Editors Picks
03 August 2024
ACTU CRITCISES EELS HARDIE DEAL
THE ACTU and Asbestos Support Group Network has criticized the Parramatta Eels' sponsorship deal with James Hardie Industries, citing the company's history with asbestos and its impact on victims and communities. In a letter to the Eels' CEO, they argued that the sponsorship disregards the suffering of asbestos victims and endorses James Hardie's controversial past. Parramatta, with 50 contaminated sites, highlights the ongoing asbestos risk, with over 4,000 Australians dying annually from asbestos exposure
03 August 2024
INCREASES IN PRO BONO SERVICES
THE latest report on NSW solicitors shows an increase in pro bono legal services. Law Society President Brett McGrath praised the profession's commitment to justice, noting 42% of solicitors provided an average of 69 pro bono hours, totaling nearly $117M worth of work. The report also highlights progress in gender pay equality and career opportunities for women. New data on LGBQ+ solicitors and those with disabilities aims to drive greater inclusion. Fewer full-time solicitors are working over 50 hours a week, improving wellbeing
03 August 2024
PET OWNERS FORGO INSURANCE
OVER 60% of Australian pet owners are forgoing pet insurance due to rising living costs, despite the risk of high vet expenses. Since 2020, pet acquisition costs have increased by 196%, leading owners to cut back on insurance. Budget Direct's survey revealed that nearly a quarter of respondents spent up to $5,000 on vet bills out-of-pocket. Chief Growth Officer Jonathan Kerr emphasized the tough financial decisions faced by pet owners and highlighted pet insurance as a way to manage unexpected medical costs.
Featured
14 July 2024
MACARTHUR'S OLYMPIC ATHLETES
Shane Rose's comeback after shocking accident
ELIZABETH FRIAS
WOLLONDILLY'S three-time Olympic medalist Shane Rose and Nations Cup world record jumper Hilary Scott are representing Australia’s equestrian squad while Joshua Azzopardi debuts in 100 metres relay in the 2024 Paris Olympics..
13 July 2024
MAN FINED $200K FOR ILLEGAL DUMPING
A MAN has been fined $200,000 by Liverpool Local Court, after a covert surveillance operation conducted by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) captured trucks illegally dumping building waste at a Rossmore property.
Mr Maher El Masri is the second person to be convicted and fined in relation to illegal dumping at the property after the occupier, Mr Fouad Arja, was fined $180,000 in 2021 following an EPA investigation into illegal dumping.
Mr El Masri told EPA officers he organised trucks to transport topsoil to the property from a construction site in Campsie.
Mr El Masri was also convicted and fined $30,000 for lying to the EPA in 2022 while they were carrying out their investigation.
EPA Executive Director Regulatory Operations Jason Gordon said the EPA’s extensive investigation, launched in 2019, has been a success with two individuals now held to account for illegal activities at the property.
“Following reports from Liverpool City Council and the community we started a covert operation in 2019 and our drones caught the trucks dumping construction waste at the site which was then spread across the property with an excavator.
"Officers carried out a search of the property and collected samples from the waste, which was found to contain asbestos, which is completely unacceptable."
“Mr El Masri was convicted for transporting waste to a place not permitted to be used as a waste facility and the unlawful disposal of asbestos waste.
“The complete disregard for the environment and the community displayed here cannot be tolerated and it is pleasing to see that all parties involved in this investigation have now been before the Court.
“We would like to thank everyone who assisted with the investigation and the EPA will continue to use the best technology to ensure human and environmental health is protected from those who attempt to dump contaminated waste or interfere with our investigations.”
The Court also ordered Mr El Masri to pay the EPA’s legal costs of $60,000 and investigation costs of $600.
If you suspect illegal dumping activity in your community, please contact the 24-hour Environment Line on 131 555 or email info@epa.nsw.gov.au.
27 June 2024
RIPPLES POOL AT ST MARYS REOPENS
RIPPLES St Marys has welcomed patrons back to the indoor pool which is now fully functional and available to keep up their swimming, aqua aerobics or learn to swim routines in the comfort of a heated pool during the winter months.
After experiencing a significant failure of the filtering system and loss of pool water, Council’s partners have been busy working on providing the best, one-of-a-kind technology to enable its operations for many years to come.
The extensive work included the renewal of filter cells and isolation valves, the installation and replacement of pipework to the ballast tank below and above ground floor of the plant room, pool shell refilling and installing a new pool well to assist in backflow circulation.
Another significant milestone was achieved during the closure, with the addition of an adult accessible changing room, providing greater access for the community. This is a dedicated facility accessible by using a MLAK key and includes an adult change table, shower, and toilet facilities.
Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said the reopening of the indoor pool along with the fantastic improvements undertaken overall improves the facility for all members and visitors.
“The essential upgrades completed at St Marys ensures the ongoing safety and maintenance of the pool, particularly with the new capabilities behind the scenes, enabling the operation of the indoor pool to function appropriately,” Cr Carney said.
“The work did take some time to complete, and I want to thank patrons for their patience in allowing us to carry out the installation of this new and improved water maintenance systems.
“By doing so, it allows any future work to have little to no disruption to plant operations which is a wonderful outcome for our Ripples community.”
To find out more, visit https://ripplesnsw.com.au/.
Featured
15 June 2024
GROUP AIMS TO MAKE HILLS MORE INCLUSIVE
Council services under accessibility spotlight
A GROUP of seven Hills Shire residents with professional or lived experience of disability have been chosen to form Council’s first-ever external Disability Inclusion Action Plan Reference Group.
