16 News

The first deployment of NSW firefighting specialists will depart Sydney today in response to a request for assistance from Canada, which is again battling severe summer wildfires.

To help fight more than 650 wildfires, which have already burnt more than 1.5 million hectares of land, 31 NSW personnel will travel to Canada as part of a 116-strong Australian-New Zealand contingent.

A team of 20 Rural Fire Service (RFS) members, as well as five personnel from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, four from Forestry Corporation NSW and two from the NSW State Emergency Service, will be part of two deployments leaving this morning and on Sunday.

The firefighting personnel will be on the ground for more than a month to assist their counterparts in Alberta and British Columbia, who have been working for weeks without rest.

The NSW contingent includes air attack supervisors, incident managers, fire behaviour analysts and heavy machinery managers, and will remain in Canada for up to five weeks.

The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council’s National Resource Sharing Centre is facilitating the deployment of the Australian and New Zealand personnel and resources, following a formal request for assistance from Canada’s Interagency Forest Fire Centre.

Minister for Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“We wish our National Parks and Wildlife Service specialist firefighters safe travels as they head off to join the international effort to bring the Canadian wildfires under control.”

“The request for our National Parks fire fighters is a testament to the professionalism of the team, who are specially trained remote area firefighters and incident managers.”

“This is an important opportunity to exchange skills and knowledge and thank them for their efforts.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Our thoughts are with the people of Canada and their communities affected by these fires.”

“In NSW, we are keenly aware of the destructive nature of bush fires, and we stand ready to support Canada in its time of need.”

“Our skilled and experienced firefighting personnel will provide their international colleagues with much-needed relief and support.”

“I’d like to thank this team for answering the call and wish all our people well on their travels. We look forward to their safe return.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“My thoughts and best wishes are with the Australian firefighters heading to Canada and those Canadians already on the fire front.”

“I’m pleased that our firefighting agencies in NSW, including Forestry Corporation, can work collaboratively locally and assist their counterparts in Canada.”

“Fire really is a universal issue and the skills we have here in Australia for fighting forest fires can be transferred through these overseas deployments.”

Acting Commissioner of the RFS Kyle Stewart APM said:

“NSW emergency services have a proud history of supporting their international colleagues, joining multiple deployments overseas, including to Canada, over the past two decades.

“These specialist personnel are repaying Canada for the support it has generously provided when we have called on its firefighters for help. It is testament to the expertise and professionalism of our members.

“The RFS is also currently supporting US fire operations, with our 737 Large Air Tanker, ‘Marie Bashir’ on deployment to California since June.”

The communities of Gulargambone and Menindee can look forward to high-speed and reliable Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) internet, thanks to an agreement between the NSW Government and telco infrastructure provider, Opticomm announced today.

This initiative is part of the NSW Government’s $250 million investment in digital infrastructure to future-proof connectivity for rural, regional, and remote NSW communities.

More than 800 homes and businesses across Gulargambone and Menindee will be eligible for a fibre internet connection, with premises along Menindee Lakes’ Sunset Strip also set to benefit.

This initiative is an example of the government bringing metropolitan equivalent services to rural NSW, bridging the digital divide and reducing the current dependency on satellite services.

The new fibre network replaces the unreliable and limited internet currently available and will ensure these communities have reliable infrastructure and affordable, high-speed internet services.

Digital connectivity is critical to fuelling regional development, fostering community wellbeing, and providing rural and remote citizens with access to telehealth, education and other online services.

Improved internet connectivity has many benefits including support for students doing home-based learning, adults seeking jobs or engaged in online education, aids businesses with faster access for cloud computing and teleconferencing, enhances family entertainment options, and strengthens connections with loved ones and the community.

Planning and design for the Gulargambone and Menindee fibre network will commence in the coming months, with construction expected to start in late 2025.

For more information visit: www.nsw.gov.au/connectregionalnsw

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

“The NSW Government is committed to improving opportunities and choice across rural and remote communities.”

“We want our rural and regional communities to have the benefits of online education, entertainment, telehealth and other online services.

“Through this initiative, more than 800 families and businesses in Gulargambone and Menindee will be eligible to enjoy a second to none fibre connection to their premises, with access to over 40 internet service providers allowing them to select an affordable internet plan that’s right for them.”

Independent State Member for Barwon, Roy Butler said:

“Poor connectivity out West has many trickle-down impacts in regional and remote communities. When we cannot connect, we lose business, tourism, education, and telehealth opportunities, which are lifelines to places like Menindee and Gulargambone.

Weather-related events that take out our telecommunications network can isolate towns that already feel disconnected. Using fibre to mitigate these weather events means communities can be sure they remain connected and can continue to run their households and businesses without disruption.

This is a welcome announcement from the NSW Government.”

Opticomm Chief of Infrastructure Networks and Technology, Geoff Aldridge said:

“We’re pleased to partner with the NSW Government to deploy a Fibre to the Premises network capable of super-fast speeds, that will support these communities with more than enough bandwidth now and into the future.”

“Opticomm will use next generation technology to deliver a Fibre to the Premises network to more than 800 addresses within Gulargambone and Menindee.

“As the second largest fibre wholesaler in Australia, Opticomm has a long-standing history of building, owning and operating fibre networks that are future-proofed with potential speeds of up to 8 gigabits per second (Gbps).”

General Manager Darling Central Shire Council, Greg Hill said:

“Central Darling Shire welcomes this new agreement, which will deliver high-speed and reliable internet for the community of Menindee and residents along Sunset Strip.

“Menindee residents and businesses will be able to keep pace with the digital world through faster downloads, seamless streaming, and reliable access to government or online health services.”

General Manager Coonamble Shire Council, Paul Gallagher said:

“Fibre to the Premises internet unlocks a world of possibilities for Gulargambone, and we’d like to thank the NSW Government for making this a reality.

“Our existing rural businesses will be empowered to innovate and deliver services more efficiently than ever before, ensuring our local economy is future-proofed and allowing our community to thrive in the digital age.

“High-speed fibre internet also provides families and students with reliable and efficient platforms for their study and online activities.”

The Central Coast community is being invited to have its say on the proposed final design of a major $420 million upgrade of the Pacific Highway through Wyong Town Centre.

The Australian Government and NSW Government are investing in this once in a generation upgrade which involves duplicating the highway from Johnson Road at Tuggerah through the town centre.

As part of the upgrade the road bridge over the Wyong River is set to be replaced with a new four-lane bridge.

Following completion of extensive geotechnical investigations, including in the Wyong River and the rail corridor, Transport for NSW is now taking the next steps to deliver the upgrade.

Community members are invited to have their say on the proposed final design of the project which builds on earlier design work and includes new features such as:

• A new plaza for more better connections between buses, trains and the Wyong town centre
• More cycleways
• Additional shared pathways for people walking and cycling in the area
• Wider footpaths

To comment on the proposed design changes, visit the interactive portal https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/pacific-highway-upgrade-through-wyong-town-centre. Submissions can also be made via mail to wtcproject@aecom.com before 11 August 2024.

The community is also invited to attend two drop-in sessions to be held at Wyong Race Club & Function Centre Magic Millions room, 71-73 Howarth St, Wyong on Tuesday 30 July 1-4pm and Thursday 1 August 4-7pm.

An analysis of the feedback received will be included in an Addendum Review of Environmental Factors, which is expected to be published later this year.

A tender for final detailed design and construction of the project is expected to be released in 2025.

NSW Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris:

“Wyong is growing and the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are moving forward with this major upgrade to help improve journeys for all road users.

“This project will make a massive difference to how people move around this wonderful part of the Central Coast and we want to make sure we get it right.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“This project has been on the books for well over a decade and I’m pleased to be part of a Labor government which is delivering for the Central Coast.

“Up to 36,500 vehicles pass through the Wyong town centre each day and we’re determined to make those journeys are as safe and stress-free as possible by investing in this major upgrade.”

Federal Member for Dobell Emma McBride:

“This project will improve safety and reduce travel times for the thousands of people who travel through Wyong each day.

“We know how important this project is to the people and businesses of Wyong and your views matter.

“The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are working together to progress this project, which has been advocated for by our community for so long.”

The Minns Labor Government has set up a taskforce, comprised of Transport for NSW, NSW Police and Revenue NSW, to crack down on drivers exploiting the demerit point system.

The Demerit Point Integrity Taskforce has been established to identify any fraudulent behaviour in the demerit point scheme, such as drivers racking up high numbers of demerits and those selling demerit points online, including on Facebook Marketplace.

It will investigate any gaming of the legitimate process for nominating another driver to take demerit points for an offence.

The NSW Government is beefing up the system to make it more robust after a recent high-profile case where a French national had more than 200 demerit points applied to his licence.

There are 6.9 million NSW driver licence holders, but the Taskforce will focus on a tiny fraction (0.005%) of drivers who have 20 or more demerit points.

The Taskforce will review the suitability of current penalties, suspensions and what extra measures are available to deter people who rack up extremely high demerits.

For example, a driver with 13 demerit points receives the same five-month suspension as a driver with 20 or more.

The Taskforce will also examine:

• Who is eligible to opt for a good behaviour period in lieu of a suspension, based on how many demerits they have
• The ability for a driver to be back on the road between suspensions. This can occur when, for example, a driver is first suspended for unpaid fines. When that suspension is lifted, a driver with excess demerits will then be served with notice to suspend but is able to drive in the intervening period before the next suspension starts
• Better enforcement options in the case that someone owns a vehicle, does not drive it, but still receives the infringements associated with the vehicle
• Rental companies accessing demerit balance or driving history before approving a rental

The Taskforce will initially run for three months and report its findings to Government.

In light of a rising number of lives being lost on roads across Australia, the NSW Government is committed to improving road safety to keep communities safe.

Earlier in the year, the Minns Labor Government closed the loophole left by the Liberal-National government to ensure all motorists driving on a foreign licence will now have a maximum of six months to convert to a NSW licence.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“The demerit point system in NSW was designed more than 50 years ago and has been a key plank in improvements that have enhanced road safety over those five decades.

“The NSW Government has zero tolerance for anyone trying to subvert the system. There is one set of road rules and they apply equally to all.

“This is the right time for Police, Transport for NSW and Revenue NSW to come together to review the demerit point scheme and make sure it remains completely robust.”  

Acting Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Tara Moriarty said:

“The demerit point system exists for the safety of every road user.

“Unfortunately, the NSW Police Force continue to witness dangerous driver behaviour every day on our roads, from speeding, to drivers using their mobile phones and not driving to the road conditions, these are serious offences that endanger not only the driver’s life, but those of their passengers and other road users.

“I want to make clear there is zero tolerance for anyone who tried to subvert the demerit and penalty system. This Taskforce will help ensure the penalties apply to all road users.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“The demerit point system is a key tool to keep drivers accountable for their behaviours on our roads.

“The system is in place to keep everyone safe. The NSW Government is committed to identifying and addressing any opportunities for exploitation that affect the operation of the scheme and put road users at risk.

“Acts like falsely claiming to be the driver and taking points for a fee are criminal and the Taskforce will examine ways to help identify and punish unscrupulous people who take advantage of the system.

“The Taskforce will also consider the most appropriate way for Transport for NSW, NSW Police and Revenue NSW to work together in the future to ensure that the demerit point scheme is fair and equitable for every NSW licence holder and continues to support road safety in NSW.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor governments’ Milton Ulladulla bypass project has marked another milestone and continues to move forward. 

With the first environmental studies now complete, the project will move to the concept design phase, which involves exploring corridor refinements needed to ensure the project best delivers improved connectivity and reduced travel times.

A local access strategy will also be developed to ensure the bypass provides access to properties and businesses when local roads may be impacted by construction and operation of the bypass.

Development of the strategy will involve consultation with Shoalhaven City Council, property owners, businesses and community groups to ensure the design options meet the needs of locals and the wider community.

Once built, the bypass will improve road safety and reduce travel times on the Princes Highway and improve trip reliability, by bypassing Milton and Ulladulla town centres.

As the concept design phase continues, a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement will also be developed to ensure construction of the bypass does not unnecessarily impact on local wildlife, while protecting and enhancing biodiversity.

While planning on the bypass continues, Transport for NSW is also considering other short-term opportunities in and around Milton and Ulladulla to make improvements to footpaths, signage and lighting.

The Transport for NSW project team is inviting the community to drop-in sessions in July and August to learn more about the project and provide any feedback.

The team will be at:

• Ulladulla Civic Centre on Saturday 27 July between 10am and 12pm
• Milton Village Markets on Saturday 3 August between 9am and 2pm
• and at the Mollymook Surf Club on Wednesday 21 August between 3pm and 6pm.

Transport for NSW will continue to keep the community updated as work progresses on the Milton Ulladulla bypass as well as plans for any short-term improvements.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“The Australian government is investing $752 million in the Milton Ulladulla bypass.

“The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are proudly progressing the Milton Ulladulla bypass, and ensuring we undertake the research and planning required to build this once-in-a-generation infrastructure project properly.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

““The Minns Labor government is investing $188 million in the Milton Ulladulla bypass and I’d like to thank Liza Butler and Fiona Phillips for their ongoing advocacy and support for this much needed South Coast roads project that will transform the region.

“The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are proud to be responsibly delivering major infrastructure projects in a staged, well thought through and financially responsible way unlike former Liberal and Nationals Governments who promised the world but failed to deliver.”

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips:

“I encourage every community member to attend a drop-in session and have their say.

“We are proudly focused on ensuring the community can help shape this bypass project and that residents are kept informed as work progresses through the required phases to ensure we deliver a world class piece of road infrastructure.”

NSW Member for South Coast Liza Butler:

“I am pleased to see the planning moving along for the bypass. This project will play a key role in improving safety and efficiency along the Princes Highway.

“In the meantime, we are committed to consulting with the community to help identify opportunities to upgrade footpaths, signage, lighting or reduced speed limits in and around Milton and Ulladulla that may be achieved in the short-term.

“I will continue to advocate for my community and look forward to attending the upcoming consultation sessions.”