Category: NSW News

Sydney tolls could surge by almost 2.1 per cent in just a single quarter, beginning this Friday.
 
Under the latest quarterly rates, Sydney motorists will be hit with toll increases of between one and 2.1 per cent.
 
The quarterly increase – one of the highest on record – commences this Friday, 1 July 2022.
 
The Westlink M7 and Hills M2 are the roads which will see the largest increases, with the average Sydney car to be slammed with an additional $91.20 in tolls over the next 12 months*.
 
Western Sydney households will be hardest impacted by the increases. The government’s own data shows that 17 of the top 20 most tolled postcodes are in Western Sydney.
 
This will take their annual tolling bill to up to $4,267.20. And that’s just for using the Westlink M7.
 
Roads Minister Natalie Ward has admitted that Western Sydney motorists with multiple vehicles could be paying $6,000 a year in tolls.
 
The Premier has locked in many of the state’s toll roads into annual increases of four per cent or higher.
 
Last week, Labor announced a Minns Government will keep the Sydney Harbour Tunnel toll concession in public hands and return revenue from both the Sydney Harbour Tunnel and the Sydney Harbour Bridge to drivers in the form of toll relief.
 
Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader said:  
 

The reality the Perrottet Government has locked Sydney drivers into an arrangement with toll operators of minimum four per cent increases each year, every year, for the next forty years.
 
“And in the middle of a cost of living crisis, Sydney households are getting slammed for it. We’re already the most tolled city in the world.”

John Graham MLC, NSW Shadow Minister for Roads said:
 
“After locking Sydney into massive toll increases for the next forty years, Premier Perrottet’s response is to pay motorists to pay private toll operators.
 
“And on Friday, Premier Perrottet’s toll relief will mean even less.”
 
*Assuming two trips a day, 48 weeks a year

On the same day that both tolls and electricity prices going up, NSW Labor is reiterating its call for Dominic Perrottet and Matt Kean to consider re-diverting some of the chronic underspends in programs to help families with immediate and serious cost of living relief.

Recent analysis revealed that the Perrottet Government is currently underspending on its “Cost of Living” programs – with at least $265 million in eligible energy rebates remaining unclaimed last year.

From today, some NSW residential customers will pay up to 18 per cent or $369 more each year on their electricity bill, while small businesses will pay 20 per cent or $1,130 more.

The highest price rises will be seen across Western Sydney, whose residents already pay the highest energy bills as well as steep rises in the Illawarra and the Blue Mountains.

In comparison to every other state and territory across the country, NSW currently offers the least support for energy bills to low-income households.

The average take-up of government energy rebates is 51 per cent, with some as low as 11 per cent.
 
Additionally, Dine and Discover vouchers, and small business fees and charges rebates, have expired as of yesterday.

Chris Minns, NSW Labor leader said:

NSW residents will be hit with a double whammy today – both tolls and electricity prices are going up – and its brought to you by Dominic Perrottet’s privatisation agenda.

“Under Dominic Perrottet and the NSW Liberals, we are in a cost of living crisis”.

“We’re calling on the Government to look at the chronic underspend of programs – there’s $265 million in eligible energy rebates that can be used.

“It’s a common sense idea, that can offer real and immediate cost of living relief to NSW families now.”

Jihad Dib, Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change said:

“Matt Kean hasn’t busted energy bills, energy bills have busted families. It’s time for the government to come up with a real plan for cost of living relief that families can access.”

“The government’s approach to cost of living relief is that if you’re not on an existing concession then you’re not feeling the pinch. This is naive and out of touch.”

“The Minister is quick with a quip and big statements like he’s going to ‘bust’ energy bills. But the truth is that under his watch, families have done it tougher than ever before.”

“From today every family’s electricity bill will be going up. The government is out of touch if they don’t think this is hitting families really hard.”

BACKGROUND

For the 10 per cent of customers on standing offers (as determined by the Default Market Offer) power bills will increase by up to 18 per cent or $369 for households and 20% or $1,130 for businesses from today.

• Endeavour Energy (Western Sydney, Blue Mountains, Illawarra and South Coast)
  • Residential – 18.3 per cent increase or $369
  • Small business – 19.7 per cent increase or $1,130
• Ausgrid (Sydney, Newcastle and the Hunter)
  • Residential – 11 per cent increase or $210
  • Small business – 10 per cent increase or $690
• Essential (Regional NSW)
  • Residential – 9.6 per cent increase or $219
  • Small business – 14.7 per cent or $1,146

 Energy Retailers have also flagged increases for customers on market offers –

• Origin Energy will increase bills by 14.4 per cent or $270 on average from July 1.
• AGL customers will see an average increase of 17.5 per cent or around $300 from August 1. Some customers, including those in Western Sydney will see an increase of 20 per cent.
  • AGL are also raising gas prices by 8.8 per cent or $73.

After two years of COVID-enforced cancellations, the HART Junior State Titles are back and the next generation of NSW talent is set to converge on the Penrith District and Baulkham Hills Shire Netball Associations for three huge days of competition.

A flagship event within the Netball NSW (NNSW) pathway, the Titles showcase the strength of the grassroots game with young players from all over the state coming together to represent their respective Associations. It is also a key pathway competition for coaches and umpires.

Taking place from Saturday to Monday, 2-4 July, it is the largest community sport event run by NNSW, and doubles as one of the biggest of its kind of any sporting code nationwide.

Last held in 2019, its large-scale nature meant it sadly fell victim to COVID-19 lockdowns in both 2020 and 2021.

This year athletes will take part in three age-groups – 14U, 13U and 12U – with Penrith welcoming teams in Divisions 1 and 2, while Baulkham Hills hosts sides in Divisions 3 and 4.

Similar to this year’s Senior State Titles, which introduced Men’s Divisions for the first time, in 2022 the Junior Titles will have an inaugural Boys’ Division.

NNSW President Louise Sullivan noted that the hosting of the event this year was a major milestone in the game’s recovery as the nation learns to live with COVID-19.

“Given this is the largest grassroots netball event on the Netball NSW calendar, I think it’s fair to say that netball is back! How good is it to be able to say that?” she said. 

“Absence certainly makes the heart grow fonder and I know we are in for three very special days as participants and fans from all over the state flock in their thousands to both venues.

“I would like to acknowledge the players, coaches, officials, volunteers, staff and wider supporters of the game who put so much effort into their Junior State Title campaigns in both 2020 and 2021, only to have their opportunities taken away as the nation grappled with the coronavirus.  

“I hope many of those affected are taking part this year, but those who aren’t should still be immensely proud of their achievement in being selected for representative netball in the first place.

“When you see the sheer power of our grassroots game, that is no mean feat.”

Sullivan also emphasised the importance of inclusion in extending netball’s reach.

“Excitingly, for the first time ever, we will have Boys’ Divisions,” she said.

“The inclusion of male divisions in the Junior and Senior State Titles – the sport’s showpiece events at grassroots level – is a vital part of securing our game’s future.

“The last few years have shown us nothing is ever certain so we should appreciate the collectiveness events like this bring, and powerful impact netball can have across the state.”

Netball NSW would like to thank HART Sport, Naming Rights Partner of the event, for their support.

Work to transform the first light rail stop from vision to reality is underway on Church Street with two 23 metre-long 6-tonne canopies lifted into place in a major milestone for stage one of the Parramatta Light Rail project.

Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said the installation of the canopy marked a significant achievement in the Parramatta Light Rail moving one step closer to delivering western Sydney commuters a first-class transport system.

“This city-shaping project will give commuters a choice in the way they travel which is vital in connecting communities, people and businesses,” Mr Elliott said.

“Parramatta Light Rail is being delivered with Australian businesses in mind, not only supporting local manufacturing and jobs, but also using innovative construction methods to minimise disruption.

“The canopies for the light rail stops are also a showpiece of the great work by Silverwater based manufacturing company, Icon Metal, engaged to manufacture and install the state-of-the-art, prefabricated light rail stop components which will use 80 per cent of locally sourced materials.

“The prefabricated structures including the canopies were built at the factory, craned into place and assembled overnight on Church Street, between Phillip and George streets, to reduce construction impacts on site,” Mr Elliott said.

Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the final stop design was informed by extensive research, consultation with the community including accessibility groups, independent design review and prototyping.

“A full-scale light rail stop prototype was built and tested to ensure its design and features delivered the best customer experience. The stops will be fully accessible to accommodate a significant volume of people of different abilities, particularly during busy periods such as major sporting and community events.

“The Light Rail will improve access to the CBD and deliver an economic boost to Parramatta’s retail, hospitality and night-time businesses,” Mr Lee said.

Stage 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail will connect Westmead to Carlingford via Parramatta CBD and Camellia, and is expected to commence passenger services in 2023.

The NSW Government is providing extra support to the hospitality industry by extending free refresher courses into next year, in a bid to address staff shortages.

Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said hospitality venues are doing their best to encourage workers to the sector, but are facing major staff shortages with many skilled hospitality staff leaving the industry during the peak of the COVID pandemic.

“Many who left the sector have seen their mandatory certifications lapse. We want to make it easy for those people to quickly and freely renew those certifications and remove any barriers that are preventing them from re-entering the hospitality sector,” Mr Anderson said.

“It’s not just bar and wait staff who require a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certificate – others who work or volunteer where alcohol is sold also need it, including security, crowd control and promotional staff.

“The same goes for the Responsible Conduct of Gambling certificate (RCG) – if you work around poker machines you need to have specific training to identify and minimise gambling harm.”

Australian Hotels Association NSW Director of Liquor and Policing John Green said pubs right across NSW are still struggling with staff shortages so this initiative is greatly appreciated.

“Reducing red tape makes it easier for those who worked in the industry to come back and pick up a few shifts at their local – we would especially encourage older workers with their years of experience to step back behind the bar,” Mr Green said.
Anyone whose certification expired from February 2020 can renew their RSA, or RSA and RCG together, for free, until February 2023 without having to retrain in full.

Since February this year more than 16,000 people have completed free RSA and RCG refresher courses through Liquor & Gaming NSW.

NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs are celebrating the awarding of more than $3.6 million for the upgrade, restoration and construction of surf life saving facilities through the NSW Government’s 2021/22 Surf Club Facility Program.
 
Twenty-three Surf Life Saving Clubs across NSW secured grants up to $500,000 as part of a four-year $16 million commitment from the NSW Government.
 
Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said the grants would ensure surf life saving volunteers continue to deliver a world-class frontline service and keep beaches safe.
 
“Surf Life Saving Clubs are vital in protecting people in the water and supporting a healthy lifestyle for members,” Mr Ayres said.
 
“These grants will provide funding for surf life saving facilities that are inclusive, accessible and enable people from all sections of the community to participate.
 
“Despite the challenges of the past few years, the commitment of our volunteer surf lifesavers to ensure our beaches were are safe has been unwavering. Our volunteer members and their spirit of service are the beating heart of our community.”
 
Major projects to receive funding in the 2021/22 Surf Club Facility Program include:
 

• $500,000 to Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club as part of a $1.3 million upgrade that includes a new training room and gym, upgraded changerooms and toilets
• $500,000 to Cabrarita Surf Life Saving Club that includes to the training, patrol and recreational areas
• $412,000 to North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club for upgrades to the internal pool as well as new solar panels, battery storage and pool heating system.
• $369,000 to Warriewood Surf Life Saving Club for upgrades to the club’s clubroom, kitchen, balcony, flooring and doors
• $210,000 to Port Kembla Surf Life Saving Club for renovations to the club’s courtyard.

 
Surf Life Saving NSW President George Shales OAM said ensuring surf clubs across NSW were maintained and upgraded is vitally important.
 
“Our volunteers need safe, accessible and secure facilities in order to conduct their lifesaving work,” Mr Shales said.
 
“Many Surf Life Saving Clubs have been on the frontline in the last year, responding to incidents and emergencies including the recent flood disaster, many being set up as emergency evacuation centres to help support their communities.”
For the full list of recipients and further details on the Surf Club Facility Program visit: Surf Club Facility Program | NSW Government

From helping new parents keep track of their newborn’s milestones to creating a single State-wide medical record and supporting better patient outcomes and virtual care, the NSW Government is embracing digital solutions to help the people of NSW.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said digital innovations were key to helping customers stay on top of their wellbeing with new solutions like the NSW Health App, the Digital Baby Book and the Single Digital Patient Record set to further assist the way people manage their health.

“The NSW Government is a world leader in delivering customer-centric digital outcomes and nowhere is this more important than supporting the health and wellbeing of the State’s residents,” Mr Dominello said.

“Digital innovations like the NSW Health App will allow customers to access critical health information as well as relevant NSW Health services from the convenience of their phone. It will also help customers consider other healthcare services available in the community.

“The Digital Restart Fund (DRF) has already committed $166.7m to the new Single Digital Patient Record, which will mean clinicians can better support patients and their health no matter where they are in NSW.

“Having a truly State-wide clinical information system will improve patient safety and continuity of care, while also reducing the burden on patients having to provide their information repeatedly when accessing NSW Health services.

“The Digital Baby Book initiative has been supported with $4.97m from the DRF and $53.7 million to develop its clinical interface.  This will enable busy families with the digital tools needed to stay on track with childhood vaccinations, development information and checks.

“An improved Mental Health Access Line is in the works, along with a new virtual care strategy aimed at accessing health and wellbeing support with the tap of a button.

“Digital solutions are solving today’s problems by ensuring customers remain well informed and engaged with their healthcare providers.

“Future initiatives include the eReferral Hub, which will act as an electronic dashboard for referrals allowing consumers to view and be notified of their outpatient appointments, has also received $3m in DRF funding.

Mr Dominello said NSW’s nation-leading work to introduce a digital COVID-safe check-in system made it easier for people to visit venues safely and access essential services during the COVID-19 restrictions, while also supporting NSW Health contract tracers.

“Since 2020, almost 200,000 customers opted-in to receive their COVID-19 test result via the Service NSW app, with about 1.9 million results provided,” Mr Dominello said.

“Whether it is a COVID-19 test result, school vaccinations or using digital innovations to foster healthy, resilient, thriving families and communities, the NSW Government is here to make life easier and health services more accessible for everyone in the State.”

The Digital Restart Fund is providing seed funding for many eHealth initiatives to support residents across the State. The NSW Government has allocated $2.1 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.

Veterans are taking up the opportunity to get the skills they need for in-demand jobs as part of the NSW Government’s investment in fee-free training.
 
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the Veterans Skills Program enables veterans and their partners to upskill or retrain for job opportunities in industries like digital skills, community services and construction.
 
“We want to allow veterans to add to their unique skills and attributes so they can get the jobs they want post-service, particularly in industries experiencing skills shortages,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“This program is about working with employers, industry and veterans groups to identify skills gaps and provide training to help people transition to civilian jobs.”
 
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said more than 550 people have already taken up the opportunity to get the skills they need for the jobs they want.
 
“For those seeking a career change this program can help them learn new skills and obtain qualifications to complement their existing ADF attributes, while for those who want to work in civilian defence-related roles, this training provides them with the chance to develop additional skills and knowledge,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“These types of training programs are vital in helping our veterans have a smoother transition from military service to civilian life.”
 
Thales is one of the companies committed to providing training and development opportunities for veterans through the program. Thales Australia Vice President Above Water Systems Max Kufner said the training was helping veterans go from strength to strength in the workplace.
 
“This program has provided an opportunity for teams across our Garden Island Defence Precinct, Rydalmere and HMAS Waterhen sites to participate in meaningful training opportunities that they may not otherwise have had access to,” Mr Kufner said.
 
“The outcomes from this training have been impressive and some of the team have changed roles and received promotions as a result.”
 
For more information, visit https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/veterans.

The Illawarra community will soon see construction start on the new state-of-the-art $700 million Shellharbour Hospital, which will include integrated health services and a multi-deck hospital car park.
 
The NSW Government has acquired the preferred greenfield site for the new Shellharbour Hospital at Dunmore Road, Dunmore under the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991, enabling construction to begin by March 2023.
 
“This is a fantastic milestone for one of the state’s biggest health infrastructure projects in the heart of the Illawarra community, which can expect to see its new first class hospital up and running by 2027,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“This site for the new Shellharbour Hospital was selected after a public site selection process and it provides space for future expansion to meet the healthcare needs of the growing community.
 
“A new multi-deck hospital car park will be built on the Dunmore site which is also well connected to road and rail networks, to ensure easy access for the whole community.”
 
The NSW Government is providing $570 million for the project, with the remaining funding being provided from the Commonwealth Government. The hospital is expected to include:

• Expanded emergency services;
• Increased surgical capacity;
• Rehabilitation and aged care services;
• Acute medical services;
• New mental health services in contemporary, patient-centred facilities;
• Renal dialysis;
• Outpatients and ambulatory care services; and
• A new multi-storey car park and improved public transport links.

 
As part of the integrated project, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District will expand its services at Bulli Hospital and add palliative care and rehabilitation beds at Wollongong Hospital while the new Shellharbour Hospital is being built.
 
Parliamentary Secretary for Wollongong and the Illawarra Peter Poulos announced the site selection process for the new Warrawong Community Health Centre has also now been finalised.
 
“Following significant review of local site options, the brand-new Warrawong Community Health Centre will be built on the existing Port Kembla Hospital site, to the south east of the hospital,” Mr Poulos said.    
 
“This means construction can begin sooner, so the local health district can continue to deliver quality community based health services to the region from this well-known and iconic location.”
 
Mr Poulos said the Port Kembla Hospital, which was opened in 1960, is coming to the end of its useful life and planning continues for the gradual relocation of health services to purpose-built facilities throughout the LHD over the next few years. 
 
“Ongoing consultation with our stakeholders and community members is a vital part of the process and we look forward to working with the community on both exciting projects in the coming months,” Mr Poulos said.
 
The NSW Government is investing a record $11.9 billion in health infrastructure over the four years to 2025-26, with nearly a third of the capital allocation in this financial year going towards regional and rural health facilities.
Since 2011, the NSW Government has delivered more than 180 hospitals and health facilities across NSW, with more than 130 currently underway – of those, more than 90 are in rural and regional areas.