Category: NSW News

A decade-long project to completely seal 153 kilometres of the Silver City Highway has been achieved, providing safer and more resilient road for motorists in the state’s Far West.
 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said NSW is one step closer to a fully sealed highway network with the completion of works on the Silver City Highway. 
 
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is building the infrastructure that matters to make daily life easier for regional communities and our $195 million investment to seal this vitally important highway is just one example of how we’re doing that,” Mr Farraway said. 
 
“The completion of construction and sealing on the Silver City Highway is an incredible milestone for people living in the Far West of NSW, not to mention the many freight operators and tourists who use the road every year.
 
“About 840,000 tonnes of locally-sourced crushed gravel and 50,000 tonnes of aggregate was used to build and seal the highway and the result is a legacy project that will benefit the people and businesses of the state’s Far West for generations to come.
 
“The Highway is a vital north-south connection between Victoria and Queensland with sections closed for up to 70 days a year due to poor weather – and often for weeks at a time – directly impacting local residents and businesses, essential services and interstate road users.
 
“A sealed highway not only means quicker, safer journeys for all road users but will also mean it can stay open more often when the region experiences extreme weather.
 
“Sealing the Cobb Highway remains the final piece in the puzzle for a fully-sealed highway network, which is due to be completed mid-2023.”
 
For more information go to nswroads.work/farwestseals.

Results are in for 67,000 HSC students across the state, marking the end of their 13-year schooling careers and the next exciting chapter of their lives. 

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said young people are finishing the HSC more prepared for life after school than ever before.

“The fact that more school leavers than ever before are engaged in employment, education or training is incredible and a sign of bright future ahead for the Class of 2022,” Ms Mitchell said.

“My message to all those who received their HSC results today is to take all that you have learnt and the resilience and determination you have shown over your final years of school into whatever it is you choose to do next – whether that be university, training or work.”

A recent post-school destination survey shows that last year, more than 90 per cent of all school leavers were in education, training or employment. This is up from 86 per cent on the previous year and the highest rate since the survey began in 2014.

“The Liberals and Nationals Government is committed to ensuring young people have a smooth transition into life after school. We are proud to have announced the first phase of a comprehensive senior secondary reform program, which is delivering stronger pathways from high school to future careers and modernising the HSC,” Ms Mitchell said. 

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government’s focus on the transition from school to university or vocational education and training (VET) was helping more young people kick-start their future careers. 

“Many young people want the real world skills that VET delivers and the NSW Government’s investment in fee-free training is seeing the number of young people entering apprenticeships and traineeships after school increasing,” Mr Henskens said.

“There’s so many exciting post-school opportunities available for young people and our new Pathways for Secondary Students Strategy is strengthening the suite of options for young people to explore their next destination, forge their career path or land their dream job.”

This year, HSC results across the board remained consistent with previous years, including for students who were affected by flooding in parts of the state.

1,412 students were recognised on the ‘All-round Achievers’ list, for results in the highest possible band across 10 units of study, while 780 students were featured on the Top Achievers list for earning one of the top places and a result in the highest band.

17,473 students received at least one Band Six to be recognised on the ‘Distinguished Achievers’ list.

The 2022 HSC Merit Lists will be available on the NESA website at 12pm.

Plans to breathe new life into a forgotten piece of Sydney’s iconic harbour have received the final tick of approval with the rezoning of the Blackwattle Bay precinct now finalised.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Liberal National Government was unlocking yet another section of underutilised harbor foreshore.

“Sydney is home to one of the most spectacular harbours in the world but for so long, much of the foreshore, such as Blackwattle Bay, has been neglected and left underutilised,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This is all set to change with Blackwattle Bay to be transformed into an exciting new foreshore precinct and tourism drawcard. 

“After more than five years of careful planning and engagement we now have the green light to breathe new life into the precinct, returning it back to the community as an iconic waterfront destination.”

Minister for Infrastructure Rob Stokes said the new Sydney Fish Market at the head of Blackwattle Bay is powering ahead, and with its striking design, will undoubtedly become a must-see attraction on Sydney’s famous Harbour.

“We’re transforming a patchwork of industrial uses into a spectacular harbour precinct with a wide mix of housing diversity,” Mr Stokes said. 

“Blackwattle Bay will no longer be a place you come to grab some seafood before driving off, but a destination in its own right, forming part of the best waterfront walk in the world.”

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said close collaboration with the community, the City of Sydney and stakeholders had been crucial in getting to today’s rezoning milestone.

“We have worked hard to balance technical considerations with the community’s feedback in order to create a destination with key transport, social, cultural and urban infrastructure that people will enjoy now and into the future,” Mr Roberts said.

Once complete, the 10-hectare Blackwattle Bay will be a vibrant mixed-use precinct anchored by the new Sydney Fish Market, with 1,200 new homes, more than 5,600 new jobs, more than three hectares of public open space including a new waterside park, ferry wharf, cafés, restaurants and retail, all within walking distance to the CBD.

It will also be supported by the new Sydney Metro station at Pyrmont, light rail and new active transport infrastructure.

To find out more, visit https://infrastructure.nsw.gov.au/blackwattlebay

The NSW Government is charging ahead with its transition from diesel to electric buses with the approval of $3 billion to fund the next stage of Zero Emission Buses (ZEBS) and new charging infrastructure.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott and the Minister for Environment and Member for Manly James Griffin visited Brookvale Bus Depot today – one of 11 depots across Greater Sydney to receive funding for an electric charging upgrades.

“This is a big-bucks investment in the next-generation of buses and proof that the Liberals and Nationals Government is serious about Australian manufacturing,” Mr Elliott said.

“The release of $3 billion by the NSW Government will not only benefit the environment but will also provide a spark for local industry, including across Western Sydney where some of these buses are already being made.

“This major investment will make NSW a global leader and will also deliver benefits to the local economy by supporting over 1400 jobs as we ramp up local bus production.”

More than 1200 new buses will be manufactured under the ZEBS program as part of a plan to eventually replace the entire fleet with electric vehicles. 

The funding will also allow 11 existing depots across Sydney to be converted for electric charging and a new depot constructed at Macquarie Park.

Mr Griffin said the NSW Government’s investment decision is a win for the environment and for commuters.

“Transitioning the entire fleet of buses will reduce emissions from the State’s public transport network by 78 per cent, reduce noise on the streets, improve air quality and ensure our commuters enjoy a smoother ride,” Mr Griffin said.

“Brookvale Bus Depot is one of 11 depots receiving a significant funding boost to upgrade its electric charging infrastructure.”

The key conversions will occur at bus depots in Leichhardt, Tempe, South Granville, Kingsgrove, Menai, Taren Point, Port Botany, Willoughby, Randwick, North Sydney and Brookvale. 

The NSW Government will transition the entire 8000 plus bus fleet to zero emissions technology by 2035 in Greater Sydney, Outer Metro regions by 2040 and regional NSW by 2047.

The Government is already operating Australia’s largest Zero Emission Bus fleet, with more than 100 buses currently in service. This funding will build on that record. 

Find out more about the project at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/zeroemissionbuses.

More young people in out-of-home-care (OOHC) will have an opportunity to pursue their university dreams, with the NSW Government funding 10 scholarships across Charles Sturt University’s six regional campuses.
 
Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the scholarships will provide a life-changing opportunity for young people in regional NSW who want to pursue further studies after school.
 
“More young people across the regions will receive financial support so they can continue their studies, while being able to attend university closer to home,” Mr Toole said.
 
“It is another way the NSW Government is helping those in rural and regional areas reach their full potential without having to leave their communities.”
 
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said each scholarship provides up to $28,500 across three years of study; enough to earn an undergraduate degree. 
 
“These scholarships will support young people who have experienced trauma and other challenges to secure a brighter future,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“They will offer much-needed support to students from regional, rural and remote areas across the State who are in OOHC, or have been in Foster or Kinship care in the last three years.”
 
Director of University Advancement Sarah Ansell welcomed the partnership with the NSW Government. 
 
“The University looks forward to working with the Government to make a positive impact on young people who have aspirations to come to university, but may lack traditional family support structures,” Ms Ansell said. 
 
“The scholarships ensure they can study with confidence, knowing that they are adequately supported throughout their degree.”
 
The scholarships will be available at each of the Charles Sturt University campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie and Wagga Wagga. 
 
The NSW Government also funds scholarships for young people in OOHC through Western Sydney University.
 
Information about the CSU scholarships can be found here.

Scientific research and technological development will be turbocharged as part of a $117 million NSW Government investment to improve vital infrastructure and equipment that will support our world-leading scientists and innovators.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the Innovation Research Acceleration Program (IRAP) is part of the landmark Future Economy Fund, which was announced in the 2022-23 NSW Budget. 
 
“The world’s biggest companies started with a simple idea, and this R&D acceleration program will help unlock opportunities, foster innovation and kickstart businesses that will create the industries and jobs of the future,” Mr Kean said.
 
“The Future Economy Fund will make strategic interventions and investments across the business life cycle, and the IRAP targets the critical first stage.”
 
The IRAP will have two streams of funding: 
 
·       Infrastructure Build Out Program: a $31 million one-year program supporting shared research and innovation infrastructure that will underpin future industry, and technology needs defined by the 20-year R&D Roadmap.
·       NCRIS Support Program: an $86 million four-year fund for NSW research facilities supported by the Commonwealth’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). The funding will boost research capability and capacity across areas including microscopy, nanofabrication, bioplatforms and imaging.
 
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said NSW is home to world class research institutions and expertise and this investment would unlock more opportunities to tap into our leading human capital and infrastructure. 
 
“Research and innovation infrastructure, including high-tech facilities and equipment, underpins the State’s ability to turn R&D into real commercial outcomes, jobs and new industries,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“Often such equipment and expertise is expensive or unattainable for many research organisations and companies. The IRAP is designed to enable the delivery of, and equitable access to, essential research and innovation infrastructure.
 
“This means more innovative ideas will be given the support and access they need to develop, which in turn will help grow our economy and secure NSW’s position as Australia’s innovation engine room.”
 
More information about the program and how to apply is available online.

More than 65 organisations have received funding from the NSW Government to facilitate projects and initiatives to drive greater unity and harmony in diverse communities. 

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said each of the 69 groups had received a share of $1.4 million in funding through the NSW Government’s Stronger Together Projects grants program. 

“Due to an overwhelming amount of interest and more organisations wanting to run programs in their communities, we increased the original funding allocation of $400,000 to $1.4 million,” Mr Coure said.

“This benefits more organisations and, of course, the communities they run the programs in.

“The increase in funding was only made possible thanks to the NSW Government’s strong economic management.” 

Since 2021, more than $2 million has been allocated through the Projects Grants program, which has been shared by 100 organisations to run initiatives in their local communities. 

“The NSW Government recognises the important role organisations play in their respective communities,” Mr Coure said. 

“These organisations understand their communities better than anyone, and that is why we empower them to deliver this work by investing in their projects.”

The grants support 12-month projects and range in value from $20,000 to $40,000. Each of the successful organisations will use the funding to facilitate their programs and initiatives in 2023. 

For more information about the Stronger Together Projects grants program, visit multicultural.nsw.gov.au/grants. 

The NSW Government has committed almost $200 million in new funding to implement a number of the recommendations from the independent Flood Inquiry. 
 
The funding will ensure emergency services are better equipped to respond to future disaster events and support impacted communities during recovery. 
 
It builds upon work that is already underway to implement recommendations of the Inquiry, including passing legislation to establish the NSW Reconstruction Authority and appointing a Deputy Commissioner of Emergency Management in the NSW Police Force.
 
Key elements of the package are additional dedicated flood rescue vehicles, including 60 Inflatable Rescue Boats and 16 high clearance vehicles, the ability to train an additional 2,350 personnel in flood rescue, support for volunteer initiatives, and increased funding to ensure seamless coordination of evacuation centres and emergency accommodation. 
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the key focus of this funding was the State’s emergency response and recovery functions.
 
“Events of this year alone show that the conditions we are facing and the magnitude of the natural disasters need this level of support to ensure our frontline agencies are well-placed to continue delivering for the community,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
The $199.4 million new funding includes:

• $159.5 million to enhance NSW’s flood rescue capability for our emergency services agencies and volunteer organisations (recommendation 4), including the NSW State Emergency Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW and the Volunteer Rescue Association; 
• $16.8 million to support the Department of Communities and Justice in its delivery of key disaster welfare functions, including evacuation centres (recommendation 5);
• $11.9 million to better support volunteerism, including training community members who may become ‘spontaneous’ volunteers in a disaster (recommendation 6);
• $6.5 million to enhance Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley flood evacuation modelling (recommendation 26);
• $2.2 million to commence the establishment of the NSW Reconstruction Authority following passage of legislation (recommendation 15);
• $1.9 million to support support NSW specific climate and weather research (recommendation 2);
• $1.8 million to Service NSW to enhance customer support for disaster affected individuals and businesses by streamlining grants delivery (recommendation 10); 

 
“Our combat agencies will benefit from more resources to respond to disasters, and our service agencies will be better equipped to support the people of NSW through the recovery process,” Mr Perrottet said.

Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the NSW Government’s response balanced the need for rapid changes with long-term planning.
 
“The current flood risk across parts of the Central West, as well as the ongoing recovery of communities hit by floods earlier this year including the Northern Rivers, clearly shows us, that no matter where you live in the State, now is the time for action  to better prepare, respond and recover the next time a disaster strikes,” Mr Toole said. 
 
“Already as part of our response to the Inquiry, we have announced Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell APM’s appointment as the new Deputy Commissioner, Emergency Management to oversee and coordinate emergency services’ response to future natural disasters right across the State.”
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the funding will allow first responders to better protect communities from a range of weather events.
 
“The NSW Government is committed to addressing the recommendations in the independent Flood Inquiry which will equip us to better respond to and recover from all types of natural disasters,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“Many communities across inland NSW continue to be confronted with major flooding and we remain focused on supporting all of the impacted families, farmers and business owners during this difficult time, but we are also working hard to improve the capability of our combat agencies to better fight the floods of the future.”
 
The NSW Government continues to progress implementation of all the recommendations from the Inquiry and will make further announcements in 2023.

Liberal candidate for Bega, Russell Fitzpatrick, is encouraging communities across Batemans Bay and surrounding areas to help guide the design of a new $20 million health facility.
 
The Perrottet Government is putting $20 million into the Batemans Bay health facility, which was announced earlier this year and will deliver community healthcare services, including GPs, allied health services, child and family services, community mental health and immediate care.
 
Mr Fitzpatrick said that local communities had an opportunity to play an important role in the planning of the health facility that will transform local health services.
 
“With a project manager and architect now appointed to spearhead the design, this is the perfect time to have a say and help guide important decisions,” said Mr Fitzpatrick. “I am incredibly proud to be running as a candidate for the Perrottet team that is making this kind of investment in local health, and is open to being guided by our community on the best way to implement that investment.”
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government is investing $20 million to provide a modern, new health facility that will meet the south coast communities’ healthcare needs close to home, well into the future.
 
“The appointment of the project manager and architect is a major milestone in the delivery of this health facility, as planning will now move to the next level, and we’re inviting the community to get involved and have their say,” Mr Hazzard said.  
 
“Building any new healthcare facility involves in-depth planning, and this experienced project team has been selected to design a first class facility that will fulfil the requirements of staff, patients and the broader community.”
 
The appointments followed a competitive tender process and include: 
• bd infrastructure as the project manager 
• Conrad Gargett as the architect. 
 
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said that with the project team now on board, master planning is expected to be completed in mid-2023, and will involve consultation with key stakeholders including clinicians, staff, patients, carers and the local community to inform planning and design. 
 
“Feedback and input from staff, the local community, carers and patients will be an important part of the planning process, to ensure the new healthcare facility reflects the needs and values of the Batemans Bay community,” Mrs Taylor said.   
 
Community members are invited to meet the project team and find out more about the healthcare facility and how to get involved.  
 
The meet and greet session will be held in the Batemans Bay SEARMS Meeting Room, 2 Museum Place on Tuesday 13 December from 1.00pm to 3.00pm. No RSVP is required, and everyone is welcome.   
 
To find out more about the project or how to become involved, visit www.hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/batemansbayhealthone or contact the project team on 1300 391 949 or at HI-BatemansBayhealth@health.nsw.gov.au.   
 
The new Batemans Bay community health facility is part of the NSW Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over four years to 2025-26, with nearly a third of the capital allocation in this financial year going towards regional and rural health facilities. 
 
Also part of the Perrottet Government’s record health infrastructure spend is the new $260 million Level 4 Eurobodalla Regional Hospital which is on track to open to patients in 2025.
  
Since 2011, the NSW Government has delivered more than 180 health capital projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway – of those, more than 90 are in rural and regional areas.

Sydney has cemented its position as the nation’s home of football, securing the Men’s and Women’s A-Leagues Grand Finals from 2023 – 2025.
 
The NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW has partnered with Australian Professional Leagues (APL) to bring its showpiece events to the Harbour City, including a new grand final week festival of football to create an unprecedented event destination experience for football fans.
 
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the addition of the A-Leagues Grand Final to Sydney’s annual sporting events calendar is a huge coup for NSW.
 
“With the FIFA Women’s World Cup coming and on the back of the Socceroos historic World Cup in Qatar, football in Australia is going from strength to strength,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“NSW is home to the most clubs in the both A-Leagues competitions, with the greatest supporter base, most passionate fans, the highest level of football participation and the best football venues.”
 
“This new week-long event will provide football and sports fans with an experience unique to all other codes and cement the A-Leagues Grand Finals amongst the very best fixtures on our national sporting calendar.”
 
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said securing the event would deliver significant economic benefits for NSW.
 
“As the nation’s home of football I am delighted to be partnering with the APL to bring the Men’s and Women’s A-Leagues Grand Finals to Sydney,” Mr Franklin said.
 
“Sydney is renowned for hosting world-class sporting events and we are going to create a new tradition for football fans, making the A-Leagues Grand Finals a week-long extravaganza that showcases football and the best of the Harbour City.
 
“Tens of thousands of football fans are expected to flock to Sydney for the A-Leagues Grand Finals and are forecast to inject $26 million of visitor expenditure into NSW.”
 
“This is another incredible addition to the already impressive calendar of world-class major events we are building for Sydney, which is a key pillar of our goal to make NSW the major events capital and premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.”
 
Danny Townsend, CEO of the APL, said: “The FIFA World Cup 2023 showed that we are a country of football fans and whet the region’s appetite for the FIFA Women’s World Cup next year. But fans don’t want to wait for four years in-between competitions to see our best sporting talent perform. 
 
“Football fans now get the best of both worlds – they can now look forward to a showpiece Grand Final event in a set location, as well as watching A-Leagues and national team stars week-in-week-out at their local A-Leagues team.  
 
“This is a unique opportunity to build a tradition for football fans. When you think about a cup final in England, you think about the trip to Wembley, and we want fans in Australia to look forward to the A-Leagues finals in the same way.
 
“We have already broken the previous record for attendance this season in the Liberty A-League Women and have a clear objective to make history again with Grand Final attendance in the year that we host the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”
 
Venues for the 2023 Men’s and Women’s A-Leagues Grand Finals will be announced in the coming months.