Category: NSW News

NSW hotels and clubs will keep their doors open for longer for special events this year, to help support the State’s hospitality industry and night-time economy.
 
Minister for Hospitality and Racing, Kevin Anderson said the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government was pleased to confirm more extensions to trading hours for special events in 2023, including the Tamworth Country Music Festival, World Pride Sydney, the NRL Grand Final and Vivid Sydney.
 
These extensions will provide an extra 44 hours of trading across the year and will deliver a huge boost to our State’s hospitality industry, by creating more jobs and boosting business, while giving patrons more opportunities to socialise at venues during and after special events,” Mr Anderson said. 
 
“The 2023 events calendar is taking shape and will be an exciting year, with the NSW Government already approving 20 special extensions, giving people more options to enjoy major sports, arts and cultural events.” 
 
Hotels and registered clubs can trade for longer to celebrate the special cultural and sporting events on the days listed below:
 

Parkes Elvis Festival	10pm to midnight on Sunday 8 January 2023 for venues in the Parkes LGA
Tamworth Country Music Festival	10pm to midnight on Sunday 15 and 22 January 2023 for venues in Tamworth regional LGA
Australian Open Men’s Singles Final	10pm to midnight on Sunday 29 January 2023 for venues providing live broadcast of the match
World Pride Sydney	Various extended periods for venues in Sydney, Darlinghurst and Surry Hills in the City of Sydney LGA and Paddington in the Woollahra LGA.
Newcastle 500 Supercar race	10pm to midnight on Sunday 12 March 2023 for venues in the City of Newcastle LGA
Vivid Sydney	10pm to midnight on Sunday 28 May, 4 and 11 June 2023 for venues in Sydney, The Rocks, Barangaroo and Potts Point in the City of Sydney LGA
Coonamble Rodeo and Campdraft	10pm to midnight on Sunday 5 June 2023 for venues in the Coonamble LGA
NRL Grand Final	10pm to midnight on Sunday 1 October 2023
Bathurst 1000	10pm to midnight on Sunday 8 October 2023 for venues in the Bathurst regional LGA (but only in Abercrombie, Bathurst, Eglinton, Kelso, Llanarth, Mitchell, Mount Panorama, Orton Park, Perthville, Raglan, South Bathurst, West Bathurst and Windradyne)

 
These trading extensions do not affect takeaway alcohol trading times. Individual trading restrictions or other special conditions that apply to a venue’s liquor licence also remain in place for these events.
 
For more details, please visit: www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/operating-a-business/running-your-business/longer-trading-hours-to-celebrate-special-events

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has announced a $500 million boost to help metropolitan and regional councils tackle the mammoth task of repairing the state’s road network, following months of extreme weather events. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new Regional and Local Roads Repair program would provide even more support for councils to continue to carry out urgent repair work to ensure people stay connected and safe.
“We have listened to councils and we understand the pressure they are under from many months of wet weather. This funding boost will help councils continue the huge job of bringing roads back up to scratch to keep our state moving,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We are making sure our roads are in the best nick possible so NSW families, truckies, farmers and tradies can travel around our state safely. 

“We recognise potholes are a major hazard right now. This critical funding injection will help every council across the state patch up potholes as well as carry out other emergency repair work.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the road network had been battered, with hundreds of thousands of potholes opening up across the state and some roads washed away by landslips. 
“Families who hit the road during Christmas would have seen firsthand the scale of the damage caused by last year’s flooding and rain,” Mr Toole said. 

“This $500 million boost is on top of the $50 million already provided by the Liberals and Nationals Government to help regional councils carry out emergency pothole repairs. We always said there would be more support on the way and today we are delivering on that.

“Since the February floods we have repaired more than 170,000 potholes across regional NSW alone. This additional funding will help repair hundreds of thousands more, right across the state.”

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the NSW Government is working closely with local councils to provide more funding for road repairs and new technology to fix potholes faster.  

“Following the heavy rainfall and floods we provided early access to flood recovery funding for impacted councils and this additional funding announced today is to make sure councils can complete those vital repairs,” Mrs Ward said.  

“On state-owned roads across Greater Sydney, the equivalent of standard football fields 139 times over have been repaired already and this latest funding will mean the potholes on your local street can be repaired by councils. 

“In addition, we are trialing new ways to fix potholes faster with a rapid sealing “cold mix” product roads and investing in technology that finds pot holes before they find you through using vehicles to track and prioritise repairs across our roads.”

This funding will be on top of the Liberal National Government’s $1.5 billion commitment to maintaining our state roads each year. 

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the application process will be simple and the cash will be available immediately so councils can get on with the job of urgently restoring the state’s road network.

“The new funding will start landing in councils’ bank accounts within weeks so work can begin right away on repairing the essential roads locals, tourists and freight operators use every day,” Mr Farraway said. 

“We understand that it’s not just about financial assistance, manpower is also needed, which is why the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government has already redeployed 200 Transport for NSW crews to Western NSW to help in the worst impacted areas.” 

Funding under the $500 million Regional and Local Roads Repair Program is available to Local Government areas in both Greater Sydney and Regional NSW. Repair work must be carried out by 31 December 2023.

Sydney’s Cahill Expressway at Circular Quay will be transformed into one of the world’s most spectacular party venues tonight when ELEVATE Sydney kicks off. 

Tens of thousands of ticketholders will revel to more than 120 Australian performers over five nights, four days and 13 sessions, with the iconic Sydney Harbour as the awe-inspiring backdrop.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said ELEVATE Sydney would remind the world why the Harbour City is the Asia Pacific’s best major events destination.

“This novel setting on the Cahill Expressway with its stunning views offers a very unique experience and I’m not surprised to hear tickets for ELEVATE Sydney were snapped up very quickly,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Sydneysiders and visitors are ready to keep the festivities going well into the new year and we’re meeting that demand with another incredible event.

“We’ve got the greatest city on earth, we’ve got incredible summer weather and for the next five nights and four days we’ll be showing the world why Sydney is the place to be in 2023.”

Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the 30,000 ticketholders would enjoy the unique outdoor entertainment and cultural celebration with acts from children’s entertainers to electronic music plus a nightly SkyShow and some of the best local food and wine.

“All the tickets to this free event have been snapped up and we know that everyone that attends will enjoy a memorable experience,” Mr Franklin said.

“The NSW Government is committed to delivering world-class events like ELEVATE Sydney that showcase our vibrant CBD and support Sydney’s night-time economy, to achieve our goal of making Sydney and NSW the major events capital and premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.”

ELEVATE Sydney will return for its second year and run from 3 – 7 January 2023. The SkyShow will take place nightly at approximately 10:30 pm, pending weather conditions. The Long Bar will be open from 4-7 January during ELEVATE Social in the afternoons and ELEVATE Nights.

The Cahill Expressway will be closed to traffic and pedestrians during ELEVATE Sydney and will reopen on Monday 9 January, with public transport and alternate routes available for visitors and residents.

To find out more about ELEVATE Sydney go to: www.elevatesydney.com

Toll relief is on the way for drivers across our state with the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Toll Relief Rebate Scheme open for applications from 24 January. 
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said under the new and improved toll relief initiative, around half a million drivers will be able to claim 40 percent of their toll spend up to $750 a year. 
 
“The new Toll Relief Rebate Scheme will start putting money back into drivers’ bank accounts once they spend $375 a year on tolls,” Mr Kean said.
 
“We’ve more than doubled the number of drivers eligible for toll relief and for the first time, pensioners will be able to claim a rebate while still receiving free car registration.”
 
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the new toll relief scheme will make traveling more affordable particularly for those in West and South West Sydney.
 
“Drivers from Casula to Liverpool, Rouse Hill and Campbelltown will be the big winners, but everyone across New South Wales will have the chance to cash in on the new Toll Relief Rebate Scheme,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“This is about putting more cash into the pockets of hardworking NSW families at a time when they are feeling the pinch from cost of living pressures. 
 
“We’re making sure everyone gets the chance to use our world class motorway network which saves families precious time, gets tradies to more jobs and creates a safer journey for all.”
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the new scheme will be administered through Service NSW and payments would start flowing into bank accounts within days. 
 
“This is just one of 70 cost of living rebates on offer from the NSW Liberal and National Government, which is adding money to household budgets across the state,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“Eligible customers can log into their Service NSW account, link to their toll account before lodging their toll relief rebate claim. And there will always be the option to go into, or call, a Service NSW Centre for assistance. Claims will then be paid directly into their nominated bank account. 
 
“Start the New Year right by boosting your household budget through Service NSW. You can assess your eligibility for the rebates by using the Savings Finder tool or booking an appointment with a Saving Specialist.”
 
Rebates will be backdated to 1 July 2022 and payments will start to flow from within days of applications being received.
 
For more details on the new Toll Relief Scheme please visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/new-toll-relief-scheme-faqs

Streets and public spaces across NSW are booming thanks to a $66 million Liberals and Nationals Government investment to kickstart the hospitality and events sector during and after the pandemic. 
 
The programs spanned a range of initiatives including the Alfresco Restart Package, the Streets as Shared Spaces program, Your High Street and a range of other pop-up events and legislative changes to encourage events and activations on NSW streets. 
 
A report assessing the impact of the measures found they led to more than 13,500 jobs including 2,800 hospitality workers and more than 530,000 attendees at pop-up and street activations spread across 300 events in 112 local government areas.  
 
Minister for Cities Rob Stokes said temporary and permanent measures introduced since 2020 have transformed the way we use our streets and public spaces, breathing new life into our cities and town centres. 
 
“The pandemic accelerated global trends that were already happening and we had to change too, transforming our Central Business Districts into Central Social Districts that encourage people to stay longer, and spend local,” Mr Stokes said. 
 
“That’s why we threw out the rule book, closing off NSW streets to cars and opening them up to people, creating thousands of jobs for the hospitality industry and bringing joy to millions who attended events or enjoyed a meal or a drink outside.”
 
“A good city is like a good party, the better it is the longer people want to stay which is why we’ve made many of the changes permanent, and why we’re today announcing the permanent pedestrianisation of George Street at The Rocks.” 
 
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said while the economic impacts were profound, the measures also helped make NSW cities and streets more vibrant. 
“We made these changes to support businesses during the darkest times, and we’re keeping them because they’ve made life better for many people,” Mr Dominello said. 
“We demonstrated a better way to do regulation, resulting in over 200 venues across the State getting outdoor dining approval in a matter of days. What used to take up to 50 days, was cut to 3 days so both businesses and customers can take advantage of enjoying a meal and a drink on the street.”
 
Foot traffic in The Rocks is now at 90 per cent of pre-covid levels despite fewer international tourists, and business turnover is tracking above pre-covid levels (2019) by more than 15 per cent.
 
Ahead of the pedestrianisation of George Street The Rocks becoming permanent, Placemaking NSW will run a design competition to respect the heritage significance of the streetscape.
 
It follows permanent works to improve streets and town centres across NSW cities and regions as part of the Your High Street program, including; Drummoyne,  Dulwich Hill, Fairfield, Gilgandra, Griffith, Hay, Hornsby, Kingswood, Lakemba, Lennox Head, Maitland, Maroubra, Moree, Murwillumbah, Nowra, Parramatta, Trundle, Queanbeyan and Wagga Wagga.

More than $6.7 million is being invested in restoring and preserving the NSW coastline, thanks to the Liberal and National Governments budget boost in the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program.
 
Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said that a key focus of the grants was future-proofing communities and ecosystems for climate change.
 
“Seven Coastal councils have successfully received funding for 13 different projects to better manage coastal erosion, protect wetlands and manage local estuaries,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
 
“A significant project identified for funding in this round includes a $2.3 million investment in structures at Stockton Beach to address immediate erosion risk as part of the certified Coastal Management Program,” she said.
 
“Other grants will help ensure that the ecological values of NSW coastal, wetland and littoral rainforest areas are protected, while accommodating public access, amenity and recreation where appropriate.”
 
“Projects include stabilising and revegetating dunes in the Shoalhaven area, shore bank stabilisation along the Georges River at Deepwater Park, and improving water quality and ecosystem health in the Manning River estuary.”
 
Successful Councils include: 

• Bega Valley Shire Council
• Canterbury-Bankstown Council
• Lake Macquarie Council
• Mid-Coast Council 
• City of Newcastle 
• Council of the City of Ryde
• Shoalhaven City Council

The Department of Planning and Environment administers one contestable funding round for implementation grants per year. Further information regarding coastal and estuary grants is available here.

The Illawarra is set to become a renewable energy and clean manufacturing powerhouse, following the release of the draft declaration of the Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

The NSW Government is leading the transformation of our energy system by building five massive REZs across the State. The development of the REZs under the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap are critical to deliver cheap, reliable and clean electricity to homes and businesses in NSW as coal-fired power stations progressively close over the next 10 to 15 years.

Energy Minister Matt Kean said the Illawarra REZ draft declaration sets out additional transmission network capacity and the geographical area that will make up the Illawarra REZ.

“The Illawarra is well placed to become a renewable energy powerhouse, thanks to its existing energy, port and transport infrastructure, its highly skilled workforce and strong demand from existing industries to decarbonise,” Mr Kean said.

“The Illawarra REZ registration of interest attracted a significant response with 44 renewable generation and storage projects registering, representing more than 17 gigawatts of new projects which could unlock around $43 billion in potential investment.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Wollongong and the Illawarra Peter Poulos said once the REZ has been formally declared, we will begin the next phase of development, including engaging closely with the local community, industry, councils and other stakeholders.

“This REZ will ensure the Illawarra plays a central role in our renewable energy future, powering existing and emerging industries, including in offshore wind, green hydrogen and green steel production,” Mr Poulos said.

The draft declaration is now on public exhibition for six weeks until mid-February 2023 and can be viewed online at the link below. To provide feedback or to contact EnergyCo, please email contact@energyco.nsw.gov.au.
For more information visit https://www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/ilw-rez

Parents are being reminded to make the most of the NSW Government’s $100 Creative Kids Voucher scheme, with plenty of school holiday programs, classes and other eligible experiences available to redeem the vouchersbefore the 31 December deadline. 
 
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said 1.7 million vouchers have been redeemed since the program was launched by the Liberal and Nationals Government four years ago, saving families $170 million and making it easier for school-aged children to participate in creative arts and cultural activities.
 
“The overwhelming enthusiasm for the scheme is a testament to the importance parents place on giving children enriching arts and cultural experiences and their appreciation for the cost-of-living supports offered by the Liberals and Nationals,” Mr Franklin said.
 
“The summer school holidays can put a lot of pressure on family budgets, so this is a timely reminder for parents to use the $100 vouchers to book experiences including school holiday workshops like dance, drama, music, art or coding classes before they expire on 31 December.”
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the success of the program is reflected in the strong up take.
“Parents love the Creative Kids voucher and have been downloading and redeeming them since it launched, giving the voucher experience 99 per cent thumbs up,” Mr Dominello said.
“The voucher gives kids the opportunity to continue to develop and nurture their creative abilities over the summer holidays.”
 
Current vouchers will expire on 31 December 2022, however, under the rules of the program they may be used to enrol in classes taking place in early 2023.
 
The vouchers enable parents, guardians and carers to claim a $100 rebate per child to put towards the cost of eligible creative arts and cultural programs. 
 
More than 4,200 providers are participating in the program, including artists, cultural practitioners, arts, screen, and creative organisations across NSW. Eligible programs include creative workshops, music tutorials, art classes, dramatic and performing arts classes and coding. Consumables such as art and craft supplies are not eligible under the initiative. 
The Creative Kids Voucher is one of four vouchers NSW families can access to help with household budgets and cost of living pressures.
Between Creative and Active Kids, Before and After School Care and the Premier’s Back to School vouchers, parents and carers can access around $850 in savings per child through the MyServiceNSW account or via the Service NSW app.
NSW families can access further savings through the NSW Savings Finder and the FuelCheck app to help with travel costs on the road this summer.
For more information including details on how to apply for a 2022 Creative Kids voucher before the 31 December deadline, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-creative-kids-voucher
 
For more information on the NSW Savings Finder, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/savings-finder. For more information on NSW FuelCheck, go to https://www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app.

Exciting family-friendly activities, exhibitions, workshops and cultural experiences will engage and inspire young minds and relieve family budgets these school holidays, thanks to the NSW Government’s $5.9 million investment providing free admission to museums and galleries. 
 
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said free general admission to Australian Museum, Museums of History NSW, Powerhouse Ultimo and the Art Gallery of NSW, plus a range of free activities across the State’s cultural institutions will provide families and young people with plenty of ways to feed their curiosity and imagination during the school holidays. 
 
“The Liberals and Nationals know families are seeking enriching and memorable cultural experiences, which is why our cost-of-living initiatives ensure art and culture is accessible for all,” Mr Franklin said.
 
“We also know that keeping the kids entertained over the holidays can be costly for families, so these free activities will help to relieve the financial pressure on family budgets these school holidays.”
Holiday activity highlights include:

• Art Gallery of NSW – Drop in and Make Mechanical Sculptures 11am – 3:30pm Monday – Friday 3-20 January and Sundays 8-29 January
• Art Gallery of NSW – Make art with us: Fantastic figures 11am–3.30pm Mondays – Fridays 3–20 January, and Sundays throughout January 2023
• Powerhouse Ultimo – The Lab Studio 21 December – 26 January Suitable  for all ages 
• Australian Museum – Drop In and Paint your favourite shark 10am – 4pm every Monday and Tuesday from 9 January 2023 
• Sydney Opera House – Wild City Exhibition 3-15 January, 2-5 pm daily
• State Library of NSW – Imagine, the Wonder of Picture Books exhibition 

 
Art Gallery of NSW Director Michael Brand said the newly opened Art Gallery extension will captivate children and parents alike with a range of immersive activities in the new gallery.  

“The opening of the new building of the Art Gallery of NSW expands significantly on an already wide range of free activities available for children and families on site. These include wearable art workshops, digital art workshops, story time, drop in and make sessions and tours tailored for children,” Mr Brand said.

What’s On Throughout January School Holidays

Art Gallery of NSW

• Drop In and Make Mechanical Sculptures 11am–3.30pm Mondays – Fridays 3–20 January, and Sundays 8–29 January 2023
• Make art with us: Fantastic figures 11am–3.30pm Mondays – Fridays 3–20 January, and Sundays throughout January 2023
• Making it home workshop – Art-making in the Aquilizan Studio, 11:30-1:30pm Thursdays – Sunday until 22 January

Powerhouse Ultimo, Powerhouse Castle Hill and Parramatta

• The Lab Studio – a family-friendly interactive space at Powerhouse Ultimo – Free activities, 21 December 2022 – 26 January 2023 Suitable for all ages 
• Paper People Fashion workshop for all ages inspired by Zampatti Powerhouse at Powerhouse Ultimo – Free 21 December 2022 – 26 January 2023 Suitable for all ages
• Creative Studio: Ableton Note Free 3 day music workshop for students in years 7 – 10 facilitated by Eric Chapus and Luke Warren in Parramatta, 10-2pm 11-13 January 2023
• Creative Studio: Hope Siafega Free 3 day graphic illustration workshop for years 7 -10 at Powerhouse Castle Hill, 10-2pm 18-20 January 2023  
• Upcycled Wearables 1hr workshop with Susie Rugg at Powerhouse Castle Hill, 7–8, 14–15 and 21–22 January 2023 Suitable for ages 5+ 

Sydney Opera House
•        Wild City Exhibition – Centre for Creativity, 3-15 January 2023 2-5 pm daily
 
State Library of NSW 
•        Imagine … the Wonder of Picture Books exhibition 
Suitable for young children. You’ll see original illustrations from old favourites such as Grug, Macca the Alpaca and Mr McGee and meet some new friends as well. 
Free Imagine Exhibition Tour 1 – 1.30 pm, Dates: 16 Jan, 19-20 Jan 23-25 January 
•        Online Drawing workshop with Matthew Lin 10am Tuesday 17 Jan  
•        Online Book quiz – 11am Wednesday 18 Jan 
•        Drawing in the galleries, 1pm Friday 20 Jan 
•        Storytime in Polish with Ewelina, Children’s Library 11am Monday 23 Jan 
•        Author workshop with Kris Darell, (Author of Football Fever Junior Fiction) 10am Wednesday 25 Jan 
•        Drawing birds with Andrea – free online drawing workshop, 2pm Wednesday 25 Jan
 
Australian Museum
·       Drop In and Paint your favourite shark in an immersive art adventure. 10am – 4pm Every Monday and Tuesday from 9^th January 2023. Ages: 5+ Hintze Hall (outside Wild Planet) 
 
Museum of Sydney
·       PlayScapes – from 17 December

Residents in Maroubra, Coogee, Pagewood and surrounding suburbs will have easier access to more than 1000 NSW Government services when a new Service NSW Centre opens at Westfield Eastgardens shopping centre in mid 2023. 
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said a lease had been signed for the new Service Centre at Shop 227/9B, Level 2, Westfield Eastgardens, 152 Bunnerong Road, Eastgardens. 
 
“The new Eastgardens Service Centre will be a one-stop shop for families, seniors, young professionals and businesses to conveniently access more than 1000 Government services, including vehicle registration, driver licences, Working with Children Checks, Seniors Card applications, owner builder permits and more,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“Customers going for their L and P Plates will be able to sit computer-based examinations, such as the Driver Knowledge and Hazard Perception tests, and will be able to also complete their driving test with more than 200 slots available per week at this location.
 
“The new Centre will open six days a week and will complement nearby high-traffic Service Centres at Botany and Bondi Junction, which over the past 12 months, have received more than 112,000 customers and 92,000 customers respectively.”
 
Fit-out for the new Service Centre is expected to start in early 2023. 
 
Mr Dominello said the Eastgardens Service Centre would be state-of-the-art and provide high quality service and digital offerings, including a concierge who will greet and guide customers as they enter.
 
“Customers will be triaged to digital support or to speak to a Service Centre team member at the counter, so they spend less time waiting in line and can get on with their day faster,” he said.
 
“The Centre will also have a dedicated Savings Specialist to help customers apply from more than 70 government savings and rebates as part of Savings Finder program. Across NSW, customers save on average about $750 per appointment.”
 
Eastgardens Service Centre will be the seventh new metro Service Centre to be opened in Sydney since 2019, with another three due to open in 2023. Between 2017 and 2019, 24 Service Centres were opened across regional and remote NSW as part of a $20 million expansion of the network.