Category: NSW News

Sydney’s busiest rail lines will benefit from hundreds of extra weekly services thanks to an additional $1 billion investment from the NSW Government.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the next wave of funding through the More Trains, More Services program will continue the rail revolution as part of the integration of Sydney Metro City & Southwest in 2024.
“$1 billion in funding ensures we’re future-proofing the existing rail network to keep pace with demand, but at the same time getting on with the job of building the next stages of Metro,” Mr Constance said.
“Moving Bankstown Line services to the new standalone metro system removes an existing bottleneck and frees up capacity to deliver more services on other lines where it’s needed.”
Key service improvements for customers as part of the program will include:

• More services for the T8 Airport Line, including an 80 per cent increase at the International, Domestic, Mascot and Green Square stations during the morning peak, as well as extra services from Revesby and Campbelltown in south west Sydney.
• A 30 per cent increase in peak services on the T4 Illawarra Line, with extra services from Cronulla, Waterfall and Hurstville, providing space to carry 6,000 more customers.
• More services on the T2 Inner West Line, with an extra four services in the morning peak hour providing space for more than 4,800 more customers.
• More services on the South Coast Line, meaning a service every 15 minutes instead of every 20 minutes in the peak, and a service every 30 minutes instead of every hour between Wollongong and the Sydney CBD in the off peak.

Key infrastructure upgrades and additional train fleet will also be delivered to enable the service improvements across the network. Further information about these two aspects are still being finalised as part of the full program of work.
The additional funding will build on improvements already planned across parts of the train network, providing more space for tens of thousands of train customers.
The extra rail services form part of the NSW Government’s $5.3 billion More Trains, More Services program that will deliver further improvements progressively from 2022.

The new Batemans Bay Bridge over the Clyde River will open to two lanes of traffic in late March, months ahead of schedule.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the early completion of the bridge was a win for the Batemans Bay community.
“Travelling to and accessing the beautiful South Coast is about to improve, providing an economic boost to our communities, and delivering a much-needed new link for the entire region,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Previously, the new bridge was expected to open by the middle of the year but the project has powered ahead despite the impacts of bushfires and COVID-19.
“The project has employed around 1,000 people so far and nearly half of them are local to this area.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole welcomed the early bridge opening saying it was another demonstration of the NSW Government’s commitment to safer and stronger regions that the work to complete the bridge was able to be accelerated ensuring it could open to traffic before the holidays.
“The benefits of the new bridge include fewer supports in the river, safer navigation and better connections in and around Batemans Bay for motorists, freight, river users, pedestrians and cyclists,” Mr Toole said.
“The two lanes on the western side of the $274 million project will be the first to open, operating initially with one lane in each direction.”
Member for Bega Andrew Constance said the project has created a safer and more efficient crossing over the Clyde River, particularly for emergency services.
“To be ahead of schedule and have the bridge open to traffic for the Easter school holidays is fantastic news for visitors and locals,” Mr Constance said.
“One of the real dividends of this bridge project is that the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program has provided improved opportunities for groups typically under-represented in construction. Around nine per cent of workers are female, 14 per cent are under 25 and more than 15 per cent are Aboriginal.”
Princes Highway northbound traffic will move onto the new bridge first, followed by southbound traffic a few hours later and the three metre pedestrian and cyclist path a few days after that.
Removal of the existing bridge will start within three days of the new bridge opening to two lanes of traffic.
Ramps and steps are continuing to be built to connect the bridge to the foreshore and the existing pedestrian network, and new fishing and viewing platforms will provide better amenity for recreational fishing and views of the area when the project is complete.
Old Punt Road will be widened and connected with Wharf Road under the bridge in the next stage of the project to improve access to the northern foreshore, and the Kings and Princes highway intersection upgrades will improve traffic flow.
The new bridge height allows uninterrupted access for boats requiring up to 12 metres height clearance at Mean High Water Spring.
For more information about the new Batemans Bay Bridge project, go to https://nswroads.work/batemansbaybridge.

More businesses and customers will benefit from the State Government’s Dine & Discover NSW program, with the second phase of the pilot commencing in the Northern Beaches, Sydney CBD and Bega Valley from today.
The expanded pilot follows successful and continual testing of the technology in The Rocks and Broken Hill.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the stimulus will bring much needed relief to businesses hit hard by COVID-19 and last year’s bushfires.
“These communities have been brought to their knees due to the pandemic and bushfires, and the vouchers will deliver a boost for businesses and encourage customers to get out and about safely,” Mr Dominello said.
“It’s not too late for eligible businesses to register. It can be done online and could bring more customers through the door. Customers should also download the Service NSW app now and reap the rewards.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the findings from the pilots will inform the state wide rollout, which will be progressively rolled out from March.
“About 700 businesses in Bega Valley, the Northern Beaches and Sydney CBD will take part in the second phase of Dine & Discover NSW, and more than 125,000 NSW residents have been invited to participate,” Mr Tudehope said.
“This stimulus is exactly what businesses need with summer ending soon. It will also put extra money in the pockets of households.”
Every NSW resident aged 18 and over will soon be eligible for four $25 vouchers worth $100 in total, to spend in participating businesses.
Dine & Discover NSW vouchers will be divided into two categories:

• Two $25 vouchers to be used for eating in at restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and clubs from Monday to Thursday, excluding public holidays.
• Two $25 vouchers to be used for entertainment and recreation, including cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues, available 7 days a week, excluding public holidays.

The vouchers can only be used at eligible businesses that have implemented a COVID Safety Plan and are registered as COVID Safe.
For more information on Dine & Discover NSW, visit www.nsw.gov.au

Major work to ease congestion and improve safety along Memorial Avenue has started, with the sod turned at Kellyville today on the $224 million upgrade.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the NSW Government is committed to improving traffic times and is getting on with the job of delivering vital infrastructure.
“This major upgrade will improve congestion, safety and travel times for the 30,000 drivers who use Memorial Avenue every day,” Mr Constance said.
“Memorial Avenue is being widened to a four lane divided road, with shared pedestrian and cyclist paths, helping people better connect with the Sydney Metro stations at Kellyville and Bella Vista.”
“The upgrade also includes additional dedicated left and right turn lanes at the Windsor Road and Memorial Avenue intersection, and bus users will benefit from new bus priority traffic lights.”
Baulkham Hills State Liberal MP David Elliott said the Memorial Avenue upgrade would assist the community meet the future transport needs of Sydney’s growing North West.
“Residents are looking forward to the delivery of this much-needed upgrade to manage current and predicted increases in traffic and respond to residential and commercial development in the area,” Mr Elliott said.
Work will be carried out on weekdays (excluding public holidays) between 7am and 6pm, weather permitting.
During this time, road users are urged to drive to conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.
The Memorial Avenue upgrade is expected to open to road users in late 2023. Once completed, Memorial Avenue will have a consistent speed limit of 80km/h.

Regional communities across NSW will benefit from a new fleet of state-of-the-art intensive care ambulances thanks to an $11.7 million funding boost by the NSW Government.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the 69 intensive care ambulances will carry the most advanced equipment, including upgraded life-saving defibrillators, to bolster the frontline emergency response across the State.
“Every second counts in the race to save a life and these highly specialised vehicles give paramedics the best chance when transporting a patient on extended trips to a major regional hospital,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The NSW Government is building a safer and stronger regional NSW, with 50 of the 69 ambulances being based in rural and regional areas, supporting those who live hundreds of kilometres from the nearest trauma centre.”
The intensive care ambulances will be rolled out to Western NSW, Southern NSW, Northern NSW, Hunter New England and Central Coast regions as well as metropolitan areas.
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the new fleet is in addition to the 35 intensive care ambulances rolled out across the State last year.
“We will now have more than 100 of these highly specialised ambulances in NSW, the largest fleet of this type in any state or territory in Australia,” Mr Hazzard said.
“These specially equipped ambulances, operated by our fantastic highly trained paramedics, will give patients the best chance of survival before they reach hospital.”
The new vehicles carry cutting-edge equipment including upgraded monitor defibrillators, video laryngoscopes and mechanical CPR devices.
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dominic Morgan said the equipment will make a big difference for patients suffering trauma, cardiac arrest, stroke or breathing difficulties.
“The equipment also provides our paramedics with greater protection when treating suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients,” Dr Morgan said.
In 2020-21 the NSW Government is investing more than $1 billion in NSW Ambulance, including $27 million for 180 new staff, the third tranche of the 2018 commitment to recruit 750 more paramedic and control centre staff over four years.

A 24-year-old man who is currently in Goulburn Correctional Centre has been charged by counter terrorism officers for allegedly planning acts of terrorism targeted at police, military personnel and corrective services staff while behind bars in NSW.
His charging yesterday by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) follows an investigation known as Operation Zellaer, which began in late 2018 into a number of people alleged to be engaging in terrorism-related activities. The 24-year-old was later found to be an associate of these people.
The man was also the subject of a separate investigation by the NSW Police Force’s High Risk Terrorist Offenders Unit (HRTOU), who had commenced an investigation into him concerning his eligibility for a supervision/detention order under the Terrorism (High Risk Offenders) Act 2017 (NSW).
As a result of that investigation, the man was placed on an Interim Continuing Detention Order, and evidence identified during this was referred to the JCTT.
In October 2019, the NSW JCTT, with the help of Corrective Services NSW, executed a search warrant on the man’s cell at Goulburn Supermax. The man was on remand for matters unrelated to terrorism at the time.
Police will allege evidence seized during the search warrant relates to the planning of acts of violent extremism within the community, aimed at police, military personnel and correctional staff.
The 24-year-old was charged yesterday with two counts of acts done in preparation for, or planning terrorist acts.
He is due to appear before Parramatta Local Court on 2 April 2021.
The man faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if convicted.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Scott Lee said any talk of acts of terrorism within the community was concerning.
“With the good work conducted by the NSW JCTT and NSW Police’s High Risk Terrorism Offenders team, this investigation uncovered alleged plots to harm the very men and women who our community members trust to keep them safe,” Assistant Commissioner Lee said.
“It shows why it is imperative for our officers to stay one step ahead of people who wish to turn to violent means to achieve their own ends. The AFP and our partners will tirelessly investigate and target this type of offending and bring perpetrators before the courts.”

NSW Police Force Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton, said the results demonstrate the full gambit of counter terrorism investigations in NSW.

“Our investigations teams are complemented by a range of specialist units, which seek to identify and disrupt potential terrorist plans by individuals or groups, monitor those at risk of radicalisation and detect those who seek to do harm within our community,” Assistant Commissioner Walton said.

Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400.

A woman will face court after she was charged with fraudulently receiving benefits from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
In November 2020, detectives from Quakers Hill Police Area Command commenced an investigation into fraudulent activities allegedly committed by a woman aged in her 60s.
Following extensive inquiries, a 66-year-old woman was arrested at Waratah Police Station just after 8am on Friday 12 February 2021.
She was charged with deal with proceeds of crime money/property, obtain a financial advantage by deception, and breach of bail.
Police will allege in court that the woman submitted fraudulent invoices to the National Disability Insurance Scheme for services never provided to her and subsequently received $174,000.
The Wallsend woman was refused bail and appeared at Newcastle Local Court the same day, where she was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court today (Friday 19 February 2021).

More than 35,000 critical staff in NSW will be among the first in Australia to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when the rollout begins on Monday, 22 February.
The initial three-week vaccination phase will see all hotel quarantine workers given the Pfizer vaccine – including all workers within quarantine hotels, those screening arrivals at the airport, health staff, cleaners, NSW Police officers and security guards.
Health care workers who have the greatest exposure to potential COVID-19 patients will also be included in the first round of jabs, which will be rolled out progressively. These workers include COVID-19 clinic workers, emergency department workers, NSW Ambulance clinical workforce including patient transport workers, COVID ward workers, critical care workers including support staff and COVID pathology lab staff.
The vaccines will be administered in three initial vaccination hubs at Westmead, Liverpool and Royal Prince Alfred Hospitals.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said vaccinating our quarantine workers is an important milestone in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We know the biggest risk for an outbreak in Australia is through returning international travellers staying in the hotel quarantine system,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“With more than 3,000 people arriving in Sydney from overseas each week, priority is being given to quarantine workers to mitigate the risk of an outbreak, and protect those protecting us.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has determined both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines to be safe and effective for use.
“There is no silver bullet that will return us to pre-pandemic normality, which is why vaccination and continued COVID-safe behaviour is so important,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The NSW community has been outstanding helping our health workers to contain the virus, and I am sure we will see similar community support for the vaccine rollout.”
Dr Kerry Chant said while she welcomes the commencement of the vaccine rollout and its focus on our quarantine and border workers, we must all continue to be vigilant.
“High testing rates give us the best chance of finding new cases in the community, so even after the vaccine rollout starts, it is vital people still get tested,” Dr Chant said.
“Remember to keep coming forward for testing even with the mildest of symptoms, wear a mask on public transport, socially distance and maintain good hygiene.”
More information will be provided in the coming weeks about further rollouts of both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines.
For the latest information on COVID-19 please visit:
www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

The NSW Government has delivered on its promise to drive clean, reliable and affordable energy in NSW through the passage of new amendments in Parliament today that make it easier to install renewable energy into strata buildings.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson said the changes to the Strata Schemes Management Act make it easier than ever for strata committees to install sustainability infrastructure, such as solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicle charging points.
 
“The reality is that apartment buildings have been held back when it comes to installing renewable energy, and that had to change,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“For too long the high voting thresholds needed to approve these types of installations has made it far too hard for owners and residents living in strata.
“Today we’ve changed the law so that strata committees only need 50 percent of owners to agree to install clean energy infrastructure in their apartment buildings, making it drastically easier to make the switch.
“This Government is committed to creating a strong, safe and sustainable environment for the 82,000 people living in strata buildings in NSW. Every dollar counts at the moment, and I won’t allow red tape to stand in the way of those people accessing clean energy and the lower bills that come with it.”
Mr Anderson said the Government will now consult with key stakeholders on any other barriers to the uptake of sustainability infrastructure in apartment complexes.
“Now that we’ve made it easier than ever to get approval to install sustainable infrastructure, we want to ensure there’s nothing else standing in the way.”
To find keep updated with changes to strata legislation in NSW, visit the Fair Trading website.