Category: NSW News

The Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway ramp will feature a prominent design that honours the important Aboriginal history of the area, as plans for the cycleway pass the final hurdle before construction.

The artwork concept, developed by Aboriginal artists Maddie Gibbs and Jason Wing will represent the eels that travel up the Harbour and the coming together of the Gadigal and Cammeraygal peoples.

The ramp will also be given a name that reflects the significance of this area to the Gadigal and Cammeraygal peoples.

The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) has now been determined, following a comprehensive review of submissions made during the public display of the document earlier this year.

Construction on the cycleway ramp is scheduled to begin early next year.

The three-metre-wide bike ramp extends from Bradfield Park North, near Burton Street, connecting with the Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway south of the existing stair access.

Bypassing the existing stairs, the new ramp will make the Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway much easier for kids, and people with e-bikes and cargo bikes to use every day.

The ramp will connect to an improved cycle route connecting Middlemiss Street and the existing bicycle network. The street works will include a new zebra crossing on Alfred Street South for pedestrians and cyclists to safely cross the street.

The ramp design has had significant input from the community, including a design competition that selected ASPECT Studios team as the winning concept.

Following additional consultation with the community during the REF, the design has been further developed to respond to stakeholder and community feedback. This includes ramp refinements to minimise visual impacts of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Milsons Point Railway Station, shortening the ramp length, and changes to lighting and design to improve safety.

The design will now be finalised and Transport will continue to consult with Aboriginal knowledge holders and other key stakeholders on naming the ramp and to engage with the community and stakeholders before and during construction.

Find out more about the cycleway ramp and read the REF reportlaunch

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“This project will be a game changer for kids, people on e-bikes, or people using cargo bikes. The Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway will finally be accessible for anyone riding a bike.

“We received submissions from over 1,000 community members and worked with schools, businesses, North Sydney Council, Heritage Council, Heritage NSW and the Government Architect to finalise this design that enhances Sydney’s most iconic landmark.

“The Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway spans two Aboriginal lands – the Cammaraygal and Gadigal – and this ramp will feature a design and be given a name that reflects the immense culture of these people.

“The design of the ramp has been developed in consultation with Aboriginal knowledge holders, and important themes that emerged from this consultation have been incorporated into the design.

“The artwork, featuring interconnected eels, will be a striking symbol of reconciliation from the ground and air, and will run the full length of the 200m long ramp.

“The Minns Labor Government wants to make it easier for anyone who can walk or ride a bike, to walk and ride. It frees up space on the roads and on public transport for others, it’s a lot of fun, and you get to enjoy one of the world’s best views as you zoom along the deck of the Harbour Bridge.

“I look forward to seeing work begin early next year.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“Aboriginal culture is a living, dynamic culture and integral to Aboriginal identity. It has the ability to attribute places with meaningful identity and connection to Country.

“Initiatives such as this bring the oldest living culture in the world to life in meaningful ways, for all of us to share.”

Artist Jason Wing said:

“The incredible life cycle of eels symbolises the resilience, survival, and adaptation of Aboriginal people.

“Eels symbolise the past and present endurance of Aboriginal people overcoming barriers, new landscapes, seascapes, social changes, and more.

“Our contemporary artwork is inclusive of all Aboriginal mobs around Australia while acknowledging and focusing on local Gadigal and Cammeraygal place.”

Artist Maddie Gibb said:

“The eel’s journey up and down the cycle ramp references the freshwater to saltwater journey.

“The two different coloured eels symbolise the salt water and freshwater transition as well as the physical transition of the eels.

“The contemporary imagery is a reclamation of physical, spiritual, and cultural place, connecting sky, land, and water.

“The eels’ epic migration has a deep memory and celebrates its lifelong cyclical journey, always returning to where its life began.”

Train services are back running to a regular timetable this morning after an Ashfield signal box was vandalised overnight, causing significant delays for Matilda fans and concert goers getting home from Sydney Olympic Park. 

Police allege two men broke through security fencing and into a relay room at Ashfield just after 10pm, where cables were cut and critical equipment including modems were damaged.

The Ashfield signal box operates six signals on six lines between Summer Hill and Ashfield, a critical part of the network to move passengers between Olympic Park and Central Station.

Specialist engineers repaired infrastructure and brought services back online within 90 minutes, and crowds had cleared Olympic Park Station by midnight. 

The signalling system is designed to be fail-safe, when there’s an issue with signalling infrastructure, all signals in the relevant area turn to a default red, meaning trains cannot move safely through that area.

NSW Police have made two arrests in relation to the incident overnight. Those individuals have been charged with several offences including endangering passengers on the railway and will appear in Burwood Local Court today. 

Sydney Trains has over 1,000 signalling equipment locations across the network, typically secured by lock and key, many of which are inside the rail corridor or protected by high security fencing including barbed wire. 

Sydney Trains already has a security enhancement program underway for those sites to bolster security including replacing lock and key access with secure swipe cards. 

Minister Haylen has instructed the Transport for NSW Secretary to review the security of critical rail infrastructure, including the prioritisation of security upgrades, and report back to the Minister.

NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“Last night the system was not broken, it was broken into and destroyed in a deliberate act.

“I understand this is not the way football fans wanted to end the night, and I apologise to everyone and thank passengers for their patience.

“I want to make it very clear that this was not some minor act of vandalism, this act significantly damaged critical rail infrastructure.

“Tampering with critical rail infrastructure has the potential to have significant safety impacts for passengers and is an extremely serious crime.

“I want to thank all of the Sydney Trains staff who worked through the night to fix the issue and to make sure 45,000 people got home safely from the game.”

Sydney Trains Chief executive Matt Longland said: 

“It’s disappointing something like this could occur on the rail network during one of the biggest events our city has ever seen. Our staff worked hard to communicate information to passengers and keep them safe, as they have been doing throughout this event.

“We would usually clear a massive crowd like the Matilda’s semi-final fans from Sydney Olympic Park Station within one hour, last night it took us two hours, I want to personally apologise to all our passengers impacted and thank them for their patience.”

Orange Hospital is about to become home to the second largest solar PV installation in any government facility in NSW.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said more than 3,300 solar panels will be installed on the roofs of buildings across the Orange and Bloomfield Hospital campus which will result in the reduction of almost 2,300 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

“The NSW Government is committed to doing everything possible to improve the sustainability of the NSW Health system and this installation at Orange is another example of that commitment,” Mr Park said.

“These solar panels will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of around 500 homes.

“NSW is a world leader in harnessing solar energy for public healthcare with almost all of our major hospitals using roof space for solar installations.”

Installation of the solar panels at Orange and Bloomfield Hospitals is now underway and should be completed in the coming weeks.

Minister for Energy and Climate Change Penny Sharpe said this project is positive on all fronts.

“We’re tackling Climate Change, and we’re using government facilities to generate clean renewable energy and help keep prices low in the long term.” Ms Sharpe said.

Jeff Morrissey, Director of Corporate and Services & Clinical Support for the Western NSW Local Health District, said the Orange Health Service solar project was a key component of the LHD’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy.

“Health services have historically been large consumers, with a substantial carbon footprint. At the Western NSW LHD we are committed to doing our bit to make all our services more sustainable,” Mr Morrissey said.

“More than half our vehicle fleet is now hybrid, we have solar installed in 20 locations, including 14 hospitals, and we have a commitment to stop using Desflurane, a gas used in anaesthetics which make up a significant portion of our carbon emissions, by 2024.”

Work to install the panels may cause some temporary disruption to pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Any on-site changes will be clearly marked to minimise any inconvenience to patients, staff and visitors.

Arrangements have been made for helicopter retrievals to be appropriately managed while the installation is underway.

Member for Orange Phil Donato said it is a great example of the community being at the forefront of renewable energy.

“I am so proud that our community gets to host this fantastic initiative,” Mr Donato said. 

NSW health now has a total of nearly 20 megawatts of solar in its network, spread out on previously unused roof space. This covers the equivalent of about 20 soccer fields – or a large-scale solar farm if built as a ground-level system.

Solar energy has reduced NSW Health’s electricity bill by $4.2 million a year, with projected savings of $15 million a year by 2030.

The program has already reduced carbon emissions by around 33,000 tonnes – the equivalent of removing about 18,000 cars from the road.

Families welcoming new arrivals and long-time fans can celebrate their birthday milestone alongside Australia’s favourite koala, Blinky Bill, who turns 90 this year.

The NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages has released a new commemorative birth certificate featuring the iconic character, created by Dorothy Wall in 1933.

Whether you’re in your 90s and applying for a copy of your birth certificate or welcoming a newborn, people across NSW can now order the new certificate design featuring the original Aussie larrikin. 
 
The cheeky koala continues to delight generations in books and on the screen with his love for adventure and curiosity.
 
The commemorative birth certificate features the lovable koala dressed in red overalls, next to his best friend and adopted sister Nutsy, while their mum Mrs Koala takes centre stage as she tries to keep them out of trouble.
 
The Registry’s first commemorative certificate capturing Blinky Bill was released in 2016 and has been ordered by more than 7000 people, proving Wall’s stories continue to live on in the hearts of Australians.
 
In a celebration of Australia’s storytelling history, 3 new commemorative birth certificates featuring the artwork of Australian author and illustrator May Gibbs are also available, showing Boronia Baby, Gumnut Baby, and Flora and Fauna.
 
Commemorative birth certificates can be purchased at any time.
 
Commemorative birth certificates do not hold legal status and sit alongside official birth certificates.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:
 
“When we welcome a new family member into our lives, the very first piece of identification they get is their birth certificate. These certificates are both important and sentimental, so it is essential they are kept safe and secure.
 
“When it comes to a commemorative birth certificate, families can pick their favourite design to celebrate their newest bundle of joy or to celebrate a milestone birthday.
 
“In response to customer demand we have more than 20 different designs which means there is something for everyone from Blinky Bill through to your favourite NRL team – and we have even more certificate designs in the pipeline.”
 
NSW Registrar Theresa Fairman said:
 
“This is an exciting chance to celebrate 90 years of one of our nation’s most iconic characters and these new certificates are un-bear-ably cute.
 
“From new mums and fans of the original Aussie larrikin to those celebrating a milestone birthday, the Blinky Bill commemorative birth certificate celebrates a generation of love.
 
“I also expect the new May Gibbs’ Boronia Baby, Gumnut Babies and Flora and Fauna designs to be in hot demand, with our range of designs providing something for everyone.”

The NSW Government today committed to reduce the financial burden of increased building standards for nine months for those who have already signed contracts.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said new homes already under contract before Sunday 1 October 2023 would be exempt from new sustainable building (BASIX) standards until 30 June 2024.

“We’re in a housing crisis, but the construction and development industry are doing it tough with ongoing weather delays, rising materials costs and skill shortages,” Mr Scully said.

“The government has responded by making new homes where a contract has been signed before 1 October 2023 exempt from increased BASIX standards until 30 June 2024.

“While we remain committed to the introduction of BASIX from 1 October 2023, the transitional arrangements will reduce the financial impact of increased standards on home buyers who have already signed building contracts under the current BASIX requirements, which includes some 6000 contracts in Western Sydney alone,” he said.

Mr Scully said that homeowners in this group may still adopt the new BASIX standards should they choose, to help manage future energy bills.

BASIX standards were introduced in 2004, and increased in 2017, to improve the energy and thermal performance of homes, providing better comfort, and energy and water efficiencies.

The new standard cuts thermal energy use by at least 20% and will save homeowners on power bills. The changes can save considerable amounts of energy helping to make new homes more comfortable, particularly in the hotter areas of the state during summer.

Minister Scully said the temporary exemption would bring NSW in line with other states including Victoria.

“BASIX standards are critical. They mean housing stock in NSW is built with improved energy efficiency – making housing cooler in summer and warmer in winter with better windows and insulation.

“We also need to keep housing supply moving and these transitional arrangements will take some of the pressure off builders and buyers who want the certainty.

“Commencing in October, a BASIX certificate lasts for 3 months. So, the exemption effectively extends the transition period to 12 months for those with contracts signed by 1 October 2023,” Mr Scully said.

Industry has had more than 12 months to prepare for the introduction of changes to BASIX. The transition period provides additional time to adjust.

For more information, visit the NSW Planning Portal.launch

Today marks the 78th anniversary of the end of the Second World War – Victory in the Pacific (VP) – with commemorative services being held across NSW and around the world.

Australia had been at war for 5 years, 11 months and 11 days when on 15 August 1945, Japan accepted the Allied nations’ terms of surrender and Australia’s Prime Minister, Ben Chifley, confirmed that the war was over.

Minister for Veterans David Harris who attended the commemorative service at the Cenotaph today, alongside RSL NSW President Ray James and members of the veteran community paid tribute to the service and sacrifice of all Second World War veterans.

“Today on VP Day we come together to remember all those men and women who served – in the ranks of our Navy, Army, Air Force, the Merchant Navy and nursing – and thank them for their sacrifices, in conflict and in captivity.

“It’s a date, we will never forget,” Mr Harris said.

“We honour those who served, and the 39,000 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of peace and freedom.”

Australian forces were engaged in campaigns across the Pacific – in New Guinea, Bougainville, New Britain, Borneo, and in the Philippines – and Australian prisoners of the Japanese were spread throughout Asia.

RSL NSW President Ray James OAM, said commemorating significant moments in our military history is vital to Australia, as people, a community and a nation.

“People should never forget how close we as a nation came to invasion and occupation during the Second World War,” Mr James said.

“But for the service and sacrifice of the men and women who served in our armed forces, and those of the Allied forces, the Australian people would not have been protected from the battles of the war reaching our shores.”

Second World War veteran Don Kennedy, who had his first taste in the Merchant Navy in February 1944 at the age of 16, cruising out through the Heads on the Seirstad destined for the Atlantic also attended the commemoration.

Even though Don Kennedy wasn’t trained to fight in the war or even acknowledged as a member of the services at the time, the commitment he and others made in the Merchant Navy was no less significant.

“I tell people I was 17 months in the war. There was only half an inch of metal between you and the sea if a torpedo struck the ship,” Don Kennedy said.

Don Kennedy was one of many veterans who shared their story in 2020 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Read the veterans’ stories at the NSW War Memorials Registerlaunch website.

The NSW Government has welcomed the first meeting of the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform. The Independent Panel has considered elements of the upcoming cashless gaming trial, as well as matters which will inform its recommendations to the NSW Government on a gaming reform implementation roadmap.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris addressed the Independent Panel at their first meeting in Sydney on Monday 14 August 2023.

Mr Harris said he was pleased the Independent Panel was considering the design and framework for the upcoming cashless gaming trial carefully and as a matter of priority, including the minimum requirements for venues and technology providers to take part.

“The Panel’s first priority is to confirm the design and regulatory settings for the expanded cashless gaming trial, to ensure it can start as soon as possible,” Mr Harris said.

“This includes deciding which venues will take part, ensuring there is an appropriate mix of hotels and clubs across metropolitan and regional areas.

“By imposing certain mandatory requirements, the Panel can ensure that the trial will have strong data security and privacy protections in place.”

The Independent Panel will also provide advice to the NSW Government on a gaming reform implementation roadmap by November 2024.

This will include making recommendations to the NSW Government on the use of the $100 million harm minimisation fund, expanding the self-exclusion register and providing for third-party exclusions, and the use of facial recognition technology to support the enhanced exclusions schemes.

The panel will also be consulted on a review of the ClubGRANTS Scheme, which is being undertaken by Liquor & Gaming NSW in consultation with The Cabinet Office and NSW Treasury. This review will be undertaken separately, but concurrent with the Panel’s work on gaming reforms.

The inaugural meeting was chaired by former NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing Commissioner Michael Foggo with Dr Ursula Stephens (former Senator for NSW, Australian Labor Party) and The Honourable Niall Blair (former Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals) comprising the Executive Committee.

Chair Michael Foggo said the NSW Government had carefully considered the composition of the Independent Panel to ensure it is well placed to provide balanced and expert advice about gaming reform.

Mr Foggo said it was clear from the outset that all panel members are passionate about gaming reform and committed to making a difference in NSW.

“The panel is set up so that a range key stakeholders and experts are represented including industry, gambling harm minimisation experts, academic experts, law enforcement and cyber security,” Mr Foggo said.

“It also has the ability to seek input from other external experts in the field and government bodies such as the NSW Crime Commission, the NSW Information and Privacy Commission and AUSTRAC.”

The progress of the Independent Panel builds on a number of reforms the NSW Government has already introduced to curb gambling harm and tackle criminal activity in clubs and pubs relating to gaming machines including:

• a ban on external signage for gaming rooms across NSW beginning 1 September 2023
• lowering the cap for poker machine entitlements by over $3000 from 1 July 2023
• reducing the cash input limit from $5000 to $500 on all new machines from 1 July 2023
• new legislation to ban political donations from clubs with pokies across the state from 1 July 2023
• The Independent Panel will meet monthly with additional meetings as required.

Panel members include:

• Chair Mr Michael Foggo
• Executive member Dr Ursula Stephens – former Senator for NSW, Australian Labor Party
• Executive member The Hon Niall Blair – former Minister and Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals
• Mr David Hudson – Deputy Commissioner, NSW Police
• Mr Tony Chapman – NSW Chief Cyber Security Officer, Cyber Security NSW
• Ms Rebecca Riant – Chief Executive Officer, ClubsNSW
• Mr John Whelan – Chief Executive Officer, Australian Hotels Association NSW (AHA NSW)
• Mr Jinesh Patel – Chief Executive Officer, Gaming Technologies Association
• Mr Don Hammond – Chief Executive Officer, Leagues Clubs Australia
• Professor Joel Negin – Trustee, Responsible Gambling Fund Trust
• Ms Joanna Quilty – Chief Executive Officer, NSW Council of Social Services
• Rev Stu Cameron – Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent Wesley Mission
• Professor Melanie Randle – Dean of Research, Development and Integrity, University of Wollongong
• Professor Sally Gainsbury – Director, Gambling Treatment & Research Centre, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney
• Ms Imogen Beynon – Deputy Director, Casinos, Clubs & Gaming, United Workers Union
• Mr Nick McGhie, lived experience Panel member.

Get more information on Liquor and Gaming.launch

Patients across NSW are highly rating their experiences with virtual care, which is delivering innovative and more convenient healthcare to people across all parts of the state.

The Bureau of Health Information’s Patient Experiences of Virtual Care in 2022 survey found 92% of patients rated their virtual care with NSW hospital outpatient clinics in the past 12 months as either ‘very good’ or ‘good’.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said the results show virtual care is delivering high-quality, specialist medical care to people right across NSW, regardless of where they live.

“These latest findings show virtual care is convenient, more accessible, and in some cases helps patients feel more at ease,” Mr Park said.

“Virtual care appointments allow patients to access high quality care from the comfort of home, which means people living in rural and regional areas can access world-class healthcare without having to travel long distances.

“By giving medical staff the tools to deliver more virtual services, we can treat more patients, deliver more staff and offer more hours, meaning patients across the whole state will reap the benefits.”

The survey analysed the experiences of 2301 patients who had at least 1 virtual care appointment with a public hospital outpatient clinic in 2022.

Almost 9 in 10 patients (88%) said their health professional always explained things in an understandable way, and around 8 in 10 patients (83%) said they felt involved in decisions about their medical care and treatment at their most recent virtual care appointment.

Virtual care allows patients to speak to health professionals over the phone or by video rather than in person and is more convenient as patients can do it in an environment they can be comfortable in such as their own home.

The report found that nearly 1 in 3 people thought their outpatient virtual care appointment was more convenient (74%) and over half said it saved them time (57%) with ratings consistent across all aged groups and locations across the state.

The results will help inform the monitoring and evaluation of the NSW Virtual Care Strategy 2021-2026.

The NSW Government is backing regional local councils to plan for more and better housing for thousands of temporary and seasonal workers needed to support major infrastructure projects and farms.

A new set of simpler, clearer planning guidelines will go on exhibition this week, with the ultimate goal to give councils more certainty and clarity around how to plan and deliver worker accommodation.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said temporary and seasonal workers play a vital role in regional economies.

“Workers on regional construction projects have unique housing needs, and their employment circumstances can make it difficult for them to find affordable and suitable housing. 

“The last thing we need is complex and inefficient planning rules getting in the way of delivering the accommodation these workers need, so these new guidelines aim to give councils more clarity.

“We’re in the midst of a housing crisis in the state and these resources will help councils better plan suitable and safe accommodation for workers driving economic growth in regional NSW.”  

Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said feedback will also be sought on policy changes to permit temporary worker accommodation in rural zones for workers delivering critical infrastructure in Renewable Energy Zones (REZs).

“With so many construction projects in Regional Economic Zones (REZ) already underway, securing this accommodation for workers is vital to avoid any delays in the delivery of vital infrastructure.

“While guidelines on exhibition focus on housing for temporary workers, proponents could also lodge a separate development application (DA) for more permanent housing solutions,” she said.

The proposed Exhibition of Intended Effect and Draft Guideline will be publicly exhibited for 6 weeks, and feedback received during exhibition will help to further refine the planning changes.

Read the plans and make a submission on Planning NSWlaunch.

The NSW Government has provided a final extension to the reporting date for the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes to 15 December 2023. This will ensure that victims and families receive closure.

On the recommendation of the Premier, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, has today amended the Letters Patent establishing the independent inquiry to allow the extension.

The Government has granted the request from the Commissioner, the Honourable Justice John Sackar, to ensure the delivery of a comprehensive final report.

The need for the extension has been driven by the volume and timing of documentary and other evidence provided to the Inquiry that requires thorough examination and consideration, and promising developments arising from forensic testing undertaken at the direction of the Inquiry.

The Inquirylaunch has received more than 130,000 documents, held public and private hearings, issued more than 400 summonses, undertaken further investigations, and responded to more than 100 responses to public appeals for information.

Inquiry staff have been working diligently to meet the Terms of Reference and complete their work.

Established by Letters Patent signed on 13 April 2022 and led by Commissioner Justice Sackar, the Inquiry has been tasked with inquiring into the manner and cause of death in all cases that remain unsolved from the 88 deaths or suspected deaths of men potentially motivated by gay hate bias that were considered by Strike Force Parrabell.

The Inquiry is also examining the manner and cause of death in all unsolved suspected hate crime deaths in New South Wales that occurred between 1970 and 2010 where the victim was a member of the LGBTIQ community and the death was the subject of a previous investigation by the NSW Police Force. The Inquiry has reviewed approximately 700 unsolved homicides and 500 missing persons cases.

Find out more about the work of the independent Inquirylaunch

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Today we’ve extended the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes so it can continue to shine a light on past injustices.

“We’ve granted this extension to ensure that the Inquiry produces a final report which honours victims, and provides closure for families and the broader community.”

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“For far too long, the families and friends of victims have suffered the unimaginable anguish of not knowing what happened to their loved one.”

“They deserve answers, so it’s important that we give Inquiry staff, who are working tirelessly to review and consider a huge volume of documents and other evidence, the time they need to complete their work.”