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

Up to half of the waste created every week by almost 290,000 households in NSW will be kept out of landfill thanks to $6.2 million in funding from the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.

Minister for Environment James Griffin said 14 more council areas are receiving NSW Government funding to roll out the popular food organics and garden organics (FOGO) collection service, meaning a total of 56 councils in NSW will soon have the service.

“In NSW, more than a third of the waste we send to landfill is food, where it rots and generates damaging greenhouse gasses,” Mr Griffin said.

“Now, FOGO is revolutionising household waste. It’s a new service that will let households put food waste into green lid bins with their garden waste, where it will be composted and given a new life, instead of ending up in landfill.

“We’re empowering households to take simple and effective action to reduce the amount of waste they send to landfill each week and reduce household emissions.

“The introduction of FOGO services in Randwick has had exceptional results, preventing more than 26,000 tonnes of food and garden waste from going to landfill in the first 18 months, which is the equivalent of taking at least 9,000 cars off the road.”

The NSW Government’s $46 million Go FOGO grants program is helping households and councils divert organic waste from landfill, reduce emissions, deliver a valuable resource and save money on landfill disposal costs.

Almost half the waste in household red bins in NSW comes from food and garden organic waste, and the grants are helping to establish a circular economy in NSW.

The Go FOGO Program will divert an estimated half a million tonnes of waste and instead see it processed into compost and used in large scale agriculture, parks or gardens where it can improve soil health and boost yields.

The latest $6.2 million in funding awarded range from $62,000 to Muswellbrook Shire Council to provide a FOGO service to more than 6,000 households, to $1.8 million for Cumberland City Council to roll out FOGO to 74,000 households. 

Councils can use the funding as needed for the purchase of bins and caddies or to conduct audits, trials and education leading to the roll out of a successful weekly FOGO kerbside service. 

The Go FOGO program, funded through the NSW Government’s $356 million Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy, is helping NSW reach its target of net-zero emissions from organic waste in landfill by 2030.

More than 40 councils already have FOGO services thanks to NSW Government investment of $28 million in FOGO programs since 2013, diverting more than 210,000 tonnes of organic waste annually.

The NSW Government has also invested in a complementary infrastructure program that supported the construction or upgrade of 30 waste processing facilities, increasing NSW processing capacity for food and garden waste by 600,000 tonnes a year.

For more information visit the NSW Environment Protection Authority website.

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will waive the fines on a range of minor driving offences for motorists who have a three year clean driving record.

From 3 April, eligible motorists will be able to apply to have the fine waived for low level offences including speeding offences under 10km/hr or driving in a bus or transit lane.

School zone, heavy vehicle, red light, mobile phone and speeding offences above 10km per hour will not be eligible under the scheme given the serious safety risks involved. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the initiative struck the right balance, recognising safe driving by providing the one-off waiver for the lowest range road offences.

“For those motorists who have a history of safe driving, this initiative will save them potentially hundreds of dollars if they commit a minor road offence,” Mr Perrottet said.

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said enhancing road safety was at the core of the policy.

“To be eligible, motorists have to have a clean driving record for three years. This Liberal and Nationals policy rewards good drivers and provides a real incentive to put safety first, unlike Labor’s policy which focuses on helping serial offenders at risk of losing their licence,” Mrs Ward said.

Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said greater awareness of the scheme will encourage positive behaviour change.

“Receiving a fine can come as an unwelcome shock but under this policy, motorists will have cause to reflect on how an extended clean driving record can bring relief,” Mr Tudehope said.

“The average NSW licence holder drives 12,000 km per annum and maintaining a clean driving record over three years should be recognised and rewarded.”

In 2021, there were 227,500 fines issued for low level offences to motorists with a three year clean driving record, totalling $39.2 million in fines.

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.