Customers shopping at Woolworths Forbes will begin to notice in-store reminders to bring their own reusable bags, as the supermarket prepares to go single-use plastic bag free nationally from 20th June.

Across Australia this will see the removal of 3.2 billion lightweight plastic bags from circulation each year.

Woolworths Forbes Store Manager, Noel Reardon said: “At Woolworths we are committed to listening to our customers and also doing the right thing for the environment. We are proud to be able to help create a greener future for Australia with our customers by removing single-use plastic bags from our store from 20th June.

“We appreciate that it will be a big change for our customers and will do what we can to support them through the transition to make it as smooth and simple as possible.” In the lead up to then, there will be increased signage in-store and at checkouts reminding customers on the date change.

Customers will have the option to bring in their own bags or will have access to purchase a range of reusable bag options starting from 15 cents.

Planet Ark CEO Paul Klymenko said: “Woolworths’ move will have a really positive impact on our environment and we’re confident the local community will embrace it.

“Single-use plastic bags have become a huge problem for Australia’s oceans and waterways where they cause significant harm to marine life, such as turtles and whales. They also don’t breakdown in landfill and require significant resources to manufacture in the first place.

“Experience in countries like the UK and Ireland shows that the introduction of small charges on plastic bags can end up reducing plastic bag usage by up to 85% as locals embrace reusable alternatives. This is a real win for the environment,” he said.

Member for Orange, Philip Donato MP, announced applications are now open for the 2018 Community Building Partnership Program, unlocking $30 million for community infrastructure projects across NSW.

Philip said $330,000 is available for projects in each NSW electorate, including the Orange Electorate, and urged local councils and not-for-profit groups to apply for the funds they need to deliver projects with social, environmental and recreational outcomes.

“Local sports clubs, charities, men’s sheds and scouts are just some of the groups that benefit from this program.

“If your organisation or club needs extra funding for the building, refurbishment or enhancement of facilities, then I’d strongly encourage you to apply.

“This is a great opportunity to get the support your community group needs to make real improvements in the places you meet, train or recreate,” said Philip.

Applications opened on Monday, 7th May and close at 5pm on Friday, 15th June 2018. Applicants must read the program guidelines to ensure their club or organisation and proposed project are eligible.

 

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Forbes, Parkes and Lachlan Shire Councils are reminding drivers to put their mobile phones down, after the latest observation survey recorded 63 motorists using their phones while driving.

The survey conducted in Forbes, Parkes and Condobolin, showed that there were 34 more people spotted using their mobile phone whilst driving, compared to an earlier survey conducted in October 2017, which is almost a 50% increase.

The survey also showed a 0.3% decrease in the combined seatbelt wearing rate in comparison to the October survey, however the combined seatbelt wearing rate of 98.6% is 0.6% above the state average.

The observations surveys are conducted bi-annually in Forbes, Parkes and Condobolin and aim to measure, monitor and improve local seatbelt wearing rates and the number of drivers complying with mobile phone legislation.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor said that there is an urban and highway location in each town with survey staff conducting the observations for an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon at both locations.

“The observation surveys give us a really good insight into current local driver and passenger behaviour. The seatbelt wearing rates are great but the mobile phone usage rates are disappointing.

“Many people would agree that using mobile phones while operating a motor vehicle is dangerous. Your attention simply cannot be in two places at once and the split second you glance away from your windscreen to check your mobile phone screen, could cost you or someone else their life.

“If you use a mobile phone while you’re driving you can be up to four times more likely to have a crash,” said Melanie.

Parkes Highway Patrol Sergeant, Dearne Jeffree said that using a mobile phone while driving costs New South Wales drivers $330 and four demerit points.

“Mobile phones are distracting which can often lead to dangerous driving behaviours. If you don’t have the self-discipline to not touch it then put in a place where the temptation is removed. If you are detected using your phone whilst driving you will receive a ticket,” Sergeant Jeffree said.

Melanie will be working with Police and Roads and Maritime Services to develop and implement a low cost education campaign over the coming months.

The Central Police Area Command will welcome a new probationary constable following last week’s attestation parade of Class 333. Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW, Rick Colless congratulated tall new recruits on graduating from the Goulburn Police Academy and thanked them for their extraordinary commitment to the safety and security of the people of NSW.

“The new probationary constable appointed to the Central West will be great asset to the community and will undoubtedly play a vital role in identifying, disrupting and combatting local crime.”

“Becoming a police officer is a tremendous honour, however it can be an extremely challenging and demanding profession.”

“Having recently completed eight months training at the Police Academy, the new officers will continue to receive on-the-job training under the guidance of experienced police to ensure they are adequately prepared for this important new role,” said Rick.

Minister for Police Troy Grant said the NSW Government committed to increasing the authorised strength of the NSW Police Force to a record 16,795 over this term, and that has been achieved and more.

Class 333 brings the number of sworn officers to pass through the Goulburn Police Academy to 4,596, since 2011.

Leading disability services provider, House with No Steps will soon start construction of a new Aussie Biscuits factory in Forbes, which will increase employment opportunities for people with a disability.

Aussie Biscuits, which is one of nine businesses owned and run by House with No Steps, has been operating in Forbes for over 40 years and has developed a strong community presence. It provides not only employment and training opportunities for people with disability, but also the sense of connection, pride and independence that comes from working.

Last year, Aussie Biscuits received $210,000 from the Building Better Regions Fund towards a $456,000 project to scale up its operations.

Brett Lacey, House with No Steps Executive Director Businesses, said the new factory will create much needed employment opportunities for people with a disability in the area.

“Construction starting at our new location marks a new chapter for Aussie Biscuits. We will be able to bake more biscuits and deliver them to even more people.

“Employment opportunities for people with a disability are scarce in regional areas. We’ll be able to provide additional opportunities for Australians living with disability in the Central West region of New South Wales,” said Brett.

The fit-for-purpose factory will include new ovens, a specialised cool room and mixing room for biscuit production. Employees will also have access to a new lunch room and a welcoming reception area.

Matt Pronesti, one of 30 supported employees who works at Aussie Biscuits, has been with the company for 21 years. Construction starting on a new location has been a long time coming.

“I’ve worked here for 21 years. I do mixing, biscuit making and control the hopper in the oven, as well as some oven maintenance.  I love making biscuits. I’m looking forward to the new equipment so we can make even more biscuits,” he said.

The new factory is located at Rankin Street, Forbes, across the road from Aussie Biscuit’s existing factory. Construction starts on Monday, 7th May and is expected to be complete by late July.

Australia’s warmest April on record (for mean maximum temperature) has just been confirmed, with multiple records broken across the nation, according to the latest Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) data.

The BOM’s ‘Australia in April 2018’ summary also shows that the mean monthly temperature was the second hottest for April, climbing 2.38°C above average, with daytime temperatures reaching exceptionally high levels in each state. Alongside this record-breaking heat, Australia also experienced below average rainfall with last month going down as the driest April in almost a decade.

Climate Councillor and international climate scientist Professor Will Steffen said the ‘abnormal April’ records highlights the impact climate change is having across the country, driving more severe and more frequent heatwave events that are lasting longer than ever before.

Professor Will said the window of opportunity for Australia to tackle climate change was rapidly closing, as climate change driven extreme weather events continued across the nation.

“Australia must urgently slash its rising greenhouse gas pollution levels through continuing the transition to clean, affordable and reliable renewable energy and storage technology,” he said.