Victoria reports 1,143 new local COVID-19 cases and three more deaths - SBS News

To try to keep the state on its path out of lockdown, the premier announced that by Friday 15 October, all authorised workers across Victoria must have had at least one vaccine dose.

They must be fully vaccinated by 26 November.

“This is critically important to keep the case numbers down so that we can open up on 26 October, get our freedom back, get the economy going again, and deliver the national plan,” the premier said.

"This is advice from both the Burnet Institute and advice from the acting chief health officer and the public health team and, as all Victorians know and understand, if we are provided with that advice that we follow that advice.

"The science is what will get us through this and it is incredibly important that people who have not had a first dose and are an authorised worker are moving, are out and about, are part of all of that movement that we know is so challenging when it comes to the spread of this virus."

By 26 October, 70 per cent of the eligible population is expected to be fully vaccinated.

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Friday's deaths included a man in his 80s, a woman in her 70s and a man in his 70s.

There are 395 people currently in hospital with COVID-19, of which 87 are in intensive care and 59 are on a ventilator.

Mr Andrews said only 5 per cent of those in hospital were fully vaccinated.

"The key point here is only a tiny number of people who become gravely ill have had a first and a second dose of any of the COVID-19 vaccines," he said on Friday.

Authorities blame Thursday's rise in caseload on illegal gatherings in Melbourne over the AFL grand final long weekend.

Health authorities believe at least 500 of Thursday's cases are linked to AFL gatherings and are urging anyone who attended one to get tested, whether they or their companions are displaying symptoms or not.

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COVID-19 Commander Jeroen Weimar said on Thursday if the jump in numbers becomes a trend, Victoria will go from being just below the Burnet Institute's roadmap-linked case projections to the worst scenario of up to 2,900 daily infections by late October.

"We know that everyone is fatigued, tired of this. But today is a significant setback in how we manage this outbreak," Mr Weimar told reporters.

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To help bring the 80 per cent fully vaccinated benchmark forward, the time between Pfizer vaccine doses will be halved to three weeks in Victoria.

The interval change kicks in from Monday, allowing anyone who has received their first Pfizer dose to bring forward their second. The state's vaccine booking system will be updated overnight on Sunday.

There will also be a shift in 88,000 Moderna vaccines from community pharmacies to state clinics to hasten the rollout, with pharmacists struggling to cope with the sudden demand.

Despite the federal government expanding Pfizer eligibility to Australians over 60 from Friday, the change is not being implemented in Victoria's state-run hubs.

For a list of Victoria's exposure sites, click here.

With SBS News

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Victoria reports 1,143 new local COVID-19 cases and three more deaths - SBS News
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More secure, local renewable energy jobs a step closer - Central Queensland Today

Energy Estate Founder Simon Currie said more than 500 direct jobs will be created during the construction period with hundreds more indirect jobs across the region.

The next step in securing more jobs in the CQ renewable energy sector has been taken, with community consultation set to begin for the Moah Creek Renewable Energy Project.

The project is being developed by Central Queensland Power, a joint venture between RES (Renewable Energy Systems) and Energy Estate.

Moah Creek Renewable Energy Project will combine 400MW of wind power with 200MW of solar and a 300MW big battery.

The project will be located 30 kilometres west of Rockhampton, close to the Stanwell power station, and is expected to be operating by 2025.

Energy Estate Founder Simon Currie said more than 500 direct jobs will be created during the construction period with hundreds more indirect jobs across the region.

locals will be prioritised for the direct jobs and these will be across a range of skills and industry to include (but not limited to): electrical, engineering (civil, electrical & mechanical), earthworks, material supply, environmental, surveying, fencing, landscaping, traffic management, waste disposal, and recycling structural concrete, crane works , catering and installation.

“During the operations period, the scale of the Moah Creek project and its hybrid nature means it will create a significant number of highly skilled enduring local jobs,” Mr Currie said.

“This project is just one of a number of large-scale renewable energy projects moving forward in the Central Queensland region.

“We believe the Central Queensland region is unique with a combination of abundant natural resources, existing infrastructure including ports and transmission, long standing track record as a trusted supplier to global markets and a highly-skilled and flexible workforce.”

“We invite all those interested from the wider community to come and meet our team, learn more about the project and ask us questions.”

The first community drop-in information session about the project was held on Wednesday, 22 September at Kalapa Hall, Kalapa Black Mountain Road from 4pm to 6pm.

The Moah Creek team also made their presentation at Advance Rockhampton’s event on Thursday, 23 September at the Rockhampton Leagues Club from 3pm to 4pm.

Matt Rebbeck RES Australia CEO said Central Queensland was at the forefront of the renewables jobs boom.

“RES and Energy Estate have a shared vision for the Central Queensland region,” Mr Rebbeck said.

“Central Queensland Power draws upon the strengths and experiences of both companies and will help create new local jobs and deliver low-cost clean energy.

“It will also support the region’s existing heavy industry capture the opportunities to supply domestic and export markets and attract new investors into the region.”

RES is the leading independent global renewable developer and in Queensland has developed the Emerald solar farm and the Dulacca wind farm (near Roma which recently commenced construction).

Energy Estate is an Australian company which is developing wind, solar, storage and green hydrogen projects across the country such as the Abbot Point Clean Energy Hub.

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More secure, local renewable energy jobs a step closer - Central Queensland Today
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Blue Mountains Greens launch local climate action plan - Blue Mountains Gazette

The Blue Mountains Greens has launched its Local Climate Action Plan at a virtual event with Greens MP Jenny Leong and Blue Mountains Greens Cr Brent Hoare, and Greens candidates, Sarah Redshaw and Kingsley Liu. The Blue Mountains Greens Local Climate Action Plan is made up of 65 proposed actions that Greens councillors will pursue if elected at the Blue Mountains City Council election on December 4. Actions include: Cr Brent Hoare said over many years, Greens Councillors have been instrumental in ensuring Blue Mountains Council has taken serious action on climate change that is guided by science. "In the last term, I helped declare a climate emergency, joined Council to the Cities Power Partnership, and incorporated the Rights of Nature into future operations and planning. "The 2019-20 bushfires will always be a reminder to our community about why we must take action on climate change now. Unless global warming is reined in, it is certain we will experience more loss and damage from extreme weather events. The impacts are damaging and they affect our health and wellbeing. The cost in dollar terms is high and rising. We must, and Blue Mountains Greens councillors will, act now". Candidates Redshaw and Liu said they were listening to the climate concerns from experts around the world and their action plan was an answer. "The State and Federal Liberal governments, and indeed the Labor Oppositions, are failing us all on climate change," Dr Redshaw added. Jenny Leong said: "The Blue Mountains Greens Local Climate Change Action Plan is ambitious and absolutely needed - and our Greens team are committed to making it a priority, right here in the Blue Mountains". s".

The Blue Mountains Greens has launched its Local Climate Action Plan at a virtual event with Greens MP Jenny Leong and Blue Mountains Greens Cr Brent Hoare, and Greens candidates, Sarah Redshaw and Kingsley Liu.

The Blue Mountains Greens Local Climate Action Plan is made up of 65 proposed actions that Greens councillors will pursue if elected at the Blue Mountains City Council election on December 4.

Actions include:

Blue Mountains Greens zoom in on a plan for climate this week.

• fast-tracking plans to install solar panels and batteries on buildings owned by council, residents and local businesses, solar hot water or heat pumps, and solar and LED lighting for public buildings, car parks and street lighting
• transitioning council's vehicle fleet, including waste collection, recycling and street cleaning trucks to become 100 oer cent renewable and zero-emissions
• working with the NSW government to develop a strategy to move freight from roads to rail
• supporting or providing user-friendly public transport, including a regular, electric bus service between Glenbrook and Mt Victoria and other village-based electric vehicle shuttle services, to reduce car travel
• increasing the tree canopy across the Blue Mountains, including by lining residential streets with trees, and
• banning single-use plastics on council land and in the wider community.

Cr Brent Hoare said over many years, Greens Councillors have been instrumental in ensuring Blue Mountains Council has taken serious action on climate change that is guided by science.

"In the last term, I helped declare a climate emergency, joined Council to the Cities Power Partnership, and incorporated the Rights of Nature into future operations and planning.

"The 2019-20 bushfires will always be a reminder to our community about why we must take action on climate change now. Unless global warming is reined in, it is certain we will experience more loss and damage from extreme weather events. The impacts are damaging and they affect our health and wellbeing. The cost in dollar terms is high and rising. We must, and Blue Mountains Greens councillors will, act now".

Candidates Redshaw and Liu said they were listening to the climate concerns from experts around the world and their action plan was an answer.

"The State and Federal Liberal governments, and indeed the Labor Oppositions, are failing us all on climate change," Dr Redshaw added.

Jenny Leong said: "The Blue Mountains Greens Local Climate Change Action Plan is ambitious and absolutely needed - and our Greens team are committed to making it a priority, right here in the Blue Mountains".

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Blue Mountains Greens launch local climate action plan - Blue Mountains Gazette
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Sounds of Our Towns showcases local music talent - Blue Mountains Gazette

A new cultural innovation is aiming to reduce feelings of community disconnection in lockdown. Katoomba's Willem Hendriksen has carefully assembled a unique way for Blue Mountains citizens to access local music, through the development of a large playlist collection called Sounds Of Our Towns. They are presented by his music, media, and events facilitation team, Retro Rehash, which began as a community radio show in 2014. This latest initiative has already received the support of local business owners, members of council, and our Federal MP, Susan Templeman, who described the playlists as "a great idea". Initially released on September 27, the wide-ranging music collections are categorised into a wild variety of genres, including rock, folk, hip hop, and electronica. Some future playlists that are already being assembled focus on female artists, and experimental styles. They are compiled from a vast collection of recognised, emerging, and underground artists who occupy or have associations with the Blue Mountains. This includes acts such as The Angels and Mental As Anything, even Roxy Music. The ultimate aim of the playlists is to keep locals immersed in the sounds of their region. A secondary goal is to engage local businesses to promote the playlists to tourists, drawing further international attention to a music scene that could be appreciated more. Blue Mountains City Council's cultural development coordinator, Katrina Noorbergen, expressed her support for the project, describing it as "a fantastic initiative". "I would really encourage [people] to listen in, share, and help reignite audience appetite," she said. Local businesses can contact Retro Rehash via their website or social media if they'd like a promotional sticker embedded with their customised Three Sisters-shaped QR code, designed by Design Heroes' Mark Alston. "Willem has a beautiful community-minded approach," Alston stated. "Bringing musicians and listeners together in times like this is something worthwhile." Listeners can scan the code to access the website's playlist collection, available on Spotify, YouTube, and iTunes. Local artists can send an email to info@retrorehash.com.au if they have a song on one of these platforms that could be featured on a playlist. The complete Retro Rehash website will be launched in October. Costs for the project were covered by sponsorship from Katoomba's tool library, Toolo, whose founder Justin Morrissey describes the project as "a great way to provide new audiences for the musicians in our community who have been experiencing massive upheaval due to cancelled gigs." By creating an opportunity for strengthening community, Sounds Of Our Towns can only grow from here.

A new cultural innovation is aiming to reduce feelings of community disconnection in lockdown. Katoomba's Willem Hendriksen has carefully assembled a unique way for Blue Mountains citizens to access local music, through the development of a large playlist collection called Sounds Of Our Towns. They are presented by his music, media, and events facilitation team, Retro Rehash, which began as a community radio show in 2014. This latest initiative has already received the support of local business owners, members of council, and our Federal MP, Susan Templeman, who described the playlists as "a great idea".

Flower power: Katoomba band Hibiscus Biscuit are featured as part of the Sounds Of Our Towns playlist. Photo: Inertia Photography by Lonaa.

Initially released on September 27, the wide-ranging music collections are categorised into a wild variety of genres, including rock, folk, hip hop, and electronica. Some future playlists that are already being assembled focus on female artists, and experimental styles. They are compiled from a vast collection of recognised, emerging, and underground artists who occupy or have associations with the Blue Mountains. This includes acts such as The Angels and Mental As Anything, even Roxy Music.

The ultimate aim of the playlists is to keep locals immersed in the sounds of their region. A secondary goal is to engage local businesses to promote the playlists to tourists, drawing further international attention to a music scene that could be appreciated more.

Blue Mountains City Council's cultural development coordinator, Katrina Noorbergen, expressed her support for the project, describing it as "a fantastic initiative".

"I would really encourage [people] to listen in, share, and help reignite audience appetite," she said.

Local businesses can contact Retro Rehash via their website or social media if they'd like a promotional sticker embedded with their customised Three Sisters-shaped QR code, designed by Design Heroes' Mark Alston.

"Willem has a beautiful community-minded approach," Alston stated.

"Bringing musicians and listeners together in times like this is something worthwhile."

Listeners can scan the code to access the website's playlist collection, available on Spotify, YouTube, and iTunes. Local artists can send an email to info@retrorehash.com.au if they have a song on one of these platforms that could be featured on a playlist. The complete Retro Rehash website will be launched in October.

Costs for the project were covered by sponsorship from Katoomba's tool library, Toolo, whose founder Justin Morrissey describes the project as "a great way to provide new audiences for the musicians in our community who have been experiencing massive upheaval due to cancelled gigs."

By creating an opportunity for strengthening community, Sounds Of Our Towns can only grow from here.

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Local history boon in Dragons' school icon support - St George-Illawarra Dragons

The St George Illawarra Dragons have announced two schools as the winners of the inaugural school learning icon competition.

The competition – designed to get schools and students thinking about the importance and relevance of the Aboriginal history on the lands of which their school is situated and from where they are learning from – saw students design a learning icon which reflected the history of our First Nations' people.

Students worked with local Aboriginal families, associations and elders to ensure that First Nations people's culture, uniqueness and respect of 'Country' was encapsulated.

University of Wollongong's Woolyungah Indigenous Centre, proud sponsors of the competition, were so impressed with the quality of the entries that they doubled their voucher prize to each school.

"Every entry was outstanding; we are delighted to support such an important initiative. We are very happy to announce and congratulate Eden and Gerringong Public Schools for their winning icons," Director of Woolyungah Indigenous Centre Jaymee Beveridge said.

Each school received:

• $1000 voucher from the UOW resource/book store (kindly donated by Woolyungah Indigenous Centre, and;
• 2021 signed Dragons jersey

Eden Public School (group entry)

"The icon we designed represents our school and our local community.  The whale (Jaanda) shows resilience and strength, the black ducks (Wambara – local totem) show responsibility and courage and the Imlay Mountain (Balawan) shows respect and wisdom while she protects our local area of Eden and Twofold Bay. The colours also incorporate and represent our school's values of respect, responsibility and resilience"

Gerringong Public School (designed by student Lucy del Villar)

"2021 NAIDOC Week celebrated 'Heal Country'. I hope my artwork has connected all members of our community whatever background they come from. I wanted it to depict the way our community stands together no matter what our beliefs are, or what we stand for. The Sea Eagle is an animal that represents strength and leadership which we aim to strive towards at Gerringong Public School.  The humpback whale represents our beautiful coastline that we have the up most respect for. I have also included the 'six daughters of the west wind' to show our connection to the traditional owners of this land – the Dharawal and the Wadi Wadi people. Lastly, the watercolours I used represent our Gerringong Public School colours shining down from the sun over land that we all share."

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Local history boon in Dragons' school icon support - St George-Illawarra Dragons
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New South Wales records 941 new local COVID-19 cases and six virus-related deaths - 7NEWS

Restrictions not due to be lifted until December could be brought forward and eased by the end of October, the NSW premier says.

Gladys Berejiklian on Thursday hinted that some “tweaks” will be considered following consultation with “people in the community who have asked us to consider certain things”.

“I want to foreshadow, whilst we won’t announce anything today, that the government is considering bringing some things forward to 80 per cent double dose,” she said.

“They won’t be major things but there will be tweaks.”

She suggested that access to indoor pools, particularly swimming lessons, was on the cards.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Credit: JOEL CARRETT/AAPIMAGE

Across the state, 62.9 per cent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated while 86.7 per cent have had a first dose.

Almost 10 million doses have now been administered statewide.

There were 941 new local cases and six virus-related deaths in the 24 hours to 8pm on Wednesday.

Of the people who died, three were in their 70s, two were in their 80s and one was in their 90s.

Four were unvaccinated and two had had one dose of vaccine.

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There are currently 1090 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 213 people in intensive care, 105 of whom require ventilation.

It comes as the date for schools resuming face-to-face learning is brought forward a week.

The staggered return to class will now begin on October 18 instead of October 25.

Under the reformed plan:

• From 18 October, Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 12 will return to school.
• From 25 October, Year 2, 6 and 11 will return.
• From 1 November, Year 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 will return.

“We have been clear that a return to school should begin once the state passed 70 per cent fully vaccinated, and thanks to the incredible efforts from the people of NSW, we will reach that milestone sooner than expected,” Berejiklian said.

“Managing a return in a school system the size of NSW’s is not a small task. Keeping the staged approach, but moving it all one week earlier, allows schools to shift their plans forward and still provides time for staff and eligible students to get vaccinated.”

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New South Wales records 941 new local COVID-19 cases and six virus-related deaths - 7NEWS
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NSW reports another 941 local COVID-19 cases and six deaths - SBS News

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NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant remains concerned about the surge of cases in the regions.

"We are seeing an increase in cases in our regional areas and, again, we urge everyone in regional areas to take the opportunity to get vaccinated as quickly as possible but also to please keep presenting if you have any symptoms of COVID," she said on Thursday.

Of the 941 new locally acquired cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Thursday, there were 82 in the Illawarra and 82 in the Hunter.

There are currently 1,090 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 213 people in intensive care, 105 of whom require ventilation.

NSW reports another 941 local COVID-19 cases and six deaths

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Of the new deaths announced, three people were in their 70s, two people were in their 80s and one person was in their 90s. 

Four people were not vaccinated and two people had received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

NSW Health said on Thursday the lockdowns would be extended until 11 October in numerous regional LGAs.

The extension applies to: Bathurst Regional, Bourke, City of Broken Hill, Central Coast, City of Cessnock, Dubbo Regional, Eurobodalla, Goulburn Mulwaree, Kiama, City of Lake Macquarie, City of Lithgow, City of Maitland, City of Newcastle, Port Stephens, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional, City of Shellharbour, City of Shoalhaven, and Wingecarribee.

Stay-at-home orders will be lifted on Friday for Mid-Western Regional, Hilltops and Walgett LGAs.

In the Central Darling Shire Council, stay-at-home orders will be lifted on Friday, with the exceptions of Wilcannia and Menindee.

Orders will be extended in Menindee for a further seven days and in Wilcannia until 11 October.

Students to return to school early

It comes as Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed students will return to school one week ahead of schedule.

The earlier return was decided after NSW exceeded vaccination double dose expectations, and as the state is set to reach 70 per cent full coverage ahead of schedule.

It has already completed 86.7 per cent of first doses among residents aged 16 and over, with 62.9 per cent now fully vaccinated. 

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The staged opening of schools was to begin on 25 October starting with Year 12, kindergarten and Year 1 but it will now start on 18 October for this group. 

All other students will be integrated back onto school grounds over the following two weeks, on 25 October and 1 November.

Support for NSW businesses

Meanwhile, the state's treasurer has announced businesses will still be able to receive financial support from the government after Commonwealth funds are wound back. 

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet says businesses across NSW can continue to access payments until 30 November, provided they meet eligibility requirements.

The federal government has flagged COVID-19 financial support measures for businesses will be phased out by the time a state reaches 80 per cent double vaccination coverage - expected to be October - as will COVID-19 disaster payments for people who have lost work.

Mr Perrottet said the support from the NSW government would cost about $500 million.

"Whilst this has cost the budget substantially during this period ... we always said from the outset that success for NSW won't be the budget position, but keeping as many people in work and as many businesses in business during this difficult time," he said.

With additional reporting by Caroline Riches

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NSW reports another 941 local COVID-19 cases and six deaths - SBS News
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Changes to stay-at-home orders for regional NSW local government areas - News - NSW Health

Stay-at-home orders will be extended until 11 October for a number of local government areas (LGAs) in regional NSW due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health risk.

Stay-at-home orders will be extended for the following LGAs until 11 October: Bathurst Regional, Bourke, Central Coast, City of Cessnock, Dubbo Regional, Eurobodalla, Goulburn Mulwaree, Kiama, City of Lake Macquarie, City of Lithgow, City of Maitland, City of Newcastle, Port Stephens, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional, City of Shellharbour, City of Shoalhaven, and Wingecarribee.

Due to recent transmission of COVID-19, stay-at-home orders will be introduced for the Snowy Monaro LGA from 3pm today (Thursday) for seven days. These stay-at-home orders also apply to anyone who has the Snowy Monaro LGA since 22 September.

Stay-at-home orders will be lifted, as scheduled, from tomorrow, Friday 1 October, for Mid-Western Regional, Hilltops and Walgett LGAs.

For the Central Darling Shire Council, stay-at-home orders will be lifted from tomorrow, with the exceptions of Wilcannia and Menindee. Stay-at-home orders will be extended in Menindee for a further seven days and in Wilcannia until 11 October.

NSW Health will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation with COVID-19 and will not hesitate to update its advice to protect the health and wellbeing of the people of NSW.

We urge people throughout NSW to continue to come forward for testing at the first sign of even mild symptoms. To find your nearest clinic visit COVID-19 clinics or contact your GP.

High vaccination rates are also essential to reduce the risk of transmission and protect the health and safety of the scommunity.

Use the COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder to find your nearest vaccination clinic, or visit: Get your COVID-19 vaccination.

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Vic cases significantly spike with 1,438 COVID-19 cases - Sky News Australia

Victoria has recorded another grim day with its highest daily infection numbers since the coronavirus pandemic hit Australian shores.

Victoria has recorded 1,438 new COVID-19 cases and five deaths in the 24 hours to midnight, the Department of Health announced on Thursday.

The latest infections smashes the previous high by 488 infections after 950 cases were reported on Wednesday.

The results came from more than 65,000 tests and takes the number of active cases in the state to 11,018.

More information on the geographical location of the cases and deaths will be provided at the press conference later on Thursday.

Victoria's infection rates have continually increased over the past fortnight.

The state surpassed New South Wales' daily figures this week as the northern state's cases began to slowly fall.

Health Minister Martin Foley warned Victoria will face "unprecedented challenges in the coming month" as the state braces for more COVID-19 cases and deaths.

"The projections that the Burnet modelling put out in the public realm is essentially the track we are on," he told the COVID-19 update on Wednesday morning as Victoria recorded a high of 950 cases.

"The most important thing we can all do is assist that curve coming back down and getting vaccinated, if we haven't already done so, to make sure that he is hit as soon as possible and we come down the other side of it with the lowest possible infection rates."

Acting Chief Health Officer Professor Ben Cowie doubled down on Mr Foley's comments and warned infection numbers will continue to rise based on modelling and the events that have unfolded in New South Wales.

However he said it was "absolutely within our power" to slow and prevent thousands of cases, hospitalisations and deaths.

He reminded Victorians the "best weapon" to fight the highly infectious virus and ongoing transmission was to continue following public health directions, such as social distancing, wearing of a mask and getting vaccinated.

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Ambulance services are no longer local - The Guardian

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Ambulance services are no longer local  The Guardian
Ambulance services are no longer local - The Guardian
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' Blunt instrument': Local shock at Latrobe Valley's snap lockdown - ABC News

A community in Victoria's east have reacted with shock this morning, after it was given five hours' notice it was going into a snap seven-day lockdown.

Key points:

• Twenty-two people have contracted COVID in the Latrobe Valley
• One person is in hospital following the outbreak, and 19 households affected
• Local businesses complain they were only given five hours' notice of the lockdown

City of Latrobe residents were ordered into lockdown from midnight last night, after cases in the region jumped yesterday to 22, with more than a dozen reported yesterday.

At least one COVID-positive local is in hospital and authorities say 19 households are being contacted as close contacts of the cases in the Latrobe Valley.

Twenty-three exposure sites have been listed in the region — with two of them, Repco auto parts stores in Morwell and Traralgon, rated as tier one sites. Anyone who has been to the stores during the exposure period is required to get tested and isolate for two weeks.

A new pop-up testing site at Traralgon's basketball stadium has been opened after 23 local exposure sites were listed.(

ABC Gippsland: Emma Field

)

'Massive disappointment' at short notice

State member for Morwell Russell Northe says the community should have been given more notice about the sudden lockdown.

"The feedback is one of massive disappointment, particularly given the limited time that people can prepare for the new restrictions," he said.

"This is a really blunt instrument that's going to affect people so many people in so many different ways."

Business groups are also furious with the announcement being made via a media release and with no formal press conference.

"We have just seen that local government areas can be locked down at the snap of the finger," Traralgon Chamber of Commerce president Luke Henderson said.

"Businesses can't cope with that; they have staff, phones start ringing, but the answers aren't there."

"There should have been a press conference at eight o'clock last night, to answer the questions, and give people some understanding of what this seven-day lockdown means."

Jeroen Weimar spoke in Traralgon today. (

ABC Gippsland: Jarrod Whittaker

)

Origin a mystery as authorities investigate illegal party

The state's COVID response commander Jeroen Weimar defended the decision to lock down the region, which has one of eastern Victoria's lowest vaccination rates with only 44.9 per cent of residents fully vaccinated.

"This is a judgment call, a very difficult judgment call ... the Chief Health Officer does not send areas into lockdown lightly," he said.

Mr Weimar said notification late yesterday of another four positive cases in the Latrobe Valley outbreak "really made us feel much more concerned."

"And we wanted to make sure that we stopped it there in its tracks," Mr Weimar said.

He said the source of the cases is still a mystery, but so far 80 people are close contacts of the positive cases, with 19 households caught up in the outbreak.

He confirmed they are investigating a large household gathering in the region that could have spread the virus.

"I know there was significant number of families that were apparently together for, allegedly, a party of some sort," he said.

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North Coast Local Land Services is assisting farmers in their fight against cane toads - The Macleay Argus

Local Land Services has joined forces with landholders on the North Coast and is achieving phenomenal results in the fight against cane toads. Recent cane toad control efforts in northern NSW have resulted in the control of over 10,000 adult and juvenile toads on 62 private properties affected by this invasive pest species. North Coast Local Land Services General Manager, Louise Orr, said this is a fantastic result for biosecurity in northern NSW. "It highlights how if we work together with landholders and the community, we can make inroads in the control of this major pest and prevent it spreading to other parts of NSW," Ms Orr said. LLS engaged regional Landcare networks Border Ranges Richmond Valley Landcare Network and Clarence Landcare to deploy on-ground teams who carried out collection and trapping on landholder properties. The program delivered education and training to private landholders in the Kyogle, Richmond and Clarence local government areas, aiming to equip them with tools to identify and control cane toads on their properties into the future. Ms Orr said one female cane toad can produce between 8000 to 35,000 eggs annually. "Managing populations of this highly invasive species in a large landscape is a challenge and requires a coordinated approach," Ms Orr said. "Targeting a network of multiple properties the program is able to maximise results and control even more toads. "I am particularly proud the program engaged 16 Indigenous people as sub-contractors to carry out control work. Not only has this directly supported local employment in northern NSW areas that were hit hard by the 2019-20 bushfires, we successfully supported Aboriginal businesses in line with State-wide procurement objectives." Cane toads are a serious invasive species and recognised as key threatening process for threatened species and ecological communities under Commonwealth and NSW legislation. Pest control activities have operated within the biosecurity zone established under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015. With community education ongoing, the public is being asked to report any suspected cane toads, as the specimen could be a native frog. The amphibian should not be killed if it has not been positively identified as acane toad. Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:

Female Cane Toad weighing 2kg captured by Clarence Landcare Teams

Local Land Services has joined forces with landholders on the North Coast and is achieving phenomenal results in the fight against cane toads.

Recent cane toad control efforts in northern NSW have resulted in the control of over 10,000 adult and juvenile toads on 62 private properties affected by this invasive pest species.

North Coast Local Land Services General Manager, Louise Orr, said this is a fantastic result for biosecurity in northern NSW.

"It highlights how if we work together with landholders and the community, we can make inroads in the control of this major pest and prevent it spreading to other parts of NSW," Ms Orr said.

LLS engaged regional Landcare networks Border Ranges Richmond Valley Landcare Network and Clarence Landcare to deploy on-ground teams who carried out collection and trapping on landholder properties.

The program delivered education and training to private landholders in the Kyogle, Richmond and Clarence local government areas, aiming to equip them with tools to identify and control cane toads on their properties into the future.

Ms Orr said one female cane toad can produce between 8000 to 35,000 eggs annually.

"Managing populations of this highly invasive species in a large landscape is a challenge and requires a coordinated approach," Ms Orr said.

"Targeting a network of multiple properties the program is able to maximise results and control even more toads.

"I am particularly proud the program engaged 16 Indigenous people as sub-contractors to carry out control work. Not only has this directly supported local employment in northern NSW areas that were hit hard by the 2019-20 bushfires, we successfully supported Aboriginal businesses in line with State-wide procurement objectives."

Cane toads are a serious invasive species and recognised as key threatening process for threatened species and ecological communities under Commonwealth and NSW legislation.

Pest control activities have operated within the biosecurity zone established under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015. With community education ongoing, the public is being asked to report any suspected cane toads, as the specimen could be a native frog. The amphibian should not be killed if it has not been positively identified as acane toad.

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North Coast Local Land Services is assisting farmers in their fight against cane toads - The Macleay Argus
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ACT records 22 new local COVID-19 cases as it considers travel rules with NSW - SBS News

In the meantime, the ACT's border bubble with NSW just outside of Canberra is set to continue operating as usual.

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The ACT also expects to continue to restrict entry for any residents subject to future lockdowns in parts of NSW.

"It would be logical to draw a distinction between vaccinated and unvaccinated people as to potentially both the duration of quarantine and the location of quarantine," Mr Barr told reporters on Wednesday.

"If it's possible to have a consistent approach between the two jurisdictions, I understand that would make life easier for everyone."

The chief minister said the bottom line was travel would be a lot more complicated and restricted for the unvaccinated.

NSW plans to start treating unvaccinated people the same as those who are double-dosed from 1 December.

The ACT's lockdown will lift from 11.59pm on 14 October, with restrictions to ease progressively throughout the remainder of the year.

ACT COVID-19 update (29 September 2021):
◾ New cases today: 22
◾ Active cases: 237
◾ Total recovered cases: 566
◾ Total cases: 804
◾ Negative test results (past 24 hours): 3,443
◾ In hospital: 10
◾ Lives lost: 1 pic.twitter.com/dPvC2p98gr

Canberra has 237 active infections, with 22 new cases recorded in the 24 hours to 8pm on Tuesday.

A source can be found for a dozen of these and just seven were in quarantine the whole time.

Of 14 cases linked to the Calvary Haydon Retirement Community, 10 are residents.

Three staff members are also infected along with one household contact.

The ACT and federal governments have reached an in-principle agreement to extend jointly funded grants.

"There will be a narrower range of industry sectors, hospitality being one of them, that will need ongoing support beyond the end of the lockdown," Mr Barr said.

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He did not take issue with the federal government's plan to phase out disaster payments as states and territories reached 70 and 80 per cent vaccination thresholds.

The ACT anticipates having 80 per cent of its over-12s double-dosed by mid-October.

"It was important that there was a tapering down, that the payments weren't immediately cut," Mr Barr said, adding the payments would still cover the month of October before restrictions eased further.

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ACT records 22 new local COVID-19 cases as it considers travel rules with NSW - SBS News
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NSW reports 863 new local COVID-19 cases and a record 15 further deaths - SBS News

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Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said there are 1,082 people in hospital, including 212 patients in intensive care. 

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said overall hospitalisation figures remain below the projected modelling.

"We are tracking under what we envisaged we would, but there is certainly no time for complacency," she said on Wednesday. 

More than 86 per cent of NSW residents have received at least one dose of a vaccine, with 61.7 per cent fully vaccinated. 

NSW records 863 new local COVID-19 cases and 15 deaths

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Restrictions to be eased for aged care facilities 

With vaccination rates due to reach 70 per cent double dose coverage within weeks, Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced visits to aged care homes would be allowed from 11 October. 

"So long as you are fully vaccinated, two (people) at a time - and (a maximum of) two per day - are able to visit a loved one in an aged care facility," she said, adding that she looked forward to visiting her own parents. 

"This is welcome news and we ask people to exercise a degree of caution. If you have symptoms or you are not well, don't do it. We don't want to compromise the safety of your loved ones and those around you."

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NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard warned people to alert to the new exposure sites arising from a COVID-positive truck driver who travelled around regional NSW and in Greater Sydney.

The locations include Tweeds Head, Byron Bay, Ballina, Coffs Harbour, Taree, Newcastle, Narrabeen, Manly, Freshwater, Brookvale.

The truck driver is now in a special health accommodation facility.

Earlier back-to-school date considered

Ms Berejiklian said 25 October is still the official return to school date for kids, although the government is reviewing options to potentially have an earlier return date.

"We are carefully considering the options to get kids to school earlier if we can," she said. 

She said NSW Health will soon release advice on contact tracing protocols and strategies to contain outbreaks in hospitality and school settings. 

"We should all assume if we are at a venue where there has been a case and we were there at the same time, we will be required to isolate for that 14 days; and we should also assume that the business will be temporarily shut to do a deep clean."

Dr Chant said businesses should be planning right now to ensure that staff members are fully vaccinated and wearing masks properly, covering their nose. 

"The main issue is keeping your staff safe. Most of the outbreaks in business settings - what happens is if your staff becoming well. Staff infect other staff and that amplifies things. We minimise that by having fully vaccinated staff members," she said. 

'Onus on individuals'

Ms Berejiklian said business owners should be reassured that the obligations to check vaccination status won't be too onerous - with an onus placed on individuals. 

"I want businesses to be assured that what they will be asked to do is not very different to what they were doing pre-Delta," she said.

"Not much has changed. The onus will be on individuals to prove their vaccination."

She warned that authorities would not hesitate to issue fines to those who breach the health orders. 

The premier said Service NSW has been granted access to the federal government data on vaccination status and the hope is the Service NSW app is ready by 11 October, when the state is set to re-open at 70 per cent double dose vaccination coverage. 

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"We hope the app will be ready for the 11th. But if it isn't there is proof of vaccine through Medicare app and checking in through QR codes."

Dr Chant said with greater vaccination coverage in the population, localised lockdowns could still be deployed to contain outbreaks in settings like workplaces.

However, tools like vaccination and testing responses will also be used to manage outbreaks among vulnerable populations such as residents in social housing.

"We have to reflect what is a proportionate response locally when we have increasing cases," she said. 

Dr Chant said the state is on track to achieve 90 per cent single dose coverage in the population by next week.

"I want to edge it up to 93 per cent (double dose vaccination coverage), I think we can do it," she said. "The question is how hard and how high we can go (with vaccination rates)."

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NSW reports 863 new local COVID-19 cases and a record 15 further deaths - SBS News
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Queensland records one local COVID-19 case, as Gold Coast truck driver scare emerges - 7NEWS

A new COVID-19 case has been recorded, linked to one of two clusters which have threatened to force parts of southeast Queensland into lockdown.

The new case is a close contact of a man who works in the aviation industry and tested positive after being in the community for three days.

And in another cause for concern reported on Wednesday, a truck driver who spent time on the Gold Coast has been found positive after travelling to and from New South Wales.

It has prompted the Queensland government to introduce mandatory masks on the Gold Coast, as it had done on Tuesday for Brisbane and Moreton Bay local government areas, for the next two weeks.

The developments come after a day after four new local cases were detected, including the Eatons Hill man who works in the aviation industry.

His wife has also tested positive.

The close contact who has also tested positive is a man in his 50s who lives on Biggera Waters on the Gold Coast and has been in the community while potentially infectious.

In a separate case, a truck driver was infectious in the community for eight days, and stayed at two hotels and a boarding house.

Other occupants of the boarding house in South Brisbane have tested negative.

Another case on Tuesday was that of a woman who returned three negative tests in hotel quarantine, but tested positive five days after leaving.

The truck driver on the Gold Coast lives in the Queensland city and regularly travels to Sydney, according to Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young.

He has been in the suburbs of Mermaid Waters, Merrimac, Nerang, Surfers Paradise, Miami Beach, and Currumbin while potentially infectious, Young said.

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Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the new COVID concerns in Queensland have originated from outside the state.

“The genomic sequencing that came back on the two different clusters yesterday show that this virus is not linked to any existing Queensland cases, that these are linked to interstate and potentially overseas,” she said.

“That’s good news. It shows that we don’t have any evidence of the virus still circulating within the community from previous clusters.

“But it once again shows the risk to Queenslanders of this virus coming across our borders.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young. File. Credit: RUSSELL FREEMAN/AAPIMAGE

“We know that the virus is on our doorstep.

“We have been saying this for some time now, from New South Wales, ACT, Victoria. These cases reinforce this again.”

Young has used the scares to once again plea for Queenslanders to get vaccinated for COVID-19, as the state currently has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country.

“We’ve seen, time and time again, that if you’re fully vaccinated, it’s very unlikely you’ll end up in ICU, and extremely unlikely you’ll die from the infection,” Young said.

“But you can still pass it on.

“So we need everyone to get vaccinated who can possibly get vaccinated so that those people are protected. And we do know that it reduces the risk of passing it on, but doesn’t eliminate it.”

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Queensland records one local COVID-19 case, as Gold Coast truck driver scare emerges - 7NEWS
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Victoria records 950 new local COVID-19 cases and seven more deaths - SBS News

More information will be provided on the seven deaths later on Wednesday. It brings the toll from the current outbreak to 32.

There were 61,322 coronavirus tests processed and 34,028 vaccine doses administered at state-run hubs on Tuesday.

It comes as the Latrobe Valley region has been plunged into a seven-day lockdown to curb a growing COVID-19 outbreak believed to be linked to a household gathering.

Residents in the City of Latrobe, which encompasses the Gippsland towns of Moe, Morwell and Traralgon, entered lockdown at 11.59pm on Tuesday. They were notified via a press release about 6.30pm.

They are now living under the same restrictions as those in Melbourne, with the exception of curfew.

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Health Minister Martin Foley said the illegal social gathering, held over the AFL grand final weekend, was "regrettable".

There are at least 18 active COVID-19 cases in the region.

Almost 79 per cent of Victorians have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine while more than 48 per cent are fully vaccinated.

A modest easing of rules has come into effect on Wednesday including extending metropolitan Melbourne's travel limit to 15km and resumption of contactless sports such as tennis and golf.

In regional Victoria patron caps in venues will increase from 20 to 30, while masks will also not be required for some beauty services like facials and beard trimming.

Melbourne's lockdown will remain in place until 70 per cent of Victorians aged over 16 are double-vaccinated, which is forecast for 26 October.

A more significant easing of restrictions will occur when the 80 per cent double-dose target is met, forecast for 5 November.

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Victoria records 950 new local COVID-19 cases and seven more deaths - SBS News
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The Big Breakfast team on the importance of local flavour in Brisbane radio - Mediaweek

Triple M Brisbane‘s The Big Breakfast has undergone a fair few line-up changes in recent years with the arrivals and departures of Lawrence Mooney, Robin Baily, and Nick Cody. But the program is now beginning to look settled with mainstay Greg ‘Marto’ Martin being paired with Margaux Parker who joined in 2019.

Mediaweek caught up with the pair to talk about their first year as a duo following the departure of Cody, and what the Brisbane market wants from a radio show.

Parker: “Marto and The Big Breakfast is my first dive into brekkie radio, but I’m really loving it. I feel like Marto and I have settled into a bit of a groove. For me, it’s been only one change with Nick Cody leaving but Marto has been a stalwart of the show.”

Margaux Parker

Martin is a mainstay of Brisbane radio and said that there is one key ingredient to making a good program in the market.

Martin: “You need to actually be from Brisbane to be on Brisbane radio. Unfortunately, they’ve used me as a training academy and just ship people through here and if they survive my vile and wicked sense of humour they then go down to Melbourne or Sydney and run radio shows down there.

“Margaux and I have been together for nearly two years and the chemistry is incredible. You can’t just go he was funny on Who is Paying Attention? or one of those TV shows. You can be as funny as you like on that, but until you work with another person and see how your personalities rotate around each other you have no idea. Some of the funniest people work together and then they can’t work together because the chemistry doesn’t work.

“We are authentic we aren’t radio stars Margaux has four kids and I’ve had 20 years as a carpenter and builder we appreciate the real things, not like these people that go into radio when they are 15 years of age and have no idea. They are like politicians who have never had a job, check out how many radio people you know who never had a job.”

The other factor that the pair think has worked in their favour is they have been able to record the show together in the studio over the last two years with Brisbane not being as affected by the pandemic as Sydney and Melbourne.

Margaux: “The thing is that we’re in the studio here together, you find a lot of the time people are in different states or cities or towns. But the banter and the momentum of the conversation is really important, especially in radio.”

Marto: “People will pretend that zoom works, it doesn’t work, I call pooey poo on that. Person to person, eye details and facial expressions are so important and you can bullshit all you like on zoom, but it doesn’t work. This works face to face. You can’t be zooming people in from Melbourne and Sydney.”

Greg ‘Marto’ Martin

A driving force of the show has been its local focus which the pair agrees is a vital part of Brisbane radio.

Margaux: “People like local, they like that it is live, and they like that they’re getting traffic news on hand as it’s happening. We’ll stop our show to address anything that is local that people are experiencing then and now. That’s what radio is about, accessing information as soon as they can get their hands on it because there’s this constant need for wanting info and we’re able to deliver that to them. They just want to hear about other Brisbane people and what Brisbane people are doing.

Martin: “We are at the tipping point right now size wise. Sydney people and Melbourne people are parochial but no one could possibly mention their suburb enough times. We’re just at the size now, where you can still say local and if you mentioned one suburb, if they’re the next suburb they will feel a part of it. Brisbane is at the right size before it moves on and becomes too bloody big.

Examples of the local engagement that the show has had with the region range from small weekly events like shouting beers to larger community projects.

Martin: “Wednesday we do a smoko shout, Thursday we do a shout at a different pub every week. If you buy 50 people a beer on a Thursday it’s the rule of 10, those people will tell 10 people and they won’t say you are a dickhead, they will say that you were there. That is not possible in Sydney or Melbourne they couldn’t give a stuff.”

Max Schmidt, Margaux Parker (behind), Austin Schmidt, Olive and mum Mandy and dad Corey and Marto

One of the large projects was Ollie’s place which was done for the young Ollie (Olive) Schmidt, where after months of planning and four weeks of building, Ollie’s place was revealed with a new padded deck and safe area.

“We got a family involved, who had a daughter with a severe disability. With Ollie’s place, we built a space for her and we engaged our incredible database of tradies and skilled people who listen to our show and are so very generous with their time, efforts, services and their labour that they came on board and we were able to build this incredible space for this young girl who was in need.”

Martin: “Our people are useful people they don’t go here is $20. They want to do something that feels better than a tax deduction. They got the greatest feeling and went home to their partners and saw it on the tele and said that’s what we did.”

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The Big Breakfast team on the importance of local flavour in Brisbane radio - Mediaweek
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