Category: NSW News

Raising awareness about menopause, more opportunities for regional and rural women, and promoting careers for young women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are among the issues being tackled this NSW Women’s Week.

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said this year’s theme is #CrackingTheCode, with the focus on promoting gender equality and celebrating the social, cultural and political achievements of women.

“The 2023 NSW Women’s Week is an important celebration of women from every corner of NSW. So many incredible women and girls call NSW home, and this week we are putting their achievements in the spotlight,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Driving forward gender equality is pivotal for the future of NSW and we are leading the country with the delivery of the biggest blueprint in the state’s history to level the playing field for women, investing $16.5 billion over 10 years to empower women’s economic opportunities and child development.”

The 2023 NSW Women’s Week is set to be the biggest ever, with events including a Menopause Mixer, One to Watch Awards, Engineering Your Future Summit, and a networking event for women from regional and rural NSW.

Mrs Taylor said women from all ages and walks of life will be celebrated in the schedule of events.

“The NSW Liberals and Nationals are committed to supporting women through every lifestage – from the introduction of a universal pre-Kindergarten year, free menstrual hygiene products in every NSW public school, making it easier and more affordable to have IVF, helping women enter and re-enter the workforce, supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs, to raising awareness about menopause – we are here with you,” Mrs Taylor said.

“We know that women thrive, everyone thrives.”

NSW Women’s Week runs from Monday, 6 March to Sunday, 12 March. International Women’s Day is on 8 March and the NSW Women of the Year Awards is on 9 March.

45 organisations across NSW have received $200,000 in funding from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to host events during NSW Women’s Week.

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to supporting women’s economic opportunities, health and wellbeing, and participation and empowerment.

For more information about events in your area this NSW Women’s Week, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/womens-week

A re-elected Perrottet Liberal Government will invest $5 million to assist the growing Maronite community in Parramatta by supporting the continued refurbishment and upgrade of the Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral precinct.

The NSW Government had previously invested $7 million into the community’s Aged Care & Wellness Centre, and in the next term of government, an additional $5 million will go towards completing current projects along with a new precinct forecourt.

The Maronite College will also receive an additional $100,000 from a re-elected Perrottet Government for the installation of solar panels, to help reduce the school’s energy bills and make it more environmentally sustainable.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said this investment would help the tens of thousands of Maronite community members visiting the area.

“These facilities are a critical community hub, and our investment will help the Parish accommodate the growing Maronite community,” Mr Perrottet said.

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said the Maronite community has always contributed to the state since the 1800s to make it a great place to live.

“Whether it be through charities, community organisations or volunteering, the Maronite community is a remarkable representation of our multicultural and multi-faith society, and this is our investing back,” Mr Coure said.

NSW Liberal Candidate for Parramatta Katie Mullens said this is a big win for the local Maronite community.

“Only the Perrottet Liberal Government has a plan and vision to help support our growing communities,” Ms Mullens said. “Our strong economic management allows us to invest in community facilities and services for our community, with the experience and leadership needed to make sure they are delivered.”

“The Maronites have played a huge part in Parramatta’s history and development. This investment will help realise our vision for this important community precinct.”

The Maronite Eparch, His Excellency Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, welcomed the announcement and added, “Funding will help us to continue serving the Maronite community in Harris Park and surrounds, and will enable us to meet the needs of our growing community.”

Scientific researchers and organisations will soon be able to apply for $7 million to support projects that aim to replace the use of animals in experimentation and to rehome animals who have been used in medical research.

Competitive grants will be available through two new programs:

· Replacing Animals in Medical Research Grants – $4.5 million to support science-based research that replaces or significantly reduces the use of animals in experimentation; and

· Rehoming Animals who have been used in Medical Research Grants Program – $2.5 million for charitable or rescue organisations who are rehoming animals who have been used in medical experimentation.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the grants build on the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s record funding for scientific research, innovation and technological development.

“NSW is already leading the nation in this space, but we want to continue to grow our economy and be a world leader when it comes to research and development,” Mr Henskens said.

“We want to back our cutting-edge researchers to develop their ideas and translate their work into real-world solutions that help grow our economy in line with the Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan.

“This work builds on our record investment which is already delivering the world’s first RNA Research and Pilot Manufacturing Facility at Macquarie Park and driving an unprecedented level of R&D in universities and research institutions across NSW.”

Action to make schools in NSW a safer space for all students and staff will be at the heart of a landmark 10-year partnership between a re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government and the State’s religious communities.

Following concerns of antisemitic and faith-based bullying in schools, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will bring the Department of Education, Multicultural NSW and the Religious Communities Advisory Council together to create a unified approach to continue stamping out racism, religious intolerance and discrimination against students and teachers.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said a proposed Memorandum of Understanding would reflect and formalise the constructive and open relationship the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has had with faith communities over many years.

“Our faith communities play a vital role in NSW, including in our school system and so it is fantastic we have been able to make a commitment to this partnership to continue our collaborative work on such important issues,” Ms Mitchell said.

“No students or staff should face discrimination or bullying, including based on their faith. The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government remains focussed on addressing this issue, as well as reaffirming our commitment to special religious education and special education in ethics in NSW public schools.”

Activities and initiatives as part of the partnership between the Department of Education and Religious Communities Advisory Council would include:

· Consultation as part of the Curriculum Reform process and development of curriculum resources to support teaching and learning of the new syllabuses, including best-practice teaching of the Holocaust in all NSW schools

· Accredited professional development to support teachers and school staff to promote student wellbeing when managing religious discrimination

· Cooperation with the Student and Experience Directorate Complaints team to build trust and facilitate better reporting of religious vilification and bullying

· Ensuring that every public school has a trained Anti-Racism Contact Officer, and is provided with additional training and resources to combat religious discrimination including antisemitism and religious bullying.

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said the school environment is integral to fostering peace and respect between young people so those values are carried into their adult years. 

“School is a formative time for young people, and we want to ensure that students are guided to understand the impacts of racism, hatred and religious intolerance,” Mr Coure said. 

“By highlighting the dangers of hate and promoting harmony, we can foster a new generation of leaders that can help steer NSW towards becoming an even more successful multicultural and multi-faith society.”

Motorists in South Western Sydney will get home sooner and safer with the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government investing $200 million to extend the upgrade of Henry Lawson Drive along a critical stretch in Milperra.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the upgrade to Henry Lawson Drive is part of a $1 billion WestInvest roads package, made possible by the Liberal and Nationals Government’s long term economic plan.

“This is about making sure South West Sydney is thriving now and into the future, with the road infrastructure that can cater to more drivers,” Mr Kean said.

“The upgrades to Henry Lawson Drive are a win for families who will be able to spend more time with each other, and for businesses that want to get more done.”

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the upgrade will ease congestion for motorists along this critical South Western Sydney road corridor.

“We know South Western Sydney is booming, that is why we are committed to providing the essential infrastructure to keep people moving on their local roads,” Mrs Ward said.

“The upgrade of 1.8 kilometres between Auld Avenue and the M5 Motorway builds on Stage 1A which creates more capacity for vehicles traveling through Milperra and Newbridge Road.”

Member for East Hills Wendy Lindsay said this is a critical project that the community has been calling for and make positive difference to travel times for thousands of drivers across South Western Sydney. 

“This is about listening to the community and delivering, travelling on Henry Lawson Drive will become an easier trip for everyone across South Western Sydney,” Mrs Lindsay said.

Transport for NSW received more than 100 submissions during the community consultation period last year, reflecting the keen community interest in this project.

A Review of Environmental Factors is being prepared, which will include the impacts from the finalised design features and construction of the project.

Transport for NSW will keep the community informed about next steps for the upgrade.

Other road projects already announced include: For more information, go to https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/henry-lawson-drive-upgrade-stage-1b

Flood affected communities in NSW will be able to obtain free legal advice as a result of a $7 million Commonwealth funding investment to aid ongoing relief and recovery.

Commonwealth Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the new funding for community legal services in NSW meant people will have ongoing ready access to free, independent and confidential support to help navigate legal problems including insurance claims, housing and tenancy rights, employment issues and social security, credit and debt, domestic violence, destroyed documents and parenting arrangements.

“These devastating floods have taken every material thing from those affected. The Commonwealth’s extra funding for Community Legal Centres means they’ll now have the legal assistance they need to help rebuild their lives,” Mr Dreyfus said.

“Every part of people’s lives is impacted by these natural disasters and we want to ensure that legal assistance is available to them at this critical time.”

NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman said the funding will help Community Legal Centres (CLCs) continue to support people through the ongoing flood recovery.

“The floods wreaked havoc on our State,” Mr Speakman said.

“In the challenging aftermath of a natural disaster free legal assistance is crucial, especially to people who are socially and economically disadvantaged.”

Seven CLCs will each receive $250,000 per year, over four years:

· Northern Rivers CLC

· Shoalcoast CLC

· Mid North Coast Legal Centre

· Illawarra Legal Centre

· Central Tablelands and Blue Mountains CLC

· Welfare Rights Centre

· Tenants’ Union of NSW

Liberal candidate for Bega Russell Fitzpatrick has welcomed the Liberal Government’s vision to transform the Port of Eden into a thriving maritime precinct and cruise destination is taking shape with the construction of a $32 million wave wall at Snug Cove.

“The South Coast Boating Network Plan identifies investment opportunities to revamp existing boating infrastructure and services that support marine tourism at 17 of the region’s waterways,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

“This plan is supported through the NSW Government’s $205 million Maritime Infrastructure Stimulus Program and the Boating Now Program which has delivered more than 330 projects since it began in 2014.

“Eden has already been identified as a significant investment location to support not only the cruise industry but also commercial fishing, tourism and recreational boating in NSW. The delivery of major projects such as these will help further unlock the Sapphire Coast’s tourism potential.”

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the 366-metre-long wave attenuator on the NSW far South Coast, due to be completed within the next few days, marks another major milestone in the transformation of the Port of Eden. 

“This is an engineering feat which required mega purpose-built marine construction equipment and materials to build this game-changing maritime asset,” Mr Elliott said.

“The purpose of the wave attenuator is to deliver a safe harbour for commercial boats, private vessels and maritime infrastructure by providing protection from high winds and wave conditions.

“Providing a safer harbour will not only enhance Eden’s reputation as a first-class boating destination but will also stimulate local investment in the community’s maritime and tourism sectors and boost the local economy.

“The design of the wave wall was developed based on extensive site-specific wave data, weather history, environmental and geotechnical conditions plus ship and vessel simulations.”

Projects that have already been funded through these programs include: 

• repairs to the Wollongong Harbour Slipway to enable continued operation
• a new Kayak launch and pontoon at Shell Harbour Marina 
• an upgrade of the Woolamia and Myola Boat Ramp facilities, near Jervis Bay 
• a new boat ramp precinct at Lake Conjola
• an upgrade of the boat ramp facility at Hanging Rock, Batemans Bay
• an upgrade of the Narooma Town Wharf

The state’s first hydrogen-powered electric bus will soon take to the streets of the Central Coast in a local trial of the technology.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the trial was one of many that were paving the way to a zero emissions future by bringing together industry and the transport and energy sectors.

“These hydrogen buses are the first step in growing our green hydrogen industry which is estimated to grow the NSW economy by an extra $600 million each year from 2030 onwards and attract $80 billion in investment by 2050,” Mr Kean said.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the trial is an important milestone in the plan to transition the state’s 8000-plus public transport buses to zero emissions technology.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is keeping our state moving forward by investing in the technology that will deliver widespread benefits to our communities, commuters and our economy,” Mr Farraway said.
“The new hydrogen bus is believed to be the first of its kind manufactured in NSW and we know this trial will be key to supporting the development of the hydrogen industry right here in NSW.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said unlocking hydrogen use in the heavy transport sector will ensure investment in clean technology, grow the economy and support regional jobs and manufacturing.

“This state first trial will help determine the most suitable zero emissions technology to deliver the best services for our regional and rural communities.

“Hydrogen may have the potential to travel longer distances without refuelling and have faster refuelling times, which is an important factor in regional NSW.

“Red Bus has already conducted a trial using a battery electric bus so this trial will allow for a direct comparison between how electric and hydrogen perform in the same location.”

The project is a partnership between the Department of Planning and Environment, local bus manufacturer ARCC, Central Coast operator Red Bus, and Origin Energy.

The new hydrogen bus will be in service from Monday 6 March until the end of June 2023.

More information is available at https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/zero-emission-buses  

For the first time, key waterways in Sydney Harbour will be equipped with innovative technologies to help reduce the amount of rubbish polluting the Harbour, thanks to the new Smarter, Cleaner Sydney Harbour initiative co-funded by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.

Minister for Environment James Griffin said the pilot program is using cutting-edge science and technology to protect one of Australia’s most iconic environments by preventing rubbish from making its way into the Harbour.

“Sydney Harbour isn’t just the world-famous jewel in Sydney’s crown, it’s an important ecosystem that supports abundant marine life such as seals, seahorses and little penguins, which will be even better supported thanks to this initiative,” Mr Griffin said.

“Through the Smarter, Cleaner Sydney Harbour project, we’re investing in technology that will keep our Harbour cleaner and create healthier ecosystems by using cameras and sensors to monitor litter moving along estuaries and creeks in real time.

“Through this initiative, almost 80 sensors will be fitted to traps on local waterways to alert councils and government authorities in real time when they need emptying, helping them remove litter before it reaches the Harbour.

“This initiative complements our $9.1 million Seabirds to Seascapes project, which is helping restore Sydney Harbour by replanting seagrass meadows, installing hundreds of Living Seawall panels, supporting fur seals and little penguins.”

The Smarter, Cleaner Sydney Harbour project will help reduce the 3,500 cubic metres of litter currently entering Sydney Harbour, equivalent to about 44,000 wheelie bins.

Cameras will be fitted to bridges along key waterways, including throughout Sydney Olympic Park, and will detect litter in the water using advanced analytics and artificial intelligence, detecting build up in gross pollutant traps.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the initiative will help authorities proactively manage waterway health, making maintenance more efficient, timely and cost effective.

“AI software will be used to identify the types of litter floating in the water – distinguishing between a chip packet, a bottle and can,” Mr Dominello said.

“This data will help water authorities work out where the litter hot spots are and how to better target litter prevention activities.

“At the end of the trial we will assess its success with a view to the technology being rolled out across the Greater Sydney region to be used by all councils who manage stormwater networks.”

The Smarter, Cleaner Sydney Harbour pilot is a collaboration between Sydney Olympic Park Authority, Sydney Coastal Council Group Inc, Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, Parramatta River Catchment Group, and is co-funded by the NSW Government.

The pilot received a $545,000 co-contribution from the $47.5 million Smart Places Acceleration Program, part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Digital Restart Fund. 

For more information, visit https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/industry/cities-and-active-transport/smart-places

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is partnering with the Qantas Group in a move that would bring thousands more interstate tourists to Bega and drive more dollars into local businesses.

Qantas and Jetstar routes into Merimbula from select interstate ports are being supported through the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund, ensuring increased capacity is available for domestic visitors.

Liberal Candidate for Bega, Russell Fitzpatrick said the partnership was great news for Bega and local businesses engaged in the visitor economy.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is making it easier for interstate visitors to come to Bega which will mean more people staying in local hotels, enjoying our local hospitality and spending with local retailers and attractions,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

“Our businesses and community are ready to welcome visitors and show them what makes Bega a special place to live, work, stay and play.”

Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said this initiative would accelerate the NSW visitor economy’s road to recovery.

“This partnership with the Qantas Group will see an increase in flights into Bega, delivering economic and social benefits to the region,” Mr Franklin said.

“We expect this partnership will support more than 86,000 inbound seats, injecting almost $12 million into the regional NSW economy.

“Over the past 12 months we have secured partnerships with 20 airlines, across more than 25 routes, supporting the delivery of up to 1.7 million additional inbound seats to NSW.”

QantasLink CEO John Gissing said this support from the NSW Government has helped make a number of these routes possible and is key to driving tourism in regional New South Wales.

“As the national carrier, we know how important tourism is for regional economies and through this partnership with the NSW Government we will see more people experiencing all that regional New South Wales has to offer,” Mr Gissing said.

QantasLink operates to 15 destinations in regional New South Wales with 12 direct interstate routes.

The supported routes are Melbourne to Merimbula (five flights per week).