Category: NSW News

The NSW Government will trial new technology to reduce the risk of level crossing collisions between trains and vehicles in the bush.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the government will fund trials of innovative signs with LED flashing lights at level crossings in Narromine and Bribbaree, to improve awareness and safety.
 
“There are more than 2700 road level crossings on the NSW rail network and we want to improve safety in country areas where there is less visibility,” Mr Dominello said. 
 
“Contracts have been signed with ARCGS at Bribbaree and Sage Automation at Narromine to install new level crossing signs and the detailed design work is underway.
 
“Level crossing crashes devastate families and communities which is why we want to use innovation and technology to help save lives.”
 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the government had listened to concerns raised through the community petition led by Maddie Bott.
 
“Sixty-eight per cent of public road crossings use only stop and give way signs to warn about the presence of a level crossing and the need to stop to look for trains,” Mr Farraway said.
 
“Transport for NSW has developed a new strategic direction to help fast track improvements at level crossings which will involve trialling the use of new technology.
 
“On top of this we have reduced speed limits to 80km per hour at more than 50 level crossings across regional NSW as part of the Level Crossing Speed Zone Reduction Program.
 
“We know a lot of crashes at level crossings occur where the road speed limit is 100km an hour or greater, so reducing the speed limit gives drivers more time to see the level crossing ahead and stop for oncoming trains.”
 
TrackSAFE Foundation’s Executive Director Heather Neil said TrackSAFE welcomed today’s announcement from the NSW Government.
“NSW has thousands of level crossings and new technology will play an important part in improving safety,” Ms Neil said.
“This week is Rail Safety Week, and we remind travellers, pedestrians, commuters and rail workers that they can all play an active role in rail safety. And we urge the Australian community to Stay Rail Safe.”
ARCS Commercial Director Phil Lock said they are very excited to be partnering with the NSW Government and delivering innovative technology to improve safety for regional communities. 
 
“I’m looking forward to working with government to develop technology that could potentially save more lives in country communities,” Mr Lock said.
 
SAGE Automation Smart Cities Lead Ashby Martin echoed these sentiments.
 
“SAGE is passionate about developing new systems to improve road safety in partnership with Transport for NSW and the NSW Government,” Mr Martin said.
 
The trial is funded through the Digital Restart Fund and will commence later this year and the data collected will be used to determine the effectiveness of the new technology.
 
The trial will commence later this year and the data collected will be used to determine the effectiveness of the new technology.
 
The trial in Narromine will evaluate the effectiveness of a stop sign with LED warning lighting. The Bribbaree trial will also monitor the effectiveness of stop signs with LED warning lights and LED streetlights.
 
For more information on safety at level crossings, visit:
https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/level-crossings/index.html  

Young people will be supported and encouraged to study at university, upskill and pursue entrepreneurship through innovative new projects that aim to enhance educational outcomes and break down barriers to university study.
 
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said four projects will receive a share of the $1.75 million NSW Government Collaboration and Innovation Fund, which focuses on supporting innovation and addressing challenges to partnerships within the university sector.
 
“These grants will help break down barriers that prevent people who want to study at our world class universities and will drive innovative new projects in collaboration with the university sector,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“Projects funded through this round of the program include workshops to encourage high school students to explore technology entrepreneurships and toolkits to help regional and culturally and linguistically diverse students bridge the skills gap between school and university.”
 
Projects funded through the Collaboration and Innovation Fund, include:
 

• Startup @ Schools (University of Technology Sydney and the University of Newcastle) with workshops to encourage Year 9 and 10 students to pursue technology-enabled entrepreneurship as a career;
• Teachers Aide Pathway (Charles Sturt University, TAFE NSW and Regional Development Australia Orana)  to upskill teachers’ aides currently employed in NSW schools to become qualified teachers in regional communities;
• Start @ Uni (UNSW Sydney and The University of Sydney) for first-year regional and culturally and linguistically diverse students transitioning to university, which aims to address academic skills gaps between high school and university; and
• The Academy (University of New England and the Dhiiyaan Centre) preparing Aboriginal students for higher education from Year 8 through to tertiary enrolment via a curriculum that merges Aboriginal knowledge with science.

 
The Collaboration and Innovation Fund provides grants to support university projects that address education goals included in the NSW Higher Education Strategy.

People with lived experience of mental illness and their carers are helping shape the future of the Mental Health Line by sharing their experience with the NSW Government.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the 1800 011 511 NSW Mental Health Line was a free phone service which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering specialist advice, support and referral to specialist NSW Health mental health services.

“We want to ensure it continues to meet the mental health needs of our communities,” Mr Dominello said.

“Co-designing the Mental Health Line with people with lived experience of mental illness is the best way to ensure the next evolution continues to make a real difference to those who need it.

“Our aim to be the most customer-centric government by 2030 starts by learning from our customers’ experiences and needs.

“Recent Have Your Say consultations have helped us to better understand areas such as digital inclusion and digital identity, with these engagements generating new ideas for how we can better deliver services to the people of New South Wales.

“We encourage people to get involved in the Have Your Say consultation, whether they have experience using the Mental Health Line or may have not known about the service, we want to hear from all.”

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the events of the last few years have highlighted the importance and the need to invest in mental health services.

“The importance of health and specifically mental health in our society is evident, with the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing showing two in five Australians experience a mental health issue in their lifetime,” Mrs Taylor said.

“The Mental Health Line is an important service which helps people to access appropriate mental health services but there are always areas to improve.

“In 2020-21 around 864,000 Australians accessed at least one digital service for their mental health, but it is understood this represents only one in ten of those who experienced mental health distress.

“People need to be able to easily access services which can help them when they are at their most vulnerable. This is something we can and need to address.”

The NSW Government has allocated $2.2 billion across four years to invest into digital transformation projects through the DRF. The fund is administered by the Department of Customer Service and targets smart, simple technology solutions which create efficiencies for customers across the State. 

To Have Your Say on the future of the Mental Health Line, please visit: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/nsw-mhl-consultation  

The NSW Government will invest $5 million for an on-road Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Bus Trial to kick-start its plan to accelerate autonomous vehicles on NSW roads.
 
With driverless vehicles expected to commercially hit our streets in less than a decade, the Government’s new NSW CAV Readiness Strategy sets out the State’s pathway to ensure the road network is CAV-friendly in the future.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said he wanted NSW to be a world-leading adopter of CAV technologies to keep pace with the changing needs and expectations of customers.
 
“Vehicle connectivity and automation are game-changing technological innovations with the potential to sustainably transform the future mobility of people and goods,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“Globally, these technologies are advancing rapidly and already appearing in vehicles on the market today.
 
“We’re putting NSW in the front seat, with a Strategy and funding to back it up to prepare our road network, local industry, and the public for the roll out of this technology.”
 
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the CAV Readiness Strategy sets out a faster, easier and safer future for commuters across the state.
 
“The NSW Government is advancing new technology that will revolutionise the way we travel,” said Mrs Ward.
 
“The CAV Readiness Strategy outlines six priority areas focused on integrating this new technology into our transport system.
 
“This will include working within the national regulatory framework over the next five years, so we’re ready for the safe commercial deployment of CAVs in Australia.
 
“Getting ahead of the game will make it easier to upskill our transport staff so customers have a seamless service when it is officially on our roads.” 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said NSW had set several national and international firsts in autonomous vehicle technology including the world’s first fully automated shuttle service in a public setting through the Coffs Harbour Busbot trial.
“The NSW Government is ready to embark on another Australian first – by investing $5 million for an on-road CAV bus trial that will see CAV systems developed and tested on full-sized, passenger-carrying buses in NSW,” Mr Farraway said.
 
“Expressions of interest are open now, and Transport for NSW is calling on local and international technology leaders to partner with bus manufacturers and transport operators to deliver the trial of on-road connected and automated buses.
 
“This builds on what NSW has already achieved through autonomous shuttle trials, partnerships with local universities and investment in the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre at Cudal.
 
“This is big picture thinking – by putting NSW one step ahead it will bring investment opportunities, knowledge and better customer outcomes.”
 
The NSW CAV Readiness Strategy seeks to:

• Test and deploy CAVs on the road network
• Shape CAV policy, and customer outcomes
• Get the road network ready for CAVs
• Develop physical and digital CAV testing capabilities
• Support freight services automation
• Increase local CAV knowledge and skills

Aboriginal organisations across NSW will benefit from six new Cervical Screening Community Grants which will provide culturally responsive and targeted health promotion initiatives within Aboriginal communities.
 
The locally-led programs are aimed at boosting the number of Aboriginal women across the State who access cervical screening, reducing the impact of cervical cancer.Minister for Women, Regional Health and Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor said the grants are part of $114,350 in funding awarded to Local Health Districts and non-profit organisations through the Cancer Institute NSW to promote the National Cervical Screening Program.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are almost four-times more likely to die from cervical cancer than non-Aboriginal women and these grants work towards closing the gap,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and we know having a Cervical Screening Test every five years is now the best way to prevent it.
 
“By funding these grants, we are working to provide opportunities to educate local communities on the ground about the importance of cervical screening.”
 
Chief Cancer Officer for NSW and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien said locally led programs empower Aboriginal communities to address local needs and concerns and are critical in helping women understand the new screening options available to them.
 
“We know that the traditional Cervical Screening Test done by a health professional may create shame and fear for many,” Professor O’Brien said.
 
“The recent introduction of self-collection, which allows women to collect their own sample in private, will address a lot of the fear and shame that Aboriginal women have reported in the past.”
 
The NSW Cancer Plan 2022-2027 states that improving cancer outcomes for Aboriginal communities will assist with enhancing quality of life and experiences for people at risk of and/or affected by cancer.
 
The NSW Government is investing more than $170 million this financial year in improving cancer control through the Cancer Institute NSW.

Hundreds of local organisations in West and South West Sydney are now competing for a share of $1.6 billion under the WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round.

Treasurer Matt Kean said organisations from Burwood to the Blue Mountains, and Wollondilly to the Hawkesbury stepped up in numbers with ideas for city-shaping infrastructure projects.

“We’ve received an overwhelming response with almost 680 projects worth $7.8 billion submitted for assessment,” Mr Kean said.

“The majority of projects sought funding to make local communities in West and South West Sydney even better places to live with open and green spaces.”

WestInvest funding was available to Aboriginal groups, sporting groups, multicultural groups, volunteer groups and many more based in 15 eligible local council areas.

A breakdown of the applications in the WestInvest Community Project Grants – Competitive Round shows:

• Almost 680 projects have been submitted for assessment
• 325 applications related to green and open space projects
• 270 applications related to community infrastructure projects
• 180 groups applied for projects worth $1 million and under
• 296 groups applied for projects worth over $1 million and under $10 million
• 201 groups applied for projects worth over $10 million

The 15 eligible local councils also submitted 71 projects under the WestInvest Community Project Grants – Local Government Allocation, which awarded each council a share of $400 million in funding, based on population size.

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said councils are at the heart of every community.

“WestInvest is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will celebrate and improve local communities for generations to come,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“The 15 local councils of Western Sydney have submitted some fantastic ideas for consideration, and I’m really looking forward to seeing some of these projects come to life, to invigorate their local precincts and facilities for their residents.”

All applications will now go through a comprehensive assessment process, with the successful projects expected to be announced in the Local Government Allocation from September and the Competitive Round later this year.

The project proposals include:

• Transforming city centres and precincts to celebrate community, food and culture;
• Creating safer cycling paths, pedestrian links and walking tracks to promote healthier lifestyles and allow more families to walk to school;
• Upgrading and modernising community facilities and libraries; and
• Building new pools, sports fields, playgrounds, youth centers, multicultural centres and leisure and fitness centres.

The $5 billion WestInvest program also includes $3 billion to deliver transformational projects that will benefit local communities, led by NSW Government agencies.

The Budget committed $478.2 million from the $3 billion fund to modernise and upgrade nine public schools. Further projects funded under the WestInvest NSW Government allocation will be announced later this year.

To find out more about WestInvest visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest

Increased prizemoney, improved job prospects, and infrastructure upgrades to bolster the racing industry will flow from renewed investment by the NSW Government.   
 
Minister for Racing Kevin Anderson said approximately $260 million in additional funding over the next four years is being committed to the NSW racing industry as part of the 2022-23 State Budget.
 
“Today’s announcement is yet another example of how the NSW Government is growing the economy. There are more than 30,000 people employed in the NSW thoroughbred racing industry, and this announcement will benefit every single one of them through the flow-on effects of increased prizemoney and infrastructure upgrades,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“From Australia’s leading tracks like Royal Randwick and Rosehill through to regional racing centres like Muswellbrook and the Braidwood Picnic Races, every trainer, strapper, owner and connection will reap the rewards of this funding.
 
“This is particularly good news for our hardworking regional trainers as increased prizemoney and infrastructure upgrades means more funding to grow the industry in regional NSW.
 
In July 2012 Racing NSW introduced the 1.5 per cent strappers’ bonus, being the first State in Australia to do so. This bonus provides a significant reward for the industry’s lowest paid workers, letting them share in the success of their stables.
 
As part of today’s announcement, Racing NSW will be increasing the strappers’ bonus from 1.5 per cent to 2 per cent of prizemoney. This will see a total of $7 million in  prizemoney allocated to  strappers  each year, providing a further incentive for trainers when recruiting staff.
 
The Equine Welfare Fund share of prizemoney will also increase to 1.5 per cent, totalling $5.3 million per annum to care for, retrain and rehome NSW thoroughbred racehorses.
 
“The benefits of this announcement will be felt right through the industry. In an Australian first, an additional share of prizemoney will be allocated for equine safety, strappers and stable staff,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“This is a win for the industry, a win for the animals, a win for punters, and a win for racegoers.”
 
Racing NSW Chairman Russell Balding AO said Racing NSW is committed to seeing the sector grow right across NSW.
 
“NSW country racing is the bedrock of our industry. It is important therefore that we ensure the ongoing viability of country racing and the sustainability of our country trainers,” Mr Balding AO said.
 
“Total prizemoney for Everest Day will now be a staggering $21.8 million dollars which far exceeds any other race meeting in Australia and cements Everest Day’s place on the International Stage of premier racing.”
 
The funding will be made available after increasing the point of consumption tax (POCT) to 15 per cent for all corporate betting service providers as part of the 2022-23 State Budget.
 
Prizemoney increases and changes in the distribution of prizemoney will come into effect from 1 September 2022.

More victim-survivors of domestic and sexual violence will receive critical support thanks to a $20 million funding boost announced by the NSW Government today.

The package announced today is part of the joint $140 million commitment from the NSW Government and Commonwealth under the National Partnership on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-23.

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said this new funding will provide additional support to specialist front-line services across NSW, as well as trialling some innovative new programs.

“Over half of the funding is for services that directly assist victim-survivors, giving them the help they need to recover from their traumatic experiences and start a new chapter in their lives,” Mrs Ward said.

“One of the projects being funded is a trial to provide women with support and services so that they feel safe during court proceedings, which will ensure that more domestic and family violence matters proceed.

“A number of projects are focused on improving outcomes for Aboriginal women, either through expanding existing programs and ensuring these communities have a seat at the table in the development of future policy.”

Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth thanked service providers for the work they do in supporting victim-survivors and said more will be done to boost the frontline workforce and improve access to family, domestic and sexual violence services.

“In addition to the National Partnership with states and territories, the  Australian Government will generate 500 new jobs for frontline and community sector organisations to address staffing shortages in shelters and crisis support services,” Minister Rishworth said.

“This will mean better access to critical support services for victim-survivors, including in regional, rural and remote areas.

“One woman dies every ten days at the hands of her former or current partner. This is unacceptable and I’m committed to working with states and territories to end violence against women and children.”

Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the funding will support a range of services to help those who need it most.

“This funding will not only support providers, it will enhance early intervention programs, provide access to vital services and improve workplace training,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

The NSW Government has a strong record of supporting victim-survivors of domestic violence, committing $687 million in the 2021/22 Budget and a further $100 million in the 2022/23 Budget, towards the prevention of domestic, sexual and family violence and improving women’s safety across the community.

The initiatives funded under tranche two of the National Partnership Agreement are available here.

Residents impacted by the June-July floods can now apply for rental support payments to help meet the cost of temporary accommodation, and Back Home grants to help with household repair costs.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the support payments can be accessed by residents in 17 local government areas (LGAs) across Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, the Hunter and the Illawarra.
 
“For some residents this is the fourth flood in 18 months and as a Government we have moved quickly to put these additional financial assistance programs in place,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“From today, impacted residents can apply on the Service NSW website or via the app, over the phone on 13 77 88 or in-person at a Recovery Centre.”
 
The Rental Support Scheme provides flood-impacted households with payments which cover up to 16 weeks’ rent.
 
The Back Home grants provide one-off payments of up to $20,000 for owner-occupiers, $15,000 for landlords and $5,000 for renters towards the cost of replacing appliances, reconnecting utilities, fixing roofs, connecting electricity and making other necessary repairs.
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the support will help people get back to their homes as quickly as possible.
 
“It’s vital people have a roof over their head as they recover from this devastating flooding,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“The June-July flood event caused damage to more than 10,700 homes across the State, with more than 1,500 assessed as uninhabitable.”
 
Rental support payments and Back Home grants are available in the 17 severely flood-impacted LGAs of Blacktown, Camden, Canterbury-Bankstown, Central Coast, Cessnock, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Liverpool, Maitland, Mid Coast, Penrith, Port Stephens, Singleton, Sutherland, The Hills and Wollongong.
 
The Rental Support Scheme and Back Home grants are in addition to a series of clean-up and funding programs underway, jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth governments.
 
For eligibility information and to apply, visit: www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods/financial-assistance.

More than 50 new affordable housing units for the Illawarra are a big step closer to being constructed with the concrete pour taking place in Dapto this week.
 
Dapto’s housing project is funded through the NSW Government’s $1.1 billion Social and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF).
 
In a partnership with Anglicare, the new development provides both affordable housing and  wraparound supports for residents.
 
Minister for Families and Communities and Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said integrating new affordable housing with services ensures residents will be supported both financially and sustainably.
 
“Not only is the Illawarra getting a needed injection of affordable housing, we are focused on ensuring that the services are there at the same time.  That means tenancies are more sustainable and people are receiving support where and when they need it,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
Minister for Finance and Employee Relations Damien Tudehope said delivering affordable housing is central to  the NSW Government’s commitment to securing a brighter future for the people of NSW.
 
“We will continue to prioritise investment in the delivery of safe and affordable housing for people across the state,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
51 of the 60 single-bed units under construction will be specifically set aside for social and affordable housing.
 
“This new development in Dapto will ensure those who need it most will have a safe and stable place to call home,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“This project is the perfect example of the NSW Government working hand-in-hand with a non-government organisation to deliver real outcomes for the people of our state.”
 
Anglicare CEO Simon Miller said the project would be integrated into an existing retirement village and support people aged over 55, and 45 for Aboriginal people.
 
“We all know there is a housing crisis and projects like this will help us solve it,” Mr Miller said.
 
“This is exactly what communities like Dapto need and we are grateful to the Government for helping us to deliver it.”
 
The development, due for completion in June 2023, will comprise two residential buildings along with a community building that includes a café and hairdresser. 
 
The SAHF is a key initiative of Future Directions of Social Housing in NSW and is on track to deliver 3,486 homes across NSW.