Category: NSW News

Regional and rural communities across NSW will benefit from a more than $500 million investment in health that will deliver enhanced health services and more jobs closer to home.
Premier Dominic Perrottet, Deputy Premier Paul Toole and Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the additional funding will help deliver more health services and infrastructure needed in the bush.
“We have delivered more than 110 health projects in regional NSW since 2011 with another 70 currently underway and we are continuing to get the job done,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Our focus has always been ensuring rural communities get their share of health upgrades so staff and communities have access to enhanced services on their doorstep.”
The investment includes additional funds for a number of projects, including:

• $111.5 million for Cessnock Hospital redevelopment;
• $60 million towards the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, bringing the total investment to $260 million;
• $25 million for Finley Hospital;
• $6.4 million to expand Wyong Hospital’s Cancer Day Unit to deliver specialist cancer ambulatory treatment services, to complement the recently opened $200 million expanded Wyong Hospital;
• $6 million for biomedical equipment upgrades across the Western NSW Local Health District;
• $1 million for planning for a Wagga Wagga Health and Knowledge precinct.

Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the funding is on top of the $900 million rural infrastructure spend in 2021-22.
“We’re rolling out record investment for new and upgraded regional and rural health facilities to build on our vision to make regional communities the best place to live,” Mr Toole said.
“We are also backing in this infrastructure spend with new initiatives that help ensure we have the workforce needed in the regions to deliver the quality of care our communities deserve.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government is making sure the millions of patients who access the health system each year have the health facilities that match their needs.
“We are building better health services across the state and we know we need to get the right health infrastructure in place so our medical professionals can provide the care and support people in the regions need,” Mr Hazzard said.

Disaster assistance is now available in thirteen additional local government areas of Blayney, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Cabonne, Cobar, Gilgandra, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Narrabri, Port Macquarie Hastings, Upper Hunter, Warrumbungle and Weddin following severe storms and flooding from Tuesday 9 November 2021.
These areas are now included in addition to the initial declaration for the local government areas of Tenterfield, Forbes, Bathurst, Blue Mountains, Cowra, Lachlan and Moree.
Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said the severe weather event caused significant widespread damage across NSW.
“Severe weather from early November has continued to impact a number of communities across NSW, including further flooding and storm damage across the State,” Minister McKenzie said.
“Significant rainfall and flooding in a number of areas has resulted in damage to major roads and residential properties.”
New South Wales Minister for Police and Emergency Services the Hon David Elliott said the event had required a significant response from the NSW State Emergency Services, including a number of flood rescues.
“The assistance being announced today will help ensure councils and individuals impacted by this event have the support they need to get back on their feet.”
Assistance available under the DRFA may include:

• Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply)
• Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets
• Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations
• Freight subsidies for primary producers, and
• Grants to eligible non-profit organisations.

For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.
To apply for a concessional loan or grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au

Applications are now open for a multi-million dollar funding boost for the state’s Surf Life Saving Clubs to ensure our iconic volunteers continue their vital work keeping people safe at the beach.
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the Surf Club Facility Program, worth $16 million over four years, will build, upgrade and restore surf life saving facilities.
“We have nearly 130 Surf Life Saving Clubs here in NSW which are the hub of our coastal communities,” Mrs Ward said.
“This support will allow significant upgrades, so the 75,000 club members across the state who do such important work volunteering at our beaches can focus on saving lives.”
The NSW Government has extended the Program to ensure volunteer lifesavers continue their world-class service with up to $4 million available in this round for projects including first aid rooms, education rooms and gyms.
Twenty-nine Surf Life Saving Clubs shared in $3.5 million funding in 2020/21.
They included Redhead Surf Life Saving Club at Lake Macquarie which received $302,400 for upgrades to its observation area, radio room and first aid room. Elouera Surf Life Saving Club also received $302,500 and Thirroul Surf Life Saving club was the recipient of $285,000.
Surf Life Saving NSW President George Shales OAM said safe, accessible and secure rescue facilities across NSW remain a top priority.
“Last year our volunteer surf lifesavers performed over 3,000 rescues, 143,000 preventative actions and 7,000 first aid treatments. The Surf Club Facility Program will improve the ongoing important community service our lifesavers deliver,” Mr Shales said.
Applications for this round of grants close on 21 January 2022. Up to $500,000 is available for each project. For more details, see: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/SCFP.

A spectacular week of live entertainment has been set for the world’s most scenic stage as the Cahill Expressway is transformed for the ELEVATE Sydney festival.
Thirty thousand free tickets are being made available for the six-day event, set to take place from New Year’s Day overlooking Sydney Harbour and Circular Quay.
Today the NSW Government announced a stellar line-up of more than 180 artists including Dance Monkey star Tones And I, Tim Minchin, Baker Boy, Electric Fields, Marcia Hines and The Wiggles.
It will transform the harbourside expressway, day and night for people of all ages. The event will also feature the biggest drone show in the Southern Hemisphere.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said ELEVATE Sydney will help revive the spirit of the city, reminding the world why tourists travel from across the world to experience our lifestyle.
“The day after the fireworks, this event will begin the new year with a celebration of what makes our city great,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Nowhere else could you hold this kind of event, nowhere has our harbour, our setting or our weather – this is part of our ongoing vision for taking our city from good to great.
“This has been a tough time for hospitality and tourism, we’re committed to doing everything we can to get these industries back on their feet and ensuring that our people have the chance to enjoy the city again.”
Part of the NSW Government’s efforts to turbocharge the CBD’s recovery, ELEVATE Sydney will offer Sydneysiders and visitors the chance to experience entertainment spanning pop, disco, musical theatre, youth, family, sport and First Nations genres.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Industry and Trade Stuart Ayres said ELEVATE Sydney was part of the NSW Government’s plan to support recovery and showcase the state and Harbour City to the world.
“Getting more visitors to Sydney and regional NSW, giving them high quality experiences and offering a smorgasbord of events will propel us toward our goal of being the premier visitor economy and events capital of the Asia Pacific by 2030,” Mr Ayres said.
“We know visitors and locals alike are looking for unforgettable experiences to Feel New – and what could be better than immersing yourself in an event that brings together the power of wellbeing, dance, culture, art and community, set against one of the world’s most spectacular backdrops, Sydney’s magnificent harbour.
“This is a very special and exciting event which will not only elevate Sydney and NSW to a global audience but elevate our homegrown talent, economy and community spirit,” Mr Ayres said.
In an Australian first, the Skyshow will feature 500 choreographed drones over Sydney Cove as a natural amphitheater, creating a dazzling light display.  A boomerang, a waratah and a series of animations will tell a powerful story of Sydney’s past, present and hopes for 2022.
Specialists from Finland, Germany and the USA have travelled to Australia to train local operators in the drone technology.
The Cahill Expressway will be closed to traffic and pedestrians during ELEVATE Sydney, with public transport and alternate routes available for visitors and residents.
For further information on the program and to reserve free tickets from 2 December, visit www.elevatesydney.com.

The summer holidays just got even better for New South Wales residents, with two additional $25 Dine & Discover vouchers rolling out for eligible customers from today.
Treasurer Matt Kean said new applicants will receive three Dine NSW and three Discover NSW vouchers, while existing customers will receive one of each.
“The NSW Government’s $250 million expansion of Dine & Discover, announced as part of our $2.8 million economic recovery package, will help our local businesses grow and thrive this summer,” Mr Kean said.
“More than 15,000 businesses and 4.8 million customers have already registered for the Dine & Discover NSW program, with almost $276 million vouchers used so far.
“The two $25 vouchers will ensure we end 2021 with a bang and provide a much needed boost for businesses right across NSW as we head into a revitalised 2022.”
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said accessing the new vouchers would be simple and available in the palm of your hand.
“We have made receiving vouchers for individuals even easier, with the additional vouchers appearing automatically in the Service NSW app, via SMS or email for existing digital customers,” Mr Dominello said.
“Dine & Discover NSW vouchers will start appearing from today in the Service NSW app with all delivered by early December. Current digital customers do not need to reapply to receive the extra vouchers.
“Whether it’s going out for dinner, catching a live show or visiting a wildlife park, we’re helping more and more people explore our great backyard while supporting businesses who have done it tough this year.”
Customers who don’t have access to digital vouchers can opt into a new call and collect delivery method. All customers need to do is to call Service NSW on 13 77 88 from 3 December, nominate their nearest Service Centre and in three business days they can collect their paper vouchers.
Participating registered businesses do not need to re-register, while those who want to join the program are encouraged to sign up now, download the Service NSW for Business app and get ready to redeem.
NSW residents aged 18 years and older who are yet to apply will be able to do so until the program ends and will receive all six $25 vouchers.
Dine & Discover NSW vouchers can be used seven days a week, including public holidays, and are valid to 30 June 2022.
More information: nsw.gov.au/covid-19/business/financial-support/dine-discover-nsw

The NSW Government has announced changes to the state’s Destination Networks to ensure the regional visitor economy is set up for continued success and receives more local resources and support.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government was committed to growing the visitor economy of regional NSW with the right framework in place to support visitor growth, job creation, skills development and stakeholder engagement.
“We’re proud of our track record of supporting the regional visitor economy, including the establishment of the Destination Networks, and these changes give the Networks an even stronger and more sustainable framework to support our growth targets,” Mr Toole said.
“We’re focused on ensuring this important sector has the right support and structures in place to make sure regional NSW comes back bigger and stronger than ever before.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western and Minister for Trade and Industry Sydney Stuart Ayres said the visitor economy was a critical industry for many regional NSW communities and growing visitation would play a key role in the state’s COVID-19 recovery.
“Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic the regional visitor economy contributed $22.5 billion in tourism consumption and supported 99,600 direct jobs, over half the state’s visitor economy workforce,” Mr Ayres said.
“Destination Networks play a key role in delivering our NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030, including our target of $25 billion in regional overnight visitor expenditure by 2030. We have a vision of making NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific and it’s critical the regional visitor economy is supported appropriately to help achieve this.”
Changes to the Destination Network structure include:

• A new Destination Network for Central West NSW to increase resources for well-established visitor destinations, including Bathurst, Orange and Mudgee
• The relocation of Snowy Valley Local Government Area from Destination Riverina Murray to Destination Southern NSW
• Aligning Destination Sydney Surrounds North and Destination Sydney Surrounds South boundaries with Western Parkland City

The changes to Destination Network borders will take effect from 1 July 2022.
The NSW Government established the original six Destination Networks in 2016 following a review of regional tourism to improve regional stakeholder engagement and better support the regional NSW visitor economy. The Destination Networks are the ‘shopfront’ for Destination NSW in regional NSW and work closely with local government, tourism organisations and operators.
Destination NSW will work with visitor economy stakeholders in each region to implement the changes.

Sydney’s heart is shaping up for its comeback, with planning complete on the next steps to unlock a potential 2.4 million square metres of new commercial and employment floor space in Central Sydney and Pyrmont.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the finalisation of the Central Sydney Planning Strategy provided the perfect opportunity to revamp and improve our great city.
“Sydney is the nation’s only global city and we have a once in a generation opportunity, as we come out the other side of the pandemic, to continue transforming it into one of the world’s greatest cities,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Sydney is the world’s gateway to Australia and this strategy will help cement our positions as the epicentre of global investment and innovation as well enhance our natural assets to build a city that is the best place to work, rest and play in the nation.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the long awaited finalisation of the Strategy will enable more development in the city centre while protecting public space and solar access.
“This is the culmination of years of hard work with the City of Sydney, the community and industry. Towers will be taller, planning processes will become simpler and more transparent, and strict rules will be introduced to protect important public spaces,” Mr Stokes said.
“This Strategy balances Central Sydney’s global role as a hub for business and innovation with its attractiveness as a place to live and play. It brings certainty to the planning system, which will make Central Sydney an even more attractive place to invest.”
Simplified new rules for infrastructure contributions will help fund a range of public services to accompany more development, including upgrades to Hyde Park, Belmore Park and George Street, and improvements to community facilities and pedestrian and cycling links.
Coinciding with the finalisation of the Central Sydney Planning Strategy is the public exhibition of detailed plans for the Pyrmont Peninsula Place Strategy.
Consultation is underway on master plans for the seven sub-precincts, including proposed plans for a new six-star hotel at The Star, UTS Indigenous Residential College, and the two sites for the new Sydney Metro station at Pyrmont.
“We want the community to have its say on the next stage in the evolution of this significant part of Sydney which includes the Pyrmont Metro station development, a key piece of the Pyrmont puzzle planned to priortise pedestrians and enable a new level of connectivity to the Peninsula,” Mr Stokes said.
Along with the seven sub-precinct master plans, amended planning controls and a proposed Special Infrastructure Contribution to help fund Sydney Metro West are also on exhibition. Submissions will be open until 4 February 2022.
To read the finalised Central Sydney Planning Strategy visit: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/policy-planning-changes/central-sydney-planning-framework
For more information about the Pyrmont Peninsula Place Strategy visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Pyrmont

More domestic violence victim-survivors will receive critical support with a $20 million relief package for more than 180 NSW specialist frontline services being delivered, as an annual international violence prevention campaign kicks off today.
This is the first tranche of new Commonwealth funding under the Domestic and Family Violence National Partnership Agreement 2021-23. The new Commonwealth funding will complement existing investments from the NSW Government for domestic violence services.
The investment also comes amid the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual international awareness campaign that begins today (25 November) – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – and runs until World Human Rights Day on 10 December.
Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said this package forms part of the additional $140 million funding boost over two years from the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.
“Our frontline providers have been facing greater need for their life-saving services and support from women and children fleeing domestic abuse during and following lockdowns necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Speakman said.
“This flexible funding will help services retain highly-skilled staff and support their wellbeing, provide additional brokerage to assist victim-survivors with essentials such as furniture, and cover COVID-19 cleaning and interpreter costs.”
Federal Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston thanked the dedicated service providers for their commitment to keeping women and children safe under the challenging circumstances of the pandemic.
“Women who are socially isolated often face extra barriers when trying to leave violent partners. This, combined with the financial and mental stressors of the pandemic has increased the complexity of many cases,” Senator Ruston said.
“This investment will better support victim-survivors who come forward to report abuse – both during lockdowns and now that restrictions have eased.”
The package provides extra funding for existing specialist domestic and family violence services, including:

• Staying Home Leaving Violence to reduce victim-survivor homelessness;
• Women’s refuges to support women and children in need of crisis accommodation;
• The Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Services Program, to provide women and their children with the emotional and practical support they need to recover from domestic and family violence;
• Domestic Violence Response Enhancement to provide after-hours crisis support services for victim-survivors;
• Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services to help women and children escaping violence with their legal, social and welfare needs;
• Specialist workers to provide trauma-informed support for children and young people in 20 priority refuges;
• Men’s Behaviour Change Programs and other perpetrator interventions; and
• Local Support Services for male victim-survivors.

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said addressing domestic and family violence requires many, varied responses, which is what this support package aims to deliver.
“Domestic and family violence needs to be addressed on multiple fronts – with immediate supports like crisis accommodation, housing and legal help, as well as preventative measures like men’s behaviour change programs,” Mrs Taylor said.
“The Government is also very pleased to be delivering further tailored support for children as part of this package, which will help ensure they’re given the specialist care they need.”
Delia Donovan, CEO of Domestic Violence NSW, welcomed the funding, which she said is essential to helping women and children who found it harder to access support during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
“The danger of domestic abuse is heightened behind closed doors. If women are forced to stay at home, they have fewer chances to seek help,” Ms Donovan said.
“We expect waitlists to rise again now that the NSW lockdown has lifted, and this support package will help ensure our member services can meet the ongoing demand and need.”
The $140 million funding boost is part of the 2021-22 NSW Budget, which committed a record $687 million over four years (including $80 million in Commonwealth funding) to improve victim safety and reduce family violence reoffending.
For confidential advice, support and referrals, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) or Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491).

More replacement bus services and a new permanent ferry route will provide extra travel options for customers of the Inner West Light Rail from Monday.
Three dedicated bus routes will provide services between Dulwich Hill and Central, while a new direct ferry service will link Blackwattle Bay to Barangaroo.
Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said the new bus and ferry services were planned using travel data and feedback from the Inner West community.
“We have developed this enhanced travel plan to provide customers with more options in addition to regular train, bus and ferry services,” Minister Stokes said.
“The bus services will operate every 10 minutes in peak periods and 15 minutes outside of peak and on the weekend. The ferry service will run every 30 minutes Monday to Friday.
“Transport for NSW will have customer service staff at key locations along the L1 Line to provide information on travel options and the replacement services.
“I thank the community for their patience as we work to restore the Inner West Light Rail.”
Customers using L1 line replacement bus services will automatically receive a 50 per cent discount on their fare from next week, while the discount on the initial replacement bus services is being backdated to 8 November 2021.
The new F10 ferry service will only accept payments made with credit or debit cards, with full adult ferry fares charged as this is a permanent service.
Transport for NSW continues to work with Transdev, Altrac, CAF and the rail safety regulator to assess the 12 light rail vehicles, detect cause of the cracking and complete repairs as soon as possible. An updated program of works will be released in due course.
For more details on the replacement services customers can visit https://transportnsw.info.

The NSW Government has updated the roadmap for easing restrictions after the State reaches the 95 per cent double dose vaccination target or 15 December, whichever comes first.
Adjustments to previous settings scheduled for this milestone include:

• Masks will only be required on public transport and planes, at airports, and for indoors front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated (previously all indoors front-of-house hospitality staff regardless of vaccination status). Masks will be strongly encouraged in settings where you cannot social distance;
• No density limits (previously one person per 2sqm);
• COVID safety plans will be optional for businesses and will be supported by SafeWork NSW;
• QR check-ins will only be required at high-risk venues including hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, gyms, places of worship, funerals or memorial services, personal services (e.g. hairdressers and beauty salons), limited hospitality settings (including pubs, small bars, registered clubs and nightclubs), and for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people; and
• Proof of vaccination will no longer be required by Public Health Order for most activities (businesses can still require proof at their own discretion). Proof of vaccination will still be required for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people.

With more than 92 per cent of people over 16 now vaccinated ahead of the summer festive season, NSW is continuing to take a responsible and measured approach to reopening.
To maintain high levels of immunity across the community, NSW Health is rolling out a booster vaccination program at its clinics to individuals aged 18 and older who received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine six months or more ago.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the easing of restrictions was only possible because NSW is amongst the highest vaccinated populations in the world and the introduction of the booster shot program.
“We’re leading the world when it comes to vaccinations and that is a tremendous achievement we can all be proud of because it has allowed us to return to normal as quickly and safely as possible,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The easing of these restrictions will allow people to get out and enjoy summer providing a boost for some of our hardest industries as we do everything we can to ensure we keep people safe as we learn to live with COVID.”
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the roadmap was a staged and considered approach which ensured Regional NSW was able to welcome back visitors in a COVID safe way.
“Regional NSW is open for business thanks to high vaccination rates right across the state. I’d remind visitors to our beautiful beaches, countryside and outback this summer to be respectful and ensure they are abiding by safety measures, which include wearing masks on public transport, planes and at airports.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres said the updated plans for the next stage of the roadmap was great news for businesses still impacted by the remaining restrictions.
“This is a timely boost for businesses just before the busy Christmas and summer holiday periods,” Mr Ayres said.
“I want to encourage everyone to go out and support NSW businesses – whether it’s a meal out, booking a regional trip or holiday shopping at your favourite local store, this is a prime time to enjoy the new freedoms and help NSW businesses bounce back.”
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said COVID booster shots would be an important part of keeping the community safe through the summer and new year.
“If you had your second COVID vaccination jab six months or more ago, you should book a booster right now. Don’t’ forget if you haven’t been vaccinated at all go and get the jab to protect yourself and your family,” Mr Hazzard said.
“By stepping up for a jab and a booster shot you help protect yourself and everyone around you, including the elderly, those with underlying health conditions and young children who aren’t yet eligible for vaccinations.
“We will also need to continue to get tested if we develop COVID symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, and continue to follow public health advice.”
The NSW Government will continue to review the roadmap settings and make any appropriate changes based on the current case numbers and vaccination rates.
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. You can book your COVID-19 vaccine or your booster shot, via www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/vaccination/get-vaccinated.
More information about the next stage of easing of restrictions is available at nsw.gov.au.