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As National Road Safety Week enters its final day with the theme ‘Take care on regional roads’, the NSW Government is reminding regional road users of the simple ways they can help make their trips safer.

Rural residents comprise only a third of the population yet over two-thirds of road fatalities happen on regional roads.

National Road Safety Week has been an important week to help raise awareness and promote safer driving practices.

The NSW Government continues to remind regional road users to make safer choices by not speeding, not driving when tired, and not driving after consuming alcohol or drugs all year round.

The impact of road trauma on regional communities is immeasurable, with close-knit ties in small regional towns felt deeply when tragedy strikes and the NSW Government is committed to lowering the impact of road trauma on regional roads.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. As Regional Roads Minister, I see the risks people take on the road every day. As we approach the end of National Road Safety Week it’s essential for all motorists to understand that we all have a part to play in making safe choices on our roads and to act responsibly.

“We drive such long distances in the bush and in the regions and feel the pressure to get to our destination as quickly as possible, when we really should be focusing on getting there safely. One small error can end in absolute tragedy.

“As a community we need to take deliberate actions to ensure a safe journey – such as designating a driver who won’t drink on a night out, getting a good night’s sleep before a long journey and planning to use a rest stop where needed, and of course never ever driving if affected by drugs or alcohol.

“The NSW Government is committed to lowering the trauma on NSW’s regional roads, which is why we are investing $41 million in the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program this year to deliver 38 projects.”

Following the Road Safety Forum earlier this year, Transport for NSW has been tasked with:

• Revitalising its road safety communication strategy for young drivers by drawing on the latest insights on reaching young people.
• Partnering with 10 regional local councils to fast-track safer speed limits in local places such as 40km/h high pedestrian activity areas, as well as on higher risk routes. It will accelerate speed reviews and supporting road infrastructure like traffic calming, safer crossings, and smarter line-marking to help drivers slow down in lower speed places.
• Increasing safety engagement and supporting safer speeds in local places that have, or are introducing, permanent 40km/h and 30km/h speed zones. Treatments could include asphalt art, murals, crossing lighting, and other streetscape enhancements that support pedestrian and cyclist safety and amenity, with an initial grant opportunity for local councils totalling up to $2 million.
• Reviewing up to 35 schools and school precincts across the state in collaboration with school communities to examine opportunities to make our approach to routes used by children to travel around school safer.

Road safety is a shared responsibility, and the government calls on all road users to prioritise safety every time they drive, ride or walk.

Today the community will get its first look at the $700 million Rouse Hill Hospital, the first major adult hospital built in Western Sydney in over 40 years.

The NSW Government is getting on with the job of delivering the 300 bed hospital set to deliver much-needed contemporary healthcare facilities for the growing North West community.

Thousands of families are moving into the North-West growth area, with the Blacktown Local Government Area (LGA) population expected to grow to almost 500,000 by 2041.

The new hospital will bring healthcare closer to communities around Rouse Hill, Tallawong, Schofields, The Ponds, North Kellyville, Riverstone and Marsden Park.

Rouse Hill Hospital is expected to include:   

• an emergency and urgent care department
• in-patient beds and a day surgery unit
• short stay medical assessment services
• pathology, pharmacy, and medical imaging services
• outpatient and ambulatory care services including paediatrics, renal, maternity services and women’s health
• a health hub for virtual care and hospital in the home services
• prehabilitation, rehabilitation and lifestyle medicine. 

Artist’s impressions of the new Rouse Hill Hospital unveiled today show wards with views to the mountains and a multi-storey car park, all in close proximity to public transport. 

The new hospital will be one of the first sites to adopt the NSW Labor Government’s full campus model which incorporates health worker accommodation and childcare services.

Planning and design is underway with community feedback being considered ahead of further consultation with health professionals and the community planned for this year.

Construction of the hospital will support an estimated 1200 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs throughout the life of the project.

The new Rouse Hill Hospital is part of the NSW Government’s $3 billion investment for new and upgraded hospitals and health services across greater western Sydney, one of the largest investments in the region’s health infrastructure in recent years.   

Other investments include:   

• $1.3 billion to build the Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital on a new site, the first major investment since the 2 hospitals merged in 1997
• $550 million for Fairfield Hospital, in its first major redevelopment since it opened in 1989
• $350 million in the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment
• $120 million investment to expand bed capacity at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Twelve years of inaction and chronic underinvestment has left communities outgrowing existing healthcare facilities.

“In our first year of government, we have delivered the largest pay increase in more than a decade for NSW health workers and one of the largest investments in Western Sydney health infrastructure in recent memory.

“Everyone deserves world class healthcare no matter where you live and we are committed to delivering that.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“There is a long history of undelivered commitments from the Liberal-National government with this project dating back to 2015. We won’t make the same empty promises and we’re getting on with the job of delivering this $700 million hospital for the community in North Western Sydney.

“We are committed to providing an additional 600 hospital beds for Western Sydney, and the new Rouse Hill Hospital will account for about half of this.

“It’s vitally important this new facility is staffed with the right number of doctors, nurses, allied health staff from the beginning, we’ll be intergrating key worker accommodation and child care to support our highly skilled workforce in the years to come.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:

“Rouse Hill and northwest Sydney is home to a growing number of young families and the new Rouse Hill Hospital will provide world-class care and great job opportunities right on their doorstep.

“The new Rouse Hill Hospital will provide a significant boost to the economy during and after construction.” 

WSLHD Chief Executive Graeme Loy said:

“The new Rouse Hill Hospital will demonstrate new ways of integrating hospital services with urgent care and preventative services to keep people well and preferably out of hospital, thereby reducing  the amount of time patients need to spend in hospital when they require care.

“We’re so proud to be developing this new project, and to be involving our nurses, doctors, allied health and support staff in the planning for the new facilities.

“Meeting with members of the western Sydney community for feedback has shown the great interest in this new facility and we look forward to ongoing collaboration as we build this hospital of the future.”

Eight new Varroa Development Officer (VDO) roles in NSW will assist beekeepers to understand how to manage the Varroa mite pest under the National Varroa Management program.

These new roles follow national agreement to move to a Varroa mite Transition to Management Plan (T2M), adopted by the National Management Group (NMG) in February 2024.

The plan places a strong emphasis on building industry resilience and preparedness and increasing beekeeper and industry knowledge.

The Varroa Development Officers (VDOs) will play a key role in supporting beekeepers with information and practical assistance as they learn to manage Varroa in their apiaries, building skills, resilience and understanding as the nation continues to transition to ongoing management of Varroa.

Further roles will soon begin in other states and territories, but NSW needed to move quickly to get beekeepers skilled up, and proactively manage this pest which is present in many parts of the state.

On 19 September 2023, the National Management Group (NMG) determined it was no longer technically feasible to eradicate Varroa mite, and the response is now working on a national transition to management plan.

The mite is expected to spread over time, and beekeeper reporting of monitoring results is key to understanding where the mite is currently active.

These results are available on the Varroa heat map at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/varroa

The VDOs are also working closely with the training and education program, which is currently underway in NSW, covering a variety of Varroa mite related topics including monitoring and reporting actions, Integrated Pest Management, record keeping requirements and different treatment methods including mechanical, chemical and organic treatments.

Beekeepers can learn more and register for an upcoming workshop by visiting the Varroa Management Training tab located on the dedicated NSW DPI Varroa Mite website and can contact the VDO network by calling 1800 084 811.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The Varroa Development Officers will work with individual beekeepers as well as beekeeping clubs to provide practical, hands-on assistance to build skills, resilience and understanding as Australia transitions to managing this pest.

“These roles will eventually roll out across the rest of Australia, but NSW, where Varroa mite is present, needed to move quickly and decisively to meet the needs of this very important industry.

“The VDOs will work hand in hand with the extensive training program which has also commenced in NSW, with locations and dates for training being released regularly.

“These skills will be key to ensuring a robust and resilient beekeeping and honey industry, worth $147 million across Australia, ensuring it can continue to support our nations pollination-reliant industries worth over $16 billion annually.”
 

The NSW Government is launching a $160 million medical research program as it searches for the next big health breakthrough.

Heading into its fourth round, the Medical Research Support Program (MRSP) aims to support excellence in health and medical research by funding the indirect costs of research, such as equipment and support staff.

Applications for the program, which is administered by the Office of Health and Medical Research, will open on Monday 13 May.

The funding awarded to independent medical research institutes is integral in helping complete their important work.

Previous recipients include the Black Dog Institute, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, and the Woolcock Institute.

Funding from previous rounds of the MRSP has significantly contributed to NSW’s world-leading research achievements.

This includes Australia’s first precision medicine program for children with cancer, development of a single test for over 50 genetic diseases, and personalised digital mental health tools to deliver evidence-based therapies for people living with depression, anxiety and stress.

MRSP application guidelines and program details can be found online or by emailing the Office for Health and Medical Research at MOH-OHMRGrants@health.nsw.gov.au.

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

“We are proud to support the world-class health and medical research taking place right here in NSW through the Medical Research Support Program.

“This funding is vital as it covers some of the costs that independent medical research institutes must pay, but may not be included in awarded research grants, such as the costs of infrastructure and support staff.

“Our researchers strive every day to improve the lives of people in NSW and across the world.

“Through programs such as this one, we’re investing in them to continue their work, which hopefully leads to improved health outcomes for all.

“I look forward to seeing the incredible research made possible by this round of MRSP funding in the years to come.”

Daytime testing for Parramatta Light Rail is kicking off today, marking another milestone as the system gears up for passenger services later this year.

For the first time, Parramatta workers and residents will begin to see the 45-metre trams travelling in the heart of Parramatta during off-peak times between 10am and 3pm.

The first daytime test run will see the tram journey from the stabling facility in Camellia, complete a run up to Carlingford and back, before rolling into the Parramatta CBD.

With an experienced driver at the controls, the tram will cross a number of key traffic intersections and pass local schools on Macquarie Street, giving locals an exciting glimpse of their future public transport network.

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 testing continues to gather pace, with more daytime testing ahead across the entire alignment to ensure the safety and reliability of the system before passenger services can commence.

Current activities include testing the full load capacities of vehicles and infrastructure, as well as testing network communications and vehicle operations.

Safety is paramount and the NSW Government continues to engage closely with schools, businesses, stakeholders and the wider community to support safe behaviours around the light rail.

Project information and engagement sessions are also being held at various Western Sydney locations, providing an opportunity to share safety information and updates about the project.

Find out more about the project and its upcoming community engagement sessions at the Parramatta Light Rail website

Find out more about Parramatta Light Rail safety

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“Light rail is seeing the light of day in Western Sydney, meaning people can expect more trams to be travelling around as this next phase of testing gathers pace.

“While we know how excited the community is to start using the light rail, we need to get this right. Passengers cannot get on board until thorough testing is complete.

“This will be a major change for our west that will take some time for people to get used to. We’re going from no trams in Parramatta for 80 years, to one running every 7 minutes in the peak.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“This is a momentous day for our great city. I want to thank everyone for their patience as we deliver this project and remind the community to stay safe around testing trams.

“Local businesses have had a tough few years, but the light rail will bring a huge boost, connecting an estimated 28,000 passengers each day.

“I encourage everyone to visit Parramatta, drop into a local spot on the light rail route and watch the trams as they move around during the day and night – offering an exciting glimpse of what’s to come.”

Transport Coordinator General Howard Collins said:

“Come to Parramatta to see the tram testing in action, meet the street team wearing red shirts, grab an information flyer, and get ready for further tram movement activities as the light rail testing program ramps up.

“If you’re driving in and around Parramatta for the first time in a while, be aware conditions have changed – this includes the new white ‘T’ illuminated on intersection traffic light signals for light rail.

“Watch out for trams moving about in the area, be sure to stop, listen and look around before crossing the light rail tracks, and always cross at a pedestrian crossing.”

Almost 800,000 people in NSW did not see their vote count in the 2023 NSW election.

Almost 800,000 people in NSW did not see their vote count in the 2023 NSW election.

The NSW Government has asked parliament to conduct an inquiry into potential reforms to support the target of 100% participation in NSW elections in future.

The bipartisan Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters has been asked to report on electoral laws and practices that would support the following targets:

• 100% enrolment
• 100% turnout
• 100% formal voting
• 100% voter confidence.

Special Minister of State John Graham has asked the committee to consider potential reforms that would strengthen the integrity and confidence in the electoral system.

The “democratic gap” of people who are entitled to vote but whose vote did not count totalled 791,759 people at the March 2023 NSW election.

This is made up of 74,677 people who are eligible but not enrolled, 553,646 who are enrolled but did not cast a vote, and 163,436 people who cast an informal vote.

Special Minister of State John Graham said:

“Every vote is precious, and it is both alarming and disappointing that almost 800,000 votes did not count at last year’s NSW election. Closing this democratic gap is important for the future of our electoral system.

“Unless we tackle this problem, our political system will be less representative and less responsive than it should be.

“The NSW Government makes no apologies for setting the most ambitious targets of 100% voter enrolment, 100% turnout to vote and 100% votes being cast formally.

“NSW elections must be inclusive, accessible and secure, and if we need to make reforms to the process to ensure that remains the case, that’s exactly what we will do.

“Maintaining voter confidence is paramount to a robust democracy. Unfortunately, public confidence can be eroded due to real or perceived weaknesses in the system – and that’s what those behind misinformation and disinformation campaigns seek to exploit.”

Thousands of women across NSW will have expanded access to treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) following the successful completion of the 12-month NSW pharmacy trial.

From 1 June, all pharmacists with suitable facilities in NSW who have undergone the required training will be able to provide consultations and prescriptions for these medications.

More than 1000 pharmacies across the state have been participating in the trial and more than 16,000 women have benefited from using this service in the year the trial has been in place.

The NSW Government’s $6 million statewide community pharmacy trial has helped more than 16,000 women access UTI treatment quicky and conveniently from their local community pharmacist.

During the trial, the NSW Government committed to providing $20 per patient consultation compensation for pharmacies participating in the trial, however with the UTI service becoming a normal service offering, consumers should be aware that pharmacies may set their own fee for the service, in addition to medication costs.

Pharmacies offering the UTI service will need to ensure they are listed on the National Health Directory Service so consumers can easily find their nearest pharmacy by checking online or by phoning HealthDirect on 1800 022 022.

Women will continue to be eligible for UTI treatment at a participating pharmacy provided they are:

• aged 18 to 65 years (inclusive)
• displaying symptoms consistent with an uncomplicated urinary tract infection
• have not had other recent UTIs or have a high risk of complications.

A comprehensive evaluation of the trial is underway, including looking at the number of women who were satisfied with the service, how often antibiotics were supplied, how often women were referred to other services and what, if any, medical and pharmacy services the trial participants required after the consultation.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The NSW Government is committed to taking pressure off GPs and primary care services and we are constantly evaluating ways we can deliver healthcare more efficiently as well as safely.

“Enabling pharmacists to do more will mean many women will get timely access to the care they need.

“Ensuring continuity of care will be crucial as pharmacy service offerings increase, including strengthened communications between pharmacists and doctors about a patient’s treatment.”

Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW Branch President David Heffernan:

“Women across NSW will benefit from easy access to treatment for painful UTIs.

“This UTI trial has been a success in providing affordable, accessible everyday healthcare with over 16,000 women treated across the state.

“Pharmacists are ready to step up take some of the pressure off of GP clinics and hospitals.”

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia NSW President Luke Kelly:

“The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and pharmacists across NSW thank Minister Park and the NSW Government for the confidence they have shown in pharmacists.

“Thousands of NSW women will now have timely access to effective treatment for painful and uncomfortable urinary tract infections.”

Chief Investigator at the University of Newcastle Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin:

“The UTI trial has seen incredible demand.

“It is pleasing to see the service continue while we undertake an independent evaluation of the data collected during the trial, with a final report to be provided to the NSW Ministry of Health in early 2025.”

Locate your closest participating pharmacist

Bronte surf life savers have 1 million reasons to smile today after their club was awarded $1 million towards the redevelopment of the iconic surf life saving club in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The club is among 32 across NSW to share in more than $5 million towards the upgrade, restoration or construction of facilities under the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program.

The $3.39 million ground floor redevelopment will form part of a new multi-storey community facility that will increase participation, improve social and community connection, and make Bronte Beach safer.

Other funding awarded under the program includes $632,000 for upgrades to North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club, $398,000 for an education and training room at Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club and $151,000 to replace the roof at Narooma Surf Life Saving Club.

The Surf Club Facility Program helps surf life saving clubs develop facilities that encourage increased participation and facility usage as well as improve community safety.

Get more information on the Surf Club Facility Program, including the recipients in the 2023/24 Program.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs deliver a world-class service, protecting swimmers in the water and keeping people safe at the beach.

“Rain, hail or shine, surf lifesavers never waver in their commitment to protecting the community and likewise, the NSW Government will not waver in its support of these incredible volunteers.

“That’s why we are providing $21 million over 4 years to ensure our surf life saving clubs have modern, inclusive and accessible facilities.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Our Surf Life Saving volunteers might have hung up their hats for this patrol season, but they were critical over the warmer months in keeping the beach-loving communities of NSW safe.”

“It is important that surf clubs are kept in good condition so that our dedicated volunteers have a safe and modern base to operate from, and I’m proud to be part of the government that invested a record amount in Surf Life Saving NSW in the budget announced last year.”

“The NSW Government has also invested in new and replacement jet skis, as well as Emergency Response Beacons up and down the coastline to help SLSNSW volunteers reach more areas to conduct life saving rescues.”

Member for Coogee, Dr Marjorie O’Neill said:

“Bronte Surf Life Saving Club volunteers are the unsung heroes of our community, protecting locals and visitors in the water.

“This grant will contribute towards the development of a modern, fit for purpose facility that enables surf life savers to better protect the community.

“Both this grant and other funding awarded to surf life saving clubs in the Eastern Suburbs will ensure they can continue to deliver a world-class service.

Surf Life Saving NSW President, Peter Agnew said:

“The volunteer patrol season has only just finished, with our more than 20,000 active surf lifesavers performing over 4600 rescues, 1 million preventative actions and almost 20,000 first aid treatments. It has been one of our busiest patrol seasons in years.

“The Surf Club Facility Program has always contributed greatly to the ongoing important community service our lifesavers deliver, through enhanced facilities to ensure our lifesavers are rescue ready, trained and equipped appropriately, and it’s excellent to see 32 clubs benefitting from the latest round of funding.

“Our surf clubs also act as key community hubs, promoting inclusivity and social cohesion, so this investment benefits all the community.

“We have 129 clubs across the state, with 78,000 members, and this program allows those members, who do such important work volunteering at our beaches, to focus on saving lives.”

The NSW Government will introduce significant legal reforms that will make it more difficult for those accused of serious domestic violence offences to get bail.

The reforms include:

Reversing the presumption of bail for serious domestic violence offences, by expanding the category of “show cause” offences. This will require alleged offenders to demonstrate why they should be out in the community. This test will now apply to the following offences:

• serious domestic violence offences committed by intimate partners, including sexual assault, strangulation with intent to commit another offence and kidnapping, with a maximum penalty of 14 or more years jail; and
• coercive control, which will be a criminal offence from 1 July 2024.

Requiring electronic monitoring of people charged with serious domestic violence who are on bail. This means that this cohort is either held in remand or electronically monitored.

Expanding the categories of offences for which bail decisions can be ‘stayed’, that is the accused person remains in custody while prosecutors challenge their release in the Supreme Court. This will act as an additional safeguard to prevent the release of dangerous domestic violence offenders.

For all other domestic violence related offences, requiring bail decision-makers to consider, where relevant:

• domestic abuse risk factors, including ‘red flags’ such as behaviour that is physically abusive or violent; behaviour that is sexually abusive, coercive or violent; behaviour that is stalking; behaviour that causes death or injury to an animal; behaviour that is verbally abusive; behaviour that is intimidation.
• the views of victims and their family members, where possible, about safety concerns for all domestic violence offences.

Changes to make it easier to prosecute perpetrators who use tracking and surveillance devices as a tactic to maintain control over their victim.

Changes to weekend bail courts across NSW, to ensure bail decisions are made by magistrates (for example, using audio visual links) with consultation on the design and rollout of the scheme.

These legislative reforms come after the NSW Government announced a $230 million package to improve the response to domestic and family violence through primary prevention, early intervention and crisis response measures.

In addition, NSW signed up with the Commonwealth Government in a share of $1 billion in new federal funding for emergency accommodation for people fleeing domestic violence, to be included in the upcoming Federal budget.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“These new reforms will make it more difficult for alleged domestic violence offenders to get bail.

“These are long overdue, targeted and will help keep women and children safer.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Today, we are sending a clear message: that the safety of victims is the paramount consideration of the justice system.

“We will continue to consult legal and sector stakeholders to strengthen the law, to better support the safety of women and children.”

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

“This reform complements the $230 million package the NSW Government announced last week to improve NSW domestic violence prevention and support.

“We consulted with stakeholders as we developed this package to strengthen bail laws.”