Category: NSW News

Mogo small businesses will get government recovery support, through the new Storm & Flood Small Business Disaster Recovery Grant, which will allow them to apply for up to $50,000 to help pay for clean-up and reinstatement of operations.
Liberal candidates for Bega and Gilmore, Dr Fiona Kotvojs and Andrew Constance, welcomed support for local businesses that have been doing it tough after a series of natural disasters while also dealing with the impact of the COVID pandemic.
Andrew Constance said that local small business owners have been hit by one disaster after another.
“No one can imagine the pain these businesses have suffered after fire, pandemic and flood,” Mr Constance said. “It has been unbearable and I hope that today’s announcement goes some way to helping them through this dark time.”
Dr Fiona Kotvojs thanked the local businesses for their advice and guidance, in support of the advocacy to the state and federal governments.
“Andrew and I want to thank Naomi LaFranchi for her advocacy and representation on behalf of local businesses doing it tough,” said Dr Kotvojs. “Between natural disasters and COVID keeping many tourists away, this community hasn’t had much of a break.”
“These businesses are the backbone of the Mogo community, and helping them makes it a bit easier for the whole community to recover.”
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said it was vital to provide support to help small business bounce back as quickly as possible.
“The Australian and NSW Governments are focused on giving small businesses and not-forprofits the tools they need to clean-up, rebuild and keep operating,” Senator McKenzie said. “We will continue to work with the NSW Government to roll out targeted support for communities impacted by these devastating storms and floods.”
New South Wales Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales Paul Toole said the Australian and NSW Governments are standing by the people of the regions.
“We know that small businesses are the lifeblood of regional communities and have borne the brunt of recent natural disasters,” Mr Toole said.
“We will continue to support them for as long as it takes to bounce back.”
New South Wales Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke urged communities to utilise the available support.
“These new grants of up to $50,000 complement a number of existing flood recovery supports for individuals, primary producers and local councils,” Ms Cooke said.
“Storm season will continue until March, so I am encouraging communities across our State to be vigilant to the ongoing threats in the short-term, and continue working with us in the long-term to build a more resilient NSW.”
New South Wales Minister for Small Business Eleni Petinos said the Government was committed to working closely with small businesses in their recovery.
“This immediate support will help to protect local economies while communities recover, keeping businesses open and people in jobs,” Ms Petinos said.
To register interest for the grant and be notified when applications become available, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au or call 13 77 88.

The NSW Government is delivering hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of new equipment and facility upgrades for rescue and emergency crews across the region, to help support their essential work.
Liberal candidate for Bega, Dr Fiona Kotvojs, welcomed the Government’s $2 million investment in local Rural Fire Service (RFS) brigades and Marine Rescue and State Emergency Service (SES) units, ensuring that they are better equipped to face emergencies.
“After a decade as an RFS volunteer, I know that having good equipment and facilities makes all the difference in the world,” said Dr Kotvojs. “After having to respond to the floods, bushfires and numerous other emergencies our community has gone through, it’s great to see this level of support for our volunteers from the NSW Government.”
The State Emergency Service’s Moruya Unit is receiving a new General-Purpose Vehicle and a specially-equipped Light Storm Trailer worth $157,000.
The Marine Rescue NSW Batemans Bay Unit has had a $529,000 facilities upgrade. For the first time, Marine Rescue NSW volunteers with a disability will also be able to access the meeting and operational areas of their headquarters, thanks to the installation of a lift.
Eight new appliances have also been handed over to Rural Fire Service volunteers on the Far South Coast. Members of the Tuross Head, Deua River, Moruya, Batemans Bay, Long Beach, Bodalla and Narooma Brigades will benefit from a large-scale tanker and six smaller appliances, as well as a Senior Field Commander vehicle based at the Moruya Fire Control Centre.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the resources and facilities are an investment in the safety of local volunteers and the communities they serve.
“Communities up and down the South Coast have faced some of the worst fires, floods, storms and other emergencies this State has ever seen,” Ms Cooke said.
“We rely on our wonderful volunteers to protect us and that’s why the NSW Government is dedicated to providing our emergency services with safe, reliable and modern resources and facilities.”

Students will return to school under COVID-smart settings that will minimise the risk of the virus and allow teachers and pupils to return safely to the classroom.
As part of the new measures, every student and teacher in NSW government and non-government schools will be able to receive rapid antigen test (RAT) kits before school returns on February 1.
The COVID-Smart Plan to keep schools open and students safe includes:

• Twice a week surveillance testing for primary and high school students, school staff and early childhood staff. Surveillance testing will be undertaken for the first four weeks of term, with two weeks of supply distributed before term starts
• Mandatory mask wearing for all staff and high school students, with masks encouraged for children in primary schools
• Limiting interaction between year groups
• Limiting visitors to those providing essential curriculum and wellbeing support
• COVID-safe settings in place for music, sport and excursions
• Maximising natural and mechanical ventilation, with air purifiers dispatched to where they are needed
• Contingency plans in place to manage any disruptions to the workforce

Premier Dominic Perrottet said supporting students to return safely to the classroom is vital after two years of disruption to their education.
“Students learn best at school, some students have spent a quarter of their schooling at home. We’re committed to bringing students back safely,” Mr Perrottet said.
“New COVID-smart measures will help make this happen, including surveillance testing both students and staff twice weekly with RATs.
“What is most important about this approach is that it allows students to enjoy all aspects of their schooling in a safe and sensible way.
“The government is distributing more than 12 million RATs to over 3150 government, non-government schools and early childhood centres to assist with surveillance testing of staff and students.”
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said testing complements other COVID smart measures in schools, including mandatory vaccination for staff, increased vaccination coverage for students , mask-wearing, cleaning, cohorting and limited visitors on-site.
“We have worked closely with the Victorian Government to create plans that achieve the same important goals of seeing our students learning in their classrooms safely and with minimal disruption,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Activities students love, such as music, school sport and assemblies, will continue with settings in place similar to late last year.”
A number of staffing contingencies are in place including utilising retired and studying teachers.
The Association of Independent Schools of New South Wales Dr Geoff Newcombe AM said all three school sectors worked closely together to develop the back to school arrangements.
“School communities should feel confident about returning for Term 1 under these arrangements, which allow a wide range of activities to proceed with appropriate risk-assessment and planning,” Dr Newcombe said.
Catholic Schools NSW Chief Executive Officer Dallas McInerney said it is imperative that we have schools that are safe and that remain open.
“We need to keep our students, teachers and families safe and also provide stability. We know that our kids learn best when they’re in the classroom with their teacher and peers,” Mr McInerney said.
Families will be notified by their schools on how and when to collect the RAT kits for their children.
In the 12 to 15-year-old age group, more than 80 per cent of children have had their
first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 78 per cent are double-dosed. In the 5 to 11-year-old age group, more than 24 per cent of children have had their first dose.
Clinical evidence suggests the Omicron variant is milder and less likely to result in serious illness, particularly amongst children, and that vaccines, especially boosters, are effective in protecting the community. More information on the return to school settings for NSW public schools is available at https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families

The community of Batemans Bay will benefit from a new $20 million HealthOne facility as part of the NSW Government’s record investment of $500 million to ensure that more health services and infrastructure are delivered to rural and regional NSW.
Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard, said Batemans Bay HealthOne has been undergoing planning for the past six months, and will be a one-stop, unique model of integrated care for the community.
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals Government has consistently worked to deliver health upgrades to rural communities, so that people can access high quality health services in contemporary, purpose built facilities close to home,” Mr Hazzard said.
The model brings together Commonwealth-funded general practice and state-funded primary and community healthcare services, including dental, pharmacy and allied health professionals, to create a healthcare hub in one convenient location.
“While Commonwealth and State Governments have different areas of responsibility in delivering health services, the community just wants an effective, seamless system that works for them,” Mr Hazzard said.
“HealthOnes are particularly beneficial for people who have complex health needs, and are a proven successful model that bridges the gap between private providers and Commonwealth and State delivered health services.”
The new $20 million HealthOne at Batemans Bay complements the NSW Government’s $260 million investment in a new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital which will be built at Moruya.
Since coming into Government, the Liberals and Nationals have delivered more than 110 health capital projects across rural and regional NSW with more than 70 additional projects currently underway.

Liberal candidate for Bega, Dr Fiona Kotvojs, welcomed the Health Minister’s commitment to deliver a state-of-the art $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, which will help safeguard the healthcare needs of the local community.
Dr Kotvojs said the NSW Government had made a considerable investment in the region’s healthcare needs, including funding for the Hospital which will serve as a home for a larger, revitalised health workforce.
NSW Government’s funding for Southern NSW included:

• $20 million funding for a HealthOne for Bateman’s Bay
• $15 million for modern, sustainable accommodation for health workers close to health facilities, as part of a $45 million program for key health workers accommodation across the regions
• An additional $60 million (total $260 million) to ensure that all services and facilities that needed to be delivered at Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, are delivered.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government, in no small way due to the outstanding advocacy and representation by Andrew Constance, has already delivered level 4 health services at South Eastern Regional Hospital, and by 2025 our community will have the new $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital welcoming patients from across Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma with its level 4 services,” said Dr Kotvojs.
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will be a magnet for a bigger, revitalised health workforce.
“This is an amazing part of NSW and is an ideal home for medical, nursing and allied health professionals to have great careers while supporting the south coast community with their vital health care needs,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Work that is necessary for the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital to open with expanded services at Level 4 is already well underway.”
“When the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government was elected in, in 2011, after 16 years of Labor Government, there were no level 4 health services on the south coast. When Labor was in government, health services were closed. Now there are massive new hospitals that have been built, or are being built.
“That’s a great success for the south coast, being delivered by the Liberal and Nationals Government,” Mr Hazzard said.
*Levels assigned to hospitals describes the level of clinical services, not hospitals or health facilities as a whole. The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will include: an emergency department, an 8 bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) /Close Observation Unit (COU), increased capacity for chemotherapy treatments, surgical and operating theatres, expanded medical imaging, including MRI and additional X-ray; ambulatory care for community outpatient services, paediatric and maternity services – including inpatient beds; flexible mental health beds associated with the medical inpatient unit and enhanced education and training facilities.
More information about how stakeholders and community members can get involved in the project is available at www.eurobodallahs.health.nsw.gov.au

The wait is over for 76,000 students who have today received their Higher School Certificate results.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said this is a momentous day for school leavers, who have achieved outstanding results on par with previous years.
“The Class of 2021 should feel so proud of what they have achieved today, succeeding despite the challenges of a global pandemic,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Everything our latest graduates have accomplished over the past two years will hold them in good stead for their next chapter, whether they are looking to go to university or start training or work.
This year, despite the challenges, results across the performance bands remained consistent with previous years, including the number of students who achieved in the highest bands.
1,476 students were recognised on the ‘All Round Achievers’ list, for results in the highest possible band across 10 units of study, while 786 students were featured on the Top Achievers list for earning one of the top places and a result in the highest band.
17,820 students received at least one band six to be recognised on the ‘Distinguished Achievers’ list.
“To see students come out of the HSC with the results they worked so hard for is fantastic. I also want to remind students that if you didn’t receive the results you wanted, there are still countless pathways available to help you achieve your goals,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Thank you to our incredible school staff and communities, including exam staff, families and friends, who supported our HSC students this year and helped to keep our schools and exams safe.
“In particular, thank you to our dedicated and resourceful teachers who kept HSC students learning, motivated and engaged throughout the lockdown period.
“I know these results are just as meaningful to those who supported our students as they are to the young people who have achieved them.
“Congratulations to the HSC Class of 2021 and all the best for your futures.”
Visit the NESA website to view the 2021 HSC Merit Lists.

Liberal candidate for Bega, Dr Fiona Kotvojs, welcomed the Perrottet Government announcement of additional rent relief for small businesses across the region.
The Government has extended its rent relief regulation until March 13, giving local small businesses an additional two months of rent relief to help deal with the COVID-19 challenges.
Dr Kotvojs said that many local businesses are going through tough times, and the Government assistance will help them keep going.
“It’s been really encouraging to see commercial owners and tenants working together through these challenges. I particularly want to recognise the way that the local business community have been working constructively together to overcome all of the challenges created by the pandemic and keep local jobs going.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said it was a difficult time for many businesses and this extension will provide much-needed support for small commercial and retail tenants to keep their doors open over the coming weeks and months.
“Small business is the engine room of our economy and we need to make sure we support impacted businesses through this latest Omicron wave,”
Mr Kean said. “With staff shortages and reduced foot traffic, many businesses are struggling at the moment but the ability to negotiate rent will give them a buffer so they can keep the lights on now and recover more quickly.”
Minister for Small Business Eleni Petinos said eligibility for rent relief would remain unchanged.
“We know that rent is one of the biggest fixed costs for small businesses and this measure will provide crucial support helping them get through the next couple of months,” Ms Petinos said.
Commercial and retail tenants will be eligible for the rent relief if they have an annual turnover of less than $5 million and continue to meet the eligibility criteria for JobSaver or the Micro-business Grant, had those programs continued.
Landlords of tenants that have received protections for any period under the Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2022 are prohibited from evicting their tenants for certain breaches of the lease, without first attending mediation.
NSW landowners will also have more time now to apply for land tax relief, with applications extended until 28 February for eligible commercial and residential landowners.
Eligible landlords can access the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund, which provides small commercial or retail landlords with a monthly grant up to the value of any rental relief provided, to a maximum of $3,000 per month per property.
Eligible landlords can access the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund, which provides small commercial or retail landlords with a monthly grant up to the value of any rental relief provided, to a maximum of $3,000 per month per property.
To find out more about land tax relief: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/applycovid–19–land–tax–relief
To find out more about the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/commercial–landlord–hardship–fund–guidelines
For more on the rent relief extension, go to: https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/gethelp/covid–19/commercial–leases–and–covid–19–faqs

Millions more people in NSW are now eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccination after NSW Health brought forward the interval between doses by a month.
State-run vaccination clinics will begin offering COVID-19 booster vaccinations three months after people have received their second dose from Friday January 21.
The change from a four-month interval to three months means there are now an additional 3.55 million people in NSW who can book in for their third dose of vaccine.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said being triple vaccinated offers extra protection against the effects of the Omicron variant.
“The advice is clear – getting boosted means there’s less chance you’ll get the virus and, if you do, the effects are generally much milder,” Mr Perrottet said.
“That’s why we are offering more people the opportunity to get the booster sooner.
“I urge everyone who is eligible to get boosted to do so as soon as possible. This will help to protect our older population, as well as vulnerable members of the community.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said there are more than 40 state-run vaccination clinics spread throughout NSW as well as mobile outreach locations that these clinics visit.
“Along with public health safety measures including wearing masks indoors, working from home where practicable, not singing and dancing and minimising the size of gatherings in homes, the other big protection is getting a booster vaccination.  Being able to get that booster at 3 months after your second dose gives the opportunity to be much safer, much sooner,” Mr Hazzard said.
“In addition to the state facilities opening at three months for boosters, individuals can still attend with their GPs or pharmacies when the Federal Government authorises them to provide boosters at three months, in due course.”
NSW Health Deputy Secretary Patient Experience and System Performance Susan Pearce, who leads the NSW Health vaccination rollout, said the change to the vaccine schedule in NSW will help people maintain a high level of protection against the COVID-19 virus.
“As we face into the challenges brought of the Omicron variant, a booster dose will ensure people have increased immunity, and a lower risk of requiring hospital treatment,” Ms Pearce said.
NSW Health has delivered a total of 440,681 third/booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines in support of the Federal Government’s vaccine program.
NSW Health is contacting people who are registered in the NSW Health vaccination booking system with a reminder text message.
NSW Health clinics offer Pfizer or Moderna vaccines to people aged 18 years and over.
Eligible people can also receive a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine from their GP and participating community pharmacies.
A booster vaccination can be booked through the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder.

Construction of the Western Harbour Tunnel will begin within months, after a $722 million contract was awarded to deliver the first stage of tunnelling.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the joint venture between John Holland and CPB will build about 1.7 kilometres of tunnels from Rozelle to Birchgrove.
“This is a critical milestone which will support hundreds of jobs and ensure significant benefits for drivers, including improved travel times and reduced congestion,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The tunnel will not only revolutionise how we get around Sydney but also take the pressure off other major roads including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor.”
The Western Harbour Tunnel will link WestConnex at Rozelle with the Warringah Freeway at North Sydney via 6.5 kilometre tunnels under Sydney Harbour, with three lanes in each direction.
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the new tunnel is part of a major infrastructure boost to expand our motorways and serve our growing city.
“We all want to have the quickest and smoothest journey possible and this terrific project will slash travel times from one side of the harbour to the other,” Mrs Ward said.
“You’ll save up to 20 minutes in a journey from Sydney Olympic Park to North Sydney and up to 15 minutes from North Sydney to the airport at Mascot.”
It’s estimated the new tunnel will reduce traffic on the Western Distributor by 35 per cent, Harbour Tunnel by 20 per cent and Harbour Bridge by 17 per cent.
Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said that early works, including geotechnical investigations into the detailed tunnel design, will start this month.
“Major construction will begin in the middle of this year and I know drivers can’t wait to reap the rewards of this much-needed additional harbour crossing,” Ms Wilson said.
John Holland and CPB are currently delivering the Rozelle interchange as part of WestConnex, with the new Western Harbour Tunnel contract ensuring a seamless continuation of tunnelling work already underway.

The GIANTS are excited to get their 2022 season off to a blistering start through an exciting new partnership with digital and physical activation community NETFIT Netball, which will see them taking netball to regional communities in NSW with an innovative new concept, partnered by Origin Energy.
NEON NETFIT is the brainchild of former GIANTS netballer and NETFIT founder Sarah Wall, with her former GIANTS teammate and NETFIT NSW Manager Taylah Davies leading these high-energy programs throughout the State.
The event will comprise a 90-minute glow in the dark netball focused workouts for 12+ year old attendees, while adopting a “festival” style approach to netball with participants receiving a training t-shirt, glow in the dark wristband, ticket to a GIANTS home-game and 6-month access to the NETFIT App plus on-site activities all for just $50.
GIANTS Netball Executive General Manager Tim Underwood is keen to continue to build on both the on-court and off-court success of the club in 2021 and is excited to continue that momentum with NETFIT through this off-court initiative.
“GIANTS Netball places a high-value on the role that our regional communities play in supporting both grassroots and elite netball and we’re excited to be able to take this concept to different parts of NSW.
“I see this [partnership] as being a perfect blend of visions as we roll these programs out with NETFIT and two former GIANTS players Sarah & Taylah.
“They were both there with us in our inaugural season and are two passionate GIANTS and netball people.”
The support of Origin Energy has been crucial in allowing this Regional Roadshow to enter so many local netball communities, as they continue to show their support for netball.
In addition to their naming rights partnership of the GIANTS Netball Regional Roadshow, Origin Energy continue to be a great friend of netball and community sport with their sponsorship of Netball Australia, the Origin Australian Diamonds as well as sponsoring seven of the eight Super Netball teams.
“Origin understands the important role that sport plays in local communities and we were excited at the prospect of supporting a project that saw this event enter regional areas, often starved of these kinds of opportunities,” said Brand Communication Manager at Origin Energy, Matt Hunt.
“Origin Energy is proud to support young Australian netballers from the very first time that they step onto the court, all the way through to representing the famous Origin Australian Diamonds.
“And I believe that this partnership fully demonstrates that commitment.”
Former elite netballers Sarah Wall and Taylah Davies are delighted to be able to get back out into the community following an interrupted 2021 through the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Local netball is the heartbeat of so many communities and as a country girl myself, I’m so excited that we can offer NEON NETFIT through the Regional Roadshow to so many young girls and boys who might not traditionally receive these opportunities in their towns,” said NETFIT Owner Sarah Wall.
NETFIT’s NSW Community Manager Davies added whether it be getting to Armidale, Tamworth, Narrandera or Orange, we’re so excited to be able to get on the road and spark up the court at night as we celebrate netball and the fantastic season that the GIANTS are working towards.
GIANTS Netball are excited to hit the road and light up NSW with 16 Regional Roadshows being rolled out in the upcoming months.