Category: NSW News

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.

NSW is set for an outdoor renaissance this summer, with the Government providing $50 million in new and improved parks and public spaces.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Government’s economic recovery package would result in more places to play, splash and roam.
“We’re setting aside $50 million for new places to swim or paddle, improved playspaces and more trails that connect communities to their parklands,” Mr Perrottet said.
“With Greater Sydney offering some of the most beautiful river, lake and bushland environments, this package will mean everyone can discover more of the hidden gems in their own backyard.
“Lockdown showed us that we need more public spaces that are better connected with more recreation facilities, and that’s exactly what this funding will help achieve.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the $50 million investment would go towards adventure, nature and water play opportunities.
“While lockdown is over, it highlighted that people living closer to the coastline have far more natural swimming spots than those living in our west,” Mr Stokes said.
“This program will create new opportunities to dive into places like our stunning harbour, Parramatta or Nepean Rivers, take a hike in the bush or ride along a new nature trail.”
“Children will have more opportunities to play and connect with nature and there’ll be funding to create more community garden and greenway projects for everyone to enjoy.”
The Government’s $50 million Open Space program includes:

• Places to Swim ($16.7 million): New swimming and kayaking locations across Greater Sydney’s lakes, rivers and harbour;
• Places to Play ($16.7 million): Additional public open spaces for play and adventure, for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds across NSW; and
• Places to Roam ($16.7 million): New and upgraded regional trails, better active transport corridors and connected bushland, parks and gardens across Greater Sydney.

Councils and state government agencies will be able to nominate projects and apply for the grants over the coming months.
For more information visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/premiers-priorities/great-public-spaces/open-space/

The Perrottet Government will invest more than $8 million in a suite of grant programs to accelerate the recovery of the NSW visitor economy as the state reopens to visitors.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said the funding would be a significant boost to the visitor economy as travel restrictions lifted.
“This funding will create jobs, enhance the visitor experience, support the return of lifestyle and business events in regional NSW and promote our regions as ‘must-visit’ destinations, generating hundreds of millions in visitor expenditure,” Mr Ayres said.
“These grants are all about assisting NSW tourism operators and event organisers to develop and deliver the best possible visitor experiences and ensure we are the number one state to visit as we reopen to the world post COVID-19.
“Whether it’s to upgrade the standard of accommodation, develop an entirely new visitor experience, stage conferences and regional events, or deliver a compelling destination marketing campaign, these grants will ensure NSW remains top-of-mind for all types of visitors.
“Supporting our tourism operators is a top priority. They are the backbone of the visitor economy – their passion and resilience and incredible diversity of offerings are key to the state’s success.”
The $8.35 million will be delivered through the following programs:
·      $4.1 million Tourism Product Development Fund – to support regional accommodation renewal and new visitor experiences
·      $1.5 million Regional Event Fund – to support new and flagship regional events
·      $2 million Co-operative Marketing Program – leveraging Destination NSW’s new Feel New marketing campaign
·      $750,000 Regional Business Event Development Fund – to create, attract and support new business events for regional NSW
 
The NSW Government, through Destination NSW, will deliver the grants and support recipients to best manage their project delivery.
For more information on these funding programs and all other support available to businesses, go to www.destinationnsw.com.au/funding.

More restrictions are easing in NSW public schools, allowing students to enjoy additional activities safely at school in line with current community settings.
Changes to settings includes allowing fully vaccinated extra-curricular providers on school site, as well as some music classes and bands, day excursions and assemblies. Activities must maintain cohorts and be done in line with all COVID-Safe settings in schools.
From November 8 the following activities can take place on school grounds in cohorts only:

• Assemblies and presentations – outdoors only
• Excursions – day only, not overnight
• Incursions – activities provided on school site by external providers related to curriculum delivery or student wellbeing
• Dancing
• Music classes, bands, ensembles and lessons – for instruments that can be played with a mask only
• Sport – as previously announced, in-school within cohort and inter-school outside school hours.

Fully vaccinated volunteers and providers will be allowed on site to support school operations or fulfil specific roles, such as helping with the canteen or uniform shop.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the changes allowed students more curricular and extra-curricular opportunities while schools maintain COVID-19 safe measures.
“Students have experienced an incredibly disrupted school year; in line with the relaxation of community settings, we are aligning some school activities to provide them with as much normality as possible,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Schools’ stringent safety measures remain in place, including vaccinations of all adults on site, cohorting, cleaning, mask wearing and ensuring appropriate ventilation.
“Importantly all adults on site during school hours, including staff and visitors, must be fully vaccinated and wear masks to be allowed on school site.”
Community use of school facilities can also go ahead from November 8, outside school hours only.
Further detail regarding the revised settings will be available https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families/term-4-roadmap.html

In response to the faster-than-expected rate of vaccination, the NSW Government will further ease rules for those who are fully vaccinated by bringing forward many of the roadmap changes scheduled for 1 December to Monday, 8 November.
From 8 November there will be no limit on visitors to a home, no rules for outdoor gatherings with fewer than 1,000 people, and indoor swimming pools will re-open for all purposes.
Businesses will be able to welcome in more fully vaccinated customers with all premises to move to 1 person per 2 sqm rule, and nightclubs will be able to re-open dancefloors.
Caps will be removed for settings other than gym and dance classes (where the 20 person cap for classes will remain) and replaced by density limits or 100 per cent fixed seated capacity for major recreation outdoor facilities (including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos) and entertainment facilities (including cinemas and theatres).
These freedoms will only be available for people who are fully vaccinated, including those who have medical exemptions and children under the age of 16. COVID Safe check-ins and proof of vaccination will still be required.
Those who are not fully vaccinated must still abide by pre-roadmap restrictions until the State reaches the 95 per cent double vaccination target, or 15 December, whichever happens first. 
The current settings for masks, which apply to everyone, will remain in place until the State reaches the 95 per cent double vaccination target, or 15 December, whichever happens first.
To maintain high levels of immunity across the community, NSW Health has commenced 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 6 months or more ago. Pfizer will be used for boosters regardless of the COVID-19 vaccine received for the first or second dose.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said bringing forward the easing of restrictions was only possible because of the State’s high vaccinations rates and the roll out of booster shots.
“Everybody has done an incredible job to ensure NSW can ease restrictions in a safe and considered way earlier than we planned,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We are on track to reach 90 per cent double vaccination weeks ahead of schedule and this is a testament to everybody across NSW and especially our health workers.
“There is still a long way to go but the NSW Government is standing with the community and continuing to do everything that we can, including booster shots, to keep people safe as we open up.”
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said regional NSW had rolled up their sleeves for vaccinations and we’re now ready to welcome back visitors.
“Regions across NSW answered the call when we asked them to come forward and get vaccinated. Thanks to the community for coming out and getting the jab,” Mr Toole said.
“The time is right now for regional businesses to welcome back visitors safely in every town across the state and get tills turning over.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said reaching the 90 per cent target will be a significant milestone in the state’s recovery.
“We are inching closer and closer to returning to many of our pre-pandemic activities, and this latest easing of restrictions will be welcome news for hundreds of businesses ready to re-open, expand their operations, and welcome back more customers,” Mr Ayres said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said NSW has amongst the most vaccinated populations in the world and rolling out booster shots would continue to maintain that advantage.
“We are amongst the best in the world when it comes to vaccinations but we cannot forget that COVID will continue to circulate in the community and we must remain vigilant,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Boosters are a key priority moving forward and we continue to work closely with the Commonwealth on the COVID-19 vaccination roll out. I want to encourage anyone who is yet to be vaccinated to make a booking as soon as possible.”
More information about the 90 per cent easing of restrictions at nsw.gov.au.
You can book your COVID-19 vaccine or your booster shot, via www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/vaccination/get-vaccinated.

Thousands of job-seekers will have access to free career guidance and employment advice to help match their skills to job growth trends, thanks to an $11.4 million investment from the Perrottet Government.
In launching Careers NSW today, Premier Dominic Perrottet said the online service aimed to get people into work faster with tailored assistance that included access to volunteer industry experts in emerging and critical industries.
“NSW is the State of opportunity and has attracted businesses and industries from all over the world, strengthened by investments including the Aerotropolis, and our record infrastructure boom,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Careers NSW will supercharge our pandemic recovery by ensuring every jobseeker in NSW has online access to career advice regardless of their experience or education, so they can take advantage of the jobs of the future.”
One-on-one access to dedicated careers specialists and more than 40 industry volunteers will be available in a pilot across four regions – Western Sydney, South Western Sydney, the Mid North Coast and the state’s North West – ahead of the full rollout in 2022.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the pilot will initially target 10,000 people in key regions and scale up to include school students from the middle of next year.
“The Careers NSW service will make lifelong career information accessible for all people seeking to upgrade skills or change careers and guide them to the industries offering employment and opportunities,” Mr Lee said.
“The pilot program launching today enables residents in four priority regions to book appointments on the Service NSW website, receive tailored advice with a careers specialist and/or talk to an expert already working in the industry they’re looking to enter to set them on a pathway to employment success.”
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said customers could access a self-service portal which contains a number of resources designed to help people identify their skills, passions and values, as well as learn about prospective industries.
“People want to make informed decisions about their career path, which is why we’re making it easier to explore the industries and occupations they are interested in and the opportunities they present,” Mr Dominello said.
“This includes the ability for customers to compare courses and academic providers and find the study option that suits their learning preferences and location.”
Careers NSW was a key recommendation in the Review of the NSW vocational education and training sector led by Mr David Gonski AC and Professor Peter Shergold AC, released earlier this year.
Professor Peter Shergold AC said Careers NSW will help people navigate their lifetime employment journey.
“It will also be the cornerstone of a comprehensive state-based career information and guidance ecosystem that will support people to make informed decisions,” Professor Shergold said.
To access Careers NSW, visit: careers.nsw.gov.au

An advanced manufacturing precinct at Narromine that will create more than 250 jobs is among the latest projects to benefit from the Perrottet Government’s $130 million Regional Job Creation Fund.
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Deputy Premier Paul Toole today announced an additional $55.5 million in funding had been awarded, leveraging $180.3 million in private investment across 69 projects across regional NSW as part of Round One of the Regional Job Creation Fund.
“No matter where you live in our State we are focused on providing the right support to ensure businesses can grow and have the confidence to invest to create and support new jobs,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The Regional Job Creation Fund has already funded projects that will create thousands of jobs and the projects now being delivered will help generate thousands more and support work for tradies and suppliers across the State.
“This program will help deliver jobs where they are needed as we recover from the pandemic by helping businesses small and large to get off the ground as well as attracting major international businesses to expand or relocate to regional NSW.”
The Regional Job Creation Fund aims to create more than 6,500 new direct jobs in regional NSW over the next three years.
It provides co-funded grants between $100,000 and $10 million to fast track projects that enable emerging industries, help businesses expand operations or provide incentives for operations to relocate to regional NSW.
Mr Toole said a $4.8 million grant will help engineering company Simmons Global relocate its operations from Western Australia to Narromine, creating up to 253 full time local jobs and providing a major boost to the State’s advanced manufacturing sector.
“This funding will help deliver an advanced manufacturing precinct that produces everything from unmanned aerial drones to solar UV monitors that tell teachers when students should play in the shade, as well as help upskill local indigenous and youth workers through apprenticeships,” Mr Toole said.
“This will drive the creation of hundreds of new jobs right here in the Central West.”
Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the establishment of Simmons Global in Narromine was a great example of what the Regional Job Creation Fund is designed to deliver.
“I’m thrilled to announce we are supporting this global company in expanding its business and creating local jobs for the Central West now and into the future,” Mr Saunders said.
“By setting businesses up for success, we’re helping them attract new customers, which means more people in work and earning a wage that they will spend in local shops, supporting our local economy.”
Simmons Global CEO and Group Technical Director David Simmons said the Regional Job Creation Fund grant is providing the company with the opportunity to get ahead, establish its factory and create jobs in regional NSW.
“Narromine is the ideal location to establish a manufacturing facility for the wide array of advanced technology devices we will produce and I would like to thank the NSW Government for supporting our group and helping us transition our manufacturing back onshore to New South Wales,” Mr Simmons said.
Other companies receiving support in the latest round include storage and production upgrades for a winery in Cudal, an innovative recycling facility in Kurri Kurri and upgrades for a family owned and operated sheet metal manufacturer in Narrabri.
Round One of the Regional Job Creation Fund has now closed and Round Two will open in early 2022.
More details on the full list of recipients as part of Round One will be announced shortly.

People experiencing emotional distress will now be able to access support in two novel ways, thanks to a $46 million investment in new suicide prevention initiatives across NSW.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said that 20 calming non-clinical hubs called Safe Havens and 20 Suicide Prevention Outreach Teams (SPOTs) will add to the web of support the NSW Government has already embedded in communities across NSW.
“We know suicide prevention support needs to engage distressed people where they live their lives – if we can be there to provide support before someone needs to be hospitalised, we can help reduce the likelihood of further suicidal behaviours,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Instead of struggling alone or heading to a bustling emergency department, anyone who is experiencing mental health distress can now head to one of these purpose-designed Safe Havens.
“There are no appointments or referrals needed, so whether you need some peace and quiet, a chat with someone who understands what you’re going through, or some calming activities to reduce the intensity of your negative thoughts and feelings, you can walk right in.”
South Western Sydney Local Health District Mental Health Director Dr Claire Jones said the free and confidential service is a place where people can informally chat to trained staff, have a cup of tea or coffee, play board games or puzzles, join an activity or chill out in a quiet spot.
“Our Safe Haven provides a different type of support for people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. The Peer Support Team have had their own personal lived experience of suicidal distress and they can help people by linking them to the services and support programs that can assist them.’’
District Chief Executive Amanda Larkin said Campbelltown Safe Haven features a quiet room and sensory items, including a massage chair and weighted blankets to help people relax.
“The Safe Haven is a friendly and compassionate place where everyone is welcome,’’ Ms Larkin said.
“All of the staff members understand first-hand how hard it can be to experience suicidal thoughts. They come from all ages, cultures and backgrounds including people who identify as LGBTIQA+.”
In addition to the new Safe Havens, 20 new mobile SPOT teams will provide rapid outreach to people in suicidal distress in the community, with 14 teams already up and running.
“The new teams combine clinical expertise and lived experience of suicide, and care for people at or near their homes – ensuring they stay connected with their family, friends and other valuable support networks,” Mrs Taylor said.
“We know thoughts of suicide can be triggered by a painful experience – such as a divorce, unemployment, retirement or death of a loved one – and these mobile teams will support individuals in the places where they live their day to day lives.”
The NSW Government has invested $25.1 million in the Safe Haven initiative and $21.35 million in the Suicide Prevention Outreach Teams, which both contribute to the Towards Zero Suicides – a Premier’s Priority.
If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 or one of these services:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511