Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

UPDATE 2: Search in Bass Strait for missing plane

Sunday, 3 August 2025 – 4:38 pm.

Search efforts continue in northern Tasmania, Bass Strait and regional Victoria to locate a light aircraft which has been reported missing.
The plane, with two people on board, failed to arrive as expected to Hillston Airport in NSW after taking off from George Town airport early Saturday afternoon.
Tasmania Police Inspector Nick Clark provided an update to media on Sunday afternoon. Audio and pics attached.
The Australia Maritime Safety Authority and Tasmania Police urge anyone near George Town or transiting the waters in northern Tasmania and Bass Strait, or southern Victoria near Leongatha, to keep a lookout for any signs of the aircraft or its occupants, and if safe to do so, render assistance.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the AMSA Response Centre on 02 6279 5700 or Tasmania Police on 131 444.
CAPTION: Several boats are being used to patrol Bass Strait, off northern Tasmania, as the search continues for a missing light plane carrying two people. (Picture: Tasmania Police)

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

UPDATE: Search for missing light plane

Sunday, 3 August 2025 – 1:31 pm.

The search continues for a light plane, with two people on board, reported missing after taking off from George Town airport on Saturday afternoon.
The two people, from northern Tasmania, were travelling to Central Western NSW.
Family members raised the alarm last night after they failed to arrive as expected to Hillston Airport in NSW.
The male pilot is aged in his early 70s and his female passenger is aged in her 60s,
Tasmania Police helicopter and marine resources are conducting search activities near George Town and along Tasmania’s northern coastline.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority and Victoria Police are conducting searches over Bass Strait and also southern Victoria around Morwell and Leongatha.
AMSA and Tasmania Police urge anyone near George Town or transiting the waters in northern Tasmania and Bass Strait, or southern Victoria near Leongatha, to keep a lookout for any signs of the aircraft or its occupants, and if safe to do so, render assistance.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the AMSA Response Centre on 02 6279 5700 or Tasmania Police on 131 444.

Source: New South Wales – News

The Lamborghini was detected by a mobile speed detection camera travelling at 102 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on Main South Road, Old Noarlunga at 9.45am on Sunday 3 August.

A traffic patrol located the vehicle just after 10am and spoke with the driver.

The 45-year-old man from the southern suburbs was issued with an expiation notice totalling $2533 for speeding and not holding an ultra-high-powered vehicle (U-class) licence.

My Licence – My ultra high powered vehicle (U) licence

Source: New South Wales – News

The crash occurred on Flagstaff Hill Road, Middleton, just before 10.30am on Sunday 3 August.  The significant impact pushed the engine well into the cab of the Ford ute.

The driver, a 19-year-old Taperoo man, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

His vehicle was towed from the scene.

Investigations into the crash are ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed this collision or has any dashcam footage or information that may assist can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

A thief has threatened a resident with a knife after he was confronted inside a home in Alice Springs yesterday evening.

About 7:00pm yesterday, the 24-year-old resident and his father left their premises on Triodia Court, Sadadeen for about 10 minutes.

When they returned, they found the offender in the loungeroom of the house.

The offender was confronted by the son and a minor struggle followed.

The offender broke free and knocked over the resident’s father before running away.

The 24-year-old initially gave chase however, the offender stopped and threatened him with a knife before leaving the area in the company of a second offender who was waiting in a laneway nearby.

Police are continuing to investigate the matter and urge anyone with information, or who may have seen something in the area near Triodia Court around 7pm yesterday evening to contact on 131 444 and quote reference number P25206046. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Search in Bass Strait for missing light plane

Sunday, 3 August 2025 – 9:35 am.

Tasmania Police is providing support to a search in Bass Strait after a light plane, which took off from George Town on Saturday afternoon with two people on board, failed to arrive at its destination in Central Western NSW.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is co-ordinating the land and sea search for the aircraft, with Tasmania Police helicopter and vessel resources assisting in the response by searching the coastline near George Town and Tasmania’s north.
AMSA’s Melbourne rescue jet is conducting overwater searching of Bass Strait, supported by vessels, including Victoria Police.
The light aircraft left George Town airport about 12.45pm on Saturday with a pilot and one passenger – who are Tasmanian residents – headed for regional Victoria and then on to Central Western NSW.
The plane did not reach its destination as scheduled and authorities were notified by concerned family members that it was overdue. As a result, a search operation involving plane, helicopter and marine resources was activated.
Residents in Tasmania’s north are advised there will be ongoing aerial search activities in the area today.
Further details will be provided when available.
At this time media inquiries are to be directed to AMSA Media at media@amsa.gov.au
No footage is currently available from AMSA.

Source: New South Wales – News

The single vehicle collision occurred on Balmoral Road, near Goldfields Road, Cockatoo Valley just after 8am on Sunday 3 August.

Balmoral Road is closed to all traffic.  Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.

Source: New South Wales – News

Police were notified that a car had collided with the rear of a taxi on Currie Street about 3.45am on Sunday 3 August and kept driving.

The Honda was tracked on traffic cameras heading up to Fitzroy Terrace and north on Churchill Road, where police intercepted the car near the intersection of Regency Road.

The driver, a 25-year-old man from Lightsview, recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.274 – more than five times the legal limit.

He was reported for drink driving and issued with a 12-month instant loss of licence.  His car was impounded for 28 days and he will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date.

There were no injuries sustained in the minor collision.

199127

Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

A new pedestrian and cyclist bridge honouring the memory of local student Luke Bowen has officially opened in Coffs Harbour today, marking a major milestone in the delivery of the city’s long-awaited bypass.

Spanning eight lanes of traffic, the Luke Bowen Pedestrian Bridge is the first major piece of infrastructure to be completed as part of the Coffs Harbour Bypass.

This state-of-the-art pedestrian bridge replaces the older and shorter bridge of the same name, and now provides a safer, more accessible connection across the highway, including direct access to a new bus interchange being built near Kororo Public School.

The bridge stands as both a vital piece of infrastructure and a deeply meaningful tribute – a place of remembrance for Luke, and a commitment to a safer future for all members of the community.

The Coffs Harbour Bypass is a $2.2 billion project jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments.

Once complete, the bypass will remove thousands of vehicles from the city centre, improve traffic flow and significantly reduce travel times.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said:

“The 14kilometre Coffs Bypass will transform Coffs Harbour for the better, bypassing the town centre and allowing interstate traffic to flow freely. The stunning new pedestrian bridge will ensure people can move safely and easily over the new highway.

“The bridge also honours the memory of Luke Bowen, a young life lost too soon. The Coffs Harbour community has shown such strength and unity in carrying Luke’s name forward and this bridge stands as a testament to that spirit.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“For the people of Coffs Harbour, the bypass represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape their city, to reclaim their streets, reduce congestion, and create a more peaceful, accessible place to live.

“The Luke Bowen Bridge is the first step in that journey, and it sets the tone for everything that will follow.

“It is especially moving to see the community come together to honour Luke’s memory in such a lasting way. It’s a reminder that behind every piece of infrastructure are people, families and stories that matter.

“The bridge was installed with only a few hours of highway closure, and the older structure removed just as efficiently. This shows the outstanding coordination and care that’s gone into this project.”

Jeff Bowen and Vicki Banks, parents of the late Luke Bowen said:

“Our family is honoured that the new pedestrian bridge will serve as a lasting legacy to Luke.

“It is a deeply moving tribute that reflects the care and strength of the community he loved so much.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Transport for NSW and Kororo Public School.”

Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are working together to deliver better, safer and more resilient road infrastructure in western Sydney, with work now underway on two transformative projects in the Hawkesbury region: the Pitt Town Bypass, and the start of enabling works for the new Richmond Bridge.

These projects, totalling over $600 million in investment, will improve flood resilience, reduce congestion and boost safety for local residents and visitors to the region.

Pitt Town Bypass

Major works are set to begin on the long-awaited Pitt Town Bypass, a $100 million NSW Government project set to improve travel times and safety in the region.

The 950-metre bypass will link Pitt Town Road and Cattai Road with two new roundabouts and a new bridge across Hortons Creek.

It will divert traffic, including heavy vehicles, away from the village centre, easing congestion and improving access for emergency services.

Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure has been awarded the contract and will soon begin geotechnical and survey work ahead of full construction from August 1, 2026.

The bypass is due to open to traffic by the end of 2026.

Road Upgrades ahead of a New Richmond Bridge

Shovels are in the ground as work begins on the first stage of road upgrades in the Hawkesbury that will eventually connect to the New Richmond Bridge.

The $515 million project, funded by the Albanese and Minns governments, will see two new roundabouts be built along The Driftway at Londonderry and Blacktown Roads, improving safety and traffic flow during flood evacuations.

The upgrade at Londonderry Road will include a new roundabout and an additional southbound lane to support emergency evacuations.

A new roundabout and new bridge across Rickabys Creek will also be delivered at Blacktown Road, improving safety and flood resilience.

Government is preparing to release the Stage 2 Determination Report, responding to community feedback.

Stage 2 includes construction of a new four-lane bridge over the Hawkesbury River, around 10 metres higher than the existing bridge, providing significant flood immunity and improved access during extreme weather.

Construction on Stage 2 is expected to begin in 2026.

Thanks to community feedback, extra funding has been committed by the Albanese Government towards a future stage of the New Richmond Bridge project, to support delivery of a bypass to Londonderry and key North Richmond intersection upgrades.

Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:

“The Albanese Government is proud to be working with the Minns Government to deliver key road upgrades near Richmond.

“Once complete, stages one and two of this project will improve flood resilience, safety, and connectivity across the Hawkesbury.

“We’ve listened to community feedback and responded with additional investment to deliver additional key upgrades for road connections are delivered alongside the New Richmond Bridge.

“We’re building infrastructure that locals can rely on, day in, day out, rain or shine.”

Quotes attributable to the NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“These two projects show the Minns Labor Government is serious about building a safer and more resilient road network across north western Sydney.

We’re reducing congestion, improving flood evacuation routes, and delivering the infrastructure that communities like Pitt Town and Richmond need and deserve.

“The New Richmond Bridge will transform access across the Hawkesbury, while the Pitt Town Bypass will take pressure off local roads and make it easier for emergency services to do their job.

“These are practical upgrades that will have a lasting legacy.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman:

“These two projects will make a real difference for the people of Hawkesbury.

“Whether it’s easing the pressure on Pitt Town or building a safer, flood-resilient connection across the river to North Richmond, this is about delivering infrastructure that keeps our communities connected, even in times of crisis.”

“I’m proud to be part of a government that is working alongside the Minns Government to deliver what locals and I have long called for.”