Push-Back for PEP-11 Proposal

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A call to nullify Scott Morrison's decision to stop PEP-11 is causing concerns for climate advocacy groups. 

It comes after the Government and Asset Energy agreed to end court proceedings after an extension was rejected by the former Prime Minister. 

If consent orders submitted by Anthony Albanese are accepted by the court, the off-shore gas drilling project will be put back up for consideration. 

Co-Founder of Surfers for Climate Belinda Baggs, says she didn't think they'd have to start their fight over again. 

"We were really disappointed to hear. We thought PEP-11 was behind us, but because of a broken political process, it looks like once again we're going to need to make it really clear that the Sydney, Central Coast, and Newcastle waters are no place for a gas field," she said. 

Image: Surfers for Climate 

PM promises $50 million technology partnership for University of Newcastle

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Prime Minister was in the Hunter on Wednesday morning, announcing a $50 million investment in a new business and research partnership with the University of Newcastle and the University of New South Wales.

The universities will work with 27 industry partners, including 23 small businesses, to develop and deploy new technology options.

They'll explore advances in hydrogen fuel and storage, green aluminium and other metals, zero emissions aviation, and ultra-low-cost solar.

The industry collaborators have also promised more than $220 million in co-investment, and it's expect to create 1,600 jobs over the next four years.

It's the third in the Federal Government's Trailblazer program, aiming at taking advantage of research capabilities to meet manufacturing goals.

Scott Morrison says it's important to see sectors come together for the future of the Hunter and the country.

"A key part of our economic plan is to ensure that we achieve that collaboration, and it supports in particular advanced manufacturing in this country, so we make things here in this country," Mr Morrison said.

"Our advanced manufacturing sector is growing, and it's performing strongly, and it will continue to grow and that's why today I'm launching our plan for modern manufacturing."

Liberal Candidate for Shortland Nell McGill and Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

PM's Flying Visit Marred By Confrontation At Edgeworth Pub

 BY IAN CROUCH

The Prime Minister has made a flying visit to the Hunter overnight.

He dropped in to Cardiff manufacturing firm Nupress before heading to the Edgeworth Tavern on Wednedsay night.

Things were going well, with Mr Morrison chatting with diners and drinkers before a man angrilly confronted him and began airing grievances about his pension, compensation issues and his treatment by ICare among a spray of issues.

The Prime Minister was clearly shocked and concerned, offering to help the man

The man asked Mr Morrsion "Who do I get in touch with" to discuss his issues.

Mr Morrison replied "I've got one of my staff members, they'll take your details - they find out the details."

But the man continued berating the PM and started swearing when minders tried to usher him away. 

Police arrived at the tavern a short time later, but it's understood no action was taken against the man.

Scott Morrison faces and angry confrontation at the Edgeworth Tavern on Wednesday night

Mr Morrison continued his meet and greet pouring a beer or two for patrons at the bar.

Newcastle Airport To Get $66m Upgrade

 BY IAN CROUCH

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is flying into Williamtown this morning (Friday 7 May, 2021) to announce federal funding for a major upgrade at Newcastle Airport.

$66 million will be included in next Tuesday's budget to upgrade the airport runway to international standard, allowing larger aircraft like Boeing 777's and Airbus 330s to land in Newcastle.

It's envisioned twice daily international flights will operate out of Williamtown along with daily direct domestic flights.

It's expected the project will create 4,400 jobs, with the upgrade coinciding with major works at the RAAF base to support the F-35 fleet.

The upgrade is expected to generate an extra 850,000 visitors to the Hunter and add $12.7 billion to the region's economy over the next 20 years.

Work is expected to start later this year and should be finished in 2023, subject to parliamentary approval.

The PM will also hold the National Cabinet meeting today from the RAAF Base.

Hunter Misses Out In Federal Budget

BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter infrastructure projects which have been on the drawing board for years have missed out in the Federal Budget.

There was no specific funding commitments to the Glendale Transport Interchange, the M1 Link to Raymond Terrace or the Scone and Muswellbrook bypasses, although the region is likely to gain a share of the $3.5 billion Roads of Strategic Importance program over 10 years

However Defence spending in the region is getting more attention.

Another $1.8 billion dollars is going towards the new Joint Strike Fighter project at Williamtown, while new Air Combat Facilities at the base will receive $94 million on top of the $798 million already spent.

Money has also been allocated to air traffic control and aviation refueling infrastructure.

As we reported yesterday, Williamtown residents affected by the PFAS contamination crisis will benefit from a $55.2 million program to provide drinking water to communities living around the defence bases at Williamtown, Oakey, Tindal and Pearce.

Treasurer Scott Morrison delivers the 2018 Federal Budget