Author: admin

The inconvenient detour around a landslip at Naughtons Gap Road near Casino is now a thing of the past, following the completion of a $15.8 million disaster recovery project, funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments.

The project to repair the road to a more resilient standard was jointly funded through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements; and is the first Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package (RRTRP) project started and completed.

In March 2021 a landslip brought on by heavy rain forced the closure of Naughtons Gap Road. Damage to the road was compounded by the severe weather events to hit the North Coast in February and March 2022.

The road remained closed until 6 December 2024 when Richmond Valley Council completed a major restoration and resilience project.

The Council used material recovered from the landslip on other projects, saving the council and the project $2.4 million in disposal fees.

The betterment project included the construction of catch fencing to contain future falling debris, the implementation of a soldier pile wall, as well as ground anchors, extensive earthworks, drainage and pavement reconstruction, with a focus on ensuring stability amidst ongoing landslip movements.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister:

“The 2022 floods had an enduring impact on the Northern Rivers.

“We’re rebuilding roads to a more resilient standard for families to stay connected and safe.

“We’re working with the NSW Government to help communities recover from and prepare for future natural disasters.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully:

“The NSW government is committed to making sure we do all we can to fortify the road and mitigate against future natural disasters and keep communities safe.

“This road is critical to the livelihoods of the residents who can now return to normalcy and feel assured about access in the future.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport & Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“We know that for every dollar invested in risk mitigation or betterment projects, up to $10 is saved in recovery, so the Naughtons Gap Road resilience project was an investment well worth making.

“Naughtons Gap Road stretches from Bentley to Casino, connecting key residential, commercial and industrial areas.

“The road has been closed since the March 2021 rain event when it initially cracked, and then further damage occurred from the landslip during the 2022 flood events.

“However, not only has the road been restored to full service, but additional betterment funding has also helped to strengthen the rebuilt section from future flooding and landslip events.

“This project provides an excellent example of what can be done when all levels of government work together.”

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery, Janelle Saffin:

“Richmond Valley Council deserves commendation for recognising the value of the new disaster recovery program and acting quickly on it.

“They have achieved value for money and, most importantly, have improved access for the roughly 1000 motorists who were using this road each day before the March 2021 landslip.

“Other councils are following in their footsteps and are also showing their commitment to making life better for their residents.”

Richmond Valley Mayor, Robert Mustow:

“The opening marks an exciting milestone not only for Richmond Valley, but the whole Northern Rivers region, as the long-anticipated Naughtons Gap Road officially reopened to traffic.

“This essential infrastructure project, completed after two years of geotechnical investigations, planning, design and construction, was delivered at an efficient rate, despite recent heavy rain.

“We recognise this road closure has been an inconvenience to residents and businesses, and we thank them for their patience and understanding while this important work was undertaken.

“On behalf of our community I’d like to thank the Australian and NSW governments for the funding support which has enabled this project to be completed.”

The transformation of Blackwattle Bay has hit another major milestone with three highly experienced developers shortlisted to renew the 3.6-hectare parcel of Government-owned land, currently home to the Sydney Fish Market, into a vibrant mixed-use precinct.

After significant interest from industry, three developers have been shortlisted following an Expression of Interest process to partner with the NSW Government:

• Lendlease Development Pty Ltd
• Mirvac Office Developments Pty Ltd
• Stockland Urban Development Sub 2C Pty Ltd

These developers are all highly regarded urban renewal specialists with extensive experience in delivering housing, world-class public spaces, as well as active retail and commercial precincts.  

A change to the planning controls is being sought to enable a more flexible land use mix that responds to the need for more homes, without changing the building heights or gross floor area.

Shortlisted developers will be invited to submit a request for proposal in early 2025.

Under the proposed planning controls, renewal of the existing Sydney Fish Market site will deliver up to 1,100 new homes within walking distance of Sydney’s CBD, light rail and the future Pyrmont Metro Station.

This opportunity forms part of the broader urban renewal of Blackwattle Bay precinct bookended by the new Sydney Fish Market and a new harbourfront park at Bank Street.

The Blackwattle Bay precinct will see world-class public spaces delivered as a priority, including a new 1.1-hectare park at Bank Street and a new foreshore promenade, completing the missing link in the 15-kilometre continuous harbourside walk between Woolloomooloo and Rozelle Bay. 

Find out more about Blackwattle Bay

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“This is a major milestone for the project and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Blackwattle Bay into a lively world-class waterfront precinct alongside Sydney’s harbour, for all to enjoy.

“We are confident one of the shortlisted developers will deliver a vibrant new precinct including a new waterfront promenade and more open space alongside new homes and jobs.  

“Blackwattle Bay is now set to boost housing supply, while unlocking the potential of the area and creating thousands of jobs to support a thriving 24-hour economy. 

“Blackwattle Bay is in a prime location on the doorstep of the soon-to-be completed new Sydney Fish Market and will complete the last piece of the puzzle in the 15-kilometre harbourside walk from Woolloomooloo and Rozelle Bay.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to invest in meaningful action to prevent domestic and family violence across the state, including providing funding to proven prevention programs like Next Level in Coffs Harbour.

The NSW Government has provided a $250,000 grant to Anglicare North Coast to continue their domestic and family violence program for migrant and refugee communities, Next Level, in the Coffs Harbour region.

We recognise the unique needs of migrants and refugees whose domestic, family and sexual violence experiences can be further impacted by other factors, such as social and institutional barriers that inhibit access to services and systems that are available.

The funding provided by the NSW Government means new and existing participants can access the program. It also enables transition pathways to local and culturally safe support so that work to improve the safety of women and children and prevent domestic and family violence in multicultural communities can be maintained.

The Next Level program has already achieved positive outcomes for local families, women and children from multicultural backgrounds by providing holistic, in-language and culturally appropriate responses to domestic, family and sexual violence.

In the past year, 150 men and women from migrant and refugee backgrounds have participated in Next Level group work, as well as individual case management and counselling. The program has improved participants’ safety and wellbeing by advancing gender equality and promoting respectful relationships.

It has also proven effective in engaging with migrant and refugee men to have difficult conversations about their abusive behaviours. Through strong community connections, it has been able to intervene early and contribute to preventing and reducing violence against women and children from migrant and refugee backgrounds.

Anglicare’s program had previously been funded by the Federal government.

Funding by the NSW Government will ensure Next Level is funded to November 2025. It is part of the government’s ongoing work to create a safer New South Wales, by addressing domestic and family violence in a comprehensive way from primary prevention, earlier intervention to crisis responses and recovery.

To address the unique needs of victim survivors from multicultural backgrounds, the government has also invested $4.4 million in the NSW Multicultural Centre for Women’s and Family Safety.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is continuing to work on building a safer New South Wales. We are taking a whole of government and whole of community approach to achieve the shared vision of ending gender-based violence.

“The Next Level program has demonstrated that it is effective in engaging with multicultural communities in the Coffs Harbour area, and implementing culturally safe strategies that prevent domestic and family violence in the community.

“That is why the NSW Government has stepped in to fund this program to ensure participants are fully supported to live safe and free from violence.”

Labor spokesperson for Coffs Harbour Cameron Murphy MLC said:

“I welcome the NSW Government’s significant support for the Next Level program.

“The program is vital for Coffs Harbour as it provides culturally appropriate support for migrants as we all work towards safe and respectful relationships in our community.”

CEO of Anglicare North Coast Mark McNamara said:

“Most of our program participants have experienced major trauma and loss, left their country, their homes and communities, to save their lives and search for a better way of life.

“Anglicare North Coast has seen the impact Next Level has had on local refugee and migrant communities, particularly their attitudes towards family relationships and gender-based violence.

“We have seen men in our group program openly embrace behaviour change strategies and gender equality, including advocating in their communities for family safety and respectful relationships.

“We have identified women at risk of experiencing domestic and family violence, and provided culturally safe support and individual counselling to prevent violence and abuse.

“I would like to thank the loyalty and professionalism shown by our program participants, staff and partners who kept the faith since the program was defunded in June 2024.

“This funding from the NSW Government will ensure we can continue to support our participants for the next year as they build their new lives in Coffs Harbour free from violence.”

Support services:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to ensure regional communities thrive, with $50 million in grants becoming available for initiatives that promote regional economic development and support employment creation and retention.

Businesses, consortiums, local governments, associations, Aboriginal corporations, not for profits and other eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for a share of the $50 million Community Investment Program, delivered by the NSW Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust.

Grants of between $500,000 and $5 million will be available for infrastructure projects and capital investments to create jobs and economic opportunities.

Between $250,000 and $1 million will be available for regional programs to improve service delivery and community connection and capacity building.

This is the second round of funding to be released from the NSW Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust, this targeted investment has been guided by the Regional Development Advisory Council and informed by several roundtables with rural communities hosted by the Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty.

Projects funded under this round will align with the Regional Development Trust’s key focus areas of:

• Sustainable regional industries
• Aboriginal economic development and enterprise
• Community connection and capacity building
• Improving regional service delivery

This funding follows the NSW Government recently passing an update to the Regional Development Act, to ensure it reflects the needs of modern rural and regional NSW, expanding investment opportunities and enshrining integrity in the system.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will host community information sessions, inviting eligible applicants to learn about the program, how to apply, and what projects and initiatives are eligible for targeted investment.

Applications open today, 6 December 2024, and close at 5pm on Thursday, 20 February 2024.

For more information: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This latest initiative under the Regional Development Trust makes more funding available for regional and rural communities and will build on the Minns Labor Government’s positive track record in providing strategic investment for local projects that deliver real change in a timely manner.

“I have listened to people and businesses from around regional NSW, and so we are responding accordingly with a funding program that enables applicants to apply for investment for projects that are ready to go.

“I encourage businesses, consortiums and organisations to apply for this funding if you have a good idea on how to expand economic activity in a community or region.

“This funding will kick-start productive projects and initiatives across regional NSW, supporting the creation of needed infrastructure, new economies and also supporting the attraction of key workers to the regions.”

The Minns Labor Government is working to create a safer Central Coast for victim survivors of domestic and family violence, with one of 10 new refuges for women and children across regional areas to be delivered in the region by 2026.

Under round three of the Core and Cluster program, $83.4 million has been invested across NSW to support more than 500 women and children a year fleeing domestic and family violence.

This is the third round of the Core and Cluster program, which has to date delivered 39 refuges across the state.

Combined, all refuges delivered under the Core and Cluster program are estimated to assist an additional 2,900 women and children across NSW.

Locations are selected on the basis of community need. In addition to Central Coast, refuges will be delivered across Wingecarribee, Goulburn-Mulwaree, Wollongong, Coonamble Shire, Glen Innes, Clarence Valey, Walgett Shire, Lake Macquarie and Wollondilly LGAs.

The Core and Cluster refuge model promotes independent living by providing self-contained accommodation located next to a ‘core’ of support that facilitates access to services such as counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support.

This forms part of the NSW Government’s ongoing work to address domestic and family violence across New South Wales, at all stages, by investing in primary prevention, early intervention, crisis responses and recovery.

Support

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“We’re doing everything we can to address the scourge of domestic violence – from strengthening bail laws, to prioritising half of new social and affordable housing builds for people fleeing violence and funding more refuges.  

“Women and children leaving violent family relationships need a safe place to go.

“The Central Coast facility is among 10 new refuges being provided by this latest funding, which combined will be open and ready to house up to 500 vulnerable women and children a year by the end of 2026. 

“The $426 million program will ensure up to 2,900 additional women and children can find a safe place to call home.”

Minister for the Central Coast and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“It is critical that victim survivors of domestic and family violence have a safe place to go and I am pleased the NSW Government is funding a new refuge for women and children on the Central Coast as part of a NSW-wide roll out.

“It is also pleasing the new Core and Cluster refuges will have a focus on assisting Aboriginal Women, with four of the 10 projects being run by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“The Core and Cluster model provides accommodation but also hope for the future through tailored support to help victim-survivors heal.

“As part of this third round, our focus has been to expand the Core and Cluster program to regional NSW and harder-to-reach communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The model ensures they receive culturally responsive supports that acknowledge the devastating impacts and accumulation of trauma across generations.

“The Central Coast Core and Cluster refuge will ensure victim-survivors in the region have access to holistic wraparound support when they make the courageous decision to leave.”

Member for the Entrance David Mehan MP said:

“Family and domestic violence is a tragic reality experienced by too many in our community.

“The Central Coast Core and Cluster refuge will provide a safe haven for women and children to rebuild their lives free from violence.

“I’m proud to be part of a Labor Government committed to addressing critical social issues and breaking the cycle of domestic and family violence.”

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch MP said:

“Everyone deserves to be safe in their homes and leaving a violent family relationship takes courage. After women and children make this courageous decision, it is critical that they have a safe place to go.

“The NSW Government is committed to addressing the scourge of domestic violence across the board, through bail reform, investment in social and affordable housing, early intervention, and much more.

“The Core and Cluster model is an important aspect of this, providing tailored support for victim-survivors, while providing a safe and healing space to go when escaping domestic and family violence.

“This Central Coast Core and Cluster refuge is so important to ending the cycle of violence, allowing women and children to rebuild their lives.”

Today, the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) proudly welcomes 298 new Probationary Constables, marking a historic moment as the largest class to graduate in a decade. 

This is an important step in the Minns Labor Government’s long-term plan to rebuild our essential services, including addressing the recruitment and retention crisis of frontline workers.  

The graduation of this record-breaking class not only strengthens the NSWPF but also ensures the safety and security of communities across New South Wales.  

By prioritising the recruitment of highly skilled individuals, the Minns Government is laying the foundation for a more robust and responsive police force – one that reflects the growing needs of a modern and dynamic New South Wales. 

Class 364 will attest at the Goulburn Police Academy after completing eight months of training in the Constable Education Program (CEP).  

The program includes four months of distance learning followed by four months of intensive training at the Academy. 

Following their graduation, the recruits will embark on 12 months of on-the-job training and will be deployed across metropolitan and regional communities from Monday: 

• Central Metropolitan Region – 64
• Northwest Metropolitan Region – 59
• Northern Region – 57
• Southwest Metropolitan Region – 67
• Southern Region – 24
• Western Region – 27 

Class 364 comprises of 218 men and 80 women aged between 18 and 52, with five recruits receiving awards for outstanding academic or physical achievements.  

This is the third class to benefit from the NSW Government’s paid study allowance during their training at the Academy.  

The Minns Labor Government’s work to support NSW Police officers and address the chronic shortage of police officers presided over by the former Liberal National Government has also included:  

• abolishing the wages cap; 
• setting up a historic new scheme to pay students to study to become an officer, which has already seen applications surge by 50 per cent over the previous year; and 
• two recently announced programs specifically aimed at attracting both experienced officers and regional recruits.  

Additionally, the Police Mobility Program, which welcomes officers from other jurisdictions, has already resulted in almost 30 applications, showcasing its success in attracting experienced talent to the NSW Police Force. 

Complementing this initiative, the recent acceptance of the Minns Labor Government’s historic four-year pay agreement, which includes highly competitive salaries, further demonstrates the Government’s commitment to backing the NSWPF. 

Looking ahead to 2025, more than 1,000 recruits are expected to attest, further strengthening the ranks of the NSWPF. 

While progress has been made, the journey is far from over, and the NSW Government remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving more. 

The Minns Labor Government was elected with a mandate to rebuild public services and reinvest in our front-line workforce and ensure we provide support when people in NSW need it most. 

It’s part of our plan to build a better NSW. 

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:  

“Congratulations to Class 364, who today begin their journey in one of the most challenging yet rewarding careers there are. 

“Today is the combination of eight months of hard work and training. And it’s also the beginning of an incredibly exciting career in New South Wales Police Force. 

“While we still have more to do, the fact this is the largest class in a decade shows that the programs we have implemented are working.” 

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:  

“This is a monumental day for the NSW Police. Class 364 is the largest attesting class in a decade – strong evidence the tide is turning on recruitment. Next year is set to be even bigger, with more than 1,000 recruits attesting. 

“The NSW Government backs our police to the hilt. We are focused on retaining experienced officers and recruiting new ones which is why we’ve secured a historic pay deal, we’re paying recruits to train and offering recruits from the bush a pathway to work in or near their hometown after attesting.  

“Congratulations to Class 364. Today marks the start of what I hope is a long, rich and rewarding career with the NSW Police Force.” 

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM said: 

“I want to congratulate our newest 298 probationary constables for demonstrating the resilience and determination needed to succeed in the NSW Police Force. 

“The graduation of Class 364, the largest in 10 years, is a significant milestone in rebuilding our organisation and reflects the hard work of everyone involved. 

“With application numbers on the rise, I look forward to welcoming even larger classes in 2025 as we continue strengthening our ranks.” 

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to work to improve road safety by providing truck drivers in the state’s south access to upgraded rest areas as part of a statewide $11.9 million improvement initiative.

Five rest areas that cater to heavy vehicles have recently been completed at Berry Jerry rest area on the Sturt Highway, as well as Beckom, Bundure, and the Marsden northbound and southbound rest areas on the Newell Highway.

The upgrades provided solar-powered lighting for the toilet blocks and surrounds to improve safety for all users, and new picnic shelters to allow truckies to take a short break.

Transport for NSW also installed improved roadside signage at a number of service centres along the Hume, Sturt and Newell highways to assist heavy vehicle drivers to better identify rest stops.

The upgrades have been delivered as part of the governments $11.9 million Heavy Vehicle Rest Stop Minor Works Program. Earlier this year Transport also completed upgrades to Seven Trees and Curlwaa rest areas on the Silver City Highway and Bundjalung rest area on the Pacific Highway as part of the statewide program.

More information is available at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/hvrsimprovements

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Driver fatigue is one of the top four contributing factors to fatal crashes on NSW roads, highlighting the importance of adequate rest and rest stop facilities for all drivers.

“The Minns Labor Government is working closely with, and listening to the road freight industry, as we improve the quantity and quality of heavy vehicle rest stops.”

Independent Member for Murray Helen Dalton said:

“When our heavy vehicle drivers are safe, it contributes to safer roads for all road users.

“It’s good to see investments going to upgrade facilities for truckies in the Murray region.

“Rest areas support truck driver health, safety and wellbeing, and compliance with mandatory rest breaks for fatigue management.”

NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Cootamundra, Stephen Lawrence MLC said:

“These upgraded facilities will go a long way in supporting truck drivers to find safe and reliable areas to park, rest, and access services on what can be long trips in this part of the state.

“I’m pleased to be part of a government rolling out these investments in our regional communities.”

---