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A continuous green link connecting the Sydney Harbour foreshore is a step closer, with Callan Park set for a $14 million makeover under the new management of the Greater Sydney Parklands.
The new plans will see a missing link in the Bay Run fully pedestrianised and upgraded, the removal of two dilapidated buildings, new picnic areas, parks, accessible amenities, the protection of Indigenous cultural heritage and much more.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the major works represented a significant milestone for the new public parkland authority.
“Greater Sydney Parklands is the first body to have a Metropolitan-wide focus on the city’s green spaces, and these plans for Callan Park are the first step in our vision to connect Sydney’s stunning harbour foreshore with public parks and green links,” Mr Stokes said.
“These works will see a tricky section of the Bay Run fixed, meaning pedestrians and cyclists will no longer have to weave around motorists looking for parking in a space that will make better use of its prime position on the foreshore.
“We’re enhancing the best of Callan Park’s heritage while maximising public space to make this one of the true jewels in Sydney’s crown.
“I’d like to thank and acknowledge the Member for Balmain Jamie Parker, who has been a tireless advocate of Callan Park for more than 20 years.”
A development application for the first stage of improvements at the waterfront will be lodged in early March with work on site expected to begin later this year. The improvements will complement the $2 million upgrade to Waterfront Sports Ground undertaken by Inner West Council in 2019.
Greater Sydney Parklands will begin engagement on a Companion Animal Management Plan over the coming months to balance the needs of dog owners and other park users.

A man has been charged after he allegedly assaulted police after being found not wearing a face mask on public transport in Sydney’s north west last night.
Officers from The Hills Police Area Command were conducting routine patrols at Castle Hill Metro Station, about 9.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 19 January 2021), when they stopped and spoke to a man who was not wearing a mask.
He allegedly became aggressive and argumentative towards the two female officers, claiming it was a violation of human rights not to wear a mask.
The man, who did not have an exemption, allegedly continued to act aggressively when asked for identification and punched one of the officers several times.
The 72-year-old man was arrested and taken to Castle Hill Police Station where he was charged with;

• Not wear fitted face covering public transport waiting area,
• Assault officer in execution of duty, and
• Intimidate police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm.

The man was refused bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court today (Wednesday 20 January 2021).
The officers were not physically injured.

A man has been charged after a nurse, conducting COVID testing, was allegedly assaulted at North Ryde last week.
About 9.45am on Friday 15 January 2021, a nurse approached a vehicle that had pulled into a COVID-19 testing facility at Macquarie Hospital.
The passenger of the car was requested to extinguish a cigarette. The man refused and became verbally abusive towards staff before getting out and throwing a take-away coffee cup at the nurse.
She sought assistance from her colleagues and the car drove off. She suffered a minor laceration under her eye and red marks to her cheek.
The nurse attended Gosford Police Station yesterday (Monday 19 January 2021), and made a report of the incident.
Following inquiries, officers from Ryde Police Area Command attended a home at Steward Street, Dundas Valley about 5.15pm, and arrested a 43-year-old man.
He was taken to Ryde Police Station and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The man was refused bail and will appear at Burwood Local Court today (Wednesday 20 January 2021).

Eligible businesses across the state can now register to take part in the NSW Government’s major economic stimulus program, Dine & Discover NSW.
The program will create an economic boost for dining, arts and tourism businesses, which have been impacted by COVID-19, and encourage customers to get out and about safely.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet encouraged businesses to register and get ready so they can hit the ground running when the program goes live.
“We’ve heard loud and clear just how tough it has been for businesses across NSW. This program will reinvigorate local economies and provide customers with hip pocket relief,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Encouraging people to support local businesses in a safe way through this program will provide an important boost for the state.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said Service NSW is launching a specialised app for participating businesses, so they can scan and track voucher usage over the life of the program.
“After applying online, NSW businesses will be able to track the progress of the application through their MyServiceNSW Business Profile. Business owners will then receive a step-by-step process on how to get ready,” Mr Dominello said.
“With a high uptake of the vouchers expected across the state, the Business Profile provides one, easy to use location for businesses to stay on top of voucher transactions.
“Businesses will be automatically paid typically within 5 business days for the value of vouchers redeemed.
“All eligible businesses will receive an email from Service NSW with details on how to register. I also urge residents to do yourself a favour and download the Service NSW app now in anticipation of the rollout.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the program would be a boost for small businesses after a challenging time.
“We want people to get out there, support their local businesses and get spending,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The program will be rolled out in a few steps to ensure a seamless customer experience.
“Phase one will include a pilot at The Rocks and in Broken Hill in early February. The pilot will then be expanded to the Northern Beaches, Sydney CBD and Bega Valley Shire Council, which is expected to commence in late February.
“The findings from the pilots will inform the state wide rollout, expected to commence in March, that will run until 30 June 2021.”
Every NSW resident aged 18 and over will be eligible for four $25 vouchers worth $100 in total, to spend in participating businesses. The vouchers will be divided into two categories:

• Two $25 vouchers to be used for eating in at restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and clubs from Monday to Thursday, excluding public holidays.
• Two $25 vouchers to be used for entertainment and recreation, including cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues, available 7 days a week, excluding public holidays.

The vouchers can only be used within businesses that have implemented a COVID Safety Plan and are registered as COVID Safe.
For more information on Dine & Discover NSW business registration and eligibility, visitwww.nsw.gov.au

Major construction works have commenced at the site of the $673 million Tweed Valley Hospital, delivering up to 650 construction jobs for the local community in addition to a world-class health facility.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new Tweed Valley Hospital is the largest regional capital health investment by a NSW Government and would be a game-changer for the region.
“The new Tweed Valley Hospital will almost double the capacity of the existing facility to meet the current and future health needs of the growing Tweed-Byron community,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This will ensure more than 5,000 patients each year will not have to travel outside of the area and away from their families and support networks to access life-saving treatments.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said planning and designing the hospital has been, and will continue to be, a highly collaborative process, involving clinicians and operational staff as well as the community.
“To date, there have been over 500 project user group meetings to ensure we are building a hospital designed by and for the community, and one that is future-proofed,” Mr Hazzard said.
“And the economic benefits of this project to the region, particularly in the midst of a pandemic when we know so many businesses and families have been struggling, cannot be overstated.”
Local MP Geoff Provest said the Tweed Valley Hospital Development is scheduled to open in 2023.
“Our region’s population is forecast to grow by 17 per cent over the next decade and this new hospital will service that increased demand as well as offer education and training opportunities,” Mr Provest said.
“Building it near NSW TAFE Kingscliff campus will allow the partnership between TAFE NSW and the Tweed Valley Hospital to develop and deliver improved education and training opportunities for the people of the Tweed.”
The new hospital will include:

• more operating theatres and recovery spaces;
• expanded emergency department;
• enhanced medical, surgical and mental health services;
• enhanced ambulatory care services including more outpatient clinics;
• new interventional cardiology service; and
• new radiotherapy service as part of a new integrated cancer care service.

 

NSW public schools have been provided with updated guidelines to help them manage the 2021 return to school in a COVID-safe way.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the main update to the guidelines is that parents and carers of children in Kindergarten, and Years 1, 2 and 7 will be able to enter school grounds on the first day to drop off their children in a COVID-safe way.
“The first day of school is an incredibly important day, especially for those children starting Kindergarten. I am so thrilled that despite the challenges of the pandemic, parents and carers will be able to take part in this milestone event in their child’s life in a COVID-safe way,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The NSW Government has worked hard to get the balance right for day one of school to ensure we provide a sense of normalcy whilst keeping people safe.
“Parents and carers attending on day one and beyond are urged to follow COVID-safe practices, which include physical distancing, hygiene practices and not to mingle in or outside the school.”
Schools will provide relevant information to families about the processes for their school prior to the first day.
Parents, staff and students are not required to wear face masks at school but in line with Public Health Orders, masks must be worn by those aged 12 years and over on any public transport.
Similarly, students aged 12 and over must comply with the Public Health Orders around masks at all other relevant locations within the community, and also during external school activities.
Parents are asked to avoid coming onto school grounds unless the visit complies with the current school guidelines, such as volunteering at the school canteen or visiting the uniform shop.
Schools can still plan for sporting carnivals, excursions and overnight camps, and special events such as concerts, with a COVID Safety Plan in place.
Materials and support for planning are available to schools. https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families