Construction on the Rozelle Interchange has entered the final stage with confirmation today that major tunneling excavation on the world-class project is now complete.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government is delivering on its vision of state-changing transport infrastructure for motorists that is more reliable and better connected.
“This government is committed to transforming our state’s transport infrastructure for this generation and the next with our almost $77 billion investment over the next four years,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Rozelle Interchange will become a critical link in our Sydney road network, connecting drivers not only to the M4-M5 Link Tunnels, but to the City West Link, the Western Distributor and the future Western Harbour Tunnel.
“This milestone represents a major piece of the jigsaw coming together as we move another step closer to a better-connected Sydney, one with safer and less congested roads meaning motorists will ultimately have more time to do the things they want to do.”
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward says the Rozelle Interchange will transform travel for motorists across Sydney.
“Rozelle Interchange is the final and signature component of the WestConnex project, which will ease congestion on the road network and provide Sydney motorists quicker and safer trips,” Mrs Ward said.
“Once completed WestConnex will cut travel time from Western Sydney to the CBD by up to 20 minutes with 100,000 vehicles expected to travel through the interchange every day.”
The Rozelle Interchange project includes Western Harbour Tunnel enabling work, and completing the M4-M5 Link tunnels.
The Rozelle Interchange project will now move into the final fit out and then commissioning stage for the tunnel, as it gets ready to open to motorists in late 2023.
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Specialist squads muscled up as part of Police numbers boost
A significant boost to specialist police units to target organised crime, domestic violence and terrorism will form part of 550 new positions in the NSW Police Force this financial year.
The final allocation of positions delivers on the State Government’s $583 million commitment for 1500 extra police positions over four years.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the commitment represented the biggest increase in police numbers across the State in more than 30 years.
“We’re boosting every area and aspect of the NSW Police Force – including our general duties police, domestic violence specialist investigators, police prosecutors, counter terrorism police and organised crime squads,” Mr Toole said.
“These extra positions mean more proactive policing, more foot patrols, more visibility of police in high-risk areas, more support for victims, and more time to investigate crime.
“An effective police force requires the support and resources to stay ahead of the game and disrupt crimes before they occur.”
Commissioner Karen Webb said the new positions would make a significant impact across the Police Force, improving community safety.
“Our population as a state is continually growing, and with that comes greater responsibility as a police service,” Commissioner Webb said.
“These allocations have been carefully considered to ensure we boost numbers in areas that need it the most.
“It is crucial to have resources in the right areas to prevent and respond to crime and see those matters through the court process.”
The new positions will see various specialist units and commands bolstered with extra resources. These include:
- State Crime Command – 41, with 30 positions for the Raptor Squad and 11 positions for the Organised Crime Squad to help tackle gangland and high level organised crime;
- Police Prosecutions – 35, including 20 training positions to achieve conviction outcomes;
- Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics – 19, with nine positions for the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit and 10 positions for the Tactical Operations Group;
- High Risk Domestic Violence Team – 15 to proactively target and investigate high risk domestic violence offenders;
- Rural Crime Investigators – 10 additional investigators to investigate stock and equipment theft on farms.
The pool of general duties police officers will also be boosted across metro, regional and rural locations.
BUSHFIRE SURVIVORS CALL FOR URGENT ACTION ON STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action (BSCA) today welcomes the release of the State of the Environment report, and calls on the government to act urgently to cut emissions and keep our regional communities safe.
Australians are facing an increasingly high bushfire-risk environment that is driven by climate change. Bureau of Meteorology data shows there are 10 times more extreme fire danger days than there were in the 1960s.
BSCA president Jo Dodds said the report underscored the importance of making deep emissions cuts this decade.
“Our regional towns deserve safety and security,” Ms Dodds said. “We need to stop burning coal, gas and oil to reduce the risk of bushfires and other extreme weather events.
“I know too well what it’s like to experience the effects of a climate change-fuelled emergency, and call on our leaders to invest in solutions to reduce emissions – we know this will help keep our regional communities safe while also supporting their economic growth.”
City of Newcastle optimises kerbside collection schedule to accommodate housing growth
Household bin collections are set to change for some properties across Newcastle to enhance service and processing efficiency at the kerbside.
The revised schedules will take effect from Monday 1 August, with about 20% of households experiencing a switch in the week their recycling and garden organics bins are collected. Two thousand Rankin Park and Wallsend residences will also be assigned a new service day.
City Wide Services Director Alissa Jones said the updated schedules will allow City of Newcastle to provide an optimised collection system that caters for the ongoing population growth being experienced across the city and particularly in the western suburbs.
“City of Newcastle is committed to meeting the needs of our city’s growing population, which has increased by around 14 per cent during the past decade and is forecast to pass 200,000 residents by 2041,” Ms Jones said.
“Amending our waste collection routes now will provide better outcomes for our existing customers while also future-proofing the efficiency and reliability of our kerbside service as waste needs continue to grow across the city and especially in our western suburbs, with an additional 4,000 homes anticipated in Fletcher, Minmi, Elermore Vale and Rankin Park alone by 2041.
“Changing service weeks, and in some cases service days, will allow for a more even spread of kerbside bins that require emptying throughout the week. This will help our collection crews provide a more reliable and punctual service to all residents across Newcastle.”
The revised collection routes have been modelled on the current and future waste needs across the city as well as customer feedback regarding service and processing efficiency to provide a more resilient and robust service for all residents.
The changes will apply to properties in parts of Adamstown, Beresfield, Blackhill, Elermore Vale, Hamilton East, Hamilton South, Jesmond, Maryland, Mayfield, Mayfield West, Merewether, New Lambton, New Lambton Heights, North Lambton, Rankin Park, Tarro and Wallsend.
Affected households will receive a letter this fortnight explaining the changes and their new collection schedules.
Residents can also look up their address on the City of Newcastle website at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/collection-days to find out if and how the changes apply to them.
Households retaining their existing collection schedule may notice a change in the time of day their bins are serviced, therefore it remains important that all residents have their bins on the kerb by 5am on collection day.
Premier’s mission to give NSW a head-start with key regional trading partners
Premier Dominic Perrottet will lead a trade mission to Japan, India and Korea, with a packed agenda that firms up new agreements, reboots our visitor economy and international education sectors, and drives investment in priority growth sectors like clean energy production, where NSW aspires to be a global leader.
The trade mission takes advantage of NSW’s economic resilience through the COVID-19 pandemic to give the state a head-start in attracting new investment as international markets reopen.
“The pandemic has slowed global trade relations, but NSW is open for business and we have pressing trade and investment opportunities with key regional partners,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This trade mission will reaffirm critical international relationships and progress important agreements, to give our state a critical advantage in attracting investment in future growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing and green hydrogen production.
“These are the economic opportunities that will create high quality jobs for current and future generations, but only if we seize the moment and secure international investment right now as global trade starts to fire up again.”
The mission will take place from July 21-29, taking in Japan (Tokyo and Hiroshima), South Korea (Seoul) and India (Mumbai and Bengaluru). This will be the first overseas visit for Mr Perrottet in his capacity as the state’s leader, and the first overseas visit for a NSW Premier since the pandemic forced international border closures.
Mr Perrottet will be joined by Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport, and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres for the Indian leg of the visit.
Mr Ayres will lead a new annual trade delegation of government officials and industry representatives to bring NSW businesses to India to promote NSW exports and grow business partnerships.
“NSW has a strong economic and cultural relationship with India. We are home to the largest Indian population in Australia, India is our third-largest source of international students and is our fastest growing tourism market with Indian visitors spending an estimated $444 million in 2019,” Mr Ayres said.
“With the signing of an historic new trade agreement earlier this year, a new direct airline service between Sydney and Southern India, the return of international students and increased investment, NSW is poised to make the most of the immense opportunities between our two nations.”
Boost for after hours care sites in NSW public schools
NSW students and families will have better access to before and after school care than ever before with 44 new hubs to be rolled out in schools across the state over the next 12 months.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the purpose-built sites known as “hubs” were part of the NSW Government’s $40 million commitment to create more out of school hours care (OSHC) places.
“We’ve delivered 47 hubs already and will roll out more than 90 in total around the state, providing facilities for up to 4,800 students,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Every hub includes a play space, offices, toilets and kitchens, allowing students to enjoy a safe and fun environment, whilst providing parents with the flexibility they need.
“The NSW Government is focused on supporting working families and helping to cut waiting times in areas of high demand with 19,420 additional before and after school care places created since 2019.”
Ten of the latest hubs have been temporarily redistributed to the North Coast to assist with flood recovery and provide accommodation for dislocated OSHC and preschool services.
The NSW Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, a program of $17.7 billion in public education infrastructure.
Schools with completed OSHC Hubs:
- Anna Bay Public School
- Austral Public School
- Bathurst Public School
- Baulkham Hills North Public School
- Beaumont Hills Public School
- Bletchington Public School
- Brighton Le Sands Public School
- Burwood Public School
- Calare Public School
- Camden Public School
- Carlingford Public School
- Crestwood Public School
- Cronulla Public School
- Eglinton Public School
- Epping Public School
- Ettalong Public School
- Faulconbridge Public School
- Glendore Public School
- Gulgong Public School
- Gymea North Public School
- Haberfield Public School
- Heathcote Public School
- Hinchinbrook Public School
- Jasper Road Public School
- Jerrabomberra Public School
- Kariong Public School
- Kellyville Ridge Public School
- Kelso Public School
- Macarthur Girls High School
- Madang Avenue Public School
- Mawarra Public School
- Molong Central School
- Murray Farm Public School
- Newbridge Heights Public School
- Newington Public School
- Northbridge Public School
- Northmead Public School
- Quakers Hill East Public School
- Ringrose Public School
- Rosemeadow Public School
- St Andrews Public School
- Tamworth South Public School
- The Oaks Public School
- Thornton Public School
- Valentine Public School
- Wellington Public School
- Winston Heights Public School
Anniversary of the downing of Flight MH17
Australia is steadfast in our enduring commitment to seek truth, justice, and accountability for the victims of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.
Today marks the eighth anniversary of the tragedy which resulted in the deaths of all 298 passengers and crew, including 38 people who called Australia home.
Our thoughts remain with those who lost their lives, their families and loved ones.
Since 2018, Australia has maintained that the Russian Federation is responsible under international law for the downing of Flight MH17. This is based on the strong body of evidence presented by the Joint Investigation Team.
Australia and the Netherlands are committed to our pursuit of accountability through our dispute against the Russian Federation in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
We commend the progress in the Dutch criminal trials of four individuals for their alleged involvement and look forward to the delivery of verdicts.
Australia condemns Russia’s unilateral, illegal, and immoral aggression against the people of Ukraine. It is a painful reminder of the tragic circumstances surrounding the downing of Flight MH17.
While we cannot take away the grief of those whose loved ones died as a result of Russia’s actions, the Australian Government will pursue every available avenue to ensure Russia is held to account.
MEETING OF NATIONAL CABINET
Today the National Cabinet met virtually to discuss the evolving situation with the COVID 19 pandemic and agreed several new measures.
The Commonwealth and all States and Territories remain committed to working together collaboratively to support the COVID-19 health response, as Australians continue to manage the impacts of this pandemic.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly provided an update on the pandemic, including new variants and their potential impact, and the impacts on hospital capacity and broader health system. Australia is beginning to see a new wave of COVID-19 infections driven by the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sub variants, which will increase the pressure on our health system.
In recognition of the risks associated with more infectious new variants through the winter period, the Commonwealth agreed to reinstate the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment to 30 September 2022. Eligibility for the payment will be backdated to 1 July 2022, to ensure that anyone unable to work owing to isolation requirements in this period, without access to paid sick leave, is supported. Access to these payments will commence from Wednesday 20 July, with existing eligibility requirements to continue.
We have agreed to share the costs of the payment 50:50, between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories.
In addition the Commonwealth Government will also reinstate the Crisis Payment – National Health Emergency (COVID-19) until 30 September 2022, with eligibility also to be backdated to 1 July 2022. This will ensure people affected by COVID-19 isolation requirements who receive an income support payment or ABSTUDY Living Allowance, and who are in severe financial hardship, continue to receive support through the winter period.
The Commonwealth has further agreed to create a new, temporary telehealth item so GPs can spend longer with their patients to assess their suitably for oral COVID-19 antivirals. This will enable those most vulnerable to COVID-19 to quickly access medical treatments and help ease the burden on hospitals.
State and Territory Premiers and Chief Ministers also shared updates from across each jurisdiction, including noting initiatives such as increasing access to supplies of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs).
All First Ministers agreed:
- Jurisdictions will utilise existing RAT stocks funded through 50/50 cost share arrangements with the Commonwealth to support the public health response.
- Jurisdictions and the Commonwealth will provide consistent health messaging encouraging Australians to follow the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee’s recommendations on health behaviours including wearing masks indoors, getting tested and practising good respiratory hygiene.
The National Cabinet remains committed to working together on national priorities, including supporting all Australians impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. National Cabinet will continue to meet as necessary.
Small Business Flood Grant now open
Small businesses and not-for-profit (NFP) organisations affected by the June-July severe flooding and storms can now apply for up to $50,000 in support through Service NSW.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the grant would provide a much-needed lifeline to small businesses who have been hard hit by the floods across the 37 natural disaster-declared local government areas.
“These floods have had a devastating impact on communities across Greater Sydney, the Illawarra, Central Coast and Hunter, and we are doing everything we can to ensure businesses and not-for-profits get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” Mr Dominello said.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local communities and this package is designed to provide immediate support to help business owners recover and keep their business going.
“Customer care specialists are available to assist if customers are having difficulty providing the necessary documentation or are not sure if they are eligible, and successful applicants should expect to see funds in their accounts within five business days of approval.”
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the grant is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments and can go towards the clean-up, repairs, re-stocking and reopening.
“Payments of up to $50,000 can go towards the cost of safety inspections, building repairs, cleaning equipment, materials needed to resume trade, disposing of debris and spoiled stock, or leasing temporary space,” Ms Cooke said.
“Some small businesses have been impacted by flooding four times in 18 months, which is why we’re making sure the application process is as straightforward as possible so that support can flow quickly.”
Fraudulent applications will not be tolerated. As evidenced during the flood financial support made available by the NSW Government earlier this year, fraud wastes valuable assessment time and delays the time it takes to pay applicants who genuinely need assistance.
To see if you are eligible for the June and July Storm and Flood Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant, visit the Service NSW website.
Businesses that would like to be connected with support can register for a call back from Service NSW’s Business Concierge here, or call 13 77 88 for assistance.
Unemployment in NSW at a record low
The NSW unemployment rate has reached a record low for the third time this year, falling 0.7 percentage points to 3.3 per cent in June.
It is the State’s lowest monthly unemployment rate since current records began in 1978. About 26,000 extra people were employed in jobs in June in NSW and hours worked in NSW also rose by 1 per cent.
Treasurer Matt Kean said these outstanding figures are the result of the NSW Government’s strong economic management and show the underlying strength of the State’s economy after more than $53 billion was committed for COVID-19 support and stimulus since March 2020.
“NSW has done it again. Three record low unemployment rates this year despite the challenges of floods and ongoing COVID outbreaks,” Mr Kean said.
“The NSW Government’s tailored support measures throughout bushfires, floods and COVID outbreaks are helping NSW achieve a jobs boom.
“The NSW labour market is in a very strong position and our record low unemployment rate of 3.3 per cent is well below the national rate.”
Mr Kean said the unemployment rate underscores the importance of enabling every person who wants to work to be able to do so.
“That’s why our Budget included $5 billion over 10 years to fund affordable, accessible childcare to unlock the potential for more women to participate in the workforce,” Mr Kean said.
The reforms would enable up to 95,000 more women to enter the workforce or take on more hours by 2032-33.
Employment in NSW is now 158,600 above its pre-COVID level and 117,300 above its pre-Delta level.