More than 240 solar companies across Australia are at risk of losing millions of dollars unless the Federal Government steps in to address what industry insiders are labelling a national scandal. Since 2009, the Federal Government has incentivised the installation of solar systems through the Small-Scale Technology Certificate (STC) rebate scheme. This initiative, designed to promote renewable energy, has operated smoothly for 15 years - until now.When quoting for solar installations, companies’ factor in the rebate, offering customers a discount upfront. Given the complexities of trading these certificates, many solar companies rely on trading platforms or 'STC aggregators' to handle transactions on their behalf. However, recent developments have revealed a darker side to this arrangement. Certain aggregators have allegedly claimed the rebate from the government but have failed to transfer the funds to the solar companies that rightfully earned them.According to claims from affected businesses, three aggregators - Net Zero, Emerging Energy, and Greenbot - have collectively traded an astonishing $89 million worth of rebate certificates without passing on the payments. "This the equivalent of stockbrokers selling shares on behalf of clients, then keeping all the money for themselves," says Carolyn Lee, Director of The Energy Experts, one of the companies affected. “We’re meant to get paid by the aggregators within days, but the trading company we’ve been dealing with, Greenbot, hasn’t responded to phone calls or emails for months.”The Energy Experts, a small business based in Kiama, is owed $40,000 by Greenbot. They are just one of the hundreds of solar companies caught in this web of deceit, with some businesses facing losses in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, forcing them to lay off staff and scale back operations.“This is outright fraud. The Government needs to step in,” urges Lee. “So far, there’s been silence from Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen and the Clean Energy Regulator. Solar companies like ours feel like they’ve been left high and dry. Why is no one doing anything about this?”“While customers remain unaffected by the non-payment, the solar companies bear the brunt of the financial impact. Without swift government action, the scheme remains vulnerable to further exploitation, threatening the viability of hundreds more solar installers across the nation,” says Lee.The Bugle contacted the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) for comment on the above. A spokesperson said, “We understand and share concerns regarding the impact on small solar PV businesses when agents do the wrong thing. Despite it being out of our legislative remit to assist with matters of non-payment, we have been helping those owed money by referrals to relevant agencies and providing as much information as possible on the status of small-scale technology certificates (STCs) for which payment is owed. We have shared information with State and Territory consumer affairs bodies and the ACCC who are the regulators responsible for payment matters.”They went on to inform that, “On 11 June 2024, we permanently suspended the registration of Greenbot Pty Ltd and subsequently terminated the deed for the Greenbot solar panel validation app. This meant that Greenbot could no longer create renewable energy certificates, including STCs.”“On 3rd July 2024, the Federal Court issued a temporary stay of the decisions to (i) suspend Greenbot as a registered entity under the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and (ii) terminate the deed allowing Greenbot to be an app provider under the Solar Panel Validation (SPV) Initiative. The Court’s order means that Greenbot will be allowed to create certificates in the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, and to participate in the SPV Initiative, while the Court is reviewing the matter. We cannot discuss this matter further as it is currently before the courts.”“On 24th July 2024, Emerging Energy Solutions Group went into liquidation. Worrells have been appointed as the liquidator and have issued advice to creditors which states “we were advised that the Company ceased to trade around July 2023. Our preliminary investigations have revealed that the Company’s business and assets may have been transferred to a related party. We are presently undertaking investigations as to whether the transfer of the business and assets may have constituted illegal phoenix activity, which is a strict liability offence pursuant to the provisions of the Corporations Act (2001) (“the Act”)”. We will monitor the results of any investigation and assist where we can.”CER have established a web page for Participants impacted by Greenbot suspension.Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen’s office told The Bugle that the CER was responsible for handling this matter.Further background reading:The Renewable Energy Target is an Australian Government scheme in which large and small scale renewable energy systems are able to generate renewable energy certificates, which must be purchased by liable entities (most often electricity providers) and surrendered back to the CER. This in turn provides a financial incentive for the installation of renewable energy systems.The CER manages the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) which creates a financial incentive in the form of STCs for households and small businesses to install eligible small generations units which include solar photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, hydro systems, solar water heaters and air source heat pumps. Under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000, only system owners can create STCs or assign the right to create certificates to registered agent. They may assign their rights to create STCs to a “registered person” who is known in the SRES as a registered agent. To become a registered agent, you must first undergo a fit and proper person test.   The following is the business model commonly used for claiming and trading STCs. It should be noted that the CER offers processes for system owners to claim and trade their own STCs.A homeowner will assign the right to create STCs to a registered agent that is suggested by the solar retailer. In return for that assignment, the solar retailer will provide an upfront discount on the price of the system and installation - this is usually around 30% of the overall cost. The solar retailer receives a payment from the registered agent in return for the certificates. Solar retailers choose which agent they enter into a contractual agreement with.  The assignment of the right to create certificates must meet the criteria to be lawful otherwise the certificates will not be registered by the CER.  CER’s role is to ensure certificates are created properly according to law. The CER does not have oversight, or statutory ability or authority to enquire, of the commercial arrangements put in place by industry participants. Contractual matters including non-payment should be directed to state and territory fair trading bodies as well as Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.The CER provides information to other regulatory agencies where it may assist in matters within their remit, including matters relating to STC non-payment.

Opinion by Lynne StrongThe Kiama Community has a unique opportunity to shape the future of our region through the Kiama Draft Growth and Housing Strategy. This strategy outlines how we plan to meet our housing supply targets and ensure sustainable and responsive delivery of housing for our growing and changing community. But does it reflect best practice in urban planning? The Bugle invites the community to consider whether our strategy aligns with the best principles identified in urban planning.Developing compact, walkable, and diverse mixed-use towns is crucial. This includes grid street layouts, promoting pedestrian linkages, and ensuring streets leading to town centres support walking and active transportation. Does our draft strategy promote the development of neighbourhoods that minimise car dependency and support active transportation? Are we ensuring that new developments are walkable and well-connected?Ensuring housing diversity and affordability is essential. This includes provisions for smaller homes with longer design lifespans, housing options for service workers, and plans for ageing in place. Does our strategy include specific measures to encourage diverse and affordable housing options? Are we catering to the needs of service workers, couples without children and providing options for our growing ageing population?Integrating infrastructure and services is vital. This means clustering retail and commercial uses to maximise job creation and ensuring local availability of essential services to reduce travel demand. Are we planning for the development of local service and trade businesses?Environmental sustainability is key. Incorporating passive solar design principles, encouraging active solar energy production and storage, and reducing the heat island effect with light-coloured roofs and large deciduous street trees are essential steps. Does our strategy incorporate these environmental sustainability measures? Are we planning for green spaces and recreational areas that promote community well-being and environmental health?Successful implementation requires ongoing open conversations and partnerships with State and Federal Governments, community housing providers, private developers, and the community. Are we fostering a collaborative approach that includes all stakeholders? Is there a commitment to continuous engagement and partnership to ensure our actions meet the community's needs?The Kiama Draft Growth and Housing Strategy sets a promising framework for accommodating growth and meeting our housing supply targets. However, it's crucial to reflect on whether it encompasses best practices in sustainable urban planning.Your input is invaluable. As we strive to create a sustainable, vibrant, and resilient Kiama, we need your feedback to ensure our strategy truly reflects best practice in urban planning. Let’s work together to shape the future of Kiama. Have your say here. 

Opinion by Lynne StrongHave you ever wished that development promises would materialise exactly as depicted in those beautiful pictures? Trust and transparency are essential for successful urban development, instilling confidence within communities and ensuring projects adhere to the highest standards of integrity. Voluntary Planning Agreements (VPAs) play a pivotal role in upholding these values, acting as a crucial mechanism that binds developers to their commitments while securing public benefits.VPAs are legal agreements between planning authorities, such as local councils, and developers. Established under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, VPAs outline the contributions developers will make toward public amenities and services during the development approval process. They go beyond typical development contributions, encompassing a wide range of infrastructure projects, including roads, public transport facilities, parks, recreational centres, and environmental conservation efforts. The flexibility inherent in VPAs allows tailored negotiations based on community needs.By aligning developer goals with community interests, VPAs lead to higher-quality urban design and sustainability. These agreements undergo public consultation and must be publicly registered, ensuring transparency and community understanding.Once a VPA is in place, it legally binds the developer to deliver the agreed-upon contributions. Whether it’s infrastructure improvements or community facilities, the community can trust that promises will be fulfilled. The negotiation and finalisation of VPAs involve public consultation, where the community can review the contributions agreed upon by the developer and provide feedback. This openness fosters trust among the community, planning authorities, and developers. VPAs cannot be unilaterally changed by developers. If commitments are not met, planning authorities can take legal action, ensuring accountability and safeguarding community interests.VPAs ensure that development projects contribute positively to the community. When you see those beautiful pictures in a development application, rest assured that a VPA is in place to reflect best practices in housing development—delivering quality, sustainability, and community benefits.VPAs create a reality where promises are kept, trust is built, and development projects enhance both current needs and the long-term well-being of the community. When you envision a better urban landscape, VPAs ensure that vision becomes a tangible reality.

Opinion by Lynne Strong Let’s be honest, statistics can be a bit of a snooze-fest. Percentages, projections, and demographics - these terms aren’t exactly the life of the party. But here’s the thing: without these stats, planning for Kiama’s future is like trying to navigate through a thick fog with no compass. You’re flying blind.Did you know Kiama’s population is projected to grow by 33 percent over the next 20 years? That’s 7,757 new friends, neighbours, and community members. It’s like inviting the entire population of a small town to join us. But without knowing this, how can we plan for enough houses, schools, and services?By 2044, we’ll need 3,456 new homes. That’s about 180 houses a year. Without tracking these needs, we might end up with a housing shortage, skyrocketing prices, and people struggling to find a place to live. We don’t want Kiama to become an exclusive club with an impossible entry fee, right?Our community is getting older, with a median age of 48 years and 36 percent of our population already over 60. In the next two decades, this silver wave will continue to grow. Planning for this isn’t just about more bingo nights (though we love those); it’s about ensuring there are suitable homes and services to support our elderly residents.Currently, 57 percent of our workers commute out of Kiama. That’s a lot of time and money spent on travel. By understanding this, we can push for more local job opportunities, reducing the commute and keeping the community thriving right here at home. But here’s a surprising and somewhat concerning stat that only 0.6 percent of our population uses public transport. This not only increases traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions but also highlights the need for better public transport options. Without knowing this, we might miss the chance to advocate for improvements, leaving many reliant on cars.Knowing our vulnerabilities, like flood-prone areas and bushfire risks, isn’t just a detail to skim over. It’s crucial for safe housing development. Imagine building a beautiful home only to find it’s in a high-risk flood zone. Not ideal.With 32 percent of renter households experiencing housing stress, it’s clear we need more affordable rental options. Knowing this helps us push for policies that can alleviate this stress and make Kiama a more inclusive place to live.Sure, tracking these stats might seem tedious, but it’s the key to making informed decisions. It’s like using a GPS instead of wandering aimlessly. By keeping an eye on our progress, we can adjust our course and ensure Kiama continues to grow in a way that benefits everyone.So, next time you hear about housing percentages or population projections, remember - they’re more than just boring numbers. On September 14 when we elect councilors, look for a long history of innovation and real-world experience, so we have a chance to be a leader in growth and housing strategy across the world.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it may benefit local businesses was the focal point of a recent 2024 Business Illawarra Summit at the Shellharbour Civic Centre.The inaugural AI Summit for the Illawarra and Shoalhaven area drew a broad line-up of speakers, including Katie Vainauskas, Strategy and AI Partner at Deloitte, Minh Tran, Manager of Seller Services at Amazon, Brad Ryan, Analytics & Machine Learning Partner Lead at AWS and Ryan Fitton, CEO and Founder of Punch Buggy.Ed Husic, the Minister for Industry and Science, gave the keynote address.The idea for the event came after Business Illawarra conducted a survey among its members, which showed that thirty percent of businesses still have not adapted to AI, and are missing out on the benefits.The visitor economy is being transformed by AI, said Paula Martin, Interim Executive Director for Business Illawarra.“Hopefully, this summit will get you started with your AI journey. Through AI we are able to mimic intrinsically human skills, such as creating, communicating, taking action, seeing, listening and analysing,” Martin said.Within two months of its launch in November last year, ChatGPT had 100 million users.  It is estimated that the integration of AI by Australian businesses by 2030, will give the economy a $115 billion boost.But the technology is not without its caveats.Katie Vainauskas of Deloitte said and stressed that there are still areas where humans do it best and while AI might be 100 percent confident, “it is not always right.”“I’ve come to learn. (It’s) a beautiful way to start the day,” said Christina Cawkell, who is a regional engagement manager for Telstra. She said she was not representing Telstra at the event.Many businesses are still seeking more information about how they can practically implement AI while at the same time protecting their business DNA, citing legal/regulatory issues, data security and SMB case studies as topics for future AI-session.  

The federal government has approved the Illawarra offshore windfarm area as angry campaigners hit their key boards and plan demonstrations.Federal Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen announced the creation of the zone in Wollongong with Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones and local MP Alison Byrnes.“Through this zone, the Albanese government will deliver up to 2.9 gigawatts of reliable renewable power – enough to power 1.8 million homes,” Bowen said.Despite the creation of the zone, the project still needs to be approved under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water originally proposed a zone stretching across 1461 square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean from Wombarra in the north to Kiama in the south.The geographic project size has been cut by one third and power generation will shrink from 4.2 gigawatts to 2.9 gigawatts.One turbine can produce enough electricity in a year to power approximately 20,000 households and save around 38,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. That’s the equivalent of removing 25,000 cars from the road each year.The project zone has also been pushed from 10 kilometres offshore to 20 kilometres. The creation of the zone opens it up for projects to apply to build offshore wind farms within the boundaries. Each application must be approved by the federal government.Credit Nicholas-Doherty, UnsplashFeasibility licence applications for offshore wind projects in the Illawarra zone open on Monday 17 June and close on Thursday 15 August 2024.It is expected that Illawarra Offshore Wind - a partnership between Equinor and Oceanex – plan to start construction in 2028 following approvals and turn the power on by 2030.According to the partnerships website, it plans to create 3000 jobs through the life span of the project.The proposal is controversial in the Illawarra with a number of vocal community groups forming in support and opposition.Opponents have fears it will disturb the path of migratory whales, will drop property prices and look ugly from the shore.Developers must conduct research on how the windfarms may affect the 25-35,000 Humpback whales which migrate past the Illawarra coast.Amid genuine concerns, misinformation has also been rife, including the circulation of a fake journal article claiming 400 whales a year would die.Former president Donald Trump said in the US media, “whales are dying in record numbers because of these wind scams.”A study on the more bizarre claims of the anti-windfarm lobby can be found at ‘Wind turbine syndrome, a communicated disease,’ by Simon Chapman and Fiona Crichton.

NASA has announced that when humans take their first steps back on the moon after 50 years during the Artemis III mission, astronauts will cultivate and return lunar-grown plants to Earth for the first time.Known as Lunar Effects on Agricultural Flora (LEAF), the project will collect plant growth and development data that will help scientists understand the use of plants grown for both human nutrition and life support on the Moon and beyond.Slated for a September 2026 launch, the consortium of partners who will pioneer this initiative includes a core group from the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space (P4S), headquartered at the University of Adelaide.The project is led by Space Lab Technologies and involves the University of Adelaide, La Trobe University, and NASA Kennedy Space Center, all P4S partners, as well as the United States Department of Agriculture, University of Colorado Boulder, and Purdue University, with additional analysis to be conducted by the P4S node at the University of Western Australia.“This research will be a pivotal step toward understanding how we might use agriculture in space to support human crews, paving the way for sustained lunar exploration and even missions to Mars,” said Project Lead and Space Lab Vice President, Christine Escobar.Associate Professor of Plant Synthetic Biology at the University of Adelaide and P4S Chief Investigator, Jenny Mortimer, said the mission will tell us how plants respond in an off-Earth environment, and how well we can build a robust, fully contained environment that allows them to thrive.“The data we capture from the mission, both from the lunar surface and what we learn when we analyse the samples upon return, will help us to design the lunar and Martian crops of the future,” Associate Professor Mortimer said.Professor Mathew Lewsey, of P4S and the La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food, said the LEAF investigation would provide information about how plants could grow in extreme conditions.“The seeds we send to the Moon will germinate in an enclosed capsule, which we will be monitoring through a remote camera,” Professor Lewsey said.“Our team of scientists will collect data on the plants as they grow on the moon, monitoring their size and morphology, then conduct genetic and metabolic analyses of individual cells when the plants return to Earth.“We can then apply this knowledge to improve plant resilience to radiation and other environmental challenges.”The LEAF experiment includes a plant growth chamber with an isolated atmosphere, housing red and green varieties of Brassica rapa (Wisconsin Fast Plants®), Wolffia (duckweed), and Arabidopsis thaliana.Experiments undertaken as part of the LEAF program will progress P4S goals to develop novel plant-based foods and biomanufacturing technologies that assist humans to explore deeper into space than ever before, while also advancing on-Earth sustainability and efficiency.“LEAF has been made possible by bringing together world-leading skillsets in engineering, plant science, molecular analysis, and space logistics – it is a perfect representation of what P4S is here to do, to assist in delivering a new frontier for humanity,” said P4S Director and University of Adelaide Professor, Matthew Gilliham.“The learnings and technologies we gain by growing plants in a completely closed loop, as we must do in space, will provide new options for improving sustainable plant production and processing here on Earth.”Head of the Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo, said the selection of Plants for Space involvement in Artemis is a major vote of confidence in Australia’s space sector.“This is another example of the cutting-edge space research and innovation happening in Australia, and the demand there is for us to contribute to generation-defining international missions,” Mr Palermo said.“Importantly too, the technologies and practices developed as part of Plants for Space will improve life on Earth and benefit all Australians by addressing challenges like food security and water scarcity.”LEAF is one of three science instruments so far announced selected for development for deployment on the Moon’s surface as part of NASA’s Artemis III mission, all of which will be set up near the lunar South Pole.The other two are a Lunar Environment Monitoring Station, a compact, autonomous seismometer suite designed to carry out continuous, long-term monitoring of ‘moonquakes’; and the Lunar Dielectric Analyzer, which will measure the regolith’s ability to propagate an electric field, a key parameter in the search for lunar volatiles, especially ice.

Well, if you feel like you’ve suffered enough, and pretty much all of us feel like we’ve endured enough daily tribulations in the “Lucky Country” about now, there’s always the grand escape. The cruise industry is booming. Punters are cashed up after the years of Covid restrictions forced them to save, whether they wanted to or not. And instead of worrying about the cost of the cruise, they’re going top drawer. Peter Lynch, the editor of the leading Australian travel magazine Cruise Passenger, said business was up some 20 percent on 2019 levels, particularly at the luxury end of the market. “The perceived wisdom is that after Covid we went on a revenge spending free, and we decided to trade up and spend it now, rather than wait. And also people felt they wanted smaller ships, with fewer passengers. Again a throwback to Covid.”Mr Lynch said the days when cruise ships had a well-earned reputation as floating casinos were well and truly over. “There is big growth in luxury cruises, but there has also been lots of growth in the premium or middle market, which is the Princess, Norwegian, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean lines.“The strongest value proposition is Viking, which runs ships of 920 passengers. They have only been available in Australia for seven years, but have carved a very big share of the market. They offer unlimited drinks and food, free on shore tours. “And their advertising insists there are no kids, and no casinos, which makes them very popular with the over 50 demographic.“They are very classy, with specialty restaurants, fine dining and celebrity chefs.”The days when cruises were also regarded as the expensive way to travel Europe, for example, are also well and truly over. As Mr Lynch explains it, if you’re travelling on the Regent Seven Seas, for example, which is around $700 a day, or the Silver Sea, which is around $600 a day, that might sound expensive. “But here’s what you get: transport, service, a room, as much food as you can tuck in, plus afternoon tea. Viking, Regent and Silver Sea, you get all your drinks and onshore excursions. And you only have to pack and unpack once. Because your hotel travels with you”If you’re travelling overland on your own, you have to pay something in the order of $500 a night for a hotel, plus the costs of flights and taxis, plus the costs of food, breakfast, lunch and dinner, wine, along with the cost of local guides and entry fees to historical sites. And so, the reverse of what one might think, luxury cruising is the cheaper option. With the cruise industry booming, and both White Bay and the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney booked solid, one move which might change the entire cruise experience for south coast residents is talk of establishing a cruise facility at Port Kembla. The boss of the NSW ports is pushing to make Port Kembla Sydney’s “third” cruise terminal, allowing overseas cruisers to enjoy the Opera House and Harbour Bridge views while Aussies sail out of the Illawarra.Port Authority of NSW chief executive and director Phil Holliday is gathering support for the plan among political leaders and state bureaucrats so he can prepare a business case.Holliday admits it is early days. But he has received some support.“There’s a process for us to follow as a government entity to take others on the journey and say to people: we think this is a strong option. And if there’s agreement on it being the lead option, then we start to do a bit more or spend a bit more money, do a full business case on it and take it to its conclusion.”Peta Godfrey, owner of Travel Focus Group Gerringong, confirmed the trends outlined by Cruise Passenger Magazine.  “I don’t think anyone was expecting the market to come back so quickly because of the troubles during Covid,” she said. “We are doing a lot of the smaller cruises, to the Arctic, Antarctic, the Kimberleys. People are looking for more of an experience than just going for the cheapest option. “It’s been interesting in seeing the shift to the smaller ships, rather than the larger 3-500 ships. “Opening up a terminal in Wollongong would bring a lot of tourism to the South Coast, create more jobs for onshore excursions, and open up the region to international and national cruise passengers. It would be great for business.” Australia is expected to have 1.2 million cruise passengers this year, with the industry worth some $5.7 billion.

In its 39th year, the Shoalhaven Dressage Club proudly maintains its status as the South Coast of NSW's largest Official Dressage Club. Throughout its rich history, the club has consistently drawn in top-tier riders, many excelling at State, National, and even International levels. The past year has been no exception, accomplished equestrians such as Alycia Targa, Pamela Bice, James Collin, Catherine Chittenden, and Charlotte Phillips represented the club and the region with distinction at numerous major competitions across the country.The club recently hosted its 39th Annual Awards ceremony—an anticipated evening announcement of the Completely Equine Horse and Rider of the Year. The deserving recipient of this award was James Collin, demonstrating his exceptional riding atop Bellissimo Stud & Agistment Centre’s Horse, Bellissimo Laurenzo. The memorable moment was captured in a striking photo by B M Photography. The event also celebrated other riders, with Abigail Kus winning the Nowra Coaches Junior Rider of the Year title riding CP Lord Alfred. Tanya Lekluse secured the Bishop’s South Nowra Preparatory Champion of the Year award riding The Mockingbird.Further acknowledging excellence in various categories, the club honoured the following individuals and their equine partners:Bellissimo Agistment Centre Preliminary Champion of the Year: Teale Drummond riding GeorgeIllawarra Equine Veterinary Novice Champion of the Year: Linda Elkins riding FlokiSalway Rural Development Elementary Champion of the Year: James Collin riding LaurenzoNeversfelde Medium Champion of the Year: Catherine Chittenden riding Bluefields BelliniJervis Bay Stockfeeds Pony of the Year: Kaleena Matthews riding Kirrang RosewoodPB Dressage Veteran Horse of the Year: Carolyn Hartley riding Mister PipsterThe Shoalhaven Dressage Club continues to be a thriving hub for equestrian excellence, fostering a legacy of skilled riders and their exceptional equine partners.

Most people would be familiar with the astonishing and even disturbing advancements in robotics over the last few years, notably the walking dog-like robot seen in films made by Boston Dynamics. Luxury hotels are starting to regularly use robots to guide you to your room after checkout.The latest advancements are making robots better at imitating human-like movements, invoking the ‘Uncanny Valley’ effect where robots evoke fear of being too similar to humans. Some may envision scenarios similar to the ‘Terminator’ films or similar science fiction ideas where robots take over from their human masters.A much less frightening and more local application for robots is on dairy farms, with Camden-based group Future Dairy developing robots that can replace humans for many tasks.Future Dairy is based out of the University of Sydney’s Camden campus and is focused on its Automatic Milking Systems, which includes single box robots, multibox robots and is the only dairy robotic system in the world that can replace the process of humans fetching the cows and for onsite supervision.Future Dairy has been active for 20 years and in 2013 it conducted an in-paddock experiment in Kiama by herding cows using a robot. The Dairy Research Foundation at its Symposium held at the Kiama Pavilion on 4 and 5 July 2013 demonstrated Rover the robot, a wheeled unmanned ground vehicle which successfully herded cows out of the paddock to milking.Dairy Researcher Associate Professor Kendra Kerrisk said at the time: “They weren’t at all fazed by it and the herding process was very calm and effective.” The main problem Rover had was negotiating the terrain (a problem that could be solved if it had legs). Also in 2013, Kiama Primary School students were one of the first to remotely view the National Museum of Australia using telepresence to control a robot’s movements and camera from a computer in Kiama. Robotic competitions have been held at the University of Wollongong since 2010.Dr Kerrisk said “its programming would have to be customised for dairying applications.”However, Future Dairy lost funding this year and is now replaced by Dairy Up, a more generalised dairy research program with 20 different areas of research.Now at the end of 2023, and ten years later, robotics has advanced by leaps and bounds, and has reached the point where some robots can perform tasks requiring fine motor skills as easily as a human.Swiss Robotics Day is held every 3 November in Zurich. Swiss company Robotic Systems Lab is the main European rival to the much more well-known Boston Dynamics. The Swiss Robot called ANYmal looks like a dog on wheels, but it has the additional capability to stand and use its forelimbs for manipulation tasks, such as opening a door. Robotic Systems Lab has developed one robot that can stand and use its front legs as hands for such balancing tasks as opening doors and even catching a package and placing it in a receptacle.One hopes as the whole world starts to feel like the world science fiction predicted for so many decades, we keep in mind not to lose our own sense of humanity.

The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre hosted its 2024 Season Launch on Wednesday, 6 December, giving punters a sneak peek at next year’s lineup of performers. The night started off with a “Welcome to Country” speech by Aboriginal elder for the Shoalhaven Aunty Ruth Simms, touching on the beautiful landscape of the region, reminding us that it is up to us to keep it looking beautiful. Hosted by Abby Hopkins from Nowra’s Power FM, and Karen Patterson, Manager of the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, the night was full of anticipation as the hosts announced the upcoming shows. “We’ve searched the Nation and Beyond for stories, dance, drama, physical theatre and music that is in tune with our audience and will ensure you feel the power of connection.” Karen said.Here’s a list and a short summary of what's to come from The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre:“Lost in Shanghai” - Written by Jane Hutcheon, Co-Directed by William Yang and Tasmin HossainTuesday, 27 February 2024, at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre“The Story that’s Haunted me and that I keep coming back to is much closer to home” - Jane HutcheonJane's story of her Mother Beatric’s turbulent childhood in pre-communist Shanghai has always stayed in the back of her mind, despite her adventurous journalism career keeping her busy. After visiting Shanghai in 2018, Jane began to search for the truth about her mother being a journalist at the South China Morning Post in the 1950’s.Jane Hutcheon, and Abby Hopkins -Tracey Leigh Images“Yuldea”- From the storytellers Bangarra Dance Theatre. Wednesday, 6 March at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.“At Yuldea, the stars reveal a divine Songline, stretching between earth and sky.”This story of the Aṉangu people of the Great Victorian Desert highlights the intersection between their traditional lifestyle and the growing industrial aspirations of a developing nation. In 1917, a significant moment between the two halves of the Transcontinental Railway met at the precious water soak on the edge of the Nullab unfolded as the Transcontinental Railway's sections converged at a crucial water source on the outskirts of the Nullabor.Yukdea features original music by Leon Rodgers and guest composers of the multi-award-winning electronic pop duo Electric Feild.“27 Club”- presented by Amplified House Friday, May 10 2024, at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre“The rock, grunge and soul supergroup that will get you praying to the rock gods for more” This captivating live rockumentary showcases music and narratives from iconic figures such as Joplin, Winehouse, Cobain, Morrison, and Hendrix, each the voice of their generation. “Bulla Midhong -1 and 2 is 3” Album Launch and ConcertCreated in partnership with communities in Eden, Wallaga Lake and Nowra.Showing at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre 28 June 2024Bulla Midhong - 1 and 2 is 3 - Celebrates its deep connection to place and continues a lineage of story-telling across Yuin Country. Live performances by contributors from each community will be accompanied by immersive audiovisual storytelling. Sivan Agam, Kiara Edwards and Mick Robinson perform 'Mothers Calling' from Bulla Midhong - 1 and 2 is 3.-Tracey Leigh Images“The Lark Ascending”- Directed by Helena Rathbone, presented by the Australian Chamber Orchestra. May 15 & 16, 2024, at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.“A concert that will set your hearts soaring with music full of beauty and spirit” Ralph Vaughan Williams creates a radiant portrait of a lark in flight, trailing a silver chain of sound as it rises. This performance spans five centuries, from Henry Purcell’s ‘Fantasia Upon One Note’ to Max Richer’s cinematic ‘On the Nature of Daylight’. “Dear Diary”- Written and performed by Kay Proudlove. June 19 2024, The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.“She’s whip-smart, hilarious and with the voice of an angel, but seeing Kay turn her own life into a theatre show, I saw the depth she has as a writer and performer.” Lindsay McDougall, ABC Illawarra. After winning the hearts and minds of audiences in her 2022 debut, phenomenal South Coast local singer and songwriter Kay Proudlove brings her one-woman show “Dear Diary” to Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre as part of her Australia-wide tour. Kay’s performance of “I Love You Elijah Wood” from the depth of her 15-year-old diary had everyone in hysterics. This performance is nostalgic, empowering and painful, with plenty of wry humour as Kay explores her teenage years. Kay Proudlove performs a song from Dear Diary-Tracey Leigh Images“Our Place” - by Sharon and Slava GrigoryanSaturday, August 24 at The Shoalhaven Entertainment CentreTwo of Australia’s finest classical musicians performing works for cello and guitar.Slava Grigoryan is an acknowledged guitar master on the world stage. Sharon Grigoryan has forged a well-known career throughout Australia, performing with all major symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles. Their performances are deeply emotional, passionate and sensitive. “The Visitors” By Jane Harrison. Directed by Wesley Enoch. A Moogahlin Performing Arts and Sydney Theatre Company production. Showing at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on 20 August 2024“Visors leave…Right?”“The Visitors”, is directed by one of Australia’s most celebrated directors, Quandamooka man Wesley Enoch. The story starts on a sweltering summer day in January of 1788, as seven clans gather on the Harbour of Botany Bay. Decisions are waiting to be made. “Augustin Hadelich and The Sydney Symphony Orchestra” Showing at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on 18 August 2024 “A Violin masterclass of glowing warmth and complex depth”Grammy award winner and internationally renowned violinist Augustin Hadelich, one of the most sought-after musicians, is coming to The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre to showcase his incredible performance. See Augustin Hadelich's expressive, and moving showcase. The Shoalhaven is one of only a handful of audiences who will get the pleasure of experiencing Augustin Hadelich.A Midsummer Night’s Dream - By William Shakespeare, directed by Peter Evans.“Lord, what fool these mortals be!” Puck, Act 3 Scene 2Showing at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre 20 June 2024Shakespeare’s classic comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is reawakened in this production, exploding with magic and mayhem.Destined to be together, Hermia and Lysander meet in a beautiful moonlit forest with plans to elope, but of course, love isn’t always easy as they navigate a love triangle. The three worlds collide in an explosion of comic confusion. Bell Shakespeare Artistic Director Peter Evans tells the audience about A Midsummer Night's Dream“Momenta”- Presented by Sydney Dance Company. Choreography by Rafael Bonachela“A World where raw expression meets refined technique.”Showing at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre 3 JulySydney Dance Company brings its newest work to the Shoalhaven, Momenta is a journey into the poetry and physics of human connection. From skillfully trained dancers of The Sydney Dance Company, to the carefully choreographed acts by Rafael Bonachela, this performance is an invitation to rejoice. Finally, something for the whole family to enjoy. For kids, teens and families, The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre has the following shows for their upcoming 2024 season. “The Peasant Prince”- Based on the book by Li Cunxin. Adapted for the stage by Eva Di Cesare, Sandie Eldridge and Tim McGarry. Showing at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on September 6 2024“You have your secret dreams. Follow them. Make them come true.”Making a return to the stage, The Peasant Prince is an exceptional production and a remarkable story of a young boy turned Dancer. The story is of 10-year-old Li, plucked from his village in rural China and sent to a ballet academy in the city.Emma Khamis (Monkey Baa Theatre Co) talks about The Peasant Prince-Tracey Leigh Images“The Listies: Make some Noise” - Written and performed by children's group The ListiesShowing at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on 24 July “Nobody else does kids comedy this brilliantly; what’s more astonishing is that adults have just as much fun.” The AgeMake Some Noise is a hilarious comedy for the whole family, with an age range of 4-400 years old. For over a decade, the award-winning Lisites have toured the world, bringing side-splitting laughter to all. For teens, tweens and young adults:“SLAP. BANG. KISS.” - Written by Danh Giovani, presented by Melbourne Theatre Company. Showing at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre 14 September“... the work races along in a gripping, always entertaining hour.” - Time Out. SLAP. BANG. KISS. tracks three young people's stories, following a series of events none of them could be prepared for. Transforming them into global symbols of revolution. The show is guaranteed to engage young audiences and those eager to understand innovative theatre.With more to come, the lineup at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre is overflowing with choice. With something for everyone. To find out more information or to become a member of The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre for 2024, you can check out their website here.

Shellharbour and Wollongong councils have made a major move towards renewable energy by introducing one of the world's first hydrogen-powered garbage trucks.The REMONDIS waste services' Hyzan Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) runs on hydrogen which reacts with air to produce electricity, emitting only harmless water vapour into the environment.On October 17, 2023, following extensive trials, the carbon emission-free Hyzan Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) truck successfully completed its first scheduled residential waste pick up in the Illawarra.REMONDIS Australia CEO Björn Becker said the truck going into formal operation was historic.“We’re demonstrating that carbon-free transport can and does work in industrial settings,” Mr Becker said.The hydrogen-powered vehicle can now seamlessly integrate into normal fleet operations with the addition of more trucks.“This should be likely as economies of scale take effect, making the take-up of such technology the norm and not the exception.”Launch of Remondis Hygrogen Waste Collection truck Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery said.“This is a really exciting development and is a proactive step forward in adapting to new technologies that can help reduce our city’s emissions,’’ Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said “I applaud REMONDIS and Hyzon for their initiative on this project, which will help us prepare for a low carbon future.”Hyzon Motors' President of International Operations, John Edgley, stated that the Illawarra developments were being closely monitored by global industries.Mr Edgley stated that today's announcement is a "game changer" for the world's journey towards decarbonisation.“We’re making it very clear that we’ve got a product now, the first product that’s been designed locally, that’s ready to go into the market.“This step forward will give more confidence that as a trucking sector, we can start transitioning larger fleets in companies that have thousands of vehicles.”The Hyzon Motors heavy-duty waste collection truck outperforms the industry standard with a range of 200 kilometers (125 miles) and the ability to lift 1500 bins per working day. The truck is expected to be further improved through a collaborative effort between Hyzon Motors and REMONDIS NSW South Coast Region Manager, Chris Wade, over the course of the next few months.According to Mr. Wade, the goal is to make the hydrogen truck equivalent to our current diesel trucks in every aspect. This includes completing around 1,000 bin lifts in approximately eight hours. The truck refuels at the Corega H2 Hub situated at Port Kembla.Hyzon developed its Heavy Rigid truck in Australia as a global platform, adaptable for international markets with a multitude of vehicle use cases, such as garbage compactors, tilt trays, and flatbed trucks. Development of the Heavy Rigid program in Australia has allowed Hyzon to tap into highly skilled local engineering and technical knowledge to build a team, process and product for Hyzon's targeted U.S. and global markets. Building on the back of this ISO-certified Australian developed platform, the first U.S. FCEV waste collection vehicle is in assembly, readying for expected customer trials in the U.S. in early 2024.The truck will result in 25,000 litres of diesel fuel being saved annually – the amount a conventional diesel-powered waste collection truck of this size uses. Up to 75 tonnes of carbon emissions would also be eliminated each year. Heavy-duty transport is known to cause about a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions globally.The truck is also significantly quieter than diesel trucks.Exciting times!

Australia's inaugural anthropometry dataset has unveiled a concerning trend: an average weight gain of approximately 3 kilograms every decade. This revelation carries significant ramifications for transport design, particularly in the context of accommodating larger body sizes in features like airline seats or even the local action park rides. The research was conducted by the University of South Australia in collaboration with Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and the Department of Transport and Planning Victoria. Anthropometry is the science of measuring human body dimensions and served as the focal point of this research. In the context of developed countries, the dataset underscores a concerning rise in obesity and weight gain among adults since the 1960s and children since the 1980s. For Australia, the data suggests a continued increase in adult weight, ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 kilograms per decade. The researchers anticipate that over the next two decades, Australia may see no significant change in stature but an expected weight gain of 2 to 3 kilograms per decade. A more conservative scenario, which would favour accommodating larger body sizes in designs, involves a 10mm increase in stature per decade and a 3-kilogram weight gain per decade.The study also highlights the connection between expanding body sizes and airline seats, citing studies revealing that changes in body dimensions over the past three decades have made airline seating dimensions inadequate for up to 68 percent of males and 22 percent of females.Historically, commercial airline seat dimensions were based on passenger weight data from the 1950s to 1970s. However, as today's travellers become significantly heavier, airlines are grappling with the challenge of accommodating a growing and heavier passenger base. Is a weight measurement of passengers and bags in our future?This trend in weight gain obviously carries substantial implications for aircraft design and fuel efficiency. Heavier planes consume more fuel, leading to increased operational costs and environmental concerns. In recent weeks, this issue has garnered significant media attention, with financial analysts suggesting that United Airlines could save USD $80 million annually if the average passenger lost about 4.5 kilograms.But the impact of weight gain extends beyond airlines. Trains, buses, and various modes of transport will also need to adapt to accommodate evolving body sizes. The newly created dataset offers valuable insights for industries to address these challenges effectively. Understanding changes in body size over decades is vital to ensuring that designs, equipment, and layouts remain suitable for use by their intended users throughout their lifespan.Ian Christensen, Managing Director of iMOVE CRC which funded the study, emphasised the study's significance in addressing the evolving needs of the population and ensuring transport systems are designed with human-centred principles. The data from this study provides a roadmap for creating inclusive, sustainable, and forward-thinking transport solutions.Christina Kirsch, Senior Human Factors Specialist at TfNSW, stressed the importance of designing public transport tailored to the unique shapes and sizes of the Australian population. Such designs directly influence passenger comfort, safety, accessibility, and overall user experience. Incorporating anthropometric data into the design process is crucial for enhancing the efficiency, safety, and comfort of work and transport systems for both staff and customers.The study's methodology involved sourcing primary data from National Health Surveys in 2014 and 2017, which included height and weight data from approximately 20,000 Australian adults. Advanced statistical modelling, including a "skew normal bivariate distribution," generated synthetic individual datasets, resulting in a detailed dataset comprising 105 anthropometric measurements for Australian adults. 

What if a wind farm was built off the Illawarra coast that wasn't visible because it did not have giant blades on a 260-metre steel pole?What if the wind farm had VAWTs (Vertical Axis Wind Turbines) rather than the HAWTs (Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines) we are so familiar with with the slowly rotating giant blades?Studies have shown that in large offshore wind turbine farms, the back row has much-degraded efficiency because of turbulence, while paired vertical or hybrid wind turbines increase performance by up to 15 per cent. A recent Forbes article stated HAWTS are known to create turbulent wake issues which can decrease the output of turbines behind them by up to four per cent. With VAWTS, this problem is not only eliminated but when paired would enhance each other’s performance and make a much denser field.The research was conducted at Oxford Brookes University in 2021. Research lead Professor Tzanakis said: “This study evidences that the future of wind farms should be vertical. VAWTs can be designed to be much closer together, increasing their efficiency and, ultimately, lowering the price of electricity.”VAWTS also have advantages for offshore wind farms as their centre of gravity is much lower and their internal mechanics less complex. A Norwegian company called Worldwide Wind Company makes a hybrid wind turbine. After being contacted by The Bugle, CEO of World Wide Wind, Bjørn Simonsen stated: “We are currently in dialogue with key stakeholders in the most promising markets globally and are also open to discuss opportunities with Australian developers and suppliers.”While World Wide Wind has not announced they are making a proposal yet to apply for a seven year Feasibility License to build in the Illawarra REZ (Renewable Energy Zone), it is very early days in the first consulting period.The Bugle is yet to find VAWTS currently built as part of an existing offshore wind farm. Hydro, a major Norwegian aluminum and energy company, announced in January 2023 it is partnering with World Wide Wind to develop floating wind turbines for offshore conditions. Hydro was very critical of the fact that a land-based technology with wind turbines was simply being moved offshore. The partners now plan to move into manufacturing prototypes and building a consortium of industrial partners.The community response to the offshore proposal for wind farms has been focused on the size of the blades, both for their visibility, but also such issues as bird strike and effect on whales. A Vertical Wind Axis Turbine would address many of those concerns.One of the advantages for the Illawarra is the plan to manufacture locally. The statement says: "We have developed a turbine that can be constructed at suitable manufacturing yards locally. We have done this deliberately to secure local content and work locally."Arthur Rorris, Secretary of the South Coast Labor council has indicated in a number of forums his strong preference for local jobs building and maintaining offshore wind turbines, while many in the anti-wind farm discussion groups on Facebook have indicated their strong opposition to wind turbines manufactured and assembled in China.Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has pointed out the benefits for the Illawarra region. These include 2,500 construction jobs and 1250 ongoing jobs and the power generated will power 3.4 million homes and each rotation is equivalent to the average rooftop solar installation output for one day. 

Innovative solutions are crucial in a world where the demand for freshwater and food is rapidly increasing due to a projected population of 10 billion by 2050. Researchers from the University of South Australia have introduced an unprecedented concept – floating sea farms that harness the power of the sun and sea to produce freshwater and crops.To ensure freshwater and food supplies in the decades ahead as the world's population grows and available agricultural land shrinks, a unique project creates vertical sea farms floating on the ocean that can produce fresh water for drinking and agriculture. How it works:The vertical floating sea farm developed by Professor Haolan Xu and Dr Gary Owens from UniSA’s Future Industries Institute comprises two chambers: an upper layer similar to a glasshouse and a lower water harvest chamber.This could help address looming global shortages of fresh water and food in the decades ahead, with the world’s population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050.Innovative technology:“The system works much like a wicking bed that household gardeners might be familiar with,” Dr Owen says.“However, in this case, clean water is supplied by an array of solar evaporators that soak up the seawater, trap the salts in the evaporator body, and, under the sun’s rays, release clean water vapour into the air, which is then condensed on water belts and transferred to the upper plant growth chamber,” he adds.Crop Growth and Sustainability:In a field test, the researchers grew three common vegetable crops – broccoli, lettuce, and pak choi – on seawater surfaces without maintenance or additional clean water irrigation.The system, which is powered only by solar light, has several advantages over other solar sea farm designs currently being trialled, according to Prof. Xu. “Other designs have installed evaporators inside the growth chamber, which takes up valuable space that could otherwise be used for plant growth. Also, these systems are prone to overheating and crop death.” Floating farms, where traditional photovoltaic panels harvest electricity to power conventional desalination units, have also been proposed, but these are energy-intensive and costly to maintain.“In our design, the vertical distribution of evaporator and growth chambers decreases the device’s overall footprint, maximising the area for food production. It is fully automated, low cost, and extremely easy to operate, using only solar energy and seawater to produce clean water and grow crops.” Prof. Xu says.Scalability and Future Prospects:Their design is only proof-of-concept at this stage, but the next step is to scale it up, using a small array of individual devices to increase plant production. Meeting larger food supply needs will mean increasing the size and number of devices.“It is not inconceivable that sometime in the future, you might see huge farm biodomes floating on the ocean or multiple smaller devices deployed over a large sea area,” says Owens.Water Purity and Global Impact:Their existing prototype is likely to be modified to produce a greater biomass output, including using low-cost substrate materials such as waste rice straw fibre, to make the device even cheaper to run.The researchers have shown that the recycled water produced this way is pure enough to drink and has less salinity than the World Health Guidelines for drinking water.The United Nations estimates that by 2050, approximately 2.4 billion people will likely experience water shortages. In the same period, the global water supply for agricultural irrigation is expected to decline by around 19 per cent.Dr Owens says, “Freshwater accounts for just 2.5 per cent of the world’s water and most of this is not accessible because it’s trapped in glaciers, ice caps or is deep underground,” adding, “It’s not that freshwater is dwindling either, but the small amount that exists is in ever increasing demand due to population growth and climate change.”The fact that 97.5 per cent of the world’s water is in our oceans – and freely available –is an obvious solution to harness the sea and sun to address growing global water, food, and agricultural land shortages. Adopting this technology could improve the health and welfare of billions of people globally.The design experiment is published in the Chemical Engineering Journal.Floating sea farms represent a beacon of hope in a world facing imminent challenges in freshwater and food supply. As we look ahead to 2050, the integration of this technology could not only alleviate global shortages but also improve the well-being of billions of people worldwide.

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) raises a pressing question in the legal world: will AI eventually replace human lawyers?Regulations of the legal profession are clear that the practice of law is limited to those admitted as licensed legal practitioners in the jurisdiction. It has been this way for centuries. However, today some AI systems like ‘Chat GPT-4’ are competent enough to pass a bar examination. While legal practice involves much more than knowledge of the law itself, as AI continues to evolve, it is fair to wonder if it is simply a matter of time before it’s representing us in court?An expert in legal innovation from the School of Private & Commercial Law, UNSW Law & Justice, Professor Michael Legg says AI will disrupt the legal profession and raise questions about who, or what, can be a lawyer.(Professor Michael Legg pictued above) “Anybody, any entity, can provide legal information, including AI systems,” says Prof. Legg. “But the provision of legal advice needs to be done by a lawyer because it’s not just enough to get the law right, it needs to be applied to a client’s circumstances and needs.He also points out that AI doesn’t have to comply with ethical responsibilities like a duty to act in the client’s best interest that sets lawyers apart.Prof. Legg says we can be quick to celebrate the potential cost-savings from automation and overlook the other costs of replacing human lawyers that may harm society.“There are very good reasons why we have the legal profession and why we limit the practice of law to lawyers who are qualified to do so,” Prof. Legg says. “Part of that is to protect the client and ensure the quality of legal services, but lawyers also play a critical role in upholding the rule of law and maintaining a just society.”Advances in artificial intelligence will change the nature of legal work for lawyers, helping to make them more effective and efficient. Prof. Legg recognises that AI can speed up legal research and help draft contracts and other legal documents, plus review huge numbers of documents for discovery in litigation or for due diligence in a transaction. He also acknowledges that a lower cost base will be needed for lawyers to remain competitive. “AI can save the lawyer time and the firm money.”The rise of AI may also make access to certain legal services more cost-effective or, at the very least, shake up the billable hour model. Lawyers may find themselves selling a product for a flat fee rather than a service. Prof. Legg suggests that for dispute resolution, like small claims, particularly those where the cost of accessing legal services would be disproportionate to what is at stake, people may be able to interact with a chatbot that provides legal information at little-to-no cost.The cost saving would also benefit lawyers, enabling them to spend more time on higher-level work and advising and advocating for their clients. So, it’s likely that more law firms will adopt proprietary AI systems tailored to their needs. However, Prof. Legg says that lawyers must also learn how these systems work to be able to use them effectively and manage risks.“From the consumer side, even though we’re likely to see more low-risk self-serve style legal products become available, they will still require some level of oversight from a lawyer to manage the inherent risk of relying on an AI system when it gets it wrong,” Prof. Legg says.“From the lawyers’ side, if we look at generative AI like Chat-GPT, it can be trained to read legislation and judgments and draft documents, but it still needs oversight from a lawyer who effectively takes responsibility for what is produced,” he adds.There are still many aspects of the legal profession that no amount of AI development would likely be able to automate or replace. “There may be an AI-enhanced lawyer, who is more efficient and effective at their job, but it’s still the human skills that distinguish them from the machine and to continue to add value,” Prof. Legg says. “It’s the ability to address the novel and the uncertain problem through practical wisdom and judgement, but also to listen and provide empathy.While the legislation that deals with the practice of law could be amended to allow AI and machine-provided services to practice law, whether society would want that is another question. Society must also ask how AI would comply with ethical and professional responsibility requirements applicable to lawyers: “Can AI be programmed to advance the client’s interests but be independent and comply with a paramount duty to the court and the administration of justice?”The lawyer has an ethical obligation to their client’s best interests, but it is not just about serving a client. Prof. Legg reminds, “They’re also there to support the administration of justice and uphold the rule of law, and while not always perfect, those ethical obligations make human lawyers essential to a well-functioning society.”Prof. Legg says the profession needs to be more proactive in advocating for its role in the social fabric. Law is not just a business for making money. “If the profession wishes to remain of service, it can’t be complacent. It’s up to lawyers to continue demonstrating their value to society.”There is a call to action for the legal profession to proactively demonstrate its value to society and adapt to the changing landscape of AI in law.

The Bugle spoke to Neville Fredericks, who served for seven years as Mayor of Kiama from 1974-77 and from 1987-91. He was also the Director of The Housing Trust from 2007-12. He is widely credited for bringing Council back from the brink of insolvency and contributing to staving off amalgamation with Shoalhaven Council back in the day.Former Kiama Mayor, Neville Fredericks.Mr Fredericks has 14 years of experience as a Councillor and received the prestigious Emeritus Mayor Award in 2002. He has made significant contributions to local government, and his impact reaches beyond local politics.These days Mr Fredericks is a property developer focusing on sustainable futures for towns. He is committed to understanding how the layout of our community impacts the health of its residents.Two townships in the Kiama Municipality could be described as “walkable, mixed-use, relatively dense, diverse, sustainable towns,” Mr Frederics has told us. “This model of traditional urbanism has a very low carbon footprint per capita.”This can reduce per capita greenhouse gas emissions by four tons a year, compared to living in an automobile-dependent suburb. The environmental advantages go well beyond greenhouse gases to address other pollutants, noise, water, land use, and more.He points out that Gerringong has a population of 4,100, and if including Werri Beach and Gerroa the 2001 Census says 5,000 people.“This is an optimum-sized community for a wide range of local commercial services,” he says.However, from a sustainability perspective, its disadvantage is that Werri Beach and Gerroa are far enough away from the centre of Gerringong that many residents of those areas are car dependent for every need.“Gerringong is close to the model size but lacks adequate housing diversity - especially near the town centre,” Mr Fredericks says.Census 2021 shows that 78.8 per cent of Gerringong’s dwellings are freestanding homes. This is high compared to the NSW percentage of free-standing dwellings, which is 65.6 per cent.“Not everyone wants, needs, or can afford a large freestanding home. Half the homes in NSW now have only 1 or 2 occupants, and Gerringong, like almost every regional town in NSW, has a shortfall of smaller homes to meet the needs of its changing population.“Enabling a mix of villas, townhouses and terraces to be built over time would begin to address this problem. Ideally, they would be located within walking distance of the town centre.”Fredericks also cites Jamberoo, with a 2021 population of 1910, “This is well below the critical population of 3,000 people needed for the support of a range of viable local retail and other services.”“The existing IGA manages to remain viable due to the skill of the operator,” citing Mike Cullen - Urban Economist. Over recent decades Jamberoo has lost its fuel station, bank, and general store/rural supplies. It does not have a pharmacy or many other retail and commercial services.”Census 2021 shows that the percentage of free-standing dwellings was 95.5 per cent. Again, Fredericks points out that “The town has a critical undersupply of smaller, more diverse housing options.”“This causes young people who grew up in the area to be unable to find smaller and more affordable homes. The same for service workers, singles, and renters,” he explains.In summary, Jamberoo needs another 1,000 people - around 450 dwellings - mostly smaller and more affordable for the town to be sustainable.Mr. Fredericks, a principal involved in the Golden Valley Road development in Jamberoo, is recognised by The Bugle. We featured an article about this development in the previous edition. Link to that story is below.

If Shoalhaven Marine Rescue has its way, an aquatic robot could be seen off the coast of Gerringong helping boaters in distress. Deputy Unit Commander Lynne Hocking revealed that the organisation hopes to raise $13,000 to purchase the Portugese-made self-propelled, remote-controlled robot buoy that can rescue conscious people in the water where a rescue vessel and its crew could be at risk.    “[The buoys] pay for themselves. You’d only have to have one of our rescue vessels do a ‘prop on a rock’ and that’s far more than $13,000, so this is a steal,” she says. Shoalhaven Marine Rescue covers as far north as Black Head in Gerringong and could see the self-propelled rescue device deployed.Supplied: Shoalhaven Marine Rescue Deputy Unit Commander Lynne Hocking  “There’s another unit that takes care of Kiama, they’re out of Shellharbour, but if they needed it, boy oh boy, would we be there with our robot.”  The idea behind acquiring the robot is to reduce the risk of harm to the volunteers on the water and quickly reach people in distress. “Picture this,” says Lynne, “Some boaters are driving out over the bar and their boat breaks down, very close to the rocks.  “Out comes Marine Rescue, thrashing through the swell and we think we can’t get in too close, but we need to save these people because that’s what we do; we save lives at sea.  “So, we’ll whip this little remote-controlled robot [to the distressed boat], zip it across with a line attached to the distressed vehicle, and [those in trouble] attach it to the front of their boat, and we drag them away into safety.  “We haven’t put our volunteers or vessel at risk,” says Lynne.Supplied: The self-propelled, remote-controlled robot buoy. Shoalhaven Marine Rescue is looking for donations to purchase the high-tech equipment. “This is a vision that our unit has of the first on the South Coast to have [an aquatic robot].” Last fiscal year, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers achieved a remarkable feat by conducting a high number of rescues. They saved 68 people in the Shoalhaven and 160 in Port Kembla, including two children and two adults from a vessel that was taking water off Scarborough on Saturday morning.

Kiama Council is charging through with plans to build public fast-charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) in the LGA.Council participated in a NSW Government feasibility study conducted by contractor Chargeworks to find the best locations for fast-charging stations. Council will report its findings in the coming months.There are currently no public charging stations in the Kiama LGA, with the closest being Shell Cove. Woolworths has confirmed plans to build four EV chargers in the new Kiama development, but these are not considered public.Kiama Mayor Neil Reilly reconfirmed Council’s commitment to fund and deliver public EV charging stations in the LGA. Council has participated in several Expressions of Interest and submitted several applications for funding over the years but has been unsuccessful.“I am hopeful that the organisation continues to move more vehicles in the fleet to EVs and hybrids in the longer-term,” Mayor Reilly said.“I see this as a natural progression towards a more sustainable model of fleet and energy management, that aligns with our net zero targets. The Councillors and I will continue to advocate for additional EV charging infrastructure in our area. Change is coming. I’m proud to be part of it!”Kiama Council is also doing its part to reduce emissions as part of the Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan it adopted in 2021, which set a target to reduce emissions of all of its operations, facilities and services to net zero by 2031.The Mayoral vehicle assigned to Mayor Reilly was recently updated to an EV, a Hyundai Kona. The previous vehicle was five years old and had exceeded the replacement policy threshold.“Going fully electric supports our net zero goals and I wanted to lead by example,” Mayor Reilly said.While Kiama remains without a fast-charging power station, Council installed a power point near the Mayor’s assigned parking spot at Council Chambers so the Mayor can at least get from A to B!Council has also adopted a new electric waste truck for household bin collection that meets Euro V1 (6) emissions standards.