Category: NSW News

After months of restoration work, the Queenscliff is readying to return to Sydney Harbour as the Freshwater Class ferry undergoes its final touches at Garden Island.

Returning the Queenscliff to the F1 Manly to Circular Quay route in the lead up to Sydney’s busy summer months was a key part of the NSW Government’s commitment to return as many Freshwater Ferries to service as possible.

The work is being delivered as part of $114 million investment into Sydney’s ferry fleet in the NSW Budget.

$71.1 million will go towards extensive refurbishments of the Freshwater fleet. As the Queenscliff re-enters service, the next Freshwater to undertake drydocking will be the Narrabeen in mid-2024 subject to availability of the Navy’s Garden Island dry docking facility. That work will allow this vessel to operate in service until November 2027. Freshwater will follow in mid-2025, allowing it to operate until July 2030.

The upgrades will include improved passenger areas such as new seats, bathroom facilities and new accessibility infrastructure.

Local jobs remain a high priority for the NSW Government, with Australian expert naval engineers, electrical engineers, shipbuilders, painters and plumbers working on the refurbishments.

Collaroy will pause serving Sydney commuters at the end of September as its current license to operate comes to an end. While it’s the youngest in the Freshwater Fleet, Collaroy was designed with ocean-going specifications that mean its servicing and operational requirements are different from the other vessels. The Government will make a decision on its future following industry feedback as part of market sounding process to commence at the beginning of October for the potential electric powered replacement vessels, which will inform the longer-term strategy for the Manly route. 

There will be a 6-8 week period from October to November, between the Collaroy leaving the harbour and the Queenscliff returning to provide Freshwater services every hour from mid-December for the busy summer period. The Narrabeen’s return in the middle of next year will see three Freshwaters available for service on the Harbour.

The funding will also go towards future-proofing the Sydney Ferries fleet with a Zero Emission Ferry Transition Strategy. Market sounding is expected to commence later this year to test the waters and expedite the transition to low or zero technology across the Sydney Ferries fleet and infrastructure.

Parramatta Class Ferry builds progress

The NSW Government has also allocated $43 million in the Budget for seven new Australian-made ferries for Parramatta River, with the construction of two vessels now underway and expected to enter trials in early 2024.

The first two Parramatta Class vessels, which were designed in the Northern Beaches, have had their hulls constructed with decking, and the wheelhouses are now being built at their Hobart shipyard. Their designs are futureproofed to allow for future electrification as battery, charging and engine technologies improve.

Transport for NSW has worked closely with the naval architects, operator Transdev and union representatives, enhancing the design to ensure the defects that plagued the RiverCat vessels are not repeated with the Parramatta-class vessels.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“This November will see a hero’s welcome for the Queenscliff, currently getting its final touches in time for a return to the Harbour for the busier summer months, alongside the Freshwater.”

“I am thrilled construction work is well underway on the first two of the new Parramatta Class ferries. These Australian-made ferries will be a vast improvement on the overseas-made River Class vessels that entered service under the previous Liberal Government.”

“While it’s sad to see the Collaroy leave our waters, we’re excited to look to the future of our ferries – moving forward on plans for a zero-emission fleet.”

Multicultural Lakemba has become the first area outside the Sydney CBD and Parramatta to join world cities in being recognised as a Purple Flag-accredited safe nightlife zone due to its welcoming, bustling offering.

From the spices and delicacies of India to the exciting desserts and popular classics of Middle Eastern cuisine, there’s something for everyone in a night out in Lakemba.

This Sydney suburb is joining London, Dublin, Stockholm and 90 other international locations in being recognised for its safe and enjoyable nightlife.

Lakemba has more than 160 businesses and is home to the popular Ramadan Night Markets which attracts more than a million visitors to the suburb each year.

Lakemba is also home to a feast of culinary delights. You can grab a traditional Lebanese dessert or some sweet Italian gelato at King of Sweets, soak up Malay Island culture at Island Dreams Cafe and enjoy a boutique Lebanese dining experience, featuring kebab, falafel, hoummos and more at El-Manara Lebanese Restaurant.

Lakemba’s Purple Flag precinct features dining options for families and groups and options for when you want to treat a loved one to a special night out.

Visitors can choose from a range of exciting cuisines including Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian through to a classic pub meal.

The Purple Flag program assesses destinations against a set of criteria, including transport access, security, adequate street lighting and diversity of offerings, before achieving purple flag status.

Lakemba is the third precinct in NSW, and Australia, to gain accreditation under the program joining the YCK Laneways in Sydney’s CBD and Parramatta CBD.

Accredited Purple Flag areas allow members of the public to quickly identify them as districts that offer a safe, vibrant and well-managed night scene with a diversity of offerings across retail and dining for a great night out.

The pilot phase of Purple Flag, being run by the NSW Government, continues later this year in Marrickville.

More information on Purple Flag

Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said:

“Lakemba’s Purple Flag recognition is another win for western Sydney just months after Parramatta was recognised for its nightlife. This program recognises precincts with a high standard of vibrancy, diversity, and safety, to ensure people across our city can enjoy a great night out.”

“To achieve a Purple Flag, areas must meet a high standard of excellence in managing their night-time offering. We’re looking forward to the expansion of the Purple Flag program across Greater Sydney.”

Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis said:

“Lakemba’s Ramadan Night Markets are renowned across Sydney, but this recognition will help to bring more people out to experience everything Lakemba has to offer year-round.”

Member for Bankstown, Jihad Dib said:

“There’s something special and unique about Lakemba, it’s a place where people from all over the world have come together to create one of the most vibrant places in Sydney.”

“The Purple Flag recognises Lakemba as the welcoming, hospitable place locals and visitors have always known it to be.”

NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, Michael Rodrigues said:

“A 24-hour experience that represents Sydney’s diverse identities can only enhance its global reputation.

“We are always looking at ways to make Sydney’s 24-hour economy attractive to visitors, workers and residents, while also creating new opportunities to boost local business.”

Canterbury-Bankstown Deputy Mayor, Rachelle Harika said:

“The accreditation is a vote of confidence in our City.

“Haldon Street is a unique place to visit where people come from all over to experience multiculturalism at its very best. Tantalising tastes and people from around the globe bringing culture and excitement to our streets, smack bang in the heart of Sydney.

“The recognition would lift the City’s profile and draw people to the area.

“This is going to be a massive boost for businesses, and equally an important step towards creating a safe and friendly place for families to visit. It’s about promoting a precinct that is safe, accessible by all means of transport and has great food.”

Owner of local business King of Sweets, Rasha Almaanawe said:

“Lakemba is one of those areas where you can actually experience different cultures in the one spot. For example, you could have Indian food for dinner and then walk down the road and have Moroccan tea and walk further down the road and have Lebanese sweets for dessert or even Italian gelato.

“I love seeing people from different parts of Sydney come to visit Lakemba and discover the area and what it has to offer.”

Tolls on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel will increase on October 29 – the first time they have risen in more than 14 years.

Bridge and Tunnel tolls will be adjusted 6.8% higher as the NSW Government continues its agenda to bring greater equity to motorists across the system following last week’s announcement of a $60 toll cap and the ongoing Independent Toll Review led by Professor Allan Fels.

All extra revenue will go to the Government’s toll relief Budget package worth $561 million over two years to 720,000 drivers.

The last time the Bridge and Tunnel tolls were raised was in January 2009 and they have remained fixed at $4.00 during peak times, $3.00 off-peak and $2.50 at night.

From Sunday, 29 October, that will become $4.27 in peak, $3.20 off peak and $2.67 at night.

The 6.8 per cent rise is a fraction of the CPI increase during the 14 years and seven months since the last adjustment. In the same period, motorists using privately-owned toll roads have faced regular toll hikes under motorway contracts.

Thanks to the Liberals’ obsession with privatisation, one company owns all or part of the M2, M4, M5, M5 East, the M7, M8, the Cross City Tunnel, the Lane Cove Tunnel, the North Connex and the Eastern Distributor.

The adjustment will be made by Ministerial Order under the Roads Act 1993.

Bridge and Tunnel tolls are required by law to be reviewed annually and the recommended increase must have regard to the recent rate of inflation. For twelve years the former government refused to increase the toll.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“No toll increase is ever welcome, but this increase is helping to provide toll relief to other drivers.

“The NSW Government believes it is appropriate for these tolls to be adjusted higher at a time when we are focused on providing greater equity across the toll road network, no matter what your postcode.

“Drivers in Western Sydney who have little choice but to use motorways for their commute and family travel have endured annual – and in many cases quarterly – toll increases since 2009 while the Bridge and Tunnel tolls remained fixed.

“Toll revenue is helping us target toll relief to where it is needed most, with suburbs like Kellyville, Silverwater, Blacktown, Quakers Hill, Rosehill and Gosford among those where the most motorists will claim cash back of an average of up to $540 a year. All extra revenue will be used to this end.”

Toll and trip comparisons	2009	2023
Weekday peak hour return from Liverpool or Campbelltown to CBD: M5 South-West, M5 East and Eastern Distributor	$12.60	$35.54
Weekday peak hour return Blacktown to CBD: M7, Hills M2, Lane Cove Tunnel and Harbour Bridge	$12.72	$34.54
Weekday peak hour return Neutral Bay to CBD: Harbour Bridge	$4	$4

Harbour Bridge and Harbour Tunnel	Existing price	New price (Oct 29)
Weekdays 6:30am – 9:30am and 4:00pm – 7:00pm	$4.00	$4.27
Weekdays 9:30am – 4:00pm and weekends 8:00am – 8:00pm	$3.00	$3.20
Weekdays 7:00pm – 6:30am and weekends 8:00pm – 8:00am	$2.50	$2.67

The NSW Government is supporting families with free activities, workshops, and exhibitions to engage and inspire children during the school holidays starting next week.

The state’s Cultural Institutions are offering a selection of activities for children to support families wanting to make the school holidays memorable without breaking the bank.

Families are doing it tough and NSW Budget 2023-24 allocated $28.3 million over four years for free general admission to the Australian Museum and Museums of History NSW which will allow families with children to keep coming through the door to enjoy the educational exhibits and hands-on offerings.

During this cost-of-living crisis families should not be denied access to basic services and that includes arts and culture.

School holiday activity highlights include: 

• Art Gallery of NSWlaunch: Paper, Scissors, Shadows – A free shadow-puppet theatre workshop for kids and families
• Australian Museumlaunch: Dinosaur Festival – An annual dinosaur festival featuring live science shows, performances, roaming dinosaurs, a T.rex autopsy, and the brand-new Hologram Dinosaurs experience
• State Library of NSWlaunch: Monster Madness – Design your own monster, dress up and scare your grown-ups or design a house for a monster
• Museums of History NSWlaunch: Hyde Park Barracks Kids Audioguide and Trail – an adventure through time at the Hyde Park Barracks with a tailored audio guide and kids’ activity trail
• Powerhouse Ultimolaunch: Family Minecraft – Intergenerational groups will be guided through Minecraft activities and games
• Sydney Opera Houselaunch: Draw the House: The Sketchbook Tour – A free monthly walking and drawing tour led by artist Catherine O’Donnell that explores various drawing techniques and perspectives inspired by one of the world’s most iconic buildings

The NSW Government has shown its support for creative audiences and workers with a boost for music, arts, events and the night-time economy as outlined in the first Minns Labor Government Budget. 

This Budget has focused on supporting arts and culture at a grass roots level while allowing greater access to our cultural institutions.

For information on specific school holiday programming from our NSW cultural institutions, visit the individual venue’s website.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“NSW families are really feeling the cost-of-living pressures and the NSW Government is committed to ensuring families continue to have fulfilling experiences through arts and culture.

“Free general entry to the museums is supported in this budget. It is an important principle to allow equal access to knowledge and learning to all.

“This super-charged school holiday program will offer unforgettable experiences with culture and art, and thanks to these free activities, exhibitions and workshops, they’re accessible to all families.”

“The free entry program will offer children the opportunity to create shadow puppets and monsters, take an adventure through time, and have a roaring good adventure while visiting our important cultural institutions.”

Four new directors have been appointed to the Greyhound Racing NSW Board following a rigorous public expression of interest selection process.

Barrister Adam Casselden SC has been selected as chair and will be supported by experienced board members Paul Gentle and Louise Wakefield as independent directors. Gregory Johnson has been appointed to the board as an industry participant director.

Legal practitioner Rebekah Giles has been reappointed as both deputy chair and an independent director.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said each appointment was a 1-year term which would commence on 23 September 2023.

“These appointments mark a new era for Greyhound Racing NSW; the new board will continue to build on transparency, accountability and animal welfare standards set by the previous board,” Mr Harris said.

“All members were chosen through a rigorous and independent merit-based process. I look forward to the contributions of these members in shaping the future of greyhound racing in NSW.”

The new and reappointed directors will join 2 existing directors on the board – Matthew Waring and Kevin Gordon.

Mr Harris thanked the outgoing directors for their commitment to Greyhound Racing NSW and the industry, particularly outgoing chair John Williams.

“I thank John for his long standing commitment to the greyhound racing industry in NSW, and for his stewardship of Greyhound Racing NSW over many years.”

He said the incoming board members brought with them a wealth of experience in law, regulatory investigations, and funds management.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting a competitive, responsible and sustainable greyhound racing industry, with the highest standards of animal welfare,” Mr Harris said.

“We are providing the resources to support reforms within the industry, with a strong focus on track upgrades and welfare improvements.   

“It is important that the governing bodies and senior leadership of the racing codes meet the highest standards of integrity.  

“I look forward to working with the board to ensure it has appropriate governance, integrity and probity frameworks in place.”

Three new co-educational high schools will increase co-ed learning opportunities in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and Georges River area. 

From 2025, Years 7 to 12 at Randwick Boys and Girls High Schools, currently co-located on adjoining sites, will combine to form a co-educational high school in Randwick.

Also from 2025, the two single-sex campuses at Penshurst Girls and Hurstville Boys in the Georges River College will each become co-educational schools.  The years 11 to 12 Oatley Senior campus is already a co-ed school.

The decision comes after comprehensive Department of Education consultation in the eastern suburbs and Georges River school communities.

The consultations found strong support for co-education, with a majority of parents and carers supporting the change. Support from future parents was particularly strong, with three quarters of parents of primary school students in both areas stating they would prefer to send their child to a co-educational school.

In recognition of the preferences of some students and families, the co-educational schools will also provide opportunities for single-sex-focused classes and activities.

Planning will now start to prepare the current Hurstville Boys and Penshurst Girls campuses for the transition to co-education from 2025.

At Randwick, $42 million will be invested at the current adjoining sites to make the new co-educational high school a modern, fit-for-purpose facility.

The interim name for the school will be Randwick High School. A consultation process with students, parents and staff will determine the final name for the co-educational high school.

The school communities will be supported through the transition.

Separately to these community consultations, the Minns Labor Government will be providing an update in Term 4 to other communities across NSW which currently don’t have a co-ed high school option.

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

“The transition these schools to co-education reflects the preferences of the majority of parents in these local communities.

“The larger student populations will help increase the range of subjects and extracurricular opportunities for students.

“The investment in the sites will provide all students with the best possible learning environment.”

$1 million in grants is now open for Aboriginal Community Organisations to apply to stage events and activities that celebrate and promote traditional and contemporary expressions of Aboriginal culture. Grants from $500 to $20,000 are on offer over two rounds. 

The grants program is just one of the key initiatives funded in the first Minns Labor Budget with $131.4 million over the next four years to support the continued implementation of the co-developed Closing the Gap initiatives.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said the program would help deliver a key priority of the Closing the Gap agreement that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enjoy high levels of social and emotional wellbeing.

“Closing the Gap is a key priority of the Minns Labor Government and confirmed in our first budget. This program is essential in creating in creating a sense of belonging, wellbeing and healing with Aboriginal communities in NSW and I am proud to support it,” Mr Harris said.

“Aboriginal communities will be able to come together to share cultural knowledge and skills between generations and that is something to be supported and celebrated.”

The previous Cultural Grants program in the financial year 2022/23 supported 91 projects across NSW, totalling just over $1.5 million in funding.

“Previous events and activities funded under the Program have been as varied and vibrant as the communities they represent,” Mr Harris said.

“From digital installations showcasing Aboriginal history, to camps connecting young people to culture, to events honouring the achievements of community members – the opportunities to celebrate culture, community and country are endless.”

The Program will be delivered in two rounds of $500,000. Round 1 closes on 9 October 2023 and Round 2 opens from 15 January 2024 to 26 February 2024.

Applicants can apply anytime from 28 August 2023 via the online grants program Smarty Grantslaunch

For more information visit the Aboriginal Affairs websitelaunch or contact the Aboriginal Affairs Cultural Investments team on grants@aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.aulaunch

One thousand new apprentices and trainees will soon have jobs as the Minns Labor government commits $93.5 million to building a pipeline of skilled workers for NSW.

This initiative is part of the NSW Government’s plan to tackle skills gaps in the state’s economy in priority industries, including in critical services of transport, electricity, water, IT and cyber security.

The program involves NSW Government departments, state-owned corporations, and other public service employers looking for opportunities to hire 500 apprentices and 500 trainees. This will include those who already hire apprentices and trainees, as well as those who have not traditionally taken on those workers.

This vital $93.5 million investment through the 2023-2024 NSW Budget marks the delivery of an election commitment and is part of the Minns Labor government’s long-term plan to rebuild the essential services.

The government has a clear focus on responsibly managing finances to provide opportunities where people need them most, to improve the essential services, now and into the future.

Training Services NSW will work alongside TAFE NSW and other quality training providers to ensure apprentices and trainees are highly-qualified and can meet the needs of their employers.

All 1000 apprentices and trainees will join the NSW Government workforce by mid-2026.

Hiring early career, or upskilling mid-career workers, will ensure the government has access to a talented pool of workers in a competitive labour market.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“It is vital the NSW Government is plugging skills gaps, including with hardworking apprentices and trainees.

“Our government is focused on building a strong workforce to deliver essential services for our community.

“This includes delivering on our election commitment to make sure we recruit 1000 apprentices and trainees in fields where they are needed.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Prue Car said:

“It is so wonderful there will be an opportunity for 1000 people to get a job as an apprentice or trainee with the NSW Government.

“Choosing a traineeship or an apprenticeship is an important path to a career and this announcement creates more certainty in training and upskilling workers across the state.

“This initiative will see apprentices and trainees given a leg up in their career, and I look forward to seeing these apprentices working across NSW.”

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“We’re building up our state’s transport sector by delivering on the Minns Labor government’s commitment to deliver more trainees and apprenticeships.

“Encouraging public sector organisations like Sydney Trains to train and upskill their workforces, locks in our state’s next generation of mechanics, engineers and frontline staff and sets our network up for the future.”

$80 million is being invested by the NSW Government to protect koalas and secure their habitat in south-west Sydney.

The 2023-24 NSW Budget provides $48 million to help establish a new national park along the Georges River between Long Point and Appin, which will eventually cover up to 1830 hectares. The suburbs of Long Point, Ingleburn, Minto Heights, Kentlyn, Airds, St Helens Park, Gilead and Appin will host the new park.

The investment will accelerate the addition of more than 1000 hectares of public land to the NSW national park system within the next 3 years. The transfer and reservation of these lands will deliver long-lasting conservation benefits for Sydney’s largest and one of the state’s healthiest koala populations.

The NSW Government is also providing $26 million to create koala-friendly crossings in south-west Sydney. Two will allow animals to cross below Appin Road, and a third will cross a canal.

$5.7 million will go towards koala care in the Macarthur area, to look after local populations of the iconic animal.

This $80 million dollar package for koalas in south-west Sydney is part of the new $172 million investment by the NSW Government for the conservation of koalas in the wild.

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“Koalas are Australia’s most iconic animal and need connected habitat to have any future in Sydney.

“The NSW Government is delivering on its commitment to protect koala habitat in the city’s south-west, which is home to the only disease-free koala population in the Sydney basin.

“Establishing a national park and putting more money into infrastructure to keep koalas safe around roads will ensure generations to come will still be able to see koalas in the wild.”

Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“I’m proud to be part of a government taking action to protect and conserve the healthy koala population in our region. This is a special part of our community and it’s something worth safeguarding for the future.

“We’re acting on our commitment to the environment and to keeping our koalas safe, healthy and protected.”

Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said:

“Koalas are a much-loved part of the Campbelltown community. I know local conservation organisations have been concerned about this population, and today’s announcement gives them and the rest of the community confidence.

“Investing in road crossings and securing habitat is a win for the conservation of koalas. Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever, and we’re taking action now to save them.”

Member for Camden Sally Quinnell said:

“The NSW Budget commitment to create a national park in and around Camden will go a long way to securing our koala population and the green spaces they rely on.

“It will reduce fragmentation of bushland, allowing them to move freely along the edge of the Georges River.”

NSW seniors will have more opportunities for social activities and learning new skills thanks to a $600,000 NSW Government initiative.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said the Connecting Seniors grant program would fund projects aimed at engaging older people and keeping them engaged with their communities.

“These grants support activities which can provide a social lifeline for seniors, especially those who live alone,” Minister Harrison said.

“Our population is growing older and we want to make sure our seniors age well by providing opportunities for them to socialise while enjoying engaging experiences.”

The grant program, which opens today, is divided into 3 categories.

Not-for-profit community organisations can apply for:

• Category 1: Creation grants for new projects, with $20,000 awarded to 5 innovative projects with an overall value of $100,000.
• Category 2: Enhancement and/or expansion grants for existing projects, with $30,000 each for 10 different organisations with an overall value of $300,000.

Local councils are only able to apply for:

• Category 3: Local council grants for local council projects, with $40,000 each for 5 different councils with an overall value of $200,000.

The Connecting Seniors grant program builds on previous grants, which have been proven to reduce social isolation for thousands of seniors in NSW.

Some grant-funded initiatives include a family history research project, dancing lessons, art classes and wellness workshops.

“I am looking forward to seeing what fantastic ideas evolve from the Connecting Seniors grant program and I encourage eligible organisations to apply,” Minister Harrison added.

The Connecting Seniors grant program delivers on the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021-2031, with the government committed to creating a more inclusive community and addressing isolation and loneliness.

Grant applications will close on 25 October. Successful projects will commence in early 2024.

For more information go to Connecting Seniors grant program.