Category: NSW News

Work on the NSW Government’s $2.4 billion Stage 1 Parramatta Light Rail continues, with Australia’s longest stretch of green track currently being laid along the line.
 
Minister for Transport and Minister for Veterans David Elliott said the unique green track had been rolled out alongside Robin Thomas Reserve, bringing the project a step closer to completion.
 
“In a New South Wales first we have designed and integrated green track beautifully, with wire-free technology, within heritage sensitive environments along the Parramatta Light Rail alignment,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“As a sustainable alternative to concrete, this green track will use 81 per cent less concrete in its construction and deliver environmental and health benefits.
 
“There will be 1.3 kilometres of green track laid across the 12-kilometre alignment, with grass to be planted at Cumberland Precinct and Tramway Avenue too.”
 
Green track involves planting grass or groundcovers between and beside light rail tracks. The Zoysia ‘Nara’ grass species was selected after a 12-month testing process in Rosehill to assess growth rate and durability in Western Sydney conditions.
 
“As an Australian native species, Zoysia ‘Nara’ turf is highly durable and well-equipped to tolerate Parramatta’s unique soil and climatic conditions,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“Its key advantage is the species’ slow growth rate, which makes it low maintenance. The community will also benefit from the reduced urban heat and greener spaces.”
 
Stage 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail, which will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD, is expected to operate services for customers in 2023.

The NSW Government has announced a CBD Summit to explore the revitalisation of Sydney’s city centre in response to the impacts of COVID-19.
 
The summit, the third of its type, will hear from businesses, government and industry groups across a range of sectors, with a focus on how to drive business, employment and foot traffic in the city.
 
It will also explore how people will live, work and interact socially in the Sydney of the future.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the summit will help accelerate the next stage of the Government’s economic plan and bring the CBD back to life, in a COVID-safe way.
 
“In the space of just two years, the way we travel, work and come together has changed so much, but we cannot stop imagining a better future for our CBD,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“Right around the world, people dream of visiting our grand harbour city. The lucky ones get to call it home. We want to ensure the Sydney of the future is revitalized, safely and carefully.
 
“We know we need to find new solutions, conscious that people need reassurance for their health as well as for the health of our city’s economy.
 
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the city of the future and this summit will help do that.”
 
The CBD Summit follows similar events held in the last two years, which resulted initiatives including the Dine and Discover program, $50 million CBDs Revitalization Fund; $66m investment in alfresco dining and the funding of major events such as Elevate, Sydney’s Open for Lunch, Culture up Late and Sunset Piazza.
 
Minister for Cities Rob Stokes said the summit would identify Sydney’s greatest strengths and opportunities to set a roadmap to creating the city centre the future.
 
“City centres belong to all of us and are focal points for business and culture,” Mr Stokes said.
 
“The nature of the Sydney CBD will change as we emerge from the pandemic, but we can harness this disruption to create a place that is special and spectacular for New South Wales and the world.
 
“We need to get the settings right to draw people back to our city centres as we prepare for city life without lockdowns.”
 
While the focus of this summit will be on Sydney, the lessons and initiatives will apply across Parramatta’s Central River City, the Western Parkland City, Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong, as the Government delivers on its Six Cities vision.
 
The summit, titled Kick-Starting Sydney: Recapturing the Energy of the Sydney CBD, will take place at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Friday.

Empowering women and improving their economic opportunities will be the focus of the NSW Government’s landmark Women’s Economic Opportunities Review and Expert Reference Panel.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Review will focus on supporting women to enter, re-enter and stay in the workforce, including through identifying opportunities to reduce salary and superannuation discrepancy and improve access to and affordability of childcare.
 
“The time has come to level the playing field, making sure more women have more choice and opportunities when it comes to their careers,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“We know there is more work to do to improve conditions for more women to succeed in the workplace and have greater choice in their lives. This Review will help find ways to increase women’s leadership opportunities and enable flexibility for working parents.”
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the 2021-22 NSW Intergenerational Report found the economy would be eight per cent larger by 2060-61 if women’s participation reached parity with men.
 
“Women are underrepresented in our trades, our offices and our boardrooms, and for the State to be more productive we need everyone who wants to work to be able to do so,” Mr Kean said.
 
“I want to make sure a girl born today has the same opportunities as a boy born in the hospital room next door, which has not been the case for their mothers and grandmothers before them.”
 
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the NSW Government is committed to creating a more even gender mix across industries, supporting female entrepreneurs to run their own businesses and increasing workplace flexibility.
 
“Too often women leave the workforce or reduce their working hours out of necessity, not choice. It is therefore no surprise that women have only two thirds of the superannuation saved compared to men,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“If we increase the number of women in the workforce we will improve their economic security and wellbeing across a lifetime, bringing enormous social and economic benefits to everyone in NSW.”
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the Review will develop recommendations to improve quality, accessibility and affordability of childcare and early childhood education for families.
 
“The Review will provide key insights into the childcare needs of working parents, which will contribute to the broader early learning reform work that I am undertaking, designed to create greater educational outcomes for our littlest learners.”
 
The Review will be conducted by the NSW Government and supported by an Expert Reference Panel. Sam Mostyn AO, President of Chief Executive Women will chair the panel. The other members are:

• Maha Abdo OAM, CEO Muslim Women Association;
• Blair Comley PSM, Partner EY Port Jackson Partners;
• Jillian Kilby, CEO and Founder of The Infrastructure Collaborative and The Exchange;
• Leslie Loble, Co-Chair of the Council on Early Childhood Development; and
• Daisy Turnbull, writer and teacher.

 
In addition to the Expert Reference Panel, the Review will be informed by strong external consultation including with the NSW Council for Women’s Economic Opportunity.
 
Women’s participation in the workforce continues to increase but remains lower than men. In November 2021, ABS data showed the average participation rate of men in NSW was 70 per cent and for women it was 61 per cent.
 
For more information and to read the terms of reference, visit:   https://www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/women-opportunities-review

About one million families can now enjoy $250 worth of vouchers, thanks to the NSW Government’s Parents NSW program going live Monday, 7 February.
 
Eligible families will receive five $50 vouchers which can be redeemed at Discover NSW and Stay NSW registered businesses. 
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said this program was a big win for households and would help ease the cost of living for busy parents.
 
“This is all about thanking parents for their home schooling efforts last year, helping make ends meet and supporting local businesses. Parents have persevered and balanced a variety of challenges as a result of home learning, and we are grateful for their hard work and sacrifices,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“This will also put downward pressure on the cost of living by helping families across the State get out and enjoy the best our State has to offer while leaving them with more money in their back-pocket to spend on the everyday essentials.”
 
In addition, the Stay NSW voucher program, providing every adult aged 18 and older  with a $50 voucher to spend at registered accommodation providers, will be progressively rolled out from 21 February. Both programs will be implemented using the existing Dine & Discover NSW infrastructure.
 
“These vouchers are a double win – they encourage families to get out and enjoy the best of our State, while also providing much needed income to businesses affected by the pandemic,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the vouchers form part of the NSW Government’s $2.8 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy announced in October and come on the back of the more the $1 billion COVID business support package recently announced.
 
“These vouchers are a win-win for industry and families and encourage more families to explore our incredible State and bolster local economies,” Mr Kean said.
 
“We’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with industry throughout the pandemic and this is another program that will help keep businesses open and keep workers in jobs.”
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said households would be able to apply for both programs via Service NSW.
 
“Applying is easy and can be done quickly via your Service NSW app, the Service NSW website or by calling 13 77 88 for assistance,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“It only takes a few seconds to scan the vouchers and reap the rewards. We’ve made the process as simple as possible so families can enjoy a much earned holiday or a visit to a discover venue.”
 
Parents NSW vouchers can be combined up to the value of $250 and applied to your accommodation bill or discover experience. Customers can pool multiple Stay NSW vouchers with friends or family for the same booking at registered accommodation providers, big or small.
 
Bookings made through third party providers such as online booking platforms and travel agents are not included in the program.
 
Participating businesses will be able to redeem vouchers seven days a week, including public holidays. Customers will be able to search for participating accommodation providers on the easy-to-use hotel finder.
 
For more information, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/parents-nsw-vouchers 

Taronga Zoo’s reptile residents will soon have a new place to call home, with the NSW Government giving the green light for a purpose-built Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre in Mosman.
 
The brand-new facility will replace the zoo’s popular Reptile World, also known as the Serpentaria, which will soon be demolished to make way for a new on-site Wildlife Hospital.
 
Minister for Planning and Homes Anthony Roberts said the centre will be a drawcard for tourists and locals, giving them the opportunity to meet an array of reptiles and frogs and learn about the zoo’s conservation work to protect species now and for generations to come.
 
“Taronga is such an important part of Sydney, not only in its role of providing care for more than 4,000 animals but also in being an amazing place for the public to explore and learn about the natural world,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“It will bring guests eye to eye with unbelievable animals, help spark a connection and inspire action for years to come.
 
“This new centre will ensure the ongoing welfare of some special and uniquely Australian species, such as the critically endangered Bellinger River Snapping Turtle and iconic Corroboree Frog.”
 
Environment Minister James Griffin said the new building will allow Zoo staff to continue their important work leading conservation efforts of reptiles and amphibians, along with countless other species threatened in the wild.
 
“This project will increase Taronga’s capability to save endangered species, educate the public and respond to wildlife emergencies – of which there are more than 1,500 cases per year,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“Taronga Zoo staff work tirelessly to create an environment which protects animals of all shapes and sizes and as a Government, we’re pleased to be able to support them in their efforts to remain on the cutting edge of conservation.”
 
Construction is expected to begin in mid-year and will create around 800 design, project management, and construction jobs, helping fuel the state’s economic recovery.

Almost 300,000 Rapid Antigen Tests will be distributed to thousands of people with disability and their support workers to help prevent their exposure to COVID-19.
 
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the testing kits were a vital part of protecting people living and working in disability funded residential settings.
 
“Protecting people with disability is important because they can often be at greater risk of developing more serious illness if they become infected with COVID-19,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“This distribution of testing kits underpins the NSW Government’s priority of protecting the most vulnerable members of the community while the pandemic continues to pose a risk.”
 
This initiative supplements the rollout of Rapid Antigen Tests to NDIS participants announced on 4 February 2022 by the Commonwealth Government, which holds the primary responsibility for supporting the disability sector.  
 
The testing kits will be distributed to almost 9,000 people with disability and their support workers by staff in NSW Health Local Health Districts working with disability service providers.
 
“Local Health Districts staff engage with disability service providers on a regular basis and are well placed to distribute these tests for people with disability and their support workers,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones added.
 
“This roll out will help ensure that people with disability can be supported safely at home, and reduce the risk of infections spreading as well as the potential for hospital admission.”
 
The Department of Communities and Justice is working closely with NSW Health to identify and support priority groups, reflecting the joint effort to support vulnerable and at risk sections of the community across the health and human services sectors.
 
People with disability can also purchase testing kits using their NDIS plan funding or access their free allocation from community pharmacies available for those who hold Commonwealth Health Care or Concession Cards.

Businesses impacted by school COVID safety measures in late 2021 now have access to a grant program to help them get back on track for 2022.
 
The $14 million grant program will be available to businesses whose services schools were restricted from accessing in Term 4 of 2021. The restrictions primarily impacted overnight camp providers and music education instructors and services.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the grants will support sectors that rely almost entirely on schools for income and provide a crucial educational experience for students.
 
“The grants will provide eligible businesses and not for profit organisations one-off payments equal to 40 per cent of their decline in Term 4 2021 turnover compared to previous years, up to $15,000,” Mr Kean said.
 
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the grants would help organisations restart and refocus on delivering quality programs for NSW school students.
 
“I know just how hard the pandemic has hit small business, and for those offering camps and some music programs, their recovery is just beginning as schools return under new COVID-smart settings,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
Guidelines for the grants will be available in February, with businesses expected to apply for grants in April through their Service NSW for Business profile.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the application process would mirror existing business grant programs to deliver a consistent customer experience and help ensure eligible businesses received support quickly.
 
“We want to make the process as simple and seamless as possible,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“Almost 500,000 businesses have Service NSW for Business profiles and we can reuse existing proof of identity and business information to help make the application process quick and easy for business customers.”
 
School camps and all music programs can start again from Term 1, 2022.

Bega and Eurobodalla small businesses and not-for-profits can now apply for grants of up to $50,000 to help them recover from severe storm and flood events.

The Storm and Flood Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant is designed to help cover the costs of clean-up and reinstatement of a small business or not-for-profit organisation’s operations who suffered direct physical damage as a result of the widespread storms and floods throughout November and December 2021.

Liberal candidate for Bega, Dr Fiona Kotvojs, encouraged the affected local businesses and organisations to apply for this help with the clean-up and recovery effort.

“Businesses across this region have been through a series disasters, and these grants will go some way to helping them get back on their feet,” said Dr Kotvojs. “As Premier Perrottet said, businesses know that we’ve got their back.”

The Grants can go towards the cost of safety inspections, building repairs, cleaning equipment, materials needed to resume trade, disposing of debris and spoiled stock, replacing work vehicles or leasing temporary office space.

Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke urged small businesses and not-for-profit organisations to utilise the available support.

“These new grants complement the existing financial assistance already available to home owners, primary producers and local councils,” Ms Cooke said.

“Storm season will continue until March, so I am encouraging all communities 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.”

For more information and to apply, call Service NSW on 13 77 88, or go to:
www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply–storms–and–flood–disaster–recovery–smallbusiness–grant

The NSW Government is investing $8.9 million in the Clarence Region, with a co-located Emergency Operations Centres (EOC) and Fire Control Centres (FCC) to be built in Grafton and a new Category 1 Fire Tanker going to the Lawrence RFS Brigade.
The $8.5 million Grafton facility was announced earlier this week by the NSW Government, as part of a $71.5 million investment in new EOCs / FCCs across New South Wales.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience joined Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis and NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Deputy Commissioner Kyle Stewart at Grafton today to announce the new facility.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the investment would address a recommendation of the NSW Bushfire Inquiry to upgrade and co-locate a number of EOCs and FCCs across the State.
“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring our emergency services have the facilities, equipment and resources they need for their vital work to assist and protect our communities during emergencies and natural disasters,” Ms Cooke said.
“These new facilities will be used by RFS as well as other emergency services agencies to oversee the response to a range of emergencies, including fires, floods and severe storms.
“I’m also very pleased to officially hand over a new fire truck to the Lawrence Brigade, who along with their colleagues in the region, worked tirelessly during the devastating Black Summer bush fires.”
RFS Deputy Commissioner Kyle Stewart said the improved facilities would enable more effective resource management and the new fire tanker would see improved safety for firefighters.
“It’s fantastic that our dedicated members will have a purpose-built facility to better protect the people of the Clarence region,” Deputy Commissioner Stewart said.
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank the members of Lawrence Brigade and indeed, the entire Clarence Valley District for the work they do to protect their communities.”

Electric vehicle (EV) drivers are set to benefit from the most extensive charging network in the country, with the $35 million first round of co-funding to build ultra-fast chargers across NSW opening today.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the first round of construction grants form part of a total charging infrastructure program of $171 million over four years.
“The NSW Government will co-fund up to 50 per cent of the capital costs for businesses to construct fast and ultra-fast charging bays along key travel routes across the state, so drivers can put range anxiety in the rearview mirror,” Mr Kean said.
“This is expected to unlock around $160 million in private investment under our plan to build the biggest electric vehicle charging network in Australia. Construction is expected to start in the second half of 2022, with construction of all charging stations approved in this first round to be completed within two years.”
There are likely to be four rounds over the next three to four years to construct at least 1,000 fast and ultra-fast chargers state-wide. Ultra-fast chargers can take as little as 15 minutes to charge up to 400km.
Applications for co-funding will be assessed over two stages. Stage one will assess eligibility and high-level merit criteria, with a more detailed application for charging sites required in the second stage. It’s expected the first stage applications will be finalised in April, with successful bidders and sites for funding to be announced in mid 2022.
“EVs will play a critical role in halving our emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Investments in renewable generation and charging infrastructure will also help our economy recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Kean said.
The NSW Government’s half-a-billion-dollar Electric Vehicle Strategy targets a reduction in tailpipe emissions from transport by shifting to electric vehicles. To attend an industry information session or to apply, visit here.