Category: NSW News

The Albanese Government today announces the largest single ever tender for renewable energy in Australia, with the first auction as part of our Reliable Renewables Plan set for late May. This national Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) tender will target 6 GW of new variable renewable energy projects for the National Electricity Market (NEM). 

The Albanese and Minns Governments have also signed a new deal to deliver more reliable renewables for NSW households and businesses, with at least 2.2 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy specifically for NSW, enough to power over 1 million households.

An allocation of 300MW for variable renewable energy will also be exclusively dedicated to projects delivered in South Australia.

The NSW agreement builds on the success of the first CIS/NSW Roadmap pilot tender conducted in 2023, which is delivering six battery and virtual power plant projects with more than 1GW of capacity in NSW and creating 400 jobs.

The Albanese and Minns Governments are continuing to work closely together to advance a single combined tender process for generation infrastructure under the CIS and NSW Roadmap from November this year.

The inclusion of NSW projects in this first CIS tender will replace the scheduled Q2 2024 generation Long-Term Energy Service Agreements (LTESA) tender under the NSW Roadmap. Generation projects that are eligible for LTESA tenders will be eligible to participate in the CIS tender.

NSW will proceed with its scheduled Q2 2024 LTESA tender for long-duration storage infrastructure as well as processes to award access rights for NSW’s Central West Orana and South-West Renewable Energy Zones.

Both governments will continue to work together to finalise a Renewable Energy Transformation Agreement.

The Albanese Government’s guarantee of a minimum 300MW in SA is subject to final agreement between the Commonwealth and South Australian Governments. It will encourage investment in strategic electricity reserves, and deliver new renewables projects that ensure improved reliability, to support an orderly transition.

Our Reliable Renewables plan is delivering 32 GW of new energy infrastructure in total across Australia between now and 2030, transforming Australia’s energy system to a reliable 82 per cent renewable grid, supported by gas, storage and transmission.

The first round of tenders for Western Australian projects, targeting 500MW of dispatchable power through storage for renewables, will open mid-year, subject to consultation and final agreement. It would be enough to power 45,000 homes.

A market briefing on the May tender will be released in early May outlining the tender process. Tender rounds will run in the NEM approximately every six months until 2027.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said:

“We are getting on with the job of delivering practical solutions to keep the lights on for households and businesses using the cheapest, cleanest form of power – reliable renewable energy.

“The rain doesn’t always fall, but we always have water on tap because we store it for when we need it – our energy plan does just the same thing for reliable renewables.

“Our plan is delivering the certainty and confidence the market needs to deliver the energy we need, when we need it.

“This is in stark contrast to the Coalition’s risky reactor plan which won’t do a thing to plug the electricity gap as 90 per cent of the existing coal fleet retires over the next ten years.”

NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“NSW is leading the nation when it comes to delivering the energy transition. We’re already about half-way to meeting our generation target, and a quarter of the way to meeting our storage target.

“This is a significant win for NSW electricity consumers, with the Commonwealth supporting our biggest round of generation projects yet to deliver low-cost, reliable energy to homes and businesses.

“I look forward to working with the Australian Government over the next few months to finalise the ongoing implementation of the CIS in NSW.”

The NSW Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to confirm whether there is any new funding for road safety initiatives following the release of the NSW Road Safety Forum 2024 outcomes report late on a Friday afternoon.

While the Opposition in principle supports the six mostly consultative initiatives announced today, the Government did not announce any new funding for road safety in the package.

Following months of lobbying by the Opposition amid a 25% increase in the road toll under the first year of a Labor Government, the Roads Minister organised the Summit, declaring “nothing was off the table”.

Today’s announcement yet again shows that funding for road safety initiatives is clearly not a priority for the Minns Government, after the savage $140 million cut to the Road Safety line item in Labor’s first budget.

Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward commented “While I support any initiative that helps lower the road toll, it needs to include the funding to back it up.”
 
“The budget shows a $140 million cut to road safety initiatives under Labor and yet again we are seeing press releases not investment to help curb the rising road toll.”  

In a dominant performance at the 2024 National Netball Championships in Frankston, Victoria the NSW 19 & Under State Team have taken home the gold medal, while the state’s 17 & Under side secured a top-four finish.

Winning nine out of nine games, the NSW 19s were a class above throughout the tournament as they finished off the weekend in fine style with a 10-goal Grand Final win over a strong Queensland side (42-32).

Defenders Frederika Schneideman, Katarina Sinceck and Eugenie Little were outstanding, forcing the opposition to make multiple mistakes due to the pressure they applied which enabled NSW to turn over plenty of ball.

Hope White was prolific in wing attack with Neveah Metenga dominating in centre. The midcourters had the ball on a string throughout the match, driving hard to the circle edge and delivering pin-point feeds into the NSW attack circle.
The strength and accuracy of Monika Ötai and Grace Whyte was a pleasure to watch as they rewarded the great work of the team’s efforts in all areas of the court.

The depth in Amber Cross’s 19 & Under side, the majority of whom were Nationally Identified in 2023, was exceptional and the effort, team culture and energy from each athlete was a standout characteristic over the course of the whole competition.
Meanwhile there was heartbreak for the NSW 17 & Under side who missed out on a bronze medal after an extra time thriller against Victoria.

The sides played out a draw earlier in the week and in the third-place playoff the Victorians weren’t able to shake off a resilient NSW side who got back in level terms just before fulltime. Unfortunately, they were unable to get over the line in added time, and they went down fighting 47 – 44.

Netball NSW General Manager Performance and Pathways Mardi Aplin was extremely proud of all the athletes across the week:

”Both NSW teams played with immense pride and passion the whole week,” she said.

“For our 19s to go through undefeated is testament to their character, resilience and hard work in the lead up to Nationals and their team work and determination throughout the tournament.

“While the 17s side will be understandably disappointed, the fight they showed in that final game is something they should be very proud of and they will learn so much from this year’s Nationals and will continue to grow as both an athletes and people.

“A huge thank you goes not only to the athletes who represented NSW so well but also the team behind the team who led from the front this entire campaign.”

To cap off a terrific week NSW 19U defender Frederika Schneideman was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player while Hope White was Player of the Grand Final.

19 & Under Team
Charlie Hawkins (Randwick)
Eugenie Little (Manly Warringah)
Freddie Schneideman (Randwick)
Grace Whyte (Tumut)
Hope White (Newcastle)
Isabella Degei (Penrith District)
Katarina Sincek (Penrith District)
Monika ‘Otai (St George District)
Nevaeh Matenga (Liverpool City)
Nicola Barge (Sutherland Shire)
Olivia Harris (Penrith District)
Yasmeen Janschek (Randwick)

Head Coach – Amber Cross (Wyong District)
Assistant Coach – Stephanie Harrison (Camden & District)
Apprentice Coach – Sam May (Penrith District)
Team Manager – Jenny Gage Trail (Northern Suburbs)
Head Physiotherapist – Jess Harrison (Newcastle)
Assistant Physiotherapist – Hayley Simmons

17 & Under Team
Acacia Elers (Newcastle)
Ellie Hart (Campbelltown District)
Ellie Stacey (Maitland)
Emily McPherson (Wagga Wagga)
Evie Economou (Sutherland Shire)
Grace Tracey (Illawarra District)
Harlym Jennings (Liverpool City)
Kelis Ogle (Liverpool City)
Matilda Fanning (Sutherland Shire)
Matilda Percival (Newcastle)
Monique Johnson (Sutherland Shire)
Siulolo Richter (Liverpool City)
Skye Thompson (Sutherland Shire)

Head Coach – Abbey McCulloch (Sutherland Shire)
Assistant Coach – Nardia Trevor (Baulkham Hills Shire)
Apprentice Coach – Gima Crowdy (Woy Woy)
Team Manager – Kate Carneiro (Sutherland Shire)
Head Physiotherapist – Chris Portlock (Central Coast Heart)
Assistant Physiotherapist – Emily Brisbane (Orange)

In a first for NSW, budding planners will soon have a TAFE pathway into the planning profession with a new diploma open for enrolments.

The brand-new Diploma of Local Government (Planning) will support school leavers and future planners on their way into paraplanning, a role that manages a lot of the initial assessment, research and review to provide valuable support to planners.

Through a collaboration between the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, TAFE NSW, Local Government NSW and the Planning Institute of Australia, the Diploma has been adapted from TAFE SA’s curriculum to reflect planning practices in NSW.

The Australian National Skills Commission has identified planning as a skills shortage area with a strong future demand, with strong demand for a diploma of this nature.

In a recent survey, more than 85 per cent of council respondents indicated they would consider upskilling existing staff with the qualification or employing planning cadets currently enrolled in the diploma. 

Between 2021-22 and 2022-23, shortages of planners contributed to a 28 per cent increase in the average number of days taken to determine local development applications in NSW.

A recent Productivity Commission report found that between 2016 and 2021, Sydney lost twice as many people aged 30 to 40 as it gained. 35,000 came to Sydney, but 70,000 left.

While we have a whole generation of people who can’t afford to rent or buy a home in NSW, we can’t afford to be slowing down housing approvals.

In addition to the TAFE Diploma, the Strong Start Mentoring Program which began in February with 60 mentors continues, and registrations are now open for up to 250 planning mentors and mentees.

Planning students and recent graduates working in councils across the state are invited to register to be paired with experienced planners for professional coaching and support.

This year, senior planners in local government are also invited to register as mentors. Last year’s inaugural program was an overwhelming success, with all participants reporting improved wellbeing, job satisfaction, career development and personal growth.

One mentee from Shoalhaven City Council described their greatest takeaway as “the ability to feel confident in prioritising my career needs and then working out ways to achieve them.

“My mentor helped me identify strategies to build my confidence and encouraged me to improve communication lines with my supervisor around my needs,” they said.

Mentees receive ongoing professional development with quarterly check-ins and workshops run by professional facilitators.

Group sessions will be available for participants to engage in peer-to-peer mentoring.

For more information about the Diploma or Strong Start visit NSW Planning

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Our role is to create capacity in the planning system for industry to deliver more homes, services and jobs.

“Addressing the planning skills shortage through TAFE and the Strong Start mentoring program will play a critical role in delivering better and more timely outcomes for communities.

“Planners do work that benefits everyone. I’m pleased that the NSW Government is continuing to support this vital profession with this new pathway and by connecting existing talent with emerging talent.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steven Whan said:

“This new Diploma will help deliver a strong pipeline of skilled workers to the planning industry.

“Planners are a key part of alleviating the NSW housing crisis and I’m glad TAFE can play a role in training the next generation.” 

Bridge expansions, upgraded pumps, enhanced evacuation routes and nature-based projects are just a few of the 36 projects being rolled out as part of the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRRP).

The Albanese Government has provided $150 million to the NSW Government to deliver 36 flood mitigation infrastructure and community resilience projects across all seven local government areas (LGAs) in the Northern Rivers impacted by the devastating 2022 floods.

A number of the 36 projects are now moving from design to delivery phase and aim to reduce the impact of future disasters to create a better position for communities to recover faster.

A key project of the NRRRP is the $40 million expansion of the two bridges which provide access to Ballina Island. To improve evacuation capabilities during flood events, the bridges at Fishery Creek and Tamarind Drive in Ballina, will be duplicated to create dual lane access.

This construction will significantly improve evacuation times, reducing the risk to lives in Ballina, and potentially curb infrastructure repair costs by minimising localised road flooding.

A further two bridges will be built in Tatham along the Woodburn to Coraki Road, improving evacuation routes, access for emergency services, and vital supply routes in the Richmond Valley. In total, the four new bridges represent $58 million of the $150 million funding for the NRRRP.

Another significant project being rolled out in Lismore CBD is the installation of an electric pump station at Lismore Rowing Club, which currently requires a tractor to be driven to the site to operate it manually during flood events.

The new pump is one of $31.5 million worth of projects that will come to life under the NRRRP in Lismore. This list includes the refurbishment of flood gates, drainage improvements, works on flood channels and the upgrade of several pumps.

Outside of Lismore, work is already underway on several of the NRRRP projects including $5.7 million to repair the structural integrity of the Woodburn to Coraki Road at Bungawalbin and Swan Bay in the Richmond Valley, one of the last sections of main road in the area to reopen following the floods.

The first NRRRP project has been completed, which was a small study to evaluate options for flood free access to Junction Hill via the Summerland Way in Grafton.

Further on-ground works and project management for NRRRP projects will be coordinated by the NSW Reconstruction Authority in accordance with the Emergency Response Fund Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program 2022–23 – Federation Funding Agreement.

To ensure local businesses know about the NRRRP’s technical requirements and the pipeline of projects, the RA held industry briefings in Murwillumbah on April 3 and in Casino on April 4, with over 80 people in attendance at both.

More information about projects can be found on the Reconstruction Authority’s website here

Federal Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery, Senator Tony Sheldon said:

“It’s really exciting to see these mitigation and long-term resilience projects in the Northern Rivers underway, and we’re proud to support disaster prone communities prepare to withstand future weather events.

“While we are continuing to work with the NSW Government to deliver the right infrastructure to help protect and mitigate against future disasters, it’s really important that we recognise this significant milestone in the region’s recovery.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“These 36 projects help support the Northern Rivers Region to drive long-term resilience for the community.

“Each of these projects aim to mitigate the impact of future disasters and allow the community to recover more quickly.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“Many of these projects have been suggested by community members or been on councils’ books for many years without the funds to implement them.

“It’s a vital first step towards mitigation, adaptation and building resilience and restoring community confidence before the next disaster strikes.”

The NSW Government has today announced changes to the way the Government will serve regional communities, with an enhanced focus on protecting biosecurity, supporting agriculture, fisheries, forestry and mining as well as broader regional development.

From 1 July, 2024, the Department of Regional NSW will be re-named the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. This reflects the twin objectives of growing our primary industries through greater focus on extension services, research and development and supporting regional economic development.

As part of the renewed focus there will also be a change in leadership of the new department.

Rebecca Fox will depart the role of Secretary after almost a decade serving the community in various senior roles in NSW Government. This included guiding the Department of Regional NSW through a period of consolidation and increased focus on delivery for regional communities and primary industries.

The incoming Secretary will be current Chief Executive Officer Local Land Services, Steve Orr, who has had a long and accomplished career serving the community in leadership roles in regional coordination and development, primary industries and local government.

These changes will create two new divisions within the Department, each with Deputy Secretaries reporting directly to the Secretary.

Agriculture and Biosecurity will be grouped to support the delivery of the Independent Commissioners for Agriculture and Biosecurity and reflects the interrelationship between the protection and productivity of our primary industries sector and the environment.

Fisheries and Forestry will also be combined to reflect the common natural resource management issues and the need for the long-term sustainable management and productivity of our state’s fisheries, marine estate and forests.

Regional economic development focused on regional industries and employment will remain firmly rooted in the new department, with broader Regional Coordination functions returning to the NSW Premier’s Department.

The return of Regional Coordination to the Premier’s Department emphasises the Premier and the Minister’s commitment to whole-of-government coordination for regional communities.

While Regional Coordination will sit centrally within government it will report jointly to the Premier and Minister for Regional NSW.

Regional Coordination teams will remain based in their current six regions ensuring the voices and needs of regional communities are at the centre of both government and the NSW public service.

These teams will continue to work with all government agencies, local councils, community and industry partners to coordinate and drive major projects and to address some of the longer-term, complex issues affecting regional communities.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“These changes are an important reflection of the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting regional communities to thrive, and the addition of regional coordination roles to the Premier’s department will ensure a whole of government approach is taken.

“I know that New South Wales does not thrive if our agricultural industry and regional communities are not thriving. I am committed to continuing to invest in and work with our regions to make sure that happens.”

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“These changes will set a course for the future, firmly focused on using an evidence-based approach to ensure funding, programmes and economic support goes where it is needed and generates the most benefits.

“Under new leadership, the department will now focus on our key priorities of protecting, supporting, and developing regional NSW. The focus on biosecurity and agriculture will be boosted and the roll out of the new $350 million Regional Development Trust and the review of the Regional Development Act will be elevated.

“I am looking forward to working alongside Steve Orr in his new role as Secretary.

“Steve is highly respected across rural and regional communities throughout NSW and will bring his considerable experience and knowledge along with a new focus on the pressing needs of the regions.”

The NSW Government is providing a package of workplace resources for workers and businesses at Westfield Bondi Junction, as shops re-open today for the first time in nearly a week.

The NSW Government has been in constant contact with Westfield management as well as the Australian Retailers Association and the retail worker’s union (SDA) to help ensure support is responsive and coordinated.

To further ensure a comprehensive government response, the Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis will on Monday meet with the major insurers for a roundtable to ensure any compensation claims are dealt with promptly and empathetically.

Businesses may be able to access business interruption insurance, while workers may be entitled to make workers compensation claims.

Workers compensation insurance may cover lost income, along with medical and rehabilitation expenses, if an employee experiences a work-related injury, including psychological injuries.

The Minister has tasked SafeWork NSW with creating a package of psychological health and safety support for businesses with fewer than 200 employees including:

• A free advice service for these employers which includes confidential one-on-one sessions with an expert on psychological health and safety.
• Free mental health training to ensure workers in these businesses have the practical knowledge and skills to support their own mental health and look out for their colleagues.

That support is available by calling SafeWork NSW 13 10 50.

Additional tools that are available include:

• The Traumatic Event Management Plan: a practical document intended to assist workplaces respond to and manage traumatic events.
• A code of practice which provides practical guidance on how to identify and manage risks to the psychological heath of workers. 

Customers returning to Bondi Westfield who would like support can call the New South Wales Mental Health line on 1800 011 511.

Mental health counsellors remain in-person at Bondi Junction, largely around Oxford Street Mall, and will continue as long as needed.

The state insurer, icare, has already begun processing claims and assisting those affected. icare covers the majority of employees in NSW. If you were at work and have been impacted by this incident and you need assistance with workers compensation, please call icare on 13 77 22.

If you are an employer and need assistance with your policy to support affected workers, please call 13 77 22. You can also find out more information and see FAQs.

icare is also providing additional psychological support services to assist employees and supplement the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) service provided by Westfield’s retail employers.

The NSW Government will continue to engage with all stakeholders to help ensure those impacted by the tragic incident on Saturday are provided with support.

Minister Sophie Cotsis

“Please be kind, gentle and sensitive to workers and shop owners today and in the days to come.

“Everyone reacts to these moments in different ways and some workers may find it difficult to return to work.

“The NSW Government is in for the long haul supporting all the workers and shop owners today and into the future.

“Many retail workers are under the age of 25 and it’s vital we listen to them and learn from them what more we can do to support them now and into the future.”

On Monday evening at 10:30pm I convened a meeting of faith leaders representing religious communities across Western Sydney.

All of the following community leaders endorsed and supported a unanimous condemnation of violence in any form, called for the community to follow first responder and police instructions and called for calm in the community.

We’re calling on everyone to act with kindness and respect for each other.

Now is the time to show that we are strong and united as a NSW community.

Attendees:

Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay – Maronite Bishop of Australia
Hafez Alameddine – President, Lebanese Muslim Association
Bishop Robert Rabbat– Bishop of the Melkite Church
Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman – President of Australian National Imans Council
Archbishop Zaia Mar Malis– Archbishop of Assyrian Community
Kamalle Dabboussy– CEO, Australian Federation of Islamic Councils
Chris Minns – NSW Premier
Steve Kamper – Minister for Multiculturalism
Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cook – NSW Police
Simon Draper – Secretary, Premier’s Department
Joseph La Posta – CEO, Multicultural NSW

A candlelight vigil, supported by Waverley Council and the NSW Government, will be held on Sunday 21 April to allow community to come together and honour the victims of the Bondi Junction tragedy.

The vigil will begin at 5:30pm on Sunday and will take place at Dolphin Court, Bondi Beach – south of the Bondi Pavilion.  

There will be a 1-minute silence in honour of those whose lives were lost.

Attendees are asked to bring their own candle to take part in the vigil and kindly take candles home at the end of the evening.

The NSW Government is working with Waverley Council to support this community event, including ensuring services such as counsellors and mental health first aid are available on site.  People are encouraged to catch public transport to and from the vigil.

Support and information for the Waverley community are listed on the Waverly Council website.

General supports for the community are also available:

• Lifeline: Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online
• Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800 or chat online
• Beyond Blue: Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online
• 1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or chat online
• 13 Yarn: Call 13 92 76
• MensLine Australia: Call 1300 78 99 78.

A temporary floral tribute is in place at Oxford St Mall in Bondi Junction, supported by NSW Government and Waverley council staff.  This is the primary site for anyone wishing to leave flowers.

The online condolence book in honour of those affected is also live.

The NSW Government will work with families impacted at a later date regarding a formal memorial service and a permanent memorial to honour the victims lost.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:  

“This has been a devastating attack that’s touched everybody in the state, whether you knew one of the victims or not.

“This vigil will be an opportunity for the community to stand together to support and honour the victims and survivors of this horrific tragedy.

“I hope they can draw some strength from the fact that there’s many people that are standing with them during this time.”

Mayor of Waverley Council Paula Masselos said:

“Our community is deep grief and this is a time to support each other and stand together. This vigil will be an opportunity to reflect and commence healing.”

The NSW Government has endorsed three highly experienced barristers as appointees to the new Industrial Court of NSW.

The Industrial Court, established last year by the Industrial Relations Amendment Act 2023, will be the specialised venue for industrial relations in NSW, resolving industrial disputes, and dealing with work health and safety matters.

It will act as a superior court of record, with equivalent status to the Supreme Court and the Land and Environment Court.

Ingmar Taylor SC, a nationally recognised expert in employment law and work health and safety, will be appointed President of the IRC and a judge of the Industrial Court.

David Chin SC, a specialist in work health and safety, industrial, employment and discrimination law, who co-authored The Modern Contract of Employment, will be the IRC’s Vice-President and a judge of the Industrial Court.

Jane Paingakulam, who has practiced primarily in criminal law and provided advice to government agencies on public sector issues, will be the IRC’s Deputy President and a judge of the Industrial Court.

The three will now be formally recommended to the Governor for appointment.

The NSW Industrial Court will hear all industrial relations matters relating to NSW State Government and Local Government employees. Private sector employees will remain under the Fair Work Commission.

The Industrial Court will hear matters relating to work health and safety in New South Wales and will again have jurisdiction over matters that were transferred to other courts when the Industrial Court was abolished in 2016.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“I am delighted to announce three eminent and respected legal practitioners will be the first appointees to the Industrial Court of NSW.

“The re-establishment of the Industrial Court was a key election promise of the NSW Labor Government to ensure that public sector employees have access to a fair and independent umpire.”

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“By creating a one-stop shop for industrial justice, the new Industrial Court is a significant win for working people.

“I congratulate the respected and very qualified Mr Taylor SC, Mr Chin SC and Ms Paingakulam on their appointments to the court”.