Category: NSW News

The NSW Government is encouraging councils to apply for the latest round of the Fixing Country Roads program to help enhance the productivity of the State’s farming, manufacturing and freight sectors. 
 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the new round of the $543 million program will focus on shovel-ready projects that will deliver immediate benefits to communities.
 
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals are improving the State’s freight connections so food, produce and raw materials can be transported more quickly and cost effectively, ensuring produce gets to market and the economy keeps moving, not only now but well into the future,” Mr Farraway said.
 
“We want projects that build better, safer roads and bridges with higher speed and load limits that improve access for freight on the local and regional road network.
 
“Every 100km out of a truck driver’s way costs over $300, so helping councils to build the infrastructure that reduces travel times for industry will ultimately reduce costs for families.”
The Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) has supported the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Roads Program and has a been an advocate for increasing funding for rural and regional roads.
LBRCA President Wade Lewis said that this program has enabled operators to reduce transport costs and increase the overall productivity and safety of the industry and the communities that they service.
“The NSW Fixing Country Roads funding provides an economic and productivity edge for the agricultural and heavy vehicle transport sector to achieve better outcomes for NSW businesses and communities, which are reliant on efficient, cost-effective and safe road freight services,” said Mr Lewis.
 
Since 2014, over 80 regional NSW councils have received $462.5 million to carry out more than 320 individual projects, 260 of which have now been completed. 
 
When all projects funded to date are completed, the Fixing Country Roads program will have provided an additional 1,889 kilometres of sealed road, saving $8.55 million in reduced maintenance costs for councils.   
 
Applications under the new round of Fixing Country Roads can be made until 5pm Friday 14 October. See nswroads.work/fixingcountryroads

The latest designs for the state-of-the-art Ambulatory Care Building, part of the $740 million St George Hospital redevelopment, have been unveiled.
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the new images provide the community with a preview of the hospital’s Stage 3 redevelopment, which recently received a $26 million funding boost in the 2022-23 State Budget.
 
“The St George community has a very bright future when it comes to health care, with this $411 million Ambulatory Care Building set to deliver first-class health services very soon,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“The Integrated Ambulatory Care Precinct brings together a range of ambulatory, outpatient and community health services under the one roof, making care more accessible for patients and ultimately improving health outcomes.”
 
The designs showcase the new building on Kensington Street and the public forecourt area, which will become the new main entrance for the hospital, as well as the building façade, landscaping and how it integrates with the existing hospital campus.
 
Building on the concept designs released in March this year, the latest designs have been refined following an extensive consultation process and have been lodged as part of the State planning application for the project.
 
Member for Oatley Mark Coure said over 300 meetings with the community, clinicians, hospital staff and consumers have helped inform the development of the hospital’s design, which will provide state-of-the-art health services and facilities closer to home for Sydney’s southern communities.
 
“The new facilities and models of care that the NSW Government is delivering for our community will support the health of our residents for decades to come,” Mr Coure said.
 
“I encourage local residents to view the latest designs for their local hospital and find out more about the exciting services and facilities this project is delivering.”
 
The new redevelopment will include:

• Outpatient, ambulatory and integrated care services
• Pathology specimen collection
• New day rehabilitation unit
• Increased sub-acute and rehabilitation inpatient beds
• Sub-acute aged care unit
• Behavioural management unit
• Acquired brain injury unit
• Palliative care
• Surgical services with refurbished operating theatres
• Enhanced diagnostic imaging (medical imaging and nuclear medicine)
• New Clinical Skills Centre
• Additional parking facilities.

 
The Stage 3 redevelopment includes an additional $26 million funding boost which will deliver a new underground carpark within the basement levels of the new Ambulatory Care Building.

Significant progress has already been made on preparation of the site for main works.

Work is also progressing on the perioperative refurbishment project with four of the eight operating theatres completed in June. The remaining works, including four procedure rooms, will be completed progressively by mid-2023.

The $411 million Integrated Ambulatory Care Precinct (Stage 3) brings the NSW Government’s total investment at St George Hospital to more than $740 million, with previous projects including the $277 million Acute Services Building, new $43.7 million emergency department, and $11.5 million birth suite and theatre refurbishment.

The NSW Government is investing a record $11.9 billion in health infrastructure across the state over the coming four years to 2025-26. Since 2011, the NSW Government has delivered more than 180 hospitals and health facilities across the state, with more than 130 currently underway.

Artist impressions of the $411 million St George Hospital – Stage 3 can be viewed here with the new facilities expected to open for patients in 2025.

For more information about the St George redevelopment click here. 

A chlamydia vaccine for koalas could increase the species’ resistance to the potentially fatal disease in a trial in south-west Sydney, which is part of an almost $1.7 million NSW Koala Strategy investment across the region.
 
Minister for Environment James Griffin said the focus of the vaccine trial is to help protect the species in the south-west Sydney region, home to one of the few growing koala populations in NSW.
 
“Chlamydia is a serious issue for koalas, leading to blindness, infections and infertility in this precious species. This disease weakens koalas and can make them more susceptible to dog attacks and other threats,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“That’s why as part of the more than $190 million NSW Koala Strategy and the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan, we’re investing more than $600,000 towards keeping the Campbelltown koala population free from chlamydia, including through a vaccination trial.
 
“The NSW Koala Strategy is the single largest investment in any species in Australia, aimed at tackling multiple threats to the species and securing more habitat to protect the future of koalas in the wild.”
 
Koala carers, Campbelltown and Wollondilly Council and the University of Sydney teams involved in the chlamydia vaccine trial will be able to use a new rapid chlamydia testing machine to minimise the time koalas are in care.
 
Additional conservation actions in the NSW Koala Strategy to support south-west Sydney koalas include:

• $600,000 for Landcare to support communities to conserve and restore koala habitat
• $140,000 to fund koala habitat restoration in the Campbelltown and MacArthur region to repair koala corridors
• $200,000 for vehicle strike mitigation works, including a koala underpass on Heathcote Road, to protect koalas from the threat of cars
• $146,000 for mapping koala habitat and corridors and for monitoring koalas in Wollondilly.

Member for Wollondilly Nat Smith said the south-west Sydney community deeply cares about its koalas and this funding will be an opportunity for them to become more involved in their conservation.

“South-west Sydney is one of 10 focus areas identified in the NSW Koala Strategy as important koala populations that will benefit from more intensive investment and
action,” Mr Smith said.

“Koalas in Wollondilly will be better supported by a $146,000 investment to map their habitat, preferred corridors, and monitor their activity.”

The Greater Sydney Landcare Network will deliver a $600,000 project to educate the community about the health and safety of koalas and support local conservation and habitat restoration.

Greater Sydney Landcare Chair Bev Debrincat said it is proud to partner with the NSW Government as a Koala Strategy regional partner.

“Koalas are an iconic NSW species, and the broader community and conservationists in the area will benefit greatly knowing that this significant population will be well-served by the whole community working together in a co-ordinated effort,” Ms Debrincat said.

The NSW Koala Strategy focuses on conservation actions under four themes:

• $107.1 million for koala habitat conservation, to fund the protection, restoration, and improved management of 47,000 hectares of koala habitat
• $19.6 million to supporting local communities to conserve koalas
• $23.2 million for improving the safety and health of koalas by removing threats, improving health and rehabilitation, and establishing a translocation program
• $43.4 million to support science and research to build our knowledge of koalas.

 
For more information visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/koala

A highly successful Aboriginal early childhood program has received a $2.7 million funding boost to ensure even more young children, their families and educators are skilled in discussing and managing, challenging emotions and feelings.
 
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the Getting On Track In Time program – or GOT IT! – was culturally adapted for Aboriginal communities in partnership with local Aboriginal health services and piloted over four years with positive results.
 
“This program has united parents, teachers, mental health workers and Aboriginal people to achieve an important goal – to support young Aboriginal children to recognise, regulate and talk about any troubling thoughts and feelings they have,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“I am delighted more families will benefit from this excellent program, which was developed by South Western Sydney Local Health District in collaboration with local Aboriginal people.”
 
Designed for children aged three to nine years, Aboriginal GOT IT! is a school-based program led by a team of mental health workers (both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal).
 
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the program aims to support children, families and educators to address emotional or behavioural concerns in children and reduce the emergence of mental health concerns later in life.
 
“A strong connection to community and culture boosts resilience and helps children better manage the ups and downs of life. This helps to improve their engagement in class and lifts learning outcomes,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
“We’re grateful for the wisdom and sharing of cultural knowledge from our colleagues in Aboriginal health services who helped upskill teachers and tailor this program to children in their early years of learning.” 
 
Aboriginal GOT IT! team leader Jemma Milloy said the program resulted in significant improvements to child behaviour, social skills and confidence in school and home settings.
 
“When you combine cultural and clinical practices, families feel acknowledged and heard,” Ms Milloy said.
 
Findings of the Aboriginal GOT IT! evaluation report include:

• The program was evaluated as highly acceptable to Aboriginal families. 93 per cent of families who were offered a place in the program participated and 89 per cent of children who commenced the program successfully completed it.
• 93 per cent of educators reported the program added value for children and families.
• 100 per cent of educators reported there was a considerable positive impact on overall classroom behaviour and behaviour of the children in the program.
• 92 per cent of educators reported there was a considerable positive impact on their understanding and management of conduct and emotional problems.

 
The $2.7 million investment over the next four years builds on an initial $2.7 million investment for the pilot of Aboriginal GOT IT!.

Patients will benefit from a statewide rollout of world-class technology and equipment in NSW ambulances worth more than $55 million which will help paramedics and specialist clinicians provide even faster, better cardiac care.
 
The package will equip ambulances with an additional 550 mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Lucas devices, 1,400 state-of-the-art ECG/defibrillation devices, and a new cardiac notification platform that will improve communication between NSW Ambulance and emergency departments.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said this nation-leading investment will help save lives and provide better care for people right across the State.
 
“We are strengthening frontline services, delivering better services for people across the State,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“This is part of our record investment in our health system to ensure no matter where you live you have access to the best healthcare possible to provide people with world-class healthcare and save lives.”
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the rollout would give frontline healthcare staff the best tools and most up-to-date technology available to help them carry out their vital role of saving lives.
 
“NSW Ambulance will be the first ambulance service in Australia to have mechanical CPR Lucas devices in every frontline ambulance, ensuring patients can receive life-saving chest compressions throughout their journey to hospital,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“Every second counts during a cardiac arrest. These devices give patients the best possible chance of staying alive, by supporting our highly trained paramedics to provide the best life-saving care from the minute they arrive at the patient’s side through to when they reach the hospital.”
           
Every year about 20,000 Australians, including 8,000 people in NSW, suffer cardiac arrest out of hospital – making it the most common cause of death among adults. Just one in 10 will survive.
 
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said NSW Ambulance had worked with practising clinicians to develop the cardiac care package to ensure it provided the most effective tools for responding to patients suffering cardiac arrest.
 
“The Lucas CPR devices are a game changer as effective chest compressions are very hard to maintain for long periods, or when a patient is being moved down a flight of stairs to the ambulance, for example. These devices will provide ongoing compressions in these challenging situations,” Dr Morgan said.
 
“Patients will also benefit from the new Corpuls 3T 12-lead ECG/defibrillators which weigh considerably less than previous defibrillators, making them safer and easier for paramedics to use. These defibrillators perform non-invasive blood pressure monitoring, capnography, pulse oximetry, temperature recording and pacing.”
 
Mr Morgan said the new cardiac notification platform would help streamline the transfer of patients from ambulance into hospital by improving communication between emergency departments and clinicians.
 
“The cardiac notification platform assists with the transfer of clinical observation data from ambulances and regional hospitals to tertiary hospitals so we can provide more rapid and effective treatment to patients with suspected heart attacks.”
 
In addition to the more than $55 million cardiac care package for NSW Ambulance, the NSW Government has invested $150 million over 10 years (2018-2028) in cardiovascular research in NSW.

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.