Women who have IVF or other assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments in private clinics can now claim a $2,000 rebate in an Australian first thanks to the NSW Government.

The $80 million expansion to the NSW Affordable IVF Initiative, announced as part of the NSW Government’s 2022-2023 Budget, will extend rebates for pre-IVF fertility testing, introduce a new $2,000 rebate for fertility treatment, increase the number of IVF treatment places in publicly-supported clinics and increase fertility preservation services for patients with a medical need.

The new $2,000 fertility treatment rebate is estimated to help about 12,000 women with out-of-pocket costs associated with fertility treatments.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the $80 million investment will see fertility treatments become more widely accessible to NSW families.

“The high costs of fertility treatment can be a hurdle and add stress to those experiencing fertility issues but the NSW Government is helping to lower these costs for families wanting to have a baby,” Mr Kean said.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the cash rebate is the first of its kind in Australia and eligible women can apply now for the rebate through their MyService NSW account or in person at a Service NSW Service Centre.

“This rebate will make NSW one of the most affordable places in the world to have IVF treatment, easing the burden of out-of-pocket costs families face to access fertility treatments to have a baby,” Mr Hazzard said.

To be eligible for the $2,000 rebate you must:

· be a resident of NSW

· have incurred an out-of-pocket cost from a registered private provider

· have accessed the treatment from 1 October 2022.

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said that 16 per cent of all couples will face fertility issues and the NSW Government is committed to easing the financial burden families face as they embark on their journey to start or grow a family.

“Costs associated with fertility treatments can often be prohibitively expensive and this rebate is going to make a big difference to that,” Mrs Taylor said.

“I am incredibly proud of our continued commitment to making the road to parenthood smoother for anyone in NSW struggling with infertility.”

Professor Luk Rombauts, President of the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand, welcomed the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting people who need medical assistance to start or expand their families.

“The extra financial support available through this rebate is an opportunity to provide more equitable access to fertility treatments and help more people across NSW fulfil their dreams of having children,” Professor Rombauts said.

The available rebate is separate to the existing rebate for pre-IVF fertility testing, and is not available for lower cost treatments provided by one of the existing NSW publicly supported IVF clinics.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said customers could apply through the Service NSW website or in Service NSW Centres.

“The rebate is available through Service NSW and ready to apply for now,” Mr Dominello said.

“It’s as simple as logging into your Service NSW account and uploading a completed Fertility Treatment Declaration form and evidence of out-of-pocket costs.”   

More information on how to submit an application form for the rebate is available on the Service NSW website here.

The $80 million extension and expansion to the NSW Affordable IVF initiative over four years (2022-23 – 2025-26) also includes:

· extending rebates for pre-IVF fertility testing

· expanding statewide access to lower cost IVF treatment through publicly-supported clinics

· boosting fertility preservation services for patients with cancer and other medical needs

· providing up to five days’ paid fertility treatment leave for teachers, nurses and other public servants across NSW.

Further information on how the NSW Government is working to improve affordability and access to IVF services in NSW is available online here.

Liberal candidate for The Entrance, Nathan Bracken, welcomed the Perrottet Government’s announcement of a new ambulance station for Berkeley Vale.

“This community will be getting its first ambulance station, a major frontline emergency care boost, which will give the locals faster access to necessary support,” Mr Bracken said.

“The Entrance has really benefited from the Perrottet Government’s investment in our health care and services, and this is another great example of its work to make the lives of this community better.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said it is a big win for the region and will ensure locals continue to receive quick access to emergency care when and where they need it most.

“This is an exciting day for Berkeley Vale and the wider Central Coast region. Along with new ambulance stations earmarked for Lisarow and Kincumber and a rebuild of the Woy Woy ambulance station, the NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government are ensuring the emergency health needs of the people of the Central Coast are met now and into the future,” Mr Crouch said.

“The exact location for the new ambulance station will be determined following further planning and consultation with key stakeholders including Council and our local emergency services personnel.

The construction timeline will be determined once a site has been confirmed.

“The new station will feature internal parking for emergency ambulance vehicles, vehicle wash facilities, staff parking, multipurpose spaces to support staff education and rest, logistics and storage spaces, an office area for administration as well as staff amenities,” Mr Crouch said.

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the announcement forms part of a record $1.76 billion NSW Government investment which will transform NSW Ambulance services over the next four years with more than 2,000 extra staff, including 1,858 paramedics, and 30 new ambulance stations across NSW.

“Ambulance services are experiencing unprecedented demand across rural and regional NSW, and these three ambulance stations for the Central Coast will keep us ahead of the curve,” Mrs Taylor said.

“The investment will bring more jobs to the local area and provide a better working environment for our amazing paramedics who are giving their utmost to serve communities across our great state.”

The new ambulance stations for the Berkeley Vale, Lisarow and Kincumber communities are being delivered as part of the $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure program and will support local paramedics to provide the best emergency medical care now and into the future.

The Perrottet Government is committed to increasing the capacity of NSW Ambulance. In total, more than $1 billion is being invested across three major NSW Ambulance infrastructure programs, with more than 100 projects announced since 2014.

The Government’s $1 billion investment in NSW Ambulance infrastructure includes:

•        Sydney Ambulance Metropolitan Infrastructure Strategy ($184 million) – 19 projects – 18 projects completed to date with one due for completion late 2023. Program began 2014

•        NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program ($615.5 million) – 30 projects – 8 in early planning. Program announced in 2022-23 State Budget.

•        RAIR program Stage 1 & 2 ($232 million) – 54 projects – 39 complete, 15 underway. Program began 2015.

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More than $23 million is being invested by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to unlock housing, jobs, and opportunities for the Central Coast.

The Central Coast Strategy for Economic Growth will be released today, together with the Draft Central Coast Regional Transport Plan, supporting the NSW Government’s vision to drive growth and investment across the region.

Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said the Central Coast Strategy for Economic Growth had a particular focus on unlocking land for employment.

“We know the Central Coast is an incredible place to live and play. We’re now investing in unlocking key employment sites to create the jobs and opportunities for the future, strengthening the local economy and improving lives,” Mr Stokes said.

“The Central Coast will thrive as part of the NSW Government’s Six Cities vision. With commitments for faster rail at Wyong and a new university campus at Gosford, we’re backing the Central Coast to grow a stronger economy, invest in better services, and make lives easier for local families.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the Draft Central Coast Regional Transport Plan has also identified 80 initiatives which include an upgraded interchange on the M1 at Ourimbah and more connected neighbourhoods.

“The Central Coast is a region on the move – with increasing tourism, expanding employment areas and a population that’s set to grow by 70,000 people by 2041,” Mr Farraway said.

“The draft plan highlights the initiatives worth investigating to ensure the Central Coast continues to be well-connected by a safe, efficient and accessible transport network.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said the community’s feedback would continue to be critical.

“We’re already in the process of delivering some of these projects including an upgrade to the Pacific Highway at Lisarow, accessibility improvements to Tuggerah Station and changes to the intersection of Ocean Beach Road and Rawson Road,” Mr Crouch said.

“These changes will secure the future growth of a region which is already a great place to live, work and play.”

The Central Coast Strategy for Economic Growth was informed by community consultation beginning in 2020 and can be viewed here. Its delivery will be further supported by the Six Cities Region Plan, to be developed during 2023.

Transport for NSW is asking residents and stakeholders to contribute to the Central Coast Regional Transport Plan by making their submissions by Friday, 24 February at future.transport.nsw.gov.au/CCRTP 

Liberal candidate for Pittwater, Rory Amon, has welcomed the Perrottet Government’s $255,000 capability boost for Northern Beaches’ NSW State Emergency Services (SES) volunteers, with the delivery of a new Medium Storm Vehicle and General Purpose Trailer.

Mr Amon said the new equipment will be a huge help for the local volunteers, who will be able to use it for storm damage operations, including dealing with complex tree and roof situations, and flood rescues.

“As an emergency services volunteer, I know that having access to the right equipment can make all the difference in the world to a successful operation or rescue,” Mr Amon said.

“This is one of the many reasons I’m proud to be campaigning for the Perrottet Government, which has been a great supporter of the NSW SES and its volunteers – including its commitment of $116 million for the strategic replacement of the SES fleet.”

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke joined Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes, SES Commissioner Carlene York and SES volunteers and staff today to hand over the keys to the new vehicle and equipment.

“The Warringah-Pittwater Unit’s 128 members are some of the most active in NSW and I’m very grateful for their work in the Northern Beaches community as well as deployments to regional areas,” Ms Cooke said.

“The two new assets being officially handed over today form part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $116 million Fleet Replacement Program to provide our wonderful volunteers with the best possible resources and equipment.”

Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes said the new vehicle and trailer are a welcome sight following relentless rain and flooding over the past year.

“The Medium Storm Vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive suite of equipment to enhance the volunteers’ capability in storms and flood rescues, while the General Purpose Trailer will assist with the transport of sandbags, tools, water, food, medicines and other items,” Mr Stokes said.

“These new assets will help our volunteers better protect the community, keeping residents safer and stronger when severe weather strikes.”

Commissioner York said the new assets will provide additional capability for the Unit.

“This investment into the Northern Beaches community will ensure our volunteers will always be there to assist in a timely and efficient manner during a weather emergency,” Commissioner York said.

Warringah-Pittwater Unit Commander Mark Colwell said volunteers will utilise the trailer in their everyday operations.

“Over the past three years, our volunteers have responded to an astonishing 3,500 requests for assistance – that’s the equivalent of going out into the community three times a day to help tarp roofs, secure trees, resupply goods and ensure the wellbeing of residents,” Mr Colwell said.

Liberal candidate for Vaucluse, Kellie Sloane, welcomed the Perrottet Government’s listing of South Head added on the State Heritage Register.

Ms Sloane said the listing recognises one of the city’s most spectacular natural wonders, and ensures that it will be protected for future generations.

“We are privileged to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, and I am a vocal champion of protecting the unique natural character of this community,” Ms Sloane said. “This listing shows the great job that the Perrottet Government is doing to preserve our heritage, and is just one example of why I am proud to be running to be a part of the Perrottet team.”

Minister for Heritage James Griffin said heritage listing South Head will ensure future generations can experience and learn about a place that helped shape NSW.

“With its soaring sandstone cliffs, much loved beaches and green open spaces, South Head is one of the most outstandingly beautiful parts of Sydney,” Mr Griffin said.

“Listing the South Head Cultural Landscape on the State Heritage Register acknowledges the diverse and important stories of this place, which deserve recognition because they helped shape NSW as we know it today.

“South Head has strong historical and archaeological links to the Birrabirragal people, with evidence of Aboriginal occupation into the middle of the 19th century, including at Camp Cove, which is known to have been the home to Cora Gooseberry, a significant Aboriginal leader.

“The site tells us stories of thousands of years of continuous Aboriginal occupation, first contact encounters between British and Aboriginal people, Sydney’s history as a working harbour, and South Head’s role in its defence during periods of war.”

The State Heritage Listing includes the South Head precincts of Sydney Harbour National Park, Hornby Lighthouse, Camp Cove Beach and the rock shelf that surrounds them.

Much of South Head has been a national park since 1977, and the site is a popular recreational area for locals and visitors to Sydney.

Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton said after years of working with the community towards this historic outcome, South Head is now protected forever.

“This has been a long journey and worth every bit of effort together with my community. South Head is a place of unique and international cultural, environmental and historical significance. It holds a special place in our hearts for its exceptional natural beauty with deep ties to our local and indigenous history,” Ms Upton said.

“As the heritage gateway to Sydney Harbour, South Head marked the entrance to Port Jackson for ships and served as a landmark for early European settlers’ arrival into the Harbour. Prior to that, it was an important place for Aboriginal people, including for fishing, art and other rituals.”

“The exceptionally high number of public submissions received in support of the heritage listing shows the importance of South Head and its value to the people of NSW.

“I am so proud we will soon be finalising the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Head Masterplan. The Masterplan will give more opportunities to enhance cultural and natural attributes and improve accessibility and amenity for locals and visitors alike.”

South Head is home to historically and technically significant buildings and ruins that illustrate the themes of maritime safety, defence and water policing.

These include Hornby Lighthouse, the extensive network of fortifications and defence structures at Inner South Head and Lady Bay, and the archaeological remains of important water policing structures.

Listing on the State Heritage Register provides legal recognition that an item or place is of State heritage significance and that the community wants to keep it for future generations.

For more information, visit the Heritage NSW website.

State-of-the-art colourised laser technology has been added to Fire and Rescue NSW’s (FRNSW) fleet of drones, giving firefighters the ability to more accurately identify bush fire threats.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors will help firefighters to better manage fuel loads by mapping bushland density.

“This state-of-the-art technology gives our firefighters a greater understanding of the bush so during a fire they can better protect properties, and during a hazard reduction operation they can more effectively target areas with higher fuel loads,” Ms Cooke said.

“Having lasers fitted to drones in Fire and Rescue NSW’s $5.4 million fleet will give firefighters greater capability to keep our communities safer and stronger throughout this period of increased fire danger.”

The LiDAR sensors produce precise, three-dimensional point data fully integrated with colourised red, green and blue high-resolution imagery.

During a hazard reduction operation, laser imagery collected before and after the burn will allow firefighters to accurately determine how much bushland has been treated.

FRNSW Deputy Commissioner Megan Stiffler said LiDAR sensors can also be used during a flood recovery operation, helping clean-up crews target their efforts.

“The LiDAR sensors use eye-safe lasers to measure the volume of flood debris and gives FRNSW a better visual of the product so we can determine what it is. That information takes a lot of the guesswork out of flood recovery operations, leading to a faster and more efficient clean-up,” Deputy Commissioner Stiffler said.

“This technology, which can work in any light conditions, day or night, is a real game-changer for Fire and Rescue NSW and significantly increases our aerial firefighting capabilities.”

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is fast-tracking advanced payments of more than $20 million in emergency funding for councils in the north and south of the state to urgently carry out work to restore access to flood-impacted areas.  

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the advanced funding would help 17 Local Government Areas impacted by the devastating flood event in October and November 2022 as they recover.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to ensuring measures are taken to help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters,” Mr Farraway said.   

“Our top priority is getting our communities who have been impacted by flooding on track to recovery as quickly as possible.

“By putting emergency funding into the bank accounts of our councils faster councils can get on with the job of repairing and rebuilding damaged road and transport infrastructure sooner.

“This new support is on top of more than $60 million in emergency funding already provided to councils devastated by severe weather across the Central West and North Coast last year.  

“It’s evident more now than ever that we need to build our infrastructure back to be more resilient against mother nature, which is why the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government pushed for the $312.5 million Betterment Program for councils in the Northern Rivers.

“This new, first of its kind, natural disaster funding program allows councils to build back their road and transport infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events, it’s the way of the future and will help our great state to come back stronger after a natural disaster.”

More women and girls will get involved in sport as part of a NSW Government program which aims to boost participation and create more opportunities, both on and off the field.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the Her Sport Her Way program supports State Sporting Organisations to deliver new initiatives that turbocharge female sporting participation.

“This program is all about increasing female participation in sport, whether that’s on the field or in administration, coaching or volunteer roles,” Mr Henskens said.

“Since the inception of this program four years ago, the number of women and girls playing sport has evolved and diversified, and by investing in grassroots programs and initiatives across NSW, we will continue to secure a brighter future for women in sport.”

The program has provided $2.45 million towards projects since 2019, with the latest $625,000 round funding 26 projects across 16 sports.

Successful projects include an initiative to develop netball coaching talent through to participation programs for water polo and karting. 

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the NSW Government is today also opening nominations for the 2022-23 Her Sport Her Way Awards.

“Women make such an incredible contribution to sporting clubs and communities right across NSW, both on and off the field,” Mrs Taylor said.

“The Her Sport Her Way Awards recognise the achievements of women in driving powerful change and leaving a legacy for the way women’s sport is played in NSW.”

The Her Sport Her Way Awards feature five categories – Young Achiever, Local Champion, Outstanding Organisation, Trailblazer and Overall Champion.

Applications for the Awards close on 28 February 2023. For more information on the Her Sport Her Way program and Awards, visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/hersportherway.

Liberal candidate for Ryde, Jordan Lane, welcomed the latest major milestone of the $479 million Ryde Hospital Redevelopment that will deliver outstanding health facilities for the community.

Mr Lane said the unveiling of the latest designs and upcoming commencement of early works will give Ryde access to innovative, outstanding healthcare.

“As someone who was born at this very hospital, in Denistone House, I am genuinely excited about how this investment from our Government will deliver the great health services for our community, while also preserving its unique heritage.”

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the designs released today showcase the major expansion and upgrade of the facility which will support the health needs of the Ryde community.

“We are completely transforming Ryde Hospital into a state-of-the-art health facility with new and enhanced health services,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This $479 million redevelopment will significantly improve access to healthcare for the local community, ensuring more people can get quality care close to home.”

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the redevelopment will future-proof healthcare in the region.

“The start of early works on site is a significant milestone for the $479 million Ryde Hospital redevelopment,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Once complete, the Ryde Hospital redevelopment will deliver a new and expanded emergency department and intensive care unit, new theatres, new purpose-built ambulatory care centre, new paediatric short stay unit and expanded medical imaging.”

Member for Ryde Victor Dominello said he was delighted to share the new designs with the community.

“These designs follow a significant amount of engagement with the local community, clinicians and key healthcare stakeholders as well as feedback from staff and consumers,” Mr Dominello said.

“The feedback has informed key design considerations such as heritage, the environment and green space to create a welcoming environment for patients, staff, and visitors.”

The $479 million redevelopment will include:

• A new and expanded emergency department;
• A new and expanded medical imaging department;
• A new and expanded intensive care unit;
• New operating theatres;
• More adult overnight inpatient beds;
• A new purpose-built ambulatory care centre;
• A new paediatric short stay unit;
• Improved landscaping, urban spaces and car parking.

Central to the design is connections with existing onsite heritage buildings such as Denistone House and The Stables, and the Blue Gum High Forest, as well as green spaces to create a welcoming environment for patients, staff and visitors.

In response to feedback from the local community and key agencies, changes have been made to the carpark plans to include a new multi-storey car park off Denistone Road and ground-level parking off Ryedale Road. The updated plans are expected to be placed on public exhibition in the coming weeks.

A final State Significant Development Application (SSDA) will be submitted in mid-2023, seeking approval for the final design and main construction works for the redevelopment.

HPAC has been appointed the early works contractor for the redevelopment and will commence works in the coming weeks, with main works expected to begin in late 2023.

The early works will include internal refurbishment to prepare for the first phase of the redevelopment, demolition of three buildings at the rear of the site, partial demolition of ground level carparking and general site preparation earthworks.

The project is part of the NSW Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure to 2025-26, including the $265 million Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital redevelopment and the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice in Manly.

For more information about the redevelopment including the latest designs visit: www.rydehospitalredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au

Aspiring nurses and midwives are encouraged to choose a rewarding career with NSW Health, with support available through cadetship and scholarship programs in 2023.

Applications are now open for NSW Health’s Enrolled Nurse Scholarships, Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship Program and Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Scholarships.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said eligible school leavers and people considering a career change can apply for these cadetships and scholarships across NSW, which will provide professional and financial support to help them achieve their goals.

“The NSW health system is the best in the country because of our amazing workforce providing world-class healthcare to local communities every day. If you are an aspiring nurse or midwife, there is no better place to learn and work than in our public hospitals,” Mr Hazzard said.

“These cadetship and scholarship programs will also help further boost and upskill our nursing and midwifery workforce to meet the growing demand in our public hospitals across NSW into the future.”

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said nurses and midwives are a vital part of our health system, especially in rural and regional NSW.  

“I encourage anyone who wants to become a nurse or midwife to start their career with NSW Health by applying for these cadetships and scholarships, which provide guidance and opportunities to explore a variety of clinical settings,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Placements are available in our rural and regional hospitals, which are great places for nurses and midwives to build their skills and knowledge across a broad range of specialities, while caring and advocating for their local community.”

The Enrolled Nurse Scholarships offer a position in the Diploma of Nursing program, cover course fees and lead to employment as an enrolled nurse in a NSW Health facility, following standard recruitment and registration processes.

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the cadetships and scholarships would help kickstart the careers of NSW’s future nurses and midwives. 

“The Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to providing world-class training to create a pipeline of skilled healthcare workers,” Mr Henskens said.

“These opportunities create workforce pathways so nurses and midwives in training are getting the practical skills and experience they need for jobs in the health sector.”

The Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship Program, and Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Scholarships provide Aboriginal people with the opportunity to receive financial and professional support during their university studies.

Nurse cadet Maya Svagelli said the Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship Program helped her to build confidence in her nursing skills and knowledge.

“The best aspects of the cadetship was the experience of working in varied healthcare settings. I was able to work in different areas such as inpatient aged care, inpatient orthopaedics and primary healthcare settings,” Ms Svagelli said.

“I would highly encourage Aboriginal nursing students to apply for this program for the experience and support that is provided to you throughout your degree.”

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

The NSW Government is also incentivising hard-to-fill, critical roles in hospitals and health facilities with an $883 million investment targeted at recruiting and retaining staff in regional, rural and remote areas.