Category: NSW News

Excavation on the first stage of the Western Harbour Tunnel has started, with works commencing to carve out 1.7 kilometres of mainline tunnels from Rozelle to Birchgrove. 
 
Minister for Metropolitan Roads, Natalie Ward, said this was a significant milestone in the delivery of Sydney’s historic third harbour crossing.
 
“Major construction has now commenced on the Western Harbour Tunnel – one of the most significant transport infrastructure projects being delivered in Sydney,” Minister Ward said.
 
“This really is a historic moment for our city. It was 90 years ago that construction completed on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and 30 years since the Sydney Harbour Tunnel opened. Today, construction is commencing on Sydney’s third harbour crossing.
 
“Once complete, this important new connection will change the way commuters move across the city, taking pressure off key transport arteries including the Harbour Bridge and Tunnel, Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor.
 
“Our government is delivering projects that make it faster, easier and safer for commuters to move around our city as part of our $110 billion infrastructure investment pipeline.”
 
The Western Harbour Tunnel will link WestConnex at the Rozelle Interchange with the Warringah Freeway at North Sydney via 6.5-kilometre tunnels under Sydney Harbour.
 
With three lanes in each direction, commuters are set to save up to 15 minutes when travelling from North Sydney to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport. 
 
The John Holland CPB Joint Venture, which is undertaking the Rozelle Interchange works, are also delivering stage one of the Western Harbour Tunnel.
 
This will allow the Western Harbour Tunnel project to transition into the major construction phase, through leveraging existing skills, equipment and resources and reducing disruption to the local community.   
 
The construction contract to deliver the second stage of work of northern tunnelling from Birchgrove through Sydney Harbour and onto North Sydney will be awarded in late 2022.
 

A suite of fee-free short courses are now available for people looking to secure jobs or further their career in hospitality, as part of a new NSW Government program which aims to supercharge the sector and grow the economy.
 
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the Kickstart Your Career in Hospitality program aims to alleviate labour shortages that are hampering the industry and provide pathways for people looking for rewarding and well-paid careers.
 
“Whether you want to be a barista or a bartender, this initiative will enable you to train for free and get the skills you need for a job in a local pub, club, café or restaurant,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“A strong hospitality sector is absolutely critical for NSW, now and into the future. This program draws on the NSW Government’s record skills budget and will help secure a brighter future for the hospitality industry and all those who depend on it.”
 
Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government is continuing to work with industry to address crippling labour shortages, but also foster career progression and retention through scalable upskilling opportunities.
 
“These fee-free courses are designed to be short and quick, but also scalable so staff take up additional training opportunities, to develop further skills over time, as they desire,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“The program has been developed in partnership with the industry, to provide job relevant training and career development at pubs, clubs and restaurants across NSW.
 
“We also want participants to realise that there is longevity in the hospitality sector. Staff are encouraged to make the most of additional training opportunities to further develop their skills, and turn a job into a long term career if they choose to.”
 
ClubsNSW CEO Josh Landis said the initiative offers incredible opportunities for professional growth and development in the hospitality sector, particularly in clubs across the state.
 
“Someone who gets their first job in a club can go on to do amazing things. Clubs offer careers in cooking, hotel management, customer service, business operations and much more,” Mr Landis said.
 
“These aren’t just fee-free short courses, they could be your first step on a hugely successful and satisfying career journey, and we want clubs to be the catalyst for that journey.”
 
More information about eligibility criteria and enrolments is available online.

The Public Service Association NSW has welcomed the Federal Government’s move to broaden the availability of Domestic Violence Leave to more than 11 million Australian workers, including casual workers. 

PSA/CPSU NSW members have long had access to such entitlements, with all NSW Government employees now able to access 10 days’ domestic violence leave, unconditional on what other leave provisions they have used.

“We have been fighting for this leave entitlement for over a decade because we know it saves lives. So I am very pleased to see the federal government extend it to everyone,” said PSA General Secretary Stewart Little.

“One in four women have experienced some of violence from their partner, but leaving a violent relationship is not easy. We know it costs, on average, $18,000 to escape – and that’s not to mention the time and logistics. 

“10 days paid FDV leave will allow many more women to change their lives, while retaining their jobs.

“We congratulate the whole union movement and the Federal Government on prioritising worker safety so early in its first term.”

In April 2010, the PSA/CPSU NSW tabled a clause at a forum at the University of NSW calling for 20 days’ special annual leave for employees experiencing domestic violence.

Since then, all Awards and Enterprise Agreements covering our members have incorporated domestic violence leave provisions, including the 2011 landmark victory by our union, forcing the State Government to grant five days’ special leave once other options were exhausted.

Four popular Western Sydney locations have been selected to welcome the first of several shared e-scooter trials to roll out across NSW.
 
The first shared trials will begin on Saturday at three locations in Western Sydney Parklands’ Bungarribee Park, Lizard Log and Shale Hills, as well as The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan.
 
The trial parameters have been carefully considered, taking lessons from e-scooter use around the world and across the country to ensure the safest, most practical and effective measures are in place.
 
Minister for Active Transport Rob Stokes said the Government was committed to cautiously trialling the use of e-scooters in safe environments. 
 
“Like any new technology, e-scooters present us with enormous opportunities and several challenges to address before we can permanently permit them on our streets,” Mr Stokes said.
 
“This is why the NSW Government is committed to trialling them and why our parklands are the perfect location to start ahead of trials across multiple council areas.
 
“Councils can now formally apply to hold a 12-month trial with selected e-scooter shared scheme providers in their area. The trial is restricted to shared scheme e-scooters, so we can guarantee the safety parameters of each device.”
Council areas can now apply to be part of the trial and once approved can begin 12-month trials with e-scooter shared scheme providers in their area.
 
The trial will limit shared scheme e-scooters to riders 16 years old and over, limited to a maximum of 20km/h on bicycle paths, or roads with a speed limit up to 50 km/h, and a speed limit of 10km/h for shared paths.
 
E-scooters will not be permitted on footpaths and the use of privately owned e-scooters will remain prohibited.
 
“We’ve taken our time to get this trial right, which is why we’re not rushing into rolling this trial out to interested council areas immediately,” Mr Stokes said.
 
“Each shortlisted council will have to meet the requirements of the trial and undergo a safety assessment before being approved.”
 
Visitors to Western Sydney Parklands and The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan will be able to hire an e-scooter through the provider’s app. The app will provide visitors with a map that shows where the scooters are located to pick up and ride.
 
Applications to be part of the e-scooter shared scheme trial are open until September 30 this year. You can find out more about e-scooter trials here.

More than one million people will be supported to reach their goal of being skilled and employed, as part of TAFE NSW’s ambitious new three-year plan that will help strengthen the economy’s skills base and secure a brighter future for NSW.
 
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the TAFE NSW Strategic Plan 2022-25 provides an industry-aligned roadmap for Australia’s largest and best training provider, to ensure it continues to deliver a skilled and agile workforce, now and into the future.
 
“This plan sets out a clear path to deliver future-focused, responsive and flexible training which is geared towards both traditional as well as new and emerging industries,” Mr Henskens said.  
 
“The plan is backed by our record $2 billion recurrent and $319 million capital investment in TAFE NSW as part of the 2022-23 NSW Budget, which will fast-track training in priority areas, including those linked to the NSW 2040 Economic Blueprint.
 
“TAFE NSW is critically important to the future of our State and the NSW Government will continue to support its teachers and staff, so that we can continue helping people get the skills they need for the jobs they want.”
 
The key elements of the plan include delivering better learner experiences, forming innovative partnerships with industry, empowering TAFE’s workforce and adopting digital technologies to improve services. 
 
TAFE NSW Managing Director Stephen Brady said the plan will help fulfil the vision for TAFE NSW as a vibrant, nation-leading training provider which delivers quality and accessible vocational education and training.
 
“The rapidly changing nature of work, our expanding digital economy and the growing demand for flexible education pathways, presents TAFE NSW with an enormous opportunity to help shape and grow the NSW economy,” Mr Brady said.
 
“The plan also highlights TAFE NSW’s critical role in alleviating social inequality for those experiencing disadvantage, including delivering on the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.”
 
More information about the TAFE NSW Strategic Plan 2022-25 can be found online.

More than ten hectares of public land near one of Sydney’s best-connected train stations will be transformed, creating a residential, entertainment and technology hub on the doorstep of the Sydney CBD.
 
Minister for Cities Rob Stokes said the draft master plan for Redfern-North Eveleigh sets a vision for affordable and diverse housing, a start-up hub and entertainment precinct within walking distance of Redfern Station.
 
“The Redfern-North Eveleigh precinct is a ten hectare parcel of inner city public land that has been off limits to the general public for more than a century and provides the perfect place for a new city-shaping precinct,” Mr Stokes said.
 
“We’re transforming the old rail yards by restoring and protecting their heritage value, building new homes and offices while creating more than 14,000 square metres of public space, including a new town square and public parkland.
 
“Just as we’ve seen at Carriageworks, this plan will celebrate Redfern’s deep indigenous connection and industrial past while creating a new precinct that accommodates people to live and work in the inner city.
 
“We’ve set a historic target of 30 per cent diverse housing, half of which must be social and affordable housing, which is triple the Greater Cities Commission’s baseline target.”
 
The draft masterplan is focused on the Paint Shop sub-precinct, named after the 135-year-old red brick Victorian workshop where trains were overhauled up until 1988.
 
Key features of the draft masterplan include:

• Adaptive reuse of the 6,000 square metre Paint Shop building.
• New public square fronting Wilson Street.
• New public parkland near Chief Mechanical Engineer’s building.
• New public square near Carriageworks and the Paint Shop.
• Plans for up to 450 new homes, around 8,000 jobs during construction and up to 16,000 jobs once activated. 
• At 30 percent diverse housing, at least half of which must be social and affordable housing.
• Building heights ranging from three to 28 storeys.

 
“The Paint Shop building provides an incredible canvas to re-imagine Redfern-North Eveleigh into a thriving place in the heart of the inner city,” Mr Stokes said.
 
“The revitalisation of the area around Redfern Station will be complemented by the upcoming plans to redevelop the area around Central Station, bookending Tech Central with two world-class precincts and transport hubs.”
 
“There will be dedicated spaces for startup businesses and better active transport connections between Redfern Station, North Eveleigh and to the bike network.”
 
The NSW Government has prepared a State Significant Precinct study and indicative masterplan for the Paint Shop Sub-Precinct which proposes to change the planning controls to guide future revitalisation. Transport for NSW is working closely with the Transport Asset Holding Entity, the site owner to deliver this transformational renewal.
 
The proposed masterplan for the Paint Shop sub-precinct is on public exhibition until Thursday 25 August. The community is encouraged to provide feedback on the proposal by visiting the Virtual Engagement Room at bit.ly/RNE-virtual-room
 
You can read more about the project here: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/paintshop

The NSW Government has mobilised its team of veterinarians and specialist biosecurity staff, ramping up efforts to ensure farmers are in the best position to manage a possible incursion of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).  
  
Expert staff from Local Land Services (LLS) will connect with farmers through a series of targeted workshops, webinars, and visits to saleyards and field days to help farmers identify and report the early signs of both FMD and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD).
  
Acting Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said while the focus remains on keeping these diseases out of NSW, it’s crucial to prepare for a worst-case scenario.  
  
“Our top priority is ensuring FMD and LSD never reach our shores – and we’ve been pushing hard for stronger biosecurity measures to keep our industry safe. But we do need to be prepared for the worst and that’s why we’re arming farmers with the information they need now,” Mr Toole said.
  
“Farmers can play their part by being alert for warning signs, regularly monitoring livestock and quickly reporting any suspect cases.
 
“We also have hundreds of LLS biosecurity signs available across the state for farmers to utilise and to warn people of the risks of bringing unwanted pests onto your property.”
 
Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said with FMD and LSD on our doorstep, it’s a timely reminder for livestock producers to ensure their farm biosecurity plans are up to date.  
  
“Farm biosecurity plans are the foundation of our State’s preparedness when it comes to new animal and plant diseases,” Mr Saunders said.  
  
“These can be simple measures built into day-to-day operations that will help protect your farm and ultimately, our State.
 
“I am encouraging farmers to be overly cautious with people who come onto their properties and monitor livestock closely for blisters in and around the mouth area, drooling and limping.
 
“If livestock do exhibit any of these unusual signs, they must be reported immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 or their Local Land Services district veterinarian.”
 
Farmers interested in learning more about FMD or LSD, or in attending an upcoming event are encouraged to visit https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/help-and-advice/pests,-weeds-and-diseases/biosecurity-alerts/foot-and-mouth-disease-and-lumpy-skin-disease for more information. 
 
These events will support ongoing surveillance by LLS district veterinarians, who regularly carry out animal disease investigations across the State. 

The NSW Productivity Commission has found keeping beneficial COVID-19 regulatory reforms would see a $3.1 billion boost to the NSW economy over the next decade.
 
Economic benefits come from increased employment flexibility, business flexibility and increased use of digital platforms.
 
Specific measures include:

• $1.9 billion from long service flexibility allowing an employer and a worker to agree to take long service leave in smaller blocks
• $450 million from electronic meetings and voting for strata schemes, community land associations and incorporated associations
• $250 million from a range of planning measures, including 24-hour retail supply chain operations, and allowing home businesses to run 24 hours a day and to employ two to five staff
• $197 million from changes to the sale of takeaway alcohol and home delivery alcohol by licensed venues
• $195 million from digital execution and certification of conveyancing documents and remote witnessing of signatures

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the Lessons from COVID-19 Regulatory Relaxations paper released today outlines the ongoing benefits of these reforms for the economy and will help inform future regulations.
 
“The Productivity Commission paper has confirmed that most of the temporary regulations that supported communities and businesses during the pandemic delivered valuable and immediate support and will boost the State’s productivity by $3.1 billion over the next decade,” Mr Kean said.
“Measures such as supporting businesses with more flexible retail operating hours and improving how people access long service leave have provided much needed support during the darkest days of the pandemic.
 
“I look forward to hearing from regulators, the community and business representatives about future reform opportunities.”
 
NSW Productivity Commissioner Peter Achterstraat AM said the analysis highlighted the value of trialling and testing new approaches when responding to an evolving crisis.
 
“The reforms increased flexibility such as digital execution and certification of conveyancing documents, business flexibility that allowed restaurants to prepare food for delivery, and employment flexibility that offered employees greater choice in accessing benefits,” Mr Achterstraat said.
 
“Our research found that the reforms driven by the pandemic provided significant direct benefits to the community and an ongoing boost to the economy. As we transition to living with COVID-19, our paper highlights the need for governments to continue to experiment with regulatory changes that promote new ways of working and living.”
 
The Lessons from COVID-19 Regulatory Relaxations paper can be read here: https://www.productivity.nsw.gov.au/lessons-from-covid19-regulatory-relaxations

More than 40 multilingual students are set to bolster the NSW Government’s interpreting ranks after successfully completing its Interpreting Scholarship program.  

Facilitated by the University of NSW, 42 students have graduated from the NSW Government Interpreting Scholarship program and will now be able to put their new qualifications into practice through Multicultural NSW, where they will also be given additional mentoring and professional development. 

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said the new graduates will be welcome additions among the state’s interpreting professionals.  

“Multicultural NSW is Australia’s leading provider of interpreting services, and each of these graduates has a chance to join its ranks and fill shortages in key languages,” Mr Coure said.  

Among the key languages the new interpreters will be covering include Filipino, Greek, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Macedonian, Nepali, Portuguese, Serbian, Thai, Turkish, and Vietnamese. 

Mr Coure said with a growing number of people in NSW speaking a language other than English, interpreters are more important than ever. 

“The latest census data shows us that more NSW residents are speaking a language other than English at home. Those numbers will continue to grow as more of the world’s citizens choose to find a brighter future in our great state,” Mr Coure said. 

“This scholarship program is about tapping into the availability of these languages in NSW, where we can create job opportunities for people to use their language skills and in turn help their communities.” 

Turkish-Australian student Sena Uzun said she felt the course had prepared her well for community interpreting after completing a bachelor’s degree in translating and interpreting in her former homeland of Turkey. 

“I think what Australia is doing in terms of providing support, and services to multicultural and linguistically diverse communities is very important,” Ms Uzun said. 

Thai-born Lydia Armour said she felt she was better equipped to support her Wollongong Thai community after the course. 

“The level of support from Multicultural NSW and the depth of knowledge from lecturers, tutors and the Thai tutor was amazing,” Ms Armour said. 

“I’m very invested in my Thai community and this is an important way that I can ensure everyone has fairer and more equitable access to services and information.” 

“Interpreting is a very difficult and demanding profession that requires high-level training of competent bilinguals, UNSW is pleased to work in collaboration with Multicultural NSW to extend its course offerings to include more languages as needed in the community,” Professor Sandra Hale said. 

“Training opportunities for many community languages have been limited in Australia. UNSW is very excited to work with Multicultural NSW to fill this critical gap.” 

Multicultural NSW and the University of New South Wales worked together to develop the 20-week micro credential to help fill language shortages. 

Each of the 42 scholarship graduates will now be able to sit a Certified Provisional Interpreter test allowing them to work as interpreters for Multicultural NSW. 

Through the 2022-23 NSW Budget, $8 million per year for two years has been committed to boosting the NSW Government’s languages services, including an expansion of its Interpreter Scholarship Program. 

Marine Rescue NSW specialists have put their skills to the test in a major maritime capability operation on Pittwater this weekend, preparing for real-life on-water emergencies.
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the two-day Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) tests the training and coordination of multiple emergency services organisations.
 
“More than 115 search and rescue specialists, including 70 Marine Rescue NSW volunteers from eight units across Greater Sydney and the Central Coast, are taking part in this important operation,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“Training opportunities like this are vital to help our crews stay sharp and ready to save lives when more people take to the water in the warmer months.”
 
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes said despite the wet weather, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers have responded to 3,896 calls for urgent help this year.
 
“Tragically over the past year 14 boaters and paddlers have lost their lives, and I urge everyone heading out on the water to do their bit by always wearing a lifejacket and Logging On with their local Marine Rescue base,” Mr Stokes said.
 
Marine Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner Alex Barrell said the exercise was the largest of three held across the State this winter to test the readiness of search and rescue crews.
 
“This weekend’s event is a major component of our ongoing professional training program for our highly skilled boat crew and radio operators, in the State’s busiest boating region,” Deputy Commissioner Barrell said.
 
“Our volunteers are trained to the highest standards for their roles and the on-water experience they gain from this exercise helps keep them rescue-ready around the clock.”
 
The scenario for the SAREX involved a search for multiple victims of a missing recreational fishing boat off the coast.
 
Marine Rescue NSW members from the Botany Port Hacking, Broken Bay, Central Coast, Cottage Point, Hawkesbury, Middle Harbour, Port Jackson and Sydney units were joined by personnel from the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command, Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter and Surf Life Saving NSW.