The Opposition condemned a callous backflip by the Minns Labor Government on council demergers.

Local Government Shadow Minister Wendy Tuckerman said that before the election Labor was telling communities that it was going to help councils to demerge, and even passed a legislative amendment to ensure the Government paid the demerger costs.

“Since coming to Government, Labor and Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig have completely changed their tune on council demergers,” Mrs Tuckerman said. “The Labor Government is trying to backpedal as fast as they can from their own amendment, and the Budget handed down just weeks ago has no funds available for councils like Cootamundra-Gundagai that had already done the hard yards and been through the Boundary Commission inquiries.”

“The former Coalition Government set out a clear demerger roadmap, in consultation with the council and the local community, that guided the entire process – which has now been completely and senselessly discarded by Ron Hoenig.

“Instead of following the roadmap, which was near completion to delivering a demerged council, the Labor Government – true to form – starts another review.

“The Coalition Government’s had also announced in February that the legal path for demerging the council would likely require legislative change to facilitate the process after the March State Election,” said Mrs Tuckerman. “So, either the Minister wasn’t paying attention, or he is wilfully misleading the community and should apologise.”

“Despite having a roadmap that is almost complete and advice to urgently create new legislation, the Minns Labor Government will be returning the issue to the Boundaries Commission for the third time further dragging out this process and risking the Council’s ability to hold a demerged election in time with other councils across NSW.”

“The Minister needs to urgently fix this mess, and provide clear details on the demerger process, including timelines and what financial support will be provided.”

“I am devasted for the residents and the Cootamundra-Gundagai Council staff – this is yet another example of Labor saying one thing before the election and doing another after the election. This is a Government that just doesn’t care about regional and rural communities,” Ms Tuckerman concluded.

The Minns Labor Government has launched a $20 million trial grants program aimed at improving working families’ access to early childhood education and care when and where they need it most.

Offering providers a pool of up to $20 million over two years, the Flexible Initiatives Trial will provide grants to support existing ECEC services to expand and innovate, to better meet the needs of children and families and allow parents to enter the workforce or increase their hours.

New or adapted operating models will include:

• extending hours of care beyond traditional working hours  
• providing flexible pick-up and drop-off times    
• improved access to ad hoc care arrangements outside scheduled hours
• establishing new family day care services in remote areas.

The Flexible Initiatives Trial includes funding to ensure the workforce is supported to deliver flexible models of ECEC. It is one of a suite of ECEC programs to be delivered by the NSW Government in 2023-24, which aim to improve affordability and access.

As part of its recent Budget, the Minns Labor Government affirmed a $5 billion investment in the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund (the Fund) to boost the early childhood workforce and make ECEC affordable and accessible for more families.

The Fund will help deliver on new initiatives that directly support those who need it most –  children, families and the early childhood education workforce.

It will also be used to provide $500 per child of fee relief to 3-year-old children attending eligible preschool programs in long day care centres, effective from early 2024.

Additional programs will be made available over the coming months.

All eligible ECEC service provider types are invited to apply for the Flexible Initiatives Trial, with funding to support family day care services on offer for the first time.

Applications are now open for the first round of the program, and close on 1 December 2023.

Visit the NSW Department of Education website for more information, including the program guidelines, eligibility and upcoming information sessions.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Penny Sharpe said:

“Flexible early childhood education and care options are a critical need for working families, particularly for parents and carers who are in part-time, casual or shift work.

“The Flexible Initiatives Trial is part of the Minns Government’s commitment to improving access to early childhood education and care.

“Through the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund, exciting new initiatives are being developed to respond to the most pressing needs of the sector and the community.”

Emergency department nurses across NSW will gain valuable real-time experience with stroke care through new virtual reality (VR) training program being rolled out across the state.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park today officially launched the program, which will be rolled out across 27 hospitals in NSW, with a demonstration of the immersive training at Royal North Shore Hospital.

“Stroke is a time-critical medical emergency and this technology will help to improve outcomes for people presenting with stroke,” Mr Park said.

“Fast response and treatment of stroke is vital to saving lives and improving recovery.

“By simulating a real-time scenario, this training will give emergency nurses practise in how to handle those first critical minutes.

“A total of 27 VR headsets have been distributed to regional, rural and metropolitan hospitals, with a focus on smaller hospitals where staff may have limited exposure to stroke presentations.

“It’s really pleasing to see this innovative technology being used to train nurses.”

The stroke VR nurse training program will run in all regional local health districts, including the following hospitals: Tweed, Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Moree, Armidale, Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Manning, Dubbo, Broken Hill, Orange, Bathurst, Lithgow, Blue Mountains, Goulburn, Cooma, Shoalhaven, Griffith, Wagga Wagga, Deniliquin, Moruya and South East Regional Hospital (SERH).

It will also run in the Sydney, Northern Sydney and South Eastern Sydney local health districts at Royal Prince Alfred, Prince of Wales, St Vincent’s and Royal North Shore hospitals.

NSW Health Deputy Secretary Clinical Innovation and Research and Chief Executive, Agency for Clinical Innovation, Dr Jean-Frédéric Levesque, said the VR training is another innovative way the public health system is using technology to improve patient care.

“VR training gives patients and nurses access to best-practice stroke care, especially in regional areas where a local hospital does not receive the same volume of stroke patients as its city counterparts,” Dr Levesque said.

“This new training program complements the successful NSW Telestroke Service, which uses video consultation to provide people living in rural and regional NSW with rapid access to specialist stroke diagnoses and treatment.

“Telestroke is now operating in 23 hospitals across the state.”

The TACTICS VR stroke training program is a collaboration between the Agency for Clinical Innovation and the University of Newcastle Centre for Advanced Training Systems.

University of Newcastle Professor Rohan Walker said the VR nurse training follows Telestroke training already produced using the TACTICS VR platform.

“Health staff find the immersive, interactive and evidence-based training easy to use and it improves their confidence in best-practice clinical care,” Professor Walker said.

For more information on stroke care, visit the Agency for Clinical Innovationlaunch.

The state’s annual trout fishing season commenced on September 30, with rivers and streams in prime condition following the 4-month fishing closure. 

Great fishing across the NSW trout fishery is expected this season.

The annual closure allows trout to breed during the spawning season, to allow good recruitment and ensure we maintain our fishing assets for future seasons.

Consistent rainfall over the past few years has allowed for good natural recruitment, which bodes well for this open season.

NSW boasts an array of popular trout fishing locations, including a range of productive streams in the New England area, the iconic Thredbo and Eucumbene rivers in the Snowy Mountains, and the Fish River near Bathurst in the Central West.

It is important that all anglers check they have a current and valid NSW Recreational Fishing Licence. It’s also a good idea that anglers take the opportunity to remind themselves about the fishing rules, to ensure our trout fishery remains viable into the future.

The NSW trout fishery is carefully managed to ensure sustainability while delivering socio-economic benefits.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“Trout are an incredibly popular freshwater sportfish in our general trout streams, artificial fly and lure streams, and create fantastic opportunities for fishers.

“DPI’s Gaden and Dutton trout hatcheries have completed their breeding programs for the season, and we are working with local clubs and acclimatisation societies to organise stocking of trout fry and fingerlings.

“The wet conditions over the past few years have given a great boost to trout fishing and we look set for yet another bumper season this year, right across the state.”

The 2023-24 trout season is open through to Tuesday, 11 June 2024. A summary of fishing rules and regulations is available via the FishSmart Applaunch or by accessing the NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guidelaunch available at NSW DPI offices, fishing fee agents or online.

Anyone with information about illegal fishing or suspected illegal fishing should contact the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536launch or report illegal activity online via the link.

The Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park was the recipient of 3 significant objects today thanks to RSL NSW and the Redfern RSL sub-branch.

The Henry Bull Honour Board, donated by RSL NSW, lists the names and enlistment dates for the First World War and is the first example of this type of board to be donated to the Anzac Memorial’s collection. It is made of an arched timber frame, with metal header lettering and gold script with carved pillars that frame the sides of the board.

It is a unique example of the large ornate honour boards that companies made to honour their staff who had served and died during the Great War.

Also donated by RSL NSW was the HMAS Anzac Ship Model. HMAS Anzac was launched as a Royal Navy destroyer in 1917 serving in the North Sea and English Channel, before being transferred to the Royal Australian Navy in 1919 and was named in honour of Australians and New Zealanders who had fought at Gallipoli.

This large ship model was built in about 1970 by Royal Australian Navy veteran, Vince Fazio, who had served during the Korean War on HMAS Condamine.

Redfern RSL sub-branch donated the Captain Alfred Shout VC Memorial Tablet. The tables is one of the earliest memorials in NSW that was unveiled to a soldier killed during the Great War. Alfred Shout was 1 of 9 soldiers awarded the Victoria Cross at Gallipoli, where he was also awarded a Military Cross. The tablet was originally unveiled Darlington Town Hall in November 1915, prior to the evacuation of Gallipoli.

Minister for Veterans David Harris accepted the objects on behalf of the Trustees of the Anzac Memorial at a small event. The event also acknowledged Ray James OAM outgoing RSL NSW President for his outstanding service to veterans in NSW and for the donations to the Anzac Memorial.

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“I would like to personally acknowledge and thank Ray James for his outstanding service, first as a veteran of the Vietnam War and then as RSL President and Trustee of the Anzac Memorial.

“It’s fitting that one of Ray’s last acts is to oversee such prized items being added to the Anzac Memorial collection. It’s an appropriate tribute to his enormous contribution.

“Thanks to RSL NSW and the Redfern RSL sub-Branch, the people of NSW will get to view these unique items when visiting the state’s premier war memorial.”

Local councils, community groups and government agencies are invited to apply for the latest round of the Flagship Grants program worth up to $400,000 per project to see local coastal waterways flourish. 

Applications open on 4 October and have previously been used to fund rehabilitation of coastal wetlands, among other vital projects.

Community organisations, local councils and natural resource managers across the state have until 15 November 2023 to apply for funding for their projects to improve habitat for native fish.

The Flagship Grants program builds on the existing Habitat Action Grants program and seeks to target much larger scale projects that require higher levels of funding assistance.

These grants offer a rare opportunity for regional fishing clubs or organisations to significantly improve fish habitats and fishing opportunities within their local creek, river or estuary.

Previous Flagship Grants have also included funding for:  

• rehabilitation of significant riparian lands / coastal wetlands (river banks, mangrove forests, saltmarsh), including addressing poor water quality from the disturbance of acid sulfate soils;
• removal or modification of barriers to fish passage including addressing floodgates, road-crossings and construction of fishways;
• re-snagging of waterways with timber structures; and
• environmentally sensitive bank stabilisation works, including riparian restoration where these works are identified and part of a large-scale remediation program.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“I am excited to support funding that enables long-term benefits to local fish habitats and recreational fisheries. I want to see as many submissions as possible.

“The Flagship Grants are supported with funds from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts and are a great example of how recreational fishing licence fee funds are reinvested to improve recreational fishing.

“Ultimately, these Flagship Grants are about making sure we have functional fish habitats and happy native fish here in NSW.

Visit the Department of Primary Industrieslaunch for more information and to apply for this round.
 

More people in NSW will have access to their own home with a $6.2 million redevelopment of residential dwellings in Riverwood – the first project in the state announced under the Federal Government’s Social Housing Accelerator payment.

The NSW Land and Housing Corporation is delivering 11 homes for seniors at Methuen Parade, Riverwood, configured as 5 x 1-bedroom and 6 x 2-bedroom units.

The development is replacing 3 existing dwellings, is close to Narwee shops and local transport. Construction is set to begin this month, with completion expected by September 2024. The project will be wholly funded by the Social Housing Accelerator.

The Federal Government announced its $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator in June, including $610 million for NSW, which will increase Australia’s housing supply by creating thousands of social homes across Australia.

This project is the first of many that will boost social housing supply and get more people into homes sooner in NSW, with around 1500 social homes to be added to the state’s existing social housing portfolio through the Federal Government’s Social Housing Accelerator.

The NSW Government is committed to working alongside the Federal Government to deliver an ambitious housing reform agenda by investing heavily in critical new social and affordable housing supply through various reforms including the Social Housing Accelerator.

Today’s announcement builds on agreement by National Cabinet to the most significant housing reforms in a generation, including a new national target to build 1.2 million new well-located homes, the National Planning Reform Blueprint, and A Better Deal for Renters.

At National Cabinet, the Federal Government also committed $3 billion to the New Homes Bonus to incentivise states and territories to undertake the reforms necessary to reach the 1.2 million well-located homes target, and $500 million for the Housing Support Program to help local and state governments deliver new housing supply in well-located areas.

The NSW Government has also committed to establish Homes NSW to deliver better outcomes for public and social housing tenants, deliver more affordable and social housing and reduce the number of homeless people in NSW.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“Everyone deserves the security of a roof over their head – the Social Housing Accelerator is real dollars, driving real change and building more homes for Australians.

“This is the second Social Housing Accelerator project we’ve seen kickstarted into action in just weeks across the nation, and we will continue working with the Minns Government to get on with the job of delivering more social housing.

“We have an ambitious housing agenda which includes the delivery of 30,000 social and affordable homes through our Housing Australia Future Fund.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Every person across NSW should have access to a safe and secure place to call home.”

“Housing affordability and availability is the biggest single pressure facing the people of NSW, with mortgage payments or rent the largest expense for most households.”

“This is just the beginning. Through dedicated funding from the Federal Government, the new Housing Australia Future Fund, and funding allocated through the NSW state budget, this state is ready to make meaningful change to the social housing sector while getting roofs over the heads of those who desperately need it.”

Federal Housing Minister Julie Collins said:

“We know Australia’s housing challenges are serious which is why we’re taking immediate action with our $2 billion Social Housing Accelerator.

“This new funding, and the homes we are announcing today, will mean more Australians have a safe and affordable place to call home.

“This will make a real difference – here in NSW and right across the country.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Our priority is to continue to deliver more social and affordable housing across NSW.

“There are 55,880 people across this state on the social housing waitlist and this funding is about getting more people into homes sooner.”

The NSW Opposition has criticised the Labor Government for demonstrating its wrong priorities regarding road safety policy following the Government’s first budget.

With the road toll on year-to-date figures up 26% compared to the previous year, analysis by the Opposition has revealed a 34% decrease in the allocation for road safety initiatives in this financial year.

Road Safety Expenditure¹

Financial Year	2020/2021	2021/2022	2022/2023	2023/2024
Road Safety Allocation (’000)	$ 331,076	$ 331,515	$ 421,521	$ 280,294
Change on previous year		0%	27%	-34%
Percentage change over four years	-15%

Road Fatality Rate²:

	2020	2021	2022	2023
Road Fatalities (Year to end of September)	221	195	214	270
Percentage Change compared to previous year(Year to end of September)		–12%	+10%	+26%
Change over four years YTD	+22%

Shadow Minister for Roads Natalie Ward commented “We will support the Government when it comes to road safety policy, but I question if the Government’s eye is on the ball right now.”

“Working towards the ambitious target of zero fatalities or serious injuries on NSW roads by 2050 requires sustained effort across successive Governments and I think It is fair question the priorities of this Government when it appears funding has been cut.”

“The measure of any Roads Minister is what steps they take to keep people safe, and I question where this important area is on the priority list for the new Government.”

The NSW Government has today taken an important step towards achieving net zero by 2050, with the release of a new net zero emissions policy for heavy road and rail freight.

The Towards Net Zero Emissions Freight Policy focuses on reducing the carbon footprint created by heavy road vehicles and rail freight. Freight accounts for 25% of total transport greenhouse gases in NSW, and with demand projected to rise by 34% by 2061 the time to act is now.

The new policy will see the NSW Government work together with industry to support the transition to low and zero emission technologies, and to ensure our transport network is ready to adapt as technology and solutions evolve.

The first step will see a 2-year trial to give extra mass zero emission heavy vehicles, which weigh more due to their batteries, access to the state road network. This means the industry can invest in the technology without sacrificing the payloads that underpin the freight business.

An online comparison tool has also been developed to support the transition, providing a free resource for the freight industry to source accurate information on the cost and environmental benefits of low and zero emission vehicles.

The Towards Net Zero Emissions Freight Policy is a significant step towards reducing emissions in the transport sector, with the NSW Government working to remove barriers to accelerate uptake, while balancing the freight sector’s challenging operating environment.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“This is an important step towards achieving net zero, while working constructively with industries.

“Reducing freight emissions requires a genuine partnership between government and industry. We’re always going to need a freight sector to get the essentials from A to B, so we need to make sure our freight industry is sustainable over the long term.”

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“Many freight operators are natural innovators and are already investing in low emission technologies.

“This policy means that the government is able to support industry to continue to invest in new and emerging technologies and reflects our joint commitment to reduce freight emissions.

“This isn’t just about cutting emissions and protecting our environment, it’s also about strengthening our economy through driving innovation, creating jobs and increasing competitiveness.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The NSW Government recognises the unique challenges for regional, rural and remote freight operators in achieving net zero. By working directly with industry we will be able to support them in accessing this innovative technology and ensure regional operators can access the benefits of the transition.”

With hot weather predicted across NSW for the week ahead, fire agencies have signalled the start of the fire danger period across most of the state with a call to households to prepare.

Today marks the official start of the 2023-24 bushfire season in areas including Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, the Illawarra and the Central West. This follows weeks of unseasonably warm weather that has kept NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) firefighters on high alert.

The RFS has responded to more than 2,000 bush and grass fires across NSW in September alone, as firefighters prepare for what is predicted to be a warm and windy summer.

Due to the conditions today nine total fire bans are in force across NSW with further bans likely this week.

The statutory Bush Fire Danger Period (BDFP) begins for most local government areas (LGAs) today. Thirty-eight LGAs have already been in this danger period for at least a month, including 11 that entered it earlier than usual due to warm and dry conditions.

Firefighting personnel and volunteers across the state continue to train for fire and emergency response, but communities are reminded that they have a role to play in bushfire preparedness as well.

Residents are urged to undertake simple measures such as downloading the Hazards Near Me NSW app, checking the RFS websitelaunch, having a plan in place if a fire approaches (even if it is knowing whether to stay or leave early), and carrying out the following around your home:

• Trim overhanging trees and shrubs.
• Mow grass and remove the cuttings. Have a cleared area around your home.
• Remove material that can burn around your home, such as door mats, wood piles and mulch.
• Clear and remove all the debris and leaves from the gutters surrounding your home.   
• Prepare a sturdy hose or hoses that will reach all around your home.

As a result of the prolonged wet weather across NSW, around 25 per cent of planned hazard reduction work was completed up to July this year. While more work is needed, the RFS and other agencies have made progress in hazard reduction treating more than 40,000 hectares since the beginning of July.

The onset of hot, windy and dry conditions is expected to affect further hazard reduction as the window to undertake burns begins to close.

To assist in preparation the NSW Government has invested $9 million in a Chinook helicopter, the first of its kind to be permanently based in Australia. With the capacity to carry up to 10,000 litres of water or retardant this summer, the Chinook will increase the RFS’s aerial firefighting capabilities and will lessen our reliance on aircraft borrowed from overseas.

The statutory BFDP commences on 1 October 2023 and runs through to 31 March 2024. Nine LGAs will commence BFDP on 1 November and these include Albury, Berrigan, Coolamon, Greater Hume, Junee, Lockhart, Wagga Wagga and Snowy Valleys.

Bush Fire Survival Planslaunch and information on preparing your property and family are available on the RFS websitelaunch.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring our firefighters are prepared and well-resourced for the fire season ahead. I want to thank the community for their understanding as RFS crews have conducted vital hazard reduction work in recent weeks. They have been able to treat some areas that have not seen hazard reduction in years.”

“We are taking the threat of this fire season seriously. We have undertaken vital hazard reduction burns before the bushfire season commences and we have added the Chinook helicopter to our already impressive aerial firefighting fleet.”

“The RFS and other agencies are doing all they can to prepare, but it is incumbent on communities to do their bit as well. Everyone should take steps to understand the fire risk in their area and make sure they have a fire plan in place, even if it is just knowing whether to stay or leave early.”

“I thank all our RFS volunteers and emergency service personnel for the work they do in protecting communities across the state and thank residents and landowners for the efforts they will put in to preparing themselves, their families and property.”

Commissioner of the RFS Rob Rogers said:

“The fire activity over recent weeks is likely to be a prelude of what we can expect to see this fire season. After years of wet weather and floods, we need the community to focus again on the risk of bushfires.”

“Our firefighters are out on the ground doing everything they can to mitigate the risk of fire but preparation is a shared responsibility and we need property owners to do their part, too.”

“There can never be a fire truck outside every home, so people need to have a plan in place if threatened by fire. Make sure your whole family knows whether you will stay and defend your home or will leave early – and if so, where you will go.”

Fire and Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner – Strategic Capability, Megan Stiffler said:

“Especially over the holiday period, if you’re planning to travel be aware of the risk of fast-moving grass fires. Before you leave, check the weather forecast and fire danger ratings for that area and have a plan to leave should a grass or bushfire take hold.”

“If you’re camping you should only light fires in designated fireplaces or cleared land and not leave these fires unattended. If a Total Fire Ban is declared you must completely extinguish your fire before the ban comes into force. Also remember to completely extinguish all fires before you leave an area or go to sleep.”