Category: NSW News

The NSW green hydrogen industry is set to boom with the legislation underpinning the NSW Hydrogen Strategy passing Parliament today.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said NSW is leading the nation in developing a hydrogen industry, which is projected to attract over $80 billion in private investment, support 10,000 jobs and open up new export markets.
“We are leading the nation when it comes to emerging technologies and seizing the opportunity to attract national and global investment in this future industry to grow our economy,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Our hydrogen energy industry will allow us to develop new export markets with our core trading partners, including Japan, creating new jobs in the Hunter and Illawarra, while also helping to secure our energy needs into the future.”
Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean said the legislation will allow NSW to capitalise on the growing hydrogen export market, with green hydrogen set to become a leading fuel source in the Asia-Pacific by the end of the decade.
“Our Hydrogen Strategy is expected to increase the size of our economy by more than $600 million each year, while helping the State to halve emissions by 2030,” Mr Kean said.
“Hydrogen will help to reduce our carbon emissions in sectors like heavy transport and industry, create jobs and open up new export markets for NSW.”
The NSW Hydrogen Strategy includes:

• $70 million to develop hydrogen hubs in the Illawarra and Hunter regions;
• Exemptions for green hydrogen production from government charges;
• 90 per cent exemption from electricity network charges for green hydrogen producers, who connect to parts of the network with spare capacity;
• Funding for infrastructure assessments for large-scale production; and
• A hydrogen refuelling station network roll out across the State.

The Energy Legislation Amendment Bill also includes reforms to allow renewable energy projects, like wind turbines, in the State’s softwood pine plantation estate.
“Renewable energy projects will help to create regional jobs, attract investment in the bush and diversify Forestry Corp’s revenue, at the same time as providing sustainable timber supplies for decades to come,” Mr Kean said.
Any forestry land used for renewables would be required to be replaced on a two-for-one basis to ensure the harvestable forestry estate continues to expand.
More information on the NSW Hydrogen Strategy is available here: https://bit.ly/3Fu6rmX

The new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport has hit another major milestone with construction now underway on the world-class passenger terminal.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said today’s announcement marked a significant step in this once-in-a-generation, city-shaping infrastructure project for Western Sydney, and Australia.
“The delivery of the Western Sydney International Airport proves once again our Government’s ability to get things done,” the Prime Minister said.
“We have made this happen. It is already delivering major benefits for Western Sydney, as we knew it would, and it only gets better from here.
“The Coalition will continue to invest in job-creating infrastructure that drives investment and secures Australia’s economic recovery.
“Our total $14 billion investment in the airport and transport links is transforming this powerhouse region, attracting investment and supporting jobs for generations to come.
“Around 11,000 jobs will be supported during construction alone, and currently around one in two workers are from right here in Western Sydney, driving income and opportunity for families across the region.
“Tens of thousands more jobs will be created when the airport is up and running in 2026, and millions of travellers are arriving into Sydney’s newest airport every year.
“The airport will also play a crucial role in the nation’s aviation future, delivering dynamic global connections for the region and opening up even further possibilities for new routes and services.”
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said construction on one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Australia was now around one quarter complete.
“Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, work has continued to progress with nearly 22 million cubic metres of earth now moved to date across the site – which is about three times bigger than the Sydney CBD – and the airport on track to open in late 2026,” Minister Fletcher said.
“Today we announce another important milestone has been reached, with work now underway on the new state-of-the-art integrated passenger terminal, which will have the capacity to handle up to 10 million passengers a year once open.
“With this unique opportunity to build an airport from the ground up, we are able to roll out cutting-edge technology to make the passenger experience smoother and easier than at existing airports, and the security systems more effective but less intrusive.
“The new airport will not only be a state-of-the art piece of infrastructure but is an integral element of the surrounding aerotropolis and the broader Western Parkland city.
“In its own right, Western Sydney would be Australia’s fourth largest city and third largest economy, which is why the Morrison Government has committed $14 billion to the airport and vital metro rail and road links that will transform the region.”
Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham said construction of Western Sydney International’s world-leading innovative domestic and international airport had fastened its seatbelt and was ready for take-off.
“One of Australia’s largest infrastructure projects is now visibly taking shape and is delivering long-term jobs and economic benefits to Western Sydney,” Minister Birmingham said.
 
“Economic stimulus and job creation in Western Sydney is critical right now. Start of construction on the world-class terminal will see more jobs begin to flow in the coming months.
“Acting to build a second Sydney airport has been in the too hard basket for many years but our government is delivering this critical piece of infrastructure that will lift productivity and growth for decades to come.”
Federal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh welcomed the airport exceeding its local employment targets, saying the project would continue to create local jobs, for local people.
“Over $100 million has already been injected into businesses in Western Sydney, supercharging our local economy,” Ms McIntosh said.
“The airport will continue to provide more opportunities for local small businesses, opening up new markets and opportunities across Australia and beyond.
“This will drive more job creation for generations, particularly in the emerging industries recognising Western Sydney is at the forefront of fields including advanced manufacturing, research, and space, as a result of the Morrison Government’s investment.”
New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said the airport would boost economic activity and provide employment opportunities for the Western Sydney region.
“This new airport integrates with our vision for Western Sydney and the future of how people will live, work and travel,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It means jobs for Western Sydney and will create new, convenient travel options for those who live in our west.”
The contract for the airside pavements package, which will include the 3.7-kilometre runway and rapid-exit taxiways, was awarded in September, with construction due to begin next year. Bulk earthworks are around 75 per cent complete.
In addition to the $5.3 billion investment in Western Sydney International, the Morrison Government has committed another $9 billion for the vital rail and road links that will transform the Western Sydney region.
This includes the $3.5 billion investment to deliver new major road infrastructure and upgrades under the Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan and $5.25 billion towards the first stage of the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport rail link.

New data released by the NSW Government, on the eve of National Ag Day, reveals primary industries output has charged past all previous records and is now an estimated $20.9 billion industry.
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall released the 2021 NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Performance Data and Insights (PDI) report today, which showed Industry increased its Gross Value of Production from $15.7 billion in just 12 months.
“Our farmers overcame every challenge thrown their way to smash the record books and grow agriculture by $5.2 billion to a $20.9 billion industry,” Mr Marshall said.
“Underpinned by a record winter crop, and bolstered by both strong commodity prices and primary producers committed to delivering safe and high-quality produce, this is an outstanding recognition of the capabilities our industry can achieve.
“Wheat headlines this year’s bumper harvest and is the star of this more than $5 billion increase in primary industries GVP. The crop’s value produced actually rose 541 per cent on the year before to $4 billion.
“Primary producers are still recovering from drought by rebuilding herds from historic lows, but international demand remained high and is only expected to increase.
“While this has been a year to remember for agriculture, we realise it’s been a devastating week for our Central West farmers. It’s still too early to see the full extent of flood damage, but we’ll be with them through the aftermath.”
Mr Marshall said the agricultural industry had exceeded NSW DPI’s long-term strategic target two years ahead of schedule.
“COVID-19 and labour shortages, bushfires, drought, mice, floods and trade tensions all presented challenges, but the ag industry still exceeded its goal,” Mr Marshall said.
“While the NSW Government provided financial aid, including $4 billion in drought support, $150 million to tackle mice, and even $3 million in hotel quarantine subsidies for foreign workers, the real hard work was done by farmers.
“We’re well on our way to being a $30 billion industry by 2030.”
The 2020/2021 PDI report is available from the NSW DPI website.
2020-21 Fast Facts: 

• NSW primary industries had an estimated total industry output of $20.9 billion
• Cropping achieved $8 billion output, including;
  • Wheat up 541% year-on-year, with an estimated GVP $4.2 billion
  • Cotton up 383% year-on-year, with an estimated GVP $847 million
  • Oilseeds up 527% year-on-year, with an estimated GVP $844 million
  • Barley up 170% year-on-year, with an estimated GVP $769 million
  • Pulses up 527% year-on-year, with an estimated GVP $359 million
• Poultry achieved $855 million output, up 1% year-on-year
• Dairy achieved $659 million output, up 2% year-on-year

A further $2.4 million will be delivered by the NSW Government to support the sports sector as it emerges from COVID restrictions, to help increase participation across the state.
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the Organisation Support Program (OSP) is on top of the recently-announced $25 million Sport and Recreation Recovery and Community Rebuild Package.
“The COVID-19 lockdown has had a major impact on everyone’s lives, including our  sport and recreation sector,” Mrs Ward said.
“We want to make sure all our sports lovers are getting back to doing what they love most across all codes, from cricket to football, netball to hockey, basketball to tennis.
“As restrictions ease, this funding package will help increase participation and improve community health and wellbeing at a time when it couldn’t be needed more.”
Ninety-four eligible State Sporting Organisations (SSOs) and State Sporting Organisations with a Disability (SSODs) will share in the ongoing funding package.
It will support the sector in holding competitions, activities and programs across NSW as it returns to full operation following the restrictions, and builds on the Sport and Recreation Recovery and Community Rebuild Package.
“The NSW Government’s comprehensive supports will ensure sports don’t just get back on the fields, courts and pitches but have sustained success into the future,” Mrs Ward said.
For further details, see: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/organisation-support-program.

A woman has been charged following a police pursuit in Forbes this morning.
About 3am (Thursday 18 November 2021), officers attached to Central West Police District were conducting patrols when they observed a Mazda 3 sedan make a right turn from Wyndham Street into Farnell Street at speed.
Police attempted to stop the vehicle; however, the driver failed to comply, and pursuit was initiated.
The driver turned into Forest Road – an unsealed road – and encountered minor flood waters, causing the Mazda to become bogged.
The driver – a 32-year-old woman – was arrested at the scene, while two passengers – a woman and a three-year-old girl – were removed from the vehicle uninjured.
The driver was subjected to a roadside breath and drug test, returning a positive indication for methylamphetamine (ice).
She was taken to Parkes Police Station and charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, drive whilst licence cancelled and disobey road access sight.
The woman was refused bail to appear at Parkes Local Court today (Thursday 18 November 2021).

The capabilities of the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command have been significantly bolstered with the addition of four new purpose-built marine vessels, valued at more than $4 million.
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott joined Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM today to unveil the new Class 5 rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) as part of an ongoing commitment to provide safer waterways across the State.
Premier Perrottet said this investment forms part of the $29 million Marine Vessel Replacement program and will enhance tactical marine responses.
“These fast response vessels are multifunctional and will strengthen the police marine operational capabilities as we approach the busy summer months,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, police have played an integral role in keeping us all safe. As we return to a sense of normality it is vital police have the equipment to undertake policing, both on land and water.”
Minister Elliott said the Government continues to provide police with the resources they need to enhance operations in NSW and offshore waters.
“With a multi-purpose capability, the RHIBs will be used for criminal detection and counter terrorism operations, search and rescue, port and maritime security and high visibility policing,” Mr Elliott said.
“Importantly these vessels will enhance boarding capabilities and fast roping for police in operational settings.”
Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said officers attached to the Marine Area Command were instrumental in the design of these fit-for-purpose tactical vessels.
“These Class 5 RHIBs are highly-manoeuvrable and are fitted with the latest navigation and communication equipment, as well as surveillance and tracking systems,” Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said.
“Importantly these fast, agile and responsive vessels are a significant boost to our capabilities to prevent, disrupt and respond to crime on the water.”
Each vessel has two 400hp four-stroke outboard motors and can reach speeds of 53 knots. The vessels feature the newest technology including a forward looking infra-red (FLIR) camera to assist police crews search for lost mariners or detect crime threats. The navigation and electronics are supported by the NSW Police Force integrated telecommunication and satellite systems.
The 11 metre RHIBs were built by Sydney based Zodiac Milpro Australia Pty Ltd. They have a 10-person capacity and will be located in Sydney, San Souci, Newcastle and Port Kembla but can be deployed as far north as Tweed Heads, and Eden to the south.

Global ratings agency Moody’s has reaffirmed New South Wales’ triple-A credit rating, just days after Fitch also awarded the State the same top tier rating.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Moody’s triple-A rating highlights the resilience of the NSW economy, which is being bolstered by businesses reopening after the extended three-month lockdown due to the Delta outbreak.
“The triple-A ratings reaffirm the economic strength of NSW which has remained resilient despite a myriad of challenges over the past two years,” Mr Perrottet said.
“NSW is the only state in Australia with a Moody’s triple-A credit rating which we have retained despite allocating about $45 billion to support people and businesses and to bolster the health system to combat COVID-19.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said the two triple-A ratings recognise the NSW Government’s strong economic management during COVID-19.
“The NSW Government has been assigned two triple-A credit ratings despite the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been due to our diverse, resilient and flexible economy, and world-leading response to COVID-19.” Mr Kean said.
“The latest Moody’s rating highlights the State’s ability to manage our record $108.5 billion infrastructure pipeline as we continue to invest in our economy, transport, health, education and innovative technologies.”
The Moody’s report said the triple-A rating reflects the State’s “proven history of fiscal resolve”, which is highlighted by NSW’s “debt retirement strategy following the recently completed WestConnex transaction.”
NSW has two triple-A credit ratings (Moody’s and Fitch) and one double-A plus credit rating (S&P Global).

The end is near for single use plastics, including bags, straws, cotton buds, plates, bowls and cutlery, after the Plastics and Circular Economy Act 2021 passed NSW Parliament today.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean said plastic packaging and single-use plastics make up 60 per cent of litter across the state, with single-use plastics to be phased out from June next year.
“Only 10 per cent of plastics in New South Wales are recycled, with the rest ending up in landfill, or worse, littering our streets, dumped in our parks and washing up in our waterways,” Mr Kean said.
“The NSW Government is spending $356 million over the next five years to deliver the NSW Plastics Action Plan and the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041. This will help reduce the environmental impacts of plastics litter, while encouraging the development of new and innovative products.
“This legislation is expected to stop 2.7 billion single-use items from ending up in our natural environment and waterways over the next 20 years, and is a game-changer in the fight against plastic waste across our state.”
Businesses will be supported to transition to alternative products before the phase outs come into effect. Excemptions will also apply for members of the community who rely on particular single-use plastics for disability of health needs.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment Felicity Wilson said a range of education and engagement campaigns will run to support consumers and businesses transition.
“I want to thank the many businesses and households who have already voluntarily taken action to reduce their single-use plastics, particularly those who take their own reuseable bags to the shops,” Ms Wilson said.
“By this time next year, the NSW Government will have phased out plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery and bowls, as well as cotton buds with plastic sticks and microbeads in personal care and cosmetic products.
“Our goal is to reduce as much plastic waste as possible, while protecting the environment, sustainably managing resources and ensuring materials circulate in our economy for as long as possible.”
The NSW Government has established a legislative framework to tackle harmful and problematic plastics though the setting of design standards.
The first design standard has been set for microbeads in cosmetic and personal care items, and will ensure microbeads are phased out from 1 November 2022.
The legislation will prohibit the supply of lightweight plastic bags from 1 June 2022. The supply of other items will be prohibited from 1 November 2022, including single-use plastic straws, cutlery, stirrers, cotton buds, plates and bowls, and expanded polystyrene foodservice items.
For more information on the Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021 visit http://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/plastics

The NSW Government is set to repeal Section 19B of the Workers Compensation Act 1987 while ensuring workers are still protected if they contract COVID-19 in the workplace. Changes to the Act were made in May 2020, when very little was known about COVID-19 and its transmission.
The amendments included a presumption that workers who contracted COVID-19 had done so at work. Premier Dominic Perrotett said workers will still be entitled to make a workers compensation claim if they contract COVID-19 in their workplace when the legislation is repealed.
“Now we know more about COVID-19 and its transmission, amendments under Section 19B of the Act must be repealed so the workers compensation system is both fair to employees and ensuring businesses aren’t hit with an unexpected spike in their insurance bills”, Mr Perrottet said.
“When the NSW Government originally made the amendments, we had little information about how COVID-19 was spread and whether it was more likely to be contracted in workplaces, and we certainly didn’t have a vaccine rollout.”
“Now that the economy is steadily reopening, we want businesses investing in new staff and higher wages, not inflated insurance bills.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said the NSW Government is ensuring businesses don’t foot the bill for more than half a billion dollars in premium increases by repealing these amendments.
“Small businesses have been hit hard enough by COVID-19 restrictions over the past two years, so now would be the wrong time for them to be slugged with a massive, unexpected insurance premium increase,” Mr Kean said.
“If the NSW Government doesn’t repeal this amendment, we risk losing jobs just as our recovery is gaining momentum across our State.”
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the scheme could be hit with more than 25,000 extra claims over the coming year and small businesses could be slugged with an average increase in their insurance premiums of $950, if these changes are not made.
“Removing the automatic workers compensation entitlements will not remove a worker’s right to make a claim if they contract COVID-19 as a result of their employment. This right is retained,” Mr Dominello said.
“There is nowhere else in the world with automatic workers compensation rights due to COVID-19 that are as broad as those in NSW.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said recent estimates based on Doherty Institute modelling, indicate COVID-19 claims could cost the NSW workers compensation system up to $638 million over the coming year.
“The NSW Government is calling on the Opposition to support this legislation to give businesses confidence and certainty as we reopen our economy.”
The COVID-19 presumption, introduced by Section 19B of the Workers Compensation Act 1987, provides automatic workers compensation rights for workers who contract COVID-19 and who work in industries such as healthcare, education, retail, transport, emergency services, construction, disability and aged care, dining and entertainment.
“With this presumption wound back, workers can still make claims and insurers can focus on good claims management practices,” Mr Tudehope said.
The NSW Government will introduce a bill to repeal the automatic workers compensation presumption established under section 19B of the Workers Compensation Act 1987 this week.

New English and Mathematics syllabuses for the State’s youngest students were released today, marking a major milestone in the NSW Government’s Curriculum Reform agenda.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said students in kindergarten, year 1 and year 2 would be the first to benefit from the changes, following the first comprehensive review in more than 30-years.
“One of the most important things a government can do is provide a quality education and reform was needed to bring our curriculum into the 21^stcentury,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The new approach will ensure our youngest learners are provided with a solid foundation to grow from, with a focus on literacy and numeracy skills.”
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said for the first time the curriculum is completely online and comes with explicit teaching examples.
“We heard clearly from teachers that navigating syllabuses was unnecessarily arduous,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The new online curriculum removes ambiguity for teachers, and comes with explicit teaching advice on an online platform. This will be particularly helpful for early-career teachers.”
Changes in the new K to 2 English and Mathematics syllabuses include:

• Simple, concise language which identifies key knowledge and skills.
• Easily accessed and navigated on a new Digital Curriculum platform.
• Clear expectations on student reading progression.
• Renewed focus on handwriting.
• New supports for students with significant intellectual disability.
• Emphasis on ‘reasoning’ in mathematics.
• Advanced counting strategies.

The reformed curriculum will be delivered to schools on a new Digital Curriculum platform, a $13.6 million NSW Government investment.
The new syllabuses are available at curriculum.nsw.edu.au. Implementation begins next year, with all NSW schools teaching the syllabuses from 2023. The NSW Government continues its work to deliver the new K – 12 NSW Curriculum by 2024.