Category: NSW News

Building homes and supporting jobs in the construction, retail and hospitality sectors are at the centre of the latest tranche of regulatory relief helping NSW business get to the other side of the Omicron outbreak.
 
Changes to planning rules will allow for an extension of emergency construction hours, as well as making it easier for businesses to get much needed supplies and extending temporary measures that let pubs and restaurants continue to use carparks and bowling greens.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the measures were aimed at supporting some of the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic and designed to keep the economic wheels turning during the Omicron wave of the pandemic.
 
“We know that some retailers have struggled to get supplies and that impacts what people see on the shelves,” Mr Kean said.
 
“We are changing the rules to make it easier for businesses to get those critical supplies – 24 hours a day in business and industrial areas.
 
“We’ve already changed the rules to let diners onto the footpaths and public spaces and now we’re extending measures to let pubs and restaurants use privately owned car parks and open space until 30 June.”
 
These new rule changes helping NSW businesses include:

• The extension of emergency construction hours (up until 31 March 2022) allowing construction sites to operate on weekends without the need for prior planning approval;
• Changes to planning rules allowing 24-hour deliveries in industrial and business zones
• The extension of measures allowing pubs and restaurants use privately owned open space and car parks for hospitality (up until 30 June 2022)

 
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said it’s vitally important we support the construction industry and the 340,000 jobs it supports.
 
“Construction continues to play a crucial role in our state by contributing around $47 billion each year to the economy, and supporting communities by, keeping people in jobs delivering new homes and community facilities,” he said.
 
“These changes will help us keep shovels in the ground to deliver new homes, jobs and great public spaces and keep the economy moving.”
 
No construction work will be allowed on public holidays and only quiet works can take place on Sundays. The extension of construction hours will be in place until 31 March 2022.
 
For more information visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au

The NSW space industry ecosystem has been further strengthened with the official opening of the National Space Industry Hub in Eveleigh, Sydney.
 
The hub, which was officially launched last night, is part of Sydney’s Tech Central Precinct and offers office space, resources, mentoring and connections for emerging space ventures.
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres said among the first residents of the hub are the Space Industry Association of Australia, the government-backed NSW Space Research Network and the NSW Node of the SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (CRC).
 
“These organisations bring together industry, universities and researchers to ensure we continue to have the strongest space capability in Australia,” Mr Ayres said.
 
As part of the launch of the hub the NSW Government and Cicada Innovations launched the Fast Start intense coaching program, which aims to help companies commercialise innovative ideas.
 
Participants in the first cohort include Extraterrestrial Power, which aims to support space missions by producing advanced silicon solar cells and Amentum Aerospace, which specialises in predictive scientific modelling software to enhance operational planning for space missions.
 
Both companies will receive a six-month tailored program of mentoring and coaching, access to state-of-the-art rapid prototyping facilities and a dedicated workspace at the hub.
 
Cicada Innovations CEO Sally-Ann Williams said that the hub was ready and waiting to support the participants, through a range of virtual and COVID-safe in-person activity.
 
“NSW is a fantastic place to build a Space venture. We’re surrounded by experience, talent, capital and the community to support space entrepreneurs on their journey,” Ms Williams said.
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, and Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said ensuring NSW has a talent pipeline of highly skilled workers was critical to ensuring NSW remains competitive in the space race.
 
“NSW already has an incredible depth of talent in the space industry however we need to continue to grow this pipeline to ensure the industry thrives,” Mr Henskens said.
 
Also launched as part of the hub’s opening was the Foundations Program, a free online learning resource for researchers, engineers and aspiring entrepreneurs looking for foundational knowledge on how to commercialise space technology.
 
The National Space Industry Hub is being delivered as part of the NSW Space Industry Development Strategy, launched in 2020. For more information, visit: https://www.business.nsw.gov.au/industry-sectors/industry-opportunities/space

The NSW Government has granted more than $350,000 to eight organisations undertaking initiatives to boost mental health in the workplace.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the recipients of the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) Recovery Boost grants would use the funding to help people recover at work and reduce the stigma around mental health.

“The Recovery Boost grants will allow these organisations to implement bespoke initiatives that will help prevent mental illness or aid recovery,” Mr Dominello said.

“Workplaces need tailored, practical support that respond to the unique mental health challenges they face.

“Prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of staff is more important than ever and these workplaces will benefit from additional resources that will enable them to provide greater support.”

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said that the mental health workplace initiatives would benefit essential workers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and those living in regional and rural NSW.

“The successful programs range from tailored assistance for rural sole traders, yarning circles for First Peoples, support for deaf and hard of hearing workers, and targeted intervention for police officers with stress disorders,” Ms Taylor said.

“Each organisation has demonstrated that their mental health initiative can promote seeking assistance early, supporting recovery and reducing stigma.

“The results of each initiative will go towards building the evidence base for what works to support mental health recovery at work.”

SIRA is working across the sector to improve mental health outcomes across the State. These grants mark the third round of the SIRA Recovery Boost program, which provides up to $50,000 to organisations with innovative ideas to help mental health recovery. The list of grant recipients is here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/mental-health-at-work/stories/mental-health-at-work-blogs/recovery-boost-2021-winners

More than 2,800 graduate nurses and midwives will start work across 130 NSW public hospitals and health facilities this year in a major boost for the NSW Health system.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet, Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor commended the graduates, many of whom are officially commencing work this week, having already worked on the COVID-19 workforce response.
 
“We owe a great deal of thanks to these graduates. Many of them have already been working as students in NSW’s vaccination and testing clinics. They have done an exceptional job,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“We are continuing to make the record investments in the biggest health system in the country, which means no matter where you live in our State you will have access to the care you need when you need it most.
 
“These extra nurses and midwives will help bolster the ranks of our front line health workers who have done an incredible job helping to protect people and keep them safe throughout the pandemic. We can’t thank them enough for their selfless dedication.”
 
Mr Hazzard said there are now more nurses and midwives in NSW public hospitals than at any other time in history.
 
“These graduates join us at an incredibly challenging time. We thank them, and all of our nurses, for their contributions to support the health system and the people of NSW,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said more than 40 per cent of the graduates will be working in rural and regional areas of NSW.
 
“Around 1,200 of these fantastic new graduate nurses and midwives will soon be working on the frontline in our regional emergency departments, maternity wards and community teams, making a huge difference in the bush,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“As someone who got my start in a regional hospital, I know the skills and experience they gain will set them up for success into their future nursing career.”
Throughout their first year, graduates are provided with opportunities in a variety of clinical settings to ensure they gain a range of experience and consolidate skills and knowledge developed whilst at university.
 
Between 2012 and 2021, the nursing and midwifery workforce in NSW increased by 9,599 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff, or 23 per cent, to 51,794 (FTE).
 
The NSW Government is also investing in a further 5000 nurses and midwives from 2019-2022 under a record $2.8 billion boost to frontline staff.

The NSW Government is calling on people to roll up their sleeve and get their third vaccination in a month-long booster blitz at clinics across the state including a pop-up hub at the NRL All Stars blockbuster this Saturday.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the clinic at CommBank Stadium is part of a statewide booster drive over the next four weekends to further protect the community against COVID-19.

“We know boosters provide the best protection against serious illness and hospitalisation and it’s our great vaccination rates that have enabled us to start getting our lives back on track,” Mr Perrottet said.

“I encourage everyone to go take that extra step for themselves and their loved ones.”

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard those eligible should take their cue from the All Stars and front up for a jab before the game.

“NSW has one of highest vaccination rates in the world thanks to the community’s willingness to roll up their sleeves at our many NSW Health mass vaccination clinics and pop-up clinics, as well as at GPs and pharmacies. These additional walk-in pop-up clinics will make it even easier to get your first, second or third dose,” Mr Hazzard said.

“There’s no need to show your Medicare card or book in advance, just drop into one of the many pop-up clinics, or on game day.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Ben Franklin encouraged everyone in attendance to use the opportunity to get their free booster while enjoying the world class sporting event.

“The evidence is clear. Vaccines are our best line of defence against COVID-19. They can help protect you, your loved ones and the community from serious illness,” Mr Franklin said.

“In NSW, we know that vaccination rates among Aboriginal people are lower than the rest of the population, so I’m encouraging everyone in attendance this Saturday to roll up your sleeve and get boosted so we can keep each other safe and get back to enjoying more of the things we love.”

Vaccination clinics across the state will be accepting walk-ins every weekend for the next four weeks. Details of all the NSW Health clinics participating in the walk-in weekend campaign over the coming month, with locations and opening times, are available through nsw.gov.au/weekend-walk-in
The pop-up vaccination clinic at the NRL All Stars game will be located inside the stadium and will be operating from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.

You are eligible for the booster shot if you’re aged 16 years or over, and it’s been at least three months since your second COVID-19 vaccination.

From Alstoneville in the state’s north and Howlong in the south, to Dareton and Gol Gol in the far west, more than 50 NSW communities have received funding to commemorate veterans across the state.
 
Minister for Transport and Veterans Affairs David Elliott announced more than $56,000 will be provided to a range of  projects that commemorate and educate NSW communities about the service and sacrifices of current and former military servicemen and servicewomen.
 
“The Anzac Community Grants Program provides funding to some great projects and initiatives that recognise Australia’s war service history, educate a new generation and support the wellbeing of the NSW veteran community,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“It is wonderful to be visiting Milperra Public School today, and providing $1,000 in funding to contribute to the creation of a mural remembering the Anzacs in the school’s Centenary Garden.”
 
Member for East Hills Wendy Lindsay welcomed the investment for her community.
 
“I would like to acknowledge the students and staff at Milperra Public School for their vision to create a mural that remembers the Anzacs, which will allow future generations and new students to learn of this history,” she said.
 
“We are thankful for the sacrifices made by current serving members and our service men and women from over a century of service. This art will be a reflection of their dedication and the commitment my community has, to supporting our veterans.”
 
Projects that support activities benefiting the NSW veteran community have also received funding.
 
For the full list of 2021 ACGP recipients and more information about the program visit www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/acgp2021.

A funding boost totalling nearly $20 million over four years is being delivered by the NSW Government to help more victim-survivors of domestic violence stay in their homes.
 
Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the commitment will mean the Staying Home Leaving Violence program will be expanded from 33 existing locations to reach 70 locations across the state, focussing on areas with high demand.
 
“In trying to escape a violent situation, women and children who have suffered at the hands of domestic violence often find themselves having to leave the family home and move away from their crucial network of family and friends,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“The Staying Home Leaving Violence program turns that around, allowing women and children to stay safely and heal in their own home, while the perpetrator is removed.
 
“We are expanding this important program and this funding will now be going to 28 service providers, who do incredible work to help victim-survivors, to expand their geographical reach to support more women.”
 
The NSW Government has committed $4.95 million to the program’s expansion each year for four years, totalling $19.8 million. This forms part of a $32.5 million announcement in the 2021-22 NSW Budget.
 
The Staying Home Leaving Violence Program works in cooperation with NSW Police to remove the perpetrator from the family home and support victim-survivors to remain safely in the home. Services available include improving home security, help in managing finances, support for children and helping with complicated legal processes.
 
Details on a further expansion of the program are expected to be finalised in coming months.
 

Rural Fire Service Commissioner Robert Rogers is yet to require COVID-19 vaccinations for volunteers, despite a mandate for salaried RFS officers and all other NSW volunteers.

The Public Service Association said members who are employed by RFS as well workers with firefighting duties in National Parks and Wildlife Services and the State Forest Corporation have consistently raised concerns about the vaccination status of RFS volunteers.

“RFS is the only remaining emergency service that hasn’t mandated vaccinations for its volunteers – there is no reason for this other than an apparent lack of leadership from RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers,” said PSA assistant secretary Troy Wright. “The majority of those who give their time to RFS, either paid or voluntarily, want to see their colleagues vaccinated – RFS needs to stop dragging the chain on this.

“Vollies and members are saying they don’t necessarily want to jump in a truck or chopper with someone who has chosen not to get vaccinated. In an emergency there is no time to quickly swab your nose for rapid test – the only practical solution is a vaccine mandate for everyone in the emergency services.”

The union has been seeking an urgent meeting with Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Stephanie Cooke for the past two weeks.

“RFS volunteers do vital work and vaccine mandates are in effect across the rest of NSW’s volunteer sector – so why is RFS Commissioner Rogers dragging the chain on this? Why does Minister Cooke keep letting him kick the can down the road?”

The union said while NSW had escaped serious bushfires so far this season it was still possible. RFS volunteers also join search and rescue efforts, respond to traffic accidents, and support other emergency efforts.

“Do we really want to risk turning a natural disaster into a super spreading event? If the Commissioner is concerned about losing volunteers he needs to stop hiding under the covers and front up so we can all work on promoting vaccination.”

The NSW Government is calling on sporting organisations to step up and serve some ace ideas for delivering mental health and wellbeing activities as part of a $2.8 million Mental Health Sports program.
 
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said clubs can apply for grants of up to $150,000 from now until 6 March 2022 for activities that provide mental health, resilience and wellbeing benefits to individuals and groups across the State.
 
“As part of our COVID-19 mental health recovery package, we’re looking to our sporting clubs to inspire people to make their mental health and wellbeing a top priority in 2022,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“These grants are intended to take conversations about mental health out of the clinic and into the clubhouse. We want people talking about how they’re going emotionally and mentally in a setting they are comfortable with.
 
“As well as being a fun recreational activity, exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever. Being active can boost your feel-good endorphins, distract from daily worries and is a great way to meet new friends or catch up with old ones, making it a fantastic remedy for maintaining a healthy mind and lifestyle.”
 
All NSW-based sports bodies are encouraged to apply, with the aim of ensuring a spread of funding and projects across the State. Grants will be available to clubs supporting both general populations and the following priority populations:

• Aboriginal people
• Culturally and linguistically diverse people
• LGBTIQ+ people
• People with coexisting mental health, alcohol or other drug issues.

 
Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the program builds on the success of the $1.1 million Mental Health Sport Fund in 2019-20.
 
“After a very tough two years we want to see people kicking goals both on and off the field and these sporting grants are a great way to do just that,” Mr Ayres said.
 
“Sporting clubs and associations are at the heart of local communities, helping to forge strong community ties and a strong sense of place. It makes sense they’re our partners in getting the mental health of NSW back on track.”
 
The $2.8 million NSW Mental Health Sports Fund is part of the $130 million COVID-19 mental health recovery package announced in October 2021.
 
To start your application, please visit: https://bit.ly/34HgU1f

The NSW Government will deliver Sydney Metro’s Hunter Street development in a first-of-its-kind model, which is set to revitalise a critical area to Sydney’s CBD.
 
The Government today launched an industry registration process to deliver the new Hunter Street Station and the jobs, economic and tourism precinct around this new Sydney CBD metro station.
 
The new Hunter Street Station will be located in the heart Sydney’s business district and become a transport hub with connections to George Street, light rail, train services at Wynyard, Sydney Metro West and the Sydney Metro City and Southwest station at Martin Place.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Government is calling on the private sector to be involved in bringing this new precinct to life, inviting businesses to be a part of shaping the future of this part of the CBD.
 
“Sydney Metro Stations will change the way people live and commute, bringing people home faster and bringing prosperity to local businesses,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“There’s an opportunity in Hunter Street to integrate transport with a new city precinct, weaving it into the fabric of the city. It’s part of our long-term vision to revitalise the CBD and bring Sydney roaring back to life after the challenges of the pandemic.
 
“Transport, foot traffic, the right mix of businesses and public spaces are what makes cities flourish, by having a vision for how we integrate these elements we’ll help shape the Sydney of the future.”
 
The new station is expected to have the busiest city-bound platform across the entire Sydney rail network in the morning peak, taking pressure off Wynyard and Town Hall.
 
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said the Government is eager to work with industry partners on this once in a century infrastructure investment, which will link new communities to rail services, slash travel times across the network and support employment growth.
 
“Hunter Street Station will revitalise Sydney’s northern CBD and become a gateway to jobs, business and tourism and a catalyst for economic recovery,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“This station will be one of the jewels in the crown of the city-shaping Sydney Metro West project – that’s why it’s so important economic, community and place-making outcomes will be put at the forefront of the new station’s design and delivery.”
 
“It will take customers around 20 minutes to get from Parramatta to Hunter Street on this new rail infrastructure project and they’ll be getting off the train to an integrated, world-class transport hub that will transform this part of the CBD.”
 
Sydney Metro Chief Executive Peter Regan said the Hunter Street Precinct Development Partner Model will ensure the best precinct and value for money outcomes given the project’s significant interest.
 
“Bidders for Hunter Street Station will have to show how they will improve the local area and create a precinct and a sense of place, not just a station,” Mr Regan said.
 
Sydney Metro is calling for the ideas and input of key industry players to help create a world-class transport hub, including the underground station, the buildings and the spaces above it.