Category: NSW News

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will open one of Sydney’s most historic gems, St James Station Tunnels, to the public following its restoration and revitalisation.

The public will be able to explore the hidden parts below one of Sydney’s busiest train stations, which was once utilised as an air raid shelter and RAAF control room during the Second World War.

Constructed in the 1920s as part of John Bradfield’s grand transport vision for Sydney, these long forgotten “ghost” tunnels are being re-imagined as a tourist attraction.

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said these precious relics have long been hidden underneath our feet, and it’s high time the public were able to benefit.

“Subterranean Sydney will be a secret no longer,” Mr Stokes said.

“This is an incredible opportunity to bring Sydney’s ghost tunnels to life and share our city’s forgotten past with a new generation.”

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said with concept designs and selected early safety works complete, public access to the disused tunnels will soon be a reality, with work already underway to facilitate exciting and authentic guided tours of the southern tunnel, supported by innovative visitor experiences.

“As Veterans and Transport Minister, it is always a pleasure when my portfolios intersect. These tunnels are not only a gateway to Sydney’s transport history, but our war efforts and to this day bear the signatures of soldiers,” Mr Elliott said.

“The tour is expected to include an immersive experience which covers John Bradfield’s 1920s vision for Sydney’s transport, the construction of the City Circle as well as the experience of those who so valiantly served to defend their country in the Second World War.”

Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) CEO Benedicte Colin said it would be a great opportunity for visitors to the tunnels to become urban explorers, venturing through the long-hidden platform behind the St James concourse to the tunnels which run under Hyde Park.

“The project supports TAHE’s social responsibility objectives, and this innovative approach will see the value of this otherwise disused asset unlocked,” Ms Colin said.

Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said teams have been working hard to remediate and renovate this almost forgotten historic piece of NSW infrastructure.

“Like any area that has been unused for many years we need to ensure we not only have a safe and practical plan, but also look after the heritage aspects which will make them so interesting for visitors,” Mr Collins said. 

The official opening and commencement of tours, initially in the southern tunnel, is expected to take place in late 2023.

Road space will be re-allocated to prioritise bus commuters, pedestrians and bike riders along two major Inner West roads, slashing commute times and creating more opportunities for local businesses.

The new vision for Parramatta and Victoria roads is only possible thanks to the Liberals and Nationals Government’s record investment in underground motorways.

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the new plans show how both roads will be reimagined in the short, medium and long-term with revitalised high streets, opportunities for affordable housing and more tree canopy.

“Our record investment in underground motorways like WestConnex and the Western Harbour Tunnel will result in fewer cars above ground on Victoria and Parramatta Roads, meaning they can be reimagined as places for people,” Mr Stokes said.

“Successive Labor Governments allowed the health of these roads to deteriorate, becoming clogged arteries in the city’s road network, dreaded by motorists and avoided by pedestrians

“This is a golden opportunity to restore these roads to their former glory as the beating hearts of their community, with more alfresco dining, more opportunities for affordable housing and greater priority for public and active transport.”

The new vision includes:

· Extension of Victoria Road bus lanes in Rozelle, Drummoyne, Gladesville, Ermington and Melrose Park.

· New bus and transit lanes along Parramatta Road in Leichhardt and Ashfield.

· Greater priority for buses at traffic lights.

· Additional space for Victoria Road pedestrians and bike riders following completion of Western Harbour tunnel.

· Investigations into opportunities for wider footpaths and safer bike lanes. 

Short term work to improve bus lanes on Parramatta Road and Victoria Road are funded under the Bus Priority Infrastructure Program and will commence in 2023. The medium term and long term visions are subject to a final business case to be completed in the future.

For more information, visit: nswroads.work/parramatta-road-vision and nswroads.work/victoria-road-vision

A re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will introduce a package of measures this year to provide greater protection and support for renters.

The proposed reforms include:

· Moving to a ‘reasonable grounds’ model for evictions during periodic leases, with the final list of reasonable grounds to be subject to consultation with key stakeholders, including landlords.

· Extending notice periods for end of fixed term leases from 30 to 45 days, allowing tenants more time to find a new home.

· Introduce a new, optional standard lease agreement with three and five year terms, to improve uptake of long-term leases and improve the ability for tenants to ‘make a home’. These standard forms will be developed in consultation with industry.

· Introduce a rental bond rollover scheme to reduce the financial impact associated with moving homes.

· Regulating information collected and stored from tenants and applicants.

These measures are in addition to a range of initiatives already implemented, including: 

· Prohibiting solicited rent bidding; 

· First Home Buyers Choice initiative, to help first home buyers enter the market; 

· A shared equity scheme to assist key workers, single parents and singles over 50;

· Planning reforms to increase the supply of homes. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the reforms would provide greater protections and certainty for renters across the state, while protecting the rights of landlords.

“We are supporting renters to get into housing in a fairer way, without stressful bidding wars where people get pushed beyond their comfort levels,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Our ban on solicited rent bidding is already improving affordability for those looking for rentals.

“These new measures will provide even greater certainty and flexibility for nearly a million renters across NSW.

“This package supports a range of existing measures introduced by the NSW Liberal and Nationals to drive housing supply, improve rental affordability and increase home ownership.”

Minister for Fair Trading Victor Dominello said the changes build on new rules introduced by the Government last year to stamp out rent bidding in the market.

“Whether you are a university student, a young family or retiree, these reforms will strengthen the rights of renters,” Mr Dominello said.

“This package will complement work undertaken since 2020 to improve and enhance residential tenancy laws, including allowing tenants to take immediate action to end their tenancy, without penalties, if they or their children are experiencing domestic violence.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has listened to the concerns of tenants’ advocacy groups, and now is the time to act to give more protections to renters.”

Patients in the Milton-Ulladulla region requiring a CT scan will no longer need to be transported outside the area, with Liberal candidate for South Coast Luke Sikora welcoming plans unveiled for a new medical imaging facility.

“This is great news for patients across the South Coast community who will not need to travel to get the CT scan they need,” Mr Sikora said.

“It is a considerable investment into the health of locals and means doctors will have state of the art equipment to make a diagnosis.

“Having Minister Hazzard here today to make this significant announcement shows the Perrottet Liberal Team’s commitment to healthcare on the South Coast.

“These investments are only possible from the NSW Government’s strong financial record and long term plan to keep our state moving forward.”

Mr Sikora also welcomed investment into the master planning for Milton Ulladulla Hospital.

“This funding is part of the continued investment in health services across South Coast so patients can feel comfortable that they receive the best possible care,” he said.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said a purpose-built facility at Milton will house the new CT scanner as part of a $7.5 million investment to deliver new and expanded services.

“This commitment under a re-elected NSW Liberals and Nationals Government is about bringing the best health services closer to home for the community,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Having a new CT scanner on-site will not only save patients a trip to Nowra but importantly, it will help doctors make a fast, accurate and earlier diagnosis to begin treatment, which can result in improved patient outcomes.”

A CT scan is painless, state-of-the-art medical imaging that can identify a wide range of clinical problems and may eliminate the need for exploratory surgery and biopsies.

In addition to the new CT scanner and medical imaging facility, $1.5 million of the allocated funding will go towards upgrading the Community Cancer Services Centre.

Mr Hazzard said a further $500,000 of the total $7.5 million investment earmarked for the region, will also see master planning commence for the Milton Ulladulla Hospital.

“These three complementary health initiatives are a win for the local community which is growing in size and welcoming more holiday makers every year,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Undertaking master planning of the hospital site will ensure the Local Health District can identify health service requirements needed to support the community into the future.”

Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock welcomed the investment and said it is a hallmark of the Liberal and Nationals Government, future-proofing the health system.

“In our first decade in Government, we invested more than $18 billion on building and redeveloping hospitals and health facilities across NSW that Labor never touched.”

Public land locked off to the community for decades is set to be transformed into a stunning waterfront park under one of Sydney’s landmark structures as part of the revitalisation of Blackwattle Bay.

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said Bank Street Park will be the next piece of the puzzle as part of the reimagination of Blackwattle Bay, with a portion soon to be open to the public.

“Bank Street Park will be a drawcard for locals and is set to become a standout feature along the continuous 15 kilometre foreshore walk from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo, nestled alongside the southern pylon of the Anzac Bridge,” Mr Stokes said.

“It will be especially accommodating for kayakers, canoers and the Dragon Boat community, who will be able to paddle from Rozelle Bay to Blackwattle Bay, park their kayak or canoe and have a coffee in the kiosk.

“While we consult with the community on the long-term plan for the park, we will open up part of the area by building a multi-purpose sports court for all to enjoy.”

“We have already spoken to the community about what features they would like to see in the park and have released three concept-designs for community feedback on its long-term future.”

Community members can have their say on the design of the park, which will include:

· A permanent outdoor multi-purpose sports court.

· Inclusive play space and outdoor fitness station.

· Kiosk and public amenities.

· Water access and storage for dragon boats and paddle craft.

· Marina operations space.

For more information or to participate in consultation opportunities, visit BlackwattleBay.insw.com

A report released by global ratings agency Standard and Poor’s (S&P) this week noted Australian wages caps, like the one in NSW, have “struck a pragmatic middle ground” as the “fiscal scars and debt overhang from COVID-19 linger”.

The report, titled Subnational Debt 2023: Australian States Navigate Crosscurrents of COVID, Coal And Capex, outlines the challenges facing Australian states including pressures on infrastructure delivery and rising interest rates.

It also notes Australian states, including NSW, are “highly rated” by ratings agencies.

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the “middle ground” noted by S&P was a result of the NSW commitment to deliver a fair deal for both public servants and taxpayers.

“Despite current economic challenges following unprecedented floods, fires and the pandemic, NSW remains in a strong economic position that allows some of the most generous public sector pay increases in the country,” Mr Kean said.

“This is what a Liberal and Nationals Government dedicated to providing support, services and a strong economy can actually deliver, as opposed to NSW Labor promises that will never be delivered. NSW Labor left a $30 billion infrastructure backlog last time they left office with their poor economic and financial management.”

The report comes after the Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe warned that further increases in interest rates would be required in the months ahead.

The February Statement of Monetary Policy said the Reserve Bank board would pay close attention to labour costs and the price-setting behaviour of firms, “given the importance of avoiding a prices-wages spiral”.

Mr Kean said the Minns and Mookhey policy of removing the public sector wage cap could have grave economic consequences for the people of New South Wales.

“The risks of Labor’s half-baked approach to economy and fiscal policy is clear,” Mr Kean said.

“It’s a price every household in NSW would pay if these two former Labor Party officials were elected. It would mean higher interest rates for longer as the Reserve Bank’s monetary policy fights against NSW Labor’s fiscal profligacy.

“Wages make up more than 40 per cent of the state’s budget. We are already seeing Labor cancel Metro projects from opposition to cover their $8 billion public sector wages black hole

“Only the Liberal and Nationals Government has a long-term economic plan to keep NSW moving forward.”

Liberal candidate for Blacktown, Allan Green, welcomes the Liberal and Nationals Government announcement that, if re-elected, will create 100,000 new jobs in Western Sydney over the next five years, turbocharging the economy and ensuring Western Sydney remains a thriving place to live and work.

Mr Green said only a Liberal and Nationals Government can deliver more and better paying local jobs for Blacktown.

“Delivering jobs for the people of Blacktown means security for families and prosperity in the region, securing a brighter future for generations to come,” Mr Green said.

“The Perrottet Government has made an unprecedented investment in the people of Blacktown including the upgrade of Blacktown Hospital, the new Blacktown Ambulance station, and the many local WestInvest project grants. This announcement of more and better paying jobs demonstrates true and continued commitment by the Liberal and Nationals Government to the people of Blacktown.

“This is about creating more local opportunities in Blacktown, investing in people and ensuring the region remains a great place to live as well as the engine room of our state’s economy.”

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Liberal and Nationals would deliver better paying jobs for the people of Western Sydney to support local businesses and futureproof the region.

“We will deliver 100,000 new jobs in Western Sydney over the next five years across a range of sectors including construction, manufacturing, health, transport, professional services, science and more,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Our Government has a strong track record of delivering jobs growth, with 209,100 more people employed in NSW now than before the pandemic, and that strong track record of jobs growth will only continue under the Liberal and Nationals.

“Our $116 billion infrastructure pipeline is already supporting thousands of jobs in Western Sydney, including on the new toll-free M12 motorway, Sydney Metro, and the Western Sydney Airport aerotropolis.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said creating more quality jobs will provide a significant boost to the economy.

“Western Sydney is the third largest economy in the country after Sydney and Melbourne and home to more than 230,000 businesses employing around 1 million people,” Mr Kean said.

“The state’s unemployment rate is currently 3.1 per cent which is the lowest in the country, but with so much happening in Western Sydney we know there is an opportunity to create thousands more jobs.

“This compliments our long term plan to help 95,000 women enter the workforce or take on more hours by making childcare more affordable and accessible.”

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said this government’s record $76.7 billion investment in transport infrastructure over the next four years signals a commitment to not only boost the NSW economy and jobs creation but also deliver a first-class, fast and reliable transport network for western Sydney.

“This government will continue to deliver on their promise to create job opportunities through the delivery of our infrastructure pipeline of Sydney Metro projects,” Mr Elliott said.

“The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project alone is supporting more than 14,000 jobs, including 250 new apprentices in an economic boost for NSW and more than 50,000 people will have worked on the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project by the time it is completed, while Sydney Metro West will create 10,000 direct and 70,000 indirect jobs during construction. 

“We have already demonstrated our commitment to jobs creation and business opportunities for western Sydney through our investment in transport infrastructure with more than 22,000 local jobs generated with the construction and operation of the Sydney Metro North West Line.”

Labor will deprive nearly 250,000 residents across Western Sydney of a Metro station in their suburb, cutting direct access to the new Western Sydney Airport and funneling more commuters onto the city’s road network.

Labor have announced they will scrap the Liberal and Nationals’ plans for new metro lines between Bankstown to Glenfield, and Westmead and the new Western Sydney Airport.

This will leave nearly 250,000 people without direct access to a Metro Station and without a metro connection to the new Western Sydney Airport. It will also impact 20,000 direct construction jobs.

This means that based on the current transport services:

· Someone living in Bankstown travelling to the new airport will have to pay up to $150 for a taxi OR take a 2-hour journey via two trains and a bus.

· Someone living in Wentworthville travelling to the new airport will have to pay up to $120 for a taxi OR take a 1.5-hour journey via two trains and a bus.

· Someone living in Chipping Norton travelling to the new airport will have to pay up to $100 for a taxi OR take a 3-hour journey via two trains and two buses.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said Labor was walking away from the people of Western Sydney.

“Labor are already cancelling projects from opposition because they don’t have an economic plan and without an economic plan, they can’t build the transport infrastructure that Western Sydney needs,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Labor’s cancellation of projects to cover their budget blackhole will derail our state’s economy.

“Sydney Metro is already transforming the way we move around our city and supporting tens of thousands of jobs.

“Under Labor, Western Sydney Metro jobs would go down the gurgler. This is exactly the kind of short-sightedness that will see our state stall under Labor.

“Under the Liberal and Nationals plan to complete the Metro, we are going to transform Western Sydney and future-proof our transport network.”

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said this is another example of why Labor is not equipped to govern this State.

“This is Labor 101 – cancelling projects before they’ve even started,” Mr Elliott said. 

“This will leave a quarter of a million commuters without access to a fast and reliable Metro system that will get families home sooner.

“The Labor party has proved yet again they can’t deliver the infrastructure needs of a growing Western Sydney.”

The Liberal and Nationals have committed to finishing Sydney Metro with four new routes, including:

· Tallawong to St Marys

· Westmead to the Aerotropolis

· Bankstown to Glenfield via Liverpool; and

· Macarthur to the Aerotropolis

The two lines that Labor will scrap are extensions to the South West and  West lines, which are being built to accommodate up to 80,000 commuters per hour (in both directions) when opened.

Services on these lines will run 20 hours a day, from 6am to 2am, which equates to a commuter capacity of up to 1.6 million each day on the line.

The proposed new lines will be integrated with the broader Sydney Metro network, which includes:

· Sydney Metro North West – completed in May 2019.

· Sydney Metro City and South West – services from Chatswood to Sydenham to commence in 2024, then to Bankstown within 12 months.

· Sydney Metro West – on track to be completed by 2030.

· Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport – The Australian and NSW Governments are working together to deliver this project alongside the opening of Western Sydney International Airport in 2026.

The Liberal candidate for Bega Russell Fitzpatrick has welcomed the Eurobodalla community being a step closer to expanded and enhanced healthcare services with early works now underway at the site of the new $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital.

“Early works of this vital health project have kicked off and that’s great news for the Moruya and Bateman’s Bay area,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.

“This state-of-the-art health facility will be a game changer and provide crucial support for our community. Investments like this are only possible because of the Liberal Team’s strong financial record and having a plan to move NSW forward.”

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard today visited the site, marking the important milestone for the new state-of-the-art hospital which will transform healthcare for the Eurobodalla community from Batemans Bay to Narooma.

Mr Hazzard said the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for the hospital has been finalised and will shortly be lodged with the Department of Planning and Environment.

“This marks a significant milestone in the planning for this new hospital, which will provide more health services than are currently available at both the Moruya and Batemans Bay hospitals combined,” Mr Hazzard said.

“The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will support core clinical services to be delivered at a role delineation Level Four, and has been informed by extensive consultation with clinicians, operational staff, community members, and local and state government agencies.

“Feedback from the local community has shaped key features of the hospital and we encourage everyone to view the latest plans and provide feedback as we move forward with this exciting project.”

Minister for Regional Health and Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said Aboriginal archaeological work will be carried out on site marking the important first step in early works construction.

“The local Aboriginal community has been central to helping shape the new health facility, and over the coming weeks, archeologists will be working closely with them to help identify significant Aboriginal objects or artefacts before construction commences,” Mrs Taylor said.

“This is an important time for the community, which will see lots of activity happening on site over the coming months as we commence construction on the new hospital.

“Construction of a new roundabout on the Princes Highway will also start in the coming months, which will provide access to the hospital site during construction and become the main entrance to the hospital when it opens in 2025.”

The $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will be a Level 4 health facility and services including: 

• Emergency Department
• Eight-bed Intensive Care / Close Observation Unit
• Increased capacity for chemotherapy and increased access to renal dialysis
• Surgical and operating theatres and a day stay surgical unit
• Expanded medical imaging department, including MRI service
• Ambulatory care for community and outpatient services
• Paediatric and maternity beds, and a special care nursery
• Mental health beds for short term admission
• Enhanced education and training facilities, including a simulation lab

Construction of the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital is due for completion in 2025. It is part of the NSW Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over four years to 2025-26, with nearly a third of the capital allocation in this financial year going towards regional and rural health facilities.

The SSDA will be on public exhibition with the Department of Planning and Environment at: https://pp.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects

For more information about the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital development please visit the project website: www.eurobodallahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Link to new drone footage of the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital site

A re-elected Liberal Government will guarantee that there will be no new taxes on households and small businesses in the next term of government in Drummoyne.

Liberal candidate, Stephanie Di Pasqua, said that this NSW Liberal’s guarantee would provide certainty to businesses and family budgets across Drummoyne.

“Since 2011, the Liberal Government has made 33 tax cuts which has put $10.5 billion back in the pockets of those who need it most,” Ms Di Pasqua said.

“Taxes, under a NSW Liberal Government, will always be lower in Drummoyne”.

“Only a re-elected Liberal Government can commit to no new taxes thanks to our long-term economic plan to keep our state moving forward.”

The NSW Liberal Government has slashed payroll tax nine times, saving thousands of businesses over $5 billion. We’ve also increased the taxable income threshold by $522,000 to $1.2 million, meaning small businesses are no longer burdened with any pay payroll tax and medium-sized businesses are saving $28,500 a year.

Our landmark stamp duty reforms, which give first home buyers the choice of paying a small annual fee instead of a large upfront stamp duty payment, will save families $900 million over the next four years.

By contrast, during their last term of government – NSW Labor introduced or increased taxes at least two dozen times.

List of Taxes Abolished or Decreased since 2011

Stamp duty: introduce First Home Buyer Choice for properties up to $1.5m giving first home buyers a choice between larger upfront stamp duty or lower annual payment

Land tax: extending principal place of residence exemption for building or renovating a home

Payroll Tax waiver of 50% in 2021-22 for businesses with Australian wages less than $10m

Stamp Duty waiver on Electric Vehicles sold for up to $78,000

Payroll Tax rate reduction from 5.45% to 4.85% in 2020-21 and 2021-22

Accelerate Payroll Tax threshold to $1 million from 1 July 2020

Payroll threshold increased from $1 million to $1.2 million

Payroll Tax waiver of 25% in 2019-20 for businesses with Australian wages less than $10m

Payroll Tax exemption for additional wages arising from JobKeeper

Transfer Duty reduction for one year for first home buyers purchasing new homes valued between $650,000 and $1 million

Freeze of indexation rates for heavy vehicles

Extension of the rebate for Primary Producer Heavy Vehicle registration

Emergency Drought Relief through one-year relief from Local Land Services annual rates and Farm Innovation Fund loan interest relief

Broadened Toll relief Program

Indexing Transfer Duty thresholds to CPI

Free registration on Primary Producer Heavy Vehicles

Emergency Drought Relief Package that includes free registration to agricultural vehicles, waiving local land services rates and waiving interest loans under the NSW Farm Innovation Fund

Introduced new $1 million Payroll Tax threshold

Caravan motor vehicle weight tax reduced by 40%

NSW Tolling Reward Plan: Introduced free motor vehicle registration for large toll consumers

Abolish insurance duty on commercial vehicle insurance for small businesses

Abolish Insurance Duty on professional indemnity insurance for small business

Abolish Insurance Duty on product and public liability insurance for small business

Abolish Insurance Duty on lenders mortgage insurance

Abolish Insurance Duty on crop and livestock insurance

Transfer duty exemption for first home buyers on new and existing homes valued up to $650,000, with discounts up to $800,000

Lowering NSW wagering tax rates to match Victoria’s

Abolition of stamp duty on business mortgages

Abolition of stamp duty on unlisted marketable securities

Abolition of transfer duty on non-real assets

Payroll tax threshold increase from $689,000 to $750,000

Raise the property value cap on first home buyer stamp duty concessions for new homes from $600,000 to $650,000

Payroll tax rebate for workers with a disability