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The Advertiser
37 minutes ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Dockers star giving former boss Hardwick headaches
Knowing Shai Bolton is one thing, stopping him is another. It's a conundrum Damien Hardwick is wrestling with as he readies high-flying Gold Coast for Saturday's home clash with Fremantle. Bolton, who starred in two Richmond premierships under Hardwick, has shown glimpses of his match-winning best in Dockers colours this season. "He's a bit of a barometer for them," Suns coach Hardwick said on Thursday. "When he's in good form, they're in good form. "We have an understanding and we showed some vision of Shai at his best and what that looks like. "We've got a fair idea of how he plays the game and what his strengths are. "It's good to know, tough to stop." Bolton was dubbed Fremantle's missing piece in their hunt for a maiden premiership when he secured a move home to Western Australia during last year's trade period. He starred with 24 disposals and three goals in a shock away win over GWS a fortnight ago, and has been a key figure in the Dockers' 6-4 start to the season. "He's a wonderful player and has been a great addition for their footy club," Hardwick said. "He's one I'm making sure that won't play, hopefully, that well against us. But he's very hard to stop." Hardwick noted one of Bolton's main weapons is his versatility - an ability to hurt opponents through the midfield and closer to goal. "We're going to have some challenges with that," Hardwick said. "The communication of our backs is going to be really important, but those back six or seven have been playing together for the majority of the year. "So we're relatively confident that we're going to get a pleasing result with that." Quizzed on possible match-ups for Bolton, Hardwick nominated unsung defenders Bodhi Uwland and Wil Powell. "Powell's an unbelievable player," Hardwick said. "I think I knew how good he was, but until you see him up close, he's capable of playing on anyone. "He can play on talls and smalls, and he's done a wonderful job on those smaller players over the last couple of weeks." Gold Coast have started 8-2 for the first time in their 15-year history as they chase a maiden finals berth. They host Fremantle on Saturday in their first game at their regular home ground - People First Stadium - since round seven, following a pair of 'home' games in Darwin. Knowing Shai Bolton is one thing, stopping him is another. It's a conundrum Damien Hardwick is wrestling with as he readies high-flying Gold Coast for Saturday's home clash with Fremantle. Bolton, who starred in two Richmond premierships under Hardwick, has shown glimpses of his match-winning best in Dockers colours this season. "He's a bit of a barometer for them," Suns coach Hardwick said on Thursday. "When he's in good form, they're in good form. "We have an understanding and we showed some vision of Shai at his best and what that looks like. "We've got a fair idea of how he plays the game and what his strengths are. "It's good to know, tough to stop." Bolton was dubbed Fremantle's missing piece in their hunt for a maiden premiership when he secured a move home to Western Australia during last year's trade period. He starred with 24 disposals and three goals in a shock away win over GWS a fortnight ago, and has been a key figure in the Dockers' 6-4 start to the season. "He's a wonderful player and has been a great addition for their footy club," Hardwick said. "He's one I'm making sure that won't play, hopefully, that well against us. But he's very hard to stop." Hardwick noted one of Bolton's main weapons is his versatility - an ability to hurt opponents through the midfield and closer to goal. "We're going to have some challenges with that," Hardwick said. "The communication of our backs is going to be really important, but those back six or seven have been playing together for the majority of the year. "So we're relatively confident that we're going to get a pleasing result with that." Quizzed on possible match-ups for Bolton, Hardwick nominated unsung defenders Bodhi Uwland and Wil Powell. "Powell's an unbelievable player," Hardwick said. "I think I knew how good he was, but until you see him up close, he's capable of playing on anyone. "He can play on talls and smalls, and he's done a wonderful job on those smaller players over the last couple of weeks." Gold Coast have started 8-2 for the first time in their 15-year history as they chase a maiden finals berth. They host Fremantle on Saturday in their first game at their regular home ground - People First Stadium - since round seven, following a pair of 'home' games in Darwin. Knowing Shai Bolton is one thing, stopping him is another. It's a conundrum Damien Hardwick is wrestling with as he readies high-flying Gold Coast for Saturday's home clash with Fremantle. Bolton, who starred in two Richmond premierships under Hardwick, has shown glimpses of his match-winning best in Dockers colours this season. "He's a bit of a barometer for them," Suns coach Hardwick said on Thursday. "When he's in good form, they're in good form. "We have an understanding and we showed some vision of Shai at his best and what that looks like. "We've got a fair idea of how he plays the game and what his strengths are. "It's good to know, tough to stop." Bolton was dubbed Fremantle's missing piece in their hunt for a maiden premiership when he secured a move home to Western Australia during last year's trade period. He starred with 24 disposals and three goals in a shock away win over GWS a fortnight ago, and has been a key figure in the Dockers' 6-4 start to the season. "He's a wonderful player and has been a great addition for their footy club," Hardwick said. "He's one I'm making sure that won't play, hopefully, that well against us. But he's very hard to stop." Hardwick noted one of Bolton's main weapons is his versatility - an ability to hurt opponents through the midfield and closer to goal. "We're going to have some challenges with that," Hardwick said. "The communication of our backs is going to be really important, but those back six or seven have been playing together for the majority of the year. "So we're relatively confident that we're going to get a pleasing result with that." Quizzed on possible match-ups for Bolton, Hardwick nominated unsung defenders Bodhi Uwland and Wil Powell. "Powell's an unbelievable player," Hardwick said. "I think I knew how good he was, but until you see him up close, he's capable of playing on anyone. "He can play on talls and smalls, and he's done a wonderful job on those smaller players over the last couple of weeks." Gold Coast have started 8-2 for the first time in their 15-year history as they chase a maiden finals berth. They host Fremantle on Saturday in their first game at their regular home ground - People First Stadium - since round seven, following a pair of 'home' games in Darwin.
The Advertiser
37 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Tears and hope as families mourn Bondi stabbing victims
Tears were shed and tissues were piled high as families of those killed in a shocking mass stabbing recounted their pain, bringing an emotionally charged inquest to a close. Dawn Singleton, 25, Ashlee Good, 38, Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, Yixuan Cheng, 27 and security guard Faraz Tahir, 30, all died in the attack carried out by Joel Cauchi at Bondi Junction Westfield in Sydney's east in April 2024. Ten others were injured by the schizophrenic man who was experiencing psychotic symptoms. "I am angry and aggrieved and anguished for what I have lost and for what it cost," Elizabeth Young said of her daughter Jade's tragic fate. Hours before the tragedy, she said she received a heart emoji in a text from her architect daughter responding to a photo of mushrooms she had taken during her Saturday walk. "I hurt so terribly that our ... slightly goofy, funny, gentle girl no longer has the chance to be, to exist in the now and future," she told the court. "As it is, she exists in the past only." Ms Young decried the "trauma porn" she said she experienced from the media after the April 2024 attack, including seeing footage of her daughter's lifeless body - being worked on by paramedics - broadcast globally. She also criticised a photographer for taking a snap of her and her family while mourning at a vigil in Bondi Beach. "To think images of a grieving family or a woman lying dead is newsworthy sickens me," she said. The family of Mr Tahir also attended the inquest where a joint statement was read out by his elder brother Muzafar. Mr Tahir was a brave, compassionate man who ran towards danger to help others on that day, paying the ultimate price, he said as images of his brother flashed across the screen. "By sacrificing his life, Faraz died with honour," Muzafar said. "To many of us he will always be remembered as a symbol of bravery. Our hero." He also recognised the pain that Cauchi's parents must be feeling, saying the tragedy was not their fault. A statement from economics student Yixuan's Chinese parents Jun Xing and Pengfei Cheng was read by their barrister Daniel Roff. "It breaks our heart even more to know that there was nothing we could do," her parents wrote. No matter how much empathy or compassion one had, it was impossible to know what it felt like to be parents who had lost their only child, they wrote. "The piercing, bone-deep, soul-crushing agony that is beyond description and follows us like a shadow." Statements by Ms Darchia's son's George Darchia and Irakli Dvali - who were watching by audiovisual link from Georgia - remembered their caring, kind and observant artist mother. "A life was lost, a beautiful life, and for what?" Mr Darchia said in his statement. His words were full of sorrow but also hope, the court heard. "May God help us, all of us, to prevent tragedies like this in the future." Statements by Ms Good's family were read out by barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC - who was in tears at points - but their contents cannot be legally published. Ms Singleton's partner Ashley Wildey and mother Julie attended the NSW Coroners Court on Friday but did not say anything publicly. Victims' families were also offered a route to enter the court building behind a partition, away from the media's view. The efforts to protect those worst affected by the events of April 2024 served as an undercurrent throughout the five-week inquest, taking a trauma-informed approach to aid victim survivors and those who lost loved ones. As the inquest concluded, coroner Teresa O'Sullivan thanked the families for their "profoundly moving" words. "Today has been a day that has affected everyone," she said. "I'll never forget what I heard today." The inquest will resume on October 9 for closing submissions. Ms O'Sullivan will then retire to consider her findings about what happened and any recommendations she will make to avoid future tragedies. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Tears were shed and tissues were piled high as families of those killed in a shocking mass stabbing recounted their pain, bringing an emotionally charged inquest to a close. Dawn Singleton, 25, Ashlee Good, 38, Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, Yixuan Cheng, 27 and security guard Faraz Tahir, 30, all died in the attack carried out by Joel Cauchi at Bondi Junction Westfield in Sydney's east in April 2024. Ten others were injured by the schizophrenic man who was experiencing psychotic symptoms. "I am angry and aggrieved and anguished for what I have lost and for what it cost," Elizabeth Young said of her daughter Jade's tragic fate. Hours before the tragedy, she said she received a heart emoji in a text from her architect daughter responding to a photo of mushrooms she had taken during her Saturday walk. "I hurt so terribly that our ... slightly goofy, funny, gentle girl no longer has the chance to be, to exist in the now and future," she told the court. "As it is, she exists in the past only." Ms Young decried the "trauma porn" she said she experienced from the media after the April 2024 attack, including seeing footage of her daughter's lifeless body - being worked on by paramedics - broadcast globally. She also criticised a photographer for taking a snap of her and her family while mourning at a vigil in Bondi Beach. "To think images of a grieving family or a woman lying dead is newsworthy sickens me," she said. The family of Mr Tahir also attended the inquest where a joint statement was read out by his elder brother Muzafar. Mr Tahir was a brave, compassionate man who ran towards danger to help others on that day, paying the ultimate price, he said as images of his brother flashed across the screen. "By sacrificing his life, Faraz died with honour," Muzafar said. "To many of us he will always be remembered as a symbol of bravery. Our hero." He also recognised the pain that Cauchi's parents must be feeling, saying the tragedy was not their fault. A statement from economics student Yixuan's Chinese parents Jun Xing and Pengfei Cheng was read by their barrister Daniel Roff. "It breaks our heart even more to know that there was nothing we could do," her parents wrote. No matter how much empathy or compassion one had, it was impossible to know what it felt like to be parents who had lost their only child, they wrote. "The piercing, bone-deep, soul-crushing agony that is beyond description and follows us like a shadow." Statements by Ms Darchia's son's George Darchia and Irakli Dvali - who were watching by audiovisual link from Georgia - remembered their caring, kind and observant artist mother. "A life was lost, a beautiful life, and for what?" Mr Darchia said in his statement. His words were full of sorrow but also hope, the court heard. "May God help us, all of us, to prevent tragedies like this in the future." Statements by Ms Good's family were read out by barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC - who was in tears at points - but their contents cannot be legally published. Ms Singleton's partner Ashley Wildey and mother Julie attended the NSW Coroners Court on Friday but did not say anything publicly. Victims' families were also offered a route to enter the court building behind a partition, away from the media's view. The efforts to protect those worst affected by the events of April 2024 served as an undercurrent throughout the five-week inquest, taking a trauma-informed approach to aid victim survivors and those who lost loved ones. As the inquest concluded, coroner Teresa O'Sullivan thanked the families for their "profoundly moving" words. "Today has been a day that has affected everyone," she said. "I'll never forget what I heard today." The inquest will resume on October 9 for closing submissions. Ms O'Sullivan will then retire to consider her findings about what happened and any recommendations she will make to avoid future tragedies. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Tears were shed and tissues were piled high as families of those killed in a shocking mass stabbing recounted their pain, bringing an emotionally charged inquest to a close. Dawn Singleton, 25, Ashlee Good, 38, Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, Yixuan Cheng, 27 and security guard Faraz Tahir, 30, all died in the attack carried out by Joel Cauchi at Bondi Junction Westfield in Sydney's east in April 2024. Ten others were injured by the schizophrenic man who was experiencing psychotic symptoms. "I am angry and aggrieved and anguished for what I have lost and for what it cost," Elizabeth Young said of her daughter Jade's tragic fate. Hours before the tragedy, she said she received a heart emoji in a text from her architect daughter responding to a photo of mushrooms she had taken during her Saturday walk. "I hurt so terribly that our ... slightly goofy, funny, gentle girl no longer has the chance to be, to exist in the now and future," she told the court. "As it is, she exists in the past only." Ms Young decried the "trauma porn" she said she experienced from the media after the April 2024 attack, including seeing footage of her daughter's lifeless body - being worked on by paramedics - broadcast globally. She also criticised a photographer for taking a snap of her and her family while mourning at a vigil in Bondi Beach. "To think images of a grieving family or a woman lying dead is newsworthy sickens me," she said. The family of Mr Tahir also attended the inquest where a joint statement was read out by his elder brother Muzafar. Mr Tahir was a brave, compassionate man who ran towards danger to help others on that day, paying the ultimate price, he said as images of his brother flashed across the screen. "By sacrificing his life, Faraz died with honour," Muzafar said. "To many of us he will always be remembered as a symbol of bravery. Our hero." He also recognised the pain that Cauchi's parents must be feeling, saying the tragedy was not their fault. A statement from economics student Yixuan's Chinese parents Jun Xing and Pengfei Cheng was read by their barrister Daniel Roff. "It breaks our heart even more to know that there was nothing we could do," her parents wrote. No matter how much empathy or compassion one had, it was impossible to know what it felt like to be parents who had lost their only child, they wrote. "The piercing, bone-deep, soul-crushing agony that is beyond description and follows us like a shadow." Statements by Ms Darchia's son's George Darchia and Irakli Dvali - who were watching by audiovisual link from Georgia - remembered their caring, kind and observant artist mother. "A life was lost, a beautiful life, and for what?" Mr Darchia said in his statement. His words were full of sorrow but also hope, the court heard. "May God help us, all of us, to prevent tragedies like this in the future." Statements by Ms Good's family were read out by barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC - who was in tears at points - but their contents cannot be legally published. Ms Singleton's partner Ashley Wildey and mother Julie attended the NSW Coroners Court on Friday but did not say anything publicly. Victims' families were also offered a route to enter the court building behind a partition, away from the media's view. The efforts to protect those worst affected by the events of April 2024 served as an undercurrent throughout the five-week inquest, taking a trauma-informed approach to aid victim survivors and those who lost loved ones. As the inquest concluded, coroner Teresa O'Sullivan thanked the families for their "profoundly moving" words. "Today has been a day that has affected everyone," she said. "I'll never forget what I heard today." The inquest will resume on October 9 for closing submissions. Ms O'Sullivan will then retire to consider her findings about what happened and any recommendations she will make to avoid future tragedies. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Tears were shed and tissues were piled high as families of those killed in a shocking mass stabbing recounted their pain, bringing an emotionally charged inquest to a close. Dawn Singleton, 25, Ashlee Good, 38, Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, Yixuan Cheng, 27 and security guard Faraz Tahir, 30, all died in the attack carried out by Joel Cauchi at Bondi Junction Westfield in Sydney's east in April 2024. Ten others were injured by the schizophrenic man who was experiencing psychotic symptoms. "I am angry and aggrieved and anguished for what I have lost and for what it cost," Elizabeth Young said of her daughter Jade's tragic fate. Hours before the tragedy, she said she received a heart emoji in a text from her architect daughter responding to a photo of mushrooms she had taken during her Saturday walk. "I hurt so terribly that our ... slightly goofy, funny, gentle girl no longer has the chance to be, to exist in the now and future," she told the court. "As it is, she exists in the past only." Ms Young decried the "trauma porn" she said she experienced from the media after the April 2024 attack, including seeing footage of her daughter's lifeless body - being worked on by paramedics - broadcast globally. She also criticised a photographer for taking a snap of her and her family while mourning at a vigil in Bondi Beach. "To think images of a grieving family or a woman lying dead is newsworthy sickens me," she said. The family of Mr Tahir also attended the inquest where a joint statement was read out by his elder brother Muzafar. Mr Tahir was a brave, compassionate man who ran towards danger to help others on that day, paying the ultimate price, he said as images of his brother flashed across the screen. "By sacrificing his life, Faraz died with honour," Muzafar said. "To many of us he will always be remembered as a symbol of bravery. Our hero." He also recognised the pain that Cauchi's parents must be feeling, saying the tragedy was not their fault. A statement from economics student Yixuan's Chinese parents Jun Xing and Pengfei Cheng was read by their barrister Daniel Roff. "It breaks our heart even more to know that there was nothing we could do," her parents wrote. No matter how much empathy or compassion one had, it was impossible to know what it felt like to be parents who had lost their only child, they wrote. "The piercing, bone-deep, soul-crushing agony that is beyond description and follows us like a shadow." Statements by Ms Darchia's son's George Darchia and Irakli Dvali - who were watching by audiovisual link from Georgia - remembered their caring, kind and observant artist mother. "A life was lost, a beautiful life, and for what?" Mr Darchia said in his statement. His words were full of sorrow but also hope, the court heard. "May God help us, all of us, to prevent tragedies like this in the future." Statements by Ms Good's family were read out by barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC - who was in tears at points - but their contents cannot be legally published. Ms Singleton's partner Ashley Wildey and mother Julie attended the NSW Coroners Court on Friday but did not say anything publicly. Victims' families were also offered a route to enter the court building behind a partition, away from the media's view. The efforts to protect those worst affected by the events of April 2024 served as an undercurrent throughout the five-week inquest, taking a trauma-informed approach to aid victim survivors and those who lost loved ones. As the inquest concluded, coroner Teresa O'Sullivan thanked the families for their "profoundly moving" words. "Today has been a day that has affected everyone," she said. "I'll never forget what I heard today." The inquest will resume on October 9 for closing submissions. Ms O'Sullivan will then retire to consider her findings about what happened and any recommendations she will make to avoid future tragedies. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
The Advertiser
37 minutes ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Unspent disaster funds to flow to latest floods victims
Funding set aside to support victims of previous disasters is expected to flow to those affected by recent record-breaking floods Recovery operations are underway but there are warnings it could take more than a year to resolve some individual insurance claims. NSW Premier Chris Minns has returned to Taree to meet with volunteers, farmers and businesses affected by deadly floods around the NSW mid-north coast. The Manning River exceeded a 1929 record during recent flooding in the town, peaking at almost 6.5 metres and bringing widespread devastation. Applications will open on Friday for federal-state payments to help cover costs for things like food, clothing, medication and emergency accommodation. The one-off payment is worth up to $180 for individuals and $900 for families in severely impacted suburbs. More support is being finalised, pending the completion of damage assessments and further federal funding. The premier said it would also involve money allocated but not spent on previous recovery efforts. "The money's been set aside, it's never been spent, the reason is the criteria for people accessing it was too strict," Mr Minns told reporters. MidCoast mayor Claire Pontin said state and commonwealth supports will help restore damaged infrastructure. "Both the state and federal governments have recognised this as a disaster," she told AAP. "All that public infrastructure, once we've got a handle on it, we can actually claim a very large part of that money back." About 3500 people remain isolated in six communities across the mid-north coast and Hunter regions, while about 700 homes and 400 other buildings have been deemed uninhabitable Another 3000 buildings have also received some form of damage, according to a tally of 10,200 damage assessments. The floods have also claimed five lives. Waters have mostly receded but damage to roads and bridges still prevents access to some parts, with resupply operations continuing The floods have also been declared a "catastrophe" by the Insurance Council of Australia, escalating the industry response and prioritising claims to provide urgent assistance to the worst-impacted customers. More than 6000 claims have been filed, about a quarter of them coming from the MidCoast council area. While insurers usually resolved 90 to 95 per cent of claims within a year, federal Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino said more work was needed to ensure people behind the remaining claims were not forgotten. "In a number of instances, we've seen hundreds, and sometimes thousands of people, with still unresolved claims a year, or even two years after the disaster," he told ABC Radio National on Thursday. All insurers needed to follow the lead of those in the industry appointing customer advocates internally, he said. Former NSW Police deputy commissioner Dave Owens meanwhile said his new role overseeing agencies and community organisations' responses was vital. "It's not a quick process but it's vital that we have a co-ordinated response," the newly minted flood recovery co-ordinator told reporters in Taree. Mr Owens would be a strong advocate for the community, Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin said. The role will build on what emergency services and volunteers in the community have already been doing in the recovery. Funding set aside to support victims of previous disasters is expected to flow to those affected by recent record-breaking floods Recovery operations are underway but there are warnings it could take more than a year to resolve some individual insurance claims. NSW Premier Chris Minns has returned to Taree to meet with volunteers, farmers and businesses affected by deadly floods around the NSW mid-north coast. The Manning River exceeded a 1929 record during recent flooding in the town, peaking at almost 6.5 metres and bringing widespread devastation. Applications will open on Friday for federal-state payments to help cover costs for things like food, clothing, medication and emergency accommodation. The one-off payment is worth up to $180 for individuals and $900 for families in severely impacted suburbs. More support is being finalised, pending the completion of damage assessments and further federal funding. The premier said it would also involve money allocated but not spent on previous recovery efforts. "The money's been set aside, it's never been spent, the reason is the criteria for people accessing it was too strict," Mr Minns told reporters. MidCoast mayor Claire Pontin said state and commonwealth supports will help restore damaged infrastructure. "Both the state and federal governments have recognised this as a disaster," she told AAP. "All that public infrastructure, once we've got a handle on it, we can actually claim a very large part of that money back." About 3500 people remain isolated in six communities across the mid-north coast and Hunter regions, while about 700 homes and 400 other buildings have been deemed uninhabitable Another 3000 buildings have also received some form of damage, according to a tally of 10,200 damage assessments. The floods have also claimed five lives. Waters have mostly receded but damage to roads and bridges still prevents access to some parts, with resupply operations continuing The floods have also been declared a "catastrophe" by the Insurance Council of Australia, escalating the industry response and prioritising claims to provide urgent assistance to the worst-impacted customers. More than 6000 claims have been filed, about a quarter of them coming from the MidCoast council area. While insurers usually resolved 90 to 95 per cent of claims within a year, federal Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino said more work was needed to ensure people behind the remaining claims were not forgotten. "In a number of instances, we've seen hundreds, and sometimes thousands of people, with still unresolved claims a year, or even two years after the disaster," he told ABC Radio National on Thursday. All insurers needed to follow the lead of those in the industry appointing customer advocates internally, he said. Former NSW Police deputy commissioner Dave Owens meanwhile said his new role overseeing agencies and community organisations' responses was vital. "It's not a quick process but it's vital that we have a co-ordinated response," the newly minted flood recovery co-ordinator told reporters in Taree. Mr Owens would be a strong advocate for the community, Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin said. The role will build on what emergency services and volunteers in the community have already been doing in the recovery. Funding set aside to support victims of previous disasters is expected to flow to those affected by recent record-breaking floods Recovery operations are underway but there are warnings it could take more than a year to resolve some individual insurance claims. NSW Premier Chris Minns has returned to Taree to meet with volunteers, farmers and businesses affected by deadly floods around the NSW mid-north coast. The Manning River exceeded a 1929 record during recent flooding in the town, peaking at almost 6.5 metres and bringing widespread devastation. Applications will open on Friday for federal-state payments to help cover costs for things like food, clothing, medication and emergency accommodation. The one-off payment is worth up to $180 for individuals and $900 for families in severely impacted suburbs. More support is being finalised, pending the completion of damage assessments and further federal funding. The premier said it would also involve money allocated but not spent on previous recovery efforts. "The money's been set aside, it's never been spent, the reason is the criteria for people accessing it was too strict," Mr Minns told reporters. MidCoast mayor Claire Pontin said state and commonwealth supports will help restore damaged infrastructure. "Both the state and federal governments have recognised this as a disaster," she told AAP. "All that public infrastructure, once we've got a handle on it, we can actually claim a very large part of that money back." About 3500 people remain isolated in six communities across the mid-north coast and Hunter regions, while about 700 homes and 400 other buildings have been deemed uninhabitable Another 3000 buildings have also received some form of damage, according to a tally of 10,200 damage assessments. The floods have also claimed five lives. Waters have mostly receded but damage to roads and bridges still prevents access to some parts, with resupply operations continuing The floods have also been declared a "catastrophe" by the Insurance Council of Australia, escalating the industry response and prioritising claims to provide urgent assistance to the worst-impacted customers. More than 6000 claims have been filed, about a quarter of them coming from the MidCoast council area. While insurers usually resolved 90 to 95 per cent of claims within a year, federal Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino said more work was needed to ensure people behind the remaining claims were not forgotten. "In a number of instances, we've seen hundreds, and sometimes thousands of people, with still unresolved claims a year, or even two years after the disaster," he told ABC Radio National on Thursday. All insurers needed to follow the lead of those in the industry appointing customer advocates internally, he said. Former NSW Police deputy commissioner Dave Owens meanwhile said his new role overseeing agencies and community organisations' responses was vital. "It's not a quick process but it's vital that we have a co-ordinated response," the newly minted flood recovery co-ordinator told reporters in Taree. Mr Owens would be a strong advocate for the community, Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin said. The role will build on what emergency services and volunteers in the community have already been doing in the recovery. Funding set aside to support victims of previous disasters is expected to flow to those affected by recent record-breaking floods Recovery operations are underway but there are warnings it could take more than a year to resolve some individual insurance claims. NSW Premier Chris Minns has returned to Taree to meet with volunteers, farmers and businesses affected by deadly floods around the NSW mid-north coast. The Manning River exceeded a 1929 record during recent flooding in the town, peaking at almost 6.5 metres and bringing widespread devastation. Applications will open on Friday for federal-state payments to help cover costs for things like food, clothing, medication and emergency accommodation. The one-off payment is worth up to $180 for individuals and $900 for families in severely impacted suburbs. More support is being finalised, pending the completion of damage assessments and further federal funding. The premier said it would also involve money allocated but not spent on previous recovery efforts. "The money's been set aside, it's never been spent, the reason is the criteria for people accessing it was too strict," Mr Minns told reporters. MidCoast mayor Claire Pontin said state and commonwealth supports will help restore damaged infrastructure. "Both the state and federal governments have recognised this as a disaster," she told AAP. "All that public infrastructure, once we've got a handle on it, we can actually claim a very large part of that money back." About 3500 people remain isolated in six communities across the mid-north coast and Hunter regions, while about 700 homes and 400 other buildings have been deemed uninhabitable Another 3000 buildings have also received some form of damage, according to a tally of 10,200 damage assessments. The floods have also claimed five lives. Waters have mostly receded but damage to roads and bridges still prevents access to some parts, with resupply operations continuing The floods have also been declared a "catastrophe" by the Insurance Council of Australia, escalating the industry response and prioritising claims to provide urgent assistance to the worst-impacted customers. More than 6000 claims have been filed, about a quarter of them coming from the MidCoast council area. While insurers usually resolved 90 to 95 per cent of claims within a year, federal Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino said more work was needed to ensure people behind the remaining claims were not forgotten. "In a number of instances, we've seen hundreds, and sometimes thousands of people, with still unresolved claims a year, or even two years after the disaster," he told ABC Radio National on Thursday. All insurers needed to follow the lead of those in the industry appointing customer advocates internally, he said. Former NSW Police deputy commissioner Dave Owens meanwhile said his new role overseeing agencies and community organisations' responses was vital. "It's not a quick process but it's vital that we have a co-ordinated response," the newly minted flood recovery co-ordinator told reporters in Taree. Mr Owens would be a strong advocate for the community, Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin said. The role will build on what emergency services and volunteers in the community have already been doing in the recovery.
The Advertiser
37 minutes ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Woodside win boosts gas industry but roadblocks remain
The gas industry is celebrating the long-awaited approval of a massive project extension, as traditional owners and environmental advocates vow to fight the decision and future developments. Woodside's North West Shelf project - which hosts Australia's biggest gas export plant - was given the green light by the federal government on Wednesday to keep operating until the 2070. The Australian energy giant still has to accept conditions around heritage and air quality at the project on Western Australia's Burrup Peninsula, home to ancient rock art, before the approval is made official. But after years of delay, the decision by new Environment Minister Murray Watt represents an endorsement of the sector by the Labor government. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said gas was an important part of the energy transition, providing firming capacity to renewables alongside batteries and hydro. "I've met with the Indigenous traditional owners there, around Dampier, around that region, and there are different views, let me say, on that issue," he told ABC Radio. Greens leader Larissa Waters ramped up her attack on North West Shelf, saying it would be "the biggest and dirtiest gas project" Australia had seen. "I think people will be horrified that the government, who said that they were going to take the climate crisis seriously, have ticked off on yet another mega fossil-fuel project," she said. Woodside chief executive Meg O'Neill said the conversation around gas had evolved in Australia, with cost-of-living pressures from the renewables rollout a key feature of the recent federal election. "Increased supply of natural gas is part of the solution to help bring those power prices down," she told reporters. Saul Kavonic, an energy expert with advisory firm MST Marquee, said there was hope within the gas industry that the poor performance of the Greens in the election would allow the government to take a more investment-friendly approach. Replacing former environment minister Tanya Plibersek, who was vulnerable to the Greens in her inner-city Sydney electorate, with Senator Watt had been a "massive improvement for the approvals landscape". Opposition from environmental and indigenous groups still threaten the project and muddy the industry's outlook. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper launched a last-minute legal bid to stop the project in the Federal Court, and indicated she would continue her fight following Senator Watt's decision. "They have taken away the voices of First Nations people in this country to make an executive decision without our consent," she said. The approval came just hours after the United Nations said industrial emissions at Karratha threatened the nearby rock art, likely sinking Australia's attempts to secure heritage listing for the carvings if the extension goes ahead. The Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, which partners with the WA government in monitoring the preservation of the rock art, said a recent evaluation report found the site was in a good state of conservation and supported its World Heritage listing. Woodside faces more approval hurdles. The company is hoping to tap into the nearby Browse Basin to feed the plant when existing gas fields run out in the 2030s. Ms O'Neill said the North West Shelf extension would still be worth it without Browse, because it also processes gas from other shippers, but Browse would be particularly important for domestic energy security beyond the 2030s. But the massive gas field has also become a target for environmental activists, who claim it would produce 1.6 gigatons of carbon emissions over its 50-year project life. Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy vowed to keep fighting the proposal. The gas industry is celebrating the long-awaited approval of a massive project extension, as traditional owners and environmental advocates vow to fight the decision and future developments. Woodside's North West Shelf project - which hosts Australia's biggest gas export plant - was given the green light by the federal government on Wednesday to keep operating until the 2070. The Australian energy giant still has to accept conditions around heritage and air quality at the project on Western Australia's Burrup Peninsula, home to ancient rock art, before the approval is made official. But after years of delay, the decision by new Environment Minister Murray Watt represents an endorsement of the sector by the Labor government. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said gas was an important part of the energy transition, providing firming capacity to renewables alongside batteries and hydro. "I've met with the Indigenous traditional owners there, around Dampier, around that region, and there are different views, let me say, on that issue," he told ABC Radio. Greens leader Larissa Waters ramped up her attack on North West Shelf, saying it would be "the biggest and dirtiest gas project" Australia had seen. "I think people will be horrified that the government, who said that they were going to take the climate crisis seriously, have ticked off on yet another mega fossil-fuel project," she said. Woodside chief executive Meg O'Neill said the conversation around gas had evolved in Australia, with cost-of-living pressures from the renewables rollout a key feature of the recent federal election. "Increased supply of natural gas is part of the solution to help bring those power prices down," she told reporters. Saul Kavonic, an energy expert with advisory firm MST Marquee, said there was hope within the gas industry that the poor performance of the Greens in the election would allow the government to take a more investment-friendly approach. Replacing former environment minister Tanya Plibersek, who was vulnerable to the Greens in her inner-city Sydney electorate, with Senator Watt had been a "massive improvement for the approvals landscape". Opposition from environmental and indigenous groups still threaten the project and muddy the industry's outlook. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper launched a last-minute legal bid to stop the project in the Federal Court, and indicated she would continue her fight following Senator Watt's decision. "They have taken away the voices of First Nations people in this country to make an executive decision without our consent," she said. The approval came just hours after the United Nations said industrial emissions at Karratha threatened the nearby rock art, likely sinking Australia's attempts to secure heritage listing for the carvings if the extension goes ahead. The Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, which partners with the WA government in monitoring the preservation of the rock art, said a recent evaluation report found the site was in a good state of conservation and supported its World Heritage listing. Woodside faces more approval hurdles. The company is hoping to tap into the nearby Browse Basin to feed the plant when existing gas fields run out in the 2030s. Ms O'Neill said the North West Shelf extension would still be worth it without Browse, because it also processes gas from other shippers, but Browse would be particularly important for domestic energy security beyond the 2030s. But the massive gas field has also become a target for environmental activists, who claim it would produce 1.6 gigatons of carbon emissions over its 50-year project life. Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy vowed to keep fighting the proposal. The gas industry is celebrating the long-awaited approval of a massive project extension, as traditional owners and environmental advocates vow to fight the decision and future developments. Woodside's North West Shelf project - which hosts Australia's biggest gas export plant - was given the green light by the federal government on Wednesday to keep operating until the 2070. The Australian energy giant still has to accept conditions around heritage and air quality at the project on Western Australia's Burrup Peninsula, home to ancient rock art, before the approval is made official. But after years of delay, the decision by new Environment Minister Murray Watt represents an endorsement of the sector by the Labor government. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said gas was an important part of the energy transition, providing firming capacity to renewables alongside batteries and hydro. "I've met with the Indigenous traditional owners there, around Dampier, around that region, and there are different views, let me say, on that issue," he told ABC Radio. Greens leader Larissa Waters ramped up her attack on North West Shelf, saying it would be "the biggest and dirtiest gas project" Australia had seen. "I think people will be horrified that the government, who said that they were going to take the climate crisis seriously, have ticked off on yet another mega fossil-fuel project," she said. Woodside chief executive Meg O'Neill said the conversation around gas had evolved in Australia, with cost-of-living pressures from the renewables rollout a key feature of the recent federal election. "Increased supply of natural gas is part of the solution to help bring those power prices down," she told reporters. Saul Kavonic, an energy expert with advisory firm MST Marquee, said there was hope within the gas industry that the poor performance of the Greens in the election would allow the government to take a more investment-friendly approach. Replacing former environment minister Tanya Plibersek, who was vulnerable to the Greens in her inner-city Sydney electorate, with Senator Watt had been a "massive improvement for the approvals landscape". Opposition from environmental and indigenous groups still threaten the project and muddy the industry's outlook. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper launched a last-minute legal bid to stop the project in the Federal Court, and indicated she would continue her fight following Senator Watt's decision. "They have taken away the voices of First Nations people in this country to make an executive decision without our consent," she said. The approval came just hours after the United Nations said industrial emissions at Karratha threatened the nearby rock art, likely sinking Australia's attempts to secure heritage listing for the carvings if the extension goes ahead. The Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, which partners with the WA government in monitoring the preservation of the rock art, said a recent evaluation report found the site was in a good state of conservation and supported its World Heritage listing. Woodside faces more approval hurdles. The company is hoping to tap into the nearby Browse Basin to feed the plant when existing gas fields run out in the 2030s. Ms O'Neill said the North West Shelf extension would still be worth it without Browse, because it also processes gas from other shippers, but Browse would be particularly important for domestic energy security beyond the 2030s. But the massive gas field has also become a target for environmental activists, who claim it would produce 1.6 gigatons of carbon emissions over its 50-year project life. Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy vowed to keep fighting the proposal. The gas industry is celebrating the long-awaited approval of a massive project extension, as traditional owners and environmental advocates vow to fight the decision and future developments. Woodside's North West Shelf project - which hosts Australia's biggest gas export plant - was given the green light by the federal government on Wednesday to keep operating until the 2070. The Australian energy giant still has to accept conditions around heritage and air quality at the project on Western Australia's Burrup Peninsula, home to ancient rock art, before the approval is made official. But after years of delay, the decision by new Environment Minister Murray Watt represents an endorsement of the sector by the Labor government. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said gas was an important part of the energy transition, providing firming capacity to renewables alongside batteries and hydro. "I've met with the Indigenous traditional owners there, around Dampier, around that region, and there are different views, let me say, on that issue," he told ABC Radio. Greens leader Larissa Waters ramped up her attack on North West Shelf, saying it would be "the biggest and dirtiest gas project" Australia had seen. "I think people will be horrified that the government, who said that they were going to take the climate crisis seriously, have ticked off on yet another mega fossil-fuel project," she said. Woodside chief executive Meg O'Neill said the conversation around gas had evolved in Australia, with cost-of-living pressures from the renewables rollout a key feature of the recent federal election. "Increased supply of natural gas is part of the solution to help bring those power prices down," she told reporters. Saul Kavonic, an energy expert with advisory firm MST Marquee, said there was hope within the gas industry that the poor performance of the Greens in the election would allow the government to take a more investment-friendly approach. Replacing former environment minister Tanya Plibersek, who was vulnerable to the Greens in her inner-city Sydney electorate, with Senator Watt had been a "massive improvement for the approvals landscape". Opposition from environmental and indigenous groups still threaten the project and muddy the industry's outlook. Mardathoonera woman Raelene Cooper launched a last-minute legal bid to stop the project in the Federal Court, and indicated she would continue her fight following Senator Watt's decision. "They have taken away the voices of First Nations people in this country to make an executive decision without our consent," she said. The approval came just hours after the United Nations said industrial emissions at Karratha threatened the nearby rock art, likely sinking Australia's attempts to secure heritage listing for the carvings if the extension goes ahead. The Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation, which partners with the WA government in monitoring the preservation of the rock art, said a recent evaluation report found the site was in a good state of conservation and supported its World Heritage listing. Woodside faces more approval hurdles. The company is hoping to tap into the nearby Browse Basin to feed the plant when existing gas fields run out in the 2030s. Ms O'Neill said the North West Shelf extension would still be worth it without Browse, because it also processes gas from other shippers, but Browse would be particularly important for domestic energy security beyond the 2030s. But the massive gas field has also become a target for environmental activists, who claim it would produce 1.6 gigatons of carbon emissions over its 50-year project life. Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Kelly O'Shanassy vowed to keep fighting the proposal.
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Blues reveal 'secret weapon' after Origin 1 success
Battered NSW centre Stephen Crichton has been in the wars but credits his teammates and the medical staff for his star defensive performance in Origin I. The Bulldogs captain twisted his elbow in a tackle on Wednesday night after overcoming a quad complaint in the build-up. The star centre made 16 tackles and had one try assist in an 80-minute performance that looked unlikely when he hobbled from the training field on Monday. Crichton says it wouldn't have been possible for him to play his starring role without the work done by Blues trainers and the confidence shown by his teammates that his body was ready for the demands of Origin. "On game day it was just a box tick, I was ready to go," Crichton said on Thursday. "The boys just getting around me as well and giving me that confidence too. "We've got elite physios that got me ready 48 hours before the game and they gave confidence to me to go out and do my job." Another Blues star under a pre-game injury cloud was player of the match Payne Haas, who dominated the middle of the Queensland defence despite carrying a quad strain. Crichton was full of praise for the Brisbane forward and said his power running contributions were vital to the continued success of the Blues. "He's been the best front rower throughout the year and I'm so happy he's representing NSW and he's a part of our team," Crichton said. "It's always nice running off the back of his carries, he's always scattering in as well so it's good to have him in the team." Crichton was quick to laugh off speculation he had done significant damage to his elbow and said a lighter club load would have him fit and firing for game two. "I think I just twisted it (his elbow) in one of the tackles but it's good now," Crichton said. "Obviously going into a bye now so got a long turnaround to look after it." Crichton's former Panthers teammate Brian To'o said the Blues were pleased with the game one win, but not resting on their laurels before a trip to Perth, where NSW have dominated their two previous games. "It's obviously pretty exciting, a wonderful opportunity as well," To'o told AAP. "It was obviously a really scrappy game yesterday but really happy with the win and still things to improve." Battered NSW centre Stephen Crichton has been in the wars but credits his teammates and the medical staff for his star defensive performance in Origin I. The Bulldogs captain twisted his elbow in a tackle on Wednesday night after overcoming a quad complaint in the build-up. The star centre made 16 tackles and had one try assist in an 80-minute performance that looked unlikely when he hobbled from the training field on Monday. Crichton says it wouldn't have been possible for him to play his starring role without the work done by Blues trainers and the confidence shown by his teammates that his body was ready for the demands of Origin. "On game day it was just a box tick, I was ready to go," Crichton said on Thursday. "The boys just getting around me as well and giving me that confidence too. "We've got elite physios that got me ready 48 hours before the game and they gave confidence to me to go out and do my job." Another Blues star under a pre-game injury cloud was player of the match Payne Haas, who dominated the middle of the Queensland defence despite carrying a quad strain. Crichton was full of praise for the Brisbane forward and said his power running contributions were vital to the continued success of the Blues. "He's been the best front rower throughout the year and I'm so happy he's representing NSW and he's a part of our team," Crichton said. "It's always nice running off the back of his carries, he's always scattering in as well so it's good to have him in the team." Crichton was quick to laugh off speculation he had done significant damage to his elbow and said a lighter club load would have him fit and firing for game two. "I think I just twisted it (his elbow) in one of the tackles but it's good now," Crichton said. "Obviously going into a bye now so got a long turnaround to look after it." Crichton's former Panthers teammate Brian To'o said the Blues were pleased with the game one win, but not resting on their laurels before a trip to Perth, where NSW have dominated their two previous games. "It's obviously pretty exciting, a wonderful opportunity as well," To'o told AAP. "It was obviously a really scrappy game yesterday but really happy with the win and still things to improve." Battered NSW centre Stephen Crichton has been in the wars but credits his teammates and the medical staff for his star defensive performance in Origin I. The Bulldogs captain twisted his elbow in a tackle on Wednesday night after overcoming a quad complaint in the build-up. The star centre made 16 tackles and had one try assist in an 80-minute performance that looked unlikely when he hobbled from the training field on Monday. Crichton says it wouldn't have been possible for him to play his starring role without the work done by Blues trainers and the confidence shown by his teammates that his body was ready for the demands of Origin. "On game day it was just a box tick, I was ready to go," Crichton said on Thursday. "The boys just getting around me as well and giving me that confidence too. "We've got elite physios that got me ready 48 hours before the game and they gave confidence to me to go out and do my job." Another Blues star under a pre-game injury cloud was player of the match Payne Haas, who dominated the middle of the Queensland defence despite carrying a quad strain. Crichton was full of praise for the Brisbane forward and said his power running contributions were vital to the continued success of the Blues. "He's been the best front rower throughout the year and I'm so happy he's representing NSW and he's a part of our team," Crichton said. "It's always nice running off the back of his carries, he's always scattering in as well so it's good to have him in the team." Crichton was quick to laugh off speculation he had done significant damage to his elbow and said a lighter club load would have him fit and firing for game two. "I think I just twisted it (his elbow) in one of the tackles but it's good now," Crichton said. "Obviously going into a bye now so got a long turnaround to look after it." Crichton's former Panthers teammate Brian To'o said the Blues were pleased with the game one win, but not resting on their laurels before a trip to Perth, where NSW have dominated their two previous games. "It's obviously pretty exciting, a wonderful opportunity as well," To'o told AAP. "It was obviously a really scrappy game yesterday but really happy with the win and still things to improve."
