Category: NSW News

Ferry customers are set to receive new vessels, more frequent services and a trial of On Demand journeys after the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government today announced Transdev has been awarded the contract to continue the operation of Sydney Ferry services for the next nine years.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said the significant improvements across the ferry network will also save the state’s taxpayers $40 million over the life of the contract.
“We know Sydneysiders and tourists love the ferries, they are a wonderful way to get around this city. This new contract is all about delivering better services to make travelling on the harbour and Parramatta River even more attractive,” Mr Constance said.
“Customers are really going to be the big winners. We are already delivering around 3,400 weekly services and there are now plans to create more than 400 additional weekly services across the network over the next two years.
“This includes almost 280 extra weekly trips on the growing F3 Parramatta River route. That’ll mean wharves like Sydney Olympic Park, Meadowbank and Cabarita receive a service every 10 minutes during the busiest peak hour and every 20 minutes during the day and on weekends.”
To service this route at least ten new Parramatta River Class ferries will be ordered to provide additional capacity.
“We’ll also order three more of the popular Emerald Class ferries to support the growing demand across the harbour,” Mr Constance said.
Other improvements will include:

• Improved frequency by merging the F2 Taronga and F6 Mosman routes for services every 20 minutes, compared to the current 30 minutes.
• Rose Bay and Watsons Bay will see more services in the evenings on weekends, as well as expanded service hours on weeknights and;
• Improved frequency in the off peak and on weekend nights for customers at McMahons Point and Milsons Point.

In great news for customers in the inner west, a trial of a new On Demand ferry in the Bays Precinct will start later this year using a new MiniCat vessel.
“The On Demand ferry trial will connect wharves like Rozelle Bay and Blackwattle Bay to larger transport interchanges like Pyrmont and Barangaroo where they can join either a main ferry route, or jump on to a bus,” Mr Constance.
The learnings from the On Demand ferry trial will then be used to refine the service and potentially introduce additional On Demand zones.
Transdev Sydney Ferries, formerly operating as Harbour City Ferries, was awarded the contract to continue operating Sydney ferry services following a competitive tender process.
“Since Transdev took over running Sydney Ferries in 2012, On Time Running and customer satisfaction are the highest they have ever been and I’m certain the popularity of ferries will only grow.”
Since 2011, the NSW Government has created almost 400 additional weekly services across the Sydney ferry network. The new contract commences on 28 July 2019.

The NSW Liberals investment in ICC Sydney has delivered a significant boost to the NSW economy and cemented the State’s reputation as a world class events destination, with new figures released today showing the venue has created more than 5000 jobs (directly and indirectly) since its opening in December 2016.
According to a Deloitte Access Economics study, visitors who attended events at the venue in 2018, generated $820 million in direct expenditure for the State, up from the $785 million generated in 2017. The venue also welcomed more than 1.3 million visitors across 700 events in 2018.
Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello said the results demonstrated the remarkable success of the ICC Sydney since its opening a little over two years ago.
“The venue has enriched Darling Harbour, transforming it into an economic powerhouse, and put Sydney on the map as Australia’s number one destination for events and exhibitions,” Mr Dominello said.
“The figures speak for themselves – ICC Sydney is a big win for Sydney, providing visitors with world class events, and boosting the economy and creating jobs.”
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said the 2018 results build on an impressive first year for the venue, with plenty more exciting events planned for 2019 and beyond.
“72 per cent of the generated expenditure in 2018 was derived from international and interstate visitors, resulting in over 1.57 million overnight stays in Sydney,” Mr Marshall said.
“The venue has already secured a further 1,300 leading major national and international events across sectors to 2030. This is great news and will create a huge economic stimulus for NSW into the future, with hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops, bars, tour and transport operators all set to benefit.”
The $1.5 billion development, which comprises an industry leading convention centre, exhibition centre and major entertainment theatre, is a key component of the NSW Government’s recent suite of infrastructure projects.
The ICC Sydney has been key to boosting international visitors to NSW. Since 2011 this boost in international visitors has helped NSW to add 611,300 jobs, more jobs than any other state. The NSW unemployment rate is now 3.9 per cent, the lowest rate since records began in 1978, and the lowest of any state. By comparison, the unemployment rate in the rest of Australia is 5.5 per cent.

The NSW Liberals & Nationals will deliver an additional 100,000 free TAFE and VET courses over the next four years and build a new $80 million state of the art TAFE campus for Western Sydney to train the next generation of tradies in carpentry, construction, electrical and plumbing.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the 100,000 additional places and new TAFE campus would help young job seekers launch careers and also benefit those looking to retrain, upskill or return to the workforce.
“There is an unprecedented demand for more skilled workers in NSW thanks to our booming economy, record low unemployment rate of 3.9 percent, and unprecedented $90 billion investment in new infrastructure,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This brings the total number of free TAFE and VET courses we are offering over the next four years to nearly 700,000 places.
“We know the costs associated with further education and training can be prohibitive, so these additional free courses will ensure people who wish to access training to start their career or secure another job have the best opportunity.”
The 100,000 additional courses will be made up of 70,000 new fee-free courses for young job-seekers taking on traineeships and 30,000 free TAFE places for matureaged workers seeking to retrain or re-enter the workforce.
The new Western Sydney TAFE will produce 700 new tradies each year and deliver specialised training in construction trades with key skills shortages, such as carpentry, construction, electrical and plumbing.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills John Barilaro said the new places were on top of the almost 150,000 free apprenticeship, TAFE and VET courses already offered each year.
“As a former tradie I know first-hand just how rewarding a career in a trade can be, and how important it is to give people a chance to get a start in life,” Mr Barilaro said.
“These courses will help the next generation of job seekers to join the workforce. “We are going to deliver around 700,000 free TAFE and VET courses over the next four years to people right across NSW with a focus on those who need it most.”
Minister responsible for TAFE NSW Adam Marshall said the new TAFE campus in Western Sydney would boost TAFE’s ability to train the State’s future tradies. “Already we’re seeing soaring demand for construction trade enrolments at TAFE thanks to our infrastructure boom and with these additional free courses you can be assured we’ll see even more demand,” Mr Marshall said.
“This commitment to TAFE and VET will ensure there is a pipeline of skilled workers to keep driving the NSW economy forward and get the job done.” Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said being able to invest in more fee-free training and better TAFE facilities was a direct result of a strong NSW economy with near record low unemployment.
“The NSW economy is booming, we have added more than 420,000 jobs in the past four years, and set an ambitious target of 250,000 new jobs,” Mr Perrottet said. “Many of those jobs will be working on projects which result directly from our infrastructure projects right across NSW.
“It’s only through our strong financial management that we are able to not only deliver free courses for hundreds of thousands of people, but ensure there are jobs for people when they complete their training.” The location of the new Western Sydney TAFE is yet to be determined.

Home-grown IT giant Atlassian is set to become an anchor tenant at Sydney’s Sydney Innovation and Technology Precinct located at Central-Eveleigh with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announcing initiatives across four employment precincts.
Ms Berejiklian and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet joined Atlassian Co-CEO Scott Farquhar to announce Atlassian and the NSW Government have reached an agreement in principle for the tech leader to create a new home for their Sydney headquarters near Central Station.
“The Sydney Innovation and Technology Precinct will become the digital destination for all of Australia with thousands of people working and learning, and I am delighted Atlassian will be part of this future,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We have a record low unemployment rate of 3.9 percent in NSW but we will not rest on our laurels. We will create 250,000 new jobs across the next four years, and these employment precincts will play an important role contributing to that total.”
Ms Berejiklian revealed key initiatives in three other precincts:

• A statement of intent has been signed with three universities to create the Liverpool Health and Innovation Precinct based around the $740 million redeveloped Liverpool Hospital. This precinct will be a partnership between the South Western Sydney Local Health District, University of New South Wales, University of Wollongong and Western Sydney University and the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Science.
• $12.5 million in funding to develop a Nuclear Medicine and Technology Hub in partnership with the Australian Nuclear Science Technology Organisation in Lucas Heights in Sydney’s south which will create up to 5000 jobs.
• The creation of an integrated Central Coast Education and Employment Precinct around a revitalised Gosford CBD with increased education and job opportunities.

“These precincts will bring together universities, major hospitals, industry leaders and startups to deliver more job opportunities across Sydney and the Central Coast,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We want Western and South Western Sydney and the Central Coast to have the best jobs and the best education opportunities, and these new precincts will deliver that.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said creating the environment for innovation and entrepreneurship would provide opportunity for the next generation.
“It’s vital we take advantage of the strong economic position NSW is in to create opportunity for the future and keep growing NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We have Australia’s most diverse economy, and one of the great strengths of NSW is our ability to innovate and develop new businesses both for today but also for the next generation.”
These four precincts are in addition to six other major precincts that the Government is delivering across NSW:

• Western Sydney Airport Aerospace and Defence Industries Precinct.
• Westmead Health and Education Precinct.
• Randwick Health and Education Precinct.
• Williamtown Defence Aerospace and Aviation Precinct.
• Parkes Special Activation Precinct.
• Wagga Wagga Special Activation Precinct.

The NSW Police Force have welcomed five new crime-fighting canines at
 
 
 
 
 
 
the Dog Unit, whose names will be chosen by chronically ill children.
The five German Shepherd pups – three females and two males – were born on Christmas Eve last year (Monday 24 December 2018) and will be trained as General Purpose dogs.
Dog Unit Commander, Superintendent Steve Egginton, said the puppies are a welcome addition to the NSW Police Force.
“Since 2004, our breeding program has seen 34 litters of German Shepherd pups join the ranks of the Dog Unit, and these five new recruits have just started their journey in the pack,” Supt Egginton said.
“Keeping with canine recruit tradition, these puppies will be given names starting with the letter ‘Z’ and will form part of the ‘Z’ litter.
“We are encouraging everyone to help suggest names for the dogs before they start sniffing out crime,” Supt Egginton said added.
Patron of the NSW Police Dog Unit, Mrs Andrea Fuller, said the naming process has proven to be an excellent way to engage with the community and allow members of the public to take part.
“This year, we are delighted to be working with Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick to give some of the children in their care a chance to help choose the names of our new crime-fighting canines,” Mrs Fuller said.
“A list of suggested names will be provided to the hospital, then the children will research the names and hold a vote, with the most popular names chosen.
“The pups will then be assigned a name and taken to the hospital, so the children have a chance to meet them,” Mrs Fuller said.
Director of Nursing at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, Ms Verity Luckey says the patients of Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick are thrilled to join forces with the NSW Police Force Dog Unit.
“The children are armed and ready to help to with the im-paw-tant job of naming the newest recruits, and also really looking forward to shaking paws with our new furry-friends when they are old enough to stop by for a visit,” Ms Luckey said.
Police Minister Troy Grant welcomed the puppy naming partnership with Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.
“This is a great way for the children to engage with the Dog Unit, which does some of the most extraordinary behind-the-scenes work helping to solve crime in our community,” Mr Grant said.
“It’s also a fantastic opportunity for the unit to bring a little cheer to the kids at the Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick. This is an incredibly worthy initiative that we’re proud to be a part of, and I look forward to hearing the names suggested for our latest four-legged crime fighters,” he added.
The five pups will stay at the Dog Unit until they are about 12 weeks old and will then be placed into the foster carer program until they are old enough to begin training.
The NSW Police Force Dog Unit was formed in 1932 and currently forms part of the NSW Police Force Police Transport and Public Safety Command.
It is the largest police dog unit in Australia and its canine police officers include German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, Labradors, Border Collies and English Springer Spaniels.
The Dog Unit’s breeding program has been running since 2004, and has bred 34 litters of German Shepherd pups, two litters of Labrador pups and two litters of English Springer Spaniels and one litter of Belgian Malinois.

NSW will remain the economic powerhouse of Australia with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announcing the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will create 250,000 new jobs in the next four years.
With NSW boasting the lowest unemployment rate on record of just 3.9 percent, Western Sydney and regional NSW will be a key focus of the new jobs target. Two vocational high schools and two additional Productivity Bootcamps will be established to help young people build skills and kick-start careers.
“We have created more than 600,000 jobs since 2011 – more than any other state – and smashed our last four year jobs target of 150,000 by adding more than 420,000 new jobs,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are prioritising young people trying to get in to a trade with the bootcamp program and at the same time giving those whose ambition is to learn a trade the opportunity to do so through new vocational high schools.”
The vocational high schools will be located in Western Sydney and on the North Coast. Up to $17 million is earmarked for each site to fund construction of specialist training facilities at two existing schools.
The two schools will train students in skills in demand by local employers and industry requirements and allow them to study a trade while completing the HSC. Courses may include construction, electro-technology, hospitality, metal and engineering and primary industries.
The successful Productivity Bootcamp program will also expand to two more locations in Western Sydney and the South Coast.
Already operating at Quakers Hill and Penrith, the program provides fully-subsidised skills training to help young people secure a career in the construction industry.
Over an intensive eight-week program Productivity Bootcamp participants work on-site of a major NSW infrastructure project. Essentials life skills such as effective communications, work ethic and time management are also honed at TAFE NSW.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills John Barilaro said, that as a former tradie, he knew first-hand many of the pressures faced by students considering a trade.
“We are doing more to support our young people to assure them that a trade is both a credible and rewarding career option,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The concept is truly exciting because it brings together the best of traditional learning associated with the HSC and the hands-on skills that will allow our tradies of tomorrow to kick-start their careers.”
Ms Berejiklian said the key to creating 250,000 more jobs was an ironclad guarantee by the Liberals & Nationals to complete all employment-generating infrastructure projects such the F6 extension, Western Harbour Tunnel, Metro West, Metro South West and WestConnex.
“Our record infrastructure pipeline has been the key driver for this jobs growth and we simply cannot afford to take our foot off the pedal,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said only the sound economic management of the Liberals & Nationals would ensure NSW continues to prosper and grow.
“We have managed to get NSW back on track after Labor consistently delivered an unemployment rate higher than the national average,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Now Labor’s failed former Finance Minister Michael Daley is threatening to cancel this Government’s vital job creation infrastructure projects.
“One of the few costed policies they have released is their promise to abandon our payroll tax cuts. The consequence of that are higher cost to small business and fewer jobs as a result. Labor doesn’t have a plan for NSW – only a hit list.”

The NSW Police Force is encouraging everyone heading into the city to celebrate the 2019 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade this weekend to plan ahead and enjoy the festivities safely.
Thousands of spectators are expected to line Oxford and Flinders Streets and Anzac Parade on Saturday (2 March 2019), as colourful floats make their way through Darlinghurst to mark the 41st anniversary of Mardi Gras.
Operation Commander, Assistant Commissioner Tony Crandell, said police will have a significant presence across the city to ensure the evening’s events are safe, fun and family-friendly.
“We are expecting big crowds to attend this year’s parade and to make sure everyone has a great night, we have been working closely with Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras staff to ensure safety is the top priority,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.
“Police are not here to ruin anyone’s fun and anyone acting inappropriately will be dealt with swiftly and face the full force of the law.
“Officers will be keeping an eye out for anyone taking or distributing illicit drugs, and those engaged in alcohol-related crime or anti-social behaviour.
“If you are planning to head into the city, please think before you drink. Anyone under the age of 18 should be aware that there are consequences of drinking underage.
“Police will be focused on maintaining a safe and fun atmosphere for the parade; however, we will not tolerate anyone who risks their safety or the safety of others with foolish behaviour,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.
The entire event footprint is an alcohol-free zone, which effectively prohibits the consumption of alcohol in any public place.
“Police have the power to confiscate and dispose of alcohol that is being, has been, or is likely to be consumed in an alcohol-free zone,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.
“It’s also an offence to consume alcohol on Sydney Trains property and we will have officers from the Police Transport Command patrolling trains, stations and transport hubs throughout the event.”
Assistant Commissioner Crandell said viewing areas fill up quickly, so to avoid disappointment people should plan to arrive early and use public transport.
“There will be road closures in place to facilitate the parade, so your best bet is to leave the car at home and utilise additional train and bus services operating throughout the event,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.
For comprehensive event details about the parade and after party, visit: http://www.mardigras.org.au.
Use the ‘Trip Planner’ via www.transportnsw.info/ to plan your journey to the parade, with all the latest timetable and ticketing information for trains, buses, ferries and taxi ranks available.
Further information on alcohol-free zones in Sydney can be found on the City of Sydney website: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.
For road-closure information, visit www.livetraffic.com.

The McGrath Foundation will be able to expand its outstanding work supporting people with breast cancer, thanks to a $3.7 million boost from the NSW Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the package would take the total number of McGrath Breast Care Nurses across the state to 48.
The six NSW Government-funded nurses will be based in locations including Liverpool, Nepean/Blue Mountains and Northern Sydney.
McGrath Breast Care Nurses are specially trained to care for people diagnosed with breast cancer – providing vital support to patients and their families during what is a difficult time.
“The NSW Government has been a longtime supporter of the McGrath Foundation and we are proud to do even more over the next four years,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Breast cancer has touched almost every family at some point in time – it is estimated there are around 70,000 people across NSW currently living with this disease with around another 15 being diagnosed each day.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the extra nurses will be invaluable in the health system.
“McGrath Nurses are there to help and we are so lucky to have them.  From diagnosis to every stage of treatment, they will be with you in person or on the phone showing skill and compassion,” Mr Hazzard said.
The foundation, which was co-founded by cricket legend Glenn McGrath and his late wife Jane following her public experience with breast cancer, has supported thousands of people and their families experiencing breast cancer.
The announcement was welcomed by Mr McGrath, who said it would help support the McGrath Foundation’s goal to ensure everyone who needs a breast care nurse has one for free.
“Thanks to the generous support of the NSW Government, we’ll be able to continue placing McGrath Breast Care Nurses in the communities that need them the most,” Mr McGrath said.
“Whilst the majority of our nurses are in rural and regional parts of Australia, metropolitan areas with high population growth in the Greater Sydney area have the greatest need for breast care nurses due to projected breast cancer incidence.”

New South Wales has smashed the jobs record with the lowest unemployment rate on record cementing its position as Australia’s job creation capital, according to the latest jobs data from the ABS.
The State’s unemployment rate fell a further 0.4 per cent to 3.9 per cent for January 2019, the lowest since monthly records began in February 1978, with a whopping 47,200 jobs added proving once again NSW is the Premier State.
NSW remains well below the national unemployment rate of 5 per cent and well ahead of Victoria at 4.5 per cent, Queensland 6 per cent and South Australia on 6.3 per cent.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet today announced the record low unemployment figures, which means that since 2011 the NSW Liberals & Nationals have overseen the creation of 611,300 jobs.
“Today NSW entered the record books, which is proof our vision for NSW is making our State the best place to live and get a job,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“An unemployment rate of 3.9 per cent is a stunning result and this means more families and individuals are getting ahead.”
“Abundant jobs are bringing women into the workforce like never before – female participation surged to an all-time high of 60.6 per cent with women’s unemployment rate a record low of 3.7 per cent.”
“Today’s result isn’t by accident but the result of hard work to get our finances in order and deliver a strong budget and strong economy.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said NSW also recorded a record participation rate of 65.2 per cent meaning we have the highest percentage of people active in the labour market and the lowest percentage of people currently unemployed.
“We are the jobs capital of the nation, the engine room of the economy – once again the Premier state,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Since the last election 420,500 jobs have been created smashing our target of 150,000 jobs.”
“It is a vindication of the economic and financial approach taken by this Liberals &
Nationals Government and highlights the importance of infrastructure projects to our
economy.”
The Government’s record infrastructure investment has generated more than half-amillion
jobs and helped boost the State’s economic growth by half a percentage point
in 2017- 18.
“We want to continue to provide the right conditions for jobs growth across the State,”Mr Perrottet said.
“We have put the State’s books in order through our financial discipline with surpluses forecast over the next four years.”
“This has allowed us to lower taxes, make record investments such as $89.7 billion on infrastructure without plunging the State into debt.”
The State’s youth unemployment rate is the lowest of any state and more than 2 percentage points below the rest of Australia.
Female workers drove the strong labour force result for the State, with 42,700 jobs added for the month and the female unemployment rate dropping to a record low of 3.7 per cent.

Thousands of families with loved ones with a life-limiting illness will receive more choice about the help they need from an additional 100 palliative care nurses at refurbished facilities under the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the $45 million palliative care investment was made possible by the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure patients and their loved ones have access to the best quality palliative care at the best possible care facilities,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is committed to ensuring people who are suffering a life-limiting illness, and their families, have the choices, support and care they need.”
The investment is on top of a $100 million package for palliative care that was announced as part the 2017-18 Budget, which is already delivering more palliative care nurses and community-based palliative care services.   The additional 100 palliative care nurses will work in hospitals, palliative care facilities, and in communities and homes to ensure patients can access the care they need, in the setting they choose.
Ms Berejiklian made the commitment at Mt Druitt Hospital, part of the Western Sydney Local Health District that will receive eight new palliative care nurses.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said 64 of the 100 palliative care nurses would be assigned to regional and rural NSW.
Mr Barilaro made the commitment at Coffs Harbour Hospital, part of the Mid North Coast Local Health District that will receive five new palliative care nurses.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure patients and their loved ones have access to the best quality palliative care in the best possible facilities no matter where they live,” Mr Barilaro said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the commitment also includes $10 million for improvements to existing palliative care facilities across the State.
“The emotional and financial challenges for patients and their carers are considerable so we will continue to do all we can to help people through this challenging time,” Mr Hazzard said.
The $45 million boost to palliative care funding will:

• Add 100 more nurses to the palliative care workforce, with 64 expected for regional and rural NSW;
• Increase the number of full-time equivalent palliative care Aboriginal health workers from nine to 18, so that every district and network in NSW has a full-time position;
• Increase use of digital health solutions to improve end of life care to people living in rural and remote areas throughout NSW;
• Connect young people in regional areas through digital health solutions to the new Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice in Manly, and funding a senior clinical role to support its staff; and
• Support the refurbishment of existing palliative care facilities across NSW, providing a home away from home for patients.