Category: NSW News

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”.

The NSW Government’s Freight Policy Reform Program is now underway, with the release of a consultation paper giving industry a once-in-a-generation opportunity to provide valuable feedback on the rapidly evolving freight sector and supply chain.

The reform will identify short, medium and long-term actions for government to support a resilient freight sector that will enable us to develop our local manufacturing capabilities and improve road safety.

Freight has seen major changes since a sector plan was last developed more than 2 decades ago, including the leasing of NSW’s 3 key ports, privatisation of rail services, changes to vehicle technology and new emission reduction targets.

The consultation paper outlines the guiding principles, scope and purpose of the reform. It identifies the key issues across the freight and logistics sector that would benefit from government and industry attention.

The Freight Reform Program will be overseen by an independent advisory panel, led by Dr Kerry Schott AO, and including Mr Lucio Di Bartolomeo and Dr Hermione Parsons.

The consultation paper and dates of information sessions can be accessed by visiting the Transport for NSW Freight Policy Reform website, with online submissions open until 31 May 2024.

The reform will also include further consultation on the draft NSW Heavy Vehicle Access Policy (HVAP) and recommendations made in the Review of the Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy (PBLIS).

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“The release of the Freight Policy Reform Program Consultation Paper is a critical step in formulating the blueprint for improving freight efficiency.

“We encourage industry to get involved and provide feedback on how we can support a resilient freight sector, which will mean cheaper goods, delivered more quickly and efficiently, for the people of NSW.”

The attack at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church has been declared a terrorist act.

My thoughts and prayers remain with the victims of this attack, and with the police and paramedics who responded and exercised their duties under extremely difficult conditions.  

The response by some members of the community was unacceptable. The scenes we saw last night have no place in NSW.

I join with the Premier and faith leaders in calling for calm.

NSW is one of the greatest testaments to multiculturalism. Our rich and diverse communities enhance and strengthen our state.

In these difficult times, we must come together to support one another.

It is important that people receive their information from official sources and don’t contribute to speculation and misinformation through social media. 

The NSW Government is extending the waste levy waiver to another 10 areas to further support communities grappling with the aftermath of heavy rainfall and flooding.

Residents in an additional 10 Local Government Areas can now dispose of flood-affected items at landfill sites without incurring the waste levy fee.

Lifting the fee aims to expedite the recovery process and ease financial burdens on impacted households and businesses.

The Natural Disaster Waste Levy Exemption has been granted to these additional Local Government Areas:

• Blacktown
• Byron
• Central Coast
• Clarence Valley
• Dungog
• Hornsby
• Lake Macquarie
• Maitland
• Mid-Coast
• The Hills

This extension takes the total number of eligible areas to 22.

The Blue Mountains, Camden, Liverpool, Penrith, Sutherland, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly, Hawkesbury, Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Shellharbour and Kiama have already received waivers.

Residents will not be charged the waste levy fee to get rid of flood-generated waste until 30 June 2024, though local landfill gate fees may apply.

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

As clean-up efforts continue, the Environment Protection Authority could expand this assistance to help other communities rebuild and recover.

Maitland residents are set to benefit from commitments to fund a new Melville Ford Bridge and improvements to Maitland Vale and Melville Ford roads.

Communities and commuters who rely on the bridge will soon experience improved traffic flow and safety as well as better resilience against flooding.

When the new bridge is complete, it will be higher, wider and better able to withstand extreme weather conditions, keeping communities connected for longer.

The new bridge will be funded by all levels of government, including joint funding of over $2.5 million from the Albanese and Minns Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements’ Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package, as well as $2.5 million from a NSW Government election commitment, and funding through the Fixing Country Bridges Program.

Transport for NSW has also been working with Maitland City Council and other key stakeholders in the region to ensure its roads are better equipped to deal with flood events.

The NSW Government has also committed $6 million towards improvements, which Council will use to rebuild two sections of Maitland Vale Road and a section of Melville Ford Road, helping ensure residents and road users can rely on these vital routes.

Federal Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery, Senator Tony Sheldon:

“The Albanese Government is proud to partner with the NSW Government to co-fund this important transport link in the Hunter region.

“The new Melville Ford Bridge will help to ensure the Maitland region remains flood resilient for generations to come.

“The new bridge will help community connections remain intact during extreme weather events, improve access to essential services and response times during emergencies.”

Senator for New South Wales, Deborah O’Neill:

“The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to supporting rural and regional communities.

“The Melville Ford Bridge will provide crucial support and interconnectedness to the Maitland community, particularly during adverse weather events.”

NSW Regional Transport & Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“Today’s announcement delivers on the commitment we made during the election to deliver safer and more reliable road networks in the regions.

“NSW Labor committed $6 million towards improvement works for Maitland Vale Road and Melville Ford Road, and $2.5 million for the Melville Ford Bridge, to ensure they remain reliable routes during all kinds of weather.

“I’m pleased to announce Maitland City Council now has access to this funding and will use it to help deliver that security for the people who use the local road network every day.

“We know during construction of the Singleton bypass there will be extra pressure on Maitland Vale Road and Melville Ford Road.

“Coupled with new growth in Maitland, there is a clear need for upgrade work to help relieve pressure on the road network.”

Meryl Swanson MP, Federal Member for Paterson:

“The replacement of Melville Ford Bridge is long overdue and a vital piece of local infrastructure.

“It’s a great example of 3 levels of government working together for our region.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

“As a NSW Government we said we’d do this for the Hunter and now it’s being delivered.

“This $6 million investment will enhance people’s quality of life in a booming part of the Hunter.

“These upgrades to Maitland Vale Road and Melville Ford Road will keep people moving through the Hunter with the Singleton bypass still to come.”

Duty MLC Emily Suvaal:

“This funding is a huge win for the Upper Hunter electorate as these projects will ensure improved safety and connectivity for residents in the event of severe weather.

“The new Melville Ford Bridge will replace the existing low-level, one-lane crossing over the Hunter River from Aberglasslyn to Melville.

“The NSW Government is prioritising regional NSW by providing funding to improving the local roads that people use every day to travel to work, see their families and get to medical appointments.

Maitland Council Mayor Philip Penfold:

“Council is proud to deliver these important upgrades for the people of Maitland.

“We’re going to build a new bridge that’s twice as wide, twice as high so that when minor flooding events do occur the impacts on the community, particularly for people living in suburbs like Bolwarra, Lorn and Largs will be reduced.

“Work will involve the construction of a new dual lane, concrete bridge over the Hunter River to replace the existing timber bridge and raising the bridge which will reduce the time that the road is closed or avoid road closures completely.

“We want to make sure Maitland residents are cut off less frequently and for less time during floods and upgrading Maitland Vale Road and Melville Ford Road will help mitigate that.

“Council is working closely with the NSW Government to determine the exact scope of work and timelines.”