Category: NSW News

Residents across NSW will be able to integrate the COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate into their Service NSW app from today with the program now rolling out State-wide.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said with restrictions to further ease as the state approaches 80 per cent double vaccination, the integration of the vaccine certificate with the app will make things easier for the people of NSW.
“This is an extra digital service to make life easier for the businesses and customers of NSW as we open back up. NSW is the first jurisdiction in Australia to roll out an integrated QR code solution for displaying vaccination status State wide,” Mr Dominello said.
“When someone visits a venue, they’ll be able to show their green check-in tick and vaccination status simultaneously, saving staff and customers time.
“While integrating the COVID-19 digital certificate on to the Service NSW app will be optional, it will be the by far the easiest and quickest way to prove you’re fully vaccinated.”
The State-wide roll out follows a successful regional pilot with clubs, aged-care facilities and taxis in Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga and Lismore, as well as internal government participants.
As the vaccine data sits in the Federal Australian Immunisation Register to integrate the COVID-19 digital certificate into the Service NSW app you will need to:

• Ensure your Federal MyGov account is linked to Medicare
• Download the Express Plus Medicare app and sign in with your MyGov account details
• Select ‘Proof of vaccinations’ and then ‘View history’
• Select ‘Share with check in app’ and then ‘Service NSW’

“I would like to thank the Federal Government, in particular Minister Stuart Robert, for his support and collaboration in making this happen and sharing the data at the end of last month,” Mr Dominello said.
“I also want to thank the businesses and individuals who participated in the various industry-based trials this week in Port Macquarie, Lismore, Tamworth and Wagga and Wagga. Your feedback has been invaluable in getting us to this point ahead of schedule.
“Integrating the vaccine certificate also helps future proof our State’s digital infrastructure in the event that proof of vaccination is ever required again or if it’s still needed in certain settings like international travel.”
There were already three ways to demonstrate the vaccine certificate. Customers can use the Express Plus Medicare app or the digital wallet on their phone. Customers without a smartphone can print a vaccination certificate from their Medicare account or contact Services Australia for a paper certificate in order to prove their vaccination status.
John Green, Director of Liquor and Policing at the Australian Hotels Association NSW, said venue operators were reporting the vaccination status combined with the QR check-in made it easier to check and validate.
“The convenience of having a customer’s vaccination status presented alongside their check-in will allow for a seamless entry and take pressure off venue staff,” Mr Green said. “It certainly makes the process quicker.”
The Service NSW app will include a number of security measures to help compliance officers and businesses with checking and validating a customer’s vaccination status, including a NSW Waratah logo hologram and rotating QR codes, similar to the Digital Driver Licence.
For more information, please visit nsw.gov.au or call 13 77 88.

The streets of NSW will come alive post-lockdown, thanks to a raft of initiatives and $66 million in funding that will see alfresco dining, outdoor activations and events return.
Treasurer Matt Kean said as the state opens up to the fully vaccinated, NSW will be ready for people eager to enjoy a meal and a day out with friends and family.
“Alfresco dining is not only a great way to dine, it’s a safe way to socialise as we open up. That’s why we are supporting new outdoor entertainment and dining precincts to pop up right across the state through our $66 million Alfresco Restart initiative,” Mr Kean said.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the NSW Government is doing all it can to revive the hospitality and entertainment industries, while ensuring people can safely socialise in the sunshine.
“After a long winter, it’s time for Sydney to enjoy a meal or drink in the sunshine and the NSW Government is committed to helping businesses do that in time for summer,” Mr Dominello said.
“We’re providing 5,000 hospitality businesses a $5,000 grant to get their outdoor dining venture off the ground – whether that’s to help set-up curb-side dining or a pub-style courtyard, we’re here to turn their ideas into reality.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the Government’s Alfresco Restart Package will help the hospitality, arts, and music sectors get back on their feet after a long winter in lockdown.
“After many months in lockdown, the people of NSW are ready to enjoy themselves, so we’ve thrown out the rule book with new temporary alfresco measures, while also making last year’s trials permanent,” Mr Stokes said.
“In addition to the permanent easing of rules for dining on footpaths and public spaces, we’re temporarily allowing outdoor dining on privately-owned bowling greens and carparks, meaning businesses can expand outdoors on almost any piece of land they own to welcome more customers.”
The Alfresco Restart initiatives being rolled out from November include:

• The Festival of Place – including the Long Summer Nights Program at the Rocks, Darling Harbour and The Domain, Streets as Shared Spaces Program, Summer Night Fund Program and Open Streets Program;
• Emergency temporary alfresco measures for outdoor dining in parks or on private land with the owner’s consent; and
• $5,000 grants for hospitality businesses to establish new alfresco settings;
• Permanent outdoor dining as an exempt development for pubs and small bars state-wide.

This package is part of the NSW Government’s efforts to slash red tape and support businesses and communities to recover from the pandemic.
For more info, visit: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/alfresco-restart-package

Small businesses across NSW now have access to free training and an informative guide to help them become “tender ready” and win NSW Government contracts, thanks to a new tender support program.
The NSW Small Business Commission has collaborated with TAFE NSW to deliver four online courses as well as a written guide to help small businesses understand the tendering and contract processes involved in working with the NSW Government.
The launch is the first major milestone in the four-year $5 million tender support program being delivered by the Commission and announced in the  November 2020 NSW Budget.
The program is a key driver of the NSW Government’s commitment to sourcing more goods and services from NSW small businesses.
Finance and Small Business Minister Damien Tudehope said the NSW Government spends around $40 billion each year on procurement of goods, services and construction, with nearly half of that amount going to small and medium businesses.
“Small businesses make up more than 98 per cent of businesses in NSW. If we can generate more work for them through existing Government spending, we will support jobs, families and communities,” Mr Tudehope said.
“Tendering for Government work can take up valuable time and resources for small businesses, and larger businesses often have the edge.
“These new resources will help small businesses to bridge that gap and be more successful in not only winning government work but also in tendering for private sector contracts, which requires similar knowledge and skills.”
The training courses, Selling to the NSW Government, comprise four modules that help small businesses prepare for and navigate these major stages of the tendering and contract processes:

• Getting Business Ready
• Finding Opportunities
• Selling to Government
• Successful Supplying

It is complemented by the new Selling to the NSW Government: A Guide for Small Business, which includes templates for key tendering documents.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said it was great to see the NSW Small Business Commission working with TAFE NSW, the State’s comprehensive public training provider.
“These courses will help small business owners upskill and reskill their teams, and ultimately empower them to grow their businesses.
“TAFE NSW plays a critical role in helping deliver these micro-skills rapidly using its convenient purpose-built online education platform,” Mr Lee said.
NSW Small Business Commissioner Chris Lamont said the training and guide had been informed by a comprehensive stakeholder engagement survey undertaken by the Commission, which sought the views and experiences of small businesses and other key stakeholders on the Government’s procurement processes and how they could be improved.
“The survey identified key pain points for small businesses in tendering for Government work and what information and assistance was most useful in helping businesses to lift their capabilities so they can compete effectively,” Mr Lamont said.
The Commission’s tender support program aligns with the NSW Government’s refreshed Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) and Regional Procurement Policy, which allows Government agencies to buy goods and services directly from an SME for all procurements up to $150,000.
The training modules and the guide can be accessed via  the NSW Small Business Commission website

Customers will have more reasons to celebrate catching up with friends and family this summer with two additional Dine & Discover vouchers up for grabs for NSW residents.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the expanded program will support residents across the State and encourage economic activity as part of the government’s economic recovery strategy.
“From Byron to Bega and Bellingen to Broken Hill, this is about supporting people to get out and have a meal or spend the day discovering their city while supporting businesses across NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the additional $250 million investment by the NSW Government would help businesses recover from months of restrictions and encourage people to enjoy what they love most.
“We experienced the success of the Dine & Discover program when we reopened last time, which is why we are doubling down efforts with an additional two $25 vouchers – one for Dine and one for Discover venues,” Mr Kean said.
“We are backing our businesses and helping hip pockets by expanding the program, in addition to extending existing vouchers until the end of June 2022.”
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the vouchers would again be delivered via the ServiceNSW app.
“You’ll find them in your ServiceNSW app in time for Summer or you can contact ServiceNSW and they can send them to you,” Mr Dominello said.
“To date, almost 4.8 million people have taken advantage of the voucher program since its launch in March, giving businesses a $430 million boost.”
NSW residents aged 18 years and over who are yet to apply will be able to do so until the program ends and will receive all six $25 vouchers.
Participating businesses do not need to reapply. Those who want to join the program are encouraged to register, download the scanner app and get ready to redeem.
More information will be made available in the coming weeks on the nsw.gov.au website.

The first of ten new River Class vessels, named after well-known NSW author Ruby Langford Ginibi, is now in passenger service after it was given the green light to operate during the day.
Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said the new River Class ferries were designed for conditions along the Parramatta River, but will also serve customers right across the ferry network.
“The new ferries have already completed many hours of successful day time operation during water trials and have passed the strictest of safety standards to get to this point, and it is great to now have the first vessel in service,” Mr Stokes said.
“Birdon employed 54 people working on the project locally at Port Macquarie, with Australian suppliers benefiting from 70 per cent of the total program of work. All of the design work was also undertaken right here in Australia.
“Customers are already benefiting from the new ferries’ floor to ceiling windows, level boarding access, audible and visual announcements, hearing loops, priority seating for the elderly and mobility impaired customers, and wheelchair facilities.”
Until the new River Class ferries are available for night time operations, existing fleet will continue to be used to ensure continuity of services for customers.
Over the coming weeks and months, the rest of the fleet will progressively roll out for daytime operations, while work is undertaken to reduce the glare in the wheelhouse at night.
The remaining nine ferries are named after some of the state’s other leading authors, artists and athletes.

NSW is set to attract more than $80 billion of investment, drive deep decarbonisation and establish itself as an energy and economic superpower with today’s launch of the NSW Hydrogen Strategy.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said as NSW worked through post-lockdown recovery, hydrogen was an opportunity to drive new investment and help secure jobs right across the State.
“Australia has an opportunity to be an energy superpower, New South Wales will lead the country with this hydrogen strategy,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Our major trading partners see hydrogen as part of their energy future, this state has the skills, infrastructure and renewable energy resources to compete globally in this new industry.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said hydrogen was a huge opportunity for regional NSW.
“We know that regional economies are diversifying, and the NSW government’s Hydrogen Strategy is bringing that to life,” Mr Toole said.
“Places like Parkes, the Illawarra, and the Upper Hunter are uniquely placed to take advantage of these opportunities, with existing supply lines, access to transport links and a skilled workforce ready to make regional NSW a leader in hydrogen technology.”
Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean said the strategy, which will provide up to $3 billion in incentives, will set the State up as a global hydrogen leader and is forecast to increase the size of the NSW economy by more than $600 million by 2030.
“Hydrogen will not only help the State halve our emissions by 2030 and get to net zero by 2050, it will create new opportunities for our heavy industry, and an economic bonanza of investment and jobs,” Mr Kean said.
“This strategy is forecast to more than halve the cost of green hydrogen production in NSW and will make NSW the best place to invest in hydrogen in the world.”
Fortescue Future Industries Chairman and Founder, Dr Andrew Forrest AO said: ”I am delighted with NSW’s historic hydrogen strategy and ambition to set itself up as an energy and economic superpower.
“NSW is taking a state leadership position providing clear pathways for how renewable hydrogen can deliver for Australian businesses, Australian jobs,  communities, and our children’s future.
“At FFI we are doing everything we can as a business to lead the world effort to lower emissions.  We are planning to deliver 15 million tonnes of renewable green hydrogen to the world by 2030 – increasing to 50 million tonnes per year thereafter.
“We are committed to working with the NSW Government to support their ambitions and develop Green Hydrogen Hubs together.”
In addition to delivering an already committed $70 million to develop the State’s hydrogen hubs in the Illawarra and the Hunter, the strategy includes:

1. Exemptions for green hydrogen production from government charges;
2. A 90% exemption from electricity network charges for green hydrogen producers who connect to parts of the network with spare capacity;
3. Incentives for green hydrogen production; and
4. A hydrogen refuelling station network to be rolled out across the State.

Business will be to submit an expression of interest to participate in the hydrogen hubs by the end of October. A copy of the strategy is available HERE.

Initiatives which focus on increasing participation in sport through events, development programs and facilities are the focus of the latest round of the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program.
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said more than $4.6 million is available to local sporting clubs to make their ideas to boost participation a reality, as COVID restrictions ease.
“We know sport has great health, social and economic advantages and we’re looking to strengthen our local sporting communities as we plan for the future,” Mrs Ward said.
“Sport goes far beyond the physical benefits. It boosts social networks and can also help develop skills and create jobs.
“This funding will support projects at grassroots sporting clubs which are driving participation opportunities, so that more people in NSW can enjoy the benefits of being involved in sport.”
The NSW Government funded more than 930 projects across the State through the last round of the Local Sport Grant Program.
“A terrific variety of initiatives were funded, including a Come and Try day at the Sydney Speed Skating Club at Macquarie Ice Rink, equipment at Armidale City Gymnastics Club to enable the participation of children with sensory issues and a program to subsidise sailing fees for children from disadvantaged communities at Toronto Amateur Sailing Club at Lake Macquarie,” Mrs Ward said.
Successful clubs can receive funding of up to $20,000, with up to $50,000 available for each electorate throughout NSW.
Applications open today and close on Friday, 19 November.
For more information visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/local-sport-grant-program

Carers from multicultural communities are the focus of a new campaign to mark the start of National Carers Week, which encourages them to make the most of services and support.
Minster for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said the It’s Caring campaign would celebrate the state’s 850,000 carers and raise awareness about support available to them.
“Throughout the pandemic, the love and support of carers has been more important than ever and this week is an opportunity to say thank you,” Mr Henskens said.
“One in five carers in NSW come from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and this campaign is about making sure they know where to turn to access services and support.”
Carers provide unpaid help to someone who needs support due to disability, mental illness, dementia, frail age or chronic illness.
Minister for Multiculturalism Natalie Ward said the campaign will be rolled out in ten different languages to reach many corners of our  multicultural communities.
“Multi-generational family households and shared caring duties can be common practice in some communities. Some  people may not associate themselves as carers and may be reluctant to ask for or receive help,” Mrs Ward said.
“This campaign aims to remove barriers to information, increase awareness about support available and send a message that help is available to our wonderful carers across multicultural communities.”
In 2021-22 the NSW Government is investing $4.9 million into support for carers under the NSW Carers Strategy 2020-2030.
For more information or to access resources, visit the Carers Gateway.

The NSW Government has committed to provide a Summer Holiday Stock Guarantee for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and will expand the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate for all eligible small businesses.
Small and medium business owners will be able to open with confidence thanks to a suite of support measures from the NSW Government, as part of the Economic Recovery Strategy.
Under the SME Summer Holiday Stock Guarantee, eligible businesses with an annual turnover between $75,000 and $50 million will be able to apply for a grant of up to $20,000 to compensate for loss of perishable stock, or claim $10,000 for reduced capacity to sell non-perishable items if a local lockdown occurs and they are impacted.
The expanded Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate will be eligible for use until 30 June 2022.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said these measures were key to giving businesses the confidence to open up and plan for the future, which will help reboot our economy.
“Now that we’ve reached the 70 per cent double vaccination target, it’s wonderful to see businesses reopening their doors and welcoming back customers,” Mr Perrottet said.
“These measures will give businesses and workers confidence to purchase stock and invest for the future knowing their doors will remain open as we get our economy firing again.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said the Stock Guarantee of up to $20,000 would be available if non-essential SMEs were forced to shut their doors between 1 December 2021 to 31 January 2022 due to public health orders.
“It’s devastating for businesses and their employees when they have to shut due to COVID but the grants will make it easier for businesses to manage their stock with confidence,” Mr Kean said.
“We want businesses to have the confidence to get out and spend and invest in their business ahead of the busy Christmas trading period.
“We expect the summer will be a bumper time for businesses as the people of NSW emerge from lockdown and look to support their local, and we want business owners to know we have their back.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the Government wanted to ensure businesses could open with confidence and certainty.
“It hasn’t been an easy ride for businesses across the state and now we are reopening, this should give them some assurance that we will be there for them every step of the way,” Mr Tudehope said.
“Small businesses will now be able to claim road user tolls under the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate, which is being increased from $1500 to $2000.
“The rebate can be used to offset NSW and local government fees and charges and adding tolls to the list of claimable charges is going to make a massive difference to many small business owners who use vehicles for work.”
More information on the rebate and Summer Holiday Stock Guarantee will be available shortly.

The NSW Government’s $240 million Regional and Metro Renewal Programs are forging ahead with the next round of projects to improve school infrastructure announced today.
The Regional and Metro Renewal Programs have so far delivered 206 upgrades at 202 schools across the state, and now thanks to tranche 3 a further 57 schools will benefit.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the Renewal Program is an important stimulus package that helps business and local communities recover from the pandemic while benefitting students.
“Twenty-three metro and 34 regional schools will benefit from tranche 3 of this program,” Mr Toole said.
“This not only provides schools with the projects  they want but supports our regional tradies with opportunities throughout the state.”
The program has delivered more than 136 projects for regional schools including 12 sporting courts, 14 upgrades to bathrooms and four upgrades to libraries.
In metro areas the program has already delivered 70 projects to metro schools including 10 upgrades to bathrooms, 27 outdoor learning and play area upgrades and 10 new COLAs, walkways and shade structures.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said these investments in schools across the state are benefiting hundreds of businesses and will support more than 2,600 jobs.
“All the projects have been put forward by the schools, and the program allows these important works to go out to tender immediately,” Ms Mitchell said.
To date, 200 projects have been delivered through the renewal programs supporting more than 2,600 jobs across regional and metro NSW. Wherever possible, schools use local contractors and suppliers ensuring the positive impacts of this stimulus are felt as far and wide as possible.
The NSW Government is investing $7.9 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 215 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.