Source: China State Council Information Office
An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 28, 2024 shows an interior view of the digital factory at a manufacturing enterprise in Yinchuan, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
The purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for China’s manufacturing sector came in at 50.1 in October, up from 49.8 in September, official data showed Thursday.
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
The European Commission on Tuesday announced the imposition of anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs), a decision that has sparked strong opposition from within the EU and key industry stakeholders.
Starting Wednesday, these tariffs will remain in place for five years with varying rates: 17 percent for BYD, 18.8 percent for Geely, and 35.3 percent for SAIC, among China’s leading automakers.
Additional firms that cooperated in the investigation will be subject to a 20.7-percent duty, while non-cooperative companies will incur the maximum 35.3-percent rate, according to the commission’s statement.
Despite this decision, the European Commission noted that the EU and China are still exploring alternative measures within WTO guidelines to address trade concerns.
The decision has sparked widespread discontent among EU member states and industry stakeholders alike. Critics argue that such tariffs could burden European consumers, strain EU-China trade and investment ties, hinder Europe’s transition to a greener automotive sector, and ultimately undermine global efforts to mitigate climate change.
Germany’s economy ministry reaffirmed its commitment to “open markets,” underscoring the country’s reliance on global trade networks and calling for continued negotiations with China to ease tensions while protecting EU industries.
Slovakia, a dissenting voice in the October vote, opposed the tariff increase. Prime Minister Robert Fico noted that China is “20 years ahead of us when it comes to EVs,” cautioning that heightened trade barriers could ultimately harm Europe more than China.
Industry leaders in the automotive sector echoed these concerns. Hildegard Muller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, criticized the tariffs as a “step backwards for global free trade,” warning of potential job losses, stunted economic growth, and weakened market prosperity, along with further trade disputes.
“The door for negotiations remains open. This is the only positive news today,” she said, urging sustained efforts toward open negotiations.
Major European automakers, including Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, voiced a unified stance against the tariffs, advocating for open markets that support fair competition.
BMW CEO Oliver Zipse warned that the tariffs could “harm the business model of globally active companies, limit the supply of electric cars to European customers and thus slow down decarbonization in the transport sector.”
Michael Schumann, chairman of the Board of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade, criticized the tariffs as counterproductive, arguing that they contradict Europe’s objectives of promoting electric mobility and advancing climate protection.
“The transition to electric mobility is a cornerstone of climate protection, and we need to support and advance that transition,” Schumann told Xinhua.
Experts have also weighed in, highlighting broader geopolitical influences. Boyan Chukov, a former foreign policy advisor to Bulgaria’s Prime Minister, argued that the United States is leveraging the EU in its economic competition with China.
“China is one of the countries most compliant with environmental regulations. In this regard, it stands as an example for other countries to follow,” he said, adding that the additional tariffs are driven by “political imperatives.”
Liang Guoyong, a senior economist with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, described the EU tariffs as “counterproductive.”
He noted that protective and restrictive trade measures on green products, such as EVs, conflict with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and could increase costs for European consumers.
“Imposing these tariffs would only undermine the economic interests of both importers and exporters and threaten global climate change progress,” Liang warned.
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
Microsoft on Wednesday posted a revenue of 65.6 billion U.S. dollars for the first quarter of its 2025 fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024, up 16 percent from the same period of the previous year.
The company generated quarterly net profits of 24.7 billion dollars, an increase of 11 percent year on year. Diluted earnings per share were 3.3 dollars, up 10 percent, compared to the same period a year ago.
Its operating income was 30.6 billion dollars, an increase of 14 percent from the same period last year, Microsoft said in its financial report.
The company’s revenue in Productivity and Business Processes was 28.3 billion dollars, an increase of 12 percent; its revenue in Intelligent Cloud was 24.1 billion dollars, up 20 percent; and its revenue in More Personal Computing was 13.2 billion dollars, increasing 17 percent.
Microsoft returned 9.0 billion dollars to shareholders in the form of share repurchases and dividends in the first quarter of fiscal 2025.
“AI-driven transformation is changing work, work artifacts, and workflow across every role, function, and business process,” said Satya Nadella, chairman and chief executive officer of Microsoft. “We are expanding our opportunity and winning new customers as we help them apply our AI platforms and tools to drive new growth and operating leverage.”
“Strong execution by our sales teams and partners delivered a solid start to our fiscal year with Microsoft Cloud revenue of 38.9 billion dollars, up 22 percent year over year,” said Amy Hood, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Microsoft.
Source: China State Council Information Office 3
A drone photo taken on Oct. 30, 2024 shows a view of an intelligent manufacturing base under China Offshore Oil Engineering Company in north China’s Tianjin. [Photo/Xinhua]
China’s first intelligent manufacturing base for offshore oil and gas equipment was put into full operation on Wednesday in north China’s Tianjin Municipality.
Covering an area of about 575,000 square meters, this base built along the coast of the Bohai Sea focuses on producing offshore oil and gas platforms and high-end offshore products such as liquefied natural gas modules, according to its constructor China Offshore Oil Engineering Company (COOEC), a subsidiary of the China National Offshore Oil Corporation.
The base consists of four intelligent production workshops, eight production auxiliary centers, 16 final assembly stations and core facilities such as docks facilitating product transportation via large ships. There are also over 600 intelligent production machines at this base.
Compared to the traditional manufacturing process, a series of operations such as material retrieval, pipe coiling, cutting and hydraulic bending can be achieved via a single click through an intelligent manufacturing management platform available at the Tianjin facility.
According to Wang Lei, one of the senior executives of the Tianjin branch of COOEC, there are a variety of offshore oil and gas equipments, and in the past, producing them featured complicated manufacturing processes, and customized and non-standard requirements.
As a result, COOEC opted to develop an intelligent manufacturing management platform to achieve intelligent production under complex conditions, said Wang. “More manufacturing processes are now achieved through the use of equipment, while only a small number of workers are needed to undertake detail adjustment tasks.”
The base was constructed in two phases. The first phase of the project was put into use in June 2022, and delivered 35 offshore oil and gas platforms to countries such as China and Canada, with total weight exceeding 87,000 tonnes.
In the second construction phase of this project, eight final assembly stations and an intelligent pipe production line were added, while the capacity of docks was increased.
“Production efficiency achieved by the intelligent pipe production line has increased by about 20 percent when compared to what was possible in the first phase, and the overall production capacity of the factory has doubled through digital intelligent manufacturing and precise management,” Wang revealed.
In 2023, China’s offshore crude oil production had exceeded 62 million tonnes, a year-on-year increase of 3.4 million tonnes — accounting for about 70 percent of China’s total crude oil production increase last year.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A new expressway linking three major cities in Guangdong province officially opened on Wednesday afternoon, further promoting the integrated and high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Through the new Nansha-Zhongshan Expressway, vehicles can travel from Guangzhou’s Nansha district to the Shenzhen special economic zone in less than 20 minutes and to Zhongshan in about 15 minutes. Connected with the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link that operates across the estuary of the Pearl River, it further advances economic ties between cities in the eastern and western parts of the Pearl River delta.
Previously, it took more than an hour for drivers to complete the journey between Zhongshan and the Shenzhen special economic zone via the Humen or Nansha bridges, which have witnessed heavy traffic jams during peak periods. Now, they can drive between the two areas in about 30 minutes.
The 32.4-kilometer-long, six-lane two-way expressway, with a speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour, consists of the 21.6-kilometer-long main road and the 10.8-kilometer-long Wanqingsha Branch road. It will help Nansha Port improve its gateway function and achieve high-quality development.
The project is also expected to strengthen the direct connection between Nansha, located at the mouth of the Pearl River, and major cities in the GBA, said Guo Sheng, deputy director of Nansha district’s housing and urban-rural development bureau.
The expressway will provide huge opportunities for Nansha, a shipping hub in the southern Chinese region, to participate in the construction of the GBA and help the district open up more to the outside world.
The new highway further connects the three pilot free trade zones of Qianhai in Shenzhen, Hengqin in Zhuhai and Nansha together. Together with the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, people in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhongshan can reach each city within 30 minutes.
“Nansha already has subways, light railways and intercity railway networks to connect with major cities in the GBA,” said Guo.
Li Jing, chief planner with Department of Transport of Guangdong Province, said the province would further accelerate the construction of infrastructure and actively expand effective investment in transportation to further improve the highway network along the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link and surrounding areas.
The move aims to promote high-level connectivity within and outside the GBA, playing a pioneering role in transportation to better serve and support Guangdong’s opening-up to the outside world and high-quality development, Li said.
Meanwhile, transportation departments in Guangzhou and Shenzhen have also opened intercity bus routes to link Nansha district to Shenzhen and Nansha to the Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport to strengthen the connection between the two cities on Wednesday.
The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, which opened in June, connects the city clusters of Shenzhen, Dongguan and Huizhou in the eastern part of the Pearl River Delta to the prosperous cities of Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Foshan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Zhaoqing in the western part, further enhancing infrastructure connectivity, cooperation and exchanges among the GBA cities.
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
A stretch of State Highway 51 Taradale Road in Napier has reopened following a serious crash earlier this morning.
The road, between Austin Street and Hyderabad Road, closed after a car rolled, crashing into a power pole.
A detour was in place for northbound traffic, through Onekawa.
The road has now reopened in both directions.
Please expect possible delays travelling through the area as congestion eases and continue to drive to the conditions.
Source: Auckland Council
Over the years, significant work has gone into investigating options for the consolidation of speedway activities in Auckland, with a solution now decided.
The council’s Governing Body agreed on 30 October 2024 to the request to transfer $11 million of existing Long-term Plan capital funding from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited to the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board. This funding will enable the delivery of critical works at Waikaraka Park and the consolidation of the two current four-wheel class speedway venues in Auckland into the Onehunga venue.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) supports the consolidation of four-wheel speedway classes at Waikaraka Park, which will enable the realisation of improved financial outcomes at Western Springs Stadium for the benefit of Auckland ratepayers.
The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board have been drivers and strong supporters of the consolidation to Waikaraka Park, seeing this activity as strategically important to the local board area and aligned to their approved Waikaraka masterplan.
Maungakiekie-Tāmaki local board chair Maria Meredith welcomes the investment into Waikaraka Park.
“This is a pivotal step forward for speedway activities at Waikaraka Park. The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board has been a longtime supporter of racing activities at this iconic Tāmaki Makaurau venue. This investment unlocks critical upgrades to the facility which are consistent with our approved Waikaraka Park Masterplan and help to ensure a bright and exciting future for the facility,” says Ms Meredith.
The decision to back and invest in Waikaraka Park provides a viable future for four-wheel speedway events in Auckland. It provides much-needed investment in facilities and infrastructure, improves safety and security, and allows for the confident planning of future high-quality events.
The Western Springs Speedway promoter came to the natural end of a four-year venue hire agreement in 2023, before being granted a one-year extension while seeking alternative future venues. Waikaraka Park has a secure lease arrangement in place until 2051.
Waikaraka Park is the current home of the Auckland Stock and Saloon Car Club. This decision paves the way forward for speedway and stock and saloon cars to share the same venue.
Source: Auckland Council
More than $500,000 has been committed to ecological projects by the Upper Harbour Local Board.
The funding covers a cross-section of projects ranging from community-led ecological projects, construction waste education to industrial pollution prevention and the Waiarohia Stream restoration.
Chair Anna Atkinson says funding to provide an increased level of service in the Albany Library which isn’t needed this financial year has been reallocated to other projects.
“We are fortunate to have a community that is passionate about the environment – enhancing and protecting it, and we can work alongside them to safeguard our special areas,” she says.
“Much of what we have funded is designed to take action this financial year and we remain committed to helping our volunteers lead restoration and conservation efforts in their own communities.”
The Upper Harbour Local Board Local Environmental Work Programme includes:
Upper Harbour Ecological Initiatives – $264,806
Waiarohia Stream restoration – $93,500
Industry Pollution Prevention Programme – $65,115
Construction Waste Education and Leadership – $41,000
Local Streams (Sustainable Schools) – $32,000
Īnanga spawning habitat restoration – $26,000
Te Ao Māori and community-led conservation – $5,000
Funding for Upper Harbour Ecological Initiatives enables multiple ecological projects to be delivered by the community including pest animal and plant control, implementing the pest management strategy, biodiversity monitoring, and restoration planting on private land which are high value ecological sites.
Local schools can continue the planting programme at Waiarohia Stream which began three years ago. It’s a massive undertaking creating a plant corridor for native birds and insects between Hobsonville and Whenuapai.
Atkinson says, “The plants are doing well but only nine per of the stream edge is planted. This is a long-term commitment, and we have doubled our investment in this project which is going to be great for Whenuapai which has very little tree cover and the goal is 30 per cent tree cover across Auckland.”
Businesses are being helped to reduce industrial pollution risks to waterways and the Waitematā Harbour. One hundred businesses will be visited in Rosedale and the new industrial area on Hobsonville Road is also part of the programme.
“There are site inspections and practical recommendations for the businesses involved and they also understand what they must do if something goes wrong,” says Atkinson.
With construction and demolition waste the single biggest contributor of waste in Auckland, and the scale of development in Hobsonville, the programme focusses on this area. The construction and demolition waste advisor works with builders and developers to improve site practices and compliance including the installation of silt and security fences.
Read the full report in the Upper Harbour Local Board Meeting agenda on 24 October 2024 at infocouncil.govt.nz (item 12)
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Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Diane Charleson, Senior Lecturer in media School of Arts Australian Catholic University, Australian Catholic University
Award-winning director Madeleine Hetherton-Miau’s latest offering is an evocative and hard-hitting documentary with a strong message. Mozart’s Sister investigates the life of Maria Anna Mozart, the older sister of the more famous Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
The film portrays a sensitive and well-researched investigation into Maria Anna’s life – illuminating how the draconian attitudes that prevailed during her time condemned her to a lesser life than her brother, even though she was similarly talented.
It also reminds us of the importance of championing women musicians today, as “if we don’t encourage women now, it (discrimination) only repeats”.
Maria Anna was the first-born child of Leopold Mozart. He himself was a musician and composer and had his daughter schooled in music from a very young age.
Maria showed amazing talent – a child prodigy in playing and composing. When Wolfgang was born, he quickly became engrossed in playing and composing music with his sister.
Mozart’s Sister features wonderfully poignant recreations of this childhood bond over music – emphasising the siblings’ playfulness and engagement with music in a noncompetitive way.
Leopold recognised his children’s prodigious talents. He soon had them travelling and playing concerts all over Europe, where they were lauded by the highest aristocracy. Maria Anna and Wolfgang were inseparable during this time and composed many works together.
But all of this came to an abrupt end with Maria Anna turned 15. As custom would dictate, it was considered unsuitable and unseemly for a girl of that age to perform in public, likening this form of public performance to that of a prostitute.
The film portrays the unfortunate fate that befell many 18th-century women who wanted to pursue a career in music. Regardless of their aptitude, these women would have no real career prospects. They were even banned from playing musical instruments deemed unseemly, including the violin and cello.
Composing and playing music was largely taken up by the nuns in monasteries. As Mozart’s Sister highlights, even though this was a time of enlightenment, this “enlightenment” was reserved for men – and white men at that. It definitely didn’t flow on to women.
Maria Anna was forced to stay home while Wolfgang continued pursuing music uninterrupted – and the rest is history.
The film ponders what it must have been like for her to be left at home, away from her brother (who was once her constant companion) and unable to play as she used to. Her life is poignantly illustrated through her diary entries, which are mainly filled with references to the weather, as though nothing else was happening for her.
Maria Anna eventually married, but continued to practice music each day. Upon her husband’s death – now a woman of means and a baroness in her 50s – she returned to solo concert performances.
Mozart’s Sister is a documentary that functions on many levels.
On one level, it’s a biopic that portrays Maria Anna’s story through recreations of her childhood in Austria, with a voiceover narration and interviews highlighting her relationship with her brother. Much is shot on location in Austria and framed through the perspective of present-day museum curators and experts.
On another level, the film is a broader statement on the underrepresentation of female composers. I thought the director did an excellent job in portraying this duality through the juxtaposition of Maria Anna’s with the young British composer Alma Deustger. Deustger displayed many of the characteristics we could imagine Maria Anna having.
Like Maria Anna, Deustger is a brilliant modern-day composer with a deep appreciation for for composing and conducting. But unlike Maria, she has been able to pursue her passion and turn it into a career. I was particularly struck by the film’s closing, in which Deustger discusses writing her waltz based on the police sirens of New York.
Mozart’s Sister follows in a recent literary trend of discussions of appropriation – and of the overlooking of talented women in history who have been overshadowed by their more famous male counterparts. Anna Funder’s Wifedom and Hernan Diaz’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book Trust are two other examples of this.
It is an interesting and provocative film that will appeal to classical music lovers, as well as those interested more broadly in the issue of female underrepresentation in the arts.
Mozart’s Sister is in cinemas from today.
Diane Charleson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Maria Anna Mozart was a musical prodigy overshadowed by her brother. A new documentary tells her story – https://theconversation.com/maria-anna-mozart-was-a-musical-prodigy-overshadowed-by-her-brother-a-new-documentary-tells-her-story-241794
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
Click HERE, HERE, and HERE for individual photos
Bangor, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered remarks at the grand opening of new age-friendly patient rooms at St. Joseph Hospital in Bangor. The new unit contains nine patient rooms that were renovated to better fit the care needs of older patients. Senator Collins secured $1.5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for this renovation project in the Fiscal Year 2022 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.
“Ensuring that older Mainers receive the quality care they deserve requires facilities that are designed with their needs in mind,” said Senator Collins. “These new age-friendly rooms at St. Joseph Hospital will create a more comfortable, accessible, and supportive environment for older patients and their families.”
Renovations to the rooms include improved lighting, high contrast flooring, more accessible bathrooms, additional mobility railings, customizable memory door signs, mobility comfort furniture, and other features that aim to improve the care environment for older patients. The new facility also includes rooms that will be more suitable for end-of-life care, for both patients and their loved ones.
In addition to this project, Senator Collins has secured Congressionally Directed Spending to improve patient care in multiple departments of St. Joseph Hospital since 2021. This includes $708,000 to upgrade mammogram imaging equipment and $1,550,000 to purchase and install a new MRI machine.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), a member of the Senate Commerce committee charged with overseeing the nation’s transportation policies, and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) announced they secured $60,324,102 in federal funding to strengthen railroad safety across Georgia. The funds were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, championed by the senators for its investments in Georgia, and administered through the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program. Senator Warnock successfully strengthened the CRISI Program to deliver for Georgia during negotiations for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and wrote letters of support championing funding for the Georgia Ports Authority, Patriot Rail Company, and OmniTRAX Holdings projects.
The Georgia Ports Authority will receive $26,521,740 to finalize designs and build improvements at Brunswick’s Colonel’s Island Terminal. This includes constructing a new South Side Rail Yard with four additional tracks (about 23,735 feet), an auto parking area, and a perimeter road, as well as adding a grade separation at SCM Road. Additionally, the existing Myd-Harris Yard will be reconfigured to improve efficiency and shift rail operations away from nearby neighborhoods.
The Georgia Department of Transportation will receive $8,496,000 to improve the CPR GF rail line in Lowndes and Berrien Counties. This project includes upgrading tracks, rehabilitating bridges and sidings, and adding a new spur. These upgrades will help maintain large freight capacity, enable speeds of 25 mph, enhance crossing safety, improve reliability, reduce future maintenance costs, and support local economic growth with improved infrastructure.
“Our communities thrive when we are better connected, which is why I have been focused on strengthening rail safety and infrastructure in Georgia, and why I was proud to champion efforts in the Senate to strengthen the CRISI program allowing these funds to flow our state,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver historic investments for Georgians in every corner of the state. This latest grant will help mitigate congestion, build new tracks, and reinforce existing tracks leading to safer, more efficient, and more sustainable rail transportation and shipping.”
“After hearing from communities statewide about aging railroad infrastructure conditions Senator Warnock and I elevated this as one of our highest priorities. Resources through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are now flowing across the State of Georgia to plan and begin construction to address this crisis. We’ve listened, we’ve heard, we’ve acted, and help is on the way,” said Senator Ossoff.
The purpose of the CRISI Program is to invest in a wide range of projects within the United States to improve railroad safety, efficiency, and reliability; mitigate congestion at both intercity passenger and freight rail chokepoints to support the more efficient movement of both people and goods; enhance multi-modal connections; and lead to new or substantially improved Intercity Passenger Rail Transportation corridors.
See a full breakdown of the grants below:
| Grant Recipient | Project Description | Federal Award Amount |
| Georgia Ports Authority | Final design and construction to improve the Myd-Harris Yard and build the new South Side Rail Yard at the Colonel’s Island Terminal in Brunswick, GA. Specifically, for the South Side Rail Yard, the project would construct four new yard tracks, estimated at approximately 23,735 feet of track, and construct south side auto parking area and a perimeter road, as well as grade separate the existing crossing at SCM Road. Additionally, it would lengthen and reconfigure tracks at the existing Myd-Harris Yard to improve operational efficiency and bring rail switching activities inside the terminal and away from the adjacent neighborhood. | $26,521,740 |
| Georgia Department of Transportation | Final design/construction for a track and rail rehabilitation/upgrade, multibridge rehabilitation, siding rehabilitation, and the construction of a new spur on the CPR GF Line across Lowndes and Berrien Counties, Georgia. The objective of this Project is to preserve the railroad’s ability to accommodate 286,000-lb carloads and 25 mph operating speeds, enhance safety at grade crossings, support the reliability of freight movement by improving state of good repair, reduce future maintenance costs, and support economic development with new and improve siding and spur tracks. | $8,496,000 |
| Patriot Rail Company LLC | Final design and construction activities to improve track conditions on eight Patriot railroads across the southeast. | $12,840,150 |
| OmniTRAX Holdings Combined, Inc. | Final design and construction activities to replace railroad ties on four OmniTRAX-owned short lines across four states – Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, and Washington. | $12,466,212 |
Last December, Senators Warnock and Ossoff delivered $12 million in new Federal funding for a project in Jenkins County that will improve mobility by helping eliminate railway-highway crossings through the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program. Last year, Senator Warnock secured the passage of two critical provisions in the Railway Safety Act of 2023 to address stalled trains trapping Atlanta residents in their neighborhood, and would update the grant program to provide additional support for projects that would eliminate crossings near schools, along school bus routes. In August 2023, Senator Warnock urged Secretary Buttigieg to approve rail crossing improvements in Millen, GA, and in 2021, Senator Warnock joined Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) to introduce the bipartisan Railway Upgrades for Rural American Lines (RURAL) Act to build on the successes already found through the Section 130 grant program and help states modernize unsafe or functionally outdated railroad warning devices.
Senator Ossoff has worked alongside Senator Reverend Warnock to help Georgia communities address railroad crossings blockages. In September 2023, Senator Ossoff urged U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to support GDOT and Millen’s project. In June 2023, Senators Ossoff and Warnock delivered Federal resources for Chatham, DeKalb, and Gwinnett Counties through the bipartisan infrastructure law’s Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government announced today (October 31) that the Chief Executive has made appointments and reappointments to the Civil Service Training Advisory Board (CSTAB). The appointments of members will be effective from November 1, 2024.
The new members appointed are Mr Albert Chow Hing-pong, Mrs Ann Kung Yeung Yun-chi, and Dr Denis Yip Shing-fai, who will serve on the CSTAB for a term of three years, from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2027. Meanwhile, four incumbent non-official members have been reappointed for another term of two years, from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2026. Professor Wong Yuk-shan, an incumbent member, will take up the position of Chairman of the CSTAB.
Welcoming the new appointments and reappointments, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said, “‘The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address’ has outlined various initiatives to strengthen civil service training to enhance the governance capabilities of the civil service. With Professor Wong’s capable leadership and members’ profound knowledge and experience in various fields, I have full confidence that the CSTAB will continue to provide valuable advice on civil service training and development, supporting the Civil Service College (CSC) to nurture a professional civil service dedicated to serving our country and Hong Kong.”
The Government expresses its sincere gratitude to Dr Victor Fung Kwok-king, the outgoing Chairperson, for his contribution to leading the CSTAB in the past five years. Dr Fung has offered forward-looking recommendations on the long-term development strategy of the CSC, enabling it to strengthen civil service training and enhance the leadership capabilities and global perspectives of civil servants. The Government’s gratitude is also extended to the other outgoing members, including Mr Raymund Chao Pak-ki, Ms Florence Chung Wai-yee, and Mr Peter Ho Siu-ping, for the strong support they rendered to the work of the CSTAB.
The CSTAB gives guidance on training for the civil service and the long-term development strategy of the CSC. The board comprises academics, human resource management experts, professionals with rich experience in public administration, and others.
The membership of the board from November 1, 2024, is as follows:
Chairman
———–
Professor Wong Yuk-shan
Vice-Chairman
—————-
Secretary for the Civil Service
Non-official Members
———————–
Ms Margaret Cheng Wai-ching
Ms Quince Chong Wai-yan
Mr Albert Chow Hing-pong
Ms Renee Ho Hang-yin
Mrs Ann Kung Yeung Yun-chi
Mr Lee Luen-fai
Professor Richard Wong Yue-chim
Dr Denis Yip Shing-fai
Ex-officio Members
———————
Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service or representative
Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) or representative
Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry or representative
Permanent Secretary for Security or representative
Source: US State of Minnesota
Governor Tim Walz today announced that Solventum, a leading global health care company, will make a $200 million expansion in Eagan, retaining an estimated 2,000 Minnesota jobs. The expansion is supported by nearly $13 million in business development funding from the State of Minnesota.
Source: Minister of Infrastructure
Work to improve the quality of Launceston’s biggest waterway has reached a new milestone, with construction of a giant storage tank at Ti-Tree Bend underway, following the recent completion of upgrades to the Margaret Street Pump Station and Western Rising Main.
The 10-megalitre concrete tank will be connected to the new pipeline under the Kanamaluka / Tamar Estuary riverbed – boosting the storage capacity of Launceston’s combined sewage and stormwater system, and significantly reducing untreated overflows.
Ahead of construction, mass soil mixing works of more than 28,000 cubic metres of soil – the equivalent to filling 11 Olympic-sized swimming pools – were undertaken, along with the installation of 120 concrete piles to a depth of 20 metres.
With these essential ground improvement and foundation works completed, TasWater is now beginning construction of the new 10-megalitre covered storage facility and supporting infrastructure, with the project expected to be completed in 2026.
The project is supporting up to 80 jobs during construction, and includes the services of local Tasmanian contractors, One Earth Excavations.
It is part of the $140.7 million Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan, with the Albanese Government providing $49 million, the Tasmanian Government $47.5 million, TasWater $33.2 million, and the City of Launceston $11 million – an initiative of the $609.4 million Launceston City Deal.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:
“It was fantastic to be back in Launceston to see this infrastructure continuing to take shape, with construction of this 10-megalitre tank marking an exciting milestone in this region-shaping project.
“Upgrading Launceston’s sewage and stormwater system will not only ensure it keeps pace with the city’s growing population, it will significantly boost the health of the Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary, supporting commercial and recreational opportunities on this waterway into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz:
“Alongside the recently completed pipeline, this latest milestone will continue improvements in the overall health of the Estuary.
“The work being conducted under the Launceston City Deal and Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce demonstrates once again what can be achieved when the three levels of government collaborate.
“The Tamar Estuary is a major asset for Launceston and Northern Tasmania and the more focus we have on its health and amenity, the better.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for Tasmania, Helen Polley:
“Improving the health of the Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary is something that people in Launceston have long called for, which is why we’re getting on with the job of delivering these critical upgrades to the city’s sewage and stormwater system.
“With work kickstarting on this storage tank installation, we’re another step closer to this estuary becoming a recreational waterway, which will really transform how this part of Launceston is utilised by locals and visitors long into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Simon Wood, Liberal Member for Bass:
“We appreciate the river’s importance to Launceston and the wider community, which is why we are making investments today to ensure its health for future generations.
“The health of the Tamar is a daily topic of conversation around Launceston.
“People can be confident that the Tasmanian Government, as part of the Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce and through the Launceston City Deal, is helping to protect this waterway.”
Quotes from City of Launceston Council Mayor Matthew Garwood:
“The City of Launceston is proud to work alongside our Launceston City Deal partners to continue to make improvements to the health of our waterways,” Mayor Garwood said.
“The work TasWater has been undertaking to progress new and improved sewage infrastructure is phenomenal and is going to make a really positive difference to the natural environment over coming decades.”
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Washington, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.
Derik Carothers, 29, pleaded guilty to Count Four of the Indictment before Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on or about October 20, 2019, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Carothers possessed numerous firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. Carothers was previously convicted on November 7, 2013, in the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas of burglary and carrying a firearm without a license, and, on March 20, 2017, of carrying a firearm without a license. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for March 12, 2025. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Carothers.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
GREENVILLE, Miss. – Dennis Vernandale Phillips, 42, was sentenced today to over 15 years in prison for his possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute the controlled substance.
The investigation began when law enforcement purchased over 30 grams of methamphetamine from Phillips using a confidential informant. During a subsequent search of Phillips’ residence in Preston, Mississippi, officers located methamphetamine, two firearms, and other narcotics. In total, Phillips’ conduct involved over a kilogram of methamphetamine that impacted the Choctaw Indian Reservation in Winston, Kemper, and Neshoba counties.
On October 30, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Phillips to 188 months imprisonment followed by a 48-month term of supervised release for possessing the methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
“Meth indiscriminately kills children, men and women and it ravages our communities, including the Choctaw Indian Reservation,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “This prosecution and sentence are the result of outstanding cooperation between our federal law enforcement partners and the tribal police to achieve a straightforward goal – to reduce the supply of illicit drugs while seeing to it that those who poison communities with narcotics are held to account.”
Phillips’ drug distribution was a threat to the community,” said Whitney Woodruff, Regional Agent in Charge of the Southeast Region for the Division of Drug Enforcement with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. “He was poisoning Indian Country for his personal gain and now he will pay the price. I am proud of our partnerships with the other law enforcement agencies involved.”
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case in partnership with the Choctaw Police Criminal Investigations Division, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Howell Addison prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Source: Samsung
Samsung Electronics today reported financial results for the third quarter ended Sept. 30, 2024.
The Company posted KRW 79.1 trillion in consolidated revenue, an increase of 7% from the previous quarter, on the back of the launch effects of new smartphone models and increased sales of high-end memory products. Operating profit declined to KRW 9.18 trillion, largely due to one-off costs, including the provision of incentives in the Device Solutions (DS) Division.
The strength of the Korean won against the U.S. dollar resulted in a negative impact on company-wide operating profit of about KRW 0.5 trillion compared to the previous quarter.
In the fourth quarter, while memory demand for mobile and PC may encounter softness, growth in AI will keep demand at robust levels. Against this backdrop, the Company will concentrate on driving sales of High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) and high-density products. The Foundry Business aims to increase order volumes by enhancing advanced process technologies. Samsung Display Corporation (SDC) expects the demand of flagship products from major customers to continue, while maintaining a quite conservative outlook on its performance. The Device eXperience (DX) Division will continue to focus on premium products, but sales are expected to decline slightly compared to the previous quarter.
For 2025, the Company will remain focused on enhancing competitiveness in advanced technologies and strengthening leadership in premium products and AI capabilities amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties. The DS Division will address demand for differentiated products based on advanced technologies and high value-added products such as HBM and server SSDs. In addition, the Company plans to leverage the mass production on the 2 nanometer (nm) Gate-All-Around (GAA) process to win new clients. SDC will aim to maintain leadership in the high-end product category and broaden its product portfolio. The DX Division will continue to deliver exceptional customer experiences through enhanced AI features and product connectivity.
With over 500 million diverse products being delivered to consumers globally every year, the Company is tailoring its AI technology in each product to help lead the market. By leveraging the SmartThings platform with 360 million users and capabilities in product intelligence, spatial intelligence, and personalization, the Company plans to firmly establish itself in the home of the future, where AI will be widespread. In the AI era for the home, the Company will focus on the security of its products, convenience in device connectivity, intelligent technology to save energy and time, and the health and well-being of users and their families.
Memory Achieves Revenue Growth in Q3
The DS Division posted KRW 29.27 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 3.86 trillion in operating profit in the third quarter.
For the Memory Business, demand for AI and conventional servers was strong, as major datacenter and technology companies continued to invest. But mobile demand was relatively soft due to inventory adjustments by some customers, and the supply-demand situation was impacted somewhat by the increasing supply of legacy products in the China market.
The Company focused on actively responding to the demand for AI and server products while depleting aging inventories of legacy products to further improve the inventory level and mix. Therefore, compared to the previous quarter, the Company achieved significant revenue growth in HBM, DDR5 and Server SSD.
However, performance decreased due to a reduced reversal of inventory valuation loss compared to the previous quarter, one-off expenses such as the provision of incentives, and currency effects due to a weak dollar.
For the fourth quarter, the demand trends experienced in the previous quarter are expected to continue. The Company plans to accelerate the conversion of cutting-edge nodes in legacy lines and aims to strengthen its business fundamentals by completing the normalization of the inventory level and mix by the end of the year.
For DRAM, the Company plans to expand sales in line with the increase in HBM capacity, accelerate the transition to 1b nanometer1 for server DDR5 and actively expand the sales portion of high-density modules based on 32Gb DDR5. For NAND, the Company will expand sales of 8th generation (V8) based PCIe Gen5 and plans to mass-produce the 64TB product for the quad-level cell (QLC) market, which has high growth potential.
Looking ahead to 2025, datacenter and enterprise investments are likely to remain strong in association with AI, and build demand for conventional servers, in addition to AI servers, is expected to be steadily strong.
For DRAM, the Company plans to expand the sales of HBM3E and the portion of high-end products such as DDR5 modules with 128GB density or higher for servers and LPDDR5X for mobile, PC, servers, and so on. For NAND, the Company will proactively respond to the high-density trend based on QLC products — including 64TB and 128TB SSDs — and solidify leadership in the PCIe Gen5 market by accelerating the tech migration from V6 to V8.
The System LSI Business posted modest sales growth, but earnings declined due to increased one-off costs. System-on-chip (SoC) shipments increased as flagship products were adopted for new models by a major customer. Sales of image sensors were affected by H1’s inventory accumulation, resulting in some adjustments, while display driver IC (DDI) sales expanded with new model launches by key customers.
In the fourth quarter, supply of the Exynos 2400 will continue to expand with higher customer adoption, but weak demand for image sensors is expected to continue. For DDIs, the System LSI Business is focusing on growth areas, such as the expansion of IT-oriented OLED products.
Looking ahead to 2025, the momentum of on-device AI is expected to remain strong, and the Company will focus on capturing opportunities in areas such as SoCs and cameras. The System LSI Business plans to concentrate on supplying SoCs for flagship products of a major customer while preparing for next-generation 2nm products. Image sensors will aim to maximize new product supply through HDR, low-power and zoom features, while DDIs will seek to develop low-power products using advanced processes.
The Foundry Business saw its overall earnings decline compared to the previous quarter due to the impact of one-off costs. Still, the Foundry Business successfully met its order targets — particularly in sub-5nm technologies — and released the 2nm GAA process design kit (PDK), enabling customers to proceed with their product designs.
While mobile and PC demand may remain weak in the fourth quarter, high performance computing (HPC) and AI-related demand will continue to be robust. The Foundry Business will strive to acquire customers by improving the process maturity of its 2nm GAA technology, and it will continue to develop competitive technology and design infrastructure to expand additional business opportunities.
For 2025, the overall foundry market is expected to show double-digit growth, driven by HPC and AI applications in advanced technology nodes. The Foundry Business aims to expand revenue through ongoing yield improvements in advanced technology while securing major customers through successful 2nm mass production. In addition, integrating advanced process nodes and packaging solutions to further develop the HBM buffer die is expected to help acquire new customers in the AI and HPC sectors.
Mobile Display Records Solid Results; Will Maintain Leadership in the High-End Market
SDC posted KRW 8.0 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 1.51 trillion in operating profit for the third quarter.
For the mobile display business, SDC achieved sequential improvements in both sales and profits thanks to the flagship product launches of major customers. For the large display business, SDC reported a slight weakening in operating profit, but sales volume improved from the previous quarter, driven by the stable demand of TV and monitor products.
In the fourth quarter, SDC expects continued demand for flagship products from major customers, and sales growth of IT and automotive products. However, SDC’s performance outlook is quite conservative compared to the previous quarter, due to headwinds from rising competition among panel makers.
For the large display business, SDC will keep striving to expand sales by meeting the fourth quarter demand of major customers through improved production efficiency, and it aims to respond to the demand for new products in 2025 with timely supply.
In 2025, SDC will continue to maintain its leadership in the foldable and high-end smartphone markets, based on innovative OLED technologies optimized for AI devices and accelerate the expansion of IT and automotive products to further diversify its business portfolio.
For the large display business, SDC will continue to leverage the performance advantage of QD-OLED panels to strengthen its position in the premium TV market. And for monitors, SDC will broaden its lineup by adding high-resolution products and diverse refresh rate options, aiming not only to solidify its competitive edge in the gaming monitor market but also to actively enter the B2C monitor market.
MX Business To Achieve Double-Digit Annual Sales Growth in Flagships
The MX and Networks businesses posted KRW 30.52 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 2.82 trillion in operating profit for the third quarter.
Overall market demand for smartphones grew modestly as the residual effects of global inflation slowed the recovery in consumer spending.
The MX Business recorded sequential growth in both revenue and operating profit, bolstered by the launch of new smartphone, tablet and wearable products. Sales increased — with a focus on flagship models — and profitability neared double digits, despite rising material costs as product specifications improved to boost competitiveness.
In the fourth quarter, seasonal factors are expected to lead to sequential growth in the smartphone market. At the same time, competition in the mass market segment is expected to increase as a result of rising demand, particularly in emerging markets.
The MX Business will continue to maintain solid sales of its AI smartphones, such as foldables and the S24 series, with various sales promotions in anticipation of the holiday season, aiming for annual flagship sales growth of double digits. In addition, the MX Business will expand sales linked to year-end seasonality for tablets and wearables, especially on new premium products with significantly enhanced performance, to contribute to the MX Business’ sales and profits.
In 2025, the macroeconomic environment is expected to stabilize to a degree as a result of interest rate cuts, leading to slight growth in the smartphone market. The mass market segment is expected to grow, along with demand for ecosystem products, and the smartwatch and true wireless stereo (TWS) markets will expand with broader applications of AI capabilities.
The MX Business will drive sales growth and improve profitability with a focus on flagship products, including smartphones, foldables, tablets and wearables, based on further advancements of Galaxy AI.
Visual Display To Focus on Premium Models and Service Expansion
The Visual Display and Digital Appliances businesses posted KRW 14.14 trillion in consolidated revenue and KRW 0.53 trillion in operating profit in the third quarter.
The Visual Display Business saw improved profitability both from the previous quarter and a year earlier by prioritizing sales of strategic products such as Neo QLEDs, OLEDs, and big TVs. Additionally, service business sales increased.
In the fourth quarter, overall demand in the TV market is expected to recover due to year-end peak seasonality amid intensifying competition. The Visual Display Business plans to capture peak season demand by enhancing sales programs through strategic collaborations with major retail partners, and will focus on expanding sales and securing profitability by emphasizing the competitiveness of TVs in terms of security, design, and content.
In 2025, the overall TV market is expected to post modest growth, with strategic products like QLEDs, OLEDs, and big TVs continuing to gain market share. To solidify its leading position globally, the Visual Display Business will continue to differentiate AI functionalities and innovate its products centering on premium and Lifestyle screens.
By utilizing AI, the Company aims to enhance core TV features such as picture and sound quality, while also improving the overall user experience within the SmartThings ecosystem. The Company plans to drive sales of premium products centered on Neo QLED, OLED and super big TVs, and it will maintain leadership in the Lifestyle screen category by leveraging well-established competitive advantages.
Furthermore, by capitalizing on the extensive installed base that has been established through hardware leadership, the Visual Display Business will continue to expand the service platform business through advertisement and media such as Samsung TV Plus.
1 Refers to Samsung’s fifth-generation 10nm class DRAM
Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel
If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.
Exercise increased caution in the United States due to the threat of terrorism (level 2 of 4).
United States of America
Terrorism
The United States Department of Homeland Security regularly issues terrorism-related advice and updates. For current alerts, see the US National Terror Advisory System webpage.
The United States remains a target of terrorist interest, both from international terror groups and from domestic-based individual’s adhering to various forms of violent extremist ideologies. Credible information assessed by US authorities indicates that individuals or groups have developed both the intent and capability to conduct terrorist attacks in the US. Attacks could be indiscriminate, targeting law enforcement officials, government buildings and areas frequented by foreigners including transport hubs and major events.
New Zealanders in the United States are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. Follow any instructions issued by the local authorities and be aware of your surroundings in public places such as shopping malls, markets, monuments, places of worship, tourist destinations, demonstrations, large gatherings and on public transport.
In the event of an attack, leave the area as soon as it is safe to do so. Avoid the area in case of secondary attacks.
Crime
Petty crime such as theft and pickpocketing can occur, particularly in urban centres, tourist locations and on public transport. New Zealanders should stay alert to their surroundings, stay vigilant on public transport and avoid leaving belongings unattended, including in rental vehicles.
There is a higher incidence of violent crime and firearm possession than in New Zealand. In many states, it is legal for United States citizens to openly carry firearms in public. Violent crime has targeted individuals and groups from the LGBTQIA+ community and those with diverse ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds. However, crime rates vary considerably across cities and suburbs and while tourists are rarely targeted, there is always a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. New Zealanders should take care when travelling in unfamiliar areas including on public transport. Research your destination before travelling and seek local advice if you are concerned about levels of criminal activity.
Active shooter incidents occur in the United States. For advice on how to respond to an active shooter situation, please see the US Department of Homeland Security website.
You should exercise caution if crossing the border by car into Mexico from Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. There have been increased incidents of crime associated with drug trading and some foreign nationals have been targeted indiscriminately.
Be aware of rental and financial scams via websites and social media. Credit card and ATM fraud including debit card cloning is also a risk to travellers.
Civil Unrest and Political Tension
Protests and demonstrations regularly occur. We advise New Zealanders to follow any advice issued by the local authorities, monitor local media for developments and avoid all demonstrations, protests and rallies as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to result in violence.
Natural Disasters
The US can experience severe weather events, such as hurricanes, especially in May or June to November regularly impacting the eastern seaboard, Gulf Coast, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
Tornados are most frequent and at their highest intensities across the Central Plains and parts of the Midwest. While tornadoes can form at any time of year, conditions are most favourable in the spring and summer months (March to September).
Severe snowstorms during winter can cause disruptions to critical infrastructure, including power cuts. Winter storms may also lead to widespread flight delays and cancellations.
Many parts of the US are also prone to earthquakes including Alaska, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, Northern Mariana Islands, Oklahoma, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington state and the US Virgin Islands.
Contact your travel operator or airline for the latest departure information, and monitor local weather forecasts. If there is a severe weather event, or natural disaster, follow the advice of the local authorities and keep your family and friends back in New Zealand informed of your safety and well-being.
General Travel Advice
The Transport Security Administration website provides guidance for airline passengers travelling to the United States.
Travellers carrying electronic devices, such as laptops and mobile phones, should be aware that these devices may be subject to security checks by United States border authorities.
Immigration regulations are strictly enforced. Overstaying can result in detention then deportation. See our United States travel tips.
New Zealanders travelling or resident in the United States should have comprehensive travel and medical insurance policies in place. Medical costs in the United States are extremely high and the New Zealand government cannot assist with medical expenses.
New Zealanders in the United States are encouraged to register their travel with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Street Address 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008, United States of America Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Fax +1 202 667 5227 Email WSHinfo@mfat.govt.nz Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/americas/united-states-of-america/new-zealand-embassy-to-the-united-states-of-america/ Hours Mon – Fri 0830 – 1700 hrs
Street Address Suite 600E, 2425 Olympic Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90404, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Fax +1 310 566 6556 Email nzcg.la@mfat.net Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/americas/united-states-of-america/new-zealand-consulate-general-los-angeles/ Hours Mon – Fri 0830 – 1300, 1330 – 1630 hrs
Street Address 733 Bishop Street, 2020, Honolulu, HI 96813 Telephone +1 808 675 5555 Fax +1 808 675 5561 Email HLUEnquiries@mfat.govt.nz
Street Address 41st Floor, 295 Madison Ave, New York, 10017, United States of America Telephone +1 212 832 4038 Fax +1 212 832 7602 Hours Mon – Fri 0900 – 1230 hrs for consular calls
Street Address 47 Hawk Road, Newnan, Georgia 30263, United States of America Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Email newzealand@mindspring.com
Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Email nzconsulboston@gmail.com
Street Address 1223 Oakwood Lane, Glenview, IL 60025 Postal Address 1223 Oakwood Lane, 6400 Shafer Ct 60025, Glenview, IL Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Email nzconsulatechicago@gmail.com
Street Address 4424 W. Sam Houston Pkwy North, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77041, United States of America Telephone +1 202 328 4800 Email connelly@nzhonoraryconsul.org
Street Address 430 SW 13th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97205, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Email cjs@theswindells.org
Street Address 44733 North El Macero Drive, El Macero, CA 95618 – 1066, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Email starrned@msn.com
Street Address 1655 Linden Lane, Bountiful, UT 84010, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Email Iain.mckay1@hotmail.com
Postal Address PO Box 1276, Burlingame, CA 94010, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Email NewZealandHCSF@gmail.com
Street Address 4010 Lake Washington Blvd NE, Suite 300, Kirkland WA 98033, United States of America Telephone +1 310 566 6555 Email NZHonConSeattleWA@outlook.com
See our regional advice for North America
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Motorists using the southbound lanes of Waterview Tunnel are advised to expect delays while emergency services respond to a serious crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle.
One southbound lane is blocked and motorists are advised to use extra caution in the area and to expect delays for some time.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
Work to improve the quality of Launceston’s biggest waterway has reached a new milestone, with construction of a giant storage tank at Ti-Tree Bend underway, following the recent completion of upgrades to the Margaret Street Pump Station and Western Rising Main.
The 10-megalitre concrete tank will be connected to the new pipeline under the Kanamaluka / Tamar Estuary riverbed – boosting the storage capacity of Launceston’s combined sewage and stormwater system, and significantly reducing untreated overflows.
Ahead of construction, mass soil mixing works of more than 28,000 cubic metres of soil – the equivalent to filling 11 Olympic-sized swimming pools – were undertaken, along with the installation of 120 concrete piles to a depth of 20 metres.
With these essential ground improvement and foundation works completed, TasWater is now beginning construction of the new 10-megalitre covered storage facility and supporting infrastructure, with the project expected to be completed in 2026.
The project is supporting up to 80 jobs during construction, and includes the services of local Tasmanian contractors, One Earth Excavations.
It is part of the $140.7 million Tamar Estuary River Health Action Plan, with the Albanese Government providing $49 million, the Tasmanian Government $47.5 million, TasWater $33.2 million, and the City of Launceston $11 million – an initiative of the $609.4 million Launceston City Deal.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:
“It was fantastic to be back in Launceston to see this infrastructure continuing to take shape, with construction of this 10-megalitre tank marking an exciting milestone in this region-shaping project.
“Upgrading Launceston’s sewage and stormwater system will not only ensure it keeps pace with the city’s growing population, it will significantly boost the health of the Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary, supporting commercial and recreational opportunities on this waterway into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz:
“Alongside the recently completed pipeline, this latest milestone will continue improvements in the overall health of the Estuary.
“The work being conducted under the Launceston City Deal and Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce demonstrates once again what can be achieved when the three levels of government collaborate.
“The Tamar Estuary is a major asset for Launceston and Northern Tasmania and the more focus we have on its health and amenity, the better.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for Tasmania, Helen Polley:
“Improving the health of the Kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary is something that people in Launceston have long called for, which is why we’re getting on with the job of delivering these critical upgrades to the city’s sewage and stormwater system.
“With work kickstarting on this storage tank installation, we’re another step closer to this estuary becoming a recreational waterway, which will really transform how this part of Launceston is utilised by locals and visitors long into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Simon Wood, Liberal Member for Bass:
“We appreciate the river’s importance to Launceston and the wider community, which is why we are making investments today to ensure its health for future generations.
“The health of the Tamar is a daily topic of conversation around Launceston.
“People can be confident that the Tasmanian Government, as part of the Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce and through the Launceston City Deal, is helping to protect this waterway.”
Quotes from City of Launceston Council Mayor Matthew Garwood:
“The City of Launceston is proud to work alongside our Launceston City Deal partners to continue to make improvements to the health of our waterways,” Mayor Garwood said.
“The work TasWater has been undertaking to progress new and improved sewage infrastructure is phenomenal and is going to make a really positive difference to the natural environment over coming decades.”
Source: Asia Development Bank
BEIJING, PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (31 October 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $50 million loan (in yuan equivalent) with Canvest Environmental Protection Group Company Limited (Canvest) to promote efficient municipal solid waste management and waste-to-energy (WTE) in the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
ADB’s funding will help Canvest develop, construct, and operate a WTE plant at Huizhou City in Guangdong province, and to expand municipal solid waste management services in Quyang County in Hebei province. Canvest provides a range of services across the municipal solid waste value chain including cleaning, segregation, collection, transportation, sorting, recycling, and energy generation.
“Segregating and recycling solid waste has been a challenge in the PRC, so cities have turned to the private sector for an efficient and integrated approach to waste management,” said ADB Director General for Private Sector Operations Suzanne Gaboury. “However, private sector participation in waste management is still nascent in the PRC. This project can demonstrate the viability of sector while contributing to low-carbon development.”
The PRC is one of the world’s largest sources of municipal solid waste, with a total volume of 244 million tons in 2022 which is expected to reach 332.4 million tons a year by 2025. The project’s WTE plant is expected to treat at least 300,000 tons of municipal solid waste a year, generating at least 93 gigawatt-hours of energy annually. This will help reduce at least 346,700 tons of annual greenhouse gas emissions. The project will also support the annual collection of at least 147,825 tons of waste by 2026.
“Canvest helps cities to better manage their solid waste problem in a more cost-effective and sustainable way. We value ADB’s support in enhancing the environmental, social, and gender impacts of our operations,” said Canvest Chair Lee Wing Yee Loretta. “We are pleased to collaborate with ADB to share with the wider waste management community the benefits of integrated waste management solutions and the lessons learned.”
Established in 2003, Canvest is a leading provider of waste management services in the PRC. As of June 2024, the company operated 33 WTE projects, with a total treatment capacity of 43,690 tons per day. Additional projects with a daily capacity of 10,850 tons are under development. Canvest also has 22 municipal solid waste management projects.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.
Source: International Monetary Fund
Launch of the October 2024 Regional Economic Outlook for the Middle East and Central Asia
The Regional Economic Outlook (REO) report provides comprehensive insights into recent economic developments and future prospects specifically for countries in the region. It analyzes the impact of economic policy changes on performance, highlighting key challenges faced by policymakers in navigating complex economic landscapes.
Source: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries
31 Oct 2024
Two ocean trawlers in the Northern Rivers and a river trawler on the Hawkesbury River have become the first in Australia to trial a low carbon renewable fuel solution as part of a NSW Government research project on sustainable energy usage in the commercial fishing sector.
The $920,000 Beyond Fossil Diesel Program is a collaboration between the NSW Government and the Decarbonisation Innovation Hub initiative which supports collaboration between researchers and industry to increase the uptake of new technologies in decarbonising NSW.
Renewable diesel is used as a drop in replacement and offers industry a 70% – 90% reduction in their normal fuel related emissions and as part of the project, more than 6,000 litres of renewable diesel will be blended with fossil diesel at 30% of the mix.
Research Officer Michael Cashen said after 18 months of research, the Beyond Fossil Diesel Program has hosted a series of renewable fuel demonstrations in both the Clarence and Hawkesbury regions.
“The aim of the Beyond Fossil Diesel at Sea project is to provide practical examples that will inspire confidence and drive adoption of practical decarbonisation solutions within the marine sector,” Mr Cashen said.
“We appreciate Yamba commercial fisher Steve Everson and Paul Aquilina from Spencer for participating in this landmark demonstration.
“Their involvement will show other fishermen what is possible with these evolving low-carbon liquid fuels and how they work in their vessels.”
Mr Cashen continued by saying renewable diesel can be made from biological feedstocks including tallow, oilseed crops and sugar cane and has been used extensively in both the US and Europe in hard to abate sectors that have limited practical options to decarbonise.
“Currently, the price of renewable diesel is too high for widespread adoption, however, with the development of an Australian Low Carbon Liquid Fuel industry, we expect prices to decrease over time, making it easier for the industry to adopt renewable diesel as stakeholders become more familiar with the product,” Mr Cashen said.
“Raising awareness of low carbon liquid fuels as a replacement for fossil fuels was initially done in the agriculture sector, as part of the Beyond Fossil Diesel project.
“With potential demand for low carbon liquid fuels growing worldwide, NSW has a significant opportunity to help build feedstock supply and potentially production capacity that can create regional employment and reduce reliance on imported fuel.
Low Carbon Liquid Fuels such as renewable diesel is a practical way for industry to reduce carbon emissions without having to make changes to existing machinery or supply chains.
“By using renewable diesel, we can directly cut emissions and contribute to NSW target to net zero emissions by 2050.”
NSW Northern Rivers commercial fisherman Steve Everson said:
“I’m excited to be part of this Australian-first demonstration.
“Using renewable diesel in my trawlers not only supports our local industry but also showcases the potential for reducing emissions without making changes to our equipment.”
NSW Hawkesbury River fishermen Paul Aquilina said:
“By showcasing the effectiveness of renewable diesel, we hope to inspire other fishermen to adopt these innovative fuels when they become more affordable in Australia.
Media contact: pi.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au
Images available here
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea –
More than 50 senior enlisted leaders from the Republic of Korea and United States militaries engaged in Mangudai 2024, which ran from Oct. 22-24, and included events spanning the lengths of Rodriguez Live Fire Complex, Camp Casey, and Camp Bonifas.
Mangudai is an annual three-day training exercise that evaluates senior enlisted leaders’ mettle in a grueling series of events, testing their physical fitness, adaptability, discipline, and mastery of core Soldiering tasks in an environment where sleep is sparse, and the weather is constantly adverse.
“Mangudai goes back to the 13th Century with the Mongolian Warriors. The leader of that force would select his most elite special forces through a training competition, which was called Mangudai,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Jack Love, Tri-Command Senior Enlisted Advisor.
“The US military has been executing Mangudai since the former U.S. Forces Korea Sergeant Major, Sgt. Maj. John Wayne Troxell started it at Joint Base Lewis McCord when he was the 1st Corps Command Sergeant Major,” said Love. “I think it’s critically important for all senior enlisted leaders to participate for a number of reasons. First and foremost, we can never forget that we, all of us, whether you’re in for twenty years or thirty years, we must earn our place in the formation every day.”
“We need to be able to do what we expect our young Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Guardians to do,” explained Love. “We may not be able to do it as fast as we used to be able to, but we must be able to train, fight, and win in any conflict, in any environment. And so, this exercise really gets after that, and it tests a lot of grit.”
Key events for Mangudai include: live fires, patrol base activities, land navigation, rendering casualty care under threat of mortar fire, a hand-to-hand combat challenge in a waist deep mud-pit, and miles upon miles of foot-marching through rain and the frigid cold.
“We all got soaking wet from the rain and it was extremely cold to the point we were shivering; However, we were still motivated, which is the most meaningful part to me,” said Republic of Korea-Army Master Sgt. Hyun-Beom Lim, company executive officer, Special Task Infantry. “I think it is fascinating that ROK and U.S. personnel manage to overcome hardships by working as a team, and it made me enjoy all the tough tasks that need to be done through the exercise.”
While the training focuses on pushing competitors to their limits and potentially to their breaking points, it’s also an opportunity to build trust and strong relations between partners, according to 1st Sgt. Gerald L. Harness, a competitor hailing from Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 6-52 Air Defense Artillery Battalion.
“Mangudai is a test of intestinal fortitude and of our ability to communicate with our allied partners who we’re teamed up with. It’s all about teamwork. When you’re in charge, be in charge, and when you’re not, be a good follower,” said Harness. “My biggest takeaways from participating in Mangudai are, understanding my limits and the capabilities of our host nation allies, expanding both my comfort zone and my capabilities to not only lead with my peers, but follow them as well.”
When all is said and done, the core focus of Mangudai, like all military training, is grounded in warfighter readiness and instilling confidence in the tactics, techniques, and procedures Soldiers will employ on the battlefield.
“General LaCamera has four lines of operation and two lines of effort. Line of Operation number three is Combat Readiness,” said Love. “We have to be ready on the Peninsula, and though we pray for peace and want to maintain the current armistice state, should crisis or conflict arise, we have to be ready to fight tonight and win, so these skills really are the foundation of everything we do, regardless of your service, whether you’re from the United States or a Republic of Korea service member, winning is the only option.”
“When I watch these first sergeants and master sergeants across our combined forces command and the grit and determination they’re pushing through, I’ve never been prouder,” Love added. “I would go to combat any day, anywhere with any one of them because they’re warriors.”
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
We are aware of the DPRK’s ballistic missile launch and are consulting closely with the Republic of Korea and Japan, as well as other regional allies and partners. The United States condemns these actions and calls on the DPRK to refrain from further unlawful and destabilizing acts. While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, or territory, or to our allies, we continue to monitor the situation. The U.S. commitments to the defense of the ROK and Japan remain ironclad.
Source: Reserve Bank of India
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Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
UK MOBILIST and PSE strengthen ongoing partnership with IPO Forum and Policy Reform Dialogue to boost Philippine capital markets.
28 October 2024, Manila – The UK government’s MOBILIST programme co-hosted a flagship investment forum and a capital reform dialogue with the Philippine Stock Exchange this week.
MOBILIST is supporting the Philippines in fostering a robust and resilient capital market to advance inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
The Philippine Stock Exchange and MOBILIST hosted events to bolster the Philippines’ capital markets, attract foreign investment, and support sustainable development through public offerings.
The Road to IPO 2024 Forum on 22 October, an annual flagship PSE event, offered businesses invaluable insights from industry leaders and market experts on navigating the path to a successful Initial Public Offering. The event was held in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Commission and co-hosted by the UK government through MOBILIST.
On 23 October, the Philippine Capital Market Policy Dialogue brought together stakeholders from the Philippine government, regulatory bodies, and the private sector to discuss crucial policy reforms aimed at strengthening the financial sector. The dialogue explored legislative efforts, including the Capital Market Reform Act, which seeks to enhance financial inclusion and attract wider participation in the Philippine stock market.
The events come after MOBILIST made a significant $12.5 million investment in the Initial Public Offering of Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation on the PSE in June this year. MOBILIST established a partnership with the PSE in 2023 to ensure greater investment in sustainable development in the Philippines via products listed on the exchange.
The UK’s continued partnership with the PSE aims to unlock new opportunities for companies and investors, enhance market transparency, and accelerate the Philippines’ journey toward financial inclusion and long-term investment competitiveness. As the Philippines continues to evolve as a key player in the global investment landscape, these collaborative efforts will play a crucial role in shaping a more dynamic and sustainable capital market for the future. The ongoing dialogue and shared vision between the UK and the Philippines set the stage for long-term growth, innovation, and mutual prosperity.
His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Laure Beaufils, said:
I am delighted that the UK is partnering with the Philippine Stock Exchange to deepen the domestic capital market and promote more sustainable and inclusive economic development. Supported by the Philippine government’s policy reform initiative, MOBILIST’s collaboration with the PSE is helping to promote wider domestic stock market participation while attracting more foreign investments to key sectors, including those driving the clean energy transition.
Ross Ferguson, who leads the MOBILIST programme at the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, said:
MOBILIST is proud to continue our partnership with the PSE to support the Philippines in mobilising greater investment toward the country’s sustainable development and climate transition. This includes our investment in CREC, as well as MOBILIST’s support to bring together capital market participants, policymakers, and regulators to foster dialogue and collaboration to create a conducive environment for investing in the SDGs via public markets.
Ramon S. Monzon, President and Chief Executive Officer at PSE, says:
The prevailing market environment serves as an ideal backdrop for discussions to spur IPO listings and policies aimed at making the Philippine capital market more competitive. We are grateful to MOBILIST for co-hosting these back-to-back events with PSE and we hope to have more collaborative endeavors in the future. We are also looking forward to more MOBILIST-supported companies going public in the near future.
As the Philippines continues to evolve as a key player in the global investment landscape, these collaborative efforts will play a crucial role in shaping a more dynamic and sustainable capital market for the future. The ongoing dialogue and shared vision between the UK and the Philippines set the stage for long-term growth, innovation, and mutual prosperity.
ENDS
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) pursues the UK’s national interests and projects the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office
A flagship UK government programme, MOBILIST supports investment solutions that help deliver the climate transition and the United Nation’s Global Goals in developing economies. MOBILIST focuses on mobilising institutional capital to spur new scalable and replicable financial products. MOBILIST invests capital, delivers technical assistance, conducts research and builds partnerships to catalyse investment in new listed products.
Research Note: Philippines renewables IPO demonstrates maturing markets for energy transition in EMDES
Mari Blumenthal, MOBILIST mblumenthal@mobilistglobal.com
Cherrie Nuez, British Embassy Manila Cherrie.Nuez@fcdo.gov.uk
Fristine Chua, Philippine Stock Exchange flchua@pse.com.ph
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI)
For Immediate Release Contact: Tionee Scotland
October 30, 2024 202-808-6129
PRESS RELEASE
PLASKETT PROVIDES CRITICAL UPDATE ON USPS ISSUE OF UNTIMELY PACKAGE DELIVERY
Washington, D.C. – The office of Congresswoman Plaskett has held numerous meetings with United States Postal Service (USPS) regional leadership related to the exorbitant package delivery delays that continue to affect Virgin Islanders.
After a number of meetings with the leadership of USPS regarding the delays, we would like to share the following information which outlines the USPS process and proposed changes to rectify the issues we are facing:
Background:
– The estimated delivery service for Ground Advantage Service, Parcel Select, and Priority Mail that contains hazardous materials or non-standard dimensions to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands is 14 – 21 days. USPS indicated this timeframe is not guaranteed based on several factors, including origin and destination zip codes, package volume, and weather. Amazon recently changed their shipping from Ground Advantage to Parcel Select. Prior to this change, Amazon planes would fly into San Juan and the packages would be distributed and delivered from San Juan via air. Due to the Parcel Select change, once the St. Thomas/St. John and St. Croix packages were scanned and banded, FAA regulations prohibit the packages from being sent by air, as this designation requires transport via surface mail. Consequently, several packages were in the process of being re-routed back to Jacksonville since there has not been mail barge service between Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Intervention:
– As a direct result of Congresswoman Plaskett’s intervention and persistence, USPS has agreed to not send the packages back to Jacksonville to go through the process again but to retain the parcel select packages from Amazon and other packages that could not be shipped by plane, and those packages are NOW being held in a holding facility in Puerto Rico. Effective Saturday, November 2nd, 2024, the packages will be barged from Puerto Rico to the Virgin Islands. The barge will leave Puerto Rico early in the morning on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024. Packages will be off loaded in St. Thomas first and then the barge will continue over to St. Croix. The barge will travel with packages to the Virgin Islands every Saturday.
– Regular Priority mail and Ground Advantage packages that are not mislabeled due to the robotic labeling issue will continue to be flown or barged from Jacksonville to St. Thomas and St. Croix without delays.
Congresswoman Plaskett shared, “My team and I realize that this USPS issue impacts a myriad of people in our community—businessowners awaiting their products, individuals who need prescriptions, and so many others. I would like to thank the USPS employees for their tireless work to ensure that we are able to get our mail despite the various delays with the system, and I would also like to thank all the individuals that called in and/or sent in their USPS complaints. My team and I will continue to advocate on behalf of our territory to ensure that this issue and others like it with USPS are resolved as quickly as possible.”
To report a USPS complaint for our office’s records, please contact our offices at 340-778-5900 or 340-774-4408.
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Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Moorhouse:
Police are continuing to make enquiries into the death of a man in Tolerton Avenue on Monday 28 October.
A homicide investigation was launched following the man’s death after he was transported to hospital at around 4.20am.
The victim can now be named as 67-year-old Wayne Tamahori Dewes.
Police are supporting the family of the deceased at this difficult time.
A scene guard remains at the address and Police hope to release the scene later today.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Australia Government Ministerial Statements
CATHERINE KING: Hi, I’m Catherine King. I’m the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, and one of the great parts of my job is being able to invest in local communities. Today we’re announcing here in Cowes that the Albanese Labor Government is committing $8 million to upgrade the esplanade, to do the work that’s needed to ensure that this is a much more pedestrian-friendly area for the beautiful people that come to Phillip Island each year, who live on the island, and call this home. This investment alongside over $21 million worth of funding that we’re announcing as part of the regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, another project in Hamilton, a project in Mansfield, and a project in Cobram, are really important projects for local communities. What they enable and the reason we’ve been looking to invest alongside council in these projects is to create precincts that come to life. Where the infrastructure may be a bit tired, it’s not working, we’re really trying to make sure we’re bringing people back into the centres and regions, that we’re providing that opportunity for new businesses to flourish, but also really for places to be used because we know how important that is to local communities.
So, really delighted to be here today to announce the latest round of regional Precincts and Partnerships funding and the $8 million to give to the Cowes community. I might hand over to the CEO – obviously the council is in caretaker at the moment – to say a few words and then I’ll be happy to take some questions.
GREG BOX: Thank you, Minister. So, we’re really pleased to have you here and really pleased to have the Federal Government provide this funding. Ultimately, it’ll bring the money to 9.6 million from council’s contribution. This is an iconic part of Victoria. It’s an iconic street. And really, that investment is going to bring that right up as, the Minister said, and transform it into the sort of place that we want this to be. We’ve had an enormous amount of investment over the last ten years. The master planning for this was done out in 2015, and that master planning has culminated in nearly $300 million worth of investment around this site and around this place. So it’s incredible work and council’s really proud of it, but we’re actually really excited and looking forward to transforming this space right now.
CATHERINE KING: Great. Happy to take some questions.
QUESTION: So traffic will be going one way in Cowes?
CATHERINE KING: Yeah. Well I think if you’ve ever come down here at summer- it’s a little while since I’ve been down here on holidays. I used to come down here a lot as a kid. But it’s pretty busy and it’s really very congested and hard to get through. But it also makes it dangerous when you’ve got families with little kids who are trying to get access to the shops, trying to get their kids ice creams, or just come and do your shopping. It does make it really difficult over summer. And of course, anyone who’s been down here knows that it banks up, so that means you’ve just got a decent traffic flow. You really make sure you’re slowing cars down, you’re pedestrianising access. That makes it safer, but it also makes it a much better place for people. People want to come here, they want to actually come and shop, and that’s really good for the retailers as well.
QUESTION: Will there be any impacts to car parking?
CATHERINE KING: Again, that’s really a matter for council. They’re delivering the project. The Federal Government is delivering the funding and partnership, so I’ll hand over to the CEO to make [indistinct].
GREG BOX: Yeah, we’ll work through the detailed design of it. We’re not really talking about net losses and gains at the moment. There’s a whole lot of detail still to be done on that. But as the Minister said, really, what we’re trying to do is prioritise people in the space. We already experience an enormous amount of people in this space, and letting them be able to interact both with business and community is incredibly important. Providing shade, there’ll be curve extensions. This part of the world will be one of those places that you really do want to walk and sit and contemplate. It’s the only north facing beach in Victoria. It really is an iconic spot and we’re experiencing that today with the sun on us. It’s really a magnificent spot to actually stop and engage in local culture.
QUESTION: And so it will be one way up until Chapel Street, is that right?
GREG BOX: Yes. Just until- just up until chapel. And it’ll be one way coming down this way, and then it’ll go one way both ways around. So again, as the Minister said, that will slow down traffic and will enable people to feel like the space is something that they can inhabit more safely.
QUESTION: And Minister, speaking about the other areas across the state receiving funding, were they announced- are you announcing them today or have they already been…
CATHERINE KING: We’re announcing all of the Victorian regional Precincts and Partnerships Projects today. So, the work in Hamilton, Mansfield and Cobram. And over $21 million across the state of Victoria. What we’re really looking for are- these are place-based funding. It’s to really look at how do you improve the places where regional communities live, how do you get partnerships between council, Federal Government, commercial retailers, not-for-profit organisations to really make those places where people want to come and live.
QUESTION: Is there anything that stands out about [indistinct]? One-way traffic or anything.
CATHERINE KING: So, yeah, really to me, what I’ve been looking for and I’ve got a panel of people who are really involved in urban planning and changing places. And so they do the assessments for me, and that comes to me. But what I’ve been looking for is have we got areas that are underutilised, have older buildings in them that really have been- have had huge uses throughout their life but are not really being used; spaces that are not being activated. So really, that’s what I’ve been looking for. What changes a place and makes a place more liveable for people in our communities. And that’s really what this program is about.
QUESTION: And why have these towns been specifically selected?
CATHERINE KING: Again, because of the excellence of their projects. If you look at the projects here in Cowes, this is about changing places. It’s about changing the way that people who live in this community interact with the built environment and use it more effectively, and that’s really what these projects are about.
