Category: NSW News

Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action (BSCA) is proud to be launching another climate legal case today, this time against the NSW Independent Planning Commission (IPC) over its approval of the extension of Whitehaven Coal’s Narrabri Mine extension.

Represented by the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO), BSCA argues that the IPC’s approval of the mine extension in April was unreasonable, irrational and illogical and not in the public interest because of the project’s impacts in driving further climate change-fuelled extreme weather events such as the Black Summer bushfires and Sydney’s current flooding events. 

The IPC’s April decision allows Whitehaven Coal to extend operations up to 10km south of its existing mine with a 500m-wide coal seam and extract an additional 82 million tonnes of coal to 2044.   

The project will generate at least 479.57 Mt CO2-e in emissions (roughly equal to Australia’s current annual greenhouse gas emissions in 2021, which were 488 MtCO2-e) at a time when greenhouse gas emissions must be rapidly reduced to limit the devastating impacts of global warming. 

After successfully suing the NSW EPA last year to force it to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, BSCA is taking action in the NSW land and Environment Court to have the IPC’s approval overturned. 

“Today, thousands of people across NSW are battling record floodwaters for the third time in only a few months. Homes, businesses, farms, infrastructure are being destroyed and lives are being lost and imperilled.

“As bushfire survivors we stand shoulder to shoulder with all climate survivors, determined to fight for safer communities. We know what it is to lose everything in a climate-fuelled event. We have felt the weight of lives turned upside down as we rebuild only to see the next disaster roll towards us,” stated spokesperson for Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action Fiona Lee, who lost her home in the Black Summer fires. 

The Bureau of Meteorology State of the Climate Report 2021 revealed the number of extreme fire danger days in Australia had increased tenfold since the 1960s, with 143 extreme fire danger days in the decade of the 2010s compared to 14 in the decade of the 1960s.

If Australia continues to emit climate damaging greenhouse gases, extreme weather events will only increase in number and severity. In this court action, Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action will argue that in the face of indisputable evidence on the climate impacts, no reasonable person could conclude that this mine was in the public interest. 

Instead of approving new mines and expansions, Australia should be investing in clean, renewable energy sources that will provide jobs and reliable, cheap power. 

EDO Director of Legal Strategy Elaine Johnson said: 

“This case marks a line in the sand. The IPC has a duty to make legally reasonable and justifiable decisions. Our client says that it cannot be reasonable, rational, logical or in the public interest to approve a mine which will be a major new source of climate pollution in 2022.

“The IPC had before it indisputable scientific evidence on the impact emissions from this mine extension would have on our climate.  This mine produces not just thermal coal, but significant amounts of fugitive methane as well.

“Decision makers can no longer ignore the huge body of undisputed scientific evidence that says we must rapidly reduce emissions and leave coal and gas in the ground if we are to have a liveable planet.”

The State Government’s popular Dine & Discover NSW program has closed with almost $1 billion in direct spend injected into the economy during the 16-month lifespan of the program, which ended with a record-breaking final week.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said about 23,642,000 vouchers had been redeemed by customers since March 2021, with more than 1.1 million redemptions on the final day.

“The program has been a phenomenal success, with close to 72 per cent of vouchers redeemed across 16,736 NSW businesses,” Mr Dominello said.

“The vouchers have provided many businesses with a financial lifeline so they could survive and transition to a post-covid economy that is going from strength to strength every day.

“More than 5.5 million adults, which is about nine out of ten eligible adults, registered for the program, with the average customer spending almost $42 per voucher.

“I would like to thank all participating businesses for their support of the program.”

Redemption uptake was strong with 95.2 per cent of users cashing in at least one voucher, 67.3 per cent redeeming at least four and 38.9 per cent scanning all six.

Mr Dominello said there are still more than 70 ways for households to save and boost their budgets, with information available via Service NSW.

“Families will continue to receive hip pocket relief with Parents NSW Vouchers and Stay NSW Vouchers available until 9 October 2022,” Mr Dominello said.

For more information visit Savings Finder at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/savings-finder

A dedicated Aboriginal Cultural Space will be established at the Museum of Sydney, the site of First Government House in NSW. 

The cultural space will feature voices, significant stories, truths and histories of Aboriginal culture and people.   

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the initiative is part of the NSW Government’s broader commitment to delivering symbolic and practical outcomes for Aboriginal people and the wider community across the state. 

“The Aboriginal Cultural Space will be a place where the community can talk openly and constructively about history and culture,” Mr Perrottet said. 

“The decisions made and actions taken at the first Government House had profound and long-lasting impacts on Aboriginal people across this country and region. 

“This site will create a place for these stories and perspectives to be shared, while celebrating the enduring living culture of Aboriginal people.”    

The Aboriginal Cultural Space will be established progressively by Sydney Living Museums in partnership with the Aboriginal Languages Trust.   The development of the space will be informed by extensive consultation with the Aboriginal community, and a series of exhibitions, public programs and workshops that will take place on site.  

The site’s existing collection will be reinterpreted and contextualised to represent Aboriginal stories and perspectives until the entire space is dedicated to the culture and history of Aboriginal people. 

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and the Arts Ben Franklin said Australia should be a society that remembers, talks about and reconciles with its past.  

“Our history matters and it is filled with moments both dark and delightful. To acknowledge our past effectively, we need spaces where difficult truths and uncomfortable perspectives are free to be expressed,” Mr Franklin said. 

“History is happening now and we will work tirelessly with partners and community to bring into being a place that will engage with the past with a mind for the future.” 

Sydney Living Museums Head of First Nations Cultural Engagement Peter White said the space is a new model for cultural institutions, where Aboriginal people, places and perspectives are included. 

“Sydney Living Museums cares for 12 of the most historically significant places in the country, including a world-heritage site, and NSW State Archives has one of the world’s best archival collections, with a cultural worth beyond measure,” Mr White said. 

“Together, we hold unparalleled documentation of our past; what happened, where it happened, how it happened and why it happened. 

“There’s an expectation from community to bridge the gap between institutions and community and we want to do as much as we can to make what we have as accessible, honest and relevant as we can.” 

Aboriginal Languages Trust Chair Jason Behrendt said the partnership between the Aboriginal Languages Trust and Sydney Living Museums and State Archives and Records Authority is an important first step in building an enduring relationship based on mutual respect and understanding of our shared history. 

“For Aboriginal people, languages are part of our living culture. It is a fundamental part of identity – a physical, intellectual and spiritual connection to culture, country and community,” Mr Behrendt said. 

“This partnership will shine a spotlight on languages as living culture through expanding First Nations content, programming and services at First Government House in line with our statutory roles and strategic objectives.” 

Today’s announcement coincides with the start of NAIDOC Week – reflecting the theme ‘Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!’. 

Netball NSW has made the immensely difficult decision to cancel the final day of the 2022 HART Junior State Titles as a result of severe weather in the Sydney area.

Competition for the three-day event got underway on Saturday morning with thousands descending on the Penrith District and Baulkham Hills Shire Netball Associations.

While play, for the most part, was able to be completed on Day 1 a decision was made to cancel games on day 2 (Sunday) with a risk assessment to take place on the morning of day 3 (Monday) to see if competition could start again.

A full assessment was carried out by staff, umpires and safety officers at both venues and unfortunately, due to a number of factors such as flooding, dangerous court conditions and issued weather warnings Netball NSW has no option but to cancel all of Monday’s play.    

Tim Fava, Executive General Manager of Community & Pathways at Netball NSW, said he understood the tough decision would cause huge disappointment.

“Having had the last two years affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, to see this year’s event fall victim to the weather after getting off to a great start is simply heartbreaking for everyone involved,” he said.

“Firstly, our thoughts are with all of the players, coaches, umpires, team managers and fans who put so much into their campaigns, many of whom have come from places as far away as Ballina and Wagga Wagga,” he said.

“It is a similar feeling of disappointment for the wonderful people at Penrith and Baulkham Hills who have been such brilliant hosts, all of our commercial partners – in particular Naming Right Partner HART Sport – and of course our staff who worked tirelessly to get us to this point.

“We had such energy and excitement at both venues on Saturday morning despite the rain, which has gotten much worse since then. While the rain is currently intermittent, the water impact on the courts and the surrounding areas makes it impossible to go ahead in a way that ensures the safety of all.” 

The Titles are a vital part of the Netball NSW pathway and showcase the strength of the game’s grassroots with representative players, umpires and officials from all over the state coming together to take part.

Penrith welcomed teams from Divisions 1 & 2 of 12U, 13U and 14U age groups, while Baulkham Hills hosted Divisions 3 & 4 of the categories.

Due to teams only being able to get one day of play in, no State Champions or Division winners will be crowned for 2022.

“Given the risks involved this was really our only option” Fava explained. “I would like to reiterate again how difficult it has been the come to this decision, but it is the correct one as the wellbeing and safety of our netball family must, and always will, come first.”

Free flu shots for NSW residents will be extended until 17 July amid concerns vaccination rates are still not where they should be.
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the latest data shows only one in four children aged under five has had a flu shot, while the figures are even lower for kids aged five to 15.
 
“It’s really worrying that just over 18 per cent of children and teenagers have had a flu jab and for kids aged six months to five years, the figure is 25 per cent,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“These numbers are particularly concerning given in the last month, four times as many kids have been admitted to Sydney’s two children’s hospitals with flu than with COVID.”
 
Mr Hazzard urged families to use the school holidays to book in for a free flu shot.
 
“It only takes a few minutes to get a flu jab but that time could mean the difference between you or one of your loved ones ending up in ICU so please, book in today,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
The uptake of the influenza vaccine in adults is equally worrying, with less than 40 per cent of 50 to 65 year olds and only 64 per cent of those aged over 65 having a flu jab.
 
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant urged more people to come forward for their influenza vaccination to prevent unnecessary hospitalisations.
 
“More than 1,000 people presented to our EDs with flu-like illness last week and almost 165 were so unwell they were admitted, including very young children,” Dr Chant said.
 
“Please take advantage of the offer of the free vaccination to protect yourself against the flu this winter. There is plenty of supply and appointments available at GPs and pharmacies.”
 
The low uptake in Sydney’s west and south-west continues to be of concern, so too in parts of far northern NSW and the State’s central west.
 
For flu vaccine uptake figures by age group and local government area, click here

Motorists in the St George area of Sydney are set to benefit with major works starting on a $130 million upgrade to a key stretch of King Georges Road.

These works form part of the first stage of the $160 million King Georges Road upgrade, which is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments on a 50:50 basis and will improve safety, reduce congestion and cut travel times.

Work will commence between Stoney Creek Road at Beverly Hills and Forest Road at Hurstville to widen King Georges Road to three lanes in each direction separated by a concrete median.

This will deliver better traffic flow while also boosting safety.

Major side road access changes will be implemented as part of the work.

Right-hand turns in and out of George, Dudley, Clarence and Warwick streets will be removed, while a new dedicated right-turn bay will be installed on King Georges Road southbound into Percival Street to reduce the risk of collisions.

A longer dedicated right-turn lane will also be provided on King Georges Road northbound for motorists turning right onto Stoney Creek Road to reduce the frequency of stoppages around this busy intersection.

Work will be carried out from 8pm to 5am during the week, weather permitting.

The contract for major construction has been signed with Georgiou Group and completion is expected by late 2024.

For more information, visit nswroads.work/kgr.  

NSW motorists will save up to $750 a year on tolls with the new Toll Rebate Scheme coming into effect from today.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the new toll relief package will ease cost of living pressures by putting money back in the pockets of families and eligible small businesses especially in western, northwestern and southwestern Sydney.
 
“We are a Government that wants travelling on the State’s roads to be quicker and easier, as well as more affordable which is what this toll relief will provide,” Mr Kean said.
 
“For the first time, pensioners will be eligible for toll relief and the rebates will be paid quarterly to help ease cost of living pressures.”
 
Under this new scheme drivers will receive a 40 per cent rebate for tolls incurred once they spend $375 annually with the maximum benefit for each customer being $750.
 
Around 500,000 NSW motorists are expected to benefit from this new measure, which is more than double the number of road users receiving toll relief currently.
 
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said this two-year scheme would support families and small businesses and help make regular use of toll roads more affordable while the Government reviews options to deliver a fair and equitable toll pricing system.
 
“Sydney’s state-of-the-art motorway network slashes travel times, eases congestion and creates safer and more reliable trips. We want motorists to get home to their loved ones faster, which our Motorways deliver,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“This Toll relief is across all toll roads, which means more money, in the pockets of more motorists, more often.”
 
Road users will still be able to access a rebate on their registration renewal up until 30 June 2023 for tolls incurred between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022.
 
For tolls incurred from 1 July 2022, customers will benefit from the new Toll Rebate Scheme and will receive their first rebate payment in early 2023, followed by quarterly payments thereafter.
 
For information visit: www.service.nsw.gov.au/new-toll-relief-scheme-faqs

The NSW Liberals have spent the last two weeks trying to make up for the last 12 years of waste and mismanagement.
 
This isn’t a budget about NSW’s best interests, this is a budget about the best interests of the NSW Liberal’s and National’s.
 
Twelve years in and we are headed towards $182.2 billion in gross debt, our AAA credit rating shredded, and interest repayments which will grow at 24 per cent a year – every single year.
 
By 2025-26, the NSW Liberals hope to saddle every single person in NSW with over $21,500 each in debt, and interest repayments of over $700 every year, per person.  
 
The one thing on the minds of the people of NSW right now is that the price of everything is going up – we are in a cost of living crisis under the NSW Liberals.
 
But Dominic Perrottet and Matt Kean have:
 

• No plan to help families deal with the cost-of-living crisis that is engulfing this state;
• No plan to help boost high quality local jobs in this state;
• No plan to future proof the NSW education system;
• No plan to reverse the Americanisation of the NSW economy; and
• No plan to bring discipline and responsibility to the management of state finances.

Cost of living is going up and families will be wondering whether Mr Perrottet and Mr Kean will be there for them in a non-election year.

The proposal for land tax is the first step towards “Perrottet’s preferred model” of a land tax. This will be a forever tax on the homes of people who can least afford it.

After 12 years and four Liberal Premiers, their record is clear:

• Cost of living for NSW families is out of control – tolls, fees, fines, taxes and charges are up;
• Debt has blown out to $182.2 billion in gross debt, our AAA credit rating is shredded;
• Privatisation has led to an American-style user-pays-more model. We have already seen it with tolls and electricity prices;
• Education outcomes have gone backwards and we have a chronic teacher shortage;
• Our health system is in crisis – with emergency wait times the worst they have ever been, paramedics overstretched and nurses overworked;
• They have offshored manufacturing jobs – we’ve lost 4,000 jobs overseas; and
• A plan for a forever tax on your home.

After this 12^th Liberal and National Budget, there is a clear choice for the people of NSW – to change the future of NSW, we must change the Government.

A Chris Minns Labor Government will prioritise local content and back New South Wales jobs by setting local content targets, increasing tender weightings and setting up the NSW Jobs First Commission to back manufacturers in the state.
 
Under Labor’s plan to rebuild domestic manufacturing, Labor will set a target of 50 per cent minimum local content for future rolling stock contracts, by the end of our first term – just like Victoria.
 
In addition, Labor will increase tender weightings to 30 per cent capturing local content, job creation, small business, and ethical supply chains – to get us to where Queensland is.
 
NSW Labor will also set up a NSW Jobs First Commission – an independent, expert body, to oversee the implementation and growth of local industries, supporting and advocating for local firms in bidding for government tenders – like they do down south.

Labor will collaborate with industry and local government to make our demand pipeline as easy as possible for local suppliers.

Over the last decade under the Liberals, NSW has lost 42,000 manufacturing jobs, while comparatively Queensland gained 6000. What’s more, we’ve missed out on 4,000 more jobs due to offshoring of major infrastructure and transport projects as a result of decisions by the NSW Liberals.
 
This has to stop. We can’t rebuild an entire sector overnight – but we have to start somewhere.
 
It’s taken Victoria 7 years, but they have now supported 40,000 local jobs since 2014 as a direct result of their local procurement policies. It’s time for a new direction in New South Wales.  
 
With the loss of jobs, New South Wales has also seen the demise of the skills and training centres to support our manufacturing industry.
 
Labor will address the skills gap through TAFE manufacturing centres of excellence – starting with Western Sydney, the Hunter, and Illawarra. We’ll have more to say about this closer to the election.
 
Western Australia has been able to stand up its own domestic manufacturing within the state, and the original Inner West Light Rail under Labor ran a fleet of Variotrams that were built in Victoria. It’s time for NSW to begin this journey.
 
NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns said:

New South Wales has a proud history of building in NSW. I want to bring that back but it requires the will and the belief that we can do this right here in New South Wales.”
 
“I’m proud to announce that this will be my first Premier’s priority if I have the privilege of forming Government next March.
 
“I want to be clear – this will not happen overnight, but I back NSW made and I am determined to get the ball rolling.”

 Jo Haylen Shadow Minister for Transport said:
 
“When the NSW government decided to build trains, trams, buses and ferries overseas our state lost thousands of manufacturing jobs and we spent billions of dollars on transport infrastructure riddled with defects that just keeps on failing passengers.
 
“We need to build our trains, trams, buses and ferries right here. That way we create good jobs across our community and make sure passengers and taxpayers get trains, trams and ferries that actually work.”
 
Anoulack Chanthivong MP, NSW Shadow Minister for Industry said:
 
“The Liberals have ignored and abandoned domestic manufacturing for too long.
 
“Labor will rebuild our local domestic manufacturing industry. This will create jobs, better wages, grow our economy and back NSW manufacturers.”
 
Tim Crakanthorp MP, NSW Shadow Minister for Skills and TAFE said:

“We’ve virtually lost our domestic manufacturing industry under the NSW Liberals and with that we have lost the skills and the training they provide.”
 
“Once they go, it’s very difficult to get back.”
 
“Labor wants NSW to be a manufacturing powerhouse, and we want to train and skill up the next generation of high paid, high skilled workers who will literally build a better NSW for future generations.”

The NSW Government’s Speak Up Save Lives app is transforming the way people report safety incidents with more than 10,000 reports on workplace safety and compliance made through mobile devices since its launch.
 
The app is an innovative tool that allows people to anonymously report unsafe work practices in any workplace and industry, including by sending a photo directly to SafeWork NSW. 
 
Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said the milestone for the app shows employers and workers are becoming more confident in reporting unsafe work situations anonymously.
 
“10,000 reports is a fantastic achievement and means the app is working to stop unsafe work behavior in its tracks, as it ensures targeted intervention to where it’s needed most. I’m pleased to see NSW workers playing their part in protecting themselves and their work mates,” Ms Petinos said.
 
“In April, we received 300 reports and inspectors issued 50 improvement notices, 18 prohibition notices and four penalty notices.
 
“The most common hazards we have seen reported are those concerning physical work environments, working at heights, and biological hazards. Construction sites are the most reported workplaces, and of the 50 improvement notices issued in April, 38 of these were issued to construction sites.
 
“The Speak Up app ensures we are building a brighter future for all NSW workers, and I urge anyone who sees anything risky or unsafe at work to please report it.”
 
Businesses are still required to report all notifiable incidents, including death, serious injury or illness, or a dangerous incident, by calling 13 10 50 immediately.
 
For more information on the Speak Up Save Lives App, please click here