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Infrastructure to Boost Jobs and Bust Congestion in Western Australia

The WA economy will receive a $940 million boost from additional Federal and State infrastructure funding over the next four years.
A $868 million injection of Federal funding will increase total federal infrastructure investment in Western Australia from about $4.5 billion to about $5.4 billion over the next four years.
The Morrison and McGowan Governments have been working together to get more projects underway to drive jobs, strengthen the economy and get people home sooner and safer.
In addition, the Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments have announced a new round of road and METRONET projects in Perth and surrounds to further bust congestion, boost jobs and improve safety.
More than $200 million in Federal and State contributions will fund six projects including the widening of Mitchell Freeway southbound between Hodges Drive and Hepburn Avenue and construction of a new METRONET station at Lakelands on the Mandurah rail line.
The latest package of works will generate around 1,000 jobs, adding to the thousands of other jobs being created by other WA infrastructure projects that are either under construction or in the pipeline.
The State Government highlighted what existing projects needed a bring forward of funding to meet the State Government’s ambitious timeframes for construction.
At the same time both Governments have progressed a number of congestion-busting road and METRONET projects in and around Perth, boosting employment and improving road network safety.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the eight existing projects where funding has been brought forward would help drive jobs and the economy, and deliver the roads and rail WA needed to help bust congestion.
“With $817 million in additional federal funding being injected into these eight projects over the current forward estimates period we’re focused on getting people to work and home sooner and safer while also boosting WA’s economy,” the Prime Minister said.
“We’re delivering this package of critical road and rail projects sooner as part of our $100 billion pipeline which forms a key plank of our plan for a stronger economy.”
Premier of Western Australia Mark McGowan said the new package of works will generate around 1,000 jobs, adding to the thousands of other jobs being created by other WA infrastructure projects that are either under construction or in the pipeline.
“We’re already embarking on the biggest road and rail building program WA has ever seen,” Mr McGowan said.
“This new agreement with the Commonwealth comes on top of the almost 500 road and METRONET projects currently underway or in the pipeline – when complete it will be an unprecedented transformation of our transport network.
“My Government’s number one priority is local jobs – this new infrastructure package will create more WA jobs and more opportunities for local businesses.
“The bringing forward of funding by the Commonwealth also ensures that the State Government can get on with building the projects.”
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said that this package again demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to ensure WA gets its fair share in federal infrastructure investment to boost growth, create more jobs while improving road safety and busting congestion.
“Since 2013, the Federal Government has committed more than $13.5 billion in additional federal infrastructure funding to support projects across Western Australia.
“Our Government is focused on delivering projects which deliver real benefits to Western Australians, whether it’s upgrading the Great Northern Highway and Apple Street intersection ensuring better safety for motorists or improving commuter congestion on the Mandurah rail line.
“The package of works will significantly benefit all West Australians now and in the future,” Senator Cormann said.
“These projects guarantee work for local trades and keep money flowing through local businesses throughout the construction phase and beyond.”
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said starting construction on $430 million worth of Urban Congestion Fund projects across Perth was a top priority.
“This string of Urban Congestion Fund projects will bust congestion to save WA commuters and business precious time and money,” Mr Tudge said.
“We also want to improve the overall safety and capacity of Perth’s freeway system, which is why projects like the Mitchell Freeway widening, due to be completed in 2021, are crucial.”
From 2014 to 2018 there were 560 crashes on this freeway including one fatality and 126 crashes in which people required medical attention.
Western Australian Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said this is a significant undertaking by both governments to add to the existing pipeline of road and rail works across the State.
“The package of works has something for Perth’s northern, eastern and southern suburbs which are all experiencing significant population growth,” Ms Saffioti said.
“These road and rail projects will join a long pipeline of other major infrastructure developments such as METRONET that will create local jobs and set the foundation for our economy to grow.
“The State Government put forward an ambitious timeframe for the existing projects and we’re working hard to get new contracts underway, as soon as possible, including having to work through Federal environmental processes.”
The McGowan Government is committed to building Karnup Station, and with 80 per cent of funding on offer from the Commonwealth for Lakelands Station, the State Government has also agreed to progress with the construction of Lakelands.
Senator Cormann also pointed out that in the Perth’s Hills, two intersections connecting Great Eastern Highway and Old Northam Road – one in Sawyers Valley and one in Wooroloo – will be upgraded to improve safety.
“These upgrades, worth $14.4 million, will create 70 jobs and reduce the risk of serious crashes,” Senator Cormann said.
“A new roundabout at the intersection of the Great Northern Highway and Apple Street in Upper Swan will improve safety and help reduce congestion as population in the area continues to grow.
“Seed funding of $2.5 million has also been provided to plan a full grade separation at the intersection of Reid Highway and Erindale Road in Balcatta. The resulting planning will enable both governments to consider future investment to build the new interchange.”

NEW INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS:

Mitchell Freeway (Hodges Drive to Hepburn Avenue) Widening southbound
Cost estimate: $76 million
Jobs created: 530
Funding spilt: $38 million Federal, $38 million State
Lakelands Station (Mandurah Line)
Cost estimate: $80 million
Jobs created: 200
Funding spilt: $64 million Federal, $16 million State
Great Northern Highway (Apple Street) Intersection Upgrade
Cost estimate: $14 million
Jobs created: 90
Funding spilt: $7 million Federal, $7 million State/City of Swan/private sector
Wanneroo Road (Morley Drive) Intersection Upgrade
Cost estimate: $15 million
Jobs created: 90
Funding spilt: $7.5 million Federal, $7.5 million State
Great Eastern Highway (Old Northam Road) upgrade two intersections at Wooroloo and at Sawyers Valley
Cost estimate: $14.375 million
Jobs created: 70
Funding spilt: $11.5 million Federal, $2.875 million State
Reid Highway (Erindale Road) project development for grade separation
Cost estimate: $2.5 million (seed funding)
Jobs created: TBA
Funding spilt: $2 million Federal, $0.5 million State

PROJECT FUNDING BROUGHT FORWARD:

  • $283.6 million for the Bunbury Outer Ring Road
    • Funding to flow immediately from this financial year over the next four financial years to enable the commencement of works in early 2021 after the majority of funding previously being allocated beyond 2022-23
    • Australian Government contribution to the project is $681.6 million ($283.6 million brought forward)
    • Western Australian Government contribution to the project is $170.4 million
  • $82.8 million for the Albany Ring Road
    • Funding to flow over the next four financial years to enable the commencement of works in late 2020 after the majority of funding previously being allocated beyond 2021-22
    • Australian Government contribution to the project is $140 million ($82.8 million brought forward)
    • Western Australian Government contribution to the project is $35 million
  • $36.2 million for the Alice Springs to Halls Creek Corridor Upgrade
    • Funding to flow immediately and over the next six financial years to enable the commencement of works in 2020 after the majority of funding previously being allocated beyond 2022-23
    • Australian Government contribution to the project is $75 million ($36.2 million brought forward)
    • Western Australian Government contribution to the project is $18.75 million
  • $16 million for the Fremantle Traffic Bridge
    • Funding to flow over the next five financial years to enable the commencement of works in 2021 after previously being allocated beyond 2021-22
    • Australian Government contribution to the project is $115 million ($16 million brought forward)
    • Western Australian Government contribution to the project is $115 million
  • $156.7 million for the Karratha to Tom Price Corridor
    • Funding to flow immediately and over the next six financial years as construction on Stage 3 is already underway after the majority of funding previously being allocated beyond 2022-23
    • Australian Government contribution to the project is $248 million ($156.7 million brought forward)
    • Western Australian Government contribution to the project is $62 million
  • $40.8 million for the Newman to Katherine Corridor Upgrade
    • Funding to flow immediately and over the next four financial years to enable the commencement of works by 2020 after the majority of funding previously being allocated beyond 2022-23
    • Australian Government contribution to the project is $70 million ($40.8 million brought forward)
    • Western Australian Government contribution to the project is $17.5 million
  • $40.8 million for Port Augusta to Perth Corridor
    • Funding to flow immediately and over the next three financial years to enable the commencement of works in 2020 after the majority of funding previously being allocated beyond 2022-23
    • Australian Government contribution to the project is $50 million ($40.8 million brought forward)
    • Western Australian Government contribution to the project is $12.5 million
  • $159.9 million for Tonkin Highway Gap
    • Funding to flow immediately to enable the commencement of works in mid-2020 after the majority of funding previously being allocated beyond 2021-22
    • Australian Government contribution to the project is $232 million ($159.9 million brought forward)
    • Western Australian Government contribution to the project is $58 million

$1.9 Billion Road and Rail Boost for Queensland Economy

A $1.9 billion road and rail package will boost the Queensland economy and drive more jobs, while getting people home sooner and safer.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk hailed the historic deal which fast-tracks spending on a host of road and rail projects all over the State.
The Morrison Government will bring forward nearly $650 million in funding and provide more than $680 million in new funding, with the Palaszczuk Government committing $606 million.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said delivering critical road projects sooner, as part of the Government’s $100 billion pipeline, was responsible and considered economic management.
“We want these road and rail projects delivered as quickly as possible so Queenslanders can benefit from better infrastructure, but importantly we want to boost the economy now.
“We will bring forward more than $440 million in federal funding on top of the nearly $3.8 billion we will spend across the state over the next 18 months,” the Prime Minister said.
“By bringing forward these important road projects we will drive jobs, boost the economy and make Queensland roads and highways safer, while reducing travel times so people can be with their families instead of being stuck in traffic.
“We will bring forward funding for a total of 20 projects right throughout Queensland, including key upgrades on the M1, Bruce, Warrego and Cunningham Highways, and the North Coast Rail Line.”
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the agreement means jobs.
“I have always said we work best when we work together,” the Premier said.
“We have called for a better deal for Queensland and the Prime Minister has listened.
“We’re getting projects off drawing boards to create more jobs in more industries and deliver the things that make people’s lives better.”
Both governments have reached an agreement on $9.3 billion Inland Rail project, paving the way for the delivery of the project in Queensland.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Liberal and Nationals Government is focused on job growth and strengthening the economy.
“The Government’s record $100 billion infrastructure pipeline is delivering projects people want and need, while providing employment opportunities and economic growth across Australia, in particular in regional communities supporting local jobs,” Mr McCormack said.
“The Inland Rail project is a critical investment for Queensland and is projected to create 7,200 construction jobs and a more than $7 billion boost to the state economy.
“We’re also bringing forward funding and delivery for key projects to benefit not only road freight but improve safety for locals and tourists such as the Rockhampton and Mackay ring roads.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said details of the projects included in the deal will be released shortly.
“This is a massive win for Queensland,” the Minister said.
“The Gold Coast’s northern suburbs are growing quickly so we need to start upgrades on the M1 at exits 41 and 49.
“Queensland’s money for those projects was already locked in, so now we can get on with them.
“We delivered a record $23 billion over four years for road and transport in this year’s state budget.
“This deal boosts that record investment and will strengthen the pipeline of work coming online.”
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the new package followed a significant funding boost for Queensland at the most recent Budget.
“Since coming to Government we have committed more than $25.7 billion towards infrastructure in Queensland and this new package will now see around $10.5 billion delivered across the state over the next four years,” Minister Tudge said.
“These commitments build on an already strong track record of investment by the Morrison Government in Queensland through projects like the Gold Coast Light Rail which will contribute to our SEQ City Deal.”

NEW AND ADDITIONAL FEDERAL FUNDING FOR PROJECTS

  • $400 million for future priorities on the National Network including M1;
    • Funding to flow immediately over the next two years;
    • This commitment builds on the $91.4 million in federal funding for existing M1 upgrades being brought forward, and the $46.3 million in additional funding for M1 Interchange Upgrades Exits 41 and 49;
    • Expenditure of remaining funds will be agreed between the Australian and Queensland Governments;
  • $157 million for Stage 3A of the Gold Coast Light Rail project;
    • Funding to flow immediately over the next four years;
    • This commitment builds on the $60 million in federal funding being brought forward;
    • Total cost of the project is $709 million
    • The project will create more than 760 jobs during construction.
    • Australian Government contribution is now $269 million up from $112 million.
    • Queensland Government contribution is $351 million.
    • Gold Coast City Council contribution is $89 million.
  • $50 million for the relocation of the Loganlea Station;
    • Funding to flow from 2020-21;
    • Total cost of the project is $95 million;
    • Queensland Government contribution is $45 million;
  • $46.3 million for M1 Interchange Upgrades Exits 41 and 49;
    • Funding to flow immediately; and increases the Australian Government’s contribution to the project to $96.3 million;
    • Total cost of the project is $192.6 million;
    • Queensland Government contribution is $96.3 million;
  • $20 million for planning for the Port of Brisbane connection
    • Funding to flow from 2020-21;
    • Total cost of the project is $20 million;
    • Queensland Government will provide an in-kind matching contribution;
  • $10 million for the development of a business case for the Salisbury to Beaudesert rail line
    • Funding to flow from 2020-21;
    • Total cost of the project is $20 million;
    • Queensland Government contribution is $10 million.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROJECT FUNDING BROUGHT FORWARD

  • $225.6 million for Bruce Highway upgrades, including the Linkfield Road Overpass, the Pine River to Caloundra corridor, Stage 2 of the Mackay Ring Road, the Rockhampton Ring Road, and Stage 5 of the Cairns Southern Access;
    • Funding to flow immediately after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.
  • $118.5 million for Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative upgrades including the Cooktown to Weipa, Townsville to Roma, and Toowoomba to Seymour (Queensland section) corridors, as well as Shute Harbour Road;
    • Funding to flow immediately after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.
  • $94.3 million for M1 Pacific Motorway upgrades between Eight Mile Plains and Daisy Hill, Daisy Hill to Logan Motorway, and Varsity Lakes to Tugun;
    • Funding to flow from 2020-21 after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.
  • $90 million for the North Coast Rail Line Upgrade between Beerburrum and Nambour;
    • Funding to flow immediately after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.
  • $62 million for Stage 3A of the Gold Coast Light Rail project;
    • Funding to flow immediately after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.
  • $22 million for new upgrades along the Warrego Highway;
    • Funding to flow from 2020-21 after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.
  • $27 million for new upgrades along the Cunningham Highway;
    • Funding to flow from 2021-22 after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.
  • $9 million for road upgrades associated with the Hinkler Regional Deal including the Torbanlea Pialba Road Upgrade, Bargara Road Upgrade, and Isis Overtaking Lanes;
    • Funding to flow from 2020-21 after previously being allocated beyond 2021-22.
  • $7 million for the North Brisbane Bruce Highway Western Alternative to examine the viability of constructing a western alternative corridor parallel to the Bruce Highway in north Brisbane;
    • Funding to flow from 2021-22 after previously being allocated beyond the forward estimates.

City to launch flagship cultural event in 2020

City of Newcastle has its sights on establishing a cultural festival with nation-wide appeal in 2020 and is looking to the community to help make it uniquely Novocastrian.
The flagship event is planned to launch in late 2020 and will be shaped by engagement with residents across the local government area along with visual artists, musicians and performers.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the festival would mark another milestone in Newcastle’s transformation and demonstrate the City’s commitments to the arts.
“Through culture and the creative arts, we tell our city’s story, share our histories and understand our identity,” the Lord Mayor said.
“A key part of the process is listening to our community to ensure Novocastrians shape how this event looks and feels.
“We want a festival that will foster and support our existing grassroots arts and cultural scene while having broad appeal and the ability to attract new audiences.
“The community’s feedback will play a vital part in launching this new cultural initiative in 2020.”
Early consultation with the arts sector has identified that access to free events hosted at independent spaces as well as our City’s cultural institutions are important elements to consider, as is the need for a diversity of options.
The desire to host events in unique and iconic locations in Newcastle not usually associated with cultural events has also emerged as an exciting concept.
The festival will cater for all ages and have a mix of events that will be both free of charge and ticketed.
People are invited to have their say now to help shape art and culture in our city.
Step 1: Complete the survey
Step 2: Vote on the cultural experience wall
Consultation closes 5pm Wednesday 15 January, 2020.
For more information visit our Have Your Say page.
Australia’s flagship cultural events

Dark Mofo – Launceston Tasmania
Sydney Festival – NSW
Adelaide Festival – South Australia
Vivid Festival Sydney – NSW
Adelaide Fringe Festival – South Australia		 Melbourne International Comedy Festival – Victoria
Perth Festival – Western Australia
Brisbane Festival – Queensland
Garma Festival – Northern Territory

Councillors to vote Tuesday evening on City’s first new library in 13 years

Councillors will be asked to support the City’s first new library since 2006, when they meet next Tuesday evening.
A $2.8 million Digital Library inside the entry to the City’s new Council Administration Centre in Newcastle West is expected to attract 50,000 people in its first year, and would be twice the size of existing libraries in Stockton, Lambton, Beresfield, Adamstown, Mayfield and the City Local History branch.
Digital-Library2.JPGA programable robot, podcasting studio, virtual reality equipment, interactive digital storywall and 3D printer are just some of the technologies that will be available to the community within the Digital Library.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Digital Library takes the best elements of traditional libraries and enhances the experience with modern technology.
“The Digital Library experience provides cutting edge digital experiences combined with the most popular elements of the traditional library space. It aims to create opportunities to experience emerging technologies and spark innovation, while still being a flexible place for people to learn, relax and collaborate.
“The 510m2 Digital Library will be the largest ever after only the City and Wallsend libraries. It will create unique digital experiences that will be a first for the city and region, while still meeting the core principles of connecting communities through sharing knowledge and information.
“Earlier this year Council unanimously supported our 2019 Library Strategy, which included digital inclusion, creativity and innovation as an updated vision for our library network.
“Our Library Strategy involved consulting with more than 1,300 people on what services they want and need in 2019 and beyond from our libraries.
“Additionally, the feedback from the community since we first went public with the concept of a Digital Library has been overwhelmingly positive.
“The $2.8 million cost of the Digital Library will largely be funded using the $2 million proceeds of the 2015 sale of the historic School of Arts building on Hunter Street. A condition of the sale was that the proceeds could only be used for future library infrastructure.
“Building the Library inside the entry to our Council Administration Centre also means we will avoid about $3.2 million in costs that would have been incurred had we proceeded to build a standalone Digital Library in the local area,” she said.
Manager Libraries and Learning Suzie Gately said Newcastle West is the perfect location for the region’s first Digital Library.
“Earlier this year, Councillors were presented data showing that the recent boom in population in Newcastle West, Wickham and Honeysuckle had created a critical need in the area for a new library service.
“The Digital Library will be located opposite the Newcastle Interchange, which means it’s convenient to train, light rail, bus, bicycle and kiss-and-ride transport modes.
“The Digital Library has been designed so that it can be quickly placed into onsite storage to allow the space to also act as the Council Chamber when meetings occur several times each month,” she said.
Major elements of the Digital Library include:
·       A Robot to create a unique user experience and participate as the source of community coding workshops
·       VR – virtual reality equipment to showcase new technologies
·       An Interactive digital story wall – inspired by the Christchurch City Library, telling stories of Newcastle’s heritage, inviting customers to  explore online exhibitions and displaying vision from key city attractions such as Blackbutt Reserve and the Anzac Memorial Walk
·       A digital “green” room with podcast equipment will be bookable by the public
·       Programming activities for all ages focussed on science and technology, such as coding, podcast or VR workshops
·       A digital ‘Magic Box’ that replicates pages from any of the digitised items from the City’s Rare Book collection
·       A 3D printer alongside a multifunction print and scan device for public use
·       The ability to borrow from the retail styled collections of the latest bestsellers through the self-loan kiosk and return your items on the self-return shelves
·       Access to thousands of digital collection titles to complement the modest collection for adults and children
·       A dedicated Pressreader table with access to 6,000 newspaper and magazine titles
·       Hublets – tablets available to borrow in the library – useful for those without devices
·       Ereaders for loan
·       Targeted digital inclusion support for eGov services
·       Automated print and payment system, which allows members to pay for printing, copying, fines and services both online and onsite by using credit on their library cards.

Women’s support network gets Supercars boost

A second charity that helps women in need has been made a City of Newcastle charity partner for the 2019 Newcastle 500.
The City’s third, annual Supercars function for community and business leaders will help raise money and awareness for Nova for Women and Children, a charity that assists women and children escaping domestic and family violence, at risk of homelessness, or currently experiencing it.
Inside-2.jpgGYBS founder Mel Histon (left) with Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Nova for Women and Children CEO Kelly Hansen.
‘Nova’ joins Got Your Back Sista as the second beneficiary of Saturday’s charity auction at Fort Scratchley, which will be followed by International White Ribbon Day on Monday.
“We’re delighted to be able to leverage this year’s event to help another wonderful charity that helps vulnerable women,” Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“Nova for Women and Children and Got Your Back Sista are charity organisations that are there for women and children at a time when they most need support.
“The past two events have also coincided with White Ribbon Day, so through this function we’re maintaining and bolstering support for a cause that no one can argue with – campaigning against the disturbing, ongoing incidence of domestic violence.”
Nova for Women and Children are a local service that have provided emergency accommodation and specialist case management support, to women and children in crisis for over 35 years.
“We are extremely grateful to be welcomed as the City’s second charity partner for Newcastle’s biggest event,” CEO Kelly Hansen said.
‘We’re really looking forward to the day because this is a great opportunity for us to raise our profile and precious funds for homeless women and their children, and others in crisis.”
Inside-(1).jpg
Got Your Back Sista (GYBS) became the City’s first official charity partner in 2017 and helps women and children who’ve fled domestic violence set-up a safe home.
“The luncheon is a great opportunity to share our message that domestic violence is never acceptable and that we are there for any victims of it,” GYBS Founder Melissa Histon said.
“We work to help women start their lives again and live independently, so we are profoundly grateful once again for the support of both the City of Newcastle and Supercars.”
Supported by an army of volunteers from both organisations, Histon and Nova’s operations manager, Lee Liewes, will address guests before six auction items go under the hammer.
They include an all-expenses paid three-night trip for two to Auckland’s Avani Metropolis hotel, a catered corporate suite for 20 people at the Knights-Manly NRL game next year at McDonald Jones Stadium, and a night’s stay for two at a five-star hotel in Sydney

LEVEL TWO WATER RESTRICTIONS FOR GREATER SYDNEY AND THE ILLAWARRA

Sydney, Blue Mountains and the Illawarra will soon experience Level 2 water restrictions from 10 December to continue to protect Greater Sydney’s water supply from drought conditions.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Water Melinda Pavey announced the restrictions will take effect when the dam levels in the region reach 45 per cent which is expected around mid-December. To give the community certainty, the water restrictions will be in place from 10 December.
Ms Berejiklian said dam levels are currently close to 46 per cent and continue to drop every week.
“Usually, we would expect to have Level 2 water restrictions come into effect when dam levels reached 40 per cent. But given the rapid rate of decline of our dam levels we have decided to enact the next level of restrictions sooner than planned,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We’re experiencing one of the most severe droughts on record and we expect introducing Level 2 restrictions to save 78.5 gigalitres of water per year.
“We all need to do our bit to ensure we are using water wisely and these restrictions will help secure water for Sydney, Blue Mountains and Illawarra.”
More than 85 per cent of Greater Sydney’s water is supplied by captured rainfall and because of the current drought dam levels have reached the lowest levels seen since the Millennium drought.
Under the new Level 2 water restrictions people will be required to use a bucket or watering can to water their gardens between approved times, cars can only be washed with a bucket or taken to a commercial car wash and topping up of pools and spas is limited to 15 minutes a day with a trigger nozzle.
Ms Pavey said the Bureau of Meteorology has predicted another hot summer ahead with on-going dry conditions.
“We’re doing the work to save as much drinking water as we can to ensure there is enough if the drought persists,” Ms Pavey said.
“Businesses who rely upon outdoor water use as part of their operations need to get an exemption.
If a business applied for and received a permit under the previous level of restrictions, they’ll need to contact Sydney Water to confirm it’s still valid.”
Fines will still apply for breaches of water restrictions – $220 for residential breaches and $550 for businesses. For up-to-date information on Level 2 restrictions visit lovewater.sydney/restrictions

PARAMEDIC SAFETY PROMPTS BODY CAMERA TRIAL

Paramedics will be fitted with high-tech body cameras from tomorrow as part of the NSW Government’s $48 million reform package to improve the safety of frontline health staff.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said paramedics from Liverpool, Sydney Ambulance Centre at Eveleigh, and Hamilton in suburban Newcastle will be part of a 12-month voluntary trial.
“We need to look after the people who look after us and if this technology can help deter abuse and assaults against frontline paramedics, we need to give it go,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Hopefully, agitated individuals will modify their behaviour when they realise their actions are being recorded because our paramedics are not a punching bag for anyone’s frustration.
“Paramedics are there to help us and it is never OK to abuse them. Assaults carry heavy penalties and, if needed, bodycam footage will be used as evidence when prosecuting people.”
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said 60 body cameras will be used in the trial by paramedics and if it is successful, more could be rolled out state-wide.
“When the idea of body cameras was raised at the paramedic roundtable, the NSW Government listened and worked with us to introduce the technology,” Dr Morgan said.
“The cameras will be another set of eyes for our paramedics and in addition to hopefully deterring abuse, there is scope to use them for training purposes further down the line.”
The body cameras pilot follows additional NSW Government reforms introduced over the past 12 months to improve paramedic workplace safety including:

  • $24 million for a technology upgrade including:
  1. upgrade of mobile data terminals to pinpoint the location of paramedics.
  2. new in-vehicle radios to ensure enhanced reception.
  3. enhanced duress procedures and reporting.
  • $3.3 million for face-to-face occupational violence training.
  • $ 4 million for high-tech smartphones to overcome radio blackspots.

The NSW Government is investing more than $1 billion in NSW Ambulance in 2019-20, including $27 million to employ 221 extra paramedics and call centre staff. These staff are the second tranche of a record workforce boost of 750 to be deployed over four years.

BLUEPRINT CHARTS TRILLION DOLLAR FUTURE FOR NSW

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet today released the NSW 2040 Economic Blueprint, a landmark document designed as a roadmap for continued success.
The Blueprint forecasts NSW will continue to power the nation, with our State economy tripling in size to be worth as much as two trillion dollars by around 2040.
Prepared by NSW Chief Economist Stephen Walters, the Blueprint predicts a bright future for NSW on the back of our strong financial position, high levels of education, focus on innovation and growth, and proximity to the booming Asian middle class.
“The billions we are pouring in to infrastructure are helping drive the economy and create jobs now, but also positioning the State for ongoing growth,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The future success of NSW is unlimited if we are prepared to back ourselves, innovate, build our skills, and have both a domestic and global economic focus to attract investment and create the industries and jobs of the future.
“NSW is a leader not a follower – we are building success for future generations.”
Mr Walters said the Blueprint would continue to evolve with the initial document focused on both short and long-term strategies to grow the NSW economy.
“The Blueprint sets the tone for our continued success – it doesn’t shy away from the challenges, but highlights the opportunities we have to really grow our economy.”
The report outlines a range of aspirations for NSW to reach by 2040 including:

  • The nation’s first trillion-dollar economy
  • Healthy, productive people
  • Liveable and connected cities
  • Productive, vibrant regions
  • Innovative and world class businesses
  • A sustainable environment with reliable and affordable energy
  • Enhanced performance of government

For more information: treasury.nsw.gov.au/nsw-economy/nsw-2040-economic-blueprint

SYDNEY GATEWAY GOES ON PUBLIC EXHIBITION

A seamless trip to and from Sydney Airport is closer than ever with the proposed Sydney Gateway project moving to the next stage of the planning process.
The community can have their say on the project with the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and draft Major Development Plan (MDP) now on public exhibition.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the NSW Government is focused on completing the motorway network’s missing links to keep Sydney moving.
“The toll-free Sydney Gateway will improve connections to Sydney Airport and Port Botany with the CBD and beyond,” Mr Constance said.
“The new roads will have capacity to carry 100,000 vehicles a day, which will cater for growth to support our communities and economy, while enabling people and goods to move more safely and reliably.
“Sydney Gateway will provide a new route for around 10,000 trucks a day. This will help remove trucks from Mascot, reduce travel times and congestion, and return local streets to the community.
“This project will improve public transport to and from the Airport by providing faster and more direct access for buses, giving people freedom to choose how they move.”
Community can make a submission on the EIS at the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s planning portal website. Submissions on the draft MDP, which is a Commonwealth requirement, will be managed by Sydney Airport.
For more information visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/sydney-gateway.

REFORMS PROVIDE BETTER PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN

Offenders convicted of certain crimes against children who fail to comply with reporting obligations will be better held to account under reforms that passed NSW Parliament today.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said offenders on the Child Protection Register who claim to have a ‘reasonable excuse’ for not complying with their reporting obligations will now have to prove that excuse in court.
“The reporting obligations of these offenders is critical to community safety,” Mr Speakman said.
“Offenders who breach their obligations without reasonable excuse are liable to imprisonment for up to five years and/or a fine of $55,000. This reform clarifies that the onus is no longer on the prosecution to prove beyond reasonable doubt the absence of a reasonable excuse.”
The NSW Government’s reforms will also improve legal procedures in certain cases for children under the age of 14 who are victims or alleged victims of sexual offences.
“These children are some of the most vulnerable people in our community and to date they have been at a disadvantage, as they may be unable to provide consent to share potentially crucial information in the proceedings,” Mr Speakman said.
“We want to rectify this to avoid unnecessary delays in what can already be highly traumatic court hearings.”
The amendments will enable a ‘suitable person’, like a parent or guardian, to consent to the child’s counselling records to become evidence in court. In the past, these records would have been inadmissible because of sexual assault communications privilege, which protects the relationship between a counsellor and a victim of sexual assault.