Category: NSW News

Work will begin soon on a new southern concourse at Redfern Station which will deliver better access for customers following the project receiving formal planning approval.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the new concourse will significantly improve lift and stair access to Platforms 1 to 10, especially for less mobile customers.
“The upgrade will not only mean easier access to the sixth busiest station on the network, but it will also future-proof Redfern Station as the area grows and attracts even more residents, workers and students,” Mr Constance said.
“The upgrade will also include new and improved shared zones on Little Eveleigh and Marian Streets, and increased bike parking.
“Planning and design work took about 18 months and we are grateful to everyone who provided feedback during this phase, and we will continue to consult the local community during construction.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the upgraded infrastructure will help unlock the potential of the broader Redfern North Eveleigh Precinct.
“Nearby Tech Central will become Australia’s answer to Silicon Valley and therefore needs excellent public transport facilities at Central and Redfern stations to reach its full potential,” Mr Stokes said.
“The new Redfern station concourse will make it much easier for everyone who works or lives in Redfern to get to and from the platforms.”
This upgrade is funded through the NSW Government’s Transport Access Program, with the Novo Rail Alliance appointed to deliver the work.
Early preparation work will commence over the holiday period with major construction to start in January 2021, with completion expected by 2022.
The early work will take place during a scheduled rail maintenance shut down when trains are not running to allow the work to be completed safely and to fast-track delivery to reduce the impacts on the local community.

NSW residents are being urged to reconnect with their money and get some extra cash to spend this Christmas, by checking for any unclaimed money held by Revenue NSW.
Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said more than $461 million in unclaimed money was sitting with Revenue NSW that would be better reunited with its rightful owners.
“Christmas is a time of year where all families could do with a little extra,” Mr Tudehope said.
“COVID-19 has also seen many families tighten their budgets. A quick search could help identify money that is sitting, waiting to be claimed through Revenue NSW, that could be used these Summer holidays.
“This money belongs to the people of NSW and I want to make sure it goes back to them.”
Almost $17 million has been paid to claimants since December last year.
Revenue NSW holds more than a million unclaimed items from private companies, State Trustees, local councils and government agencies that can’t be returned to the owner because their contact details are out of date and they cannot be tracked down.
“It’s quick and easy to check if you have unclaimed money. Simply visit the Revenue NSW website and type your name into the free search tool. If you do find some money, lodge a claim with Revenue NSW and collect your money,” Mr Tudehope said.
“It only takes a few minutes and you could walk away with some extra Christmas money in your pocket to spend on loved ones.”
The NSW Government holds unclaimed money indefinitely until it is claimed. It includes share dividends, trust accounts, refunds, commissions, deceased estates and money from a range of other sources.

Preschool and day care centres across the state will be able to improve their services, with more than $11 million in funding announced today.
The NSW Government’s Quality Learning Environments (QLE) grants provide not-for-profit community and mobile preschools and not-for-profit long day care services across the State with funding of up to $15,000 to purchase resources and activities which improve physical or educational learning environments.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said that more than 980 early childhood services will receive the QLE Grants.
“Early childhood education is incredibly important, and these grants will help educators provide high quality learning environments for children,” Ms Mitchell said.
The grants will fund improvements to physical spaces by enhancing the quality of the grounds and buildings of services. They can also be used to provide specialised educational programs for children to address identified educational needs.
“Successful services can also use allocated funds for incursions and excursions such as art classes, yoga, music lessons or cultural programs, along with service enhancements such as improvements to play areas or outdoor environments,” Ms Mitchell said.
For more information on the guidelines of the QLE Grant, visit The Department Link.

Domestic and international businesses looking to relocate or expand their jobs footprint are encouraged to apply for assistance such as payroll tax relief, with the $250 million Jobs Plus Program now open.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian unveiled the Program in November as part of the 2020-21 NSW Budget, which is designed to provide support to private and non-government sectors seeking to invest in job creating projects, proposals and partnerships.
Ms Berejiklian said the Program would see the commitment to create or support up to 25,000 jobs by 30 June 2024.
“This is about putting NSW centre stage in supporting investment and creating jobs,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We want to attract businesses from around the world and across the country to make NSW their new home as we set our state up for a dynamic recovery.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet called on all eligible businesses to apply, with a suite of support measures available to make it easier than ever to relocate to NSW.
“This is $250 million of Government funding to turbocharge private sector investment in NSW and accelerate the creation of sustainable jobs,” Mr Perrottet said.
“NSW is still the nation’s economic powerhouse and we want to not only keep it that way, but build our economy back up better and stronger than ever.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the program would provide support to businesses committed to job creation.
“This Program is the first of its kind, providing support such as payroll tax relief for newly created jobs, fast-tracked planning approval pathways and advice, a one-stop-shop Jobs Plus Concierge, subsidised training programs aimed at building specialised skills and access to free or subsidised government spaces and accommodation,” Mr Ayres said.
“The NSW Government is committed to supporting the jobs of the future by laying the foundation to build world-class industries supported by physical and digital infrastructure.
“Sydney and NSW are the most attractive locations in the Asia Pacific to set up growth businesses in a post-COVID world. This Program is a clear signal to the world that we want your business and investment.”
The Jobs Plus Program will conclude on 30 June 2022. For more information or to apply now, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/jobs-plus-program

A new two-year infrastructure traineeship, announced today by Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell, will provide the Class of 2020 with immediate employment opportunities, giving them well rounded experience in the infrastructure sector.
The program will offer more than 100 school leavers with traineeships in infrastructure-based roles commencing in February 2021.
The new traineeship is a collaboration between NSW Government infrastructure agencies and approved industry partners.
Ms Mitchell said providing our young people with opportunities, particularly after this uncertain year, is a priority of this government.
“The traineeship program is an incredible opportunity, school leavers will be working in the project teams running our historic school building program,” said Ms Mitchell.
“Recently graduated Year 12 students can continue their learning in 2021, allowing them to develop hands on experience across a range of construction based fields.
“It will be a great way for these students to gain insight into the infrastructure industry and the diverse careers available.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said he was excited for the successful candidates.
“There has never been a more exciting time to be infrastructure, NSW is making large investments and qualified and skilled individuals will be in high demand,” said Mr Lee.
“For any students who are interested in building their skills during the summer and next year I encourage them to take up a VET course.”
Trainees will study one to two days per week towards a Nationally Accredited VET course, and on completion, go into full time employment or further education.
Training Services NSW has committed to funding the cost of the Certificate III and IV training and other mandatory training such as First Aid and White Card for all trainees.
The NSW Government is investing $7 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver more than 200 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.
Students who want to apply can via: https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/career-and-study-pathways/infrastructure-traineeships.html

The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) has charged seven men after seizing eight firearms, more than 11kg of cocaine and $2 million cash as part of an investigation into the supply of firearms and cocaine across Sydney.
In mid-2019, the NSW JCTT – comprising the Australian Federal Police (AFP), NSW Police Force (NSWPF), the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, and the NSW Crime Commission – commenced an investigation under Operation Veerle after receiving information relating to unlawful access to firearms.
As part of inquiries, the NSW JCTT uncovered an alleged criminal network involved in the illicit supply of cocaine and firearms.
Since May 2020, NSW JCTT investigators have seized six firearms, including a shortened Norinco SKS, a Chinese-manufactured SKS, a .45 calibre Norinco 1911, a shortened Mini-14, a shortened 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, and a COLT 1908 self-loading pistol; various calibres of ammunition, a military-grade smoke grenade, and about 1kg of cocaine.
Following extensive investigations, Operation Veerle investigators, with the assistance of the Tactical Operations Unit, arrested two men at Bass Hill about 11.30am yesterday (Tuesday 15 December 2020).
During a search of the men and their vehicles, investigators seized 200g of cocaine, $24,400 cash and mobile phones.
Both men – aged 30 and 36 – were taken to Bankstown Police Station.
The 36-year-old Bexley man was charged with unlawfully sell firearms three times or more within 12 months, large commercial drug supply, and supply prohibited weapon.
The 30-year-old Bass Hill man was charged with supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, five counts of supply prohibited drug, three counts of knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, possess/attempt to possess prescribed restricted substance, owner/occupier knowingly allow use as drug premises, and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Bankstown Local Court today (Wednesday 16 December 2020).
Shortly after the arrests, NSW JCTT investigators executed 10 search warrants at homes across Sydney and a further search warrant at a rural property in the Southern Tablelands.
The operation was also assisted by the State Crime Command’s Criminal Groups Squad, the Public Order and Riot Squad, South West Metropolitan Operations Support Group, the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit, and officers from various Police Area Commands and Police Districts.
During the searches, police seized about $2 million cash, more than 10kg of cocaine, a Winchester lever-action rifle, a Franchi Spas 12-gauge shotgun, ammunition, a number of vehicles, jet skis, cannabis, mobile phones, and electronic devices.
A further five men – aged 31, 35, 36, 39 and 46 – were arrested during the operation and taken to local police stations.
The 36-year-old Yagoona man was charged with two counts of supply unregistered firearm-prohibited firearm, possess unauthorised prohibited firearm, and possess unregistered firearm-prohibited firearm.
The 39-year-old Picnic Point man was charged with supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis, supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
Both men were also refused bail to appear at Bankstown Local Court today.
The 35-year-old Kingsgrove man was charged with supply prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis.
The 46-year-old Punchbowl man was charged with supply prohibited firearm to person unauthorised to possess it.
The men were refused bail to appear at Burwood Local Court today.
The 31-year-old Blakehurst man was charged with four counts of supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity).
He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Burwood Local Court on Monday 11 January 2021.
The NSW JCTT can confirm there is no impending threat to the community related to Operation Veerle, which is an ongoing investigation.
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.

Shopping centres across Sydney should expect a visit from SafeWork inspectors, who will be dropping in to make sure shops are COVIDSafe during the busy Christmas shopping season.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson urged both businesses and shoppers to remain vigilant despite relaxed restrictions.
“Christmas is around the corner and a lot of us will be heading to the shops to stock up on presents for our friends and families,” Mr Anderson said.
“However, the risk of COVID is far from over, and we’ve got to remain vigilant, especially when in busy public areas.”
SafeWork inspectors will spend the next fortnight checking that important practices such as physical distancing and hygiene measures are being followed.
“Our visits will ensure that shopping centre management understand the requirements of the Public Health Orders that remain in place and help their tenants in meeting their obligations,” Mr Anderson said.
“NSW businesses have done an outstanding job in very difficult circumstances to help contain this virus, and we want to ensure that we don’t let our guard down.”
“We want everyone to enjoy the festive period, but let’s do it safely and continue working together to prevent the spread in our communities.”
SafeWork NSW’s will be checking that shopping centres have:

• A NSW Government registered COVID Safety Plan
• Physical distancing of customers and workers
• Adequate hygiene practices
• A cleaning schedule in place suitable to the risks of COVID-19 at the site
• Provisions in place in the event of a COVID-19 case occurring at the site
• Electronic recording of entry to premises

To find out more advice tailored to shopping centres, please visit nsw.gov.au.

The world’s largest express transportation company, FedEx Express, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NSW Government that will connect the Western Sydney Aerotropolis to more than 220 countries around the world by supporting the design and development of a new freight and logistics hub.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the MoU with FedEx Express will support increased trade and export of local products through the Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport.
“The 24/7 freight and logistics hub will be a cutting-edge facility that allows fresh produce to be transported from local paddocks to international plates in under 36 hours and open up a global market for farmers and local businesses in Western Sydney,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“FedEx Express has agreed to play a key role in the development of a freight and logistics hub in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis. We will leverage their expertise to transform the way goods are brought from Western Sydney to the world.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the latest MoU helps ensure Western Sydney has a competitive advantage when it comes to freight and logistics.
“With the latest technology, this is an opportunity to position Western Sydney to capitalise on that advantage for our businesses,” Mr Ayres said.
“We have now signed MoUs with companies across aerospace, defence, manufacturing, agribusiness, education and logistics and are on track to create 200,000 jobs in the Western Parkland City.”
FedEx Express, Australasia vice president Peter Langley said FedEx Express is pleased to be able to work with the NSW Government to build a leading freight and logistics hub in Western Sydney.
“In today’s business environment, having a competitive edge is critical to success and with our FedEx and TNT services, we are offering customers the ability to optimise their cross-border supply chains at high speeds and without compromise on reliability,” Mr Langley said.
“With the presence of this facility, we are creating more possibilities for local businesses to reach potential new markets across the world.”
The freight and logistics hub, to be built on the doorstep of the Western Sydney International Airport, will be supported by automated technologies and include digital capabilities that are having a big impact in the way goods are moving around the world.

Detailed new plans to transform Westmead into Australia’s most significant and dynamic health and innovation district have been released by the NSW Government.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the draft Westmead Place Strategy outlines a vision for a national centre for excellence in health, research and education.
“Westmead is already Sydney’s medical capital, home to leading researchers, entrepreneurs, health workers and students, but these plans will provide the precinct with a refresh and a platform to build even further,” Mr Stokes said.
“The arrival of the Sydney Metro West will be the catalyst for major change, transforming the area with a mix of housing types, better public transport, walking and cycling connections and thousands of jobs close to homes in Western Sydney.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Westmead will become a model 21st century smart city with a vision for approximately 50,000 jobs located close to transport and homes.
“This dynamic strategy will secure Westmead as one of Australia’s most significant hubs for jobs, investment and research of the future,” Mr Ayres said.
“This will be a precinct that everyone across Western Sydney can be truly proud of.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education and Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the draft strategy will encourage new tertiary opportunities for Westmead allowing for synergies with the health cluster.
“Our strategic vision will put people at the centre of future development with a focus on pedestrian-friendly streets and new community facilities, including exploring potential new river crossings to improve access,” Mr Lee said.
“We will protect heritage buildings and find ways they can be repurposed for new community uses, where appropriate.”


Westmead has been divided into seven sub-precincts, each defined by its own purpose and distinct character to create an integrated, coherent and sustainable community.
The seven sub-precincts are:

• Westmead South Precinct: A walkable residential neighbourhood, transformed by the proposed Metro Station to increase connectivity, offering housing choice and diversity, with an urban village at its heart;

 

• Health and Innovation Precinct: Westmead’s engine room, defined by its world-class health, research, education and innovation facilities;

 

• Westmead East Precinct: A bustling neighbourhood offering housing diversity, a thriving high street along Hawkesbury Road with connections to Parramatta;

 

• Northmead Employment Precinct: An employment precinct that has the potential to capitalise on advance manufacturing and support health businesses. The precinct will take advantage of Toongabbie Creek to improve amenity and connections to the Health and Innovation Sub-Precinct;

 

• Northmead Residential Precinct: An amenity-led residential neighbourhood embracing its proximity to Toongabbie Creek;

 

• Northmead Enterprise Precinct: A revitalised enterprise precinct that strengthen the role of providing commercial and urban services to the local community; and

 

• Parramatta North Precinct: A mixed use precinct set within a highly valued heritage and parkland setting. The precinct will attract new investment and renewal with facilities in innovation, tertiary education, enterprise, vibrant public domain spaces, community and cultural uses and housing diversity.

Following finalisation of this strategy, the Greater Sydney Commission will coordinate a whole of government response to deliver on the potential at Westmead. For more information and to have your say visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/westmead

More customers are being welcomed back to the public transport network today with an increase in the number of people allowed on trains, buses, ferries and light rail, in line with health advice.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said with community transmission remaining low, NSW Health recognises that transport usage will increase across the network.
“We know more people are moving around this summer and we are at a stage where we can safely let more people onto the public transport network to help people get back to jobs, recreational activities and public spaces in a COVID safe way,” Mr Constance said.
“A Waratah train will now be able to carry 86 customers per carriage, up from 68, and a typical two-door bus will be able to carry 27 customers, up from 23.”
NSW TrainLink services are already being booked to 50 per cent capacity, with additional demand being met by supplementary coach services, to maintain physical distancing when travelling long distances.
Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said green physical distancing dots will continue to guide customers on the best places to sit and stand on public transport.
“We have added 1,200 extra services to the 3,300 extra services rolled out in June giving customers plenty of options when planning their travel,” Mr Collins said.
“There are three simple steps for a COVID safe public transport trip – plan ahead and check physical distancing capacity, wear a mask and find a green dot.
“Enhanced cleaning continues with 1,600 extra cleaners employed and 1.5 million extra cleaning hours carried out since March 2020, while extra staff continue to help customers move through busy stations and interchanges in a COVID safe way.
“I want to thank all the commuters and businesses who have worked with us from day one and continue to work with us to keep services safe and moving.”