Category: NSW News

Scientists and researchers have discovered a juvenile platypus in the Royal National Park, less than a year after 10 platypuses were returned to the park where they had been locally extinct for more than 50 years.

The female was captured during a survey to assess the health of the translocated platypuses and confirm potential offspring.

Over 3 nights, researchers from UNSW Sydney, Taronga Conservation Society Australia and WWF Australia, with the support of NSW National Parks and Wildlife, laid nets in ‘hot spots’ along the waterways of the Royal National Park. They were placed in areas where monitoring had indicated regular activity.

The little platypus is in excellent condition, weighed in at 850 grams and is estimated to be about 6 months old. Her age aligns with the end of the platypus breeding season and means she would have only just emerged from her burrow. She will be named by the local Indigenous community.

Before she was returned to the river, researchers assessed her body condition, took several samples and fitted her with a microchip for future identification.

During the surveys, researchers also captured an adult female platypus named Delphi in the same area, who was also in good condition. Genetic analysis will confirm the juvenile’s parents, providing valuable insights into the breeding patterns and genetic health of the population.

Ongoing monitoring and tracking have confirmed all 10 of the original platypuses are still active, with a couple recently venturing beyond the detection range. The research team has not ruled out the possibility of more juveniles in the area.

The waterways in the Royal National Park have been extensively monitored, with results indicating habitat, food availability and water quality is suitable for supporting healthy populations of platypuses.

The breeding success is a significant milestone for the program and testament to the health of the park. Further reintroductions are planned over the coming years.

The return of platypus to the Royal National Park was the first translocation program for platypus in NSW and aimed to re-establish a self-sustaining and genetically diverse platypus population. The platypuses were sourced from across NSW to ensure genetic diversity and taken to Taronga Zoo’s purpose-built platypus refuge before being released into the park.

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“This is a wonderful discovery by our dedicated scientists and researchers, who have spent their nights patiently monitoring the Hacking River for signs these platypuses have survived in their new home.

“Not only are they surviving, but the discovery of a juvenile platypus shows they are thriving, which means the Royal National Park is in great shape. Invasive species are being dealt with and water quality is good.

“We have a biodiversity crisis in NSW. We can’t run away from that. We need to protect all the different species living within this unique landscape. Programs like this show it is possible to bring animals back from the brink, and what we learn here will be applied across NSW in the future.

“This gives me great hope that our collaborations are working; that we can protect what’s left and restore what has been damaged. Thank you and congratulations to UNSW Sydney, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, WWF Australia and NSW National Parks and Wildlife.”

UNSW conservation scientist and project lead Dr Gilad Bino said:

“Finding the juvenile platypus is a clear sign the reintroduced population is not just surviving but thriving, adapting well to their environment, and contributing to the genetic diversity and resilience of this iconic species.

“The success of this reintroduction underscores the vital role that targeted conservation actions, such as translocations, rescues, and reintroductions, play in the preservation of the platypus across its range.”

Taronga Conservation Society Australia Conservation Officer Dr Phoebe Meagher said:

“The platypus is such an iconic and enchanting animal, but sadly is being hit from all sides – from climate change, droughts, bushfires and floods, through to habitat fragmentation and pollution.

“Being able to refine and learn from conservation translocations so we can step in and assist vulnerable populations in times of need is absolutely critical.

“To have such success in the first-ever translocation of platypus in NSW fills me with hope for the future of this species.”

WWF-Australia Rewilding Program Manager Rob Brewster said:

“Proof of successful breeding is about much more than the happy news of discovering a healthy juvenile platypus.

“This whole project embodies what ‘rewilding’ is. The community coming together and saying that we don’t accept species and ecosystem decline. That we can return those vital missing elements that make our world so interesting to us all.”

A major milestone, seven years in the making, to improve safety in the combat sports sector was achieved following the passing of the Combat Sports Amendment Bill 2024 in the NSW Parliament.

The Bill provides important safety reforms in the combat sports sector through improvements to the sports’ legislative framework and reduced red tape.

The Bill was prepared in response to recommendations from a review of the Combat Sports Act 2013 and Combat Sports Regulation 2014 by the Combat Sports Authority of NSW following the death of professional boxer David Browne in 2015 and the recommendations from the subsequent inquest by the Deputy State Coroner in 2017.

The Bill includes mandatory concussion and other serious head injury training for the sector, the introduction of attending medical practitioner accreditation and the mandatory suspension of a contest to conduct an assessment where a head injury is suspected to have occurred.

The Bill also includes the creation of a public register of registered persons to make the process of matching contests simpler for promoters and matchmakers.

These reforms will be progressively implemented over a 12-month period from 1 July 2024.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government takes the health and safety of combat sports combatants seriously.

“In particular, we recognise the impact of concussion and other serious head injuries and want to ensure there are safeguards in place to protect combatants.

“This legislation will reduce the risk of concussion and other serious head injuries, it also modernises the regulation of combat sports, reducing red tape for promoters and combatants.

“I would also like to acknowledge the tragic circumstances which started this process, and I hope that by strengthening the laws we can ensure such a tragedy is never repeated.” 

The NSW Government is moving ahead with its election commitment to recruit an additional 250 (FTE) school counsellors, with 86 new school counsellors and psychologists starting work in NSW public schools at the beginning of this school year amid a 35% drop in vacancies since last year.

The improvement comes after the NSW Government abolished the wages cap and delivered a once-in-a-generation pay rise to school counsellors and psychologists last year, which saw starting salaries lift from $75,791 to $95,317.

At the beginning of Term 1, 2023, under the former Liberal National Government there were 92.8 FTE vacancies. Positively, as of Term 1, 2024 that number has dropped to 60 FTE vacancies.

A recruitment push will also commence in the coming weeks, further boosting the number of counsellors and psychologists in NSW schools to support the mental health and wellbeing of students and improve educational outcomes.

These highly skilled practitioners play a crucial role supporting children and young people to thrive and succeed in education, providing a free psychological counselling, assessment and intervention service in public schools.

School counsellors hold dual qualifications in teaching and postgraduate qualifications in psychology. School psychologists hold postgraduate qualifications in psychology.

Every NSW public school student has access to the School Counselling Service, which includes counsellors and psychologists registered as general psychologists with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, at no cost to families.

The School Counselling Service has 1,253 FTE positions in the 2,000-strong student wellbeing workforce in NSW public schools, which also includes wellbeing nurses, student support officers, student wellbeing officers and school chaplains.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“NSW schools are now one of the largest employers of psychologists in NSW, providing invaluable, free support to students in their local public school.

“Our schools care deeply about the wellbeing of all our students and support students so they can reach their full educational potential.  

“The Minns Labor Government has given school counsellors and school psychologists significant pay rises this year to address the shortage, and in recognition of their unique skills and the valued contribution they provide to the mental health and wellbeing of NSW public school students.”

The NSW Government is committed to the ongoing management of biosecurity threats in the state. Management of pest animals and weeds while maintaining crop productivity is a core focus for Local Land Services board members.

This May, Local Land Services will hold an election in each of the 11 NSW regions to fill 34 paid local board member roles across the state.

This is an opportunity for Local Land Services ratepayers to put their hand up and participate so their local board reflects the needs of their unique region.

Local board members work closely with their communities to help identify and shape the wide range of services offered by the Local Land Services teams such as:

• Providing best practice advice to manage pest animals and coordinating wide scale pest control activities, such as the Feral Pig Program 2023-24.
• A network of district veterinarians who offer advice and services on livestock disease surveillance, animal emergency management and biosecurity.
• Offering the latest information and guidance to improve agricultural productivity and support landholders through times of drought.
• Managing and improving natural resources on-farm for a healthy environment.

Each local board has 3 positions available, except for Western where there are 4 available positions.

To nominate yourself or someone else as a candidate, read the Candidate Election Pack and submit a nomination on the Local Land Services website.

Candidate nominations close Sunday 14 April 2024.

To be eligible, you must be an individual who is 18+ years old and an occupier of a rateable holding under the Local Land Services Act 2013. The holding may consist of wholly or partly rateable land.

Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said:

“Local Land Services board members play a crucial role influencing the key services provided by the organisation so they best meet local needs.

“Local board members are a voice for their communities, helping shape local priorities and developing strong relationships with landholders and partners.

“It’s important to have a diverse range of members, views and perspectives on these boards so they can drive positive change.

“For Local Land Services ratepayers across NSW, this is a great opportunity to get involved and work with others from your community to ensure your local board truly reflects your needs.

Musicians and artists are set to receive a boost under the NSW Labor Government with the opening of grants focused on rebuilding the NSW touring circuit.

Sound NSW’s new Touring and Travel Fund and Recording and Promotion Grants will inject $3 million into the local contemporary music sector to deliver more new and original music, enable touring opportunities, and open doors for career-defining professional development.

With a focus on fostering growth and sustainability for the contemporary music industry, the programs support NSW artists to be globally competitive, develop industry networks and connect with new audiences locally and internationally.

Touring and Travel Fund

Designed to address the time-sensitive nature of venue availability and performance opportunities, Sound NSW’s $2 million Touring and Travel Fund offers quick response grants of up to $2500 per person for domestic activity and up to $7500 per person for international activity.

Applications for Sound NSW’s Touring and Travel Fund will be assessed on a quick-response basis against eligibility criteria.

Applications open on 20 March via nsw.gov.au/sound-nsw and close 20 May 2024.

Recording and Promotion Grants

Sound NSW’s $1 million Recording and Promotion Grants program will support NSW contemporary musicians to record and release new, original creative projects. NSW artists can apply for grants of:

• up to $25,000 for short-form releases, such as a single or EP
• up to $50,000 for long-form releases, such as an album
• up to $25,000 matched funding for artists signed to a major label. 

Applications open 20 March and close 17 April 2024 at nsw.gov.au/sound-nsw

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“We are determined to rebuild the touring circuit, up and down the NSW coast, through our inland tours and suburbs. This fund will do just that.

“We’re delivering on our commitment to bring music back in NSW with this much-needed investment. These fast-response grants will support more new and original music from our musicians, enable tours across Australia and the world, and move NSW a step closer to being a global powerhouse for contemporary music.”

Head of Sound NSW Emily Collins said:

“Recording, releasing and performing new music is essential to the contemporary music industry and the growth and sustainability of artists’ careers, but the upfront costs are often greater than the income generated for many musicians.

“Sound NSW is excited to help bridge this gap by providing this vital funding, removing these prohibitive barriers and supporting NSW artists to do what they do best – making great music.”

The NSW Government continues to support our state’s primary producers through long-term and ongoing initiatives such as the development of the Weed Control in Winter Crops guide.

The latest information for growers is now available, supporting decision making for a profitable cropping season, in the free 2024 Weed Control in Winter Crops management guide published by the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

The guide has been published early to support growers planning for sowing their winter crops and the supporting herbicide program.

New content and resources include:

• supporting data on adoption of optical spray technology, which has seen an increase in adoption over time
• herbicide advice for weeds specifically to faba bean, lentil and vetch crops, with each crop becoming more popular in a winter cropping regime
• a list of new products available to the industry is listed at the front of the guide, with their use patterns included in the relevant tables in the book.

The Weed Control in Winter Crops guide can be found online, from DPI offices or from the upcoming GRDC Grower Updates across the state.

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“The regular and reliable support provided by the Weed Control in Winter Crops management guide is available again, such as weed control methods, using herbicides successfully and reducing herbicide spray drift.

“Our growers expect publications such as this every year, which I am happy to support because more informed farmers mean more profitable farmers, and that’s great for our economy.”

NSW DPI Project Officer and Weed Control in Winter Crops author, Penny Heuston said:

“The Weed Control in Winter Crops guide is a vital resource that supports farmers to keep on top of weeds.

“Whilst a significant proportion of NSW is still experiencing drought conditions, many areas have seen widespread rainfall, helping start to set up a promising growing season.

“Planning ahead, including reviewing farm management plans using a range of information sources is critical for the cropping season this year.”

Work will soon begin to repair the largest of 9 landslip sites on the Snowy Mountains Highway at Brown Mountain.

Work will be carried out from Monday 8 April 2024 about 800 metres west of the Brown Mountain Power Station, to repair significant damage caused by severe weather events in 2022.

The Albanese and Minns Governments are funding this $2.6 million project through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Transport for NSW has appointed specialist ground engineering contractors, Piling & Concreting Australia (PCA), to repair the landslip damage and fully restore the road at this location.

PCA will drill and install more than three kilometres of seven-metre-long steel rods, known as soil nails, to anchor the section of failed slope before applying a layer of spray-on concrete to prevent further erosion.

The work, which will take about 20 weeks to complete, has been planned to keep traffic moving as an important link between the ACT and South Coast while also ensuring the safety of motorists and workers.

The repair work will be carried out with large machinery and workers operating in an area about as wide as a standard single car garage to repair a site about the size of a suburban house block, which creates some unique challenges and risks.

For this reason, a 200-metre section of the highway will be reduced to a single lane, with temporary barriers and traffic lights in place 24 hours for the duration of the work.

In addition to this latest work, contracts are expected to be finalised soon for more repairs to be carried out this year at another 3 landslips on Brown Mountain.

Tenders are also being assessed for a site about 1-and-a-half kilometres east of the Fred Piper Memorial Lookout that has been limited to a single lane due to the extensive damage on the road.

Transport for NSW has made significant progress on its natural disaster recovery work, with repairs completed on more than half of the 100 landslip sites it is managing on several key state roads across the Illawarra and South Coast.

During the repair work, motorists are advised to allow an extra 5 minutes to travel times and drive to conditions and Transport for NSW thanks the community for their patience while these important repairs are carried out.

Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain:

“The ongoing closures associated with landslips and rockfalls on Brown Mountain are frustrating for all of us who use the highway, which is why the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are working together to kickstart this crucial repair work.

“This is one of Brown Mountain’s biggest ever repair jobs and will be fantastic for locals and tourists – with this new infrastructure to go a long way to preventing further erosion and to improving road safety on the busy Snowy Mountains Highway.

“I’ll continue to advocate for longer-term planning for Brown Mountain, because it’s important that frequent and intense weather events don’t impact the reliability of this key road network.”

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education and Member for Monaro Steve Whan:

“As the major arterial road connecting the NSW Sapphire Coast with Canberra, Brown Mountain is used not only by tourists during the Winter and Summer seasons, but by ambulances and transport services each-and-every day.

“The closures over the last couple of years due to landslips caused by unprecedented rain, have greatly impacted the electorates of Monaro and Bega, and I welcome the commitment from the Minns and Albanese Governments to complete remediation work to ensure the road is safe and reliable for all those who use it.

“I will continue working with my colleagues in both state and federal government to advocate for a long term solution to the Brown Mountain section of the Snowy Mountains Highway.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“This latest repair work on the Snowy Mountains Highway at Brown Mountain marks a significant step towards restoring the region’s vital transport infrastructure — Dr Holland, Minister McBain and Minister Whan have been fantastic advocates for their communities on progressing these repairs.

“Through the joint efforts of the Australian and NSW Governments, we are investing $2.6 million in this project to repair the largest landslip site.

“This funding underscores our commitment to supporting the communities affected by natural disasters and reinforces our dedication to infrastructure resilience.”

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Regional Health and Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland:

“It’s great to see work progressing on Brown Mountain.

“The Australian and NSW Governments are making steady progress in our natural disaster recovery efforts along several key state roads.

“The completion of repairs on over half of the 100 landslip sites managed by Transport for NSW in the Illawarra and South Coast regions is a testament to their dedication to restoring connectivity and resilience in our communities.”

Transport for NSW is investing in design and investigation work for accessibility upgrades at 9 railway stations across regional NSW to make it easier for passengers to move around the state.

The NSW Government has provided funding under the $800 million Safe Accessible Transport (SAT) program to begin preliminary investigations and design development at each of the sites.

The funding recognises the importance of access to safe and reliable public transport options for all users across the state but particularly in regional areas where social isolation can be a concern for people living hundreds of kilometres away from close family and friends.

Stations funded for development include:

• Canberra (operated by TfNSW)
• Kempsey
• Kendall
• Macksville
• Nambucca Heads
• Sawtell
• Urunga
• Wingham
• Yass.

These upgrades aim to make public transport safe, inclusive and easy to use for all passengers but especially for people with disabilities, seniors, people with prams or luggage and others who may be experiencing mobility problems.

Each upgrade is tailored to meet each community and station’s needs and to include accessible ramp access, upgraded facilities including accessible toilet, and tactile ground surface indicators to improve safety for people who are vision impaired.

Improved lighting, CCTV and Wayfinding signage to enhance passenger safety, platform levelling and accessible ‘kiss and ride’ areas for easy pick-ups, and drop-offs for people with mobility issues or using prams and luggage are also being considered.

Planning work at each of these locations will take about 9 to 12 months to complete and will see the development of a distinct design focused on each site’s needs.

Early engagement with key stakeholders at each location will start later this year, and more information will be provided to the community at each stage of the process.

Transport for NSW is planning to kick off early engagement through location-specific workshops with local people with disability and their carers to inform development of the concept design, followed by pop-up sessions in each location with the wider community who will be invited to have their say on the proposed works.

The community is invited to sign up to a project distribution list to ensure they’re kept informed about engagement opportunities and as the projects progress.

Transport for NSW determines the priority of upgrades using evidence-based criteria, including:

• the needs and demographics of passengers who use the location
• whether important services such as hospitals or educational facilities are nearby
• current and future patronage
• cumulative impacts of other construction projects
• the accessibility of other nearby transport interchanges and facilities.

More information on the Safe Accessible Transport program is available on the Transport for NSW website.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Accessibility upgrades are being rolled out at train stations right across the state to make public transport safer, more inclusive and easier to use for all passengers.

“This stage of design development will see our teams carrying out survey and geotechnical work to better understand each of the sites and inform development of concept designs.

“Transport for NSW will also be engaging with key stakeholders, including people with disability, to seek local insights and feedback on indicative designs.

“Public transport is a significant driver of social and economic activity, and accessible transport gives all people the opportunity to participate fully in their community and the economy.

“This is particularly the case in regional NSW where the tyranny of long distances can be terribly isolating for people with mobility issues and families without a car of their own.

“A safe, equitable and integrated transport network means people across the state can travel safely and confidently to work, appointments, holidays, events, and to visit friends and family.”

The endangered Booroolong Frog may be on the road to recovery after an army of NSW Government scientists teamed up to save it with a targeted conservation program and cutting-edge Environmental DNA (eDNA) science.

It’s a major win for the native amphibian whose northern populations were all but wiped out in the 2017-2020 drought.

In 2019, quick-thinking scientists led by the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program jumped into action, collecting 60 frogs to establish a breeding program at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. Last month, 656 juvenile Booroolong Frogs were released into the Cockburn River catchment near Tamworth to help boost numbers in the NSW Northern Slopes and Tablelands.

The release comes off the back of a release last year of 640 frogs. Results from follow-up surveys in October were very encouraging, with a large number of released frogs surviving and thriving in their new home.

Tracking frogs in the wild can be tricky, so water scientists made a high-tech leap by developing a ground-breaking eDNA test which can spot even the slightest genetic trace of an animal from as little as 100 millilitres of sampled water.

The new technique is a critically important tool in the mission to bring the frog back from the brink, with results helping to shed light on the population’s distribution and return to health in the state’s north.

In December 2023, experts took water samples from several stream locations, which they hope contain Booroolong Frog eDNA. Results are expected in the coming months.

The presence of healthy and diverse wildlife in the river system is just one way the NSW Government can gauge if our water management activities are working effectively.

The work to conserve the Booroolong Frog is thanks to collaboration between scientists at the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s Saving our Species program and Water Group, the University of Canberra’s (UC) National eDNA Reference Centre, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, the Australian Museum and local ecologist Phil Spark.

The findings from field monitoring will help to inform and improve water management and policy to better support native wildlife and to deliver a healthier and resilient river system.

Find out more about surface water science

NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson:

“It’s been great to team up with a broad range of agencies and experts who are all passionate advocates for improving our unique ecosystems and environments through science and animal conservation.

“Booroolong Frogs may be small, but they play a big part in helping us keep tabs on the health of the river system. This species relies on stream habitats and water flows, which means they are a great indicator for monitoring water management decisions.

“Knowledge is power and with an El Niño declared it’s never been more important to use science-based methods to measure how we’re doing with our water management.

“The results from the monitoring program will give us a baseline for the current distribution of the species and will help us make more informed decisions to strike the right balance between meeting the needs of the environment and water users.”

NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe:

“We are thrilled to see the initial findings suggesting Booroolong Frogs are starting to recover.

“Many endangered species have seen a decline in numbers due to years of neglect from the previous government. However, wins like this remind us why we shouldn’t give up on our native wildlife.”

The major upgrade of Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital is moving forward with the project’s lead design team appointed. 

Health Minister Ryan Park said the NSW Government is investing $120 million in the Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospital Redevelopment to add another 60 beds across the 2 facilities to meet the growing health needs of Sydney’s west.

“From Blacktown to Mount Druitt and Riverstone, this investment will deliver modern health care facilities to serve one of the country’s fastest-growing communities and provide the best possible workplace for our dedicated health staff.

“In the coming months, the design team will work with Health Infrastructure and Western Sydney Local Health District to determine key clinical service priorities and progress the planning for the redevelopment,” said Mr Park.  

Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital operate as a single hospital, providing health care for approximately 90,000 patients in their emergency departments each year.

Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali said the $120 million investment was critical to allow Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital to meet the future health needs of its diverse community,

“Consultation with staff and consumers will continue throughout 2024, their valuable feedback will help shape an upgrade that is purpose-built and welcoming to everyone in our communities,” said Mr Bali.

“I’ve stood alongside my community advocating for investment in Blacktown Hospital for a long time and it’s exciting to be one step closer to seeing it become a reality.”

Member for Mt Druitt Edmond Atalla welcomed the progress on the redevelopment and the significant boost to jobs and opportunities it would have.

“Throughout the life of the project, the Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital Redevelopment is estimated to support approximately 200 direct jobs with the potential for supporting hundreds of indirect jobs,” said Mr Atalla.

“I’m proud to be part of a government prioritising the healthcare needs of Western Sydney through investments like this one.”

The NSW Government is investing $3 billion for new and upgraded hospitals and health services across greater western Sydney, one of the largest investments in the region’s health infrastructure in recent years.    

The 2023-24 NSW State Budget also included:

• an additional $400 million to build the $700 million Rouse Hill Hospital
• $550 million for Fairfield Hospital, in its first major redevelopment since it opened in 1989
• $350 million for Canterbury Hospital, in its first major redevelopment since 1998
• $1.3 billion to build the Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital on a new site, the first major investment since the two hospitals merged in 1997.  

The scope of the project and indicative timing of the works will be finalised during planning and design. Staff, stakeholders, and the community will be kept informed and consulted as the project progresses.