Category: NSW News

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.

The NSW Government is inviting leading infrastructure organisations to help shape and build the next stage of one of the State’s major transport projects, Parramatta Light Rail.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said it was very encouraging to see industry experts from not only across Australia but internationally, register their interest to be part of the procurement process for the delivery of such a transformative infrastructure project.

“We’ve seen strong interest from industry leaders excited to design and construct the first phase of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2, the new 320-metre-long public and active transport bridge over the Parramatta River between Wentworth Point and Melrose Park,” Mr Elliott said.

“Many of those shortlisted industry organisations will now be invited to participate in the Expressions of Interest (EOI) process for the enabling works package, which includes the delivery of the bridge and approaches on either side of the river – totalling 1.3 kilometres, with construction expected to start in 2024, subject to planning approvals.”

Member for Parramatta Mr Geoff Lee said this was a fantastic opportunity to be part of this Western Sydney mega transport project which will link Stage 1 of the light rail and Parramatta’s CBD to Sydney Olympic Park.

“When completed, the new bridge will be the first significant crossing over the Parramatta River since 1987 and will provide essential public transport access for the growing communities north and south of the river and onto Sydney Olympic Park,” Mr Lee said.

The Environmental Impact Statement received more than 125 submissions late last year, the team engaged with more than 850 people and over 2500 people visited the virtual engagement room. A submissions report is currently being prepared and will be released later this year. The Expressions of Interest process will close on Tuesday 14 March 2023. More information about the project is available here.

Families are being reminded to download their new Active Kids voucher and save $100 per child on sport and recreation activities.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said a new Active Kids voucher became available on 1 January and would help ease pressure on family budgets.

“It might be the middle of summer, but winter sport registration is heating up and now is the perfect time for families to turn their attention to their new Active Kids voucher,” Mr Henskens said.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Active Kids program has turbocharged sporting participation across NSW, with more than 4.85 million vouchers redeemed, saving families $481 million.

“It’s the largest grassroots sport funding initiative in the nation and is driving enormous increases in participation across all sports.”

The NSW Government recently extended the Active Kids voucher program to include school holiday sports and recreation activities.

The expansion of the program has contributed to a 40 per cent increase in voucher creation compared to the same period last year.

“NSW Labor wanted to cancel one Active Kids voucher per child at the last election, and Chris Minns endorsed this policy as a member of the Shadow Cabinet,” Mr Henskens said.

“It’s clear that NSW families have embraced the Liberal and Nationals Government’s Active Kids program and its expansion to include school holiday programs has been a hit.”

Families can access their child’s Active Kids voucher via the Service NSW app or website, attending a Service NSW Centre or by calling Service NSW on 13 77 88.

For further information on the Active Kids Program, visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/active-kids.

Flood evacuation routes near Richmond will be upgraded as part of a $1 billion Liberal and Nationals Government investment through WestInvest, targeting Western Sydney roads.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said $15 million has been allocated to upgrade the intersection of The Driftway and Londonderry Road to deliver a new roundabout and an extra lane.

“After unprecedented rain and consecutive flooding events across Western Sydney, it is more important than ever that we provide the infrastructure needed to protect communities and ensure they have safe evacuation routes,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This important upgrade will boost capacity on this important evacuation route and support the new Richmond Bridge, which has been designed with increased flood resilience.”

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said early works will begin shortly, ahead of major construction next year.

“We want to give the community the assurance that if the last two flood events were to occur again, they would not be cut off from the services they need,” Mrs Ward said.

“As well as improving flood resilience, the two projects will ensure double traffic capacity across the Hawkesbury River and reduce travel times.”

Other road projects already announced include:

· $200 million for safety improvements on Elizabeth Drive at critical sections between Devonshire Rd and Western Road, Kemps Creek;

· $100 million to construct the Pitt Town bypass which has been identified as a crucial project following recent flooding events in the Hawkesbury-Nepean valley;

· $100 million to enable the upgrade of a 3.4 kilometre section of Garfield Road East between Piccadilly Street, Riverstone and Windsor Road, Box Hill.

For more information, go to https://nswroads.work/NewRichmondBridge.

Thousands of students across NSW will benefit from more catch up classes this coming school year thanks to a $253 million funding boost from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the pioneering small group tutoring initiative, started following COVID lockdowns to support school students who fell behind, is being extended to supercharge student learning as education moves beyond the pandemic.

“Making sure every student has the best possible start in life is a priority for the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government, and small group tutoring has been an important part of student growth these last two years,” said Mr Perrottet.

“This program has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s a no-brainer to boost the funding for this coming school year, so thousands more students continue to benefit.”

A recent evaluation of the Intensive Learning Support Program (ILSP) looked at the impact of the initiative on student learning and engagement from the teachers’ perspective. It showed student confidence and engagement improved by 80 per cent, and students’ motivation and attitude towards school had improved by 77 per cent and 69 per cent respectively. 

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government was seeing benefits for students and early career teachers. 

“We are seeing students’ confidence and classroom engagement improve thanks to the support they’re receiving. At the same time, hundreds of pre-service teachers are gaining invaluable hands-on experience that will only strengthen their teaching over the long term,” Ms Mitchell said. 

“It’s fantastic that students across all school sectors in NSW will continue to benefit from this scheme, thanks to the long-term economic plan of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.”

A wider evaluation of the program, including academic outcomes of students involved, will be completed by mid-2023 and will inform the approach to embedding small group tuition as part of the school system beyond 2023.

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government invested more than $700 million in catch up classes for students in 2021 and 2022. Schools have already been provided $80 million in tutoring funding for the start of 2023, which will now be supplemented by a further $173 million.

NSW drivers can now voluntarily choose to offset their vehicle’s carbon emissions each year when they register their car.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said many Australians were looking for practical ways to take action on climate change and the new scheme would give people more opportunities to reduce their carbon footprint.

“NSW is the first state to offer this option, with all money going directly into Australian carbon offset projects. No international credits will be purchased,” Mr Kean said.

Contributions from the scheme will be used to purchase Australian Carbon Credit Units that fund activities which reduce or offset CO₂ emissions in Australia, helping NSW reach its targets of 70 per cent emissions reduction by 2035 and net zero by 2050.

“The option is voluntary, and participants can choose to offset any amount between $5 and $200 when they register their vehicle online.

“The average car generates about 2.4 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, which can be fully offset by purchasing $80 of carbon offsets at the point of registration. 

“The transport sector is responsible for about 22 per cent of all NSW emissions, with almost 50 per cent coming from passenger vehicles. More and more NSW drivers are opting for electric vehicles (EVs) each year, however this scheme gives those drivers who haven’t made the switch yet the option to offset their emissions instead,” Mr Kean said.

The scheme is one part of the NSW Government’s comprehensive zero emissions transport strategy, which includes:

· $209 million for EV charging infrastructure

· No stamp duty on EVs under $78,000

· $3,000 rebates for EVs under $68,750

· Transitioning the State’s entire 8,000 plus bus fleet to zero emissions

· Allowing EVs to drive in transit lanes

Corporate Carbon Advisory (CCA) Pty Ltd has been appointed as the offset provider partner. Projects directly supported under this scheme will include regeneration projects across NSW such as the Longdowns Forest Regeneration project in Bourke and Brewarrina Shires.

All projects are fully trackable through their registration under the Clean Energy Regulator’s Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) project register. All carbon credits purchased under this scheme will be immediately retired to ensure their offset benefits are realised at once.

More information on the scheme is located here and at Service NSW .

Sixteen projects capable of powering the equivalent of almost 1.6 million homes have been shortlisted under the inaugural tender of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.

Competitive bids for more than 4.3GW of generation and long duration storage will now be assessed by AEMO Services for their potential to deliver long-term financial value for NSW households and businesses.

Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean said there has been overwhelming investor interest in the roadmap.

“This is a promising start to the $32 billion in private capital we expect to see through our 10-year schedule of rolling competitive tenders,” Mr Kean said.

“The state’s nation-leading roadmap will ensure that NSW households and businesses have clean, reliable and more affordable electricity for decades to come.”

Once the projects are assessed, successful applicants will be awarded long-term energy service agreements that will underpin the modernisation of the state’s electricity system.

Shortlisted projects have until February 10 to submit their financial value bids.

The NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap is the NSW Government’s plan to transform the electricity system, by building at least 12GW of renewable energy and 2GW of long duration storage like pumped hydro by 2030.

A re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will deliver a new high school in Jordan Springs to support the growing local community, with work on the project to commence in the next term of government.

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell were on site today at Jordan Springs Public School to announce the commitment to the new high school, coinciding with completion of Stage 2 of the primary school ahead of students returning next week.

Mr Perrottet said only a NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has the track record to deliver this vital infrastructure for communities across Western Sydney.

“We know how important it is to provide local families with great schools and thanks to our long-term economic plan, we’re able to build on our investment in Jordan Springs Public School by committing to a new high school in this growing community,” said Mr Perrottet.

“Our track record speaks for itself with billions of dollars invested in major projects across Western Sydney. This new high school will provide students with access to a world class education right here in their community.”

Ms Mitchell said local families can trust the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to deliver this project.

“Only a Liberal and Nationals Government can ensure this project is delivered for the local community. This government has invested more than $167 million in Londonderry, including the new Jordan Springs Public School, and it is this government that will deliver a new high school,” said Ms Mitchell.

“The school community should be excited for school to start next week with these amazing upgraded facilities at Jordan Springs Public School, and this is just one of the many schools we are delivering this term,”

“Since 2011, we have delivered 60 major projects across Western Sydney with another 50 underway and we will continue to invest in growing communities right across the state.”

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.

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is pushing ahead with a $3 billion commitment to transition its bus and coach fleet to zero emission technology, with a new trial set to begin across regional NSW.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) process is now open for bus and coach operators to participate in the $25 million Regional Zero Emission Bus Trials.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said zero emission bus technology is a key part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government goal of reaching net zero by 2050.

“The transition of our bus fleet will have widespread benefits including improving air quality, noise reduction, a smoother trip for commuters and creating jobs right across NSW,” Mr Kean said.

“Hydrogen is one of the many ways forward in the heavy transport sector and this will ensure investment in clean technology, grow the economy and support regional jobs.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the trials present a great opportunity to partner with transport operators in regional areas to deliver new and more energy efficient transport options.

“We are about to kick off our first hydrogen bus trial on the Central Coast to better understand how the technology compares to battery electric buses and this trial will determine the most suitable technology to deliver the best services for our regional and rural communities,” Mr Farraway said. 

“We’re always looking at new ways to improve our bus network and services across regional NSW.

“We’ve now delivered more than 3,000 additional bus services under our 16 Regional Cities Services Improvement Program, making it easier and more reliable for communities to travel to work, school, visit friends and family and get to medical appointments and essential services.”

The expression of interest for the Regional Zero Emission Bus Trials is available by visiting https://www.tenders.nsw.gov.au/ and will remain open until 2 March 2023.