Latest news with #SarahMitchell
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Climate
- The Advertiser
Communities rally as floodwaters rise, schools close
The search continues for a woman swept away in floodwaters as rubberneckers worsen the damage for drenched residents. Scores of communities spent Monday mopping up and replacing roofs after wild weather battered Sydney and northern NSW over the weekend. More than two dozen schools were shut on Monday across the state's mid-north coast, Hunter and central coast including Kempsey High School where the main building roof was tossed into trees. Almost 60 warnings were in place on Monday afternoon including evacuation notices for residents in some areas of Gunnedah near the Namoi River. The local mayor said her biggest concern was people not staying away from the floodwater, including drivers going down town streets and "continuing to put waters back on (residents') houses". "It's very unfair when people are flooded in," Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller said. The police community and youth club offers a program for children who cannot attend school, local MP Sarah Mitchell told AAP. "It's tough, and obviously we think about people who are impacted," she said. "But we also see our community really rally together as well." Residents and businesses near the riverbank began preparing for potential flooding as rain persisted through the weekend. "We just sort of have to wait it out," Ms Mitchell said. "Just hoping the damage isn't too bad and that everyone can get on with cleaning up and back to normal life as soon as possible." The Namoi River passed the 7.9m major flood level early on Monday, rising to 8.44m by the afternoon ahead of an expected peak overnight into Tuesday. Wild weather hammered northern NSW across the weekend after floods and snowstorms stranded cars and cut power to homes. The search continued on Monday for a 26-year-old woman swept into floodwaters in the Hunter region, after the Mini Countryman she was travelling in became stranded in floodwaters north of Cessnock on Saturday night. The 27-year-old driver managed to get out, but her passenger was dragged away with the strong current, prompting police to repeat calls for people not to drive into floodwaters. State Emergency Service crews responding to the emergency saved a 40-year-old man who was stuck in a nearby tree due to floodwater. The man was swept out of the tree but rescuers followed him into the water and pulled him to shore before he was taken to hospital. Tens of thousands of households spent a night without power as heavy rain, floods and unprecedented snow wreaked havoc. The SES had received more than 3600 calls for assistance, responding to more than 2200 incidents including 25 flood rescues amid the bad weather. A severe weather warning was cancelled on Monday ahead of more settled conditions, although riverine rises remain a risk as floodwater moves downstream. "People in the warning areas should consider enacting their emergency plans - that means knowing where you will go in case you are asked to leave," NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Debbie Platz said. The search continues for a woman swept away in floodwaters as rubberneckers worsen the damage for drenched residents. Scores of communities spent Monday mopping up and replacing roofs after wild weather battered Sydney and northern NSW over the weekend. More than two dozen schools were shut on Monday across the state's mid-north coast, Hunter and central coast including Kempsey High School where the main building roof was tossed into trees. Almost 60 warnings were in place on Monday afternoon including evacuation notices for residents in some areas of Gunnedah near the Namoi River. The local mayor said her biggest concern was people not staying away from the floodwater, including drivers going down town streets and "continuing to put waters back on (residents') houses". "It's very unfair when people are flooded in," Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller said. The police community and youth club offers a program for children who cannot attend school, local MP Sarah Mitchell told AAP. "It's tough, and obviously we think about people who are impacted," she said. "But we also see our community really rally together as well." Residents and businesses near the riverbank began preparing for potential flooding as rain persisted through the weekend. "We just sort of have to wait it out," Ms Mitchell said. "Just hoping the damage isn't too bad and that everyone can get on with cleaning up and back to normal life as soon as possible." The Namoi River passed the 7.9m major flood level early on Monday, rising to 8.44m by the afternoon ahead of an expected peak overnight into Tuesday. Wild weather hammered northern NSW across the weekend after floods and snowstorms stranded cars and cut power to homes. The search continued on Monday for a 26-year-old woman swept into floodwaters in the Hunter region, after the Mini Countryman she was travelling in became stranded in floodwaters north of Cessnock on Saturday night. The 27-year-old driver managed to get out, but her passenger was dragged away with the strong current, prompting police to repeat calls for people not to drive into floodwaters. State Emergency Service crews responding to the emergency saved a 40-year-old man who was stuck in a nearby tree due to floodwater. The man was swept out of the tree but rescuers followed him into the water and pulled him to shore before he was taken to hospital. Tens of thousands of households spent a night without power as heavy rain, floods and unprecedented snow wreaked havoc. The SES had received more than 3600 calls for assistance, responding to more than 2200 incidents including 25 flood rescues amid the bad weather. A severe weather warning was cancelled on Monday ahead of more settled conditions, although riverine rises remain a risk as floodwater moves downstream. "People in the warning areas should consider enacting their emergency plans - that means knowing where you will go in case you are asked to leave," NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Debbie Platz said. The search continues for a woman swept away in floodwaters as rubberneckers worsen the damage for drenched residents. Scores of communities spent Monday mopping up and replacing roofs after wild weather battered Sydney and northern NSW over the weekend. More than two dozen schools were shut on Monday across the state's mid-north coast, Hunter and central coast including Kempsey High School where the main building roof was tossed into trees. Almost 60 warnings were in place on Monday afternoon including evacuation notices for residents in some areas of Gunnedah near the Namoi River. The local mayor said her biggest concern was people not staying away from the floodwater, including drivers going down town streets and "continuing to put waters back on (residents') houses". "It's very unfair when people are flooded in," Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller said. The police community and youth club offers a program for children who cannot attend school, local MP Sarah Mitchell told AAP. "It's tough, and obviously we think about people who are impacted," she said. "But we also see our community really rally together as well." Residents and businesses near the riverbank began preparing for potential flooding as rain persisted through the weekend. "We just sort of have to wait it out," Ms Mitchell said. "Just hoping the damage isn't too bad and that everyone can get on with cleaning up and back to normal life as soon as possible." The Namoi River passed the 7.9m major flood level early on Monday, rising to 8.44m by the afternoon ahead of an expected peak overnight into Tuesday. Wild weather hammered northern NSW across the weekend after floods and snowstorms stranded cars and cut power to homes. The search continued on Monday for a 26-year-old woman swept into floodwaters in the Hunter region, after the Mini Countryman she was travelling in became stranded in floodwaters north of Cessnock on Saturday night. The 27-year-old driver managed to get out, but her passenger was dragged away with the strong current, prompting police to repeat calls for people not to drive into floodwaters. State Emergency Service crews responding to the emergency saved a 40-year-old man who was stuck in a nearby tree due to floodwater. The man was swept out of the tree but rescuers followed him into the water and pulled him to shore before he was taken to hospital. Tens of thousands of households spent a night without power as heavy rain, floods and unprecedented snow wreaked havoc. The SES had received more than 3600 calls for assistance, responding to more than 2200 incidents including 25 flood rescues amid the bad weather. A severe weather warning was cancelled on Monday ahead of more settled conditions, although riverine rises remain a risk as floodwater moves downstream. "People in the warning areas should consider enacting their emergency plans - that means knowing where you will go in case you are asked to leave," NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Debbie Platz said. The search continues for a woman swept away in floodwaters as rubberneckers worsen the damage for drenched residents. Scores of communities spent Monday mopping up and replacing roofs after wild weather battered Sydney and northern NSW over the weekend. More than two dozen schools were shut on Monday across the state's mid-north coast, Hunter and central coast including Kempsey High School where the main building roof was tossed into trees. Almost 60 warnings were in place on Monday afternoon including evacuation notices for residents in some areas of Gunnedah near the Namoi River. The local mayor said her biggest concern was people not staying away from the floodwater, including drivers going down town streets and "continuing to put waters back on (residents') houses". "It's very unfair when people are flooded in," Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller said. The police community and youth club offers a program for children who cannot attend school, local MP Sarah Mitchell told AAP. "It's tough, and obviously we think about people who are impacted," she said. "But we also see our community really rally together as well." Residents and businesses near the riverbank began preparing for potential flooding as rain persisted through the weekend. "We just sort of have to wait it out," Ms Mitchell said. "Just hoping the damage isn't too bad and that everyone can get on with cleaning up and back to normal life as soon as possible." The Namoi River passed the 7.9m major flood level early on Monday, rising to 8.44m by the afternoon ahead of an expected peak overnight into Tuesday. Wild weather hammered northern NSW across the weekend after floods and snowstorms stranded cars and cut power to homes. The search continued on Monday for a 26-year-old woman swept into floodwaters in the Hunter region, after the Mini Countryman she was travelling in became stranded in floodwaters north of Cessnock on Saturday night. The 27-year-old driver managed to get out, but her passenger was dragged away with the strong current, prompting police to repeat calls for people not to drive into floodwaters. State Emergency Service crews responding to the emergency saved a 40-year-old man who was stuck in a nearby tree due to floodwater. The man was swept out of the tree but rescuers followed him into the water and pulled him to shore before he was taken to hospital. Tens of thousands of households spent a night without power as heavy rain, floods and unprecedented snow wreaked havoc. The SES had received more than 3600 calls for assistance, responding to more than 2200 incidents including 25 flood rescues amid the bad weather. A severe weather warning was cancelled on Monday ahead of more settled conditions, although riverine rises remain a risk as floodwater moves downstream. "People in the warning areas should consider enacting their emergency plans - that means knowing where you will go in case you are asked to leave," NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Debbie Platz said.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Key questions about ‘ghost station' proposal
The potential reopening of the long-abandoned Woollahra train station in Sydney's glitzy southeast has raised alarm bells amid concerns the area's infrastructure is not up to task. The Labor government is reportedly giving consideration to opening the 'ghost station' almost 50 years after work was halted and rezoning the area for housing towers. While developers heralded the proposal, which the state government has not formally commented on, as a 'no-brainer', questions have been raised about its feasibility. Woollahra is serviced by a single public school – Woollahra Public School – which has 701 children enrolled, according to the Department of Education. Online documents provided by the school state the campus has a capacity of just 698 students, based on the number of permanent teacher spaces and class sizes. An additional 1729 students are enrolled at nearby public schools, including Vaucluse Public School, which has just 232 students, according to most recent data. Riverbank Public School, located in Sydney's northwestern growth area, by comparison has more than 2011 students enrolled from kindergarten to year 6. Opposition education spokeswoman Sarah Mitchell accused the Minns Labor government of 'floating housing thought bubbles without doing the homework'. 'Even now, the community is crying out for another co-ed high school – not based on future growth but the population that already lives here,' she said. 'Any serious housing proposal must come with serious investment in school infrastructure. 'But once again, Chris Minns and his ministers are putting the cart before the horse – promising rooftops without classrooms.' Mr Minns is yet to make an announcement about the future of Woollahra station but has not denied designs for the so-called ghost station either. It comes at a crucial time for the Premier after the sale of Rosehill Racecourse to make way for 25,000 homes was shot down by the Australian Turf Club. The Labor government is focusing on housing initiatives closer to the Sydney CBD and is spearheading measures to overrule recalcitrant Sydney small councils. Mr Minns said new guidelines announced this month would allow the state government to 'surpass many councils' ability to say no' to new housing planning proposals. Many of the councils the state government has its eyes set on are in Sydney's affluent southeast and north shore, areas with a reputation for opposing new housing projects. Woollahra Deputy Mayor Sean Carmichael has been one of many vocal sceptics of the Woollahra train station revival proposal. Mr Carmichael said the proposal was 'an interesting idea' but urged for a 'planning scalpel' to balance any potential density opportunities with heritage issues. He said he had suggested opening ticket boxes and escalators to activate the station many years ago. 'I still personally wouldn't mind if that were the case, but expectations for what this stop can actually achieve really need serious tempering,' he said. 'Aside from density and heritage concerns I've already raised, opening Woollahra station won't help young commuters very much. 'Woollahra Public (School) parents will still mostly prefer to drive their children for safety and family time, so the advantage there is also very limited. 'It could also slow students down too, by adding greater complexity to the line, and drive up delays. 'The steep valley below, with awkward roads like Attunga St, really dent the viability of making Woollahra station anything more than a hokey stop on an otherwise incredibly efficient line.' Mr Carmichael warned that 'flattening' mid-century and other architecturally historic homes in the area would not create affordable homes. 'Quite the opposite, as new luxury units bursting with creature comforts are inevitably more expensive than older ones that, for instance, don't have ducted heating or sound proofing,' he said. In a statement, a Woollahra Municipal Council spokesperson said the council had not received 'confirmation or any detail from the NSW government regarding revisiting and/or developing a train station in Woollahra'. 'Woollahra Mayor Sarah Swan has indicated that she is willing to discuss this idea with the government within the context of ongoing concerns regarding the impacts the government's low and mid-rise (LMR) housing changes will have on Woollahra. 'The LMR changes ignore well-founded community concerns regarding existing density, increased traffic congestion, a lack of public infrastructure and the need to protect local heritage. 'Council is committed to supporting housing growth, but delivery of additional housing should respect the existing character of our community and take into account the unique challenges of each location. 'The changes override council's carefully-developed strategic plans for additional housing at appropriate locations, including nearby Edgecliff, which would not sacrifice high standards of planning integrity and community benefits.'
News.com.au
23-07-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Schools, roads in the spotlight amid talk of opening Sydney's Woollahra station
The potential reopening of the long-abandoned Woollahra train station in Sydney's glitzy southeast has raised alarm bells amid concerns the area's infrastructure is not up to task. The Labor government is reportedly giving consideration to opening the 'ghost station' almost 50 years after work was halted and rezoning the area for housing towers. While developers heralded the proposal, which the state government has not formally commented on, as a 'no-brainer', questions have been raised about its feasibility. Woollahra is serviced by a single public school – Woollahra Public School – which has 701 children enrolled, according to the Department of Education. Online documents provided by the school state the campus has a capacity of just 698 students, based on the number of permanent teacher spaces and class sizes. An additional 1729 students are enrolled at nearby public schools, including Vaucluse Public School, which has just 232 students, according to most recent data. Riverbank Public School, located in Sydney's northwestern growth area, by comparison has more than 2011 students enrolled from kindergarten to year 6. Opposition education spokeswoman Sarah Mitchell accused the Minns Labor government of 'floating housing thought bubbles without doing the homework'. 'Even now, the community is crying out for another co-ed high school – not based on future growth but the population that already lives here,' she said. 'Any serious housing proposal must come with serious investment in school infrastructure. 'But once again, Chris Minns and his ministers are putting the cart before the horse – promising rooftops without classrooms.' Mr Minns is yet to make an announcement about the future of Woollahra station but has not denied designs for the so-called ghost station either. It comes at a crucial time for the Premier after the sale of Rosehill Racecourse to make way for 25,000 homes was shot down by the Australian Turf Club. The Labor government is focusing on housing initiatives closer to the Sydney CBD and is spearheading measures to overrule recalcitrant Sydney small councils. Mr Minns said new guidelines announced this month would allow the state government to 'surpass many councils' ability to say no' to new housing planning proposals. Many of the councils the state government has its eyes set on are in Sydney's affluent southeast and north shore, areas with a reputation for opposing new housing projects. Woollahra Deputy Mayor Sean Carmichael has been one of many vocal sceptics of the Woollahra train station revival proposal. Mr Carmichael said the proposal was 'an interesting idea' but urged for a 'planning scalpel' to balance any potential density opportunities with heritage issues. He said he had suggested opening ticket boxes and escalators to activate the station many years ago. 'I still personally wouldn't mind if that were the case, but expectations for what this stop can actually achieve really need serious tempering,' he said. 'Aside from density and heritage concerns I've already raised, opening Woollahra station won't help young commuters very much. 'Woollahra Public (School) parents will still mostly prefer to drive their children for safety and family time, so the advantage there is also very limited. 'It could also slow students down too, by adding greater complexity to the line, and drive up delays. 'The steep valley below, with awkward roads like Attunga St, really dent the viability of making Woollahra station anything more than a hokey stop on an otherwise incredibly efficient line.' Mr Carmichael warned that 'flattening' mid-century and other architecturally historic homes in the area would not create affordable homes. 'Quite the opposite, as new luxury units bursting with creature comforts are inevitably more expensive than older ones that, for instance, don't have ducted heating or sound proofing,' he said. In a statement, a Woollahra Municipal Council spokesperson said the council had not received 'confirmation or any detail from the NSW government regarding revisiting and/or developing a train station in Woollahra'. 'Woollahra Mayor Sarah Swan has indicated that she is willing to discuss this idea with the government within the context of ongoing concerns regarding the impacts the government's low and mid-rise (LMR) housing changes will have on Woollahra. 'The LMR changes ignore well-founded community concerns regarding existing density, increased traffic congestion, a lack of public infrastructure and the need to protect local heritage. 'Council is committed to supporting housing growth, but delivery of additional housing should respect the existing character of our community and take into account the unique challenges of each location. 'The changes override council's carefully-developed strategic plans for additional housing at appropriate locations, including nearby Edgecliff, which would not sacrifice high standards of planning integrity and community benefits.'
Time Business News
16-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Local families are taking control of rising energy costs with solar power
More Australian families are choosing solar energy as electricity bills continue to climb nationwide. With energy prices on an upward trend, homeowners are looking for long-term solutions that reduce their dependence on traditional energy companies. Australian households face some of the highest electricity rates globally. Many families now spend thousands annually on power bills, with costs rising faster than household incomes. This reality is driving families to explore renewable energy options. Solar panel installations have surged across metropolitan areas as more households seek relief from escalating energy costs. 'We were spending hundreds every quarter just to keep the lights on,' says Sarah Mitchell, a mother of two. 'After installing solar, our bills dropped dramatically, even during summer when we're running air conditioning constantly.' Modern solar systems can eliminate most household electricity costs. The average Australian home requires significant daily energy, and a properly sized solar system can generate this amount during peak sunlight hours. Key benefits families are experiencing: Monthly electricity bills reduced substantially Protection from future energy price increases Reduced carbon footprint for environmental impact Increased home value and market appeal Traditional energy companies have raised prices consistently over recent years. Solar panels allow families to generate their own power during the day and feed excess energy back into the grid. This shift means families control their energy production instead of being subject to quarterly price increases from utility companies. Working with a qualified solar installer ensures systems are properly designed for each home's specific energy needs and roof configuration. Beyond cost savings, families cite environmental benefits as a major factor in their decision to switch to solar power. A typical residential solar system prevents significant carbon dioxide emissions annually. Over the system's lifetime, one household solar installation offsets the equivalent of planting dozens of trees. Children are often the driving force behind families' environmental consciousness. Many parents report their kids asking questions about climate change and wanting to 'help the planet.' Today's solar panels are more efficient and durable than earlier generations. Modern panels maintain high efficiency for decades and often continue producing power well beyond their warranty periods. Solar battery storage options are becoming more affordable, allowing families to store excess solar energy for use during evening hours or cloudy days. Recent technology advances include: Higher efficiency panels that generate more power in smaller spaces Smart systems that optimize energy production throughout the day Integrated monitoring that tracks energy generation and usage Weather-resistant designs built for Australian conditions Government rebates and incentives make solar more accessible for working families. Federal schemes provide upfront discounts for residential installations, reducing the initial investment significantly. State governments often offer additional rebates, making systems even more affordable for households. Many solar providers offer flexible payment plans, allowing families to start saving immediately without large upfront costs. Community benefits emerge As more families adopt solar power, entire neighborhoods benefit from reduced strain on the electrical grid during peak demand periods. Local communities are experiencing: Fewer power outages during extreme weather Reduced need for expensive grid infrastructure upgrades Lower overall energy costs throughout the area Increased property values in solar-friendly neighborhoods Families considering solar should start with understanding their current energy usage patterns. A professional solar installer can design systems that match specific household needs and roof conditions. The installation process typically takes several weeks from initial consultation to system activation, including permit approvals and grid connection. Most families see their investment pay for itself within a few years through reduced electricity bills, then enjoy significantly discounted power for the remaining system lifetime. The transition to renewable energy is happening one household at a time. Families who make the switch to solar power are reducing their monthly expenses while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. As energy costs continue rising and environmental awareness grows, solar power offers families a practical way to take control of both their energy bills and their impact on the planet. Local families across Australia are proving that the path to energy independence starts in their own backyard, one solar panel at a time. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Scotsman
17-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Amazon agency achieves £200k monthly revenue for client as Scottish SMEs drive £90m in platform sales
Amazon marketing firm publishes case study highlighting marketplace opportunities amid Scotland's e-commerce expansion. Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... An Amazon marketing agency has published results from a successful case study that transformed a struggling furniture business into a platform bestseller, generating £200,000 in monthly revenue within four months highlighting the potential for Scottish businesses in the rapidly expanding e-commerce marketplace. FND eCommerce's case study comes as Scottish small and medium-sized enterprises continue to demonstrate strong performance on Amazon, with more than 3,000 Scottish SMEs generating £90 million in export sales through the platform last year, according to recent data. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The agency's methodology which included competitor research, listing optimization, SEO strategy, and innovative pricing helped their client achieve a return on advertising spend (ROAS) of 8 while securing bestseller status in their furniture category. A modern e-commerce workspace displaying business analytics and growth metrics, representing the digital transformation driving Scottish SMEs to achieve £90 million in Amazon platform sales, with individual success stories reaching £200,000 in monthly revenue. Scottish E-commerce Potential The success story emerges amid growing recognition of Scotland's untapped e-commerce potential. Government figures show that 35% of Scottish businesses now make sales via e-commerce, up from 30% in 2017, while 99.3% of Scottish companies are small and medium enterprises that could benefit from online marketplace expansion. "Scotland has shown particularly strong adoption of online retail, especially in technology and electronics where it leads UK regions in e-commerce penetration," explains Dr. Sarah Mitchell, digital commerce researcher at University of Edinburgh Business School. "The Amazon marketplace represents a significant opportunity for Scottish businesses to reach global markets without substantial upfront investment." Edinburgh and Glasgow have emerged as particular hubs for digital marketing expertise, with agencies like Munro Agency, attacat, and The Lane Agency supporting businesses across Scotland in developing their online presence. Marketplace Growth Opportunities Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The business firm FND eCommerce Amazon agency UK case study demonstrates the systematic approach required for Amazon success, beginning with thorough competitor research and market testing before implementing optimized product listings, targeted SEO strategies, and managed pay-per-click advertising campaigns. "The process shows how data-driven approaches can transform struggling online businesses," notes Finn Cormie, FND eCommerce Director. "By focusing on every aspect from product listings to advertising spend optimization, businesses can achieve remarkable growth in relatively short timeframes." Scottish businesses have shown particular strength in sectors including textiles, technology, food and drink, and sports equipment all categories well-suited to Amazon marketplace expansion according to Scottish Enterprise guidance. Digital Economy Growth The e-commerce sector's expansion aligns with broader digital economy growth across Scotland, where internet penetration has reached 93% of residents and over 95% of premises now enjoy high-speed connectivity following substantial infrastructure investment. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Recent studies indicate that Scottish businesses achieving over £250,000 in Amazon sales demonstrate the platform's potential for substantial revenue generation, while the convenience of fulfillment and logistics support helps smaller enterprises compete effectively. "The key to marketplace success lies in understanding both the technical requirements and the competitive landscape," explains retail analyst James Henderson from Glasgow-based consultancy Retail Insights Scotland. "Case studies like this provide valuable insights into proven methodologies that Scottish businesses could adapt for their own market entry strategies." Supporting Scottish Business Growth The success demonstrated in FND eCommerce's case study reflects broader trends in digital retail transformation. Scottish Enterprise continues to promote international marketplace opportunities, identifying Amazon among key platforms for businesses seeking export growth. With over 10,000 Scottish businesses now selling on Amazon Marketplace and the platform facilitating substantial export revenues, the potential for further growth remains significant across sectors from highland textiles to Edinburgh tech innovations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The agency's systematic approach covering everything from listing optimization to pricing strategies—provides a template that Scottish businesses could emulate with appropriate local support and expertise.
