Category: NSW News

Following the inability for the Government to make a decision on whether to build Metro West or cancel it, the Opposition has begun asking which will die first – a lettuce or the Government’s promise.
 
Labor currently have two reviews into the project and the Premier has confirmed he has not even read the report his own Transport Minister initiated.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward commented “I don’t understand why it is so difficult to build the project – it is a farce.”
 
“Just like watching a lettuce die, it is clear Metro West is slowly wilting away.”

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey has delivered on a key promise for transparency in NSW by starting the process for releasing privatisation agreements signed by the previous government.

Mr Mookhey is writing to ports and energy companies notifying them he expects to make information about their agreements available to the public.

Where required, he has requested the consent of the relevant authorities to release the documents.

This includes the commitment deeds for Port Botany, Port Kembla and the Port of Newcastle.

The key agreements relate to the privatisation and long-term leases of:

• Port Botany, Port Kembla and Port of Newcastle
• Ausgrid, Transgrid and Endeavour electricity networks
• Liddell, Bayswater, Colongra, Eraring, Shoalhaven, Mt Piper, and Vales Point power stations.

Subject to consent where required, the documents will be tabled in parliament.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“The people of NSW deserve to know exactly what is in the agreements made when public assets were privatised.

“This will provide an opportunity for NSW citizens, for the first time, to be able to access important documents that set out what the state’s existing assets, rights and liabilities are from past privatisations.

“People should not have to wait until next century to learn what has been agreed to. The previous government should have revealed these details earlier.”

Motorists can start preparing for driving conditions inside the final piece of WestConnex, with the release of animations to help navigate the more than 16km of new tunnels that make up the Rozelle Interchange.

The animated in-car videos show motorists how to negotiate the underground interchange which links the M4 and M8, Anzac Bridge, City West Link, the toll-free Iron Cove Link, as well as the future Western Harbour Tunnel.

With Rozelle Interchange opening before the end of the year, the animations give an early glimpse inside, including signage in the tunnels and on adjoining surface roads, while a flyover video gives a useful overview of how Rozelle Interchange connects west and south-west of Sydney with the CBD and inner west.

About 100,000 vehicles a day are expected to travel through Rozelle Interchange every day and the Minns Labor Government wants them to do so with confidence from day 1.

The ongoing final phase of work to complete the interchange is testing the incident response, ventilation and IT systems to ensure the highest possible level of safety is delivered for motorists.

On Tuesday 7 November, the Crescent overpass will open to traffic to improve access from Annandale and Glebe to Victoria Road and the Anzac Bridge.  Drivers can access the overpass via Johnston Street or Link Road to travel over City West Link and onto Victoria Road or the Anzac Bridge.

There will be a temporary no left turn from The Crescent onto City West Link for approximately 4 weeks to allow for final elements of construction at the intersection.

NSW Roads Minister, John Graham said:

“Rozelle Interchange is a complex feat of Australian engineering, which has become a reality due to the hard work of a skilled local workforce, and we look forward to opening to traffic soon. 

“Now is a good time for drivers to start thinking about their journeys and how they may change after the opening of the interchange. These videos provide a preview of the new connections and will help in planning.

“When a major piece of road infrastructure like Rozelle Interchange opens, we expect drivers will take time to adjust to the new roads and route options, but these videos will give a head start.

“We are expecting an increase in congestion along Victoria Road and the City West Link as well as some queuing on the new M4 exit ramp in the AM peak until road users adapt and establish new travel patterns.

Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins said:

“Rozelle Interchange is close to completion, and we look forward to opening 16.6km of new roads to give Sydney motorists more options to get where they want to go across our growing city.

We know from the opening of other major road infrastructure projects that motorists can take time to adjust to changes on the road network. 

“These driver animation and flyover videos will help people familiarise themselves with the new routes as motorists familiarise themselves with the interchange and its various connection points.

“These new additions to the road network will require a change of behaviour for drivers and we are eager to help the public as much as possible before the green light goes on for Rozelle Interchange.”

The public can view the driver animation and flyover videos on the Transport for NSW website.launch

The NSW Government is continuing to rebuild our frontline services today announcing an historic breakthrough agreement to address the ongoing critical shortfall in police numbers by paying Student Police Officers while they study at the Goulburn Police Academy.

This is an important workforce incentive to encourage more people to take up a career in the NSW Police Force.

From March 2024, Student Police Officers will be paid to study at the Goulburn Police Academy. Student Police Officers will be employed as clerk grade 1/2 administrative employees on a temporary fixed term contact.

They’ll receive a total salary of approximately $30,984 over the 16-week study period.

That works out to be $1,360 per week plus superannuation and an estimated $380 in award-based allowances.

At the end of their studies, they will be employed and paid as Probationary Constables, as is the current arrangement.

This initiative also brings NSW in line with other states and territories who already offer students extra allowances.

To ensure the current classes are not worse off, they will receive a scholarship administered by their education provider – Charles Stuart University.

Class 360 will receive a pro-rata scholarship from the date of today’s announcement.
Class 361 will receive a $21,760 scholarship.
NSW Police is being severely strained by a huge shortfall in police numbers.

We are currently carrying more than 1,500 vacancies – a legacy of the previous government’s mismanagement of police recruitment and retention.

These vacancies are placing significant strain and an increased workload on serving officers. It is critical that something is done to address this.

The scheme, combined with NSW Police’s Associate Degree level qualification that police recruits earn at Goulburn Academy will make NSW the most attractive jurisdiction in Australia to train as a police officer.

This will unlock opportunities for a more diverse range of recruits including mature age students who have existing financial responsibilities, women, particularly women with families, and people from low-income households who simply can’t afford to study for four months with no income.

Our plan to rebuild essential services is only possible because of the careful and responsible approach to repair the budget without privatising our essential assets or imposing an unfair wages cap on our workforce.

We are a government with a clear focus – managing our finances responsibly so we can provide support when you need it most and improve the essential services that we all rely on, now and into the future.

This is an important workforce incentive to encourage more people to take up a career in the NSW Police Force.

From March 2024, Student Police Officers will be paid to study at the Goulburn Police Academy. Student Police Officers will be employed as clerk grade 1/2 administrative employees on a temporary fixed term contact.

They’ll receive a total salary of approximately $30,984 over the 16-week study period.

That works out to be $1,360 per week plus superannuation and an estimated $380 in award-based allowances.

At the end of their studies, they will be employed and paid as Probationary Constables, as is the current arrangement.

This initiative also brings NSW in line with other states and territories who already offer students extra allowances.

To ensure the current classes are not worse off, they will receive a scholarship administered by their education provider – Charles Stuart University.

• Class 360 will receive a pro-rata scholarship from the date of today’s announcement.
• Class 361 will receive a $21,760 scholarship.

NSW Police is being severely strained by a huge shortfall in police numbers.

We are currently carrying more than 1,500 vacancies – a legacy of the previous government’s mismanagement of police recruitment and retention.

These vacancies are placing significant strain and an increased workload on serving officers. It is critical that something is done to address this.

The scheme, combined with NSW Police’s Associate Degree level qualification that police recruits earn at Goulburn Academy will make NSW the most attractive jurisdiction in Australia to train as a police officer.

This will unlock opportunities for a more diverse range of recruits including mature age students who have existing financial responsibilities, women, particularly women with families, and people from low-income households who simply can’t afford to study for four months with no income.

Our plan to rebuild essential services is only possible because of the careful and responsible approach to repair the budget without privatising our essential assets or imposing an unfair wages cap on our workforce.

We are a government with a clear focus – managing our finances responsibly so we can provide support when you need it most and improve the essential services that we all rely on, now and into the future.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“We owe a great debt of gratitude to NSW Police and this announcement makes it clear that the NSW Labor Government backs our police officers 100 per cent.

“I’m committed to improving working conditions, stopping our frontline workers quitting and attracting more people to these vital roles – that’s why we are introducing this new incentive for future police officers.”

“Police do an incredible job to keep us safe, but the truth is they are stretched and overworked, and we can’t fix that if we don’t recruit and retain more officers. 

“We want to attract a diverse new cohort of NSW Police Officers, my message to anyone who has considered joining the NSW Police is that now is the time to apply.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“This is a historic day. NSWPF recruitment has been in the doldrums for years.

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of the team, along with Commissioner Webb, that has delivered this landmark reform for our trainee police.

“I want to thank the Police Association of NSW which has advocated tirelessly for this reform and been a huge support to me and the Government in seeing it delivered.”

“This will be an enduring legacy of my time as Minister and Karen’s as Commissioner. We’re both very proud of it.”

“I’ve heard many stories of people wanting to change careers and join the NSW Police Force but who simply cannot afford to train for four months without income. I’m thrilled that’s about to change.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said:

“This announcement is a game changer for our organisation. Post covid, recruitment in policing has suffered in Australia and across the world. Breaking down the barriers for people to leave one job and start with us without being financially disadvantaged is the most attractive incentive we’ve been able to offer for many years.”

“I can’t think of a more exciting announcement for the NSW Police Force and it comes at a time when I know all our current hard working, dedicated officers will be very relieved. The calvary is coming!”

“We owe a great debt of gratitude to NSW Police and this announcement makes it clear that the NSW Labor Government backs our police officers 100 per cent.

“I’m committed to improving working conditions, stopping our frontline workers quitting and attracting more people to these vital roles – that’s why we are introducing this new incentive for future police officers.”

“Police do an incredible job to keep us safe, but the truth is they are stretched and overworked, and we can’t fix that if we don’t recruit and retain more officers. 

“We want to attract a diverse new cohort of NSW Police Officers, my message to anyone who has considered joining the NSW Police is that now is the time to apply.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“This is a historic day. NSWPF recruitment has been in the doldrums for years.

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of the team, along with Commissioner Webb, that has delivered this landmark reform for our trainee police.

“I want to thank the Police Association of NSW which has advocated tirelessly for this reform and been a huge support to me and the Government in seeing it delivered.”

“This will be an enduring legacy of my time as Minister and Karen’s as Commissioner. We’re both very proud of it.”

“I’ve heard many stories of people wanting to change careers and join the NSW Police Force but who simply cannot afford to train for four months without income. I’m thrilled that’s about to change.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said:

“This announcement is a game changer for our organisation. Post covid, recruitment in policing has suffered in Australia and across the world. Breaking down the barriers for people to leave one job and start with us without being financially disadvantaged is the most attractive incentive we’ve been able to offer for many years.”

“I can’t think of a more exciting announcement for the NSW Police Force and it comes at a time when I know all our current hard working, dedicated officers will be very relieved. The calvary is coming!”downloadDownload as PDFprintPrint this page

The NSW Government has announced $60 million for councils across the state to improve walking and cycling, with a major focus on Western Sydney and regional communities.

From today, councils can apply for grants in the latest round of Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active funding programlaunch to deliver projects that will encourage walking and cycling, and vibrant places to live, work and play.

This year, the Get NSW Active program will include $10 million in funding for councils to deliver projects within walking catchments to primary schools to provide a safer and more comfortable walk or ride to and from school for kids and parents.

Upgraded and wider footpaths, cycleways, quality crossings, reduced speed zones, new trees, and improved safety features for bike riders and pedestrians are some of the initiatives eligible for funding.

More than half of the funding will be prioritised for projects and initiatives in Western Sydney Local Government Areas (LGAs) and regional NSW.

The announcement coincides with the opening of the $19 million Alfred Street Bridge, a new pedestrian and cycling connection across the Parramatta River at Alfred Street.

The bridge was funded by Transport for NSW’s Get NSW Active program ($3.5m), NSW Department of Planning ($8.15m) and City of Parramatta Council ($7.5m). It provides a 200m long link over the river to the Parramatta Light Rail’s Tramway Avenue stop, as well as access to the 20km Parramatta Valley Cycleway, which weaves along the river.

The Alfred Street Bridge also connects to the new 5.7km shared path that runs alongside the Parramatta Light Rail corridor, a missing cycleway link built by Transport between George Street and Noller Parade on Alfred Street and will link to the future George Street East Pedestrian and Cyclist Paths, which are due to be delivered next year by council under Transport’s Get NSW Active program.

These projects form part of a growing network of safe cycleways and shared paths that will allow easier access to key attractions, community hubs, and current and future transport options including Sydney Metro West.

The City of Parramatta was also successful in the last round of Get NSW Active funding, receiving $341,000 for planning new or improved active transport links.

The Get NSW Active annual program (2023-2024) received a record 523 applications from councils across the state with funding allocated for 46 Greater Sydney projects and 41 regional projects.

Applications for Get NSW Active funding grants can be made from now until midnight 12 December 2023 on NSW Government grants and funding.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“The Get NSW Active program is all about working with councils to make it easier for people to walk and cycle through their neighborhoods.

“It is exciting to see projects funded by this program now coming to life. The Alfred Street Bridge is a stunning new connection across the Parramatta River for people walking or jumping on their bikes.

“With an estimated 1.5 billion walking and bike riding trips taken each year across NSW, it’s vital we make it safer and easier. “

“I encourage NSW local governments make the most of this opportunity and put their applications in for the next Get NSW Active funding round.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Public Spaces Legacy program seeks to provide quality public open space for the community while speeding up the delivery of local projects.

“Alfred Street Bridge delivers on this commitment as well as providing a new active transport link catering for Parramatta’s growing population with a convenient, safe and scenic walking and cycling link over the river.

“Residents can now directly access the Parramatta Light Rail stop on the southern side, along with services, schools and recreational areas.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“The only way is up for Parramatta and that means making the most of what we have by connecting our community via well-designed, attractive and reliable infrastructure.

“The NSW Government is committed to making Parramatta a destination to live, work, study and play with the revitalisation of the river and its surrounds.”

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Pierre Esber said:

“Alfred Street Bridge is a distinctive new landmark for our city that will make it safer and faster for our growing community to travel throughout Parramatta.”

“We live in a beautiful City and Alfred Street Bridge will cut down commute times and make it easier to connect to public transport and travel to the CBD. It’s an important link that will connect the community to more than 20km of pedestrian and cycling paths to enjoy and explore our natural surroundings.”

Thirteen war memorials across the state will share in $124,239 of funding under Round 1 of the NSW Government’s Community War Memorials Fund.

The NSW Government established the Community War Memorials Fund in 2008 to help conserve, repair and protect war memorials across NSW. Applications opened on Anzac Day and closed on Tuesday 25 July. 

There are more than 3700 war memorials in NSW many of which provide a place for people to gather and remember those who have served from their local community.  

Funds will be awarded directly to local councils, schools and community organisations in 10 electorates spanning metropolitan and regional areas including:

• $10,000 to Bellingen Shire Council for conservation work to the Urunga War Memorial
• $10,000 for the Christ Church War Memorial Gates in Gladesville
• $10,000 to Coolah District Development Group Inc for conservation work to the Coolah War Memorial School of Arts.

Since the establishment of the program in 2008, grants have been provided for a wide range of projects including condition assessments, honour roll repair, war memorial cleaning and conservation work, arborist advice for war memorial trees, security measures for memorials, repairs to war memorial halls and improvements to the accessibility of memorials.

Round 2 of the program opens on Remembrance Day, Saturday 11 November 2023.

For more information and details of the fund go to the Veterans Affairs website.launch

Minister for Veterans, David Harris said:

“Our communities are proud of their military history, and local war memorials are a vital part of our culture enabling us to reflect on over 100 years of our veterans’ service and sacrifice.

“It is wonderful to announce this funding, which will be used to give our war memorials much-needed attention so they can continue to honour our veterans who have served our community.

“I encourage all communities to review the status of their local war memorials and to apply for funding for eligible conservation work that is needed, after Remembrance Day.”

Mayor of Bellingen Shire Council, Councillor Steve Allan said:

“Thank you to the NSW Government for this funding which will go towards the staged restoration of the Urunga War Memorial.

“Cenotaphs own unique values and hold space to the importance of the history of regional areas both as a community and for individual families.

“They remind us of the sacrifices made by earlier generations to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Council is pleased to be able to undertake conservation works to help protect this memorial for years to come.”

Jeremy King from the Anglican Parish of Gladesville said:

The Christ Church War Memorial Gates in Gladesville will also benefit from conservation work. Mr Jeremy King from the Anglican Parish of Gladesville acknowledged the benefits to the memorial thanks to the funding.

“This funding will help preserve and restore the memorial gates, a significant historical feature of the Gladesville streetscape and a tribute to those who served in the First World War.”

Round 1 of the Community War Memorials Fund 2023-2024

Organisation name	Project description	Amount funded
Anglican Church Property Trust Diocese of Sydney	Christ Church War Memorial Gates, Gladesville	$10,000
Barkers Vale Public School	Barkers Vale District War Memorial	$9450
Bellingen Shire Council	Urunga War Memorial	$10,000
Blayney Shire Council	Millthorpe War Memorial Gates	$8921
Blue Mountains City Council	Wentworth Falls War Memorial	$4950
Coolah District Development Group Inc	Coolah War Memorial School of Arts	$10,000
Mallanganee Hall Public Land Manager	Mallanganee Memorial Hall	$9979
Northlakes High School	Northlakes High School War Memorial	$3500
Shoalhaven City Council	Nowra Soldiers Memorial	$8107
Shoalhaven City Council	Nowra Mafeking Boer War Memorial	$11,627
Shoalhaven City Council	Kangaroo Valley Soldiers Memorial	$15,000
Shoalhaven City Council	Berry War Memorial	$14,905
Tocumwal War Memorial Hall	Tocumwal War Memorial Hall	$7800

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib has appointed a new commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, to lead Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW).

FRNSW provides rapid response to fire, rescue and other emergencies across NSW, with roughly 7000 full-time and on-call firefighters operating from a network of 335 fire stations.

Commissioner Fewtrell joined FRNSW in 1997 as a firefighter, spending 17 years in frontline crew, station officer and inspector roles. After working in metropolitan and regional units, he progressed to management roles in 2014 and most recently served as Deputy Commissioner of Field Operations.

He oversaw the FRNSW emergency response to major incidents such as the recent Surry Hills warehouse fire and the Greta bus crash, and played a key leadership role in major disasters such as the 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires and the 2022 floods.

Along with his extensive operational and leadership experience, Mr Fewtrell also holds a Master of Business Administration.

The appointment follows a competitive recruitment process undertaken by the Department of Communities and Justice. Mr Fewtrell will take up his role as Commissioner from today.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“I am pleased to announce Jeremy Fewtrell will be the new Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW.

“Jeremy is a highly accomplished emergency services leader who has dedicated his career to keeping the people of NSW safe with a quarter of a century of service at Fire and Rescue NSW.

“He has shown his leadership and management abilities time and again, both in high-pressure scenarios and in peacetime, and has proven he is ready to take the helm of this critical first response agency.

“I look forward to working with the new Commissioner closely to deliver on the Minns government’s commitment to ensure this vital service is strong and sustainable into the future.”

Commissioner for Fire and Rescue NSW Jeremy Fewtrell said:

“Fire and Rescue NSW has a proud history of serving the community for 140 years.

“It is an honour, a privilege, and a dream come true to be selected as its next Commissioner.

“My priority as Commissioner is to ensure FRNSW continues to deliver exceptional prevention and emergency response services to the NSW community.

“Every 4 minutes, a FRNSW truck is rolling out the door to an emergency.

“My intention and direction is to ensure those men and women are supported with the best training, equipment and systems from across our organisation to ensure we can deliver on our mission to protect the irreplaceable in the community, whenever and wherever we are needed.”

The NSW Government is continuing to take steps to increase housing supply across NSW as well as boost local domestic manufacturing jobs with approval being granted for the development of an additional BlueScope Steel factory in Western Sydney.

The development of this factory will firm up the supply of BlueScope steel products for the building and construction industry.

With construction completion slated for 2025, the facility is expected to produce approximately 240,000 new Colorbond steel rooftops per year, or 80,000 new steel house frames.

This approval will not only boost housing supply by firming up supply of BlueScope steel products for the building and construction industry, it will also boost the local economy.

The Western Sydney community is set to benefit from more than 300 new job opportunities, with 43 ongoing jobs at the plant. Approximately 258 jobs will be created during the construction process.

With private investment of $320 million, the factory will be built at the existing BlueScope Western Sydney Service Centre on Templar Road, Erskine Park.

For more information visit the BlueScope Erskine Park Metal Coating Line 7 websitelaunch.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“This is exactly the kind of innovation we want to see in NSW.

“Not only will this factory boost our states domestic manufacturing capability, it will also provide vital materials as we boost housing supply.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This planning approval signifies another step in the right direction for supporting increased housing supply and economic growth.

“The project is a major $320 million investment into the future of domestic steelmaking and will play an important role in supporting housing and infrastructure projects.

“It’s a vote of confidence in NSW, helping to meet current and future demand for the sector, providing the locally sourced materials we need to build homes, hospitals, renewable energy and transport infrastructure.

“The demand will be met with a higher volume of materials able to be sent from Port Kembla to the new factory, which is being built on the existing BlueScope site.” 

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said: 

“After 12 years of neglect by the previous Liberal-National Government, the Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding our domestic manufacturing industry.

“This project will create good, well-paid jobs in Western Sydney, with the important multiplier effects they bring.”

BlueScope’s Chief Executive Australian Steel Products Tania Archibald said:

“The NSW Planning Minister’s decision to provide planning approval for this State Significant Project will allow BlueScope to progress the construction of a new, state-of-the-art, metal coating line, the first to be built in over 30 years. 

“Construction of the manufacturing facility will allow BlueScope to better meet the growing demand for steel building and construction products, in particular TRUECORE® steel for light gauge steel framing and feed for the company’s iconic COLORBOND® steel products for roofing and walling applications.

“Our plan is to have the plant commissioned and operational by the end of 2025.”

The NSW Government is investing $200 million over the next two years on developing and delivering major evacuation routes in the flood-prone Hawkesbury-Nepean.

The funding is being rapidly deployed into commencing work on the Pitt Town Bypass, as well as commencing enabling works on Garfield Road East at Riverstone and the Richmond Road – M7 to Townson Road – upgrade.

The Budget 2023-24 allocation of $200 million over two years is part of a larger $550 million spend over ten years on Western Sydney flood roads resilience that includes:

• $100 million for Garfield Road East at Riverstone for widening and duplication works as a key evacuation route
• $100 million on the Pitt Town Bypass
• $285 million for Richmond Road between Townson Road and the M7
• $15 million for The Driftway Roundabout at Londonderry
• $50 million for Hill Road at Sydney Olympic Park to improve localised flooding

Additionally, the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley Flood Evacuation Road Resilience Program has undertaken investigations at several locations along The Northern Road between Richmond Road, Richmond and Dunheved Road, Jordan Springs and Londonderry Road, between Driftway, Richmond and The Northern Road, Cranebrook.

Improvement projects include road shoulder widening, new drainage and bridge structures, road raising, pinch point upgrades and other drainage improvements.

The projects in the Programlaunch will improve the road network, particularly at key low points, so that residents can evacuate from the area safely in the event of a flood.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“We made a commitment to Western Sydney to get flood mitigation right and this initial $200 million will help improve preparedness for the next flood or bushfire event.

“We know the population has increased significantly in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley and it is essential we build the roads that cater for the size of the community in good times and bad.

“We cannot pretend evacuations will not be a reality in the future whether it is in response to flood or fire. This funding will make sure roads are fit to help people get out and emergency services can get it in during times of crisis.”

The NSW Government is delivering on its election commitment to no longer develop housing on high-risk flood plains in Western Sydney.

The Government is today announcing it has rezoned parts of the North-West Growth corridor to ensure NSW does not construct new homes in high-risk areas.

The Government is also releasing the Flood Evacuation Modelling report for the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley, which informed the rezoning decisions.

No more building on high-risk flood plains

We cannot continue to develop and build new residential towns in high-risk areas, and risk putting more people in harm’s way.

Following a rigorous assessment process and review of expert advice on flooding, it has been determined the proposed rezoning and draft plans for Marsden Park North precinct and Riverstone Town Centre will not proceed.

The plans for the West Schofields precinct will partially proceed, subject to strict conditions. 

The three projects fall within the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley floodplain and were put on hold in 2020 until further flood risk investigations and evacuation modelling were completed.

It means that, in line with the NSW Government’s election commitment, and in taking a risk-based approach to planning decisions on dangerous flood plains, of the approximately 12,700 new homes previously proposed – but not approved – under the three rezonings, only up to 2,300 will now proceed.

The NSW Government will continue to work closely with councils and other stakeholders to explore suitable land-use options.

Work is also underway to understand where additional housing can be accommodated to mitigate the impacts of these decisions on the housing pipeline. 

Flood Evacuation Modelling report for the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley

The land-use planning decisions follow the release of Flood Evacuation Modelling report for the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley.

The modelling was undertaken to help make better decisions on emergency evacuations, land use planning and road upgrades in one of Australia’s most dangerous flood risk areas.

The former NSW government commissioned an independent expert inquiry led by Mary O’Kane and Mick Fuller into the preparation for, causes of, response to and recovery from the 2022 catastrophic flood event across the state of NSW.

Key recommendations in the report included revised and updated flood modelling and disaster adaption plans to help resolve rezoning decisions.

This updated modelling has been instrumental in the NSW Government’s consideration of the three planning proposals in Sydney’s North-West Growth Area.

The Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley covers over 500km2 of floodplain in Western Sydney, stretching from Wallacia to Brooklyn and Wisemans Ferry.

It includes land in Hawkesbury, Hills, Blacktown, Penrith, Central Coast, Wollondilly, Liverpool and Hornsby Local Government Areas with more than 140,000 people living or working in the floodplain.

The valley is often compared to a bathtub – one with five ‘taps’ flowing in and only one drain. Between 2020 and 2022, the area flooded six times with some of the largest floods seen in decades.

Sadly, this area has suffered even bigger floods in the past, and the Government must consider the risk of similar floods in the future.

The extreme depth of floods in the valley means that large numbers of people often need to evacuate at short notice before roads out are cut off. It is not possible to shelter in place in these areas.

Adding to the complexity, thousands of vehicles need to evacuate using roads and intersections that were not designed for those levels of traffic.

This technical Flood Evacuation Modelling report for the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley will be used to reduce the risk to life by informing better planned evacuation routes for flood events, assesses potential road infrastructure options and inform decisions on potential future developments.

While improvements can be made, the flood challenges of the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley are not ones that communities can build their way out of.

The report makes clear that the number of people who will be unable to evacuate increases significantly with potential future development and climate change.

Recognising that decisions to limit new homes on the flood plain could raise concerns for small local landowners, the Government has appointed strategic planning expert Professor Roberta Ryan to provide independent community liaison support to help affected landowners them understand and navigate the issues.

Professor Ryan has previously assisted communities in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and Orchard Hills on land-use planning matters.

For more information read the Flood Evacuation Modelling report or more about flooding in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valleylaunch

A new focus on disaster preparedness

What is clear, is NSW’s ability to prevent and prepare for disasters has been hampered by ineffective funding, with 97% of all disaster funding spent after an event and only three per cent spent on prevention and preparedness.

It’s part of why the NSW Reconstruction Authority was established in December 2022 with the expanded responsibilities to include adaption, mitigation and preparedness for natural disasters.

As part of that, an historic $121 million has been invested in the last Budget to properly resource the NSW Reconstruction Authority and allow the authority to support communities across the state better prepare for natural disasters including bushfires, floods and storms.

The authority is working on a State Disaster Mitigation Plan and new regional Disaster Adaptation Plan to reduce the impact of floods in the Valley and this tool will also be used to better understand the risks.

Today’s announcement is a key example of the preventative work that will be prioritised to reduce the impacts of natural disasters in the state.

Minister for Western Sydney, Deputy Premier Prue Car said:

“Western Sydney residents have borne the brunt of recent disasters including the pandemic and floods in the Hawkesbury Nepean Valley.

“By stopping unsafe development in dangerous areas on flood plains, and with our Government’s work to reduce the risk of disasters before they happen, we’re making sure communities across Western Sydney, in areas including Penrith, Blacktown and Riverstone, are finally supported and better protected.

“When we consider new housing areas, we will look at both the potential for those homes to be inundated in floods, as well as the impact more homes will have on the ability of both new and existing residents to evacuate in emergencies.

“We know we can’t stop natural disasters from occurring, but we are committed to doing more to prepare for and prevent the worst of their impacts.”

“This new tool will not only help us better plan for evacuations but it will also make our amazing emergency service workers safer by reducing the risks they face when responding to floods in the valley.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We’ve all seen the devastation caused by floods in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley – with homes and businesses damaged or destroyed. We also know these communities will only face more and worse flood risks if things stay the same.

“There’s no simple solution but we are working on a suite of measures which includes this tool to help NSW better prepare for disasters.

“These are hard and complex policy problems – we need to deliver new housing, but it needs to be done safely.

“New developments could impact the ability of both new and existing residents to evacuate safely during emergencies, which puts more lives at risk.

“I’d rather a disappointed landowner confront me over a decision we’ve made to keep them safe, rather than console them when they’ve lost a loved one because of floods.

“We’ve been clear that we will put an end to unsuitable development on dangerous flood plains which puts lives at risk and destroys livelihoods – this model gives us the technical data needed to make those informed decisions and balance competing priorities.”