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No new funding for road safety: Summit confirmed as a talk fest

The NSW Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to confirm whether there is any new funding for road safety initiatives following the release of the NSW Road Safety Forum 2024 outcomes report late on a Friday afternoon.

While the Opposition in principle supports the six mostly consultative initiatives announced today, the Government did not announce any new funding for road safety in the package.

Following months of lobbying by the Opposition amid a 25% increase in the road toll under the first year of a Labor Government, the Roads Minister organised the Summit, declaring “nothing was off the table”.

Today’s announcement yet again shows that funding for road safety initiatives is clearly not a priority for the Minns Government, after the savage $140 million cut to the Road Safety line item in Labor’s first budget.

Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward commented “While I support any initiative that helps lower the road toll, it needs to include the funding to back it up.”

“The budget shows a $140 million cut to road safety initiatives under Labor and yet again we are seeing press releases not investment to help curb the rising road toll.”

Riverside Revitalisation Project opened

Prime Minister Albanese has officially opened Mackay’s Riverside Revitalisation Project which has transformed the former industrial precinct into a destination locals and visitors alike can explore and enjoy.

The $9.7 million project was jointly funded with the Australian Government investing $4.1 million and the Mackay Regional Council investing $5.6 million.

The Prime Minister visited Mackay this morning to join Mayor Greg Williamson, Councillors, council CEO Scott Owen and other stakeholders for the official opening.

The revitalisation includes the recently completed Pioneer River Pontoon at Bluewater Quay and the nearby River Wharves public area.

The opening included a ribbon cutting at the pontoon, where a Wildcat boat was moored, and a tour of River Wharves.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“I am delighted to be in Mackay to open this important revitalisation of the riverside.
“Parents with their kids, locals enjoying their beautiful river and tourists visiting this great part of the world will benefit from this revitalisation for so many years to come.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“The Mackay Riverside Revitalisation is a great example of the Australian Government working in partnership to deliver critical local community infrastructure.
“This facility provides a new leisure, commercial and tourism offering to support the Mackay Waterfront project and bring fresh life to a former industrial precinct.”

Mackay Regional Council Mayor Greg Williamson:

“Both projects have provided improved public access to the wonderful Pioneer River and were part of the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA).
“These projects will be catalysts for future projects, including private investment, along the riverfront.
“For example, Renew Mackay has recently unveiled plans for a major commercial and residential development on the Brisbane Street car park site adjacent to Bluewater Quay.
“The council-owned building at 8 River Street is also currently being demolished. It will be a prime site for redevelopment and in the interim will also be able to be activated for the community.”

NSW 19 & Under Team Dominate at 2024 Nationals

In a dominant performance at the 2024 National Netball Championships in Frankston, Victoria the NSW 19 & Under State Team have taken home the gold medal, while the state’s 17 & Under side secured a top-four finish.

Winning nine out of nine games, the NSW 19s were a class above throughout the tournament as they finished off the weekend in fine style with a 10-goal Grand Final win over a strong Queensland side (42-32).

Defenders Frederika Schneideman, Katarina Sinceck and Eugenie Little were outstanding, forcing the opposition to make multiple mistakes due to the pressure they applied which enabled NSW to turn over plenty of ball.

Hope White was prolific in wing attack with Neveah Metenga dominating in centre. The midcourters had the ball on a string throughout the match, driving hard to the circle edge and delivering pin-point feeds into the NSW attack circle.
The strength and accuracy of Monika Ötai and Grace Whyte was a pleasure to watch as they rewarded the great work of the team’s efforts in all areas of the court.

The depth in Amber Cross’s 19 & Under side, the majority of whom were Nationally Identified in 2023, was exceptional and the effort, team culture and energy from each athlete was a standout characteristic over the course of the whole competition.
Meanwhile there was heartbreak for the NSW 17 & Under side who missed out on a bronze medal after an extra time thriller against Victoria.

The sides played out a draw earlier in the week and in the third-place playoff the Victorians weren’t able to shake off a resilient NSW side who got back in level terms just before fulltime. Unfortunately, they were unable to get over the line in added time, and they went down fighting 47 – 44.

Netball NSW General Manager Performance and Pathways Mardi Aplin was extremely proud of all the athletes across the week:

”Both NSW teams played with immense pride and passion the whole week,” she said.

“For our 19s to go through undefeated is testament to their character, resilience and hard work in the lead up to Nationals and their team work and determination throughout the tournament.

“While the 17s side will be understandably disappointed, the fight they showed in that final game is something they should be very proud of and they will learn so much from this year’s Nationals and will continue to grow as both an athletes and people.

“A huge thank you goes not only to the athletes who represented NSW so well but also the team behind the team who led from the front this entire campaign.”

To cap off a terrific week NSW 19U defender Frederika Schneideman was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player while Hope White was Player of the Grand Final.

19 & Under Team
Charlie Hawkins (Randwick)
Eugenie Little (Manly Warringah)
Freddie Schneideman (Randwick)
Grace Whyte (Tumut)
Hope White (Newcastle)
Isabella Degei (Penrith District)
Katarina Sincek (Penrith District)
Monika ‘Otai (St George District)
Nevaeh Matenga (Liverpool City)
Nicola Barge (Sutherland Shire)
Olivia Harris (Penrith District)
Yasmeen Janschek (Randwick)

Head Coach – Amber Cross (Wyong District)
Assistant Coach – Stephanie Harrison (Camden & District)
Apprentice Coach – Sam May (Penrith District)
Team Manager – Jenny Gage Trail (Northern Suburbs)
Head Physiotherapist – Jess Harrison (Newcastle)
Assistant Physiotherapist – Hayley Simmons

17 & Under Team
Acacia Elers (Newcastle)
Ellie Hart (Campbelltown District)
Ellie Stacey (Maitland)
Emily McPherson (Wagga Wagga)
Evie Economou (Sutherland Shire)
Grace Tracey (Illawarra District)
Harlym Jennings (Liverpool City)
Kelis Ogle (Liverpool City)
Matilda Fanning (Sutherland Shire)
Matilda Percival (Newcastle)
Monique Johnson (Sutherland Shire)
Siulolo Richter (Liverpool City)
Skye Thompson (Sutherland Shire)

Head Coach – Abbey McCulloch (Sutherland Shire)
Assistant Coach – Nardia Trevor (Baulkham Hills Shire)
Apprentice Coach – Gima Crowdy (Woy Woy)
Team Manager – Kate Carneiro (Sutherland Shire)
Head Physiotherapist – Chris Portlock (Central Coast Heart)
Assistant Physiotherapist – Emily Brisbane (Orange)

New playgrounds open as City of Newcastle delivers multimillion-dollar investment into recreation

City of Newcastle (CN) has delivered a school holiday boost for children across Newcastle, with four new or upgraded playgrounds now open as part of the annual playground replacement program.

The community helped officially open a new play space at Adamstown Park today, which was relocated and expanded as part of CN’s $600,000 investment into the four playground projects.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz join excited locals to officially open the new Adamstown Park playground.Popular recreational areas at Rawson Park in Stockton and Waratah’s Coolamin Reserve also received new equipment, while Islington Park’s playground was upgraded with new rubber softfall and a fresh coat of colour.

Additionally, work is progressing at Hamilton’s historic Gregson Park where a significant new $3 million playspace is being delivered as part of the park’s Masterplan, with the project expected to be completed in October.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN is committed to delivering enriched neighbourhoods with spaces that bring people together for active living and social connection.

“We know how much our community values open spaces and their local playgrounds, which is why it is vital we continue to deliver our playground replacement program and other recreation projects to ensure everyone has the opportunity to access quality facilities now and into the future,” Cr Nelmes said.

“As part of our commitment to undertake a staged implementation of the newly adopted Adamstown Park Masterplan, the Adamstown playground was relocated, upgraded and expanded, activating the green space.”

Councillor Carol Duncan, who is also the Chair of the Community and Culture Advisory Committee, said it’s not just children who’ll benefit from the new playground.

“We’re catering for the recreation needs of teenagers and adults who visit this area of Adamstown Park, with a new basketball court expected to be completed in the coming weeks,” Cr Duncan said.

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said this is another example of CN providing facilities that are safe, engaging and support the community’s wellbeing.

“New accessible pathways have been created to link the Adamstown playground with Glebe Road, while a sheltered picnic table offers visitors and locals seating and shade,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

CN has invested more than $10 million into projects over the past five years as part of its commitment to delivering enhanced and accessible recreational opportunities for the community, with more than 116 playgrounds located across the local government area.

New diploma gives the future of planning a strong start

In a first for NSW, budding planners will soon have a TAFE pathway into the planning profession with a new diploma open for enrolments.

The brand-new Diploma of Local Government (Planning) will support school leavers and future planners on their way into paraplanning, a role that manages a lot of the initial assessment, research and review to provide valuable support to planners.

Through a collaboration between the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, TAFE NSW, Local Government NSW and the Planning Institute of Australia, the Diploma has been adapted from TAFE SA’s curriculum to reflect planning practices in NSW.

The Australian National Skills Commission has identified planning as a skills shortage area with a strong future demand, with strong demand for a diploma of this nature.

In a recent survey, more than 85 per cent of council respondents indicated they would consider upskilling existing staff with the qualification or employing planning cadets currently enrolled in the diploma.

Between 2021-22 and 2022-23, shortages of planners contributed to a 28 per cent increase in the average number of days taken to determine local development applications in NSW.

A recent Productivity Commission report found that between 2016 and 2021, Sydney lost twice as many people aged 30 to 40 as it gained. 35,000 came to Sydney, but 70,000 left.

While we have a whole generation of people who can’t afford to rent or buy a home in NSW, we can’t afford to be slowing down housing approvals.

In addition to the TAFE Diploma, the Strong Start Mentoring Program which began in February with 60 mentors continues, and registrations are now open for up to 250 planning mentors and mentees.

Planning students and recent graduates working in councils across the state are invited to register to be paired with experienced planners for professional coaching and support.

This year, senior planners in local government are also invited to register as mentors. Last year’s inaugural program was an overwhelming success, with all participants reporting improved wellbeing, job satisfaction, career development and personal growth.

One mentee from Shoalhaven City Council described their greatest takeaway as “the ability to feel confident in prioritising my career needs and then working out ways to achieve them.

“My mentor helped me identify strategies to build my confidence and encouraged me to improve communication lines with my supervisor around my needs,” they said.

Mentees receive ongoing professional development with quarterly check-ins and workshops run by professional facilitators.

Group sessions will be available for participants to engage in peer-to-peer mentoring.

For more information about the Diploma or Strong Start visit NSW Planning

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Our role is to create capacity in the planning system for industry to deliver more homes, services and jobs.

“Addressing the planning skills shortage through TAFE and the Strong Start mentoring program will play a critical role in delivering better and more timely outcomes for communities.

“Planners do work that benefits everyone. I’m pleased that the NSW Government is continuing to support this vital profession with this new pathway and by connecting existing talent with emerging talent.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steven Whan said:

“This new Diploma will help deliver a strong pipeline of skilled workers to the planning industry.

“Planners are a key part of alleviating the NSW housing crisis and I’m glad TAFE can play a role in training the next generation.”

Newcastle leads the way with progressive urban planning, design and development

City of Newcastle (CN) continues to raise the bar in urban planning and design, working with an independent panel of experts to evaluate and critique more than $1.5 billion in developments during the past year.

CN’s Urban Design Review Panel (UDRP) convened for 13 meetings throughout 2023, offering guidance to CN staff and applicants on 48 development proposals as well as providing input on strategic projects including the Draft Newcastle Development Control Plan 2023.

A render of One National Park Street, Newcastle West

The projects are included in UDRP’s 2023 Annual Report, released ahead of next week’s Council meeting, which highlights a range of major developments, development proposals and design competitions in Newcastle.

Significant development proposals considered by the URDP in 2023 include GWH’s $71 million twin-tower luxury apartment complex, ‘ONE’, on National Park Street in Newcastle West, and Altim Property’s $12 million customised commercial space, ‘Arbour’, also in Newcastle West.

Newcastle Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes said the URDP provides an invaluable contribution to planning and design in Newcastle.

“The Urban Design Review Panel generously share their extensive industry experience and expertise with applicants and design teams,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle’s design panel has origins back in the 1980s when it was initially formed as the Urban Design Consultative Group.

“Since the panel’s inception, its members’ combined knowledge and guidance has continued to enhance our understanding of quality design; setting positive benchmarks for future development projects in and around the city.”

Panel Chair Dr Philip Pollard, who also acts as CN’s Jury Representative for planning and design competitions held throughout the year, said the UDRP continues to look for ways to take urban design excellence in Newcastle to the next level.

“While interest rates and a shortage of medium to large building contractors have applied pressure to developments, the City has continued to see a high level of interest from the industry, with the number of larger developments continuing to provide new residences, commercial spaces and other facilities. Design competitions have also produced some excellent proposals that set a high standard,” Dr Pollard said.

“In addition to the major developments we reviewed over the last 12 months, the UDRP has considered a range of smaller projects with relatively modest budgets. These developments contribute greatly to the character of the city and provide a variety of accommodation, from co-living to smaller medium density developments, to individual dwellings and an early learning centre.

“Good design benefits the whole community and need not be the most expensive option.”

The current panel was appointed in 2021 and comprises a specialist group of design professionals with extensive industry experience across a diverse range of fields including architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, sustainability, heritage, and safer by design.

CN is now seeking expressions of interest (EOI) for new members to join the UDRP on a three-year fixed contract. EOIs can be lodged via the Tenderlink portal until 30 April, with the new Panel’s term beginning on 1 July.

CN Executive Director Planning and Environment, Michelle Bisson, thanked the current members for their time and expertise.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to each member of the UDRP for their invaluable contributions throughout 2023. We appreciate the members for generously sharing their extensive industry experience and expertise with applicants and design teams,” Ms Bisson said.

“The UDRP continues to enhance the City’s understanding of good design, and this has set positive benchmarks for future development.

“I look forward to strengthening this expertise with a new panel of independent design experts, allowing us to continue to achieve excellence in urban design long into the future.”

Northern Rivers recovery and resilience program improving flood resilience through the delivery of 36 projects

Bridge expansions, upgraded pumps, enhanced evacuation routes and nature-based projects are just a few of the 36 projects being rolled out as part of the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRRP).

The Albanese Government has provided $150 million to the NSW Government to deliver 36 flood mitigation infrastructure and community resilience projects across all seven local government areas (LGAs) in the Northern Rivers impacted by the devastating 2022 floods.

A number of the 36 projects are now moving from design to delivery phase and aim to reduce the impact of future disasters to create a better position for communities to recover faster.

A key project of the NRRRP is the $40 million expansion of the two bridges which provide access to Ballina Island. To improve evacuation capabilities during flood events, the bridges at Fishery Creek and Tamarind Drive in Ballina, will be duplicated to create dual lane access.

This construction will significantly improve evacuation times, reducing the risk to lives in Ballina, and potentially curb infrastructure repair costs by minimising localised road flooding.

A further two bridges will be built in Tatham along the Woodburn to Coraki Road, improving evacuation routes, access for emergency services, and vital supply routes in the Richmond Valley. In total, the four new bridges represent $58 million of the $150 million funding for the NRRRP.

Another significant project being rolled out in Lismore CBD is the installation of an electric pump station at Lismore Rowing Club, which currently requires a tractor to be driven to the site to operate it manually during flood events.

The new pump is one of $31.5 million worth of projects that will come to life under the NRRRP in Lismore. This list includes the refurbishment of flood gates, drainage improvements, works on flood channels and the upgrade of several pumps.

Outside of Lismore, work is already underway on several of the NRRRP projects including $5.7 million to repair the structural integrity of the Woodburn to Coraki Road at Bungawalbin and Swan Bay in the Richmond Valley, one of the last sections of main road in the area to reopen following the floods.

The first NRRRP project has been completed, which was a small study to evaluate options for flood free access to Junction Hill via the Summerland Way in Grafton.

Further on-ground works and project management for NRRRP projects will be coordinated by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in accordance with the Emergency Response Fund Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program 2022–23 – Federation Funding Agreement.

To ensure local businesses know about the NRRRP’s technical requirements and the pipeline of projects, the RA held industry briefings in Murwillumbah on April 3 and in Casino on April 4, with over 80 people in attendance at both.

More information about projects can be found on the Reconstruction Authority’s website here

Federal Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery, Senator Tony Sheldon said:

“It’s really exciting to see these mitigation and long-term resilience projects in the Northern Rivers underway, and we’re proud to support disaster prone communities prepare to withstand future weather events.

“While we are continuing to work with the NSW Government to deliver the right infrastructure to help protect and mitigate against future disasters, it’s really important that we recognise this significant milestone in the region’s recovery.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“These 36 projects help support the Northern Rivers Region to drive long-term resilience for the community.

“Each of these projects aim to mitigate the impact of future disasters and allow the community to recover more quickly.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“Many of these projects have been suggested by community members or been on councils’ books for many years without the funds to implement them.

“It’s a vital first step towards mitigation, adaptation and building resilience and restoring community confidence before the next disaster strikes.”

Fresh focus for our regions

The NSW Government has today announced changes to the way the Government will serve regional communities, with an enhanced focus on protecting biosecurity, supporting agriculture, fisheries, forestry and mining as well as broader regional development.

From 1 July, 2024, the Department of Regional NSW will be re-named the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. This reflects the twin objectives of growing our primary industries through greater focus on extension services, research and development and supporting regional economic development.

As part of the renewed focus there will also be a change in leadership of the new department.

Rebecca Fox will depart the role of Secretary after almost a decade serving the community in various senior roles in NSW Government. This included guiding the Department of Regional NSW through a period of consolidation and increased focus on delivery for regional communities and primary industries.

The incoming Secretary will be current Chief Executive Officer Local Land Services, Steve Orr, who has had a long and accomplished career serving the community in leadership roles in regional coordination and development, primary industries and local government.

These changes will create two new divisions within the Department, each with Deputy Secretaries reporting directly to the Secretary.

Agriculture and Biosecurity will be grouped to support the delivery of the Independent Commissioners for Agriculture and Biosecurity and reflects the interrelationship between the protection and productivity of our primary industries sector and the environment.

Fisheries and Forestry will also be combined to reflect the common natural resource management issues and the need for the long-term sustainable management and productivity of our state’s fisheries, marine estate and forests.

Regional economic development focused on regional industries and employment will remain firmly rooted in the new department, with broader Regional Coordination functions returning to the NSW Premier’s Department.

The return of Regional Coordination to the Premier’s Department emphasises the Premier and the Minister’s commitment to whole-of-government coordination for regional communities.

While Regional Coordination will sit centrally within government it will report jointly to the Premier and Minister for Regional NSW.

Regional Coordination teams will remain based in their current six regions ensuring the voices and needs of regional communities are at the centre of both government and the NSW public service.

These teams will continue to work with all government agencies, local councils, community and industry partners to coordinate and drive major projects and to address some of the longer-term, complex issues affecting regional communities.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“These changes are an important reflection of the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting regional communities to thrive, and the addition of regional coordination roles to the Premier’s department will ensure a whole of government approach is taken.

“I know that New South Wales does not thrive if our agricultural industry and regional communities are not thriving. I am committed to continuing to invest in and work with our regions to make sure that happens.”

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“These changes will set a course for the future, firmly focused on using an evidence-based approach to ensure funding, programmes and economic support goes where it is needed and generates the most benefits.

“Under new leadership, the department will now focus on our key priorities of protecting, supporting, and developing regional NSW. The focus on biosecurity and agriculture will be boosted and the roll out of the new $350 million Regional Development Trust and the review of the Regional Development Act will be elevated.

“I am looking forward to working alongside Steve Orr in his new role as Secretary.

“Steve is highly respected across rural and regional communities throughout NSW and will bring his considerable experience and knowledge along with a new focus on the pressing needs of the regions.”

NSW Government zeroes in on road safety

The NSW Government is doubling roadside enforcement sites used for mobile speed cameras and unveiling more measures to counter the rising number of deaths on our roads, with actions at state and federal level.

There will be no increase in mobile speed camera enforcement hours, but cameras will be able to be deployed in 2,700 new sites across the state to reduce speeding more widely across the network.

The number of enforcement hours will remain at around 21,000 hours per month across NSW regardless of the new sites where cameras can operate.

The expansion is necessary in response to the increase in fatalities post-COVID. So far in 2024, 109 people have lost their lives on NSW roads – 13 higher than the same point in 2023.

New enforcement sites, which will be scoped over the next 12 months, are the latest road safety measure introduced by the NSW Labor Government, including:

Removing a loophole to force all motorists driving on a foreign licence to convert to a NSW licence within six months
The introduction of seatbelt enforcement by existing mobile phone detection cameras commencing on July 1
The demerit point trial that earlier this month saw 1.1 million drivers get a demerit point wiped from their licence for maintaining a spotless record over 12 months
Hosting the state’s first road safety forum, bringing together more than 150 local and international experts

The NSW Government today announces the actions that have been taken out of the February Road Safety Forum, with Transport for NSW to immediately begin work on:

Partnering with up to ten regional councils to fast-track the implementation of safer speed limits, particularly in areas of high pedestrian activity
A new look road safety communications strategy aimed at, and designed with, young people
Reviewing up to 35 school precincts across the state for improved safety on key routes to school
Supporting safer speeds through better lighting, placemaking and streetscape improvements for areas that have, or are introducing, permanent 40kmh and 30kmh speed zones

On Friday, NSW is joining other states at the Road Safety Ministers’ Meeting hosted by the Australian Government in Melbourne.

NSW has joined national and state road agencies in the signing of a formal data-sharing agreement which will help form a clearer picture of road safety across Australia, and inform strategies designed to increase safety.

Data around the causes of crashes, including speeding, fatigue and seatbelt-use, crash locations, speed limits and types of vehicles involved will all be shared to help design initiatives to lower road trauma nation-wide.

The National Road Safety Data Agreement will extend data sharing to state jurisdictions and non-government researchers, meaning the NSW Government will now be able to utilise information from across the country.

Highlighting the importance of using data to develop road safety strategies, Transport will today launch the Towards Zero Collaboration Hub, consolidating road safety information, data access and resources into a single, accessible platform.

The Hub will build road safety knowledge and empower local councils, community organisations and other road safety stakeholders to work together and share strategies to help prevent deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

Following the NSW Road Safety Forum, Transport will also explore ways with Corrective Services to enhance behaviour change programs for high-risk drink and drug driving offenders, and to implement stronger post-crash drug and alcohol testing after serious crashes.

Transport for NSW will also examine the benefits and challenges of using average speed cameras to enforce speeding for light vehicles.

The Towards Zero Collaboration Hub is now live at: collaborationhub.towardszero.nsw.gov.au

Read the outcome summary from the 2024 Road Safety Forum

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“Reducing the predictability of where roadside cameras are set up was recommended by the NSW Auditor-General.”

“Like all other states around Australia, NSW has experienced an unwelcome rise in road fatalities since the COVID era, and we’re taking action to prevent these tragedies on the road.

“The Road Safety Forum was an extremely valuable opportunity to draw on the expertise and experience of over 150 international and Australian experts and the NSW Government is committed to building upon its recommendations.

“Finalising the National Road Safety Data Sharing Agreement will help form a clearer picture of vital information such as upgrades to roads and driver behaviour trends across Australia, as we work toward lowering road trauma nation-wide.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The rollout of 2,700 new mobile speed camera enforcement sites across NSW will predominantly occur in regional NSW where 1,650 new sites will be eligible once the scoping period is completed over the coming 12 months.

“This is entirely appropriate considering regional NSW represents a third of the NSW population but two-thirds of deaths on our roads.

“We want the public along for the ride on this and urge anyone with a suggested site in mind where safety would be enhanced by a roadside mobile camera to tell Transport for NSW.

“We can do more to help save lives on our roads in regional NSW – and I’m pleased to announce we are actioning initiatives from the Road Safety Forum immediately.

“We are partnering with up to ten regional councils over the next 18 months to accelerate safer speed reviews in towns, villages and on high-risk routes, which will make our towns and country roads safer.”

NSW Government package to support workers and shop owners at Westfield Bondi Junction

The NSW Government is providing a package of workplace resources for workers and businesses at Westfield Bondi Junction, as shops re-open today for the first time in nearly a week.

The NSW Government has been in constant contact with Westfield management as well as the Australian Retailers Association and the retail worker’s union (SDA) to help ensure support is responsive and coordinated.

To further ensure a comprehensive government response, the Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis will on Monday meet with the major insurers for a roundtable to ensure any compensation claims are dealt with promptly and empathetically.

Businesses may be able to access business interruption insurance, while workers may be entitled to make workers compensation claims.

Workers compensation insurance may cover lost income, along with medical and rehabilitation expenses, if an employee experiences a work-related injury, including psychological injuries.

The Minister has tasked SafeWork NSW with creating a package of psychological health and safety support for businesses with fewer than 200 employees including:

A free advice service for these employers which includes confidential one-on-one sessions with an expert on psychological health and safety.
Free mental health training to ensure workers in these businesses have the practical knowledge and skills to support their own mental health and look out for their colleagues.

That support is available by calling SafeWork NSW 13 10 50.

Additional tools that are available include:

The Traumatic Event Management Plan: a practical document intended to assist workplaces respond to and manage traumatic events.
A code of practice which provides practical guidance on how to identify and manage risks to the psychological heath of workers.

Customers returning to Bondi Westfield who would like support can call the New South Wales Mental Health line on 1800 011 511.

Mental health counsellors remain in-person at Bondi Junction, largely around Oxford Street Mall, and will continue as long as needed.

The state insurer, icare, has already begun processing claims and assisting those affected. icare covers the majority of employees in NSW. If you were at work and have been impacted by this incident and you need assistance with workers compensation, please call icare on 13 77 22.

If you are an employer and need assistance with your policy to support affected workers, please call 13 77 22. You can also find out more information and see FAQs.

icare is also providing additional psychological support services to assist employees and supplement the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) service provided by Westfield’s retail employers.

The NSW Government will continue to engage with all stakeholders to help ensure those impacted by the tragic incident on Saturday are provided with support.

Minister Sophie Cotsis

“Please be kind, gentle and sensitive to workers and shop owners today and in the days to come.

“Everyone reacts to these moments in different ways and some workers may find it difficult to return to work.

“The NSW Government is in for the long haul supporting all the workers and shop owners today and into the future.

“Many retail workers are under the age of 25 and it’s vital we listen to them and learn from them what more we can do to support them now and into the future.”