Category: NSW News

The Perrottet Government today announced the start of construction of a new $80 million Institute of Applied Technology (IAT) for Construction at TAFE NSW Kingswood.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new facility would help train the workforce of the future in a purpose-built environment, and ensure the next generation of trades workers have the skills needed to build the smart cities of the future.
“Our $108 billion infrastructure pipeline means thousands of people working on new schools, hospitals, roads and social housing right across NSW,” Mr Perrottet said
“We are determined to not only help build better communities but also create the careers of the future and this new centre at Kingswood will deliver on this.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres and Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee were on-site to turn the first sod of the new signature training hub.
Minister Ayres said the new IAT for Construction will revolutionise education and training in Western Sydney.
“The new IAT will skill up the trades workers needed to support the pipeline of major infrastructure projects, civil construction works, and residential developments that will service Western Sydney’s fast-growing population,” Mr Ayres said.
“These brand-new facilities are what the local community deserves – a signature construction training hub that fosters a network between schools, universities, and industry, will significantly enhance education and training in the region.
“Importantly, the new facilities will ensure TAFE NSW can continue to deliver high quality, industry-relevant and innovative training that leads to jobs.”
Minister Lee said the IAT will deliver specialised training for 700 new trades’ students each year.
“The IAT will transform TAFE NSW Kingswood into a construction-focused campus with state-of-the-art facilities.
“This $80 million construction project is estimated to create between 200 to 250 jobs over the life of the project,” Mr Lee said.
“With its partners, the Institute will develop market-leading training in areas such as trades, smart construction, digital design, smart infrastructure, renewable energy, and supply chain skills.”
Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies, said this announcement is a great win for young people in the local community.
“The NSW Government is investing in our young people today to see them equipped for the construction jobs of the future, and for their own businesses one day,” Mrs Davies said.
Australian-owned company ADCO Constructions was awarded the construction contract with the facility scheduled to open in early 2023.
ADCO’s NSW State Manager John Basilisco said ADCO was thrilled to be selected as the builder of choice for the IAT for Construction.
“With nearly 50 years’ experience, ADCO has a successful track record in delivering large-scale, quality and innovative commercial projects across Australia. We are excited to commence construction on the IAT at Kingswood,” Mr Basilisco said.
For more information visit www.tafensw.edu.au/instituteofappliedtechnology

A new public park spanning the Western Distributor and connecting Sydney’s CBD to Darling Harbour is part of a $891 million retail and office tower proposal on public exhibition from tomorrow.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the Cockle Bay development proposal by a consortium of GPT, Brookfield and AMP Capital, brought together new waterfront offices, shops, restaurants and bars with the creation of new public space.
“The Western Distributor rips through the heart of Sydney, but this proposal seeks to resolve that with significant new public space to create new pedestrian connections between the city centre and one of Sydney’s most popular tourist destinations,” Mr Stokes said.
“Darling Harbour contributes $1.2 billion a year to the NSW economy and before COVID, hosted over 15 million visitors every year.
“This project is a huge vote of confidence in the future of the Sydney CBD. It will create 3,500 construction jobs and once completed will be home to 7,000 jobs.
“There will be new waterfront shops, restaurants and bars that will inject new life into this beautiful part of the city for future generations to come.”
Key features of the proposed development include the construction of:
A landbridge across the Western Distributor between Darling Harbour and Darling Park with two parks – one with more than 5,500 square metres and the other with over 1,000 square metres.
A new 43-level office tower with four publicly accessible podium levels, and 35 levels of commercial office space.
“We encourage everyone to review the proposed plans and have their say on the project.”
The proposal reflects renowned Danish architecture firm Henning Larsen’s winning entry in the proponent’s design excellence competition held in March 2020.
The community is able to have their say on the project from Tuesday 9 November to Monday 6 December 2021. For more information on the proposal visit here

NSW motorists are set to benefit from cheaper CTP Green Slip prices by on average $19 per annum in 2022 as the Government’s reform continues to take effect.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Government was committed to helping families and driving down costs with the reform slashing almost $91 million in excess insurance fees for NSW motorists.
“It’s a common complaint that bills only ever go up, but in this case we have managed to drive the cost of premiums lower and that means money stays in your bank account,” Mr Perrottet said.
“As we continue our economic recovery from COVID-19 every dollar people save counts and this reflects our focus on helping families.”
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the landmark 2017 reform to the CTP scheme – which had already delivered the lowest premiums in over a decade – had also been designed to eliminate ‘super profits’ of the past.
“In addition to delivering cheaper premiums through the reforms, we committed to recoup excess insurer profits over 10 per cent and return them to motorists,” Mr Dominello said.
“Today we have delivered on that commitment, with an average $19 being returned to CTP policy holders across NSW, bringing the average premium to below $470, the lowest it’s been in more than a decade.
“From a state-wide average high of $635 in 2016, the Government’s reforms will have delivered a 27 per cent reduction in premiums by early 2022.”
The 2017 reforms have also delivered continued benefits for injured people, who now receive earlier access to income support, treatment and care.
For instance, under the new scheme, 78 per cent of injured people receive benefits within three months of their accident compared to 26 per cent before reforms.
As the price of Green Slips vary by vehicle type and region, the savings will be applied as a 35 per cent reduction in levies that form part of the price, so that the savings can be shared fairly among motorists.
Motorists can expect cheaper Green Slips from 15 January 2022.
The NSW Government offers more than 70 rebates and savings. People can use the online Savings Finder to work out what they are eligible for.

People in need will have better access to free legal support thanks to an investment of more than $83 million for the community legal sector over the next three years.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the joint state and federal funding would help provide long-term stability for these vital legal services.
“Community legal centres play a crucial role in delivering access to justice for people facing disadvantage. This investment will give the sector the financial security it needs to continue helping people suffering hardship to receive critical legal services,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Eligible centres across all parts of NSW can also apply for funding to support more clients. This includes investing in regional areas where we know there is additional need.”
Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said the funding model would provide certainty for the sector and target unmet need across the state.
“It will enable more women and children to escape domestic and family violence (DFV), support people facing financial insecurity and help thousands of vulnerable people across our communities get free legal support during their time of need,” Mr Speakman said.
“Centres will be able to apply for targeted funding, which will be prioritised based on where the demand is. Not only will this ensure better access to legal support for communities, it will also help provide new services where we know there are gaps.”
$64.7 million will be allocated to allow community legal centres to continue delivering core services. Eligible centres will also have an opportunity to apply for $18.6 million earmarked for areas of greatest need, including for rural and remote communities and DFV services.
Community Legal Centres NSW Executive Director Tim Leach welcomed the funding.
“COVID-19 has presented significant challenges for the community legal sector. Our centres have adapted in order to continue delivering their life-saving work,” Mr Leach said.
“This investment will provide critical funding security to our members so they can remain focused on helping vulnerable clients facing disadvantage and discrimination.”
Applications for the targeted funding will open in early November. Legal Aid NSW manages the funding which will operate from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025.

The Perrottet Government is urging people who are yet to get their first COVID-19 vaccine to roll up their sleeves and get the jab as we edge closer to the 90 per cent double dose milestone.
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Health Minister Brad Hazzard today toured a new vaccination clinic at The Granville Centre in Western Sydney, which will open on its doors on Monday, as NSW Health ramps up its booster shot program.
“NSW has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world and the people of western and south-western Sydney helped lead the charge,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Our COVID-19 vaccination clinics have played an important role in helping fast-track our vaccination rates, which is helping us return to normal in a safe and measured way.
“We’re leading the nation out of the pandemic and this new centre will bolster the number of NSW Health vaccination hubs across the State as we roll out our booster program and make the final push to reach the 95 per cent milestone and hopefully even higher.”
After administering more than 360,000 COVID-19 vaccination doses, Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre returns to its sporting and entertainment function tomorrow.
Mr Hazzard again praised the more than 2,700 health and support staff who worked at Qudos, who were administering 26 vaccine doses per minute during its busiest period.
“What NSW Health staff achieved not only at Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre but across the State during the Delta outbreak has been extraordinary,” Mr Hazzard said.
“They helped lift vaccination rates in western and south-western Sydney to the highest levels across the State but even if we surpass our new goals we must remain vigilant.
“COVID has killed more than five million people globally so far but the true figure is likely much higher, so please come forward for your jab and book in for your booster.”
Bookings are strongly encouraged for the Granville Centre vaccination clinic, which will also offer boosters, and can be made here. Walk-in vaccinations will also be available.
People aged 18 years and older can receive the Pfizer booster dose at least six months after receiving their second dose of any of the COVID-19 vaccines registered for use in Australia.

Police and emergency services workers and volunteers in Northern NSW are set to benefit from an $84.5 million investment by the Government to better equip them to protect their communities, particularly against bushfire and drownings this summer.
The announcements by Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott in the Tweed today brings an end 9 days of travel across regional NSW, including:

• 37 public engagements with NSW Police Force, NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, NSW State Emergency Service and Volunteer Rescue Association squads;
• Over 3,700 kilometres travelled;
• 23 villages and townships across 11 regional electorates visited;
• Various meetings with police men and women, Mayors, local MPs, chaplains, councillors, lifesavers, firefighters, farmers, miners, aviators, small business owners and publicans; and
• A total investment of over $84.5 million into regional NSW.

Minister Elliott joined Member for Tweed Geoff Provest, Marine Rescue NSW (MRNSW) Commissioner Stacey Tannos, Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA) Commissioner Mark Gibson, and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Paul Baxter to hand over two new appliances and unveil the design of a new fire station for the region.
Mr Elliott said boating safety on the Far North Coast would improve with the delivery of a new $819,000 rescue boat to the Marine Rescue Point Danger Unit as well as a $200,000 high-tech fit-out of the MRNSW base.
“This new vessel is one of 38 rescue boats funded as part of a record $37.6 million, four-year State Government investment to support the life-saving work of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers,” he said.
Commissioner Tannos said the base fit-out will include a new antennae, VHF radios and radio equipment, emergency generator and office fittings; creating a state of the art space to coordinate emergency communication and response on local waterways.
“This support means we can continue to deliver our volunteers the modern, safe and reliable boats and state of the art communications facilities they need to meet the needs of the local boating community,” he said.
Mr Provest welcomed the delivery of a new $229,000 quick response rescue vehicle to the Tweed District VRA squad.
“This vehicle which comes fitted out with state-of-the-art equipment ensures that the Tweed District squad can respond to calls for assistance in a fit-for-purpose vehicle specifically designed for the roles they perform,”
Commissioner Gibson said that with many people returning to the Tweed tourism hub, the risk of accidents requiring extrications also increases.
“It is important to equip our dedicated members with the best technology and equipment so they can provide the best service to the community and they can operate safely while doing so,” he said.
Mr Elliott also unveiled the design of the innovative new $4.7 million Kingscliff Fire Station which is due to be completed in 2022.
“The new two-storey fire station will improve efficiencies in the region’s emergency response and capability. The NSW Government is committed to providing our firefighters with the best possible facilities and equipment, so they can get on with the job they do best – protecting life and property,” he said.
Mr Provest said the new fire station will provide improved response coverage for Kingscliff and surrounding communities.
Commissioner Baxter said the new station is the latest design to improve firefighter safety and is configured to accommodate both permanent and on-call firefighters.
“The layout of the station is a result of studies of best practice around Australia and the world, and consultation with firefighters who live and breathe at the stations.”

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is set to become the first national parks agency in Australia to commit to being carbon positive, with today’s release of the NPWS Carbon Positive Plan.
Environment Minister, Matt Kean said this is another great first for NSW, by 2028 NPWS will remove and store more carbon than it creates, reaching net zero emissions and then becoming carbon positive.
“By 2028 the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by our national parks will exceed the emissions generated by NPWS in managing those parks,” Mr Kean said.
“This is a visionary plan that highlights the importance of the national parks in combatting climate change alongside the critical role they already play in the conservation of biodiversity providing home to 85 per cent of threatened species in the state.
“It’s all designed to position NPWS at the forefront of global environmental efforts.”
NPWS will implement actions to reduce its carbon footprint including switching to 100% renewable energy, electric passenger vehicles, installing onsite solar PV, reducing waste and updating refrigeration and air conditioning assets with high efficiency models.
NPWS will also trial electric vehicle charging stations in key park areas to support the community to continue to visit National Parks using electric vehicles.
National parks also represent one of the largest carbon stores in the State, protecting over 40 per cent of all forest carbon.   NPWS will protect these existing carbon stores through effective fire management, and invest in a suite of biodiversity-friendly carbon sequestration projects.
One of these is at Koonaburra, recently registered with the Clean Energy Regulator, where a regeneration project will boost investment in carbon and conservation works (enhanced feral animal management across the park) to remove around 900,000 tonnes of CO2 in the next 25 years.
The launch of the Plan coincides with the tabling of the Protected and Conserved Areas Joint Statement in Climate Change and Biodiversity at the United Nations climate meeting (COP26) in Glasgow, a declaration by protected area managers from around the world, including the NPWS.
“In signing this Statement the NSW Government acknowledges the critical importance of national parks and the commitment the NPWS has to implementing global nature-based solutions, such as revegetation, to managing our twin environmental crises: the accelerating destruction of nature and climate change,” Mr Kean said.
NPWS will also be one of the first government agencies to report biennially on climate-related financial risk, as part of the Taskforce for Climate-related Financial Disclosure and rigorous carbon accounting in alignment with national and international accounting standards.
NPWS is currently investigating the level of annual carbon sequestration by national parks and additional data once analysed, may demonstrate a carbon positive position achieved before 2028.
The Carbon Positive by 2028 Plan is at :
https://environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/park-policies/carbon-positive-by-2028

The final tunnelling breakthrough on the M4-M5 Link Tunnels has been completed, marking a major construction milestone in Australia’s largest road infrastructure project.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the $16.8 billion project was cutting travel times and supporting thousands of families with work as Sydney and Australia were reopening from COVID lockdowns.
“This breakthrough isn’t just for a tunnel, but it’s a breakthrough for getting people home sooner and safer and helping workers to move around,” the Prime Minister said.
“As well as the 9,000 jobs this project has been delivering, the tunnel is going to make it easier for people across Sydney to pick up work and jobs that just wouldn’t have been possible before with traffic.
“As we reopen Sydney and Australia, projects like this bypass and our record $110 billion infrastructure investment are going to give our economy even more of a boost.”
New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said the third stage of WestConnex is now another step closer to forming a western bypass of the Sydney CBD.
“This project will change the lives of thousands of people, bypassing dozens of sets of traffic lights and allowing an uninterrupted drive from the Blue Mountains to the city,” the Premier said.
“As part of the New South Wales Government’s record $108.5 billion investment pipeline, WestConnex is already easing congestion, creating jobs and connecting communities, right across our city.
“Our Government has its eye to the future and this breakthrough will complete a ‘missing link’ between the new M4 Tunnels at Haberfield and the M8 at St Peters.”
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the Commonwealth Government had co-funded WestConnex from the outset with a grant of $1.5 billion and a concessional loan of $2 billion.
“This is a major milestone in what is one of the most significant road infrastructure projects in the country, which is already delivering major benefits for Sydney commuters by reducing travel times, easing congestion and improving safety,” Minister Fletcher said.
“When opened to traffic in 2023, the M4-M5 Link Tunnels and Rozelle Interchange will complete the WestConnex project, providing improved links between key employment hubs and local communities.”
NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said 22 of the 33 kilometres of WestConnex would be underground, including the 7.5 kilometres that make up the M4-M5 Link Tunnels.
“This final breakthrough means both the north and southbound tunnels are connected for the first time, with roadheaders carving out the rock 43 metres below ground at Leichhardt,” Minister Stokes said.
“The milestone is an enormous credit to every one of the 9,000 workers and sub-contractors who’ve worked on the project, ensuring construction continues safely.
“The M4-M5 Link Tunnels will remove tens of thousands of vehicles from surrounding streets, including Parramatta Road, and will help slash up to 40 minutes from an average peak journey between Parramatta and the Sydney Airport.”
Transurban CEO Scott Charlton said drivers are already enjoying the benefits of WestConnex, with close to 150 million trips made on the first two stages in the last financial year.
“The New M4 Tunnels and M8 have been transformative for Sydney, by easing traffic congestion and improving liveability for local communities,” Mr Charlton said.

New South Wales and Victoria will open their border to each other from 11:59pm on Thursday, 4 November, allowing free travel between Australia’s two biggest states well ahead of the Christmas period.
With coronavirus (COVID-19) case numbers coming down and high vaccination rates continuing to rise in both states, New South Wales and Victoria are normalising living with the virus.
Victoria’s Acting Chief Health Officer today declared that from 11:59pm tonight, the ACT and all remaining orange zone areas in New South Wales will become green zones under Victoria’s travel permit system.
This means, for the first time in more than six months in Victoria, all Local Government Areas in all states and territories across Australia will be green zones for the purposes of entering Victoria.
Travellers, including workers, who are entering Victoria from a green zone face no testing or quarantine requirements, but are still required to obtain a permit from Service Victoria before they arrive, to verify they aren’t COVID-19 positive or required to isolate as a close contact
There are no requirements for fully vaccinated Victorians entering New South Wales, unless they have been to a place of high concern in Victoria. A Victorian who is over 16 years and not fully vaccinated is not allowed to enter NSW for recreation or a holiday. More information is available on nsw.gov.au.
This comes as 93.8 per cent of people in New South Wales aged 16 and over have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 89.1 per cent have received both doses.
In Victoria 92.7 per cent of people aged 16 and over have now had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 82.5 per cent have had two doses.
People entering Victoria must sill comply with any vaccinated economy requirements in place and can apply for a travel permit at service.vic.gov.au.
New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said this announcement showed the rest of the nation the way forward.
“NSW is set to pass 90 per cent double dose vaccination in the near future, with Victoria not far behind, allowing family and friends to be reunited in the lead up to Christmas after many months of being separated,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This milestone has only been made possible because people across NSW and Victoria have rolled up their sleeves and led the nation on the road back to normality thanks to our high vaccination rates.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews thanked people on both sides of the border for rolling up their sleeves and getting the jab.
“Thanks to the incredibly hard work of Victorians and people in New South Wales in getting vaccinated, we’re delighted to be able to have free travel between the two states once again,” Mr Andrews said.
“Victoria and New South Wales have been through so much over the last few months, and we’re pleased that more families will now be able to reunite just in time for Christmas and the holiday season.”

A herd of 40 firefighting goats are chewing through hectares of fuel loads as the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) continues its Hazard Reduction Grazing trial in the State’s West.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders joined RFS crews near Mudgee today to meet the State’s first goat brigade, a recommendation of the Independent Bushfire Inquiry into the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/20.
The goats, sourced from Dry Creek Farm, a local business, ‘cell-graze’ between different patches of undergrowth through high-risk areas, including Clandulla and Lue. The goats are particularly useful in terrain where conventional mitigation methods, such as burning or mechanical clearing, prove challenging.
The trial commenced in August, and will take place over several months and in different locations across NSW. It is estimated that the goats will eat approximately a quarter of a hectare of dense vegetation in two weeks, and medium density vegetation in one week.
Mr Elliott said the grazing trial responds to recommendation 21 and will better protect the community and the region from grass fires.
“This alternate mitigation strategy may look like a novel solution, but it provides an important advantage in that it can be implemented rain, hail or shine.”
“The goats are used to the hard yakka, are chewing through their KPI’s, and thankfully we don’t need to worry about them working on an empty stomach,” he said.
“This is such a simple but valuable way of mitigating the risk of fire, any kid could do it.”
RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers said grazing will mitigate against grass fires, particularly in areas where mitigation crews and local brigades find it hard to reduce fuel loads.
“This grazing trial has seen remarkable progress in reducing fuel loads in the Clandulla area and we’re keen for this to continue in the area,” Commissioner Rogers said.
The NSW Government has committed almost half-a-billion dollars in response to the Inquiry, which includes almost $38 million for additional mitigation crews to deliver greater hazard reduction, with a total of 176,499 hectares treated in 2020-2021.