Category: NSW News

Schools will begin their staggered return to face to face learning on Monday 18 October, one week earlier than initially planned, thanks to the heroic vaccination efforts of NSW.
Students will now return to face-to-face learning with NSW Health approved COVID-safe settings on the following dates:

• From 18 October – Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 12
• From  25 October – Year 2, 6 and 11
• From 1 November – Year 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the return to school plan was always linked to the vaccination rates of the community, and thanks to faster vaccination rates than expected, students will be able to return to the classroom sooner.
“We have been clear that a return to school should begin once the state passed 70 per cent fully vaccinated, and thanks to the incredible efforts from the people of NSW, we will reach that milestone sooner than expected,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Managing a return in a school system the size of NSW’s is not a small task. Keeping the staged approach, but moving it all one week earlier, allows schools to shift their plans forward and still provides time for staff and eligible students to get vaccinated.”
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said an additional week of quality face-to-face learning for students is worth having and can be achieved in a safe and sensible way.
“It’s fantastic that we will meet vaccination targets in NSW earlier than originally anticipated. This has allowed us to shift the plan forward for all schools across impacted areas,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Bringing the return forward allows schools to keep their plans for a staggered return, and provides time for staff to get their second dose. From 18 October, all staff that need to be on site must be fully vaccinated.
“I know there remain some concerns in the community around a return to school, but students, staff and parents should feel confident that this approach allows enough time to make schools as COVID safe as possible.”
The final date for staff to receive two doses of the COVID vaccine remains 8 November, unless staff have a medical exemption.
Families who cannot keep their children at home for any reason have always been able to send their children to school, and that continues to be the case.
Schools will begin communicating their COVID-safe plans to families from next week.
The public health advice for parents to keep their children home from early childhood education and care services where possible will also be lifted from 18 October 2021.
Areas of Regional NSW where stay at home orders have already been lifted will continue learning face-to-face from Day 1, Term 4.

The NSW Government will go it alone to fund an extension of the JobSaver program to help NSW businesses re-open their doors and get people back into jobs as the State starts to ease restrictions and enjoy greater freedoms.
When NSW reaches the 70 per cent double vaccination rate JobSaver payments will be tapered from 40 per cent to 30 per cent of weekly payroll.
When NSW reaches the 80 per cent double vaccination rate, the joint Commonwealth and NSW Government JobSaver payments will cease and the Commonwealth will end its contributions.
At that time, the NSW Government will continue to fund its 50 per cent contribution to JobSaver payments. At this point JobSaver payments will be tapered from 30 per cent to 15 per cent of weekly payroll.
JobSaver payments will end on 30 November, coinciding with the further relaxation of restrictions.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the extension of JobSaver would work alongside the NSW Government’s Roadmap and the easing of restrictions, giving businesses certainty.
“The continuation of JobSaver over the next two months will give businesses across NSW the financial boost they need to get them through the challenge of re-opening their doors,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The light at the end of the tunnel is so close, and this support will help see businesses and workers out to the other side and prepare them for re-launch.”
By 30 November, the NSW Government is expected to have unilaterally provided over $8 billion in direct support to businesses and individuals, including through the JobSaver program and its contribution to Commonwealth Disaster Payments.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said pivoting JobSaver from support to recovery would put businesses on the front-foot as restrictions are eased and the economy is restarted.
“JobSaver has helped businesses weather the storm of the latest outbreak and now is the right time to plan for the future so we can get our economy firing again,” Mr Perrottet said.
“I know business across the State are keen to open their doors, and are busy planning now that our Roadmap is out. There’s renewed optimism in NSW.
“We are sticking by businesses and giving them the support they need to get back on the road to prosperity with the State only a few weeks away from re-opening.
The jointly funded Commonwealth and NSW Government business support package, including JobSaver, has provided a $7 billion financial lifeline to businesses over the past three months helping keep people connected to their workplaces. Over the next two months, this lifeline will increase to almost $12 billion provided to NSW businesses to make it through the Delta pandemic.
After NSW reaches the 80 per cent double vaccination target the Micro-business grant will continue to be available at a rate of $750 a fortnight, before ceasing on 30 November.
The NSW Government will announce its comprehensive Economic Recovery Plan in early October, designed to boost business confidence and jobs growth and inject stimulus as restrictions ease across the State.
Details of the JobSaver tapering are set out below:

JobSaver (excluding extension program)	Share of weekly payroll	Weekly payment range (paid fortnightly)	Weekly payments to non-employing business (paid fortnightly)
Current	40%	$1,500 to $100,000	$1,000
10 October	30%	$1,125 to $75,000	$750
80 per cent double dose	15%	$562.50 to $37,500	$375
30 November	–	–	–

A woman has been charged after a man was allegedly stabbed in a domestic related incident at a home in Sydney’s inner west overnight.
Just after 3am (Thursday 30 September 2021), emergency services were called to a home on Kendall Street, Cabarita, after reports a man had been stabbed.
Officers attached to Burwood Police Area Command attended and found a 50-year-old man with a wound to his stomach.
He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.
A 44-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Burwood Police Station where she was charged with would person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
She has been refused bail and will appear at Burwood Local Court tomorrow (Friday 1 October 2021).
The man and woman are known to each other.

NSW is set to attract more than $37 billion in investment while slashing emissions by 50 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, under updated projections and objectives released as part of the Net Zero: Stage 1 Implementation Update.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the state’s new objective of halving emissions by 2030 – up from 35 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 –  shows that NSW is serious about setting itself up for the future while helping the world decarbonise.
“Our Net Zero Plan is expected to attract more than $37 billion in private sector investment into NSW, support more than 9,000 jobs, save households about $130 on their electricity bills and help NSW become Australia’s first trillion-dollar state by 2030,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This is about putting the policies in place to give industry and investors certainty, not only to protect our planet but to future-proof our prosperity and way of life.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said regional communities will reap the rewards of the new industries set to emerge over the coming decades.
“Whether it is in modern manufacturing, minerals or agriculture, regional NSW is home to the skills, infrastructure and resources needed as the demand for low emissions technologies like batteries and hydrogen grows,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The entire State will benefit from the economic and employment opportunities in low carbon technologies, and we will continue to take action in a way that delivers more jobs and more investment for people in the city and in the bush.”
Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean said NSW was one of the first jurisdictions to commit to net zero emissions by 2050 and we are now on track to double our economy and halve our emissions by 2030.
“We can be a renewable energy super power and as global demand for low carbon products and investments grows, the fortunes of the state are increasingly tied to the fortunes of our planet,” Mr Kean said.
“In NSW, we also aren’t just setting targets. As a result of our policies, the state’s emissions are projected to fall by 47-52% on 2005 levels by 2030 under independently peer reviewed modelling.”
The Net Zero Plan: Stage 1 Implementation Update sets out the NSW Government’s action on climate change, including the State’s nation-leading EV strategy, Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, the $750 million Net Zero Industry and Innovation Program and the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy.
The Implementation Update also outlines the Government’s commitment to disclose the state’s climate related financial risks and opportunities for the first time in NSW, consistent with the Taskforce for Climate Related Financial Disclosures framework.
For more information visit: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/climate-change/net-zero-plan/

A trial project will see 2000 trees planted in one of Sydney’s hottest suburbs, as part of an initiative informed by new research from the NSW Government.
The south-west Sydney suburb of Rosemeadow has less than six per cent existing canopy cover and is significantly impacted by the urban heat island effect.
The new research used to inform the trial has now been released to councils across NSW to help boost tree canopy cover and improve stormwater management.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the NSW Government and Campbelltown Council were working together to plant the trees in streets, schools, parks and open spaces in Rosemeadow.
“Trees are our first line of defence against rising temperatures and the urban heat island effect, particularly in Western Sydney where temperatures in summer can soar to over 50 degrees,” Mr Stokes said.
“Rosemeadow has some of the lowest tree cover in Greater Sydney and it’s the perfect location to trial new ways to use canopy cover to combat rising temperatures.
“The research shows that we can also improve stormwater management by planting trees in stormwater basins, while also creating habitat for native animals and improving biodiversity.”
To encourage best practice in urban greening, the NSW Government is making three reports that detail the methodology of the Rosemeadow project available to councils to replicate for tree plantings on streets, reserves and in open spaces.
Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves said Rosemeadow was selected as the demonstration site for the project due to its low tree canopy, substantial open space, and opportunities for planting near schools and on residual land.
“Our aim is to create a greener, more pleasant Rosemeadow for the community to use, access and enjoy, while establishing a framework of best practice methodology that can be replicated by councils across the state”, Mr Sidgreaves said.
“More high-quality open spaces across Greater Sydney provide the community with more opportunities to rediscover the joy of outdoor recreation, connect with nature, and improve wellbeing and active lifestyles.”
The Rosemeadow Demonstration Project supports the Premier’s Priorities for more homes in urban areas within a 10 minute walk of quality green, open public space by 10 per cent, by 2023, and to plant one million trees in Greater Sydney by 2022.
For more information and to view the reports visit: dpie.nsw.gov.au/rosemeadow

NSW has paused to honour our fallen police officers this National Police Remembrance Day, with a number of small gatherings and virtual ceremonies taking place across the state.
This year, the life and service of Senior Constable Kelly Ann Foster was remembered by adding her name to the Wall of Remembrance following her tragic death in January, marking the 275^th fallen NSW police officer.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott, Police Commissioner Michael Fuller APM and NSW Governor Margaret Beazley attended a small service at the Wall of Remembrance to honour members of the NSW Police Force who have lost their lives serving our community.
Ms Berejiklian said National Police Remembrance Day is the most important day of the policing calendar, and the absence of a traditional ceremony makes it no less meaningful.
“Today we have paid our respects at the Wall of Remembrance, representing those who cannot attend, honouring the memory of the fallen officers,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Every day more than 17,500 police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe, and we are deeply grateful for their service.”
Mr Elliott paid tribute to the fallen officers, and acknowledged those who have worked tirelessly in the fight against COVID-19 over the past 18 months.
“The NSW Police Force has had a long tradition of putting another person’s wellbeing before their own, and it is this selfless attitude that lead to the tragic death earlier this year of Senior Constable Foster,” Mr Elliott said.
“She was a much-loved and respected officer; and did not hesitate to go to the aid of the woman in danger. We stand with her family, friends and colleagues to mourn the loss of a fine officer.”
Commissioner Fuller said the fallen officers have been honoured appropriately today, despite the police family being unable to gather together for a second year.
“We remember those officers who have given their life in the line of duty, and today the name of a talented, much-loved officer, Senior Constable Kelly Ann Foster, has been added to the Wall of Remembrance,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“We stand here representing all those officers, family members, and colleagues who – while they cannot attend in person – can be assured their loved ones have been honoured.”

Grassroots organisations can now apply for the latest tranche of a record $43.2 million funding package to support vulnerable people and multicultural communities across NSW.
Minister for Multiculturalism Natalie Ward said community-led grassroots initiatives will be able to share in $3.6 million to provide immediate and essential services. These include food and school products, services to help those experiencing domestic and family violence and seniors facing social isolation, wellbeing checks and community activities such as youth groups.
“The NSW Government has responded urgently to support those in need during the pandemic. This is the second round of funding for vulnerable people and multicultural communities delivered through our Empowering and Supporting Local Communities program,” Mrs Ward said.
The first round of the program has been finalised and will deliver more than $3.4 million to 194 grassroots community organisations across the state.
“This latest round builds on the initial funding and will support communities big and small across our metropolitan, rural and regional areas with grants of up to $30,000,” Mrs Ward said.
“As we continue racing towards our vaccination targets and look to easing restrictions, we want to make sure no one is left behind.”
Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said communities across NSW have stepped up like never before to support and care for each other, and to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These grants will help ensure critical support for some of our most vulnerable, including women and children impacted by domestic and family violence and other hardships during the pandemic, thanks to the many dedicated frontline services working across the state,” Mr Speakman said.
Eligible not for profit non-Government organisations must be currently located in, or service communities in NSW.
As part of the $43.2 million package, almost $18 million worth of grants have supported communities in the 12 LGAs of concern, including grants for local councils, non-Government and grassroots community organisations, and a program engaging the innovation sector.
Applications close at 11am on Monday, 11 October. For more information, visit: https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/grants/.

Consumer savings are at the heart of a world-first energy efficiency scheme, that will provide households and businesses in NSW with discounts if they buy or install equipment that uses less energy during peak times.
Energy Minister Matt Kean said the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme is expected to save consumers $1.2 billion on their energy bills between 2022 and 2040.
“By reducing peak demand we can supply power to everyone who needs it, when they need it, at a lower cost,” Mr Kean said.
“We are also investing $25 million in the scheme to support the development of emerging technologies and software that allow households and businesses to use power when it is cheap and abundant.”
The scheme, due to commence in time for the 2022-23 summer, will provide discounts to consumers who install more efficient appliances that operate more during off-peak periods when electricity is cheap, like smart pool pumps or household batteries.
Energy retailers and large energy users then buy peak reduction credits from the local businesses that install the appliances to meet their energy savings targets.
“There are so many easy ways to reduce our peak consumption without impacting our way of life,” Mr Kean said.
“If all the backyard pool pumps and filters across NSW were used outside of peak periods, we could save up to 450 MW – that’s more than the capacity of a generating unit at the Liddell Power Station.”
More fuel switching activities will also be added to the existing Energy Savings Scheme. This will include incentives for households to switch to solar and heat-pump hot water systems, and for businesses to replace gas, diesel or grid supplied electricity with renewable energy technologies like a biogas boiler.
For more detail on the scheme and the Energy Security Safeguard position paper, visit: https://energy.nsw.gov.au/government-and-regulation/energy-savings-scheme

The NSW Government has today launched the draft Greater Sydney Water Strategy, an unprecedented 20-year roadmap to providing a safe, secure and sustainable water supply for Sydney, the Illawarra and the Blue Mountains.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the Strategy, now on public exhibition, will guide water management to 2040 to support economic growth, meet the needs of the growing population and prepare for our changing climate.
“A secure water supply is vital and this plan ensures we are able to support economic growth as we recover from the pandemic and set the foundations for the future,” Mrs Pavey said.
“We need to plan now for how our growing city and region will use water wisely as Sydney’s population is set to grow to 7.1 million by 2041.
“During the most recent drought, our dam levels depleted faster than we’ve experienced since records began – at a rate of 20 per cent per year.
“Thankfully our dams are now full, but we need to act decisively to secure sustainable water for the long-term – by exploring options for new water sources not dependent on rainfall, by conserving more, and by doing more with less.”
Options for consultation in the draft Strategy include:

• Improving water recycling, leakage management and water efficiency programs, which could result in water savings of up to 49 gigalitres a year by 2040.
• Extending a water savings program, which has been piloted in over 1000 households and delivered around 20 per cent reduction in water use per household and almost $190 in savings per year for household water bills.
• Consideration of running the Sydney Desalination Plant full-time to add an extra 20 gigalitres of water per year.
• Expanding or building new desalination plants to be less dependent on rainfall.
• Investigating innovations in recycled water to improve sustainability.
• Making greater use of stormwater and recycled water to cool and green the city and support recreational activities.

The draft Strategy also proposes improvements to the decision making process for water restrictions to better reflect prevailing conditions and forecasting.
“Instead of having inflexible trigger points, decision makers will use a new holistic approach to consider things like rainfall events, inflows to dams and dam depletion rates, water demand and weather forecasts,” Mrs Pavey said.
“The draft Greater Sydney Water Strategy is a critical part of the NSW Government’s plan to grow the NSW economy and I encourage the community and industry to have their say.”
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment will hold public webinars and information sessions during September and October.
The draft Greater Sydney Water Strategy will be on display until November 8, 2021. To read the Strategy and provide feedback visit www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/greater-sydney-water-strategy.

Overseas and interstate STEM teachers will be the target of a new campaign to boost teacher numbers in NSW public schools.
The NSW Government will spend $13.5 million on a program to bring more than 500 qualified STEM teachers from other countries and states into NSW classrooms.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the plan to recruit ‘standout’ international and interstate teachers is part of a broader strategy to boost and sustain a high quality teaching workforce.
“There are more than 91,000 teachers employed in NSW public schools, and we are opening the door to even more expert teachers looking to teach in our great system,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Our education system is amongst the largest in the world, and I am confident that by opening the door to more high-quality teachers from other jurisdictions, we will also become amongst the highest performing in the world.”
This initiative builds upon the NSW Government’s recently announced new employment-based pathways into teaching, and will further increase our supply of great teachers. It is also aligned with the Productivity Commission’s White Paper recommendation to leverage the status of NSW and entice great teachers to work here so we can continue to improve our education system.
“NSW is an incredible place to live and work – attracting the best teachers from around the world will help turbocharge our recovery from the pandemic by ensuring our students have access to more high quality teachers,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Our state boasts the biggest education system in the southern hemisphere and we should be using that position to attract the best teachers from around the country and the world to help our students get ahead.”
The overseas focus will be on countries whose teachers have high potential to succeed in the NSW public school system, such as Canada and the UK.
Under the initiative, 460 teachers will be recruited between 2022-23, and 100 in 2023-24.
Working alongside other agencies, including the Commonwealth Government, the Department of Education will help successful recruits with relocation and other support including Australian border control measures, quarantine and visa requirements.
This initiative forms part of the NSW Government’s new Teacher Supply Strategy, due for release soon.