Category: NSW News

Seven regional energy projects will share in more than $15 million of funding to support energy affordability and innovation thanks to the NSW Government’s Regional Community Energy Fund.
Energy Minister Matt Kean said the funding will unlock almost 17.2 MW in electricity generation and up to 17.9 MW / 39.3 MWh of energy storage, leveraging $36 million in private funding.
“These grants will help regional communities right across NSW take control of their energy bills and benefit from the economic opportunities presented by changes in our energy system,” Mr Kean said.
“The projects range from a community owned dispatchable solar and battery system at Goulburn to the installation of a 1 MW solar garden at Grong Grong in the Riverina, enabling low-income households and renters to access renewable energy.
“At Ewingsdale near Byron Bay, a grant will enable the installation of 5 MW of solar power and 10 MWh battery energy storage system. The DC coupled battery is a relatively new technology for Australia and enables excess solar energy to be captured more efficiently.”
“In a NSW first, a hydrogen energy storage system will be installed at Manilla alongside a solar-battery system to store renewable energy.
“Hydrogen has the potential to transform our economy and energy mix. World leading green hydrogen initiatives like the Manilla Community Solar project will play a critical role in developing this technology.
“These innovative renewable energy projects will help to make electricity more reliable and affordable for our regional communities.”
The RCEF is funded under the NSW Climate Change Fund to support community energy projects across NSW, improving energy reliability and affordability for regional NSW.
A full list of the successful applicants and projects is available https://energy.nsw.gov.au/regional-community-energy.

Nepean Hospital patients will be among the first in Australia to access two next-generation MRI machines under a $6.5 million NSW Government project to improve imaging services.
Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard, joined by Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres, today unveiled the state-of-the-art Ingenia Ambition 1.5T and even more powerful Ingenia EIition 3T magnetic resonance imaging machines.
Mr Hazzard said the two world-class MRI machines are 50 per cent faster, and together will enable clinicians to scan on average 10 more patients each day.
“These state-of-the-art MRI machines also provide images with up to 60 per cent higher resolution than previous models, which means more accurate diagnostics contributing to better outcomes for patients,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The new MRI machines not only directly benefit patients but will also be used by Nepean Hospital researchers to conduct clinical trials as part of their research projects.”
Mr Ayres said patients across the Nepean Blue Mountains region will reap the benefits of the NSW Government’s $6.5 million investment to expand medical imaging at Nepean, one of the state’s busiest hospitals.
“Providing first-class, accessible medical services close to home is a top priority for the NSW Government, which is exactly what we are delivering today to this community,” Mr Ayres said.
Patients have a more comfortable experience inside the machines, which are quieter and have wire-free and contactless monitoring. Fast positioning technology also makes it easier for technicians to align patients in the machines.
The NSW Government has invested $10 billion to deliver more than 130 new and enhanced health facilities statewide since 2011, including the $1 billion Nepean Hospital redevelopment. The NSW Government is also investing $10.1 billion more over the next four years, including more than $900 million for rural and regional areas in 2019-20.

The NSW Government is seeking community input on its ambitious plan to tackle the use of plastics, reduce waste and pollution and increase recycling across the State.
People will be able to give their feedback on the discussion paper until Friday, 8 May.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Environment Minister Matt Kean have empowered the community to help drive the comprehensive plan to better manage our resources and improve our environment.
“The community has high expectations and we need to make sure we put in place the best plans for the future. We know that we need to do a better job of dealing with our waste and delivering sustainable solutions,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The NSW Plastics Plan and 20 Year Waste Strategy will be key to ensuring that NSW is a leader when it comes to reducing waste, maximising recycling and protecting our environment.”
“We also want to make sure any businesses potentially affected by phase outs have enough time to adjust and source sustainable alternatives.”
Mr Kean said our waste industry needs to be sustainable, reliable and affordable, and we want to hear from as many parts of the community as possible, to ensure the strategies we put in place are practical and work for the people of NSW.
The NSW Plastics Plan discussion paper Cleaning Up Our Act: Redirecting the Future of Plastic in NSW outlines a clear pathway to reduce single-use, unnecessary and problematic plastics in NSW and help build our circular economy.
“It sets the stage for the phase-out of priority single-use plastics, tripling the proportion of plastic recycled by 2030, reducing plastic litter by a quarter and making our State a leader in plastics research and development,” Mr Kean said.
“Lightweight plastic bags are proposed to be phased out six months from the passage of legislation with other timelines to be determined after feedback from the public consultation process.”
The waste strategy canvasses options to reduce waste and increase recycling, outlines the opportunities and strategic direction for future waste and recycling infrastructure, and for growing sustainable end markets for recycled materials.
For more information on how to have your say visit yoursay.dpie.nsw.gov.au

Women are increasingly making their mark in decision making in NSW workplaces with females holding almost 40 per cent of managerial roles, compared to 35 per cent a decade ago.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said it was great to see women having such an impact in the workforce in NSW.
“The new numbers show that we are making great strides towards equal participation in leadership roles – and it’s so fantastic that we are talking about this on International Women’s Day,” she said.
“Female talent brings with it a broad range of real-world experience and I am delighted to see the increased opportunities opening up for women in management and business ownership.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said less than one in four startups in NSW had been founded by women.
“Our State has brilliant women in the startup space and we need to continue to provide the right support for them  to flourish and inspire the next generation of businesswomen,” he said.
“The Sydney Startup Hub and its associated programs are an excellent example of the NSW Government’s commitment to help women in startups.”
Minister for Small Business Damien Tudehope said NSW had one of the highest proportions of women in small business in Australia.
“Women also account for almost two-thirds of NSW Government sector employees.
“They make a valuable contribution to the workforce and it’s great to see these successes being appropriately celebrated today,” he said.
The NSW Women’s Strategy 2018-2022 aims to encourage more women into small business and includes workshops in regional and rural areas and to deliver Tafe NSW’s online education program to women.
One business that has benefited from NSW Government support is Super-Rewards,
a shopping platform which helps women grow their super balance by directing a percentage of their purchases to their superannuation.
Founder Pascale Helyar-Moray said government investment was helping to grow the business.
“Women retire with only enough superannuation for six years, which translates to about half of what men retire with and we saw that as a real issue,” she said.
“Since we started, we’ve had thousands of users sign up to the platform and we’re seeing hundreds of thousands of sales processed through the platform.”
The initiative launched in October with 100 retailers on board and that number has grown to 170.
Super-Rewards is a finalist in the Australian Small Business Champion Awards 2020 and Pascale has been nominated as a finalist in the Empowered Woman Awards of The Leadership Institute (ANZ).

The NSW Government today announced it will boost the number of specialist mental health bushfire recovery clinicians recruited since the crisis by nine, taking the total to 30 across the state.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Bushfire Recovery John Barilaro said as our immediate response efforts now transition to the next stage of recovery, the ongoing effects of the bushfire crisis will also change the way people require mental health assistance.
“The bushfire clean-up and recovery is well underway across the state, but this is an emotional and trying journey for many,” Mr Barilaro said.
“As our immediate response efforts now transition to the next phase of recovery, the ongoing effects of the bushfire crisis will require mental health support now and for a long time into the future.”
Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor said the positions will be spread across all bushfire affected local health districts, as communities work towards stability.
“Nine new fulltime specialist mental health clinicians will now join the 21 currently being recruited to bushfire affected communities to make sure we are continuing to address those specific needs, now and into the future,” she said.
“We will not stop, as our attention now turns to targeting people and groups at risk, and those who need specialist care,” she said.
The total NSW Government investment for bushfire mental health stands at $15.3 million to support hard hit communities across the state.
People suffering from trauma or stress as a result of the State’s bushfire crisis should contact their local health service via the NSW Mental Health Line on 1 800 011 511
The Disaster Welfare Assistance Line is staffed with counseling support and can be accessed by phone on 1800 018 444

Local Schools Local Decisions will be improved with schools earning the autonomy to make decisions around the allocation of funds and learning programs by hitting a range of numeracy and literacy targets.
There will also be changes to alleviate the administrative burden for principals as a matter of priority. This will allow schools to focus on what they do best – educating children.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there is room for improvement when it comes to our student’s performance across NSW.
“To ensure students receive the best education we must be able to enforce best teaching practice consistently across our schools,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Local Schools Local Decisions is a sound policy but we need to make sure it works as it was intended. Adjustments will make it easier for the NSW Government to provide support to schools that are underperforming.”
Schools will earn the autonomy to make funding, and educational decisions by hitting a range of targets, using criteria such as Bump It Up, HSC results and NAPLAN results.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Government is investing a record amount in education and the improvements to Local Schools Local Decisions will strike the right balance between autonomy, accountability and support for schools.
“Improving Local Schools Local Decisions is unashamedly about lifting performance in NSW through supporting evidence based best practice teaching and learning, Ms Mitchell said.
“It is fantastic that many schools have been able to excel under Local Schools Local Decisions, but other schools need more attention when it comes to improving outcomes. These changes to the policy will enable us to provide the support that these principals and teachers need.
“We want to help principals by removing unnecessary administration burdens and allowing them to spend more time leading their schools and supporting their students.”
The NSW Government will consult with education stakeholders on the reforms and will agree on targets with schools by the end of Term 4 2020. The changes will be implemented on Day one Term 1 2021.

Communities and first responders will benefit from increased mission critical communications coverage during emergencies, with a $217 million boost to expand the Government Radio Network (GRN), and build a Public Safety Network for Emergency Services Organisations.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the investment will strengthen community safety and better protect first responders, by consolidating about 70 separate agency radio networks into one, allowing vital information to be shared more efficiently.
“The radio network played a critical role in protecting communities and supporting the Rural Fire Service, Police, Fire and Rescue, Ambulance and the State Emergency Service during the recent bushfires,” Mr Dominello said.
“During emergencies such as bushfires and floods, every second counts. We are making life easier for first responders by providing them with a first class communications infrastructure that will help keep people and places safe.”
Mr Elliott said first responders risk their lives to protect communities, and the funding will give them greater certainty and confidence when working on the frontline.
“In Northern NSW, the coverage will expand to Glen Innes, Inverell, Tenterfield and Ben Lomond and provide improved coverage for areas including Moree and Warialda,” Mr Elliott said.
“In Southern NSW, it is expanding across the Riverina to the Victorian border to provide greater coverage to the towns of Holbrook, Tarcutta, Gundagai and Albury.”
The funding will enable the NSW Telco Authority to accelerate the Critical Communications Enhancement Program to reach 96 per cent of populated areas.
This funding is in addition to the more than $401 million allocated to the upgrade of the GRN since 2016.

Regions Currently Covered by GRN	Regions to Benefit from Funding
Sydney metro including Blue Mountains	Communities along the Hume Highway to the Victorian border areas around Holbrook, Tarcutta, Gundagai and Albury
Central Coast and Hunter	Communities along the New England Highway to the Queensland border including Glen Innes, Inverell, Tenterfield, Ben Lomond, Moree and Warialda
Illawarra	Griffith
South Coast	Wagga Wagga
Central West including Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo	North Coast

Internationally renowned scientist Professor Maria Kavallaris AM has been named the 2020 NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year – the top honour at the NSW Women of the Year awards.
Prof. Kavallaris accepted the award from Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor at the WOTY Awards ceremony in Sydney today.
“Maria is a remarkable achiever whose ground-breaking research has led to more effective therapies for aggressive childhood cancers,” Ms Berejiklian said.
A further six outstanding women from across NSW took out the top spot in their nominated category, ranging from community heroes to lifetime achievers.
“Congratulations to all the incredible women who have deservedly been recognised; their achievements are an inspiration to women who want to make a difference.” Ms Berejiklian said.
Mrs Taylor said this year’s awards program attracted an unprecedented number of nominations and more than 7,000 votes in the publicly decided categories.
“Be it science, industry, business or community; every part of NSW has benefited from the outstanding contributions made by women,” Mrs Taylor said.
“You can’t be what you can’t see; so please join me in celebrating these women and sharing their stories of success to help improve the lives of girls and young women across our state.”
2020 NSW Women of the Year Award winners are:

• Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year – Professor Maria Kavallaris AM
• Aboriginal Woman of the Year – Kirli Saunders
• Rex Airlines Regional Woman of the Year – Krystaal Hinds
• First State Super Lifetime Achievement Award – Christine Strachan
• Harvey Norman Young Woman of the Year – Hannah Beder
• Community Hero Award – Justine Lorenz
• NSW Business Woman of the Year – Anneke van den Broek

The NSW Government will provide more than $1 million in relief to support bushfire affected commercial fishing businesses and charter boat operators, with Deputy Premier John Barilaro and the Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall announcing a major fee waiver today.
Mr Barilaro said the bushfires had taken a severe toll on the State’s primary industries, and NSW commercial fishers were no exception.
“Our communities in Regional NSW have copped enough with devastating bushfires and the ongoing drought.”
“Commercial fishing businesses employ thousands of local residents and it is vital we keep the local economy ticking and give them a hand up during the recovery phase.”
“The recent bushfires have not only hindered access to fishing grounds due to area and road closures, there have also been limitations on fishers’ ability to get products to wholesalers, markets and cooperatives,” Mr Barilaro said.
Mr Marshall said that under this waiver, fishing business owners will not have to pay the second instalment of management charges that would have otherwise been due on 28 February 2020.
“Almost 1,200 businesses will receive a fee waiver, providing essential financial relief for those experiencing the impacts of bushfires.
“Our fishing businesses play a vital role in the economic health of coastal communities throughout NSW and this is one way the government can support the industry during such a difficult time.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Professional Fisher’s Association Tricia Beatty said the fee waiver was welcome relief for many fishers who have been through a tough time.
“Our industry have been struggling under the pressure of the ongoing drought and the more recent impacts of fires, floods and now the coronavirus,” Ms Beatty said.
“We welcome the NSW Government’s announcement to support our industry through a fee relief to reduce the burdens we face.”
Fishers who have already paid the management charges due for that instalment will receive a credit on their account with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
Commercial fishing business owners or charter boat owners with questions regarding fee relief are encouraged to contact DPI on 1300 720 662.

A team of the state’s best teachers will roll out to targeted high schools to lift performance using proven and successful teaching methods.
The new ‘Best in Class’ Teaching Unit is made up of handpicked educators, chosen for being leaders and teaching experts in their respective fields.
They’ll share their classrooms skills directly with those teachers and students who need it most, while also building a new teaching package to build on existing ‘best practice’ research for NSW Schools.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell joined students to announce the teaching program.
“We’re investing millions of dollars in school infrastructure across the NSW and we are also committed to supporting students in the classroom,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The teachers selected to deliver the program stand out, and their results speak for themselves. We want to replicate these great teaching methods, and share them across all the state’s classrooms.”
HSC students will be the first to benefit from the new approach – with the Best in Class Unit beginning the job this week.
HSC results are already monitored closely as students are completing the last year of high school. Comparing these results will provide useful data to monitor the impact ‘Best in Class’ is having on school performance.
Ms Mitchell said Best in Class is a continuation of the NSW Government’s commitment to building excellence in the teaching profession.
“The Best in Class unit will effect real change – and will lift standards across the state,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We know that the biggest positive impact on students learning is the teacher standing in front of them.
“NSW has the highest entry standards for students wanting to become teachers, and now we are using very best teachers to grow the entire profession from the inside out.
“This is an exciting time for education in NSW, ‘best in class’ will allow us to help teachers deliver lessons and improved curriculum to the best of their abilities.”