Category: NSW News

The deaths of eight people on NSW roads across the Easter long weekend has again highlighted the importance of road safety research in helping to reduce this tragic toll.

The NSW Government has awarded $1 million to two research partners with their work to focus on young driver behaviour.  The University of Melbourne and Suncorp (AAMI) will carry out different innovative research projects that will seek to improve young driver behaviour and safety on the road.

The primary approach of the research funding is to influence and improve young driver behaviour using technology, making NSW roads safer and CTP Green Slip premiums more affordable for road users.

AAMI will use their smartphone app, financial incentives and nudge theory as part of their research.

The University of Melbourne will conduct an experimental test using Urban Analytica’s (UA) in-vehicle telematics and smart phone apps. The UA smartphone app will provide personalised safety feedback to drivers in real-time after each journey. Participants will also receive financial incentives via the app to encourage safe driving and emission reduction.

The results of the research projects which will be delivered within 24 months will aim to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes involving young drivers and minimise NSW’s compulsory third party scheme costs.

Minister Chanthivong:

“The $1 million awarded by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to fund road safety research and programs that prevent or reduce injuries from motor crashes.

“The tragic deaths of eight people across the Easter weekend demonstrates the value of this sort of research in helping to reduce future road deaths and trauma.”

Acting SIRA Chief Executive, Dr Petrina Casey

“Drivers under the age of 25 are still up to four-and-a-half times more likely to be involved in a motor crash and up to five times more likely to be involved in a motor crash resulting in death or serious injury.

“The outcomes of this research will give us a better understanding of what incentives are most effective for modifying young driver behaviour,“ Dr Casey said.

NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Commissioner Carlene York APM is retiring from the role in May, after almost five years leading the emergency service agency.

Commissioner York will step down next month and hand over to Deputy Commissioners Damien Johnston and Deborah Platz.

Commissioner York joined the NSW SES in October 2019, becoming the first woman to lead the agency in its almost 70-year history, and the first woman leader of any emergency service in the state.

Her time at the SES saw her leading the agency through some of the state’s worst natural disasters, including record-breaking floods and the COVID-19 pandemic, and providing support during the Black Summer bushfires.

Commissioner York joined the SES after almost 40 years in the NSW Police Force, where she served as director of the Forensic Service Group, Commander of Northern Region, Human Resources Commander and led the strike force that captured convicted murderer Malcolm Naden in 2012.

Her professionalism and work ethic have seen her receive numerous awards, including the Australian Police Medal and the Commissioner’s Commendation for Service.

Deputy Commissioners Damien Johnston and Deborah Platz will alternate as Acting Commissioner while a recruitment process is undertaken.

Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said:

“This milestone is an important opportunity to recognise Commissioner York’s significant leadership achievements over a long and distinguished career dedicated to serving the people of NSW.

“She leaves the NSW State Emergency Service in a stronger position to face future disasters, with a strengthened organisation a testament to her leadership.

“I know that she will be greatly missed by many at the SES where she has established a positive culture amongst volunteers and worked hard to make the agency an attractive organisation to join.

“In my time as Minister, Commissioner York has demonstrated her longstanding commitment to be there to help when NSW communities need it the most.

“I wish her all the best as she enters retirement, as will countless others who have worked with the Commissioner as she has driven change to improve workforce welfare, community preparedness and our emergency response.”

SES Commissioner Carlene York said:

“It has been an honour to lead an organisation made up of such committed and professional individuals. Over the years I’ve drawn inspiration from their strength, resilience and selflessness.

“I am so proud to have had the experience of being the first female Commissioner. While it is bittersweet to be leaving a job I love, I look forward to seeing the future achievements of the incredible SES team.

“It has been such a privilege to lead an organisation which at the very heart is run by its volunteers. I have been so honoured and humbled to be a part of this and to witness the incredible goodwill of our volunteers and the resilience of our state’s communities.

“There have definitely been days that are heartbreaking and tough. But even in the very worst of times I have witnessed the very best of humanity.”

More than $167,000 in upgrades have been undertaken to fire trails near Cootamundra by the NSW Labor Government to improve safety and protect the local community.

The upgraded trails on the Matilda Fire Trail Network west of the town, will allow firefighters to efficiently access the area to fight bushfires if they break out to protect homes and property, and support hazard reduction burns to reduce bushfire risk.

Crown Lands accounts for 30.8 million hectares of NSW. Making up roughly 40 per cent of the state, maintaining and caring for this land is a mammoth task.

The NSW Labor Government is taking a responsible approach to managing the state, to deliver the facilities and services our communities require.

The Matilda Fire Trail Network is located on a 66.26 hectare reserve. About 1.4 kilometres of fire trails have been repaired and upgraded to Rural Fire Service standards as part of the project.

Fire trails have been graded to eight metres wide, reshaped and capped with gravel so that they can be used by fire fighting vehicles year-round.

Work has included construction of vehicle turning and passing bays to allow fire vehicles to better manoeuvre.

Water and erosion control work has included installation and clearing of drains, installation of new bed level crossings and cross banks to manage the movement of stormwater, and maintenance of culverts. The project also removed seven dumped car bodies to protect the environment and improve the amenity of the area.

The upgraded fire trail network will support an ongoing program of low-intensity hazard reduction burns in the area over coming years, with the first burn to occur in late autumn to reduce vegetation growth and bushfire fuel levels.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Labor Government is focused on delivering the essential services and infrastructure our communities need to be safe.

“The community can be confident that with the completion of these fire trail upgrades firefighters will be able to do their job battling bushfires if they break out, and teams will also be able to safely conduct hazard reduction burns to reduce bushfire risk.

“Crown Lands does about 800 projects each year to maintain and upgrade fire trails and Asset Protection Zones to guard against bushfires. It manages over 1,300 fire trails covering about 2,200km.

“Annual helicopter inspections are also used to check more than 540 fire trails including remote areas difficult to access by ground vehicles. Aboriginal traditional burning techniques are also being used to help support appropriate land management practices using traditional knowledge.” 

The Minns Labor Government’s plans to address Sydney’s housing affordability crisis is failing, with their own plans being thrown into chaos, with mixed messages on its proposed re-zoning across Sydney causing confusion and inaction. 

The NSW Opposition is calling on the Minns Government to concede its approach hasn’t worked, and has called on it to work with communities to implement a better plan to deliver much-needed housing. 

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Labor’s arrogant, lazy one-size-fits-all approach is falling apart. 

“It has now been reported that the Minns Labor Government is telling some councils that they can have an extension, while telling others may be able to ignore the Transport Oriented Development State Environmental Planning Policy altogether,” Mr Speakman said. 

“If Chris Minns had consulted with local communities from the start, instead of telling them to ‘get out of the way’, we would be down a constructive path to delivering more housing instead of his Government having to make concessions because its approach is falling apart.” 

Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said that with the chaos around Minns Government’s plans, it needed to answer ten key questions about the status of its mishandled reforms. 

“Addressing the housing crisis will require a clarity of vision and policy, as well as co-operation with local communities, and that can only come with complete transparency on the part of the Minns Government about its planning reforms,” said Mr Farlow. 

Ten questions the Minns Labor Government must answer: 

1. What are the Government’s housing targets for this year and for the next four? 

2. What is the definition of a town centre under the proposed low-and mid-rise changes? 

3. When will the Government make land available for development that has been identified by its Land Audit? 

4. What are its infrastructure plans for roads, school and hospitals around the newly rezoned sites? 

5. Has the Minns Government made any progress on the Vacant Housing Audit to which it committed? 

6. Has the Government’s Rosehill MoU with the ATC lapsed? 

7. When will Councils receive their housing targets? 

8. Which Councils will get an extension for the provision of the TOD SEPP as it comes into effect? 

9. After Chris Minns abolished the Western Sydney Parkland Authority and the Greater Sydney Commission, will he just recreate these agencies under a different name? 

10. When will the Government release the infrastructure priorities list for its $1.5 billion tax on new homes? 

As thousands of people head to one of the biggest days of the Royal Easter Show, visitors to this year’s event can be confident the 403 showbags varieties on sale contain no unwanted surprises.

NSW Fair Trading Inspectors completed checks of every type of showbag to be offered at this year’s show finding just one non-compliant item.

This item, a small handheld toy wand had a small piece which was easily removed from the toy and presented a choking hazard. It has been removed and is not included in any showbags available for sale.

Inspectors were on the lookout for toys with missing warning labels and products which contain toxic chemicals or cosmetic products such as face painting kits, which are banned from sale.

After pre show checks, NSW Fair Trading Inspectors returned to Sydney Olympic Park at the start of the Sydney Royal Easter Show for final checks of the showbags and to conduct safety checks of other products offered for sale around the Showgrounds precinct.

The Sydney Royal Easter Show runs until 2 April at Sydney Olympic Park.

Find out more about the safety of children’s products and toys

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“More than two million people are expected to attend the Sydney Royal Easter Show and the showbag pavilion is often one of the first places they head to after passing through the turnstiles.

“Whether their favourite showbag is Barbie, Bertie Beetle or Paw Patrol, those purchasing a showbag can be assured every item sold has been checked to ensure the toys and novelty items are safe for the whole family.

“I am extremely pleased with the excellent compliance levels shown by the showbag sellers this year, with only one non-compliant item found among the 403 showbag varieties to be offered for sale.

“This continues the trend in recent years of having fewer non-compliant items found during NSW Fair Trading’s inspections and highlights the agency’s efforts to ensure toys and novelty items are compliant with Australian Consumer Law, safe and age appropriate.”

One of the largest ambulance stations in NSW is now operational, with the official opening today of the Central Sydney Ambulance Station.

Located on the site of the former Coroner’s Court of NSW in Forest Lodge, the Central Sydney Ambulance Station is on the doorstep of the CBD.

The Central Sydney Ambulance Station includes:

• 30 parking bays for ambulance vehicles and 5 parking bays for motorcycle rapid response units
• Rapid roller door allowing crews to get on the road faster
• Administration, office areas and training rooms
• Gym room, showers, changerooms and rest area to promote the wellbeing of our emergency workers
• Rooftop solar panels along with uninterrupted power supply batteries.

The NSW Government has committed $438.6 million to a major boost to NSW Ambulance in our regional and rural areas, with 500 paramedics to be recruited over a 4-year period and 3 new helicopter bases to be built.

The NSW Labor Government is committed to rebuilding essential services in our state, including delivering a record pay increase for paramedics.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Today marks a new chapter in NSW Ambulance’s nearly 130-year history serving people in and around Sydney’s CBD.

“Ambulance services in Sydney began in a borrowed police station at Railway Square in 1895. This new facility shows just how far ambulance services have come since then.

“The new Central Sydney Ambulance Station will serve this part of Sydney for many years to come.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“This new facility means our paramedics are in the best place to respond to any job, while having a facility with the capacity for the current and future growth needs for emergency ambulance services, not just in the CBD but throughout surrounding suburbs.

“The state-of-the-art Central Sydney Ambulance Station can accommodate more than 200 staff, 30 ambulance vehicles as well as space for 3 motorcycle rapid response units, which is a massive boost to our growing network of ambulance stations throughout the state.

“This purpose-built facility will be a centralised hub for paramedics to start and finish their shifts from; it will also streamline logistical tasks such as cleaning and restocking and provide space for on-station training and education.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said:

“The Central Sydney Ambulance Station will further enhance paramedics’ ability to save lives.

“Sydney is an international city that attracts millions of visitors from overseas and interstate each year, therefore having a large ambulance station right near the heart of the city will further optimise our responses within the CBD and surrounding suburbs.

“Central Sydney Ambulance Station is a vital hub in our network of hundreds of stations right across NSW. This new facility will ensure we continue to provide excellent emergency medical care now and into the future.”

In a nation-leading trial that could help protect communities during severe weather events, the NSW Government is testing technology that harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) and the mobile phone network to predict the possible impacts of flooding.

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has partnered with researchers from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and TPG Telecom to develop and test network sensing technology, which extracts localised weather information including rainfall, water levels and river flows using signals transmitted on the communications network.

Real-time weather information is combined with historical Bureau of Meteorology data and flood information, with a 4D visualisation made possible through the NSW Spatial Digital Twin (SDT) to demonstrate changes to the landscape and built environment.

The SDT allows for large amounts of data to be visualised in 3D and 4D models and to understand and analyse the data through detailed analytics.

Artificial intelligence could then be used to predict risks to infrastructure and communities, paving the way for the NSW SES to potentially use the data for the rapid dissemination of information to affected communities through targeted alerts.

While still in development, the technology could be transformational for emergency services.

Currently, accurate real-time information can be challenging to obtain due to the number of flood sensors, sensor network coverage and network outages during weather events.

In addition to rainfall and water levels, real-time environmental data including wind and landslide information, can be combined with historical flood information to better predict the risk of floods and storms to communities.

Testing of the technology is underway along Sydney’s Parramatta and Georges Rivers and will continue as the centrepiece project of UTS and TPG’s new Network Sensing Lab.

The Flood and Storm Intelligence Sensing project is funded through Transport for NSW’s Smart Places Acceleration Program, a special reservation of the Digital Restart Fund, administered by the Department of Customer Service.

The project builds on cross-agency work on improving flood warnings, and the State Disaster Mitigation Plan which flags early warning systems as a priority for the NSW Government.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“Researching this technology is an opportunity to pioneer a new era of flood and storm intelligence.

“This work represents a significant step in the NSW Government’s efforts to combat risks to lives and properties during severe weather events.

“As we face increasingly severe weather influenced by climate change, we are supporting the NSW State Emergency Service with technology that could help communities access important storm and flood information quicker.

“The new technology will improve data-driven decision-making for first responders, filling an information gap that could make an important difference in emergency situations.

“This work will build on our investment in early warning systems and work to ensure communities are better prepared before disasters strike.”

NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York APM said:

“This innovative research project has the potential to make all the difference in protecting people’s homes and keeping people safe during major flood and storm events.

“Intelligence forms the basis for decision-making during emergency responses for the SES, so it is critical we have access to timely and accurate information.

“This technology could give the SES access to real-time flood and storm intelligence data, potentially changing the way we are able to respond to disasters.

“The real-time delivery of localised data from this new technology, and its capability to visualise the impacts of floods, could be applied to decisions relating to deployment of assets and personnel, warnings, evacuations, property protection, resupply and the provision of information and advice to community members.

“This is a really exciting partnership for the NSW State Emergency Service, and I look forward to seeing how this groundbreaking research program unfolds.”

University of Technology Sydney Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Parfitt said:

“This project is a manifestation of UTS’s mission to translate research into societal impacts, contributing to NSW and Australia’s economic sustainability, prosperity and community resilience.

“Thanks to NSW Government support, our world-leading wireless research team, led by 
Distinguished Professor Jay Guo, can build on 6 years of research establishing the foundation for the flood and storm intelligence sensing system now in development.

“Network sensing can potentially transform the way our emergency personnel manage and mitigate flood and storm risks, but there are other applications for the technology that also will be explored in the new TPG-UTS Network Sensing Lab.

“This landmark partnership between UTS, TPG Telecom, NSW SES and the NSW Government has the potential to place NSW and Australia at the forefront of how new telecommunication technologies can help in addressing climate challenges and saving lives.” 

NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM has been appointed to act as the Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Simon Draper PSM will cease his responsibilities at the Reconstruction Authority to solely focus on leading the public service as Secretary of Premier’s Department.

Deputy Commissioner Lanyon led flood recovery efforts in the Northern Rivers as the Northern NSW Recovery Coordinator in 2022 and has had an extensive career in the NSW Police Force.

Deputy Commissioner Lanyon will commence his role as Acting CEO from 8 April 2024.

Simon Draper commenced as Secretary of Premier’s Department on 1 September 2023 and has been undertaking both roles over the past 7 months.

This delivered continuity and certainty for the Reconstruction Authority across the summer bushfire season.

The Reconstruction Authority was established on 16 December 2022 to proactively reduce the impact of floods, fires and other major disasters, and to help communities across NSW recover from them faster.

Many NSW residents live in disaster-prone areas, with several communities across the state experiencing major disasters since 2019. 

Following devastating floods in February and March 2022, the Northern Rivers region has continued to move forward with the recovery, repairing and rebuilding its communities. The floods were unprecedented and the recovery will be a long road for communities.

The Central West region was impacted by flooding events that started in August and September 2022 and extended through to early 2023.

The Reconstruction Authority is committed to standing by these communities on their recovery journey.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“The Reconstruction Authority will be in safe hands with Deputy Commissioner Lanyon, an experienced and accomplished leader with extensive experience in working hand-in-hand with communities in both disaster response and recovery.

“I look forward to working closely with Deputy Commissioner Lanyon in the coming months.”

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said:

“When disaster strikes, our communities rely on the dedication and unflagging efforts of our frontline responders across the emergency services and NSW Police Force.

“I welcome the appointment of Deputy Commissioner Lanyon to lead the NSW Reconstruction Authority as it continues its essential work to build resilience in our communities.”

Janelle Saffin, Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery said:

“I worked alongside Mal following the devastating floods in the Northern Rivers and am thrilled to be working with him again. 

“There is no better person to lead this organisation, to ensure our state is prepared for disasters, and to help NSW recover after they strike.

“I also take this opportunity to thank Simon Draper for establishing the NSW Reconstruction Authority, and for doing such a fantastic job of getting us to the stage where we now have a State Disaster Mitigation Plan and teams in locations across the state.

“Simon took over following the massive disaster in the Northern Rivers plus a series of other major disasters. He has pulled together a strong team to help NSW recover and respond when disasters happen.”
        

The NSW Government is moving ahead with plans for the revitalisation of the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore Precinct started by the former Government.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper joined the Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh, to provide bipartisan support for the 20-year shared community vision to connect community with Country and to create a revitalised Coffs Harbour Foreshore precinct.

The masterplan has been informed by more than 3600 responses from the community and will create a self-sustaining, cost-neutral precinct that reinvests all proceeds into improving the foreshore’s public areas to create a family friendly area that everyone can enjoy, including renewal of parklands, and better recreational facilities.

Much of the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore Precinct is currently inaccessible for public enjoyment. While gravelled areas provide overflow parking, these do not reflect the potential of this foreshore land.

Community outcomes to be delivered by the revitalisation will include additional housing to address the housing crisis Coffs Harbour and the wider state is facing, as well as an expansion of tourism and hospitality offerings to support a thriving regional economy, increase in quality public open space and deliver more and better parking.

Our work in Coffs Harbour is strengthened by extensive engagement, including with the Aboriginal community, shaping the masterplan with broad perspectives that respects and celebrates the unique Gumbaynggirr culture and its profound connection to Country.

Coffs Harbour is a key regional city for the North Coast and, with the arrival of the Coffs Bypass in 2027, there is a need to reimagine its future direction. The Coffs foreshore has unlimited community potential but much of it is currently inaccessible and without the proper infrastructure needed for public use and enjoyment.

Find out more about the Coffs Jetty Harbour Foreshore Precinct Revitalisation

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh to deliver this once-in-a-generation opportunity for this great regional city.

“We will not develop any foreshore land here for profit, and all funds generated will be reinvested into the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore Precinct to revitalise the land to create a family-friendly precinct with a focus on parks and places that are attractive, safe and lively.

“Revitalising the foreshore will benefit locals and deliver more jobs, economic and tourism benefits for Coffs Harbour together with much-needed housing.”

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said:

“Coffs Harbour has undergone significant change over the years. As a regional city, there is a need to reimagine its future direction.

“The majority of people in Coffs Harbour want to see this current site transformed into a thriving destination that attracts tourists, supports local jobs and businesses, addresses housing needs and makes us all proud.”

The Albanese Government’s $1 billion investment in the Solar SunShot program will supercharge Australia’s ambition to become a renewable energy super power at home and abroad.

The significant new commitment follows today’s introduction of legislation establishing the Net Zero Economy Authority to help catalyse investment in a clean energy future made in Australia’s regions.

Solar SunShot will help Australia capture more of the global solar manufacturing supply chain through support, including production subsidies and grants.

This will help ensure more solar panels are made in Australia, including in the Hunter Region, where the Prime Minister made the announcement at the site of the former coal-fired Liddell Power Station.

While 1 in 3 Australian households have solar panels – the highest uptake in the world – only 1% of those have been made in Australia.

In parallel with Solar Sunshot, the NSW Labor Government is delivering the NSW Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative, with the $275 million first round now open to support workers, small businesses, manufacturers and innovators to take advantage of the transformation of our energy grid.

In the second round, the NSW Labor Government will work with industry to leverage government procurement to offer offtake agreements to local manufacturers of renewable products and low carbon materials.

Initiatives like Solar SunShot and the NSW Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative, mean the regions that have long powered this country will continue to prosper in the net zero economy by deepening the industrial; base, largely located in the regions.

The $1 billion federal investment in the Solar Sunshot program builds on over $40 billion of investment committed by the Australian Government to make Australia a renewable energy superpower.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will now work with industry to design and deliver this initiative, along with the Australian Government. ARENA will look at the entire supply chain from ingots and wafers to cells, module assembly, and related components, including solar glass, inverters, advanced deployment technology and solar innovation. The consultation is expected to commence in mid-April.

This complements other processes underway such as the Hydrogen Headstart program also administered by ARENA.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Australia should not be the last link in a global supply chain built on an Australian invention.

“I want a future made in Australia. And I want a future made in our regions. Places like the Hunter that have powered our nation for more than a century will power our future.

“We have every metal and critical mineral necessary to be a central player in the net zero transformation, and a proven track record as a reliable energy producer and exporter.

“We can also invest in strategic manufacturing capability, particularly in components critical to the energy and economic transition, like solar panels.

“Historically, Australia has been good at going from the mining pit to port, and long may this continue. But the Australian Government will also invest in the path from pit to panels and capture more value for our economy and workforce.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen:

“Australian research helped invent the modern solar panel – today’s announcement is about creating Australian jobs to help manufacture them.

“We know that the world’s climate emergency is Australia’s jobs opportunity, $1 billion to support Australian manufacturing in solar technology will help seize that opportunity.”

QMinister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic:

“Solar panels were our idea, we should be making them here and that’s what we’ll do. Aussie know-how is creating Aussie jobs, that’s what a future made in Australia is all about.”
NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe:

“This will see NSW households putting NSW made solar panels on their roofs to deliver long term energy bill savings and a strong domestic renewable manufacturing sector.

“It’s great to be able to align NSW and Commonwealth funding to support clean energy manufacturing, with this fund bolstering our $275 million investment in Net Zero Manufacturing that’s currently open for NSW innovators and businesses.”

NSW Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos:

“We will leverage our government procurement spend to build in offtake agreements with local solar manufacturers and foster the industry’s growth.

“For every job created in manufacturing there are a further three-and-a-half jobs sustained in the supply chain.

“The NSW Labor Government is committed to rebuilding the domestic manufacturing sector and bringing jobs back to NSW.”