Category: NSW News

The state’s first trial of a hydrogen-powered electric bus will begin on the Central Coast later this year, as the NSW Government transitions its fleet to zero emission technology.

The Government is partnering with local and national industry suppliers to test the future fuel source.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the project would help create a thriving green hydrogen industry in NSW.

“Unlocking hydrogen use in the heavy transport sector is key to creating new industries and achieving the economic prosperity that comes with it,” Mr Kean said.

“A green hydrogen industry will encourage NSW investment in clean technology, grow our economy, boost our exports and support regional jobs.”

The project is a partnership with the Department of Planning and Environment, local bus manufacturer ARCC, Central Coast operator Red Bus, and Origin Energy.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said industry is partnering with bus operators to develop trials, to understand how the technology could be implemented across regional NSW.

“Hydrogen buses have a greater range than battery electric buses, which could make them better suited for use in regional and outer metropolitan areas of the state,” Mr Farraway said.

“This trial is the first step towards us getting a better understanding of how hydrogen buses perform in local conditions, as well as the infrastructure needed to support them.

“The results of the battery electric bus trial on the Central Coast will be compared against the hydrogen bus to understand any key differences, including fuel economy and refuelling times.

“In some regional areas buses need to travel greater distances before they refuel which is why trials like this are important.”

Managing Director and founder of ARCC Peter Murley said the Australian-owned business was committed to a sustainable, zero-emission transport future.

“Our focus is on helping local and state governments reach zero-emission targets with turnkey transport options that are 100 per cent Australian designed, built and supported,” Mr Murley said.

On-road testing will take place on roads surrounding the development facility at Smithfield before the trial begins.

The first hydrogen fuel cell electric bus is expected to arrive on the Central Coast later this year before starting a local trial of the technology.

NSW residents are being urged to book in for their flu vaccine without delay, with winter just a week away and hospitals already seeing a surge in influenza cases.
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said NSW hospitals are facing a triple threat with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, a surge in flu cases and staff furloughing due to illness.
 
“NSW Health has been warning us for months of the likelihood of a horror flu season, so please, help yourselves and our health staff and get a flu shot,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“After two years of COVID, our hospitals do not need the added challenge of avoidable influenza, when flu shots are readily available at GPs and pharmacies.
 
“With almost no exposure to flu these past two years, it is imperative we all get a flu jab to protect ourselves and the community.”
 
NSW’s Chief Paediatrician Dr Matt O’Meara said there is particular concern for children aged six months to five years old.
 
“We are encouraging parents to be alert this flu season as young children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of flu,” Dr O’Meara said.
 
“At least 10 per cent of children admitted to hospital with flu will be so sick that they need intensive care. Parents can reduce the risk of that happening, just by getting their child vaccinated.”
 
Those considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from influenza are eligible for a free flu vaccine. This includes children from six months to under five years of age; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from six months of age; people with serious health conditions, pregnant women, and people aged 65 and over.
 
NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce said emergency departments across NSW are currently under significant pressure due to high numbers of COVID-19 cases and now a surge in flu cases, which is impacting the availability of staff.
 
“Our wonderful frontline healthcare workers are here to help give you the right care if you need it. If you are seriously injured, seriously unwell or have a life-threatening medical emergency, you should call triple zero or attend an emergency department without delay,” Ms Pearce said.
 
“We are urging the community to support us during this challenging period by making sure those who need emergency medical care can receive it by saving ambulances and emergency departments for saving lives. Please do not call triple zero or attend emergency departments for non-urgent issues.”
 
If you are not sure if you should go to an emergency department, visit Healthdirect.gov.au or call Healthdirect for free on 1800 022 222 for fast, expert advice on what to do next. Healthdirect is a 24-hour telephone health advice line staffed by registered nurses. You can also get in touch with your GP for advice and support.
 
So far this year in NSW, there have been 14,812 reported flu cases and 3,349 people have presented to emergency departments with influenza-like illness.
 
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant urged the community to continue to do the little things that can make a big difference when it comes to curbing the spread of viruses this winter.
 
“It is important people continue to take simple precautions to protect themselves and each other. This includes wearing a mask indoors when you can’t physically distance, staying at home when you’re unwell, and remembering to practise good hand hygiene,” Dr Chant said.
 
We can help reduce the COVID-19 and flu risk to ourselves and others by:

• Staying home if we’re unwell, taking a COVID-19 test straight away and self-isolating.
• Wearing a mask indoors or wherever we can’t physically distance
• Getting together outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces with open doors and windows
• Practising good hygiene by washing or sanitising our hands often
• Taking a rapid antigen test to test for COVID-19 before visiting vulnerable loved ones or going to large gatherings and events
• Staying up to date with our vaccinations – for both flu and COVID-19.

Marking a major pivot away from single-use plastics, the NSW Government’s ban on lightweight plastic bags will come into force next week.
 
Minister for Environment James Griffin said the lightweight plastic bag ban is the first of many plastic items being banned in NSW this year.
 
“I think all of us can see the impact plastic pollution is having on our environment, which is why we’re making major changes in NSW this year,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“The ban on lightweight single-use bags comes into place from 1 June, and then from November, we’re banning more problematic plastics, such as cutlery and plates.
 
“Single-use plastic is used by many of us for just a few convenient minutes, but it remains in our environment for many years, eventually breaking into microplastics.
 
“Single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60 per cent of all litter in NSW. By stopping the supply of problematic plastic in the first place, we’re helping prevent it from entering our environment as litter, or going into landfill.
 
“We each have the power to make positive environmental change at an individual level, and I encourage everyone to choose to go plastic-free as often as they can.”
 
The NSW Government passed the Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021 in November, and introduced the Plastics Action Plan last year.
 
The ban will prevent almost 2.7 billion items of plastic litter from entering the environment in NSW over the next 20 years.
 
In addition to the 1 June lightweight plastic bag ban, from November the NSW Government is banning:

• single-use plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates, bowls and cotton buds
• expanded polystyrene food ware and cups
• rinse-off personal care products containing plastic microbeads.

 
So-called “compostable” and “bioplastic” alternatives to the above items are also being banned. That’s because they don’t biodegrade unless they’re treated in an industrial composting facility, creating just as much of a problem as conventional plastic.
 
To ensure small businesses are ready for the changes this year, the NSW Government engaged the National Retail Association (NRA) to deliver a comprehensive retailer education campaign.
 
Minister for Small Business Eleni Petinos said the NSW Government is supporting more than 40,000 businesses across NSW to phase-out single-use plastics.
 
“The NSW Government has worked with stakeholders to support small businesses to understand how they will be affected, how to comply with new laws and what alternatives they can use to single-use plastics,” Ms Petinos said.
 
“Through the NRA, we’re running a retailer education campaign, conducting store visits, and providing online webinars and resources to help businesses make the adjustment away from single-use plastics.”
 
The NRA has launched a free hotline (1800 844 946) to offer businesses, community organisations and consumers advice on the single-use plastic bans.
 
For more information about the NSW plastics ban, visit http://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/plastics-ban

Customers travelling on North Coast XPT services between Sydney and Brisbane are once again able to enjoy the entire journey by train, after months of weather-related disruptions.  

As well as damage to the track in NSW, flooding also delayed Queensland Rail’s completion of the Brisbane Cross River Delivery Authority project, meaning passenger trains were not able to run into Roma Street Station. 

Infrastructure repairs have now been completed, so coaches will no longer be needed to replace trains on the XPT service between Casino and Brisbane. 

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said it was great news for customers and the north coast region as it recovers from flooding. 

“I thank NSW TrainLink regional customers for their patience over recent months of disrupted journeys due to unprecedented flooding and severe weather,” Mr Farraway said. 

“The north coast route between Sydney and Brisbane is NSW TrainLink’s longest XPT service, covering 1,012 kilometres over 15 hours and stopping at 24 locations. 

“It’s also one of the most popular regional train trips in the country, with a total number of passenger trips in both directions of around 100,000 a year, pre-COVID. 

“NSW TrainLink crews are delighted to be once again back on the tracks the entire distance between Sydney and Brisbane, serving customers on the North Coast XPTs. 

“This service is so important in connecting people across state borders, including those travelling for school, medical appointments or to see family.” 

Customers can book a trip on the North Coast XPT or any NSW TrainLink regional service by calling 13 22 32 or online at transportnsw.info/regional-bookings .

The NSW unemployment rate has reached a record low for the second time this year, falling 0.4 percentage points to 3.5 per cent in April.
 
It is the state’s lowest monthly unemployment rate since current records began in 1978 according to the latest ABS data, following on from the previous record of 3.7 per cent in February.
 
About 19,300 extra people were employed in full-time jobs in April in NSW and hours worked in NSW also bounced back by 2.5 per cent.
 
NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said today’s outstanding results came after a decade of strong economic management by the NSW Coalition Government and is a clear indication of the underlying strength of the State’s economy.
 
“The NSW labour market is in an extremely strong position having reached a record low unemployment rate for the second time in the past few months which is significantly lower than the national average,” Mr Kean said.
 
“The NSW Government has provided effective, tailored support measures to steer this State through bushfires, floods and COVID outbreaks, to come out even stronger through these difficult times.”
 
An additional 93,200 people are employed in NSW compared to pre-COVID levels, and another 51,600 compared to pre-Delta levels.
 
The NSW unemployment rate remains below the national unemployment rate of 3.9 per cent.
 
The State’s advanced economic performance is boosted by a focus on jobs through programs such as Jobtrainer which has attracted more than 200,000 enrolments, and fee-free training for nearly 200,000 apprentices and trainees.

Drivers living in or visiting Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs can now park with more convenience, thanks to the NSW Government’s popular Park’nPay technology going live in the Woollahra Council area.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said since its launch in 2019, Park’nPay had been a game changer for motorists, with more than 100,000 app downloads so far.
 
“We are excited to put the power of parking back into the hands of the thousands of people who live, work and travel in Woollahra by giving them a seamless parking experience,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“Whether they are heading to the shops, or catching up with friends at a café or restaurant, drivers will be able to use the app to pay for more than 500 spaces in these areas.
 
“They can also top-up through their phone and avoid parking fines, as well as pay for the exact amount of time they need the space.
 
“This is about making life easier for drivers, with more than 92 per cent giving the technology the thumbs up. I would like to sincerely thank Woollahra Council for coming on board and supporting this important technology.”
 
Mayor of Woollahra, Councillor Susan Wynne said: “We are delighted the convenience of Park’nPay is now available to local residents and visitors to Woollahra.”
 
Park’nPay is available in in The Rocks, Ryde, Liverpool, Cumberland, Central Coast, Mosman, Hunters Hill, Burwood, Northern Beaches, Port Stephens, Willoughby, Armidale and NSW National Parks.
 
The app also provides information on real-time parking availability for 21 Transport for NSW Commuter Carparks, locations of electric vehicle charging stations and more than 18,000 private driveways to rent. For more information visit: https://parknpay.nsw.gov.au/    

Sydenham Station’s multi-million-dollar transformation marks a significant milestone in the delivery of the Sydney Metro City & Southwest section of Australia’s biggest public transport infrastructure project.

Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said the $301 million program of works delivered a modern first-class railway station which is ready to be integrated into the Sydney Metro system once services are running.

 “The completion of works at Sydenham highlights the progress that is being made on this once in a generation public transport project and the commitment of this government to deliver transformative infrastructure projects,” Mr Elliott said.

“The Sydney Metro is a visionary project which will revolutionise the public transport network with commuters able to catch an air-conditioned metro service every four minutes.

“These large-scale projects connect people and places, communities and businesses, while supporting future employment and population growth. They also provide a boost to the construction industry with more than 6,500 workers inducted onto the Sydenham site and more than 2.5 million total hours worked since the project started,” Mr Elliott said.

New metro platforms enables commuters easy access to interchange from metro services on platforms 1 and 2 with Sydney Trains services on other platforms.

Other features to be progressively delivered include: a new pedestrian concourse and station entrance at Burrows Avenue; new signage and wayfinding, lift access, and platform safety screen doors which make platforms safer for customers and improves travel efficiency by allowing trains to get in and out of stations much faster.

So far more than 100 metres of the total 340 metres of barriers have been installed along metro platforms, improving safety by creating a 1.7 metre barrier between the platform and the new tracks.

NSW is enjoying a fee-free training boom with more than 200,000 enrolments recorded under JobTrainer, a program helping people get skilled for in-demand jobs.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government’s strong economic management means we can deliver programs such as JobTrainer to equip people with the skills they need to get their first job, a new job or a better job.
 
“The NSW Government is turbocharging the take-up of vocational education and training to create a strong pipeline of skilled and qualified workers, which is helping secure a brighter future for NSW families,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“Our record infrastructure program is creating enormous demand for jobs and our investment in fee-free training is helping meet that demand so we can continue to build what matters to make daily life better.
 
“The success of the JobTrainer program is helping strengthen our economy, which means more money for services, community amenity and less pressure on households.”
 
Training under the program is fee-free and fully funded for eligible people wanting to upskill or reskill.
 
The NSW Government has expanded the eligibility criteria for the program to target more in-demand industries, including construction, manufacturing, transport, logistics, aged care, disability care, childcare and digital skills.
 
JobTrainer has also supported more than 5,000 women into construction-related courses through the Built for Women initiative.
 
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the number of people commencing apprenticeships and traineeships in NSW has sky-rocketed since the launch of the program.
 
“JobTrainer is all about helping people get the skills they need for the job they want, while helping drive our economic recovery from the pandemic,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“Whether you’re a young person exploring your career or someone wanting to re-skill for an in-demand industry, JobTrainer can provide the fee-free training to help you kick-start your journey.”
 
JobTrainer is a joint State and Federal funded program, which is injecting $637 million into the NSW skills and training market. More information about eligibility and training courses on offer is available online.

The NSW Government today confirmed the 11-kilometre toll-free tunnel from Blackheath to Little Hartley as the preferred option following an in-depth feasibility analysis and extensive investigation process. 
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the proposed central tunnel would be Australia’s longest road tunnel.
 
“This is a history-making legacy project that will deliver safer and more efficient journeys for locals, tourists and freight travelling between the Central West and the East Coast,” Mr Toole said.
 
“The tunnel will reduce congestion and improve safety for local residents, tourists and freight operators.
 
“In May last year, we started investigating plans to join the two to create the longest road tunnel in the entire country – and today, we’re locking that plan in as the preferred option.
 
“This is a complex, ambitious plan but we’re on track for shovels to hit the ground on the east and west stages of the upgrade early next year because we’re getting on with the job of building a safer, stronger road network across all parts of the state.
 
“The Blackheath to Little Hartley tunnel design features dual carriageways for both eastbound and westbound motorists in separate twin tunnels and a gentler gradient to cut travel times and improve freight efficiencies.”
 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the Blue Mountains tunnel would deliver a raft of benefits that would transform the connection between Sydney and western NSW.
 
“This tunnel project, as part of the major upgrade of the Great Western Highway between Lithgow and Katoomba, will help improve the economic development, productivity and accessibility in and through the Blue Mountains, Central West and Orana regions,” Mr Farraway said.
 
“It will improve the resilience of the state’s major road corridor across the Blue Mountains during traffic incidents and natural disasters and will be built to accommodate future population growth west of the Blue Mountains.
 
“The straighter alignment will improve road safety through the mountains and the tunnel will help unlock the potential of western NSW, for the benefit of all residents and businesses in this important part of the state.
 
“Once the full upgrade to the Great Western Highway is complete, it is predicted to save motorists up to 30 minutes between Katoomba and Lithgow during busy periods.
 
It’s time to make the Western Highway Great again and that is exactly what this upgrade will do.”
 
Transport for NSW will continue its program of consultation with Blue Mountains and Central West communities and the Wiradjuri, Dharug and Gundungurra communities through a series of online and face-to-face information sessions about the tunnel project in coming weeks.
 
Face-to-face information sessions for everyone in the community will be held at the Hartley Community Hall (Wednesday 18 May, 6pm-8pm), Katoomba Cultural Centre (Wednesday 25 May, 4:30pm – 8pm) and Blackheath Neighbourhood Centre (Saturday 4 June, 10am – 12pm).
 
Online sessions will be held on Monday 23 May and Thursday 9 June at 6:30pm.
 
Participants can register for all sessions through the online web portal at nswroads.work/gwheastconsult. 
 
These early information sessions precede the formal consultation which will come later in 2022 when the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Blackheath to Little Hartley tunnel goes on exhibition.
 
At that time the community will have further opportunity to explore the design, consider the benefits and impacts of the proposal and make formals submissions which will be responded to in a submissions report.

The NSW Government today confirmed the 11-kilometre toll-free tunnel from Blackheath to Little Hartley as the preferred option following an in-depth feasibility analysis and extensive investigation process. 
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the proposed central tunnel would be Australia’s longest road tunnel.
 
“This is a history-making legacy project that will deliver safer and more efficient journeys for locals, tourists and freight travelling between the Central West and the East Coast,” Mr Toole said.
 
“The tunnel will reduce congestion and improve safety for local residents, tourists and freight operators.
 
“In May last year, we started investigating plans to join the two to create the longest road tunnel in the entire country – and today, we’re locking that plan in as the preferred option.
 
“This is a complex, ambitious plan but we’re on track for shovels to hit the ground on the east and west stages of the upgrade early next year because we’re getting on with the job of building a safer, stronger road network across all parts of the state.
 
“The Blackheath to Little Hartley tunnel design features dual carriageways for both eastbound and westbound motorists in separate twin tunnels and a gentler gradient to cut travel times and improve freight efficiencies.”
 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the Blue Mountains tunnel would deliver a raft of benefits that would transform the connection between Sydney and western NSW.
 
“This tunnel project, as part of the major upgrade of the Great Western Highway between Lithgow and Katoomba, will help improve the economic development, productivity and accessibility in and through the Blue Mountains, Central West and Orana regions,” Mr Farraway said.
 
“It will improve the resilience of the state’s major road corridor across the Blue Mountains during traffic incidents and natural disasters and will be built to accommodate future population growth west of the Blue Mountains.
 
“The straighter alignment will improve road safety through the mountains and the tunnel will help unlock the potential of western NSW, for the benefit of all residents and businesses in this important part of the state.
 
“Once the full upgrade to the Great Western Highway is complete, it is predicted to save motorists up to 30 minutes between Katoomba and Lithgow during busy periods.
 
It’s time to make the Western Highway Great again and that is exactly what this upgrade will do.”
 
Transport for NSW will continue its program of consultation with Blue Mountains and Central West communities and the Wiradjuri, Dharug and Gundungurra communities through a series of online and face-to-face information sessions about the tunnel project in coming weeks.
 
Face-to-face information sessions for everyone in the community will be held at the Hartley Community Hall (Wednesday 18 May, 6pm-8pm), Katoomba Cultural Centre (Wednesday 25 May, 4:30pm – 8pm) and Blackheath Neighbourhood Centre (Saturday 4 June, 10am – 12pm).
 
Online sessions will be held on Monday 23 May and Thursday 9 June at 6:30pm.
 
Participants can register for all sessions through the online web portal at nswroads.work/gwheastconsult. 
 
These early information sessions precede the formal consultation which will come later in 2022 when the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Blackheath to Little Hartley tunnel goes on exhibition.
 
At that time the community will have further opportunity to explore the design, consider the benefits and impacts of the proposal and make formals submissions which will be responded to in a submissions report.