NewzIntel.com

Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TD’s first online auction of Ordinary Vehicle Registration Marks successfully completed

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹The Transport Department (TD)’s first online auction of vehicle registration marks (VRMs) was completed successfully yesterday (February 24). A total of 50 Ordinary VRMs were sold at the five-day auction, with total proceeds of $632,000.

         A spokesman for the TD said, “The first online auction was held via the E-Auction website (e-auction.td.gov.hk) from noon on February 20 to noon on February 24. A total of 50 Ordinary VRMs were put up for auction and were completed successfully yesterday. Operation of the E-Auction was smooth, and the functions of the platform, including real-time bid, auto-bid (during auction), and pre-set auto bid (before auction), also performed well. During the auction, bidders could participate via the Internet and place bids. The entire auction process and the subsequent payment were conducted online.”

         Among the 50 Ordinary VRMs sold with total proceeds of $632,000, the VRM “AA 681” fetched the highest price of $60,000. The auction proceeds will go to the Government Lotteries Fund for charity purposes after the deduction of expenses incurred in conducting the auction. Details of the auction results are available on the E-Auction website. 

         Successful bidders shall follow the TD’s instructions in the notification email to log into the E-Auction within 48 hours from the issuance of the email and complete the necessary processes, including completing the Purchaser Information for the issuance of the Memorandum of Sale of Registration Mark (Memorandum of Sale) and making auction payment for the relevant VRM(s) online. They will receive another notification email around seven working days after successful payment has been confirmed for generating the Memorandum of Sale from the E-Auction system. 

         The VRMs allocated through the auction can be assigned only to motor vehicles registered in the name of the purchasers. The purchaser shall, within 12 months after the issuance of the Memorandum of Sale, arrange to assign the registration mark to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. If the purchaser fails to assign the registration mark within 12 months, the allocation of the mark concerned will be cancelled and arranged for reallocation in accordance with statutory provisions without prior notice to the purchaser.

         Members of the public may refer to the E-Auction website for the relevant information. Please call the E-Auction hotline (3583 3980) or email (e-auction-enquiry@td.gov.hk) for enquiries.

         The next online auction will be held from March 20 to 24, with details to be announced in due course. The TD will conduct a review of the e-Auction operations and gradually increase the number of auctions. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Castellum, Inc. Announces Its GTMR Subsidiary Has Been Selected as a SCI MAC Vendor

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VIENNA, Va., Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Castellum, Inc. (NYSE-American: CTM) (“Castellum” or “CTM”), a cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and software engineering services company focused on the federal government, announces that its Global Technology and Management Resources, Inc. (“GTMR”) subsidiary has been selected as a Special Compartmented Information Multiple Award Contract (“SCI MAC”) vendor, supporting the Intelligence Division of Naval Air Warfare Center – Aircraft Division (“NAWCAD”). This single pool unrestricted Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (“IDIQ”) contract, which was effective as of February 21, 2025, has a ceiling of $249 Million that will be shared among the selected awardees on the SCI MAC.

    Castellum/GTMR will engage with a wide range of customers across the U.S. Department of Defense, providing analytical, technical, and managerial efforts in the areas of acquisition, analysis, research and engineering, test and evaluation, logistics, training, and program management, as well as IT and Software Development Support. Castellum/GTMR will support Naval Air Systems Command (“NAVAIR”) across all aspects of the Acquisition Life Cycle of various platforms and systems, as well as intelligence and threat support to numerous research, development, test, and evaluation activities. This contract vehicle is intended to provide general contractor support services requiring access to intelligence and threat information at various classification levels to enable NAVAIR, subordinate Commands, Program Executive Offices, and subordinate Programs to execute their mission.

    “Another important strategic win for our CTM Team as we continue our strong momentum to posture CTM, through our subsidiary companies of GTMR, SSI and Corvus, for vigorous and enduring organic growth. The federal government has increasingly shaped its acquisition strategy over the past few years to leverage IDIQ MAC’s and on follow Task Orders as their primary acquisition strategy, and Government Contracting companies must win an ‘invitation to a seat at the ‘table’ to be able to compete for new opportunities. This win is especially significant as we will have that all-important ‘seat at the table’ to help support one of our primary and strategic mission customers and their vital classified programs that directly impact our warfighters and their ability to ensure our national security. This is precisely where we want to be as CTM: helping to build as many essential and strategically enduring opportunities as we can to support mission-critical programs with our world-class CTM team and bring our unmatched technology services and solutions to our warfighters,” said Glen Ives, President and Chief Executive Officer of Castellum.

    About Castellum, Inc.:

    Castellum, Inc. (NYSE-American: CTM) is a cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and software engineering services company focused on the federal government – https://castellumus.com/.

    Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements:

    This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements represent the Company’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events and can generally be identified by the use of statements that include words such as “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “shooting to,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “likely,” “will,” “would,” “appears,” “goal,” “target” or similar words or phrases. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s expectations for revenue growth and new customer opportunities, improvements to cost structure, and profitability. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s expectations for revenue growth and new customer opportunities including opportunities arising from its contracts with SCI MAC and NAVAIR and other customers, improvements to cost structure, and profitability. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of the Company’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, including, among others: the Company’s ability to compete against new and existing competitors; its ability to effectively integrate and grow its acquired companies; its ability to identify additional acquisition targets and close additional acquisitions; the impact on the Company’s revenue due to a delay in the U.S. Congress approving a federal budget, operating under a prolonged continuing resolution, government shutdown, or breach of the debt ceiling, as well as the imposition by the U.S. government of sequestration in the absence of an approved budget; the ability of the U.S. federal government to unilaterally cancel a contract with or without cause, and more specifically, the potential impact of the U.S. DOGE Service Temporary Organization on government spending and terminating contracts for convenience. For a more detailed description of these and other risk factors, please refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) which can be viewed at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the Company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. The Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements made in this release or in any of its SEC filings except as may be otherwise stated by the Company.

    Contact:

    Glen Ives, President and Chief Executive Officer
    Phone: (703) 752-6157
    info@castellumus.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8e355a09-de05-4150-b0bf-af06a2535f06

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: DEADLINES APPROACHING – DON’T MISS OUT ON AID!

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    If you were affected by the wildfires, there are a few deadlines you’ll want to keep in mind.

    If you haven’t registered for FEMA assistance yet, there’s still time! The deadline to apply is March 10th. FEMA grants can help repair your home, property, and even your vehicle. Rental assistance is also available for up to 18 months.

    If you need additional financial help, the Small Business Administration – or SBA, is offering low-interest loans to homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profits. They’ve already approved more than one billion dollars in loans. Applications are open through March 10th.

    The American Red Cross is also offering assistance to wildfire survivors. Their application deadline is February 26th.

    And the Army Corps of Engineers is ready to clear ash and debris from your property. But first, they need your permission. That’s where your Right of Entry form comes in. Get that document submitted by March 31st at recovery.LACounty.gov. Don’t wait—take action today!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoDtsLzmA7M

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Environment Secretary Steve Reed – NFU Conference speech

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Environment Secretary Steve Reed – NFU Conference speech

    Speech by Environment Secretary Steve Reed at the NFU Conference

    Thank you very much Tom for inviting me to speak today.  

    I’ve been to the NFU Conference before of course – but this is my first time attending as the Secretary of State for Defra. I want to personally thank Tom for our work together since I took up this role last July.  

    You were the first visitor to my office after the election and you’ve been back more since then than anyone else since. That conversation between us is invaluable as we navigate the farming transition together. 

    And I’m grateful for your views Tom – even where we’ve disagreed.  

    You set that out in your speech and I was listening to it, plain speaking as you always do. And I know it’s reflected here today, and the protests in Westminster and around the country. But even if the conversation gets difficult – I will always show up to have it. Because I respect this union and I respect British farming.

    Now, I can’t give the answer I know many of you want on inheritance tax. But I want you to know that I understand the strength of feeling in the room and in the sector, we can see and example of that right in front of me right now. And I am sorry it’s a decision that we’ve had to take.   

    Like I said I am always going to turn up to have the conversation with you, there’s an opportunity to ask questions afterwards and it might be better to ask them in that way because I have an awful lot that I think will be of interest to other people who are here in the room today that might want to hear what I have to say about that.

    Now I’ve heard many farmers describing that decision as ‘the final straw’ – and the truth is those straws have been piling up for many years. Tom you were outlining many of them in your speech.

    This sector is facing high input costs, tight margins, and unfairness in the supply chain. You’ve struggled to get enough workers to pick your fruit and veg. Frankly, you’ve been sold out in past trade deals. Farmland is increasingly at risk from severe flooding and drought.  

    And this all comes as we face the biggest transition for farming in generations, moving away from the Basic Payment Scheme to more sustainable methods of farming. 

    The underlying problem in this sector is that farmers do not make enough money for the hard work and commitment that they put in.   

    I will consider my time as Secretary of State a failure if I do not improve profitability for farmers up and down this country. 

    Today I can announce I will set up a new farming profitability unit within the department to drive that goal. I want to outline what the Government is doing to tackle the deep-rooted problems holding the sector back. Because time and again, I hear farmers say that they do not make a fair profit for the food they produce. And it is only by overcoming these long-standing challenges that we can create the conditions for your farming businesses to succeed. Achieving this starts by treating farms as the businesses they are. That’s something, in my view, the previous government forgot.  

    Farmers have repeatedly told me they want to stand on their own two feet. They are proud people and rightly so. But it is paternalistic and patronising for government to treat farmers as if they are not operating in a marketplace in which they need to turn a decent profit. 

    I worked in business for 16 years, with responsibility every year for driving up profit and driving down cost. British farming has some of the hardest working, most creative people anywhere in the British workforce. But a sector that isn’t profitable doesn’t have a future. I know that from my own long experience in business.   

    My focus is on ensuring farming becomes more profitable – because that is the best way to make your businesses viable for the future. And that’s how we ensure the long-term food security this country needs.   

    This approach will underpin our 25 Year Farming Roadmap and our Food Strategy, where we will work in partnership with farmers to make farming and food production sustainable and profitable. We will work with farmers and stakeholders to build the roadmap together, covering every part of the sector, and the first workshops will start next week. 

    The roadmap stands on three principles. 

    First, a sector that has food production at its core. The role of farming will always be to produce the food that feeds our nation. The instability we see across the world shows us why it’s so important we help farmers to get this right.  

    Second, a sector where farm businesses are more resilient in withstanding the shocks that periodically disrupt farming – severe flooding, drought, animal disease. We will help farmers who want to diversify their income to put more money into their business so they can survive these more difficult times when they come.   

    Third, a sector that recognises restoring nature is not in competition with sustainable food production, but is essential to it. 

    It is only by pursuing all three of these principles – and recognising that farms are businesses that need to be profitable, that we can guarantee national food security and a thriving food production and farming sector.  

    Our New Deal for Farmers is supporting farmers to produce food sustainably and profitably.  

    It won’t all happen overnight, but we are already making changes. 

    Tom has repeatedly told me farmers need certainty about seasonal workers. I’ve listened Tom, and I’m pleased to announce that we’re extending the Seasonal Worker visas for five years. That on it’s own is not the long-term solution. We will reduce the number of seasonal workers coming to the UK in the future.  

    But I recognise your business needs stability over the coming years as we work at pace to embrace innovation, develop the agri-tech and invest in farming practices so you can reduce your reliance on seasonal workers as quickly as possible. 

    We are making the Supply Chain fairer, with new regulations for the pig sector coming in by the end of next month in March to make sure contracts clearly set out expectations and only allow changes if they’ve agreed by all parties. We are engaging with industry on similar proposals for eggs and fresh produce. 

    For the first time ever, we are measuring where the public sector buys food from so we can use the Government’s own purchasing power to back British produce wherever we can. I have worked with my colleague Pat McFadden in the Cabinet Office to create new requirements for government catering contracts to favour high-quality, high-welfare products that British producers are well placed to meet.  

    This means British farmers and producers can compete for a fairer share of the £5 billion pounds a year the public sector spends on food. That’s money straight into farmers’ bank accounts to boost turnover and boost profits.  

    Ours is an outward-facing trading nation. But I want to be clear, we will never lower our food standards in trade agreements. We will promote robust standards nationally and internationally and will always consider whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage. British farming deserves a level playing field where you can compete and win and that is what you’ll get. We will use the full range of powers at our disposal to protect our most sensitive sectors. 

    Innovation and technology will help farmers produce more food more sustainably and more profitably. I’m delighted to announce the legislation to implement the Precision Breeding Act for plants in England has been laid in Parliament today. This offers huge potential to transform the plant breeding sector in England by enabling innovative products to be commercialised in years instead of in decades, and we are reinstating the Precision Breeding Industry Working Group so the whole food supply chain can work together to bring new food and feed products to market faster. 

    We are investing in the UK Agri-Technology sector with a further £110 million pounds in farming grants being announced today. In Spring we will launch new competitions under our Farming Innovation Programme for groundbreaking research that will help the sector transition towards net zero, and unlock opportunities from the Precision Breeding Act.  

    This is not just for the biggest farms. We will help farms of any size access technology that makes a real difference to the bottom-line over the years ahead. Like the chemical-free cleaning for integrated milking equipment by Oxi-Tech – funded through FIP, which boosts profits by lowering energy costs and chemical use. Our new ADOPT programme will fund farmer-led trials that bridge the gap between these new technologies and their use in the real world,  showing farmers that their investments in technology will deliver financial returns and boost profits. And once technologies and equipment hit the market, we are making them available through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund. Products like the electric weeder developed by Rootwave to reduce chemical use. We will launch another opportunity this Spring to bring more products to the farmgate. 

    Farms must be resilient to future challenges if they are to remain financially viable and strengthen food security. That includes severe flooding and droughts through to animal disease, and geopolitical tensions that increase demands on our land for energy generation. 

    I know new tech doesn’t bring the same benefits for every type of farm. We are investing to help farm businesses build resilience against animal diseases that can devastate livelihoods and threaten our entire economy. Like the Bluetongue Virus, Avian Flu, or the recent case of Foot and Mouth that we saw in Germany. 

    That’s why we’re investing £208 million pounds to set up a new National Biosecurity Centre, modernising the Animal and Plant Health Agency facilities at Weybridge, to protect farmers, food producers and exporters from disease outbreaks that can wipe out businesses in a moment. 

    We are helping keepers of cattle, sheep and pigs in England improve the health, welfare and productivity of their animals by expanding the fully funded farm visits offer. 

    Tom had raised with me, and he just did in his speech, the risk from illegal meat imports. More than 92,000 thousand kilograms of illegal meat products were seized at ports across the UK over the last year. They carry huge risk of diseases such as African Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth getting into the country. We can’t tolerate this.   

    I am working with the Home Office and Border Force on plans to seize the cars, vans, trucks and coaches used by criminal gangs to smuggle illegal meat into our country and crush them so they can’t be used again.   

    I’ve listened to your concerns about other forms of crime as well. Crime damages farm profitability as you are forced to wait for farm or construction machinery to be replaced, or clear rubbish that has been dumped in your gateways or on your land. The National Rural Crime Unit is already supporting forces to tackle rural crime around the country.   

    To strengthen our approach and protect your profits, the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper will lay the legislation this year to better protect agricultural equipment like all-terrain vehicles, by requiring immobilisers and forensic marking as standard.  

    At the Oxford Farming Conference earlier this year, I announced new ways to help farmers remain profitable and viable, even in a challenging harvest. We will consult on national planning reforms this Spring to make it quicker for farmers to build new buildings, barns and other infrastructure to boost food production.  And ensure permitted development rights work for farms to convert larger barns into a farm shop, holiday let, or a sports facility if that suits their business planning. We will get red tape out of the way so you can invest to become more profitable.   

    I’m working with Ed Miliband and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero so more farm businesses can connect their own electricity generation to the grid much faster, so you can sell surplus energy and diversify your income.   

    The third element of our vision is nature. Restoring nature is vital to food production, not in competition with it. It is healthy soils, abundant pollinators and clean water that are the foundations farm businesses that they rely on to produce high crop yields and turn over a profit. Without nature thriving, there can be no long-term food security. 

    I want to thank everyone – upland, tenant, grassland farmers and others – everyone who is involved in our farming schemes. Almost 50 thousand farm businesses are now in schemes and around half of farmed land in England is being managed to enhance nature while producing food. 

    I recognise the frustration when we had to pause the Capital Grants offer last year without proper warning because of unprecedented demand. I promised to update you as soon as I could. And I can confirm today that every application submitted for capital grants before the pause in November will be taken forward, and following this, we will reopen the ELM capital grants offer this summer. 

    I’m also pleased to announce that we’re investing £30 million pounds to increase payment rates in Higher Level Stewardship with immediate effect to bring them more closely in line with our other farming schemes. Something the NFU and others have long called for. You just called for it again, Tom. These farmers are the pioneers of nature-friendly farming, often based in upland areas. They deliver high-quality environmental outcomes; now, finally, they will get a fair price for their work.  

    There’s a lot to be done to make British farming profitable and viable for the long term. I know we can only get there if we build the future together.   

    We will work with Tom, the NFU and farmers around the country to support farmers to keep producing the food we love to eat. This requires a new approach that recognises farms are businesses, and businesses need to turn a fair profit.  

    I’ll play my part in creating the conditions for that to happen. I know you’ll play your part in building resilient businesses that will innovate and succeed. Together, we will overcome the challenges this sector faces and give British farming the bright future this country knows you deserve.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Support for professions affected by the 2035 expiry date for combustion engines – E-002715/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    When putting forward the European Green Deal and the Fitfor55 package, the Commission conducted several impact assessments, including for the revised Regulation setting CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and vans, which upholds the principle of technology neutrality[1],[2].The Commission will prepare a progress report by 2025, notably covering employment impacts[3].

    The EU has enacted measures and provides funding to ensure a fair transition , also in the automotive sector. This includes the European Skills Agenda, supporting Member States in up and reskilling of workers, and its Pacts for Skills such as the Automotive Skills Alliance aiming at upskilling 5% of the sector’s workforce each year.

    Moreover, the Council Recommendation on a fair transition[4] provides guidance to Member States on these topics. These measures are also supported by EU funds[5]. Further, the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund supports workers suffering from displacements following restructuring.

    In addition, the Commission plans to present the Union of Skills in early March, supporting upskilling and reskilling, among other things. The Commission will also present a Quality Jobs Roadmap in the second half of 2025, with the aim to ensure a fair transition for all.

    The Commission continues working on supporting the transition, through various initiatives and in consultation with social partners and other stakeholders.

    The Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the Automotive Industry was launched on 30 January 20 25, bringing together key stakeholders from the industry to propose and implement measures needed for the sector[6].

    Thematic discussions are held as part of the Strategic Dialogue, including on skills and social considerations in the sector.

    • [1] The regulation establishes a 100% CO2 emission reduction target for new cars and vans registered from 2035 onwards. http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/851/oj
    • [2] Impact assessment accompanying Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2019/631 as regards strengthening the CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles in line with the Union’s increased climate ambition.
    • [3] Article 14a(f) of Regulation (EU) 2019/631, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/631/2024-01-01
    • [4] Council Recommendation on ensuring a fair transition towards climate neutrality (2022/ C 243/04).
    • [5] such as the European Social Fund Plus.
    • [6] Including actions addressing jobs, skills, and other social elements in the sector https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_6542

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prime Minister’s Ukraine reception remarks: 24 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Prime Minister’s Ukraine reception remarks: 24 February 2025

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke at a 10 Downing Street reception marking three years since Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    It’s a privilege to welcome you all here to Downing Street this afternoon.

    This, of course, is not only my office and the centre of our government but it is also my home. So it is appropriate that I throw open the doors to my home to you and make you feel welcome in this building, which is where you should be.

    And particularly fitting that you are here in my home today as we recognise people who have been welcomed into homes across the country, and I know there are many of you here.

    I’ve just had the privilege and the opportunity to talk with a number of you who have been here some for some little time now and often with children. There are people here who have come, people here who have opened their doors and there are many others across the country.

    We are really proud of the people who have opened their doors, opened their hearts as well – because it’s not just a shelter, it’s opening hearts and making you feel welcome particularly in this time of conflict and uncertainty.

    And I said to the people I was talking to just now, I would love to be able to get you all together here again on a future occasion that isn’t an anniversary of an awful conflict because that is, of course, what it is today.

    Because in the face of that conflict, I do think the bond between our two countries has got stronger and stronger. I think it was a good strong bond anyway, but it has got much stronger and that’s happened across the kitchen tables up and down the nation, as well as the meeting tables.

    And of course, I have had the privilege of meeting President Zelenskyy very many times now, on a number of occasions in different places, including here in Downing Street and, of course, in Kyiv.

    I’ve actually been to Kyiv four times. I went twice before the conflict, because before I was a politician, I was the chief prosecutor and we were working with criminal justice colleagues in Kyiv. And so I have seen Kyiv in peace – a brilliant, fantastic city – and I’ve seen it twice, once as leader of the opposition and just a few weeks ago as Prime Minister, in this terrible conflict.

    When I was there just a few weeks ago, I was able to express our solidarity and support, and I was struck again by the resilience and strength of the Ukrainians, because that sense of civic duty, going and doing everyday work, and treating it as work for the nation was very, very strong.

    When I was there four weeks ago, I went to the burns unit at one of the hospitals and saw for myself some of those who have been on the frontline who were being treated in hospital with terrible burns from blasts, really life-changing injuries, and civilians as well who had been caught up in blasts.

    In one sense, it’s obvious when you’re in conflict you are going to see things like that but when you’re there and you see it right there, the human impact is huge.

    Because this isn’t just about discussions of defence and security in Europe, although it is that, it isn’t just about sovereignty and it is that, it is about the impact on human beings.

    When I was there I met children in a school in Kyiv, they were primary-school age so they were 8, 9, 10-years-old, living under the threat of bombardment all of the time. It’s what they are growing up with and I met some of them who had already lost their parents on the frontline at that tender age. That is really humbling, it really brought home to me the human impact of all of this.

    Politics is about the decisions you make but it is also about who you have in your mind’s eye when you make your decisions. And I think it is very important that we have you in our mind’s eye.

    When I was there with President Zelenskyy just a few weeks ago, we then went to have our discussion as two leaders and at that point a drone – a Russian drone – was up in the sky and had to be shot down right above the presidential palace, which for me was just a real reminder of what it is like to live in Kyiv and to have that threat every day now with the drones going up. It brought home to me the uncertainty and the fear – not just obviously for yourselves and the people living in the conflict, but all of their loved ones, and your family and extended family, and friends, and communities who are there and must be in your mind’s eye all of the time. And for your children and your country in the years to come.

    So, amongst my messages here this afternoon is you are not alone.

    We stand with you, and we have stood with you throughout this conflict and we will walk with you through this conflict, and we will continue to do so for as long as is necessary.

    I am proud that we opened our homes; I’m proud of our NHS workers in the hospital I went to Kyiv, who had gone out there with their skills to try and work with those working in the hospitals; the soldiers that are training Ukrainian troops.

    This is incredibly humbling work. I went to see it for myself down in Salisbury. Not only the professionalism of our troops who are doing the training but also the Ukrainian civilians, as they were, who had come to do the training. Through interpreters I talked to a number of them and they had been plumbers, they had been architects, working in local government, and here they were training to go to the frontline. And it was training that would normally take months being truncated into weeks. It was a real sense of what it is like to go through this awful conflict.

    Because we know that this fight is about Ukraine – it is about you, your communities – but it is also about us. This is bigger than Ukraine – it is, of course, about Ukrainian sovereignty but it not just Ukrainian sovereignty. It is about our way of life, our freedoms, about security and defence in Europe, and security and defence here in the United Kingdom, and the values that we hold dear. 

    That’s why last time I was there I signed a 100-year partnership with Ukraine which is to signal the ongoing relationship that we want to build over many, many decades to come. 

    It’s why we are sending £4.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine this year – that’s more than ever before. And working with our international partners to guarantee the security of Ukraine for generations to come.

    Because I strongly believe that whatever happens next, Ukraine must be in the strongest possible position. We must, we must, we must get peace through strength. 

    The temptation is always there to think that it is job done, or something is about to happen. We have got to make sure that we continue with our full support, whether that is capability, whether that is money, whether that’s training – all the other support that we can put in. And that’s my constant message in the discussions I am having with international leaders 

    We also need to be really clear as there are lots of discussions at the moment about negotiations: we can’t negotiate about Ukraine without Ukraine – you just can’t – and we must be absolutely clear about this.

    After everything you and your people, your country has been through, all the suffering and hardship – this is about the future of Ukraine and Ukraine must be at the table. It’s an absolute pre-condition.

    And we must work for a lasting peace. One of my biggest fears is that there is a ceasefire which is a temporary reprieve but simply gives Putin the space to come again and that would be the worst of outcomes.

    It must be a lasting peace for you, your children and your children’s children, so that you can live as you should be able to live, in a proud, safe and sovereign Ukraine; able to make sovereign decisions as a country about the alliance that Ukrainians want to make; the partnerships that Ukrainians want to make, and the way of life that Ukrainians want.

    So we will not falter in our support.

    We will not stop our efforts to end this war.

    And we will not rest until the people of Ukraine can live peacefully and safely in their own country.

    So thank you for being here; I do hope that I can have the privilege of seeing you here or elsewhere on an occasion where we are not celebrating another anniversary of this conflict but genuinely celebrating freedom and peace for Ukraine and for Europe.

    Thank you very much.

    Slava Ukraini.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Students of SPbGASU learned how to get a grant to implement their ideas

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Lecture by Alena Zinkevich

    On February 21, the lecture “The Ecosystem of Youth Policy in Russia” was held in the “Growth Point” space of SPbGASU. The head of the media department of the charitable organization “Anna Helps”, expert-mentor of Rosmolodezh, expert of the “Movement of the First”, lecturer of the Russian society “Knowledge” Alena Zinkevich told students about organizations that work in the field of youth policy, and about the opportunities that young people have today.

    According to Alena Zinkevich, youth policy at various levels is implemented by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh), the Committee for Youth Policy and Interaction with Public Organizations of the Administration of St. Petersburg, educational institutions, and youth centers.

    Alena Zinkevich spoke in detail about the Rosmolodezh forums, which provide the opportunity to travel for free, communicate with like-minded people, and receive funding for your projects.

    The speaker reviewed various projects and programs of Rosmolodezh, explained what grants are, what types of grants exist, and where to look for them. Thus, until March 17, you can apply for the correspondence competition “Rosmolodezh. Grants Season I”. Alena Zinkevich shared useful tips and offered assistance in filling out applications. Those interested could make a request and receive a gift from the speaker – a checklist on social design. After the lecture, we asked the students if they had projects that they dreamed of bringing to life.

    Anna Bogolyubova, a first-year undergraduate student at the Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Urban Management, has not previously participated in grant competitions. She does not have a project yet, but she has ideas. Anna learned a lot of new things at the lecture.

    Anna Kozhemyak, a second-year bachelor’s student at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, actively attends lectures at Tochka Rosta. She has several ideas aimed at solving student problems. Anna is a participant in the World Youth Festival in Sochi. She wants to continue the experience she gained there.

    Lecture audience. In the center is Lev Zadumkin

    The lecture was attended by Lev Zadumkin, the leading system administrator of the information technology department of SPbGASU. His project is a youth cycling school. “It’s like a driving school, only on bicycles, where we teach traffic rules and city riding in the format of a full course, with theory and practice. After classes, students stop being afraid of the roadway, understand road signs, and can provide first aid,” he said. In 2023, Lev, as part of a team from the “Let’s Go” association, applied for a grant (subsidy) competition from the Committee on Youth Policy and Interaction with Public Organizations.

    “We won then, but not last year, but we are not giving up and will try again this year, with the project of the school of urban mobility, which will include training in riding not only bicycles, but also SIM (individual mobility devices – electric scooters, unicycles and others). This innovation gives the project additional relevance in connection with the increase in demand for urban micromobility as an affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to public transport and private cars,” Lev continued.

    Lev Zadumkin reported that as a public project, “Bike School” has existed for more than 10 years thanks to activist Alexander Kozhanov and the public movement “Bicycling of St. Petersburg”. “Previously, these were one-time classes for a wide audience, video lectures, performances at festivals, then we tested the format of courses for residents of the municipal district (MO-72) and released several streams,” he said, specifying that he himself has been actively involved in the project since 2023.

    “As far as I know, there are no similar schools to ours yet, we are pioneers. There are schools that teach how to ride a bike (mainly for children), there are “electric scooter schools” from sharing companies, but there is a problem everywhere – they do not prioritize the use of bicycles and SIMs as transport and do not teach traffic rules. And classes at the bike school are free!” – concluded Lev Zadumkin.

    “Our university offers many opportunities for young people to realize themselves. On February 26 at 19:00, Rosmolodezh. Grants and Dvizhenie Perviy ambassadors will hold individual consultations at the Growth Point. This is a good social lift. Come with your ideas!” urged Ekaterina Kovalenko, Deputy Head of the Youth Policy Department.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Company selling dangerous motorcycle helmets handed large fines

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Company selling dangerous motorcycle helmets handed large fines

    Bikers Lifestyle Ltd has been ordered to pay over £10,000 in fines and costs after selling motorcycle helmets that “catastrophically failed” safety tests.

    The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has successfully prosecuted Bikers Lifestyle Ltd for selling motorcycle helmets and eye protection that fail to meet UK safety standards.

    The company was found guilty of 7 separate offences at Willesden Magistrates Court on 20 January 2025 and ordered to pay over £10,000 in fines and costs.

    Tests revealed that 3 out of 4 helmets failed safety requirements catastrophically, with one helmet recording results that indicated a 100% risk of fatality in a collision.

    Critical safety failures

    DVSA’s Market Surveillance Unit conducted tests at an independent laboratory specialising in motorcycle helmet testing. The results showed:

    • 3 helmets catastrophically failed safety testing
    • the fourth helmet passed impact tests but was not marked and labelled in accordance with regulations, so it was not legal for sale or use in the UK
    • all tested eye protection failed to meet required standards

    The magistrates found a high degree of culpability and determined there was a high risk of harm to consumers. The company was ordered to pay:

    • £4,000 for helmet-related offences (£1,000 per helmet)
    • £1,500 for eye protection offences (£500 per item)
    • £2,000 victim surcharge
    • £2,694 prosecution costs

    In total, the fines and costs came to £10,194.

    Recall of dangerous products

    Bikers Lifestyle Ltd has been ordered to remove non-compliant products from future supply.

    They are also required to recall those products already supplied in the UK market.

    Protecting you from unsafe equipment

    Sadie Clarke, DVSA investigation lead, said:

    Sub-standard helmets and eyewear pose a very real and significant risk to any motorcycle rider using them.

    Tests on items sold by Bikers Lifestyle Ltd showed they would be incapable of offering the necessary protection required in the event of an accident and the consequences could be catastrophic.

    DVSA will continue to work with Trading Standards and other agencies to make sure that these kinds of products do not make their way onto the market in the UK. This case should act as a warning to any other company that considers selling unfit safety products.

    Safety standards for motorcycle equipment

    You can read:

    Check motorcycle helmet safety ratings

    The SHARP helmet safety scheme provides guidance about:

    • how to select a helmet that fits correctly and is comfortable
    • the relative safety of helmets to help you make an informed choice

    Visit the SHARP website to check helmet ratings and find out about getting the right fit.

    Other places to get information

    You can also check advice and guidance from reputable organisations that specialise in motorcycle safety.

    Report someone making or selling unsafe or illegal vehicles or equipment

    You can report someone selling accessories that do not meet safety standards. You can do this anonymously (not giving your name), or you can give your details.

    Report someone making or selling unsafe or illegal vehicles or parts.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New powers for police to tackle neighbourhood crime

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New powers for police to tackle neighbourhood crime

    In one of the biggest legislative updates to policing for decades, a package of new laws will tackle antisocial behaviour, shop theft and street crime.

    The Crime and Policing Bill, which is central to the government’s Plan for Change and Safer Streets mission, will be introduced in Parliament today and begins its journey to becoming law.

    It will also include measures to address the highest-harm crimes impacting society, such as knife crime, violence against women and girls, cybercrime, child sexual abuse, and terrorism.

    In new measures announced today, police will be given enhanced powers against theft of mobile phones – no longer needing a warrant to search properties where stolen items have been electronically geolocated.

    Under the new warrantless powers of entry, officers will be able to enter premises identified by electronic mapping if stolen items are believed to be there and it is not practicable to obtain a warrant from a court. This can be done through a ‘find my phone’ app, WiFi access points, Bluetooth, mobile network technology or tracking devices attached to any other possession or vehicle.

    It will support the police to act swiftly in the ‘golden hour’ of investigations, which is particularly crucial for investigations into theft, helping to provide swifter seizures of stolen property and providing a better service to victims.

    Sitting at the heart of the government’s Safer Streets mission and Plan for Change, the new bill will help tackle the crimes that matter most to communities but have been ignored for too long. The new laws will be backed up by the recruitment of 13,000 extra neighbourhood policing roles, with a named officer in every community. 

    On the introduction of the Crime and Policing Bill, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    This flagship Crime and Policing Bill is at the heart of our mission for safer streets and this government’s Plan for Change. 

    For too long communities have had to put up with rising town centre and street crime, and persistent antisocial behaviour, while neighbourhood police have been cut. And for years too little has been done to tackle the most serious violence of all including knife crime and violence against women and children. 

    That is why the new Crime and Policing Bill is about taking back our streets and town centres, restoring respect for law and order, and giving the police and local communities the support and tools they need to tackle local crime.

    On the new warrantless powers of entry, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    For the last few years, our towns and cities have seen street theft shoot up, as organised gangs have been targeting mobile phones.

    But it is extremely frustrating for victims when they can see exactly where their stolen phone has gone but nothing is done.

    That is why we are determined to give the police the powers they need to move fast to crack down on these crimes that are blighting our communities.

    It places significant focus on protecting high streets. The effective immunity for shop theft of goods below £200 will be scrapped and retail workers will be better protected from assault. 

    There will also be increased powers to crack down on repeat antisocial behaviour offenders, with new Respect Orders banning those prolific offenders from our town centres.

    Police will be given the power to seize vehicles that cause havoc to communities, allowing them to deal with the scourge of off-road bikes in public parks and dangerous e-scooters on pavements.

    The bill will treat VAWG as the national emergency it truly is, ensuring tougher enforcement action against perpetrators and better protection for victims. It will strengthen Stalking Protection Orders, introduce a new criminal offence covering spiking and bar registered sex offenders from changing their name where they continue to pose a threat.

    Implementing a flagship recommendation of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, the bill will create a new duty to report child sexual abuse, backed up by criminal sanctions for those who seek to cover up abuse.

    To help rebuild confidence in police, chief constables will be enabled to remove officers who are unfit to serve by allowing them the right to appeal the result of misconduct boards to the Police Appeals Tribunal. 

    In the year ending September 2024, police recorded one million incidents of antisocial behaviour. In the same period, they recorded over 490,000 shop theft offences, an increase of 23 percent over the previous 12-month period. Instances of theft from a person increased by 22 percent, while there were also over 55,000 recorded offences involving a knife or sharp instrument.

    Other measures that have already been announced by the government, such as the presumption of anonymity for firearms officers facing criminal proceedings relating to the use of lethal force in the line of duty, will be introduced later in the parliamentary process. This also includes Ronan’s Law clamping down on the online sales of knives, announced last week.

    Clare Sumner, Chief Policy & Social Impact Officer at the Premier League said: 

    The Premier League welcomes the government’s commitment to making communities safer for all through the introduction of the Crime and Policing Bill. The Premier League and our clubs – together with our partners across the game – are committed to using the power of football to provide positive opportunities for young people.  

    Launched in 2006 with the Home Office and the Metropolitan Police, Premier League Kicks is one of our flagship programmes delivered by 93 professional football club charities across the country to support young people in high-need areas. The programme provides free, weekly football sessions in safe environments offering mentoring, personal development opportunities and positive pathways for young people.

    Asda Chief Commercial Officer (Non-food and Retail), Liz Evans, said:

    The Crime and Policing Bill is a major step forward, which builds on the measures that this government has already introduced to deliver the Safer Streets mission. Recent interventions, like the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, will help us to directly tackle two significant challenges that we are facing as a business – incidences of assault and shoplifting are daily challenges across our estate, which have a devastating impact on colleagues and customers.

    More police working in our communities will have a positive impact as we continue to mitigate those challenges. That is why we warmly welcome this bill and recognise it as a key milestone in combatting retail crime and antisocial behaviour. As I have said before, Asda is ready to work in partnership with our new neighbourhood officers to help reduce crime and improve safety in the areas we serve.

    Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: 

    We strongly welcome the introduction of the Crime and Policing Bill, which we hope will send a clear message that shop theft and assaults on retailers will be taken seriously by both the police and the justice system. 

    People running and working in shops deserve to be treated with respect, and we believe this bill takes important steps toward that goal.

    CEO of Neighbourhood Watch, John Hayward-Cripps,  said:

    Neighbourhood Watch is delighted that the government is continuing to show its commitment to neighbourhood policing. The focus on addressing and reducing the epidemic of antisocial behaviour, theft, and shoplifting that we all witness in our town centres and communities will play an important role in increasing feelings of confidence in the police, and feeling safer in our local communities. 

    The reduction in police funding over the last 15 years has been particularly felt in neighbourhood policing, resulting in low public confidence and crimes going unreported, due to the perception that the police do not have the resources to investigate. 

    The Crime and Policing Bill combined with the additional resources being introduced will enable the police to do the job they want to do, rather than only focusing on their biggest priorities, and signals the government’s commitment to improving our communities and making us all feel safer and more connected.

    Dawn Dines, the CEO of Stamp Out Spiking welcomes the introduction of the Crime and Policing Bill with its clear indications that government policy is addressing violent crime, antisocial behaviour, and spiking, as a matter of priority.

    Increasing public confidence and the sense that people will be safer on our streets, without the fear of being attacked, together with enhanced police visibility, will go a long way to create community cohesion and confidence in Home Office strategies.

    Dawn said:

    The key to combatting predators of these spiking crimes, to enhance public protection and to reduce antisocial behaviour, is proactive education. A collaborative approach is essential to satisfy the needs of different communities, environments and changing trends. It is paramount for service providers to have the confidence of receiving current, concise information from key stakeholders, who deal with victims and security, in the day and nighttime economy.

    Clearly the detection and prevention of crime is not only a matter for the police. It is the duty of us all, as caring, compassionate citizens, not tolerating a culture of violence where these acts can be committed.

    This bill will create a positive impact on encouraging victims – especially of spiking – to come forward, to report, clearly indicating that offending is not acceptable and will have severe consequences.

    The full scope of legislation at introduction includes:

    Tackling antisocial behaviour by:

    • giving the police and others stronger powers to tackle antisocial behaviour by introducing Respect Orders
    • removing the need for police to issue a warning before seizing vehicles, such as off-road bikes being used antisocially
    • strengthening the use of existing antisocial behaviour powers. The bill also gives ministers the power to issue statutory guidance to councils in England on the enforcement of fly-tipping

    Tougher action on knife crime, including:

    • creating a power to seize, retain and destroy bladed articles found on private property
    • increasing the maximum penalty for sale of dangerous weapons to under-18s
    • creating a new criminal offence of possessing a bladed article with the intent to cause harm

    Protecting retail workers by:

    • introducing a new offence of assaulting a retail worker, giving workers in shops up and down the country the protection they need
    • removing the legislation which makes shop theft of and below £200 a summary-only offence, sending a clear message that any level of shop theft will be taken seriously

    Protecting vulnerable children and adults by:

    • introducing a new offence of child criminal exploitation, alongside a civil preventative order designed to stop the abhorrent exploitation of children by criminals
    • making cuckooing a specific offence, protecting the most vulnerable people whose homes are used by others to commit criminal activity
    • extending the current offence of exposure and creating a new child abduction offence  

    Tackling child sexual abuse, including implementing recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse by:

    • banning AI-models optimised to produce child sexual abuse material, and extend existing law criminalising ‘paedophile manuals’ to include material instructing how to use AI to generate child sexual abuse material
    • criminalising moderators and administrators of websites that host child sexual abuse material
    • granting Border Force officers the power to search the digital devices of individuals arriving in the UK for child sexual abuse material
    • introducing a new duty in England for adults working in relevant activities to report instances of child sexual abuse
    • introducing a new statutory aggravating factor covering grooming behaviour.

    Tackling violence against women and girls by: 

    • creating new offences criminalising the taking or recording of intimate images or videos without consent or a reasonable belief in consent
    • creating a new offence capturing spiking
    • empowering the police to release the identity online stalkers to victims, alongside strengthening the use of stalking protection orders whilst issuing guidance to agencies on combatting stalking

    New powers to tackle serious crime, including: 

    • banning the possession or distribution of electronic devices used in vehicle theft
    • strengthening the ability to apply corporate criminal liability to the makeup of modern corporations

    Strengthening the supervision of offenders in the community by:

    • reforming the ability of the police to manage registered sex offenders, including restricting their ability to change their name where there is a risk of sexual harm
    • giving probation officers the power to polygraph test more serious offenders who have committed sexual or terrorism-motivated crimes

    Introducing new public order and safety powers, including:  

    • banning the possession of fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnics at protests
    • criminalising the climbing of specified war memorials, making it clear that such disrespectful behaviour is unacceptable
    • banning the use of face coverings to conceal a person’s identity at protests designated by the police

    Tackling fraud and economic crime by:

    • prohibiting possession and supply of “SIM farms” with no legitimate purpose
    • reforming the confiscation powers used to strip convicted criminals of their proceeds of crime
    • introducing cost protections for law enforcement agencies to protect them from the risk of adverse costs when investigating kleptocrats and high-net worth individuals and corporations

    Giving police the powers they need, including: 

    • creating a new targeted power for the police to enter premises to search for and seize electronically tracked stolen goods, ranging from mobile phones to stolen vehicles and agricultural machinery
    • expanding the lawful purposes by which law enforcement agencies can access the DVLA driver licence records

    Tougher action on drugs, including: 

    • expanding police powers to drug test more suspects on arrest, helping direct more drug users into treatment and away from illegal drugs

    Enhancing public confidence in policing by: 

    • reforming the Independent Officer of Police Conduct’s (IOPC) investigative processes and giving chief officers of police the right to appeal the result of misconduct boards to the Police Appeals Tribunal
    • putting the IOPC’s victims’ right of review on a statutory footing.

    Update counter-terrorism powers by: 

    • implementing recommendations of the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, such as introducing youth diversion orders to divert young people away from terrorism-related activity

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Business – Gebrüder Weiss expands its logistics services in Poland

    Source: Gebrüder Weiss

    Since the beginning of the year, Gebrüder Weiss has been offering partial and full truck loads (LTL / FTL) as well as extended logistics solutions in addition to air and sea freight services / Poland continues to gain in importance as a logistics center for the transport of goods in Europe

    Krakow / Lauterach, February 25, 2025. Gebrüder Weiss is further expanding its transport and logistics services in Poland: since the beginning of 2025, the international logistics company has also been offering its customers national and international partial and full truck loads (LTL / FTL) as well as additional warehousing and logistics solutions, including order picking. Companies can use the myGW customer portal to track their shipments in real time and have all documents available in digital form. The new services complement Gebrüder Weiss’ existing logistics, air and sea freight services on offer since 2020. As a result, the team is growing to 70 employees.

    “Our goal is to offer companies in Poland with a first-class and comprehensive range of logistics services,” emphasizes René Stranz, Area Manager Slovakia and Poland at Gebrüder Weiss. “By combining different modes of transport, our customers will be able to react even more flexibly to market requirements and make their supply chains more efficient in the future.” Poland has become a sought-after production and warehousing location within Europe. Its economy grew three times faster than the EU average in 2024 thanks to rising consumer spending. Poland is an important trading partner and export market, especially for German companies, but also for imports from Asia and the US. At the same time, the transport infrastructure is being continually expanded, including a new major airport with an international freight center.

    Today, Gebrüder Weiss in Poland has branches in Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdynia and Warsaw. Its customers come mainly from the high-tech, automotive, consumer goods and e-commerce industries. In addition to transport, the logistics provider also handles the storage and order picking of pharmaceuticals that require special refrigeration for companies in the pharmaceutical industry. In order to optimize its customers’ supply chains even more comprehensively, the logistics company is also planning to expand its offer as a Lead Logistics Provider in the medium term. “Depending on how the economy develops, further locations are also possible,” says Maciej Szczyglowski, Country Manager Poland Land & Logistics at Gebrüder Weiss. “For example, in Wroclaw or Katowice, where we can imagine new logistics terminals for goods handling.”

    About Gebrüder Weiss

    Gebrüder Weiss Holding AG, based in Lauterach, Austria, is a globally operative full-service logistics provider with about 8,600 employees at 180 company-owned locations. The company generated revenues of 2.46 billion euros in 2023. Its portfolio encompasses transport and logistics solutions, digital services, and supply chain management. The twin strengths of digital and physical competence enable Gebrüder Weiss to respond swiftly and flexibly to customers’ needs. The family-run organization – with a history going back more than half a millennium – has implemented a wide variety of environmental, economic, and social initiatives. Today, it is also considered a pioneer in sustainable business practices. www.gw-world.com

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Roar into adventure at Dino Fun Day at Dinosaur Isle this Sunday! 25 February 2025 Roar into adventure at Dino Fun Day at Dinosaur Isle!

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Grab your explorer hats and join the excitement of an unforgettable journey through time at Dinosaur Isle in Sandown.

    The much-anticipated Dino Fun Day is just around the corner, taking place on Sunday, 2 March between 10am and 4pm. It promises to be a roarsome event that will transport visitors back to the age of the dinosaurs with a line up of exhibitors and activities.

    Entry is just £1 per person on this special day and there’s free car parking.

    One of the main attractions is Debbie Webb, the brilliant mind behind the beloved “Stevie Steg” books. Her tales of the adventurous little dinosaur have captured hearts, and now you can meet the author herself!

    Debbie will be on hand to chat with visitors and sign copies of her books. Get ready to dive into dino adventures and maybe even pick up some storytelling tips.

    Foxwell Forensics will be showcasing their fascinating work, giving you a chance to become a detective for the day. Unearth clues, solve mysteries, and see if you have what it takes to be a forensic expert. Who knows, you might discover a new career path amidst the fossils!

    For those looking to add a splash of colour to their day, the face painting station is the perfect spot. Transform into your favourite dinosaur or let your imagination run wild with creative designs. It’s fun for all ages and the perfect way to take home a piece of the day — right on your cheek.

    The Isle of Wight Bus Museum will have some of their classic vehicles on display, offering a glimpse into the past of Island transport. Step aboard and imagine what it was like to travel in style, back in the day.

    The Isle of Wight Metal Detectorists will also be present, ready to share their treasure-hunting tales. Discover the thrill of unearthing hidden relics and perhaps even join them on a mini excavation.

    The Isle of Wight Heritage Service will be showcasing the rich history of the area, providing a unique perspective on the Island’s past. Learn about the fascinating stories and heritage that make the Isle of Wight so special.

    Furthermore, Dinosaur Isle’s palaeontologists will be on hand to provide expert advice on the local geology and assist visitors with fossil identifications. Whether you’ve stumbled upon a curious rock on your recent beach trip or you have an ancient relic in your possession, bring it along.

    Wight Coast Fossils will display part of their remarkable collection, while John Sibbick, renowned artist known for his incredible dinosaur illustrations, will be exhibiting his artwork. Marvel at his detailed and lifelike representations of these magnificent creatures, and perhaps even take home a print or two.

    In addition to all these fantastic exhibitors, there will be a colouring competition with prizes up for grabs. Unleash your creativity and add your own vibrant touch to the world of dinosaurs.

    Councillor Julie Jones Evans, Cabinet member responsible for museums, said: “Dinosaur Isle is truly a treasure trove of prehistoric wonders, and our Dino Fun Day is set to be a spectacular adventure for visitors of all ages.

    “From fossil hunts to meeting the wonderful Debbie Webb, there’s something for every budding palaeontologist and dinosaur enthusiast. Don’t miss out on this roar-some event — it’s going to be dino-mite!”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Universities Australia Solutions Summit

    Source: Australia Government Ministerial Statements

    Thank you for the opportunity to speak here again tonight.

    It’s a real privilege.

    We are now on the cusp of a federal election.

    And so, I think it is probably appropriate to talk tonight about where we have come over the last few years, and what comes next.

    I think you know me now and what drives me.

    You know I think we have got a good education system, but it can be a lot better and a lot fairer.

    And I want to make it better and fairer.

    The first time I spoke here I told you my own story. How I was the first person in my family to finish high school or even finish year 10.

    How that wasn’t really an option for people like my mum and dad when they were growing up.

    How much we have changed since then.

    And how that change still hasn’t reached into every corner of this country or every home.

    I talked about the fact that almost one in two Australians in their 30s today have a uni degree, but not everywhere.

    Not where I grew up. Not amongst poor kids. Not in our outer suburbs or in the regions.

    And how I want to do something about this.

    I also made the point that fixing this doesn’t start and end at university.

    How we have got to reform our entire education system.

    There’s a pretty simple reason for that.

    It’s because the same people who aren’t at your universities are the same people who aren’t finishing high school.

    And they are the same people who are falling behind in primary school. And never catch up.

    A lot of those kids also start school behind.

    And a lot of them have never set foot in a child care centre or a pre-school at all.

    It is all connected.  

    If we are going to fix this, we have to fix all of this.

    Not just because of the individual lives this will change.

    But something bigger than that.

    A good education changes lives.

    A good education system changes countries. It’s changed ours.

    If you want the proof of that think about what’s happened in our own lifetimes.

    The big reforms of Bob Hawke and Paul Keating weren’t just Super, Medicare or floating the dollar.

    Under them the percentage of people who finished high school basically doubled.

    From 40 percent to almost 80 percent.

    One of the real privileges of being a Labor MP is I got to meet Bob and talk to him.

    And he used to talk to me about this, a lot.

    It was one of the things he was proudest of.

    Because he knew what it did. Not just the lives it changed.

    The businesses it helped create. The economy it helped build.

    It was real microeconomic reform.

    We’re a stronger and wealthier and a better country today than we were back when I was a kid, and education is one the reasons for that.

    It’s the fuel in the tank.

    What the Accord tells us is that the tank is only half full.

    That there is more that we have to do.

    That by the middle of this century we are going to need a workforce where 80 percent haven’t just finished school, but they’ve got a trade certificate or a diploma or a uni degree as well.

    That’s a big change.

    And that means reform.

    To build the education system Australia needs.

    Two and a half years ago, or so, when I got this job, this is what we were faced with.

    Child care costs had skyrocketed. Up 49 percent over 10 years. Double the OECD average.

    Child care workers were leaving in droves.

    So were school teachers.

    Billions had been ripped out of our public schools. And if you doubt me let me point you the 2014 Budget Overview, page 7. There it is in black and white.

    Nothing had been done to reform what was happening in our schools.

    The number of kids finishing high school was falling. Not everywhere. In particular in public schools.

    School teachers were being called duds and university students were being ignored.

    A lot has happened since then.

    In the last two years we have cut the cost of childcare for more than 1 million families nationwide.

    Now there are more kids in early education than ever before. 100,000 more.

    Child care workers are also getting a 15 percent pay rise. Getting the sort of wage they deserve.

    And guess what, applications are up and vacancies are down. People are coming back. Turns out when you pay people more, more people want to do the job.

    A couple of weeks ago something else really important happened.

    We passed laws through this place that will change the lives of some of the most disadvantaged children in Australia.

    The sort of children who need access to early education the most and are the least likely to get it.

    The sort of children who, because of no fault of their own, start school behind most of their classmates, because their parents don’t meet the requirements of something called the Activity Test, put in place by the last Liberal Government.

    The legislation we passed a few weeks ago gets rid of that test and replaces it with a three day guarantee.

    A guarantee of three days a week of government supported early education and care for every child who needs it.

    No one blinks when you say every child has a right to go to school and government has a responsibility to help fund it.

    The same has got to be true today for early education.  That doesn’t mean it should be compulsory. But it should be there for every parent who wants it and every child who needs it.

    To help make sure they start school ready to go. Ready to learn.

    That’s the sort of reform that changes lives. The sort of reform only Labor Governments do. And that our country needs.

    Next is schools. What our schools need.

    If we are going to hit that 80 percent target we need more people to finish school.

    For most of the last decade things have been going in the wrong direction.

    The number of students finishing school dropped. From 83 percent to 73 percent. That’s in public schools.

    Last year, for the first time in about 10 years, that percentage went up. A bit. That’s a good sign, but there is a long way to go.

    And that’s what the agreements I have struck with States and Territories across the country are all about.

    They set a target that by 2030 the proportion of students finishing high school will be the highest it has ever been.

    To do that we need to fix the funding of our public schools. But not just that. That funding needs to be tied to the sort of reforms that will help young people who fall behind to catch up and keep up and finish school.

    Things like evidenced-based teaching.

    Things like phonics checks and numeracy checks in Year 1 to identify kids who need additional help.

    And then making sure they get the help they need through individualised support, things like catch-up tutoring.

    I have signed agreements now with Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, with the ACT and the NT.

    And I want to do the same with Queensland and NSW.

    This is the biggest new investment by an Australian Government in public schools ever.

    And it’s the biggest reform to school education in decades.

    I am telling you this, because all of this is an indispensable part of making the Accord a reality.

    Here tonight is Professor Mary O’Kane and I want to pay tribute to you again Mary.

    You have provided us with a blueprint for how we can reform higher education.

    It’s big. Bigger than one government. 47 recommendations.

    But we have already bitten off a big chunk of it. 31, in part or in full.

    That includes things like Paid Prac for teachers and nurses, midwives and social work students. That starts on 1 July.

    A massive expansion of enabling courses. To help get people started. That’s already started.

    More than doubling the number of study hubs. In the bush and now the suburbs. All of these will be open this year.

    On the weekend, as part of our announcement to help more Australians see a GP for free, we also announced funding to train more GPs.

    Part of that is more Commonwealth Supported Places.

    It’s all part of the biggest GP training program in Australian history.

    We have also fixed the way student debt is indexed. That’s cut the debt of three million Australians by more than $3 billion in December last year.

    And if we win the election, we will cut everyone’s student debt by a further 20 percent.

    It means for someone with an average student debt today of 27 grand, we will cut their debt by another $5,500. That’s a lot.

    The first time I spoke at this dinner I talked about the fact that universities aren’t just places where people study or work. They are also places where people live.

    And I talked about sexual assault on campus and in student accommodation.

    For years organisations like End Rape on Campus have been asking for someone to listen. For someone to act.

    Asking for a dedicated Ombudsman.

    The Accord recommended it. And now it exists.

    Sarah Bendall, is the first National Student Ombudsman.

    Sarah’s powers are real. Like a Royal Commission. And the scope of what she covers is broad. Not just sexual violence. It covers antisemitism and all forms of racism. It covers the quality of the education and services students receive as well.

    And I hope you will see the work that Sarah and her team will do as an asset. Helping to make sure students are safe and get the education they are paying for.

    I also want to recognise in the room tonight the new Chief Commissioner of TEQSA, Professor Kerri-Lee Krause and congratulate her on her recent appointment, and acknowledge TEQSA’s CEO, Dr Mary Russell and thank you for the work that you are doing.

    Just one example of that is the roundtable we held earlier today with university leaders focussed on ongoing action to ensure universities are safe places for students and staff.

    There is also another big piece of work that has just kicked off on improving university governance.

    It was a recommendation of the Accord.

    I have set up an Expert Council that will look at everything from how universities pay staff, to the remuneration settings of senior university staff, and report to Education Ministers later this year.

    On international education, the Accord recommended a fund that universities would have to chip into based on the revenue they make.

    We opted not to do that.

    I proposed a cap. The Liberal Party opted not to do that.

    So instead, we have got rid of Ministerial Direction 107 and replaced it with something else.

    Something that is better and fairer.

    Something that makes sure it’s not just the big universities that get the benefit of international education.

    I get how contentious this is.

    How important this revenue is.

    But it is not the main game.

    What I am focused on, what I want all of us to focus on is how we build the sort of education system that Australia needs. That Australians need.

    I spoke a moment ago about how we are building an early education system based on need.

    And how we are fixing the funding of public schools so they are fully funded based on need.

    And we need to apply the same model to universities.

    That’s what the Accord recommended, and that’s what I announced in December last year.

    For the first time real demand driven needs-based funding for universities. Where the money follows the student.

    The evidence tells us that students in the bush and regions, students from disadvantaged backgrounds, are less likely to finish their uni degree than other students.

    This is designed to fix that.

    This, and the changes to the funding system that start next year, and all the other reforms we are funding already, add up to an extra $6.7 billion injection into higher education over the next decade.

    The Accord also recommended something else. Something to make sure that it doesn’t gather dust or a future government doesn’t just forget about it.

    It recommended an ATEC. An Australian Tertiary Education Commission. An independent body to help drive and steer reform over the long term. Help break down the barriers between TAFE and university. Help implement the funding model and provide advice on pricing and a lot more.

    If we win the election, I will introduce legislation in the second half of this year to formally establish the ATEC and I want it fully operational by this time next year.

    But I can announce tonight the team I have appointed to get it up and running on an interim basis from the 1st of July this year.

    The interim Chief Commissioner will be Professor Mary O’Kane, and she will be supported by Jobs and Skills Australia Commissioner, Barney Glover and Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt.

    I am getting the band back together.

    The people who wrote the Accord will help to make it real.

    I started tonight by saying that we are on the cusp of an election. 

    I want to end by saying thank you. 

    Nothing is certain or permanent. 

    None of us are in these jobs forever.

    But for the last two and a half years or so it has been a real privilege to work with you. 

    The UA campaign is right.

    Universities do matter. To all of us. 

    A few days ago, I met a young woman called Narges. 

    She is a refugee from Afghanistan. 

    She fled to Pakistan when Kabul fell a few years ago.

    About 18 months ago she made it here. 

    She now lives in Mt Druitt in western Sydney. 

    She speaks six languages. 

    The sixth is English. 

    She’s learnt it in the last year, at TAFE. 

    Last year she also completed a diploma in community service. 

    Next week she starts at Western Sydney University. She’s going to study social work. 

    Think about that. 

    After fleeing a country where girls can’t even go to school anymore. 

    Just imagine what this young woman is capable of, and what will happen next in her life, with your help. 

    The lives she will change. 

    Now imagine a million more stories just like that. 

    That’s what you do. 

    Change lives.  

    Change countries. 

    We are the best country in the world, but we can be even better. 

    And you are an indispensable part of making that a reality. 

    Turning the country of our imagination into something real. 

    That’s exciting. 

    That’s why I love this job. 

    And I really look forward to addressing this gala dinner again, this time next year.
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Trump’s tariffs threaten profitability of North American insurers, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Trump’s tariffs threaten North American insurers’ profitability, says GlobalData

    Posted in Insurance

    On 1 February 2025, US President Donald Trump signed three executive orders to impose tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. In retaliation, Canada announced it would impose a 25% tariff on CAD155 billion ($117.8 billion) worth of US goods. Moreover, Trump increased the US tariff rate on steel and aluminum to 25% on 10 February, removing country-specific exceptions and quota arrangements. Consequently, North American region insurers may see increased claims costs in 2025 across various insurance lines, potentially affecting their profitability, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    After discussions between the US President and leaders from Mexico and Canada, the proposed tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and the retaliatory tariff are delayed by a month. In its retaliation, Canada specified that tariffs on CAD30 billion ($22.8 billion) would take effect immediately from 4 February 2025, and tariffs on the remaining CAD125 billion ($95 billion) would follow within 21 days. Set to take effect on 12 March 2025, the US tariffs will impact imports of millions of tons of steel and aluminum, affecting goods previously duty-free from countries like Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and South Korea.

    Manogna Vangari, Insurance Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Upon implementation, high tariffs will significantly affect trade throughout North America, not solely due to the substantial volume of commerce but also owing to the critical role of supply chains, which account for more than half of intra-regional trade, as per GlobalData’s estimates.

    “Furthermore, the Trump administration plans to raise tariffs on oil and gas in March 2025. This is expected to have a detrimental impact on the insurance industry, manifested by reduced economic activity and consumer spending. However, it is expected that Canada, Mexico, and China will soon contest these tariffs by initiating a legal case with the World Trade Organization (WTO).”

    The North America region’s property and motor insurance claims are projected to represent a 13.4% and 16.1% share of total general insurance claims in 2025. However, the full and actual implementation of the tariff rates may push actual claims even higher. Consequently, the profitability of North America’s general insurance sector is expected to be notably affected, with claims projected to grow at a rate of 6.9% in 2025 from 3.3% in 2024.

    According to GlobalData’s Global Insurance Database, North America’s general insurance industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% over 2025–29, from $2.7 trillion in 2025 to $3.5 trillion in 2029, in terms of written premiums.

    Vangari continues: “Tariffs on imported materials like building supplies, car parts, and electronics will increase the cost of vehicle repairs and property reconstruction after disasters, causing insurers to pay more claims across the region. Insurance companies may raise premiums for property and motor policies.”

    Around 90% of auto exports from Mexico and Canada go to the US, according to the Mexican and Canadian Automotive Manufacturers’ Associations. High tariffs and supply chain delays will increase repair times, causing higher costs for living arrangements and rental vehicles, and protracted business interruptions. This could impact the competitiveness of the North American production and manufacturing industry, and the insurance industry.

    Vangari concludes: “A global trade war is a looming concern. If tariffs escalate or supply chains get tangled, economic growth could take a hit, which would change the fundamental risk pool for insurers across North America’s region. As broader tariffs on Canada and Mexico remain on hold, businesses and insurance companies must prepare for potential adverse outcomes across the region in the next few years.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Tesla job postings suggest renewed focus on India, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Tesla is ramping up its hiring efforts in India, marking a pivotal move in its strategy to strengthen its presence in the country. The recent job postings across various roles highlights the American electric vehicle (EV) and clean energy company’s renewed focus on establishing a foothold in India’s rapidly growing EV market, underscoring its long-awaited expansion plans, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    An analysis of GlobalData’s Job Analytics Database reveals that the company has posted around 15 jobs in February 2025 across Mumbai and Pune, reflecting its commitment to building a strong sales, service, and support network in India.

    Tesla’s hiring strategy in India is aimed at driving growth and increasing brand presence in the market. The company is focusing on building a strong service infrastructure, improving customer engagement, and expanding its market share through targeted marketing strategies.

    Sherla Sriprada, Business Fundamentals Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “These job postings indicate a focus on areas such as charging, engineering & information technology, vehicle service, sales & customer support, operations & business support, among others. This also indicates plans for possibly more hires and setting up new EV market team in India.”

    Tesla is focusing on strengthening its sales support infrastructure with the introduction of Consumer Engagement Manager positions. These roles are pivotal in analyzing local market trends, generating leads, and supporting the sales process through content creation, event management, and targeted marketing strategies.

    Additionally, Tesla is prioritizing exceptional customer service by recruiting Service Advisors and Parts Advisors. These positions are designed to address customer concerns, oversee vehicle servicing, manage parts inventory, ensure effective communication, and ultimately deliver a seamless customer experience

    A deep dive into GlobalData’s News Database also reveals several media reports indicating that the company is already scouting for showroom sites in some Indian cities.

    Sriprada concludes: “The recent job postings, along with media reports on potential showroom locations, not only suggest the company’s renewed focus on the Indian market but also its serious strategic intent to establish a strong operational presence in the country.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Greens to bring vote on cutting the cost of rail

    Source: Scottish Greens

    25 Feb 2025 Transport

    A people’s railway has to be accessible and affordable for all.

    More in Transport

    The Scottish Greens will use debate time tomorrow to bring a vote on halting the above inflation rail fare hikes that are set for April and permanently removing peak rail fares.

    The debate, which will be led by the party’s transport spokesperson, Mark Ruskell MSP, will focus on making rail a cheaper and easily accessible option for workers, students and regular commuters.

    When in government the Scottish Greens secured a landmark scheme to remove peak rail fares for 12 months, with the SNP reintroducing them last year.

    Mr Ruskell said:

    “Train fares in Scotland are among the highest in Europe, with peak fares being particularly punishing.

    “If we want more people to leave their cars at home then rail has to be affordable and accessible for all.

    “Particularly at a time when so many people are struggling, it is wrong to be asking them to pay even more just to get to work or study.

    “When the Scottish Greens were in government we removed peak rail fares, only for the SNP to bring them back once we were out of the room. It is time to scrap them permanently.

    “It was right to take ScotRail into public ownership, but there is no point in having a people’s railway if nobody can afford to use it.”

    Mr Ruskell added:

    “The Scottish Parliament has the chance to stand with households, families and regular commuters who are being stretched to their limit.

    “I hope that MSPs from across our parliament will back my motion and join the call for cheaper, greener and more accessible rail across Scotland.”

    Wording of Mr Ruskell’s motion

    Mark Ruskell: Cheaper Rail Fares—That the Parliament believes that rail fares in Scotland must be cheaper; regrets the decision by the Scottish Government to end the off-peak all-day pilot in September 2024, despite an increase of passenger demand by 6.8% and an average 17% cost saving to passengers; understands that expensive and complex ticketing deters passengers from choosing to travel by train; acknowledges that, in order to fulfil the Scottish Government’s ambition of reducing car kilometres by 20% by 2030, rail services and public transport must be cheaper and more accessible, and calls, therefore, on the Scottish Government to reverse the 3.8% increase to rail fares coming into effect from 1 April 2025, to permanently remove peak-time rail fares, and to simplify public transport fares, through the introduction of integrated ticketing, as soon as possible.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Pahiatua-Mangahao Road, Tararua

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can confirm one person has died following a single-vehicle crash near Pahiatua this afternoon.

    Emergency services were alerted to the crash on Pahiatua-Mangahao Road, between Ridge Road North and Soldiers Road, about 5pm.

    Two people are being treated for minor injuries. Sadly, another occupant died a short time later.

    The Serious Crash Unit is conducting a scene examination and the road remains closed.

    Support is being offered to the victim’s family and the death will be referred to the Coroner.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Aktsiaselts Infortar Unaudited Consolidated Interim Report for fourth quarter and 12 months of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Aktsiaselts Infortar (Infortar) will organize a webinar for introducing fourth quarter 2024 results today. Please join the webinar via the following links:

    25 February 2025 at 12:00 (EET) Estonian webinar

    25 February 2025 at 14:00 (EET) English webinar

    Estonia’s largest investment holding company, Infortar assets increased from €1.4 billion to €2.7 billion following the acquisition of a majority shareholding in Tallink Group (Tallink) and the purchase of a gas sale- and distribution company in Poland. Infortar’s stock price raised by 70% in its first year on the Tallinn stock exchange, raising the company’s total valuation from €548 million to €916 million.

    “Over the past few years, our investments have amounted to nearly half a billion euros. We have grown into one of Estonia’s largest companies in terms of assets within a year. We will continue seeking growth opportunities across the region,” said Ain Hanschmidt, Chairman of the Management Board of Infortar.

    “Today, changes in corporate competitiveness and energy policy across Estonia, Europe, and the United States recognize an increasing role for natural gas as a supporter of renewable energy and a provider of controllable capacity. The outlook for the maritime transport sector is set to improve,” Hanschmidt added.

    Major events

    Maritime transportation

    In the summer, Infortar invested €110 million in acquiring Tallink shares, increasing its shareholding in Tallink to 68.5%.

    The total number of passengers in 2024 reached 5.6 million. As of the end of the financial year, Tallink operated 14 vessels. Three vessels were chartered out during the year. The number of transported cargo units exceeded 303,000, and passenger vehicles transported totaled 777,000.

    Energy

    Infortar’s subsidiary, Elenger Group (Elenger), signed a €120 million agreement with the German energy conglomerate EWE AG to acquire EWE Group’s business operations in Poland. The transaction included natural gas assets, a distribution network in Western Poland, and all energy sales segments.

    In 2024, Elenger sold a total of 18.4 TWh of energy (15.9 TWh in 2023). Sales in Estonia accounted for 16% of the total energy sales in 2024. The company’s market share in gas sales across the Finland-Baltic gas market for the year was 24.3%.

    Real estate

    Infortar’s real estate portfolio has expanded from 100,000 to 141,000 square meters over the past year. At the end of last year, the Rimi logistics center in Saue received its occupancy permit. This summer, a new bridge in Pärnu will be completed, followed by the opening of Lasnamäe’s second DEPO store in Estonia next year. In early 2028, the Kangru-Saku section of the Rail Baltica main route will also be completed.

    Key figures of financial year

    Key figures Q4 2024 Q4 2023 12 months 2024 12 months 2023
    Sales revenue, m€ 446.168 337.734 1 371.775 1 084.626
    Gross profit, m€ 34.871 42.235 128.629 149.473
    EBITDA, m€ 27.892 37.418 145.415 143.283
    EBITDA margin (%) 6.3% 11.1% 10.6% 13.2%
    Net profit, EBIT, m€ -6.792 28.967 77.025 123.628
    Total profit(-loss), m€ -11.988 24.206 175.351 293.830
    Net profit (-loss) holders of the Parent m€ -11.188 24.232 172.934 293.778
    EPS (euros)* -0.54 1.18 8.46 14.62
    Total equity m€ 1 166.222 820.210 1 166.222 820.210
    Total liabilities m€ 1 223.287 441.160 1 223.287 441.160
    Net debt m€ 1 055.708 354.045 1 055.708 354.045
    Investment loans to EBITDA (ratio) 3.0x 1.7x 3.0x 1.7x

    Earnings per share (EPS) in euros is calculated using the following formula: the profit attributable to the parent company’s owners is divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares (20,443,629 as of 31.12.2024 and 20,100,000 as of 31.12.2023). The number of shares, 20,443,629, is determined as follows: Infortar has a total of 21,166,239 issued ordinary shares, from which 722 610 own shares are deducted. These own shares were issued under the employee stock option program and have not been exercised.

    Revenue

    2024. financial year, the group´s consolidated sales revenue increased by 287.149 million euros reaching 1 371.775 million euros (compared to 1 084.626 million euros in 2023). A significant impact was made by the consolidation of Tallink Grupp’s results into Infortar’s consolidated financial statements starting from August 1, 2024.

    EBITDA and Segment Reporting

    Maritime transport Segment: The EBITDA for the maritime transport segment in 2024 financial year was 175.181 million euros (compared to 214.528 million euros in the 2023 financial year). In segment reporting 100% Tallink results are presented.

    Tallink´s financial results were affected by difficult economic environment across all our home markets, and the lowest consumer confidence levels in a decade.

    Energy Segment: The EBITDA for the energy segment of the 2024 financial year was 77.235 million euros (compared to 135.999 million euros in 2023). Warmer winter led to a decrease in sales volumes, which in turn impacted profitability in the fourth quarter.

    Real Estate Segment: The profitability assessment considers the EBITDA of individual real estate companies. The EBITDA for the real estate segment of the 2024 financial year was 13.567 million euros (compared to 12.39 million euros in 2023). Three new buildings at Liivalaia 9, Tähesaju 9, and Tähesaju 11 were included in the accounting for the 2023 financial year.

    Net Profit

    The consolidated net profit for the 2024 financial year was 175.351 million euros (compared to 293.83 million euros in 2023 financial year). One-time significant transactions impacting the net profit calculation for the 2023 financial year included the effects related to the acquisition of the Latvian gas distribution network company, Gaso.

    The consolidated operating profit for the 2024 financial year was 77.025 million euros (compared to 123.628 million euros in the 2023 financial year).

    Investments

    Infortar entered the agricultural sector by acquiring one of Estonia’s largest dairy farms in Halinga and began constructing a biogas plant next to the farm for local gas production. Infortar invested 110 million euros in purchasing Tallink shares, increasing its shareholding in Tallink to 68,5%.

    Infortar subsidiary Elenger signed a 120 million euros agreement with the German energy group EWE AG to acquire EWE Group’s entire Polish business. The transaction includes the natural gas distribution network in Western Poland as well as all energy sales operations.

    In the fourth quarter Infortar Group’s total investments amounted to approximately 140 million euros, reaching 279 million euros over twelve months.

    Financing

    Loan and lease liabilities amounted to 1 223.287 million euros in 2024 financial year (compared to 441.16 million euros in 2023 financial year). Significant increase in the 2024 financial year is primarily due to the line-by-line consolidation of Tallink Grupp, which resulted in the full inclusion of Tallink’s liabilities among the group’s obligations. Proportionally to the growth in assets, Infortar’s net debt increased by 701.663 million euros, reaching 1 055.708 million euros (compared to 354,045 million euros in 2023 financial year). The net debt to EBITDA ratio was 3.4.

    Dividends

    According to the dividend policy, the objective is to pay dividends of at least 1 euro per share per finiancial year. Dividend payments are made semi-annually. Infortar Group’s management proposes to pay a dividend of 3 euros per share for the 2024 financial year results. According to the proposal, the first payout is planned to be made no later than July, and the second payout in December 2025. The dividend consists of three parts:

    1 euro per share, as per the dividend policy.

    Carried-over dividend from AS Tallink Grupp, which is rounded upwards.

    Additional dividend based on the high deliveries of the financial results in 2024.

    AS Infortar has a total of 21,166,239 shares, of which 722 610 are company´s own shares. Dividends are therefore paid for 20,443,629 shares, which amounts to approximately 61 million euros.

    Consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income

    (in thousands of EUR) Q4 2024 Q4 2023 12 months 2024 12 months 2023
    Revenue 446 168 337 734 1 371 775 1 084 626
    Cost of goods (goods and services) sold -411 237 -295 439 -1 243 033 -934 811
    Write-down of receivables -60 -60 -113 -342
    Gross profit 34 871 42 235 128 629 149 473
    Marketing expenses -12 459 -511 -21 086 -1 620
    General administrative expenses -22 759 -9 522 -50 438 -22 085
    Profit (loss) from biological assets -156 0 -139 0
    Profit (loss) from the change in the fair value of the investment property -6 749 -4 074 -9 640 -4 074
    Unsettled gain/loss on derivative financial instruments 2 098 902 26 672 1 969
    Other operating revenue -767 1 458 4 682 2 523
    Other operating expenses -871 -1 521 -1 655 -2 558
    Operating profit -6 792 28 967 77 025 123 628
             
    (in thousands of EUR) Q4 2024 Q4 2023 12 months 2024 12 months 2023
    Profit (loss) from investments accounted for by equity method 846 1 938 22 974 39 639
    Financial income and expenses        
    Other financial investments 269 54 72 789 -4
    Interest expense -13 808 -8 569 -38 274 -22 573
    Interest income 760 465 4 979 2 765
    Profit (loss) from changes in exchange rates -56 -13 100 -173
    Other financial income and expenses 16 287 -58 15 892 159 158
    Total financial income and expenses 3 452 -8 121 55 486 139 173
    Profit before tax -2 494 22 784 155 485 302 440
    Corporate income tax -9 494 1 422 19 866 -8 610
    Profit for the financial year -11 988 24 206 175 351 293 830
    including:        
    Profit attributable to the owners of the parent company -11 188 24 232 172 934 293 778
    Profit attributable to non-controlling interest -800 -26 2 417 52
             
    Other comprehensive income     12 months 2024 12 months 2023
    Revaluation of risk hedging instruments -46 786 -58 233
    Exchange rate differences attributable to foreign subsidiaries 53 -42
    Total of other comprehensive income -46 733 -58 275
    Total income, including:     128 618 235 555
    including:        
    Comprehensive profit attributable to the owners of the parent company 126 201 235 503
    Comprehensive profit attributable to non-controlling interest 2 417 52
    Ordinary earnings per share (in euros per share) 8,46 14,26
    Diluted earnings per share (in euros per share) 8,16 14,10

    Consolidated statement of financial position

    (in thousands of EUR) 31.12.24 31.12.23
    Current assets    
    Cash and cash equivalents 167 579 87 115
    Short term financial investments 1 0
    Derivative financial assets 8 333 28 728
    Settled derivative receivables 676 5 958
    Other prepayments and receivables 155 351 162 575
    Prepayments for taxes 3 831 925
    Trade and other receivables 38 517 20 185
    Prepayments for inventories 2 498 3 493
    Inventories 215 914 146 884
    Biological assets 941 0
    Total current assets 593 641 455 863
         
    Non-current assets 31.12.24 31.12.23
    Investments to associates 16 603 346 014
    Long-term derivative instruments 3 214 1 125
    Long-term loans and other receivables 35 163 9 072
    Investment property 67 931 176 024
    Property, plant and equipment 1 909 458 446 748
    Intangible assets 38 874 14 366
    Right-of-use assets 47 598 11 300
    Biological assets 2 753 0
    Total non-current assets 2 121 594 1 004 649
    TOTAL ASSETS 2 715 235 1 460 512
         
    (in thousands of EUR) 31.12.24 31.12.23
    Current liabilities    
    Loan liabilities 477 162 184 259
    Rental liabilities 9 020 1 766
    Payables to suppliers 87 941 74 751
    Tax obligations 49 354 32 822
    Buyers’ advances 31 126 3 099
    Settled derivatives 8 728 1 463
    Other current liabilities 63 431 10 851
    Short term derivatives 27 704 3 659
    Total current liabilities 754 446 312 670
         
    Non-current liabilities 31.12.24 31.12.23
    Long-term provisions 9 946 8 399
    Deferred taxes 2 816 33 233
    Other long-term liabilities 43 209 30 679
    Long-term derivatives 1 471 186
    Loan-liabilities 696 670 246 410
    Rental liabilities 40 435 8 725
    Total non-current liabilities 794 547 327 632
    TOTAL LIABILITIES 1 549 013 640 302
         
    (in thousands of EUR) 31.12.24 31.12.23
    Equity    
    Share capital 2 117 2 105
    Own shares -72 -95
    Share premium 32 484 29 344
    Reserve capital 212 205
    Option reserve 6 223 3 864
    Hedging reserve* 7 455 24 118
    Unrealised currency translation differences 1 113 -39
    Employment benefit reserve -44 -44
    Retained earnings 698 914 466 140
    Net profit of the financial year 172 934 293 778
    Total equity attributable to equity holders of the Parent 921 336 819 376
    Minority interests 244 886 834
    Total equity 1 166 222 820 210
         
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 2 715 235 1 460 512

    Consolidated statement of cash flows

    Cash flows from operating activities    
    (in thousands of EUR) 12 months
    2024    		 12 months
    2023
    Profit for the financial year 175 351 293 830
    Adjustments:    
    Depreciation, amortization, and impairment of non-current assets 58 611 15 581
    Change in the fair value of the investment property 9 640 4 074
    Equity profits/losses -156 863 -39 639
    Change in the value of derivatives 20 888 54 309
    Other financial income/expenses -827 -161 965
    Calculated interest expenses 38 274 22 573
    Profit/loss from non-current assets sold -953 -91
    Income from grants recognized as revenue 2 984 784
    Corporate income tax expense -19 866 8 610
    Income tax paid -10 551 -267
    Change in receivables and prepayments related to operating activities 52 022 54 539
    Change in inventories -12 830 -61 915
    Change in payables and prepayments relating to operating activities -22 278 -591
    Change in biological assets -322 0
    Total cash flows from operating activities 133 280 189 832
         
    Cash flows from investing activities 12 months
    2024    		 12 months
    2023
    Purchases of associates 0 -10 314
    Purchases of subsidiaries -155 313 -103 414
    Received dividends 20 862 0
    Given loans 1 918 6 652
    Interest gain 4 953 2 691
    Purchases Investment property -5 071 -18 304
    Purchases of property, plant and equipment -38 332 -18 143
    Proceeds from sale of property 1 559 -252
    Total cash flows used in investing activities -169 424 -141 084
         
    Cash flows used in financing activities 12 months
    2024    		 12 months
    2023
    Changes in overdraft 12 863 14 349
    Proceeds from borrowings 358 733 130 567
    Repayments of borrowings -151 790 -155 808
    Repayment of finance lease liabilities -6 222 -2 233
    Interest paid -39 153 -22 224
    Dividends paid -60 997 -15 750
    Gain from share emission 3 174 29 464
    Total cash flows used in financing activities 116 608 -21 635
      0 0
    TOTAL NET CASH FLOW 80 464 27 113
    Cash at the beginning of the year 87 115 60 002
    Cash at the end of the period 167 579 87 115
    Net (decrease)/increase in cash 80 464 27 113

    Infortar operates in seven countries, the company’s main fields of activity are maritime transport, energy and real estate. Infortar owns a 68.47% stake in Tallink Grupp, a 100% stake in Elenger Grupp and a versatile and modern real estate portfolio of approx. 141,000 m2. In addition to the three main areas of activity, Infortar also operates in construction and mineral resources, agriculture, printing, and other areas. A total of 110 companies belong to the Infortar group: 101 subsidiaries, 4 affiliated companies and 5 subsidiaries of affiliated companies. Excluding affiliates, Infortar employs 6,228 people.

    Additional information:

    Kadri Laanvee
    Investor Relations Manager
    Phone: +372 5156662
    e-mail: kadri.laanvee@infortar.ee
    www.infortar.ee/en/investor

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Calling 000 for help in an emergency doesn’t work in parts of Australia – but a new plan could change that

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark A Gregory, Associate Professor, School of Engineering, RMIT University

    robert paul van beets/Shutterstock

    People could soon make mobile calls and send SMS text messages from the remotest parts of Australia, under a new election promise from the federal Albanese government to overhaul the country’s mobile phone network.

    The proposal would create a new universal outdoor mobile obligation for Australian mobile carriers such as Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. This obligation would require carriers to work with companies operating low Earth orbit satellites to provide access to mobile voice, SMS and the Triple Zero (000) service almost everywhere across Australia.

    This world-first reform would be a major step forward for public safety – especially in regional and remote areas, where mobile coverage is currently poor to nonexistent. The Albanese government says that if it wins the upcoming election, it would implement the reform by late 2027.

    However, implementing it will come with some technical challenges.

    Satellites boost mobile access

    Low Earth orbit satellites operate at an altitude of between 160km and 2,000km above the Earth’s surface. Examples include the roughly 7,000 Starlink satellites owned and operated by tech billionaire Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX, that are currently in orbit.

    The new generation of these satellites incorporates a technology known as “direct to device”. This means they can directly connect with mobile phones. And it is this feature the Labor government’s new proposal seeks to utilise.

    Specifically, the proposal aims to:

    • expand Triple Zero (000) access for Australians across the nation
    • expand outdoor voice and SMS coverage into existing mobile black spots
    • improve the availability of mobile signals during disasters and power outages.

    The proposal adds to carriers’ existing obligations to provide fixed phone and internet services across Australia.

    In a few years, low Earth orbit satellites should also be able to provide data using an enhanced direct to device technology. The government has said it will consider including data in the obligation when the opportunity arises.

    Staying safer and better connected in the bush

    The telecommunications industry has long worked towards a goal of providing universal outdoor mobile coverage in Australia. Labor’s new proposal provides the impetus for the industry to take this major step forward.

    It would also provide the guidance necessary to ensure a consumer safety focus remains the fundamental rationale for telecommunications.

    This policy would ensure everyone can connect to emergency services, friends and family during emergencies or natural disasters.

    The benefits for people living and working in regional and remote areas would be considerable.

    For example, truck drivers experiencing a breakdown in the outback would be able to call for assistance. And farmers working in the remote wheat belt regions of Western Australia could stay connected with other workers and their families.

    Technical problems to solve

    However, there are some technical problems the telecommunications industry will need to overcome to achieve universal outdoor mobile coverage.

    Across the world, nations are rolling out mobile networks that use different radio frequencies. For the universal outdoor mobile obligation to be successful, the mobile carriers will need to work with satellite providers to ensure the spectrum bands used in Australia for the 4G, and in the future 5G, mobile networks will also work with satellites.

    Mobile devices connect with the network when the user makes a phone call, sends an SMS text message or browses the internet.

    When the mobile is connected to a low Earth orbit satellite, it’s important that it can tell apps to “shut up” and stop trying to connect to the network to transmit data. Otherwise the connected mobiles could cause congestion and limit service reliability and resilience.

    There are mobile handsets that have this capability today. But the vast majority of older mobile handsets do not. A list of compatible mobile handsets would need to be compiled and made available, so that consumers can consider this information when purchasing a mobile.

    To connect to a low Earth orbit satellite, it is anticipated a mobile will need to be used in a location where the sky can be seen directly. And initially at least, using a satellite-connected mobile inside a vehicle will require an external antenna.

    The universal outdoor mobile obligation would enable drivers experiencing a breakdown in the outback to call for help.
    DedovStock/Shutterstock

    A timely step forward

    The government says the introduction of a universal outdoor mobile obligation would provide an opportunity to modernise and expand existing service obligations for mobile carriers. For both to be successful, there is also a need for minimum performance standards.

    Providing mobile voice call and SMS text access across Australia is of little value if the service quality is poor, and fails during an emergency or natural disaster.

    That being said, Labor’s proposal should gain bipartisan support. It is a timely step forward that will bring positive outcomes for all Australians, especially those living and working in regional and remote areas.

    Mark A Gregory has received funding from the Australian Research Council, the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network grants program and the auDA Foundation. Life member of the Telecommunications Association.

    – ref. Calling 000 for help in an emergency doesn’t work in parts of Australia – but a new plan could change that – https://theconversation.com/calling-000-for-help-in-an-emergency-doesnt-work-in-parts-of-australia-but-a-new-plan-could-change-that-250762

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, Pahiatua-Mangahao Road, Tararua

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Emergency services are at the scene of a serious single-vehicle crash that has blocked the road between Pahiatua and Palmerston North.

    Police were called to the scene, on Pahiatua-Mangahao Road, between Ridge Road North and Soldiers Road, about 5pm.

    Two people have minor injuries, and one person is in a critical condition and will be airlifted to hospital.

    The Serious Crash Unit has been advised and the road will likely remain closed for some time.

    Motorists are advised to expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Transcript – media conference – Eastern Creek Truck Stop

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    CHRIS BOWEN [FEDERAL MEMBER FOR MCMAHON]: Well, thanks for coming, everyone. Australia lives on trucking, and western Sydney relies on trucking more than anywhere else because western Sydney is the industrial heartland of Sydney, the home to the biggest industrial estate in the southern hemisphere, the Smithfield Wetherill Park, Erskine Park Industrial Estate. Even more so with the development of the M7, of course, which has made our area a distribution centre for New South Wales. And the M7, M4 is the first freeway to freeway intersection in Australia. And of course, just as we rely on our truckers, our truckers deserve nothing but the best. We rely on them and they rely on us to provide world class facilities.

    So I’m very, very excited for this announcement today here in my community, but one which has implications beyond this community for truckers to ensure they’re getting the very best support so that they can stay on the road safely and can keep our economy moving. So I’m delighted to welcome my friend Catherine King to my community, together with John Graham, for a very significant announcement. Catherine.

    CATHERINE KING [MINISTER]: Thanks, Chris, and it’s terrific to be here in your part of the world, but also here alongside my state colleague John Graham, who’s been doing terrific work. Can I also acknowledge the state MPs who are here with us as well, as well as Senator Glenn Sterle and Senator Tony Sheldon, who know very well how important this is. Well, this is a terrific announcement, not just for western Sydney. You can see just how busy the M4 is. With the amount of freight that is moving on, it is one of the busiest freight networks in the country. But this is actually important for the whole country. We know how important it is for truck drivers to be able to rest. We know that there is no dedicated rest area for truck drivers along this incredibly busy stretch of this freight route. And what we also know is that when truck drivers have access to decent rest areas, decent areas to shower and to toilet and to eat, that they are much safer driving on our roads. So this is very much a win for road safety as well. Our roads, our trucks, are truck drivers’ workplaces and they deserve to have safe, proper places that they can actually rest and safe workplaces in the same way every single other working Australian does.

    This announcement today that an Albanese Labor Government will be partnering with the New South Wales Government, 40 million from us, 40 million from the New South Wales Government here at Eastern Creek, at the intersection of the M4 and M7, building the first dedicated truck rest stop area. Hard stand shade areas, showers, toileting facilities for a substantial number of trucks into this region making sure that we actually provide the safety that truck drivers need. This is very much part of our over $18 billion of investment that is coming from the Albanese Labor Government into infrastructure in western Sydney. We know that our freight task is only going to be increasing and actually investing here, investing in this truck rest stop area is incredibly important.

    I want to particularly acknowledge Senator Glenn Sterle and Senator Tony Sheldon, but also all of the truck drivers in our country. When we came to government, we set up a fund to look at how can we better get rest stops on our great freight networks. And Glenn has been sharing that alongside. He called together truck drivers and trucking companies because they are the people who will use these areas and they know where they need to stop and where the rest areas are best located. This is very much part of the advocacy that we’ve had, trying to bring truck drivers in to make sure that we actually build these where people will stop, and that we make sure that our freight routes are as safe as possible.

    I’m going to hand over to John, and then I think we’re going to hear from TWU, from Glenn and also the representative of the freight truck industry here in New South Wales as well. And then we’ll be happy to take some questions. Thank you.

    JOHN GRAHAM [NSW ROADS MINISTER]: Thanks so much, Catherine. I’m here with Kylie Wilkinson, with Karen McKeown and Stephen Bali from the state parliament. You can see how important this announcement is from the support it’s got today. People turning up backing in this plan for a rest stop here in the heart of Sydney. I want to thank firstly, the Federal Government, Minister Catherine King and the team, Glenn Sterle, Tony Sheldon and Chris Bowen. As soon as we raised this with the federal government, they were instinctively on board. They could see how important this was to Sydney. And there is a big problem. Sydney’s got a reputation as the least friendly city for truckies in the country, and that’s something that we want to change. You can understand why. It’s not just the tolls and the traffic. You expect those, but you also expect to be able to find a toilet. And the truth is, you can’t do that between Wyong and Pheasants Nest. That’s a couple hours’ drive. That’s 180 kilometres between dedicated rest stops for truck drivers moving through Sydney. That’s not safe. It’s not dignified. It needs to change. You can see why Sydney’s got that reputation. It’s the least friendly city for trucks in the country.

    We’re going to change that. This will be a crucial part of that plan to change that. Having this large site with dedicated stopping areas. We’ve talked about 800 members of the freight community to be able to work out what’s required here. And it really is a place to stop and sleep, toilets, a hot shower, maybe a little bit of shade. These are reasonable things to ask for, but they’re things that simply don’t exist in a place that can be used in the Sydney Basin. And that has to change. That’s why I’m so excited to be here with the federal government working hand in hand to really change that.

    I particularly want to give a shout out to Tony Sheldon and to Glenn Sterle. Glenn in particular, during COVID, led the fight to make sure that drivers were able to pull over and get access to restrooms up and down New South Wales, also around the country. It was a real moment to realise just how the basics matter, and we’ll deliver on the basics here. It’ll make a real difference not just to these drivers but also to the community around these areas. This will mean trucks off suburban streets in western Sydney. That’s great news for the residents and the community as well.

    So thanks to the Federal Government, thanks to Richard Olsen and the TWU team who’ve argued the case for this strongly, passionately over a long period. Simon O’Hara from Road Freight New South Wales. This has been a call for a long time. Finally, we’re delivering on it.

    SENATOR GLENN STERLE: Thank you very much, John. Thank you. Catherine, can I just come to- have the opportunity to share this with you as a semi-retired, long distance interstate truck driver, I cannot stress the importance of this announcement. I want to sincerely thank Minister Graham. John, when you were in opposition alongside Premier- now Premier Chris Minns, you had made it very clear in the lead up to the election, not just in the last couple of days, how important it was to progress proper facilities for long distance truckies to get the rest they need. So John, thank you so much and thank you for carrying the can.

    To Minister King, Catherine, my very dear friend and close colleague. I can’t thank you, Catherine, enough. Not only the work that you’ve done, bringing the voice of the Australian truck driver and the voice of the Australian truck operator to the halls of that great place down in Canberra, where you’ve created the opportunity for truckies and trucking operators to share with you, Minister, where we need these rest areas. I do applaud you. Thank you so much.

    I tell you what, I’m so jealous. I’m from Western Australia, but I know in 2025 we still expect men and women in the trucking industry to carry around a roll of toilet paper and to try and just find a bush somewhere here in Sydney or Melbourne in our capital cities. This facility will provide up to 100 truck drivers a safe haven to pull over and manage their fatigue.

    So once again to the New South Wales Government, once again to the Federal Government, and special call out: Simon O’Hara. Simon, the work that you and I did together in the pandemic, mate, yes, it seemed like it was- where are you, Simon? It was you and I against the world where we actually realised just how important our truckies are and our transport operators and our supply chains and our logistics operators to the betterment of this nation. We were shut out of toilets. We were not allowed to even use them to have a shower. And didn’t that highlight in 2022 at the time, Simon, just how disrespected we were as an industry. Well, thank goodness we’ve got the grown-ups in charge. Thank goodness we’ve got magnificent state and federal governments now putting an end to that. I applaud you. And please can we roll you out to Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, Victoria, the Northern Territory, and heck even Tasmania? Thank you John. Thank you Catherine.

    RICHARD OLSEN [NSW FREIGHT TRANSPORT ADVISORY COUNCIL]:  Thank you so much. And I’ll just answer that question, Glenn, no. We’re here in New South Wales and we are delighted to be a part of this announcement. We’ve been advocating, as has been previously said, and we’ve been working hard behind the scenes for many years and decades to get where we’re at today and today is a remarkable day for the transport industry as a whole. We have been subject to- having to drive as has been previously stated from Pheasants Nest up to Wyong in a truck that is three hours plus on any given bad day on our freeways, expressways, transurban ways if you like, and that needed to stop. That put a whole amount of pressure on the driver in relation to their fatigue and rest in which they are required to have by law, and what they are required to have because they are in charge of 60 to 80 tonne of equipment.

    When you’re driving along that, you want to know that the truck driver has been given a decent rest and is free of fatigue as far as reasonably possible, and that we can do and we can do that now in this great city of Sydney when this establishment opens very shortly. It’s been waiting here for quite a while, a long time for us to get to this base. And we don’t want to waste a minute in getting this established, and get it so that the drivers both coming through this great state or this city, but also local drivers who need to utilise this space as well. It’s for everyone within the transport industry, and I’m very delighted to be a part, and partnering up with both federal and state government, employer organisations. This is the transport community coming together and winning for drivers. Thank you so much.

    SIMON O’HARA [CEO, ROAD FREIGHT NSW]: Good morning all, and thank you Richard Olsen. It’s with such delight that we’re here today. This is a really positive announcement about the announcement relating to the heavy vehicle rest area here in western Sydney. This is a terrific development. For generations, the trucking industry has sought a rest area within metro Sydney, and now we’re looking at an announcement that will make that a reality. This is a terrific announcement today. This means that truckies will be able to rest. We’ve got members who come in from Wagga, come in, go out every day. This allows them to be able to rest, get some food, use the toilet facilities, have a shower. Over the course of the next couple of years, this will lead to greater results in terms of road safety on the roads.

    This means as well that truckies particularly- and Glenn mentioned before the point about dignity and respect. We are absolutely committed to dignity and respect for truckies. This is part and parcel of a key step to being able to make that a reality. During COVID, we had a lot to say, particularly around truckies not having any rest areas, having to keep moving all the time. And what this does today- and I’d like to particularly acknowledge Minister Graham, Minister King, Minister Bowen, Senator Sterle and Senator Tony Sheldon, this makes what we’ve been seeking for some time- we’ve advocated for this for a significant amount of time. This makes it a reality. Thanks very much.

    CATHERINE KING: Happy to take questions, for John or me. No one?

    JOURNALIST: Question for Minister Graham. What were the other sites being considered and why did this one get the nod?

    JOHN GRAHAM: Yeah. So we’ve done a big search across the Sydney basin to look at a range of sites, and we’ve also talked extensively to the freight community, 800 people involved in that consultation. The key really was accessibility. It’s no use having the best site in the world that’s too far from the M4 and the M7. So we’ve looked intensively around this area for the best site. And here we are five minutes from the M7, ten minutes from the M4. That really is the key to be able to allow drivers to get off those freeways, rest, and then get back on their journey as fast as possible. Of course, there’s a limited number of sites- their sites had a premium. That’s why this hasn’t happened before, but that’s why we’re so pleased that we’ve now found the site and this process can unfold.

    JOURNALIST: One more question. Sorry. In ‘22, you came out and said Sydney was the worst city in Australia for truckies. And here we are in ’25, we’ve got an announcement but still no work. Why did it take so long?

    JOHN GRAHAM: Oh look, this has been a tough problem to crack for generations. This has been a call from the industry. Now we’re here, where truckies will be resting as they come off the M4, come off the M7 as they’re delivering to the communities around Sydney. Even better news, they won’t be parked on suburban streets in these communities. So this isn’t an easy problem to solve. We never said it would be, but I’m so pleased to get to this moment today.

    CATHERINE KING: All good. Beautiful. Thank you.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Investigation Update: Appeal for sightings of vehicle following suspicious church fires in Masterton

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are following strong lines of enquiry in the investigation into arsons at churches in Masterton on the morning of Saturday 22 February.

    As part of our enquiries, we are seeking information about a green Ford Festiva which was seen leaving one of those fires.

    Police are working to establish the movements of the vehicle in the early hours of Saturday morning when the arsons were reported, and the day or days beforehand.

    The vehicle was located abandoned on Sunday 23 February on Mikimiki Road, Masterton.

    A significant search was deployed into the area, however no occupants of the vehicle were located.

    Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation, including sightings of this vehicle, is urged to contact Police via 105 online or the 105 phone reporting line, referencing file number 250222/1673.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ministry aims to bring an end to heavy pollution days

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China has effectively halted the rise of ozone pollution and stabilized its concentration levels as air quality continues to improve, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment said on Monday.
    The country’s average ozone density in 2024 was 143.6 micrograms per cubic meter, a decrease of 2.7 percent compared with 2019, said Li Tianwei, head of the ministry’s Department of Atmospheric Environment.
    The ministry aims to eliminate days with heavy pollution this year, despite expecting less favorable weather conditions, Li said, adding that it plans to further reduce emissions by advancing clean heating, ultralow emission transformation, volatile organic chemical controls and transportation sector management.
    “We will holistically transform the structures of industry, energy consumption and transportation toward green, low-carbon development,” he said.
    The density of the pollutant has remained between 144 and 145 micrograms per cubic meter for three consecutive years, marking a turning point after years of increase, Li said. “This means the upward trend of ozone density since 2015 has been preliminarily curbed,” he added.
    According to the ministry, ozone pollution in China peaked at 148 micrograms per cubic meter in 2019, after rising steadily for several years.
    While the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere protects humans against harmful ultraviolet radiation, ground-level ozone is a pollutant that can cause respiratory issues and lung damage even at relatively low concentrations.
    Ozone pollution is most prevalent in summer. Ozone at ground level is formed when volatile organic chemicals and nitrogen oxides, partially from vehicle emissions, react in sunlight and under high temperatures.
    Li said the stabilization of ozone levels coincides with China’s overall improvement in air quality, helped by stricter pollution controls and favorable meteorological conditions, including fewer sand and dust storms.
    Li credited the improvement to emission reduction efforts in key sectors, highlighting progress in the steel industry. Ultralow emission upgrades have been completed for 130 million metric tons of production capacity, he said, adding that more than 80 percent of the steel industry has been upgraded.
    Despite economic challenges and external pressures, China’s average concentration of PM2.5 — fine particulate matter linked to health risks — fell to 29.3 micrograms per cubic meter last year, down 2.7 percent compared with the previous year.
    The proportion of days with “fairly good” air quality reached 87.2 percent in 2024, an increase of 1.7 percentage points from 2023 and the highest since 2021.
    Meanwhile, the proportion of days with heavy pollution or worse in 2024 dropped to 0.9 percent, the lowest so far this decade and a year-on-year decrease of 0.7 percentage point.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China outlines key tasks to deepen rural reforms, advance rural revitalization

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Agricultural machines work in fields at a farm of Beidahuang Group in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Oct. 12, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    China unveiled its “No. 1 central document” for 2025 on Sunday, outlining priorities to deepen rural reforms further and solid steps to advance all-around rural revitalization.
    As the first policy statement released by China’s central authorities each year, the document is seen as an indicator of policy priorities.
    The document consists of six parts covering six areas: ensuring the supply of grain and other important agricultural products, consolidating the achievements of poverty elimination, developing local industries, advancing rural construction, improving the rural governance system, and optimizing the rural resource allocation system.
    The document calls for enhanced efforts in work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers in 2025 and beyond, and sets the goals of advancing all-around rural revitalization and consolidating the country’s agricultural foundations further.
    With reform, opening-up, and scientific and technological innovation as driving forces, the country will safeguard its grain security and ensure that no large-scale lapse or relapse into poverty occurs, the document says.
    The country will make every effort to enhance agricultural efficiency, invigorate rural areas and increase farming incomes, thereby laying a solid foundation for the advancement of Chinese modernization, the document stresses.
    It emphasizes the importance of developing new quality productive forces in agriculture in light of local conditions. It also calls for the cultivation of leading high-tech agricultural enterprises, and the acceleration of breakthroughs in crop varieties.
    China will support the development of smart agriculture and expand the application scenarios of technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and low-altitude systems, according to the document.
    It outlines plans to expand cold-chain logistics and instant retail services to townships, and encourages regions with suitable conditions to establish public charging and battery-swap facilities for electric vehicles.
    To promote the effective management and utilization of rural resources and assets, the document calls for the exploration of feasible ways to make good use of legally owned rural housing through methods such as leasing, equity participation and cooperation.
    The document urges innovation efforts related to the financing mechanisms for rural revitalization. Steps will be taken to strengthen support from central budget investments, ultra-long special government bonds, and special local government bonds for major projects in agriculture and rural areas. Monetary policy tools will be utilized to encourage financial institutions to increase funding for rural revitalization.
    Reforms related to forestry, state farms, and supply and marketing cooperatives will be advanced in a coordinated manner. The document stresses the importance of deepening the reform of the collective forest tenure, of enhancing comprehensive reforms of water pricing and water rights in the agricultural sector, of strengthening water usage management, and of promoting water-saving irrigation technologies.
    Eligible cities are encouraged to include their agricultural migrant populations with stable employment into the scope of local urban housing security policies gradually, the document notes.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Operation Eclipse raids in the south-east

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police have seized almost $800,000 worth of illegal tobacco and $66,000 in cash in raids on 10 premises in the South-East of the state.

    Serious and Organised Crime Branch, Limestone Coast police and members from Consumer and Business Affairs searched premises at Mount Gambier, Naracoorte and Millicent on 19 and 20 February as part of Operation Eclipse investigations.

    The locations searched included tobacconists, candy and gift shops, a commercial storage facility and residential premises.

    In one search at a Mount Gambier gift shop $245,000 of illicit tobacco was located. Further investigations resulted in the seizure of $540,000 worth of tobacco products at a commercial storage premises in Mount Gambier.

    The searches resulted in the arrest of a man, 23, of Salisbury North for failing to provide his name and address.

    Operation Eclipse commander Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby said the regional seizures had significantly disrupted the activities of the syndicates.

    “If organised crime syndicates think they can operate in regional areas and not come to the attention of police they are wrong,’’ he said.

    “The seizures in the South-East have enhanced our knowledge of the operating model of the syndicates and are the subject of further investigations.

    “SAPOL will continue to have a whole of organisation response that targets the syndicates to disrupt their financial operations and criminal activity.

    “We will pursue criminal charges when sufficient evidence exists and that includes those who are supporting and enabling that activity.’’

    Operation Eclipse detectives have also searched another four premises in the metropolitan area since 18 February. Illicit tobacco worth $140,000 was seized in those searches.

    Detective Chief Inspector Featherby also appealed for public information into an arson attack at a tobacconist on Glynburn Road at Hectorville on Friday 21 February.

    In the incident three suspects arrived in a late model white sedan and attempted to set fire to the front of the premises. A witness extinguished the fire.

    “We would like to hear from anyone who knows of any person who may have burn injuries or who may have presented at a medical facility with burns since last Friday,’’ Detective Chief Inspector Featherby said.

    “We are also appealing for dash cam footage from vehicles in the Hectorville area between 4.30am and 5.30am on 21 February or anyone who observed people in a white late model sedan filling a fuel container at a petrol station.”

    Operation Eclipse has so far resulted in 29 arrests for offences including blackmail, arson, money laundering and serious criminal trespass.

    There have been 122 premises searched – 36 residential and 86 businesses – almost $1.25 million in cash, three firearms and almost $10.1 million in tobacco seized. Nine vehicles have also been seized for confiscation.

    Significantly, there have been 230 calls to Crime Stoppers since October 2 that have resulted in information being provided to police.

    Anyone with any information on criminal activities surrounding the sale of illicit tobacco is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestopperssa.com.au – You can remain anonymous.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Transcript – Radio 2SM Sydney – Breakfast with Ron Wilson

    Source: Australia Government Ministerial Statements

    RON WILSON [HOST]: Truck drivers in western Sydney are set to benefit from the city’s first dedicated heavy vehicle rest stop. It’s considered a crucial infrastructure project aimed at improving safety and reducing fatigue for long haul truckies. It’s located at Eastern Creek and the site is strategically placed near key motorway junctions. It comes with a $40 million investment price tag from both the Albanese and Minns Labor governments. The project was part of an election promise by the New South Wales Labor government, and marks a significant step in enhancing road safety and ensuring truck drivers have the facilities they need to rest and recharge during their long journeys.

    Catherine King is the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Local Government in Australia as well. She’s on the line right now. Catherine, good morning.

    CATHERINE KING [MINISTER]: Hi, Ron. It’s great to be with you.

    RON WILSON: Tell us about this truck stop. How important is it in the overall scheme of transport?

    CATHERINE KING: Well, it’s incredibly important. We know just how much- how busy that freight route is between Melbourne right the way through to Brisbane. Truck drivers are required under our law to actually have rest and rest stops. We can’t have fatigued drivers on the road. But in that area, particularly where there is such a high volume of freight going through, there just really isn’t anywhere for truck drivers to safely rest. And this will be the first dedicated area specifically for trucks ever in western Sydney and at Eastern Creek. We often hear, you know, truck drivers are parking on suburban roads. They’re parking on the side of the road, trying to make sure that they comply with their rest hours. And that is not safe for anybody. It’s certainly not safe for them.

    The other thing we know is that we’re seeing increasing numbers of female drivers. They want, as should anyone in their workplace, access to decent toilet facilities, decent shower facilities, safe places to be able to rest and shaded places to be able to rest as well. So this is a really important project. 40 million from the Albanese government, 40 million from the Minns government. They took it to the last state election. We’re saying we’re going to back this in. This is budgeted funding. This is not an election commitment. This is something we want to fund, really as part of the infrastructure program.

    It’s been identified by truck drivers as the area- really a missing spot. So this is a really important announcement both for truck drivers but also for road safety. We want drivers who are on our roads that have had- you know, have got decent workplaces that are well rested and have places where they can rest and actually shower and recover from what is a really gruelling and difficult job.

    RON WILSON: Boy, a total of over $80 million. It must be some truck stop.

    CATHERINE KING: Well, it takes a lot to, you know, build roads to actually get the hard surfacing, but also to get the services out there. You obviously need electricity, you need water, you need sewerage out there as well. Unfortunately, it just does take that amount of money to be able to do that and to build those proper dedicated facilities. Unfortunately, infrastructure is expensive.

    RON WILSON: Well, that’s one truck stop. It’s an awful big country. Have you got more of these planned?

    CATHERINE KING: Yeah. Well, what we’ve done, I’ve had a $180 million fund. And Senator Glenn Sterle, who might be known to all of you, he’s still driving trucks himself. Every now and again, he gets behind the wheel. He’s from over in the west. I asked him to chair- basically to bring trucking companies together and truck drivers together to identify sites to fund that. And we’ve put the first tranche out of that. There’s smaller stops, often in the regional areas, because we wanted truck drivers to identify, well, where are you stopping? Where are the facilities that are needed? How can we actually fund these? So that’s been part of the government- we took that to the last election, and that’s been steadily rolling its way out, as well as as we build big scale infrastructure. So you’d be aware, you know, there’s big projects up in the Hunter. We look at opportunities there to partner with state and local government to also build those facilities in at the same time. But there’s no doubt that we could have more. And we need to continue to look at opportunities to do that, which is why we’ve got the funding program to try and roll them out. But this will be a single biggest one, and it’s a really big missing area. Like there just isn’t anywhere in that area really. And often you’ll see truck drivers just trying to plough- keep going. But they’ve got to, you know, make sure that they’ve stopped within the hours that [indistinct] drive a certain number of hours.

    RON WILSON: [Talks over] Yeah, that’s right.

    CATHERINE KING: So it’s really difficult for them to then, you know, get that push through to get to the next stop where they can. And there’s really just nothing in that area for them to stop at.

    RON WILSON: Yeah. Minister, this is such good news for all road users, not just the trucking industry. So very pleased that you’re able to come on and have a chat to us about it this morning, I appreciate it.

    CATHERINE KING: Really good to be with you.

    RON WILSON: The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government in Australia, Catherine King, talking about this new truck stop. It’s located at Eastern Creek. It comes at a cost of over $80 million.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: How pumped hydro can provide the stability Australia’s energy transition needs

    Source: Allens Insights

    A reliable, durable and large-scale storage solution 10 min read

    Australia’s favourable natural geographical landscape and abundance of retiring mine sites provide a unique opportunity for pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) to play a key role in driving the energy transition in this country. By delivering consistent, long-duration, dispatchable capacity during peak demand, PHES can help stabilise the system when other technologies may struggle.

    The past two years have seen a surge in the uptake of battery energy storage systems (BESS). However, firming assets such as BESS and intermittent generators such as wind and solar are constrained by weather conditions, redundancy and, in the case of BESS, capacity and duration limits. These constraints highlight the need for a more reliable, durable, large-scale storage solution to complement the other technologies.

    In the first part of our pumped hydro Insight series, we explore the drivers behind the growing uptake of PHES in Australia, and highlight key considerations for developers, investors, financiers, contractors and other stakeholders assessing such projects.

    Key takeaways

    • There is growing interest in PHES as a long-term, firm, long-duration dispatchable asset that is unconstrained by weather, technology, asset life or capacity limitations.
    • Approximately 20 PHES projects are actively being developed in Australia, with over 22,000 sites identified as suitable for a PHES.
    • PHES projects are capital intensive and inherently complex in their planning, procurement, delivery and commercialisation. These factors necessitate careful planning, robust risk mitigation strategies and proactive engagement with stakeholders to ensure the success of PHES over the long term.

    What’s driving the uptake of PHES in Australia?

    There is no doubt that interest in PHES as an energy generation and storage solution is growing. There are a number of key drivers behind this.

    While BESS are an important part of the storage solution, they have limitations. Most BESS projects range between 200MW and 500MW, with larger projects, such as Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub’s 1,200MW battery, still only half the size of Snowy Hydro 2.0’s 2,200MW project. BESS typically provide around four hours of dispatchable energy before needing to recharge, while PHES can deliver up to 175 hours.

    BESS also have a shorter asset life of around 20 years, with a steady degradation profile down to 60–70% of the nameplate capacity over time, whereas PHES projects are designed to last over 50 years. While BESS technology is still maturing on a utility scale, PHES has a long-established track record and doesn’t face the same fire risk, making it a more sustainable option for long-term energy storage.

    In 2017, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and the Australian National University identified 22,000 potential ‘bluefield’ PHES sites across Australia, with an estimated energy storage capacity of 67,000GWh. Many of these sites are in areas with natural elevation differences that facilitate the construction of connected upper and lower reservoirs with minimal excavation. The proximity of these sites to natural water sources, such as rivers and dams, would allow these projects to leverage existing water systems to create the necessary reservoirs.

    PHES can also take a ‘closed-loop’ form, where water is transported to a site away from existing river systems and cycled between the two reservoirs. This type of system can be located where topographical features support it, allowing for new PHES facilities to be co-located with solar and wind generation projects in renewable energy zones, boosting grid reliability in those areas.

    The planned and accelerated closure of mine sites presents a unique opportunity for owners to repurpose aging mines into PHES projects. Sites such as Kidston, Mt Rawdon and Muswellbrook show how former mine sites can be transformed into PHES facilities, capitalising on rehabilitation obligations and the potential for long-term, revenue-generating assets.

    Australia has over 60,000 abandoned mine sites, posing challenges for owners who must manage costly rehabilitation efforts on non-revenue-generating assets. With around 75% of mine closures being unplanned or premature, there is an opportunity to repurpose these sites into valuable operational assets. Many of these sites have existing excavated pits that can be used as reservoirs for closed-loop PHES, reducing excavation risk costs and supporting mining companies’ rehabilitation goals through sustainable energy projects.

    The Federal Government and most state governments are supporting private sector-led PHES projects through grants, concessional debt, revenue underwrites and streamlined approvals processes.

    In NSW, EnergyCo’s Pumped Hydro Recoverable Grants Program, which is part of the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, helps developers with the cost of early-stage feasibility studies. Additionally, developers can tender for Long-Term Energy Service Agreements (LTESA) in NSW and the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) across Australia. The NSW Energy Security Corporation (which received $1 billion in funding and will act as the state equivalent of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation) has been mandated to investigate co-investment opportunities with the private sector on energy storage projects, including PHES.

    Although no LTESA or CIS have been awarded to a PHES project yet, the NSW Government has shown strong long-term support for long-duration storage with an updated position to the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Act 2020 (NSW). By retaining the minimum dispatch duration definition at eight hours and broadening the long-duration storage LTESA assessment criteria, PHES projects are positioned to benefit from future government support. Similarly, under the proposed South Australian Firm Energy Reliability Mechanism, PHES projects offering dispatchable energy for at least eight hours will be able to bid for contracts to underwrite a portion of their revenue, complementing other state and federal policies.

    After the infrastructure boom of the past decade, the pace of the transport infrastructure sector has slowed, while demand for energy infrastructure has risen. Civil contractors with experience in metro, rail and road projects are now focusing on energy projects to capitalise on the available work.

    The civil infrastructure required for PHES, such as deep excavation, tunnelling and the construction of underground caverns and access routes, is similar to that required for transport infrastructure. Contractors with heavy engineering, excavation and tunnelling experience, and an available workforce, are well positioned to apply their skills to PHES projects.

    What challenges are emerging?

    Despite strong drivers and the promising potential of PHES, the uptake and reaching contract close of PHES transactions has lagged behind short to medium duration BESS, wind and solar projects.

    PHES projects are inherently complex and capital intensive, with several key challenges emerging.

    PHES projects typically require large areas of land, which can lead to complex environmental impacts, particularly biodiversity, water resources and, potentially, cultural heritage, and significant challenges with site access and spoil management. As a result, they require more detailed environmental impact assessments and complex approvals processes compared with BESS projects. In addition to state planning approval and environmental licences, PHES projects often require approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth), as well as being subject to any remediation obligations under any relevant mining tenements and approvals if located on a mine site.

    Securing land tenure is another significant challenge, especially when land is required within national parks, is over land held by Aboriginal land councils or land where native title is still active.

    Water entitlements and licences, crucial for establishing reservoirs, are also a key consideration, particularly for closed-loop projects. While some states, such as NSW, have introduced a special category of water licences for initial fills, these licences may come with restrictions that limit pumping from nearby water sources to periods of high flow, presenting programming challenges. In addition to securing the necessary approvals and resources, early engagement with traditional owners, landowners and local communities is essential for obtaining a social licence to operate.

    We have seen a continuing shift in risk transfer across energy and infrastructure. For PHES, in particular, this has been driven by a limited pool of experienced civil contractors with PHES experience in Australia, a lack of competition among original equipment manufacturer suppliers, and supply chain impacts and increasing demand for energy projects. A consequence of this shift has been the growing use of disaggregated contract packages, including in PHES procurement.

    By splitting contracts, developers can distribute risk among multiple parties and limit exposure to contractor insolvency, with each contractor focusing on their specialist area. Ideally, this improves quality and efficiency, at a more competitive price. However, this approach can create challenges, particularly for developers and financiers, introducing interface gap risks between the contractors, and resulting in smaller sizing for caps and security packages.

    Transport infrastructure procurement has traditionally been driven by state governments, creating a concentrated and aligned purchasing power that drove well-understood risk profiles. The energy infrastructure market is comparatively more diffused, involving a mix of government and private developers, contractors of all tiers and international entrants. This has meant that ‘market standard’ positions are fluid and highly bespoke contracts are being developed.

    An added complexity is that PHES procurement to date has been led by government-developers who are able to use collaborative commercial models with unfixed, variable cost elements. This is more difficult for private developers with limited funding sources who are required to demonstrate bankability to financiers. A balance will need to be struck between developers’ and financiers’ desire for firm pricing and transferred risk, with the contracting market’s calls for flexible, uncapped, commercial models.

    The contractor-led market has brought with it a rise in collaborative contracting in the infrastructure sector and the market is evolving. As an example, NSW and Victoria have adopted incentivised target cost models in infrastructure procurement projects, and Snowy 2.0 shifted from a traditional engineering, procurement and construction model to an incentivised target cost model. While the rise in collaborative contracting has not involved a full-scale move from wrapped lump sum to alliance models, there is an increased focus on fair risk allocation, considering each party’s ability to manage risks.

    In the PHES space, risk associated with input material costs, labour costs and underground work have been the particular focus of collaborative risk-sharing arrangements.

    • Input material and labour costs: PHES projects rely on significant quantities of materials such as concrete and steel, but supply chain issues and material cost escalation could increase project prices and timeframes. Additionally, the scale and construction duration of PHES projects requires substantial labour compared with other assets, with the remoteness of some projects potentially necessitating relocation packages and project-specific camps to attract skilled workers. Enterprise bargaining agreements can mitigate these challenges. However, the long construction period on PHES projects means that enterprise bargaining agreements are more likely to be renegotiated during delivery, reopening labour costs and creating the risk of industrial disputes. Given market changes, sensible and targeted risk-sharing mechanisms should be considered upfront to optimise value for money.
    • Underground work: PHES projects are complex and involve extensive subterranean work. While owners and developers can undertake geotechnical investigations prior to construction commencing, those have limitations, so a geotechnical risk-sharing mechanism is often needed. Geotechnical Baseline Reports are commonly used to set the agreed baseline conditions for tunnels and reservoirs, which serve as the test for any time or cost adjustments.

    Site selection is crucial for PHES projects, as suitable locations are often farther from existing grid infrastructure, leading to higher and more variable grid connection costs compared with BESS projects. Developers must ensure clarity on connection fees payable by a developer to the relevant network service provider and carefully consider the terms of connection agreements.

    Additionally, developers should be aware of the generator performance standards and how they align with other regulatory approvals for the project.

    A key challenge for developers is monetising storage projects and accessing debt capital markets. In the second part of our pumped hydro Insight series, we will explore the challenges, considerations and opportunities that developers, financiers and stakeholders face in monetising and creating stable revenue streams for PHES projects. Stay tuned.

    Actions that you can take now

    If you are considering entering the PHES space, as either a developer, investor, contractor, or financier, it is important to consider the following:

    • Strategic site selection: Rehabilitating existing assets, such as former mines or cleared agricultural sites with low biodiversity and cultural heritage value, and easy access water supply, may reduce planning delays, simplify environmental approval, and, for mine sites, limit the need for extensive excavation.
    • Early engagement: Engage early with all relevant parties, including local government, the community, traditional owners, landholders, consent authorities, regulators, contractors, geotechnical experts, financiers and government programs. The work done early in the project, and through concept and procurement processes, is crucial to the success of your PHES project.
    • Monitor the market: As more PHES projects emerge, market trends in commercial models, risk profiles and offtake strategies will evolve.
    • Adapting to changing regulations and government policies: We expect the regulatory landscape and government policies will evolve to better support PHES projects. Staying updated on these changes will be key to your project’s success.

    Keep an eye out for future Insights in the pumped hydro series, where we will expand further on the offtake and financing strategies that will underpin the bankability and revenue generation of PHES projects.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fresno Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for a Series of Vehicle Pipe-Bombings

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — Paul New, 57, of Fresno, was sentenced today to three years in prison for conspiracy to destroy property and malicious destruction by means of an explosive device, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, between November 2022 and February 2023, New committed a series of pipe-bombings on unoccupied vehicles and property in Fresno. The bombings damaged vehicles belonging to two auto-related businesses on Clinton Avenue. On Feb. 19, 2023, a bomb heavily damaged a vehicle used by a home health care business on Fallbrook Avenue.

    On October 9, 2024, co-defendant Scott Eric Anderson was sentenced to three years in prison.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Fresno Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael G. Tierney prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Search and Rescue – Beacon activation – Jabiru

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force Search and Rescue Section successfully located and rescued a hiking group in Jabiru on Sunday morning.

    Around 7:45am, an emergency position-indicating radio-beacon (EPIRB) was activated in the vicinity of Motor Car Falls, approximately 97 kilometres south of Jabiru.

    In response, Jabiru members deployed to the area and Search and Rescue (SRS) deployed a helicopter with two members on board.

    Jabiru members located a vehicle parked in Motor Car Falls that was registered to the same individual registered to the EPIRB that was activated.

    A short time later, members located three males and two females in the vicinity of where the EPIRB was activated.

    One of males who was suffering heatstroke, and a support person were conveyed to Jabiru via helicopter where they were met by St John Ambulance. 

    Two SRS members remained on-site with the three hikers until they were also collected by the helicopter and transported to Jabiru.

    Acting Senior Sergeant Zac Winkworth said, “The hikers activating their registered EPIRB was instrumental in the timely rescue of the hiking group.

    “This is a timely reminder for people looking to go hiking or fishing in the Top End to ensure you have a registered EPIRB.

    “Always plan your route, check current conditions, and make sure someone is aware of your itinerary before you head out.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £120 million to roll-out more electric vans, taxis and motorbikes

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    £120 million to roll-out more electric vans, taxis and motorbikes

    We are making it easier, faster and cheaper for people across the UK to switch to electric vehicles.

    • government extends support to help drivers, businesses, fleets and cabbies make the switch to cleaner vehicles
    • red tape blocking businesses from switching to zero emission vans to be cut
    • part of £2.3 billion to help make a supported transition to zero emissions vehicles, creating jobs and delivering the Plan for Change

    Drivers, cabbies and businesses are set to benefit from £120 million in government funding to make the switch to cleaner vans, wheelchair accessible vehicles and taxis easier, faster and cheaper.

    Today (25 February 2025) Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood confirmed that the department is extending the Plug-in van grant for another year, to help van drivers and businesses transition to zero emission vehicles.

    The extension will mean businesses and van drivers can receive grants up to £2,500 when buying small vans up to 2.5 tonnes and up to £5,000 for larger vans up to 4.25 tonnes.

    The Plug-in van grant has helped sell over 80,000 electric and zero emission vans since its launch, as the government continues to back businesses all over the country.

    The department is also making it easier to switch to zero emission vans – which can be heavier than their petrol and diesel counterparts despite being of the same size – by removing the requirement for additional training that is currently in place only for zero emission vans but not their petrol and diesel equivalents.

    This will help businesses by taking away training costs, cutting red tape and making it easier to hire drivers when operating electric vans.

    Today’s funding is part of over £2.3 billion to help industry and consumers make a supported switch to electric vehicles (EVs). This is creating high paid jobs, supporting businesses up and down the country and tapping into a multi-billion pound industry to make the UK a clean energy superpower and deliver the government’s Plan for Change.

    Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:

    From van drivers and businesses, to drivers with accessibility needs, bikers and cabbies, today we are making it easier, faster and cheaper for people to switch to electric vehicles.

    By making the transition to zero emissions a success, we’re helping to drive growth all over the UK, putting more money in people’s pockets and rebuilding Britain to deliver our Plan for Change.

    The department is also supporting taxi drivers make the switch to electric for another year, by making £4,000 available to buy an iconic zero emission black cab amongst other models, making journeys cleaner and more comfortable for passengers.

    The Plug-in wheelchair accessible vehicle grant cap is also being increased from £35,000 to £50,000, giving consumers a wider choice of vehicle models and removing barriers for disabled passengers, so that they can get around more easily and with greater peace of mind.

    Today is a positive day for bikers as well, who will continue to enjoy a £500 grant from government to buy an electric motorbike for another year.

    Alongside this financial support, the government strengthened incentives to purchase zero emission vehicles in the Autumn Budget 2024 by maintaining generous ZEV incentives in the Company Car Tax regime.

    The transition to electric continues at pace. With over 382,000 electric cars sold in 2024 – up a fifth on the previous year – there’s never been a better time to switch to EVs, with one in 3 used electric cars under £20,000 and 21 brand new electric cars RRP under £30,000.

    Owning an electric car is also becoming increasingly cheaper, with drivers able to save up to £750 a year if they mostly charge at home compared to petrol.

    There are now over 74,000 public chargers in the UK, with a record of nearly 20,000 added last year alone. With 24/7 helplines, contactless payments, and up-to-date chargepoint locations, charging has become easier than ever.

    With £200 million announced in the budget to continue powering the chargepoint rollout and £6 billion of private investment in the pipeline, the UK’s charging network will continue to see tens of thousands of chargers added in the coming years so that EV owners can drive with the confidence that they’re never too far from a socket.

    Last year saw record numbers of people making a supported switch to electric vehicles, with the UK leading Europe in sales, and growth of more than a fifth on the previous year. The government has been engaging closely with car manufacturers on how to support them to deliver the transition to electric vehicles with a consultation recently closing, which sought views from industry on how to deliver the manifesto commitment to restore the 2030 phase out date for new purely petrol and diesel cars.

    The average range of a new electric car is now 236 miles – that’s about 2 weeks of driving for most people – all the while emitting just one-third of the greenhouse emissions of a petrol car during its lifetime.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: All eyes on the Eastern Bay of Plenty 

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Over the past few weeks Eastern Bay of Plenty highways have been a hive of activity with crews busy resurfacing State Highway 2 (SH2) in the Waioweka Gorge (and carrying out other general maintenance work) which is due to be completed on Wednesday 26 February.

    There is more work to come around the region, ensuring the network is resilient and safe for everyone. 

    Here’s a look at what’s happening: 

    SH35 Roundabout Ōpōtiki 

    Once the Waioweka Gorge work is complete, crews will move to the Ōpōtiki township to resurface the roundabout on State Highway 35 (SH35). From Wednesday 26 to Friday 28 February, between 8am and 4pm each day, the road will be closed at the St John and Elliot Street roundabout, with a detour available for all vehicles via King Street and Goring Street. There will be temporary traffic management in place while the work is taking place. 

    SH2 Matatā 

    From Friday 28 February for 4 days, a new chipseal surface will be laid on SH2 between Western Close and Manawahē Road in Matatā. This work will take place during the day, between 9am and 4pm, with stop/go traffic management and a reduced speed limit in place. Traffic management will remain until after the work has been completed to allow for the chipseal to be embedded into the road surface. 

    SH2 Waimana Gorge 

    From Monday 3 to Friday 7 March the Waimana Gorge will be closed from 10am to 6pm each day. Crews will be laying a new asphalt road surface and completing maintenance activities. Outside of work hours there will be temporary traffic management in place with a reduced speed limited until the new surface has been line marked. 

    While the road is closed there’s a 12-minute detour for light vehicles and trucks below the HPMV status, via Tāneatua Road, Valley Road, right to Ōhope Road to Pōhutukawa Ave through to Wainui Road then left to SH2. There is no suitable detour for HPMV vehicles. HPMV’s are advised to travel outside of these times. 

    By closing the Waimana Gorge completely for this time contractors can complete the work more efficiently and safely. 

    At the SH2 and Wainui road intersection service relocation works are underway near Kutarere west of Ōpōtiki. Shoulder closures will be in place and road users should be aware there may be 3-way stop/go traffic management operating at the intersection during this time.  

    Work schedule

    • SH2 Waioweka Gorge, resurfacing and general maintenance – complete 26 February  
    • SH35 roundabout Ōpōtiki, resurfacing – 26 to 28 February 
    • SH2 Matatā, chipsealing – 28 February to 3 March 
    • SH2 Waimana Gorge, resurfacing – 3 to 7 March 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –