250 Hunter Steel Workers Made Redundant

BY OLIVIA DILLON

250 workers at a Newcastle-based mining consumables company will lose their jobs as a result of an operations change.

Molycop has announced it will cease steel-making operations at Waratah, meaning hundreds of roles will be made redundant.

A spokesperson says it was a difficult decision, but it's poised to put the company in the best financial position possible.

It's reportedly started consulting with the affected employees about the move.

President of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union Brad Pidgeon, says there was no consultation with workers prior to the announcement this morning. 

The union will continue to advocate for members to be redeployed to other businesses in the region. 

 

Image: Molycop

State Labor Commits to Bring Manufacturing Back to The Hunter

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A Domestic Manufacturing Centre of Excellence could be on the cards for The Hunter if Labor wins the state election.  

NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns, was joined by Shadow Minister for Transport Jo Haylen, local MPs Tim Crakanthorp, Sonia Hornery, Yasmin Catley, and Jodie Harrison, and Candidate for Lake Macquarie Stephen Ryan, for the announcement at Downer EDI's Glendale factory this morning.  

$42.7 million has been pledged, to help develop three advanced manufacturing centres of excellence in NSW, including one in the Hunter. 

The party plans to bring bus, rail and ferry manufacturing back to the region, whilst giving TAFE a much-needed boost, and providing a new fleet of local jobs following the closure of power stations and other local manufacturing enterprises. 

Chris Minns said manufacturing done overseas has proven costly and ineffective long-term. 

"There is a proud tradition of train building in the Hunter; it's been happening in this region for over 100 years. I firmly believe that Australians are world-leaders when it comes to engineering and manufacturing," Mr Minns said. 

"My message to the voters of NSW is clear; we can build trains in NSW, but it does require a change of government. We're going to the people of NSW with a changed direction. We recognise this is a big undertaking, as there hasn't been a government in this state for a decade that wants to buy local and back local, and it means we do need to have an investment in vocational training."

The Labor Leader didn't confirm how new manufacturing works will be paid for, but said the Opposition was opposed to more privatisation in the sector.

Hunter Apprentices Given Federal Funding Boost

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

The Federal Government has provided more assistance for apprentices and employers across the Hunter and the country. 

It comes in repose to significant skills gaps across the region, with recent data showing 47% of trade and technician occupations are in shortage, up from 42% in 2021. 

Under the new scheme, the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List has been expanded, giving more occupations access to government funding. 

It's been expanded from 77 to 111, to include occupations like vet nurses, travel consultants and swimming coaches, in addition to traditional trades. 

It will provide a wage subsidy of up to $15,000 to be claimed by employers in the region, and $5000 will be given directly to eligible apprentices. 

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi, says holes in Hunter industries need to be plugged. 

"It's a big problem in the Hunter currently," he said. 

Unemployment Rates Drop Across the Hunter

BY BELLA MIDDLETON

                                  

                                            

Unemployment rates across the Hunter have significantly dropped, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. 

In December 2022, the unemployment rate in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie dropped from 3% to 2.8% percent, while the Hunter Valley rates dropped from 4.6%  to 2.7%. 

The drop sees the Hunter region outperform the rest of New South Wales, with the state-wide average sitting at 3.5%. 

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes, said the numbers paint the picture of a strong and healthy economy across the region.

"This is unheard of in recent times. These figures continue to show a bright picture for people in our region seeking work and no signs of a change in the difficulties businesses are having seeking to attract workers from the ranks of the unemployed," Mr Hawes said. 

Youth unemployment rates across the area are also stabilising at 7.5%, which has halved compared to pre-COVID figures across the region. 

"It's really showing that the youth, if they want to give themselves the opportunity to join the workforce, they can do so. That's really encouraging, given the start we need those people to have in life, in terms of workforce commitment and engagement," Mr Hawes said. 

"We've got plenty of businesses that are as busy as they've ever been, and we think on-balance, the region will do quite well, even though many economists are tipping a downturn towards mid-2023."

The workforce participation rate in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie has remained above the 70% mark, with the Hunter Valley rates returning to its pre-Covid figure of 64%. 

Over 32,700 jobs have been created in the Hunter region since December 2019, a growth of 9% at a time when the ABS estimated the workforce grew by 6.7%. 

University Of Newcastle Announces International Hotel School

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The University of Newcastle has announced plans to open an International Hotel School, in order to address job shortages within the region's tourism and hospitality industries.  

The program will allow TAFE students undertaking an advanced diploma, to partner their studies with a bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Tourism and Events. 

It comes in line with a national shortage of more than 400,000 jobs in the sector, and a 30% shortage in the region alone. 

Pro Vice Chancellor of the College of Human and Social Futures Professor John Fischetti, said the expansion of Newcastle airport will bring about the need for more industry workers. 

He also said jobs in the sector should be guaranteed, given the shortage. 

"We believe we now have a seamless pathway, with placements each semester in-industry, so this is a very practical, hands-on degree. It will prepare you to run your own business, to work for a major hotel chain, work on a cruise ship, or to help scope out the major new eco-tourism and other things happening in the Hunter," Professor Fischetti said. 

There are currently about 30 students enrolled in the program, with plans to expand the degree to 150-200 students, and potentially establish a physical hotel in the city. 

"This would allow students to work in the University of Newcastle hotel to be able to do their work-integrated learning. Either way, all of our students will be placed in industry partnerships from the beginning, all the way through their degree," Professor Fuschetti said. 

Mt Arthur closure date sparks critical eight years for mine workers

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The next eight years will be important to get right, say advocates for local mine workers, as BHP announces plans to close the Mt Arthur coal mine in 2030.

The company revealed the decision yesterday, after failing to find a buyer to take over the site.

The mine has approval until 2026 and intended to extend its lifespan until 2045, but will now apply with the expectation to end operations in 2030.

The Mining and Energy Union is now calling on BHP to reinvest in workers and their families, as well as the broader community impacted by the closure.

Northern District Mining President Robin Williams says it's come as a surprise to a lot of workers.

"When they started to work at the mine, they probably started there thinking that they'd probably retire at the mine, and now that's not going to be realised by the vast majority of people that work at that operation," he said.

"There's not going to be enough jobs, in my opinion, in the rehabilitation of the mine or renewables around the area, if renewables end up eventuating to take up the account of all those people.

"Whether or not they can transition to other mines that are still going to be operational around the area, I guess that remains to be seen."

BHP is promising to take responsibility for the region's transition and help diversify the Hunter Valley economy ahead of the impending closure.

The company says it will consult employees, local businesses, indigenous groups, and all levels of government to develop a plan for the region's future.

Hunter MP-elect Dan Repacholi says he's hoping to work with BHP and make sure the company gets a fair outcome by the end of the decade.

"For the workers, this has given some security for the next eight years, which I think that's a good thing," he said. "I appreciate BHP being upfront with the workers and the community about the future of the mine site there."

"The big thing is though, they need to make sure the highly-skilled workforce be supported, and job transfer opportunities available and training available for them then to go into different industries."

"I've worked in the mining energy sector, and I have mates that actually work at this mine site - this is a personal issue for me."

Image credit: BHP.

Online workshops to prepare Newcastle students for an innovative city

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Newcastle students will have the chance to take part in online workshops next month, learning about sustainability and innovation for the city's future.

The City of Newcastle Sustainnovation Challenge is set to connect students with industry and community in a pair of two-day workshops, exploring solutions to issues such ageing communities, plastic waste, and smarter living.

Students from nine secondary schools will take part, including Newcastle High, Lambton High, Hunter School of the Performing Arts, West Wallsend High, Merewether High, St. Philip's Christian College, Bishop Tyrrell Anglican College, and Big Picture Education Cooks Hill Campus.

Project Director Duncan Burck says it's a first-of-a-kind learning experience for young people with the potential for "showcasing potential career pathways".

"You've got to go through a sort of journey of discovery, because the key thing in innovation isn't so much how you make something work, it's how you really get in and understand the problem and get to the point of really loving the problem," Mr Burck said.

"Once you're at that level, you're going to get much more creative in coming up with ideas."

It's hoped the ideas with the most smart city potential could be developed further and even implemented.

Mr Burck says it was great to see the City of Newcastle get behind the project. 

"From being an industrial powerhouse, to being an internationally recognised smart city," Mr Burck said.

"The more that we can communicate with our young people, the better ideas we're going to get as a city, and they want to see that happen, they want to see more people involved in the sort of innovation and ecosystem, starting at high school."

Image credit: https://sustainnovationchallenge.com.au/

Job Tenders Now Open For School Building Projects Across the Hunter

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A number of tender opportunities for architects, engineers, and builders have opened up across the Hunter as part of a State Government school building initiative.

Jobs are on offer at local projects such as improvements to Hunter River High School and Irrawang High School, as well as the upcoming Newcastle Education Campus.

Across the state, $3.3 billion will be invested in 44 public schools and is expected to generate around 16,000 new jobs.

At least $75 million is also promised for the Newcastle Education Campus. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet says the investment will be a boost to both education and the economy as we learn to live with COVID-19.

"Today’s announcement provides further certainty to businesses and school communities,” Mr Perrottet said.

“For our kids to be the best and brightest they need the bricks and mortar to support them and we’re delivering that in spades.” 

Hunter's Unemployment Figures Back on Track Despite Huge Vacancies

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Newcastle's jobless rate is now back to pre-COVID levels, despite some growing pains as we get back to work.

The unemployment rate landed at 5.8 percent last month, compared to an 11 percent peak during last year's pandemic and 7.6 percent in January. 

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes says the data looks good for the future of the Hunter's economic recovery.

"We haven't seen the cliff that some were potentially anticipating with the end of Jobkeeper," Mr Hawes said.

"There are sectors of our economy locally that are coping with COVID and in fact doing very well."

Despite the promising figures, there's been a record number of job ads and high vacancies in jobs like hospitality, medicine, sales, teaching, and clerical work. 

The Hunter's jobless rate also remains above both the state and national jobless average.

Mr Hawes says there's still "a bit of work to be done".

"We're getting down to that part where it starts to get difficult," Mr Hawes. "If businesses are going so well and they're after people and the unemployment rate's so low, the pool obviously gets a lot smaller."

"We are hearing a lot of stories that businesses aren't getting the response they anticipated."

"Meeting the needs of both business and meeting the needs of people that are unemployed that are seeking work, we have to do a little reconciliation to understand what those linkages are."

"[We have to] make sure that the programs that are out there are fit for purpose, and that any support, be it financial or training or whatever else is out there, is also current and is also relevant."

Jobs Minister Visits The Hunter To Boast The Budget

 BY JARROD MELMETH

Cost savings and job boosting measures from last weeks budget were at the top of then agenda for the federal Minister for Jobs Stuart Robert on a visit to the region on Monday morning.

Mr Roberts visited Quarry Mining at Beresfield where he met with local workers and apprentices and tour the facility.

Minister for Employment Stuart Robert says the Hunter provided the perfect backdrop to talk about the budget and what it means for locals.

"The Hunter has got unemployment down to about 4.8 per cent, which is of course lower than the national average at 5.6 per cent. 

Youth unemployment still remains stubbornly higher, so this is a great opportunity to understand the issues that are preventing that and why the participation rate is below the national average," Mr Robert said. 

In last weeks budget the federal government announced that it would be expanding its JobTrainer Fund to continue offering low fee or free training places in areas of skills of need, as well as extending the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy to support new apprentices and trainees.

Mr Robert says he recognises the brunt that a region like the Hunter bares for the Nation.

"We recognise that it was regions like the Hunter that kept Australia going through the Covid Recession. 

"While city centres were smashed and shuttered; mining, manufacturing and agriculture across Newcastle and the Hunter. 

"Australia's strong economic comeback owes a great debt to the people of the Hunter," Mr Robert said.

Quarry Mining at Beresfield. Source: Google Maps

Extra Job Security for 200 Apprentices and Trainees at Hunter Training Company

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A Hunter training company will provide added job security to an extra 200 of their apprentices and trainees.

This follows the Federal Government's funding announcement last week, investing an extra $2 billion dollars to support apprenticeship and trainee jobs.

$1 billion is dedicated to go towards the JobTrainer package which focuses on providing training for people new to the work force or wanting to re-skill.

Another $1 billion is to go towards extending and expanding the 50% wage subsidy for apprentices and trainees  employed at the time of July 1st, up until March 2021, at small and medium sized businesses with up to 199 employees.

Senator for NSW, Hollie Hughes visited Rutherford training company, HVTC on Monday,  who currently employ 700 apprentices and trainees across ten regional branches throughout the Hunter and NSW.

Currently HVTC have around 80 employees supported by the wage subsidy, but will now be able to support an extra 200, equating to around 40% of their work force.

HVTC CEO, Sharon Smith says it will ensure apprentices stay in jobs and connected to their employer.

"It'll mean there's no disruption to their employment or their skills training which keeps them on track to finish their apprenticeship," Ms Smith said.

Senator Hughes said the Hunter Valley is an area with huge opportunities for apprentices and trainees.

"If you look at sectors like the traditional areas of mining but also around the defence sector, which is growing exponentially in the region."

Ms Smith said whilst the $2 billion Federal Government announcement provides support for those seeking training, and those already in positions, it does little to provide incentives for employers to take on new staff.

"I'm more concerned about the 2020 school leavers, I'd hate to think they'd be lost to Covid because there's no new jobs for them. I'm hoping there'll be some announcement this week about incentives, with reports suggesting there'll be 30% less jobs on offer in the next year."

"Some of the training that's being proposed will definitely give young people more employability skills, but employers I think need to be incentivized to create new jobs, because an apprenticeships a job first, and a training issue second."

"We've been advocating for an extension of a JobKeeper type payment, which would provide a flat rate wage subsidy for any new apprenticeship or trainee with any new employer until December next year."

Ms Smith said it's an area that's going to need focus from State and Federal Governments, as well as the private and public sectors.

"We all know the high levels of youth unemployment at the moment. But equally for the skills we need for the nation as we try and recover from this post Covid world."

$59 Million Honeysuckle Complex One of Next 24 Projects to be Fast Tracked by State Government

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The construction of a $59 million multi-storey apartment and commercial complex in Honeysuckle, has been earmarked as one of the next 2 dozen projects to be fast-tracked by the State Government. 

The NSW Government today announcing another 24 priority projects, which will have their planning assessments fast tracked, aiming to inject more than $5.37 billion into the State’s economy and created thousands of new jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The Honeysuckle complex will hold 105 apartments, with multiple ground floor commercial premises and basement car parking, from the proponent, Trustee for Horizon Newcastle Unit Trust.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the second batch of projects could provide more than 15,000 jobs, more than 3,600 new homes and enhance NSW’s status as this country’s economic powerhouse.

“NSW is streets – and roads and homes and hospitals and schools – ahead of every other State in providing new jobs, economic growth, infrastructure and services for our people,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“This health crisis only sharpens our focus and energy as we bring forward the NSW Government’s unprecedented infrastructure spend and create an environment where private and government investment combine to help us rebound from the pandemic together.”

Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said it's important to recognize these are just the prioritised projects.

“During the same period we also approved  – through our normal process – 42 projects worth $2.4 billion, creating opportunities for more than 4,600 jobs and 399 new homes.

“We’re creating great places to live, work and play while also showing the world that NSW is ready to not only recover but thrive,” Mr Stokes said.

A determination is to be made on every project in the tranche within four weeks, with decisions to be made by 18 June 2020. 

Automated Vehicle Trial in Wine Country

BY ARIANA GATTI

If you thought touring the Hunter's wine region is an experience and-a-half, how do driverless vehicles sound?

Singleton Council has joined forces with HMI Technologies, Professional Data Kinetics and Around Hermitage Association to produce an expression of interest for the new vehicle trial to proceed.

The expression is hoped to be presented to NSW Transport Minister, Andrew Constance, and gain approval for the automated shuttle network to be pushed around the Hunter Valley and Pokolbin area.

The driverless shuttle is planned to deliver customers between the famous wineries, restaurants and accommodation across a 6 Kilometer drive.

The route will cross along Hermitage Road, set against the Brokenback Mountain Range and the surrounds.

Mayor of Singleton, Sue Moore, believes this new service has the potential to bring more job and economic opportunities to the area, with levels of interest, thought to peak as a result of the innovative vehicle service.

"The reality is, a driverless network is a perfect solution for visitors to Hermitage Road to experience the food and wine, craft beer, olive groves and day spas our region is famous for," says Moore.

The trial is expected to introduce two new technical-related jobs, aiming to support additional job prospects in tourism and engineering.

Moore says, "It'll be safe, comfortable, and most importantly it will support the local economy."

Image sourced: https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g255328-d318294-i80329546-Mount_Pleasant_Wines-Pokolbin_Greater_Newcastle_New_South_Wales.html