Category: NSW News

The official Bush Fire Danger Period starts today in 12 regions across NSW, as the new national Fire Danger Rating System takes effect across Australia.
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the upcoming bush fire season will be the first to incorporate the updated Fire Danger Rating System.
 
“The existing six ratings are being replaced with four – Moderate, High, Extreme and Catastrophic – so that the community can better understand the risks and make potentially life-saving decisions,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“The new system of ratings was developed using community research and updated fire behavior science, which until now, has remained unchanged for more than 50 years.
 
“Grass fires can move three times faster than bush fires and are our greatest threat this season, which is why all communities in regional and rural NSW should take the necessary steps to become familiar with the Fire Danger Rating System.”
 
The 12 regions commencing their Bush Fire Danger Period today are Clarence Valley, Coffs Coast, Far North Coast, Far South Coast, Hunter Valley, Liverpool Range, Lower North Coast, Mid Coast, New England, Northern Rivers, Northern Tablelands and Shoalhaven.
 
NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers said continuous, heavy rainfall across many parts of NSW has led to an increase in the growth of fuel loads.
 
“Over the coming weeks and months, we are particularly concerned about the likelihood of grass and crop fires as the State starts to dry out,” Commissioner Rogers said.
 
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter urged residents to familiarise themselves with the new fire danger ratings system to protect the irreplaceable.
 
“Our main priority is to protect life. So please help us to help you and know what actions you will take if a bush fire does threaten your life and property this season,” Commissioner Baxter said.
 
National Parks and Wildlife Service Executive Director Naomi Stevens reminded residents to be aware of fire danger ratings especially if planning on bush walking or camping in national parks.
 
“It’s important to know the risk of where you live and also where you’re visiting, and be aware of any closures to parks on days of increased fire danger,” Ms Stevens said.
 
Forestry Corporation Chief Forester Ross Dickson said many people love to get out of the house and enjoy nature over the warmer months, like four wheel driving, walking dogs and taking picnics.
 
“Please take some time to plan ahead, be aware of the conditions especially as the weather warms up and remember during total fire bans no flames are allowed in the state’s forests,” Dr Dickson said.
 
Landholders who want to light a fire during the Bush Fire Danger Period are required to obtain a permit, in addition to notifying their local fire authority and neighbours 24 hours before lighting up.
 
Information about fire permits, required notifications and hazard reduction burning is available at: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP.
 
To make a bush fire survival plan, visit: www.myfireplan.com.au. 

NSW Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson has joined with key stakeholders to ensure the staffing crisis facing the hospitality sector is a priority at the upcoming Jobs and Skills Summit in Canberra.

Mr Anderson said the hospitality sector was one of the hardest hit by the COVID pandemic and as we look to the future, solving the staffing crisis must be a priority.

“I welcome the Jobs and Skills Summit being held in Canberra and am calling on the Commonwealth Government and all in attendance to address the staffing issue in hospitality as a matter of priority,” Mr Anderson said.

“These businesses suffered the most during the COVID pandemic and now, as the community is regaining the confidence to return to venues, we need to find a solution to issues around staffing and empower them to stay open and continue serving their communities.”

Australian Hotels Association NSW CEO John Whelan said the hospitality sector in NSW has been suffering from worker shortages.

“There’s been a chronic shortage of hospitality workers in NSW for a long time – and that’s only been exacerbated by the pandemic,” Mr Whelan said.

“It’s good to see the issue on the national agenda after years of inaction and particularly pleasing to see the AHA representing the hotel sector at the summit.”

Clubs NSW CEO Josh Landis said worker shortages are hurting clubs in NSW.

“There are tens of thousands of vacant hospitality jobs across the country and the worker shortage is having a devastating impact on not-for-profit clubs,” Mr Landis said.

“Clubs are crying out for workers, with many having to close their restaurants or alter their opening hours because they simply don’t have enough staff to operate at full capacity. 

“This matter is urgent and it requires decisive action by the Federal Government. Overseas job seekers should be allowed to complete their application and appointment process prior to arriving in Australia in order to provide relief to hospitality businesses, fast. 

“While we welcome this week’s jobs and skills summit, if we don’t find a solution to get workers here soon, it will have been for nothing.”

Restaurants and Caterers Association CEO Belinda Clarke staffing shortages are hurting the hospitality sector and called on the Summit to address the issue.

“The Jobs and Skills Summit needs to come back with practical solutions that will alleviate one of the worst staffing shortages this country has faced in decades,” Ms Clarke said.

“Whilst we’re concerned about the lack of hospitality voices at the summit, we are all still hoping that there will be more action than talk when it comes to tackling this enormous skills and staffing crisis the industry faces.

“We will need to see more support for local jobs as well more support for people looking to come to this country from overseas to work here or we will risk losing more and more businesses and all the problems that brings.”

Venues offering live entertainment will be able to stay open later, as part of a three month trial of the State’s first special entertainment precinct at Enmore Rd in Sydney’s inner west.
 
Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said Inner West Council’s trial will run from September to November and aims to support live music and further promote Enmore Rd to be a thriving entertainment and cultural precinct.
 
“The NSW Government is pleased to support this trial which will see venues in the Enmore Rd precinct that offer live music and other entertainment, able to stay open an extra 30 minutes,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“Liquor & Gaming NSW has partnered with the council to extend liquor trading for participating venues, ensuring patrons can indulge in their favourite tipple as they enjoy listening to a live band or singer later into the night.”
 
Some venues may also be eligible for a 60-minute liquor trading extension, if they already have planning approval to keep their doors open later.
 
Mr Anderson said the trial is all about getting more people out enjoying live entertainment in this precinct later at night.
 
“We want to see the NSW night-time economy grow while ensuring it’s diverse safe and inclusive. A strong, vibrant live music scene is critical to a strong, vibrant night time economy,” Mr Anderson said.
 
Mr Anderson said special entertainment precincts are part of a new pilot program with input from the Department of Planning, Hospitality and Racing, Office of Local Government, Office of the 24-Hour Commissioner and NSW Police.
 
“All live music and performance venues are eligible for an 80 per cent discount on their annual liquor licence fees, under the 24-hour economy reforms, providing thousands of dollars in savings,” Mr Anderson said.
 
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said this announcement builds on a series of recent changes made to the planning system to boost entertainment and live music across the State.
 
“From extending alfresco dining measures for another 18 months, allowing businesses to host performances without additional approval and making it easier to convert shops into small art venues – we are committed to giving the hospitality industry greater certainty to recharge the economy and lift community spirits,” Mr Roberts said.

The designs for the $750 million new Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Hospital have been released, showcasing the biggest transformation in the hospital’s 140-year history.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government’s investment in RPA will deliver first-class health care to the local community, with state-of-the-art health facilities in a new building as well as an upgrade of existing spaces.
 
“This major redevelopment of RPA is part of the Liberal and National Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over four years right across NSW, ensuring everyone receives the very best health care possible,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“This is the most significant investment in RPA’s 140-year history and will support excellent health care for the 700,000 people who live in Sydney Local Health District and the more than 1 million people who visit it for work, study or to see loved ones.”
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the new hospital was fast-tracked as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan and will be delivered a year ahead of schedule.
 
The designs will now be taken on a roadshow via a series of presentations and pop-up stalls where the community can provide feedback.
 
“Importantly, Health Infrastructure has consulted extensively with clinicians, staff, patients, consumers and the local community, to ensure the redevelopment meets the healthcare needs of the rapidly growing area both now and in the future,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“Now is the opportunity to have a say in the final design for one of Australia’s leading hospitals, renowned for its excellence in providing innovative health care and education.”
 
Led by Health Infrastructure and Sydney Local Health District, in partnership with the Government Architect NSW, a competition saw three leading architects invited to present their designs for the RPA campus. Bates Smart, Neeson Murcutt + Neille  were announced the winning team and have been incorporated into the project to work alongside Jacobs, the lead architect for the hospital redevelopment.
 
Following further consultation and design development, the plans will be lodged with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment via a State Significant Development Application.
 
When complete, the RPA Redevelopment will deliver:

• Expanded and enhanced Emergency Department and Intensive Care Units
• State-of-the-art operating theatres and interventional cardiology
• Expanded and improved adult inpatient accommodation
• Increased interventional and imaging services
• Expanded women’s ambulatory and neonatology services
• Facilities and capabilities for integrated research, education and training
• Additional adult and paediatric inpatient beds

 
Enabling works began last year and main works construction is due to begin in coming months.
 
To view the designs and to provide feedback visit the RPA project: www.rparedevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au 
 
Construction is also underway on a RPA HealthOne at Green Square, which will deliver a range of services focused on early intervention, health promotion and prevention including services that would traditionally be provided in a hospital setting at RPA. 

Sydney Metro has received the green light for tunnelling between The Bays and Sydney CBD, completing plans for the 24 kilometre twin tunnels from Westmead to Hunter Street in the heart of the city.
 
Minister for Planning and Homes Anthony Roberts said planning approval has been granted for Sydney Metro to deliver 3.5 kilometre twin tunnels from The Bays into the CBD, under Johnstons Bay and Darling Harbour, as well as excavating Pyrmont and Hunter Street stations.
 
“Two major tunnelling contracts have been awarded for tunnelling between Westmead and The Bays.” Mr Roberts said.
 
“Starting at The Bays, tunnel boring machines will cross under the harbour, alongside Anzac Bridge, before heading to the new Pyrmont Station, then under Darling Harbour before reaching Hunter Street Station in the Sydney CBD.”
 
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said we are another step closer to delivering world-class transport infrastructure for the people of NSW.
 
“This is the final tunnel section for the new 24 kilometre metro line on this game changing project that will double rail capacity between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.” Mr Elliott said.
 
“Sydney Metro West will significantly cut crowding on three major train lines, take tens of thousands of cars off the roads every day and support the creation of 10,000 direct and 70,000 indirect jobs in western Sydney.”
 
Sydney Metro has shortlisted three consortia to deliver the third and final tunnelling section between The Bays and Sydney CBD. This tunnelling package is expected to be awarded in late 2022.
 
Future planning approvals for Sydney Metro West will consider rail infrastructure, station buildings and precincts and over and adjacent station development at various locations. These will be subject to further community and stakeholder engagement.
 
Construction started on Sydney Metro West in 2020, with the project on track to be completed by 2030. In 2030, Sydney will have a network of four metro lines, 46 stations and 113 kilometres of new metro rail.

The Victorian and New South Wales Governments today announced a major partnership to expand urgent care services across both states, in a move to further try and ease record demand on busy emergency departments following COVID-19.
 
Victoria and NSW will each establish 25 urgent care services in partnership with General Practitioners (GPs) bringing the total number of services across both states to 50.
 
The services will help ease pressure on emergency departments, give people faster care for urgent but non-critical conditions and free up critical resources for patients with more serious needs.
 
The GP-partnered services will be well equipped to handle conditions such as mild infections, fractures and burns.
 
Services will operate for extended hours and patients will not be charged for services provided by GPs. Patients without a Medicare card will also be able to access services, free of charge.
 
These new services will be commissioned in partnership with Primary Health Networks, with locations determined following consideration of population, community needs and emergency department demand.
 
As part of the package in Victoria, 10 centres will be established to partner with Frankston Hospital, Bendigo Hospital, Casey Hospital, Albury Wodonga Health, Austin Hospital, Alfred Hospital, Dandenong Hospital, Latrobe Regional Hospital, Werribee Mercy Hospital and Box Hill Hospital. Another 10 Victorian locations will be announced soon.
 
This builds on the Victorian Government’s recent $14.3 million investment to establish and run five new Priority Primary Care Centres (PPCCs) with the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Northern Hospital Epping, Sunshine Hospital, Monash Medical Centre Clayton and Grampians Health Ballarat. 
 
Victorian emergency departments are the busiest they have ever been, with presentations hitting a record 486,701 in the most recent quarter – an increase of 5.1 per cent from the previous quarter.
 
The Victorian Government is delivering a range of initiatives to establish more care outside the hospital system, including the expansion of the Virtual ED and Better at Home programs, as well as 30 state-funded GP respiratory clinics.
 
NSW has recently established partnerships with GPs and Primary Health Networks in Western Sydney, the Murrumbidgee, Northern Sydney and Western NSW which aim to reduce the number of people presenting to emergency departments by providing community based, patient centred, urgent care.
 
The locations of future urgent care services in NSW will be delivered where there is greatest need, based on the demands experienced by hospital emergency departments, including where services can be scaled up quickly.
 
NSW emergency departments see more than 3 million patient presentations each year. During the first quarter of 2022, there were 734,704 attendances at emergency departments, with hospitals throughout the state continuing to experience sustained, high demand for emergency care.
 
NSW has implemented a range of initiatives to ensure people can access the right care at the right time to improve their health outcomes, as well as free up our emergency departments for patients who require critical care.
 
These include a secondary triage program in partnership with residential aged care facilities and NSW Ambulance, expansion of virtual care and the statewide Planned Care for Better Health program, which aims to reduce hospital admission for patients with complex medical issues.

The historic Newtown School of Arts will be upgraded into a fit-for-purpose modern facility for the State’s next generation of creatives thanks to a $2 million investment through the NSW Government’s Creative Capital Program.

Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the funding will see a new 200-seat theatre, cabaret, and music venue; a 50-seat theatre for the development of new work; upgraded artist studios, incubator spaces and creative meeting rooms, and a new café.

“This investment from the NSW Government will help modernise the internal school space while creating secure employment opportunities for 900 artists,” Mr Franklin said.

“The upgraded facilities will allow the school to host spectacular productions and will provide a suitable space for our next generation of creatives to hone their craft and develop exciting new works for the community to enjoy.

“Cultural equity is at the heart of the NSW Government’s Creative Capital program, and thanks to the $72 million investment, more projects like this can realise their ambition of providing more people with access to world-class arts and culture.”

Director of the Newtown School of Arts Bruce Turner thanked the NSW Government for the funding saying the investment will ensure the school serves the arts community for years to come.

“An upgraded creative space enhances our ability to support new, emerging, and established Australian artists while delivering a positive economic impact for the local area,” Mr Turner said.

“This is a very significant investment from the NSW Government and we are very grateful for their support.”

Further details on the Creative Capital program are available on the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au.

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