Category: NSW News

People and programs working to provide children and families with the best possible future are in focus this week, as the NSW Government shines a light on the supports available to young people and communities during Child Protection Week.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the NSW Government remains committed to protecting the state’s most vulnerable children.

“Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment where they are loved and supported,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“We all have a role to play in this and we thank our families, communities, service providers, carers and staff for their tireless work to help put children first.
 
“The NSW Government continues to make record investments in this vital area. From rental subsidies and early intervention services for children and young people, to initiatives that help care leavers find their feet and new and soon-to-be parents stay on track.”
 
This year’s theme for Child Protection Week is ‘every child, in every community, needs a fair go’, highlighting the importance of ensuring every young person and family has what it needs to create a safe and supportive environment to secure a brighter future.

The NSW Government funds a range of initiatives, including programs supporting:
 

• children in the first years of life such as Pregnancy Family Conferencing and Aboriginal Child and Family Centres;
• vulnerable families and communities, such as Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI);
• children and families at risk of contact with the child protection system such as Family Preservation and Family Group Conferencing;
• young people leaving care such as scholarships, traineeships, Ladder and Foyer and financial assistance through the Aftercare Allowance and specialist aftercare services; and
• young people at risk of homelessness like Rent Choice Youth.

More than 9,256 families have been supported by Family Preservation programs since July 2020 and 813,649 people (children, young people and adults) received Targeted Early Intervention services in 2021-22, including 11,020 families who were referred to appropriate assistance by the Family Connect and Support program.
 
Minister Maclaren-Jones said government and NGOs continue to work together to provide wrap-around support for families with vulnerable children.
 
“We’re committed to investing in evidence-based programs to help keep young people safe and have the best start in life,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
Child Protection Week runs from 4 to 10 September.

Almost 500 customers will earn their keys to the road each week with Service NSW’s new dedicated driver testing centre opening in Sydney’s west.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government said the facility at 75-105 Mamre Road, St Marys would boost the number of driving tests completed each week after impacts caused by COVID-19 restrictions.

“The centre will offer more than 450 driving tests each week for customers as well as more than 1000 computer-based examinations including driver knowledge tests,” Mr Dominello said.

“Whether customers are trying to get their L Plates or aiming to graduate to their P Plates, the centre will get more customers out on the road sooner.

“The NSW Government is investing $3.47 million into the St Marys Driver Testing Centre, a new Mobile Testing Centre and the creation of jobs to help tackle the testing backlog.

“More than 38 staff including 20 driver testers will work across the St Marys Driver Testing Centre and Mobile Testing Centre to conduct testing and assist customers with their transactions.”

Mr Dominello said the new Mobile Testing Centre, a 12.5-metre-long bus, is due to be operational from late October 2022 and would support customers across Sydney.

“The vehicle which has the capacity to include up to 10 computers for knowledge testing and facilitate driver testing would be deployed to various locations across Sydney where there is a demand for testing,” he said.   

“The Mobile Testing Centre would have the capacity to complete up to 350 computer-based examinations and up to 320 driving tests each week for customers.

“Service NSW appreciates customers’ patience and understanding while the team has worked to get driver testing back on track.

“COVID-19 safety measures remain in place for driving tests to ensure the safety of staff and customers. Both driver tests and customers are required to wear masks for the duration of the examination.”

The St Marys Driver Testing Centre will be open from 8.00am-4.30pm Monday to Friday.

For more information or to make a booking, visit the Service NSW website https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/service-centre/st-marys-testing-centre

Marine ecosystems and coastal communities will benefit from increased investment and restoration projects as a result of the new NSW Blue Carbon Strategy.
 
Minister for Environment James Griffin said the Strategy is perfectly timed given the new era of natural capital and the increasing demand for sustainable investment products.
 
“The simplest way to understand blue carbon is to liken it to underwater forests – just as trees store carbon, marine and coastal plants and ecosystems do too, except even more efficiently,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“Marine plants and coastal ecosystems, such as seagrass, mangroves and saltmarsh, store carbon up to four times more efficiently than ecosystems on land. But, since European settlement in Australia, we’ve lost huge swathes of these ecosystems.
 
“We have more than 2,000 kilometres of NSW coastline and surrounding areas that could support the storage of additional blue carbon, which would significantly contribute to our goal of reducing carbon emissions, while restoring and rewilding our marine environment.
 
“NSW is lucky to have some of the most vibrant marine ecosystems in the world and I want to make sure we are protecting our rich biodiversity for generations to come while also leveraging investment opportunities.”
 
Marine and coastal ecosystems in NSW currently store about 10 million tonnes of carbon, which is equivalent to annual emissions from 500,000 households. Australia’s coastline stores approximately five to 11 per cent of global blue carbon stocks.
 
The Strategy will help unlock investment in blue carbon projects through carbon credits and other mechanisms that will ultimately benefit the state’s economy, environment, and build resilience to climate change.
 
It provides an overview of how marine ecosystems are a powerhouse form of natural capital that can capture and store carbon while also improving foreshore protection, water quality, biodiversity and fisheries.
 
It identifies actions within five priority areas to be delivered over the next five years:

• Conserving blue carbon ecosystems and supporting their adaptation.
• Delivering blue carbon projects on public, private and First Nations peoples owned and managed land.
• Embedding blue carbon in coastal and marine policy planning and management.
• Conducting blue carbon research.
• Promoting pathways for blue carbon investment.

 
The NSW Blue Carbon Strategy builds upon existing management of threatened and protected marine species through the $9.1 million Seabirds to Seascapes initiative, the $184 million Marine Estate Management Strategy.
 
To view the report, visit https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/water/coasts/blue-carbon-strategy

New and existing workers across the defence and aerospace sector are set to benefit from a suite of new training initiatives to help meet industry demand and create a pipeline of skilled and job-ready workers.
 
Speaking at the Hunter Defence Conference, Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said 40 per cent of Australia’s defence and aerospace industry call NSW home, with the Hunter hosting key Air Force and Army establishments.
 
“The defence and aerospace sector is a priority industry for NSW and is underpinned by our world-class advanced manufacturing capabilities, and our workforce deserves to have the necessary, and latest tools to take advantage of all opportunities in this sector,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“To train people in this critical industry, the NSW Government is bolstering TAFE NSW’s capability by investing $2 million in high-tech training assets, which will enhance the educational experience for welding students, grow the economy and secure a brighter future for NSW.”
 
The Hunter Defence Conference provides a platform for NSW small and medium enterprises to showcase their products, skills and innovative ideas to representatives from across the defence sector.
 
Australian Industry and Defence Network CEO Brent Clark welcomed the investment in training for the industry.
 
“We need more people getting the skills they need for jobs in the defence industry and it’s great to see the NSW Government proactively addressing future skills needs to fill jobs now and into the future,” Mr Clark said.
 
For more information visit, https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/living-working-and-business/sector-opportunities/defence-and-aerospace-in-nsw/.

NSW’s pumped hydro future is being fast tracked as five projects, with a combined capacity of almost 1.75 gigawatts (GW), have been awarded funding under the NSW Pumped Hydro Recoverable Grants Program.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the program provides recoverable grants to pumped hydro developers to help cover upfront costs and lower investment barriers for the private sector.

“Funding agreements are already in place with five applicants who have received a total of $44.8 million to support pre-investment activities, establish project feasibility and develop a strategic business case,” Mr Kean said.

“If these pumped hydro projects proceed to construction, they are expected to create more than 2,300 jobs and attract $4.4 billion of private investment, which will help grow the economy and support the regions.

“NSW has the most ambitious renewable energy policy in the nation, which is needed to replace ageing coal fired power stations and build a clean energy future for NSW.”

Mr Kean said pumped hydro is a key component of the State’s renewable energy plans, providing clean, reliable power and creating infrastructure jobs right across regional NSW.

“This is a win for NSW as these grants will be repaid to the Government if a project reaches financial close, meaning that these same funds could be used to support even more projects in future,” Mr Kean said.

Pumped hydro acts like a giant battery for the electricity system. It works by using surplus renewable energy to pump water up a hill when it is sunny and windy, and releasing the water back down the hill through giant turbines that create electricity when it is still and dark.

NSW has a target to build at least 2GW of new long duration storage by 2030, and the Government has committed $97.5 million to accelerate pumped hydro projects that could meet that target. This includes funding for private projects as well as funding to undertake site investigations for pumped hydro potential on existing WaterNSW dams.

The nation-leading ID Support NSW team is helping save customer information from malicious actors by identifying credentials which have been stolen from personal devices by malicious software (malware) attacks and posted on the dark web.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the Department of Customer Service ID Support NSW team was working closely with Cyber Security NSW, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) and NSW Police to monitor the dark web.
 
“We are in a war with cyber criminals and in most instances customers wouldn’t be aware their details had been stolen from their phones or laptops and put on the dark web,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“This can happen when malware is inadvertently installed on a device after visiting a dodgy website or clicking on an unsafe link.
 
“We set up ID Support NSW to ensure we could streamline the process to remedy compromised credentials in the instance they had been stolen or misused.
 
“In a national first, where ID Support NSW does find information on the dark web, they will now proactively notify people and work with them to remove the malware, remedy their credentials and protect their information.”
 
NSW Chief Cyber Security Officer Tony Chapman said personal information can find its way to the dark web through scam emails, fake websites and malware being installed on browsers.
 
“We are monitoring illegal marketplaces on the internet for data sets that contain personal information of NSW customers that could be used for identity misuse or fraud,” Mr Chapman said.
 
“Details such as passwords that have been saved on personal computers or stored on key chains by individuals are particularly vulnerable.
 
“Please be cautious when opening emails and text messages. If you are unsure the message is legitimate, contact the sending organisation using details listed on the organisation’s website.”
 
ID Support NSW encourages customers to avoid saving their log-in credentials and passwords unless they have a trusted password manager system.
 
ID Support NSW also provides education and advice to raise awareness of identity theft and is working to expand its services in 2022 to help with other personal information.
 
Customers who fear they have had their information stolen are encouraged to contact ID Support NSW’s free call number 1800 001 040 which is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, NSW time or you can also use the online form 24-hours a day.
 
Customers can get advice and guidance on how to deal with compromised documents, how to keep their information safe, and how to access additional support such as counselling.
 
For more information on ID Support NSW visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/id-support-nsw

The official Bush Fire Danger Period starts today in 12 regions across NSW, as the new national Fire Danger Rating System takes effect across Australia.
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the upcoming bush fire season will be the first to incorporate the updated Fire Danger Rating System.
 
“The existing six ratings are being replaced with four – Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic – so that the community can better understand the risks and make potentially life-saving decisions,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“The new system of ratings was developed using community research and updated fire behavior science, which until now, has remained unchanged for more than 50 years.
 
“Grass fires can move three times faster than bush fires and are our greatest threat this season, which is why all communities in regional and rural NSW should take the necessary steps to become familiar with the Fire Danger Rating System.”
 
The 12 regions commencing their Bush Fire Danger Period today are Clarence Valley, Coffs Coast, Far North Coast, Far South Coast, Hunter Valley, Liverpool Range, Lower North Coast, Mid Coast, New England, Northern Rivers, Northern Tablelands and Shoalhaven.
 
NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers said continuous, heavy rainfall across many parts of NSW has led to an increase in the growth of fuel loads.
 
“Over the coming weeks and months, we are particularly concerned about the likelihood of grass and crop fires as the State starts to dry out,” Commissioner Rogers said.
 
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter urged residents to familiarise themselves with the new fire danger ratings system to protect the irreplaceable.
 
“Our main priority is to protect life. So please help us to help you and know what actions you will take if a bush fire does threaten your life and property this season,” Commissioner Baxter said.
 
National Parks and Wildlife Service Executive Director Naomi Stevens reminded residents to be aware of fire danger ratings especially if planning on bush walking or camping in national parks.
 
“It’s important to know the risk of where you live and also where you’re visiting, and be aware of any closures to parks on days of increased fire danger,” Ms Stevens said.
 
Forestry Corporation Chief Forester Ross Dickson said many people love to get out of the house and enjoy nature over the warmer months, like four wheel driving, walking dogs and taking picnics.
 
“Please take some time to plan ahead, be aware of the conditions especially as the weather warms up and remember during total fire bans no flames are allowed in the state’s forests,” Dr Dickson said.
 
Landholders who want to light a fire during the Bush Fire Danger Period are required to obtain a permit, in addition to notifying their local fire authority and neighbours 24 hours before lighting up.
 
Information about fire permits, required notifications and hazard reduction burning is available at: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP.
 
To make a bush fire survival plan, visit: www.myfireplan.com.au. 

NSW Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson has joined with key stakeholders to ensure the staffing crisis facing the hospitality sector is a priority at the upcoming Jobs and Skills Summit in Canberra.

Mr Anderson said the hospitality sector was one of the hardest hit by the COVID pandemic and as we look to the future, solving the staffing crisis must be a priority.

“I welcome the Jobs and Skills Summit being held in Canberra and am calling on the Commonwealth Government and all in attendance to address the staffing issue in hospitality as a matter of priority,” Mr Anderson said.

“These businesses suffered the most during the COVID pandemic and now, as the community is regaining the confidence to return to venues, we need to find a solution to issues around staffing and empower them to stay open and continue serving their communities.”

Australian Hotels Association NSW CEO John Whelan said the hospitality sector in NSW has been suffering from worker shortages.

“There’s been a chronic shortage of hospitality workers in NSW for a long time – and that’s only been exacerbated by the pandemic,” Mr Whelan said.

“It’s good to see the issue on the national agenda after years of inaction and particularly pleasing to see the AHA representing the hotel sector at the summit.”

Clubs NSW CEO Josh Landis said worker shortages are hurting clubs in NSW.

“There are tens of thousands of vacant hospitality jobs across the country and the worker shortage is having a devastating impact on not-for-profit clubs,” Mr Landis said.

“Clubs are crying out for workers, with many having to close their restaurants or alter their opening hours because they simply don’t have enough staff to operate at full capacity. 

“This matter is urgent and it requires decisive action by the Federal Government. Overseas job seekers should be allowed to complete their application and appointment process prior to arriving in Australia in order to provide relief to hospitality businesses, fast. 

“While we welcome this week’s jobs and skills summit, if we don’t find a solution to get workers here soon, it will have been for nothing.”

Restaurants and Caterers Association CEO Belinda Clarke staffing shortages are hurting the hospitality sector and called on the Summit to address the issue.

“The Jobs and Skills Summit needs to come back with practical solutions that will alleviate one of the worst staffing shortages this country has faced in decades,” Ms Clarke said.

“Whilst we’re concerned about the lack of hospitality voices at the summit, we are all still hoping that there will be more action than talk when it comes to tackling this enormous skills and staffing crisis the industry faces.

“We will need to see more support for local jobs as well more support for people looking to come to this country from overseas to work here or we will risk losing more and more businesses and all the problems that brings.”

Venues offering live entertainment will be able to stay open later, as part of a three month trial of the State’s first special entertainment precinct at Enmore Rd in Sydney’s inner west.
 
Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said Inner West Council’s trial will run from September to November and aims to support live music and further promote Enmore Rd to be a thriving entertainment and cultural precinct.
 
“The NSW Government is pleased to support this trial which will see venues in the Enmore Rd precinct that offer live music and other entertainment, able to stay open an extra 30 minutes,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“Liquor & Gaming NSW has partnered with the council to extend liquor trading for participating venues, ensuring patrons can indulge in their favourite tipple as they enjoy listening to a live band or singer later into the night.”
 
Some venues may also be eligible for a 60-minute liquor trading extension, if they already have planning approval to keep their doors open later.
 
Mr Anderson said the trial is all about getting more people out enjoying live entertainment in this precinct later at night.
 
“We want to see the NSW night-time economy grow while ensuring it’s diverse safe and inclusive. A strong, vibrant live music scene is critical to a strong, vibrant night time economy,” Mr Anderson said.
 
Mr Anderson said special entertainment precincts are part of a new pilot program with input from the Department of Planning, Hospitality and Racing, Office of Local Government, Office of the 24-Hour Commissioner and NSW Police.
 
“All live music and performance venues are eligible for an 80 per cent discount on their annual liquor licence fees, under the 24-hour economy reforms, providing thousands of dollars in savings,” Mr Anderson said.
 
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said this announcement builds on a series of recent changes made to the planning system to boost entertainment and live music across the State.
 
“From extending alfresco dining measures for another 18 months, allowing businesses to host performances without additional approval and making it easier to convert shops into small art venues – we are committed to giving the hospitality industry greater certainty to recharge the economy and lift community spirits,” Mr Roberts said.

The designs for the $750 million new Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Hospital have been released, showcasing the biggest transformation in the hospital’s 140-year history.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government’s investment in RPA will deliver first-class health care to the local community, with state-of-the-art health facilities in a new building as well as an upgrade of existing spaces.
 
“This major redevelopment of RPA is part of the Liberal and National Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over four years right across NSW, ensuring everyone receives the very best health care possible,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“This is the most significant investment in RPA’s 140-year history and will support excellent health care for the 700,000 people who live in Sydney Local Health District and the more than 1 million people who visit it for work, study or to see loved ones.”
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the new hospital was fast-tracked as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan and will be delivered a year ahead of schedule.
 
The designs will now be taken on a roadshow via a series of presentations and pop-up stalls where the community can provide feedback.
 
“Importantly, Health Infrastructure has consulted extensively with clinicians, staff, patients, consumers and the local community, to ensure the redevelopment meets the healthcare needs of the rapidly growing area both now and in the future,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“Now is the opportunity to have a say in the final design for one of Australia’s leading hospitals, renowned for its excellence in providing innovative health care and education.”
 
Led by Health Infrastructure and Sydney Local Health District, in partnership with the Government Architect NSW, a competition saw three leading architects invited to present their designs for the RPA campus. Bates Smart, Neeson Murcutt + Neille  were announced the winning team and have been incorporated into the project to work alongside Jacobs, the lead architect for the hospital redevelopment.
 
Following further consultation and design development, the plans will be lodged with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment via a State Significant Development Application.
 
When complete, the RPA Redevelopment will deliver:

• Expanded and enhanced Emergency Department and Intensive Care Units
• State-of-the-art operating theatres and interventional cardiology
• Expanded and improved adult inpatient accommodation
• Increased interventional and imaging services
• Expanded women’s ambulatory and neonatology services
• Facilities and capabilities for integrated research, education and training
• Additional adult and paediatric inpatient beds

 
Enabling works began last year and main works construction is due to begin in coming months.
 
To view the designs and to provide feedback visit the RPA project: www.rparedevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au 
 
Construction is also underway on a RPA HealthOne at Green Square, which will deliver a range of services focused on early intervention, health promotion and prevention including services that would traditionally be provided in a hospital setting at RPA.