Category: NSW News

The NSW Government has today revealed the details of a $300 million plan to fast-track the delivery of essential infrastructure and unlock tens of thousands of homes across the state.
 
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet announced 41 councils experiencing high growth will be able to apply for a share of the latest round of the Accelerated Infrastructure Fund (AIF).
 
“The NSW Government’s successful AIF program is being extended for a third round, to help councils roll out critical infrastructure projects that support the delivery of much needed new homes,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“It’s about getting keys in doors and giving people the opportunity to own their own home. To be able to unlock land and increase supply, our State needs the vital infrastructure in place to allow community growth – this includes roads, sewerage systems, stormwater drains and parks.”
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said 23 of the 41 eligible councils were in the regions, demonstrating the NSW Government’s commitment to helping eliminate housing pressures right across the state.
 
“When you build a house, you’ve got to lay the foundations first. This funding lays the foundations to unlock more land and build thousands of homes in the communities where they’re needed the most,” Mr Toole said.
 
“It builds on the investment we’re making right across regional NSW to help fast-track construction of new homes and ease housing pressures as communities grow.” 
 
Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said AIF round three will help support both immediate and anticipated population growth.
 
“This is a great program that has delivered excellent results to date, so I’m thrilled to see this package being extended,” Mr Kean said.
 
“Since 2020, the AIF program has supported 38 local infrastructure projects across eight Sydney councils, supporting more than 100,000 new homes and creating around 3,220 jobs.”
 
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the investment is part of a suite of end-to-end measures aimed at putting downward pressure on house prices and making home ownership a reality for more people in NSW.
 
“This is a great example of State and Local Government working together to accelerate projects that stimulate the economy, fast-track new properties, and create jobs,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“Our $2.8 billion housing package announced in this year’s State Budget will help us pave the way for hundreds of thousands of new homes over the next four years.”
 
Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said councils were the engine room of these growing communities, and are best placed to work with the State Government in making them sustainable and affordable.
 
“Councils have the grassroots community knowledge needed to ensure our future homes, facilities and parks flourish. Partnering with councils for the Accelerated Infrastructure Fund is going to achieve targeted, local outcomes as a result.”
 
Twenty-three regional councils will be able to apply for a share of $120 million, and $180 million is available for 18 eligible metropolitan councils in Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle and Wollongong.
 
To learn more about AIF visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Accelerated-Infrastructure-Fund

Schools across NSW will be enjoying hundreds of thousands of maintenance projects thanks to an additional $1.2 billion being invested by the NSW Government through the 2022/23 NSW Budget. 

This program will priorities painting, fencing and gate repairs, floor renewal and window and door repairs as part of a $2.2 billion investment over the next four years.  

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said all public schools across NSW will benefit. 

“I want every student, no matter where they live, to have safe and comfortable learning environments and I know this funding helps keep our schools at a world class level,” Ms Mitchell said. 

“The Liberals and Nationals Government is committed to providing students with high quality learning facilities. We are delivering a record number of new and upgraded schools while maintaining our existing 2,200 schools across the state.  

“These planned maintenance projects can be minor in nature but feedback from schools continues to highlight the difference a coat of paint or laying new carpet can have on student learning environments.” 

As part of this investment, 50 additional Asset Service Officers will be recruited to help keep school grounds safe and well maintained – tasks which currently take up a great deal of principals’ time. 

“I want our principals to be able to focus on their core roles. This investment will support efforts to remove administrative tasks from their workload.” 

Planned maintenance is an annual program developed for every school in NSW. The program also uses the Local Trade Scheme, offering local tradies the opportunity to take on jobs valued up to $50,000.  

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 $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, a program of $17.7 billion in public education infrastructure.

A first-of-its-kind plan that protects important biodiversity and koala populations, while supporting more than 73,000 new homes in Western Sydney, has been finalised by the NSW Government.
 
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan (CPCP) represented a clear vision for Western Sydney, carefully balancing the environment with the delivery of new housing, jobs and infrastructure.
 
“This is one of the largest strategic conservation plans to be undertaken in Australia, setting the standard for streamlining development processes in growth areas, without sacrificing essential conservation considerations,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“The CPCP will provide all the necessary state biodiversity approvals upfront for more than 11,000 hectares of land. Having those approvals in place from the get-go for landholders will result in more homes being built faster.”
 
Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin said the plan was the first strategic biodiversity certification under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
 
“Western Sydney is home to an incredibly diverse variety of plants and animals, including one of the state’s healthiest koala populations, as well as some rare species only found in the Cumberland Plain, such as the Cumberland Plain Woodland and the Cumberland Plain Land Snail,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“This plan is an important step in ensuring the long-term protection of these species, working alongside the programs in the NSW Koala Strategy to conserve local biodiversity values.
 
“The plan has now been submitted to the Australian Government and, if approved, federal biodiversity approvals will be provided up front as well to reduce the administrative burden on local development.”
 
The final plan incorporates advice provided by the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer, regarding the protection of koala populations. This includes establishing koala corridors, restoring habitat, installing exclusion fencing, and constructing two crossings to enable koala movement across Appin Road.
 
It also includes a dedicated reserve to be managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, to protect and restore up to 1,830 hectares of koala habitat along the Georges River, with the first land dedications having already been made in April this year.  
 
As part of the finalisation, a ‘What We Heard’ report has been released publicly, summarising the feedback received during the exhibition period.
 
In total, the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan has 26 commitments and 131 actions which, by 2056, will see the protection of more than 11,500 hectares of conservation land, including connection, restoration, and preservation of at least 5,325 hectares of threatened native vegetation, to offset development impacts.
 
For more information about the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan, visit: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/cumberlandplainconservationplan

Emergency response on major motorways will be significantly improved with an amendment to the road rules which will allow all emergency service vehicles, including those driven by volunteers, to legally and safely use U-turn bays.
 
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the amendment to Road Rule 317 will bring emergency services organisations like the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and State Emergency Service (SES) into line with other first responders across the State.
 
“Amending the road rules means emergency service workers will be able to legally and safely use U-turn bays on major motorways when responding to incidents. This is just another step we are taking to help support our emergency services who are out there saving lives and livelihoods,” Mrs Ward said.
 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the road rule change will keep both emergency service personnel and other road users safe.
 
“This important amendment makes it clear that all emergency service workers, whether it be Police, paramedics, Fire and Rescue NSW, RFS or SES, are legally allowed to use U-turn bays, which puts other drivers on notice to give way,” Mr Farraway said.
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said it was important for emergency service organisations to have this capacity and clarity to act faster.
 
“Our emergency service agencies respond to all matter of incidents on motorways, particularly car crashes, and it’s vital they are able to respond quickly and safely,” Ms Cooke said.
 
RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said the new road rule will cut down the time it takes for volunteers to respond to emergencies along the State’s motorways.
 
“The RFS has been championing this amendment for some time and I’m pleased we can now give our firefighters the confidence they need to respond to emergencies while following the road rules,” Commissioner Rogers said.
 
SES Commissioner Carlene York said the change will assist volunteers in responding to life-threatening situations.
 
“The SES is pleased to see this change coming into effect to ensure our teams are able to respond safely to emergencies,” Commissioner York said.
 
RFS Association President Scott Campbell said the amendment is a big boost for volunteers.
 
“This rule change is what our volunteers needed to ensure that they are legally permitted to use U-turn bays when responding to fires and car crashes, cutting down on response times and potentially saving lives,” Mr Campbell said.
 
The Road Rule change will be gazetted and take effect in the coming weeks.

The F1 Circular Quay to Manly route is set to be boosted with an extra 30 services per week following the re-introduction of Freshwater ferries to the weekday timetable.
 
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the re-introduction of the beloved ferries not only delivered commuters additional services but also brought back an iconic tourist attraction to Sydney Harbour.
 
“As we head into the warmer months the demand for the F1 services increases and the re-introduction of the Freshwaters gives tourists, ferry enthusiasts and commuters additional travel options between Manly and the city,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“There is a huge amount of local passion for the Freshwater ferries and having them back in service on weekdays gives commuters and visitors more opportunities to experience the beautiful harbour from one of these iconic ferries.”
 
“Operating the Freshwaters and the Second-Generation Emerald Class vessels side-by-side on Sydney Harbour showcases these iconic vessels alongside our modern fleet,” Mr Elliott said.
 
Member for Manly James Griffin said: “Having the Freshwater ferries servicing Manly seven days a week alongside the faster Emerald boat for commuters is the right balance and a great outcome.”
 
Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said one of the Freshwater vessels, MV Collaroy or MV Freshwater, would be in service from Monday to Sunday with a two-hour service frequency which allows commuters and visitors to choose their preferred ferry to cross the harbour.
 
“Transport for NSW will be refurbishing the MV Queenscliff which will be re-introduced to service next year to replace the MV Collaroy. A plan for the retirement and disposal of the MV Collaroy and MV Narrabeen is currently in development, including community consultation for potential repurposing of the vessels.” Mr Collins said.

Construction is underway on global software giant Atlassian’s 39-storey headquarters, which will anchor the Tech Central precinct and spearhead NSW’s innovation engine.
 
The NSW Government, in partnership with Atlassian, Dexus and YHA, announced that construction had commenced on the project, which is expected to be open in 2027.
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said the NSW Government was excited to kick off construction on the award-winning concept, which incorporates a hybrid timber design and will be the tallest of its kind in the world.
 
“We are incredibly proud to see Atlassian’s Australian HQ come to life at Tech Central, progressing our goal of delivering the world’s most sustainable, inclusive and creative innovation precinct,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“This iconic building will play a vital role in supporting NSW talent attraction and retention efforts and become a beacon for the technology industry.
 
“In a fierce global skills market, on its completion the building will boost our market competitiveness and welcome 5,000 future technology and supporting industry jobs, in addition to creating over 800 construction jobs.”
 
Atlassian Co-Founder and Co-CEO Scott Farquhar said the company was adapting to a new way of work since COVID-19, with the new office to play a unique role as the company reimagines traditional office spaces and how work gets done.
 
“We’ve been involved in the Tech Central vision from day one. Today marks a big milestone for us as we edge closer to constructing our new tower. Atlassian is built on bright ideas, strong values, and great teamwork, and we can’t wait to see this come to life in Atlassian Central,” Mr Farquhar said.
 
The first anchor tenant, Atlassian, will be joined by Afterpay, Canva, ROKT and Safety Culture in supporting the activation of the Tech Central precinct.
 
The development will provide 20 per cent of the 25,000 additional innovation jobs target, and over 20 per cent of the 250,000 square metres of space for technology companies across the precinct.
 
The mixed-use headquarters will offer an impressive and inclusive range of functions to cater for the workforce of tomorrow, with other floors of the building spanning retail, dining and affordable accommodation.
 
Dexus has reached agreement with Atlassian to fund, develop and invest in Atlassian Central.
 
Dexus CEO Darren Steinberg said today marks a significant milestone in Dexus’s partnership with Atlassian to deliver their Australian Headquarters.
 
“The world’s greatest city-shaping precincts are achieved through collaborative partnerships. This is a unique opportunity for Dexus and Atlassian to create a global leading workplace that challenges the status quo, with new benchmarks in sustainability and smart buildings,” Mr Steinberg said.
 
YHA CEO Paul McGrath echoed excitement for the commencement of construction.
 
“At YHA, we pride ourselves on providing spaces that facilitate social connection, discovery and creativity. Digital nomads in Australia are continuing to increase and are positioned in the heart of Atlassian’s building, creating a unique and sustainable space that aligns with not only the needs of the modern traveller but also our values,” Mr McGrath said.
 
For more information on the building visit atlassiancentral.com.au.

The early childhood workforce is set to boom with the NSW Government committing 25,000 fee-free training places to bolster the pipeline of skilled and job-ready workers for the early learning and care sector.

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the fee-free courses will help people upskill and boost budgets by removing barriers to accessing quality vocational education and training.

“This investment in fee-free courses enables you to get a job in an incredibly rewarding industry, study for free and earn while you learn,” Mr Henskens said.

“People who are already working in the industry can also upskill if they enrol in courses this year, and bolster their qualifications so they can take on new roles as early learning educators.”

A wide range of full and part qualifications are available, including Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.

These courses provide pathways to employment including early childhood educator and educator in before and after school care programs.

Last year more than 11,000 people undertook early childhood education training, supporting the sustainable pipeline of educators and teachers for tomorrow.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Government’s revolutionary Early Years Commitment will create jobs growth and opportunities for people to explore a career in early childhood education.

“Our investment in early learning will transform the education system, create jobs and secure a brighter future for NSW families,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Parents know the value of a high quality and reliable early childhood service for their child’s future, and this government is leading the country in delivering that for all NSW families.”

More information about courses and eligibility is available online.

The New South Wales Government’s $60 million Aviation Attraction Fund has secured another airline partner with Japan Airlines committing to two new flights per week from Tokyo International Airport to Sydney from October 2022.

Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said that Japan is a significant trade partner for NSW with huge potential for future growth.

“NSW is ready to welcome more Japanese visitors to our shores and more airline seats will play a vital role in achieving this outcome. Through this new daily Japan Airlines offering from Sydney to Haneda Airport, we can confidently rebuild and exceed pre-pandemic levels of visitation from Japan,” Mr Franklin said.

“Having just established a trade hub in the heart of Tokyo we have committed to an even stronger relationship, and it’s exciting to see more opportunities for a greater number of visitors to NSW in the months ahead.”

Ross Leggett, Deputy Senior Vice President – Route Marketing, International Relations and Alliances at Japan Airlines said he was delighted to partner with the NSW Government and Sydney Airport in the shared goal of increasing the number of visitors to NSW, not only from Japan, but from across the airline’s global network. 

“This year marks the 53^rd year of Japan Airlines’ uninterrupted services between Tokyo and Sydney and, with this partnership, we intend to continue in our mission to deliver unparalleled levels of service, comfort and security to all our guests,” Mr Leggett said.

Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert said that Japan has long been one of our most important and popular routes. 

“We’re delighted to support the recovery of this route through our co-investment with the NSW Government’s aviation attraction fund,” Mr Culbert said.

The NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 identifies Japan as a top 10 core market and prior to COVID-19, Japan ranked 5^th in NSW for visitors, and 7^thfor nights and expenditure.

In the year ending December 2019, NSW welcomed 202,000 Japanese visitors, who stayed 3.4 million nights and spent an estimated $385 million.

“The NSW Government opened applications for the Aviation Attraction Fund program in February with the aim of building aviation capacity across the state,” Mr Franklin said.

“Sydney is the gateway to NSW, so supporting the return of airline routes through the Aviation Attraction Fund will be key to our recovery roadmap and achieving our goal of making NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.

“Japanese visitors will make a strong contribution to the NSW Government’s goal of $65 billion in visitor expenditure by 2030 and its vision to make NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.”

The Aviation Attraction Fund, managed by Destination NSW on behalf of the NSW Government, is open until 30 June 2023. For more information or to submit an application visit www.destinationnsw.com.au/aviation-attraction 

A new digital system for survey plans will deliver $300 million in productivity savings for NSW with property owners, buyers and sellers to benefit from a completely digital land titles system.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government said the new digital system followed the successful move to digitise the conveyancing process in October 2021 which reduced costs, saved time and eliminated most risks associated with human error.

“Survey plans have defined land boundaries in NSW for more than 200 years and despite surveyors using the latest measurement technology, the creationand registration of survey plans tends to go back to a paper-based process,” Mr Dominello said.

“We are now taking steps to move survey plans online and mandate 100 per cent online lodging with the new digital system NSW Land Registry Services Connect by the second half of 2023.

“This is the final piece in the puzzle to make it an end-to-end paperless process, improving the quality of survey plans and enabling approvals to be faster.

“Over the next three decades the new system will save around $10 million per year for the NSW economy by reducing associated holding costs for the delivery of new land parcels and strata lots and reducing the time and costs spent on rectifying errors on survey plans.”

Mr Dominello said NSW LRS Connect was already available to Registered Land Surveyors and would be open to other industry stakeholders such as legal practitioners and conveyancers later this year, to assist in the preparation and lodging of survey plans.

“By transitioning from paper to digital survey plans we are ensuring the process of creating survey plans to registration is more secure, transparent and efficient,” Mr Dominello said

“We welcome the Industry Consultative Committee’s ongoing advice and guidance on this reform, including the Association of Consulting Surveyors NSW, Institution of Surveyors NSW, Australian Institute of Conveyancers NSW, Law Society of NSW, NSW Land Registry Services and relevant local and state government entities”.

For more information visit: https://www.registrargeneral.nsw.gov.au/land-boundaries/digital-survey-plans

The assessment of a proposed flight training centre for Qantas and global aviation training leader CAE will be expedited after being declared State Significant.
 
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes said the proposed facility, if approved, would provide training for up to 4,500 Qantas and Jetstar pilots and cabin crew each year.
 
“The NSW Government is a proud supporter of Australia’s aviation industry, and efforts like this will help strengthen capability and ensures NSW and Sydney remain the country’s global travel hub,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“Our $60 million Aviation Attraction Fund is securing routes, creating jobs and promoting visitor expenditure to accelerate our COVID-19 Road to Recovery, and cement NSW as the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.”
 
The NSW Government has declared the proposal as State Significant, in recognition of its potential widespread economic benefits and importance to the aviation industry.
 
“If approved, this flight training facility will help train future generations and get more pilots in the air, so we’ve declared it State Significant to speed up its assessment,” Mr Roberts said.
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said a new training facility will help retain jobs and attract more skilled employees to NSW, as major new non-stop global services are launched from Sydney.
 
“A new state-of-the-art simulator and training centre will bring a big business boost to the state, not only as the facility is built but as the pilots of tomorrow are given the skills and training they need for these exciting new routes,” Mr Henskens said.
 
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce welcomed the Government’s declaration.
 
“Qantas has trained its pilots and crew in Sydney for more than half a century and we look forward to bringing this critical function back to New South Wales with this custom-built facility.”
 
“Sydney will be the launch city for our non-stop flights to London and New York, and will now be the home of pilot training for the A350s, which will operate these flights from 2025.
 
“We’d like to thank the NSW Government for its support for this world-class facility, which will generate broader economic benefits for the state.”
 
With the project declared State Significant, the applicant will be required to lodge its application with the Department of Planning and Environment for rigorous assessment, which will include community consultation.