JOBS, JOBS AND MORE JOBS FOR NSW WITH $3 BILLION INFRASTRUCTURE SPEND

More than 30 new and fast-tracked health, education and transport and roads projects will be delivered across the state within two years, creating up to 20,000 estimated jobs thanks to the NSW Government’s $3 billion Jobs and Infrastructure Acceleration Fund.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the Fund is part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan, which will include an accelerated $600m in funding for projects built in four separate fields: health, education, transport and roads worth $2.4 billion, creating thousands of jobs at a time when the state needs them most.
“We are committed to firing up the economy and are investing $3 billion to accelerate new and existing projects in priority sectors that will provide a path to employment for thousands of people in NSW, while assisting our economic recovery,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“NSW has a $100 billion infrastructure pipeline and these projects will positively change the lives of people across the state.”
The projects that will receive accelerated or additional funding over the next two years to fast track employment, include:

  • Health
    • $60m Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Randwick
    • $105m to start work on the $385m St George Hospital Integrated Ambulatory Care Precinct, Kogarah and deliver it 2 years earlier than planned
    • $52m to start work on the $700m Shellharbour Hospital to be built on a greenfield site
  • Education
    • $100m TAFE NSW Asset Renewal Program
    • More than $300m for schools including an upgrade of Carlingford West Public School
  • Transport, Roads and Precincts
    • $28.2m Mamre Road Stage 1 (M4 Motorway to Erskine Park Road)
    • $90m Spring Farm Parkway Stage 1
    • Initial $20m to start work on the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore precinct. Project up to $76m subject to further community consultation

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW economy was the engine room of the nation with the investment being integral for the state, and the country’s resurgence.
“We are committed to keeping people in jobs and businesses and in business across the state, with around half of this investment targeted to the regions. Funding projects that will
support 20,000 jobs is a huge win for NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.
The full list of projects will be announced in coming months.

ST GEORGE HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT FAST TRACKED

The NSW Government will deliver the final stage of the more than $700 million St George Hospital redevelopment two years earlier, with a $105 million initial injection, boosting local jobs and the economy.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced the $105 million as part of the NSW Government’s $3 billion COVID-19 Recovery Plan to fast-track infrastructure.
“The NSW Government is getting on with the job of delivering world-class health facilities across NSW, including the state-of-the-art St George Hospital,” Mr Hazzard said.
“This investment is creating hundreds of jobs, while also ensuring the local community gets the expanded and enhanced health facilities it deserves as soon as possible.”
Member for Oatley Mark Coure said the accelerated funding to fast-track the $385 million Stage 3 of the hospital’s redevelopment will be of huge benefit to the local community.
“St George Hospital is now up to Stage 3 of its redevelopment, totaling more than $700 million worth of investment, including a new emergency department, a new acute services building opened in October 2017, the recently completed birthing suite and additional parking,” Mr Coure said.
“Bringing forward Stage 3 will fast track the delivery of a new Integrated Ambulatory Care Precinct, increasing inpatient bed capacity as well as much needed enhanced outpatient and community-based services.
“This is wonderful news, particularly for people with complex and chronic conditions, who will now spend less time in hospital, thanks to this new, first-class health facility.”
Planning for Stage 3 will commence this year, with early works set to start in 2021. Main works are expected to start in early 2022, with completion in 2025.
Stage 2 of the St George redevelopment was completed six months ahead of schedule in October, 2017, with an eight-level Acute Services Building above the existing emergency department, and featuring additional inpatient beds, a new intensive care and high dependency unit, a cardiac catheterisation unit, a sterilising services department, new helipad and eight additional digital and interventional operating theatres.
Stage 1 delivered the $41 million new emergency department, together with the improved hydrotherapy pool.

Two men charged following pursuit – Hunter Region

Police have charged two men – including a driver disqualified for life – after a pursuit in the state’s Hunter Region yesterday.
Just before 10am (Sunday 13 September 2020), officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attempted to stop a Mitsubishi Magna sedan on Avery Street, Rutherford.
When the driver allegedly failed to stop, police commenced a pursuit of the vehicle.
The pursuit continued through Rutherford, before it was terminated due to safety concerns.
The Mitsubishi stopped near bushland south of Scott Street, Weston, before the occupants fled into bushland and were later picked up by a woman in a Toyota sedan.
With assistance from PolAir, police located the driver – a 38-year-old man – and his passenger – an 18-year-old man – at a home on Teece street, Weston.
Upon arrival, the two men allegedly fled the scene before officers commenced a short foot pursuit.
The driver was arrested a short distance away after a short struggle. His passenger was also arrested nearby after he allegedly tried to assault a senior constable.
Both men were taken to Maitland Police Station.
The 38-year-old was charged with a number of offences including:
• Two counts of police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously (2nd offence)
• Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period (2nd offence)
• Use class A vehicle with unauthorised number plate affixed
• Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous (2nd offence)
• Resist officer in execution of duty
• Goods in personal custody suspected being stolen
• Possess/attempt to prescribed restricted substance
• Custody of knife in public place
He was refused bail and is due to appear in Maitland Local Court today (Monday 14 September 2020).
Police will allege in court that the man had been disqualified from driving for life in January 2000.
The 18-year-old was charged with resist officer in execution of duty, and assault officer in execution of duty.
He was granted conditional bail to appear in Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 7 October 2020.
Inquiries are continuing.

COVID-19 update: Additional PINs issued at the weekend

Further to the updates sent over the weekend, NSW Police have issued three individuals with Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for not complying with Public Health Orders.

  • About 1.50pm on Saturday (12 September 2020), officers patrolling Central Railway Station stopped a 26-year-old man after he allegedly walked into a restricted area without processing a ticket. Checks revealed the man was denied entry into New South Wales from Victoria on two separate occasions last month. He was unable to produce a permit and was issued with a $1000 PIN.
  • About 5pm on Friday (11 September 2020), a 38-year-old man was stopped by police after attempting to enter New South Wales on the Sturt Highway. Police allege the man was unable to provide a permit and was directed to return to Victoria. He allegedly returned to the checkpoint about 2pm the following day (Saturday 12 September 2020) with a permit allowing him to enter via plane and undertake mandatory isolation in a Sydney hotel. He was again directed to return to Victoria. A short time later, the man was stopped for a third time and subsequently issued a $1000 PIN.
  • About 7.45pm on (Saturday 12 September 2020), police attended a home on Weber Crescent, Emerton, to conduct a check on a 20-year-old woman who had been ordered to self-isolate. Police will allege she had left the house to drove around the Rouse Hill and Riverstone areas earlier that day. The woman was reminded that she must isolate and was issued a $1000 PIN.

Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Appeal after police car rammed and carjacking – Lake Macquarie

Police are appealing for public assistance after a police vehicle was rammed and a car was stolen – with the driver still inside – in Lake Macquarie today.
Just before 2.30pm (Monday 14 September 2020), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced a pursuit of a Mercedes after the male driver ­failed to stop on Regents Street, Bonnells Bay.
A short time later, officers terminated the pursuit on Fishery Point Road, Bonnells Bay, due to safety concerns after the driver rammed their vehicle. The officers were uninjured.
Police have been the man then abandoned the Mercedes, before threatening the driver of a white Hilux utility and stealing the vehicle with the man – aged in his 20s and wearing a high visibility vest – still inside.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police Area Command, with assistance from PolAir and the Dog Unit, have commenced a search.
As part of inquiries, police are appealing for anyone who may have seen the vehicle to contact them.
It’s described as a 2019 white Toyota Hilux utility with registration EGR36C and ‘CDA Group’ written in green and black on the side.
It was last seen driving on Grand Parade, Bonnells Bay, heading towards Fishery Point Road about 2.40pm.
Police would also like to speak with a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his mid-20s, with short dark hair, and a medium build. At the time, he was wearing a dark grey shirt and long black pants.

Appeal to locate wanted man – Lake Macquarie

Police are seeking public assistance to locate a man wanted on an outstanding warrant.
Adam Gilham, aged 27, is wanted on a revocation warrant.
Officers from Lake Macquarie commenced inquiries into his whereabouts and are appealing for public assistance.
Gilham is described as being of Caucasian appearance, with short dark hair and a medium build.
Police have received information that he was last seen at Bonnells Bay in Lake Macquarie today (Monday 14 September 2020) about 2.30pm.
Anyone who sees him is urged not to approach him but instead call Triple Zero (000).
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Five people charged following alleged break-in at Hunter Valley winery

Five people have been charged following an alleged break-in at a Hunter Valley winery last night.
About 6.20pm (Monday 14 September 2020), an alarm was activated from inside a winery located on Hunter Street, Muswellbrook.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District responded and found two vehicles parked outside with boxes of wine nearby. During an external check of the property, police heard voices and saw torch lights inside.
Officers entered the building and found a man in the barrel room. The 27-year-old was arrested and taken outside where a further three people – a 23-year-old woman and two men, aged 23 and 33 – were also arrested
All four people were taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.
Following inquiries, officers arrested a fifth person, a 22-year-old man, just before 9.30pm at a fast food restaurant in Muswellbrook. He was also taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.
All five were charged with aggravated break, enter and steal, enter inclosed lands, and malicious damage.
They will appear at Muswellbrook Local Court on Monday 26 October 2020.

COVID-19 update: One person charged, another issued PIN

Police have charged a man and fined a woman in separate incidents since the last COVID-19 update.

  • About 11.30am yesterday (Monday 14th September 2020), officers from Bankstown Traffic and Highway Patrol were at a home on Smith Street, Yagoona, when they were approached by a man who allegedly swore and spat at the officers. The 36-year-old man was arrested after a short struggle and charged with not comply with noticed direction (spitting/coughing) – COVID-19, resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty, use offensive language in/near public place/school, and assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm. He has been refused bail and is due to appear in Bankstown Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 16 September 2020).
  • Officers from Murray River Police District issued a 40-year-old Wodonga woman with a $1000 PIN. She allegedly breached conditions of her border zone resident permit by travelling to a hotel on Union Road, Lavington, and playing poker machines about 11.45am yesterday (Monday 14 September 2020).

Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Man assaulted with a sledgehammer – Stockton

Police are searching for two men after they attacked another man with a sledgehammer at Stockton yesterday.
Just before midnight (Sunday 13 September 2020), a 38-year-old man was on Dunbar Street when he noticed a car stop near him.
As he approached the car two men walked towards him, one armed with a sledgehammer.
He attempted to run from the men when he tripped and fell to the ground. The men struck him to the head and legs with the sledgehammer before fleeing the scene.
The injured man was able to make his way home and was taken to Newcastle Hospital for treatment for a fractured skull, abrasions and bruising and remains in a stable condition.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended Dunbar Street and established a crime scene which was forensically examined.
One of the men is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 20-30 old, with thin a thin build. The other man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his mid-40s with greying hair.
Investigations are ongoing.

All attendees of private gatherings now liable for $1000 PINs under changes to Public Heath Order

With warmer weather and longer days ahead, amendments have been made to the Public Health Order – most significantly relating to private gatherings; with all attendees now risking $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) if the gathering exceeds the allowed 20-person limit.
Where previously, only the organiser of a gathering was liable to receive a fine if the number of people at the premises breached the Public Health Order, every person in attendance will now be held individually responsible for the breach.
The changes, which came into effect at midnight (Monday 14 September 2020), aim to ensure the safety of the community ahead of an expected increase in gatherings associated with Christmas and end-of-year festivities.
Operation Corona Virus Commander, Assistant Commissioner Tony Crandell, said that as with the previous restrictions, these amendments have been made with community safety in mind.
“Coming into the warmer months, and with end-of-year festivities around the corner, it’s only natural that people will have additional reasons to want to gather and get together,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.
“These amendments aim to ensure that an increase in expected gatherings doesn’t mean an increase in COVID-19 cases.
“The new changes come in addition to other restrictions which remain in place, including a limit on numbers at outdoor gatherings and licensed premises.
“NSW Police will continue to work with the community to ensure compliance to all restrictions under the Public Health Order.
“While the vast majority of people within NSW are doing their part, we will continue to target those who don’t,” Assistant Commissioner Crandell said.
Other amendments have also come into effect that impact places of worship, auctions/open homes, weddings, and party buses. To view the restrictions on gatherings and movement in full, please visit the following link: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules