Category: NSW News

Parents are being urged to take advantage of the state’s popular Active Kids program, with tens of millions of dollars worth of vouchers still to be redeemed this year due to the COVID lockdown.
And in a December double, Premier Dominic Perrottet also encouraged NSW families to dive into the new First Lap learn to swim program, which starts today.
“Now that sport is back up and running, we’re keen to remind parents to use these excellent NSW Government cost-saving measures so kids can get back to playing sport and learning to swim without breaking the family budget,” Mr Perrottet said.
“With COVID restrictions stopping sport for several months, around 430,000 children are yet to use their Active Kids vouchers this year, meaning there is around $86 million worth of vouchers still up for grabs.”
Every school-enrolled child in NSW is eligible for two $100 Active Kids vouchers per year towards the cost of sport and active recreation fees.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the $100 First Lap learn to swim voucher and Active Kids program are among dozens of NSW Government savings to help to ease cost of living pressures for households.
“Every cent counts when it comes to balancing the family budget and claiming the First Lap voucher is now at your fingertips and available via the Service NSW app,” Mr Dominello said.
Minster for Sport Natalie Ward said the First Lap program, which provides an annual $100 voucher per child, has been expanded to include not just pre-school children but also those in kindergarten in 2021 and 2022.
“With summer officially starting today, there’s no better time to dive into the First Lap program and make sure your child learns vital safety skills,” Mrs Ward said.
For more details or to download a voucher, visit the Service NSW website.

The NSW Government is developing plans to create Australia’s greatest urban walking trail stretching along the Harbour foreshore from Lady Macquarie’s Chair, past the Opera House and Bridge, through Barangaroo and returning via the CBD.
Dubbed the Sydney Great Walk it will connect major tourism locations and attractions and feature at least two loops with the first designed to be completed in half a day and a longer full-day walk extending into Darling Harbour and back past the Chinese Garden of Friendship and Hyde Park.
The Government will conduct feasibility studies into the project, including developing routes, exploring physical wayfinding options such as signs, maps and information and undertaking consultation with key stakeholders such as the City of Sydney.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said it was imperative to find new and innovative ways to improve what was sometimes simply taken for granted.
“This route has the potential to become the greatest and most iconic urban walk in the country,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It will be something all Australians should do, and the one walk every visitor must do, when they are able to return safely to our shores.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, and Minister for Trade and Investment Stuart Ayres, said creating an iconic walk around the Harbour front and through the middle of the CBD would build on existing initiatives designed to encourage people to enjoy NSW.
“We recently launched our Renew advertising campaign to encourage people to reconnect with our great state and developing projects such as the Sydney Great Walk fit well alongside other initiatives such as Sydney’s Longest Lunch and the six-day ELEVATE Sydney celebration to be staged on the Cahill Expressway,” Mr Ayres said.
“We want people to get out and enjoy the best NSW has to offer and if this encourages more people to visit and enjoy the city in a healthy way it’s a win-win outcome.”
The Government will also investigate utilising digital platforms as wayfinders to allow people to plan their journey and access key information on the walk about key places, facilities, sights and businesses.
Other ideas include incorporating QR codes at locations which would provide information along the route when scanned and even integrating the recently launched heritage Blue Plaques program.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the walk would provide the opportunity to not just showcase the Harbour and some of our most iconic locations, but to incorporate art installations, soundscapes and enhanced infrastructure.
“This walk will help draw people back into the CBD and at the same time connect what are individually some of the most beautiful and recognisable places in Australia,” Mr Stokes said.
“Our aim is to enhance the liveability of our city, promote more people actively exploring the city and develop a drawcard which is on everybody’s bucket-list.”
“We will also look at developing special sections of the walk so that people may do a history component in The Rocks or a dining and eating component through the CBD.”
“It could also connect with the great work already underway on the existing Yananurala walk, a project led by the City of Sydney in collaboration with First Nation’s representatives that highlights Aboriginal history and culture at places along the Sydney harbour foreshore”.

The existing Ryde Hospital campus will be transformed into a state-of-the-art facility with expanded and improved emergency care, critical care, community and outpatient services.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Member for Ryde Victor Dominello announced the existing site as most suitable after extensive consultation with hospital staff and the local community.
“We’ve listened to our doctors, nurses and allied health professionals and the community on both options of the current site or Macquarie University. Overwhelmingly, they all wanted to remain in Ryde and we are confident that this is the best way forward,” Mr Dominello said.
“With the site now chosen, the local community is set to receive a huge boost to health services and we can now move forward in bringing first-class health services to the area.
“This will preserve the historic Denistone House, retain the significant investment in rehabilitation services at Graythwaite and make best use of the current services already available at Ryde.”
Mr Hazzard said that ties to Macquarie University will also be strengthened on campus.
“The new Ryde Hospital and Macquarie University will work together in creating teaching and research opportunities alongside clinical placements,” Mr Hazzard said.
Northern Sydney Local Health District in partnership with Health Infrastructure will now begin the next phase of consultation with clinicians, staff, patients, carers, consumers and the local community on the design of the new hospital.
The team is calling for community members to join a Consumer Reference Group to help shape the direction of the redevelopment.
To register your interest please visit: rydehospitalredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au and complete the form by Friday 10 December 2021.
Hospital planning is a complex process that involves extensive consultation with staff, patients, consumers and the community to ensure the right clinical needs are met. To find out more visit www.hinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/our-business/how-to-build-a-hospital
The NSW Government is investing a record $10.8 billion in health infrastructure over the next four years to 2024-25.

The NSW Government’s drive to become a major global supplier of critical minerals and high-tech metals will be realised with the establishment of Australia’s first Critical Minerals Hub in the State’s Central West.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Resources Paul Toole announced the hub near Dubbo today, while launching NSW’s first Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy.
Mr Toole said critical minerals and high-tech metals such as cobalt, nickel and copper will play a vital role in making NSW the number one investment destination for mining and advanced manufacturing.
“Critical minerals are just that – minerals that are critical to the manufacture of everything from electric vehicles to solar technologies and for which there are no ready substitutes,” Mr Toole said.
“This Strategy delivers a clear vision to provide a key source of economic growth, diversify the NSW royalty base and create the advanced manufacturing jobs of the future in regional NSW.
“There is a global race on to locate, develop and establish secure supply chains of these minerals and metals. This Strategy will ensure NSW is in the box-seat to meet this demand.”
Mr Toole said the Critical Minerals Hub was an Australian-first and would set NSW apart as a premier destination for investment in antimony, cobalt, copper, titanium, rare earths and zirconium projects as demand for critical minerals increases exponentially in the next 40 years.
“The Hub in the Central West will be a focal point for the development of this industry, including value-added processing, located close to existing, approved and potential mining developments,” Mr Toole said.
“The hub could accommodate domestic e-waste recycling for eastern Australia, as well as the importation of e-waste from the Indo-Pacific region, so we can recover and recycle critical minerals alongside the exploration and mining of new resources.
“It will build on existing investments at the Parkes Special Activation Precinct as well as the $3 billion investment in Australia’s first Renewable Energy Zone, which is centred around the Dubbo, Wellington and Mudgee regions.
“This demonstrates the commitment by the NSW Government to support mining and advanced manufacturing as we diversify the State’s economy towards a lower carbon future.”
Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the strategy is a significant step forward for many key sites across regional NSW.
“This is a really important part of securing future jobs and prosperity in the Dubbo area, as we look towards new types of industry and manufacturing in the Central West,” Mr Saunders said.
“Dubbo itself is the centre of the critical minerals activity in the region, and is the natural hub to provide many of the ongoing services which will be needed.”
The Strategy includes further geological surveys to deliver more quality pre-competitive data for explorers, investigating the potential for copper production and other downstream processing opportunities for critical minerals, and providing assistance to mining projects to navigate planning and approval processes.

The first Australian field trials of new technology to detect dangerous levels of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in the air began in Sydney this month.
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said this world-first technology will help workers identify high levels of RCS in real time, preventing inhalation and the contraction of the deadly lung disease, silicosis.
“This device will be instrumental in helping us to reduce silicosis in NSW, and I am proud that we are leading the way with this world-first technology,” Mr Anderson said.
“When we began this project there was nothing on the market that could accurately detect RCS instantly, so our world-first device will be a game changer for anyone working with stone.”
The new technology differs from existing prototypes as it accurately detects RCS particles in the air, analysing incoming data to provide a milligram per cubic meter reading and a feature that will alert workers if they are in danger.
“We will be working with high-risk industries and workplaces to field-test the technology to ensure it’s working as it should be in the unique Australian conditions before we progress to the next phase,” Mr Anderson said.
“We expect the device to be commercially available by the end of this year. Once the technology is finalised we will then work on making it smaller so a worker can easily wear it as a device to stop them from unknowingly inhaling dangerous levels of silica dust.”
The new detector is just one component of the NSW Government’s NSW Dust Strategy 2020-22 to tackle dust diseases, including silicosis and asbestosis.
The NSW Government is taking proactive steps to protect workers, including reducing the legal exposure standard for silica exposure, banning dry cutting of manufactured stone, making silicosis a notifiable disease and establishing a dust diseases register that will track, respond to, and prevent deadly dust diseases, including asbestosis and silicosis.

The state’s vision for a world-class innovation and technology precinct is coming to life, with Tech Central’s Quantum Terminal welcoming its first tenants.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said supporting the growth of Australia’s most ambitious innovation centre was more important than ever before.
“With first-class researchers and entrepreneurs eager to collaborate and an innovation precinct ready to support jobs growth, NSW is in pole position to become a global leader in technology,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Tech Central is predicted to bring up to 25,000 jobs to NSW and will be a major player in accelerating our economic recovery and future-proofing our economy.”
Q-Ctrl, Sydney Quantum Academy and Quantum Brilliance are now in place in Sydney’s first centralised live collaboration space for researchers, developers, engineers and entrepreneurs – all working to advance quantum technology, high performance computing and artificial intelligence.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said the Government was also focussed on helping businesses expand and enter their next phase of growth at Tech Central.
“Quantum Terminal along with the rest of Tech Central will form one of the most vibrant innovation corridors in Australia,” Mr Ayres said.
“Building on the opening of the Quantum Terminal, we’re also investing up to $21 million to prioritise affordable accommodation for scaleups. From December, businesses can apply for rebates on rental and fit-out costs of up to $600,000 a year through the Tech Central Scaleup Accommodation Rebate.”
The Tech Central Scaleup Hub, located in the heart of the precinct at 477 Pitt Street, will be operated by technology community Stone & Chalk providing 8,000 square metres of affordable and flexible workspace for high-growth technology scaleups.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello unveiled some of the digital tools that will power Tech Central’s innovation ecosystem, including the digital twin an online interactive tool on the Tech Central website, that allows people to explore the precinct and its surrounds – from businesses to bike lanes and bars.
“This is a modern government with a strong understanding of how to foster and harness technological and digital innovation for the good of our citizens and businesses,” Mr Dominello said.
“The US has one Silicon Valley, NSW is investing in them across the city.”
CEO of Tech Central Scaleup Hub operator Stone & Chalk Michael Bromley said the company was proud to be the partner of choice for the Government’s growth agenda.
“Through our second Hub in Sydney, we’ll be able to support domestic and international startups in their transition to becoming scaleups by providing vital access to the resources and infrastructure required for success,” Mr Bromley said.
Chair of the Tech Central Industry Advisory Group David Thodey said the opportunities for innovation and collaboration across the precinct were unrivalled.
“These facilities and support initiatives will help businesses both large and small, driving new opportunities for innovation and collaboration to build a sustainable and enduring world-class precinct.”

The NSW Government marked the construction of the M6 motorway project with a sod turning event in South Sydney today.
The M6 Stage 1 will link Kogarah with the M8, slashing travel times and bypassing up to 23 sets of traffic lights. The construction will also create up to 5,500 jobs.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new tunnels would remove 10,000 cars a day from General Holmes Drive, returning local roads to local communities.
“Drivers will be able to get home safer and quicker but for many areas, removing vehicles from local roads will be life changing,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We know that taking Sydney from good to great isn’t only about building new destinations, it’s about unlocking free-flowing transport for everyone to enjoy everything this city has to offer.”
“It’s great news that major construction work is about to get underway on the M6, which will be crucial in connecting Sydney’s motorway network.
“Our economic recovery will also be bolstered by the up to 5,500 jobs this project will create.”
The M6 Stage 1 will deliver a 4km twin tunnel that connects the completed M8 to President Avenue at Kogarah.
Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said the M6 will provide motorists with better connectivity and more reliable trips to Sydney’s south.
“This project will help reduce traffic on General Homes Drive, which is another major artery, by about 10,000 vehicles a day when the project opens,” Mr Stokes said.
“We’re also incredibly pleased that all community benefits for this project will be delivered before Christmas this year, including two playgrounds, a war memorial and FIFA grade playing fields.
“This demonstrates our approach to delivering community benefits up front following extensive consultation shows great infrastructure really does deliver great places.”
The M6 Stage 1 is expected to open in 2025.
For more information visit: caportal.com.au/rms/m6

Modern and inclusive sporting facilities are the focus of a new NSW Government $200 million fund to encourage people across the state to enjoy the benefits of sport, regardless of their age, gender or ability, with applications now open.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund will invest in new or upgraded venues across the state with $100 million available in 2021/22 and a further $100 million in 2022/23.
“Community sport plays a vital role in getting our lives back on track and it’s great to see people returning to courts, ovals and pitches, to resume their sporting passions and get active again,” Mr Perrottet said.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the fund will provide more modern, inclusive and fit-for-purpose facilities across NSW.
“This $200 million funding boost will ensure even more people can enjoy the benefits of sport and recreation, while helping remove barriers to participation,” Mr Kean said.
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said for some people, existing community sport facilities may not meet their needs and even discourage them from taking part.
“We want to actively encourage gender inclusiveness and accessibility in our facilities so that everyone can get out and play,” Mrs Ward said.
The Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund will offer funding through a competitive grants process and is a key initiative of the NSW Government’s jobs-creation sports infrastructure plan, providing a construction boom.
Grants of between $1 million to $5 million are available, with applications for the 2021/22 round closing on Friday, 25 February 2022.
For more details, see: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/multi-sport-community-facility-fund.

The NSW Government’s drive to become a major global supplier of critical minerals and high-tech metals will be realised with the establishment of Australia’s first Critical Minerals Hub in the State’s Central West.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Resources Paul Toole announced the hub near Dubbo today, while launching NSW’s first Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy.
Mr Toole said critical minerals and high-tech metals such as cobalt, nickel and copper will play a vital role in making NSW the number one investment destination for mining and advanced manufacturing.
“Critical minerals are just that – minerals that are critical to the manufacture of everything from electric vehicles to solar technologies and for which there are no ready substitutes,” Mr Toole said.
“This Strategy delivers a clear vision to provide a key source of economic growth, diversify the NSW royalty base and create the advanced manufacturing jobs of the future in regional NSW.
“There is a global race on to locate, develop and establish secure supply chains of these minerals and metals. This Strategy will ensure NSW is in the box-seat to meet this demand.”
Mr Toole said the Critical Minerals Hub was an Australian-first and would set NSW apart as a premier destination for investment in antimony, cobalt, copper, titanium, rare earths and zirconium projects as demand for critical minerals increases exponentially in the next 40 years.
“The Hub in the Central West will be a focal point for the development of this industry, including value-added processing, located close to existing, approved and potential mining developments,” Mr Toole said.
“The hub could accommodate domestic e-waste recycling for eastern Australia, as well as the importation of e-waste from the Indo-Pacific region, so we can recover and recycle critical minerals alongside the exploration and mining of new resources.
“It will build on existing investments at the Parkes Special Activation Precinct as well as the $3 billion investment in Australia’s first Renewable Energy Zone, which is centred around the Dubbo, Wellington and Mudgee regions.
“This demonstrates the commitment by the NSW Government to support mining and advanced manufacturing as we diversify the State’s economy towards a lower carbon future.”
Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the strategy is a significant step forward for many key sites across regional NSW.
“This is a really important part of securing future jobs and prosperity in the Dubbo area, as we look towards new types of industry and manufacturing in the Central West,” Mr Saunders said.
“Dubbo itself is the centre of the critical minerals activity in the region, and is the natural hub to provide many of the ongoing services which will be needed.”
The Strategy includes further geological surveys to deliver more quality pre-competitive data for explorers, investigating the potential for copper production and other downstream processing opportunities for critical minerals, and providing assistance to mining projects to navigate planning and approval processes.

The NSW Government has taken precautionary steps in relation to quarantine arrangements for overseas arrivals following the introduction of additional national border security measures by the Australian Government.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new measures would help keep people safe as we work through this latest development with COVID.
“Authorities around the world are still investigating the risk posed by this new variant,” Mr Perrottet said.
“As a result the NSW Government will continue to put community safety first by taking these precautionary but important steps until more information becomes available.”
The new measures, which will take effect at midnight tonight, are:

• In line with Commonwealth measures, all travellers arriving in NSW who have been in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, Malawi, and the Seychelles during the 14 day period before their arrival in NSW must enter hotel quarantine for 14 days, irrespective of their vaccination status;
• All travellers who have been in any other overseas country during the 14 day period before their arrival in NSW must travel directly to their place of residence or accommodation and isolate for 72 hours, pending further health advice;
• All flight crew who have been overseas during the 14-day period before their arrival in NSW must travel directly to their place of residence or accommodation and isolate for 14 days or until their departure on another flight that leaves Australia, consistent with the current rules for unvaccinated flight crew;
• Anyone who has already arrived in NSW who has been in any of the nine African countries within the previous 14 days must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days, and call NSW Health on 1800 943 553;
• All unvaccinated travellers from any overseas country will continue to enter hotel quarantine.

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said no cases of the Omicron variant have been identified in NSW to date, but urged everyone to stay vigilant.
“I remind the community that vaccination, social distancing and hand hygiene remain our best defence against COVID,” Mr Hazzard said.
Public health advice on quarantine arrangements and isolation requirements will be provided as soon as new information emerges on the risk posed by the new variant and the extent of its international transmission.
People can get the latest information by visiting nsw.gov.au.