Category: NSW News

The NSW Government will deliver Sydney Metro’s Hunter Street development in a first-of-its-kind model, which is set to revitalise a critical area to Sydney’s CBD.
 
The Government today launched an industry registration process to deliver the new Hunter Street Station and the jobs, economic and tourism precinct around this new Sydney CBD metro station.
 
The new Hunter Street Station will be located in the heart Sydney’s business district and become a transport hub with connections to George Street, light rail, train services at Wynyard, Sydney Metro West and the Sydney Metro City and Southwest station at Martin Place.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Government is calling on the private sector to be involved in bringing this new precinct to life, inviting businesses to be a part of shaping the future of this part of the CBD.
 
“Sydney Metro Stations will change the way people live and commute, bringing people home faster and bringing prosperity to local businesses,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“There’s an opportunity in Hunter Street to integrate transport with a new city precinct, weaving it into the fabric of the city. It’s part of our long-term vision to revitalise the CBD and bring Sydney roaring back to life after the challenges of the pandemic.
 
“Transport, foot traffic, the right mix of businesses and public spaces are what makes cities flourish, by having a vision for how we integrate these elements we’ll help shape the Sydney of the future.”
 
The new station is expected to have the busiest city-bound platform across the entire Sydney rail network in the morning peak, taking pressure off Wynyard and Town Hall.
 
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said the Government is eager to work with industry partners on this once in a century infrastructure investment, which will link new communities to rail services, slash travel times across the network and support employment growth.
 
“Hunter Street Station will revitalise Sydney’s northern CBD and become a gateway to jobs, business and tourism and a catalyst for economic recovery,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“This station will be one of the jewels in the crown of the city-shaping Sydney Metro West project – that’s why it’s so important economic, community and place-making outcomes will be put at the forefront of the new station’s design and delivery.”
 
“It will take customers around 20 minutes to get from Parramatta to Hunter Street on this new rail infrastructure project and they’ll be getting off the train to an integrated, world-class transport hub that will transform this part of the CBD.”
 
Sydney Metro Chief Executive Peter Regan said the Hunter Street Precinct Development Partner Model will ensure the best precinct and value for money outcomes given the project’s significant interest.
 
“Bidders for Hunter Street Station will have to show how they will improve the local area and create a precinct and a sense of place, not just a station,” Mr Regan said.
 
Sydney Metro is calling for the ideas and input of key industry players to help create a world-class transport hub, including the underground station, the buildings and the spaces above it.

Fourteen organisations delivering critical free legal services will share in a Commonwealth funding boost of $52 million over four years to support vulnerable communities across NSW.
 
Attorney General Mark Speakman said the investment would assist legal services to support groups including domestic and family violence victim-survivors, people with mental health issues and workers who have experienced sexual harassment and discrimination.
 
“This funding will help ensure people who are doing it tough have access to legal support when they need it,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“The dedicated lawyers and staff or our legal assistance sector provide an invaluable contribution by delivering much needed help to disadvantaged communities where many people are feeling the impact of COVID-19.”
The organisations were selected following a rigourous panel assessment. Successful applicants are:

• Western NSW Community Legal Centre;
• Employment Rights Legal Service;
• Kingsford Legal Centre;
• Women’s Legal Service NSW;
• Central Coast Community Legal Centre;
• Australian Centre for Disability Law;
• Hume Riverina Community Legal Service;
• Redfern Legal Centre;
• Mid North Coast Legal Centre;
• Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre;
• Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre;
• Financial Rights Legal Centre;
• Legal Aid NSW; and
• Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT.

 
This $52 million investment is in addition to the total of $43 million already allocated to Legal Aid NSW and Western NSW Community Legal Centre as part of the extra $95 million funding under the National Legal Assistance Partnership Agreement 2020-25 (NLAP).

Eighty new graduate nurses and midwives have joined the ranks of the Southern NSW Local Health District in recent weeks as the NSW Government continues to invest record amounts to support frontline health staff.
 
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard was in Moruya today to welcome the nurses joining the health system at a pivotal time in the state’s history.
 
“These graduates join us at an incredibly challenging time. We thank them, and all of our nurses, for their contributions to support the health system and the people of NSW,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the influx of graduate nurses in Southern NSW will be a huge asset to district.
 
“These fantastic new graduate nurses and midwives will soon be working on the frontline in our emergency departments, maternity wards and community teams, making a huge difference in the region,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“As someone who got my start in a regional hospital, I know the skills and experience they gain will set them up for success into their future nursing career.
 
“There is nothing more rewarding than being a nurse. The privilege of patients and families allowing you into their lives when at their most vulnerable is a true honour.
 
“I am so pleased for these 80 new graduates, and I know they will be proudly supported by their regional communities throughout the journey of their career.” 
 
Throughout their first year, graduates are provided with opportunities in a variety of clinical settings to ensure they gain a range of experience and consolidate skills and knowledge developed whilst at university.
 
The NSW Government is investing a record $2.8 billion to boost the health workorce and recruit an additional 8,300 frontline health staff over four years.
 
Between 2012 and 2021, the nursing workforce and midwifery workforce in NSW increased by 9,599 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff, or 23 per cent, to 51,794 FTE.
 
Other recent local health announcements have included:

• $20 million funding for a HealthOne for Batemans Bay.
• $45 million for modern, sustainable accommodation for health workers close to health facilities across regional NSW.
•  An additional $60 million (total $260 million) to ensure that all services and facilities that are needed to be delivered at Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, are delivered.

 
“With a recurrent budget of $27.1 billion in 2021-22, a more than 75 per cent increase on Labor’s last budget, the NSW Liberals and Nationals are continuing to invest in local health services to ensure this community gets its fair share,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
Since coming into Government, the Liberals and Nationals have delivered more than 110 health capital projects across rural and regional NSW with more than 70 additional projects currently underway.

The largest escalators in the Southern Hemisphere have been installed at Central as part of Sydney Metro’s $955 million transformation of Australia’s busiest railway station.
 
Work on the new Sydney Metro Central Station is well advanced, with excavation of the underground cavern and installation of the new metro platforms complete.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Transport and Minister for Veterans David Elliott inspected the new landmark underground pedestrian link, Central Walk, a 19-metre wide by 80-metre-long concourse underneath platforms 16 to 23.
 
“This city-shaping work is an extraordinary engineering and construction accomplishment. We’re delivering this Metro rail station below the surface at Central, while existing train services continue above,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“The upgrade to Central Station will create more than 5,500 jobs over the four years of construction, and represents the biggest improvement to the station in decades.”
 
Minister Elliott said the Northern Concourse canopy has now been installed and is now part of the Central landscape, providing an extra 540 square metres of open space.
 
“The roof over this transformed pedestrian thoroughfare, made in the Hunter Valley, sits 16 metres above ground and weighs 330 tonnes,” he said.
 
“While construction continues on Metro with the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project services on track to start in 2024, the first stage of Central Walk is being prepared to open this year.
 
”When complete, this underground link will make it easier for customers to connect with train, bus light rail and metro services.”
 
Central Walk and the new escalators from Platforms 12 to 23, as well as the lifts to Platforms 12-23 will also be open in late 2022, with the new Metro platforms to become operational once Sydney Metro City & Southwest services begin in 2024.

NSW is leading the way in the digital skills revolution, with a new 12-week program being rolled out across advanced manufacturing businesses to help people upgrade their digital skills, future-proof companies and boost economic development.
 
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, and Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the program will draw on industry expertise and will help workers and businesses remain competitive in a rapidly-evolving digital world.
 
“The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a rapid increase in the adoption of emerging technologies and there is a growing need to improve digital readiness to ensure that NSW remains an attractive place for businesses to invest,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“Automation and big data analytics are transforming the manufacturing industry and we need to ensure NSW is best placed to take advantage of this.”
 
The Driving Digital Skills Pilot Program will focus on helping existing workers build on their expertise through digital skills, and engage new workers to develop their digital skills with an industry focus.
 
The program will be delivered through a series of online workshops and industry and research collaboration events, in partnership with leading industry and training experts, including Skills Lab, Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre, University of Technology Sydney, HR Culture and Sydney Motorsport Park.
 
Mr Henskens said the program will help workers develop skills in project life cycle management processes, computer-aided manufacturing, coaching and mentoring.
 
“All levels within companies are involved in the transformation, from the leadership team to factory floor staff. We want to support new and existing workers as innovative and emerging technologies alter the way we work,” Mr Henskens said.
 
Feedback from the pilot program will help inform the design of wider workplace-based digital skills training programs to help new, displaced and mid-career workers gain digital skills.
 
More information about the program is available online.  

The NSW Government has today welcomed news the Federal Government is set to re-open international borders to fully vaccinated travellers from 21 February providing a massive boost for NSW tourism, investment and trade.
 
Almost two years after the nation’s borders were closed to the world, the NSW visitor economy is set to boom, with late summer and early autumn considered by many international travellers to be the optimal season to experience the unique outdoor and cultural lifestyle of Sydney and NSW. 
 
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said this would provide further momentum to the NSW Government’s recovery roadmap and the return of foreign investment.
 
“The NSW Government has led the progressive return of international students and through Investment NSW is underway with a range of initiatives aimed at welcoming more international businesses to the state,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said this was a massive leap for NSW tourism and international investment opportunities.
 
“Tourism and hospitality operators will welcome the opening of international borders after two incredibly difficult years. This means more jobs, stronger businesses and a faster economic recovery across NSW,” Mr Ayres said.
 
“The world is moving quickly and this is another critical step towards NSW getting back to normal and us living with the virus.”
 
All foreign visitors to Australia will have to provide proof that they have received the full course of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.
 
Unvaccinated travellers would still need to apply for a travel exemption to come to Australia and undergo hotel quarantine if they were granted permission to enter the country. NSW Government caps on quarantine for unvaccinated travellers will continue to apply.

Work on the NSW Government’s $2.4 billion Stage 1 Parramatta Light Rail continues, with Australia’s longest stretch of green track currently being laid along the line.
 
Minister for Transport and Minister for Veterans David Elliott said the unique green track had been rolled out alongside Robin Thomas Reserve, bringing the project a step closer to completion.
 
“In a New South Wales first we have designed and integrated green track beautifully, with wire-free technology, within heritage sensitive environments along the Parramatta Light Rail alignment,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“As a sustainable alternative to concrete, this green track will use 81 per cent less concrete in its construction and deliver environmental and health benefits.
 
“There will be 1.3 kilometres of green track laid across the 12-kilometre alignment, with grass to be planted at Cumberland Precinct and Tramway Avenue too.”
 
Green track involves planting grass or groundcovers between and beside light rail tracks. The Zoysia ‘Nara’ grass species was selected after a 12-month testing process in Rosehill to assess growth rate and durability in Western Sydney conditions.
 
“As an Australian native species, Zoysia ‘Nara’ turf is highly durable and well-equipped to tolerate Parramatta’s unique soil and climatic conditions,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“Its key advantage is the species’ slow growth rate, which makes it low maintenance. The community will also benefit from the reduced urban heat and greener spaces.”
 
Stage 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail, which will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD, is expected to operate services for customers in 2023.

The NSW Government has announced a CBD Summit to explore the revitalisation of Sydney’s city centre in response to the impacts of COVID-19.
 
The summit, the third of its type, will hear from businesses, government and industry groups across a range of sectors, with a focus on how to drive business, employment and foot traffic in the city.
 
It will also explore how people will live, work and interact socially in the Sydney of the future.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the summit will help accelerate the next stage of the Government’s economic plan and bring the CBD back to life, in a COVID-safe way.
 
“In the space of just two years, the way we travel, work and come together has changed so much, but we cannot stop imagining a better future for our CBD,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“Right around the world, people dream of visiting our grand harbour city. The lucky ones get to call it home. We want to ensure the Sydney of the future is revitalized, safely and carefully.
 
“We know we need to find new solutions, conscious that people need reassurance for their health as well as for the health of our city’s economy.
 
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the city of the future and this summit will help do that.”
 
The CBD Summit follows similar events held in the last two years, which resulted initiatives including the Dine and Discover program, $50 million CBDs Revitalization Fund; $66m investment in alfresco dining and the funding of major events such as Elevate, Sydney’s Open for Lunch, Culture up Late and Sunset Piazza.
 
Minister for Cities Rob Stokes said the summit would identify Sydney’s greatest strengths and opportunities to set a roadmap to creating the city centre the future.
 
“City centres belong to all of us and are focal points for business and culture,” Mr Stokes said.
 
“The nature of the Sydney CBD will change as we emerge from the pandemic, but we can harness this disruption to create a place that is special and spectacular for New South Wales and the world.
 
“We need to get the settings right to draw people back to our city centres as we prepare for city life without lockdowns.”
 
While the focus of this summit will be on Sydney, the lessons and initiatives will apply across Parramatta’s Central River City, the Western Parkland City, Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong, as the Government delivers on its Six Cities vision.
 
The summit, titled Kick-Starting Sydney: Recapturing the Energy of the Sydney CBD, will take place at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Friday.

Empowering women and improving their economic opportunities will be the focus of the NSW Government’s landmark Women’s Economic Opportunities Review and Expert Reference Panel.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Review will focus on supporting women to enter, re-enter and stay in the workforce, including through identifying opportunities to reduce salary and superannuation discrepancy and improve access to and affordability of childcare.
 
“The time has come to level the playing field, making sure more women have more choice and opportunities when it comes to their careers,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“We know there is more work to do to improve conditions for more women to succeed in the workplace and have greater choice in their lives. This Review will help find ways to increase women’s leadership opportunities and enable flexibility for working parents.”
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the 2021-22 NSW Intergenerational Report found the economy would be eight per cent larger by 2060-61 if women’s participation reached parity with men.
 
“Women are underrepresented in our trades, our offices and our boardrooms, and for the State to be more productive we need everyone who wants to work to be able to do so,” Mr Kean said.
 
“I want to make sure a girl born today has the same opportunities as a boy born in the hospital room next door, which has not been the case for their mothers and grandmothers before them.”
 
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the NSW Government is committed to creating a more even gender mix across industries, supporting female entrepreneurs to run their own businesses and increasing workplace flexibility.
 
“Too often women leave the workforce or reduce their working hours out of necessity, not choice. It is therefore no surprise that women have only two thirds of the superannuation saved compared to men,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“If we increase the number of women in the workforce we will improve their economic security and wellbeing across a lifetime, bringing enormous social and economic benefits to everyone in NSW.”
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the Review will develop recommendations to improve quality, accessibility and affordability of childcare and early childhood education for families.
 
“The Review will provide key insights into the childcare needs of working parents, which will contribute to the broader early learning reform work that I am undertaking, designed to create greater educational outcomes for our littlest learners.”
 
The Review will be conducted by the NSW Government and supported by an Expert Reference Panel. Sam Mostyn AO, President of Chief Executive Women will chair the panel. The other members are:

• Maha Abdo OAM, CEO Muslim Women Association;
• Blair Comley PSM, Partner EY Port Jackson Partners;
• Jillian Kilby, CEO and Founder of The Infrastructure Collaborative and The Exchange;
• Leslie Loble, Co-Chair of the Council on Early Childhood Development; and
• Daisy Turnbull, writer and teacher.

 
In addition to the Expert Reference Panel, the Review will be informed by strong external consultation including with the NSW Council for Women’s Economic Opportunity.
 
Women’s participation in the workforce continues to increase but remains lower than men. In November 2021, ABS data showed the average participation rate of men in NSW was 70 per cent and for women it was 61 per cent.
 
For more information and to read the terms of reference, visit:   https://www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/women-opportunities-review

About one million families can now enjoy $250 worth of vouchers, thanks to the NSW Government’s Parents NSW program going live Monday, 7 February.
 
Eligible families will receive five $50 vouchers which can be redeemed at Discover NSW and Stay NSW registered businesses. 
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said this program was a big win for households and would help ease the cost of living for busy parents.
 
“This is all about thanking parents for their home schooling efforts last year, helping make ends meet and supporting local businesses. Parents have persevered and balanced a variety of challenges as a result of home learning, and we are grateful for their hard work and sacrifices,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“This will also put downward pressure on the cost of living by helping families across the State get out and enjoy the best our State has to offer while leaving them with more money in their back-pocket to spend on the everyday essentials.”
 
In addition, the Stay NSW voucher program, providing every adult aged 18 and older  with a $50 voucher to spend at registered accommodation providers, will be progressively rolled out from 21 February. Both programs will be implemented using the existing Dine & Discover NSW infrastructure.
 
“These vouchers are a double win – they encourage families to get out and enjoy the best of our State, while also providing much needed income to businesses affected by the pandemic,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the vouchers form part of the NSW Government’s $2.8 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy announced in October and come on the back of the more the $1 billion COVID business support package recently announced.
 
“These vouchers are a win-win for industry and families and encourage more families to explore our incredible State and bolster local economies,” Mr Kean said.
 
“We’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with industry throughout the pandemic and this is another program that will help keep businesses open and keep workers in jobs.”
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said households would be able to apply for both programs via Service NSW.
 
“Applying is easy and can be done quickly via your Service NSW app, the Service NSW website or by calling 13 77 88 for assistance,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“It only takes a few seconds to scan the vouchers and reap the rewards. We’ve made the process as simple as possible so families can enjoy a much earned holiday or a visit to a discover venue.”
 
Parents NSW vouchers can be combined up to the value of $250 and applied to your accommodation bill or discover experience. Customers can pool multiple Stay NSW vouchers with friends or family for the same booking at registered accommodation providers, big or small.
 
Bookings made through third party providers such as online booking platforms and travel agents are not included in the program.
 
Participating businesses will be able to redeem vouchers seven days a week, including public holidays. Customers will be able to search for participating accommodation providers on the easy-to-use hotel finder.
 
For more information, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/parents-nsw-vouchers