Labor’s Bill to End Labour Hire Rorts

Labor leader Anthony Albanese has introduced a private member’s bill to end the labour hire rorts that are ripping off workers in the mining sector and across the Australian economy.
Workers doing the same job at the same mine, factory, construction site, abattoir, shop or office should get the same pay. It’s that simple.
But right now companies are deliberately using labour hire firms that exploit casual workers to undermine job security and undercut wages.

Workers doing the same job at the same mine, factory, construction site, abattoir, shop or office should get the same pay. It’s that simple.

These dodgy arrangements are rife in the mining industry but are increasingly being used in other industries as well such as meat work, construction, hospitality and even aged care.
We know that casual workers in Queensland’s coal-mining industry are consistently earning less than their permanent colleagues – proving it’s a myth that casuals are getting paid their rightful loading.
It’s a rort that has to end.
That’s why Labor committed earlier this year to implementing a “same job, same pay” policy as part of our Secure Australian Jobs Plan. Under a Labor Government workers employed through labour hire companies will receive no less than workers employed directly.
But this doesn’t have to wait to the election.
The Morrison-Joyce Government could join with Labor right now to end these rorts and ensure workers get better pay and conditions.
Scott Morrison and his Nationals colleagues talk a big game about being on the side of miners. But just a few months ago the Liberal and National parties joined with the labour hire firms in a high court case to maintain these rorts. He wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayers’ money to ensure casuals can be ripped off.
Scott Morrison also teamed up with One Nation to pass IR changes that extinguish the rights of casual workers in all industries.
Under the government scheme passed earlier this year employers can benefit from the certainty of a permanent worker – but they don’t need to give them the benefits of permanent work like sick leave or annual leave.
If workers want to be casuals they can be. But in our meetings with miners, meat workers and labourers it’s clear many labour hire casuals crave the security, pay and conditions of the permanent workers doing the same job beside them.
Only Labor has a plan to deliver more secure jobs, better pay and a fairer industrial relations system for Australian working families.

Gregson Park's history celebrated in new Masterplan

Future improvements to Hamilton’s historic Gregson Park will be realised through a detailed Masterplan for the site, which will be presented to Councillors for adoption at Tuesday’s Council meeting.
City of Newcastle Acting Director City Wide Services Lynn Duffy said that community feedback was integral in the development of the new Masterplan.
“We know our community values Gregson Park’s rich history and what it offers as a recreational space, which is why this Masterplan was developed with the community in mind,” Ms Duffy said.
“In 2020, we asked our community to share their aspirations, memories from the past and what they wanted to see at Gregson Park in the future. This consultation informed a draft Masterplan that was placed on public exhibition with the opportunity to provide further feedback.
“The Masterplan will ensure we respect the heritage significance of Gregson Park through the retention and enhancement of the existing historical elements, as well as incorporate indigenous culture into future improvements.
“City of Newcastle will invest $8 million into Gregson Park over the next decade by implementing short and long-term priorities included in the Masterplan.”
During the six-week public exhibition period, City of Newcastle heard that the community supports the provision of activities for all ages, including the retention of the tennis courts and addition of fitness equipment, basketball half court and a bat ball wall.
The draft Masterplan was further refined in response to community feedback, which saw the addition of bike racks and bubblers, re-orientation of the basketball half court, relocation of the bat ball wall and improved seating configuration in the south-western corner of the park. The tennis clubhouse will also be retained, noting that a Tennis Strategy will be developed to provide further insight into tennis facilities across Newcastle.
Amendments to the Heritage Places Plan of Management will also be considered by Councillors at Tuesday’s Council Meeting to ensure the intent and vision of the Gregson Park Masterplan can be realised.
Short-term priorities earmarked include the new larger playspace, basketball half court and bat ball wall, realigned paths, plantings, community shelter, enhanced park entries and upgraded amenities with disabled access and facilities.
Long-term priorities include further tree planting, new accessible pathway, potential new kiosk, community gardens and the addition of a stormwater retention tank underneath the former bowling green.

Funding support takes entertainment outdoors this summer

Newcastle’s COVID-19-disrupted performing arts and live music industries will be reinvigorated by a new initiative which will see emerging performers work with experienced professionals to deliver live events in suburban parks.
City of Newcastle is offering opportunities for emerging creatives who will present live music and performances at eight events held in Gregson Park, Centennial Park, Jesmond Park and Lambton Park on weekends throughout January.
Councillor-Carol-Dunan-performer-Hannah-Indigo-Jasmine-Fletcher-from-Queer-and-Now-and-Lord-Mayor-Nuatali-Nelmes.JPGCity of Newcastle Interim Director Strategy and Engagement Kathleen Hyland said taking live music and performances outdoors this summer is a COVID safe way to bring the local community back together after the prolonged lockdown period.
“It’s been a challenging time for the performing arts sector and live music industry in Newcastle, with many artists and performers out of work for several months,” Ms Hyland said.
“City of Newcastle is committed to putting our support behind these industries by activating the suburbs and creating opportunities for live outdoor entertainment this summer, in a bid to bring the community back together safely.
“I hope people get a boost from visiting their local park, joining with friends and family and enjoying the energy and atmosphere of live performances while supporting Newcastle’s cultural scene.”
Young and emerging event producer Jasmine Fletcher from Queer and Now said the group is looking forward to working with local not-for-profit arts organisation Octapod and City of Newcastle to deliver creative performances showcasing local talent.
“This is such an exciting opportunity for our local performing arts industry following months of lockdown,” Jasmine said.
“We’ve curated a stellar line-up of local talent from poets, hula-hoopers to stilt walkers, and can’t wait to see them perform live in front of a crowd this summer.”
The initiative is funded under City of Newcastle’s COVID-19 Community Economic Resilience Package (CERP) and follows the December round of Locally Made and Played grant funding, which will see more than 80 live music, micro theatre and comedy-style performances held across the city in the lead up to Christmas between 1 – 20 December 2021.
Visit City of Newcastle’s What’s ON page for more event information.
LOCALLY MADE & PLAYED GRANT FUNDING RECIPIENTS DECEMBER:
Earp Distilling Co
Hunter Beasley Trio
Bodie Band
Loui Abell
Thom Wootton
Tim Rossington
The Clarendon Hotel
Humming Bird Trio
J-Man’s Blues Band
Fox Control DJs
Jump
Momo Wholefood
Pikou Panez (featuring Mia Peters, Naomi Blanch, Naomi Jones, Timothy Merriken)
Sydney Junction Hotel
Luke Lightenberg
Howard Shearmen
Rebecca Henry
Josh Drinkwater
Mark Duo
Beach Burrito Company
Dunni DJ
Cous Cous and Paspalum
Star Generation and Mango Avenue
Scrubba Body
Jai Jai
Loui Abell
Timberlina
The Rogue Scholar
Emily A Smith
Daniel March
Max De Groot
Hannah Indigo
Raggle Taggle Gypsies
The Kent Hotel
Gen-X
Project X
Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club
John O’Reilly
The Newy Hotel
Royal Coats, Kids on a Leash, Mango Avenue, J West
5 SAWYERS
Nic Rage
Bobby C
Bree Rusev
Jams Karaoke & Bar
Jay Smith
Friday Night Feast at The Station
Andrew Taylor
Talulah
Hunter Beasley Trio
Georgie Winchester Trio
The Manuel Approach
Newcastle Community Tennis Centre Pty Ltd
Eilan Doyle (Doylo)
L.J. Harvey (Sugargob)
The Base
Renyen, Clair Boe Cousin, ENA, Kodivine, Monique Humphreys.
Racecourse Hotel Wallsend
Dane Fitzsimmons
Loose Lucy
Tom Wootton
Phil McKnight
Honey Duo
Chloe and Alexine
The Olive Tree Market
Earthen Rhythm African Drumming Group, Loui Abell, Hannah Indigo
Queens Wharf Brewery
MAK Duo
Phonic
Kaylens Rain
Downtown the Duo
Audio Collective
The Mark Hotel
Craig Thommo
Mark Lee
The Rum Diary Bar
Phoenix Prichard
Newcastle Surf Life Saving Club
Jamie Martens
Jake Hunt
Eddy Rockefeller

Supermax gains from $47m investment in countering terrorism

Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections Anthony Roberts has today officially opened the refurbishment of Australia’s most secure prison, Goulburn’s High Risk Management Correctional Centre.
Mr Roberts said the upgrade is part of a wider $47 million NSW Government investment in countering terrorism and violent extremism.
“Increasing the operational capacity of Supermax from 45 to 75 beds allows Corrective Services NSW to separate convicted terrorists from other inmates, thereby reducing the risk of radicalisation within the prison system,” Mr Roberts said.
“The NSW Government’s investment also included the establishment of a dedicated Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit responsible for the identification, assessment, and monitoring of extremist and national-security-interest offenders in prison.”
The site features a state-of-the-art, fully integrated security management system that now expands across the entire prison precinct and perimeter with new equipment and a new control room. Thisinvestment includes upgrades to electronic security, including CCTV, telephone and audio monitoring, an X-ray machine and walk-through metal detector. There is also a new secure-visits and legal visits area and a separate audio-visual link area.
Corrective Services NSW Acting Commissioner Kevin Corcoran said the refurbishment of Supermax followed the opening in Goulburn in 2019 of High Risk Management Correctional Centre 2.
“The two units provide greater options to manage terrorists safely, securely and efficiently, with Area 2 to eventually operate as a step-down facility for inmates demonstrating a commitment to disengage from radical behaviour,” Mr Corcoran said.
“Area 2 will also provide more therapeutic intervention and access to programs, to aid their rehabilitation.”
Fifty-one Extreme High Risk inmates were securely housed at Area 2 while the upgrade took place.

Commonwealth and state law enforcement taskforce established to target biggest criminal threats to NSW

Dangerous criminals living the high life from bankrolling corruption, illicit drug trafficking and money laundering are being targeted under a new supercharged operation between the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police Force (NSWPF) and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).
Operation Phobetor is the latest capability strike against outlaw motorcycle gangs, triads, cartels, Italian organised criminals and other syndicate members who pose the greatest threat to NSW.
Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews and NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott today revealed the new taskforce, which commenced their operations on 11 October 2021.
Comprising agency elites and based at the AFP’s Eastern Command Headquarters in Sydney, Operation Phobetor will focus on known criminal entities and identify likely criminal groups previously unknown to law enforcement.
Intelligence ‘packages’ collated from world-leading technical capability and coercive hearings, and through the use of unique Commonwealth and state legislation, will also be referred to relevant agencies for overt action.
Using the unparalleled resources of three agencies, the team of 20 is developing intelligence and building criminal cases against offenders who launder money and traffic illicit guns and drugs into NSW.
Criminals who are attempting to pay-off or blackmail individuals in the public and private sector to facilitate crime are also a priority under the taskforce.
Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews said the taskforce would target outlaw motorcycle gangs, triads, cartels, organised criminals and other syndicate members who pose the highest threat to NSW.
“The Morrison Government is serious about proving the adage ‘crime doesn’t pay’; under Operation Phobetor, police will have a particular focus on seizing the ill-gotten gains of serious, organised criminals, including cars, houses, cash, and jewellery,” Minister Andrews said.
“Operation Phobetor will also break open trusted insider networks, crack encrypted communications, and track the movement of the proceeds of crime, using new powers for the AFP and ACIC that passed the Parliament in August.”
NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the partnership will ensure NSW Police Force and their counterparts remain at the forefront of combatting major crime.
“The NSW Government has always recognised the challenges faced by law enforcement when fighting transnational crime, and we will continue to work with our federal partners to ensure we remain ahead of any emerging threat that organised criminal activity has on our communities,” he said
“Operation Phobetor will build on the success of Operation Ironside, to disrupt, investigate and prosecute criminal networks and their partners,”
“This joint-agency agreement provides our state with police that are primed to investigate and prosecute those who seek to profit from the violence and misery inflicted upon others by criminal networks.” Minister Elliott said.
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said Operation Phobetor would target criminals who for too long thought they were invisible or untouchable.
“Operation Phebetor, which will access the AFP’s unmatched global reach and extraordinary technical capability, underscores just how hard and dangerous it is for syndicates to target Australia,’’ Commissioner Kershaw said.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said the memorandum of understanding builds on an already strong and long-running relationship between Australia’s law enforcement agencies.
“Our relationship with our federal partners has never been stronger. This partnership – utilising state of the art intelligence capabilities from the ACIC – means we are well resourced to deal with the threat of organised criminal activity across NSW and beyond,” he said
“Under this agreement we will also have streamlined asset confiscation and extradition processes, which will allow us to continue our relentless targeting of criminals not just in NSW, but around the world.” Commissioner Fuller said.
ACIC CEO Michael Phelan said working in conjunction with AFP and NSW Police Force on this task force means we are able to extend our reach to target criminal networks in New South Wales which affect Australia’s interest both domestically and internationally.
“Through Operation Phobetor, our unique intelligence capabilities will continue to assist our law enforcement partners in preventing organised crime causing further harm to the Australian community,” he said.

NSW Government boosts medtech jobs and takes infection prevention global

Investment from the NSW Government will see infection prevention specialist Nanosonics establish a new global headquarters in Macquarie Park, support 400 jobs and widen the company’s international reach to meet growing global medtech demand.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said support from the NSW Government’s $250 million Jobs Plus Program would help more than double Nanosonics’ manufacturing capacity and enable the company to bolster R&D investment in new innovations to support its bid to become a global leader in the industry.
“This support continues our investment and leadership in the critical medical technology and health innovation industries that will help both safeguard citizens and fuel our economic recovery,” Mr Perrottet said.
“By supporting Nanosonics’ expansion, we are creating new jobs and opportunities within the state and helping drive the company’s international expansion.
“Our investment will create over 100 new direct jobs and support over 300 new indirect jobs by June 2024.”
Nanosonics’ new headquarters will enable increased capacity of all functions of the business, in particular R&D and manufacturing, with new state-of-the-art laboratories being established to support further innovation in infection prevention.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said supporting innovative companies in the sector will help to turn great ideas into products that will benefit patients in Australia and around the world.
“Nanosonics has seen rapid growth over the last six years and it is fantastic to see another great Australian company, based in NSW, bring new innovation to the world to deliver new standards of care in the healthcare sector,” Mr Ayres said.
Nanosonics currently manufactures and distributes the trophon® technology which is becoming standard of care globally for the decontamination of ultrasound probes. There are an estimated 150 different medical procedures that use ultrasound probes and Nanosonics’ innovative disinfection devices greatly reduce the risk of infection.
Recent innovation from the company includes new automated technology being designed to address one of the most significant challenges in medical instrument reprocessing today, the decontamination of reusable flexible endoscopes.
Nanosonics CEO Michael Kavanagh said the support would enable the company to increase exports across its largest markets including North America, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific.
“Nanosonics has reached an exciting phase in its global growth trajectory and this support will help take our manufacturing capacity, as well as important R&D, to a new level of operation,” Mr Kavanagh said.
“The business continues to expand its Nanosonics’ trophon® disinfection franchise internationally and has recently launched a new digital compliance and traceability platform in infection prevention.”
The NSW Government’s Jobs Plus Program provides eligible companies with support to establish and expand their footprint in NSW, including payroll tax relief, streamlined planning approval, and subsidised training programs, along with the provision of free or subsidised government spaces and accommodation.
Australian businesses that currently employ 20 or more staff, and international companies with at least 80 current employees, looking to establish a minimum of 30 new jobs before June 2024, are eligible to apply for the Jobs Plus Program. For more details about the program visit https://mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/jobs-plus-program.

Woman dies after tree branch falls in National Park – Lake Macquarie

A woman has died after a tree branch fell on her while bushwalking in the Lake Macquarie area yesterday.
About 6.30pm (Sunday 21 November 2021), emergency services responded to reports of a woman being struck by a falling tree branch in the Watagans National Park at Cooranbong, near Lake Macquarie on the Central Coast.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District, along with Ambulance Paramedics and officers from Fire and Rescue NSW attended the scene. Despite the efforts of relatives and first responders, the woman, believed to be aged in her 30s, was unable to be revived.
At the time of the incident, weather conditions were poor, with the area being drenched by heavy rain throughout the day.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Delivering state-of-the-art equipment to assist cancer treatment

The Morrison Joyce Government is strengthening the safety and quality of Australia’s cancer treatment programs by securing $2.5 million for the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) to acquire a new medical linear accelerator (LINAC) for its Melbourne-based laboratory.
Complementing ARPANSA’s current LINAC machine, this new secondary device will ensure a continuous supply of life-saving radiation therapy for cancers.
ARPANSA plays a vital role calibrating the radiation measurement devices for Australian hospitals to ensure that correct doses are administered to patients.
ARPANSA also operates the national dosimetry audit program, verifying that contemporary treatment techniques used by radiotherapy facilities are safe and accurate.
In addition, the LINAC machines are used to conduct cutting edge research into the spatial sensitivity of radiation detectors, the dosimetry of small clinical radiation fields and advanced auditing.
The LINAC will enable ARPANSA to ensure safe radiation treatment for every radiation oncology patient in Australia.
The Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said about 70,000 Australian cancer patients would be treated with radiation this year.
“The number of patients, the sophistication of their treatments and the quality and duration of their survivorship continues to increase,” Minister Hunt said.
“As the number of radiotherapy centres in Australia continues to increase, as does the technological sophistication within those facilities.
“We are ensuring that all Australians have access to safe and accurate radiotherapy treatment.
“Australia is at the forefront of radiotherapy research and treatment, and the Morrison Joyce Government is ensuring that this leading-edge medical equipment is safe to use now and into the future.
Minister for Regional Health, Dr David Gillespie said the Federal Government continues to ensure that the steadily increasing number of Australians being treated for cancer received cutting edge therapies, delivered safely.
“This investment in medical infrastructure will ensure these aims are met and ensure that people who live in regional areas can continue to receive modern and safe cancer treatment,” Dr Gillespie said.
“I visited the new Western Cancer Centre in Dubbo this week and met with the first patient who was treated there with a LINAC and heard how much of a difference being able to receive that treatment locally had made to him. I know this investment will help regional patients.”
Dr Gillespie said ARPANSA will have a state-of-the-art linear accelerator to maintain the high standards of calibration work and ensure that all Australians are protected from radiation while undergoing necessary radiotherapy treatments for cancer.

Perrottet Government Weekly Update – 19 November 2021

A SPECIAL SHOUTOUT TO FARMERS THIS NATIONAL AG DAY

  • Today, on National Ag Day, farmers in NSW have been recognised and thanked for continuing to produce quality food and fibre in the face of drought, bushfires, mice and COVID-19, as well as the current floods.
  • It comes after new data released by the NSW Government revealed the state’s primary industries increased its total output to become a record-breaking $20.9 billion industry.

$9.37 MILLION TO SUPPORT NSW ARTS AND CULTURE PROGRAMS

  • The NSW Government is investing $9.37 million in the State’s arts and cultural sector through Round 1 of Create NSW’s 2021/22 Arts and Cultural Funding Program.
  • Minister for the Arts Don Harwin announced 198 recipients will share in $9,371,594 million in funding that will deliver record arts and cultural activity across NSW, contributing to the State’s broader economic recovery.

2022 LOCAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

  • The NSW Local Woman of the Year Awards is an annual program that provides MPs with the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contributions of a local woman to her electorate.
  • You must submit a formal nomination by 11:59.pm on Sunday 23 January 2022 online at https://facs.smartygrants.com.au/LWOTY22 if you would like your Local Woman to:
    • receive a framed certificate by early March 2022
    • be included on the 2022 Honour Roll
    • be invited to attend the 2022 NSW Women of the Year Awards Ceremony.

GET READY TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON DIGITAL IDENTITY

  • Consultation is now open and will be ongoing until 30 June 2022. For more, visit:  https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/digital-identity  New services will be rolled out in 2022 to save customers time and money, including a Digital Seniors Card, Working with Children Check renewals and occupational or vocational licenses.
  • Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the whole-of-government approach to digital identity would give customers the option to use digital credentials for various licences, certifications, qualifications and other eligibility documents.

NSW GOVERNMENT SERVES UP SYDNEY’S LONGEST LUNCH
·       The New South Wales Government is bringing Sydney alive with its longest lunch, a smorgasbord of unique dining experiences for thousands across the city.
·       Sydneysiders and visitors will be able to take a seat on Friday, December 3 for the Sydney’s Open for Lunch event to enjoy our top culinary delights and entertainment.
·       The Sydney’s Open For Lunch event is part of the NSW Government’s CBDs Revitalisation Program.
·       For more information visit www.sydney.com/sydneys-open-for-lunch.
NEW PRACTICAL SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE IMPACTED BY SUICIDE

  • The NSW Government is investing $4.5 million to deliver a comprehensive service supporting people and communities bereaved and impacted by suicide, with specific focus on:
    • bereaved families, friends and colleagues
    • first responders who have attended a suicide
    • members of the public who witness or discover a death by suicide
  • The service has been co-designed with people with lived experience of suicide and experts in the suicide bereavement field.

PLASTIC REDUCTION & CIRCULAR ECONOMY

  • The NSW Government passed the Plastics and Circular Economy Act 2021.
  • Key measures include:
    • A phase out of problematic single-use plastic items (such as lightweight shopping bags, plastic plates, and plastic straws);
    • Supporting a transition away from single-use plastic items through education;
    • Product design standards (in particular prohibiting the use of microbeads in cosmetic and personal-care products); and
    • Product Stewardship requirements for plastic packaging.

TWO UP – TRIPLE-A CREDIT RATINGS FOR NSW

  • Global ratings agency Moody’s has reaffirmed New South Wales’ triple-A credit rating, just days after Fitch also awarded the State the same top tier rating.
  • NSW is the only state in Australia with a Moody’s triple-A credit rating which we have retained despite allocating about $45 billion to support people and businesses and to bolster the health system to combat COVID-19.
  • NSW has two triple-A credit ratings (Moody’s and Fitch) and one double-A plus credit rating (S&P Global).

HOME DESIGN TO DRIVE ENERGY BILLS DOWN

  • New sustainability standards for homes will save residents up to $980 a year on energy bills and reduce the State’s carbon footprint as we move to net-zero emissions by 2050.
  • The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) is a key assessment tool that ensures new homes are comfortable to live in regardless of the temperature, are more energy efficient and save water.
  • Energy bills are expected to reduce significantly as a result of the new BASIX standards:
    • Savings of up to $190 each year for people living in high-rise apartments;
    • Savings of up to $850 each year for people living in new Western Sydney houses; and
    • Savings of up to $980 a year for people living in new houses in the regions.

SYDNEY TO HOST MEN’S T20 WORLD CUP SEMI

  • Following Australia’s outstanding success at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Dubai, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has been announced as the host of a semi-final for next year’s tournament.
  • Sydney will be one of seven cities in Australia hosting a total of 45 matches for the competition, to be held in October and November next year.

NEW WESTERN SYDNEY OUTDOOR MUSIC FESTIVAL IS ON ITS WAY

  • Some of South-West Sydney’s most talented performers will join emerging artists to take to the stage in February 2022 for a new outdoor music festival.
  • ValleyWays, which will be held at Onslow Park in Camden has been developed by renowned local talent and ARIA award-winning artists, The Rubens, in partnership with TEG’s Live Subsidiary, MJR Presents.

ROUSE HILL REGIONAL PARK EXPANSION

  • One of Sydney’s best regional parks will grow by more than a third with the acquisition of private land to be dedicated as a permanent public space

Funding boost for National parks

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has received a significant funding boost to upgrade facilities, supporting jobs and improving access to the state’s national parks.
As part of the NSW Government’s Economic Recovery Strategy an additional $91.5 million will be invested into shovel-ready projects in our national parks in a significant boost to our nature-based tourism industry.
Treasurer and Environment Minister Matt Kean said this investment will support jobs by creating better facilities – such as walking trails and family-friendly amenities –across the State’s vast network of national parks.
“From Western Sydney to the Far West of NSW, families are flocking to national parks and we want to make sure facilities are up to scratch and able to meet this increased need,” Mr Kean said.
“Before COVID we had more than 60 million visits every year, national parks were already a key driver of the visitor economy, generating $18 billion in economic activity and supporting over 74,000 jobs.
“Since COVID visitation levels have skyrocketed, highlighting the role parks play in supporting the physical and mental health of the community. Put simply – national parks are good for the soul.”
This funding is part of the largest ever investment in national park visitor infrastructure, enhancing our natural environment and supporting regional economies with over $14 million will be invested in critical conservation projects .
Visitor infrastructure projects include:

  • $3.45 million upgrade to the elevated rainforest boardwalk in Budderoo National Park;
  • $3 million in visitor precincts including in Georges River National Park;
  • $3 million for better visitor infrastructure at Ebor Falls in Guy Fawkes River National Park;
  • $1.5 million to improve public roads access to the Royal coastline in Royal N.P;
  • $795,000 for short stay accommodation at Kinchega and Paroo Darling national parks in the Far West;
  • $600,000 for enhancements to the mountain bike track network at Glenrock State Conservation Area.