Category: NSW News

Passenger services on the main western rail line in the Blue Mountains will resume tomorrow following last month’s freight train derailment.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the 3.49am service from Lithgow to Sydney will be the first passenger train through now that repairs to the track between Lawson and Linden have been completed.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government prioritised getting this line reopened before the end of school holidays, because we know how important it is for commuters and families to have reliable  train services  through the Blue Mountains,” Mr Toole said.

“Crews have put in a mammoth effort to get this line reopened, replacing 18.1 kilometres of damaged track, installing more than 15,000 new sleepers and 24,000 tonnes of ballast and replacing or repairing 92 pieces of signalling equipment.

“I thank local residents for their patience; their cooperation has allowed us to get the job done as quickly as possible.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said Transport for NSW and Sydney Trains had to rebuild the entire damaged track in extremely difficult terrain, which required detailed planning and specialist engineering expertise.

“The Blue Mountains rail line is a critical freight corridor linking east with west,” Mr Farraway said.

“We worked closely with the freight industry during the repair period, opening the adjacent track to allow for diesel freight train movements across this critical supply chain.

“It’s great news that following the completion of repairs, full freight access will resume on the Blue Mountains line, as well as intercity and regional passenger train services.

“I’d like to thank our rail freight industry, passengers and the local community for their patience and understanding while the repairs were undertaken. I would also like to acknowledge the professionalism of the engineering and trackwork teams who completed the significant repairs to the rail corridor.”

THE MASSIVE RECOVERY TASK BY THE NUMBERS:

• Damage to infrastructure spanned about 10km, comprising broken rail and damaged and broken concrete sleepers, signaling equipment and electrical assets
• Removed and disposed of 15,000 concrete sleepers (which will be recycled)
• Removed and disposed of more than 18km of broken and damaged rail (which will be recycled)
• Removed 24,000 tonnes of spoil and ballast
• Removed 92 pieces of critical signaling equipment
• Installed 26,500 tonnes of new ballast to build and stabilise the ground the track, sleepers and rail
• Replaced more than 15,000 concrete sleepers, each weighing approximately 300kg, with the terrain requiring manual handling to position and align each sleeper
• Installed and clipped into position more than 18.1km of new rail
• Welded and adjusted more than 210 sections of rail to ensure alignment
• Installed 92 pieces of new critical signaling equipment
• Installed 1.1km of electrical leads
• Tested 16km of signaling infrastructure
• Inspected and adjusted more than 17km of overhead wiring
• More than 140 frontline staff worked each shift, with a total of 420 staff working within each 24-hour window
• More than 70 pieces of specialised machinery were used during each shift.

A high-tech multiuse facility that provides critical infrastructure to the artificial intelligence, Medtech, space, and robotics sectors is among four projects set to share in $8 million, as part of the NSW Government’s Tech Central Research and Innovation Infrastructure Fund.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the successful projects will provide specialised equipment and deliver collaborative programs with a focus on existing industry and research strengths across the Tech Central Innovation District which stretches from Surry Hills to Camperdown. 

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is committed to translating our state’s incredible R&D capabilities into tangible outcomes that create new jobs and industries, which will grow the economy and help secure a brighter future for the people of NSW,” Mr Henskens said.

“Tech Central already boasts tech giant Atlassian as an anchor tenant, three world-leading universities, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and over 100 research institutes.

“Its status as a nation-leading centre of innovation and development will be enhanced by these projects, harnessing the power of local expertise to bring significant physical and digital infrastructure across its target industries and research areas, from the University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney and ARIA Research.”

NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said the Fund brings further innovation, R&D and industry talent to Tech Central that will complement existing tenants.

“The successful applicants will accelerate the development of Tech Central as a place where people will come together to innovate, collaborate and explore new markets,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said.

“These projects, which also include a Vaccine and RNA Design Centre, have been chosen for their capacity to add to the already vibrant technological and innovative ecosystem, with the aim to realise their potential, commercialise and raise their profile locally and internationally.”

More information and full details about the successful recipients can be found online.

The country’s 25,000 frontline correctional staff, including more than 10,500 from NSW, are being celebrated today as part of the annual National Corrections Day.

The state’s custodial officers, Community Corrections staff, industries workers, psychologists and programs officers, Security and Intelligence, and administration staff are among those being acknowledged for the seventh year running.

Minister for Corrections Geoff Lee said National Corrections Day was an opportunity to applaud the vital work corrections staff do to rehabilitate offenders and keep the community safe.

“Today we rally around our exceptional Corrective Services NSW staff and give them a well-deserved pat on the back for keeping our prisons and communities safe while simultaneously working towards reducing re-offending,” Dr Lee said.

“CSNSW staff juggle a lot at once, including working face-to-face with offenders in custody and the community, collaborating with various units within corrections, and liaising and connecting with other government and non-government agencies too.

“It’s a tough job and I look forward to getting out to one of our state’s busiest prisons today, the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre, to personally congratulate staff and spend time with them on the ground on this special day.”

CSNSW Acting Commissioner Luke Grant applauded the efforts of staff across the organisation, thanking them for what can be a dangerous job at times.

“I’m incredibly proud of our staff – our multi-disciplinary team – who work together every day to ensure our correctional system remains one of the best in the world,” Mr Grant says.

“Corrections staff don’t get enough recognition, so being able to publicly recognise them today is an honour. I hope National Corrections Day gives the entire workforce a morale boost and helps them to know how appreciated they are,” Mr Grant said.

Corrections Day was established by CSNSW in 2017 before it was adopted nationally and by New Zealand in 2018. The day will be marked across NSW with workplace morning tea, barbecues, and awards ceremonies.

The Moruya community will benefit from expanded emergency treatment and care services with treatment spaces more than doubled at the Moruya Hospital Emergency Department (ED), following investment from the Liberal and Nationals Government.

Premier Dominic Perrottet officially opened the new ED today, which will ensure a seamless transition for staff into the new $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital.

“Our strong economic record has enabled long term commitments to boost healthcare services across regional NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Growing the capacity of the emergency department in Moruya is key to ensuring we provide the community with high-level emergency health care now and into the future.

“This emergency department will be crucial in preparing the local workforce for the expanded services that will be offered at the brand new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, with construction set to be completed in 2025.

The new ED includes additional resuscitation and consulting spaces for patients as well as a new undercover vehicle ambulance bay.

Upgrade works have also included an enhanced Close Observation Unit which will provide 24 hour specialist supervision and care for patients with complex medical, or surgical needs. 

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the community can expect to see early works begin on the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital in coming weeks, including Aboriginal archaeological works.

“The Liberals and Nationals in Government know how important health care is in the regions, and the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will not only change lives, but save lives,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Today is an exciting day for the region, and will ensure the health needs of the people of the entire Eurobodalla community from Narooma to Batemans Bay are met while work continues on delivering the new hospital.”

The expanded Moruya ED is part of the $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital redevelopment which will deliver a sustainable, modern and purpose-built hospital.

The Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will be built to accommodate a Level 4 health facility including:

· Emergency Department

· Eight bed Intensive Care / Close Observation Unit

· Increased capacity for chemotherapy and increased access to renal dialysis

· Surgical and operating theatres and a day stay surgical unit

· Expanded medical imaging department, including MRI service

· Ambulatory care for community and outpatient services

· Paediatric and maternity beds, and a special care nursery

· Mental health beds for short term admission

· Enhanced education and training facilities, including a simulation laboratory.

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

Since 2011, the government has delivered more than 180 health capital projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway – of those, more than 90 are in rural and regional areas. This includes the new South East Regional Hospital at Bega, jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth governments.

The NSW Government is investing $4.5 billion to recruit 10,148 full time equivalent (FTE) staff to hospitals and health services across the state over the next four years, as part of the 2022-23 Budget, with 3,800 of those positions in rural and regional areas.

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.   

Parents of primary school-aged children are encouraged to download the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $500 Before and After School Care (BASC) voucher by 31 January 2023. 

The NSW Government’s $155 million BASC Voucher Program helps families with household budget pressures, and more than 305,000 vouchers have already been downloaded by parents. Of these, more than 219,000 have been redeemed at a BASC service to help families with the cost of care. Parents have until 30 June 2023 to redeem BASC vouchers at a participating service.

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the $500 BASC vouchers are one of the ways the Liberal and Nationals Government are supporting NSW families to juggle work and family responsibilities.  

“We know the Before and After School Care vouchers help to ease financial pressures and give parents and carers increased flexibility with their work commitments,” Mr Kean said. 

“Supporting working families is a priority of this government, with more than 70 rebates and vouchers available putting money back in the household budget.”  

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell encouraged parents to download the $500 voucher before they close at the end of the month. 

“Families with a child going into Kindergarten in 2023 can access the voucher – but with the deadline of 31 January 2023 fast approaching, time is running out to enjoy those savings!” Ms Mitchell said.  

“Before and after school care services are an essential part of our school communities, providing working families with a range of options for their child to have a safe place to learn, play and socialise. 

“Once downloaded, parents can use these vouchers up until 30 June 2023, allowing families to take advantage of both before and after school care and vacation care in the coming months.” 

The Before and After School Voucher Program is delivered in partnership with Service NSW.  

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Victor Dominello said BASC vouchers are easy to download and can be redeemed at their local participating BASC Service. 

“I encourage all parents and carers with children enrolled in Before and After School Care to jump on the Service NSW app or website to claim their vouchers before the start of the new school year,” Mr Dominello said.

“The process of redeeming the vouchers is very simple and a list of participating BASC providers is available on the Service NSW website.”

Customers can register and apply online via a MyService NSW account, in the app, or by visiting their nearest Service Centre. 

To apply or find out more information about BASC vouchers, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/basc-voucher 

Communities in north western Sydney will reap the rewards from local infrastructure projects including new pools, parks, sports fields, cycling and walking tracks funded through the NSW Government’s $5 billion WestInvest program.  

Premier Dominic Perrottet and Treasurer Matt Kean today announced funding for local councils and community groups in Blacktown, Hawkesbury and The Hills to deliver 21 transformational WestInvestprojects that will change the face of Western Sydney and help secure a brighter future for local communities.

The projects are the first to be announced through the $1.6 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round, with further successful projects to be announced in the coming weeks.

The 21 projects, worth more than $400 million, include:

· Four new and upgraded swimming centresin Blacktown and Hawkesbury LGAs to provide residents with a heat refuge in the summer months and a place for exercise and relaxation all year round, including:

o    $40.6 million for the Blacktown City Council for the Mount Druitt Swimming Centre Renewal project

o    $77.2 million for the for the Blacktown City Council to deliver the Blacktown Aquatic Centre Masterplan project

o    $30.3 million for the Hawkesbury City Council to deliver the redevelopment of Richmond Swimming Centre project

o    $6.7 million for the Hawkesbury City Council to deliver the Oasis Aquatic and Leisure Centre Improvements project

· $25.4 million for Blacktown City Council for the PCYC Mount Druitt Police and Community Youth Centre– a first-class sporting and community hub to support at-risk youth through education, training and mentoring

· $19.5 millionfor Blacktown City Council for a new First Nation’s Cultural Centre in Mount Druitt,the heart of one of Australia’s largest communities of First Nations people, to strengthen connections to Country

· Funding for community groups including $44 million for the YMCA NSW and $1.6 million for the Scout Association of Australia NSWtobuild community facilities that provide exciting programs for young people and families

· $4.7 million for Hawkesbury City Council to deliver a new Cycleway Bridge over Rickabys Creek in Windsor to complete a continuous path of travel for cyclists and pedestrians between Richmond and Windsor town centres

· $5 million in funding for Autism Spectrum Australia towards a brand-new, two storey autism specific primary school in the Box Hill education precinct to support students who struggle to attend a mainstream or other special needs school due to their disability

· $23.9 million for Hawkesbury City Council to help deliver the North Richmond Community Precinct with a library, indoor sports stadium and performing arts studios to act as a meeting and cultural space, social and recreational hub, and much-needed fit-for-purpose emergency evacuation centre

· Funding for new playgrounds and open spaces including more than $600,000 for the Hills Community Aid and Information Services to deliver the Balcombe Heights Estate Centenary Sensory Gardenwhich will provide an inclusive space for relaxation and passive recreation for all ages and abilities, including people with special needs

· $4.6 million for Hills Shire Council to deliver The Castle Hill Showground – Pedestrian Bridge project to construct a new pedestrian and cycling bridge crossing Showground Road from Castle Hill Showground to Fred Caterson Reserve

Mr Perrottet said the projects funded will change the face of the Western Sydney community.

“This is all thanks to the $5 billion WestInvest program is made possible by the Government’s successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy,” Mr Perrotett said.

“Our strong economic record has enabled long term commitments to Western Sydney.

“WestInvest is delivering three projects in Mount Druitt that form part of broader revamp of the area including a new aquatic centre, a first nations centre and a community youth centre to the value of more than $85 million.”

Mr Kean said while Western Sydney is already an incredible place to live, the WestInvest projects announced today will deliver new and improved facilities, more open spaces and help connect communities for generations to come.

“These WestInvest projects vary in size and scale, offer something for everyone and provide the opportunity to learn, gather, exercise, support each other and connect communities,” Mr Kean said.

“These community facilities will improve liveability across our suburbs and I’m looking forward to seeing shovels in the ground as these projects come to life.”

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.

The projects announced today are in addition to the 68 projects announced by the NSW Government late last year through the WestInvest Community Project Grants – Local Government Allocation that allocated more than $400 million to 15 eligible local councils to deliver transformational infrastructure projects.

Click here to view images of some of the successful projects that will be delivered in the Blacktown LGA as part of the WestInvest Community Competitive Round.

To find out more about WestInvest visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is encouraging truckies and the freight industry to participate in consultation to improve heavy vehicle rest stops across the state.
 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the initiative was important because it would help the government address gaps in the rest stop network and ensure facilities meet the needs of drivers.
 
“The road freight industry is critical to our state’s economy, from big business and farmers to retailers and consumers. We all rely on these drivers to ensure our goods get to us quickly and efficiently,” Mr Farraway said.
 
“It is important that we provide quality facilities that support heavy vehicle drivers and improve road safety. Up north in Clybucca we have installed outdoor fitness equipment for truckies to use so they can stretch and get exercise in after a long period on the road.
 
“The NSW freight task is expected to grow by 34 per cent by 2061 and the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is doing everything to support this growth, which will ensure our supply chain is efficient, our economy is strong and our future bright.
 
“We have several projects underway investigating, planning, designing and constructing heavy vehicle rest stop improvements. Industry feedback is guiding this work to ensure it meets the current and future needs of heavy vehicle drivers and the growing freight task.   
 
“We want to hear from the road freight industry, particularly heavy vehicle drivers on what they need and expect at rest stops across NSW and where additional facilities are needed.”
 
The Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association President Wade Lewis welcomed the continued progression of the NSW Heavy Vehicle Rest Stop program, which will provide new and upgraded rest areas for heavy vehicles on key freight routes in NSW.
 
“Rest areas are a vital component of the heavy vehicle task and support drivers to manage fatigue and comply with driving hours regulation,” Mr Lewis said.
 
“The NSW Heavy Vehicle Rest Stop program highlights the commitment by the NSW government to engage with industry to develop a practical and capable rest area network.”
 
Consultation will be open until 28 February 2023.  
Feedback is being encouraged via https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/heavy-vehicle-rest-stops

NSW seafood businesses will be able to net a share in $500,000 worth of grants in a new push to drive further innovation across our local seafood industry.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said expressions of interest are officially open for the NSW Seafood Innovation Program which is aimed at creating more jobs and boosting the value of the sector.

“NSW is the seafood state. Whether it be fish, crustaceans or shellfish our hardworking commercial fishers serve up some of the freshest and highest-quality produce in the world,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Seafood businesses are critical to local jobs and the economies of so many communities along our coast. This initiative is all about unlocking further innovation and growing the value of our seafood sector over the next 10 years.

“We know some of the best seafood across the globe is caught in our waters, including on our South Coast, and this is about backing NSW businesses to continue to sell the highest-quality produce here in Australia and also across the globe.”

All proposals put forward must address one or more of the three key challenge areas including supply chain innovation, product innovation and product quality.

The program will:

· Provide innovators with a new avenue to propose ideas and technologies to increase the value of NSW seafood.

· Offer $10,000 in seed funding and expert advice to individuals, cooperatives and companies to develop their ideas.

· Offer up to $130,000 in financial assistance and mentoring to scale a new product that is already advanced in development.

· Identify ways to improve efficiency, services and outcomes for NSW fishers, fisheries and the seafood supply chain.

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the competitive grants program will invest in new ideas and help address challenges facing the industry.

“We want to hear all your ideas, no matter how big or small, how weird or quirky, because it’s this kind of out-of-the-box thinking that will propel the sector into the future,” Mr Saunders said.

“A thriving seafood sector isn’t just good for business but it’s also a big win for communities, the environment and of course our commercial fishers.

“There’s also the potential to find ways to better utilise by-catch, in a range of fields including food, pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements to make our fisheries resources more sustainable.”

The Seafood Innovation Program has been developed by NSW DPI, in partnership with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and an industry-led steering committee, made up of members with experience in the NSW seafood industry, product development and innovation processes.

All interested businesses and individuals should register to receive updates on the Seafood Innovation Program.

For more information or to apply visit – https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/seafood-innovation-program

Startups will be supported to develop and commercialise problem-solving products, devices and systems in the biological sciences space through a new $40 million NSW Government program.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the Biosciences Fund (BioSF) provides a platform for NSW’s best minds and most agile new businesses to solve pressing issues in areas such as health and the environment.

“This new program will provide financial and entrepreneurial support for startups developing cutting-edge technologies, helping navigate the often difficult transition between early-stage development and commercial success,” Mr Henskens said.

“The $40 million fund will boost the NSW Government’s support of innovative researchers, startups and entrepreneurs in the biological sciences space over the next four years, and is modelled on our highly successful Physical Sciences Fund.

“We want to foster fresh ideas and innovations that will address challenges in energy, health, the environment and waste, and grow successful businesses that create new jobs and industries that will help secure a brighter future for NSW.”

The BioSF will consider applications that target one of the three priority industries identified in the NSW Industry Development Framework – agriculture/agrifoods, medical and life sciences, and clean energy and waste – while also aligning with specific technology applications outlined in the 20-Year R&D Roadmap.

NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said the BioSF will build on areas where NSW has a competitive advantage.

“This fund will support projects across the branches of the biological sciences including exciting and relatively new fields such as biomanufacturing, genetic engineering, synthetic biology and agrifoods,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said.

The BioSF is funded under the NSW Government’s landmark Future Economy Fund. More details at www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/nsw-biosf. 

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has today committed to increase compensation for volunteers who are seriously injured while performing duties.

Minister for Finance and Employee Relations Damien Tudehope said this commitment will enhance support to injured volunteers and their families.

“Bush fire and emergency rescue volunteers are pillars of our community and we are committed to enhancing compensation payments to reflect the service they provide to the public,” Mr Tudehope said.

“Volunteers who turn up in a time of crisis deserve this support when they suffer serious injury.”

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the commitment to increase compensation payments will provide additional support to volunteers who find themselves in the most difficult of circumstances.

“Volunteers are our unsung heroes and we simply couldn’t have made it through the ongoing flooding emergency without their incredible efforts,” Ms Cooke said.

“Once legislation is passed in the next term of Government, volunteers will have confidence that they will be financially supported if injured on the job.”

Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers said the changes are welcome and will better protect volunteers.

“Our volunteers give their time and expertise to protect communities across the State so it is crucial that they are financially supported if injured whilst carrying out these duties,” Commissioner Rogers said.

State Emergency Service Commissioner Carlene York welcomed the announcement.

“Providing our members financial certainty that if they are injured while volunteering will be of great help in reducing burden and stress,” Commissioner York said.

President of the Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) Scott Campbell said the Government had responded to the RFSA’s calls to deliver fairer compensation to volunteers.

“We’ve been talking with Minister Cooke about the need to support volunteers with fair compensation, and we’re delighted that the Government has listened to our concerns and increased compensation for injured volunteers,” Mr Campbell said.

The changes involve an increase to lump sum compensation payments for prescribed volunteer workers covered by the Bush Fire, Emergency and Rescue Services scheme (BFERS). The payment available to a volunteer suffering whole person impairment greater than 10 per cent will be increased to the levels available to the general workforce, including ongoing indexation.

Amendments to the relevant legislation will be introduced when Parliament resumes following the election