Category: NSW News

The NSW Government has announced the Great Western Highway upgrade will support an additional 1,400 jobs, taking the total number of FTEs to be supported by the project during construction to 3,900.
 
NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the increased jobs figure was a major win for local residents and business operators in Lithgow, the Blue Mountains and surrounds.
 
“We have a new jobs figure for this mammoth project – 3,900 jobs at the peak of construction, which will bolster the building industry here locally for the next decade,” MrToole said.
 
“The history-making Great Western Highway upgrade between Katoomba and Lithgow, featuring the country’s longest ever road tunnel, offers a unique opportunity to develop local skills that will deliver economic benefits for many years to come.
 
“It means thousands of workers will be able to drive this highway once complete, knowing they’ve helped deliver one of the most important road upgrades in our State’s history to ensure safer, faster trips between the Central West and East Coast.
 
“The NSW Government is delivering a record $110.4 billion infrastructure pipeline, building the projects that improve the daily lives of families and creating thousands of jobs.”
 
NSW Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Sam Farraway said the government is focused on creating local employment pathways and upskilling local workforces.
 
“We are collaborating with industry and training providers to train up local people, to grow the local construction workforce and to leave a skills legacy that will endure far beyond the life of the upgrade program,” Mr said.
 
“Last month we hosted an industry briefing at Lithgow Workers’ Club to give local businesses an insight into the exciting opportunities available to them.
 
“This included requirements they must meet to be part of the upgrade program and, in turn, how the upgrade program will drive economic growth and provide opportunities for local people and businesses.
 
“NSW is building the longest tunnel in the country – it’s record breaking, it’s history making and will revolutionise travel from the east to the west.
 
“It’s time to make the Western Highway Great again and that is exactly what this upgrade will do.”
 
The upgrade will support more than 3,900 full time employees during the peak five-year construction period from 2022-23 to 2026-27.

The NSW Government is launching a Digital Skills Accelerator for Tourism program to help NSW tourism businesses transform their online marketing.

Destination NSW has partnered with digital consultancy Tourism Tribe to offer the free program to accommodation providers, tour companies and visitor attractions.

Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Tourism and Sport and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the program would provide customised digital health checks to ensure businesses optimise their websites, improve their online listings and grow their Facebook and Instagram channels.

“The Digital Skills Accelerator for Tourism program is part of the NSW First Program, delivered by Destination NSW to assist businesses across the state to develop, promote and sell great visitor experiences,” Mr Ayres said.

“Digital innovation is crucial to success in the contemporary tourism landscape. Helping businesses in the visitor economy to improve their digital competency is a key pillar of the NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2030, which aims to make NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.”

In addition to a customised digital health check report, successful applicants will also receive two, one-hour consultation sessions with a digital advisor and access to a course library to help improve their knowledge and digital skills.

The program complements NSW First Program content, which includes ‘how to’ guides, resources and on-demand webinars for tourism businesses.

Wajaana Yaam Adventure Tours owner Mr Clark Webb said the NSW First program played a vital role in helping his business define its product and how to get it into the market.

“The support that we received from Destination NSW helped get our business to where it is today. We have really valued the opportunity to take part in the NSW First program,” Mr Webb said.

Mr Webb welcomed the decision to add the Digital Skills Accelerator program to NSW First.

“Most small business owners run both the operational and the digital side of their business. Improving the digital skills of tourism operators will ensure better outcomes for the entire visitor economy. I always feel we can learn more in this area as it’s so vast.”

The Digital Skills Accelerator for Tourism program will be open to 150 tourism businesses in NSW.

To review eligibility criteria and apply, visit: www.tourismtribe.com/programs/dnsw2022/

Learn more about Destination NSW’s NSW First Program here: https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/tourism/business-development-resources/nsw-first-workshops-program

Female apprentices want more women to try their hand in a traditional trade to increase women in the construction sector.
 
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government is investing in fee-free and low-fee apprenticeships and traineeships to help address industry needs, including Built for Women, a program designed to boost female participation.
 
“We want to make it easier for women to access the skills they need for a first job, a new job, or a better job,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“The NSW Government’s infrastructure investment is providing great opportunities for women to pick up the tools and enter a dynamic and rewarding industry.”
 
Recently released data from the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research shows that female apprentice and trainee numbers are booming across the state, with a 91 per cent surge in commencements in the year to September 2021.
 
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the Built for Women program has supported close to 5,000 free training places for women in trade-related work, including construction, manufacturing, engineering, transport and logistics.
 
“Greater diversity makes our workplaces stronger and a secure and fulfilling future awaits women who choose a career in trades,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
Shani Staples is studying a Certificate III in Plumbing at TAFE NSW Mount Druitt and is one woman paving the way for more females to break into trade industries.
 
“The plumbing industry is incredibly rewarding and offers a hands-on environment which is fast-paced and no two days are the same,” Ms Staples said.
 
“Many people are unaware of the scope of work that a plumbing trade covers, so if a trade is something you’ve ever considered, now is the time to give it a go.”

Sole traders will now have their applications streamlined for the Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant, providing up to $50,000 to help them recover following the unprecedented flooding.
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the application process for the grant has been simplified to help deliver financial support sooner.
 
“We know our flood-affected communities need help now and that is why we are constantly looking for ways to speed up the grant approval  process,” Mr Toole said.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the change will allow Service NSW to process applications quicker by cutting down the paperwork for sole traders and getting money into their hands faster.
 
“While sole traders have always been eligible for the grant, in-line with previous grant programs they have needed additional documentation to other small businesses. The changes, which take effect from today, mean that applications can now be initially approved based on statutory declarations,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“Grants are just one of a range of packages targeted at helping flood-affected communities in the Northern Rivers recover and rebuild as quickly as possible.”
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the Commonwealth and NSW governments are jointly delivering more than $3 billion in flood recovery support.
 
“We will continue to work with the Australian Government to provide flood-affected communities with the support they need to bounce back from this unprecedented disaster,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“We know a significant number of sole traders are based in regional communities, so cutting red tape in the application process for the Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant will mean money gets out the door sooner.”
 
The Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant is available in 60 local government areas and is being jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
 
For further information or to lodge your statutory declaration, visit the Service NSW website or call 13 77 88.

Up to 3500 electric vehicle (EV) chargers will be rolled out across regional NSW, with the NSW Government offering $20 million in grants to establish Australia’s largest destination charging network.
 
Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the co-funded grants, ranging from $2000 to $40,000 per site for EV chargers across regional NSW, would boost regional tourism and were part of a $171 million investment in EV charging over the next four years.
 
“EVs are growing in popularity and this will help ensure our regional areas have the charging stations needed to welcome EV-driving visitors,” Mr Kean said.
 
The EV destination charging grants will be offered on a co-funded basis for the purchase and installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers in regional areas, which can provide a top-up of up to 130km of range in an hour.
 
A range of destinations across regional NSW can apply for the grants, including motels, wineries, cafes, restaurants, natural attractions, visitor information centres, museums and zoos.
 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said a series of EV tourist drives would also be developed across the state to promote EV travel across regional NSW, following the rollout of the EV chargers.
 
“This will grow local economies and support small businesses in areas impacted by Covid, bushfires and floods,” Mr Farraway said.
 
The NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy aims to increase EV sales to 52 per cent of all new car sales by 2030-31, and the vast majority by 2035. 
 
Funding under the strategy also includes a $131 million investment for ultra-fast charging infrastructure and a $20 million investment in EV charging in commuter car parks, creating a world class charging network across the state.
 
The EV destination charging grants can be used for the purchase and installation of select electric vehicle (EV) chargers as well as software to tap into the smart capabilities of each charger. This includes:

• 75 per cent towards buying up to four alternating current (AC) destination chargers per site location
• 75 per cent towards charger installation (capped at $1000 per charger)
• 50 per cent towards a two-year charger software subscription

 
Eligible destinations can apply for the grants online here.

Parents of more than 300,000 babies born across NSW over the past three years have benefitted from a package of essential items, given to them on the birth of their child.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced the milestone while visiting Westmead Hospital’s Maternity Unit, where they presented Baby Bundles to new parents on Mother’s Day.
 
Since the Baby Bundle initiative began in January 2019, more than 300,000 have been provided to families in  public and maternity private hospitals across NSW, or directly to homes for NSW babies born at home or interstate.
 
“For the past three years, every baby born in NSW has been eligible to receive a Baby Bundle,” said Mr Perrottet.
 
“It is our way of ensuring parents and caregivers have products and information to support their baby’s health, development and wellbeing.”
 
Valued at an estimated $300, each Baby Bundle includes a sleeping bag, play and change mats, muslin wrap, bath thermometer, baby toothbrush, breast pads, first aid kit, Australian children’s books, wash cloth, baby wipes, hand sanitiser and barrier cream, along with a selection of NSW Health printed resources that complement the Blue Book.
 
“Baby Bundles help to support a healthy lifestyle and all-important parent-child attachment,” said Mr Hazzard.
 
“Products have been selected to support optimal child development and positive parenting, to help parents give their babies the very best start in life.”
 
All Baby Bundle suppliers are Australian-owned small to medium enterprises and all products meet Australian product safety standards. It is packed and distributed by Sydney-based social enterprise Civic Disability Services.
 
The Baby Bundle is part of the NSW Government’s $157 million parenting package, including more midwives and child and family health nurses, investment in testing and treatments for children’s diseases, and practical and emotional support to parents. 

Gardens, playgrounds, family rooms and accommodation for carers are among the highlights of a major expansion being delivered as part of the $619 million Stage 2 redevelopment at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

New fly-through video released today showcases the world-class clinical areas within the new state-of-the-art Paediatric Services building which has been designed to create a homelike and supportive environment for treatment and recovery.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the redevelopment will deliver new and expanded critical health care facilities as part of the NSW Government’s record investment in our health system.

“The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network is the largest provider of paediatric health services in Australia, and this redevelopment will deliver the best paediatric healthcare in the country,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This is a once-in-a-generation project that will strengthen our frontline services by delivering world-class healthcare facilities and services for families to provide them with the care and support when they need it most.”

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the major expansion at Westmead, alongside redevelopments at the Sydney’s Children’s Hospital at Randwick, is part of a record investment of more than $1.3 billion in paediatric healthcare across the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network.

“Due for completion in 2025, the new state-of-the-art paediatric hospital for Western Sydney will consolidate the state’s most critical paediatric services including intensive care, surgical, medical and cancer care and provide the latest facilities for child and adolescent health,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Patients, families, staff and community have been involved at every stage of the planning to ensure these facilities support patient wellbeing, enable new models of care, and provide modern working environments for our staff to accommodate current and emerging treatments and technology.”

The new Paediatric Services Building, which will provide new and expanded critical care and acute healthcare services including:

• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• Paediatric Intensive Care Unit
• Cancer services
• Operating theatres
• Cardiac catheterisation and interventional laboratories
• Pharmacy
• Inpatient units

The redevelopment also features a revitalised forecourt and playground called KIDSPARK to welcome families, an Aboriginal Meeting Place, village green, and enhanced retail offerings to improve the experience for patients, families and staff at the hospital.

Roberts Co has been awarded the contract to build the Paediatric Services Building with work set to begin later this year.

To address the growth in healthcare services at Westmead, a new multi-storey car park is also being delivered as part of the project which will provide almost 1,000 car parking spaces.

The new hospital car park will be the first in NSW to feature solar panels on the façade and roof, generating around 600kW of renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions and general power at the hospital.

Australian-owned business Kane Constructions has been awarded the contract to build the new carpark. Early work is under way with work expected to be completed in 2023.

The $619 million Stage 2 Redevelopment of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead follows the Stage 1 investment into the Westmead Redevelopment which included a new children’s Emergency Department, Short Stay Unit and operating theatres located in Block K (Central Acute Services Building) of Westmead Hospital. A further $658 million has been committed to the redevelopment of the Sydney Children’s Hospital Stage 1 and Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre at Randwick.

The investments into Westmead and Randwick are part of the NSW Government’s record $10.8 billion investment in health infrastructure to 2024-25. Since 2011, more than 170 health capital works projects have been completed, with more than 110 currently underway.

More information can be found at: westmeadkidsredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au/

Construction of the new M12 motorway linking to the Western Sydney International Airport will begin within months, with the successful contractors to deliver the first two sections of the $2 billion project announced today.
 
NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet, said the toll-free 16-kilometre motorway would be a vital infrastructure link, playing a critical role in ensuring modern, safe and efficient access to the new airport.
 
“Western Sydney will be home to not just a new world-class airport, but a fantastic new motorway catering to locals and visitors from all around the world, ensuring easy and quick access,” the Premier said.
 
“In addition, the M12 will also complement upgrades to local roads and a new Sydney Metro, Western Sydney Airport Link, providing improved access to cater for future growth in Western Sydney.”
 
“Our strong economic management means we can invest more in infrastructure and build the things that make a difference to people’s lives – this is how we’re delivering a better future for NSW families.”
 
The motorway will form a link from Elizabeth Drive at Cecil Hills to The Northern Road at Luddenham with direct access to the new Western Sydney International Nancy-Bird Walton Airport. 
 
Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure, Paul Fletcher, said this was a significant milestone in the delivery of this important new road connection in Western Sydney.
 
“The new Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport will be a game changer for the region, but just as important as delivering a world-class airport is delivering the surrounding transport connections,” Minister Fletcher said.
 
“That is why the Morrison Government is investing billions of dollars in road and rail infrastructure around the airport, including $1.6 billion for the new M12, to provide seamless connections for travellers, and efficient and safe commutes for locals.”
 
NSW Minister for Metropolitan Roads, Natalie Ward, said major construction is scheduled to begin in the middle of this year and be complete before the new airport opens in 2026.
 
“We’re now just months away from this vision beginning to turn into reality. This new motorway will be used by up to 52,000 vehicles a day, with people saving up to 16 minutes travel time between the M7 and Western Sydney International Airport by 2036,” Minister Ward said.
 
“It will also be a major jobs boost, generating up to 2,400 jobs during construction, and will be an important economic driver.”
 
NSW Minister for Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, said the NSW Government is working with the Commonwealth Government to ensure the region has the infrastructure it needs as it grows.
 
“The M12 is an important part of the $4.4 billion Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan which has already resulted in the upgrade of The Northern Road, Bringelly Road and Werrington Arterial, along with our commitment to build a Metro line which will link to the new airport,” Minister Ayres said.
 
Federal Liberal Member for Lindsay, Melissa McIntosh, said the M12 would help connect locals with Western Sydney Airport jobs.
 
“The M12 is part of the vision for a greater Western Sydney, delivering Western Sydney Airport, the largest infrastructure project for our region,” Ms McIntosh said.
 
State Liberal Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies, said the M12 will feature shared cycleway and pedestrian paths with signs displaying the local Aboriginal heritage.
 
“Around 73,000 native trees will also be planted along the Motorway to integrate the road into its surrounds and celebrate the local environment,” Mrs Davies said.
 
State Liberal Member for Camden, Peter Sidgreaves, said early works to relocate and install new utilities and build a temporary roundabout began late last year.
 
“We have been preparing for the start of major construction and the announcement of the awarding of these two contracts is an exciting step forward,” Mr Sidgreaves said.
 
Seymour Whyte will build the central section of the M12 between Cecil Park and Badgerys Creek, while CPB Georgiou Group Joint Venture will deliver the western section to The Northern Road, which includes the airport interchange and Elizabeth Drive flyover.
 
The third element – the eastern section – will provide a connection to Elizabeth Drive and the M7 Motorway. Procurement of this section will occur this year. 
 
For more information on the M12 Motorway, go to nswroads.work/m12.

More than 190,000 vouchers, worth $500 each, have been claimed by families for Before and After School Care (BASC) since the NSW Government program was announced in February. 

The $155 million BASC Voucher Program is providing one voucher per child to every family with children aged 4-13 years attending a NSW school.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said he was pleased with the quick uptake, which reflected confidence in kids returning to the classroom and parents to the workforce.

“It’s been a tough few years for families and they’re keen to see a return to normality,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Measures like these BASC vouchers will help more families to get their lives back on track, easing financial pressure on the household and supporting parents returning to work.”

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said that the voucher program is helping working families who have done it tough through two years of the pandemic.

“These vouchers have already helped thousands of families use their local BASC services,” Ms Mitchell said.

“The vouchers are part of the NSW Government’s $235 million investment to expand access to BASC services for families.”

More than 860 BASC services are currently operating across NSW. This is an increase of 153 services and 14,442 places since 2019. A further 38 tenders to provide services are currently open.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the application and redemption process for BASC vouchers was an example of how smart, modern government service delivery can save working families time and money.

“These $500 vouchers can be accessed with just a few clicks through your Service NSW app. And if you don’t have access to a phone you will always be able to complete the transaction by visiting a Service Centre or calling 13 77 88.”

Providers and families can register and apply for the program online via their  MyServiceNSW Account, in the Service NSW app or by visiting their nearest Service NSW Centre.