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Work to help plan for a potential future Moss Vale Bypass is now continuing after the NSW Labor Government released vital funding previously promised but never delivered.

Wingecarribee Shire Council has received $10.8 million to conduct further studies, planning work and to finalise a business case for a future Moss Vale Bypass.

In 2019 the former state Liberal government promised to provide $14.3 million to progress the project, however the council was only given $3.5 million.

Now the full funding amount has been provided, council can continue critical planning work previously started.

In advocating for the project, council has stated a bypass would:

• provide an alternative route across the Main Southern Railway Line, eliminating height restrictions and flooding concerns;
• reduce congestion on Argyle Street during peak periods
• support the future growth of Moss Vale

The government will review the councils final business case when it is expected to be completed in by August 2025.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“I am pleased the NSW Labor Government is helping to progress planning for a future Moss Vale Bypass.

“Not only are we delivering on our election commitments; we are also busy fulfilling the former government’s commitments too in Moss Vale.

“I look forward to working with council on further progressing this project.”

Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Director of Service and Project Delivery Karin Targa said:

“The funding secured through successful negotiations with Transport for NSW will allow Council to incorporate innovative elements into the design.

“Upon completion of the design and confirmation of a favourable cost-benefit ratio, together with a robust business case, the funding will support early-stage construction works.”

The Minns Labor Government has announced a $2.5 million funding package to help rehome research animals.

The Research Animals Rehoming Grant Program will support animal rehoming organisations to find ‘lifelong’ homes for cats, dogs and other animals after they have completed their involvement in research.

Animal welfare is a priority for the NSW Government and this grant program will deliver significant benefits for animals, researchers and the community.

The aim of the grant program is to:

• improve outcomes for animals at the end of their involvement in research including increasing the number of animals rehomed
• make it easier for these animals to be rehomed by preparing them for life with families and others in ‘forever homes’ and
• help rehoming organisations as they manage animals into the next phase of their lives.

In 2022, the most recent figures, more than 100 domestic cats and almost 30 domestic dogs have been rehomed across NSW.

The vast bulk of cats and dogs used in research are either part of programs designed to taste test new pet foods or as part of animal medicine test programs run through vet clinics with the approval of the animal’s owner.

Grants will be available for equipment and services needed to rehome research animals, with organisations able to access grants from $20,000 and up to $1 million.

Projects which could be eligible include:

• repairs, maintenance and building new animal care facilities
• purchase of equipment, such as crates and bedding
• access to veterinary services, including desexing and vaccinations
• services to the deliver training or rehabilitation and
• awareness programs to increase knowledge and awareness of animal rehoming practices.

Online applications, https://localcommunities.smartygrants.com.au/RAR for the 2024 program will open from Monday 22 July from 4 pm and close on Friday 13 September at 12 pm.

In NSW, the Animal Research Act 1985 sets out the requirements which protect the welfare of animals used in research.

Research establishments must apply to be accredited, and all research must be carried out under the approval and monitoring of an establishment’s Animal Ethics Committee.

Animal Welfare League NSW is a peak body and industry leader of practices in the field of animal welfare in NSW.

Animal Welfare League NSW is also an active member and participant in various professional organisations, advisory committees, councils, associations, and services in the field of animal welfare in NSW.

Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is committed to improving the welfare outcomes of research animals.

“This $2.5 million grant program will be dedicated to improving animal welfare outcomes by supporting organisations to successfully rehome research animals.

“Successful rehoming requires education and a coordinated, cooperative approach, which the NSW Government is supporting by working with research, rehoming and animal welfare organisations to achieve an appropriate and optimum outcome for research animals when they retire.”

Animal Welfare League NSW CEO Stephen Albin said:

“AWL NSW aims to rehome all the animals that come into our care, regardless of their origins.

“Our commitment involves enhancing each animal’s socialisation skills by understanding their past, respecting their individual needs, and providing a safe and protected sanctuary here at our Kemps Creek Shelter.

“We offer every animal, including those from research, high-quality veterinary care, behavioural improvements, including walking animals four times daily, nutritional enhancement and careful matching with potential owners.

“Our unique ‘Hope to Love’ journey allows for prolonged stays demonstrating our dedication to animal welfare.

“Through these innovative animal welfare programs, we focus on enhancing the lives of thousands of animals every year, more than 3,500 in 2023 to 2024, and strengthening the bond between pets and their owners.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to future proof the New South Wales agricultural industry, and increase the resilience of farms to the changing climate, with the appointment of 11 new Natural Capital Advisors.

The NSW Government has invested $2.5 million into the program run by Local Land Services, which following the appointments announced today will be expanded state wide.

Natural Capital Advisors provide support and tailored advice to farmers and land managers to understand the opportunities available to them when investing in Natural Capital.

Natural Capital refers to the value of natural assets on land such as, soil, trees, water, plants and ecosystems.

Good management of natural capital has multiple benefits to landholders and the environment, including increased biodiversity, reduced pollution and improved air and water quality – increasing a farms resilience against climate change.

The Natural Capital Advisors will engage with farmers and assist them in understanding the environmental and financial opportunities available to them in the growing Environment Market. These markets are formed when people buy, sell and trade natural assets for monetary value.

The NSW Government is working to ensure NSW Farmers are at the forefront as these markets expand to reflect consumers, investors, banks, and insures increasingly taking environmental outcomes into account when making decisions.

Landholders who wisely invest in Natural Capital have the opportunity to earn a return by participating in one of the environmental market streams, including:

• Biodiversity markets – A landholder can create biodiversity credits by managing, restoring or protecting species or ecosystems on their land.
• Capital asset accounting – Land managers can also add the natural assets that they manage to their business balance sheet through natural capital accounting methods.

As part of its new natural capital support services, NSW Local Land Services will be hosting Natural Capital Conversation events in August and September to provide landholders with information on how they can manage their natural assets to grow their farm business.

At the upcoming Natural Capital Conversation events, landholders will learn about the natural capital they are managing on their properties. They will find out about emerging opportunities, as well as benefits and risks, so farmers can make the best decision for their business.

Landholders can register their interest in the NSW Government’s new natural capital profiling service to get a snapshot of their natural assets and possible market opportunities.

For more information visit: www.lls.nsw.gov.au/natural-capital  

Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is committed to working with farmers so they can futureproof their operation, better protect their land and expand their revenue streams.

“We know that farmers want to find ways to make their farms more productive and sustainable, maintain access to markets, and improve natural resources on their farms.

“That’s why we’ve invested in this natural capital initiative and appointed 11 natural capital advisors to provide independent information and support landholders navigate decisions in natural capital management and environmental markets.

“From today, farmers can contact the advisors to get started on their natural capital journey and be rewarded for good environmental stewardship.

“We will continue to support farmers to ensure NSW continues to have a strong agriculture sector and prioritise its interests alongside those of our natural environment.”

After four successful pilots across Sydney, the internationally recognised Purple Flag program will now be rolled out state-wide.

Just as beachgoers look for red and yellow flags to know where it is safest to swim, and the Purple Flag program provides similar guidance when it comes to going out after the sun goes down.

Marrickville is the fourth precinct, alongside YCK laneways in the CBD, Parramatta Eat Street precinct, and Lakemba’s Haldon Street, to achieve a Purple Flag accreditation in a pilot program.

Marrickville’s accreditation as a go-to night-time destination is another example of international recognition for the Inner-west suburb previously ranked third coolest suburb in the world in 2022. The suburb’s Purple Flag precinct features iconic Vietnamese and Greek restaurants alongside popular live music venues like Lazy Bones and Gasoline Pony.

The internationally recognised Purple Flag program assesses areas against a set of criteria, including ready transport access, security, adequate street lighting and diversity of offerings, before declaring them excellent night-time experiences.

The program also provides a standard against which businesses and councils looking to develop their night-time economies can measure themselves against, making it a powerful organisational tool for precinct coordination.

Accredited Purple Flag areas allow members of the public to quickly identify them as districts that offer a safe, vibrant and well-managed night scene with a diversity of offerings across retail and dining for a great night out.

For more information, visit: nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/24-hour-economy/purple-flag

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“The purple flag program gives locals and visitors alike good guidelines of where to go when it comes to going out after the sun goes down. We’ve seen good results in four very different precincts across the city and now we’re going to extend this program across the state.

“Marrickville is fast becoming a nightlife hotspot for people seeking out great experiences including live music.

“Marrickville is truly one of Sydney’s most exciting precincts and we are excited to see more Purple Flag precincts pop up across the state.”

“This globally recognisable symbol shows visitors and locals that they are visiting a safe, well-lit night-time destination with plenty of great offerings to choose from.

“This is about supporting the growth of vibrant, diverse night-time precincts right across the state with public safety at the forefront.”

24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said:

“I am excited to welcome the Illawarra and Marrickville Road precinct to the Purple Flag family. This is the fourth district now accredited in Sydney and marks the conclusion of our pilot program which highlight’s the diversity of Sydney’s going out offering.

“From Parramatta’s Eat Street and YCK Laneways’ small bars to Haldon St Lakemba made famous through the celebration of Ramadan, and now Marrickville’s live music precinct.

“I look forward to more Purple Flag districts in the coming year as we expand the program and help thousands of people across the state identify safe, diverse and vibrant precincts to eat, dine or dance the night away.”

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said:

“Everyone knows that Marrickville is going gangbusters. It is a precinct that is already making waves with its night-time offerings, and the Purple Flag accreditation for Illawarra and Marrickville Roads is yet another feather in its cap.

“The Purple Flag accreditation cements Marrickville as not only a great place to visit, but a safe place to visit as well.”

Marrickville Purple Flag representative and Lazy Bones Lounge co-owner Craig Pietersen said:

“We have been operating on the corner of Illawarra and Marrickville Roads for 11 years. We’ve watched this precinct change and grow overtime into a place that people love coming to visit.

“From our multicultural dining destinations to our live music hotspots, we are excited to have achieved Purple Flag status and look forward to showing visitors and locals alike what makes Illawarra and Marrickville Roads a great place to be at night.”

Background

• Purple Flag is an internationally recognised initiative that has been rolled out in more than 90 locations in the UK, Ireland, Sweden, New Zealand and now Australia.
• Accredited Purple Flag areas allow members of the public to quickly identify districts that offer a diverse and well-managed night scene with a range of dining and entertainment options. The program also provides a clear pathway for districts to improve their offering for consumers, but also provides a powerful motivator and organising tool for councils and businesses looking to coordinate and reinvigorate their night-time economy.
• The YCK Laneways small bar scene, Lakemba’s multi-cultural nightlife precinct, Parramatta’s Church Street district and Marrickville’s live music hub have now been labelled as safe, vibrant going-out precincts under the program. 
• Marrickville is home to some of the vital venues identified in Sound NSW’s State of the Scene: Live Music Report which demonstrated the critical role that the live music industry plays in the NSW economy; the liveability of the state; and attractiveness of NSW as a destination to domestic and international tourists.
• The value of the Purple Flag is to point people in the right direction by demonstrating that certain criteria have been met.
• This criteria includes ready public transport access, adequate street lighting, safety and entertainment. Safety is a key priority in the NSW Government’s Vibrancy agenda. Identifying safe and exciting nightlife destinations is key to unlocking the potential of nightlife precincts across the state and providing the community with even more options for a great night out.

As the Minns Government’s focus on boosting housing supply continues, Landcom is implementing a $30 million election commitment to develop a build-to-rent pilot in the Northern Rivers.

Plans for 50 apartments in East Lismore that are well-designed, climate-resilient and sustainable have been released for community and stakeholder feedback.

Led by Landcom, the development at the corner of Crawford Road at 138-146 Military Road will deliver secure rental housing in a region impacted by rising rents and low housing availability.

Twenty percent of the apartments will be affordable rental housing for those on low and moderate household incomes, such as the essential workers who keep our cities and towns moving.

Set to include a mix of apartment sizes to suit the needs, lifestyles and budgets of different households, future residents will be close to shops, schools, Southern Cross University, open space and other community infrastructure.

Work is underway to finalise the design and planning in preparation for the lodgement of the development application with Lismore City Council in the coming months. Subject to approvals, construction is projected to begin in 2025 with residents expected to move in 2026.

The site for the homes is not flood prone and the design aims to maximise solar access and cross ventilation for the wellbeing of future tenants. The development will also include private off-street parking, as well as outdoor communal spaces, a mix of subtropical plants and views to bushland in the east.

Locals can have their say about the draft design concept by completing Landcom’s online survey by Wednesday 7 August 2024.

Landcom will also hold a community information and feedback session on Thursday 1 August 2024 at East Lismore Bowling Club. Locals can drop-in any time between 5pm and 8pm to learn more, ask the project team questions and share their thoughts. Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information about the project and to complete the online survey, visit Join In, Landcom’s community engagement portal: https://www.joinin.landcom.nsw.gov.au/eastlismorebtr

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:

“Regional NSW has not been immune from housing pressures. Through this build-to-rent pilot project residents will have access to well-located, well-designed and well-built homes.

“The Government committed to a build-to-rent pilot at the election and this project in East Lismore will help to boost the supply of much-needed rental stock while providing greater housing security and stable rents.

“The build-to-rent project continues the NSW Government’s ongoing efforts to support flood recovery in the Northern Rivers.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin:

“There is an essential need for more homes across regional NSW and locals in Lismore were already doing it tough before the floods in 2022, when around 40% of local rental households were experiencing rental stress.

“I advocated strongly for this build-to-rent project, a welcome investment by the NSW Government to provide secure and affordable rental options for the Lismore community.

“It’s good to see Landcom seeking to help local renters to put a roof over their head as soon as practical, while also planning to deliver housing that is in tune with the local environment.”

Landcom CEO Alex Wendler:

“Beyond helping to boost housing supply and tackle the housing crisis head on, we are aiming for a high-quality and attractive development that is climate-resilient and sustainable so that future residents are proud to call it home.

“Community feedback is a key component of our planning process and I encourage locals to have their say about our plans.”