Category: NSW News

All 101 recommendations of the Infrastructure NSW State Infrastructure Strategy 2022-2042: Staying Ahead will be supported in full or in-principle by the NSW Government.
 
Minister for Infrastructure Rob Stokes said the nine key strategic directions and 89 recommendations would be supported in full, while the remaining 13 recommendations are supported in-principle.
 
“The fortunes of NSW have been transformed on the back of this  government’s 11 years of infrastructure delivery, with more than $178 billion in projects built since 2011 and another $112.7 billion in the pipeline over the next four years,” Mr Stokes said.
 
“Throughout that time, the Government has sought the clear-eyed and independent advice of Infrastructure NSW to guide the allocation of taxpayers’ funds towards the projects that are needed most.
 
“By accepting the recommendations of the strategy, NSW will continue to enjoy the economic benefits that infrastructure creates.”
 
Transformative megaprojects will continue in addition to a wide range of less complex projects which can be delivered more easily by local construction companies.
 
“We are determined to transform NSW through infrastructure that creates opportunity, improves access and makes people’s lives better,” Mr Stokes said.
 
The State Infrastructure Strategy sets out the government’s priorities for the next 20 years, and combined with Future Transport 2056, The Greater Cities Region Plan and the 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW, brings together infrastructure investment and land-use planning for our cities and regions.
 
The Government’s response to the Strategy is available online here.

From the sandstone-studded streets of Balmain to the vibrant nightlife of Newtown, motorists can now pay and top up for parking at almost 1800 parking spots with just the tap of a button as the Inner West Council becomes the latest to integrate the Park’nPay app.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the innovative app has transformed the way motorists pay for parking and offers a simple solution for a better way to park.

“Park’nPay will take the hassle out of parking for visitors to the Inner West by eliminating the need to go to a parking meter and allowing motorists to pay and top up for a space with just the tap of their phone,” Mr Dominello said.

“The Inner West has an incredibly diverse range of shops, restaurants, and music venues and this technology will make it easier for people to get out and explore everything the area has to offer.”

Mr Dominello said the app has been downloaded more than 135,000 times since its launch in 2019 with more than 91 per cent giving the technology the thumbs up.

“Whether you’re catching up for coffee with friends in Rozelle or going out for dinner with family in Leichardt, the app will save motorists time and provide them with more convenience.”

“I would like to sincerely thank Inner West Council for getting on board and supporting this important technology.”

Park’nPay is available in a number of locations including The Rocks, Ryde, Cumberland, Liverpool, Mosman, Central Coast, Hunters Hill, Burwood, The 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

Adopting emerging technologies could boost Gross State Product (GSP) by an additional 11.8 per cent to 2035, which is equivalent to $11,600 per person or $27,400 a household.

New technologies could lift the state’s productivity growth to two per cent a year, whilegovernment annual own-source revenues could also grow by as much as $4.5 billion by 2034-35.  

Treasurer Matt Kean said the new Adaptive NSW: How embracing tech could recharge our prosperity report outlines how harnessing technology can raise living standards for people across the state.

“NSW, like much of the world, faces a productivity challenge due to declining workforce participation caused by an ageing population and interrupted migration due to COVID-19. This is why we need to look at new ways to foster economic growth,” Mr Kean said.

“The world is on the threshold of enormous technology opportunity and a suite of emerging technologies could recharge NSW’s productivity growth for years to come.

“This improved productivity could deliver additional revenue for the state to invest in new schools, hospitals and other infrastructure.” 

Emerging tech could power over a decade of robust economic growth, lifting GSP growth to three per cent a year until 2034-35, according to the joint report released today by the NSW Productivity Commission and the NSW Innovation and Productivity Council.

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the report shows that as more organisations adopt automation, new jobs will be created across NSW in expanding and new industries, which will help grow the economy and secure a brighter future for NSW.

“Equipping a tech-focused workforce and encouraging the adoption of emerging technology sits alongside our government’s strong support for a world-class research and innovation ecosystem,” Mr Henskens said.

“There is a growing need to improve our digital readiness and through programs such as Driving Digital Skills and TAFE NSW’s Institute of Applied Technology, we are equipping the next generation with the skills they need to ensure NSW remains at the forefront of the booming tech industry.”

NSW Productivity Commissioner Peter Achterstraat AM said the report shows that a forward-looking approach is needed to encourage rather than stifle the uptake of emerging technologies. 

“This means embracing technology to improve public services and supporting private sector tech adoption with smart regulation,” Mr Achterstraat said.

For the full report, please visit: https://www.productivity.nsw.gov.au/adaptive-nsw-embracing-tech.  

The Randwick community is celebrating a significant milestone with major construction of the $782.8 million Acute Services Building at Prince of Wales Hospital completed.

The building is the first major upgrade to the hospital in 25 years and is the centrepiece of the first-class health, research and education facilities within the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet, Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton today toured the new building, due to open to patients early next year.
“The NSW Government is proud to be investing more than $1 billion in the Randwick Campus Redevelopment as part of the NSW Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over the four years to 2025-26,” Mr Perrottet said.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals are delivering Australia’s largest health capital program, bringing world-class healthcare to every corner of the state, and continuing to improve the lives of families everywhere.”

Minister Hazzard said the state-of-the-art facility will support new and innovative approaches to acute healthcare and provide staff with purpose-designed treatment spaces.

“NSW is leading the way in building dedicated health and research precincts, bringing together the very best clinicians and researchers to significantly improve patient care,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Patients in the Randwick area will have access to the very latest diagnostic tests and trials of new treatments in incredibly modern facilities.”

The $782.8 million Acute Services Building will also enable health-related academic and translational research spaces to be co-located with clinical services, and includes an investment by UNSW Sydney to provide an additional 5000 square metre extension across Hospital Road, currently under construction. 

The 2022-23 NSW State Budget committed an extra $82.5 million to the project, bringing the total investment in the Acute Services Building to $865.3 million.

This will enable fit out of more operating theatres and associated recovery spaces, an additional intensive care unit pod and inpatient areas, due for completion in 2024.

The new Prince of Wales Hospital Acute Services Building includes:

• A new and expanded adult Emergency Department 
• A new and expanded Intensive Care Unit 
• New digital operating theatres equipped with state-of-the-art technology
• A new and expanded Central Sterilizing Services Department
• A new helipad servicing the Randwick Hospitals Campus 
• A new and expanded Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre 
• A new Community Assessment Unit
• A new Community Management Centre.

The building will also provide expansive new inpatient wards to replace existing ones, including:

• Haematology and Oncology 
• Aged Care (Acute and Rehabilitation) 
• Orthopaedics
• Respiratory and Infectious Diseases 
• Clinical Neurosciences, incorporating an expanded Acute Stroke Unit, Neurology and Neurosurgical beds and the Complex Epilepsy Service.

Ms Upton said the much-anticipated project has generated more than 2,000 jobs across construction and related industries.

“It has created a monthly average of more than 40 full time equivalent positions for women in construction, as well as more than 100 apprenticeship roles among a construction workforce of some 500 employees per month,” Ms Upton said.

“The Eastern Suburbs will soon have an incredible acute care building that will service our local community for many years to come and give hardworking health staff a facility they can be very proud of.”

The NSW Government has delivered more than 180 health capital projects since 2011, with a further 130 projects currently underway across the state.

The Perrottet Government has delivered a $782.8 million Acute Services Building at Prince of Wales Hospital, expanding the world-class health, research and education facilities within the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct. 
 
Liberal candidates for Coogee and Vaucluse, Dr Kylie von Muenster and Kellie Sloane, welcomed the major hospital upgrade that will support new and innovative approaches to acute healthcare and provide staff with purpose-designed treatment spaces.
 
“More than $1.5 billion is being invested into the Randwick campus, which forms part of the
Perrottet Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure,” said Ms Sloane. “This Government continues to invest in our community, delivering world-class health care closer to home and creating local jobs.”
 
“As a long term advocate for improving the care we provide to our community – mental and physical – I am particularly excited by the ground-breaking and new models of care that patients will now have access to.”
 
Dr von Muenster said the new building will take both local health care and medical research to another level.
 
“This site is now a world-class major teaching hospital for our local communities , as well as a specialist health services provider for people across our state,” said Dr Von Muenster. “It will also be a hub for some of the most exciting scientific research currently taking place.” 
 
“Having access to these facilities right on our doorstep will mean that our local community can get truly innovative treatments, while still staying close to their families and loved ones.”
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet toured the new building, due to open to patients early next year, with Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton.
 
“The NSW Government is proud to be investing more than $1 billion in the Randwick Campus Redevelopment as part of the NSW Government’s record $11.9 billion investment in health infrastructure over the four years to 2025-26,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals are delivering Australia’s largest health capital program, bringing world-class healthcare to every corner of the state, and continuing to improve the lives of families everywhere.” 
 
Minister Hazzard said the state-of-the-art facility will support new and innovative approaches to acute healthcare and provide staff with purpose-designed treatment spaces.
 
“NSW is leading the way in building dedicated health and research precincts, bringing together the very best clinicians and researchers to significantly improve patient care,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Patients in the Randwick area will have access to the very latest diagnostic tests and trials of new treatments in incredibly modern facilities.”

The $782.8 million Acute Services Building will also enable health-related academic and translational research spaces to be co-located with clinical services, and includes an investment by UNSW Sydney to provide an additional 5000 square metre extension across Hospital Road, currently under construction. 

The 2022-23 NSW State Budget committed an extra $82.5 million to the project, bringing the total investment in the Acute Services Building to $865.3 million.

This will enable fit out of more operating theatres and associated recovery spaces, an additional intensive care unit pod and inpatient areas, due for completion in 2024.

The new Prince of Wales Hospital Acute Services Building includes:

• A new and expanded adult Emergency Department 
• A new and expanded Intensive Care Unit 
• New digital operating theatres equipped with state-of-the-art technology
• A new and expanded Central Sterilizing Services Department
• A new helipad servicing the Randwick Hospitals Campus 
• A new and expanded Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre 
• A new Community Assessment Unit
• A new Community Management Centre.

The building will also provide expansive new inpatient wards to replace existing ones, including:

• Haematology and Oncology 
• Aged Care (Acute and Rehabilitation) 
• Orthopaedics
• Respiratory and Infectious Diseases 
• Clinical Neurosciences, incorporating an expanded Acute Stroke Unit, Neurology and Neurosurgical beds and the Complex Epilepsy Service.

Ms Upton said the much-anticipated project has generated more than 2,000 jobs across construction and related industries.

“It has created a monthly average of more than 40 full time equivalent positions for women in construction, as well as more than 100 apprenticeship roles among a construction workforce of some 500 employees per month,” Ms Upton said.

“The Eastern Suburbs will soon have an incredible acute care building that will service our local community for many years to come and give hardworking health staff a facility they can be very proud of.”

The NSW Government has delivered more than 180 health capital projects since 2011, with a further 130 projects currently underway across the state.

Nine recovery assistance points are opening their doors this week to support communities impacted by the ongoing flooding emergency.
 
Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the multi-agency hubs are designed to help flood-impacted individuals, families, farmers and business owners begin the clean-up, rebuilding and recovery process.
 
“We need the floodwaters to recede to understand the full extent of the damage, but it’s already clear that hundreds if not thousands of properties have been impacted by flooding across regional, rural and remote NSW,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“This is an incredibly challenging time, particularly for those who have experienced flood after flood, which is why we’re doing everything we can to provide face-to-face support in local communities.
 
“As we transition from the emergency response into the recovery phase, it can be difficult for people to know where to start. These assistance points serve as a first port of call for people beginning their flood recovery journey.
 
“Staff will be on-hand to help people replace damaged documents, receive assistance with the physical clean-up or access emergency accommodation or mental health services.”
 
Recovery assistance points bring together NSW Government agencies, Commonwealth agencies, the local council, community organisations and welfare bodies all under the one roof.
 
The nine recovery assistance points operating this week include:

1. Eugowra: 10am-4pm Monday 21 to Friday 25 November at the Eugowra Showgrounds;
2. Orange: 10am-4pm Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 November at the Uniting Church Hall, 217 Anson Street;
3. Parkes: 10am-4pm Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 November at Parkes High School, corner of Albert and Orange Street;
4. Kelvin: 2-7pm Monday 21 November at Kelvin Community Hall, 200 Kelvin Road;
5. Gunnedah: 1-7pm Tuesday 22 November at the Salvation Army Hall, 30 Tempest Street;
6. Cudal: 10am-4pm Wednesday 23 November at Cudal Bowling Club, Brown Street;
7. Wagga Wagga: 4-8pm Wednesday 23 November and 9.30am-12.30pm Thursday 24 November at Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, 243 Baylis Street;
8. Narrabri: 10am-4pm Thursday 24 November at Narrabri Aquatic Centre, Tibbereena Street; and
9. Moree: 10am-4pm Friday 25 November and 10am-2pm Saturday 26 November in the Chandelier Ballroom on level 1 of The Max Centre, 30 Heber Street.

 
In the past week recovery assistance points have also operated in the Cootamundra, Gunnedah, Molong and Muswellbrook communities.
 
For the most up-to-date list, visit: www.service.nsw.gov.au/floods/recovery-centres.
 
Service NSW is operating as an online one-stop shop for anyone wanting assistance remotely, with Customer Care specialists also available over the phone on 13 77 88.

NSW secondary students will be taught the skills of the future with an Australian-first cyber security course developed collaboratively by the NSW Department of Education, industry and Cyber Security NSW.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the nation-leading program, rolling out to schools across the State, would provide students with a highly immersive experience to strengthen their cyber skills under the 2021 NSW Cyber Security Strategy.

“From learning the fundamentals of cyber security and its important impact on day-to-day life to building hardware and gaining hands-on experience with coding, we are preparing our students for future careers in cyber,” Mr Dominello said.

“Cyber Security NSW has played an important role in developing the learning programs and resources which will be used in the delivery of the cyber security topic in NSW classrooms.

“Whether it is learning how data is sent from one device to another, how cyber technology is used in cities and regions, or understanding the importance cyber security has across different parts of people’s lives – as technology grows and evolves, it is important we give students the skills they need for a digital world.”

Cyber Security NSW has also invested in the development of Cyber City, a complete, open-source platform to help teachers deliver the new cyber security curriculum, including the new iSTEM Cyber Security specialised topic.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said iSTEM was a student-centred elective that integrates science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“Cyber City gives teachers the tools to create relevant and engaging lessons for students. This is teaching skills beyond just awareness, empowering the future cyber security workforce of Australia,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Through hands-on learning and simulations, students will build, maintain and automate essential infrastructures such as hydro dams, power grids or satellite telecommunications on a smart city network in the classroom.

“We want to show our students that cyber security is more than inputting code in a computer, in fact 60 per cent of the industry are not coders.”

The Cyber City program is being piloted and will be ready for release in 2023.

Educators are invited to register their interest to participate or integrate the cyber security learning experiences in their classrooms from 2023. 
For more information about Cyber City, visit: https://cybercity.education/about-us/.

Creating the next generation of tech leaders, entrepreneurs and experts is at the heart of the new Computing Technologies curriculum released today.
 
It comes as part of the NSW Government’s ongoing delivery of the most comprehensive Curriculum Reform in a generation.       
 
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the updated curriculum ensures students are prepared for future jobs in a fast-changing digital world.
 
“Students need to develop an understanding of essential computing skills to not only keep themselves safe in a digital world, but also to thrive in the careers of the future,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
“These new syllabuses mean that right from the beginning of high school, students can learn fundamental skills in coding, cyber security and information systems for businesses.
 
“The curriculum has also been updated to better reflect the latest computing technologies and the expectations of industry, so that we create the next generation of tech savvy experts here in NSW.”
 
The new Enterprise Computing and Software Engineering syllabuses for Years 11 to 12 will also see secondary students sitting more HSC exams online in 2025.
 
“The NSW Government is bringing subjects and the HSC into the modern era with new syllabuses that align to our fast-changing digital world,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
“Modernising the HSC is essential if it is to remain a world-class qualification. While currently only one subject has an exam conducted on a computer, this will be expanded to reflect the increasingly online world we are living in.”
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the NSW Government is committed to providing the State with the skills for the 21^st century.
 
“We want our kids to have the world at their fingertips and this initiative will help us to build a digital workforce of the future,” Mr Dominello said.
 
Key features of the new syllabuses include:
 

• A greater focus on cyber safety and cyber security content.
• Closer links to learning in other subjects such as maths and science to create clearer pathways into future STEM study and careers.
• All senior secondary students will do a new mandatory project as part of school-based assessment to support deeper learning and the development of project skills.

 
New streamlined Geography 11 to 12 syllabuses have also been delivered, removing clutter and allowing teachers to focus on essential learning so students gain the skills, knowledge and understanding to be informed global citizens.
 
Additionally, the NSW Government has released new Classical and Modern Languages syllabuses for Kindergarten to Year 10.
 
The NSW Education Standards Authority, who are responsible for delivering NSW Curriculum Reforms, will provide schools with support materials as they implement new syllabuses and prepare for online HSC exams.
 
The new syllabuses are available now on the Digital Curriculum platform for teachers to plan during 2023 and will be taught in NSW schools from 2024.

Liberal candidate for Ryde, Jordan Lane, welcomed the Perrottet Government’s announcement of a new high school and primary school for Macquarie Park. Jordan said that the local area has been experiencing rapid growth, and a lot of effort is required to ensure that services and infrastructure keep up.

“As Ryde grows, local families need more amenities, green spaces and school spaces,” said Mayor Lane. “We are incredibly fortunate to have had a strong local representative in Victor  Dominello, who’s been able to recognise what our community needs and deliver it.”

“The Perrottet Government has recognised this community’s need, and has committed to delivering the Macquarie Park Education Campus, providing a new K-12 school in the growing area.”

The Liberal Member for Ryde, Victor Dominello, said the school developments in Macquarie Park would further transform Ryde into an education and employment powerhouse.

“We want to broaden the options for educational facilities so that the schools can be located in the optimal place to meet student demand,” Mr Dominello said.

“There is also tremendous opportunity for these schools to support their surrounding communities and to be part of a diverse mix of cultural, health and community facilities along with developments for commercial and residential use,” 

“The need for this education campus is all the more pronounced given the former Labor Government closed Peter Board High School and sold the land.” 

The Department of Education is partnering with Landcom to build the two schools as the Lachlan Line site offers the best location to:

• meet population growth demand in Macquarie Park
• cater for forecasted student enrolment to 2036
• take advantage of strong public transport links.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said that the development of the Macquarie Park Education Campus is a priority for the NSW Government.

“Development of the campus will also provide opportunities for the government to partner with the private sector to drive the transformation of Macquarie Park, creating new jobs and investment opportunities for business, innovation, research and education,” Ms Mitchell said. 

“The NSW Government continues to invest in public education infrastructure with 118 new and upgraded schools under way, including the new Macquarie Park Education Campus.” 

The NSW Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support  communities across NSW. This builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, a program of $17.7 billion in public education infrastructure. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.

The Premier today announced five days of free travel on the train network across NSW next week to ensure commuters are not inconvenienced by planned industrial action by the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU). 

The RTBU has agreed to stop the planned industrial action next week, which would have led to the union refusing to operate more than 70 per cent of trains across the network. 

Travel will be free on Sydney Trains, NSW Trainlink and Sydney Metro networks from 12.01am Monday 21 November 2022 to 11.59pm Friday 25 November 2022 and commuters will be asked to continue to tap on and off, but will not be charged. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the decision was made because commuters have to come first. 

“People need to get to work, go to school and go about their normal day without being disrupted by union strike action, Mr Perrottet said. 

“I’ve taken this action to put Sydney commuters ahead of union disruption and make sure businesses across our city don’t take a financial hit. 

“On Thursday I had a very constructive meeting with Alex Claassens and the RTBU but it’s now time to remove barriers and take it all before an independent umpire for a resolution. 

“Sydney commuters deserve nothing less.” 

NSW Government estimates that the RTBU industrial disruption and strike action costs the economy between $10 million to $20 million a day. 

On Tuesday, the NSW Government will enter into negotiations with the RTBU seeking to agree terms to start a Fair Work managed arbitration. 

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said commuters have had enough of disruptions to the rail network and just want to be able to go about their daily routines without additional cost or stress. 

“Offering five fare free days is in the best interest of commuters and demonstrates to the rail union bosses and all their members that the NSW Government is acting in good faith and determined to reach a resolution. I ask the union to reciprocate this act of good faith,” Mr Elliott said. 

“This week while we are before the Fair Work Commission to determine the scope of arbitration, it is imperative that all parties come to the table with a strong desire to put an end to these continued disruptions on our rail network.” 

Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said “Arbitration by the independent umpire is the fastest way to resolve the issues in dispute and get the government’s fair and reasonable pay offer in the pockets of rail workers.” 

Almost 1 million (886,500) commuter trips are taken each week day across the Sydney train network. The cost of free travel on the network is around $1.5 million per day.