Category: NSW News

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.

The NSW Government has appointed a consortium including one of Australia’s leading community housing providers, Bridge Housing, and national infrastructure developer Capella Capital, to deliver the $230 million renewal of Elizabeth Street, Redfern.

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the development will see around 300 new homes built, including over 100 social housing dwellings and a new 3,500 square metre community facility.

“We’re transforming Sydney’s inner city to deliver multiple benefits to the local community, including much-needed new housing close to jobs, public transport and open space,” Mr Roberts said.

“Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) is proud to be partnering with Bridge Housing and Capella Capital on this project, demonstrating the NSW Government’s commitment to working with the community housing sector to leverage private capital and expertise that delivers a diverse mix of housing and benefits for the Redfern-Waterloo community.”

The proposed development is located opposite Redfern Oval, walking distance to multiple train stations, and will feature a modern design and high-quality features, in line with the evolving look, feel and culture of the local area.

Minister for Families and Communities, and Minister for Disability Services, Natasha Maclaren-Jones said in addition to more than 100 social homes, the project proposes a mix of housing including affordable homes, homes for key workers, disability support units and private homes.

“The new social homes to be delivered at Redfern will be used to accommodate local relocations from the planned renewal of the Waterloo Estate, supporting greater connection to Country for Aboriginal residents and the broader community,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

Bridge Housing CEO, Rebecca Pinkstone, said they were delighted to have been selected to bring the project to life as the project developer in collaboration with Capella Capital.

“The development will become a blueprint for how the community housing sector, working in partnership with government, institutional investors, commercial lenders and the private sector, can deliver social and affordable housing at scale,” Ms Pinkstone said.

“With thirty years’ experience in the delivery of quality housing and services, Bridge Housing is uniquely positioned to deliver affordable housing designed for the local community. The development will provide a template for how large-scale development can be undertaken to support a diverse and vibrant city.”

Construction is expected to begin in 2025, and will create over 700 jobs during the project, subject to planning approval.

For more information, please visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/land-and-housing-corporation/greater-sydney/redfern

Staff and patients in NSW public hospitals are set to benefit from a major workforce boost with almost 1,100 medical graduate interns starting work in city and country hospitals this week – more than any other state or territory in Australia.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor extended a warm welcome to the class of 2023, the biggest intake of medical graduate interns ever in NSW.

Minister Hazzard said the new medical graduates were ready to launch rewarding careers in health, working with and learning from NSW’s experienced and highly skilled medical staff in hospitals across the state.

“These new doctors have chosen a very rewarding career path and during their internships will build their skills and gain diverse experience across a range of medical specialties in metropolitan, rural and regional areas,” Mr Hazzard said.

“They will also be a tremendous boost to their colleagues already in the hospitals – our dedicated health staff who have performed remarkably during a very challenging three years.

“The NSW Government is continuing to invest in building the state’s health workforce so that communities continue to receive world-class healthcare in public hospitals in our cities and rural and regional areas.”

Minister Taylor said the new medical graduates will be welcomed with open arms to our rural and regional hospitals, with almost one third or 396 of the positions in the bush.

“The NSW Nationals and Liberals in Government are committed to strengthening our regional health workforce, and ensuring the people of rural and regional NSW continue to have access to the high-quality healthcare they need and deserve,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Interns seeking to complete their internship in our regions were able to apply through the Rural Preferential Recruitment pathway and, this year, 176 Rural Preferential intern positions were available – an increase of 13 positions from 2022.”

Interns are medical graduates who have completed their medical degree and are required to complete a supervised year of practice in order to become independent practitioners.

The new doctors starting their internship will be entering a training program with networked hospitals throughout the state, providing formal and on-the-job training.

They receive two-year contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals to ensure the diversity of their experience. They also rotate across different specialties during the intern year, including surgery, medicine and emergency medicine.

The NSW Government is investing a record $33 billion in health as part of the 2022 – 23 NSW Budget. The NSW Government has also announced the largest workforce boost in the nation’s history with a $4.5 billion investment over four years for 10,148 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff to hospitals and health services across NSW.

Money will start hitting the bank accounts of Sydney motorists in a matter of days with the NSW Government’s Toll Relief Rebate Scheme open from today.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said drivers from Sydney’s western suburbs would be the biggest winners of the scheme.

“We are putting more money back in the pockets of NSW families particularly those across Western Sydney who use our world-class motorway network,” Mr Perrottet said.

“From today, half a million drivers across our state will be able to get up $750 back on their tolls which will provide a boost to their household budgets.

“This is all about making moving around our city as easy as possible, and thanks to the NSW Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan, we’re able to provide relief to drivers at a time when they need it most.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the number of people benefiting from the new scheme would more than double and include everyone from families to professional drivers and pensioners.

“Once a driver spends $375 on tolls in a year they will be able to claim the 40 percent rebate up to that $750 limit,” Mr Kean said.

“Pensioners can claim that cash along with free car registration and a free driver’s licence as we help them drive their pension dollars further.”

Rebates will be backdated to 1 July 2022 with the first payment expected to be made within days of applications being received.

This is just one of more than 70 cost of living rebates initiated by the Liberal Nationals Government and another example of providing practical, simple and tangible savings for household budgets.

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said drivers across Western Sydney from Rouse Hill to Liverpool will benefit from the scheme.

“We know Western Sydney families, workers, tradies, and truckies are amongst the biggest users of our motorways because of the time savings they deliver,” Mrs Ward said.

“Now, not only will they still be able to enjoy the travel time savings, they will be getting money back on the trip costs as well.

“This scheme is for every driver across NSW but we’re particularly encouraging those in Western and South Western Sydney to apply and take advantage of the savings on offer.” 

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said eligible motorists need to register through their MyService NSW account to receive the rebate.

“Motorists wishing to claim the rebate simply need to link their toll account to their MyService NSW account when lodging their claim. Payments will then be made directly to their nominated bank account,” Mr Dominello said.

“Anyone needing any assistance can call 13 77 88 or visit a Service NSW centre.”

For more details on the new Toll Relief Scheme please visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/toll-relief-rebate-scheme

Vulnerable communities will continue to receive free access to Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) with the NSW Government extending the program to 30 April 2023.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the NSW Government has already distributed more than two million free RATs to vulnerable communities, ensuring they have access to the help they need.

“Vulnerable communities should not need to worry about the cost of RATs. They need to be able to take a test when they feel sick or exposed to COVID-19 so they can seek medical help as quickly as possible,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to easing cost of living pressures, and ensuring those most vulnerable to the virus can detect it early so they can receive the medical help they need.”

This builds on the millions of tests already available to vulnerable and multicultural communities, homelessness services, social housing tenants, children and young people in out-of-home care, and Commonwealth Concession Card holders.

Minister for Multiculturalism and Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said the extension of the program gives Commonwealth Concession Card holders in NSW greater certainty.

“By extending this program we are taking away the stress for these communities of needing to pay for Rapid Antigen Tests,” Mr Coure said.

“They will be able to continue accessing the tests for free until the end of April and keep themselves and their families safe.”

Eligible Commonwealth Concession Card holders in NSW can access 10 Rapid Antigen Tests until 30 April 2023.

Tests are available through 210 neighbourhood and community centres, and Service NSW centres across the state. To find one near you, visit www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/rapid-tests.  

Local artists are being invited to join the bill for this year’s New Annual festival, with City of Newcastle announcing the dates and opening expressions of interest for its flagship cultural event.

New Annual will kick off on 22 September and run through until the October long weekend, with 10 days of unforgettable performances across the city centre.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this year’s program will allow audiences to experience the diversity of art and performance from across Australia, while also supporting the local creative community.

“New Annual was conceived with a vision to celebrate the depth of talent in Newcastle’s thriving cultural and arts sector and provide a platform for national artists to showcase their work in the city,” Cr Nelmes said.

“In the longer-term, the aim is to create a landmark cultural festival with a uniquely Newcastle character that could become a mainstay on Australia’s annual events calendar and act as a significant generator of cultural tourism.

“Last year’s festival was another great success, attracting almost 40,000 people to more than 140 performances and activities at 32 venues across the city, delivering a boost of almost $8 million to the local economy.

“More than 530 artists and over 400 staff, crew and volunteers were involved in the 10-day event, which featured a dynamic program of dance, music, theatre, visual arts and Indigenous workshops.

“I can’t wait to do it all again this September and look forward to seeing our local artists on the bill alongside some of the best arts and cultural practitioners from across Australia.”

Local artists working across interdisciplinary art forms, visual arts, dance, theatre, music, and multimedia are encouraged to submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the 2023 program before 5pm, 26 February.

City of Newcastle was recently awarded $400,000 over two years from the NSW Government as part of its Major Festival and Events grants program through Multicultural NSW. Submissions from Awabakal and Worimi artists and all people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, as well as artists from culturally diverse backgrounds, are strongly encouraged as part of this EOI process.

New Annual will be held from 22 September to 1 October. To keep up-to-date with the latest news or find out more about the “Made New” EOI process, visit www.newannual.com

Sydney’s newest fire station has opened its doors, with the completion of the $1.7 million development of Mulgoa Rural Fire Brigade celebrated at a ceremony today.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the new building is located on the same site as the previous fire station, which the Brigade’s 41 members had outgrown.

“This new building boasts three trucks bays, a large training room, office, kitchen, change rooms and male and female amenities,” Ms Cooke said.

“These facilities will be utilised by a number of Brigades in the local area, helping to strengthen our emergency services right across the western suburbs of Sydney.”

Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is continuing to invest in new facilities and equipment for volunteers.

“There is nothing more important than providing our volunteer emergency service workers with with the facilities and equipment they need to carry out their roles safely and effectively,” Mrs Davies said.

“We’ve had our fair share of storms, floods and bush fires here in Western Sydney and I am very grateful to the people who protect our community each and every day.”

At today’s ceremony, six volunteers received Long Service Medals in recognition of a combined 128 years of service. 14 volunteers were also presented with National Emergency Medals and a Commissioner’s Unit Citation for their work during the 2019-20 fire season.

Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers said local volunteers were heavily involved in firefighting operations across NSW during Black Summer.

“Members from the Mulgoa Rural Fire Brigade provided critical support to the community, including at the Green Wattle fire which sadly saw the death of firefighters Andrew O’Keefe and Geoffrey Keaton,” Commissioner Rogers said.

“These Brigade members rendered assistance to the injured volunteers after their truck was struck by a falling tree, and they are worthy recipients of a Commissioner’s Unit Citation for their efforts.”