Category: NSW News

Important koala habitat is to be protected for future generations with the creation of the new Guula Ngurra National Park in the NSW Southern Highlands.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the creation of this national park delivers on a commitment from the 2019 election and is an important step to securing the future of koalas in the wild.
“Koalas are an iconic Australian animal and national parks like this protect their habitat for future generations,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The Aboriginal traditional owners recommended we name this new national park ‘Guula Ngurra’ which translates to ‘Koala Country’ because of the importance of the habitat.
“The NSW Government has committed to a $44.7 million koala strategy, the largest financial commitment to protecting koalas in the state’s history, along with a range of other practical measures to ensure the preservation of koala populations.
“The government will also consider the recommendations of the recent parliamentary inquiry into koala populations and habitat in NSW, particularly given the destruction caused by the recent bushfires.”
The NSW Government is already implementing the plan we announced in May 2018 to protect koalas, including:

• Creating over 24,000 hectares of new koala reserves and parks
• Fixing priority road-kill hotspots across NSW
• Delivering a network of koala hospitals
• Developing a statewide koala habitat information base
• Increasing wildlife care training for veterinarians and veterinary nurses
• Relocating koalas to unoccupied koala habitat
• Undertaking research to significantly reduce the incidence of chlamydia.

Environment Minister Matt Kean said increasing the national park estate by 200,000 hectares was one of his key priorities and this reservation, together with recent purchases, would see that goal exceeded.
“This new national park is home to a staggering 139 species, more than 20 of which are threatened, including the koala, glossy black cockatoo, flame robin and squirrel glider,” Mr Kean said.
“This special site conserves high quality koala habitat and sits alongside 15 kilometres of river frontage along the spectacular Wingecarribee River gorge and the Wollondilly River.
“I also want to thank the local community and the Aboriginal traditional elders for working with us to create this new national park, which is home to a number of important cultural heritage sites.”
The purchase was made possible due to a valuable contribution by the NSW Environmental Trust.
Located about 25 kilometres northwest of Bowral, the 3358 hectare Guula Ngurra National Park comprises what was 2148 hectare Tugalong Station, the 402 hectare Little Forest West property and an 808 hectare outlier of Bangadilly National Park.

NSW small businesses will benefit from a new $45 million grant program designed to cushion the economic impacts of the southern border closure.
Businesses in 13 Local Government Areas along the NSW and Victorian border will be able to apply for $5,000 and $10,000 grants through Service NSW from Tuesday, 8 September.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the Southern Border Small Business Support Grant is designed to support small businesses doing it tough through the current border restrictions.
“Thank you again to the border communities for your patience during this very difficult time,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We know people in border communities like Albury-Wodonga, Yarrawonga-Mulwala and Echuca-Moama usually move between towns, with closures having a significant impact on day-to-day business.
“The NSW Government is investing in targeted relief to help ease the pressures and costs of keeping businesses open while borders remain closed.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the $45 million grant program includes two tiers of targeted support.
“While we are in these unprecedented times, we are committed to keeping local jobs in local communities,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The first tier of $5,000 is for employing and non-employing small businesses, such as non-employing sole traders, that have suffered at least a 30 per cent decline in turnover as a result of the border closure.
“The second tier of $10,000 is for employing small businesses that have suffered at least a 75 per cent decline as a result of the closure.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the grants would help keep people in jobs and businesses in business while Victoria battles its second wave of COVID-19.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of local communities, with many grocery stores and mechanics being independently owned,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The Grants can be used to pay for unavoidable expenses such as utilities, as well as to develop marketing and communication materials or to diversify their offerings to help businesses adapt to the new environment.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the grants would be available from Tuesday, 8 September for six weeks until Sunday, 18 October 2020 and small business owners could apply via the Service NSW website.
“The NSW Government has worked hard over the past four months to roll out the Small Business Support Grant and the Small Business Recovery Grant, with more than $593 million worth of grants paid out to-date across the two programs,” Mr Tudehope said.
“Businesses can also access support from a specialised Business Connect advisor, free of charge, to help navigate the challenges of COVID-19.”
Member for Albury Justin Clancy has welcomed the Southern Border Small Business Support Grant.
“This is a step in the right direction and acknowledges the impact on our border businesses in this challenging time,” Mr Clancy said.
Eligible LGAs:

• Albury
• Balranald
• Berrigan
• Bega Valley
• Edward River
• Federation
• Greater Hume Shire
• Hay
• Murray River
• Murrumbidgee
• Snowy Monaro
• Snowy Valleys
• Wentworth

The Southern Border Small Business Support Grant can only be used for eligible expenses incurred following the introduction of the NSW and Victoria border permit scheme on 8 July 2020.
The Grant must only be used for expenses for which no other government support is available. For example, this grant cannot be used to pay wages for staff eligible for JobKeeper.
More information on the new grants is available at www.service.nsw.gov.au and information on Business Connect is available here.

Seven Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued since the last COVID update, including two to a security guard performing duties at quarantine hotels in Sydney who allegedly breached the Public Health Act by failing to adhere to self-isolation restrictions.
About 5pm on Thursday 20 August 2020, the guard, a man aged 22, underwent a COVID-19 test and was informed to go directly home and commence a 14-day self-isolation in accordance with current Ministerial Directions. It is believed the man instead travelled to a shopping centre on Burwood Road, where he allegedly attended a number of stores in a two-hour visit.
On Friday 21 August 2020, the man allegedly left home and attended a government services building on Elsie Street, Burwood.
The man underwent a secondary test at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital on the Friday and about 8am on Saturday 22 August, was informed he had returned a positive test result for COVID-19. He was transferred to a NSW Health COVID-19 quarantine facility where he will stay for the remainder of his quarantine period.
About 10pm yesterday (Sunday 23 August 2020), police issued the 22-year-old Campsie man with two PINs for not complying with Noticed Direction re: section 7/8/9 COVID-19.
Other examples include:
– About 1pm on Saturday (22 September 2020), police attended an Eden home and spoke to the resident, a 46-year-old man. Officers established the man had travelled to Victoria on a permit that he did not meet the requirements for. He was issued a $1000 PIN.
– About 10.30pm on (Saturday 22 August 2020), officers attached to Kings Cross Police Area Command attended a licensed premise on Darlinghurst Road, Potts Point. Officers observed multiple breaches of the Public Health Order, including an incorrect COVID-19 safety plan, no marshal, and mingling patrons with no physical distancing. The business was issued a $5,000 PIN for failing to comply with a noticed direction under the Public Health Act 2010.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
 

A contract worth around $80 million has been signed by the NSW Government to run Sydney’s rail network more effectively.
Siemens Mobility Pty Ltd (Siemens) will introduce the new Traffic Management System (TMS), which will be operated from the Rail Operations Centre, and will work alongside other systems used by Sydney Trains to control train operations.
The TMS continually monitors the position of all trains, helping to keep train services running as planned and assists with responses to incidents.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the TMS is a key component of Digital Systems – a Program that will progressively replace legacy signalling and train control technologies with modern, internationally proven, intelligent systems.
“This is an important step in the process of upgrading our network with internationally proven technology that boosts safety, capacity, reliability and enhances the customer experience,” Mr Constance said.
“Sydney’s heavy rail network is the backbone of our public transport system and it’s crucial we have the latest systems and technology available to serve our customers well into the future.”
The TMS is due to be available for operation in 2023.
The Digital Systems Program will also increase safety and reliability by:

• Replacing traditional trackside signalling equipment with the latest ‘in cab’ train control technology
• Implementing Automatic Train Operation, which assists drivers – who remain in control – to improve operations and reduce journey times

Digital Systems will initially be deployed to two sections of the T4 Line from Sutherland to Cronulla and from Bondi Junction to Redfern.
Planning for future deployments of Digital Systems to other parts of Sydney’s rail network is currently underway.

Three Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued since the last COVID-19 update.
– Around 4.40pm last Friday (14 August 2020), police stopped a vehicle in Coomealla and spoke with the 43-year-old male driver and 38-year-old male passenger, who were both from Mildura. The pair could not provide a reasonable excuse for being in NSW and, following inquiries, they were each issued with $1000 PINs on Tuesday (18 August 2020).
– About 12.45pm on Wednesday (19 August 2020), police saw a vehicle with Victorian registration plates parked at a recycling site in Corowa. Officers spoke with a 68-year-old man, who produced a permit allowing him to enter NSW for work purposes only. Checks revealed his permit had been obtained to carry out work at an address he had only attended once over a month ago, with no plans made to conduct any further work at the address. He was issued with a $1000 PIN and instructed to return to Victoria.
– About 6.20pm yesterday (Thursday 20 August 2020), police stopped a car in Broken Hill and spoke with the 23-year-old female driver. Officers discovered she was meant to be self-isolating at a Dareton address, after entering NSW from Victoria on Tuesday. She was handed a $1000 PIN.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

A contract worth around $80 million has been signed by the NSW Government to run Sydney’s rail network more effectively.
Siemens Mobility Pty Ltd (Siemens) will introduce the new Traffic Management System (TMS), which will be operated from the Rail Operations Centre, and will work alongside other systems used by Sydney Trains to control train operations.
The TMS continually monitors the position of all trains, helping to keep train services running as planned and assists with responses to incidents.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the TMS is a key component of Digital Systems – a Program that will progressively replace legacy signalling and train control technologies with modern, internationally proven, intelligent systems.
“This is an important step in the process of upgrading our network with internationally proven technology that boosts safety, capacity, reliability and enhances the customer experience,” Mr Constance said.
“Sydney’s heavy rail network is the backbone of our public transport system and it’s crucial we have the latest systems and technology available to serve our customers well into the future.”
The TMS is due to be available for operation in 2023.
The Digital Systems Program will also increase safety and reliability by:

• Replacing traditional trackside signalling equipment with the latest ‘in cab’ train control technology
• Implementing Automatic Train Operation, which assists drivers – who remain in control – to improve operations and reduce journey times

Digital Systems will initially be deployed to two sections of the T4 Line from Sutherland to Cronulla and from Bondi Junction to Redfern.
Planning for future deployments of Digital Systems to other parts of Sydney’s rail network is currently underway.

The NSW Government’s fee-free COVID-19 support short courses passed 115,000 enrolments before closing last month, with medical administration the most popular area.
The suite of online courses provided an opportunity for NSW residents to gain new skills at the height of the pandemic, and were fully funded by the NSW Government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said people who enrolled in a TAFE NSW short course during the pandemic were putting the skills to good use.
“We know how important skills training is for driving the State’s economy and it will play a crucial role coming out of the COVID pandemic,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The NSW Government’s COVID-19 fee-free short courses have delivered an opportunity to upskill during COVID-19 as well as deliver a meaningful boost to workplaces across the State.”
Achievements of the COVID-19 support fee-free short course program include:

• A total of 115,537 enrolments;
• 27 per cent of students were studying with TAFE NSW for the first time;
• Between 10 and 15 per cent of first time TAFE NSW students intend to undertake further study with the public training provider; and
• The most popular course in the first tranche was the Statement of Attainment in Medical Administration Skills.

Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee praised TAFE NSW for its seamless delivery of the program.
“I want to congratulate TAFE NSW for the way they delivered this initiative. To hit more than 115,000 enrolments in a single program in such a short time is truly a remarkable result. I hope the courses have assisted people during this difficult time.” Mr Lee said.
The program closed to new enrolments at the end of last month.

A man will face court after police discovered a prohibited drug in a car while carrying out border operations.
About 10.20pm on Wednesday 19 August 2020, police were conducting border checks on Thule Street, Barham, as part of Operation Border Closure when they stopped a Toyota Echo, driven by a 47-year-old man.
While carrying out permit checks, officers observed a woman in the front passenger seat allegedly under the influence of drugs.
The woman was treated by ambulance paramedics before being taken to Cohuna Hospital in Victoria.
During a search of the vehicle, officers allegedly located and seized drug-related items including a jar containing a clear liquid believed to be Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
The driver was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for possess a prohibited drug.
He will appear at Moama Local Court on Wednesday 9 September 2020.
In a separate incident, a man was charged after allegedly failing to comply with a direction on the state’s south coast.

About 8.30pm on Friday 7 August 2020, a 31-year-old man was refused entry to a club on Hargreaves Street, Unanderra.

The man allegedly became argumentative with staff and refused to leave the premises, before moving towards staff and coughing into his hands, saying he had COVID-19. The man left the scene and the incident was reported to police.

Following inquiries, licensing officers from Lake Illawarra Police District arrested a man in a car outside a house on Moran Street, Dapto, about 7.45am yesterday (Wednesday 19 August 2020).

He was taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station, where he was charged with not comply with noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (personal), excluded person fail to leave premises when required.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Port Kembla Local Court on Wednesday 30 September 2020.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

The NSW Government today announced an extension of the COVID-19 relief funding for community and mobile preschools to the end of Term 4.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the continued funding recognises the importance of helping families keep children engaged in preschool education.
“Research clearly demonstrates children who attend 600 hours of preschool in the year before they start school have better outcomes throughout their lives,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Extending this relief funding will help families keep their children attending this critical year of early education.
“COVID-19 has already caused disruption to all of our lives, so it’s more important than ever to ensure families are supported to keep children in quality education and care.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government is committed to ensuring children have access to vital early education, particularly in the year before school.
“We know these are testing times and that’s why we continue to offer this  vital support to ease cost-of-living pressures and ensure children right across the State have access to the education they need and deserve,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This funding will ensure community preschools remain open and will not be forced to close their doors if enrolments fall.
“Eligible services can opt in for the relief funding to allow them to provide fee relief and maintain staffing levels. Services will be contacted directly with information on how to opt in and access payments for Term 4.”
While the NSW Government provides ongoing funding for preschools, this package provides additional funds to cover parent fees and the impact of falling enrolments.

Ninety new jobs are on offer after major construction finished at the NSW Government’s multi-million dollar Kangy Angy Rail Maintenance Facility.
The purpose-built facility will service and maintain the New Intercity Fleet trains, with around six kilometres of electric rail lines – seven-tracks across at its widest point – a new rail bridge, access roads, offices and amenities.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance says testing of the facility will continue ahead of the introduction of the New Intercity Fleet later this year.
“The Maintenance Facility has created employment, skills development and business opportunities on the Central Coast during construction and that will all continue into operation,” Mr Constance said.
The facility will be operated by UGL Rail, which is part of the RailConnect consortium contracted to design, build and maintain the new fleet.
“UGL is currently recruiting for roles in engineering, supply chain, supervision, planning, quality and asset management, with more than 90 positions to be filled over the next 18 months,” Mr Constance said.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said substantial landscaping had taken place around the development.
“An important part of the construction phase is the revegetation work with a number of Central Coast native species being planted on-site, including 950 trees and more than 200,000 juvenile grasses, shrubs and trees,” Mr Crouch said.
“It’s fantastic to see that within the vegetation being retained, 30 nest boxes were installed to provide habitat for native animals.”
The design and construction of the facility was delivered by John Holland on behalf of Transport for NSW.