Category: NSW News

The NSW Government is continuing to support councils and public land managers in parts of the State ravaged by last summer’s bushfires, providing a further $95 million of new funding to help manage waste from the ongoing clean-up.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the funding will provide a much-needed boost for cleaning up public land, provide valuable jobs for the regions and assist local recovery.
“Nothing is more important than a stronger and safer NSW which is why we are committed to assisting regional communities as we make our way forward,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Last summer it was fires and now we are starting to see floods, but regardless of the challenge we face we will continue to stand with our communities and support them to come back better than ever before.
“We have stood by our regional communities, providing more than $2.5 billion in bushfire recovery funding through grants, immediate clean-up, temporary accommodation and industry support.
“This new funding will play a key role in supporting our councils and public land managers to manage waste and keep the clean-up cycle moving.”
The $95 million funding, will be administered by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and be split across five programs:
·       Green Waste Program: $45 million to remove burnt and partially burnt green waste from stockpiles that pose pollution and fire risks.
·       Aboriginal Lands Program: $20 million to increase awareness about Aboriginal land protections and award clean-up contracts to local Aboriginal businesses.
·       Council Landfill Program: $15 million to cover the costs of accepting extra waste at local landfills.
·       FenceCycle Program: $10 million to recycle fencing, including up to 88,000 km of burnt boundary fencing.
·       Bushfire Dumping Program: $5 million for the safe removal of illegally dumped bushfire waste and implementing deterrence measures.
 
Environment Minister Matt Kean said the new funding will aid in the next step of the bushfire recovery process, helping to increase waste capacity, protecting the environment from illegal dumping and supporting our communities to rebuild faster and stronger than ever.
“Not only will these programs help with the ongoing clean-up they will provide local employment opportunities, with a relentless focus on engaging local sub-contractors and businesses where possible to keep the cash flowing to local economies,” Mr Kean said.
“We have worked with councils and land managers to make sure these programs address challenges they are facing on the ground, and we will continue to do everything we can to keep the recovery clean-up moving.”
The three programs targeting illegal dumping, fence recycling and council landfills will be funded by the NSW Government, while the green waste and Aboriginal land clean-up programs will be funded under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
All eligible councils and public land managers are encouraged to apply for funding for their local communities. For more information on eligibility and to apply contact the EPA via email bushfirerecovery.programs@epa.nsw.gov.au  on 131 555 or visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/grants/bushfire-recovery-programs
 

The NSW Government will co-invest up to $45 million over three years to accelerate the development of smart places across NSW.
The NSW Smart Places Acceleration Program will allow the Government to partner with councils and place-owners, such as government agencies, owners, councils or regional organisations, to accelerate the adoption of smart technologies and capabilities in their areas.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said this program will connect and empower communities by driving investment in new technology and data.
“This $45 million investment will play a significant role in helping deliver the Smart Places Strategy,” Mr Dominello said.
“We want to use technology to make life easier for people. Whether it’s busting congestion or improving health outcomes, this funding is about strengthening communities.
“We are calling on expressions of interest and encourage all relevant councils and place-owners to bring forward ideas.”
The Government is seeking ideas and initiatives that respond to the priorities our communities see, and that can be deployed across the whole of NSW if they prove successful in trials.
Initial initiatives that are progressing have been designed to tackle challenges around parking, water recycling, mobile coverage and managing kerbside open space.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock called on all councils to take advantage of this unique opportunity to deliver measurable benefits for their local communities.
“Smart Places will open up a range of improvements for communities, from the introduction of smart CCTV to reduce crime, to reducing water usage through the use of real-time meters,” Mrs Hancock said.
“I encourage councils across the State to put their thinking caps on and get involved in this innovative project.”
To successfully access the Smart Places Acceleration Program, councils and NSW agencies should be able to demonstrate that they can meet and apply the foundational requirements established through the Smart Places Strategy.
To learn more about the Smart Places Strategy and to view the criteria and details on how to submit an expression of interest, please visit https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/strategy-and-reform/smart-places/smart-places-strategy
For further information please contact Smartplaces@planning.nsw.gov.au

Sports facilities will be created and upgraded across the State under the NSW Government’s Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund.
The two-year program was a highlight of the recent budget and will see $50 million available to organisations and councils in 2020/21 with a further $50 million available next financial year.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the Fund will stimulate local economies, boost employment and promote healthy lifestyles across the State.
“Investing in new and existing sports infrastructure is vital to improving the health and wellbeing of people right across NSW,” Mr Barilaro said.
“These projects will create a construction boom throughout the State and importantly in our regions, boosting employment as part of the NSW Government’s multi-billion-dollar infrastructure pipeline.”
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said inclusive projects that encouraged the participation of females and people with a disability will be prioritised.
“The Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund will inject $100 million across metro and regional NSW as the State recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Lee said.
“We want to build and upgrade sports facilities and recreation spaces to enable more people to participate in sport to be active, healthy and have fun.
“There will be new or upgraded change rooms and disability access and that will encourage more people to feel comfortable getting changed before or after their activity.”
The Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund will provide grants from $100,000 – $1 million. Applications close 26 February 2021: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants

Seniors living in Regional NSW will continue to benefit from the regional seniors travel card with applications for year two opening on Monday 18 January 2021.
The regional seniors travel card is a $250 prepaid Visa card designed to assist eligible seniors in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW offset the cost of essential travel expenses.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said more than 337,000 regional seniors had benefitted from the card in the first year of the two-year trial.
“The regional seniors travel card has been an overwhelming success in its first year and has already injected more than $60 million into regional communities,” Mr Toole said.
“It’s eased the burden of travel costs for seniors living in the bush who often have fewer transport options than those living in big cities like Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. This has meant the difference between an extra few trips to visit grandkids living in other parts of the State, the ease of staying connected locally or just getting to medical appointments or the shops.
“I’m pleased to announce it will be returning in 2021, and I encourage all eligible seniors to apply from 18 January next year.”
Eligible seniors have from 18 January to 30 November 2021 to apply for a card which can be used for fuel, taxis and pre-booked TrainLink services.
Seniors must be an age pensioner with a valid Pensioner Concession Card or hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card issued by either the Department of Human Services or Department of Veterans’ Affairs. They must also permanently live in regional NSW outside Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.
With ongoing concerns about coronavirus, we are encouraging seniors to apply online at service.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 77 88, rather than visiting a Service NSW Service Centre.
For those who need to, seniors can find their nearest Service NSW Service Centre location at service.nsw.gov.au.

With almost one in four people to be aged 60 or over by 2031, the NSW Government has committed to a decade-long ageing strategy, addressing focus areas identified by seniors including resilience and safety.
Acting Minister for Seniors Geoff Lee said the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021–2031 is a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach which underpins NSW projects, policy and services to best support older people and remove barriers to continued participation.
“We are living longer than ever and as the NSW population continues to age, it’s critical to have a long-term strategy addressing current needs and emerging issues that will affect seniors over the next decade,” Mr Lee said.
“It renews our vision for people in NSW to experience the benefits of living longer, while participating in, contributing to and being included in their communities.”
The four focus areas are living in age-friendly environments; participating in inclusive communities; staying safe, active and healthy; and being resilient and informed.
Five, two-year action plans will keep the framework on track, setting out activities and initiatives to be delivered, including those focusing on older people in vulnerable groups.
“This means we can incorporate new or expanded initiatives into future action plans as they develop, enabling our efforts to evolve and shift to meet the needs of older people,” Mr Lee said.
The strategy unites a comprehensive collection of activities across NSW agencies, focused on improving systems and infrastructure, and delivering services.
The Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing (MACA) was among many organisations, stakeholders and peak bodies included in consultation.
“We’re creating communities where older people are respected and supported, especially in areas like flexible working and affordable housing,” MACA Chair, Kathryn Greiner AO, said.
“It’s a new era for ageing where older people want to seize opportunities, manage challenges and ultimately share their wealth of skills, knowledge and experience.”
The first two-year action plan commences in January 2021, with 88 new or continuing initiatives that positively influence outcomes for older people.
CLICK HERE to view the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021–2031.

Given the current health situation on the Northern Beaches and taking into account updated health advice from Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, the Northern Beaches have been separated into two zones, and restrictions have been modestly modified for the Christmas period.
On December 24, 25 and 26, the following conditions will be in place:

For the Northern Beaches peninsula zone (North of Narrabeen Bridge, and east of the Baha’i Temple):

• There is a new reason for leaving home: to visit the home of others who live within this zone.
• Up to 5 visitors (total, including children) will be allowed in homes as long as they reside in the peninsula zone.
• People may not enter or leave this zone, unless for the four approved reasons already in place.
• On December 27, the region will revert to existing restrictions.

 

For the remainder (southern zone) of the Northern Beaches:

 

• There is a new reason for leaving home: to visit the home of others who live within this zone.
• Up to 10 visitors (plus primary school children and younger) will be allowed in homes. This may include people from outside this zone, not including the Northern Beaches peninsula zone.
• People who reside outside the northern beaches are allowed to visit others in this zone.
• Residents of this zone may not leave, unless for the four approved reasons already in place.
• We will reassess restrictions in this zone following Boxing Day.

 

For the Greater Sydney region, Central Coast, Wollongong and Nepean Blue Mountains:

 

• Current restrictions that were due to expire at midnight tonight will remain in place.
• However, primary school aged children and younger will be allowed on top of the current 10 visitors cap for homes.
• On December 27, the region will revert to existing restrictions.

 

Restrictions for Regional NSW remain unchanged.

In addition, as of 1 January 2021, hospitality venues and hairdressers will be required to use the NSW Government QR code system.
Decisions on New Year’s Eve and upcoming sporting events will be made after this Christmas period.
We also want to again thank all those who are in self-isolation over the Christmas period. What you are doing is not just protecting you and your loved ones but everyone in the state of New South Wales.
It is important to remember that COVID-19 is still circulating in the community, especially when you gather with family and friends over the Christmas period.
We are urging the community to continue to play their role in controlling the spread, by getting tested if symptoms develop, practising physical distancing and good hand hygiene, and by wearing a mask, particularly indoors.
For more information please visit: nsw.gov.au/covid-19

A Northern Beaches man has been issued a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) by police on the state’s South Coast after allegedly breaching a Public Health Order.
About 3.30pm yesterday (Monday 21 December 2020), a 70-year-old man attended a leisure centre in Ulladulla, and after signing in with his Avalon address, staff raised concerns with management.
The man was asked to leave the centre, which he did, and the alleged breach was reported to officers from South Coast Police District.
Their inquiries revealed that the man had travelled from his Northern Beaches residence to a home at Narrawallee, last Thursday (17 December 2020), and had failed to self-isolate from midnight on Sunday 20 December 2020, as per the Public Health (COVID-19 Northern Beaches) Order 2020.
Following further inquiries, the Avalon man was issued a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to s7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Police are reminding the public that any residents of the Northern Beaches Local Government Area who left the area on or since Thursday 10 December 2020, must comply with the same restrictions that apply to the Northern Beaches, regardless of their current location.
Information for residents is available at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules/northern-beaches.
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

A woman has been charged with fraud offences after allegedly faking a terminal illness for financial gain in the state’s Riverina region.
In January 2020, an online fundraising page was established for a woman who claimed she had a terminal illness.
It’s alleged the woman stated she had bowel cancer and had been given three months to live.
The 24-year-old woman allegedly raised approximately $9,000 from various fundraisers and community rallies, before claiming she had been cured.
In September 2020, officers from Murrumbidgee Police District commenced an investigation following reports of the woman’s suspicious activities.
Following extensive inquiries, the Darlington Point woman was issued a Court Attendance Notice yesterday (Monday 21 December 2020) for four counts of dishonestly obtain financial benefit by deception.
She is due to appear at Griffith Local Court on Tuesday 2 February 2021.

Two people have been issued Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) over alleged breaches of the Public Health Act in the Northern Beaches.
Just after 4pm yesterday (Sunday 20 December 2020), officers conducting patrols of Manly stopped a man and woman on East Esplanade.
The 60-year-old Padstow man and 39-year-old Bankstown woman did not have a lawful excuse or exemption for being in the Northern Beaches.
Both were issued an infringement notice for fail to comply with requirement of public health order – COVID-19. They were also directed to leave the area.
Officers continue to conduct patrols of the Northern Beaches area to enforce the Public Health Orders.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) were issued to 13 airline crew after they allegedly failed to comply with self-isolation ministerial directions.
Police received information a crew member who had arrived in Sydney on a flight from South America on Saturday 5 December 2020 had left his accommodation at Mascot in breach of the Public Health (COVID-19 Air Transportation Quarantine) Order 2020.
As part of inquiries, officers from South Sydney Police Area Command attended the hotel about 9.30pm that day, before speaking with management and air crew members.
It will be alleged several crew members left the hotel and attended nearby businesses at Mascot.
Officers subsequently issued $1000 PINs to 13 crew members for not comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.