Free WiFi Would Connect Isolated Newcastle Ship Workers to Loved Ones

BY GEMMA FERGUSON

Ships docking at Newcastle Port could potentially be installed with free internet, providing seafarers with WiFi to talk to their loved ones.

An Australian-first, the "Seafarer Connect" program, a new initiative from the not-for-profit Tas Bull Seafarers Foundation (TBDF) aims to allow those on board to connect with loved ones back home, using the internet connection to decrease feelings of isolation.

With around 4600 ship movements annually, Newcastle seafarers stand to benefit greatly from the idea.

"Newcastle in the largest coal exporter in the world, and through that program many oversees vessels visit the port on a daily basis," TBDF chair Robert Coombs says.

"In many occasions those seafarers are on those ships for a long period of time and they usually wish to connect with their loved ones, currently it's very difficult to do so."

The Port of Newcastle has already shown interest in the initiative.

"We've met with senior representatives of the Newcastle Port Authority and the private corporation and there's a lot of enthusiasm to spread the initiative to ensure all of those places where ships tie up are kitted out with these devices," Mr Coombs says.

The new portable routers, to be be placed on the ships, will deliver 100GB of connectivity with 4G signal, to be upgraded to 5G when providers update the existing systems.

Those staying on board accommodation will be able to connect through their phones and laptops.

Mr Coombs says WiFi is a privilege we often take for granted, and that the new program will enhance the wellbeing of those on board.

"It will mean that when the ship ties up and the router is installed, crew members will be able to connect with their families and loved ones free of cost and without the hassle of going ashore to find a shore side internet facility," he said.

In Port Botany, where the initiative is being trialed, there's been a positive reaction.

Mr Coombs says all the major operators in the area, bar one, have shown support for the program.

"The trail has proven to be an outstanding success. For example, just the other day one of the chief engineers on a vessel pulled into Port Botany and was able to connect to the wifi and immediately get in contact with his son back home, who was celebrating his 16th birthday."

"We've seen these sorts of examples replicated throughout the trail, so this is an attempt to address the technology lag that has left seafarers disconnected."

Once connected, the wifi will also redirect seafarers to a customized web page, relevant to that local area.

It will contain important information on nearby shopping centers, shore transport (bus timetables), welfare and assistance providers, and more. A firewall blocking inappropriate sites will also be included.

The TBSF are partnering with Telstra Business and Technology Centre in Sydney to deliver the full package, including the computers, hard cover protective cases, firewalls, data plans and tracking devices.

If the initiative is launched in Newcastle, the TBSF foundation says both the foundation and the Port of Newcastle would contribute funds towards the installation of the WiFi devices.

Image source: Port Authority NSW

Wharfies Won't Rule Out More Strike Action

BY KAYNE STEPHENS

Newcastle's wharf workers say they're prepared to take more stop-work action if the Port of Newcastle sticks with plans to employ its own operators of a new ship unloader crane.

Over eighty workers walked off the job for four hours yesterday over the $35-million-dollar crane, which they say will "destroy jobs".

The workers resolved to oppose plans for the new crane at the Port of Newcastle, as well as to refuse to unload the new crane if it is used.

The Port says it wants to create several jobs for operators of the crane.

"Stevedore employees experience a high degree of casualisation," a spokesperson for Port of Newcastle said.

"Port of Newcastle is interested in creating a number of full-time positions for wharf and crane operators that would provide workers with greater job security and the education and training required to support the operation of the new ship unloader".

The Maritime Union of Australia organised a meeting with Newcastle wharfies at the stop-work, and said the port's plans will cost jobs.

"[The Port] plans employ its own workforce which would effectively be a fourth stevedoring operator and undermine the work and available hours in the port for existing stevedoring companies and working," the resolution read.

Newcastle Branch Secretary Glenn Williams said they won't rule out further strike action over the issue.

"We'll do anything and everything that we can to achieve what we set out to do. Our members will take any sort of action that they need to, to get this resolved"

Mr Williams says the workers and the port will meet again on Friday, where it's hoped a solution will be found.

A spokesperson for Port of Newcastle defended the project, saying it would have a positive impact on employment.

"This level of infrastructure investment has not been seen before at Port of Newcastle since privatisation," the spokesperson said.

Glenn Williams from the Maritime Union says not only are worker's jobs at risk, but the plans also raise safety concerns.

"To have a separation of function within the operation - which is two companies performing the one task - highlights for us some very significant safety issues," he said.

"You'll have one company driving the crane and another company potentially down the hold. Communication becomes an issue for us, and separation of safety systems is an issue".

Mr Williams said workers will "absolutely" resort to more strike action if it becomes necessary to reach a resolution. But it's hoped talks between union and port management will negate the need for more action.

"The Port's position so far is they've been determined to operate the crane themselves rather than have the stevedores do that, so we're hoping that we can talk some sense into them to change their position," Mr Williams said.

The Maritime Union of Australia resolution says it will engage other unions and the community's support in solidarity while it is bargaining.

Over eighty workers stopped work on Monday over the new ship unloader crane. Image: Port of Newcastle

Pressure Grows for Marine Park Review

By MEGHAN RICHARDSON

There has been growing pressure from the community and local fishers to review the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park.

There are concerns over the marine park's management and planning.

During the state election, the park became a heavily discussed issue with representatives from both sides of the government pledging to address the problem.

No reviews, however, have been currently planned.

Stan Konstantaras, president of the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW, says he's frustrated with the lack of action.

"It was an election promise," says Mr Konstantaras. "We just want to move forward in this and get some certainty on some outcomes."

Recreational fishing in the Port Stephens area injects a considerable contribution to the local and economy and Mr Konstantaras says the current situation is halting this.

"That means that potentially, recreational fishers are staying away from the area... the whole thing is up in the air and potentially affecting people's decision to go to Port Stephens," he said.

A similar inquiry has already begun in Batemans Marine Park, but Mr Konstantaras says the public wants to see the same in the local area.



Source: Port Stephens Examiner