Homelessness an issue in NSW Northern Rivers region during COVID-19 pandemic

The Northern Star, 9 April 2020, p.7:

If you’re sleeping rough and you’re exposed to COVID-19, it’s not simple to self-isolate. 

But it’s expected support services will be put in place for people in that situation across the region. 

Northern NSW Local Health District chief executive Wayne Jones has explained health authorities would liaise with service providers and local councils to make sure help was available for rough sleepers.

He said those experiencing homelessness would be given accommodation support if they need to self-isolate. 

Byron Shire Council’s director of corporate and community services, Vanessa Adams, said she was keen for the council and local agencies to talk with the health district so they could make sure help reaches those most in need.

At the last street count in August 2019, the shire had 171 rough sleepers. Ms Adams said this was “a disproportionately high number of people” for Byron’s population, compared with Sydney’s 330 people living on the streets.

“People who are sleeping rough often have underlying health issues that’ll increase their vulnerability to something like a pandemic,” Ms Adams said.

She said it was “absolutely vital” to help them at a time like this. “It’s not just the accommodation, it’s the services that go with that,” she said.....

Pasture dieback confirmed on NSW North Coast

According to the NSW Department of Primary Industries:

Pasture dieback is a condition killing large areas of sown and native summer growing pasture in Queensland. The size of areas affected varies. It starts as small patches and can spread to affect large areas. In some cases whole farms have been affected. It is not limited by landscape or soil type. Livestock avoid grazing these areas making them unproductive. 

Pasture dieback was first identified in Central Queensland and has now spread from Far North Queensland to the NSW border. Suspected pasture dieback was reported on a property in northern NSW in autumn 2019.

Figure 1: Small patch of dieback affected pasture. Photo: S J Baker

Sown species known to be affected include:

• Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris)
• Digit grass (Digitaria eriantha)
• Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana)
• Green and Gatton panic (Megathyrsus maximus)
• Bambatsi panic (Panicum coloratum)
• Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum)
• Paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum and P. plicatulum)
• Creeping bluegrass (Bothriochloa insculpta)
• Sabi grass (Urochloa mosambicensis)
• Signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens syn. Urochloa decumbens)
• Para grass (Brachiaria mutica syn. Urochloa mutica)
• Setaria (Setaria sphacelata)
• Purple pigeon grass (Setaria incrassata)
• Forest bluegrass (Bothriochloa bladhii ssp. glabra)
• Indian couch (Bothriochloa pertusa)

Other species known to be affected include:

• Black spear-grass (Heteropogon contortus)
• Forest bluegrass (Bothriochloa bladhii)
• Golden beard grass (Chrysopogon fallax)
• Giant rat’s tail grass (Sporobolus pyramidalis)

There are potentially more grass species that could be affected.

On 9 April 2010 The Daily Examiner and The Northern Star reported:

The first NSW case of pasture dieback, which kills sown and native summer growing grasses, has been identified on the state’s North Coast.

Producers should contact NSW Department of Primary Industries or the Exotic Plant Pest hotline, 1800 084 881 if they suspect their pasture has the condition.

NSW DPI Pasture Systems development officer, Sarah Baker, said it’s important to identify where pasture dieback is occurring to determine its spread and impact.......

“Pasture dieback causes summer growing grasses to turn yellow and red, become unthrifty and eventually die.

“Cases of suspected pasture dieback were reported during the 2018-19 summer, but with drought masking the condition, confirmation was impossible at the time.

“Recent rainfall has assisted us in identifying dieback, which previously had been found only in Queensland.” It has been estimated the affected area in Queensland is at least 200,000 hectares and could cover up to 4.4 million hectares, with the cause still to be confirmed.

The size of areas affected varies. It starts as small patches and can spread to affect large areas.

In some cases whole farms have been affected.

While control options remain dependant on identification of the cause, producers can continue to maintain production with broadleaf species, including legumes and brassicas, which are not affected by dieback. Re-sowing perennial grasses into dieback affected areas is not recommended. However, annual winter growing forages, including oats and dual-purpose cereals can help fill winter feed requirements.

NSW DPI is working with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and industry, through Meat & Livestock Australia, to explore the cause of the condition.

As researchers work to better understand pasture dieback, including investigations of insect involvement, NSW DPI is developing options for future management. More information is available from the NSW DPI website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pastures-and-rangelands/establishment-mgmt/pests-and-diseases/pasture-dieback.

MEMO TO THE REST OF AUSTRALIA: Give us an even chance here in Northern NSW - stay away until the COVID-19 public health orders are officially lifted

Northern NSW Local Health District, 7 April 2020:

If there’s one thing that you can do these school holidays to help our communities minimise their risk to COVID-19, it’s to stay at home. 

Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive, Wayne Jones, is urging people who would have ordinarily been travelling to beautiful Northern NSW over the holidays to reconsider their plans, and steer clear. 

“For every person who doesn’t come to our region, it makes it easier for us to manage our own physical distancing needs here in Northern NSW,” Mr Jones said. 

“If travellers stay away, it means there is less chance of new cases being brought into our region. 

“Whether you were planning to holiday in a house, an apartment, a resort or in the bush, please cancel your plans and stay at home. 

The warnings from Police are very clear, a holiday is not a reasonable excuse to travel these holidays. 

“We understand that these measures are negatively impacting our travel and hospitality sectors, but the quicker we can contain any community transmission, the more likely it is that we’ll be able to start our recovery process sooner,” Mr Jones said. 

“We want our region to be accessible for everyone again soon, but right now we need a break. 

“Our hospitals and our staff will be here for those who need us; please don’t make it more difficult for them. 

“Please keep your distance, so that we can, too. It’s that simple.”

Clarence Valley Council has put campers on notice, with rangers set to step up day and night patrols in coastal areas in order to reduce the number of people illegally camping in car parks and secluded spots in the Clarence Valley

The Daily Examiner, 7 April 2020, p.7:

Clarence Valley Council has put campers on notice, with rangers set to step up day and night patrols in coastal areas in order to reduce the number of people illegally camping in car parks and secluded spots in the Clarence Valley. 

With the Easter long weekend fast approaching, the council’s director of environment, planning and community Des Schroder said with the coronavirus pandemic continuing there should not be anyone from outside the region travelling for a holiday in the Clarence. 

“NSW Government health directives are clear. Travelling up and down the coast for ­leisure purposes is not ­classified as essential travel,” he said. “We understand there are some people with no permanent address; in those very specific cases they should locate to one of our caravan parks that are open for essential travellers only and follow social distancing advice. They should remain in those locations until the NSW Health orders are lifted. 

“Our rangers will also be keeping an eye on people not following the health directives and will be reporting them to the police if required. 

“The only reason people should be at the beach is to exercise. Once you complete your exercise you should return home immediately.” 

People using beaches for exercise are reminded to:
• Keep at least 1.5 metres away from other people 
• Remember that these measures also include in-water activities (surfing and swimming) 
• Limit gatherings to no more than two people (unless from the same house-hold).....

And now for some good news......

https://youtu.be/SmNIfFFHzpE

Gayini* (formerly Nimmie-Caira), a property totalling 88,000 hectares of NSW wetland on the Murrumbidgee floodplain was handed back to the Nari Nari people on 20 March 2020. 

Gayini is now legally owned by the Nari Nari people who have been its spiritual custodians for at least 50,000 years. 

Gayini is an amalgamation of 19 parcels of land that were purchased in 2013 for $180 million under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan water buyback scheme. 

This property has been co-managed by the Nari Nari Tribal Council since May 2018 as part of a consortium including The Nature Conservancy, the Murray Darling Wetlands Working Group and the Centre for Ecosystem Science at the University of NSW. 

The handback was facilitated by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and made possible through co-funding from the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation and The Wyss Foundation Campaign for Nature.

There are around 2,000 cultural sites on the property including burial sites, middens and camp sites.

NOTE:
* Gayini is the Nari Nari word for water.

NSW Police launch a criminal investigation into the "Ruby Princess" COVID-19 disembarkation incident

NSW Police Public Site - News, 5 April 2020:

Police investigation launched into actions surrounding Ruby Princess
Sunday, 05 April 2020 05:42:00 PM 

The NSW Police Force has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the docking and disembarking of the Ruby Princess last month. 

After being tasked by the NSW Premier to conduct initial investigations, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller today (Sunday 5 April 2020) announced that a criminal investigation is now underway to fully examine the communications, actions, and other circumstances that led to the docking and disembarking of the vessel at Sydney Harbour on Thursday 19 March 2020. 

The investigation is being led by the Homicide Squad’s Detective Chief Inspector Jason Dickinson, who is experienced in complex and protracted investigations, with oversight from the NSW Coroner. 

It is expected the investigation will involve interviewing thousands of witnesses, including the Ruby Princess’ captain and doctors, the crew and passengers; and staff from various Commonwealth and NSW Government offices and agencies. 

Commissioner Fuller said his initial assessment of the vessel’s pratique left questions about the transparency in conceptualising the health conditions of passengers and crew in relation to COVID-19. 

“I’ve examined a number of phone calls between NSW Ambulance, Port Authority of NSW and NSW Police that stemmed from the initial 17-minute Triple Zero call from the ship to NSW Ambulance on 18 March,” the Commissioner said. 

“There appears to have been an exceptional amount of effort put in by Ports to determine the true nature of the conditions on board – and even delayed the vessels arrival until they were provided additional information. 

“After reviewing the information at hand, the only way I can determine whether our national biosecurity laws or our state laws were broken is through a criminal investigation.” 

The Commissioner added that investigators will examine the actions of everyone involved – whether from the cruise company or government agencies. 

“This is a complex issue and we will need information from many witnesses to answer all the questions about how this ship ended up docking last month,” the Commissioner said. 

“We are mindful that some of the key information we need will also come from passengers, so I urge those who were on-board to reach out to us – please contact Crime Stoppers as soon as possible.” 

Anyone who was on-board the Ruby Princess and has information relevant to the investigation, including details of symptoms, illness, or medical advice during the journey is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. 

Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages. 

Aspen Medical are continuing to assess the health of the crew on board the Ruby Princess and have developed a plan in conjunction with NSW Health, the NSW Police Force’s Marine Area Command, and Australian Border Force to manage their welfare until they can depart Australian waters.

Police have been advised that up to 200 of the 1040 crew members currently on board the vessel are displaying symptoms, while 16 crew members are confirmed to have returned positive results for COVID-19.

The cruise ship "Ruby Princess" is currently in Port Kembla harbour, having arrived there on the morning of 6 April 2020.

It is believed the vessel is in port to allow medical access to ill crew members and may remain in place for up to 10 days. However, the crew will not disembark unless in an emergency and approved by the NSW Police Commissioner. She will also be refuelling and restocking provisions, as required for her home journey.

The Berejiklian Government needs to close the NSW-Queensland border to non-essential travellers today

This antisocial behaviour within the 4WD community is beneath contempt during a pandemic.

I understand that NSW Police and Ballina Council rangers had a busy afternoon.

The Northern Star, 6 April 2020, p.3:

Lennox residents are up in arms about around 50 4WDs parked on the beach at Lennox Head.

According to Cr Keith Williams, locals have identified these as mostly Queensland-plated vehicles. 

“I’ve received about 20-30 emails this morning (Sunday) from concerned residents,” said Cr Williams. 

“With Easter just around the corner, people are really fearful that large numbers of day-trippers from Queensland are going to be heading down for the long weekend. 

“It significantly increases the risk for our community if people are continuing to go in and out.” 

“If this starts bringing cases into our area, we’ve also got to worry about how our hospital systems will cope.” 

Cr Williams also said that locals are concerned that this may lead to the whole beach being closed off to public access, which will stop residents from being able to enjoy the beach for their daily exercise. 

The school holidays have begun in Queensland, and travel restrictions are in place for non-Queensland residents wanting to cross into the Sunshine State amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

While the NSW border is open to Queenslanders, the Federal Government advice is that Australians must “avoid all non-essential domestic travel”.

“Social distancing is slowing the spread of coronavirus and it’s important that this continue at Easter,” the Federal Department of Health’s website says.“Australians should stay at home this Easter and not undertake holiday travel.”

Meanwhile elsewhere police were also busy......

NSW Police Public Site - News, 5 April 2020:

A total of 18 new Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued in relation to alleged breaches of the Public Health Act: 

 - About 2.30pm on Friday 3 April 2020, officers from Murrumbidgee Police District were called to Benerembah Lane, Griffith, following reports of an intoxicated person. A 55-year-old man was spoken to and moved on from the area. At 4pm the same day, officers returned after the man was seen again in that location and could not provide a legitimate reason for being there. Police were also made aware that he had been warned to obey social distancing regulations on Tuesday 31 March 2020. The man was issued a penalty infringement notice (PIN). 

 - About 5pm Friday 3 April 2020, police attached to New England Police District attended a licensed premise in Tenterfield Street, Deepwater. They spoke to a 27-year-old man, who was sitting with a group of patrons drinking. He was issued with a PIN as he had been spoken to by police the previous day about social-distancing and issued with a warning. 

 - A 37-year-old Newtown man has been issued with a PIN after officers from Inner West PAC spoke with him twice on Friday night about breaching the Public Health Act. Police spoke with the man on Federation Road about 8.30pm on Friday 3 April 2020, where he was warned about associating with four other adults. About two hours later, the same man was stopped on King Street, Newtown, and was then issued with a PIN. 

 - About 8.30pm Friday 3 April 2020, officers from Bankstown Police Area Command noticed a car double parked in Restwell Street, Bankstown. Officers pulled over the car and spoke to the 20-year-old female driver and her 21-year-old female passenger. The pair were unable to provide a valid reason for driving around. The passenger provided incorrect identification information to the police and become argumentative. She was issued with a PIN. The driver was issued with an official move on direction. 

 - Just after 10.30pm on Friday 3 April 2020, officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command were patrolling San Cristobal Drive, Green Valley, when they saw three men – one aged 36 and two 18-year-olds – not obeying social distancing regulations. The men were spoken to and could not provide a legitimate reason for being there. Two of the men had allegedly exited a vehicle believed to have been stolen. All three were issued PINs. Investigations regarding the vehicle are continuing. 

 - At 1.15am Saturday 4 April 2020, officers from Bankstown Police Area Command pulled over a car after it had allegedly accelerated away after seeing police on Edgar Street, Bankstown. The 30-year-old driver was spoken to by police about his reason for driving. He was unable to provide a valid reason and changed his version several times and continued to be argumentative with police. He was issued with a PIN. 

 - A passenger in a car being driven by a food delivery driver has been issued with a PIN by officers from Quakers Hill Police Area Command. Police stopped the vehicle about midday yesterday (Saturday 4 April 2020) and spoke with two people in the car. The driver was employed delivering food; however, police allege the 33-year-old woman from Toongabbie, who was the front-seat passenger, was only there because she said she was bored being at home. 

 - A 38-year-old woman has been issued with a PIN after she was found drinking with six people in Jonson Street, Byron Bay, just before 6pm yesterday, in breach of the Public Health Act. Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District had issued a warning to the woman earlier in the day. 

 - Police investigating an alleged assault at a home in Goulburn last night have issued two men with PINs for breaching the Public Health Act. Officers from The Hume Police District were called to the home in Teece Place about 9.20pm (Saturday 4 April 2020), after a 34-year-old man sustained a cut above his eye. He was treated at Goulburn Hospital and released. Police later issued him and his 24-year-old friend with a PIN; inquiries are continuing into the alleged assault. 

 - A man has been issued with a PIN after being stopped at the Sydney Opera House about 10.15pm yesterday. Officers from Sydney City PAC had already issued the man last Wednesday (1 April 2020), with a warning about breaching the Public Health Act.

 - Two people were given PINs and three people received cautions after gathering for a barbeque in the state’s north. Yesterday (Saturday 4 April 2020), about 11pm, officers attached to New England Police District responded to a noise complaint at a caravan park on Rouse Street, Tenterfield. Five people were in the bungalow; breaching ministerial orders related to the congregation of more than two people. A 23-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were identified as people who had previously received cautions for not complying with ministerial directions and were fined $1000. The three others were issued with cautions. 

 - Just after midnight (Sunday 5 April 2020), officers from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command attended the Lilli Pilli Baths, in Lilli Pilli, following reports of a gathering of people not adhering to social distancing regulations. Police attended and spoke with four men – aged 22, 24, 19 and 19 – who were drinking and having a barbeque. Officers reminded them of their requirements under the Public Health Act and asked them to move on; however, the men became argumentative and refused to leave. All three men were issued infringement notices.