Category: NSW News

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.

Hundreds of additional bus services will be available over summer to ensure Sydneysiders and tourists are able to travel to some of the State’s most iconic beaches.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said almost 300 additional services had been added to the timetable this summer so local commuters and tourists were able to enjoy a hassle-free trip to the eastern suburbs. 

“Bondi, Coogee and other surrounding beaches are extremely popular tourist destinations and as Sydneysiders flock to the beach, the additional services are required to meet the summertime demand,” Mr Elliott said.

“The additional services provide commuters with a lot more options to ensure they can not only travel to appointments, entertainment venues, shopping and of course popular eastern suburbs beaches but also eases traffic congestion and parking issues.” 

Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton said these additional 280 weekly bus services each summer are a great boost for local residents who travel between Bondi Beach and Rose Bay.

“These extra services will make it easier to travel between our iconic Bondi Beach during the peak summer season and Rose Bay Ferry Wharf where you can catch a ferry into the city. 

“The services will be added to the existing 362 bus route connecting Sydney’s eastern beaches between Coogee and Rose Bay. Over the summer, services will run every 30 minutes, seven days a week until Thursday 26 January 2023,” Ms Upton said. 

Mr Elliott said public transport patronage had soared across all modes of public transport as Sydneysiders geared up for a blockbuster summer of major events.

“Sydney commuters have again started to embrace public transport with the Sydney Light Rail network leading the way recording more than four million trips over two months,” he said. 

“Public transport use across Greater Sydney was rebounding with patronage at 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels on weekends and 70 per cent of pre-pandemic levels on weekdays.

“The Sydney Light Rail network has been a standout with the L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford light rail lines hitting record patronage this year exceeding two million trips per month for September and October – proving light rail makes light work of crowds at the Moore Park Entertainment Quarter,” 

Ferries were the strongest performer by mode during November 2022, returning to 98 per cent of pre-pandemic levels on weekends and 88 per cent of pre-pandemic levels on weekdays.

Buses are at 73 per cent of pre-pandemic levels while rail, including Metro, continues to be the most popular mode with about 873,000 average daily trips taken on weekdays. 

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

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is powering ahead with the $4.5 billion upgrade to the Great Western Highway, announcing Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure has been awarded the contract to begin major work at Medlow Bath in the new year.

Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the Medlow Bath upgrade will mark the first section of major work on the Great Western Highway upgrade between Lithgow and Katoomba.
“The Great Western Highway upgrade is fast becoming a re`ality – major work is due to start as soon as March on this project which will be life changing for the thousands of people that use the road every day,” Mr Toole said.
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has worked incredibly hard to ensure this transformative project happens- because we know the difference it will make from the Blue Mountains and beyond.”

As part of the upgrade, 1.2-kilometre section of highway through Medlow Bath will be widened to four lanes with new dedicated right turning lanes and a signalised intersection will be built at Bellevue Crescent including a new left turning bay, and a new pedestrian bridge.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government was pushing ahead with the project because there was a real fear a Chris Minns Labor Government would put it on the chopping block. 

“We saw what happened in the Federal Budget, funding was deferred to the outer years, a clear sign Labor intends to punt the project to Never-Neverland,” Mr Farraway said. 

“NSW Labor left us with a $30 billion infrastructure backlog bill and in the last 12 years we’ve worked hard to build legacy infrastructure projects that will make a huge difference to the lives of people across our state now and into the future.”

The NSW Government is also inviting community feedback on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Blackheath to Little Hartley tunnel from next month.

More information on the Great Western Highway upgrade is available on the Transport for NSW website.

The Penrith and Blue Mountains communities will soon see the second stage of the $1 billion expansion and upgrade of Nepean Hospital underway, with a main works contractor now appointed.
 
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard today announced CPB Contractors will construct the hospital’s second clinical services building, to deliver additional first class healthcare services in Western Sydney for future generations. 
 
“The NSW Government is delivering a second state-of-the-art clinical services building for the upgraded Nepean Hospital, which will seamlessly connect with the first tower we opened earlier this year. This incredible expansion of Nepean Hospital will provide the very best healthcare for the Penrith and Blue Mountains communities,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
The new clinical services building includes an intensive care unit, in-centre renal dialysis unit, medical imaging and nuclear medicine services, more in-patient units, and a large and welcoming front-of-house for the hospital.
 
Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said Stage 2 of the Nepean Hospital redevelopment will also provide better community-based healthcare in Penrith to benefit local families and young people for years to come. 
 
“In addition to a second state-of-the-art clinical services building we’re delivering a community health centre in Soper Place, right in the heart of Penrith, where locals can easily access integrated health care and mental health services for families and young people at home and in the community,” Mr Ayres said. 
 
“With both the consultation and designs currently underway, I encourage everyone to have a say in shaping their new community health centre by completing the online survey which is open now.”
 
The redevelopment  team has been focused on Stage 2 enabling works which include relocating some services, repurposing some of the existing infrastructure, and delivering an expanded pathology service on the ground floor of Building E.  
 
Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies said Stage 2 construction would ramp up early next year.
 
“The Nepean Hospital campus is buzzing with activity as we prepare the campus for main works in 2023 for the second new clinical services building, creating more job opportunities and ensuring better health outcomes for local people,” Ms Davies said.
 
“The next stage of this major redevelopment builds on the enhanced services and health facilities now available in the hospital’s new clinical tower to provide our region with more high-quality healthcare, making it an even more appealing place to work and live.”
 
Stage 1 of the redevelopment included a new clinical building that opened in 2022 featuring an emergency department, 18 birthing suites, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 16 operating theatres and more than 200 beds, in contemporary and bright in-patient units. The Stage 1 tower also provides coronary care services and an additional inpatient unit floor, which were fast-tracked from Stage 2 funding.
 
The NSW Government is investing a record $11.9 billion in health infrastructure over the four years to 2025-26. Since 2011, the NSW Government has delivered more than 180 health capital projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway.
 
To complete the online survey on the new community health centre visit: https://forms.office.com/r/eUs580DxRd
 
For more information about the Nepean Hospital Redevelopment visit: https://www.nepeanredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au/

Up to 400,000 NSW households could soon be powered by renewable electricity generated at the Phoenix Pumped Hydro station after the project received $7 million in support from the NSW Government to progress feasibility studies.

The Phoenix Pumped Hydro project, located at the Burrendong Dam, near Wellington and within the Central West Orana REZ, will provide 810MW of capacity and storage for up to 12 continuous hours of electricity generation.

Minister for Energy Matt Kean said pumped hydro will form an essential building block of the electricity system of the future. 

“Pumped hydro acts like a giant battery for the electricity system. It works by using surplus renewable energy to pump water up a hill when it is sunny and windy, and releasing the water back down the hill through giant turbines that create electricity when it is still and dark,” Mr Kean said.

“Bringing the grant funding and development access together will play a key role in fast-tracking the development of pumped hydro, which will be critical to replace our ageing coal fire power stations.”

Minster for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said through the WaterNSW’s Renewable Energy and Storage Program, WaterNSW is looking at ways to leverage its land and assets to deliver benefits for future energy security and its customers. 

“WaterNSW is looking to the market to identify renewable generation and storage opportunities on WaterNSW land and assets,” Mr Anderson said.

“I’m really excited by this opportunity for WaterNSW to work hand in hand with government to support the renewable energy transition and at the same time look for innovative ways to keep our customers’ bills as low as possible.” 

The project will be funded by the NSW Pumped Hydro Recoverable Grants Program and a Development Agreement under WaterNSW’s Renewable Energy and Storage Program.

It’s expected to be operational by 2030 and would play a key role in providing dispatchable, long duration storage to support energy market security.

The NSW Government committed a further $24 million to the Pumped Hydro Recoverable Grants Program in the June Budget. This funding is expected to expand the pipeline of pumped hydro projects that can make competitive bids for Long-Term Energy Service Agreements for long duration storage.

The NSW Government will also invest $23.5 million to undertake feasibility studies to develop pumped hydro projects on key WaterNSW assets throughout the State. The outcomes of these feasibility studies and the potential opportunities will be made available to the private sector in early 2023. 

Plans to futureproof the M7 and M12 motorways have been approved by the NSW Government, providing a major boost to the road network in Western Sydney.
 
WSO Co will deliver the proposed works, which include widening the M7 between the M5 at Prestons and Richmond Rd at Oakhurst, and building a new interchange between the M7 and M12 and an upgrade to Elizabeth Drive to connect it to the M12.
 
Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said the project would provide a vital connection to the new toll-free M12 motorway and support the projected growth of the region. 
 
“Western Sydney is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, which is why our Liberal National Government is investing in the transport and infrastructure now, to support this projected growth and ensure the region and its residents continue to thrive,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
“The M7 will be widened to six lanes between Prestons and Oakhurst, meaning drivers will be able to travel along this major Western Sydney road more quickly and safely, benefitting both commuters and business that rely on this key freight route. 
 
“The project will also include integrate the M7 with the new M12, a 16 kilometre-long toll-free motorway that will connect to the new Western Sydney International Airport and Western Parkland City.
 
“This will support workers and families across Western Sydney by cutting travel times and improving access to industrial hubs including Bradfield.” 
 
The agreement is subject to final planning approval. There will be no change to existing toll prices on the M7. 
 
The M12 Motorway is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments and is scheduled to open in 2026.
 
For more information go to: 
M12 motorway: M12 Motorway – Projects – Roads and Waterways – Transport for NSW
M7 widening: Westlink M7 Widening – Projects – Roads and Waterways – Transport for NSW

Step out of the city and into one of 890 national parks and reserves around NSW these summer holidays, which offer a diverse range of accommodation options and activities for all ages and abilities.
 
NSW Environment Minister James Griffin said families are spoilt for choice these school holidays, with a huge range of spectacular landscapes to explore.
 
“There’s no better way to wind down from a busy year and wear the kids out during school holidays than by getting into nature in a national park,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a multi-day adventure, we have hundreds of national parks and reserves to choose from, offering a range of accommodation options and activities for explorers young and old.
 
“Paddle in crystal-clear lagoons, explore war-time fortifications, go on guided bush tucker tours with an Aboriginal ranger, or discover the hidden lives of nocturnal native critters – you’ll find the perfect playground in a national park.
 
“Pitch a tent in one of our hundreds of campgrounds, or check out the coastal cabins, heritage-listed cottages and lighthouses, where you can eat, play and sleep in comfort.” 
 
National parks have walks for every style of bushwalker, whether you need something suitable for prams or are after a longer, more challenging walk. 
 
NPWS also offers a range of exciting, ranger-guided education activities, specifically designed for kids aged 5 to 12 years. They can explore the ancient Gondwana rainforest, become an insect detective, or join an Aboriginal Guide.
 
NSW national parks contribute about $18 million and 74,000 jobs to the NSW economy every year, and tourism to regional and rural national parks supports economic recovery, helping communities that have endured drought, bushfires and flooding.
 
The NSW Government is delivering the largest investment in national parks history, with $450 million dollars for more than 200 visitor infrastructure projects across the State by 2024. 
 
Visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website to plan your next weekend or holiday.