Category: NSW News

Women and girls across NSW will have access to more inclusive sporting facilities, thanks to the NSW Government’s $25 million Female Friendly Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Program.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said 94 community sport facilities are set to be transformed, delivering female-friendly change rooms, amenities and lighting upgrades, which is one of the biggest barriers that prevent women and girls from playing sport.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government recognises the critical role local sport infrastructure plays in keeping our communities healthy and active,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Community sport is where it all begins, and by investing in our local communities to help boost female participation, we will ensure any young girl or woman who wants to shoot a hoop, score a try or kick a goal, can do so in a supportive environment.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said since 2017 the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has committed more than $1 billion to deliver new and upgraded community sport facilities.

“Women’s sport is booming in NSW and this program will deliver the facilities women and girls need and deserve,” Mr Kean said. 

“This groundbreaking program will level the playing field by improving facilities that for decades have been predominately used by men, but now cater for a growing number of women’s and girls’ sporting teams.”

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said major events including the recent FIBA Women’s World Cup and upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup are creating enormous excitement and inspiring the next generation of female sporting stars.

“Whether it’s on the court, field or track, we continue to be inspired by our homegrown talent like Ellyse Perry, Lauren Jackson, and Madison de Rozario who are captivating the nation with their extraordinary athleticism and passion,” Mr Henskens said.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government’s investment in community sport infrastructure is improving facilities for women and girls, and boosting female participation in sport, in line with our Her Sport Her Way strategy.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said we know that when women and girls feel comfortable, they are more likely to stick with their chosen sport.

“Some of the biggest barriers faced by women and girls are the lack of female change rooms and amenities,” Mrs Taylor said.

“I am so thrilled that more than 90 projects will be funded through this program, with more than half of those in our regional communities. This means more women and girls in the bush will have equal opportunity to play their favourite sport.”

More information about the program and the list of successful recipients is available online. 

Residents from across Baulkham Hills, Carlingford, Northmead, West Pennant Hills, and surrounding suburbs will soon have access to a new state-of-the-art Service NSW Centre in North Rocks Shopping Centre when it opens in mid-2023.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the new Service Centre would be located at Shop 50-56, North Rocks Shopping Centre, 328-336 North Rocks Road, North Rocks and will offer more than 1000 NSW Government transactions, including up to 180 driving tests per week.

“The North Rocks Service Centre will make it easier for customers to access important NSW Government services and transactions, including vehicle registration, Working with Children Checks, Seniors Card applications, trades licences, driver licences and driver testing,” Mr Dominello said.

“North Rocks will add to our driver testing capacity across the Hills and Parramatta region, making it more convenient for learner drivers and others needing to book in for their practical examination.

“Customers will also be able to sit computer-based driving examinations such as the Driver Knowledge and Hazard Perception tests at this location.”

Mr Dominello said the new Service Centre would be open six days a week and would offer enhanced digital offerings and a concierge service to assist and guide customers as they step through the doors.

“Customers are busy people and they don’t need to spend hours waiting in line. This is a one-stop-shop where customers can come in and complete their transactions faster and more conveniently,” he said.

“There will also be a Savings Specialist on hand to help customers apply from more than 70 government savings and rebates, with customers across the State saving on average about $750 per appointment with the Savings Finder program.”

North Rocks will become the 116th Service Centre opened across the State since 2013 and eighth new Metro Service Centres to open in Sydney since 2019, with another two due to open in 2023.

In addition to the recent metropolitan Sydney expansion, 24 new Service Centres were opened across regional and remote NSW as part of a $20 million expansion of the network between 2017 and 2019.

New state-of-the-art sporting facilities, walking and cycling tracks to connect communities and a range of arts and environmental projects will be funded through the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $5 billion WestInvest program.

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Treasurer Matt Kean today announced more than $268.9 million for councils and community groups in the Blue Mountains and Penrith to deliver 30 transformational infrastructure projects.

The announcement takes the total projects funded through the $1.6 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round to 51 with further successful projects to be announced in the coming weeks.

The 30 projects announced in the Blue Mountains and Penrith today include:

· $106.7 million for the Penrith City Council to deliver a huge new indoor multi-sports arena in Claremont Meadows.

· $40 million for The Salvation Army (NSW) Property Trust to deliver the Greater West Sydney Oasis – a collaborative community arts and cultural hub in St Marys.

· $24.4 million for the Blue Mountains City Council for four active transport projects that provide missing links to encourage more people to walk and cycle around the beautiful world heritage-listed asset:

o    $14 million to deliver 24km of active transport links, improving connections between 27 towns and villages in the Blue Mountains.

o    $5.6 million to add 1.9km between Kiah and Echo Point to the Great Blue Mountains Trail providing the missing link from Leura Station to Scenic World and the Katoomba Golf Course Precinct.

o    $2.6 million for a new 3.8km off-road shared path link along Singles Ridge Road, Yellow Rock, between Vendetta Road and Yellow Rock Road in Winmalee.

o    $2.2 million to add 2km to the Great Blue Mountains Trail on Cliff Drive between Narrow Neck Road and Acacia Street in Katoomba.

· $9.1 million for We Help Ourselves (WHOS) to deliver the West Multi Function Alcohol and other Drug Centre in St Marys.

· $8.2 million for Penrith City Council to deliver the City Park Urban Retreat project for a new 7000sqm green heart in the city centre featuring gardens, water features, public art and natural shade for people to relax, play and be active. 

· $5 million for the Penrith City Council to upgrade the Penrith nursery to help green the city and protect threatened ecological communities including the Cumberland Plain Woodland.

· $815,827 for The Eleanor Dark Foundation to help deliver an architect-designed cultural hub for workshops, literary events and writing groups in the Blue Mountains.

· $427,500 for the Mulgoa Valley Landcare Group Inc to support the Mulgoa Creek Connecting Community with Healthy Habitats project to restore local biodiversity and habitat with a special focus on protecting the platypus.  

Mr Perrottet said the exciting new projects will secure a brighter future for local communities.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government created WestInvest to deliver local infrastructure that will improve livability in Western Sydney and that is exactly what we are doing,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We are making a huge array of projects in the Blue Mountains and Penrith a reality, helping to deliver the playgrounds, cultural centres, sporting fields and facilities the people of Western Sydney deserve.”

Mr Kean said many of the projects funded in the Blue Mountains focus on better connecting the much loved and world-renowned area.

“The Blue Mountains is one of our most treasured natural attractions and these projects will ensure more locals and visitors can explore and enjoy its beauty,” Mr Kean said. 

“The four active transport projects will connect towns and villages and encourage more people to walk and cycle around this spectacular area.” 

Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said the projects announced today provide a huge boost to sporting organisations.

“The new state-of-the-art indoor sports arena in Claremont Meadows will deliver eight new multi-sports courts to accommodate just about every kind of indoor sport you can imagine,” Mr Ayres said.

“This project will provide a cool, all-weather facility to support netball, basketball, volleyball, futsal, squash, roller skating and so much more. This arena will encourage young people to take up and excel in new sports, supporting a healthy lifestyle.”

Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the $427,500 for the Mulgoa Valley Landcare Group Inc will ensure they can continue to undertake critical work in restoring the riparian corridor of Mulgoa Creek, with a special focus on protecting the platypus.

“The Mulgoa Valley Landcare Group has been rehabilitating a 10km stretch of Mulgoa Creek for more than 27 years,” Mrs Davies said.

“This WestInvest funding will help them to continue their incredible work to restore biodiversity and habitat within the Mulgoa Valley by delivering interpretive signage to educate and engage community along the riparian corridor of Mulgoa.”

More than 680 applicants submitted a WestInvest application to the value of more than $7.9 billion. The successful projects were announced after a comprehensive assessment process outlined in the WestInvest Community Project Grant Guidelines. All unsuccessful applicants will be offered a 1:1 feedback session.

A full list of projects announced today can be found at www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest

A nation-leading program that reduces the trauma of court processes for children who are victims of sexual abuse will be expanded across the state, providing greater support to more young people.

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Attorney General Mark Speakman today announced the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $64.3 million over four years to expand the Child Sexual Offences Evidence Program (CSOEP) to every District Court and Police District in NSW.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this important program reduced the difficulties and stress endured by our most vulnerable victims as they navigate the justice system.

“Child sexual abuse is one of the most heinous crimes and those children who have already endured the unimaginable should not have to suffer further at the hands of a justice system designed for adults,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Under this program, young people are able to pre-record their evidence and are provided with intermediaries to assist them during police interviews and hearings, as well as supports to spare them the trauma of facing their alleged attacker in court.

“Our Government led the nation when we piloted this program and now we want to make sure that every child – no matter where they live in our state – can access this support.”

Attorney General Mark Speakman said the program will further strengthen the state’s criminal justice response to child sexual abuse.

“Re-traumatising a complainant does not advance justice,” Mr Speakman said.

“We need to do all we can to ensure that children and young people who have been sexually abused are supported through the court experience, so they can begin the process of rebuilding their lives.

“The NSW Government was nation-leading in piloting the CSOEP, nation-leading in making it a permanent program and is now nation-leading in extending it state-wide.”

The CSOEP commenced in 2016 as a pilot in two court locations – the Sydney (Downing Centre) District Court and Newcastle District Court – as well as in the corresponding South-West Metropolitan, Central Metropolitan, and parts of the Northern Police Districts.

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government invested more than $28 million in 2018 to make the program permanent in these locations.

This followed an independent assessment by the University of NSW that found that the CSEOP received very strong support from participants, reduced stress for children and resulted in a better quality of evidence from child witnesses.

It also followed the release of the landmark final report by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in 2017, which made seven recommendations about the importance of pre-recording witness evidence and using intermediaries in child sexual offence prosecutions. The CSOEP is consistent with those recommendations.

The expanded program will be rolled out across NSW from 1 July 2023 to every District Court. A list of these locations is at: https://www.districtcourt.nsw.gov.au/district-court/court-lists-and-sitting-dates/district-court-sittings—criminal-jurisdiction.html

The final tracks have been laid connecting the new Sydney Metro City and Southwest line with the existing North West line at Chatswood, completing a major component of the project.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new City and Southwest metro line would revolutionise the city’s public transport network.

“This marks a major milestone in the delivery of Australia’s biggest public transport project with the final tracks now laid to connect these two metro lines,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Once complete, the new City and Southwest metro line will revolutionise how Sydneysiders travel by providing fast, reliable services at seven new stations under the Sydney CBD and in the city’s north.

“Our long term economic plan is delivering major rail projects for the future and will support communities as they grow.”

Transport Minister David Elliott said the Northern Connection now links the Sydney Metro City and Southwest line to the existing Metro North West line marking another significant construction breakthrough in this State.

“The NSW Government is delivering Australia’s biggest public transport project right before our eyes. This milestone is another promise delivered by the Liberal and Nationals,” Mr Elliott said.

“Across the Sydney Metro City and Southwest, more than 5,000 people are currently employed; and 50,000 people will have worked on the project by the time it is complete.”  

“From 2024, passengers can travel from Tallawong in Sydney’s north, into the city in under 50 minutes, Castle Hill to Barangaroo in 33 minutes and Chatswood to Martin Place in 11 minutes on a fast and reliable metro service.”

Member for Willoughby Tim James said the Northern Connection is a 200-metre section of rail corridor connecting the northern suburbs to the Southwest.

“This major connection was constructed over two years with workers installing tracks and operational services in the 15.5-kilometre twin tunnels between Chatswood and Sydenham,” Mr James said.

“Six teams and more than 200 workers worked around the clock over one weekend to make the final connection. It was a mammoth effort.”

A rigorous testing and commissioning program along the new alignment will commence later this year, ahead of passenger services starting through the Sydney CBD in 2024.

New stations at Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Pitt Street and Waterloo, along with new underground platforms at Central Station will open next year. 

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will slash red tape across NSW, cutting the cost of doing business while committing to a target of 1 million small businesses by 2030.

A new red tape tsar will be appointed as the NSW Red Tape Commissioner, with the strict task of delivering $1 billion of reductions of red tape. 

For an initial two-year blitz across government, Ministers will be required to identify regulation to remove if they are proposing a new regulation.

All government departments, through their secretary bosses, would be required to present regulations for the chopping block, with the goal of making it easier to do business. 

The Liberal and Nationals will also boost business opportunities for small and medium sized businesses by increasing the procurement contracts by more than $2 billion by the end of the next term, to a total of $10 billion.  

And $1000 for micro and small businesses to engage an expert to provide professional advice to help grow and expand their business.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said NSW needed to take action now to protect jobs and businesses as the whole world faced difficult and strong economic headwinds.

“Our long-term economic plan will protect the NSW economy and recession proof millions of businesses and jobs across our State,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Australia faces strong economic headwinds ahead with the dual challenge of inflation and interest rates hitting families and small businesses and NSW needs a government with an economic plan”

“We can’t allow NSW to stall and unfortunately that’s what will happen under Labor who have no plan to support small business and the 1.8 million NSW people that work for them.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the Liberal and Nationals would establish a series of industry taskforces to cut red tape and speed up application and approval times, with the first one focused on small business and local government.

“We’ve always stood shoulder to shoulder with small business, boosting the skills and capability of almost 50,000 small businesses via the Business Connect program or providing vital financial assistance during the pandemic and natural disasters,” Mr Kean said.

“Whether you’re a café owner, a tradie or a retailer, we want to work with you to reach new heights and achieve your goals.”

Minister for Small Business Victor Dominello said the Liberal and Nationals were focused on making it easier to do businesses.  

“We want to eliminate the paperwork, speed up processes and unlock valuable time from mundane admin tasks by looking at over 200 reforms across 70 pieces of legislation allowing processes to be digitised and streamlined for individuals, businesses and community groups” Mr Dominello said.

“We have established Service NSW for Business as a one-stop shop for business advice, assistance and compliance, helping to reduce the amount of time businesses spend dealing with Government processes.”

“We have also implemented a nation leading $166.5 million digital licensing program which significantly reduces the compliance burden on businesses through a tell us once approach to regulation.” 

Summary of measures:

· Committing to a target of 1 million small businesses by 2030.

· Appointment of NSW Red Tape Commissioner, delivering $1 billion of reductions of red tape.

· An initial two-year blitz across government, Ministers will be required to identify regulation to remove if they are proposing a new regulation.

· Government departments required to present regulations for the chopping block, with the goal of making it easier to do business. 

· Increasing procurement contracts by more than $2 billion by the end of the next term, to a total of $10 billion

· $1000 for 10,000 micro and small businesses to engage an expert to provide professional advice to help grow and expand their business.

A record number of new graduates have received their approval to teach in NSW public schools this year, as the largest-ever teaching workforce welcomes students back into the classroom for Day 1, Term 1 2023.    

Premier Dominic Perrottet extended a warm welcome to the 4,500 new graduates who have received their approval to teach in NSW public schools – the highest number since 2011 – and to the 95,000 public school teachers, beginners and veterans, returning to schools across the State. 

“A great teacher can change the course of a child’s life. Every single doctor, nurse, police officer, lawyer, scientist, and even politician, is a product of our school system,” Mr Perrottet said. 

“Teaching is an incredibly rewarding career. Every teacher standing at the front of a classroom this year, whether it is their first year or their tenth, has chosen this career because they are passionate about ensuring the next generation receives the high-quality education they deserve.” 

In another major boost for the workforce, Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell confirmed more than 15,000 existing temporary teachers and other school-based staff will be offered permanent positions during 2023, providing more job certainty and ensuring teaching remains an attractive profession.  

“We want our staff to have the choice to access the employment certainty of a permanent role or the flexibility of a temporary one,” Ms Mitchell said.  

“We’ve been able to blow our initial expectations of 10,000 permanent offers out of the water and will offer 15,000 staff permanent roles in 2023.”  

 The high number of temporary teachers in the public system is a result of record investment by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government thanks to their long-term economic plan. This has seen teacher numbers outpace student growth and increase above the required number of permanent roles. 

 The first cohort of eligible temporary staff to receive an offer of permanent employment during Term 1 this year are those working in priority rural and remote schools, at Schools for Specific Purposes, and Connected Communities schools. In addition, all eligible Aboriginal Education Officers have been included in the first tranche of offers.   

 “As the record number of applicants shows, there has never been a better time to choose teaching in NSW. I encourage anyone looking for a career change in 2023 to visit our Teaching Opens Doors website and explore our many innovative pathways into teaching,” Ms Mitchell said. 

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will maintain a relentless focus on attracting and retaining NSW public school teachers, removing unnecessary admin tasks from their workload, and introducing sweeping reforms to recognise and reward our best teachers with salaries of up to $147,000 a year.”   

Since 2011, the number of teachers across NSW has increased by almost 10,000 – almost twice as fast as student growth. 

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will extend the Back to School vouchers to help cover the cost of school excursions in Term 1 and Term 2, helping to further ease financial pressure on household budgets as students return to school.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said more than 1.9 million vouchers have already been redeemed since the program was launched, with families spending more than $412 million on school items.

“Our long-term economic plan is supporting parents by easing financial pressure on household budgets through this important program,” Mr Perrottet said.

“By allowing parents to use these vouchers for school excursions we are providing yet another measure to ease financial pressure on back to school costs.

“The Back to School Vouchers are proof that only the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government can deliver real cost of living relief for families and have a plan to build a better future for the people of our State.”

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the Back to School NSW vouchers are supporting every school-aged child get ready for school.

“Whether your child is about to begin Kindergarten or is heading to high school, whether that’s at a government school or home-schooling, families have until 30 June to apply for and spend their vouchers,” Ms Mitchell said.

“From new backpacks and textbooks, to a school excursion, the Premier’s Back to School vouchers are there to help.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said more than 647,000 families have downloaded the vouchers, with 97 per cent giving the program the thumbs up.

“The vouchers are a win-win – parents receive a boost to their budget, while businesses get more customers through the door, with an average of $214 spent for every $50 voucher,” Mr Dominello said.

“Applying for the vouchers is simple and easy via Service NSW. You can download them with just a couple of taps of your phone, or call Service NSW or visit a Service Centre.

“Finding a registered business is made easy with the Business Finder tool available on the Service NSW website, giving parents a bird’s-eye view of where they can spend them.”

Families have until 30 June 2023 to apply for and redeem their vouchers.

For more information about the vouchers visit: www.service.nsw.gov.au/back-to-school-vouchers.

Customers can search for registered businesses here: https://vouchers.service.nsw.gov.au/vouchers/providers-search/

Students and communities across NSW will continue to benefit from new and upgraded schools in 2023 with the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government historic school building program.

This commitment comes as thousands of students settle into new classrooms at 14 new and upgraded schools across NSW today.  

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell visited the new Edmondson Park Public School today to officially welcome students and families for the 2023 school year.  

Mr Perrottet said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has a clear track record of delivering public education infrastructure with more than $430 million invested in projects handed over to schools for Day 1 Term 1 2023.   

“We are a government that is committed to preparing our children for the future and providing them with the best learning opportunities. We have invested record funding in modern learning facilities and will continue to deliver for communities right across the State,” Mr Perrottet said.  

“This investment is providing our students access to new playing fields, sport courts, libraries and classrooms that have the latest technology and learning devices to support their learning.

“We are able to continue our historic school infrastructure pipeline because of the long term economic funding of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.”

Ms Mitchell said the investment from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will continue to deliver the schools of the future for communities right across the State.  

“Today more than 9,500 students at 14 new and upgraded schools across NSW from Googong and Murrumbateman to here in Edmondson Park will be stepping through the school gate to amazing new and upgraded learning facilities,” Ms Mitchell said. 

“Since 2019, the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has delivered more than 150 major school projects for communities from across Regional NSW to here in Western Sydney, and thousands of minor school projects.” 

“We want to ensure that every student has access to state of the art learning facilities no matter where they live, which is why we have continued to invest in our record program of school projects.  

The NSW Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, a program of $17.7 billion in public education infrastructure. 

New and upgraded schools opening on Day 1 Term 1 2023:

1. Bankstown North Public School (upgrade)
2. Bungendore High School (new school in temporary facilities)
3. Canterbury South Public School (upgrade)
4. Edmondson Park Public School (new)
5. Epping West Public School (upgrade)
6. Galungara Public School (upgrade)
7. Googong Public School (new)
8. Gregory Hills Public School (new school in temporary facilities)
9. Jannali East Public School (upgrade)
10. Jerrabomberra High School (new school in temporary facilities)
11. Jordan Springs Public School (upgrade)
12. Murrumbateman Public School (new)
13. Nangamay Public School (new)
14. Ngarala Public School (new)

More than 1000 electric vehicles (EVs) are set to hit the road thanks to the second round of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s EV fleets incentive.

Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean said the first two rounds of Government support to transition NSW fleets are expected to boost EV registrations by more than 10 per cent.

“Round 3 is now open as we fast track the State’s vehicle fleet of the future,” Mr Kean said. 

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is investing $105 million to support commercial fleets to purchase new EVs and fuel cell electric vehicles. Across round 1 and 2 about 2,000 EVs have been incentivised through the program.

Mr Kean said Round 2 had strong take up from organisations in the rideshare and vehicle subscription sectors, resulting in bids representing 81.6 per cent of the total vehicles.

“The second round had 20 successful bidders – 17 individual fleets and three fleet aggregators – who will receive a financial incentive to shift to EVs,” Mr Kean said.

“Successful bidders will also receive financial support to co-fund a total of more than 1,000  smart chargers.”

The incentive is part of the $633 million Electric Vehicle Strategy, which aims to make NSW the easiest and most affordable place to buy an EV in Australia. It is designed to help cover the gap between the cost of a new EV and the equivalent internal combustion engine vehicle that would have been purchased otherwise.

The successful recipients are: Splend, Custom Fleet, Reliance, IAG, Woollahra Municipal Council, CarBon Leasing and Rentals Pty Ltd, Northern Beaches Council, Murray River Council, CB Cars Pty Ltd, Palm Investment Holdings Pty Ltd, SIXT Australia, Origin Energy, ElevenX, Lockhart Shire Council, Essential Energy, Campbelltown City Council, Ballina Shire Council, Karmo Cars and TAS Australia.

Mr Kean said in Australia, the transport sector accounts for around 22 per cent of total emissions and this scheme will help NSW reach net zero by 2050.

“Corporate and government fleets account for over half of new vehicle sales in Australia and are a significant source of second-hand vehicles,” Mr Kean said.

“Leveraging the bulk purchasing power of fleets can expand both the range of models and number of EVs in NSW, which means prices will fall and more vehicles will be available to private buyers via the second-hand market in coming years.”

The EV Strategy is expected to increase EV sales to 52 per cent of new car sales by 2030-31 and the NSW Government’s objective is to see the vast majority of new car sales being EVs by 2035.

Round 3 of the Drive electric NSW EV fleets incentive is open until 23 May 2023. For more information, visit here.