to the enhancement of ecosystem management and restoration; oil and gas exploration; rare muscle disorder diagnosis; farmers’ skills in adapting to climate variability; and learning opportunities for students in regional areas of the State.”

This year, there are two new categories in the WA Science Awards program:  Science Ambassador of the Year; and Student Scientist of the Year.

The Minister said the new categories acknowledged science advocacy and engagement with the wider community, as well as dedicated and high-achieving postgraduate science students.

In a new initiative, last year’s WA Science Awards winners and finalists, and all previous winners, will be invited to join the WA Science Awards Alumni.

WA Science Awards – Categories

Research

• Scientist of the Year – $50,000:  A world-class scientist who, over the past 10 years, has demonstrated excellence in a field of science, scientific research or technological advancement in Western Australia 
• Early Career Scientist of the Year – $10,000:  An individual scientist within the first five years of completing their highest degree and, who has demonstrated excellence in a field of science, scientific research or technological advancement in WA 
• Student Scientist of the Year – $10,000:  A postgraduate student who has demonstrated a commitment to science at an early stage and shows great promise in reaching the highest levels of excellence. 

Engagement

• Science Ambassador of the Year – $10,000:  An individual scientist who has demonstrated commitment to undertaking meaningful science advocacy and engagement in addition to their core research activities
• Science Engagement Initiative of the Year – $10,000:  An initiative that has made an outstanding contribution to community awareness, interest and/or participation in science, technology, engineering or mathematics in WA.

Education

• Educator of the Year – $10,000:  A teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to education in science, technology, engineering or mathematics and has improved learning outcomes for students in a WA primary or secondary school.

Western Australia Minister for Mines and Petroleum Norman Moore

 Report Release Locked By Legal Undertaking

Victor P Taffa

• Supreme Court ruling precludes Varanus report’s release
• Apache Northwest given opportunity to be heard

Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore today rejected calls from Opposition spokesperson Jon Ford for him to ‘immediately’ release the final investigation report into the Varanus Island gas explosion in 2008.

Mr. Moore said he had a legal obligation to the Supreme Court which prevented him from releasing the Offshore Petroleum Safety Regulation – Varanus Island Incident Investigation Report by Kym Bills and Dave Agostini, which was the final investigation report into the Varanus Island incident.

“Mr. Ford needs to know that in July 2009 I was required to give an undertaking to the Supreme Court in order to receive the report.” Mr. Moore said.

“That undertaking was that I would not publish the report, which includes releasing any findings of the report in State Parliament, until I had afforded Apache Northwest a reasonable opportunity to be heard in relation to any comments contained in the report.”

“That process started today and I will not be releasing the report or commenting on the contents of it until I have met those legal undertakings.” Mr. Moore said.

Western Australia Minister for Science and Innovation John Day

Astrofest To Foster Wonder At WA’s Night Sky

 Victor P Taffa

• Festival brings science of astronomy to the people
• Includes shows, telescopes, spacedomes and astrophotography
• This engagement promotes science as a career option

Science and Innovation Minister John Day today announced the commencement of Perth Astrofest, which takes place tomorrow at Curtin Stadium.

Astrofest aims to show the wonders of the Western Australian night sky with a host of attractions such as solar system walks, science shows, telescopes, spacedomes, astrophotography and a presentation on indigenous astronomy.

Mr. Day will be represented by Riverton MLA Mike Nahan and said the event was organised by a volunteer committee led by the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR).

“ICRAR has engaged more than 25,000 students, teachers and members of the community in the past two years through its education and outreach programs, and thousands more will attend Astrofest to share in the wonder of gazing at the stars, moon and planets.” Mr. Day said.

“This engagement has significantly raised the profile of science in WA and the idea that this area is a viable career option.”

The Minister said ICRAR had emerged as a major international centre of excellence in astronomical science and technology since its establishment with State Government assistance.

“The centre has attracted some of the best researchers in the world to Perth, creating a critical mass of 100 world-class staff and graduate students across science and engineering.” Mr. Day said.

“Notably, ICRAR has funded a joint study with iVEC and Oxford University to research the application of cloud computing and to address the processing and data management challenges facing the Square Kilometre Array (SKA).  ICRAR and IBM have also signed a letter of intent to collaboratively research the data intensive technologies required for the SKA.”

“Through its tireless work, ICRAR has leveraged a further $111 Million in external funding.” Mr. Day said.

Western Australia Minister for Regional Development Brendon Grylls

Western Australia Minister for Transport Troy Buswell

Planning For PortLink Project Begins

Victor P Taffa

• $5 M Royalties for Regions funding to start Phase One of PortLink project
• Project to contribute to efficient movement of freight in WA

In Kalgoorlie-Boulder today, Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls announced that $5 Million in Royalties for Regions funding had been allocated to commence the planning phase of the long-awaited PortLink Inland Freight Corridor Development Plan (PortLink).

Mr. Grylls said the PortLink project – which last week received an additional $2 Million commitment in Federal Government funding for the planning phase – involved construction of an intermodal terminal and rail realignment in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, as well as a sealed road link between Wiluna and Meekatharra.

“Unprecedented growth in the State’s resource-rich areas has created exceptional demand for goods and services. This has led to increases in freight from the Eastern States and an almost total dependence on Perth as a distribution point.”

Mr. Grylls said the aim of the PortLink project was to provide an important regional alternative to Perth as the central distribution point for interstate general freight.

“If freight originating in the east can be diverted north along the Goldfields Highway at Kalgoorlie-Boulder, this will be a distance saving of about 600km.” Mr. Grylls said.

“The PortLink concept ultimately links Port Hedland, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Esperance and Geraldton, and has the potential to build a more robust and flexible freight network that will deliver economic development and employment opportunities in regional areas.”

A future Phase Two of the PortLink project would examine the feasibility of linking the existing Esperance/Kalgoorlie-Boulder/Wiluna standard gauge rail into the Mid-West and Pilbara network.

WA Minister for Transport Troy Buswell

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said the PortLink project would build on the Regional Freight Transport Network Plan currently being finalised by the Department of Transport.

“The Regional Freight Transport Network Plan confirms the strategic links between the Goldfields/Yilgarn regions and the ports at Esperance, Kwinana and Geraldton.” Mr. Buswell said.

“The vision is for the creation of new freight routes to complete a comprehensive network offering freight operators better solutions to meet customer demand, and to attract new operators to the market.”

“Importantly, PortLink also has the potential to increase road safety by reducing the number of heavy vehicles on regional roads.”

Mr. Buswell said the project would be undertaken in close consultation with key stakeholders, industry and local communities.
 

Fact File

• This phase of the PortLink project involves planning and feasibility of an intermodal terminal in Kalgoorlie-Boulder; planning for realignment of the existing freight rail system running through Kalgoorlie-Boulder; and project development work for the sealing of the Wiluna to Meekatharra road

Western Australia Minister for Emergency Services Troy Buswell

Assistance Available After Tropical Cyclone Lua

Victor P Taffa

• Assistance available through WANDRRA following Tropical Cyclone Lua and associated flooding earlier this month

Emergency Services Minister Troy Buswell has announced natural disaster assistance to help communities in the State’s north-west affected by severe Tropical Cyclone (TC) Lua and associated flooding earlier this month.

TC Lua crossed the Pilbara coast as a Category 4 cyclone the afternoon of Saturday, March 17 to the east of Pardoo Station, about 150km east-north-east of Port Hedland.

“This event has been proclaimed an eligible disaster under the Western Australia Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (WANDRRA), which enables us to effectively and efficiently assist those who have been affected by a natural disaster.” Mr. Buswell said.

“The assistance, jointly funded by the Federal and Western Australian governments and administered through WA Government agencies, will help councils and communities get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

The local government districts affected by TC Lua and associated flooding were the shires of Ashburton, Broome, East Pilbara and Meekatharra and the Town of Port Hedland.

The Minister said damage was mostly contained to the road infrastructure network and Main Roads was working closely with the local governments to repair and restore the affected roads.

“While there was no significant damage to structures in major regional centres, emergency services teams evacuated 45 people from Kalumburu and more than 320 people were relocated to emergency accommodation centres throughout the Pilbara.” Mr. Buswell said.

“I would like to commend the extraordinary effort and commitment of the 120 emergency services, both volunteers and career personnel, who worked tirelessly to help people in Port Hedland, Marble Bar, Nullagine, Newman and surrounding communities, and adjacent mining and pastoral leases.”

“The planning and response to TC Lua was exceptional with Fire and Emergency Services Authority staff and volunteers across the State working hard to ensure local communities were protected against the damaging winds and rising flood waters.” Mr. Buswell said.

Fact File

• Assistance typically covered by WANDRRA may include:
  o Personal Hardship and Distress grants for eligible individuals and families
  o freight costs, boundary fence repairs, professional advice grants and interest rate subsidies on ‘new’ loans for eligible primary producers
  o interest rate subsidies on ‘new’ loans for eligible small businesses
  o certain clean-up costs and the repair and restoration of essential public assets for local government and State Government agencies
• More information is available at http://www.fesa.wa.gov.au

Western Australia Minister for Tourism Kim Hames

Sculpture Fans Flock To Beach In Record Numbers

Victor P Taffa

• Estimated 250,000 people attend Sculpture by the Sea 2012
• 35,000 more than 2011 attendance
• Record for Cottesloe event

About 250,000 people visited Cottesloe Beach in the past three weeks to take part in one of Western Australia’s favourite cultural events, Sculpture by the Sea.

Tourism Minister Kim Hames said it was great news that more people than ever before had taken the opportunity to visit the free exhibition.

“Organisers have estimated that 250,000 people attended this year’s Sculpture by the Sea event, 35,000 more than 2011’s record-breaking crowds.” Dr. Hames said.

“The event’s busiest day was the first Sunday when more than 33,700 people attended.”

“It is fantastic to see West Australians embracing this international exhibition and making it one of the brightest features on the State’s exciting and diverse events calendar.”

The Minister said the State Government, through Eventscorp, was proud to sponsor the extraordinary event, which was in its eighth year at Cottesloe.

“Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe continues to grow each year and I believe that is a reflection of the hard work of founding director David Handley and his dedicated team.” Dr. Hames said.

Dr. Hames said the 2012 event also attracted more interstate and international artists than ever before.

“This year more than half the works on display were submitted by artists from interstate or overseas demonstrating the exhibition’s popularity in the international artistic community.”

Fact File

• Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe 2012 featured 73 sculptures
• Wang Shugang from China won the $2,500 People’s Choice Prize for Meeting 1
• Punctured Sky, by Elin&Keino from Finland, won the NAB Kids’ Choice Prize
• For more information visit http://www.sculpturebythesea.com

Western Australia Attorney General Christian Porter

Fine Defaulters To Face New Penalties

Victor P Taffa

• New enforcement measures to include wheel clamping and removal of licence plates
• Legislation to impact only on small section of serious and repeat fine defaulters

Hard core fine defaulters will face new enforcement measures such as wheel clamping and the removal of licence plates under legislation to be introduced today into Parliament by the State Government.

Attorney General Christian Porter said amendments to the Fines, Penalties and Infringement Notices Act 1994 would target a small section of fine defaulters who had continually ignored notices and requests to pay infringements and fines over a substantial period of time. The laws will target those serious defaulters who have more than $2,000 worth of unpaid infringements and those serious defaulters who have in excess of $1,000 worth of court fines outstanding.

“The Government has been concerned for some time that current options available to enforce the payment of fines by the small group of serious defaulters generally do not go beyond licence suspension.” Mr. Porter said.

“That is why we are introducing additional enforcement measures, such as wheel clamping and licence plate removal, to recover unpaid fines and infringements.”

As at March 6, 2012, $251Million was owed from 739,793 unpaid fines and infringements.

“While most of the presently outstanding amount is under active recovery, some of it represents debts ignored by a hard core group of fine defaulters.” the Attorney General said.

Mr. Porter said if these offenders owned vehicles, they could have their wheels clamped for 48 hours or have their licence plates removed for 28 days. In the worse cases of refusal to pay, the removal of licence plates could be permanent, which would alert police to those serious defaulters who continue to drive while under licence suspension.

The legislation also provided for the publishing of the small group of the most serious fine defaulters names on a Government website.

But the Attorney General said the Bill was not targeted at people with one-off transgressions and that time-to-pay arrangements would continue to apply.

Those who face the new penalties include people who:

• Have managed to accumulate more than $2,000 worth of infringements and/or $1,000 worth of fines
• Have disregarded the many warning notices issued by both the prosecuting authority and the Fines Enforcement Registry over a significant period of time
• Have not arranged to go on time-to-pay arrangements even though they have faced licence suspension.

“What is happening now is that a small group of serious fine defaulters have had their licences suspended but continue to drive and continue to avoid paying fines.” Mr. Porter said.

“The people who continue to drive while disqualified pose a risk to themselves and other road users by driving when they should not be, and while uninsured.”

Clamped vehicles will carry a large and bold adhesive sticker to explain the penalty to the owner and the general public.

“The wheel clamping measure is likely to compel payment from individual defaulters as well as providing an incentive to other serious defaulters who have up until now refused to pay off their outstanding fines or infringements.” the Attorney General said.

Fact File

• Fines are court-imposed fines whereas infringements include parking and speeding fines
• It is estimated there are 12,000 West Australians who have more than $1,000 worth of unpaid court-ordered fines and 33,000 West Australians who have more than $2,000 worth of unpaid infringements
• The proposed legislation also includes amendments to the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 to ensure that the publication of a person’s name on the Government website cannot be used as a ground for discrimination in a number of circumstances, including in relation to employment and accommodation
• The new enforcement measures will be subject to an evaluation after three years

Western Australia Minister for Health Kim Hames

Nominations Open For Nursing Award Excellence

Victor P Taffa

• Prestigious nursing and midwifery awards
• Open to nurses, midwives in public, private or Federally-funded health services

Nominations have opened for the 2012 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards.

Health Minister Kim Hames said the awards recognised and rewarded Western Australian nurses and midwives from public, private or Federally-funded health services.

“These awards have become one of the premier events in the health calendar and provide a great opportunity to showcase health system excellence.” Dr. Hames said.

“Our nurses and midwives do an exceptional job, day in, day out and have an outstanding reputation throughout the world.”

The Minister said co-workers could nominate a nurse or midwife in 15 categories while the public could nominate staff for the Consumer Appreciation Award.

Nominations for the 2012 WA Nursing and Midwifery Excellence Awards close on May 11, 2012.

Winners will be announced at a gala event on Saturday, September 22, 2012.

Fact File

• More than 200 nominations were received for last year’s awards
• About 35,000 nurses and midwives work in WA’s health services
• For more information visit: http://www.wanmea.com.au

Western Australia Minister for Transport Troy Buswell

Funding For Albany Ring Road Planning

Victor P Taffa

• State Govt to share $1M planning cost with Federal Govt
• To deliver freight industry better travel times, safety and service levels

The State Government will contribute half of the $1 Million cost of completing the planning and detailed work on stages two and three of the Albany Ring Road.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said the State would share the cost with the Federal Government on the planning for the proposed heavy haulage road around the City of Albany.

“The Albany Ring Road will link the major arterial roads and highways radiating from Albany, and provide improved access to the Mirambeena industrial estate.” Mr. Buswell said.

“Currently, Albany Highway and South Coast Highway form the only available route for heavy vehicles travelling from inland areas to the Albany Port, and the main roundabout on this route is the sixth ranked intersection in the State for crashes.”

“The completion of the ring road will result in improved travel times for traffic, improved road safety and an improved level of service for the freight industry.”

The Minister said the work undertaken as part of the planning process would determine future funding requirements.

Fact File

• Stage one of the Albany Ring Road was completed in 2007
• Preliminary concept design has been completed for stages two and three