Category: NSW News

The NSW Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis and NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty will be joined by the Member for Murray Helen Dalton in Griffith on Thursday as SafeWork NSW hosts an industry roundtable to discuss the prevention of workplace fatalities and serious injuries in the agriculture sector.

The roundtable gives government and industry leaders an opportunity to listen to agriculture sector representatives with lived experience on matters of safety and discuss effective solutions to challenges the industry faces in reducing deaths and serious incidents.  

Farm work has unique hazards, especially those involving machinery and equipment, including tractors, motorbikes, and quad bikes. But there are many other risks including handling chemicals like pesticides and fertilisers, as well as handling of animals.

Attendees will include members from SafeWork NSW’s Family and Injured Workers Support and Advisory Group, as well as representatives from local agricultural companies and employers, relevant government agencies, unions, NSW Farmers, leading academics, and the Country Women’s Association.

The roundtable will also feature discussions around post-incident support for workers, workplaces, and communities, and will examine effective safety behaviour on farms around the most common hazards seen by SafeWork NSW inspectors.

Find out more about farm safety

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“It is a fundamental right for every worker to go to their job and come home safely.

“There are more than 81,000 workers in NSW employed in agricultural industries, including farming, fishing, and forestry. Workers employed in agriculture are at greater risk of being killed or injured at work than most.

“In 2013 there were 149 safety incidents in the NSW agriculture industry which has more than doubled to 358 incidents by 2022. Fatalities are also consistent, with 16 farm related deaths in 2022, 13 in 2023 and four so far in 2024.

“Plant, machinery, vehicles and animals are the biggest dangers in agricultural workplace settings, and businesses and managers should ensure everyone who works in their business is provided with safe equipment and procedures as well as the right skills and supervision, to carry out their work safely.”

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“Farm safety is extremely important, there are many hazards unique to agricultural work and it is paramount that workers have the correct protections in place to ensure they are safe at work.

“This roundtable is a great opportunity for agricultural industry members and workers to discuss hazard reduction and safety behaviour they have found to reduce workplace injury and death, and how these lessons can be applied across the industry.”

Member for Murray Helen Dalton said:

“I am excited by the visit of both Ministers to Griffith. Farm and rural business accidents are a major concern to our community. We want to work towards reducing and minimizing injuries and fatalities.

“As the local member I am looking forward to discussing practical solutions to minimise the bureaucratic burden placed on businesses without ever compromising on safety.”

Applications are now open for funding to help four Central West councils rebuild their transport infrastructure to better withstand the challenges posed by future severe weather events.

The $32 million Regional Transport Resilience Fund (RTRF) is jointly funded by the Albanese and NSW Governments to assist betterment work in the worst hit local government areas (LGAs) of the Central West:

• Cabonne
• Forbes
• Lachlan, and
• Parkes

Transport for NSW and the NSW Reconstruction Authority started working with eligible Councils earlier this year to identify opportunities for betterment projects and support councils to make submissions which are due by 31 May.

The RTRF package is part of the recently announced joint Commonwealth and State Government $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience Package.

The RTRF will see vital transport infrastructure like bridges and flood crossings replaced and roads improved.

Importantly, this program focuses on building back better to ensure communities across the Central West are better prepared in the face of future disasters.

Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery, Senator Tony Sheldon said:

“The Albanese Government is committed to working with the Minns Government to make sure communities in New South Wales are more prepared for increasingly intense and frequent severe weather events in the future, so they can respond effectively and recover quicker.

“Betterment work ensures that assets like roads and bridges are built back to an improved standard, helping Central West communities to bounce back faster after severe weather events.

“By investing now to improve the quality and durability of transport infrastructure, we reduce the need to close roads and important access routes, as well as the time it takes to clear debris and rebuild for communities, each time severe weather hits.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The 2022 floods in the Central West had a catastrophic impact on local government transport infrastructure, impacting a geographical area of about 11,000 kilometres, severing critical emergency access and community service connections, and causing extensive damage.

“These works will help reduce future costs of repairs to road and transport assets damaged by natural disasters, as well as improving safety, asset utility and connectivity during, and after natural disasters.

“Research shows that for every dollar invested in risk mitigation and betterment, up to $10 is saved in recovery.”

Further information:

The $32 million Regional Transport Resilience Fund (RTRF) is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Eligible councils will need to submit detailed project estimates by 31 May 2024 which will be assessed, and successful funding announced from June 2024. Successful councils must start work on their betterment work within 12 months from executing their funding instrument.

Projects will be prioritised based on their ability to:

• Strengthen the regional transport network’s capability to withstand natural disasters
• Improve the reliability of the regional transport network for regional communities during and after disaster events
• Enhance the adaptability of the regional transport network during and after disaster events
• Improve the regional transport network’s ability to respond and recover when disasters occur
• Improve community safety through enabling a safer regional transport network readiness and ability to deliver the nominated program.

Transport infrastructure, including roads and bridges, was significantly impacted in these LGAs during the 2022 floods. These floods affected a geographical area about 11,000 kilometres across the Central West.

Sydney Trains’ Rail Repair Plan has reached a key milestone three months ahead of schedule with more than 1,916 high-priority defects and over 29,000 defects in total repaired since the NSW Government launched the work.

The $97 million program kicked off in June 2023 to improve reliability and resilience of the transport network. From September 2023 to March 2024 the seven-month average for peak on-time-running is the best it’s been since 2021.

When the Rail Repair Plan was launched, the target was to remove 75 per cent of high-priority defects (1,916) to get the maintenance backlog under control to “acceptable levels” within 12 months.

Due to the rapid progress of the Rail Repair Plan, Sydney Trains has committed to a revised target to remove 2,116 high-priority defects before the end of June.

Regular trackwork is critical for the safety, reliability, and efficiency for the millions of people across NSW who use the rail network to get around.

Trackwork, maintenance, and reliability upgrades are crucial across the ageing network, with some parts over 100 years old.

The Rail Repair Plan has greatly improved the ways trackwork and maintenance are delivered, including utilising additional resources within existing rail shutdown periods. Trackwork will continue after the Rail Repair Plan is complete, over weekends and during school holidays when patronage is reduced.

South Coast line repair work update:

Last week’s torrential rain led to significant disruption on the South Coast line, with damage occurring at Coalcliff and between Kiama and Bomaderry.

250 Sydney Trains crew worked continuously over a 90 hour period to repair 200km of track and restore services north of Kiama by Tuesday morning.

Services are running between Wollongong and Waterfall at a reduced timetable due to a significant landslip at Bald Hill. Workers will return to the line this weekend as work continues to enable the restoration of a full timetable.

Work between Kiama and Bomaderry is still underway, with truckloads of ballast being delivered to Berry station to restabilise rail lines.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Months ahead of schedule, over 29,000 defects on our rail system including 1,916 high-priority defects have been repaired as result of the NSW Government’s Rail Repair Plan.

“This critical work to repair our train network will make it safer and more resilient for millions of people who catch a train in our city with peak on-time-running the best it’s been since 2021.

“For too long, governments have prioritised flashy announcements over the basic running of our trains so I’m very pleased at the progress this government has made in getting our trains back on track.

“To the staff that have been working around the clock to repair our train network and minimise disruptions for commuters, thank you.”

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“I am very proud of everyone at Sydney Trains who has jumped on board the Rail Repair Plan and exceeded all expectations with the results.

“While we have made exceptional progress, there is still much work to be done and I will not stop until we have the most reliable and resilient network possible for the passengers of New South Wales.

“When I first launched the Rail Repair Plan in June last year, it was evident we had a lot of work to do, and getting on top of the maintenance backlog was the first step.

“I’d like to thank our passengers for their patience and understanding, and our hardworking staff for striving to deliver a rail network the people of NSW deserve.”

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said:

“We’re now on top of the maintenance backlog on the rail network, which will provide more reliable trips for passengers and less incident with infrastructure.

“I’m so proud of our teams who have worked really hard to exceed all targets months ahead of schedule.

“Our trackwork teams will still be out there working hard each weekend to keep on top of the maintenance task and maintain reliability, but we won’t see as many impacts for customers when buses replace trains during trackwork. And that’s a good outcome for everyone.” 

A landmark opportunity to partner with the NSW Government to deliver new homes and jobs at Bradfield City Centre has today been announced by Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully.

A landmark opportunity to partner with the NSW Government to deliver new homes and jobs at Bradfield City Centre has today been announced by Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully.

The first ‘superlot’ land release in Bradfield City Centre is a groundbreaking prospect for the private sector to set the benchmark and shape the future of Australia’s newest city.  

This is a true mixed-use site that includes provision for 1000 new homes, as well as commercial childcare, hotel, retail, medical spaces and public domain. Set across 4.8 hectares, there are over 200,000m² of gross floor area development potential.

On the doorstep of Bradfield Metro Station and early NSW Government-led developments, Superlot 1 has the potential to be a vibrant precinct providing much needed housing and employment opportunities in Western Sydney.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) builds on extensive engagement and feedback from industry about the exciting opportunity to partner with the NSW Government on the flagship precinct development in Sydney’s newest city.

The release of the first land for private development is a major milestone, in addition to the recent exhibition of the Bradfield City Centre Master Plan earlier this year.

The future city will support the creation of more than 20,000 jobs, 10,000 new homes, and unlock new economic opportunities closer to home for the people of Western Sydney.

Superlot 1 EOI submissions are encouraged from all developers with the capability to deliver this exciting project by Friday 24 May 2024.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Government has committed over $1.2 billion to kickstart development of the state’s newest city.

“Bradfield City Centre will deliver new jobs and homes for the people of Western Sydney and support our local industries to operate on a global stage.

“Creating smart jobs close to home for the next generation is what this airport was intended to do to. And today, we’re another step closer to delivering that.

“This is the first opportunity for the private sector to get involved as a flagship partner in the development of the new city.

“It is a huge opportunity to become a major player in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.”

Integrity in government and public confidence in the decisions of government are of the utmost importance.
 
Following the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s decision to terminate its investigation into Mr Crakanthorp, unanswered questions about his conduct as a Minister remain.
 
It is overwhelmingly in the public interest for Premier Chris Minns to release the ICAC report.
 
Since the Premier’s decision to remove Mr Crackanthorp from the Ministry over his alleged failure to declare conflicts of interest, the NSW Opposition has sought information regarding the decisions that he may have taken. The Premier has to date refused to release this information citing the ICAC investigation – this is no longer a valid reason to withhold this information. 
 
It is clear from that the ICAC has prepared a detailed written report in relation to its investigation concerning Mr Crakanthorp which contains the ICAC’s “factual and other findings concerning Mr Crakanthorp’s conduct” (in relation to his obligations under the Ministerial Code of Conduct).
 
The NSW Opposition calls upon the Premier, who has received the report, and the ICAC to take all reasonable steps to release the report to the public as soon as possible. 

Residents facing the challenging task of cleaning up after intense rainfall along the NSW coast can take flood-generated waste to the tip without paying the waste levy.

The NSW Government has lifted the waste levy fee for another 7 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to bolster recovery efforts.

The Natural Disaster Waste Levy Exemption now applies to the following additional LGAs:

• Blue Mountains
• Camden
• Liverpool
• Penrith
• Sutherland
• Wingecarribee
• Wollondilly.

Hawkesbury, Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Shellharbour and Kiama LGAs have already received waivers.

Residents in these 12 council areas will not be charged for the waste levy to dispose of flood-generated waste and debris at landfill sites. Local landfill gate fees may still apply.

The exemption covers waste on public and private land, including damaged building materials, furniture, carpet, gardening debris, and any other flood-related products.

Lifting the levy fee makes it easier for locals to get rid of flood-affected household items safely and efficiently. It also provides financial relief as communities strive to rebuild as soon as possible.

The waiver for all 12 LGAs is in place until 30 June 2024, with requests for extensions to be considered.

As the clean-up process continues, the EPA could expand this benefit to support other areas impacted by heavy rainfall and flash flooding.

The NSW Government has invested more than $8 million in state-of-the-art upgrades to the Gaden Trout Hatchery in Jindabyne to help futureproof NSW’s iconic trout fishing sector that contributes to regional development across the state.

The commitment of the Government to recreational fishing and sustainable regional development is demonstrated through this significant multi-million-dollar upgrade to the hatchery’s production capabilities and tourist facilities. 

The Gaden Trout Hatchery sits by the Thredbo River and is one of Australia’s main centres for breeding and rearing popular freshwater sportfish including Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Tiger Trout and Atlantic Salmon.  

Each year almost three million trout and salmon are produced at the Government’s hatcheries in Jindabyne and Ebor and stocked across streams, lakes and rivers to boost recreational fishing opportunities. This is a major driver in attracting visitors to regional NSW. 

Upgrades include a new hatchery featuring hi-tech Recirculating Aquaculture Systems that control water temperatures to allow faster and more efficient fingerling production, management of broodstock and capacity to rapidly rebuild fisheries following adverse environmental conditions such as drought or flood.  

In addition to the upgrades to the hatchery, onsite education and visitor facilities have been expanded to ensure that Gaden Trout Hatchery continues to be a popular destination for tourism and recreational fishing education. 

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said: 

“Since opening in the early 1950s, the Gaden Trout Hatchery has become one of Australia’s main centres for breeding trout and salmon. 

“The new upgrades will not only allow the Government’s Fisheries team to breed and produce larger trout for stocking, but also to undertake more research to secure the future of some of our endangered native species. 

“The NSW Government is committed to building a recreational fishing sector that thrives and supports regional communities. 

“The ongoing success of the Government’s trout stocking program, funded through the Recreational Fishing Trust, highlights the great work being done by the dedicated staff at the Gaden and Dutton Trout Hatcheries.” 

Member for Monaro and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said: 

“The $3.3 million funding from the NSW Government for the tourist centre upgrades at the Gaden Trout Hatchery will build on the popularity of trout fishing in the Snowy and give the growing tourism market a significant boost. 

“Our Government’s approach to developing the Snowy region demonstrates the sustainable and smart way we are going about delivering projects that have been talked about for years but needed us to finalise and deliver.”

Motorists can begin claiming their toll cap cash back from today, with an average $134 available to eligible toll account holders who have spent more than $60 in tolls in any week since January 1.

From today, eligible customers can visit the toll relief section of the Service NSW website and link their toll account with their Service NSW account to make a claim.

Western Sydney motorists stand to receive most back under the NSW Government’s $60 toll cap, with Kellyville, Baulkham Hills, Greystanes, Marsden Park and Moorebank the suburbs with the highest number of potential claimants on the scheme.

Overall, there are 350,000 toll account holders entitled to a rebate after the first three months of the $60 toll cap being in place.

Approximately $46.8 million is eligible to be claimed after the first quarterly period.

Drivers who spend on average $200 per week on tolls will receive approximately $7280 in rebates each year.

Data shows the Government is getting cost-of-living assistance to where it is needed most, with Kellyville, Baulkham Hills, Greystanes, Marsden Park and Moorebank making up the top five suburbs for toll account holders eligible to claim toll relief.

Suburb	Accounts entitled	Average rebate
Kellyville	7,406	$145
Baulkham Hills	6,604	$168
Greystanes	5,952	$195
Marsden Park	5,491	$195
Moorebank	5,220	$147

Some suburbs have fewer eligible claims but a higher average rebate per account. They include Lakemba ($309), Auburn ($266), Bankstown ($235), Rosehill ($232) and Villawood ($227).

To be eligible, a motorist must:

• be a NSW resident;
• hold a personal toll account with a NSW toll service provider, taking private trips on a NSW toll road, excluding those on the M5 South-West for customers registered for the M5 South-West Cashback Scheme at the same time, and 
• spend more than $60 a week from their individual tag or licence plate on tolls on eligible, personal trips.

A fair use provision will ensure the integrity of the scheme, with motorists able to claim up to $400 in tolls for a maximum rebate of $340 a week for each tag or licence plate on a toll account.

For more information about the rebate, visit the Service NSW website.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“We know families are doing it tough right across Sydney and NSW and the $60 toll cap is an important part of the NSW Government’s commitment to provide cost-of-living relief.

“The toll cap was designed with providing toll relief to where it is needed most so it is good to see that much of it will go to motorists in Western Sydney who have for a long time dealt with unavoidable quarterly and annual toll price increases while having fewer choices when it comes to the public transport alternative to driving.

“It’s a quick and simple process to link a toll account online with Service NSW to make a quarterly claim and I urge those who are eligible to do so from today.

“You can link your toll account to your MyServiceNSW account, view your Toll Tracker and then if eligible, submit your claim. It will be even quicker if you have your details like your toll account number and bank account information ready to go.”

The NSW Government has completed the clean up and revitalisation of the derelict Three Rivers Regional Retirement Community Project in Dunedoo.

This project, funded by $3.8 million from the NSW Government and $1.8 million from the Australian Government, is now complete.

Contractors engaged by NSW Public Works recently remediated the 1.5-hectare site, which has been an eyesore blighting the entrance to the town for the past decade.

Materials were carefully disassembled and removed during the three-month clean-up operation, with 95 per cent of items including door frames, insulation, roof sheeting and timber trusses recycled and provided to locals for free, saving 65 tonnes of useful materials from landfill.

Crews have hydro mulched the site to prevent dust spread and a new perimeter fence was erected around the formerly derelict site, which has been a long-term target for local vandals.

The Department of Regional NSW will work closely with Warrumbungle Shire Council and the community on future plans for the site, including consultation with locals in the coming months about options to activate the site and potentially build independent living units.

Planners will also consider if new accommodation at the site could support the work already underway by EnergyCo as part of the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.

The original Warrumbungle Shire Council Three Rivers project included the construction of 27 independent living units as well as a community centre, community garden, and an agricultural education facility.

Construction commenced in 2014 but was stalled due to legal proceedings between Warrumbungle Shire Council and the builder.

A legal settlement was reached in December 2022 and NSW Public Works was engaged in mid-2023 to clean up the site.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“I’m so glad that progress has finally been made at the Three Rivers site at Dunedoo.

“Having seen the derelict site while driving into the town on the Golden Highway I know what a thorn in the side it has been for locals for all of these years to have this defunct project marring the entry to their otherwise beautiful town.

“With the site now cleared, options for its future development are able to be scoped and considered and the future looks very bright for Dunedoo.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“The remediation of the Three Rivers site will hopefully help the Dunedoo community and Warrumbungle Shire Council heal from a long and painful process. This site has been a visual reminder of a failed contract and protracted litigation, so I’m really happy for the Dunedoo community.

This site could be a huge asset for the town. I encourage the community to get involved and have a say about how the site should be utilised in the future, with the NSW Government and Warrumbungle Shire Council consulting with locals in the coming months.”

Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan said:

“This has been a long time coming for the Dunedoo Community and to now have a cleared we are only looking forward into the future prospects of this site.

“Council, along with the Dunedoo Community, are looking forward for future developments on this site for our community.” 

Work to rebuild Coulsons Creek Road in the Upper Hunter, NSW, is now in full swing following more than $48 million in funding provided by the Australian and NSW governments.

The work on Coulsons Creek Road will take place between Merriwa and Willow Tree Road.

The road had been previously completed in 2019, but the vital community connection was significantly damaged by heavy rainfall and subsequent land slips, causing its closure in 2021.

The upgraded road will feature improved drainage, protection against rock falls, new safety barriers, signage and line marking.

Transport for NSW, Infrastructure NSW and Public Works Advisory worked closely with the Upper Hunter Shire Council on a new design for the road.

The Australian Government has committed $38.6 million and the NSW Government $9.66 million for the repairs to be carried out.

Daracon Group has been awarded the contract to carry out the work.

Work is expected to be complete by mid 2025, weather permitting.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“It is great to see work getting under way on this important regional road in the Upper Hunter after being closed for more than three years, and to see the cooperation between the three levels of government.

“We know how important this road is for agriculture and livestock, providing essential access for farmers and livestock producers.

“It will also reduce travel times for all road users while improving safety by reducing traffic volumes on those roads that were being used as detours while Coulsons Creek Road was out of service.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said:

“Work on this road will restore an important connection between the Golden and New England highways, benefiting tourism in this beautiful part of regional NSW, logistics, distribution and supply chains.

“Having three NSW Government agencies working with the Upper Hunter Shire Council with multi-million-dollar contributions from the Australian and NSW governments demonstrates how all levels of government recognise the importance of this road.”

Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi said:

“The upgrade of this three-kilometre section of road will mean B-double trucks will once again be able to use this route, meaning heavier loads can be transported more efficiently.

“This provides cost savings for heavy vehicle operators and the community.”

NSW Duty MLC for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal said:

“I am delighted to see that this crucial upgrade work to Coulsons Creek Road is well and truly underway.

“This is a huge win for the community here in the Upper Hunter, with all levels of government coming together to ensure delivery on these crucial upgrade works.

“I commend the hard work of everyone involved in making this project happen and look forward to taking a drive myself once the work is complete.”

Upper Hunter Shire Mayor Maurice Collison said:

“Today marks a pivotal moment for the Upper Hunter region as we break ground on the Coulsons Creek Road upgrade.

“This project represents the collective efforts and dedication of our community, backed by significant support from the NSW and Australian governments.

“Their support reaffirms the critical role of government partnership in driving regional growth and prosperity.

“We are committed to enhancing our infrastructure to support our community’s needs today and into the future.”