Category: NSW News

Disaster assistance is now available in the Narrabri Local Government Area (LGA) following impacts of fires in the Pilliga State Forest that started on 8 December 2023.

The assistance measures are being provided by the Albanese and Minns Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Support includes:

• assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation or small cash payments to purchase essential items generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres
• grants for eligible residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living
• grants for eligible residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a safe and habitable condition
• support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets
• concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, sporting and recreation clubs, and non-profit organisations to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property
• freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder. 

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon. Murray Watt said the fires had burned through more than 130,000 hectares in the Pilliga State Forest. 

“This is a large bushfire that has been fuelling dangerous fire-generated thunderstorms with smoke visible from hundreds of kilometres away,” Minister Watt said. 

“I want to thank those who have worked hard to battle this blaze. The Minns Government and Rural Fire Service continue to monitor the situation and the Albanese Government stands ready to respond to any requests for assistance.” 

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said fire-impacted community members and primary producers would be supported in their clean up and recovery. 

“Work to assess the impact is being conducted as quickly as possible, and this is the first step in making assistance available to those in need,” Minister Dib said. 

“The scale and intensity of this fire is a reminder of the dangers we face over summer.

“Recent rain is a welcome change for firefighters as they work to contain the fire following threats to life and property over the past week.” 

NSW Member for Barwon Roy Butler thanked emergency services, particularly volunteers. 

“This fire could have been far more devastating had it not been for the efforts of emergency service staff and volunteers. 

“Even yesterday there were about 200 people out on the fire ground, and 60 people from various agencies in the Fire Control Centre.

“Without volunteers and community assistance none of this would have been possible. Well done to everyone involved.” 

For information relating to financial assistance, replacing lost documents, location of your nearest recovery centre and more, please contact Service NSWlaunch on 13 77 88launch or visit nsw.gov.au

To apply for a concessional loan or primary producer grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authoritylaunch on 1800 678 593launch

Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist websitelaunch.

Speedway racing will make a long-awaited but welcome return to Eastern Creek in early 2024 following the appointment of a new Venue Manager and Operator for Western Sydney International Speedway.

Western Sydney International Dragway Ltd, which runs the neighbouring Sydney Dragway, has been appointed as Venue Manager with Sydney International Speedway Pty Ltd appointed as the new Operator.

Together with Government, the new management team is working hard to deliver a world-class experience for both fans and racers, with racing to commence back at the venue in early 2024.

The new Venue Manager and Operator are working on a program of race events so that fans can be trackside to see world-class racing in early 2024.

The motorsports precinct at Eastern Creek attracts around 700,000 visitors each year.

Motorsport is estimated to contribute $2.8 billion in direct and indirect value to the Australian economy including $270.1 million of value added to the New South Wales economy.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“After the previous government bungled the establishment of the new speedway at Eastern Creek, I am pleased that racing will return in early 2024.

“The racing community was promised a world-class facility and we are delivering on that promise.

“After receiving a five-star safety rating the track is ready to race on and we are working with the new management to make Eastern Creek the number one motorsports precinct in Australia.

“I’m committed to the success of motorsports and its social, and economic value to the community.

“Motorsports have a long and proud history in Sydney dating back to 1926 at the Sydney Showground at Moore Park, four decades at Parramatta and now a bright future at Eastern Creek.”

Sydney Dragway Chairman Tony Beuk said:

“Western Sydney International Speedway is a state-of-the-art facility with amazing potential. We are excited by the two forms of motorsport working together to create a bright co-operative future, with the opportunity to share resources between two disciplines of motorsport that share similar passions.

“Sydney Dragway has 20 years of experience in event management, ticketing and logistics and we’re looking to work with Sydney International Speedway Pty Ltd who understands the speedway industry.  Together, we are committed to getting racing back at the venue early in the new year and making it a success for the racing community.

“We are looking to attract the best Australian and overseas racers to Australia’s premier motorsports precinct.

“The return of speedway racing to Eastern Creek ensures racing will not only survive but thrive in Sydney.”

The NSW Government has released a discussion paper and begun community consultation into the effectiveness of the Clubgrants scheme, as part of a wider review to ensure the grants program is providing a social benefit to the people of NSW.

The consultation period will be open until 18 March 2024.

Clubgrants enables eligible registered clubs to contribute a portion of gaming machine profits to local community services, projects and infrastructure through grants, and receive a tax concession in return.

The discussion paper provides background on Clubgrants, the terms of reference and targeted questions to help guide submissions. There is also a survey for those who do not want to write a submission.

The public consultation will enable key stakeholders, participants, and members of the public to provide feedback and have their say as part of the review.

Liquor & Gaming NSW is seeking feedback from 23 December 2023 until 18 March 2024. Read the discussion paper and have your saylaunch. 

The Review into the ClubGrants Scheme was announced in tandem with the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform, which brings together representatives from industry, harm minimisation advocacy groups, law enforcement, unions and a person with lived experience to build consensus on a roadmap for reform.

It adds to a number of reforms already undertaken by the Minns Government to reduce gambling harm and prevent money laundering:

• reduced the cash input limit from $5,000 to $500 for all new poker machines from 1 July 
• reduced the statewide cap on gaming machine entitlements by more than 3,000 
• banned political donations from clubs involved in gaming 
• removed VIP gaming signage across NSW 
• invested $100m into gambling harm minimisation over the next four years.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring integrity and public trust in government grants.

“The Clubgrants scheme has not been formally reviewed by government since 2013, so this review will give the community and key stakeholders a chance to have their say on its effectiveness.

“Registered clubs are part of the social fabric in local communities across NSW, and the Clubgrants scheme helps to provide vital local services, projects and infrastructure.

“Feedback from a broad range of stakeholders and members of the public is critical to ensure their views are considered. 

“I encourage everyone to read the discussion paper and provide a submission or complete the survey before 18 March. Your feedback about the scheme will form an important part of our review.”

Six months after the historic reintroduction of platypuses to Royal National Park south of Sydney, the iconic Australian animals are thriving in their new habitat.

Ten platypuses were released in May, after being locally extinct for 50 years. Each of them carries an acoustic tag which pings listening receivers up and down the rivers of the Royal.

The latest data show nine of the ten animals are adapting well to their environment. The tenth platypus has ventured beyond the team’s tracking capabilities, which she has done before, and the team is confident she is exploring creeks she has previously visited.

Visitors to the Royal National Park are now regularly reporting platypus sightings. This underscores the value of conservation efforts in connecting people with nature and raising awareness about the importance of preserving Australia’s unique wildlife.

This project is a collaboration between the Platypus Conservation Initiative (UNSW Sydney), WWF-Australia, NSW National Parks Wildlife Service and Taronga Conservation Society. The project is guided by a commitment to preserving the Royal National Park’s unique biodiversity and supporting the long-term success of the platypus population.

Plans are underway to conduct comprehensive surveys in the park next year to assess the breeding success and overall health of the platypus population. The goal is to confirm whether the reintroduced platypuses have successfully reared young, which would mark another milestone in this ambitious conservation project.

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“These wonderful native animals are facing multiple threats in the wild, and there is an increasing need to actively manage their conservation for the ongoing survival of their populations.

“After taking part in the reintroduction program in the Royal National Park six months ago, I am thrilled to hear they are thriving in their new habitat and venturing deep into the park.”

Lead Researcher Dr Gilad Bino, UNSW’s Centre for Ecosystem Science said:

“The reintroduction has exceeded our expectations. The platypuses have adapted exceptionally well to the Royal National Park, a testament to the robustness of both the species and the habitat.

“We are closely monitoring the one platypus which has ventured beyond our monitoring capacity, but she will no doubt reconnect soon.”

Platypus researcher Dr Tahneal Hawke, Centre of Ecosystem Science said:

“Recent water quality and macro-invertebrate surveys show the system is in generally good condition, offering suitable resources for the platypuses. As they enter their breeding season, we are optimistic they will breed.”

WWF-Australia conservation ecologist Patrick Giumelli said:

“Our tracking data is providing fascinating insights into how the platypuses are interacting with their new habitat. We’re learning so much from these ten animals that will help inform future reintroductions of the species.

“We need to take these bold actions to reverse the decline of this Australian icon and secure its future.”downloadDownload as PDFprintPrint this page

One of the first cancer survivorship clinics in NSW is celebrating 10 years of providing dedicated support to patients and their families following a cancer diagnosis.

Established in 2013, the Sydney Survivorship Centre at Concord Hospital gives patients access to evidence-based exercise interventions from diagnosis to treatment and through to survivorship.

The dedicated team helps patients manage treatment related side effects, improve their physical function and wellbeing and help prevent long term or persisting adverse effects of their cancer and treatment.

Health Minister Ryan Park highlighted the need for such an important service and praised the tireless efforts of the staff who work at the clinic.

“Making sure we look after the most vulnerable members of our community is vitally important and this service provides a multi-disciplinary team to give survivors the best possible chance of a positive outcome after their diagnosis,” Minister Park said.

“The team at the Cancer Survivorship Centre do an incredibly important job in helping patients navigate through such a terrifying point in life.”

There are an estimated 750,000 cancer survivors in Australia with an expected three per cent increase this year.

The aim of survivorship programs is to improve the services and care for cancer survivors in Australia through research, education and an understanding of the issues that affect people who have been treated for cancer.

While “survivorship” means different things to different people, most cancer survivors share similar issues around the fear of the cancer returning or the anxiety of follow up visits.

This free clinic helps patients come to terms with those fears and anxieties in a relaxed environment.

About 130 new patients are seen at the clinic each year with long term follow-up provided for about 40 per cent of those patients.

Staff will see patients every three months for the first three years, then six monthly for years four and five.

NSW residents are being encouraged to adopt from their local council pound or animal shelter rather than shopping if they’re considering getting a pet this Christmas.

The Christmas period is a prime time when many families welcome a new, furry family member into their homes.

But with councils and rehoming organisations reporting an increase in surrendered or abandoned animals recently, there are many loving pets across the state waiting to find their forever home.

In the 12 months to 30 June 2023, there were 21,580 dogs and 14,370 cats in the NSW pound system, including 5680 dogs and 5030 cats which were released to organisations for rehoming.

Adopting a pet provides a safe home to animals in need of a second chance while also reducing the demand on the state’s facilities. This includes 100 approved rehoming organisations and 98 council pounds across NSW.

Current and prospective pet owners are also being reminded about responsible pet ownership and the importance of microchipping, desexing and registering their pet via the NSW Pet Registry.

Sadly, summer is a peak time of year for pets to go missing, whether they’re spooked by New Year’s Eve fireworks or escape into unfamiliar surroundings when taken on the family holiday.

Ensuring your pet’s details are up to date on the NSW Pet Registry can make all the difference in the chance of a happy reunion if your pet goes missing.

Registration via the NSW Pet Registry is free for desexed cats and dogs adopted from pounds, animal shelters and approved rehoming organisations.

To adopt a pet this Christmas, visit your council pound, RSPCA, Animal Welfare League, Cat Protection Society or another approved rehoming organisation in your local area.

See the full list of rehoming organisationslaunch, or contact your local councillaunch for information on council pounds.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“Dogs and cats are beloved members of the family in homes across NSW.

“They can provide love and companionship and adopting a pet which might’ve had a rough start to life can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

“If you’re welcoming a new pet into your family this Christmas, please think about visiting a council pound, animal shelter or rehoming organisation to see if there’s a dog or cat that would suit your household.

“More than 3480 dogs and 3690 cats were adopted from NSW pounds in the year to 30 June 2023, showing just how generous the people of NSW can be.

“While pets can bring a lot of joy, it’s also important to remember they are a big responsibility.

“So before adopting a pet ensure you’re in the best position to give them the life and home they deserve.”

The NSW Government has identified St Andrew’s Village Ballina Ltd as the new preferred operator for the site of the Feros aged care village at Byron Bay.

Submissions have been assessed and discussions are now underway with the preferred proponent St Andrew’s Village Ballina Ltd to provide a long-term lease on the site.

St Andrew’s is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation with significant industry experience and financial capabilities.

It submitted a comprehensive proposal which reflected a good understanding of aged accommodation needs in the Byron area, and has committed to:

• Deploy experienced staff to commence operations at the Byron site quickly and seamlessly.
• Maintain the existing 40 residential aged care beds at the site.
• Invest an initial amount of almost $3 million to refurbish facilities at the site, to provide comfortable and functional accommodation and ensure compliance with aged accommodation standards.

In February 2023, Feros Care announced its intention to close the Feros Care Village at Byron Bay.

In response to feedback from residents and the community, Crown Lands conducted an Expression of Interest (EOI)  process to invite potential operators of the Feros Village facility to be considered for a long-term lease on the Crown land reserve.

The (EOI) attracted a number of submissions from potential operators to provide aged care accommodation at the Marvell Street site.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The identification of a strong and committed aged accommodation provider with local roots in the Byron region is fantastic news for the residents of the Feros village and for the local community.

“Our first priority has always been the welfare and well-being of the residents. Discussions are underway to lock in a long-term lease with St Andrew’s to ensure we have a seamless transition to a new aged accommodation and care operator by the end of January.”

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said:

“This is a massive community victory and together we’ve secured the long-term future for this important aged-care facility for our area. Thanks to everyone for all your great efforts.

“After the devastating news that Feros Care would close Byron Bay’s Feros Village, State and Federal Labor Governments worked to find a new provider to keep the site open for residents.

“After months of work, we’ve secured St. Andrew’s, an established provider of aged care services, to run the current Feros Village site and continue to provide high-quality care. All residents will be able to remain on the site. I’m proud to be your strong voice in the Albanese Government delivering a long-term home for the residents of Feros.

“A big thank you also to the Byron Shire Council and our community for your work in helping us make this happen.”

Chief Executive Officer of St Andrew’s Todd Yourell said:

“St Andrew’s is delighted to be awarded this opportunity to take on the management of this facility.

“With the current residents being our primary focus, we look forward to meeting with them as soon as possible to consult and listen to them regarding the future of their home.”

A tram has travelled through Western Sydney for the first time in 80 years, with on-track testing for Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 officially kicking off on 18 December as the project powers forward, reaching a number of major milestones.

The NSW Government has ensured the project is on track to service tens of thousands of commuters by mid-2024, providing a vital additional transport link between key precincts in Western Sydney.

The community will notice a light rail vehicle moving slowly along the track from Dundas towards Carlingford this week, before testing ramps up in the new year through Parramatta CBD.

Major construction is now complete on all 16 light rail stops along the 12-kilometre alignment from Westmead to Carlingford, while the 7 substations that will power the network have been installed and energised.

The new state-of-the-art stabling and maintenance facility in Camellia is almost complete, housing the vehicles for upkeep and cleaning, and creating more than 150 jobs in Western Sydney.

All 13 new light rail vehicles are currently on site in the stabling yard and ready for testing, after the final 2 were delivered earlier this month.

A recruitment campaign is currently underway for more than 80 operational staff including drivers, network controllers and customer service personnel.

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia.

For more information, visit the Parramatta Light Rail websitelaunch.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“Parramatta Light Rail is progressing, with major milestones giving locals and visitors an exciting glimpse of what is to come: more safe, reliable and connected public transport in Western Sydney.

“The last time trams moved through Parramatta was in 1943. Now we’re finally seeing tram testing on this transformational project for Western Sydney.

“Stage 1 will mean key health precincts like Westmead and Cumberland are more accessible, students at Western Sydney Uni and local schools have more travel options, and businesses along Church St will enjoy increased foot traffic of around 16,000 people daily.

“I want to thank everyone who helped us get to this point, especially the light rail operators who worked overnight to test Parramatta’s new tram.

“200 people have been working day and night to build the stabling and maintenance facility, fit out and test the light rail stops, install overhead wiring, and deliver this city-shaping light rail network for our west.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“This is a momentous day for Parramatta as the first light rail vehicle begins testing on the tracks.

“Our government is delivering a vital public transport link that is essential to the support Parramatta’s growth, and work is underway to extend Parramatta light rail even further.

“Trams are testing along the old Carlingford rail line corridor first, before testing in Parramatta’s CBD in the first half of next year.

“I urge pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to be alert as light rail vehicles commence testing along the line.” 

The new-look Mascot Station has officially opened to the public following a multi-million-dollar upgrade to improve customer access, reduce congestion and future-proof facilities.

Transport for NSW worked with Bayside Council, businesses, local residents and the public to design and build a new station entry that improves access to the station on both sides of Bourke Street.

Improvements at Sydney’s 35th busiest station include the new station entrance, four new escalators, a new lift, bathrooms, additional ticket gates and hearing loops.

The new Bourke Street entry is complimented by a surrounding plaza that includes seating and landscaping.

The new entrance on Bourke Street west is a win for train passengers and road users, as the underpass will reduce the number of commuters using nearby pedestrian crossings.

These vital improvements mean Mascot Station will be able to accommodate more passengers in the future, making commuting from Mascot to the city, a fast, comfortable and efficient experience. 

Minor works will continue at Mascot Station in early 2024.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“More than 1000 people have been hard at work, significantly improving access to Mascot Station from both sides of Bourke Street.

“The new entry, lifts and escalators will make everyone’s walk in and out of the station a little easier, and the improved plaza will be a great little public space in the heart of Mascot.  

Member for Heffron, Ron Hoenig MP said:

“This is a necessary upgrade that will create a much-needed second entrance to Mascot Station.

“Until now, everyone had to cram into the same set of escalators and through the same entry.

“This upgrade will do two things – allow pedestrians to access the station without having to cross Bourke Street, and free up the congestion of traffic on Bourke Street which was obstructed by the volume of pedestrians crossing the road to use the station.

“Mascot Station is on the network’s busy Airport Line and services one of the fastest-growing residential areas of Sydney.

“Now we’ll have two, safe and accessible entrances and exits, making it easier for everyone to catch the train.”

The NSW Government has today released the final report by the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes, concluding the landmark review.

The final report contains seven recommendations relating to specific cases, as well as 12 recommendations relating to investigative and record management practices and procedures, including: 

• Establishment of a review or audit by NSW Police of all unsolved homicides for the period 1970 to 2010, including review of exhibits and those that should be submitted for forensic testing in light of possible technological advances. 
• Several recommendations relating to the enhancement of the Unsolved Homicide Team (UHT) including a review of practices, procedures and resourcing of the UHT, and provision of training.
• Implementation of mandatory and ongoing training for NSW Police officers concerning the LGBTIQ community, including in relation to LGBTIQ bias crime, conscious and unconscious bias in investigations, and the engagement of appropriately qualified experts to ensure international best practice in NSW.

Led by the Honourable Justice John Sackar (the Commissioner) and first launched in April 2022, the Inquiry looked into the unsolved deaths of LGBTIQ people that may have been hate crimes between 1970 and 2010 that had been the subject of previous investigation by the NSW Police Force. 

In particular, the Inquiry looked into the 88 deaths or suspected deaths of men potentially motivated by gay hate bias that were investigated by Strike Force Parrabell.

In a series of public hearings, the deaths of 32 people were examined in detail.

The Inquiry also looked at social, legal and cultural factors affecting the LGBTIQ community, as well as the nature of the relationship between the LGBTIQ community and the NSW Police Force over the 40-year period.

In the course of this work the Inquiry examined more than 150,000 documents, issued more than 400 summonses, made public appeals for information, and held public and private hearings.

The final report comprising almost 3,500 pages is reflective of the extensive work undertaken by the dedicated team of barristers, solicitors and investigators.

The NSW Government will thoroughly consider the contents of the Commission’s report and will respond in due course.

Read the Inquiry Report

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“I thank all of those who came forward with information or otherwise assisted the Inquiry – for your contributions and staunch advocacy for partners, family members, friends and community.”

“It takes courage to relive the traumatic experiences you have shared as partners, family and friends who have lost loved ones, and as a community that has suffered unimaginable injustice.”

“Thank you also to Commissioner Sackar and the entire Inquiry team for your tireless work in pursuing justice for the victims of these crimes.”

“The Government will now take the time required to thoroughly consider the Commission’s report.”

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“The comprehensive work undertaken by the Inquiry has shone a light on some of the darkest events in our states history.”

“I know many members of our community have been deeply impacted by the events examined by the Inquiry and the reopening of wounds that has been a difficult but necessary part of this process.”

“We hope that in a small way this process will have provided some level of closure and healing.”

“Our work here is far from over and our focus now shifts to ensuring we deliver a meaningful and decisive response., We owe nothing less to victims, their families and friends.”

“I would also like to thank Judge Sakar and his team for their work.

Support services

The Inquiry engaged ACON Pride Counselling to offer free and confidential counselling to LGBTIQ people participating in the Inquiry.  Find out morelaunch.

The following services are available for immediate support:

• Emergency assistance: (triple zero) 000
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• NSW Mental Health Access Line: 1800 011 511
• QLife (3pm to midnight): 1800 184 527
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• Rainbow Sexual, Domestic & Family Violence Service Help Line: 1800 385 578
• Alcohol and Drug Information Service: 1800 250 015
• TransHublaunch (external link)
• Pivot Pointlaunch (external link) – (for information & self-assessment of alcohol and drug use).