Category: Transport

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire Safety – Outdoor fires prohibited in Manawatū-Whanganui coastal areas

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a prohibited fire season in Manawatū-Whanganui’s coastal areas from 8am on Friday 21 February, until further notice.

A prohibited fire season means no open-air fires are allowed and all fire permits are suspended.

The coastal zone includes Whanganui city and eight coastal communities.

Manawatū-Whanganui District Manager Nigel Dravitzki says the lack of rain, warm temperatures, and drying winds are set to continue, so outdoor fires are being prohibited as a safety precaution.

“There might be some isolated rain, but the overall fire risk remains very high at the moment,” he says.

“In these conditions, we often see fires from controlled burns escaping, and these can move fast and are hard to put out when it’s so dry.

“We want to keep people, property and the environment safe while the fire risk is high.”

Nigel Dravitzki is also asking people in Manawatū-Whanganui to take care with any heat- or spark-generating activities, such as using machinery or power tools, or parking vehicles on dry grass, especially on hot, windy days.

“If you’re thinking about lighting a fire, go to checkitsalright.nz, which tells you what the restrictions are for your location, and provides safety guidance to stay safe,” he says.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: A new play about Julian Assange, Truth is an intelligent, thoughtful and unsettling work

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Hunter, Senior Lecturer in Art and Performance, Deakin University

Pia Johnson/Malthouse Theatre

Truth, the new play from writer-director pair Patricia Cornelius and Susie Dee, dives headfirst into the contentious world of Julian Assange. It offers us a nuanced portrait of the WikiLeaks founder who transformed from hacker wunderkind to global lightning rod.

An apt celebration of the significant body of work from the acclaimed duo, Truth opens nearly 40 years after the pair created and performed their first collaboration, Lilly and May.

Assange rose to global prominence by publishing classified documents that exposed government secrets and surveillance programs. He became both a celebrated whistleblower and a controversial figure in debates about transparency and national security.

Truth unravels the threads of his story.

Truth reveals the complex legacy of a man whose actions have both championed and challenged modern democracy.
Pia Johnson/Malthouse Theatre

A complex legacy

The work is set in a spare, black-box space, characterised by Matilda Woodroofe’s bureaucratic brutalist design.

A backdrop of hard mesh enclosures and scaffolded structures evokes a monotonous line of outdoor exercise yards or prison cells. This is flanked by colourless filing cabinets, 80s-style laminated brown desks and office chairs on wheels. A giant LED screen crowns the structure.

The ensemble (Emily Havea, Tomàš Kantor, James O’Connell, Eva Rees and Eva Seymour) weaves together key moments in Assange’s life, revealing the complex legacy of a man whose actions have both championed and challenged modern democracy.

Speaking in chorus at times, the actors perform multiple versions of Assange and other characters. They are journalists, whistleblowers, narrators, and include the key figures of Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning.

A terrific and youthful ensemble cast delivers sensitive and energised performances.
Pia Johnson/Malthouse Theatre

Characterised by Cornelius’ trademark rapid-fire dialogue, the text is tightly calibrated with smart, sparse, dry comments that, at times, comically undercut our Australian sensibilities. As one character says, “the worst thing to be in this country is too smart”.

The ensemble is physically dynamic and vocally strong. They have a particular choreographic fluidity. A spaciousness and attention to timing allows each performance to land. This is a testament both to Dee’s sharp, contained direction, and a terrific and youthful ensemble cast who deliver sensitive and energised performances.

From geek to advocate

The play moves chronologically through Assange’s life. We begin with the rocky early years marked by the dissonance between his sharp intelligence and reputation as computer nerd. We witness his arrests for hacking. We follow his evolution from awkward geek to outspoken advocate for free speech.

The play offers us a nuanced portrait of the WikiLeaks founder who transformed from hacker wunderkind to global lightning rod.
Pia Johnson/Malthouse Theatre

The play is grounded in comprehensive research, and solo moments featuring Snowden and Manning serve as poignant interludes to the fast-paced narrative of Assange’s life events.

I am struck by the way the work unsettles my preconceptions. The small, stark image of a naked Private Manning in her isolated cell is particularly raw and affecting – but is juxtaposed on stage against Assange’s dubious behaviour towards two young women in Sweden.

The show clips along, all the while unfolding a nuanced consideration of the complexities of reported narratives and the myriad ways in which journalistic narratives are influenced – and controlled.

The delivery to the audience is largely direct-address. This risks becoming tedious, but Cornelius’ intelligent style and the ensemble’s strong performance carries through.

The LED screen is used to great effect. The video design (Meri Blazevski) shifts through rainstorms of binary digits, to list of early Assange manifestos or leaked stories, to pixellated images of actors’ faces as teenage gamers.

The work is set in a spare, black-box space, characterised by Matilda Woodroofe’s bureaucratic brutalist design.
Pia Johnson/Malthouse Theatre

In a long and shocking sequence, we witness drone footage from the Afghanistan war logs accompanied by the chillingly dispassionate commentary of the operators.

Often, the screen becomes a surface for live video feeds which work to personalise or disembody characters, functioning variously as narrator, witness, and surveillance device. Transitions between closeups, documentation and stark data both drive and complicate the storytelling.

Kelly Ryall’s composition and sound design – often paired with the pulsing or flashing giant texts on the screen – is a retro-electronic tapestry of victory chimes, synthetic bleeps and Pac Man pings. It is all underscored by deep digital tones and rapid analogue tapping of keyboards.

A long artistic relationship

This is an intelligent and thoughtful show that manages to be both complex and entertaining. The play is particularly salient given current global events, challenging us to consider the scale of what we’re up against, how long we should remain silent, and what power – if any – we have to effect change.

In an era of heated debate about transparency and fake news, Truth emerges as a vital and edgy work in the capable hands of two highly respected theatre makers.

The work is testament to the longevity of an artistic relationship between two older women that carries decades of embodied knowledge.

Despite the persistent ageism in Australian theatre that often equates “urgency” exclusively with youth, this work reminds us older artists can and do challenge and disrupt – and bring a special and necessary currency to our cultural life.

Truth is at Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne, until March 8.

Kate Hunter 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. A new play about Julian Assange, Truth is an intelligent, thoughtful and unsettling work – https://theconversation.com/a-new-play-about-julian-assange-truth-is-an-intelligent-thoughtful-and-unsettling-work-247909

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Arrests – Driving offences – Greater Darwin Region

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested two females and four males yesterday for driving under the influence of drugs.

Darwin Traffic Operations members launched a road blitz yesterday targeting speeding in the Greater Darwin Region, resulting in six positive roadside drug tests during random traffic apprehensions.

Two females, aged 40 and 41 years-old, and the four males aged 33, 37, 39, and 52 years-old, have had their drivers licences immediately suspended. Some of the offenders were issued with infringement notices and some have been summonsed to appear in court at a later date.

Darwin Traffic Operations are also investigating a hooning incident that occurred on Saturday night. Police allege two vehicles took off at speed from traffic lights and were later observed on CCTV footage fishtailing along the road. One of the vehicles contained a 3-year-old child at the time of the incident.

A 33-year-old male involved in this incident, will have his vehicle seized and will be summonsed to appear in the Darwin Local Court at a later date. He has been charged with participating in speed trials / races, drive vehicle cause loss of traction and dangerous driving.

Superintendent Paul Wood said, “It is utterly disgraceful that these individuals have chosen to endanger the lives of our fellow Territorians. Not only were these motorists speeding, they also tested positive for drugs. This is a blatant disregard for public safety.”

“Police will continue to remind all road users about the Fatal Five as they are critical factors that contribute to the tragic loss of life on our roads.”

MIL OSI News –

February 20, 2025

MIL-OSI: SBM Offshore Full Year 2024 Earnings

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Amsterdam, February 20, 2025

Record-level results, increasing total shareholder returns

Highlights

Record Directional¹ Revenue of US$6.1 billion (+35%), in line with guidance
Record Directional EBITDA of US$1.9 billion (+44%), in line with guidance
Record US$35.1 billion Directional backlog; US$9.5 billion or EUR51.6/share² Directional net cash backlog³
30% increase in cash return to US$1.59 per share⁴: US$155 million dividend⁵; US$150 million share repurchase⁶
US$1.7 billion cash return to shareholders over the coming 6 years
2025 Directional Revenue guidance of above US$4.9 billion
2025 Directional EBITDA guidance of around US$1.55 billion
Completion of FPSO Prosperity and Liza Destiny sales in Q4 2024
FPSO Almirante Tamandaré achieved first oil on February 15, 2025

SBM Offshore’s 2024 Annual Report can be found on its website under: Annual Reports – SBM Offshore

Øivind Tangen, CEO of SBM Offshore, commented:

“SBM Offshore has delivered excellent results in 2024 with a record-level directional revenue of US$6.1 billion and record-level directional EBITDA of US$1.9 billion, reflecting three new awards and the purchases of FPSOs Prosperity and Liza Destiny by ExxonMobil Guyana. Thanks to the addition of three new awards, we ended the year with a record US$35.1 billion backlog. From this we expect to generate US$9.5 billion net cash, equivalent to almost 52 euro per share². Based on this strong performance, we are increasing our fixed cash return by 30% to US$1.59 per share⁴ through a proposed US$155 million dividend⁵ and US$150 million share repurchase⁶ program. At this level we will deliver a minimum US$1.7 billion cash return to shareholders over the next 6 years.

Our Fast4Ward^® program is setting the pace for deepwater developments. FPSO Almirante Tamandaré achieved first oil on February 15, 2025. This vessel, which benefits from emission reduction technologies, is the largest operating unit in Brazil. Two additional units are on track to achieve first oil in 2025. First, FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão which sailed-away at the end of 2024, followed by FPSO ONE GUYANA. These three units have a combined capacity of 655,000 barrels of oil per day. With these achievements, we are further de-risking our construction portfolio.

We strive for excellence both in terms of project execution and asset management. Our lifecycle approach in the FPSO market is unique and the focus on continuous improvement is setting a strong foundation for success. The outlook for new deepwater projects is strong given their low break-even prices and low emission intensity. In the next three years, we see 16 projects in the
Company’s core market of large and complex FPSOs, driven by the promising prospects in Brazil, Guyana, Suriname and Namibia. We have ordered our 10^th MPF hull giving us two hulls to support tendering activities. We will remain disciplined in selecting the highest quality projects.

As the world’s ocean-infrastructure expert we are using our experience to further diversify and decarbonize the solutions we offer. In 2024, we created a joint venture, Ekwil, with Technip Energies to enhance our floating offshore wind product offering, and in early 2025 we completed a minority equity investment in Ocean-Power to offer lower-emission power solutions. We are now able to offer a market ready near-zero emission FPSO and were recently awarded a contract by Petrobras to qualify SBM’s Carbon Capture Module technology for FPSOs.”

Financial Overview⁷

	Directional			IFRS

in US$ million	FY 2024	FY 2023	% Change	FY 2024	FY 2023	% Change
Revenue	6,111	4,532	35%	4,784	4,963	-4%
Lease and Operate	2,369	1,954	21%	2,074	1,563	33%
Turnkey	3,743	2,578	45%	2,710	3,400	-20%
EBITDA	1,896	1,319	44%	1,041	1,239	-16%
Lease and Operate	1,261	1,124	12%	842	695	21%
Turnkey	724	296	145%	287	646	-56%
Other	(89)	(101)	-12%	(88)	(101)	-13%
Profit attributable to Shareholders	907	524	73%	150	491	-69%
Earnings per share (US$ per share)	5.08	2.92	74%	0.84	2.74	-69%

in US$ billion	FY 2024	FY 2023	% Change	FY 2024	FY 2023	% Change
Pro-forma Backlog	35.1	30.3	16%	–	–	–
Net Debt	5.7	6.7	-15%	8.1	8.7	-7%

Directional revenue increased by 35% to US$6,111 million compared with US$4,532 million in 2023. This increase is driven by the Directional Turnkey revenue which rose to US$3,743 million in 2024 compared with US$2,578 million in 2023. This 45% increase stems from (i) the sale of FPSOs Prosperity and Liza Destiny completed respectively in November and December 2024, (ii) the progress on awarded contracts for the FPSOs Jaguar and GranMorgu, (iii) the 13.5% divestment to CMFL completed in October 2024, and (iv) the increased support to the fleet through brownfield projects. This increase was partly offset by a reduction in charter revenues following (i) the sale of FPSO Liza Unity in November 2023, (ii) the completion of FPSO Prosperity during the last quarter of 2023 as well as a delay in the start-up of FPSO Sepetiba early 2024, and (iii) a comparatively lower level of progress on both FPSOs Almirante Tamandaré and Alexandre de Gusmão as those projects approached completion in 2024.

Directional Lease and Operate revenue stood at US$2,369 million compared with US$1,954 million in the year-ago period. This 21% increase mainly reflects (i) FPSO Prosperity joining the fleet during the last quarter of 2023 and Sepetiba joining the fleet in January 2024, (ii) a higher contribution of FPSOs N’Goma, Saxi Batuque and Mondo following the acquisition of interests held by Sonangol mid-2024, and (iii) an increase in reimbursable scope. This was partly offset by FPSO Liza Unity only contributing in 2024 as an operating contract following the purchase of the unit by ExxonMobil Guyana at the end of 2023.

Directional EBITDA amounted to US$1,896 million, which is a 44% year-on-year increase compared with US$1,319 million in 2023. This was mostly attributable to the Turnkey segment which increased by over US$400 million to US$724 million in 2024. Directional Turnkey EBITDA was mainly impacted by (i) the same drivers as for Directional Turnkey revenue (except that being at relative early stages of completion, FPSO Jaguar only contributed marginally to Turnkey EBITDA and FPSO GranMorgu not at all), and (ii) a reduced investment on Floating Offshore Wind projects following the implementation of Ekwil Joint Venture in partnership with Technip Energies.

Directional Lease and Operate EBITDA stood at US$1,261 million for the year-ended 2024 compared with US$1,124 million in the previous year. The 12% increase reflects (i) the same key factors as for Directional Lease and Operate revenue, (ii) the net gain on the acquisition of interests held by Sonangol in 3 FPSOs and the divestment in the parent company of the Paenal shipyard in Angola, and (iii) the dividends related to FPSO N’Goma partially offset by (iv) additional non-recurring maintenance costs for the fleet under operation.

The other non-allocated costs charged to EBITDA amounted to US$(89) million in 2024, a US$(12) million improvement compared with the previous period mainly due to the one-off impact of US$11 million of restructuring costs in 2023.

During the last quarter of 2024, the Company performed a review of revised estimates of cash flow, maintenance and repair costs. Based on this analysis, actual values and future cash flows related to FPSO Cidade de Anchieta were re-estimated leading to an impairment charge of US$(39) million, accounted for in the 2024 results.

Directional net profit increased by over 70% standing at US$907 million in 2024, or US$5.08 per share, mainly reflecting the increase in Directional EBITDA.

Liquidity, Funding and Directional Net Debt

The Company’s financial position has remained strong as a result of the cash flow generated by the fleet, as well as the positive contribution of the Turnkey activities.

Directional Net debt decreased by US$(936) million to US$5,719 million at year-end 2024. This was driven by the repayment of the FPSOs Prosperity and Liza Destiny financings, the proceeds from the sale of the vessels and the Lease and Operate segment’s strong operating cash flow. This was partially offset by drawings on project financing facilities to fund the construction portfolio. The Company drew on the project finance facilities for FPSO ONE GUYANA, FPSO Almirante Tamandaré and FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão; additionally, the US$1.5 billion construction financing for FPSO Jaguar was signed and partly drawn in November 2024.

More than a third of the Company’s Directional debt for the year-ended 2024 consisted of non-recourse project financing (US$2.2 billion) in special purpose investees. The remainder (US$4 billion) consisted mainly of borrowings to support the ongoing construction of 3 FPSOs which will become non-recourse following achievement of first oil. The project loan for FPSO Jaguar will be repaid following completion of construction. The Company’s RCF was drawn for US$500 million as at December 31, 2024 and the Revolving Credit Facility for MPF hull financing was drawn for US$89 million.

Directional cash and cash equivalents amounted to US$606 million and lease liabilities totaled US$93 million at December 31, 2024.

Cash and undrawn committed credit facilities amount to US$2,639 million at December 31, 2024.

Directional Pro-Forma Backlog

Change in ownership scenarios and lease contract duration have the potential to significantly impact the Company’s future cash flows, net debt balance as well as the profit and loss statement. The Company therefore provides a pro-forma Directional backlog based on the best available information regarding ownership scenarios and lease contract duration for the various projects.

The pro-forma Directional backlog at the end of December 2024 increased by US$4.8 billion to a total of US$35.1 billion. This was mainly the result of (i) the FPSO Jaguar contract awarded in April 2024, (ii) the FSO Trion contract awarded in August 2024, and (iii) the FPSO GranMorgu contract awarded in November 2024, partially offset by (iv) turnover for the period which consumed approximately US$6.1 billion of backlog (including the sale of FPSO Prosperity completed in November 2024 and the sale of FPSO Liza Destiny completed in December 2024, in advance of the initial lease terms which were respectively in November 2025 and in December 2029), and (v) the 13.5% divestment to CMFL completed in October 2024, which was not reflected in the pro-forma Directional backlog end of 2023. The Company’s backlog provides cash flow visibility up to 2050.

in US$ billion	Turnkey	Lease & Operate	Total
2025	2.6	2.3	4.9
2026	1.6	2.6	4.2
2027	3.3	2.1	5.4
Beyond 2028	0.2	20.3	20.5
Total pro-forma Directional backlog	7.7	27.3	35.1

The pro-forma Directional backlog at the end of 2024 reflects the following key assumptions:

The FPSO ONE GUYANA contract covers a maximum lease period of 2 years, within which the ownership of the FPSO will transfer to the client. The impact of the subsequent sale is reflected in the Turnkey backlog.
The FPSO Jaguar contract awarded to the Company in April 2024 covers the construction period within which the FPSO ownership will transfer to the client and is reported in the Turnkey backlog.
10 years of operations and maintenance are considered for FPSOs Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, Prosperity and ONE GUYANA following signature of the Operations & Maintenance Enabling Agreement in 2023. Regarding FPSO Jaguar, the pro-forma Directional backlog includes the operating and maintenance scope for 10 years as it has been agreed in principle, pending a final work order. This is consistent with prior years.
The FPSO GranMorgu contract awarded to the Company in November 2024 covers the construction period within which the FPSO ownership will transfer to the client and is reported in the Turnkey backlog.
The FSO Trion contract awarded to the Company in August 2024 is considered for 20 years in lease and operate contracts at the Company ownership share at year-end (100%).
The transaction with MISC Berhad related to the FPSO Espírito Santo and FPSO Kikeh announced on September 6, 2024, and completed on January 31, 2025, has been reflected in the pro-forma Directional backlog.

Project Review and Fleet Operational Update

Project	Client/Country	Contract	SBM Share	Capacity, Size	Percentage of Completion	Project delivery
FPSO *Alexandre de Gusmão*	Petrobras Brazil	22.5-year L&O	55%	180,000 bpd	>75%	2025
FPSO *ONE GUYANA*	ExxonMobil Guyana	2-year BOT	100%	250,000 bpd	>75%	2025
FPSO *Jaguar*	ExxonMobil Guyana	Sale & Operate	100%	250,000 bpd	>25% <50%	2027
FSO Trion	Woodside	20-year Lease	100%	n/a	<25%	n/a⁸
FPSO *GranMorgu*	TotalEnergies	Sale & Operate	52%	220,000 bpd	<25%	2028

Projects are on track with one major delivery achieved in early 2025. After successful completion of the offshore commissioning activities, FPSO Almirante Tamandaré achieved first oil on February 15, 2025. An update on the individual ongoing projects is provided below considering the latest known circumstances.

FPSO Alexandre de Gusmão – In December 2024, the vessel safely departed from the yard in China after successful completion of the onshore topsides’ integration and commissioning phase. The FPSO is on its way to Brazil. First oil is expected mid-2025.

FPSO ONE GUYANA – Integration activities are completed and project teams are finalizing commissioning activities. First oil is expected in the second half of 2025.

FPSO Jaguar – The Fast4Ward^® MPF hull has been safely delivered and arrived in Singapore in preparation for the remaining vessel activities. The topside modules fabrication in Singapore continues as planned. First oil is expected in 2027.

FSO Trion – Engineering and procurement are progressing in line with project schedule.

FPSO GranMorgu – The Fast4Ward^® MPF hull has been safely delivered. Engineering and procurement are progressing in line with project schedule.

Fast4Ward^®MPF hulls – Under the Company’s successful Fast4Ward^® program, the 10^th MPF hull has been ordered. 4 Fast4Ward^® MPF hulls are in operation, another 4 allocated to projects and 2 reserved as part of tendering activities driven by the strong FPSO market outlook.

Contract extension – The Company has agreed a contract extension related to the lease and operation of FPSO Saxi Batuque up to June 2026.

Fleet Uptime – The fleet’s uptime was 95.9% in 2024.

Safety and Sustainability

Safety – The Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (“TRIFR”) year-to-date was 0.10, 17% below the yearly target of below 0.12⁹, notwithstanding the high level of activity.

Fleet emissions – For 2024, the Company set a target to further optimize operational excellence on the FPSOs for which it provides operations and maintenance services amounting to a maximum absolute volume of gas flared below 1.57 mmscft/d as an overall FPSO fleet average during the year. As of December 31, 2024, SBM Offshore outperformed this target with the actual being 1.33 mmscft/d, a 15% improvement compared with 2024 target and mainly driven by a continued focus on reducing the number of unplanned events in its operated fleet.

Sustain-2 Notation – FPSO Liza Unity is the 1^st FPSO which has received a Sustain-2 Notation by American Bureau of Shipping. This sustainability certificate recognizes the Company’s efforts in minimizing environmental impacts over the lifecycle of the FPSO including the use of low carbon technologies as well as the focus on workers’ wellbeing.

ESG ratings – In recognition of the Company’s continued focus on sustainability, MSCI has improved SBM Offshore’s rating from AA in 2023 to AAA in 2024 and Sustainalytics included the Company in its 2024 ESG Industry Top Rated, with the Company ranking 2^nd out of 106 industry peers.

Sustainable recycling – The Deep Panuke Production Field Center recycling project reached completion in Nova Scotia, Canada, in early 2024 with 97% of the waste materials were sold, recycled or reused and the remainder 3% was safely disposed of. As for the FPSO Capixaba project, following the handover to M.A.R.S., the Company continues to monitor the safe execution of the decommissioning which is expected to reach completion in 2026.

Blue Economy

SBM Offshore is a blue economy company aiming to manage ocean resources for economic growth while preserving ecosystems. Using its deepwater expertise, the Company is advancing technologies focusing on decarbonizing and diversifying its ocean infrastructure solutions. Ranging from floating offshore wind to offshore hydrogen and ammonia, SBM Offshore remains selective and disciplined in developing innovative solutions and investing in new ocean infrastructure solutions.

Provence Grand Large – The three floating offshore wind turbines that were installed by SBM Offshore at the end of 2023 for the Provence Grand Large project, jointly owned by EDF Renewables and Maple Power, were fully commissioned and started production in 2024.

Floventis Energy Ltd – In December 2024, SBM Offshore reached an agreement with Cierco Energy to sell its shares in the joint venture company Floventis Energy Ltd, thus transferring the ownership of both Cademo and Llŷr Floating Wind projects to Cierco Energy. As planned, following the advancement of these pioneering projects and acquiring valuable knowledge in the offshore wind market, the Company will continue to concentrate its efforts on the remaining two larger scale projects in its portfolio.

emissionZERO^®program – SBM Offshore continues to address FPSO emissions reduction through its emissionZERO^® program and is offering a market-ready near zero emission FPSO for 2025, featuring advanced technologies such as carbon capture, combined cycle gas turbines and deepwater intake risers.

Carbon Capture Module – SBM Offshore has been awarded a contract by Petrobras to qualify SBM’s Carbon Capture Module technology for FPSOs. The Carbon Capture Module for post combustion removal of CO₂ from gas turbine exhaust gasses on FPSO’s has been developed in partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

Blue Power Hub – With the aim to decarbonize the offshore power generation sector, SBM Offshore signed in December 2024 an investment agreement with the Norwegian company Ocean-Power AS to develop and commercialize offshore power generation units with CO₂ capture and storage. This investment has been completed in early 2025.

Capital allocation and Shareholder Returns

The Company’s shareholder returns policy is to maintain a stable annual cash return to shareholders which grows over time, with flexibility for the Company to make such cash return in the form of a cash dividend and the repurchase of shares. Determination of the annual cash return is based on the Company’s assessment of its underlying cash flow position. The Company prioritizes a stable cash distribution to shareholders and funding of growth projects, with the option to apply surplus capital towards incremental cash returns to shareholders.

As a result, following review of its cash flow position and forecast, the Company intends to pay US$1.59 per share through a proposed US$155m dividend⁵ (EUR150 million equivalent or US$0.88 per share⁴) and US$150 million (EUR141 million equivalent) share repurchase program⁶. This represents an increase of 30% compared with 2024. The objective of the share buyback program would be to reduce share capital and provide shares for regular management and employee share programs (maximum US$25 million). Shares repurchased as part of the cash return will be cancelled.

The share repurchase program will be launched after the current share repurchase program has ended. The dividend will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting on April 9, 2025.

Guidance

The Company’s 2025 Directional revenue guidance is above US$4.9 billion of which above US$2.2 billion is expected from the Lease and Operate segment and around US$2.7 billion from the Turnkey segment.

2025 Directional EBITDA guidance is around US$1.55 billion for the Company.

Conference Call

SBM Offshore has scheduled a conference call together with a webcast, which will be followed by a Q&A session, to discuss the Full Year 2024 Earnings release.

The event is scheduled for Thursday February 20, 2025, at 10.00 AM (CET) and will be hosted by Øivind Tangen (CEO) and Douglas Wood (CFO).

Interested parties are invited to register prior the call using the link: Full Year 2024 Earnings Conference Call

Please note that the conference call can only be accessed with a personal identification code, which is sent to you by email after completion of the registration.

The live webcast will be available at: Full Year 2024 Earnings Webcast

A replay of the webcast, which is available shortly after the call, can be accessed using the same link.

Corporate Profile

SBM Offshore is the world’s deepwater ocean-infrastructure expert. Through the design, construction, installation, and operation of offshore floating facilities, we play a pivotal role in a just transition. By advancing our core, we deliver cleaner, more efficient energy production. By pioneering more, we unlock new markets within the blue economy.

More than 7,800 SBMers collaborate worldwide to deliver innovative solutions as a responsible partner towards a sustainable future, balancing ocean protection with progress.

For further information, please visit our website at www.sbmoffshore.com.

Financial Calendar	Date	Year
Annual General Meeting	April 9	2025
First Quarter 2025 Trading Update	May 15	2025
Half Year 2025 Earnings	August 7	2025
Third Quarter 2025 Trading Update	November 13	2025
Full Year 2025 Earnings	February 26	2026

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations

Wouter Holties
Corporate Finance & Investor Relations Manager

Media Relations

Giampaolo Arghittu
Head of External Relations

Market Abuse Regulation

This press release may contain inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

Disclaimer

Some of the statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or events to differ materially from those in such statements. These statements may be identified by words such as ‘expect’, ‘should’, ‘could’, ‘shall’ and / or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The principal risks which could affect the future operations of SBM Offshore N.V. are described in the ‘Impacts, Risks and Opportunities’ section of the 2024 Annual Report.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and performance of the Company’s business may vary materially and adversely from the forward-looking statements described in this release. SBM Offshore does not intend and does not assume any obligation to update any industry information or forward-looking statements set forth in this release to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise.

This release contains certain alternative performance measures (APMs) as defined by the ESMA guidelines which are not defined under IFRS. Further information on these APMs is included in the 2024 Annual Report, available on our website Annual Reports – SBM Offshore.

Nothing in this release shall be deemed an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities. The companies in which SBM Offshore N.V. directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this release “SBM Offshore” and “SBM” are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to SBM Offshore N.V. and its subsidiaries in general. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.

“SBM Offshore^®“, the SBM logomark, “Fast4Ward^®”, “emissionZERO^®” and “F4W^®” are proprietary marks owned by SBM Offshore.

¹ Directional reporting, presented in the Financial Statements under section 4.3.2 Operating Segments and Directional Reporting, represents a pro-forma accounting policy, which treats all lease contracts as operating leases and consolidates all co-owned investees related to lease contracts on a proportional basis based on percentage of ownership. This explanatory note relates to all Directional reporting in this document.
² Based on the number of shares outstanding and exchange rate EUR/US$ of 1.039 at December 31, 2024.

³ Reflects a pro-forma view of the Company’s Directional backlog and expected net cash from Turnkey, Lease and Operate and Build Operate Transfer sales after tax and debt service.
⁴ Based on the number of shares outstanding at December 31, 2024. Dividend amount per share depends on number of shares entitled to dividend.
⁵ Equivalent of EUR150 million based on the EUR/US$ exchange rate on February 11, 2025. Dividends will be paid in Euro provided that the minimum Euro dividend shall amount to EUR150 million.
⁶ Including maximum US$25 million for management and employee share plans.

⁷ Numbers may not add up due to rounding.
⁸ Project delivery not disclosed by the client.

⁹ Measured per 200,000 work hours.

Attachment

SBM Offshore Full Year 2024 Earnings

The MIL Network –

February 20, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: Exits: making warranty and indemnity insurance work for your sale process
Source: Allens Insights

A practical guide 7 min read

Warranty and indemnity insurance (W&I insurance) is now a near staple in sale processes run by sellers seeking a clean exit from an investment, especially in the private capital context. However, some processes—and parties—are able to make better use of the product than others.

In this Insight, we step through, in practical terms, how both sellers and buyers can optimise their use of W&I insurance in these processes.

Key takeaways
- For sellers: sellers should ensure they put in the work before launching a sale process so that the W&I program is set up for success. This means engaging the right broker and selecting the right insurer early and doing the necessary preparatory work so that the insurance terms are well defined and bidders are well placed to secure acceptable coverage. Leaving the W&I insurance to the bidder to solve is fraught.
- For bidders: bidders should leverage, rather than duplicate, any Vendor Due Diligence (VDD) that has been carried out and focus their top-up due diligence on the areas required to close coverage gaps or that really go to value, all with a view to presenting a bid that balances their recourse requirements with something that is easy for a seller to readily execute.
Is warranty and indemnity (W&I) insurance right for your process? A quick recap on the product

W&I insurance only covers unknown risks. All known issues are carved out from coverage, including matters identified in due diligence.

This means that if the business being sold has several known issues, sellers should carefully consider whether it makes sense to require bidders to obtain and pay for W&I insurance (as said known issues will be excluded under the policy, leaving an exposure for somebody to stand behind). If a clean exit is a non-negotiable and the issues are major, sellers may need to consider coupling it with (more expensive) known risk insurance.

On rare occasions, we have seen pressure from bidders to cause sellers to rethink the W&I program/recourse proposition mid-process, which can undermine the seller’s leverage in negotiating a clean exit and disrupt the overall auction process.

Sell-side
Select the right broker

A critical initial step is to select an experienced W&I insurance broker, and to do so early. A good broker actively negotiates pricing, coverage/exclusions and other policy terms, knows the bidder universe (eg if that is sponsors) and their typical requirements and has the bandwidth for the transaction. A seller’s ‘house’ insurance broker for ordinary course business may not necessarily fit this bill.

Select the right insurer

The W&I broker should test the insurance market for indicative proposals, focusing not only on best pricing, but also on the best terms and fewer exclusions. For example, a lack of a pollution/contamination exclusion, cyber exclusion or AML exclusion may be more valuable for the particular transaction than a lower premium.

Practical considerations are important too. For example, not all insurers have boots on the ground or the capacity to ‘run trees’ and take multiple bidders through pre-preferred underwriting in parallel. In addition, some insurers no longer require underwriting calls and get comfortable underwriting based on written responses to tailored sets of underwriting questions (which are prepared either way) – this saves real time and cost and is a more efficient process. In our experience, a good broker has a gauge on all of this.

Vendor due diligence? Settle scopes, identify gaps

Done well, Vendor Due Diligence is a worthwhile investment that cuts down the buy-side work bidders need to do to obtain appropriate coverage and, in turn, streamlines the often extensive demands on management time during the sale process itself.

To make it most efficient, sellers should look to the W&I broker to help settle the scope of each adviser’s VDD exercise before work gets underway. Once the VDD reports are ready, they should be shared with the preferred insurer to enable the insurer to prepare a ‘gaps memo’ that outlines for bidders what top-up due diligence the insurer does (and does not) expect in order to be able to provide fulsome coverage. Most insurers will require a sell-side underwriting fee for this exercise, however the fee is nominal in the context of the overall process and only payable if the process collapses, making it a worthwhile investment.

Payroll compliance sampling

Regardless of whether broader VDD is being carried out, if the target group has a reasonable sized workforce, sellers should seriously consider undertaking payroll compliance sampling – which is now a near pre-requisite for underpayment/misclassification coverage – prior to launching the process. Particularly if a clean exit is critical, getting ahead of this work stream is important to be able to obtain coverage.

At a minimum, the scope of required sampling should be settled with the broker and preferred insurer and all required sampling information collated in advance (this can take considerable time) and made available to bidders at the start of the confirmatory phase so that they can do it themselves.

The sampling scope is best framed with the input of both accounting and legal advisers. Key considerations include whether all or only some of the following are covered:
1. underpayment against entitlements (in enterprise agreement(s) and award(s));
2. misclassification of permanents vs casuals; and
3. misclassification of contractors vs employees.
A 5% sample size across three consecutive pay periods and a range of pay bands is a common rule of thumb, however this may be reduced for larger workforces.

Documents for bidders

W&I insurance expectations and process requirements should be outlined in the process letter for the auction, with the program proposal, gaps memo and draft policies made available to bidders from the outset of the binding bid phase so that bidders can move quickly. Ideally, sell side counsel should have done a first round of negotiation on the draft policies (primary and excess) so that the documents are in a sensible starting position for bidders.

The draft sale agreement should accurately reflect the ask on recourse, including who is obligated to pay the premium (usually the buyer in a competitive process). Sellers should give careful thought in particular to whether and in what circumstances they are prepared to stand behind title claims – for what period, from ‘dollar one’ or only above the policy limit, at the group level or only at the target entity level and so on. While sellers regularly open with a sale agreement that contemplates zero recourse for title claims, the negotiated position often sees them get comfortable standing behind these for a short period (say 2 years or so vs the 7 years available under the policy) and for amounts up to the sale price above the policy limit.

A tip on sale agreement limitation of liability regimes – the kitchen sink often isn’t necessary in a no or limited recourse deal, so sellers are often better off asking only for those they really need rather than engaging in protracted negotiation on those they don’t or eroding the bidder’s coverage position unnecessarily.
Buy-side

Top-up due diligence only

Some bidders have a tendency to effectively ignore the VDD that is made available and do ground up buy-side due diligence, which can be time consuming and costly. Where the VDD is high quality and reliance is being extended by the report providers, bidders should take advantage of it and look to confine their buy side work to top-up due diligence where necessary to plug gaps the insurer has identified (there are always some) or otherwise stress test areas of real focus or value.

Price the risk

The W&I premium is tied to the chosen policy limit and typically reduces (as a percentage of the limit) as the insurance tower grows and the rate is ‘blended’ across the primary and excess policies. However, beware of paying for a limit you do not need – the larger the deal the smaller the W&I insurance policy limit usually needs to be, with limits below 20% of enterprise value being common for bigger deals. Bidders are usually also better off accepting or ‘pricing’ the premium as a transaction cost, rather than seeking to split it with the seller in the sale agreement.

Make the broker work for you

Although bidders don’t usually get a say in the broker (firm or individual) in a sell-side arranged W&I program, it’s important for bidders to work effectively with the broker assigned to them to help secure the best possible terms. The best brokers earn their commission by proactively using their relationships and precedent transactions to push the insurer to provide better coverage terms.

Take a view on known risks or accept exposure?

In hotly contested processes, making the bid executable is key. For bidders, this could mean committing to paying for underwriting early (before being selected), getting comfortable with business as usual risks inherent to the asset being sold or taking a view on known issues where the exposure can be quantified and priced (rather than seeking recourse to the seller). In more extreme circumstances, this could mean signing the sale agreement before completing underwriting (and incepting or endorsing the W&I policy post signing, without the comfort of a W&I condition precedent). In the right circumstances, confident bidders can differentiate themselves and gain a competitive advantage by doing so, as it’s possible for their bid to be signed within a matter of hours after they are selected preferred (if the other transaction terms are settled).

Conclusion

W&I insurance is now a near-universal feature of private capital (and increasingly, corporate) sale processes. It is undoubtedly a useful product, but its true value turns on how well it is prepared for and used by the parties insisting and relying on it.

MIL OSI News –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: Establishment of a subsidiary and purchase of the property at Hiiu 42 in Tallinn for the construction of the Südamekodu nursing home

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Establishment of a subsidiary and purchase of the property at Hiiu 42 in Tallinn for the construction of the Südamekodu nursing home.
A 100% subsidiary of EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS has entered into a contract under the law of obligations, with the aim of establishing a nursing home there together with Südamekodud AS.
The fund’s 100% subsidiary EfTEN Hiiu OÜ has entered into a contract under the law of obligations with Südamekodud AS for the acquisition of the property located at Hiiu 42 in the Nõmme district of Tallinn. The fund plans to partially rebuild the property into a general nursing home “Nõmme Südamekodu”, which could accommodate up to 170 Südamekodu clients in the future.
The sale price of the property is four million euros, which will be paid upon conclusion of the real rights agreement, and the buyer will additionally invest up to two point five million euros in the reconstruction of the building. Currently, the design of the building’s reconstruction has begun. The expected return of the investment excluding bank leverage is 8%.
The North Estonia Medical Centre will continue to use the property under a valid lease agreement. After the conclusion of the real rights agreement, the property will also be rented under a long-term lease agreement to Südamekodud AS, whose vision is to be the best local care service provider in Estonia. Südamekodud AS offers its services in nursing homes located across Estonia, including the Valkla Südamekodu, Tartu Südamekodu and Pirita Südamekodu properties owned by other subsidiaries of the fund. The purchase of the property and investments will be financed from the fund’s equity capital raised from the SPO and a bank loan. The prerequisite for completing the transaction is the consent of the Estonian Competition Authority, after which a real rights agreement will be concluded for the transfer of ownership of the property.
EfTEN Hiiu OÜ is a 100% subsidiary of the fund established in the Republic of Estonia, with a share capital of 2,500 euros. The members of the management board of the limited liability company are Viljar Arakas and Tõnu Uustalu. The limited liability company does not have a supervisory board. The establishment of a subsidiary is not considered an acquisition of a qualifying holding within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the Tallinn Stock Exchange. The members of the Fund’s supervisory board and management board have no other personal interest in the transaction.

Viljar Arakas
Member of the Management Board
Tel 655 9515
E-post: viljar.arakas@eften.ee

The MIL Network –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Growing concerns over phthalates in plastic packaging highlight importance of alternative packaging solutions, says GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

Growing concerns over phthalates in plastic packaging highlight importance of alternative packaging solutions, says GlobalData

Posted in Packaging

Environmental organizations are increasingly highlighting the numerous health risks associated with phthalates, leading to a rise in consumer awareness and concern over the use of plastic packaging in processed food and beverage products.

The use of phthalates in plastic packaging is facing increased scrutiny due to a growing body of research that underscores significant health risks linked to these chemicals, observers GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. This concern has led to legal action by environmental organizations such as Earthjustice and the Environmental Defense Fund against the FDA over its alleged refusal to address regulation concerning the issue.

One notable health risk associated with plastics is their propensity to absorb flavors, colors, and odors, which consequently raises concerns about the potential leaching of harmful chemicals into food and beverage products packaged with this material.

Chris Rowland, Packaging Consultant and Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The European Union has implemented a ban or imposed restrictions on certain phthalate compounds that come into contact with food, a regulatory move adopted by other nations such as the United Kingdom and Canada. To future-proof their packaging capabilities, FMCG companies could explore innovative alternatives, including paper or plant-based materials, regardless of lagging regulation in the US. While initially this shift may entail higher costs, the growing consumer awareness of health risks associated with plastic packaging, coupled with a rising preference for sustainable packaging solutions and the tightening of global regulations on plastic packaging use, suggests that a failure to adapt could lead to a long-term competitive disadvantage.”

Physical health and fitness concerns could be impacting packaging choices

According to the latest consumer survey by GlobalData for Q4 2024, nearly half of global consumers (47%) are “extremely” or “quite” concerned about their physical fitness and health.

The same survey also highlights that over 50% of consumers are “extremely” or “quite concerned” about the amount of processed food they eat or give to others in the “meat”, “pre-packaged meals”, and “food/drinks for children” categories.

Rowland continues: “Consumers who are concerned about their physical fitness and dietary intake of processed foods tend to be more open to alternatives to plastic packaging. Consequently, an opportunity may arise for consumer packaged goods manufacturers to respond to these concerns, by providing packaging free from phthalates, prominently displaying this feature on the packaging, and working with their packaging suppliers to pioneer innovations in paper and biodegradable packaging for processed foods.”

“Phthalate-Free” claims associated with personal care products

At present, “Phthalate-Free” claims are predominantly associated with products within the personal care category, including soaps, cosmetics, and skincare products. Brands that provide phthalate-free options, such as Ecover, MyPure, and Natural Beauty, are at the forefront of this initiative. Additionally, certain niche food producers are making strides by advocating for packaging that is plastic-free, biodegradable, and recyclable. A case in point is Pheasants Hill Farm in the UK, which markets a range of food products, including steaks, mince, and burgers—in plastic-free pouches. These pouches are constructed from plant-based materials, which are claimed to be biodegradable, compostable, and ocean-friendly.

Alternative packaging formats are increasing in both variety and popularity.

Numerous packaging formats are now being presented as safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives to phthalate-containing plastic packaging. For example, mushroom packaging employs mycelium—the root structure of mushrooms—to bind agricultural waste into biodegradable packaging materials. This method is not only more sustainable but also provides natural insulation and protection for fragile goods. Seaweed is another material gaining popularity in the packaging industry because of its biodegradable properties and its ability to decompose without leaving harmful residues.

Rowland adds: “The health and environmental concerns associated with plastic packaging are significant and complex. Addressing these issues necessitates a collaborative effort from consumers, businesses, and regulators to adopt sustainable practices and alternative materials. By adopting paper-based packaging and other alternative materials, brands can align with consumer preferences, comply with regulations, and demonstrate their commitment to health, well-being, and sustainability.”

GlobalData Consumer Custom Solutions

GlobalData Consumer Custom Solutions offers sector-level expertise in the Consumer Packaged Goods, Food, Beverages, Foodservice, Retail, Apparel, Packaging, Agribusiness and Automotive industries. We use our unique data, expert insights, and analytics to answer your bespoke questions with a tailored approach and deliverables. To learn more or have a chat, just drop us an email at consulting@globaldata.com or contact us here, and we’ll get in touch! CCS0210

MIL OSI Economics –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: BD intent to separate business could allow competitors to rise in IVD test markets, says GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

BD intent to separate business could allow competitors to rise in IVD test markets, says GlobalData

Posted in Medical Devices

Becton Dickinson (BD) has recently announced its intent to separate its biosciences and diagnostic solutions business. The biosciences segment includes research instruments and reagents, and single-cell multiomics, while the diagnostic solutions segment consists of microbiology and infectious disease diagnostics. According to the company, the two segments earned over $3 billion in revenue in fiscal 2024. BD’s move could allow competitors to rise in in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) test markets, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

According to GlobalData’s US Healthcare Facility Invoicing Database, BD has market-leading products in the IVD space, holding just under 20% of the sexual health tests market, with strong products BD ProbeTec and BD MAX, which will be part of the split from BD. With Hologic holding the majority of market share for sexual health tests, it will be interesting to see if BD’s segments can be grown in this market.

Amy Paterson, Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “BD’s intent to split two segments off from their company provides other companies in the IVD space with a unique opportunity to strengthen their own product offerings. For example, in the sexual health tests market, an IVD competitor could acquire the BD segments to compete against Hologic. Alternatively, Hologic could use BD’s segments to strengthen its position in the market and ensure they face no competition.”

In the respiratory disease tests market, no company is making up more than 50% of the market revenue. By acquiring and strengthening the point-of-care infectious disease tests, for example, a company in this space could potentially gain enough market share to dominate the respiratory disease tests space.

Paterson continues: “IVD competitors who are at the top of their market could acquire these segments from BD to secure more of the market and keep competition down. As well, smaller players in the market could use these segments to grow their market share and compete with the larger players.”

Paterson concludes: “Companies with IVD products in the sexual health test and respiratory disease test spaces should look at BD’s announcement as an opportunity to strengthen their presence and should consider how BD’s established products could help strengthen their sales and grow their market share.”

MIL OSI Economics –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Getinge surgical perfusion exit opens opportunities for LivaNova in CPBE market, says GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

Getinge surgical perfusion exit opens opportunities for LivaNova in CPBE market, says GlobalData

Posted in Medical Devices

Swedish medtech company Getinge’s decision to exit the surgical perfusion business signals a strategic shift toward higher-growth areas like extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This move is set to benefit dominant players like LivaNova, which is well-positioned to capture the market share in the cardiopulmonary bypass equipment (CBPE) sector, which continues to show steady growth driven by technological advancements and the aging population, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s latest report, “Cardiopulmonary Bypass Equipment Market Size by Segments, Share, Regulatory, Reimbursement, Installed Base and Forecast to 2036,” reveals that the global CBPE market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.2% from $508.2 million in 2024 to $583.5 million in 2034.

Aidan Robertson, Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Getinge’s decision to reallocate resources and focus on more lucrative areas like ECMO is unlikely to significantly impact the CPBE market. However, it may prove to be a beneficial strategy for the company, considering its struggles and low market share in this sector.”

However, the move is likely to favor major companies in the CPBE market such as LivaNova, which accounted for an estimated 50.3% of the market share in 2024 and continue to make gains with Essenz heart lung machine. On the other hand, Getinge accounted for only 1.9% of the CBPE market.

The demand for cardiopulmonary bypass products is likely to increase, driven by the growing aging population and the resulting increase in cardiovascular diseases, alongside ongoing technological advancements in these devices. Some barriers to this growth may be the high cost of these procedures along with potential healthcare cost cutting and reimbursement cuts. Despite these challenges the CPBE market is expected to sustain stable growth.

Robertson concludes: “While Getinge’s decision to let go of the CPBE market appears to be the proper choice based on its past performance, GlobalData expects LivaNova to maintain its dominance in the steadily expanding CPBE market and take advantage of the opportunity created by Getinge’s exit.”

MIL OSI Economics –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: iPhone 16e is a testbed for Apple’s new modem C1, says GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

iPhone 16e is a testbed for Apple’s new modem C1, says GlobalData

Posted in Technology

Following the news that Apple has launched iPhone 16e phone with its first cellular modem C1;

Anisha Bhatia, Senior Technology Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers her view:

“The launch of iPhone 16e with cellular modem ‘C1’ culminates years of research and more than $1 billion in acquisitions. The proprietary 5G modem will reduce Apple’s reliance on Qualcomm and integrate cellular connectivity within its larger device ecosystem. The move will lead to improved device performance, design innovations, and cost savings.

“The $599 iPhone 16e serves as a testbed for Apple’s modem, allowing the company to evaluate its performance at scale before potentially integrating it into the higher-end models. This move will enable Apple to gather extensive data and user feedback, ensuring that any potential issues are addressed before a wider rollout. But Qualcomm’s modems are the current gold standard in the industry, and Apple’s transition to in-house modem technology will be gradual.

“Qualcomm modems are expected to remain in use in select Apple devices until at least 2027. As Qualcomm diversifies its focus to the automotive segment, PCs and IoT, the importance of the smartphone modem market to the company may wane, allowing Apple to carve out a new niche for itself.

“Apple’s transition to self-designed modems is a calculated long-term play that may not immediately alter the user experience but could result in significant future benefits in terms of better processing efficiency, optimized battery design and tighter vertical integration of all Apple components.”

MIL OSI Economics –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: By land and by sea: UK supports US-led military exercises improving African security and stability
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

The UK Armed Forces are working with allies to deliver joint exercises with African partners to protect our people, prosperity and shared values.
UK advisors guide partner forces in urban operations drills at Justified Accord, Kenya (Credit: U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa)

Thursday 20 February 2025 – The UK Armed Forces have been one of the biggest contributors to two large-scale military exercises that are reaching their climax this week across the land and sea of East Africa. The United States is leading both exercises and has brought together over 2,000 personnel from the armed forces of 29 countries, including 22 African nations.

The UK is responsible for delivering component parts of these multinational training exercises, under United States stewardship. The UK has been one of the biggest contributors to the Exercise Justified Accord ‘Field Training Exercise (FTX)’ which sees B Company 3 RIFLES exercise alongside a company from the US 173rd Airborne Brigade, a company of Kenya Army infantry, a troop of Kenyan Marines, Kenya Airforce fixed wing and rotary wing assets and, one infantry platoon each from Tanzania and Somalia.

Exercise Justified Accord is a land multinational exercise being delivered between 10 – 21 February hosted by Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania. It began with table-top exercises that have laid the foundation for full-scale live activity, which are now underway. The action-packed drills involve coordinating and executing ground attacks, calling in air-support, urban warfare, using drones, and breaching and clearing buildings, as well as medical evacuations.

Cutlass Express is being conducted simultaneously, mostly in Mauritius, Seychelles and Tanzania. It is a naval warfare exercise which focuses on boarding various types of vessels at high speed to take command and control. The exercise challenges teams to complete scenarios which become increasingly harder and involve different types of vessels – from boarding small boats and dhows, to gaining control of larger vessels whilst under fire.

In another example of the United Kingdom and the United States being long-term partners for long-term stability and security, Exercise Cutlass Express is taking place for the 15th time, whilst Exercise Justified Accord has been conducted in various forms since 1998. Further joint exercises with African partners are planned for 2025.

Both exercises will ensure that the different forces involved work together to achieve combat objectives and prepare for real-life scenarios where they may have to collaborate quickly and effectively to counter threats in the region.

Falling just after the election of the new African Union Chairperson, the exercises also support the African Union’s security objectives by preparing partners for United Nations and African Union missions in Africa.

It serves as another example of the UK’s support for improved security not just in East Africa, but across the whole of Africa. These include the creation of the history-making, first-ever Kenyan marines and joint-training with the special forces of Nigeria and Ghana.

Olly Bryant, Defence Attaché at the British High Commission Nairobi, said:

The UK is a long-term partner, helping to deliver long-term stability and security across East Africa, and we are proud to be working with our allies on delivering high-capacity and high-quality activity. We are also proud of our security partnerships with our partners across Africa, which protect our people, prosperity and shared interests – we go far when we go together.

EDITOR’S NOTES

Video and photo content

Please find free-to-access video and photo content for Justified Accord here: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/JustifiedAccord

Please find free-to-access photo and video content for Cutlass Express here: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/CutlassExpress2025

Here is a link to a small selection of photos on Google Drive taken from the sites above: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DOz2ajnRjFK4vAMN7KxajL57RgXO-9aJ?usp=sharing

Background on Exercise Justified Accord

You can find more information here, via U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa.

Background on Exercise Cutlass Express

You can find more information here, via U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet.

List of participating nations

Exercise Justified Accord

Angola

Botswana

Djibouti

DRC

Ghana

Kenya

Madagascar

Malawi

Mozambique

Nigeria

Republic of the Congo

Somalia

Tanzania

Tunisia

Uganda

Zambia

France (Observer)

India (Observer)

Italy

Netherlands

United Kingdom

United States

Exercise Cutlass Express

Comoros

Djibouti

Kenya

Madagascar

Malawi

Mauritius

Morocco

Mozambique

Senegal

Seychelles

Somalia

Tanzania

Tunisia

France

Georgia

India (Observer)

United Kingdom

United States

CONTACT

For media enquiries, please contact Tom Walker at the British High Commission Nairobi on tom.walker2@fcdo.gov.uk.

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Published 20 February 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: ‘No going back’: Greenpeace applauds Albanese gov’s investment in green industry and jobs

Source: Greenpeace Statement –

SYDNEY, Thursday 20 February 2025 – Greenpeace Australia Pacific has welcomed the Albanese government’s announcement of a new Green Iron Fund in Whyalla today, a move it says will support workers as well as national efforts to tackle climate pollution.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a $1 billion Green Iron Fund in Whyalla, SA today to, “boost green iron manufacturing and supply chains by supporting early mover green iron projects and unlocking private investment at scale.”

Geoff Bice, WA Campaign Lead at Greenpeace Australia Pacific said: “Greenpeace applauds the Albanese government’s significant investment into a green iron industry in Australia.

“Green iron presents enormous economic opportunities for Australia, and in particular states like Western Australia with its skilled industrial workforce, export infrastructure, and abundant clean wind and solar energy.

“As our export partners move to rapidly decarbonise their supply chains, now is the time for the government to invest in the future of local workers and businesses by supporting green industry and technology. Today’s announcement sends a strong signal globally that Australia is serious about future-proofing our industries and economy, and serious in its commitments to reduce climate pollution.

“The clean energy transition is well underway and there’s no going back — by investing in green jobs and industry now, and ramping up the rollout of renewable energy backed by storage, we can build a world-leading green economy, protect our precious nature, and support global efforts to address the climate crisis.

“This is just the beginning — we urge state governments, particularly the WA Government, to follow suit and lay the foundations for the green economy of the future, to ensure our workers and industries don’t get left behind, and to support a safe, liveable planet for all.”

—ENDS—

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Kate O’Callaghan on [email protected] on 0406 231 892

MIL OSI NGO –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Venue access: how we manage our bookable community spaces
Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council’s Director of Community Rachel Kelleher responds to concerns about the council’s approach to venue hire of our community meeting halls and shared spaces.

It is with huge gratitude that I acknowledge the messages of support our staff and the council has received over the past few days, regarding our response to the awful disruption of a family-friendly Pride event at Te Atatū Peninsula Library last weekend.

It has been uplifting to see the voices of leaders throughout New Zealand also extend their support to our brave library staff and affected communities, along with the widespread public condemnation of this harmful activity.

We are also grateful for police support, to ensure that all remaining Pride events at our venues continue to be uplifting occasions to celebrate Auckland’s rainbow communities.

We are actively monitoring any health, safety or security risks at future events.

Venue hire

We have been asked questions about the use of our community venues and whether the council should apply tighter restrictions on bookings – particularly from groups like Destiny Church with strong views that not everyone shares.

So, I’d like to take this opportunity to talk about how Auckland Council provides access to our collection of more than 100 bookable community venues across the region on the principle that they are available for anyone to hire. We are obliged to ensure everyone throughout Auckland has fair and equal access to connect and enjoy using these spaces.

This doesn’t mean that we endorse the content of an event, or the views of participants, but rather that we must manage our venues in a neutral and non-discriminatory manner.

It is not always easy to maintain that careful balance between providing a public service (venues for hire) and expressing our council values, including ensuring our people feel supported on our position on diversity and inclusion.

This sometimes leads to tension, and pressure to do more in support of one community or group, over another.

Here’s the thing. We remain one hundred per cent committed to protecting and growing Tāmaki Makaurau’s culture of inclusivity and belonging. That’s the foundation we build our practical policies and guidelines on, and what helps us make decisions or remain focussed when dealing with difficult situations.

When differences arise between the views of the various groups using our community venues, and there is potential for conflict or any risk to public safety, we work closely with the police and security experts to determine if activities should go ahead.

An example of this occurred in 2023, when the council terminated venue bookings at the Mount Eden War Memorial Hall in response to safety concerns from two groups with strong opposing views planning to gather on the same night.

Consistent with our obligations as a public authority, we will continue to operate our venues on the principle that they are available to all Aucklanders, but will not hesitate to address or terminate bookings if terms are breached or safety compromised.

With respect to the events at the events at the at Te Atatū Peninsula Library last Saturday, council is supporting the police with their investigations and has not ruled out taking further action against those individuals involved.

Venue hire requirements:
- All venue hire bookings agree to comply with council’s venue hire terms and conditions. These set out the circumstances in which the council may terminate a booking and include situations where the event might breach the law or the conditions themselves or where the management or control of the event is deficient.
- It is always the responsibility of venue hire users to ensure their events are managed safely, and to meet the terms and conditions of our venue hire policy.
- Where we have concerns that an event may raise health and safety or security concerns we work with the organisers andrelevant agencies to ensure that these concerns are addressed ahead of the event.
- Our community venues are operated on the principle they are available for anyone to hire. If a booking is accepted, it doesn’t mean that we endorse the content of the event, but rather that we are obliged to manage our venues in a non-discriminatory manner.
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock’s Issues Statement for the Official Record on Nomination of Jamieson Greer to be USTR

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

Senator Reverend Warnock’s Issues Statement for the Official Record on Nomination of Jamieson Greer to be USTR

Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), issued the following statement on consideration of the Nomination of Jamieson Greer, of Maryland, to be United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
“I will vote against the nomination of Mr. Jamieson Greer to serve as the United States Trade Representative. Despite Mr. Greer’s qualifications, he would be responsible for implementing President Trump’s haphazard and reckless trade policies, which I believe are harmful to Georgia businesses, farmers, and families. I am particularly concerned that, instead of advising the President on trade, Mr. Greer would be forced to appease President Trump’s chaotic tariff impulses.”
“President Trump has used the threat of tariffs on America’s closest allies and trading partners—including Mexico, Canada, and even the European Union—merely to advance partisan or political goals that have little to do with our economy. These actions risk increasing costs for Georgia families and threatening good-paying American jobs.”
“Should Mr. Greer be confirmed, as Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness, I will work with him, holding him accountable when necessary, to fight for domestic manufacturing in critical sectors like clean energy and electric vehicles, which are leading Georgia’s economic growth and reducing our dependence on China; to identify new international market access opportunities for Georgia’s farmers and small businesses, while protecting them from harmful trade wars; and to lower costs for hard-working families.”

MIL OSI USA News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Maj. Gen. Gavin Gardner Visits COMLOG WESTPAC, Feb. 4, 2025 [Image 1 of 3]

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

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SINGAPORE (Feb. 4, 2025) U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Todd F. Cimicata, center, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF 73), and Capt. John-Paul Tamez, left, Deputy Commander, COMLOG WESTPAC, meet with U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gavin Gardner, third from right, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, and staff during a scheduled visit to Sembawang Naval Installation, Feb. 4, 2025. COMLOG WESTPAC supports deployed surface units and aircraft carriers, along with regional partners, to facilitate patrols in the South China Sea, participation in naval exercises and responses to natural disasters. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jomark A. Almazan/Released)

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MIL Security OSI –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Sky News Regional Breakfast

Source: Australian Ministers 1

ORTENZIA BORRE: The Regional Aviation Association of Australia is asking the government to consider regional airline operators during the sale process. Regional airlines, which are competitors to Rex, including Sharp Airlines, are concerned about the proposal where the government purchases Rex. Regional Aviation Association Chief Executive, Rob Walker says Rex has competition on 21 of its 46 routes, claiming the number of operators will reduce further if the government is subsidising the airline. And joining me live now on this and more is Regional Development Minister, Kristy McBain. Kristy, thank you for your time this morning. Now, do you share the same concern about the government stepping in to purchase the airline as the regional aviation Association does?

KRISTY MCBAIN: What is really important is you’ve got a government that backs regional aviation. What we’ve said from day one is that we want to see the administration process go through in its entirety. What we want to see is a private buyer come through. We’ve made sure that there are incentives in place for that to take place, including the fact that the use it or lose it process for Sydney airport slots doesn’t automatically go into recession. We’ve extended that out to 2026. Those are the things that are important to buyers. What we’ve said is we would be a buyer of last resort. We’re not stepping in now. We’re not substituting the administration process. It’s still got a way to run, and the administrator is keen to work with the private market on it.

BORRE: Now, ASIO boss Mike Burgess has revealed there have been multiple attempts by foreign countries to harm Australians, and that the rest of the decade could be even more dangerous. So what does the Albanese Government need to do now before the election to ensure our safety?

MCBAIN: What we say consistently is that we have confidence in our security and intelligence agencies. They do a fabulous job. As Mike Burgess has outlined, they’re doing this all whilst keeping Australians safe. Once a year he gives a speech about the things that are happening across our nation and across the world. Without that, Australians would be none the wiser that these things are taking place in the background. We continue to provide all the resources that our security and intelligence agencies need to do their job and keep Australians safe. What we want to make really clear is that we consider it a form of abuse for anyone to harass us, and we continually monitoring this. Harassment of Australians, individuals or businesses is not on. We have full faith that our security agencies will take the appropriate steps they need to.

BORRE: Now you’re in Goulburn today as part of the $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund. Today, $50 million will be delivered to about 58 local governments in grants for energy upgrades. Talk us through this initiative and how it’s going to benefit Australians.

MCBAIN: The Community Energy Upgrade Fund is something that councils have been calling for across the country. They want some help to lower the fixed costs that they have, which in turn helps lower rates for individuals across the country. We’ve supported councils from Geelong in Victoria to Aurukun in Queensland, to the Shire of Flinders Ranges in South Australia. Projects like making community pools fully electric, making sure that there are solar panels and batteries on community libraries, fast car charging stations across our communities to encourage more people to come and visit, or to be able to use electric cars within our community. A really important fund, delivering some cost savings for councils across the country. Round two will be open very soon and we encourage councils to continue to put forward their projects and apply to this fund.

BORRE: Kristy McBain, always a pleasure. Thank you for your time this morning.

MCBAIN: Good to be with you.

MIL OSI News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: US backing for Pacific disinformation media course casualty of Trump aid ‘freeze’

Pacific Media Watch

A New Zealand-based community education provider, Dark Times Academy, has had a US Embassy grant to deliver a course teaching Pacific Islands journalists about disinformation terminated after the new Trump administration took office.

The new US administration requested a list of course participants and to review the programme material amid controversy over a “freeze” on federal aid policies.

The course presentation team refused and the contract was terminated by “mutual agreement” — but the eight-week Pacific workshop is going ahead anyway from next week.

Dark Times Academy’s co-founder Mandy Henk . . . “A Bit Sus”, an evidence-based peer-reviewed series of classes on disinfiormation for Pacific media. Image: Newsroom

“As far as I can tell, the current foreign policy priorities of the US government seem to involve terrorising the people of Gaza, annexing Canada, invading Greenland, and bullying Panama,” said Dark Times Academy co-founder Mandy Henk.

“We felt confident that a review of our materials would not find them to be aligned with those priorities.”

The course, called “A Bit Sus”, is an evidence-based peer-reviewed series of classes that teach key professions the skills needed to identify and counter disinformation and misinformation in their particular field.

The classes focus on “prebunking”, lateral reading, and how technology, including generative AI, influences disinformation.

Awarded competitive funds
Dark Times Academy was originally awarded the funds to run the programme through a public competitive grant offered by the US Embassy in New Zealand in 2023 under the previous US administration.

The US Embassy grant was focused on strengthening the capacity of Pacific media to identify and counter disinformation. While funded by the US, the course was to be a completely independent programme overseen by Dark Times Academy and its academic consultants.

Co-founder Henk was preparing to deliver the education programme to a group of Pacific Island journalists and media professionals, but received a request from the US Embassy in New Zealand to review the course materials to “ensure they are in line with US foreign policy priorities”.

Henk said she and the other course presenters refused to allow US government officials to review the course material for this purpose.

She said the US Embassy had also requested a “list of registered participants for the online classes,” which Dark Times Academy also declined to provide as compliance would have violated the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020.

Henk said the refusal to provide the course materials for review led immediately to further discussions with the US Embassy in New Zealand that ultimately resulted in the termination of the grant “by mutual agreement”.

However, she said Dark Times Academy would still go ahead with running the course for the Pacific Island journalists who had signed up so far, starting on February 26.

Continuing the programme
“The Dark Times Academy team fully intends to continue to bring the ‘A Bit Sus’ programme and other classes to the Pacific region and New Zealand, even without the support of the US government,” Henk said.

“As noted when we first announced this course, the Pacific Islands have experienced accelerated growth in digital connectivity over the past few years thanks to new submarine cable networks and satellite technology.

“Alongside this, the region has also seen a surge in harmful rumours and disinformation that is increasingly disrupting the ability to share accurate and truthful information across Pacific communities.

“This course will help participants from the media recognise common tactics used by disinformation agents and support them to deploy proven educational and communications techniques.

“By taking a skills-based approach to countering disinformation, our programme can help to spread the techniques needed to mitigate the risks posed by digital technologies,” Henk said.

Especially valuable for journalists
Dark Times Academy co-founder Byron Clark said the course would be especially valuable for journalists in the Pacific region given the recent shifts in global politics and the current state of the planet.

Dark Times Academy co-founder and author Byron Clark . . . “We saw the devastating impacts of disinformation in the Pacific region during the measles outbreak in Samoa.” Image: APR

“We saw the devastating impacts of disinformation in the Pacific region during the measles outbreak in Samoa, for example,” said Clark, author of the best-selling book Fear: New Zealand’s Underworld of Hostile Extremists.

“With Pacific Island states bearing the brunt of climate change, as well as being caught between a geopolitical stoush between China and the West, a course like this one is timely.”

Henk said the “A Bit Sus” programme used a “high-touch teaching model” that combined the current best evidence on how to counter disinformation with a “learner-focused pedagogy that combines discussion, activities, and a project”.

Past classes led to the creation of the New Zealand version of the “Euphorigen Investigation” escape room, a board game, and a card game.

These materials remain in use across New Zealand schools and community learning centres.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 20, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Households are burning plastic waste as fuel for cooking and heating in slums the world over
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bishal Bharadwaj, Adjunct Research Fellow, Curtin Institute for Energy Transition, Curtin University

Poor people in vast city slums across the Global South are burning plastic to cook their food, warm their homes and boil water for hot showers.

Waste plastic is plentiful and highly flammable. So it’s not surprising people in developing countries, mainly in Africa, Asia and Latin America, are putting it to use – especially as wood is increasingly scarce.

But burning plastic is hazardous, as it releases toxins into the surrounding air – and possibly into the food on the stove.

We wanted to draw attention to this growing problem, which has received little attention to date despite the many potential harms.

In our new “perspective” paper, published in Nature Cities, we explain why so many communities are using plastic as an energy source.

We then explore further research needed and recommend ways for policymakers to tackle the issue.

Mountains of plastic waste

The world has produced more plastic in the past 20 years than the total previously produced since commercial production began in 1950. Roughly half a billion tonnes of plastic is now produced every year.

Plastic production is still accelerating. Global plastic use is predicted to almost triple by 2060 due to soaring demand from a growing population with rising incomes.

Unfortunately, most plastic is not recycled. Instead, it is discarded and ultimately ends up polluting marginal land such as flooded areas and open dumping grounds before making its way into the ocean.

Burning plastic waste for cooking and heating is becoming increasingly common in city slums. a–f, Photographs showing the use of plastic to start a fire in Koshi Province in Nepal (a), a household heating milk by burning plastic in Madhesh province of Nepal (b) and the burning of plastic in Guwahati, India (c), in Enugu, Nigeria (d,e) and in the slums of Lahore, Pakistan (f). Credits for photographs: a, Srijana Baniya; b, Pramesh Dhungana; c, Monjit Borthakur; d,e, Chizoba Obianuju Oranu; f, Sobia Rose.
Bharadwaj, B., Gates, T., Borthakur, M. et al. The use of plastic as a household fuel among the urban poor in the Global South. Nat Cities (2025).

A product of energy poverty in city slums

Increasing urbanisation is reducing access to traditional fuels such as wood and crop residue from farmland.

But plastic is readily available. Low-income households with little or no access to gas or electricity often find themselves living alongside mountains of rubbish.

This plastic, made from fossil fuels, represents a cheap and convenient fuel. It’s lightweight, easy to transport, and a nuisance material that people want to be rid of. Plastic is also relatively easy to dry and store, but can burn even when wet. It’s also flexible and pliable, so it can be used easily in traditional cooking arrangements such as basic stoves.

Burning plastic releases toxins such as dioxins, furans and heavy metals into the air. These chemicals are known to cause cancer, heart disease and lung diseases.

The more vulnerable people in the household – including women and children and those who spend more time indoors – tend to be most exposed to the fumes. But the problem also affects people in the neighbourhood and the wider community.

Burning plastic is likely to also contaminate food. For example, eggs from farms near plastic waste incinerators in Indonesia contained hazardous chemicals from burned plastic. However, more evidence is needed around food contamination.

Furthermore, when households burn plastic bottles and other containers, some of the original contents also burn. Given chemicals are poorly regulated, the consequences of burning plastic could be greater still.

Overcoming the problem

A first step to overcoming the problem is understanding the reality of those living in slums. Policy-makers need to recognise these people’s needs and the challenges they face.

Extensive research is needed to design the most effective and inclusive policy interventions. This needs to be addressed if we are to reduce the associated health and environmental impacts on such large populations across the world.

We have gathered a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of researchers from around 35 countries – mostly in the Global South – to better understand the problem. We recently completed a survey of people exposed to the issue such as local government employees, teachers and community workers in more than 100 cities in 26 countries.

We are also examining the emissions from waste plastic during food preparation to determine the extent of contamination in variety of stoves.

Nobody wants to burn plastic waste to cook food, so policies like ban on burning plastic with out contextual intervention will not work. There is a need to design inclusive policy interventions that provide equitable benefits to the wider community. For example, encouraging people to:
- wash any plastic before it is burned, to remove chemical residues
- use improved cookstoves that vent the fumes outside
- expand basic urban amenities like waste management to low income settlements
- provide support to help lift households out of poverty.
Each approach will depend on the specific requirements of the slum settlement. But by implementing multiple approaches in parallel, we can tackle the problem more effectively.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Households are burning plastic waste as fuel for cooking and heating in slums the world over – https://theconversation.com/households-are-burning-plastic-waste-as-fuel-for-cooking-and-heating-in-slums-the-world-over-250265
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
February 20, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Having an x-ray to diagnose knee arthritis might make you more likely to consider potentially unnecessary surgery
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Belinda Lawford, Senior Research Fellow in Physiotherapy, The University of Melbourne

pikselstock/Shutterstock

Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of chronic pain and disability, affecting more than two million Australians.

Routine x-rays aren’t recommended to diagnose the condition. Instead, GPs can make a diagnosis based on symptoms and medical history.

Yet nearly half of new patients with knee osteoarthritis who visit a GP in Australia are referred for imaging. Osteoarthritis imaging costs the health system A$104.7 million each year.

Our new study shows using x-rays to diagnose knee osteoarthritis can affect how a person thinks about their knee pain – and can prompt them to consider potentially unnecessary knee replacement surgery.

What happens when you get osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis arises from joint changes and the joint working extra hard to repair itself. It affects the entire joint, including the bones, cartilage, ligaments and muscles.

It is most common in older adults, people with a high body weight and those with a history of knee injury.

Many people with knee osteoarthritis experience persistent pain and have difficulties with everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs.

How is it treated?

In 2021–22, more than 53,000 Australians had knee replacement surgery for osteoarthritis.

Hospital services for osteoarthritis, primarily driven by joint replacement surgery, cost $3.7 billion in 2020–21.

While joint replacement surgery is often viewed as inevitable for osteoarthritis, it should only be considered for those with severe symptoms who have already tried appropriate non-surgical treatments. Surgery carries the risk of serious adverse events, such as blood clot or infection, and not everyone makes a full recovery.

Most people with knee osteoarthritis can manage it effectively with:
- education and self-management
- exercise and physical activity
- weight management (if necessary)
- medicines for pain relief (such as paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Debunking a common misconception

A common misconception is that osteoarthritis is caused by “wear and tear”.

However, research shows the extent of structural changes seen in a joint on an x-ray does not reflect the level of pain or disability a person experiences, nor does it predict how symptoms will change.

Some people with minimal joint changes have very bad symptoms, while others with more joint changes have only mild symptoms. This is why routine x-rays aren’t recommended for diagnosing knee osteoarthritis or guiding treatment decisions.

Instead, guidelines recommend a “clinical diagnosis” based on a person’s age (being 45 years or over) and symptoms: experiencing joint pain with activity and, in the morning, having no joint-stiffness or stiffness that lasts less than 30 minutes.

Despite this, many health professionals in Australia continue to use x-rays to diagnose knee osteoarthritis. And many people with osteoarthritis still expect or want them.

What did our study investigate?

Our study aimed to find out if using x-rays to diagnose knee osteoarthritis affects a person’s beliefs about osteoarthritis management, compared to a getting a clinical diagnosis without x-rays.

We recruited 617 people from across Australia and randomly assigned them to watch one of three videos. Each video showed a hypothetical consultation with a general practitioner about knee pain.

People with knee osteoarthritis can have difficulties getting down stairs.
beeboys/Shutterstock

One group received a clinical diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis based on age and symptoms, without being sent for an x-ray.

The other two groups had x-rays to determine their diagnosis (the doctor showed one group their x-ray images and not the other).

After watching their assigned video, participants completed a survey about their beliefs about osteoarthritis management.

What did we find?

People who received an x-ray-based diagnosis and were shown their x-ray images had a 36% higher perceived need for knee replacement surgery than those who received a clinical diagnosis (without x-ray).

They also believed exercise and physical activity could be more harmful to their joint, were more worried about their condition worsening, and were more fearful of movement.

Interestingly, people were slightly more satisfied with an x-ray-based diagnosis than a clinical diagnosis.

This may reflect the common misconception that osteoarthritis is caused by “wear and tear” and an assumption that the “damage” inside the joint needs to be seen to guide treatment.

What does this mean for people with osteoarthritis?

Our findings show why it’s important to avoid unnecessary x-rays when diagnosing knee osteoarthritis.

While changing clinical practice can be challenging, reducing unnecessary x-rays could help ease patient anxiety, prevent unnecessary concern about joint damage, and reduce demand for costly and potentially unnecessary joint replacement surgery.

It could also help reduce exposure to medical radiation and lower health-care costs.

Previous research in osteoarthritis, as well as back and shoulder pain, similarly shows that when health professionals focus on joint “wear and tear” it can make patients more anxious about their condition and concerned about damaging their joints.

If you have knee osteoarthritis, know that routine x-rays aren’t needed for diagnosis or to determine the best treatment for you. Getting an x-ray can make you more concerned and more open to surgery. But there are a range of non-surgical options that could reduce pain, improve mobility and are less invasive.

Belinda Lawford receives funding from Arthritis Australia, Medical Research Future Fund and Medibank. She is a Steering Committee Member of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International Rehabilitation Group, and also an Editorial Board member for Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy.

Kim Bennell receives research funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Medical Research Futures Fund as well as Medibank Private. Some of the consumer resources recommended in this article have been developed by her research team. She consults for Wolters Kluwers UptoDate knee osteoarthritis clinical guidelines

Rana Hinman receives funding from National Health and Medical Research Council, the Medical Research Future Fund and Medibank. Some of the consumer resources recommended in this article have been developed by her research team. She is also an Editorial Board member for Journal of Physiotherapy.

Travis Samuel William Haber is a Steering Committee Member of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International Rehabilitation Group and of the Australian and New Zealand Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Network Osteoarthritis Special Interest Group.

– ref. Having an x-ray to diagnose knee arthritis might make you more likely to consider potentially unnecessary surgery – https://theconversation.com/having-an-x-ray-to-diagnose-knee-arthritis-might-make-you-more-likely-to-consider-potentially-unnecessary-surgery-249374
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
February 20, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: The ASIO threat assessment is a dark outlook for Australia’s security. Are our laws up to the task?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Kendall, Adjunct Research Fellow, The University of Queensland

Shutterstock

This week, ASIO chief Mike Burgess delivered his sixth Annual Threat Assessment.

His approach this time was unprecedented. Instead of focusing on past and present threats, Burgess declassified parts of ASIO’s assessment for the future, warning us about Australia’s security outlook to 2030.

Over the next five years, ASIO is expecting “an unprecedented number of challenges, and an unprecedented cumulative level of potential harm”, Burgess warned. At the same time, the threat environment will become more diverse.

Espionage and foreign interference are already at extreme levels, but are anticipated to intensify. Sabotage is expected to pose an increasing threat. Politically motivated violence and communal violence will also remain an elevated concern.

What does this mean for our criminal laws? Are they robust enough to protect us from the growing and diversifying threat of espionage, sabotage and foreign interference? Or will they need bolstering?

What are the threats?

Espionage, or spying, involves the theft of information. Burgess has warned that both our enemies and our friends will seek to steal information from us.

This includes information about our military capabilities and alliances, such as AUKUS.

Instead of using traditional spies to gather this information, Burgess expects greater use of proxies.

These proxies could be unwittingly involved in the espionage efforts of a foreign country – such as private investigators. Or they could know exactly what they’re doing.

Foreign interference involves covertly shaping decision-making to the advantage of a foreign power. Burgess has warned that foreign governments are monitoring, intimidating and coercing Australians and diaspora communities, including engaging in coerced repatriations.

He also expects that foreign interference may be used to undermine community support for AUKUS.

Concerningly, ASIO has disrupted plots by foreign countries to physically harm (or even kill) people living in Australia. This includes activists, journalists and ordinary citizens – all critics of certain foreign governments.

Both espionage and foreign interference will be enabled by advances in technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), deep fakes and large online pools of personal data.

Sabotage involves deliberately destroying or damaging infrastructure.

Russia has been engaging in diverse acts of sabotage in Europe, aiming to erode support for Ukraine and damage cohesion. These attacks include arson against various types of infrastructure (including defence and munitions facilities), jamming civil aviation GPS systems, and disrupting railways.

While Burgess warned that the risk of similar attacks against Australia is increasing (including attacks against infrastructure arising out of AUKUS), cyber-enabled sabotage will be of more concern. At the moment, foreign governments are exploring and exploiting Australia’s critical infrastructure networks to map systems and maintain access in the future.

As with espionage, Burgess expects criminal proxies to be used more frequently to engage in sabotage. This includes state-sponsored or state-supported terrorist groups.

Are our laws ready to deal with this?

With the espionage, sabotage and foreign interference threat growing and diversifying over the next five years, you’d be right to ask whether our criminal laws are robust enough to stand up to the challenge.

For the most part, they are.

All the laws apply to conduct that occurs “in the real world” and online. The laws also apply to any foreign country, including our friends, as well as terrorist organisations.

In addition to foreign countries, the laws apply to conduct on behalf of a foreign country, including where the conduct is directed, funded or supervised by the foreign country or a person acting on its behalf. This means the laws would apply to proxies hired to engage in espionage or sabotage.

Our sabotage laws are broad enough to cover the explorations of critical infrastructure networks currently being undertaken. An act of sabotage does not have to be committed to be an offence under these laws.

Our foreign interference laws would cover coerced repatriations. While plots to harm Australians may also fall within these offences, a number of other offences also exist for harming or killing Australian citizens or residents.

Room for improvement

Our espionage, sabotage and foreign interference laws certainly are “world-leading”. However, there are some drawbacks.

For example, the laws are yet to grapple with the rise of AI and its use to gather information for espionage or generate mis- or disinformation for foreign interference.

While the laws have broad extraterritorial reach – they apply to conduct that occurs within or outside Australia – the practicalities of enforcing the laws when offenders are located overseas is a big barrier.

But in today’s digital age where espionage, sabotage and foreign interference can be conducted online from the safety of a foreign country and therefore beyond the reach of Australia’s criminal law, we need more than a robust legal response.

As Burgess stressed, these issues “require whole of government, whole of community, whole of society responses […] national security is truly national security: everybody’s business”.

We all need to be aware of the risks and what we – as individuals, employees, researchers and business owners – can do to mitigate them.

This article was written in Sarah Kendall’s personal capacity as an Adjunct Research Fellow at the University of Queensland School of Law. It does not reflect the views of the Queensland Law Reform Commission or the Queensland Government.

– ref. The ASIO threat assessment is a dark outlook for Australia’s security. Are our laws up to the task? – https://theconversation.com/the-asio-threat-assessment-is-a-dark-outlook-for-australias-security-are-our-laws-up-to-the-task-250372

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China’s passenger car industry sees stable growth in January

Source: China State Council Information Office

Visitors learn about a car at the 20th China (Changsha) International Automobile Exposition in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province, Dec. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

China’s passenger car industry maintained steady growth in both output and sales in January, industry data showed on Wednesday.

Last month, the passenger car output logged a year-on-year increase of 3.3 percent to stand at 2.15 million units, while its sales ticked up 0.8 percent to 2.13 million units, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

In a breakdown, multi-purpose vehicles rose by double digits from the same period last year in both output and sales, while output of sports utility vehicles saw a marginal growth.

Exports of passenger cars soared by 7 percent year on year to reach 395,000 units during the same period, while its domestic sales dipped by 0.5 percent year on year, the association said.

MIL OSI China News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Changes to enable investment in build-to-rent housing passed into law

Source: New Zealand Government

The coalition Government has passed legislation to support overseas investment in the Build-to-Rent housing sector, Associate Minister of Finance Chris Bishop says.

“The Overseas Investment (Facilitating Build-to-Rent Developments) Amendment Bill has completed its third reading in Parliament, fulfilling another step in the Government’s plan to support an increase in New Zealand’s housing supply and get Kiwis into warm and dry homes.

“The changes provide a streamlined consent pathway for foreign investors looking to invest in existing Build to Rent developments.

“This Bill addresses a key concern of BTR developers – that they need certainty they will be able to on-sell their developments. Given the size and complexity of these assets, this can be challenging when limited to the domestic market.

“The Build to Rent sector has real potential for growth in New Zealand.

“Build to Rent developments are medium-to-large scale rental properties, typically well located and often within walking distance to key transport links. The developments tend to be professionally managed, with good amenities. Often offering longer leases to tenants, they can be a popular choice for renters.

“They are a relatively new form of rental housing in New Zealand but are well established overseas.

“BTR developments are often financed and operated by institutional investors and developers (such as pension funds), as they offer long-term, stable returns.

“However, to date Overseas Investment Act settings have been holding back growth in the sector and made investment challenging.

“Under the Act, it is difficult for overseas investors to invest in existing Build to Rent assets. There are a limited number of domestic investors with the capital and expertise to run these developments, and as a result developers in New Zealand have been uncertain as to whether they would be able to sell their assets when they choose to exit their investment.

“Under the new pathway, overseas investors will be able to apply to purchase existing Build to Rent developments with at least 20 dwellings, provided they intend to continue to lease these.

“These changes mean BTR developers will have confidence in their ability to eventually exit their investment, meaning they’re more likely to build in the first place.

“Build to Rent developments offer an opportunity to increase the supply of secure, affordable and quality rental developments, placing downward pressure on rents.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: UPDATE: SH1 blocked southbound at Dome Valley (now open)
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

20 February 2025 3:56 pm | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

UPDATE: State Highway 1 Dome Valley has reopened southbound, following an earlier crash.

Congestion remains in both directions, so please be patient and expect delays while traffic clears.

3:32pm

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises State Highway 1 is blocked southbound at Dome Valley due to a crash.

Our crews are responding, however, traffic is building both southbound and northbound, and people are advised to delay their travel or consider using State Highway 16.

People are encouraged to visit the Journey Planner website for up to date information before they travel.

Journey Planner(external link)

NZTA thanks everyone for their patience.
Tags
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Further night closures planned for SH1 between Johnsonville and Tawa for resurfacing works

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

People travelling on State Highway 1 between Johnsonville and Tawa need to prepare for night-time closures from this Sunday, 23 February for resurfacing works.

While originally scheduled for this week have, these works have been delayed due to rain. It means extra time is needed to complete the works on this section of the highway.

Weather permitting, night works are planned from Sunday, 23 February until Thursday, 27 February. It will affect the highway’s northbound lanes, as well as the Takapu Road on and offramps.

Crews will be resurfacing northbound lanes north of Johnsonville as well as the Tawa/Glenside onramp.

Local road detours will be available via Johnsonville and Glenside along Middleton Road.

Every effort is being made to reduce the impact of the work on the public. It is being done at night when fewer vehicles on the road. Closing the northbound lanes allows the project to be completed quicker with lower traffic management costs. It is also safer for road workers and the public.

Drivers can expect resurfacing work on the highway to continue during March between Newlands and Tawa. An update will be provided once its timing is confirmed.

This work on State Highway 1 is a key part of wellington’s state highway summer maintenance programme.

On an average, more than 30,000 vehicles use the northbound lanes on State Highway 1 between Ngauranga and Porirua every day. This is why regular resurfacing and road maintenance is essential – it improves the road’s surface, making it more resilient and safer for drivers.

Work schedule and detour maps:

Sunday, 23 February, Monday, 24 February and Tuesday, 25 February. 9 pm – 4.30 am

Northbound road closure between Johnsonville and Glenside. Vehicles will need to follow the detour using Johnsonville off-ramp and Glenside on-ramp

Wednesday, 26 February. 9 pm – 4.30 am

Northbound road closure between Glenside and Tawa. Vehicles will need to follow detour using Glenside off-ramp and Takapu road on-ramp.

Thursday, 27 February. 9 pm – 4.30 am

Tawa/Grenada onramp CLOSED

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

February 20, 2025

MIL-OSI: Diversified Energy Announces Pricing of Offering of Ordinary Shares

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diversified Energy Company PLC (LSE: DEC; NYSE: DEC) (“Diversified” or the “Company“), an independent energy company focused on natural gas and liquids production, transportation, marketing and well retirement, today announces the pricing of its previously announced underwritten public offering (the “Offering”) of 8,500,000 ordinary shares (the “Shares”) at a public offering price of $14.50 per Share for total gross proceeds of approximately $123.3 million. The Offering is expected to settle on February 21, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. In addition, Diversified has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 850,000 ordinary shares at the public offering price, less underwriting discount.

Citigroup and Mizuho are acting as joint book-running managers and underwriters for the Offering. KeyBanc Capital Markets, Truist Securities, Jefferies and Raymond James are also acting as joint book-running managers and underwriters for the Offering. Johnson Rice & Company, Pickering Energy Partners, Stephens Inc. and Stifel are acting as co-managers and underwriters for the Offering.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to repay a portion of the debt expected to be incurred by the Company in connection with the proposed acquisition of Maverick Natural Resources, LLC, as announced on January 27, 2025 (the “Acquisition”). In the event that the Acquisition does not close, the Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to repay debt and for general corporate purposes. The consummation of the Offering is not conditioned upon the completion of the Acquisition, and the completion of the Acquisition is not conditioned upon the consummation of the Offering.

A shelf registration statement relating to these securities was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC“) on February 11, 2025 and became effective upon filing. Copies of the registration statement can be accessed through the SEC’s website free of charge at www.sec.gov. A preliminary prospectus supplement and an accompanying prospectus relating to and describing the terms of the Offering were filed with the SEC and are available free of charge by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. When available, copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus related to the Offering can be accessed through the SEC’s website free of charge at www.sec.gov or obtained free of charge from either of the joint book-running managers for the Offering: Citigroup, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717 (Tel: 800-831-9146); or Mizuho Securities USA LLC, Attention: Equity Capital Markets Desk, at 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, or by email at US-ECM@mizuhogroup.com.

This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy our ordinary shares nor shall there be any sale of securities, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of that jurisdiction.

In connection with the admission of the Shares to listing on the equity shares (commercial companies) category of the Official List of the Financial Conduct Authority and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the London Stock Exchange (“Admission”), the Company intends to publish a prospectus as required under the UK version of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Applications will be made to the FCA and LSE for Admission, and Admission is expected to become effective at 8:00 am (London time) on February 24, 2025.

Post Transaction Report

In accordance with the Statement of Principles (November 2022) published by the Pre-Emption Group, Diversified announces the following post transaction report in connection with the Offering.

Name of Issuer	Diversified Energy Company PLC
Transaction Details	The Company issued 8,500,000 new Ordinary Shares (the “Shares”), representing 16.6% of the Company’s ordinary share capital as of 14 February 2025. Admission of the Shares representing 16.6% of the Company’s ordinary share capital as of 14 February 2024 is expected to occur at 8.00 am (London time) on 24 February 2024.
Use of Proceeds	The directors of the Company intend to use the net proceeds from the Offering to repay a portion of the debt expected to be incurred by the Company in connection with the proposed acquisition of Maverick Natural Resources, LLC, as announced on 27 January 2025 (the “Acquisition”). In the event that the Acquisition does not close, the Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to repay debt and for general corporate purposes.
Quantum of Proceeds	Total gross proceeds from the Offering, amounted to US$123.3 million (approximately £97.9 million), approximately US$118.3 million net of expenses (approximately £93.9 million net of expenses).
Discount	The Offering was completed at a price of US$14.50 per Share, representing a 3.4% percent discount from the NYSE closing price of US$15.01 per Share on 19 February 2025 (being the last business day prior to the pricing of the Offering).
Allocations	Soft pre-emption has been adhered to in the allocations process, where possible. Management was involved in the allocations process, which has been carried out in compliance with the MIFID II Allocation requirements.
Consultation	The Underwriters undertook a pre-launch wall-crossing process, including consultation with major shareholders, to the extent reasonably practicable and permitted by law.
U.K. Retail Investors	Following discussions between the Underwriters and the Company, it was decided that a retail offer would not be included in the Offering. The Offering structure was chosen to minimize cost, time to completion and complexity.

CONTACTS

Diversified Energy Company PLC	+1 973 856 2757
Doug Kris	dkris@dgoc.com
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications

FTI Consulting	dec@fticonsulting.com
U.S. & UK Financial Media Relations

About Diversified

Diversified is a leading publicly traded energy company focused on natural gas and liquids production, transport, marketing, and well retirement. Through our unique differentiated strategy, we acquire existing, long-life assets and invest in them to improve environmental and operational performance until retiring those assets in a safe and environmentally secure manner. Recognized by ratings agencies and organizations for our sustainability leadership, this solutions-oriented, stewardship approach makes Diversified the Right Company at the Right Time to responsibly produce energy, deliver reliable free cash flow, and generate shareholder value.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are sometimes identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believe”, “expects”, “targets”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “shall”, “risk”, “intends”, “estimates”, “aims”, “plans”, “predicts”, “continues”, “assumes”, “projects”, “positioned” or “anticipates” or the negative thereof, other variations thereon or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. They appear in a number of places throughout this announcement and include statements regarding the intentions, beliefs or current expectations of management or the Company concerning, among other things, expectations regarding the proposed Offering of securities and the Acquisition. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control and all of which are based on management’s current beliefs and expectations about future events, including market conditions, failure of customary closing conditions and the risk factors and other matters set forth in the Company’s filings with the SEC and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected.

Important Notice to UK and EU Investors

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 on market abuse and the UK Version of Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 on market abuse, as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (together, “MAR”). In addition, market soundings (as defined in MAR) were taken in respect of the matters contained in this announcement, with the result that certain persons became aware of such inside information as permitted by MAR. Upon the publication of this announcement, the inside information is now considered to be in the public domain and such persons shall therefore cease to be in possession of inside information in relation to the Company and its securities.

Members of the public are not eligible to take part in the Offering. This announcement is directed at and is only being distributed to persons: (a) if in member states of the European Economic Area, “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the “Prospectus Regulation”) (“Qualified Investors“); or (b) if in the United Kingdom, “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the UK version of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, who are (i) persons who fall within the definition of “investment professionals” in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Order“), or (ii) persons who fall within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order; or (c) persons to whom they may otherwise lawfully be communicated (each such person above, a “Relevant Person“). No other person should act or rely on this announcement and persons distributing this announcement must satisfy themselves that it is lawful to do so. This announcement must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not Relevant Persons, if in the United Kingdom, or Qualified Investors, if in a member state of the EEA. Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement or the Offering relates is available only to Relevant Persons, if in the United Kingdom, and Qualified Investors, if in a member state of the EEA, and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons, if in the United Kingdom, and Qualified Investors, if in a member state of the EEA.

No offering document or prospectus will be available in any jurisdiction in connection with the matters contained or referred to in this announcement in the United Kingdom and no such offering document or prospectus is required (in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation or UK Prospectus Regulation) to be published. The Company will publish a prospectus in connection with Admission as required under the UK Prospectus Regulation in due course.

Neither the content of the Company’s website (or any other website) nor the content of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Company’s website (or any other website) is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.

The Company has consulted with a number of existing shareholders and other investors ahead of the release of this announcement, including regarding the rationale for the offering. Consistent with each of its prior offerings, the Company will respect the principles of pre-emption, so far as is possible, through the allocation process, in the Offering.

In connection with the Offering, Citigroup or any of its agents, may (but will be under no obligation to), to the extent permitted by applicable law, over-allot Shares or effect other transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the Shares at a higher level than that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. Citigroup may, for stabilization purposes, over-allot Shares up to a maximum of 10 per cent. of the total number of Shares comprised in the Offering. Citigroup will not be required to enter into such transactions and such transactions may be effected on any stock market, over-the-counter market, stock exchange or otherwise and may be undertaken at any time during the period commencing on the date of adequate public disclosure of the final price of the securities and ending no later than 30 calendar days thereafter. However, there will be no obligation on Citigroup or any of its agents to effect stabilizing transactions and there is no assurance that stabilizing transactions will be undertaken. Such stabilizing measures, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time without prior notice. In no event will measures be taken to stabilize the market price of the Shares above the offer price. Save as required by law or regulation, neither Citigroup nor any of its agents intends to disclose the extent of any over-allotments made and/or stabilization transactions conducted in relation to the Offering.

Citigroup and Mizuho are acting exclusively for the Company and no one else in connection with the Offering and will not regard any other person as their respective clients in relation to the Offering and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to their respective clients or for giving advice in relation to the Offering or the contents of this announcement or any transaction, arrangement or other matter referred to herein.

In connection with the Offering, Citigroup and Mizuho or any of their respective affiliates, acting as investors for their own accounts, may subscribe for or purchase Shares and in that capacity may retain, purchase, sell, offer to sell or otherwise deal for their own accounts in such Shares and other securities of the Company or related investments in connection with the Offering or otherwise. Accordingly, references in the US prospectus, once published, to the Shares being issued, offered, subscribed, acquired, placed or otherwise dealt in should be read as including any issue or offer to, or subscription, acquisition, placing or dealing by, Citigroup and Mizuho or any of their respective affiliates acting as investors for their own accounts. Citigroup and Mizuho or any of their respective affiliates do not intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligations to do so.

Neither Citigroup nor Mizuho, nor any of their respective subsidiary undertakings, affiliates or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, advisers, agents or any other person accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for, or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy, completeness or fairness of the information or opinions in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to the Company, its subsidiaries or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith.

The MIL Network –

February 20, 2025

MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Ends Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders
Source: The White House
PRESERVING FEDERAL BENEFITS FOR AMERICAN CITIZENS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to ensure taxpayer resources are not used to incentivize or support illegal immigration.
- The Order directs Federal departments and agencies to identify all federally funded programs currently providing financial benefits to illegal aliens and take corrective action.
- It ensures that Federal funds to states and localities will not be used to support “sanctuary” policies or assist illegal immigration.
- It mandates improvements in eligibility verification to prevent benefits from going to individuals unlawfully present in the United States.
- President Trump is committed to safeguarding Federal public benefits for American citizens who are truly in need, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.
TAXPAYERS ARE FOOTING THE BILL FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION: With this Executive Order, President Trump is ensuring taxpayer resources are used to protect the interests of American citizens, not illegal aliens.
- The surge in illegal immigration, enabled by the previous Administration, is siphoning dollars and essential services from American citizens while state and local budgets grow increasingly strained.
- Under current welfare laws, specifically the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), illegal aliens are generally barred from welfare programs. But if they’re granted parole, they are classified as “qualified aliens” and become eligible for various welfare programs on a sliding scale, with full eligibility granted within five years.
- According to the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), providing welfare to one million illegal aliens could cost American taxpayers an additional $3 billion annually.
- The U.S. House Homeland Security Committee estimated that taxpayers could pay as much as $451 billion to care for illegal aliens and gotaways that have entered the United States unlawfully since January 2021.
- The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) calculated that American taxpayers spend at least $182 billion annually to cover the costs incurred by the presence of 20 million illegal aliens and their children, which includes $66.5 billion in Federal expenses plus an additional $115.6 billion in state and local expenses.
- The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the Biden Administration’s open borders agenda, which sought to provide Medicaid-funded emergency services to illegal aliens, has cost Federal and state taxpayers more than $16.2 billion.
- The Biden Administration gave billions in taxpayer dollars to left-wing groups that facilitated mass illegal migration and provided legal services to challenge deportation orders.
- In addition, since 2021, more than $1 billion has been allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to illegal aliens.
SECURING THE BORDER AND PUTTING AMERICANS FIRST: President Trump has delivered on his promise to secure the border and prioritize the needs of American citizens, taking immediate action to put an end to the previous Administration’s border crisis. Since taking office, President Trump has:
- Declared a national emergency at the southern border.
- Deployed additional personnel to the border, including members of the Armed Forces and the National Guard.
- Restarted border wall construction.
- Designated international cartels and other criminal organizations – such as MS-13 and Tren de Aragua – as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
- Suspended the entry of aliens into the U.S.
- Called for enhanced vetting and screening of aliens.
- Required the identification of countries that warrant a partial or full suspension on the admission of nationals.
- Restarted the detention and removal of aliens who are in violation of Federal law.
- Directed the Administration to resume the Migrant Protection Protocols – also known as “Remain in Mexico” – as soon as practicable.
- Ended the use of the CBP One app.
- Terminated all categorical parole programs, such as the “Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans,” that are contrary to President Trump’s immigration agenda.
- Ended automatic citizenship for children of illegal aliens.
- Paused the operation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).
- Ended catch-and-release policies.
- Revoked Biden’s disastrous executive actions that essentially opened our southern border.
- Detained the most dangerous illegal criminal aliens in Guantanamo Bay.
MIL OSI USA News –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima

Source: The White House

class=”has-text-align-center”>By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On the morning of February 19, 1945, the first wave of United States Marines landed on the island of Iwo Jima — commencing 36 long, perilous days of gruesome warfare, and one of the most consequential campaigns of the Second World War. With ruthless fervor, the Japanese struck our forces with mortars, heavy artillery, and a steady barrage of small arms fire, but they could not shake the spirit of the Marines, and American forces did not retreat.

Five days into the conflict, six Marines ascended the island’s highest peak and hoisted Old Glory into the summit of Mount Suribachi — a triumphant moment that has stood the test of time as a lasting symbol of the grit, resolve, and unflinching courage of Marines and all of those who serve our Nation in uniform.

After five weeks of unrelenting warfare, the island was declared secure, and our victory advanced America’s cause in the Pacific Theater — but at a staggering cost. Of the 70,000 men assembled for the campaign, nearly 7,000 Marines and Sailors died, and 20,000 more were wounded.

The battle was defined by massive casualties, but also acts of gallantry — 27 Marines and Sailors received the Medal of Honor for their valor during Iwo Jima. No other single battle in our Nation’s history bears this distinction. Eighty years later, we proudly continue to honor their heroism.

American liberty was secured, in part, by young men who stormed the black sand shores of Iwo Jima and defeated the Japanese Imperial Army eight decades ago. In spite of a brutal war, the United States–Japan Alliance represents the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

Nonetheless, our victory at Iwo Jima stands as a legendary display of American might and an eternal testament to the unending love, nobility, and fortitude of America’s Greatest Generation. To every Patriot who selflessly rose to the occasion, left behind his family and his home, and gallantly shed his blood for freedom on the battlefields at Iwo Jima, we vow to never forget your intrepid devotion — and we pledge to build a country, a culture, and a future worthy of your sacrifice.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 19, 2025, as the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. I encourage all Americans to remember the selfless patriots of the Greatest Generation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency” Regulatory Initiative

Source: The White House

class=”has-text-align-left”>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1. Purpose. It is the policy of my Administration to focus the executive branch’s limited enforcement resources on regulations squarely authorized by constitutional Federal statutes, and to commence the deconstruction of the overbearing and burdensome administrative state. Ending Federal overreach and restoring the constitutional separation of powers is a priority of my Administration.

Sec. 2. Rescinding Unlawful Regulations and Regulations That Undermine the National Interest. (a) Agency heads shall, in coordination with their DOGE Team Leads and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, initiate a process to review all regulations subject to their sole or joint jurisdiction for consistency with law and Administration policy. Within 60 days of the date of this order, agency heads shall, in consultation with the Attorney General as appropriate, identify the following classes of regulations:
(i)    unconstitutional regulations and regulations that raise serious constitutional difficulties, such as exceeding the scope of the power vested in the Federal Government by the Constitution;
(ii)   regulations that are based on unlawful delegations of legislative power;
(iii) regulations that are based on anything other than the best reading of the underlying statutory authority or prohibition;
(iv)   regulations that implicate matters of social, political, or economic significance that are not authorized by clear statutory authority;
(v)   regulations that impose significant costs upon private parties that are not outweighed by public benefits;
(vi) regulations that harm the national interest by significantly and unjustifiably impeding technological innovation, infrastructure development, disaster response, inflation reduction, research and development, economic development, energy production, land use, and foreign policy objectives; and
(vii) regulations that impose undue burdens on small business and impede private enterprise and entrepreneurship.
(b) In conducting the review required by subsection (a) of this section, agencies shall prioritize review of those rules that satisfy the definition of “significant regulatory action” in Executive Order 12866 of September 30, 1993 (Regulatory Planning and Review), as amended.
(c) Within 60 days of the date of this order, agency heads shall provide to the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) within the Office of Management and Budget a list of all regulations identified by class as listed in subsection (a) of this section.
(d) The Administrator of OIRA shall consult with agency heads to develop a Unified Regulatory Agenda that seeks to rescind or modify these regulations, as appropriate.

Sec. 3. Enforcement Discretion to Ensure Lawful Governance. (a) Subject to their paramount obligation to discharge their legal obligations, protect public safety, and advance the national interest, agencies shall preserve their limited enforcement resources by generally de-prioritizing actions to enforce regulations that are based on anything other than the best reading of a statute and de-prioritizing actions to enforce regulations that go beyond the powers vested in the Federal Government by the Constitution.
(b) Agency heads shall determine whether ongoing enforcement of any regulations identified in their regulatory review is compliant with law and Administration policy. To preserve resources and ensure lawful enforcement, agency heads, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall, on a case-by-case basis and as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, then direct the termination of all such enforcement proceedings that do not comply with the Constitution, laws, or Administration policy.

Sec. 4. Promulgation of New Regulations. Agencies shall continue to follow the processes set out in Executive Order 12866 for submitting regulations for review by OIRA. Additionally, agency heads shall consult with their DOGE Team Leads and the Administrator of OIRA on potential new regulations as soon as practicable. In evaluating potential new regulations, agency heads, DOGE Team Leads, and the Administrator of OIRA shall consider, in addition to the factors set out in Executive Order 12866, the factors set out in section 2(a) of this order.

Sec. 5. Implementation. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall issue implementation guidance, as appropriate.

Sec. 6. Definitions. (a) “Agency” has the meaning given to it in 44 U.S.C. 3502, except it does not include the Executive Office of the President or its components.
(b) “Agency head” shall mean the highest-ranking official of an agency, such as the Secretary, Administrator, Chairman, or Director.
(c) “DOGE Team Lead” shall mean the leader of the DOGE Team at each agency as described in Executive Order 14158 of January 20, 2025 (Establishing and Implementing the President’s “Department of Government Efficiency”).
(d) “Enforcement action” means all attempts, civil or criminal, by any agency to deprive a private party of life, liberty, or property, or in any way affect a private party’s rights or obligations, regardless of the label the agency has historically placed on the action.
(e) “Regulation” shall have the meaning given to “regulatory action” in section 3(e) of Executive Order 12866, and also includes any “guidance document” as defined in Executive Order 13422 of January 18, 2007 (Further Amendment to Executive Order 12866 on Regulatory Planning and Review).
(f) “Senior appointee” means an individual appointed by the President, or performing the functions and duties of an office that requires appointment by the President, or a non-career member of the Senior Executive Service (or equivalent agency system).

Sec. 7. Exemptions. Notwithstanding any other provision in this order, nothing in this order shall apply to:
(a) any action related to a military, national security, homeland security, foreign affairs, or immigration-related function of the United States;
(b) any matter pertaining to the executive branch’s management of its employees; or
(c) anything else exempted by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Sec. 8. Severability. If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

Sec. 9. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: 
(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or 
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. 
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. 
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. 

THE WHITE HOUSE,
    February 19, 2025.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy

Source: The White House

class=”has-text-align-left”>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1. Purpose. It is the policy of my Administration to dramatically reduce the size of the Federal Government, while increasing its accountability to the American people. This order commences a reduction in the elements of the Federal bureaucracy that the President has determined are unnecessary. Reducing the size of the Federal Government will minimize Government waste and abuse, reduce inflation, and promote American freedom and innovation.

Sec. 2. Reducing the Scope of the Federal Bureaucracy. (a) The non-statutory components and functions of the following governmental entities shall be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law, and such entities shall reduce the performance of their statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law:
(i)   the Presidio Trust;
(ii) the Inter-American Foundation;
(iii) the United States African Development Foundation; and
(iv)   the United States Institute of Peace.
(b) Within 14 days of the date of this order, the head of each unnecessary governmental entity listed in subsection (a) of this section shall submit a report to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB Director) confirming compliance with this order and stating whether the governmental entity, or any components or functions thereof, are statutorily required and to what extent.
(c) In reviewing budget requests submitted by the governmental entities listed in subsection (a) of this section, the OMB Director or the head of any executive department or agency charged with reviewing grant requests by such entities shall, to the extent consistent with applicable law and except insofar as necessary to effectuate an expected termination, reject funding requests for such governmental entities to the extent they are inconsistent with this order.
(d) The Presidential Memorandum of November 13, 1961 (Need for Greater Coordination of Regional and Field Activities of the Government), is hereby revoked. The Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM Director) is directed to initiate the process to withdraw the regulations at title 5, part 960, Code of Federal Regulations, thereby eliminating the Federal Executive Boards.
(e) The OPM Director is directed to initiate the process to withdraw the regulations at title 5, part 362, subpart D, Code of Federal Regulations, and to take any other steps necessary to promptly terminate the Presidential Management Fellows Program. On the effective date of the final regulations promulgated by the OPM Director, Executive Order 13318 of November 21, 2003, is revoked and Executive Order 13562 of December 27, 2010, is amended by:
(i)    striking from section 2 the words “along with the Presidential Management Fellows Program, as modified herein,”;
(ii)   striking section 5;
(iii) striking from section 6(b) the words “or PMF Programs” and inserting in their place “program”;
(iv)   striking from section 7(b)(iii) the words “the competitive service of Interns, Recent Graduates, or PMFs (or a Government-wide combined conversion cap applicable to all three categories together)” and inserting in their place “the competitive service of Interns or Recent Graduates (or a Government-wide combined conversion cap applicable to both categories together)”; and
(v)    redesignating sections 6, 7, 8, and 9 as sections 5, 6, 7, and 8 respectively.
(f) Within 14 days of the date of this order, the following heads of executive departments and agencies (agencies) shall take the following actions with respect to the following Federal Advisory Committees within their respective agencies:
(i) the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development shall terminate the Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid;
(ii) the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection shall terminate the Academic Research Council and the Credit Union Advisory Council;
(iii) the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation shall terminate the Community Bank Advisory Council;
(iv)   the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall terminate the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Long COVID; and
(v)    the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services shall terminate the Health Equity Advisory Committee.
(g) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, and the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy shall identify and submit to the President additional unnecessary governmental entities and Federal Advisory Committees that should be terminated on grounds that they are unnecessary.

Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

THE WHITE HOUSE,
    February 19, 2025.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 20, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: Solar Pools and Libraries with First $50 million for bill busting upgrades

Source: Australian Ministers for Infrastructure and Transport

Batteries to soak up excess solar at a council childcare centre, solar panels to cut bills for the local library and the community pool going all-electric are just some of the projects the Albanese Government is backing with its $100 million Community Energy Upgrades Fund (CEUF).

Today 58 local government bodies around the nation will get on with bringing down their energy bills for good, with $50 million in grants for energy upgrades going out the door.

Whether it’s the neighbourhood sports club, the community hall, the local pool or library, local government brings us together and keeps us thriving. Each year 8 million people use community sporting infrastructure, including local councils. Now the Albanese Government is working with councils, so they can save on their bills and invest more into their communities.

One-off grants of between $25,000 to $2.5 million have been awarded through the merit-based program, with local government providing at least 50 per cent of project costs.

Successful funding applications include 31 upgrades to local aquatic centres and five grants for smart electric vehicle charging infrastructure for local government vehicles.

In Melbourne, Collingwood Leisure Centre will go electric, with its air, pool and hot water system using 100% renewable energy and storage.

In Western Sydney, council-owned early learning centres will free up funding to invest more into our next generation by cutting bills with batteries that soak up excess solar to be used across their own and other community buildings. While in Broken Hill they’ll unlock their sunny skies with the council installing solar panels over the car park and replacing gas heating with electric heat pumps.

Meanwhile in Darwin, the Casuarina Library will be cooler this summer with an energy upgrade, while further upgrades to Parap Pool and West Lane carpark will see the council save $83,500 a year.

In Tasmania, a local council will ensure people keep on moving, installing smart electric vehicle chargers and dynamic load management to support electrification and decarbonisation of its vehicle fleet.

The highly popular Albanese Labor Government initiative saw Round 1 oversubscribed, with 165 applications overall for the first $50 million package of funding. Round 2 is expected to open shortly, with unsuccessful applicants from round 1 warmly encouraged to reapply.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:

“Local councils run many of the sport and public facilities that keep our communities and clubs thriving. We want facilities that Australians know and love, like cricket grounds and local pools, to be able to save on their energy bills and spend more on the things they do best.

“The Albanese Government is not just providing short term relief on power bills, with our Community Energy Upgrades Fund and Energy Savings Package, we’re helping communities bring down bills for good.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Kristy McBain:

“We’ve heard loud and clear from councils about the need to upgrade ageing facilities with more energy-efficient technology, to bring down their overheads and to lower their emissions – which is exactly why we launched the Community Energy Upgrades Fund.

“We now have transparent grant programs that every postcode can apply for, we’ve delivered record funding increases for local roads, and we’ve brought local councils back to the table as a trusted delivery partner after a decade of neglect – with this program a real testament to what we can achieve for our communities when we work together.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson:

“The Albanese government is investing in energy efficiency measures for community facilities because it has a triple-whammy effect of cutting emissions, cutting running costs, and allowing those savings to be used for other local services.

“These projects are helping to deliver a cheaper, cleaner energy future for Australians.”

BACKGROUND:

STATE	SUCCESSFUL COUNCILS	TOTAL GRANT FUNDING
NSW	17 Blue Mountains City Council, Campbelltown City Council, Coolamon Shire Council, Council of the City of Broken Hill, Cowra Shire Council, Dubbo Regional Council, Inner West Council, Junee Shire Council, Ku-Ring-Gai Council, Leeton Shire Council, Lockhart Shire Council, Mid-Western Regional Council, Northern Beaches Council, Parkes Shire Council, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Wagga Wagga City Council, Wingecarribee Shire Council,	$15.3 million
VICTORIA	15 Ballarat City Council, Banyule City Council, Cardinia Shire Council, City of Maribyrnong, Colac Otway Shire, Corangamite Shire Council, Glen Eira City Council, Mansfield Shire Council, Melbourne City Council, Merri-Bek City Council, Mildura Rural City Council, Surf Coast Shire, Wyndham City Council, Yarra City Council, Yarra Ranges Shire Council	$23.9 million
QUEENSLAND	7 Aurukun Shire Council, Brisbane City Council, Cassowary Coast Regional Council, Mackay Regional Council, Maranoa Regional Council, Murweh Shire Council, Paroo Shire Council	$4.5 million
SOUTH AUSTRALIA	7 Barunga West Council, City of West Torrens, Corporation of the City of Unley, District Council of Loxton Waikerie, Rural City of Murray Bridge, The Barossa Council, The Flinders Rangers Council,	$2.3 million
WESTERN AUSTRALIA	5 City of Armadale, City of Melville, City of Swan, Town of East Fremantle, Town of Port Hedland	$2.8 million
TASMANIA	5 Brighton Council, Clarence City Council, Devonport City Council, Huon Valley Council, Launceston City Council,	$674,011
NORTHERN TERRITORY	2 Central Desert Regional Council, City Darwin	$580,528

Note: This media release was originally published by the Climate and Energy portfolio: Solar pools and libraries with first $50 million for bill busting upgrades (https://minister.dcceew.gov.au)

MIL OSI News –

February 20, 2025

Date Taken:	02.03.2025
Date Posted:	02.19.2025 23:42
Photo ID:	8877659
VIRIN:	250204-N-DB724-1015
Resolution:	8231×5487
Size:	4.51 MB
Location:	SG

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Category: Transport

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

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