Category: NSW News

Liberal Candidates for Coogee and Vaucluse, Dr Kylie von Muenster and Kellie Sloane, are encouraging Eastern Suburbs families to participate in the upcoming consultations on the future of local public secondary education.

In early 2023, the Perrottet Government will invite the local community to have their say on a range of options that will deliver more public education choices. An independent external agency will be engaged to conduct the consultation process and canvass local views on three options:

1. Retaining single-sex education at Randwick Boys High School and Randwick Girls High Schools.

2. Retaining single sex education at Randwick Boys High School and Randwick Girls High School and extending the intake areas of existing co-educational high schools to provide families with the option of single-sex or co-education.

3. Merging Randwick Boys High School and Randwick Girls High School to create a new co-educational campus.

Dr von Muenster welcomed this consultation as it will give local families an opportunity to guide the Government’s decisions on local schooling.

“I am very excited to be running as part of the Perrottet team, as this Government has shown a real commitment to taking local views and needs into account when making important decisions,” Dr von Muenster said. “Speaking to people across the local community it becomes clear that they really appreciate opportunities to guide these choices that will have a sizeable impact on future generations.”

Ms Sloane said that getting kids into a good local school is a high priority for all parents.

“Every parent wants to see their kids start off on the right foot, and getting a good education is a critical part of that. While a lot of families make their home here because of our unique character and beautiful setting, many also move here for our great schools,” Ms Sloane said. “This consultation will allow the community to put their views forward on the best way to accommodate the schooling needs of our kids.”

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Government wants to make sure that this consultation captures the views of the whole of the Eastern Suburbs community.

“We want to engage constructively with the local school communities to ensure that we identify and plan for the best option for public secondary education in the Eastern Suburbs,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Consultation will take place throughout Term 1 in 2023, with a report to be finalised for consideration by government in mid-2023.”

The independent consultation will focus on parents, students and the wider community, with a particular emphasis on families of potential future students. It will look at short, medium and long term options to ensure the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney have strong public education options for future generations.

Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton said it’s important we start consultation with parents and have a plan moving forward with one of the three options.

“This process is about securing the future of public secondary education in the Eastern Suburbs and making sure that local families always have access to a high quality public education options.

“I look forward to working with our school communities during this process when consultation gets underway early next year.”

Based on the current population projections, local schools are able to accommodate current and future student demand through utilisation of existing schools. However, the Department will continue to explore opportunities to future-proof the provision of public secondary education in the Eastern Suburbs.

The NSW Government will make the practice of rent bidding illegal to improve affordability for those seeking rental accommodation amid high cost of living pressures.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said banning rent bidding would help prospective tenants secure housing in a tight rental property market in a fair way.

“It’s time to put an end to this practice and give more people security and certainty so they can plan for their future,” Mr Perrottet.  

“The search for a rental property is tough enough without it turning into a bidding war that pushes people beyond their comfort level.

“An advertised rental fee should be just that and we will take action to ensure rental bidding is outlawed.”

The outlawing of solicited rent bidding, the practice where a landlord or agent invites, suggests or asks prospective tenants to increase their offer of rent for a property in order to secure it, will be made through urgent changes to regulations under the Property and Stock Agents Act 2002.

The new regulations will apply to all new listings from Saturday, 17 December 2022.

Minister for Fair Trading Victor Dominello said the reforms to regulations struck the right balance between the interests of renters, landlords and real estate agents.

“It can be very distressing for prospective tenants who have submitted a rental application only to be told to increase their offer to improve their prospects of securing a property,” Mr Dominello said. 

“From this weekend, agents will be prohibited from inducing a prospective tenant to offer an amount higher than that advertised for the property.

“Further, real estate agents cannot advertise a property unless it specifies the rent payable for the property.”

NSW Fair Trading will work with real estate agents and landlords to ensure they are aware of and comply with the new regulations. 

Advice for renters is available on the NSW Fair Trading website www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/renting.

More than 1,470 paramedics, Control Centre staff and flight nurses have been recognised today at the largest NSW Ambulance graduation ceremony since the start of COVID-19.
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the past two ceremonies had been postponed due to the pandemic and the event recognised all those who have completed graduate and further specialty training.
 
“Over the past few years, our paramedics, Control Centre staff and aeromedical teams have faced some tough times, but all have risen to the occasion,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“Whether it was working through bushfires, COVID-19, floods, or the demands of a flu outbreak, all have served our community with distinction, courage and compassion.  This is a special day for those being honoured and their families. They should be very proud of their achievements and contribution in what has been a difficult few years. 
 
“In the last financial year, NSW Ambulance transported more than 750,000 patients, more than any other State or Territory, yet it leads the nation in transfer of care results,”  Mr Hazzard said.
 
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said the new and upskilled staff will provide a great boost in the months and years ahead.
 
“NSW Ambulance is one of the largest ambulance services in the world and an integral part of our health system, and it offers wonderful career opportunities such as our newly implemented virtual clinical care service,” Dr Morgan said.
 
“It is an organisation where you can develop and progress your own career goals, and a place where you genuinely make a difference to the lives of others every single day.”
 
Today’s ceremony also included several significant awards for leadership, as well as the Minister for Health’s $5,000 Bursary for Excellence to help fund further education.
 
NSW Ambulance has received funding from the NSW Government for 2,128 staff which includes 1,858 paramedics, 210 support staff, 52 nurses and eight doctors. 
The NSW Government will also deliver eight new stations at Warilla, Kincumber, Lisarow, Gateshead, Swansea, Cherrybrook, Raby and Narellan, with a further 22 stations to be announced over the next four years.

Local councils and a boating club from across the State will soon benefit from an injection of funds for repair and maintenance works to maritime infrastructure as part of the Boating Asset Maintenance Program.
 
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the NSW Government had committed almost half a million dollars to 21 boating infrastructure maintenance and repair projects which would be delivered in partnership with nine local councils and a club. 
 
“Many asset owners around the state face numerous difficulties and challenges in trying to maintain and repair boating infrastructure – particularly after the severe weather and flooding events this state has been through,” Mr Elliott said.

“The Boating Asset Maintenance Program is a new $2 million Boating Now sub-program that was announced in August 2022 to provide crucial funding to owners of boating infrastructure.
 
“We have listened to feedback and this funding will go a long way towards helping owners bring maritime infrastructure such as pontoons, wharves, jetties, boat ramps and trailer parking back to optimal condition for the safety and benefit of all users.
 
“Minor maintenance and repair work goes a long way to improving the usability of boating assets which have experienced general wear and tear over a number of years.” 
 
Councils received grants between $11,000 and $60,000 towards projects such as the replacement of deteriorated timber decking on pontoons, repair of timber railings and fixtures, renewal of line markings in car parks and trailer bays to maintenance of jetties including the re-application of anti-slip paint.
 
The successful applicants are:  
 

• Bogan Shire ($30,000) 
• City of Canada Bay ($60,000) 
• Eurobodalla Shire Council ($20,000 and $30,000 for two projects) 
• Inner West Council ($5,000, $10,000, $15,000 and $20,000 for four projects) 
• Mosman Council (two projects each worth $30,000) 
• Nambucca Valley Council ($30,000) 
• Northern Beaches Council ($16,440 and $7200 for two projects) 
• Shoalhaven City Council (S11,500, $13,000, $14,500 and $21,000 for four projects) 
• Woollahra Council ($18,708 and $30,000 for two projects)  
• the Woollahra Sailing Club ($11,000) 
•  NSW Maritime Executive Director, Mark Hutchings said the funding was vital in helping boating asset owners ensure all facilities were safe and accessible and could be enjoyed by all members of the general boating public.
   
  “The Boating Now team is looking forward to working with all successful applicants to help ensure the successful delivery of their projects,” Mr Hutchings said. 
   
  Now in its fourth round, the Liberals and Nationals Boating Now program has invested in about 330 projects since it began in 2014.

Four innovative NSW companies who are solving some of the State’s complex challenges are set to share in $5 million to help translate their research into commercial products, as part of the NSW Government’s Physical Sciences Fund. 
 
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens announced the successful companies at an event held at Fishburners in the Sydney Startup Hub.
 
“NSW is home to some of the most brilliant researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs, who are working across a range of sectors, creating new jobs and growing our high-tech industries,” Mr Henskens said. 
 
“The Fund, now in its fourth year, exemplifies the NSW Liberals and National Government’s commitment to supporting research and development (R&D) that underpins the commercialisation of technologies.
 
“The successful recipients are developing devices and applications which will deliver real-world benefits to our State in agriculture, communications, clean energy and construction, which will help grow the economy and secure a brighter future for NSW.”
 
The Fund aims to deliver significant social, economic and environmental benefits to NSW by providing financial support across the branches of physical sciences and engineering, including physics, chemistry, astronomy and the earth sciences.
 
NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said the Fund continues to champion the growth of innovative industries in NSW. 
 
“This year we released our 20-Year R&D Roadmap, which provides a blueprint to prioritise investment in areas where NSW has competitive R&D advantages nationally and internationally,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said. 
 
“It is great to be able to celebrate four young companies who are developing technologies with great potential and starting out on their commercialisation journey.”
 
Applications for the 2023 round will open early next year, with $10 million available through the next round of the Fund. More information about the 2022 successful funding recipients can be found online.

Irrigators will save water, time and money at the same time as protecting native fish populations now and well into the future, thanks to the NSW Government’s $20 million Fish-Friendly Water Extraction project.
 
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said as part of the program, state-of-the-art fish protection screens would be installed on 49 water pumps across the State, not just contributing to the health of the river systems and the longevity of fish populations, but also increasing farmers’ productivity. 
 
“These modern fish screens are fitted with fine mesh and self-cleaning technology that effectively filters unwanted debris and fish out of pumps and pipes, delivering cleaner water onto properties and reducing the need for farmers to spend time unblocking sprinklers,” Mr Saunders said. 
 
“Research has shown us that these modern fish screens also protect up to 90 per cent of native fish passing through, which is critical as we continue to restock them in waterways after millions were killed during the drought.
 
“This project is a great example of how the NSW Government is supporting the agriculture industry to adopt modern, on-farm technology, translating innovative research into practical measures.”
 
Minister for Water Kevin Anderson said the fish screens would not only protect millions of native fish and the environment, but also deliver cleaner water to farms.
 
“The state-of-the-art irrigation screens will deliver 2,900 megalitres per day of cleaner water by eliminating debris from the irrigation systems,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“Farmers and properties with fish screens have already reported a range of benefits, including a reduced need to backflush, reduced costs of in-line filtration and energy savings of up to $3,000 per month.
 
“This project will also boost employment in the region, with local businesses to be engaged to assist with the screen installations. It’s about looking after the environment, farmers and businesses at the same time.”
 
NSW DPI Fisheries will manage the fish screen installation process in partnership with Water Infrastructure NSW, with construction to begin next year. 
 
The fish screening program is part of a suite of complementary measures being used to bolster native fish stocks in the northern Murray-Darling Basin, which also includes the measures to improve fish passage up and down the river. 
 
For more information about the fish screening project, visit the Fish Screens Australia website www.fishscreens.org.au

The Parramatta Light Rail has reached a major new milestone with the arrival of the first vehicle in the new fleet and construction on the light rail stops nearly complete.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Government was continuing to deliver world-class transport to support the growing communities of Western Sydney.

“Western Sydney is one of the fastest growing regions in our country, with the population of Greater Parramatta alone set to climb by 50 per cent by 2041. That is why we are investing billions of dollars in transport and infrastructure now, to support this projected growth and ensure the region and its residents continue to thrive,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Once complete, the new Parramatta Light Rail will provide frequent, reliable transport services between Westmead and Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD, supporting residents, local businesses and the nearly 14,000 students who attend the nearby university.”

The new light rail vehicles will be fully accessible with low floors; air-conditioned; dual electric and battery-powered with roof-mounted rechargeable batteries to operate in two ‘wire free’ zones; bicycle racks; and real-time passenger count information.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the majority of the main infrastructure work was now complete, with 100 per cent of track installed and construction of the light rail stops nearly complete.

“The Perrottet Government continues to deliver major transport infrastructure to our Western Sydney commuters with a transformation taking place in Greater Parramatta as the Light Rail rapidly takes shape,” Mr Elliott said. 

“The new 45-metre-long vehicle will be able to hold up to 400 passengers – the equivalent of six standard buses – taking cars off local roads and reducing traffic, giving people more time back in their day for the things they enjoy.

“It’s great to see overhead canopies for weather protection installed at 14 of the stops, with canopies to be in place at all 16 stops by the end of the year.

“Importantly, this project is providing a major boost to the local economy, supporting 5,000 local jobs and using around 4,000 tonnes of Australian steel. Silverwater-based manufacturing company Icon Metal has also been engaged to manufacture and install the prefabricated light rail stop components.”

Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said delivery of the light rail project will connect places and help locals and visitors move around and explore what Greater Parramatta has to offer.

“We’re launching a new Summer in Parramatta activation with a range of family-friendly events, including interactive street art, activities for kids of all ages and entertainment, providing a much needed economic and visitor boost for businesses,” Mr Lee said.

“This is a great opportunity for families to head outdoors and enjoy the vibrant activations revitalising the Parramatta CBD this Summer.”

The Parramatta Light Rail will provide high-frequency ‘turn-up-and-go’ light rail services seven days a week, every 7.5 minutes during peak periods (7am to 7pm) on weekdays.

On-track testing of the vehicles is expected to commence in mid-2023, with passenger services expected to commence in 2024.

For more information about the project, visit parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au.

A new and colourful NSW Government initiative will see Sydney join global cities London, Stockholm and Auckland in flying the purple flag for safety across night-time destinations. 
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said a pilot of the internationally successful Purple Flag Program is underway in the Sydney CBD, Parramatta, Marrickville and Lakemba.
 
“The NSW Government’s Purple Flag Program will build on Sydney’s thriving 24-hour economy and provide the community with even more ways to enjoy a safe night out across Greater Sydney,” Mr Henskens said. 
 
“This program will help further position Sydney as a global night-life destination, joining cities like London and Stockholm, to create safe and fun after-dark destinations.
 
“The accreditation will allow people to easily identify precincts that have met high standards of safety, vibrancy, and diversity of entertainment and activities.”
 
The program will assess destinations against a set of criteria to achieve a Purple Flag status including public transport access, adequate street lighting and entertainment.
 
24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said Purple Flag will become a recognisable tick of approval for going-out districts. 
 
“We have so many great night-time districts in Sydney and Purple Flag will promote many of the fantastic things they offer,” Mr Rodrigues said. 
 
“The pilot program is a key deliverable from our 24-Hour Economy strategy and will further enhance the revitalisation of Sydney’s nightlife.”
 
The pilot’s four locations are the YCK (York, Clarence and Kent) precinct in the Sydney CBD; Church Street in Parramatta; Haldon Street in Lakemba and Marrickville and Illawarra Road in Marrickville. 
 
The four locations will be assessed as part of the program, ahead of a wider rollout next year. For more information, visit www.investment.nsw.gov.au/PurpleFlag. 

The Fairy Meadow community is a step closer to a new ambulance station with the facility to be located on the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus. 
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in delivering this vital service to the growing Fairy Meadow community.
 
“The new Fairy Meadow Ambulance Station is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $232 million Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration (RAIR) program and will support local paramedics to provide the best emergency medical care now and into the future,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“The NSW Government is committed to significantly increasing the capacity of NSW Ambulance. Under the RAIR program, 54 new or upgraded stations are being delivered, with 39 already completed.
 
“In total, the Liberal & Nationals Government is investing more than $1 billion across three major NSW Ambulance infrastructure programs, with more than 100 projects announced since 2014.”
 
Parliamentary Secretary for Wollongong and the Illawarra Peter Poulos said the new Fairy Meadow station will bolster emergency care in the Illawarra and provide a first-class workplace for local paramedics.
 
“Our paramedics will have a purpose-built station with modern facilities, including internal parking for six emergency ambulance vehicles, an internal wash bay, relief accommodation for paramedics and a meeting and training room,” Mr Poulos said.
 
“This amazing new facility will support the existing station in Wollongong, along with the recently announced station in Warilla, and is only possible thanks to the NSW Government’s record investment in ambulance infrastructure across the state.”
 
NSW Ambulance identified the University campus location following a comprehensive service planning process using best practice modelling software that maps Triple Zero calls.
 
UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia Davidson welcomed the decision to base the new ambulance station on the UOW’s Innovation Campus. 
 
“The co-location of this ambulance station on the Innovation Campus, where the University has plans to build and deliver a world-class Health and Wellbeing Precinct, aligns with our mission to support better health outcomes for our region,” Professor Davidson said. 
 
Construction of the ambulance station is expected to commence early next year and be complete by late 2023.
 
As part of the NSW Government’s 2022-23 Budget, NSW Ambulance received a record $1.76 billion boost to frontline emergency care, with which it will recruit 2,128 new staff and build 30 more stations as part of the NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program. 
 
The NSW 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
• Ambulance Infrastructure Program ($615.5 million) 30 projects (8 in early planning). Announced in 2022-23 State Budget.
• RAIR program Stage 1 & 2 ($232 million) – 54 projects, 39 complete, 15 underway. Program began 2015.

The NSW Government is urging all internet shoppers to stay alert and follow the steps required to keep their personal information safe this festive season.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the holiday period was a popular time for cybercriminals to target busy online shoppers, as more and more people search the web for a Christmas bargain.

“Digital thieves are increasingly malicious and devious and will set up legitimate-looking websites or social media stores to trick shoppers into handing over money and personal details, or they may install malicious software on a person’s computer or phone,” Mr Dominello said.

“Cybercriminals rely on people letting their guard down when buying online, so it is vital to stay alert as fake sellers will often copy the designs and logos from real businesses to appear genuine.

“If users think a site could be fake, they should do a search for other web pages or profiles by that seller and compare logos, business names, URL addresses and contact details to ensure they match.”

The NSW Government established ID Support NSW to assist customers who have had their government-issued proof of identity stolen and make it easier for them to access the help they need, as well as tips for keeping yourself safe online.

“ID Support NSW provides a single point-of-contact for customers who have had their identity compromised with options for additional support, counselling services and help replacing identification documents if required,” Mr Dominello said.

Steps to stay safe online this festive season include:
 

• Buy from trusted sellers. If it sounds too good to be true, it normally is
• Make sure the URL contains a padlock symbol and begins with https://
• Use secure payment methods only as these may be able to recover funds should an order not be received
• Don’t click directly on links, particularly from unsolicited texts and emails
• Search for and read reviews of sellers and consider if they seem genuine
• Check if sellers have an address and contact details which can be verified and check they have a fair refund/return policy
• Only share what information is absolutely necessary
• Avoid saving credit card details to websites.

 
To contact ID Support NSW or for more information visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/id-support-nsw