Category: NSW News

Hazard reduction burns are underway across the state as rural firefighters try to take advantage of favourable conditions to help keep local communities safe ahead of the 2023–2024 bushfire season.

Only 20% of planned hazard reduction burns were able to be completed during the past year due to the prolonged wet weather and severe flooding across large areas of NSW.

The NSW Government and its fire services are working to complete as much hazard reduction as possible with a $10 million program to develop a statewide mobile workforce to accelerate this critical work ahead of the coming fire season.

The funding will enable the Rural Fire Service (RFS) to employ an additional 100 mitigation crew members to carry out vital hazard reduction and mitigation works in identified high-risk areas of the state.

The extra mitigation crew members will be based mainly in regional areas of NSW to help take advantage of every possible opportunity to conduct hazard reduction work.

The crews will help prepare areas for hazard reduction, such as preparing trails and establishing control lines, and assist with burns during the week when volunteers may not be as readily available.

The Bureau of Meteorology has declared an El Nino Alert, meaning a likely return to hot, dry and windy conditions this summer. Under these conditions, NSW can expect a return to a more traditional fire season compared to the last 2 summers which have been extremely wet.

The roles will include a mix of casual and temporary roles, starting with existing RFS members who are trained and able to travel to any part of the state where hazard reduction is taking place.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“With warm, dry conditions expected to return in coming months, we are potentially looking at a serious fire season and it’s important we do everything we can to support our fire services and land managers to prepare.

“Due to recent rain over the past few months, we are facing a significant backlog in hazard reduction burns, so we need to accelerate our efforts heading into the next fire season and these additional crews will help make a difference.

“It is important to plan ahead and come up with a proactive approach to maximise our narrow window for hazard reduction, as a result of unfavourable weather conditions.

“We are implementing a range of hazard reduction options, this is just one way we can complement existing efforts and enhance our ability to respond to future fires.

“I want to thank our hard-working RFS mitigation crew members and volunteers for their efforts as they work hard to keep each of us safe.”

Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers said:

“With the change in weather systems seeing an end to frequent rain and the return of dry, windy conditions, we need to get our teams out there doing hazard reduction burns at every opportunity.

“Over the last 3 months, almost 55,000 hectares of work has been completed, work critical to protect more than 50,000 properties and safeguard lives.

“There is plenty more to be done and this boost in mitigation personnel will enable even more vital work to be undertaken.

“While we are doing what we can, home and property owners also need to assess what they can do to prepare for the upcoming fire season as well.”

People across NSW are being urged to “donate a minute, donate a lifetime”, because 1 minute is all it takes to register as an organ and tissue donor.

Anyone aged 16 and over can register online to become an organ donor in just 1 minute at donatelife.gov.aulaunch, or with 3 taps in the Medicare app.

For those who think they’re already registered, it takes just 1 minute to double-check.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said DonateLife Week is the perfect time to consider becoming an organ and tissue donor.

“NSW has the highest rate of registrations on the Australian organ donor registry but opportunities for transplants are often missed because families are uncertain of their loved one’s wish to be a donor,” Mr Park said.

“Organ donation saves lives and increasing awareness and consent is critical to lifting our donation rate.

“There are around 1800 people on the organ waitlist and to help them we need more Australians to register and tell their families they want to be a donor.”

A total of 54,769 NSW residents registered as organ and tissue donors in 2022, bringing the total number registered to 2,670,875.

Around 42% of the NSW population has registered to be a donor, well above the national average of 36%.

In Australia, families are always asked to support someone’s decision to be a donor before donation goes ahead.

Families are much more likely to agree if their loved one is registered and they knew their loved one wanted to be a donor.

The NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service will officially launch DonateLife Week on Monday at Campbelltown Hospital.

The South-West Sydney Local Health District, which includes Campbelltown and surrounds, has one of the highest end-of-life notification rates in NSW, which helps identify potential donors.

Local MP and Member for Camden, Sally Quinnell, said every Australian can make a difference by choosing to become an organ donor and telling their family of their wish.

“One organ donor can save up to 7 lives, along with helping many other people through the gift of eye and tissue donation,” Ms Quinnell said.

New data from the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR) reveals the top 5 local government areas in NSW where the most people are registered as donors:

• Bellingen – 61%
• Blue Mountains – 60%
• Mosman and Weddin – 59%
• Kiama, Lockhart, Ballina, Eurobodalla, Murrumbidgee, Yass Valley and Bega Valley – 58%
• Edward River, Federation, Lake Macquarie and Lismore – 57%.

Fight fans from around Australia and the world can secure their spot at UFC 293 in Sydney when tickets go on sale on Friday.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper today joined UFC Executive Vice President David Shaw at Qudos Bank Arena to announce on-sale dates for tickets to the highly anticipated event on 10 September at which the UFC Middleweight crown will go on the line.

UFC 293 is expected to be a sell-out event, providing a boost to the NSW visitor economy and delivering Sydney valuable global exposure as a tourist and major events destination through UFC’s huge global audience.

UFC 293 will be the first of 3 Pay Per View events to be held in Sydney over the next 4 years, as part of a first-time agreement between UFC and the NSW Government.

The 3 UFC Pay Per View events are anticipated to inject more than $30 million into the state’s visitor economy over the 4-year period.

Hosting the UFC in Sydney gives NSW exposure to 900 million households watching around the world, all potential future visitors to the state.

UFC 293 will mark the return of the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation to Sydney for the first time since 2017 and is the first mega Pay Per View event to be held here since 2011.

Tickets will be available for purchase for the public from 12pm Friday 28 July via Ticketek. Fight Club members will be able to buy tickets from 12pm Wednesday 26 July. 

NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:

“Sydney is gearing up to welcome thousands of passionate UFC fans in September for what is one of the most-watched sporting events of the year.

“Following a record-breaking Vivid Sydney and the FIFA Women’s World Cup, UFC 293 will be another shot in the arm for Sydney’s visitor economy and night-time economy.

“Australian and international visitors arriving for this Sydney showdown can visit Sydney’s many attractions and eat and drink in our world-class restaurants supporting jobs in the visitor economy.”

NSW Minister for Sport Stephen Kamper said:

“Sydney is undoubtedly Australia’s premier host city for world-class sporting events and UFC 293 adds another remarkable chapter to that reputation.

“Labor made a promise to bring 3 UFC Pay Per View events to Sydney because we know the value major global sporting shows like this bring to the state’s economy.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be offering thousands of UFC fans the chance to attend one of our biggest sporting spectacles and I encourage them to get in quickly so they don’t miss out on this event on home soil.”

The Albanese and Minns governments have launched a $9.1 million grant program for community organisations and non-government organisations as they help flood-affected regions on their road to recovery.

The NGO Flood Recovery Program funding will go to service providers and non-government organisations in the Western, Murrumbidgee, Far West and New England districts as they continue to rebuild following the floods which began in August and September 2022.

The grants are jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The grants will provide a range of support, including staffing costs to meet increased demand for help, operational costs, and funding to help people remain safe during recovery:

• $6.5 million will go to community and volunteer-based non-government organisations across the Western, Murrumbidgee, Far West and New England districts.
• $1.5 million will be allocated for administration and local support, including on-the-ground flood support officers deployed on the ground to support grant recipients throughout the life of the grant.
• $1.1 million will be available for applications from current NSW Department of Communities and Justice service providers.

Find out how to apply herelaunch

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Senator Murray Watt said:

“We are providing support for local and non-government organisations as they help lift communities back on their feet after these disasters.

“This funding is another way the Albanese and Minns governments are investing in much-needed recovery services delivered through community-led social recovery programs across the state.”

NSW Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“Flood affected communities have shown a great deal of resilience and courage dealing with the major flooding events of 2022. This funding will help deliver more support to people still struggling.

“Local services are crucial in supporting and strengthening communities during times of hardship. These grants will bolster their efforts in providing valuable assistance to families and businesses still recovering from the floods.”

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“While storms may last a few days, the recovery efforts can take several years, from rebuilding homes to re-establishing businesses.

“Once emergency services leave disaster-affected areas, community and non-government organisations play a crucial role in helping people recover and rebuild.

“It is important we support these on-the-ground organisations who assist NSW communities, and these grants will mean they can continue to provide vital services.”

The Liberal Party has appointed a Senior Counsel, who is conducting an independent investigation into matters raised in a formal complaint. At all times, the Party has respected the agency and wishes of the person who has come forward, to treat the matter confidentially. Public commentary on this investigation could deny procedural fairness to those involved in this process. The Party will not be making any further comment while the independent investigation is taking place and respectfully asks others to do the same.

The NSW Government is investing $40.9 million to fast-track critical infrastructure for rapidly growing communities in Greater Sydney and the Central Coast where around 18,000 new homes are set to be built in the next three years.

The investment aligns with the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to getting more people into homes and ensuring the infrastructure is there to support them.

The funds will support road upgrades at Waterloo, Box Hill and Ryde, improved pedestrian connectivity in Parramatta, and a new sporting complex on the Central Coast.

The City of Parramatta, Central Coast Council, City of Ryde, The Hills Shire Council and Transport for NSW will be responsible for delivering the projects.

Construction is planned to start from this month.

The fast-tracking of these projects will ensure around 18,000 new homes planned in these high-growth communities will have the infrastructure needed in time for the arrival of residents. 

NSW needs more housing to meet our state’s housing demands – along with our commitments under the National Housing Accord. All projects are expected to be delivered by mid-2026.

The fast-track infrastructure project funding includes:

• Road intersection improvements at McEvoy Street and Botany Road in Waterloo ($13.5 million)
• Pedestrian link through Parramatta CBD, linking Parramatta Square to Powerhouse Parramatta and the foreshore ($10.6 million)
• Funding for a bridge over the Killarney Chain of Ponds at Box Hill ($8.2 million)
• Investment for the construction of Colongra Sporting Complex on the Central Coast ($6 million)
• Funding towards the installation of traffic lights at the junction of Parkes Street at Ryde ($2.6 million)

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“I’ve made clear we need more housing supply, there’s no two ways about it.

“We are getting on with the job of delivering infrastructure to go alongside the new housing.

“The projects will help ensure these growing suburbs get the infrastructure they need and deserve.

“It is an important step, but we know our work to enable housing supply does not stop here.

“We are making progress, but this is a big task with a lot more work to do.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We’ve inherited a housing crisis so we’re doing everything we can to fast-track housing delivery and get more people into homes quicker.

“We need all parts of the system and all levels of government working together, focused on delivering high quality homes with the right infrastructure and in places where people want to live.

“This includes the Housing and Productivity Contributions scheme I introduced to parliament last month, which will better connect new homes with jobs and infrastructure, like the projects announced today.

“These five projects are a great example of collaboration between councils and the state that will provide the infrastructure needed to deliver thousands of new homes for people in growing communities.”

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said:

“This is such an important connection for Parramatta, providing pedestrian access from the river to four forms of public transport in the CBD. 

“This link will provide a wonderful tree lined boulevard for pedestrians to move safely from Paramatta Square through to the new Powerhouse Parramatta and the river foreshore.”

Member for Heffron, Ron Hoenig said:

“These improvements at McEvoy Street and Botany Road will help to ease traffic gridlock that is already taking a toll on Waterloo and Alexandria as a result of WestConnex.

“We need to future-proof this intersection in order to get more housing supply where it makes sense.”

Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley said:

“The sporting complex at Colongra is a gamechanger for the community.

“This facility will give local clubs a permanent home and provide local schools and the public with access to sporting fields, courts and greenspace.”

Visit NSW Planning for more information and a complete list of Accelerated Infrastructure Fund (AIF) projectslaunch.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park has pledged $25,000 to help launch Superhero Week – Bear Cottage’s largest community fundraising appeal.

Minister Park joined children, their families and staff at Bear Cottage’s annual Superhero Week Party to celebrate the bravery and courage of kids with life-limiting illnesses.

“I am proud of the exceptional care provided to children and their families at Bear Cottage and humbled to see the superhuman strength, bravery and resilience these families show every day,” Mr Park said.

“Every year Bear Cottage supports more than 250 families, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing support, respite and end-of-life care to children from right across NSW and beyond.

“This facility provides a home away from home, helping families create precious memories with their children that can be treasured for a lifetime.

“It is wonderful to work in partnership with the community to provide this invaluable service to the children and families who need it most.”

The Superhero Week Party is a chance to celebrate the strength and bravery of children living with life-limiting illnesses and their families, while officially marking the launch of Superhero Week.

The day will include a Superhero Awards ceremony, with every Bear Cottage patient receiving a bravery medal presented by NSW Fire and Rescue Assistant Commissioner Greg Penney.

Minister Park will also present the Superhero Award for 2023 – which recognises a team member who has made a significant impact at Bear Cottage and has used their superhero powers to support the children and their families.

The day will also include visits from Batman, Captain America, Wonder Woman and Spiderman as well as local community heroes from the NSW Police Force and NSW Fire and Rescue.

Superhero Week is held from 23 – 29 July and this year aims to raise $250,000 in essential funds for Bear Cottage.

Bear Cottage is part of the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network and, cares for newborn infants to older adolescents, in line with the patient cohort of the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network.

Together with the newly established Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, the service is an important part of the NSW Government’s commitment to provide palliative care support for children and young people.

NSW has taken immediate action to reduce the risk of fire ants entering NSW after fire ants were detected at Tallebudgera, a suburb in the City of the Gold Coast, just 5.5km from the NSW border.

Immediately following detection of the ants at the premise, the NSW Biosecurity (Invasive Ant Carriers) Control Order 2023 was triggered to prohibit the movement of materials that could bring the ant into NSW.

Materials such as mulch, soil, baled hay, turf and other high-risk material cannot be moved from within a 5km radius of this site without inspection and certification by Queensland authorities.

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said while the nest has been destroyed, it is crucial that residents and businesses in northern NSW be alert for the signs of fire ants and to report any suspected detections.

“This is the closest detection of fire ants to the NSW border since they were first detected at the Port of Brisbane in 2001, and more recently at Mermaid Waters in Queensland, 11.5km north of the border,” Minister Moriarty said.

“It is important to keep NSW free from this invasive and aggressive pest, which if established, will have a huge impact on the way we live our lives and could affect our export markets and ability to trade.

“That’s why the NSW Government recently committed $95 million, over the next four years, towards protecting our State and partnering in the ongoing response to red imported fire ant.

“NSW DPI is working closely with the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and northern NSW local government authorities.

“Residents and businesses should check their properties as finding fire ants early and alerting NSW DPI will increase the chances of successful eradication.”

Fire ants are dark reddish-brown with a darker black-brown abdomen and from two to six millimetres long. They look similar to other ants, but their ant nests are distinctive with mounds of loose, crumbly or fluffy looking soil with a honeycomb appearance, up to 40cm high, with no obvious entrance holes.

Red imported fire ants can damage electrical and agricultural equipment, sting people causing allergic reactions, sting pets and livestock, kill native plants and animals as well as damage ecosystems beyond repair.

Residents and businesses should report any sign of fire ants to the NSW DPI on 1800 680 244launch.

Anyone bringing nesting materials into NSW, such as mulch, woodchips, compost, sand, gravel, soil, hay and other baled products from the red imported fire ant biosecurity zone in southeast Queensland, should check the measures being implemented before entering NSWlaunch.

Visit NSW DPI for more information about red imported fire antslaunch.

The NSW Government is investing $8.7 million into collaborative cardiovascular research projects to drive improvements in the prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke.

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said the 9 grants would create collaborative opportunities across a number of leading research institutes and universities so that knowledge and skills are shared.

“These grants highlight the power of bringing the right people together to solve health problems in the hope of saving lives,” Mr Harris said.

“With this increased funding, we are positioning NSW as a leader in cardiovascular research.” 

Associate Professor Jean-Frédéric Levesque, NSW Health Deputy Secretary, Clinical Innovation and Research, said cardiovascular disease currently affects more than 4 million Australians and is responsible for 1 in 4 deaths.

“Tragically, this equates to a rate of 118 people each day who die as a result of heart and vascular diseases,” Assoc. Prof. Levesque said.

“Investment in innovative and translational research in this space is vital because we want to ensure our health system is doing everything possible to prevent, detect and treat cardiovascular disease.”

The 9 funded projects involve expert multidisciplinary teams from several research institutions. Each project team also includes 2 or more early career researchers to ensure that the NSW Government is building a future pipeline of researchers in this critical field.

The Cardiovascular Collaborative Research Grants are part of the $150 million the NSW Government has committed to cardiovascular disease research over a 10-year period.

The grants will cover a range of research areas, including:

• prevention of recurrent stroke 
• new treatments to repair damaged heart muscle 

• enhancement of implantable medical devices including stents 
• better diagnosis and prevention of immune system driven blood clots 
• developing new materials that will last longer than current treatments for heart valve disease
• supporting reduction in high blood pressure across the whole population 
• preventing atrial fibrillation by identifying and treating its causes 
• exploring the impact of women’s diets during pregnancy on the long-term cardiac health of their children
• evaluating new anti-clotting therapies to reduce brain damage and other complications of acute stroke. 

More information on the recipients and the research projects can be found here in the Office of Health and Medical Research directorylaunch.