The final tunnelling breakthrough on the M4-M5 Link Tunnels has been completed, marking a major construction milestone in Australia’s largest road infrastructure project.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the $16.8 billion project was cutting travel times and supporting thousands of families with work as Sydney and Australia were reopening from COVID lockdowns.
“This breakthrough isn’t just for a tunnel, but it’s a breakthrough for getting people home sooner and safer and helping workers to move around,” the Prime Minister said.
“As well as the 9,000 jobs this project has been delivering, the tunnel is going to make it easier for people across Sydney to pick up work and jobs that just wouldn’t have been possible before with traffic.
“As we reopen Sydney and Australia, projects like this bypass and our record $110 billion infrastructure investment are going to give our economy even more of a boost.”
New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said the third stage of WestConnex is now another step closer to forming a western bypass of the Sydney CBD.
“This project will change the lives of thousands of people, bypassing dozens of sets of traffic lights and allowing an uninterrupted drive from the Blue Mountains to the city,” the Premier said.
“As part of the New South Wales Government’s record $108.5 billion investment pipeline, WestConnex is already easing congestion, creating jobs and connecting communities, right across our city.
“Our Government has its eye to the future and this breakthrough will complete a ‘missing link’ between the new M4 Tunnels at Haberfield and the M8 at St Peters.”
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the Commonwealth Government had co-funded WestConnex from the outset with a grant of $1.5 billion and a concessional loan of $2 billion.
“This is a major milestone in what is one of the most significant road infrastructure projects in the country, which is already delivering major benefits for Sydney commuters by reducing travel times, easing congestion and improving safety,” Minister Fletcher said.
“When opened to traffic in 2023, the M4-M5 Link Tunnels and Rozelle Interchange will complete the WestConnex project, providing improved links between key employment hubs and local communities.”
NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said 22 of the 33 kilometres of WestConnex would be underground, including the 7.5 kilometres that make up the M4-M5 Link Tunnels.
“This final breakthrough means both the north and southbound tunnels are connected for the first time, with roadheaders carving out the rock 43 metres below ground at Leichhardt,” Minister Stokes said.
“The milestone is an enormous credit to every one of the 9,000 workers and sub-contractors who’ve worked on the project, ensuring construction continues safely.
“The M4-M5 Link Tunnels will remove tens of thousands of vehicles from surrounding streets, including Parramatta Road, and will help slash up to 40 minutes from an average peak journey between Parramatta and the Sydney Airport.”
Transurban CEO Scott Charlton said drivers are already enjoying the benefits of WestConnex, with close to 150 million trips made on the first two stages in the last financial year.
“The New M4 Tunnels and M8 have been transformative for Sydney, by easing traffic congestion and improving liveability for local communities,” Mr Charlton said.
Author: admin
Open borders between NSW and Victoria
New South Wales and Victoria will open their border to each other from 11:59pm on Thursday, 4 November, allowing free travel between Australia’s two biggest states well ahead of the Christmas period.
With coronavirus (COVID-19) case numbers coming down and high vaccination rates continuing to rise in both states, New South Wales and Victoria are normalising living with the virus.
Victoria’s Acting Chief Health Officer today declared that from 11:59pm tonight, the ACT and all remaining orange zone areas in New South Wales will become green zones under Victoria’s travel permit system.
This means, for the first time in more than six months in Victoria, all Local Government Areas in all states and territories across Australia will be green zones for the purposes of entering Victoria.
Travellers, including workers, who are entering Victoria from a green zone face no testing or quarantine requirements, but are still required to obtain a permit from Service Victoria before they arrive, to verify they aren’t COVID-19 positive or required to isolate as a close contact
There are no requirements for fully vaccinated Victorians entering New South Wales, unless they have been to a place of high concern in Victoria. A Victorian who is over 16 years and not fully vaccinated is not allowed to enter NSW for recreation or a holiday. More information is available on nsw.gov.au.
This comes as 93.8 per cent of people in New South Wales aged 16 and over have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 89.1 per cent have received both doses.
In Victoria 92.7 per cent of people aged 16 and over have now had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 82.5 per cent have had two doses.
People entering Victoria must sill comply with any vaccinated economy requirements in place and can apply for a travel permit at service.vic.gov.au.
New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said this announcement showed the rest of the nation the way forward.
“NSW is set to pass 90 per cent double dose vaccination in the near future, with Victoria not far behind, allowing family and friends to be reunited in the lead up to Christmas after many months of being separated,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This milestone has only been made possible because people across NSW and Victoria have rolled up their sleeves and led the nation on the road back to normality thanks to our high vaccination rates.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews thanked people on both sides of the border for rolling up their sleeves and getting the jab.
“Thanks to the incredibly hard work of Victorians and people in New South Wales in getting vaccinated, we’re delighted to be able to have free travel between the two states once again,” Mr Andrews said.
“Victoria and New South Wales have been through so much over the last few months, and we’re pleased that more families will now be able to reunite just in time for Christmas and the holiday season.”
You herd it here first grazing goats mitigating fire risk
A herd of 40 firefighting goats are chewing through hectares of fuel loads as the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) continues its Hazard Reduction Grazing trial in the State’s West.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders joined RFS crews near Mudgee today to meet the State’s first goat brigade, a recommendation of the Independent Bushfire Inquiry into the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/20.
The goats, sourced from Dry Creek Farm, a local business, ‘cell-graze’ between different patches of undergrowth through high-risk areas, including Clandulla and Lue. The goats are particularly useful in terrain where conventional mitigation methods, such as burning or mechanical clearing, prove challenging.
The trial commenced in August, and will take place over several months and in different locations across NSW. It is estimated that the goats will eat approximately a quarter of a hectare of dense vegetation in two weeks, and medium density vegetation in one week.
Mr Elliott said the grazing trial responds to recommendation 21 and will better protect the community and the region from grass fires.
“This alternate mitigation strategy may look like a novel solution, but it provides an important advantage in that it can be implemented rain, hail or shine.”
“The goats are used to the hard yakka, are chewing through their KPI’s, and thankfully we don’t need to worry about them working on an empty stomach,” he said.
“This is such a simple but valuable way of mitigating the risk of fire, any kid could do it.”
RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said grazing will mitigate against grass fires, particularly in areas where mitigation crews and local brigades find it hard to reduce fuel loads.
“This grazing trial has seen remarkable progress in reducing fuel loads in the Clandulla area and we’re keen for this to continue in the area,” Commissioner Rogers said.
The NSW Government has committed almost half-a-billion dollars in response to the Inquiry, which includes almost $38 million for additional mitigation crews to deliver greater hazard reduction, with a total of 176,499 hectares treated in 2020-2021.
Further vision released as part of appeal for public assistance into shooting death – Port Stephens
Detectives have released further vision and continue to appeal for public assistance following a fatal shooting in Port Stephens earlier this year.
About 1.45pm on Sunday 29 August 2021, emergency services were called to Hideaway Drive, Salt Ash, following reports a white Ford Ranger utility had hit a tree.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended along with NSW Ambulance paramedics and located a male driver suffering a fatal gunshot wound.
He was later identified as 45-year-old David King.
A short time later, officers located a burnt-out white Santa Fe located on Masonite Road, Heatherbrae, which police believe is linked to the shooting.
Detectives established Strike Force Breve to investigate the incident, with assistance from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.
As part of extensive investigations, strike force detectives have released vision of two vehicles driving in a convoy in the vicinity of Mount Hall Road, Raymond Terrace, shortly after the incident.
$50 million to play, splash and roam
NSW is set for an outdoor renaissance this summer, with the Government providing $50 million in new and improved parks and public spaces.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Government’s economic recovery package would result in more places to play, splash and roam.
“We’re setting aside $50 million for new places to swim or paddle, improved playspaces and more trails that connect communities to their parklands,” Mr Perrottet said.
“With Greater Sydney offering some of the most beautiful river, lake and bushland environments, this package will mean everyone can discover more of the hidden gems in their own backyard.
“Lockdown showed us that we need more public spaces that are better connected with more recreation facilities, and that’s exactly what this funding will help achieve.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the $50 million investment would go towards adventure, nature and water play opportunities.
“While lockdown is over, it highlighted that people living closer to the coastline have far more natural swimming spots than those living in our west,” Mr Stokes said.
“This program will create new opportunities to dive into places like our stunning harbour, Parramatta or Nepean Rivers, take a hike in the bush or ride along a new nature trail.”
“Children will have more opportunities to play and connect with nature and there’ll be funding to create more community garden and greenway projects for everyone to enjoy.”
The Government’s $50 million Open Space program includes:
- Places to Swim ($16.7 million): New swimming and kayaking locations across Greater Sydney’s lakes, rivers and harbour;
- Places to Play ($16.7 million): Additional public open spaces for play and adventure, for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds across NSW; and
- Places to Roam ($16.7 million): New and upgraded regional trails, better active transport corridors and connected bushland, parks and gardens across Greater Sydney.
Councils and state government agencies will be able to nominate projects and apply for the grants over the coming months.
For more information visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/premiers-priorities/great-public-spaces/open-space/
Recommendations of review into COVID outbreaks in aged care accepted
The Morrison Government has accepted all 38 recommendations from a review into COVID-19 outbreaks in residential aged care facilities.
The Independent Review of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities, will underpin continued improvements as the Government and aged care sector prioritise the health and wellbeing of senior Australians in care.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said the review was an important blueprint as we navigate the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
“It has been an extremely challenging time for all of us, but particularly senior and vulnerable Australians and those who care for them,” Minister Hunt said.
“The review’s 38 recommendations will help aged care facility administrators better prepare for and respond to future COVID-19 outbreaks and will assist the Government in monitoring and evaluating these measures.”
Minister Colbeck said the review was already guiding measures for the protection of aged care residents and workers in the current New South Wales, Victoria and ACT outbreaks.
“Importantly, the findings show that while community transmission is the biggest predictor of COVID‑19 outbreaks in aged care settings, effective leadership at all levels is the most critical factor in defending against the virus,” Minister Colbeck said.
He said the information in the report will also provide input and guidance into the principals required as we move towards living with COVID-19 in residential aged care.
The report outlines nine key lines of defence to minimise risk of COVID-19 outbreaks:
- Built environment and infrastructure;
- Clinical care;
- Effective interagency communication;
- Emergency response;
- Infection prevention and control;
- Leadership, management and governance;
- Planning and preparation;
- Preventing social isolation; and
- Workforce and staff mental health.
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and its Aged Care Advisory Group have considered the recommendations.
Minister Hunt said the Government will continue to adapt the way it prepares for and responds to an outbreak, based on what has been learned.
“This will be done in collaboration with the aged care sector, state and territory governments and health authorities,” Minister Hunt said.
“It will also be important that, as the community transitions to living with COVID, we continue with critical strategies such as vaccinations and testing, so that aged care residents and staff are protected.”
Minister Colbeck said since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Morrison Government has committed over $2.1 billion in funding for aged care COVID support.
“We have listened to the experiences and stories of those living, working and caring in the aged care sector throughout the pandemic,” Minister Colbeck said. “We are committed to improving our preparation for and response to outbreaks, and better supporting our most vulnerable Australians.”
The Ministers thanked the authors of the review and the residents, families, friends, carers, providers and workers who contributed to this and the previous four independent reviews.
The full report can be found here.
Please note that the release of the report may be confronting for anyone affected by the impact of the pandemic on Australia’s aged care sector. The following support is available:
- The Older Persons Advocacy Network can be reached on 1800 700 600
- The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement can be reached on 1800 22 22 00
- The Essential Network for health professionals– a website and mobile app by the Black Dog Institute available at blackdoginstitute.org.au/ten or via the Google Play and Apple Store
- Smiling Mind – a mobile application with practical tools to support good mental health during challenging times, available via the Google Play and Apple Store.
Aged care workers can also access mental health support available to all Australians including:
- Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service can be reached on 1800 512 348 or at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au.
- Lifeline can be reached on 13 11 14
- Head to Health provides access to free and low cost digital and phone mental health services and supports, available at headtohealth.gov.au
World-leading appointment for Australian disaster response expert
The strategic founder of Australia’s National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC), Professor Leonard Notaras AO, has been appointed Chair of the World Health Organization’s Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Strategic Advisory Group (SAG).
Professor Notaras has a long history in disaster response having coordinated the Royal Darwin Hospital response to the 2002 and 2005 Bali bombings, along with events at Ashmore Reef in 2009.
Professor Notaras AO currently serves as the Executive Director of the NCCTRC and has been a staunch supporter of the EMT Initiative and its network since it began in 2014.
The Australian Government provides annual funding to the NCCTRC since its inception in 2005, with the current National Partnership Agreement with the Northern Territory providing $67.6 million from 2019-2023. Its role, out of Darwin, Northern Territory, includes coordinating and deploying the AUSMAT (Australian Medical Assistance Team) capability, as well as providing extensive training and research opportunities in response to major national and international disasters.
AUSMATs have been deployed internationally for more than a decade, providing medical response following major disasters and health crises.
More recently AUSMATs have been deployed domestically, in particular to provide additional support to the states and territories during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires.
Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt, said Professor Notras’ nomination and acceptance of the role was a testament to his storied career in the medical profession.
“The Australian Government nominated Professor Notaras for the position in recognition of his commitment and work in the EMT Initiative, a program endorsed by the Strategic Advisory Group and the World Health Organization,” Minister Hunt said.
“I am delighted that Professor Notaras will take up the 2-year appointment, advising on the strategic direction of the EMT Initiative, as well as continuing his vital work in his role with the NCCTRC.”
“The appointment of Professor Notaras as Chair also recognises the continued commitment from Australia to supporting the EMT Initiative. I commend him for his work and know he will serve Australia and the world well in this new position.”
Professor Notaras said he was honoured to have been nominated and appointed to the role, following in the footsteps of highly acclaimed World Health Organization Ambassador Toni Frisch.
“Ambassador Frisch played a critical role in guiding the EMT initiative and I am honoured that I have been appointed to steer this important work for the next two years,” Professor Notaras said.
“The EMT initiative plays an important role in the global health workforce and the COVID‑19 pandemic has demonstrated the value of continuing to ensure teams have training and equipment, are self-sufficient, credentialed and meet the necessary standards for emergency deployment.”
Solid foundations for the future of stem cell transplants
The Liberal and Nationals Government is helping refine the delivery of life-saving stem cell and bone marrow transplants for patients with blood or immune disorders, and those receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Haemopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) are self-renewing stem cells which can change and mature into all blood cell types. A HPC transplant regenerates bone marrow and blood-forming systems, potentially saving or extending the recipient’s life.
Federal Regional Health Minister, Dr David Gillespie said the new National HPC Framework spans Commonwealth and state and territory governments, delivering on a commitment to enhance future operations and management of the Australian HPC sector.
“This will set strong foundations for robust decision-making and future arrangements across the HPC sector, helping to guide clinicians, advocates and policy-makers,” Dr Gillespie said.
“We know that demand for transplants is increasing; in 1996–97 there were 237 donor searches, while in 2019–20 there were more than 900.
“Our Government is committed to improving access to HPC transplants for Australian patients, whether they have leukemia or other blood disorders, or are undergoing chemo or radiation therapy, which can damage their blood-forming system.”
Dr Gillespie said the principles within the framework cover important issues across the HPC sector including national consistency, governance and oversight, funding and sustainability, donor registration and retention, collection, searching and matching, and ethics and research.
The Framework was informed by a 2018 Review of the HPC sector in addition to targeted consultation. Its development has been a collaborative effort by all jurisdictions and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
A copy of the National HPC Framework is available on the Department of Health website.
NSW Government support to reignite visitor economy
The Perrottet Government will invest more than $8 million in a suite of grant programs to accelerate the recovery of the NSW visitor economy as the state reopens to visitors.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said the funding would be a significant boost to the visitor economy as travel restrictions lifted.
“This funding will create jobs, enhance the visitor experience, support the return of lifestyle and business events in regional NSW and promote our regions as ‘must-visit’ destinations, generating hundreds of millions in visitor expenditure,” Mr Ayres said.
“These grants are all about assisting NSW tourism operators and event organisers to develop and deliver the best possible visitor experiences and ensure we are the number one state to visit as we reopen to the world post COVID-19.
“Whether it’s to upgrade the standard of accommodation, develop an entirely new visitor experience, stage conferences and regional events, or deliver a compelling destination marketing campaign, these grants will ensure NSW remains top-of-mind for all types of visitors.
“Supporting our tourism operators is a top priority. They are the backbone of the visitor economy – their passion and resilience and incredible diversity of offerings are key to the state’s success.”
The $8.35 million will be delivered through the following programs:
· $4.1 million Tourism Product Development Fund – to support regional accommodation renewal and new visitor experiences
· $1.5 million Regional Event Fund – to support new and flagship regional events
· $2 million Co-operative Marketing Program – leveraging Destination NSW’s new Feel New marketing campaign
· $750,000 Regional Business Event Development Fund – to create, attract and support new business events for regional NSW
The NSW Government, through Destination NSW, will deliver the grants and support recipients to best manage their project delivery.
For more information on these funding programs and all other support available to businesses, go to www.destinationnsw.com.au/funding.
Students enjoy more freedoms from November 8
More restrictions are easing in NSW public schools, allowing students to enjoy additional activities safely at school in line with current community settings.
Changes to settings includes allowing fully vaccinated extra-curricular providers on school site, as well as some music classes and bands, day excursions and assemblies. Activities must maintain cohorts and be done in line with all COVID-Safe settings in schools.
From November 8 the following activities can take place on school grounds in cohorts only:
- Assemblies and presentations – outdoors only
- Excursions – day only, not overnight
- Incursions – activities provided on school site by external providers related to curriculum delivery or student wellbeing
- Dancing
- Music classes, bands, ensembles and lessons – for instruments that can be played with a mask only
- Sport – as previously announced, in-school within cohort and inter-school outside school hours.
Fully vaccinated volunteers and providers will be allowed on site to support school operations or fulfil specific roles, such as helping with the canteen or uniform shop.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the changes allowed students more curricular and extra-curricular opportunities while schools maintain COVID-19 safe measures.
“Students have experienced an incredibly disrupted school year; in line with the relaxation of community settings, we are aligning some school activities to provide them with as much normality as possible,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Schools’ stringent safety measures remain in place, including vaccinations of all adults on site, cohorting, cleaning, mask wearing and ensuring appropriate ventilation.
“Importantly all adults on site during school hours, including staff and visitors, must be fully vaccinated and wear masks to be allowed on school site.”
Community use of school facilities can also go ahead from November 8, outside school hours only.
Further detail regarding the revised settings will be available https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families/term-4-roadmap.html