Category: NSW News

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.

Women and girls are being asked to share their experiences and as part of a $30 million initiative by the Perrottet Government to improve safety on our streets, in parklands and at public transport hubs across NSW.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the Safer Cities Program will put female voices at the forefront of infrastructure design and is part of a wider $100 million investment in women’s safety. 

“We want to hear from women and girls about how they feel in our towns, suburbs and cities. As part of the program we’ll also be partnering with 10 local councils to pilot safety-boosting initiatives,” Mr Kean said. 

“We’re backing this program with a $30 million commitment that could go towards better lighting, wayfinding, smart technology and landscaping to create safer connections through streets, public spaces and around transport hubs.”

Minister for Cities Rob Stokes said $12.3 million would go towards initiatives including public space precinct improvements around Waitara, Stanmore and Redfern train stations, and in Parramatta Park and The Rocks, where extensive co-design with women and girls is already underway.

“We can only make cities, suburbs and towns better for women and girls by asking about their experiences and what their ideas are to improve the design of public spaces and parklands and transport infrastructure moving forward,” Mr Stokes said. 

“That’s why we’ve invited students from Parramatta high schools to a workshop and walking tour around Parramatta Park to give us ideas and help us understand what makes them feel safe or unsafe and how we can invest to improve the experience.” 

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the Government is inviting women across the state to complete a short online survey to better understand their experiences around cities and towns.

“As we continue to design and plan for our growing cities, we need to hear from women to truly understand the experience through their eyes and to ensure the solutions we come up with, work for them,” Mrs Ward said.

“I’m alarmed that a recent survey found most women and girls think twice about walking at night in Sydney, which is why we are acting to ensure everyone has the right to move about their city the way they choose.”

Ten local government areas will also have the opportunity to share up to $10 million in funding through the program. 

Canterbury-Bankstown, Bayside, Cumberland, Fairfield, Lismore, Griffith, Blacktown, Wollongong, City of Sydney and Central Coast councils are eligible to sign up for pilot initiatives to help our cities and towns feel safer. 

The Program will set a best practice framework for public space interventions for women, girls and gender diverse people’s safety.  A public education campaign focused on safety and reducing harassment will complement the infrastructure improvements to help educate and change behaviour. 

The NSW Government will release further details on how the remaining funding will be spent over the coming months. 

Visit https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/safer-cities until 8 February 2023 to take the survey.

Drivers are being urged to log into FuelCheck before hitting the road this Christmas after the nation-leading app identified the cheapest petrol on routes in and out of Sydney and in popular holiday spots across the state.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the FuelCheck app can help NSW drivers save up to $800 a year by filling up at cheaper petrol stations.
 
“This time of year, many people hit the road to join family at Christmas celebrations and to holiday within the state. FuelCheck is free and can slash your petrol bill,” Mr Kean said.
 
“FuelCheck is easy to use and allows customers to compare prices at local petrol stations to find the best deal by location, price or fuel type with just the touch of a button.
 
“The numbers have been crunched and FuelCheck has found the cheapest petrol stations on major highways in and out of Sydney and in holiday hotspots like Byron and Batemans Bay.” 
 
Customers can compare the prices of Unleaded 91 (U91), Ethanol 10 (E10), Premium 95 (P95) and Premium 98 (P98) as well as Diesel and Premium Diesel. 
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said  
customers going to or through Canberra can now access cheap petrol prices with the FuelCheck app or website with 60 servos added in the ACT in the last month. 
 
“Cheaper petrol is in the palm of your hand, so please take advantage of it heading into the holidays,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“Last week we saw a price difference of 34c between petrol stations just 1.5km apart, so jumping on the app can really make an impact. 
 
“FuelCheck is just one of more than 70 ways people can save through the NSW Government these holidays.”  
 
If motorists notice the price at the pump in NSW does not match what is shown on the FuleCheck app, they can make a complaint directly to NSW Fair Trading.  
  
The FuelCheck website was launched in 2016 and has received 23 million visits, while the app has now had more than 2.3 million downloads.
 
For more information on FuelCheck and to download the app visit:  fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app       

Sports and entertainment fans travelling to the new Allianz Stadium and Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) will have even more to cheer about with public transport now included in all event tickets. 

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said this is a huge victory for fans, ensuring they can get to and from both venues safely and seamlessly.   

“There is nothing better than a live event experience, and to help provide greater access to some of our world class stadiums is an outstanding result for the supporters of the teams that call Allianz Stadium and the SCG home,” Mr Henskens said. 

“Sports fans can make the most of it this Thursday with the return of the Big Bash League, when the Sydney Sixers take on the Hobart Hurricanes at the SCG, which promises plenty of big-hitting action on-field and family-friendly entertainment – the perfect event to bring the whole family along to.” 

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said catching public transport was the best way to get to the Moore Park area with world class transport infrastructure, including light rail, train and buses servicing the precinct. 

“After an extraordinary Socceroos performance at the FIFA World Cup, now’s the perfect time to lock in your Christmas Eve entertainment at Allianz Stadium with the Sydney FC’s A-League Derby double-header,” Mr Elliott said. 

“So whether you’re a cricket, football, AFL, league or rugby fan, or off to see Elton John at Allianz Stadium in the New Year, we’ve got you covered as you won’t need to tap on and off with your Opal or contactless card, you just need to carry a copy of your event ticket.”

This has been made possible thanks to the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government and the Moore Park sports teams and bodies including NSW Waratahs, Sydney FC, Sydney Roosters, Sydney Sixers, Sydney Swans, Football Australia, Cricket Australia and Rugby Australia. 

Travel on public transport to the precinct is covered on match-days only for patrons with a valid ticket, club or stadium membership until 2025, on public transport servicing the Sydney metropolitan area.

Seniors can now pick up the latest copy of the NSW Seniors Card Directory from hundreds of locations across the state or access it online. 
 
Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said the directory details more than 2,000 businesses providing significant discounts off products and services available through the NSW Seniors Card program.
 
“This directory lists all the savings that can be accessed, from supermarkets, retail and boutique stores, health and fitness, travel, utilities and professional services,” Mr Coure said. 
 
“The Seniors Card is the largest program of its kind in Australia, and has been helping keep more money in seniors pockets and easing the cost of living for 30 years.” 
 
The 2023 Seniors Card Directory is available in five regional areas, including Sydney, Central Coast and Hunter, Northern NSW, Southern NSW and Western NSW.
 
Mr Coure encouraged more businesses to sign up to the NSW Seniors Program and join the more than 6,000 businesses that have opened their door to more than 1.9 million seniors across the state. 
 
“The more businesses that sign up can potentially get more people through their door and seniors have more choice to shop and use services, so it is a win-win,” Mr Coure said. 
 
Seniors Cards are available for permanent NSW residents who are 60 years of age or over and are working no more than 20 hours per week in paid employment.
 
For more information on where to pick up or download the 2023 Seniors Card Directory, or to apply for a NSW Seniors Card visit www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au. 

A landmark plan that allows farmers to diversify income and create better environmental outcomes will turbocharge investment and job opportunities across regional NSW. 
 
The Natural Capital Statement of Intent sends a clear signal to finance, agriculture, and environment groups about how the NSW Government intends to develop land stewardship and other instruments as a new type of investment to better conserve the environment.
 
Environment Minister James Griffin said NSW is the first state to release a plan for natural capital, and it signals to the global market that NSW is serious about accelerating nature-positive investment opportunities and attracting the jobs that go with them. 
 
“Natural capital is a global movement that is developing at light speed and I don’t want NSW to miss out,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“Put simply, natural capital is essentially our stock of natural assets – the air we breathe, the food and water we need to survive, biodiversity and all living things that help economies and communities prosper and thrive. 
 
“More than 50 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product is dependent on nature, and Australia ranks fifth of 140 countries that are likely to experience the highest economic losses if environmental challenges are not addressed. 
 
“The evidence is clear: for a strong economy, we need a healthy environment.
 
“We need to seize the opportunity to drive investment in our natural environment and create new markets, and our Natural Capital Statement of Intent outlines the role Government can play.”
 
Through the Natural Capital Statement of Intent, the NSW Government will partner with financial, corporate, environment and agribusiness sectors to accelerate and unlock natural capital investment opportunities.
 
Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the Statement of Intent will frame and guide any future policies aimed at nurturing natural capital on farms. 
 
“I meet with farmers every day who are already natural capital experts; they are passionate about the environment and are championing some really important initiatives to preserve their land now and well into the future,” Mr Saunders said.
 
“This Statement of Intent has been developed in consultation with landholders right across NSW and lays the foundation to future-proof NSW primary industries, build greater economic and climate resilience in the regions, and support the creation of new industries while improving the environment.
 
“The NSW Government is committed to developing policies that improve on-farm productivity while still protecting the environment rather than implementing any unnecessary regulation or taxes like we’ve seen internationally.
 
“Primary industries, especially those in rural and regional New South Wales, are ideally placed to embrace this opportunity and deliver nature-based products into the next generation of environmental markets.”
 
The NSW Government is a member of the global Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) forum, which is working to supporting a shift in global financing towards nature-positive outcomes.
 
To learn more, visit https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/research-and-publications/our-science-and-research/our-research/social-and-economic/natural-capital 

Football fans will be able to celebrate the FIFA World Cup final at hotels and clubs across the State with the NSW Government extending trading from 10pm this Sunday through to 5am on Monday morning, 19 December. 
 
Minister for Hospitality and Racing, Kevin Anderson said patrons will be able to watch the match which kicks off at 2am on Monday, 19 December at a range of venues.
 
“These extended hours will allow fans to enjoy one of the biggest global sporting events with friends and family at their local club or pub,” Mr Anderson said.   
 
“It is great to see the special extended trading hours bringing benefits to the hospitality sector in NSW, creating more jobs and options for people to celebrate different events.”
 
Since 2021, the NSW Government has implemented year-round trading hour extensions during major sporting and cultural events, helping to boost the 24-Hour Economy, create jobs and breathe life into local nightlife. 
 
Longer trading hours will be in place for the FIFA World Cup Final between 10pm on Sunday, 18 December and 5am on Monday, 19 December for hotels and clubs that are providing a live broadcast of the match. 
 
The extended trading hours apply only to drinks sold on premises, not takeaway alcohol sales. Venues already approved to trade during or beyond the extended hours can operate as usual. 
 
Hotels and clubs must still comply with any individual trading restrictions or other special conditions that apply to their liquor licence.
 

The biggest infrastructure project in New South Wales jointly funded by the Australian and State Governments is about to embark on another transformative stage with the third contract awarded for the Sydney Metro- Western Sydney Airport line.
 
This will provide faster and more reliable metro rail services for locals and visitors to Greater Western Sydney.
 
The Parklife Metro consortium has been selected to deliver the Stations, Systems, Trains, Operations and Maintenance (SSTOM) contract for the project, following a highly competitive tendering process.
 
The consortium will construct all six new metro stations between St Marys and the new Aerotropolis, and will be responsible for running the new Western Sydney Airport line for 15 years after it becomes operational.
 
The contractors will also deliver a stabling and maintenance facility at Orchard Hills, and provide rail infrastructure and systems for the supply, commissioning and operation of a fleet of 12 new metro trains.
 
Bringing together global and local expertise, Parklife Metro comprises RATP Dev, whose parent company operates Paris Metro, Plenary Origination, Webuild, Siemens Mobility, Siemens Mobility GmbH, Siemens Project Ventures and Siemens Mobility Austria.
 
The Australian and NSW Governments are working together to deliver the city-shaping Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line to coincide with the opening of Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport in 2026.
 
The total project cost will be around $11 billion. 
 
The awarding of the final contract coincides with another significant project milestone, with Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport becoming the first rail infrastructure project in Australian history to commit to being certified carbon-neutral from the start of construction through to operation.
 
All carbon emissions generated during construction and operation will be reduced and offset.
 
For more information, visit www.sydneymetro.info/westernsydneyairportline. 
For vision: https://app.frame.io/presentations/8a8682c5-1ce8-4259-8885-9deb4e78f7d5
 
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
 
“The Australian Government is committed to delivering vital infrastructure for Western Sydney as part of a genuine partnership between levels of government that will enhance liveability, and support the growth of industry and enterprise.
 
“This project will connect commuters and travellers with the new Western Sydney International Airport, providing major economic stimulus and supporting more than 14,000 jobs during construction.
 
“Having the project certified carbon neutral from construction to operation is a huge tick as the Albanese Government works towards emission reduction targets of 43 per cent by 2030, and net zero by 2050.
 
“I’m proud we’re helping to shape the future of this vibrant and growing region.”
 
Quotes attributable to NSW Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney Minister David Elliott:
 
“The NSW Government is delivering metro services to this key growth area in order to achieve the best outcomes for the people of Greater Western Sydney. 
 
“World-class metro services will be a game-changer for Sydney’s Greater West in every sense and this final contract is key to making that a reality.
 
“The SSTOM contract has the largest scope of any Sydney Metro contract awarded to date, and is the largest Public Private Partnership contract awarded in New South Wales.
 
“We are already seeing plenty of activity underway as part of this new mega project, including preparations at the future Aerotropolis Station for tunnelling from the airport to the Aerotropolis site, which will commence in the first half of 2023.”