Category: NSW News

NSW Health is advising people who have been in the Sydney CBD area in the past 10 days to be on alert for symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease after 7 people who have developed the disease spent time in the area in the last 3 weeks.

The 3 women and 4 men, ranging in age from their 20s to 70s, independently visited locations in the CBD between Bathurst Street, Sussex Street, Elizabeth Street and Circular Quay in the 10 days prior to their symptoms. All have been admitted to hospital for treatment of pneumonia.

All 7 people have been identified with the Legionella bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, which is often associated with contaminated cooling towers of large buildings.

People can be exposed to the bacteria if contaminated water particles from a cooling system are emitted into the air and breathed in. Legionnaires’ disease cannot be spread from person to person.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease can develop up to 10 days from the time of exposure to contaminated water particles in the air and include fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath and may lead to severe chest infections such as pneumonia.

People who develop this disease are diagnosed by a urine or sputum test and chest X-ray and usually require antibiotic treatment in hospital. Those most at risk are people with underlying lung or other serious health conditions and people who smoke.

NSW Health environmental health officers are working closely with the City of Sydney Council to inspect cooling towers. Review of maintenance records of cooling towers in the CBD area will also help determine further towers to be inspected and sampled. 

Managers of buildings with cooling towers are being contacted and informed of the cluster. Building owners should ensure that their cooling towers are operated and maintained in compliance with the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022.

Public health units in local health districts across NSW follow up cases of Legionnaires’ disease and work closely with local councils in the management of cooling towers.

Routine monthly testing of cooling towers allows the early identification of contaminated towers and allows for prompt additional cleaning and corrective actions.

For more information about water cooling systems management contact your local public health unit on 1300 066 055 or visit the Legionella controllaunch page.

For more information on Legionnaires’ disease access the Legionnaires’ disease fact sheetlaunch.

Volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards are reminding people to take care on our waterways and swim at patrolled locations, with more than 646 rescues conducted since Christmas eve.

Since the start of the patrol season in September, Surf Life Saving NSW volunteers have conducted 1360 rescues, with almost half (646) of those since 24 December 2023 during the busy holiday period.

As people head to coastal waterways over the warmer months, the NSW Government is also urging people to practice water safety like swimming at patrolled beaches and between the flags.

To support lifesavers, 14 new jet skis have been deployed to NSW beaches, following the Minns Labor government’s record $23 million investment in Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW).

Accounting for roughly 13% of rescues conducted by SLSNSW volunteers last year, jet skis play a key role in keeping people safe. The arrival of these new jet skis supports an expected surge in beachgoers this summer.

Jet skis can be used in a range of rescue missions, including offshore searches for missing persons and rescues in proximity to rock platforms.

In September 2023, the NSW Government announced the biggest funding commitment ever made to SLSNSW, pledging an additional $23 million over 4 years to help keep NSW beaches safer.

As part of this package, $18 million will be allocated through the NSW Rescue Capability Grant for additional resources and equipment, including 67 new jet skis to be delivered over 4 years.

The new jet skis will replace a large part of the current fleet, ensuring standardisation across NSW and providing modern watercraft for surf life savers.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“The festive season is one of the busiest times of the year for surf lifesavers, and I’d like to thank our volunteers who help keep beach goers safe.

“We want to ensure a day at the beach is safe and enjoyable, and I’d encourage swimmers to follow the advice of lifesavers and swim at patrolled locations.

“With 14 new jet skis, our 300 trained Surf Life Saving NSW jet ski operators will also be better equipped to keep our shores safer during the festive season and beyond.

“As more and more people head to the beach, the Minns Labor government is committed to helping volunteer organisations like Surf Life Saving NSW focus on their important work.”

Surf Life Saving NSW Chief Executive Steve Pearce said:

“We’re just really urging potential beachgoers to take heed of those basic safety messages; don’t swim at unpatrolled locations – look for the red and yellow flags because if our lifesavers can’t see you they can’t save you, and understand your limits when entering the ocean.

“Jet skis are the backbone of our support operations response capability, especially away from patrolled locations and in search and rescue situations.

“It’s great to see our operator numbers expanding and in particular more female jet ski drivers coming on board.”

Beach safety tips

• Always swim between the red and yellow patrol flags, for your nearest patrolled beach check the BeachSafelaunch app or website
• Read the safety signs for information about the beach and ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for safety information.
• Always swim with someone else so you can look out for each other, and always supervise children around the water.
• Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• If you need help in the water, stay calm and attract attention by raising one arm.
• In an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

For information about patrol times, weather, and beach locations visit the Beachsafelaunch website or download the applaunch.

The new jet skis will be stationed at key locations across the NSW coastline, including:

• Brunswick Heads
• Nambucca
• Scotts Head
• Blackhead
• Pacific Palms
• Hunter – Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie
• The Lakes
• Dee Why
• Freshwater
• Malabar
• Coledale
• Windang
• Tuross Beach
• Tathra.

Public transport was the way to go to ring in the new year, with data from Transport for NSW revealing more than 700,000 journeys were made to and from Sydney’s CBD on train, bus, ferry and light rail services for the big night.

With most harbour vantage points not ticketed this year, Sydneysiders and travellers flocked into the city to watch the world-class New Year’s Eve fireworks. 

The vast majority of revellers caught public transport to and from the CBD, as passengers took the operational advice to leave the car at home, leave plenty of travel time,  and hop on services to get  where they needed to go.

Transport for NSW had an extra 1000 trains running day and night on New Year’s Eve, plus an extra 1200 buses, and light rail services were running every 10 minutes until 4am.   

Metro services  doubled in frequency with services running until 4am.

Key statistics

From 4am on 31 December 2023 to 4am on 1 January 2024, there were 416,049 trips into Sydney’s CBD and surrounding precincts, based on Opal data:

• Bus – 59,873
• Ferry – 22,158
• Light Rail – 44,794
• Train – 289, 224
• Total – 416,049

From 4am on 31 December 2023 to 4am on 1 January 2024, there were 325,613 trips out of Sydney’s CBD and surrounding precincts, based on Opal data:

• Bus – 46,510
• Ferry – 22,279
• Light Rail – 45,443
• Train – 211,381
• Total – 325,613

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“New Year’s Eve is by far the biggest day on the Transport calendar. This year, we saw a 20% increase in the number of people arriving into our city by train, compared to last year’s celebrations.

“Moving hundreds of thousands of people in and out of the city over a small period of time isn’t easy, but everyone was patient, in good spirits and listened carefully to our staff on the ground.

“I want to thank the thousands of Transport for NSW staff at stations, on trains, buses, ferries and light rail who kept people moving. I also want to thank the Maritime teams who were out on our harbour, ensuring everyone on the water could enjoy the incredible display safely.

“New Year’s Eve was a big test for Sydney’s public transport and follows months of important work our Government has been doing to improve reliability and performance. I’m thrilled to say our New Year’s Eve public transport network, like the incredible fireworks display, was a roaring success.”

Secretary of Transport for NSW Josh Murray said:

“The big crowds that built up over more than 12 hours on Sunday were safely dispatched home in around an hour and a half from city stations, with 1000 extra trains and 1200 extra buses.

“Revellers overwhelmingly caught public transport and we want to thank our passengers for leaving the car at home, for treating our transport workers with patience and respect as they worked through the night to get everyone to their parties or vantage points and back again.”

NSW Health is reminding people to protect themselves from mosquitoes when they are out and about during the summer holidays.

NSW Health’s Acting Director of Environmental Health, Paul Byleveld, said with more people spending time outdoors, it was important to take steps to reduce mosquito bite risk.

“Mosquitoes thrive in wet, warm conditions like those that much of NSW is experiencing,” Byleveld said.

“Mosquitoes in NSW can carry viruses such as Japanese encephalitis (JE), Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), Kunjin, Ross River and Barmah Forest. The viruses may cause serious diseases with symptoms ranging from tiredness, rash, headache and sore and swollen joints to rare but severe symptoms of seizures and loss of consciousness.

“People should take extra care to protect themselves against mosquito bites and mosquito-borne disease, particularly after the detection of JE in a sentinel chicken in Far Western NSW.

The NSW Health sentinel chicken program provides early warning about the presence of serious mosquito borne diseases, like JE. Routine testing in late December revealed a positive result for JE in a sample from Menindee. 

A free vaccine to protect against JE infection is available to those at highest risk in NSW and people can check their eligibility at NSW Healthlaunch.

People are encouraged to take actions to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of acquiring a mosquito-borne virus by:

• Applying repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times.
• Re-applying repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Be sure to apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent.
• Wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks.
• Avoiding going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas)
• Covering windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps.
• Removing items that may collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed.
• Using repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions. Protecting infants aged less than three months by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting, secured along the edges.
• While camping, use a tent that has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering or sleep under a mosquito net.

Remember, Spray Up – Cover Up – Screen Up to protect from mosquito bite. For more information go to NSW Healthlaunch.

The Minns Labor government is taking a major step forward in putting an end to the former government’s toll mania that saw Sydney become the most tolled city on earth, with a $60 weekly toll cap officially starting today.

Across the state, almost three-quarters of a million motorists are expected to benefit from the toll relief scheme, a key initiative to support families with the rising cost of living.

Motorists in Western Sydney, who are paying some of the highest toll rates in the state will benefit the most, including more than 60,000 eligible accounts in Lakemba, Kellyvillle, Baulkham Hills, Winston Hills, Greystanes, Moorebank and Blacktown.

Customers eligible for the scheme can register and claim rebates through Service NSW from April 2024.

The scheme assesses spend on a weekly basis. Quarterly rebates will be transferred to an account holder’s nominated bank account and toll relief will begin accruing from today.

This includes any private trips taken 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.

Drivers who spend on average $200 per week from their individual tag or licence plate on tolls can expect to receive approximately $7280 in rebates per year.

A “fair use” provision will ensure the integrity of the scheme, with motorists able to claim up to $400 in tolls – or a maximum rebate of $340 a week. Anything above this limit will not be refunded.

Rideshare, taxis, cars registered with businesses and heavy vehicles are not eligible for the rebate.

To assist in getting trucks off local roads and to prioritise the efficient movement of goods, a truck multiplier also comes into effect from today.

The ‘truck multiplier’ rebate includes all NSW and interstate registered trucks that travel on the M5 East and M8 with a valid E-Toll, Linkt or Eastlink account.

These trucks will receive a rebate for a third of their trip travelled on the M5 East and M8, costing an estimated $54 million over the 2-year trial.

Customers registering for the truck rebate from April 2024 will automatically see the toll cap credits applied to their toll account each quarter.

To find out if you are eligible for the $60 toll cap rebate visit Service NSWlaunch.

The $60 toll cap scheme is set to run as a trial for 2 years.

The NSW Government continues to undertake an independent review of toll roads, led by Professor Allan Fels AO and Dr David Cousins AM who will report back with recommendations to make the NSW toll system simpler, fairer and more efficient into the future.

Acting Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor government’s number 1 priority is helping people across NSW with the rising cost of living.

“Capping tolls to $60 a week is a key part of our commitment to ease the financial burden being faced by many families.

“This toll cap will provide toll relief where it is needed most, to families who are doing it tough, particularly across Western Sydney.”

Acting Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The $60 toll cap was a key election promise. Nearly three-quarters of a million people will be better off as we’ve delivered on our promise.

“This is another initiative the Minns government has put in place to help people with reducing the cost of living.”

Motorists heading for a summer break in regional NSW are being reminded to be on high alert for wildlife and livestock straying onto country roads.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said regional NSW was a great destination over the Christmas and New Year holidays but warned city motorists they could encounter unfamiliar hazards while driving.

“Wildlife and livestock might be an uncommon occurrence on busy city roads but can be familiar sight on roads, particularly at dawn and dusk when many animals are at their most active,” Ms Aitchison said.

“It’s simply a matter of being aware there could be animals around and remaining vigilant when driving on rural and regional roads, and knowing what to do if you come across a kangaroo, echidna or even an emu in your path.

“The first thing is to brake if it’s safe to do so and, most importantly, resist the urge to swerve to miss the animal.

“It’s safer to strike an animal than to swerve and risk losing control of the vehicle – twice as many people are killed and injured in crashes resulting from swerving.”

Between 2017 and 2021 there were 557 reported collisions with animals on western region roads that resulted in 165 serious injuries and, sadly, six deaths.

Kangaroos and wallabies pose the most common risk to drivers, but wild horses and livestock can also be regularly found on the road.

“Regional drivers are reporting an increase in the number of animals on western roads and also animals strikes, possibly attributed to drier weather conditions this year forcing animals to move about more seeking food and water,” Ms Aitchison said.   

“When animals do stray onto the road they will often move very quickly and their behaviour can be quite unpredictable, so it is important to give them plenty of room.

“And when you’re driving on country roads, always take note of warning signs alerting you to the presence of animals in the area. If you see these signs, slow down, stay alert and be prepared to stop if required.”

Safe driving on country roads:

• Reduce your speed: Slow down and be on the lookout for wildlife on or near the road.
• Stay alert: Animals can be more active near waterholes and creeks and harder to see at sunrise and sunset.
• Brake safely: Apply your brakes in a careful, controlled manner.
• Don’t swerve: You may lose control of your vehicle if you swerve too harshly.
• Follow the signs: Take note of warning signs alerting you to the presence of animals in the area.
• Report injured wildlife: Call WIRESlaunch on 1300 094 737 or use the IFAW Wildlife rescue applaunch to find a suitable wildlife rescue organisation for your location.

For more information, visit the Animals On Country Roadslaunch website.

Interim members of the NSW Government Regional Development Advisory Council have been appointed by the Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty, with the council tasked with ensuring regional and rural communities are placed at the centre of government decision making.

The Regional Development Advisory Council will play an important role in modernising the Regional Development Act (2004), and provide independent advice to the Minister for Regional NSW to ensure projects are evidence-based and achieve real outcomes for communities.

The appointment of members for an interim of 12 months enables the council to be fast tracked into existence so progress can be made in reviewing the Act, and advise the minister on establishing a robust governance framework for the $350 million Regional Development Trust Fund.

The new chairperson appointed is Alison Sheridan, Professor Emeritus at the University of New England (UNE). Prof Sheridan was head of UNE’s Business School, leading the establishment of the UNE Smart Region Incubator and the Master of Economic and Regional Development course. (See below list of all members and short bio).

Appointees to the Regional Development Advisory Council were identified through a process managed by the Department of Regional NSW working with an independent talent search agency, in consultation with the Premier’s Department and NSW Treasury. 

A call for expression of interest for becoming an advisory council member with a 3-year tenure will get underway in mid-2024 with the new council established by the end of 2024.

The Regional Development Trust Fund will look to deliver its first tranche of funding investment in the first half of 2024. It will have 4 focus areas – sustainable regional industries, improving regional service delivery, supporting Aboriginal economic development, and developing community infrastructure and capacity building.

Find out more about the Regional Development Advisory Council,

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The appointment of these 7 interim members to the Regional Development Advisory Council is an important step towards the provision of independent and expert advice on what projects and programs should be funded in regional NSW,” Ms Moriarty said.

“The Regional Development Advisory Council and the Regional Development Trust Fund will ensure NSW Government investment goes where it is needed most in regional NSW.

“I congratulate all the members on their appointment and look forward to working with them over the next 12 months.”

Advisory Council Chairperson Professor Alison Sheridan said:

“This is a wonderful opportunity to ensure we create a robust and sustainable investment framework for regional and rural NSW. As someone who has undertaken substantial research on regional development I understand how important strategic investment is for delivering real outcomes for communities.”

Regional Development Advisory Council members

Alison Sheridan (Chairperson)

Alison Sheridan is a Professor Emeritus at the University of New England (UNE). Professor Sheridan has been based in regional NSW for 35 years and was previously head of UNE’s Business School. She led the establishment of the UNE Smart Region Incubator and co-led development of the Master of Economic and Regional Development course.

Danica Leys

Danica Leys is an admitted solicitor in New South Wales and current Chief Executive of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW, which has a base of 8,000 members. She is also an operator of a farming business in North West NSW. Ms Leys is a board member for Greater Sydney Local Land Services and is a member of the NSW Domestic and Family Violence and Sexual Assault Council.

Thomas McKeon

Thomas McKeon is an accomplished professional with over 40 years of experience in the agriculture, asset, and investment management industries. Based in southeast NSW, Mr McKeon has a strong background in senior and executive management roles within large-scale corporate agricultural companies, both in Australia and internationally.

Alison Stone

Alison Stone is based in the Hunter region and has a 40-year career in land and infrastructure management, commercial development, forestry, fire and emergency management, and primary industries at local, state and national levels in executive, board and advisory roles.

Carol Vale

Carol Vale, is a Dunghutti Woman from Armidale, NSW and has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for Indigenous Australians. She is the co-founder and CEO of Murawin, a national professional advisory service specialising in social research, evaluation, place strategy and sustainability. She has extensive experience in regional development and social planning and is a current member of the Planning Institute of Australia’s Cultural Knowledge Circle.

Rebecca Fox (ex-officio member)

Rebecca Fox is the Secretary of the Department of Regional NSW. Ms Fox has extensive experience in government and legal sectors and was the first female and non-technical lead of NSW Public Works in the history of the business.

Dianna Somerville (ex-officio member)

Dianna Somerville is the current chairperson of Regional Development Australia Riverina and was nominated by the Australian Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP. Dianna has lectured in entrepreneurship and been involved with economic development in regional communities.

The NSW Government is reminding everyone intending on celebrating New Year’s Eve around Sydney Harbour to start planning early, as spots around the foreshore will be in hot demand after the Minns government removed priced tickets on NSW Government-owned sites.

Most of these vantage points will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with monitored capacity limits in place. Each vantage point will be closed once capacity is reached, so it is important visitors make their plans early, including transportation in and out of the site.

Fulfilling one of its early 2023 election commitments, the Minns government has removed paid tickets at Barangaroo Reserve, West Circular Quay (including First Fleet Park), Campbells Cove, Hickson Road Reserve and locations in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and The Domain, including Mrs Macquarie’s Point, for New Year’s Eve Sydney fireworks.

Other NSW Government public domain venues within Sydney Harbour will also be free, with access managed through a ticket system to ensure public safety. Tickets to these sites have been exhausted after being snapped up rapidly in the online ballot, and included the Cahill Expressway event, Bradleys Head, Strickland Estate, Clark Island, Me-Mel (Goat Island) and Shark Island.

City of Sydney will once again light up the harbour with its renowned dazzling fireworks display at midnight on 31 December. The night’s schedule also features an opening smoking ceremony, harbour bridge pylon projections and the 9pm Calling Country fireworks which are presented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists through music, dance and illustration.

A full list of Sydney Harbour vantage points, including ticketing information and availability, is available at the official Sydney New Year’s Eve websitelaunch.

Two charities are exempt from the no-cost requirement – Taronga Conservation Society of Australia and the Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation – as the ticket revenue at these events is an important support for the conservation and scientific work of both NSW public institutions. Tickets have already sold out at both these events.

Acting NSW Premier Prue Car said:

“We have the most beautiful harbour and the most beautiful city, and every person should have the opportunity to enjoy the fireworks for free.

“New Year’s Eve shouldn’t be about raising revenue, it should be about families and friends getting together to celebrate and reflect on a year past and look forward to the year to come.

“Every little bit helps at this time of year – that’s why we have made it free for thousands of families to see in the New Year”

Acting Minister for Jobs and Tourism Kate Washington said:

“There are 49 different vantage points to view the Sydney Harbour fireworks, so I encourage everyone to plan early – visit the website, think about how you’re going to get in and out of the city and be prepared for crowds.

“There are so many ways to celebrate no matter where you live. Remember there are fantastic events that might be closer to home, including those run by local councils.

“Thousands of extra public transport services will be running throughout the night and into the early morning on New Year’s Day. While our network will be busy, the best option is to leave the car at home.

“New Year’s Eve is the largest event of the year, and for NSW Police, the safety of our community is always the number 1 priority. Responsible behaviour from those with tickets to the busy foreshore sites will make for a safe and memorable New Year’s Eve.”

City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said:

“Sydney is upbeat and ready for the biggest party of the year.

“More than a million people will make their way to the city and to the 49 vantage points around the harbour for Sydney’s free New Year’s Eve fireworks celebrations.

“I’d encourage revellers to get to the city early, pack food, water and sun protection and wear good walking shoes! New Year’s Eve 2023 promises to be a night to remember.”

Pubs, clubs and bars will be able to trade later over summer thanks to special event extended trading hours and the NSW Government’s vibrancy reforms which extend the standard liquor trading period on Sundays for venues that apply.

Christmas Eve festivities will be able to carry on a little later at a number of licensed venues that were granted permission to stay open until midnight.

The Minns Labor Government’s vibrancy reforms extended standard Sunday trading hours to midnight for all venues, bringing Sunday in line with other days of the week.

The reforms also offer two hours extra trading for venues that host live music.

Patrons attending the Parkes Elvis Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival and those watching the Australian Open Men’s Final on 28 January will also enjoy special event extended trading hours at pubs, clubs and bars.

The vibrancy reforms broadened the types of venues which can be granted permission to remain open for longer with special event extended trading hours, including general bars, small bars and dedicated live music and performance venues.

The extended trading provides additional hours for those venues which have not yet applied for extended hours on a permanent basis.

Special events during summer for extended trading

Event	Extension	Eligible licence types	Condition
Christmas Eve	10pm to midnight, Sunday 24 December 2023	HotelGeneral barClubSmall barLive music and performance venue	Nil
Parkes Elvis Festival	Midnight to 2am, Friday/Saturday 13-14 January 2024	HotelGeneral barClubSmall barLive music and performance venue	Must be in the Parkes Shire local government area
Parkes Elvis Festival	10pm to 12am, Sunday 14 January 2024	HotelGeneral barClubSmall barLive music and performance venue	Must be in the Parkes Shire local government area
Tamworth Country Music Festival	Midnight to 2am, Friday/Saturday 26 and 27 January 2024	HotelGeneral barClubSmall barLive music and performance venue	Must be in the Tamworth Regional local government area
Tamworth Country Music Festival	10pm to 12am, Sunday 21 and 28 January 2024	HotelGeneral barClubSmall barLive music and performance venue	Must be in the Tamworth Regional local government area
Australian Open Tennis Men’s final	10pm to 12am, Sunday 28 January 2024	HotelGeneral barClubSmall bar	Must provide a live broadcast of the match during the extended trading period

The following additional conditions apply to this special event extended trading:

• Extended trading does not apply to takeaway alcohol trading times, and individual trading restrictions and other special conditions on a venue’s liquor licence remain in force.
• Venues already approved to trade during or beyond the extended hours can operate as usual. Special event extended trading overrides development consent trading hours. 
• This extended trading does not authorise the use of electronic gaming machines during special event extended trading hours, if they wouldn’t have otherwise been authorised.

Acting Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy Jo Haylen said:

“It is going to be a fun summer whether you are in Sydney or regional NSW. Streamlining Sunday trading hours to the rest of the week is part of the Minns Labor Government’s agenda to bring back the vibrancy and give the businesses that help us get together to have the certainty they need to stay open.

“It’s great that venues in Parkes and Tamworth will be able to stay open later as those areas celebrate iconic music festivals.” 

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“Our commitment to building safer precincts and supporting access to more diverse services and entertainment will bring even more people out to enjoy what NSW has to offer at night.  

“I look forward to seeing even more improvements in the hospitality sector, so people can celebrate and enjoy these special events more often.”

For more information on special event extended tradinglaunch

For more information on the NSW Government’s 24-Hour Economy Legislation Amendment (Vibrancy Reforms) Bill 2023launch

With NSW expecting its hottest summer in four years, our waterways will be busier than ever as boats, jet skis, swimmers, divers and kayakers and paddleboarders share limited space at the most popular spots to cool off.

Data from AUSPLAY shows more than 129,000 people are involved in kayaking and canoeing in NSW, more than any other state or territory in Australia.

Tragically, there have been 10 kayak fatalities in the last five years in our state and 35 kayaking incidents. People aged over 65 are over-represented in kayaking fatalities, making up 40% of total deaths over that time.

Social paddling is on the rise, with Sydney Harbour Kayaks, one of Australia’s largest kayak and surf ski centres, reporting their kayak tour bookings have tripled in the last year.

The advice from NSW Maritime for anyone picking up a paddle for the first time, or if you haven’t done it in a while, is to pay attention to the weather, paddle in groups, and bring a waterproof marine radio or mobile phone in a waterproof bag. If paddling in Sydney Harbour, kayakers are advised to stay close to the shore, well away from ferries and busy vessel thoroughfares.

NSW Maritime expects thousands of riders will be out over the summer months on Personal Watercraft (PWC) or jetskis on coastal and inland waterways. The number of PWC licenses has soared by 36% in the last three years to more than 89,000, with Gen Z the fastest growing demographic among riders.

Tragically, in NSW there have been four jet ski fatalities in the last five years and 58 incidents. The top jetski and PWC offences for 2023 have been for licence and registration breaches, followed closely by speeding and irregular riding – such as doing donut manoeuvres too close to the shore and swimmers.

For more information on waterways safety and rules for your vessel

For more information about major summer events on Sydney Harbour including exclusion zone maps and times.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“Holidaymakers are heading up and down the coast this summer to enjoy some on-water fun. Whether heading out on a boat, paddling in a kayak or jumping on a jetski, remember to put safety first and wear a lifejacket.

“It’s fantastic to see so many people exploring our beautiful waterways and keeping active this holiday season. A safe and enjoyable experience starts with knowing and sticking to the rules.

“If you’re giving someone a paddle board or kayak this Christmas, make sure you include what could be the most important gift – a lifejacket.

“Sydney Harbour is the hub of some of our state’s biggest summer celebrations, and being safe on the water is key to making sure this holiday season is a happy one.”

Transport for NSW Acting Co-Ordinator General Mark Hutchings said:

“Paddlers and kayakers don’t need a licence or registration, but they do need to know the rules. Wear a brightly coloured lifejacket, make sure you’re visible at night lit with bright white lights on the front and back and know your physical limits.

“The wash from a passing boat, especially something large like a ferry can be enough to seriously rock or even capsize a smaller vessel like a kayak or canoe so keep your distance and always be aware of your surroundings.

“Riding a jetski irresponsibly can create dangerous conditions for drivers, passengers and anyone else on or in the water so we urge people to think of other waterway users.”