Category: NSW News

The first of ten new River Class vessels, named after well-known NSW author Ruby Langford Ginibi, is now in passenger service after it was given the green light to operate during the day.
Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said the new River Class ferries were designed for conditions along the Parramatta River, but will also serve customers right across the ferry network.
“The new ferries have already completed many hours of successful day time operation during water trials and have passed the strictest of safety standards to get to this point, and it is great to now have the first vessel in service,” Mr Stokes said.
“Birdon employed 54 people working on the project locally at Port Macquarie, with Australian suppliers benefiting from 70 per cent of the total program of work. All of the design work was also undertaken right here in Australia.
“Customers are already benefiting from the new ferries’ floor to ceiling windows, level boarding access, audible and visual announcements, hearing loops, priority seating for the elderly and mobility impaired customers, and wheelchair facilities.”
Until the new River Class ferries are available for night time operations, existing fleet will continue to be used to ensure continuity of services for customers.
Over the coming weeks and months, the rest of the fleet will progressively roll out for daytime operations, while work is undertaken to reduce the glare in the wheelhouse at night.
The remaining nine ferries are named after some of the state’s other leading authors, artists and athletes.

NSW is set to attract more than $80 billion of investment, drive deep decarbonisation and establish itself as an energy and economic superpower with today’s launch of the NSW Hydrogen Strategy.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said as NSW worked through post-lockdown recovery, hydrogen was an opportunity to drive new investment and help secure jobs right across the State.
“Australia has an opportunity to be an energy superpower, New South Wales will lead the country with this hydrogen strategy,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Our major trading partners see hydrogen as part of their energy future, this state has the skills, infrastructure and renewable energy resources to compete globally in this new industry.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said hydrogen was a huge opportunity for regional NSW.
“We know that regional economies are diversifying, and the NSW government’s Hydrogen Strategy is bringing that to life,” Mr Toole said.
“Places like Parkes, the Illawarra, and the Upper Hunter are uniquely placed to take advantage of these opportunities, with existing supply lines, access to transport links and a skilled workforce ready to make regional NSW a leader in hydrogen technology.”
Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean said the strategy, which will provide up to $3 billion in incentives, will set the State up as a global hydrogen leader and is forecast to increase the size of the NSW economy by more than $600 million by 2030.
“Hydrogen will not only help the State halve our emissions by 2030 and get to net zero by 2050, it will create new opportunities for our heavy industry, and an economic bonanza of investment and jobs,” Mr Kean said.
“This strategy is forecast to more than halve the cost of green hydrogen production in NSW and will make NSW the best place to invest in hydrogen in the world.”
Fortescue Future Industries Chairman and Founder, Dr Andrew Forrest AO said: ”I am delighted with NSW’s historic hydrogen strategy and ambition to set itself up as an energy and economic superpower.
“NSW is taking a state leadership position providing clear pathways for how renewable hydrogen can deliver for Australian businesses, Australian jobs,  communities, and our children’s future.
“At FFI we are doing everything we can as a business to lead the world effort to lower emissions.  We are planning to deliver 15 million tonnes of renewable green hydrogen to the world by 2030 – increasing to 50 million tonnes per year thereafter.
“We are committed to working with the NSW Government to support their ambitions and develop Green Hydrogen Hubs together.”
In addition to delivering an already committed $70 million to develop the State’s hydrogen hubs in the Illawarra and the Hunter, the strategy includes:

1. Exemptions for green hydrogen production from government charges;
2. A 90% exemption from electricity network charges for green hydrogen producers who connect to parts of the network with spare capacity;
3. Incentives for green hydrogen production; and
4. A hydrogen refuelling station network to be rolled out across the State.

Business will be to submit an expression of interest to participate in the hydrogen hubs by the end of October. A copy of the strategy is available HERE.

Initiatives which focus on increasing participation in sport through events, development programs and facilities are the focus of the latest round of the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program.
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said more than $4.6 million is available to local sporting clubs to make their ideas to boost participation a reality, as COVID restrictions ease.
“We know sport has great health, social and economic advantages and we’re looking to strengthen our local sporting communities as we plan for the future,” Mrs Ward said.
“Sport goes far beyond the physical benefits. It boosts social networks and can also help develop skills and create jobs.
“This funding will support projects at grassroots sporting clubs which are driving participation opportunities, so that more people in NSW can enjoy the benefits of being involved in sport.”
The NSW Government funded more than 930 projects across the State through the last round of the Local Sport Grant Program.
“A terrific variety of initiatives were funded, including a Come and Try day at the Sydney Speed Skating Club at Macquarie Ice Rink, equipment at Armidale City Gymnastics Club to enable the participation of children with sensory issues and a program to subsidise sailing fees for children from disadvantaged communities at Toronto Amateur Sailing Club at Lake Macquarie,” Mrs Ward said.
Successful clubs can receive funding of up to $20,000, with up to $50,000 available for each electorate throughout NSW.
Applications open today and close on Friday, 19 November.
For more information visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/local-sport-grant-program

Carers from multicultural communities are the focus of a new campaign to mark the start of National Carers Week, which encourages them to make the most of services and support.
Minster for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said the It’s Caring campaign would celebrate the state’s 850,000 carers and raise awareness about support available to them.
“Throughout the pandemic, the love and support of carers has been more important than ever and this week is an opportunity to say thank you,” Mr Henskens said.
“One in five carers in NSW come from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and this campaign is about making sure they know where to turn to access services and support.”
Carers provide unpaid help to someone who needs support due to disability, mental illness, dementia, frail age or chronic illness.
Minister for Multiculturalism Natalie Ward said the campaign will be rolled out in ten different languages to reach many corners of our  multicultural communities.
“Multi-generational family households and shared caring duties can be common practice in some communities. Some  people may not associate themselves as carers and may be reluctant to ask for or receive help,” Mrs Ward said.
“This campaign aims to remove barriers to information, increase awareness about support available and send a message that help is available to our wonderful carers across multicultural communities.”
In 2021-22 the NSW Government is investing $4.9 million into support for carers under the NSW Carers Strategy 2020-2030.
For more information or to access resources, visit the Carers Gateway.

The NSW Government has committed to provide a Summer Holiday Stock Guarantee for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and will expand the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate for all eligible small businesses.
Small and medium business owners will be able to open with confidence thanks to a suite of support measures from the NSW Government, as part of the Economic Recovery Strategy.
Under the SME Summer Holiday Stock Guarantee, eligible businesses with an annual turnover between $75,000 and $50 million will be able to apply for a grant of up to $20,000 to compensate for loss of perishable stock, or claim $10,000 for reduced capacity to sell non-perishable items if a local lockdown occurs and they are impacted.
The expanded Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate will be eligible for use until 30 June 2022.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said these measures were key to giving businesses the confidence to open up and plan for the future, which will help reboot our economy.
“Now that we’ve reached the 70 per cent double vaccination target, it’s wonderful to see businesses reopening their doors and welcoming back customers,” Mr Perrottet said.
“These measures will give businesses and workers confidence to purchase stock and invest for the future knowing their doors will remain open as we get our economy firing again.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said the Stock Guarantee of up to $20,000 would be available if non-essential SMEs were forced to shut their doors between 1 December 2021 to 31 January 2022 due to public health orders.
“It’s devastating for businesses and their employees when they have to shut due to COVID but the grants will make it easier for businesses to manage their stock with confidence,” Mr Kean said.
“We want businesses to have the confidence to get out and spend and invest in their business ahead of the busy Christmas trading period.
“We expect the summer will be a bumper time for businesses as the people of NSW emerge from lockdown and look to support their local, and we want business owners to know we have their back.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the Government wanted to ensure businesses could open with confidence and certainty.
“It hasn’t been an easy ride for businesses across the state and now we are reopening, this should give them some assurance that we will be there for them every step of the way,” Mr Tudehope said.
“Small businesses will now be able to claim road user tolls under the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate, which is being increased from $1500 to $2000.
“The rebate can be used to offset NSW and local government fees and charges and adding tolls to the list of claimable charges is going to make a massive difference to many small business owners who use vehicles for work.”
More information on the rebate and Summer Holiday Stock Guarantee will be available shortly.

The NSW Government’s $240 million Regional and Metro Renewal Programs are forging ahead with the next round of projects to improve school infrastructure announced today.
The Regional and Metro Renewal Programs have so far delivered 206 upgrades at 202 schools across the state, and now thanks to tranche 3 a further 57 schools will benefit.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the Renewal Program is an important stimulus package that helps business and local communities recover from the pandemic while benefitting students.
“Twenty-three metro and 34 regional schools will benefit from tranche 3 of this program,” Mr Toole said.
“This not only provides schools with the projects  they want but supports our regional tradies with opportunities throughout the state.”
The program has delivered more than 136 projects for regional schools including 12 sporting courts, 14 upgrades to bathrooms and four upgrades to libraries.
In metro areas the program has already delivered 70 projects to metro schools including 10 upgrades to bathrooms, 27 outdoor learning and play area upgrades and 10 new COLAs, walkways and shade structures.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said these investments in schools across the state are benefiting hundreds of businesses and will support more than 2,600 jobs.
“All the projects have been put forward by the schools, and the program allows these important works to go out to tender immediately,” Ms Mitchell said.
To date, 200 projects have been delivered through the renewal programs supporting more than 2,600 jobs across regional and metro NSW. Wherever possible, schools use local contractors and suppliers ensuring the positive impacts of this stimulus are felt as far and wide as possible.
The NSW Government is investing $7.9 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 215 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.

A program to improve education and career outcomes for high school students will be expanded to schools across NSW over the next two years, thanks to a $13.5 million investment from the NSW Government.
The Educational Pathways Program (EPP) introduces students to different post-school study and employment options, and will expand from 24 schools to up to 139 public schools across NSW from next year.
The program has been extremely successful since it was introduced in 2020, with the number of students enrolling in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships tripling across the schools participating in the pilot.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said investing in career education and skills training for young people was key to keeping the NSW economy strong into the future.
“Encouraging the next generation to consider an apprenticeship or traineeship through this program will help to reduce future skills shortages and create a highly employable workforce,” Mr Lee said.
“Through this program, a growing number of Year 10, 11 and 12 students are earning and starting their career in industry while learning new skills in the classroom.”
“The program is about exposing school students to the different directions they can take in their career so they can make informed and confident decisions.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Government was supporting high school students looking to take the first step in their career.
“Greater Year 12 retention, increased completion of school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, and increased participation in post-school education are just some of the benefits of the program,” Ms Mitchell said.
Secondary public schools in the Illawarra, New England and North West, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter Valley, Central Coast, Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven, as well as Western Sydney suburbs of Parramatta and Blacktown, will have access to the Educational Pathways Program in 2022.
The NSW Government’s investment in the Education Pathways  Program will fund:

• Strengthened career guidance and support for school students under specialist teachers for school based apprentices and trainees.
• Immersion programs with Registered Training Organisations, including TAFE NSW, to give high school students ‘vocational tasters’ of different industries.
• Workshops to teach students employability skills, such as how to prepare for a job interview, how to communicate with employers, and how to manage their online presence.
• Dedicated careers support to connect students to local employers and jobs.

For more information on the EPP visit: https://tinyurl.com/52383fsy

After more than 100 days of restrictions NSW will tomorrow take its first steps back to normal life.
Families and friends will be planning catch-ups while cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs, and other businesses are busy re-stocking their fridges, dusting off their tables and chairs as we prepare to safely re-open the economy and get businesses back on their feet and people back into jobs.
Businesses will open to customers on Monday, 11 October, with patrons required to demonstrate they have been double-vaccinated and are willing to comply with physical-distance requirements.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said tomorrow is the first step in seeing some restrictions lift for those who are double-vaccinated, and for businesses around the state to re-open and get the NSW economy back to business.
“There is a sense of optimism out there with thousands of businesses across the State busy preparing to open their doors tomorrow. NSW you’ve earned this.” Mr Perrottet said.
“As we re-open after more than 100 days we ask everyone to treat staff with kindness and respect when they ask you to check-in or see your vaccination certificate.
“Following these simple measures will help keep us all safe and keep us moving forward out of the pandemic.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres welcomed the reopening and reminded people to act responsibly when going out.
“NSW has pulled together to get our vaccination rate to more than 70 per cent, which means we can begin the reopening process. We need the same spirit of cooperation to keep people safe and ensure that venues remain open.
“Like many people, I can’t wait to have a beer and a schnitty at my local, but we all have a responsibility to stick by the rules. Book ahead, check-in with your QR code, show proof of vaccination, be respectful to staff and look after each other.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said it is vital that NSW residents continue to roll up their sleeves to push the state’s rates of double vaccination even higher.
“The community has done a fantastic job to reach the 70 per cent double dose target, but we must keep going. We want to get to as close to 100 per cent double vaccination as possible to keep everyone safe,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Vaccination is our greatest weapon against the virus, together with social distancing, hand sanitising, mask wearing and getting tested when we have symptoms – which all remain important as we navigate our way out of this pandemic.”
Digital and Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello encouraged people to have their vaccination status ready to go.
“There are already three ways to get a copy of your vaccine certificate, through the Express Plus Medicare app, the digital wallet on their phone or a paper certificate from Services Australia,” Mr Dominello said
“We have successfully started testing the integration of the vaccine certificate into the ServiceNSW app and are expanding the pilot into the regions this week which is exciting. Until then, please ensure you have your proof of vaccination ready.
“The nsw.gov.au website has all the materials needed to help businesses re-open safely and we have proactively sent out information packs to help make the transition as easy as possible.”
Businesses can find all the resources that they need to ensure they are complying with the 70 per cent roadmap here: COVID Safe business | NSW Government.
To find out how to download a copy of your vaccination certificate visit Services Australia website.
If you are not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment as soon possible.
For the latest information visit the COVID-19 pages on nsw.gov.au.
To view the 70 per cent Roadmap and lifting of restrictions, visit nsw.gov.au.

Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga and Lismore customers will be the first to display their COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate on the Service NSW app, with the NSW Government pilot of the technology underway.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the regional pilot starting Monday would focus on staff and visitors at a number of clubs and aged-care facilities, as well as selected taxi companies.
“Up to 500 customers, to be selected by the businesses involved, will participate in the pilot across Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga and Lismore,” Mr Toole said.
“Customers will have the convenience of checking in to a venue and showing proof of vaccination status on the one app. This is NSW leading the way with a pilot in the regions and helping to make life easier for our communities in the roadmap out of COVID.”
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said while it was currently possible to display your vaccination certificate, given there were over 6 million people using the ServiceNSW app this was a smart extra service for the citizens of NSW.
“There are already three ways to download your vaccination passport so this is about making life easier for the people and business of NSW as we safely open back up,” Mr Dominello said.
“In a week of being granted access to the Australian Immunisation Register information we have already begun successfully testing internally ahead of this regional pilot but we also need to ensure we have the right checks and balances in place.”
The ServiceNSW app will include a number of security measures to help compliance officers and businesses with checking and validating a customer’s vaccination status, including a NSW Waratah logo hologram and rotating QR codes, similar to the Digital Driver Licence.
“Integrating the vaccine certificate onto the ServiceNSW app will be optional,” Mr Dominello said.
“Customers can also use the Express Plus Medicare app, the digital wallet on their phone or a paper certificate from Services Australia to prove their vaccination status.
“I would like to thank the Federal Government, in particular Minister Stuart Robert, for his support and collaboration in making this happen.
“Integrating the vaccine certificate also helps future proof our State’s digital infrastructure in the event that proof of vaccination is ever required again.”
To integrate a COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate with the ServiceNSW app, customers will need to have a Federal MyGov account with Medicare linked and the Express Plus Medicare app. Customers without a smartphone should contact Services Australia for a non-digital option.
For more information, please visit nsw.gov.au

As summer approaches and COVID-19 restrictions ease, more than 20,000 surf lifesavers are getting ready to welcome beachgoers and keep them safe by patrolling the State’s shores in the iconic red and yellow.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott joined Steven Pearce, CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW, and lifesavers at Queenscliff Beach today to raise the red and yellow flags and inspect one of the 20 new Emergency Rescue Beacons (ERBs) rolled out along the State’s coastline.
Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) will be utilising a range of new technology including drones (UAVs) and the new ERBs this summer to ensure all beachgoers are safe in the water as well as on the sand. This is part of the NSW Government’s record $16 million investment in SLSNSW over four years.
“While our State’s surf lifesavers begun patrolling on 18 September, in the midst of the most recent lockdown period, it is only this week that the rest of NSW can make a long-awaited return to our beaches,” Mr Elliott said.
“This year 20 new ERBs have been rolled out at unpatrolled locations, to provide an added layer of protection for anyone enjoying NSW beaches, directly connecting people to the SLSNSW State Operations Centre in the case of an emergency.”
Mr Pearce said with the stay-at-home travel restrictions being lifted this week, they are expecting large crowds at the beaches.
“With 129 patrolled locations there is plenty of beautiful coastline for everyone to re-discover and enjoy,” Mr Pearce said.
“Please don’t take unnecessary risks that could put your life and those you love in danger as well as put unnecessary strain on our volunteers. We are prepared but we need the cooperation of everyone to keep our beaches safe for everyone to enjoy.”
The Surf Lifesaving Patrol season runs until Sunday 25 April 2021. For the latest updates on COVID-19 beach safety advice, visit the Surf Life Saving website.