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NZ Herald
6 days ago
- NZ Herald
The Sapphire Coast, Australia's wilder, less-known coastline
While you can technically fly to Merimbula, between Eden and Bermagui, this southernmost coast of NSW is best seen as part of a slow road trip from big cities like Sydney, Melbourne or Canberra. Beaches all to yourself The smorgasbord of beaches and nature along our way means there's plenty of chance to unplug and unwind. Along the coast-hugging road, we've driven through a series of national parks, marine and nature reserves (there are more than 30 such protected reserves on the South Coast), quaint seaside villages and towns, encountered friendly bush kangaroos and marine life at Jervis Bay (the Commonwealth-owned marine park has the best snorkelling in the state), picnicked on the placid shores of Lake Conjola, and more. The centrepiece is a never-ending string of blue beaches, bays, inlets and lakes, mostly to ourselves. Surprise seals At Narooma's popular, shark-netted, South Bar Beach, I'm alarmed by a screaming public. There's a seal swimming along the beach! Chasing a getaway fish, the seal weaves through thrilled and startled bathers just metres from the shore. Narooma is known and loved for its resident seal colony. Several tour operators also run tours to Barunguba Montague Island (a 30-minute boat ride off the coast of Narooma) where you can swim with the seals, see Little Penguins, and more. Such opportunities to encounter wild animals in their own habitat are one of the greatest features of the area. Seaside cycleways Yet another way to explore the coastline is taking the coastal Narooma to Dalmeny Cycleway, which is ranked top three of Australian Geographic's great bike rides of NSW but remains barely known. We opt to cruise the easy-grade 21km trail on E-bikes hired from Southbound Escapes (a coffee spot, eatery, gift shop, tourist hub, and local visitors centre), crossing the Narooma Mill Bay Boardwalk, where we glimpse stingrays, seals, and the dazzlingly blue Wagonga Inlet, and passing eye-catching beaches, lookouts, forests, reedy mangrove swamps and lakes. Enchanting ocean rock pools At Bermagui, we clamber down a rock staircase carved out of the cliff, to the Blue Pool. It's hard to keep one's eyes off the sight below: rugged, amber-orange cliffs where the Pacific Ocean swirls and foams. Cut into the cliff like an opal, looking out to the blinding blue of the Pacific, the Blue Pool is an Instagrammer's dream and one of the most famous rock pools in the world. Courtesy of the Pacific, the pool has plenty of southern bite. While my husband relaxes like Neptune against a rock, I take photos, and my daughter braves the freezing pool to snorkel, discovering small fish schools, clusters of nudibranch, and a starfish. While in Bermagui, we toss on snorkels and explore the beautiful Bruce Steer Pool, a 150m-long saltwater pool fed by the serene harbour at Bermagui Point. After watching octopus, striped fish, and more dart through the water, we pick up some tasty pastries from Honourbread and park up on the beach alongside watchful pelicans and cormorants. Other enchanting ocean rock pools are found at Eden, Mystery Bay and elsewhere in and around the Sapphire Coast. Magical rock formations Hardy bushes screen us from the wind, and shelter coastal fungi and tiny chirping birds, as we traverse the cliff top trail to see Bermagui's iconic Horse Head Rock. The bushes also offer protection against the sheer drop to the sea floor below. The gigantic rock, estimated to be over 500 million years old (one of the state's oldest rock edifices), looks magically like a giant horse taking a drink from the sea. Descending the trail, back at Camel Rock Surf Beach, we take a closer look at Camel Rock. A photographer's dream, the rocks are just two of the South Coast's unique, ancient coastal formations. Other key geological formations in and around the Sapphire Coast include the Pinnacles and Glasshouse Rocks. Heart of the Sapphire Coast At Merimbula, an hour from Bermagui, and the centre of the Sapphire Coast, there's lots more to do, including walking the 500m-long trail out to Long Point, kayaking and canoeing tours on the Pambula River and the Merimbula to Pambula Cycleway. Short on time, we take the timber boardwalk along the Tahitian-blue inlet, snorkel at the historic Merimbula wharf alongside stingrays, and enjoy coffee at one of the many cafes staring down at the water. Seaside chillaxing Chillier than northern Australia, the southern morning is brisk, but there's sun, views and good nosh at Tathra Wharf; a key attraction in the far south village of Tathra. The last remaining wharf and building combination on the NSW coast from the coastal shipping trade of the 1800s, the heritage-listed building brims with crafts and treats. It's now a cafe, shop, gallery, museum, and popular coffee spot for locals. Seated on a wooden bench by a sunny window, we enjoy a leisurely breakfast, drinking in the sea view. The wharf is just one of scores of south coast eateries where you can sit by the water. Cliffside jaunt, the Tathra Headland Walk, starts outside the wharf, another opportunity to enjoy the startlingly azure water. Edge of the world Once a whaling and fishing town, and now home to a killer whale museum, Eden is the last key town of the Sapphire Coast. Two lighthouses also attest to its history and feature in the Light To Light coastal walk. Using directions from the award-winning Eden Visitors Centre, we take the lonely walk to the remnants of Ben Boyd Tower on a stony outcrop, gazing upon the desolate vastness of Twofold Bay. At the lookout, there's that eerie feeling of standing at the edge of the world with whatever ghosts of the past linger. In six days, we've barely scratched the surface of the treasures, the mystery and history that exist in this beautiful region. Checklist Sapphire Coast, South Coast, Australia. GETTING THERE Fly from Sydney, Melbourne or Canberra airports direct to Merimbula with Rex Airlines or Qantas. Drive. The beginning of the Sapphire Coast is about a 5-hour drive from Sydney or 3.5 hours from Canberra. Countrylink train from Sydney via Canberra. STAY MORE DETAILS
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
State introduces space optimization initiative to meet workforce needs
Feb. 10—WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) this week introduced a space optimization initiative to reduce the Commonwealth's leased space and enhance Commonwealth-owned facilities to meet evolving workforce needs and generate tens of millions in savings by 2033. The Shapiro-Davis Administration's Space Optimization & Utilization Project (SOUP) is the Commonwealth's first comprehensive review of its real estate portfolio to improve operational efficiency. SOUP will enhance the use of state-owned properties, provide modern, flexible work-spaces for employees, drive long-term efficient use of real estate, and deliver more centralized, convenient service centers for taxpayers. "For decades, the Commonwealth has expanded its presence in leased facilities without fully utilizing its owned properties," said DGS Secretary Reggie McNeil. "This approach has resulted in inefficiencies, increased costs to taxpayers, and work-spaces that no longer meet modern standards. The SOUP initiative allows us to reinvest in state-owned facilities, maximizing their potential, while creating dynamic workplaces and service centers that better serve our employees and the public." DGS developed SOUP through collaboration with 43 state agencies, boards and commissions across 406 office locations who collectively identified significant opportunities to optimize space utilization and reduce reliance on costly leased properties. Key Benefits of SOUP include: —Investing in state-owned buildings by modernizing outdated work-spaces, improving energy efficiency, and preserving historic structures. —Creating modern worksites with shared hoteling stations, conference rooms, kitchens and mail rooms, and improved digital infrastructure. —Reducing rental costs by cutting leased space by 2 million square feet by 2033. —Realizing anticipated savings of tens of millions by 2033. —Enhancing public access by co-locating government services into centralized, convenient locations. By consolidating services into strategically located, modernized state-owned facilities, SOUP will improve employee experiences, reduce the Commonwealth's overhead, and create a more efficient, resilient government infrastructure. PA Department of Corrections recommends closure of SCI Rockview and Quehanna Boot Camp The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) has announced that Secretary Dr. Laurel R. Harry has accepted a DOC steering committee's report proposing the closure of SCI Rockview and the Quehanna Boot Camp. "I know these decisions have a direct impact on our staff and supporting them through this process is a top priority," said Secretary Harry. "Every single affected staff member will be guaranteed an offer of a job at their existing pay and classification." The report follows the DOC's participation in the Commonwealth's Resource Evaluation and Mission Alignment Project (REMAP), a data-driven initiative designed to ensure the Department's resources are aligned in the best way to achieve its mission, while ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent effectively and efficiently. Per Act 133 of 2018, acceptance of this proposal triggers a minimum three-month period for community members and other stakeholders to provide feedback before a final decision is made. SCI Rockview Built in 1915; making it the second-oldest facility in the DOC system Expected to require $74 million in upgrades over the next five years Not sufficiently wheelchair accessible Employs 658 staff members Houses approx. 2,148 inmates (capacity is 2,541) State invests $1.3M to help strengthen Pennsylvania's agricultural workforce The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) this week announced a $1,325,699 investment in Penn State University's Agricultural Workforce Development Project to continue Pennsylvania's legacy as a national agriculture leader. The project, funded through the Farms & Agribusiness Workforce Engagement Grant initiative, aims to strengthen the Commonwealth's agricultural workforce by increasing awareness of PA CareerLink services, providing targeted technical assistance for employers in the agriculture sector, and training stakeholders to address the unique workforce needs of farmers and agribusinesses. Investing in agriculture is a key focus of Governor Josh Shapiro's Economic Development Strategy, as Pennsylvania is home to more than 53,000 farms, supporting more than 600,000 jobs and contributing $132.5 billion annually. "As we work to ensure Pennsylvania remains a national leader in agriculture, we must support the many small farms and agribusinesses facing challenges with attracting and retaining skilled workers," said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. "Ag is not just a way of life in Pennsylvania, it's also a cornerstone of our economy. The Shapiro Administration has selected Penn State to carry out this important project, which will help strengthen the industry's workforce for years to come." Key highlights of the University's project include: —Registering 1,000 farms and agribusinesses in the Commonwealth Workforce Development System while promoting PA CareerLink® services. —Providing 10,000 hours of technical assistance to at least 100 farms and agribusinesses, focusing on HR practices, legal compliance, safety, and employee management. —Educating workforce system providers about the specific needs of the agricultural sector, including by hosting events with subject matter experts and industry leaders to share insights on workforce trends and challenges. Penn State, in partnership with L&I and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), will coordinate with local workforce development boards to implement its program. "Investing in a strong agricultural workforce is critical to the future of Pennsylvania's farms and our economy," said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. "As Pennsylvania continues to rise as a national leader in agriculture, the Shapiro Administration is committed to supporting our farms and agribusinesses with the technology, skilled workers, and resources they need to thrive. This partnership with Penn State is a key investment in our future, ensuring that agriculture remains a cornerstone of our economy for generations to come." Rep. Bresnahan votes to prevent dangerous fentanyl trafficking U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr., R-Dallas Township, this week voted in favor of H.R. 27 — the Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act. This bipartisan legislation — which passed the House by a vote of 312-108 — would remove incentives for the creation of new, dangerous substances by permanently designating fentanyl analogues in schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). "As someone who has lost a family member to the fentanyl crisis, I know that no community is immune from this epidemic," said Bresnahan. "We could not afford to sit idly by, and I am proud we took this significant action. The HALT Fentanyl Act confronts this crisis head on, protecting our children, families, and neighbors from this dangerous substance." One Pennsylvanian dies from a drug overdose every two hours. Bresnahan's cousin lost her life to the fentanyl crisis when she was only 16 years old. In 2023, 76% of overdose-related deaths in Pennsylvania involved fentanyl. Bresnahan spoke in favor of the legislation on the House Floor and he addressed the fentanyl crisis during a hearing of the House Committee on Small Business. The HALT Fentanyl Act would permanently classify fentanyl analogues, which are fentanyl-related substances, as Schedule I drugs, which are substances with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
State introduces space optimization initiative to meet workforce needs
Feb. 10—WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) this week introduced a space optimization initiative to reduce the Commonwealth's leased space and enhance Commonwealth-owned facilities to meet evolving workforce needs and generate tens of millions in savings by 2033. The Shapiro-Davis Administration's Space Optimization & Utilization Project (SOUP) is the Commonwealth's first comprehensive review of its real estate portfolio to improve operational efficiency. SOUP will enhance the use of state-owned properties, provide modern, flexible work-spaces for employees, drive long-term efficient use of real estate, and deliver more centralized, convenient service centers for taxpayers. "For decades, the Commonwealth has expanded its presence in leased facilities without fully utilizing its owned properties," said DGS Secretary Reggie McNeil. "This approach has resulted in inefficiencies, increased costs to taxpayers, and work-spaces that no longer meet modern standards. The SOUP initiative allows us to reinvest in state-owned facilities, maximizing their potential, while creating dynamic workplaces and service centers that better serve our employees and the public." DGS developed SOUP through collaboration with 43 state agencies, boards and commissions across 406 office locations who collectively identified significant opportunities to optimize space utilization and reduce reliance on costly leased properties. Key Benefits of SOUP include: —Investing in state-owned buildings by modernizing outdated work-spaces, improving energy efficiency, and preserving historic structures. —Creating modern worksites with shared hoteling stations, conference rooms, kitchens and mail rooms, and improved digital infrastructure. —Reducing rental costs by cutting leased space by 2 million square feet by 2033. —Realizing anticipated savings of tens of millions by 2033. —Enhancing public access by co-locating government services into centralized, convenient locations. By consolidating services into strategically located, modernized state-owned facilities, SOUP will improve employee experiences, reduce the Commonwealth's overhead, and create a more efficient, resilient government infrastructure. PA Department of Corrections recommends closure of SCI Rockview and Quehanna Boot Camp The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) has announced that Secretary Dr. Laurel R. Harry has accepted a DOC steering committee's report proposing the closure of SCI Rockview and the Quehanna Boot Camp. "I know these decisions have a direct impact on our staff and supporting them through this process is a top priority," said Secretary Harry. "Every single affected staff member will be guaranteed an offer of a job at their existing pay and classification." The report follows the DOC's participation in the Commonwealth's Resource Evaluation and Mission Alignment Project (REMAP), a data-driven initiative designed to ensure the Department's resources are aligned in the best way to achieve its mission, while ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent effectively and efficiently. Per Act 133 of 2018, acceptance of this proposal triggers a minimum three-month period for community members and other stakeholders to provide feedback before a final decision is made. SCI Rockview Built in 1915; making it the second-oldest facility in the DOC system Expected to require $74 million in upgrades over the next five years Not sufficiently wheelchair accessible Employs 658 staff members Houses approx. 2,148 inmates (capacity is 2,541) State invests $1.3M to help strengthen Pennsylvania's agricultural workforce The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) this week announced a $1,325,699 investment in Penn State University's Agricultural Workforce Development Project to continue Pennsylvania's legacy as a national agriculture leader. The project, funded through the Farms & Agribusiness Workforce Engagement Grant initiative, aims to strengthen the Commonwealth's agricultural workforce by increasing awareness of PA CareerLink services, providing targeted technical assistance for employers in the agriculture sector, and training stakeholders to address the unique workforce needs of farmers and agribusinesses. Investing in agriculture is a key focus of Governor Josh Shapiro's Economic Development Strategy, as Pennsylvania is home to more than 53,000 farms, supporting more than 600,000 jobs and contributing $132.5 billion annually. "As we work to ensure Pennsylvania remains a national leader in agriculture, we must support the many small farms and agribusinesses facing challenges with attracting and retaining skilled workers," said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. "Ag is not just a way of life in Pennsylvania, it's also a cornerstone of our economy. The Shapiro Administration has selected Penn State to carry out this important project, which will help strengthen the industry's workforce for years to come." Key highlights of the University's project include: —Registering 1,000 farms and agribusinesses in the Commonwealth Workforce Development System while promoting PA CareerLink® services. —Providing 10,000 hours of technical assistance to at least 100 farms and agribusinesses, focusing on HR practices, legal compliance, safety, and employee management. —Educating workforce system providers about the specific needs of the agricultural sector, including by hosting events with subject matter experts and industry leaders to share insights on workforce trends and challenges. Penn State, in partnership with L&I and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), will coordinate with local workforce development boards to implement its program. "Investing in a strong agricultural workforce is critical to the future of Pennsylvania's farms and our economy," said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. "As Pennsylvania continues to rise as a national leader in agriculture, the Shapiro Administration is committed to supporting our farms and agribusinesses with the technology, skilled workers, and resources they need to thrive. This partnership with Penn State is a key investment in our future, ensuring that agriculture remains a cornerstone of our economy for generations to come." Rep. Bresnahan votes to prevent dangerous fentanyl trafficking U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr., R-Dallas Township, this week voted in favor of H.R. 27 — the Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act. This bipartisan legislation — which passed the House by a vote of 312-108 — would remove incentives for the creation of new, dangerous substances by permanently designating fentanyl analogues in schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). "As someone who has lost a family member to the fentanyl crisis, I know that no community is immune from this epidemic," said Bresnahan. "We could not afford to sit idly by, and I am proud we took this significant action. The HALT Fentanyl Act confronts this crisis head on, protecting our children, families, and neighbors from this dangerous substance." One Pennsylvanian dies from a drug overdose every two hours. Bresnahan's cousin lost her life to the fentanyl crisis when she was only 16 years old. In 2023, 76% of overdose-related deaths in Pennsylvania involved fentanyl. Bresnahan spoke in favor of the legislation on the House Floor and he addressed the fentanyl crisis during a hearing of the House Committee on Small Business. The HALT Fentanyl Act would permanently classify fentanyl analogues, which are fentanyl-related substances, as Schedule I drugs, which are substances with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
