Category: NSW News

The $16 million revamp of one of Taronga Zoo’s most popular native animal enclosures is one step closer with the NSW Government giving the project the green light, paving the way for a conservation and visitation boost.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said significant upgrade works to the Australia Precinct would include; a canopy walk from which to view koalas, extensions to the kangaroo and wallaby “walkthrough experience”, underwater viewing of platypus and improvements to the nocturnal exhibition.
“Taronga Zoo is one of Australia’s most iconic tourist destinations and this revamp will place greater emphasis on some of our nation’s most iconic animals,” Mr Stokes said.
“This development will inject $16 million into the State’s economy and create more than 800 construction jobs while helping to make Taronga Zoo a more attractive tourist destination.”
Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean said Taronga Zoo has been an important part of Sydney Harbour’s landscape and NSW’s critical conservation work since 1916.
“The Australia Precinct at Taronga is home to some of our Aussie icons including the koala, platypus and bilby,” Mr Kean said.
“The project will see new life breathed into parts of the precinct that are more than 30 years old, improving the visitor experience and encouraging more people to get out and learn about the conservation of our iconic Aussie animals.”
Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said the zoo is one of the most popular public spaces in NSW and this funding is great news for the local community and visitors alike.
“Our community is so proud to have Taronga Zoo in our local area and a revitalised Australia Precinct means greater focus on giving visitors the opportunity to interact with animals that are unique to Australia,” Ms Wilson said.
Works on the precinct upgrade are set to kick-off in the coming months, with the project expected to be completed by 2023.

The Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway Upgrade has received planning approval from the NSW Government, in a major step towards delivering the third road crossing of Sydney Harbour.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the mega-project includes a 6.5 kilometre tunnel, with three lanes in each direction, which will help slash travel times from North Sydney to Sydney Olympic Park by up to 20 minutes.
“The Western Harbour Tunnel will take pressure off the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor corridors to revolutionise transport capacity in and around our city,” Mr Constance said.
“The new tunnel will start at the new Rozelle Interchange and head under the Harbour to the Warringah Freeway, and will integrate new and existing public transport connections.
“This city-shaping piece of infrastructure will deliver a vital boost to the NSW economy, with the tunnel and freeway upgrade, along with Beaches Link, expected to support around 15,000 full time equivalent jobs.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the project will transform the way people move across our harbour, with traffic volumes to be reduced on some of Sydney’s busiest roads.
“Planning approval means the NSW Government can get on with delivering the first stage, which is an upgrade to one of Sydney’s busiest and most complex road corridors, four kilometres of the Warringah Freeway,” Mr Stokes said.
“Community feedback on the project has been valuable in helping understand and deliver positive changes to the design and plan, and we will continue to work closely with local communities as the project gets underway.
“Conditions of the project include an investigation of more footpaths and cycleways in the area and a requirement that any trees removed need to be replaced at a ratio of two-to-one.”
A survey of local residents and businesses will be carried out in early 2021, to ensure the project team understands and can mitigate the impact of construction.
Following the procurement process and contract awards, construction is expected to start in the first quarter of 2021.
The community is also being reminded to have its say on the Beaches Link Environmental Impact Statement which is on public exhibition until 1 March 2021.
For more information and to see the interactive portal, visit: nswroads.work/whtbl

The NSW Government will provide a record $51.7 million from its Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) to maintain and upgrade Crown reserves and community facilities across the State.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said this year’s fund has received a $40 million stimulus boost to support communities impacted by bushfires and COVID with infrastructure improvements to support jobs and local economies.
“Last year the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund supported about 345 projects across NSW and this year’s stimulus boost will more than double the number of projects to 705,” Mrs Pavey said.
“The Crown Reserves Improvement Fund will support projects right across NSW which will contribute to the cultural, sporting and recreational life of hundreds of communities.
“It will support residents with quality open recreational space by maintaining and improving reserves and supporting bushfire, noxious weed and pest control to keep Crown land safe and functional and to protect the environment.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said CRIF projects include improvements to nature reserves, public halls, surf life-saving facilities, Scout and Girl Guide halls, showgrounds, caravan parks, amenities blocks, PCYC clubs, racecourses, playground equipment and more.
“Crown land is for the people of NSW to use and enjoy, and to support organisations at the heart of our communities,” Mr Stokes said.
“Across the State, Crown land provides space for local parks and nature reserves and a home for community organisations like showgrounds, surf life-saving clubs, Scouts, Girl Guides, RSPCA, PCYC, Rural Fire Service and SES groups.
“This record $51.7 million investment will protect and enhance Crown land while stimulating local economies with work for tradespeople.”
For more information visit: https://reservemanager.crownland.nsw.gov.au/funding/crif

Sports facilities across regional NSW will benefit from new and improved women’s change rooms and amenities thanks to $50 million in funding from the NSW Government’s $2 billion Regional Growth Fund.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee today announced that Round Four of the $100 million Stronger Country Communities Fund will have a regional sports focus, with up to $50 million to be made available for the delivery and enhancement of women’s sporting facilities, including change rooms.
Mr Barilaro said a lack of adequate facilities can be a barrier to female participation in sport and this funding will provide new and improved amenities to make it easier for girls and women to dominate on the field or courts.
“The NSW Nationals are building a safer and stronger regional NSW and these new facilities will increase participation and allow women and girls to receive the social and health benefits associated with sport,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Women have been flying the flag for Australian sport with our international teams achieving incredible status on the world platform, and many of these athletes come from regional communities.
“Too many women participating in local soccer, AFL, rugby or cricket matches in rural and regional locations don’t have access to suitable changing facilities so the NSW Government has committed this funding to level the playing field.
“Access to designated female change rooms will be of huge benefit to our future Matildas, Opals, Hockeyroos, Jillaroos and Wallaroos, as well as local athletes.”
Mr Lee said the provision of new and improved female change rooms is a step that will encourage more women to step out on the court or field.
“Some of Australia’s best sporting talents are women from regional NSW, and we want to see more females showcasing their talent at a grassroots level,” Mr Lee said.
“In many areas of regional NSW there is a shortage of female dedicated change facilities and amenities which can be off-putting, so this funding will be a huge win for women and girls who would have otherwise been deterred from playing sport.”
Minister for Women and Regional Youth Bronnie Taylor said women have been proudly stepping up to the plate, pitch or pool for years now and this next round of the Stronger Country Communities Fund will address a barrier for females when it comes to entering local and regional sport.
“I know this funding will be warmly welcomed by female athletes in regional communities who will now face one less barrier to taking up a sport,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Clubs and community sport provide friendship, fitness and a lot of fun and I’m delighted that this funding has been made available as a means of boosting participation in women’s sport.”
The remaining $50 million of the Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Four will be made available for further high quality community amenity and sports-related infrastructure projects to meet strong demand.
Applications for Round Four of the program will be open from 1 May. Guidelines and information about eligible applicants will be available on the Regional Growth Fund website in coming months.

A continuous green link connecting the Sydney Harbour foreshore is a step closer, with Callan Park set for a $14 million makeover under the new management of the Greater Sydney Parklands.
The new plans will see a missing link in the Bay Run fully pedestrianised and upgraded, the removal of two dilapidated buildings, new picnic areas, parks, accessible amenities, the protection of Indigenous cultural heritage and much more.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the major works represented a significant milestone for the new public parkland authority.
“Greater Sydney Parklands is the first body to have a Metropolitan-wide focus on the city’s green spaces, and these plans for Callan Park are the first step in our vision to connect Sydney’s stunning harbour foreshore with public parks and green links,” Mr Stokes said.
“These works will see a tricky section of the Bay Run fixed, meaning pedestrians and cyclists will no longer have to weave around motorists looking for parking in a space that will make better use of its prime position on the foreshore.
“We’re enhancing the best of Callan Park’s heritage while maximising public space to make this one of the true jewels in Sydney’s crown.
“I’d like to thank and acknowledge the Member for Balmain Jamie Parker, who has been a tireless advocate of Callan Park for more than 20 years.”
A development application for the first stage of improvements at the waterfront will be lodged in early March with work on site expected to begin later this year. The improvements will complement the $2 million upgrade to Waterfront Sports Ground undertaken by Inner West Council in 2019.
Greater Sydney Parklands will begin engagement on a Companion Animal Management Plan over the coming months to balance the needs of dog owners and other park users.

A man has been charged after he allegedly assaulted police after being found not wearing a face mask on public transport in Sydney’s north west last night.
Officers from The Hills Police Area Command were conducting routine patrols at Castle Hill Metro Station, about 9.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 19 January 2021), when they stopped and spoke to a man who was not wearing a mask.
He allegedly became aggressive and argumentative towards the two female officers, claiming it was a violation of human rights not to wear a mask.
The man, who did not have an exemption, allegedly continued to act aggressively when asked for identification and punched one of the officers several times.
The 72-year-old man was arrested and taken to Castle Hill Police Station where he was charged with;

• Not wear fitted face covering public transport waiting area,
• Assault officer in execution of duty, and
• Intimidate police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm.

The man was refused bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court today (Wednesday 20 January 2021).
The officers were not physically injured.

A man has been charged after a nurse, conducting COVID testing, was allegedly assaulted at North Ryde last week.
About 9.45am on Friday 15 January 2021, a nurse approached a vehicle that had pulled into a COVID-19 testing facility at Macquarie Hospital.
The passenger of the car was requested to extinguish a cigarette. The man refused and became verbally abusive towards staff before getting out and throwing a take-away coffee cup at the nurse.
She sought assistance from her colleagues and the car drove off. She suffered a minor laceration under her eye and red marks to her cheek.
The nurse attended Gosford Police Station yesterday (Monday 19 January 2021), and made a report of the incident.
Following inquiries, officers from Ryde Police Area Command attended a home at Steward Street, Dundas Valley about 5.15pm, and arrested a 43-year-old man.
He was taken to Ryde Police Station and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The man was refused bail and will appear at Burwood Local Court today (Wednesday 20 January 2021).

Eligible businesses across the state can now register to take part in the NSW Government’s major economic stimulus program, Dine & Discover NSW.
The program will create an economic boost for dining, arts and tourism businesses, which have been impacted by COVID-19, and encourage customers to get out and about safely.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet encouraged businesses to register and get ready so they can hit the ground running when the program goes live.
“We’ve heard loud and clear just how tough it has been for businesses across NSW. This program will reinvigorate local economies and provide customers with hip pocket relief,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Encouraging people to support local businesses in a safe way through this program will provide an important boost for the state.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said Service NSW is launching a specialised app for participating businesses, so they can scan and track voucher usage over the life of the program.
“After applying online, NSW businesses will be able to track the progress of the application through their MyServiceNSW Business Profile. Business owners will then receive a step-by-step process on how to get ready,” Mr Dominello said.
“With a high uptake of the vouchers expected across the state, the Business Profile provides one, easy to use location for businesses to stay on top of voucher transactions.
“Businesses will be automatically paid typically within 5 business days for the value of vouchers redeemed.
“All eligible businesses will receive an email from Service NSW with details on how to register. I also urge residents to do yourself a favour and download the Service NSW app now in anticipation of the rollout.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the program would be a boost for small businesses after a challenging time.
“We want people to get out there, support their local businesses and get spending,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The program will be rolled out in a few steps to ensure a seamless customer experience.
“Phase one will include a pilot at The Rocks and in Broken Hill in early February. The pilot will then be expanded to the Northern Beaches, Sydney CBD and Bega Valley Shire Council, which is expected to commence in late February.
“The findings from the pilots will inform the state wide rollout, expected to commence in March, that will run until 30 June 2021.”
Every NSW resident aged 18 and over will be eligible for four $25 vouchers worth $100 in total, to spend in participating businesses. The 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 within businesses that have implemented a COVID Safety Plan and are registered as COVID Safe.
For more information on Dine & Discover NSW business registration and eligibility, visitwww.nsw.gov.au

Major construction works have commenced at the site of the $673 million Tweed Valley Hospital, delivering up to 650 construction jobs for the local community in addition to a world-class health facility.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new Tweed Valley Hospital is the largest regional capital health investment by a NSW Government and would be a game-changer for the region.
“The new Tweed Valley Hospital will almost double the capacity of the existing facility to meet the current and future health needs of the growing Tweed-Byron community,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This will ensure more than 5,000 patients each year will not have to travel outside of the area and away from their families and support networks to access life-saving treatments.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said planning and designing the hospital has been, and will continue to be, a highly collaborative process, involving clinicians and operational staff as well as the community.
“To date, there have been over 500 project user group meetings to ensure we are building a hospital designed by and for the community, and one that is future-proofed,” Mr Hazzard said.
“And the economic benefits of this project to the region, particularly in the midst of a pandemic when we know so many businesses and families have been struggling, cannot be overstated.”
Local MP Geoff Provest said the Tweed Valley Hospital Development is scheduled to open in 2023.
“Our region’s population is forecast to grow by 17 per cent over the next decade and this new hospital will service that increased demand as well as offer education and training opportunities,” Mr Provest said.
“Building it near NSW TAFE Kingscliff campus will allow the partnership between TAFE NSW and the Tweed Valley Hospital to develop and deliver improved education and training opportunities for the people of the Tweed.”
The new hospital will include:

• more operating theatres and recovery spaces;
• expanded emergency department;
• enhanced medical, surgical and mental health services;
• enhanced ambulatory care services including more outpatient clinics;
• new interventional cardiology service; and
• new radiotherapy service as part of a new integrated cancer care service.

 

NSW public schools have been provided with updated guidelines to help them manage the 2021 return to school in a COVID-safe way.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the main update to the guidelines is that parents and carers of children in Kindergarten, and Years 1, 2 and 7 will be able to enter school grounds on the first day to drop off their children in a COVID-safe way.
“The first day of school is an incredibly important day, especially for those children starting Kindergarten. I am so thrilled that despite the challenges of the pandemic, parents and carers will be able to take part in this milestone event in their child’s life in a COVID-safe way,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The NSW Government has worked hard to get the balance right for day one of school to ensure we provide a sense of normalcy whilst keeping people safe.
“Parents and carers attending on day one and beyond are urged to follow COVID-safe practices, which include physical distancing, hygiene practices and not to mingle in or outside the school.”
Schools will provide relevant information to families about the processes for their school prior to the first day.
Parents, staff and students are not required to wear face masks at school but in line with Public Health Orders, masks must be worn by those aged 12 years and over on any public transport.
Similarly, students aged 12 and over must comply with the Public Health Orders around masks at all other relevant locations within the community, and also during external school activities.
Parents are asked to avoid coming onto school grounds unless the visit complies with the current school guidelines, such as volunteering at the school canteen or visiting the uniform shop.
Schools can still plan for sporting carnivals, excursions and overnight camps, and special events such as concerts, with a COVID Safety Plan in place.
Materials and support for planning are available to schools. https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families