Category: NSW News

Households experiencing difficulty paying their energy bills will be able to access up to $1,600 a year in help after Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean today increased support payments.
 
The Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) program has helped 49,000 NSW households experiencing short-term financial hardship with their energy bills. From Monday, each application will have its limit increased from $300 to $400, up to a maximum of $1,600 a year.
 
“Eligible customers can receive payment assistance of up to $400 per application for electricity and up to $400 per application for gas bills twice a year,” Mr Kean said.
 
“This means the annual maximum limit of vouchers has increased from $1,200 to $1,600 per household.”
 
The boost to assistance for electricity and gas bills comes as the Australian Energy Regulator released its final determination today showing NSW energy customers on standing offers will face price increases from July 1.
 
The price increases are driven primarily by external factors including the Russian invasion of Ukraine which has affected supply and led to global price pressures on coal and gas. Extreme weather events in NSW and Queensland have also had an impact on prices.
 
The extra assistance is part of a $330 million per year package the NSW government is providing which also includes energy rebates to around 1 million households.
 
“With cost-of-living pressures increasing, colder weather arriving and days shortening, we want to make sure households in NSW not only keep the lights on but keep their families safe, warm and comfortable,” Mr Kean said.
 
Eligible households can also apply for different rebates including the Low Income Household Rebate, Gas Rebate, Family Energy Rebate, and Seniors Energy Rebate.
 
Around 800,000 households received the Low Income Household Rebate last year and 286,000 received the Gas Rebate.
 
Customers can see what they are eligible for by using the Service NSW Savings Finder at www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/savings-finder, by phoning 13 77 88 or visiting a Service NSW centre.
 
“I encourage all households to shop around to find the best deal for their energy,” Mr Kean said.
 
Households and small businesses can also use the free and independent Australian Government service – Energy Made Easy to compare energy plans: www.energymadeeasy.gov.au

Construction of the new 12-storey clinical services building at Campbelltown Hospital, the centrepiece of the $632 million Stage 2 redevelopment, is now complete.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet, Health Minister Brad Hazzard, Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons and Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves today toured the new building, which is undergoing final touches in readiness for its 12-week commissioning period, which will further boost first-class healthcare facilities in South-West Sydney.
 
“This major investment in Campbelltown Hospital is strengthening our frontline services to deliver better services sooner and closer to home,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“Our record investment in our health system is ensuring we are building what matters to make daily life better so people have access to the healthcare they need.
 
“The NSW Government is delivering major projects across South-West and Western Sydney to make these communities an even better place to live, work, play and raise a family.”
 
The state-of-the-art building will help service the more than 130,000 new residents expected to call the Macarthur region home over the next decade.
 
It will boost bed capacity across the hospital by more than 50 per cent as well as deliver a raft of new and expanded health services for patients.
 
This will include a new maternity unit, increased medical and surgical services, expanded kids’ services, as well as significantly increased mental health services.
 
Mr Hazzard said the project was part of the NSW Government’s record $10.8 billion investment in health infrastructure over the four years to 2024-25.
 
“This project follows completion of the $134 million first stage redevelopment of Campbelltown Hospital and the completion of the new $34 million hospital car park,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“No matter whether you look north, south, east or west across this vast State, the NSW Government is delivering more hospitals and health facilities than any other in history.
 
“More than 170 hospitals and health facilities since 2011, with a further 110 currently underway. It is an extraordinary achievement to support our health staff and patients.”
 
The new 12 story clinical services building includes:

• New state-of-the-art digital operating theatres and procedure rooms;
• A new dental and oral health department – a first for the hospital;
• Double the ICU bed capacity;
• Expanded Cancer Therapy Centre;
• Almost double the number of maternity beds (as well as an almost 60 per cent increase in the special care nursery and 50 per cent increase in birthing suites);
• New and expanded surgical services, including interventional radiology; and
• Significantly expanded mental health services, including a specialised older people’s unit and civil secure unit for adults.

 
Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons said the project was part of the NSW Government’s record investment in South West Sydney’s public hospitals.
 
“This redevelopment will transform local healthcare and ensure people living in and moving into the fastest growing region in our state have better access to a broad range of key health services, closer to home,” Ms Gibbons said.
 
Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves welcomed the expansion of key medical services, including those for children and women, mental health, and the care of older members of the community.
 
“I am incredibly pleased that this redevelopment will not only cater to the needs of our community for years to come, but has also seen the involvement of around 4,000 workers over the life of the project,” Mr Sidgreaves said.
 
A community open day will be held on Saturday 4 June, offering locals a behind-the-scenes tour of the new building before it opens to patients.
 
To register interest in the community open day visit and learn more about the Campbelltown Hospital Stage 2 redevelopment, visit www.campbelltownredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au
 
Over the last three years around 4,000 workers were on the job to support construction for the Stage 2 redevelopment providing a major boost to the local economy and jobs.

Western Sydney will be at the heart of Australia’s high-tech manufacturing capability with the investment of $260 million in a national-first shared-use research facility to be built on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney International Airport.

The full-scale Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF) will be the focal point of the new Bradfield City Centre, the 115ha urban and employment area next to the airport.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the AMRF will be at the leading edge of Australia’s advanced manufacturing revolution helping to strengthen our economy now and into the future.

“We are securing a brighter future of our families and our country, right here in Western Sydney,” Mr Perrottet said.

“The NSW Government is building what matters to make Western Sydney an even better place to live, work, learn, play and raise a family.

“The AMRF will create new high-paying jobs of the future in Western Sydney by making Bradfield City Centre the national capital of advanced manufacturing bringing industry and universities together.”

Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the AMRF was planned to be operational in 2026.

“Western Sydney has one of the largest concentrations of manufacturing businesses in Australia. The AMRF will allow manufacturers from Western Sydney the support to transition to new ways of doing business, creating the high value components for the next generation of space, aerospace, defence and medical technologies,” Mr Ayres said.

“It will mean more jobs and more investment in Western Sydney. But even more importantly, it puts Western Sydney at the centre of some of the biggest global industrial trends of this century.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the facility will change the face of manufacturing in Australia on the doorstep of the new International Airport.

“The high-tech machines we are purchasing will give businesses and researchers in Western Sydney access to some of the most advanced manufacturing technologies in the world.

“This investment will return dividends for the taxpayers of NSW through private investment and premium jobs as the new city and industries grow together.”

Modelled on examples of successful precincts overseas, such as the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Sheffield UK, the AMRF will have a manufacturing hall and collaborative workspaces.

It will bring together businesses, engineers and researchers to prove out new technologies, scale up and commercialise.

The Western Parkland City Authority will also be releasing the first of a $23 million package of tenders for advanced manufacturing equipment to be installed in the pilot of the AMRF due to open in 2023.

The first tender package, released this week by the Western Parkland City Authority, is for precision additive manufacturing equipment to be used in the aerospace, defence, automotive and medical industries.

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.