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Surf Life Saving Clubs across NSW will benefit from a $4 million funding injection following the opening of the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the program provides grants to Surf Life Saving Clubs for the upgrade and construction of new facilities.
“Surf lifesavers perform a vital service, protecting people in the water and helping the community in times of crisis,” Mr Lee said.
“It’s so important we keep their facilities modern and versatile so that they can continue to keep our beaches safe.”
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes said Warriewood Surf Life Saving Club was the recipient of a $46,000 grant in 2018/19 for the upgrade of its first aid and patrol room.
“The volunteers at Warriewood Surf Life Saving Club are on the beaches every weekend, no matter what the weather is, protecting the residents and visitors to our beautiful Northern Beaches,” Mr Stokes said.
“The upgrade to facilities at Warriewood and other clubs in the area allows our surf lifesavers to have the best equipment when protecting the community, particularly in the peak summer season.”
President of Surf Life Saving NSW George Shales OAM said ensuring rescue facilities across NSW remained safe, accessible and secure was a top priority.
“Surf Life Saving Clubs are home base for our volunteers and this investment allows significant upgrades to improve access for our 75,000 volunteers,” Mr Shales said.
“With 129 clubs across the State, volunteer surf lifesavers performed 3,800 rescues, 197,000 preventative actions and 7,000 first aid treatments last year.”
Grants of between $30,000 and $350,000 are available to eligible NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs.
Applications open until 3 March 2021: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/SCF

The freight industry will benefit from huge road safety improvements and time savings of up to three hours with the completion of the Pacific Highway upgrade.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said now the 657 kilometre Pacific Highway duplication between Hexham and the Queensland Border was complete, primary produce, supermarket goods and hospital supplies will hit shelves faster.
“It has taken over two decades to finish the biggest regional road infrastructure project Australia has ever seen and the benefits to the freight industry are immense,” Mr Toole said.
“The Pacific Highway is the second busiest road freight route in Australia, behind the Hume Highway, with freight volumes on the upgraded section forecast to nearly double over the next 40 years to 23 million tonnes a year.
“The completion of the Pacific Highway upgrade will support this growth, allowing modern Higher Performance Vehicles to safely and efficiently travel between Sydney and Brisbane.
“The upgraded highway not only reduces travel times by almost three hours, but more modern and efficient vehicles means fewer vehicles on the road which improves safety, increases productivity and reduces freight costs.”
Jim Pearson, who operates the long established family business Jim Pearson Transport, said one of the biggest benefits of the upgrade has been improvements to safety.
“We have a fleet of about 260 modern higher productivity vehicles which make over 60 trips a day and the dual carriageway means there is plenty of room for higher capacity vehicles, making it safer for all road users,” Mr Pearson said.
“It also means we can carry more goods in less time to get where they need to be, including supermarket shelves.”
The Pacific Highway upgrade has also contributed to significant regional growth on the NSW North Coast, including benefits to local services, tourism and the economy.
Sunshine Sugar provides more than 400 direct jobs and is one of the largest contributors to the local economy, producing around 25 per cent of the domestic sugar market.
General Manager Operations David Wood said the Pacific Highway was critical to the timely delivery of products to customers with the duplication providing quicker, safer and more direct delivery into the Sydney and Brisbane markets.
“The upgrade has definitely been a positive for us, delivering savings in journey time, increased productivity and safer conditions for our drivers,” Mr Wood said.
“The highway upgrade has reduced the amount of time required to move between our three sugar mills and has eliminated the risk for trucks turning directly on and off the highway at our sites.
The opening of the new Wardell Bridge across the Richmond River as part of the upgrade has also seen the last remaining load-restricted bridge for HML vehicles on the Pacific Highway bypassed.

To protect the people of NSW from the evolving Avalon COVID-19 outbreak, new restrictions will be introduced for Greater Sydney from tonight (11.59pm).
Following updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant about the growing risk to the community, the following restrictions will tonight be introduced for the greater metropolitan Sydney region:

• Household gatherings will be limited to 10 visitors (until 11:59pm Wednesday 23 December).
• The one person per four square metre rule will be re-introduced for all indoor settings including hospitality venues and places of worship.
• A cap of 300 people will apply for hospitality venues and places of worship.
• Singing and chanting at indoor venues will not be allowed.
• Dancefloors will not be permitted, except for weddings, when a maximum of 20 from the bridal party will be permitted.

People in the Greater Sydney area and the Central Coast, Illawarra-Shoalhaven, and Nepean Blue Mountains, are also asked not to visit aged care facilities until 11.59pm on Wednesday 23 December, unless it is critical.
Up to 8pm last night, 36 new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed, 30 of which were locally acquired.
These restrictions are designed to reduce the risk of further community transmission.
‘Stay at home’ orders for residents in the Northern Beaches Local Government area will also continue until 11.59pm on Wednesday, December 23rd.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the government then intends to provide further clear advice for the community ahead of Christmas.
“We realise the effect this will have on residents and venues, and hope to lift the cap and restrictions as soon as possible,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“But we must take this action now to ensure we keep on top of this outbreak.”
Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant urged the community to play their part in controlling the COVID spread, by getting tested if symptoms develop, by practising physical distancing and good hand hygiene, and by wearing a mask, particularly indoors.
“If these steps are not taken, we may see a rise in further cases,” Dr Chant said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the restrictions were a proportional and appropriate response to the threat.
“I want to thank everyone in the community for their patience and resilience. We are in the midst of a one-in-100 year pandemic and we are not out of the woods yet,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Now more than ever it is imperative that people continue to come forward for testing until we get this cluster under control.”
The government and health experts will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updated information and advice.
For more information on the cluster visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

The NSW Government is continuing to support councils and public land managers in parts of the State ravaged by last summer’s bushfires, providing a further $95 million of new funding to help manage waste from the ongoing clean-up.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the funding will provide a much-needed boost for cleaning up public land, provide valuable jobs for the regions and assist local recovery.
“Nothing is more important than a stronger and safer NSW which is why we are committed to assisting regional communities as we make our way forward,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Last summer it was fires and now we are starting to see floods, but regardless of the challenge we face we will continue to stand with our communities and support them to come back better than ever before.
“We have stood by our regional communities, providing more than $2.5 billion in bushfire recovery funding through grants, immediate clean-up, temporary accommodation and industry support.
“This new funding will play a key role in supporting our councils and public land managers to manage waste and keep the clean-up cycle moving.”
The $95 million funding, will be administered by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and be split across five programs:
·       Green Waste Program: $45 million to remove burnt and partially burnt green waste from stockpiles that pose pollution and fire risks.
·       Aboriginal Lands Program: $20 million to increase awareness about Aboriginal land protections and award clean-up contracts to local Aboriginal businesses.
·       Council Landfill Program: $15 million to cover the costs of accepting extra waste at local landfills.
·       FenceCycle Program: $10 million to recycle fencing, including up to 88,000 km of burnt boundary fencing.
·       Bushfire Dumping Program: $5 million for the safe removal of illegally dumped bushfire waste and implementing deterrence measures.
 
Environment Minister Matt Kean said the new funding will aid in the next step of the bushfire recovery process, helping to increase waste capacity, protecting the environment from illegal dumping and supporting our communities to rebuild faster and stronger than ever.
“Not only will these programs help with the ongoing clean-up they will provide local employment opportunities, with a relentless focus on engaging local sub-contractors and businesses where possible to keep the cash flowing to local economies,” Mr Kean said.
“We have worked with councils and land managers to make sure these programs address challenges they are facing on the ground, and we will continue to do everything we can to keep the recovery clean-up moving.”
The three programs targeting illegal dumping, fence recycling and council landfills will be funded by the NSW Government, while the green waste and Aboriginal land clean-up programs will be funded under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
All eligible councils and public land managers are encouraged to apply for funding for their local communities. For more information on eligibility and to apply contact the EPA via email bushfirerecovery.programs@epa.nsw.gov.au  on 131 555 or visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/grants/bushfire-recovery-programs
 

The NSW Government will co-invest up to $45 million over three years to accelerate the development of smart places across NSW.
The NSW Smart Places Acceleration Program will allow the Government to partner with councils and place-owners, such as government agencies, owners, councils or regional organisations, to accelerate the adoption of smart technologies and capabilities in their areas.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said this program will connect and empower communities by driving investment in new technology and data.
“This $45 million investment will play a significant role in helping deliver the Smart Places Strategy,” Mr Dominello said.
“We want to use technology to make life easier for people. Whether it’s busting congestion or improving health outcomes, this funding is about strengthening communities.
“We are calling on expressions of interest and encourage all relevant councils and place-owners to bring forward ideas.”
The Government is seeking ideas and initiatives that respond to the priorities our communities see, and that can be deployed across the whole of NSW if they prove successful in trials.
Initial initiatives that are progressing have been designed to tackle challenges around parking, water recycling, mobile coverage and managing kerbside open space.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock called on all councils to take advantage of this unique opportunity to deliver measurable benefits for their local communities.
“Smart Places will open up a range of improvements for communities, from the introduction of smart CCTV to reduce crime, to reducing water usage through the use of real-time meters,” Mrs Hancock said.
“I encourage councils across the State to put their thinking caps on and get involved in this innovative project.”
To successfully access the Smart Places Acceleration Program, councils and NSW agencies should be able to demonstrate that they can meet and apply the foundational requirements established through the Smart Places Strategy.
To learn more about the Smart Places Strategy and to view the criteria and details on how to submit an expression of interest, please visit https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/strategy-and-reform/smart-places/smart-places-strategy
For further information please contact Smartplaces@planning.nsw.gov.au

Sports facilities will be created and upgraded across the State under the NSW Government’s Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund.
The two-year program was a highlight of the recent budget and will see $50 million available to organisations and councils in 2020/21 with a further $50 million available next financial year.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the Fund will stimulate local economies, boost employment and promote healthy lifestyles across the State.
“Investing in new and existing sports infrastructure is vital to improving the health and wellbeing of people right across NSW,” Mr Barilaro said.
“These projects will create a construction boom throughout the State and importantly in our regions, boosting employment as part of the NSW Government’s multi-billion-dollar infrastructure pipeline.”
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said inclusive projects that encouraged the participation of females and people with a disability will be prioritised.
“The Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund will inject $100 million across metro and regional NSW as the State recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Lee said.
“We want to build and upgrade sports facilities and recreation spaces to enable more people to participate in sport to be active, healthy and have fun.
“There will be new or upgraded change rooms and disability access and that will encourage more people to feel comfortable getting changed before or after their activity.”
The Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund will provide grants from $100,000 – $1 million. Applications close 26 February 2021: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants

Seniors living in Regional NSW will continue to benefit from the regional seniors travel card with applications for year two opening on Monday 18 January 2021.
The regional seniors travel card is a $250 prepaid Visa card designed to assist eligible seniors in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW offset the cost of essential travel expenses.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said more than 337,000 regional seniors had benefitted from the card in the first year of the two-year trial.
“The regional seniors travel card has been an overwhelming success in its first year and has already injected more than $60 million into regional communities,” Mr Toole said.
“It’s eased the burden of travel costs for seniors living in the bush who often have fewer transport options than those living in big cities like Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong. This has meant the difference between an extra few trips to visit grandkids living in other parts of the State, the ease of staying connected locally or just getting to medical appointments or the shops.
“I’m pleased to announce it will be returning in 2021, and I encourage all eligible seniors to apply from 18 January next year.”
Eligible seniors have from 18 January to 30 November 2021 to apply for a card which can be used for fuel, taxis and pre-booked TrainLink services.
Seniors must be an age pensioner with a valid Pensioner Concession Card or hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card issued by either the Department of Human Services or Department of Veterans’ Affairs. They must also permanently live in regional NSW outside Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.
With ongoing concerns about coronavirus, we are encouraging seniors to apply online at service.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 77 88, rather than visiting a Service NSW Service Centre.
For those who need to, seniors can find their nearest Service NSW Service Centre location at service.nsw.gov.au.

With almost one in four people to be aged 60 or over by 2031, the NSW Government has committed to a decade-long ageing strategy, addressing focus areas identified by seniors including resilience and safety.
Acting Minister for Seniors Geoff Lee said the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021–2031 is a whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach which underpins NSW projects, policy and services to best support older people and remove barriers to continued participation.
“We are living longer than ever and as the NSW population continues to age, it’s critical to have a long-term strategy addressing current needs and emerging issues that will affect seniors over the next decade,” Mr Lee said.
“It renews our vision for people in NSW to experience the benefits of living longer, while participating in, contributing to and being included in their communities.”
The four focus areas are living in age-friendly environments; participating in inclusive communities; staying safe, active and healthy; and being resilient and informed.
Five, two-year action plans will keep the framework on track, setting out activities and initiatives to be delivered, including those focusing on older people in vulnerable groups.
“This means we can incorporate new or expanded initiatives into future action plans as they develop, enabling our efforts to evolve and shift to meet the needs of older people,” Mr Lee said.
The strategy unites a comprehensive collection of activities across NSW agencies, focused on improving systems and infrastructure, and delivering services.
The Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing (MACA) was among many organisations, stakeholders and peak bodies included in consultation.
“We’re creating communities where older people are respected and supported, especially in areas like flexible working and affordable housing,” MACA Chair, Kathryn Greiner AO, said.
“It’s a new era for ageing where older people want to seize opportunities, manage challenges and ultimately share their wealth of skills, knowledge and experience.”
The first two-year action plan commences in January 2021, with 88 new or continuing initiatives that positively influence outcomes for older people.
CLICK HERE to view the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021–2031.

Given the current health situation on the Northern Beaches and taking into account updated health advice from Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, the Northern Beaches have been separated into two zones, and restrictions have been modestly modified for the Christmas period.
On December 24, 25 and 26, the following conditions will be in place:

For the Northern Beaches peninsula zone (North of Narrabeen Bridge, and east of the Baha’i Temple):

• There is a new reason for leaving home: to visit the home of others who live within this zone.
• Up to 5 visitors (total, including children) will be allowed in homes as long as they reside in the peninsula zone.
• People may not enter or leave this zone, unless for the four approved reasons already in place.
• On December 27, the region will revert to existing restrictions.

 

For the remainder (southern zone) of the Northern Beaches:

 

• There is a new reason for leaving home: to visit the home of others who live within this zone.
• Up to 10 visitors (plus primary school children and younger) will be allowed in homes. This may include people from outside this zone, not including the Northern Beaches peninsula zone.
• People who reside outside the northern beaches are allowed to visit others in this zone.
• Residents of this zone may not leave, unless for the four approved reasons already in place.
• We will reassess restrictions in this zone following Boxing Day.

 

For the Greater Sydney region, Central Coast, Wollongong and Nepean Blue Mountains:

 

• Current restrictions that were due to expire at midnight tonight will remain in place.
• However, primary school aged children and younger will be allowed on top of the current 10 visitors cap for homes.
• On December 27, the region will revert to existing restrictions.

 

Restrictions for Regional NSW remain unchanged.

In addition, as of 1 January 2021, hospitality venues and hairdressers will be required to use the NSW Government QR code system.
Decisions on New Year’s Eve and upcoming sporting events will be made after this Christmas period.
We also want to again thank all those who are in self-isolation over the Christmas period. What you are doing is not just protecting you and your loved ones but everyone in the state of New South Wales.
It is important to remember that COVID-19 is still circulating in the community, especially when you gather with family and friends over the Christmas period.
We are urging the community to continue to play their role in controlling the spread, by getting tested if symptoms develop, practising physical distancing and good hand hygiene, and by wearing a mask, particularly indoors.
For more information please visit: nsw.gov.au/covid-19

A Northern Beaches man has been issued a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) by police on the state’s South Coast after allegedly breaching a Public Health Order.
About 3.30pm yesterday (Monday 21 December 2020), a 70-year-old man attended a leisure centre in Ulladulla, and after signing in with his Avalon address, staff raised concerns with management.
The man was asked to leave the centre, which he did, and the alleged breach was reported to officers from South Coast Police District.
Their inquiries revealed that the man had travelled from his Northern Beaches residence to a home at Narrawallee, last Thursday (17 December 2020), and had failed to self-isolate from midnight on Sunday 20 December 2020, as per the Public Health (COVID-19 Northern Beaches) Order 2020.
Following further inquiries, the Avalon man was issued a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to s7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Police are reminding the public that any residents of the Northern Beaches Local Government Area who left the area on or since Thursday 10 December 2020, must comply with the same restrictions that apply to the Northern Beaches, regardless of their current location.
Information for residents is available at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules/northern-beaches.
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.