Category: NSW News

Jointly funded disaster assistance is now available to 27 local government areas (LGAs) following severe flooding across NSW which began on 14 September 2022.
 
The LGAs are: Blayney, Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Cabonne, Cowra, Dubbo, Edward River, Forbes, Gilgandra, Glen Innes Severn, Greater Hume, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Lachlan, Lithgow, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Mid-Western, Narrabri, Narromine, Tamworth, Upper Lachlan, Walgett, Warren, Warrumbungle and Weddin.
 
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
 
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, said some communities had experienced multiple flooding events this year.
 
“Eleven of these LGAs were also disaster declared in August, which demonstrates how challenging it can be for these communities to get back on their feet,” Minister Watt said.
 
“Some financial support has already been made available through the Commonwealth and State governments for the August floods, but councils are facing significant repairs to public assets damaged in the latest event, and our priority is to provide the support we can.”
 
New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the assistance announced today will ensure that communities in the Central West and north west of NSW can access recovery support.
 
“We know that with these types of floods it can take some time to understand and calculate the impacts of an event like this, particularly when some LGAs still have flooding throughout their regions due to river system flooding,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“We are continuing to assess the impacts of this event to ensure that appropriate support is available.”
 
Jointly funded disaster assistance has also been extended to an additional three LGAs, Dubbo, Forbes and Liverpool Plains, following the flood event which started on 4 August 2022.
 
Assistance available under the DRFA may include:

• Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply);
• Support for councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets;
• Concessional loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations; and
• Freight subsidies for primary producers.

 
For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.
 
To apply for a concessional loan, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.
 
Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au.

From solar-powered Wi-Fi to turning plastic waste into 3D printing material, new and innovative ways to tackle the State’s most complex challenges will receive $10 million in NSW Government support. 
 
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said 10 projects will receive funding through the Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) program to enable small businesses and NSW Government agencies to collaborate and develop solutions to complex problems.
 
“NSW has a highly innovative small business sector and by supporting these businesses to develop home-grown solutions, we can not only improve social and environmental outcomes, but boost our innovation economy by creating high-value jobs and growing new high-tech industries,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“These collaborations have found ways to tackle clearly defined real-world problems in regional connectivity, public transport accessibility, koala population monitoring, reduction of personal protective equipment waste and water purification.”
 
NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said the successful businesses had already completed Feasibility Studies under Phase 1 of the SBIR and will now use the funding to develop a proof of concept over the next 15 months.
 
“The devices and systems being developed by these NSW businesses are cutting-edge, and this stage is key to ensuring they can commercialise and realise their potential,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said.
 
“Some of the innovative technologies receiving funding include a method to turn plastic waste from hospitals into 3D printing feedstock, a solar-powered Wi-Fi system to provide coverage in places mobile network operators cannot reach and a treatment to remove microplastics from water.”
 
Following the proof-of-concept phase, NSW Government agencies will consider procurement of the successful projects, the full details of which can be viewed here.
 
A new set of challenges for the second round of the SBIR is currently being finalised and will be announced shortly.

Koalas will be better protected from threats in the Port Macquarie and Kempsey region thanks to a $1.25 million investment through the NSW Koala Strategy.

Minister for Environment James Griffin said the funding includes a $600,000 regional partnership and $500,000 habitat restoration project with Koala Conservation Australia (KCA), and $150,000 to help councils prevent vehicle strike.

“This $1.25 million funding is part of the more than $190 million NSW Koala Strategy, which is the biggest investment by any government in a single species in Australia,” Mr Griffin said.

“The Strategy identified Port Macquarie and Kempsey Council areas as having two of the 10 stronghold koala populations in NSW, which is why this funding is so important.

“One of the biggest challenges for koalas in these regions is habitat fragmentation, vehicle strike and dog attack.

“That’s why we’re working with partners like KCA, which has decades of experience in the region, to help local communities conserve koala populations and restore 250 hectares of local koala habitat.”

The health and safety of koalas in the region will be better supported through $150,000 funding for Port Macquarie Hastings Council and Kempsey Shire Council to reduce vehicle strike by identifying hotspots and installing mitigation measures.

Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said KCA has been managing the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital for 49 years.

“The regional partnership funding for KCA will support the employment of a Koala Officer, which will help ensure that projects across Port Macquarie and Kempsey are incorporating local knowledge and being strategically delivered,” Mrs Williams said.

“We’re also working with the two councils to help prevent vehicle strike by identifying hotspots and suitable mitigation which may include signs to warn and slow down motorists, and improvements in fencing to prevent wildlife from venturing on to roads.”
Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey said the Koala Strategy funding is supporting the community to continue their koala conservation efforts.

“Our community is passionate about protecting the local koala population and partnerships like this enhance the efforts that are already underway across the region,” Ms Pavey said.

Koala Conservation Australia Chair Sue Ashton said the funding was welcome news for the community.

“Koala Conservation Australia has a long-established history in koala rescue and rehabilitation in the Port Macquarie region and we are ready to support the local koala population through these additional conservation efforts,” Ms Ashton said.

The Strategy delivers a range of targeted conservation actions to secure more habitat, support community conservation, address key threats to koala safety and health, and utilise science and research to build knowledge.

For more information on the koala strategy visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/koala.

More farmers across NSW will soon be swinging their gates open to visitors, thanks to a new policy that makes it easier to set up agritourism opportunities.
 
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole today released the Government’s final agritourism policy aimed at helping diversified farm businesses thrive.
 
“We’re making it cheaper and easier for our farmers to diversify their income by starting, running and growing agritourism experiences, such as farm stays, cafes, cellar doors, retreats, roadside stalls, fruit picking and small wedding venues,” Mr Toole said.
 
“Farmers who want to innovate and share a taste of their region with visitors shouldn’t be held back by red tape. That’s why we’ve introduced clear definitions and new planning pathways to allow activities that meet the policy to happen with either faster or no planning approval.”
 
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the finalised policy will support the growing agritourism industry and encourage the next generation to farm the land.
 
“Agritourism is a growing sector for both the Australian and NSW economies and is expected to be worth $18.6 billion nationally by 2030. It’s important we provide a clear and simple pathway through the planning system,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“Our farmers have shown resilience time and time again over the last few years, battling through floods, fires, drought and the COVID-19 pandemic, and we want to support them however we can.”
 
Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the policy encourages locals to boost their revenue and future-proof their farms.
 
“The last few years have been really tough on farmers as they recover from the drought, bushfires, floods and the pandemic. Reforms like these will help landholders build resilience by providing another source of income,” Mr Saunders said.
 
“Whether they’re building a small shopfront, hosting events, taking in campers or starting roadside stalls, farmers can choose from a range of opportunities made simpler by this policy change.”
 
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said there are now endless avenues for primary producers to drive productivity and cash flow on their doorstep.
 
“It’s all about using the land in new and innovative ways, complementing existing businesses and giving people more reasons to visit regional areas,” Mr Franklin said.
 
“The pandemic has seen NSW residents spend more time exploring our amazing state, and these activities will attract tourists and put rural communities on the map as drawcard destinations.”
 
The new policy will commence on 1 December.
 
For more information visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/agritourism

People living in inner Sydney will soon have access to more healthcare specialists and services in a new Royal Prince Alfred HealthOne at Green Square, with the structure now complete as part of the NSW Government’s $100 million program.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new state-of-the-art centre was the largest in the state, and would provide vital out-of-hospital healthcare services for families and residents.
 
“This new Green Square facility is a one-stop-shop giving people access to a range of healthcare services without having to visit a hospital, providing more options and helping take the pressure off our emergency departments,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“The innovative statewide HealthOne program is boosting healthcare options for people and is part of the NSW Government’s comprehensive investment in our health system to deliver better services closer to home across NSW.”
 
The RPA HealthOne centre will feature eight consultation rooms, six treatment rooms, a range of meeting rooms and a gymnasium for patient therapy.
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the HealthOne would be closely connected to clinical services at the RPA Hospital, significantly boosting the range of healthcare professionals and services available for the community as well as improving access and efficiency.
 
“This first-class RPA HealthOne will really take healthcare in inner Sydney to another level, providing specialist services focused on early intervention and disease prevention, backed by education and research, and co-located with primary health services such as GPs,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“Our investment in these world-class health services is ensuring the exceptional patient and family-centred care the RPA has long been renowned for will continue to meet the community’s healthcare needs well into the future.”
 
The new RPA HealthOne centre is due to be completed in early 2023, and will open after the commissioning period. It complements the $750 million Royal Prince Alfred Hospital redevelopment, which will deliver new and upgraded facilities that will enhance existing services, support the creation of new services and expand future capacity.
 
For more information, visit www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/RPA/HealthOne  

Households are being urged to use any remaining Stay NSW and Parents NSW vouchers, with the 9 October deadline only days away.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the vouchers have boosted family budgets and provided local businesses with much needed stimulus.

“Both programs have collectively added almost $350 million to the NSW economy, with 97 per cent of customers giving them the thumbs up,” Mr Dominello said.

“Don’t miss out. There is still time to redeem vouchers and reap the rewards these school holidays. Catch that movie you’ve been wanting to see with friends or take the kids to a museum or wildlife park. You’ll save money and be supporting businesses.

“Subject to the business’s terms and conditions, you might also be able to book now and redeem at a later date.

“The programs have been an overwhelming success and I would like to sincerely thank participating providers for your support and involvement.”

Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the initiative has provided significant support to NSW residents and accommodation providers.

“The Stay NSW voucher has been a great incentive for NSW residents to explore the incredible cultural and natural wonders of our State while injecting a significant economic boost for local accommodation providers,” Mr Franklin said.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting our accommodation providers, and I encourage all NSW residents to take advantage of this fantastic program and book a staycation or holiday using the Stay NSW vouchers today.”  

There are around $72.5 million worth of Stay NSW vouchers issued, pending redemption, to date. 
These vouchers help support accommodation providers in NSW impacted by COVID-19. NSW residents aged 18 and older can apply for one $50 voucher to use towards the cost of accommodation bookings. ​

There are around $54 million worth of Parents NSW vouchers issued, pending redemption, to date. 
One person from each eligible household can apply for five $50 vouchers, worth $250 in total.

NSW Government Vouchers are non-transferable and can only be redeemed by the customer who was issued the voucher. They cannot be used as a gift or donation to a registered business and cannot be exchanged for cash or gift vouchers.

For more information visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/stay-nsw and https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/parents-nsw-vouchers

Residents in Parramatta will benefit from new sporting facilities, better parks and playgrounds and a youth-focused skate and BMX park precinct funded by the $2 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants program.    

Premier Dominic Perrottet, Treasurer Matt Kean and Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman announced more than $15.3 million in funding to the City of Parramatta Council for six projects which will deliver infrastructure to shape the future of Western Sydney as part of the $5 billion WestInvest Fund. 

The $2 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants includes $400 million for 15 Local Government Areas in West and South West Sydney, based on population size. 

Projects funded in Parramatta include:

• $4.6 million for the Somerville Park Improvement project which will provide new facilities for recreation and exercise, including accessible playgrounds, multi-purpose sports courts and outdoor fitness equipment 
• $3.8 million for the Max Ruddock Reserve Amenities Modernisation with viewing platform project to upgrade a 50-year-old building to support growth in local sport.
• $3.7 million for the Sue Savage Reserve Multigenerational Recreational Facilities project to provide a new youth precinct centered around a skate and BMX park.
• $1.5 million for the Active Youth are Healthy Youth project which will improve youth-focused play equipment across Dundas Ward.
• $1.4 million for the Let’s Play @ Kilpack! project to enhance the existing open space with new play and fitness equipment, as well as circuit paths and lighting.
• $354,725 for the West Epping Dog Off Leash Area project for a new fenced space for dogs and their owners. 

The City of Parramatta Council will co-contribute a combined $533,311 to the Sue Savage Reserve Multigenerational Recreational Facilities and the Let’s Play @ Kilpack project. 

Mr Perrottet said the projects funded  will deliver a wide-range of benefits for the community helping make our River City a better place to live, work and play. 

“These six projects focus on improving the health and wellbeing of the local community by providing improved sport, recreational facilities and more open space made possible by our successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy,” Mr Perrottet said.
“WestInvest is ensuring the people of Parramatta have better access to green space for sport and recreation helping build on our vision of Parramatta as a vibrant cultural hub as part of the NSW Government’s Six Cities Strategy.”

Mr Kean said the Sue Savage Reserve project will enhance the existing open space to provide new BMX and skating facilities, as well as fitness stations in response to community feedback. 

“This project is perfect for a booming city with a high proportion of youngsters growing up in the area,” Mr Kean said. 

Mrs Tuckerman said the Active Youth are Healthy Youth project will be driven by local young people in Parramatta, to design and enhance infrastructure for recreation and socialisation.

“Outdoor playgrounds are vital for young families to get together, explore and relax. It’s community facilities like these which councils are best placed to deliver through partnerships with the NSW Government,” Mrs Tuckerman said. 

The City of Parramatta Council was allocated $29.9 million through the Local Government Allocation. Additional projects submitted by council totalling $12 million are being assessed and will be funded if they meet all requirements under the WestInvest Guidelines. Announcements on other LGAs will be made soon. 

The $5 billion WestInvest program was made possible by the Government’s successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy.

A further $1.6 billion from the $2 billion Community Project Grants is available to local community groups. 

A total of $3 billion is also set aside to deliver transformational projects that will benefit local communities, led by NSW Government agencies. 

To find out more about WestInvest visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest

Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) clubs are set to benefit from more than $5 million to help the upgrade, restoration and construction of surf life saving facilities, thanks to the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program.
 
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said rain, hail or shine, our volunteer surf lifesavers never waver in their commitment to protecting the community and ensuring safety at our beaches.
 
“Whether you’re going to the beach to have a swim, surf or participate in nippers, our surf clubs are often the hub of their communities and our lifesavers are the unsung heroes, protecting swimmers in and out of the water,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“This funding will ensure that from Tathra to Tweed Heads, surf clubs along the NSW coast are the best they can be while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for their communities.”
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said SLSNSW clubs can each apply for up to $650,000 through the NSW Government program.
 
“This funding will make sure our wonderful volunteers have the facilities they need to continue the critical work they do in protecting beachgoers,” Ms Cooke said.
 
SLSNSW President George Shales said ensuring volunteers have safe, accessible and secure facilities is a priority.
 
“We have 129 clubs across the State, with volunteer surf lifesavers performing more than 3,000 rescues, 114,000 preventative actions and 7,000 first aid treatments last year, and this funding will allow surf club facilities to be upgraded for our 76,000 members,” Mr Shales said.
 
Applications are open until 1 November, 2022. For more information and to apply, visit: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/SCFP.

A tiny seed, no bigger than a grain of rice, is having a big impact on breast cancer care for patients in Murrumbidgee.

Murrumbidgee Local Health District is the first District in NSW to introduce Magseed – a tiny, stainless steel “seed” that is implanted in a cancerous breast tumour to mark its location for surgery.

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the successful implementation of this new technology is a testament to the quality of medical care available in rural and regional NSW.

“We have some of the finest surgeons and medical professionals in Australia choosing to work in regional NSW. I am so proud that the first Local Health District in NSW to provide this exciting, new and life-saving technology is a regional one,” Mrs Taylor said.

Griffith surgeon Dr Kate FitzGerald said she was keen to see the Magseeds available for public patients in NSW, after first using the technology and seeing the difference it made in Scotland.

“The thin wires, which usually had to be placed the day of surgery, needed to be placed by a radiologist and then taped to the patient’s breast until they were in the operating room,” Dr FitzGerald said.

“With the seed I have more flexibility around where I make the incision. As well as getting the best result as far as removing the cancer, I can also make it look as nice as possible.”

Mrs Taylor thanked the Griffith Breast Cancer Support Group for a substantial donation towards the purchase of the Magseed technology and said the group’s support has been instrumental in making the technology available locally.

President of the Griffith Breast Cancer Support Group, Kaye Mossman said the group is thrilled to see its fundraising efforts contribute to this new technology.

“Through the generosity of the Griffith community we have raised enough money to not only support our local patients with their individual costs, but also make a very substantial donation to Murrumbidgee Local Health District to help fund this exciting new technology,” Mrs Mossman said.

A proposal to raise the Warragamba Dam wall by 14 metres has been declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI), as it is deemed essential to NSW for economic and social reasons.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the proposal to raise the Dam wall would save lives, save properties and would help future-proof Western Sydney from flood risks. 
 
“First and foremost my number one priority as Premier is protecting NSW communities and we know from the independent flood inquiry that the best way to protect communities downstream is to raise the wall,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“This declaration reinforces that raising the dam wall is the most effective long-term flood mitigation strategy to help protect residents across the Hawkesbury-Nepean. 
 
“This region has been hit hard by floods and we are committed to progressing this important project to make sure residents have genuine flood protection into the future.”
 
Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said the importance of the Dam was highlighted in the recently released Greater Sydney Water Strategy that showed the significant risks and costs of alternative proposals such as Labor’s plan to lower the supply level.
 
“In a flood similar to the worst on record in the valley, the number of homes impacted would drop threefold from 15,500 to 5,000, while 14,000 people would need to be evacuated rather than 90,000. The cost of damages would also be reduced by up to $8 billion,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“Labor’s plan to lower Warragamba’s water supply level by 12 metres would have severe consequences such as putting Sydney into severe water restrictions and increasing people’s water bills.”
 
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the CSSI declaration would not impact the rigorous assessment and stakeholder scrutiny the proposal would need to go through.
 
“The proposal has already been subject to an 82-day public exhibition, which gave stakeholders a chance to provide their feedback,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“The recent flood inquiry confirmed that raising the Warragamba Dam wall is the most effective flood mitigation option available to us.
 
“This proposal doesn’t hurt us during drought, but will protect us during floods, balancing the natural extremes that are becoming more frequent.”
 
WaterNSW will respond to the feedback and issues raised in submissions and its Preferred Infrastructure Report, before a comprehensive assessment is undertaken in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.