Category: NSW News

Jump on board as Spacecubed launches the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs at the new Western Sydney Startup Hub (WSSH).
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said Spacecubed will operate the 1,500 square metres of affordable co-working space, as part of the revitalised Parramatta North Heritage Precinct, due to its reputation for empowering positive change in the community.
 
“Technology and innovation are at the heart of attracting significant global investment in NSW, helping to create the jobs of the future for our next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs in Western Sydney,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“Spacecubed offers the best and most diverse services for WSSH, ensuring a bright and competitive future for Western Sydney’s innovation and technology sectors.
 
“Continuing on our commitment from this year’s NSW Budget to support more women in the workforce, Spacecubed will host a regular SheCodes program developed to upskill our future female coders.
 
“The hub will help grow and showcase innovation opportunities through the Westmead Health and Innovation District ecosystem, generate even more new jobs in Western Sydney and secure a brighter future for NSW.”
 
With $300,000 in funding from the NSW Government for its fit-out, Spacecubed will become the hub’s first operational business when it opens in October.
 
As part of the operator agreement, Spacecubed has committed to:
 

• A minimum 70 per cent of desks for startups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) at affordable rates;
• Running an annual incubator program;
• Offering a minimum of 20 scholarships per year for social impact startups, and free/discounted spaces for program participants; and
• Offering all WSSH members free access to Spacecubed programs, and discounted rates for booking events and meeting spaces.

 
In December 2021, the NSW Government announced $53.8 million of additional funding for the restoration and activation of the Parramatta North Heritage Precinct.
 
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the WSSH will have an important part to play, fusing the precinct’s rich cultural history with new innovation and technology opportunities.
 
“This innovative space will encourage job creation, more visitors and a vibrant atmosphere to the revitalised Parramatta North Heritage Precinct,” Mr Roberts said.
 
Member for Parramatta Dr Geoff Lee said Western Sydney and the Parramatta North Heritage Precinct, with its new-age facilities and collaborating spaces, continues to be a breeding ground for up and coming innovators and entrepreneurs.
 
“We look forward to Spacecubed paving the way and providing a platform for those innovators and entrepreneurs looking for an edge in Western Sydney,” Dr Lee said.
 
“The WSSH provides a platform for talented individuals to meet like-minded organisations, joining forces and as a result, delivering new and improved outcomes for the people of NSW.”
 
Spacecubed CEO Brodie McCulloch said the hub will cement Western Sydney as a premier destination for innovation and technology on the global stage.
 
“The innovation and technology sector is rapidly growing in Sydney and we’re privileged to play a key role in its expansion,” Mr McCulloch said.
 
“With the continued support of the NSW Government, we will do all that we can to drive Western Sydney as a competitive place for business investment and forward thinking innovators.”
 
For more information, visit: Western Sydney Startup Hub | NSW Government.

A group of impressive and inspiring young people from across the state have been appointed to the 2022-23 Youth Advisory Council that will advise the NSW Government on matters impacting children and young people. 
 
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said 12 newly appointment members of the Youth Advisory Council will work together to provide advice to NSW Government during their one-year term.
 
“We know that young people know what’s best for them and by actively listening and responding to young people, we ensure we are creating policies and services that truly reflect their needs,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said. 
 
“I congratulate the 12 members of the Council on their appointments and I look forward to working closely with them to ensure the NSW Government is best supporting our children and young people to achieve the best start in life.”
 
Following an extensive recruitment process that saw more than 500 young people aged 12 to 24 apply, the Youth Advisory Council will have the opportunity to influence decisions that will create positive outcomes for their peers.
 
“Being part of the NSW Youth Advisory Council gives young advocates an opportunity to effect real change. I congratulate the members and look forward to seeing their work over the next 12 months,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
Throughout their one-year term, the Youth Advisory Council will be supported in their work by the Advocate for Children and Young People Ms Zoë Robinson.
 
“The NSW Youth Advisory Council is one of the most valuable ways that NSW Government engages with and creates space for young people to be involved in solutions that will deliver real outcomes for all young people in NSW,” Ms Robinson said.
 
“By listening and acting on what we are hearing from young people, we create a better NSW for all of us,” Ms Robinson added.
 
More information about the Youth Advisory Council is available online.

A state-of-the-art sensory garden and a hydrotherapy pool are two of the new and improved facilities at the centre of Passfield Park School, which was officially opened today by the Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell. 

Ms Mitchell said the $35 million redevelopment of Passfield Park School is part of the NSW Government’s $270 million investment in Schools for Specific Purposes across the state over the past eight years.  

The redevelopment is one of 15 delivered by the Government to provide modern and fit-for-purpose facilities for students with additional needs and their families. 

“The NSW Government is committed to providing the best education facilities for all students no matter their location or circumstance,” Ms Mitchell said.  

“The new environment at Passfield Park maximises learning opportunities for students and provides them with a greater sense of wellbeing.”  

The redevelopment also includes 16 permanent teaching spaces, a library and a hall, entrance and drop off areas, modern core facilities such as staff and administration areas, a covered outdoor learning area, expanded carpark for 68 cars, and an indoor sports facility.  

The NSW Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, which means a total program of $17.7 billion in public education infrastructure. 

Schools for specific purposes delivered by the NSW Government: 

1.    Ajuga School  

2.    Budawang School*  

3.    Campbell House School  

4.    Fernhill School  

5.    George Bass School 

6.    Glenfield Park School  

7.    Lucas Gardens School  

8.    Mainsbridge School 

9.    Parry School 

10. Passfield Park School 

11. Rowland Hassall School 

12. The Ponds School  

13. Tirriwirri School 

14. Wangee Park School 

15. Yandelora School 

16. Yawarra Community School  
* Delivered for 2023 

The Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) has attracted $43 billion worth of potential investments in response to a call for expressions of interest for large-scale energy and green manufacturing projects. 

Minister for Energy Matt Kean said 44 projects were registered – including offshore and onshore wind, solar, energy storage, pumped hydro, green hydrogen and green steel – potentially delivering 17 gigawatts of generation and storage capacity.  

“The response has been tremendous, with particularly strong interest in offshore wind, energy storage technologies and green hydrogen,” Mr Kean said.  

“The Illawarra REZ will help deliver cheap and reliable energy, power existing industries, support emerging industries to thrive and create thousands of new jobs in the future.”

Registered industry interest includes: 

• More than $35 billion in potential investment from 10 wind generation projects, with 8 located offshore, totalling 12.9 gigawatts of generation capacity; 
• 5 solar projects; 
• 16 energy storage projects including 11 batteries; 
• 4 pumped hydro projects; 
• 4 hydrogen production and two hydrogen electricity generation projects; and 
• 3 new load projects including green steel manufacturing. 

“This highlights the variety of large-scale energy projects being developed in the region, that will ensure the Illawarra plays a role as the powerhouse of the renewable energy economy,” Mr Kean said.

“The Illawarra has a proud history of manufacturing and the REZ will only build on this legacy, with ROI projects including emerging manufacturing industries such as green steel production.” 

The information provided through the ROI will be used by the Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) to inform the timing, capacity, design and location of the Illawarra REZ and is the first step in engaging with industry on its design.

EnergyCo will be engaging closely with industry, local government, local communities and other stakeholders as it progresses the design and delivery of the REZ. 

The Illawarra REZ is expected to be formally declared under the NSW Government’s Electricity Roadmap legislation by the end of 2022. 

A new nation-leading policy to help NSW reach net zero emission targets and deliver more comfortable and energy-efficient homes and buildings has been released today.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said this new Sustainable Buildings State Environmental Planning Policy sets new standards and is expected to reduce household energy bills, and ensure homes are naturally cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

“These new standards will drive more energy-efficient homes from Bondi to Broken Hill and beyond, with better design, better insulation and more sunlight,” Mr Kean said.

“People living in new high-rise apartments in suburban Sydney will save up to $150 a year, new Western Sydney homeowners will see a reduction of $720 a year, and our regional communities as much as $970 a year.

“NSW is also raising the bar with this first-of-its-kind policy in energy efficiency and sustainability for new offices and hotels. These updated standards will keep operating costs down for owners and tenants, and give them the assurance they got what they paid for.

“The policy will enable the NSW Government to collect critical data about building performance and greenhouse gas emissions. This will inform future benchmarks and ensure NSW keeps pace with the national trajectory for low-energy buildings.”

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the new SEPP sets standards for energy, water and thermal performance in new homes, and establishes provisions to create more sustainable non-residential buildings.      

“We recognise the importance of good design and sustainability in planning, that’s why we are progressing updates to our online Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) tool and introducing sustainability requirements for new commercial buildings,” Mr Roberts said.

“We need to ensure the places we live, work and stay in are more comfortable – all while we save people money on their power bills and contribute to our net zero target.”

Mr Roberts said the policy incorporates increased energy and thermal performance standards, and the introduction of a new index within BASIX to measure the greenhouse gas emissions produced in manufacturing residential building materials.

“It also introduces new energy and water standards for large commercial buildings, and requires these developments to demonstrate they are net-zero ready,” he said.

“We want to drive down emissions, saving around 260,000 tonnes a year of CO2 and helping reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
For more information, visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/sustainable-buildings-sepp

Communities and businesses across Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Illawarra are well on their way to securing an enduring, sustainable and resilient water supply after the NSW Government launched the Greater Sydney Water Strategy (GSWS) today.
 
Minister for Lands and Water, Kevin Anderson said the GSWS is a new approach to water security planning, that will support economic prosperity and underpin the growth, liveability and quality of life of the city.
 
“This is an unprecedented 20-year strategy designed to tackle the region’s water challenges – including droughts and a growing population – using the best possible mix of innovative water solutions,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“The GSWS is about being resilient, especially in the face of a more variable climate. Sydney’s population is set to grow to 7.1 million by 2041, which will put even more pressure on our water resources.
 
“The strategy makes it clear that we need to invest in additional water supply in the next 5 to10 years as well as improving  water efficiency and conservation, to make better use of all our water sources and assets.
 
It will also identify alternative pathways to increase  water supply options through reuse programs and additional water from desalination. 
 
“Water drives our economy and growth, maintains our parks and green spaces, sustains our health and wellbeing and supports a healthy environment. That’s why we’re planning and delivering new and resilient systems today to ensure Sydney continues to be green, liveable and prosperous.” 
 
The GSWS will deliver:  
 

• Improved water efficiency, leakage management and reuse programs to save Greater Sydney up to 49 billion litres of water every year by 2040;
• New flexible operating rules for the Sydney Desalination Plant that will enhance our resilience by allowing up to 20 extra billion litres of water per year to be produced – and more when needed;
• Options to expand the desalination plant, which could add another 90 billion litres per year, or a new desalination;
• Investment in treated re-use programs for watering trees, sports fields, cooling and greening the city, and industrial use; and  
• Smarter use of stormwater with integration into land use planning. This is already underway with the stormwater vision for the new Aerotropolis precinct. In a first for the State, stormwater will be managed across the entire landscape, diverted into natural water channels and wetlands, and then treated as recycled water to green and cool Sydney’s West. 

 
“The GSWS lays the groundwork for these, and many other exciting programs, initiatives and technologies, to start delivering big water wins for our city,” Mr Anderson said.  
 
The strategy assumes Warragamba Dam’s current storage is maintained.
 
“While Chris Minns and NSW Labor want to lower the supply level in Warragamba for flood mitigation, the Greater Sydney Water Strategy confirms this risks putting Sydney into severe water restrictions and even permanent drought,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“It would mean we have to start work today on at least two more desalination plants to meet the supply shortfall costing taxpayers $10 billion and adding up to $200 a year to their water bills.”
 
To read the Strategy and the Implementation Plan, visit:
https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/plans-and-programs/greater-sydney-water-strategy

Pensioners and other concession card holders can now pick up free rapid antigen tests (RATs) from any Service NSW Service Centre, Mobile Service Centre or Disaster Recovery Centre.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said from today eligible customers in NSW will now also be able to access up to 10 free RATs through Service NSW Centres, in addition to existing distribution points at more than 200 neighbourhood and community centres located across the State.

“Although we are heading out of winter, the risk of COVID-19 remains and we want to ensure RATs are easily accessible for pensioners and concession card holders,” Mr Dominello said.

“We are committed to supporting our local communities and helping to drive down the cost of living where we can for vulnerable people.”

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said this shows the Government’s continued commitment to keeping those most vulnerable to the virus safe.

“This roll-out is part of the NSW Government’s program to provide millions of free rapid antigen tests to ensure they are readily available to support our state’s most vulnerable,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said. 

“Eligible customers need to show Service NSW staff their Commonwealth concession card at any one of our 113 Service Centres, four Mobile Service Centres or Disaster Recovery Centres across the State.”

Minister for Multiculturalism and Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said this once again shows the NSW Government is ensuring no one is left behind, especially seniors.

“This builds upon our earlier commitment to pick up the Federal Government’s Concessional Access Program, which it dropped at the end of last month,” Mr Coure said.

“We are making sure we keep the pressure off as many people as possible by stepping up and filling the gap that really should have not been created in the first place.”

The program will run until the end of October 2022. Eligible Commonwealth Concession Card holders in NSW include:

• Pensioner Concession card
• Commonwealth Seniors Health Care card
• Health Care Card (including Low Income Health Care card)
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold, White or Orange cards.

 
For more information visit Free rapid antigen tests to support vulnerable communities | NSW Government or visit any Service NSW Service Centre.

More people sleeping rough will be helped into stable accommodation as the NSW Government increases its investment in tackling homeless.
 
The Supported Transition and Engagement Program (STEP) will be extended following a $20 million investment by the NSW Government.
 
Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said STEP was vital in supporting people experiencing homelessness find stable accommodation.
 
“We know that long-term accommodation is crucial for the welfare, health and wellbeing of vulnerable people,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“Once accommodation is secured through STEP individual issues can be addressed with assistance provided to access support services and to sustain housing.
 
“The flow on effects from stable housing are many – the feeling of security, improved mental health and the stability to apply for, and find, jobs.”
 
STEP has supported 103 people sleeping rough or experiencing secondary homelessness in inner city Sydney since it began in 2018.
 
Funded by the NSW Government, the program is a partnership between community housing provider Bridge Housing and Neami National, working in collaboration with Metro Community Housing and Women’s Housing Company.
 
Rebecca Pinkstone, Bridge Housing’s CEO said the funding boost would assist people with vital access to housing and supports.
 
“This initiative has proven to be life changing for people sleeping rough, helping them into stable accommodation and ensuring they sustain their tenancy,” Rebecca said.
 
Tenant Andrew was successfully supported into housing through the STEP in 2018 and has thrived.
 
 
“Having a home means everything to me because I have safety and security now,” Andrew said.
 
Operating on a ‘housing first’ model, it supports people into permanent housing and provides support that assists individuals or families to break the cycle of homelessness for good.

A new $25.3 million Cyber Security Operations Centre will safeguard NSW Police Force systems from terrorists, organised criminal networks and hackers.
 
In a joint project led by the NSW Police Force and Cyber Security NSW, the Australian-first operations centre will be made up of a frontline tactical team of 15 analysts and engineers working seven days a week.
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the Cyber Security Operations Centre would strengthen the Force’s cyber security defences by identifying and blocking threats in real time.
 
“The NSW Police Force holds a significant amount of sensitive data relating to local, national and international criminal investigations, and we know there are criminals who want to get their hands on this information,” Mr Toole said.
 
“Analysts in the Cyber Security Operations Centre Command respond to and prevent threats of disruption to the police network every day.
 
“These threats often come from organised crime networks or cyber criminals – and our investment in this Australian-first operations centre is about ensuring our analysts are equipped to stop them in their tracks.
 
“By protecting police systems, we are fundamentally protecting the people of NSW by allowing the Force to function securely and effectively, and ensure criminal investigations proceed unthwarted.”
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said it was vital NSW continued to push ahead with its vision to be a world leader in cyber security to protect and advance its digital economy.
 
“Now more than ever before, governments, people and businesses are at risk from ongoing cyber security threats and Cyber Security NSW is committed to working with government agencies to improve cyber resilience and ensure they are prepared,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“We are committed to developing an Australian-based cyber security workforce that is world-leading when it comes to taking on increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks.”
 
Since June 2020 the NSW Government has invested $315 million through the Digital Restart Fund to bolster the Government’s cyber security capability and grow the local cyber industry.
 
For more information about Cyber Security NSW, visit: https://www.digital.nsw.gov.au/policy/cyber-security

Technology trailblazers, legal professionals and community groups with innovative proposals to increase access to justice are being invited to apply for the latest round of the NSW Government’s Access to Justice Innovation Fund (AJIF) grants.
 
Attorney General Mark Speakman said AJIF grants totaling up to $250,000 are available to fund projects that can help resolve common legal problems and reduce barriers to justice.
 
“Making it easier for people, especially those in disadvantaged communities, to solve common legal problems quickly and easily is a key priority for the NSW Government,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“We know that technology and innovative approaches have an important role to play in supporting and enhancing access to justice.
 
“Over the past three years, we have seen some outstanding projects developed through the AJIF program that are now making a real difference to people’s lives.
 
“Providing innovators with the opportunity and the funding to enhance the way we do things in the justice space is an investment in our state’s future.”
 
AJIF grants are allocated to new, low cost, high impact projects that reduce barriers to the justice system, with a focus on communities experiencing disadvantage.
 
Projects can include those that aim:  
 

• to explore new approaches to the delivery of legal assistance services and the resolution of legal problems
• to help people to navigate and access the justice system
• to promote collaborative approaches to reducing barriers to justice
• to demonstrate how technology can improve access to, and user experience of, the justice system.

 
The AJIF was set up in 2018 as a four-year, $1 million project to support the development of innovative access to justice ideas.
 
 
Previous grant recipients include Justice Connect, the University of Sydney, the University of Newcastle and the Newcastle Women’s Domestic Violence Advocacy Service.
 
Applications for AJIF grants will close at 11.59pm on 28 October 2022.
 
More information is available here.