Category: NSW News

Planning reforms to fast-track minor works in cemeteries across the state, come into effect from today, scrapping more planning red tape.

The amendment to the Transport and Infrastructure State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) removes the need for a Development Application (DA) on low impact minor works and maintenance activities in cemeteries.

The streamlined pathway will mean cemetery operators and crematoria will not need to submit a Development Application (DA) for minor works like monuments, demolition activities, internal roads and maintenance sheds.

A DA will still be required for development beyond the boundary of an existing cemetery, or development that cannot comply with the proposed controls. It also does not include changes to the number of burial plots or operational hours.

These changes will reduce development assessment timeframes and will also help free up resources in councils, making sure our planners are doing the work they need to do to help speed up the planning system.

The NSW Government has prioritised cutting unnecessary red tape in the state’s planning system after inheriting a system that was as confused as it was confusing.

Many areas of the planning system still have thresholds and triggers that are based on outdated priorities and are not servicing communities in the most effective way. These reforms are just one of the many changes the Government is introducing to make sure the planning system is fit-for-purpose.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has worked closely with Crown Lands and Cemeteries and Crematoria NSW to ensure the reforms align across all of government.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Cemeteries play a crucial role in our community and are a place that each of us will interact with throughout our lives to honour our loved ones.

The amendment to the Transport and Infrastructure State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) removes the need for a Development Application (DA) on low impact minor works and maintenance activities in cemeteries.

The streamlined pathway will mean cemetery operators and crematoria will not need to submit a Development Application (DA) for minor works like monuments, demolition activities, internal roads and maintenance sheds.

A DA will still be required for development beyond the boundary of an existing cemetery, or development that cannot comply with the proposed controls. It also does not include changes to the number of burial plots or operational hours.

These changes will reduce development assessment timeframes and will also help free up resources in councils, making sure our planners are doing the work they need to do to help speed up the planning system.

The NSW Government has prioritised cutting unnecessary red tape in the state’s planning system after inheriting a system that was as confused as it was confusing.

Many areas of the planning system still have thresholds and triggers that are based on outdated priorities and are not servicing communities in the most effective way. These reforms are just one of the many changes the Government is introducing to make sure the planning system is fit-for-purpose.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has worked closely with Crown Lands and Cemeteries and Crematoria NSW to ensure the reforms align across all of government.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Cemeteries play a crucial role in our community and are a place that each of us will interact with throughout our lives to honour our loved ones.

“It is imperative that cemeteries can continue to operate effectively now and into the future. Operators should not be spending their time on simple DAs in existing cemeteries.

“These new tailored pathways recognise the unique role cemeteries play and provide simple operational and functional requirements for them to operate effectively.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government has been taking action to address the crisis in our cemeteries since day one.

“Once again, we are taking the necessary action to ensure we can meet the future needs in our cemeteries sector through responsible planning, finding more space for burials, and ensuring they are maintained, accessible, and respectful spaces to serve our communities.

“We want all people of all cultures and faiths to have access to sustainable and affordable burial and cremation services, and we will continue to clean up the mess the Coalition left behind.”

“These new tailored pathways recognise the unique role cemeteries play and provide simple operational and functional requirements for them to operate effectively.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government has been taking action to address the crisis in our cemeteries since day one.

“Once again, we are taking the necessary action to ensure we can meet the future needs in our cemeteries sector through responsible planning, finding more space for burials, and ensuring they are maintained, accessible, and respectful spaces to serve our communities.

“We want all people of all cultures and faiths to have access to sustainable and affordable burial and cremation services, and we will continue to clean up the mess the Coalition left behind.”

Museums of History NSW, the primary custodian and advocate of the state’s cultural history, has a new CEO.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said the successful candidate, Ms Annette Pitman, brings a breadth of experience in heritage preservation, activation and storytelling across public, private and not-for-profit sectors to the role. 

As Chief Executive of Create NSW for the last two and a half years, Ms Pitman led the revitalisation of Sydney’s Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, The Gunnery and many other significant cultural spaces and oversaw the development of the state’s first Arts, Culture and Creative Industries policy, Creative Communities.

With a proven track record in arts, heritage and cultural leadership, Ms Pitman is well equipped to elevate Museums of History NSW in its mission to preserve and share the stories of our state through places, collections and archives.

Ms Pitman will commence in the role on 14 October, 2024.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“The Museums of History NSW has an important role to play in collecting and celebrating our state’s cultural history across the vast archives and records, historic houses, museums and collections previously in the care of the Sydney Living Museums.

“I would like to congratulate Annette on her appointment to the role. I look forward to working together to deliver on the Government’s priorities for the sector and people of NSW.

“I am excited about the next chapter of this important organisation under Annette’s leadership, leveraging the successes and partnerships she has built across the NSW creative sector to further the mission of Museums of History.”

“I would also like to thank Mary Darwell for acting in the role for the past sixteen months, and commend her for the excellent contribution she made during her interim tenure. Mary led with care and integrity during Museums of History NSW’s important establishment phase, placing the community at the heart of its work. She leaves a substantial legacy.”

About Museums of History NSW:

• Established in December 2022, Museums of History NSW is a state cultural institution.
• The Museum brings together the historic houses, museums and collections previously in the care of Sydney Living Museums with the vast archives and records in the NSW State Archives Collection.

The largest-ever cohort of students completing their Higher School Certificate conclude their formal schooling today as Term 3 draws to a close and the countdown begins to the HSC written exam period.

The 2024 HSC enrolment snapshot released today shows a record 80,166 NSW students are completing at least one HSC course this year, with 76,221 of those students set to sit at least one HSC exam.

The snapshot, released by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), provides a breakdown of enrolments by course, gender, and location. It offers insights into which areas of study students are interested in and how enrolments have changed, or remained stable, over time.

Continuing an 11-year trend, Mathematics (61,963 students), Business Studies (20,008) and Biology (19,444) again see the highest enrolments after English – with Ancient History moving into 13th place for candidature size, its highest place in recent years.

Six per cent of students are enrolled in language courses this year, consistent with 2023, with Japanese, French and Chinese continuing to see the highest candidature in a trend unchanged over the past decade.

In Vocational Education and Training (VET), Hospitality (7,587 students), Construction (3,529 students), Business Services (2,401 students), Retail Services (1,615 students) and Entertainment Industry (1,243 students) have the highest enrolment numbers, with Primary Industries (1,054 students) continuing to grow and attracting more female students than in previous years. 

The HSC is a family affair for some students, with around 1,647 siblings sitting exams this year, including 798 sets of twins and 17 sets of triplets enrolled in an HSC course.

As they near the end of their 13-year schooling careers, the HSC Class of 2024 are now set to finish classes and finalise preparations for their upcoming written exams in October.

HSC written exams are scheduled to commence on 15 October with English Paper 1 and conclude on 8 November with Geography.  

View the 2024 HSC enrolment snapshot on the NESA website.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car said: 

“This point is a major milestone for HSC students, as they head out of the school gates and prepare to take on exams next month. 

“I wish students all the best as they get ready to do their very best in exams. You have done the hard work – now is the time to stay focused, take care of yourself and follow a healthy study schedule. 

“Thank you to the teachers of NSW who have prepared HSC students for this moment and to all teachers who have guided students through their 13 years of education.”  

CEO of the NSW Education Standards Authority Paul Martin said:   

“Congratulations to the 76,221 students who are now finishing up their high school careers and preparing to sit exams in October.

“Be proud of what you have already achieved to get here, and go in to this study period with a clear mind, feeling confident in all that you know and have learned.

“The NSW education system, delivered by the country’s top teachers, has prepared our latest set of high schoolers for success now and into the future.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to invest in the mental health of regional communities with the new $335,000 12-month pilot program to support the mental wellbeing of farmers on the north coast.

The program will enable the non-government, Northern Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS), which is jointly funded by the Federal and NSW governments, to offer mental health coaching to a community that has endured an onslaught of drought, bushfires, floods, and biosecurity threats, as well as fluctuating commodity prices.

The pilot, which will run until September 2025, is part of an initiative designed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Rural Adversity Mental Health Program.

It aims to provide integrated support to NSW primary producers in the Northern Rivers region, which has weathered the cumulative impact of multiple natural disasters since 2017.

RFCS’s mental health coaches will complement the service’s financial counselling and will work directly with farmers to provide free, confidential and one-on-one support.

As part of the pilot the RFCS will employ at least one mental health counsellor in addition to financial counsellors currently working to support local farmers.

The RFCS is well placed to deliver this initiative, having helped farmers, fishers, forestry growers and harvesters, and small rural businesses vulnerable to financial hardship for more than 30 years.

With national surveys showing that the mental health of farmers is at an historic low, this investment in the mental wellbeing will support farmers on the north coast as they continue to adapt to a changing climate, manage risks, recover and re-build their businesses.

More than 40 percent of NSW is in drought or drought affected as at 11 May 2024. At the same time the mental wellbeing of farmers has not had a chance to recover from the previous drought, due to compounding issues of COVID19, fires, floods and biosecurity disease risks and outbreaks.

The National Farmer Wellbeing Report 2023, found that 30 per cent of farmers have attempted self-harm or suicide, and found that natural disasters, including drought, were the main trigger for the decline in mental health, followed by financial stress, inflation, and cost pressures.

In recent years the North Coast of NSW has experienced cumulative, and consecutive natural disasters and adverse events including biosecurity risks of Red Imported Fire Ant, Varroa Mite, Oyster QX and Prawn White Spot in addition to current drought conditions.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“What the last drought taught us is that farmers don’t necessarily want a handout – they are capable and resilient decision makers – however they do want support.

“This pilot demonstrates a new approach to providing mental health welling support alongside financial counselling advice.

“This additional investment in the Rural Financial Counselling Service will ensure producers in the RFCS’s northern service area are supported with the best possible mental health advice.

“A financial challenge doesn’t occur in isolation and is often intrinsically linked to a variety of factors including emotional and mental wellbeing impacts.

Minister for Mental Health and the North Coast Rose Jackson said:

“An unpredictable and difficult climate can place a significant burden on our farmers, which is why it’s crucial to deliver the support they need.

“Our priority is to ensure people in regional communities know where to go, who to turn to, and what help is available.

“This new pilot leverages the local expertise of our dedicated RAMHP coordinators to ensure the program is tailor made to meet people in regional communities where they are at.

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and State Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin said:

“I am very pleased to see that this initiative will be placed with the Rural Financial Counselling Service as they provide wholistic services and care to our famers and rural people.

“They fully understand the stresses and strains and since 2017 there have been compounding disasters and challenges that they “get”.

“The RFCS are trusted and will do a great job with this.

“I also thank Minister Moriarty for listening and responding well to the RFCS about the best way to give a wraparound service to our rural communities and applaud the Northern NSW Region RFCS CEO Gary Goldberg and his team for their outstanding work.”

Gary Goldberg, Chief Executive Officer Rural Financial Counselling Services NSW, Northern Region, said:

“Since 2017, the Northern Rivers region has faced one disaster after another – cyclones, drought, bushfire, floods, Covid-19.

“Hardly a week goes by without one of our financial counsellors coming to me for advice because a client is showing signs of serious distress, feeling overwhelmed and/or experiencing severe depression.

“Our financial counsellors work hard to build a mutual trust and rapport with our clients to help them through times of financial stress.

Katrina McDougall, RFCS financial counsellor, said:

“We like to go out to meet our clients face to face whenever possible to make a connection and build trust.

“I am so pleased that Rural Financial Counselling Services NSW Northern Region will be able to offer a mental health service to support this community in a meaningful way.”

The Minns Labor Government today released the findings of a review as part of the NSW Government’s wider reform plans to put the state’s insurance and care system on a more financially sustainable footing, ensuring workers compensation remains affordable and protects workers.

The Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis, commissioned the NSW Treasury Operational Expenditure Review: Insurance and Care NSW (icare) report. The review aims to assist icare to achieve a permanent reduction of five per cent in its net cost of service from 2024-25.

NSW Treasury made 14 findings as part of the review. These findings provide a roadmap to improve transparency over icare’s expenditure, hold icare accountable for its statutory objectives, and improve government oversight of performance and expenditure across the state’s insurance and care system.

Building on the findings of the review, the Minns Government is taking swift action to right icare’s foundations to tackle the pressures facing our workers compensation schemes.

This week the Minns Government introduced amendments to the State Insurance and Care Governance Act 2015 that strengthen icare’s governance arrangements and lift accountability and transparency for icare’s business performance.

Under this bill, the CEO would no longer sit on the board of directors, while the Secretary of the Treasury Department would join the board. The appointment of the CEO by the board will also require Ministerial approval.

The Minns Government has directed NSW Treasury to work with icare to address the findings of the review. Minister Cotsis has written to the Chair of the icare board to request advice on how review findings will be addressed. The icare board will also be required to advise the Minister on how it will make measurable progress on its savings plan without detracting from levels of service and care.

Key findings of the review are that:

• There is a need for greater clarity and continuity in measuring icare’s contribution to system performance and impact on the financial sustainability of its insurance and care schemes.
• icare is addressing a difficult legacy of accountability, governance and culture, and investing in digital transformation. The complexity, scale, cost and pace of this investment will require proactive management to reduce duplication and deliver expected benefits.
• That NSW Treasury, icare and SIRA need to work together on opportunities for a joined-up reporting framework that promotes greater accountability for system performance, including the efficient allocation of resources and value for money outcomes.

The review focused on icare’s controllable business costs to deliver insurance and care schemes on behalf of the community and government. The final report can be found here: https://www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/operational-expenditure-review-into-icare

Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis said:

“This review provides a roadmap to drive greater transparency, accountability and focus on operational efficiency across icare and the State’s insurance system.

“It’s a necessary step to restore confidence in icare and part of the government’s commitment for a financially sustainable insurance and care system with better outcomes for injured workers, employers and other policy holders.”

Up to 1,800 children and young people experiencing domestic and family violence each year will now have access to specialised support services to help them recover and disrupt the cycle of abuse. 

The Specialist Workers for Children and Young People (SWCYP) program provides a path to recovery for children and young people from 0 to 18 years of age, staying in refuges with their mothers after escaping domestic and family violence.

The $48.1 million SWCYP investment from the NSW Government provides funding to expand the program to 10 new services covering an additional 34 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across NSW, the majority of which are in regional and rural NSW.

Funding for 21 existing services will ensure delivery of the program in over 22 women’s refuges across 46 LGAs is extended to 30 June 2026, providing certainty for these services.

This enhancement means children and young people accompanying their mothers in over 32 refuges across regional and metro NSW will have access to support from more than 55 specialist workers.

The NSW Government is working hard to improve support for domestic and family violence victim-survivors and expand programs that reduce the rate of violence against women and children.

Domestic and family violence can have a devastating impact on children and young people, whether they have witnessed or directly suffered abuse.

The SWCYP program is a key part of the NSW Government’s $245.6 million domestic violence package. It recognises children and young people as victim-survivors in their own right and offers tailored support that is more holistic, trauma-informed, and preventative.

Specialist workers develop an individualised support plan for each child or young person to help break the pattern of violence and prevent intergenerational trauma.

An evaluation of the program by the University of NSW found the program delivered positive outcomes for participants by providing early intervention, preventing problems from escalating and disrupting the cycle of domestic and family violence.

The evaluation noted children and young people who had received support from a specialist worker reported positive outcomes relating to their physical health, education, social needs, mental health, emotional needs, safety, cultural needs, employment and family relationships.

See UNSW’s “Specialist Workers for Children and Young People Outcomes Evaluation – Final Report”.

The NSW Government is taking a whole of government approach to address domestic and family violence, including rolling out our first dedicated Primary Prevention Strategy, holding perpetrators to account, and strengthening protections for victim-survivors through bail reforms and proposed changes to ADVOs.

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

“Supporting families through this holistic response is a critical step to preventing future cycles of violence.

“Extending and expanding this program recognises that children and young people are victim-survivors of domestic and family violence in their own right. So it’s vital that we provide them with this much-needed support, that is a different response to their mother, in the space where refuge is sought.

“This investment by our government is crucial and will provide life-changing help to children and young people as they recover from past trauma.

“Every child deserves to live free from violence and its destructive impact on their health and wellbeing.”

Domestic Violence Service Management CEO Stephanie Smith said:

“Specialist workers for children and young people allow for a long-term sustainable solution to ending domestic and family violence in Australia. By intervening early with children and young people we are able to disrupt the normalisation of domestic and family violence and allow a reframe of values about relationships and gender dynamics early.

“Our specialist workers are there specifically for the children who historically may have been left behind in the inevitable crisis caused by domestic and family violence. These workers allow the experience of children to be heard, acknowledged and addressed.

“Our services are person-centered which means we don’t have a one-size-fits-all way of doing things. We start with thorough assessments based on what the child and parent are telling us and we regularly review and adapt our way of working with children to ensure we see progress.”

On Sunday, 29 September, we commemorate National Police Remembrance Day across Australia and the Pacific.

National Police Remembrance Day is a day to honour and remember members of the NSW Police Force who have died in the line of duty.

It is also a day to reflect on and pay tribute to the bravery of those who dedicate their lives to protecting, serving and keeping their communities safe.

This year, one name has been added to the NSW Wall of Remembrance: Sergeant Peter Thomas Stone.

Sergeant Peter Thomas Stone from Blue Mountains Police Area Command was killed on 1 January 2023 while saving his son from a rip at Bologa Beach on the state’s South Coast.

An investigation into Sergeant Stone’s passing confirmed he was on duty at the time death.

We pay our respects to Sergeant Stone and remember the 275 names already inscribed on the Wall.

The annual National Police Remembrance Day service is being held today at the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance in the Domain ahead of the National Day on Sunday, 29 September.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley, is attending alongside the NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Today, we pause to remember the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

“We also pay our respects to those left behind – the families, friends, and colleagues – whose losses are incomprehensible.

“On behalf of the people of NSW, we thank you for the incredible work you do – all too often in the face of grave danger. Today we honour the relentless dedication, compassion, and commitment of our police officers, both past and present.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said:

“Police Remembrance Day is a day of the year where we, along with the community, remember those officers who have lost their lives serving the community.

“Those officers’ dedication and courage serve as a powerful reminder of the risks our officers face every day to keep our communities safe.

“This year is particularly poignant in that we will be adding the name of Sergeant Peter Stone to The Wall of Remembrance. Peter tragically lost his life his life whilst rescuing his own son near Narooma last year.

“We stand with the families and loved ones of our fallen officers, offering our deepest gratitude and unwavering support.”

NSW Ambulance has welcomed 13 new paramedic interns and 11 emergency medical call takers today after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony at the State Operations Centre in Sydney.

This is the sixth call-taking class and seventh paramedic intern class to join NSW Ambulance this year, who will begin their new roles from tomorrow to further boost frontline health services across the state. 

The new recruits joining the service come with a range of backgrounds and experience, including Emergency Medical Call Taker Lee Williams, who is making a career change after many years as a police and correctional services officer.

Paramedic Intern Nicola Willis was inspired to become a paramedic after working in a variety of corporate roles with NSW Ambulance during the last few years.

The paramedic interns will be posted across NSW to complete the on-road portion of their 12-month internships before taking permanent positions in metropolitan and regional areas.

The emergency medical call takers will be posted to Triple Zero (000) Control Centres in Sydney and Warilla (Wollongong).

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our paramedics and emergency medical call takers for reaching this milestone as they start their careers on the frontline of emergency healthcare in NSW and thank them for their dedication to their community.”

“It is with great pride that I welcome you to NSW Ambulance. I have every confidence that you will deliver exceptional care to the people of NSW during their times of greatest need.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“I know all who are graduating today have worked incredibly hard throughout their training. I thank them for their commitment and warmly welcome them into NSW Ambulance.”

“Their dedication to care is highly commendable and I wish them well in their career with NSW Ambulance.”

Paramedic Intern, Nicola Willis:

“I walked past the education rooms when I worked in the business side of NSW Ambulance, and I always dreamed that one day I would be a paramedic.

“I am very excited to start on the road with NSW Ambulance – it just feels right.”

Emergency Medical Call Taker, Lee Williams:

“It has been a lifelong dream to work for NSW Ambulance and I can’t wait to get started.

“It has been a first-class experience throughout my training – I was initially nervous about making a career change, but I feel well prepared now and I know I made the right decision.”

The NSW Government has launched its Adult and Community Education Strategy, outlining its plan to deliver crucial training and education in language, literacy, numeracy and digital to equip disadvantaged learners and enable them to enter the skilled workforce.

The Strategy will be supported by a Federal Government investment of $22.8 million over 5 years to build literacy, numeracy and other key foundational skills among some of the state’s most disadvantaged learners.

The new funding announced is part of delivering on the National Skills Agreement commitment to the delivery of foundational skills.

The funding aims to develop work-readiness skills for these learners and builds on the NSW Government’s $24.2 million annual investment in the Adult and Community Education sector.

The NSW Adult and Community Education sector plays a vital role in providing opportunities for learners that have experienced barriers in their education journey, providing a quality, flexible, supportive and welcoming environment where learning can thrive.

The new strategy aims to ensure the adult and community education sector builds learners’ skills and confidence and supports their access to further learning.  and ability to enter the workforce.

Key initiatives will support disadvantaged learners in building skills in information technology, business services, and foundational skills, with a focus on the English language, reading and writing, numeracy, and digital skills.

Strategic partnerships and targeted funding will help increase the sector’s impact, particularly with Community Colleges Australia, to create further opportunities and address sector challenges.

The cornerstones of the four-year strategy include:

• Strengthening the capability of Adult and Community Education educators through targeted recruitment, professional development, and support programs.
• Enhancing learning pathways through high-quality, flexible, and relevant courses that meet the diverse needs of learners and communities.
• Optimising learning pathways for anyone who requires additional support.
• Outreach Support Officers connecting disadvantaged community members with educational opportunities, providing support and guidance to help them achieve their goals.

The Department of Education will evaluate the Strategy’s progress and report on its outcomes annually.

Find out more about The NSW ACE Strategy 2024 – 28

Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:

“All Australians deserve to have the language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills to meet their career potential and the demands of daily life.

“The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are working together under the National Skills Agreement to improve access to training for Australians held back by the lack of essential foundation skills.

“The Albanese Government has invested $436 million to redesign and expand the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program, which provides free language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills training across the country.

“This investment in Adult Community Education will complement the SEE program, providing targeted support to priority groups who may find it difficult to engage with mainstream education.”

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan:

“The Adult and Community Education sector, funded by the NSW Government, plays a critical role in providing tailored opportunities for learners who have faced barriers to education.

“The new ACE strategy will foster innovation in our education and training programs and ensure that our most vulnerable people, our communities, and our workforce are equipped to meet emerging needs.

“Improving adult literacy and numeracy is a vital step in connecting disadvantaged people in our community with genuine employment opportunities.

“This is a win-win, delivering skills and empowerment to individuals, while enabling a new portion of our community to bolster our skilled workforce.

“ACE Training can also provide a valuable first-step, enabling people to take up further training opportunities such as apprenticeships and traineeships.

“With the support of the Federal Government through the National Skills Agreement this strategy will deliver increased funding certainty to the community education sector and build partnerships across government and community to deliver pathways to employment for our students.”

A new provider has been found to deliver services for Central Coast residents impacted by the sudden closure of a major private community transport operator, with Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community Transport (HKCT) stepping into the breach.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is pleased to advise that discussions with the Transport Workers Union are ongoing on the matter of employment of former Community Transport Central Coast Limited (CTCCL) drivers.

CTCCL, an operator contracted to TfNSW, announced last week that it was ceasing its services as of Friday 20 September. It advised that their organisation would go into Members Voluntary liquidation from this Friday 27 September.

After extensive negotiations, CTCCL has entered into an agreement with Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community Transport, which means they will take on provision of community transport services for eligible clients on the Central Coast.

HKCT has also indicated it will take over operation of the Shirley Shuttle, a non-Transport contracted service.

TfNSW understands the new provider will honour all existing bookings on the Shirley Shuttle until the end of the year.

The NSW Government thanks HKCT for their support of the Central Coast community. Central Coast clients can call 02 4355 4588 to discuss their service needs with the new provider from today. 

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“This has been an anxious time for all involved and I am glad arrangements can now be put in place to ensure passengers aren’t left in the lurch following Community Transport Central Coast’s decision.

“The NSW Government thanks Hornby Ku-ring-gai Community Transport for stepping up to support community transport users on the Central Coast.

“Community transport is a vital part of the fabric of our region and I’m glad local residents will continue to receive this essential service.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“I am pleased to see an agreement has been implemented so quickly, one that will give comfort to those who rely on community transport services on the Central Coast.

“Community transport is an essential part of the Central Coast’s transport network as it allows eligible seniors, pensioners and those with limited access to public transport to get to health services, shopping and stay connected with family and friends.

“The ability to access transport is a social determinant of health and quality of life, which is why community transport in places like the Central Coast is so important as it provides an accessible and affordable option for many people in the region.”

Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:

“Last week’s sudden closure of Community Transport Central Coast left many frustrated and without a means to move around the community.

“Reliable public transport is crucial to the lives of Coasties and the Government has stepped in to secure a new operator.

“This means passengers won’t be left in the lurch and can continue to access an essential community service.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“I know that this has been an anxious experience for Coasties who rely on this service, and I am so glad that a new agreement has been reached that will provide peace of mind for the many community members who rely on this important service.

“For the many community members who use this service, community transport isn’t a luxury, it is a vital connector that ensures that individuals can access essential services, including health care, social connection, and shopping.

“I am thrilled that a solution could be reached so quickly, ensuring that continuity of transport can resume as soon as possible. I welcome Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community Transport to the Central Coast transport landscape.”