Category: NSW News

The Perrottet Government is urging people who are yet to get their first COVID-19 vaccine to roll up their sleeves and get the jab as we edge closer to the 90 per cent double dose milestone.
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Health Minister Brad Hazzard today toured a new vaccination clinic at The Granville Centre in Western Sydney, which will open on its doors on Monday, as NSW Health ramps up its booster shot program.
“NSW has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world and the people of western and south-western Sydney helped lead the charge,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Our COVID-19 vaccination clinics have played an important role in helping fast-track our vaccination rates, which is helping us return to normal in a safe and measured way.
“We’re leading the nation out of the pandemic and this new centre will bolster the number of NSW Health vaccination hubs across the State as we roll out our booster program and make the final push to reach the 95 per cent milestone and hopefully even higher.”
After administering more than 360,000 COVID-19 vaccination doses, Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre returns to its sporting and entertainment function tomorrow.
Mr Hazzard again praised the more than 2,700 health and support staff who worked at Qudos, who were administering 26 vaccine doses per minute during its busiest period.
“What NSW Health staff achieved not only at Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre but across the State during the Delta outbreak has been extraordinary,” Mr Hazzard said.
“They helped lift vaccination rates in western and south-western Sydney to the highest levels across the State but even if we surpass our new goals we must remain vigilant.
“COVID has killed more than five million people globally so far but the true figure is likely much higher, so please come forward for your jab and book in for your booster.”
Bookings are strongly encouraged for the Granville Centre vaccination clinic, which will also offer boosters, and can be made here. Walk-in vaccinations will also be available.
People aged 18 years and older can receive the Pfizer booster dose at least six months after receiving their second dose of any of the COVID-19 vaccines registered for use in Australia.

Police and emergency services workers and volunteers in Northern NSW are set to benefit from an $84.5 million investment by the Government to better equip them to protect their communities, particularly against bushfire and drownings this summer.
The announcements by Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott in the Tweed today brings an end 9 days of travel across regional NSW, including:

• 37 public engagements with NSW Police Force, NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, NSW State Emergency Service and Volunteer Rescue Association squads;
• Over 3,700 kilometres travelled;
• 23 villages and townships across 11 regional electorates visited;
• Various meetings with police men and women, Mayors, local MPs, chaplains, councillors, lifesavers, firefighters, farmers, miners, aviators, small business owners and publicans; and
• A total investment of over $84.5 million into regional NSW.

Minister Elliott joined Member for Tweed Geoff Provest, Marine Rescue NSW (MRNSW) Commissioner Stacey Tannos, Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) Commissioner Mark Gibson, and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Paul Baxter to hand over two new appliances and unveil the design of a new fire station for the region.
Mr Elliott said boating safety on the Far North Coast would improve with the delivery of a new $819,000 rescue boat to the Marine Rescue Point Danger Unit as well as a $200,000 high-tech fit-out of the MRNSW base.
“This new vessel is one of 38 rescue boats funded as part of a record $37.6 million, four-year State Government investment to support the life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers,” he said.
Commissioner Tannos said the base fit-out will include a new antennae, VHF radios and radio equipment, emergency generator and office fittings; creating a state of the art space to coordinate emergency communication and response on local waterways.
“This support means we can continue to deliver our volunteers the modern, safe and reliable boats and state of the art communications facilities they need to meet the needs of the local boating community,” he said.
Mr Provest welcomed the delivery of a new $229,000 quick response rescue vehicle to the Tweed District VRA squad.
“This vehicle which comes fitted out with state-of-the-art equipment ensures that the Tweed District squad can respond to calls for assistance in a fit-for-purpose vehicle specifically designed for the roles they perform,”
Commissioner Gibson said that with many people returning to the Tweed tourism hub, the risk of accidents requiring extrications also increases.
“It is important to equip our dedicated members with the best technology and equipment so they can provide the best service to the community and they can operate safely while doing so,” he said.
Mr Elliott also unveiled the design of the innovative new $4.7 million Kingscliff Fire Station which is due to be completed in 2022.
“The new two-storey fire station will improve efficiencies in the region’s emergency response and capability. The NSW Government is committed to providing our firefighters with the best possible facilities and equipment, so they can get on with the job they do best – protecting life and property,” he said.
Mr Provest said the new fire station will provide improved response coverage for Kingscliff and surrounding communities.
Commissioner Baxter said the new station is the latest design to improve firefighter safety and is configured to accommodate both permanent and on-call firefighters.
“The layout of the station is a result of studies of best practice around Australia and the world, and consultation with firefighters who live and breathe at the stations.”

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is set to become the first national parks agency in Australia to commit to being carbon positive, with today’s release of the NPWS Carbon Positive Plan.
Environment Minister, Matt Kean said this is another great first for NSW, by 2028 NPWS will remove and store more carbon than it creates, reaching net zero emissions and then becoming carbon positive.
“By 2028 the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by our national parks will exceed the emissions generated by NPWS in managing those parks,” Mr Kean said.
“This is a visionary plan that highlights the importance of the national parks in combatting climate change alongside the critical role they already play in the conservation of biodiversity providing home to 85 per cent of threatened species in the state.
“It’s all designed to position NPWS at the forefront of global environmental efforts.”
NPWS will implement actions to reduce its carbon footprint including switching to 100% renewable energy, electric passenger vehicles, installing onsite solar PV, reducing waste and updating refrigeration and air conditioning assets with high efficiency models.
NPWS will also trial electric vehicle charging stations in key park areas to support the community to continue to visit National Parks using electric vehicles.
National parks also represent one of the largest carbon stores in the State, protecting over 40 per cent of all forest carbon.   NPWS will protect these existing carbon stores through effective fire management, and invest in a suite of biodiversity-friendly carbon sequestration projects.
One of these is at Koonaburra, recently registered with the Clean Energy Regulator, where a regeneration project will boost investment in carbon and conservation works (enhanced feral animal management across the park) to remove around 900,000 tonnes of CO2 in the next 25 years.
The launch of the Plan coincides with the tabling of the Protected and Conserved Areas Joint Statement in Climate Change and Biodiversity at the United Nations climate meeting (COP26) in Glasgow, a declaration by protected area managers from around the world, including the NPWS.
“In signing this Statement the NSW Government acknowledges the critical importance of national parks and the commitment the NPWS has to implementing global nature-based solutions, such as revegetation, to managing our twin environmental crises: the accelerating destruction of nature and climate change,” Mr Kean said.
NPWS will also be one of the first government agencies to report biennially on climate-related financial risk, as part of the Taskforce for Climate-related Financial Disclosure and rigorous carbon accounting in alignment with national and international accounting standards.
NPWS is currently investigating the level of annual carbon sequestration by national parks and additional data once analysed, may demonstrate a carbon positive position achieved before 2028.
The Carbon Positive by 2028 Plan is at :
https://environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/park-policies/carbon-positive-by-2028

The final tunnelling breakthrough on the M4-M5 Link Tunnels has been completed, marking a major construction milestone in Australia’s largest road infrastructure project.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the $16.8 billion project was cutting travel times and supporting thousands of families with work as Sydney and Australia were reopening from COVID lockdowns.
“This breakthrough isn’t just for a tunnel, but it’s a breakthrough for getting people home sooner and safer and helping workers to move around,” the Prime Minister said.
“As well as the 9,000 jobs this project has been delivering, the tunnel is going to make it easier for people across Sydney to pick up work and jobs that just wouldn’t have been possible before with traffic.
“As we reopen Sydney and Australia, projects like this bypass and our record $110 billion infrastructure investment are going to give our economy even more of a boost.”
New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said the third stage of WestConnex is now another step closer to forming a western bypass of the Sydney CBD.
“This project will change the lives of thousands of people, bypassing dozens of sets of traffic lights and allowing an uninterrupted drive from the Blue Mountains to the city,” the Premier said.
“As part of the New South Wales Government’s record $108.5 billion investment pipeline, WestConnex is already easing congestion, creating jobs and connecting communities, right across our city.
“Our Government has its eye to the future and this breakthrough will complete a ‘missing link’ between the new M4 Tunnels at Haberfield and the M8 at St Peters.”
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the Commonwealth Government had co-funded WestConnex from the outset with a grant of $1.5 billion and a concessional loan of $2 billion.
“This is a major milestone in what is one of the most significant road infrastructure projects in the country, which is already delivering major benefits for Sydney commuters by reducing travel times, easing congestion and improving safety,” Minister Fletcher said.
“When opened to traffic in 2023, the M4-M5 Link Tunnels and Rozelle Interchange will complete the WestConnex project, providing improved links between key employment hubs and local communities.”
NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said 22 of the 33 kilometres of WestConnex would be underground, including the 7.5 kilometres that make up the M4-M5 Link Tunnels.
“This final breakthrough means both the north and southbound tunnels are connected for the first time, with roadheaders carving out the rock 43 metres below ground at Leichhardt,” Minister Stokes said.
“The milestone is an enormous credit to every one of the 9,000 workers and sub-contractors who’ve worked on the project, ensuring construction continues safely.
“The M4-M5 Link Tunnels will remove tens of thousands of vehicles from surrounding streets, including Parramatta Road, and will help slash up to 40 minutes from an average peak journey between Parramatta and the Sydney Airport.”
Transurban CEO Scott Charlton said drivers are already enjoying the benefits of WestConnex, with close to 150 million trips made on the first two stages in the last financial year.
“The New M4 Tunnels and M8 have been transformative for Sydney, by easing traffic congestion and improving liveability for local communities,” Mr Charlton said.

New South Wales and Victoria will open their border to each other from 11:59pm on Thursday, 4 November, allowing free travel between Australia’s two biggest states well ahead of the Christmas period.
With coronavirus (COVID-19) case numbers coming down and high vaccination rates continuing to rise in both states, New South Wales and Victoria are normalising living with the virus.
Victoria’s Acting Chief Health Officer today declared that from 11:59pm tonight, the ACT and all remaining orange zone areas in New South Wales will become green zones under Victoria’s travel permit system.
This means, for the first time in more than six months in Victoria, all Local Government Areas in all states and territories across Australia will be green zones for the purposes of entering Victoria.
Travellers, including workers, who are entering Victoria from a green zone face no testing or quarantine requirements, but are still required to obtain a permit from Service Victoria before they arrive, to verify they aren’t COVID-19 positive or required to isolate as a close contact
There are no requirements for fully vaccinated Victorians entering New South Wales, unless they have been to a place of high concern in Victoria. A Victorian who is over 16 years and not fully vaccinated is not allowed to enter NSW for recreation or a holiday. More information is available on nsw.gov.au.
This comes as 93.8 per cent of people in New South Wales aged 16 and over have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 89.1 per cent have received both doses.
In Victoria 92.7 per cent of people aged 16 and over have now had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 82.5 per cent have had two doses.
People entering Victoria must sill comply with any vaccinated economy requirements in place and can apply for a travel permit at service.vic.gov.au.
New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said this announcement showed the rest of the nation the way forward.
“NSW is set to pass 90 per cent double dose vaccination in the near future, with Victoria not far behind, allowing family and friends to be reunited in the lead up to Christmas after many months of being separated,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This milestone has only been made possible because people across NSW and Victoria have rolled up their sleeves and led the nation on the road back to normality thanks to our high vaccination rates.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews thanked people on both sides of the border for rolling up their sleeves and getting the jab.
“Thanks to the incredibly hard work of Victorians and people in New South Wales in getting vaccinated, we’re delighted to be able to have free travel between the two states once again,” Mr Andrews said.
“Victoria and New South Wales have been through so much over the last few months, and we’re pleased that more families will now be able to reunite just in time for Christmas and the holiday season.”

A herd of 40 firefighting goats are chewing through hectares of fuel loads as the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) continues its Hazard Reduction Grazing trial in the State’s West.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders joined RFS crews near Mudgee today to meet the State’s first goat brigade, a recommendation of the Independent Bushfire Inquiry into the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/20.
The goats, sourced from Dry Creek Farm, a local business, ‘cell-graze’ between different patches of undergrowth through high-risk areas, including Clandulla and Lue. The goats are particularly useful in terrain where conventional mitigation methods, such as burning or mechanical clearing, prove challenging.
The trial commenced in August, and will take place over several months and in different locations across NSW. It is estimated that the goats will eat approximately a quarter of a hectare of dense vegetation in two weeks, and medium density vegetation in one week.
Mr Elliott said the grazing trial responds to recommendation 21 and will better protect the community and the region from grass fires.
“This alternate mitigation strategy may look like a novel solution, but it provides an important advantage in that it can be implemented rain, hail or shine.”
“The goats are used to the hard yakka, are chewing through their KPI’s, and thankfully we don’t need to worry about them working on an empty stomach,” he said.
“This is such a simple but valuable way of mitigating the risk of fire, any kid could do it.”
RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said grazing will mitigate against grass fires, particularly in areas where mitigation crews and local brigades find it hard to reduce fuel loads.
“This grazing trial has seen remarkable progress in reducing fuel loads in the Clandulla area and we’re keen for this to continue in the area,” Commissioner Rogers said.
The NSW Government has committed almost half-a-billion dollars in response to the Inquiry, which includes almost $38 million for additional mitigation crews to deliver greater hazard reduction, with a total of 176,499 hectares treated in 2020-2021.

NSW is set for an outdoor renaissance this summer, with the Government providing $50 million in new and improved parks and public spaces.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Government’s economic recovery package would result in more places to play, splash and roam.
“We’re setting aside $50 million for new places to swim or paddle, improved playspaces and more trails that connect communities to their parklands,” Mr Perrottet said.
“With Greater Sydney offering some of the most beautiful river, lake and bushland environments, this package will mean everyone can discover more of the hidden gems in their own backyard.
“Lockdown showed us that we need more public spaces that are better connected with more recreation facilities, and that’s exactly what this funding will help achieve.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the $50 million investment would go towards adventure, nature and water play opportunities.
“While lockdown is over, it highlighted that people living closer to the coastline have far more natural swimming spots than those living in our west,” Mr Stokes said.
“This program will create new opportunities to dive into places like our stunning harbour, Parramatta or Nepean Rivers, take a hike in the bush or ride along a new nature trail.”
“Children will have more opportunities to play and connect with nature and there’ll be funding to create more community garden and greenway projects for everyone to enjoy.”
The Government’s $50 million Open Space program includes:

• Places to Swim ($16.7 million): New swimming and kayaking locations across Greater Sydney’s lakes, rivers and harbour;
• Places to Play ($16.7 million): Additional public open spaces for play and adventure, for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds across NSW; and
• Places to Roam ($16.7 million): New and upgraded regional trails, better active transport corridors and connected bushland, parks and gardens across Greater Sydney.

Councils and state government agencies will be able to nominate projects and apply for the grants over the coming months.
For more information visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/premiers-priorities/great-public-spaces/open-space/

The Perrottet Government will invest more than $8 million in a suite of grant programs to accelerate the recovery of the NSW visitor economy as the state reopens to visitors.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said the funding would be a significant boost to the visitor economy as travel restrictions lifted.
“This funding will create jobs, enhance the visitor experience, support the return of lifestyle and business events in regional NSW and promote our regions as ‘must-visit’ destinations, generating hundreds of millions in visitor expenditure,” Mr Ayres said.
“These grants are all about assisting NSW tourism operators and event organisers to develop and deliver the best possible visitor experiences and ensure we are the number one state to visit as we reopen to the world post COVID-19.
“Whether it’s to upgrade the standard of accommodation, develop an entirely new visitor experience, stage conferences and regional events, or deliver a compelling destination marketing campaign, these grants will ensure NSW remains top-of-mind for all types of visitors.
“Supporting our tourism operators is a top priority. They are the backbone of the visitor economy – their passion and resilience and incredible diversity of offerings are key to the state’s success.”
The $8.35 million will be delivered through the following programs:
·      $4.1 million Tourism Product Development Fund – to support regional accommodation renewal and new visitor experiences
·      $1.5 million Regional Event Fund – to support new and flagship regional events
·      $2 million Co-operative Marketing Program – leveraging Destination NSW’s new Feel New marketing campaign
·      $750,000 Regional Business Event Development Fund – to create, attract and support new business events for regional NSW
 
The NSW Government, through Destination NSW, will deliver the grants and support recipients to best manage their project delivery.
For more information on these funding programs and all other support available to businesses, go to www.destinationnsw.com.au/funding.

More restrictions are easing in NSW public schools, allowing students to enjoy additional activities safely at school in line with current community settings.
Changes to settings includes allowing fully vaccinated extra-curricular providers on school site, as well as some music classes and bands, day excursions and assemblies. Activities must maintain cohorts and be done in line with all COVID-Safe settings in schools.
From November 8 the following activities can take place on school grounds in cohorts only:

• Assemblies and presentations – outdoors only
• Excursions – day only, not overnight
• Incursions – activities provided on school site by external providers related to curriculum delivery or student wellbeing
• Dancing
• Music classes, bands, ensembles and lessons – for instruments that can be played with a mask only
• Sport – as previously announced, in-school within cohort and inter-school outside school hours.

Fully vaccinated volunteers and providers will be allowed on site to support school operations or fulfil specific roles, such as helping with the canteen or uniform shop.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the changes allowed students more curricular and extra-curricular opportunities while schools maintain COVID-19 safe measures.
“Students have experienced an incredibly disrupted school year; in line with the relaxation of community settings, we are aligning some school activities to provide them with as much normality as possible,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Schools’ stringent safety measures remain in place, including vaccinations of all adults on site, cohorting, cleaning, mask wearing and ensuring appropriate ventilation.
“Importantly all adults on site during school hours, including staff and visitors, must be fully vaccinated and wear masks to be allowed on school site.”
Community use of school facilities can also go ahead from November 8, outside school hours only.
Further detail regarding the revised settings will be available https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families/term-4-roadmap.html

In response to the faster-than-expected rate of vaccination, the NSW Government will further ease rules for those who are fully vaccinated by bringing forward many of the roadmap changes scheduled for 1 December to Monday, 8 November.
From 8 November there will be no limit on visitors to a home, no rules for outdoor gatherings with fewer than 1,000 people, and indoor swimming pools will re-open for all purposes.
Businesses will be able to welcome in more fully vaccinated customers with all premises to move to 1 person per 2 sqm rule, and nightclubs will be able to re-open dancefloors.
Caps will be removed for settings other than gym and dance classes (where the 20 person cap for classes will remain) and replaced by density limits or 100 per cent fixed seated capacity for major recreation outdoor facilities (including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos) and entertainment facilities (including cinemas and theatres).
These freedoms will only be available for people who are fully vaccinated, including those who have medical exemptions and children under the age of 16. COVID Safe check-ins and proof of vaccination will still be required.
Those who are not fully vaccinated must still abide by pre-roadmap restrictions until the State reaches the 95 per cent double vaccination target, or 15 December, whichever happens first. 
The current settings for masks, which apply to everyone, will remain in place until the State reaches the 95 per cent double vaccination target, or 15 December, whichever happens first.
To maintain high levels of immunity across the community, NSW Health has commenced rolling out a booster vaccination program at its clinics to individuals aged 18 and older who received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine 6 months or more ago. Pfizer will be used for boosters regardless of the COVID-19 vaccine received for the first or second dose.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said bringing forward the easing of restrictions was only possible because of the State’s high vaccinations rates and the roll out of booster shots.
“Everybody has done an incredible job to ensure NSW can ease restrictions in a safe and considered way earlier than we planned,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We are on track to reach 90 per cent double vaccination weeks ahead of schedule and this is a testament to everybody across NSW and especially our health workers.
“There is still a long way to go but the NSW Government is standing with the community and continuing to do everything that we can, including booster shots, to keep people safe as we open up.”
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said regional NSW had rolled up their sleeves for vaccinations and we’re now ready to welcome back visitors.
“Regions across NSW answered the call when we asked them to come forward and get vaccinated. Thanks to the community for coming out and getting the jab,” Mr Toole said.
“The time is right now for regional businesses to welcome back visitors safely in every town across the state and get tills turning over.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said reaching the 90 per cent target will be a significant milestone in the state’s recovery.
“We are inching closer and closer to returning to many of our pre-pandemic activities, and this latest easing of restrictions will be welcome news for hundreds of businesses ready to re-open, expand their operations, and welcome back more customers,” Mr Ayres said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said NSW has amongst the most vaccinated populations in the world and rolling out booster shots would continue to maintain that advantage.
“We are amongst the best in the world when it comes to vaccinations but we cannot forget that COVID will continue to circulate in the community and we must remain vigilant,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Boosters are a key priority moving forward and we continue to work closely with the Commonwealth on the COVID-19 vaccination roll out. I want to encourage anyone who is yet to be vaccinated to make a booking as soon as possible.”
More information about the 90 per cent easing of restrictions at nsw.gov.au.
You can book your COVID-19 vaccine or your booster shot, via www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/vaccination/get-vaccinated.