Category: NSW News

Hundreds of additional roads across regional NSW will receive funding for vital works to improve journeys for regional communities, farmers and freight.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole today announced $153 million for 94 regional councils to fix, maintain and seal priority roads in the bush through Round 3 of the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program.
“Our Government is investing in the local infrastructure our regional communities rely on, with today’s announcement giving councils across rural and regional NSW a helping hand to deliver the projects that really matter,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Under this program, hundreds of millions of dollars are flowing to regional councils, delivering safer journeys for families and improving the freight network in the bush.
“This funding will deliver more than 130 additional road projects across regional NSW, easing the burden on local councils and creating hundreds of jobs across rural and regional NSW at a time when they’re needed most.”
Mr Toole said Fixing Local Roads had already delivered more than $394 million for 361 projects across 91 regional Local Government Areas from Armidale to Albury in the first two rounds.
“Communities across the state are already reaping the benefits of this program with 97 projects now open to traffic – and today’s announcement will see councils deliver a further 138 projects over the next two years,” Mr Toole said.
“These projects won’t just ensure that locals see the benefits of this investment every time they get behind the wheel, they’re also supporting an additional 1,374 jobs throughout construction.
“Small projects like these not only make a big difference to the roads locals use every day, but they’ll also support the domestic tourist market when our regions open up again.”
Fixing Local Roads is a $500 million NSW Government program, which was boosted by the Commonwealth Government over the first two rounds with an additional injection of $191 million. Further information can be found at nswroads.work/fixinglocalroads.

The NSW Government has today announced the opening of nominations to identify and protect Areas of Outstanding Biodiversity Value (AOBVs) on both private and public lands across NSW.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said these new legal instruments will fill a gap in conservation measures in NSW by preserving key landscapes that protect a broad range of our natural heritage.
“I want to leave our planet in a better state for future generations and this is another tool to ensure areas of irreplaceable biodiversity on private and public lands across NSW can be protected,” Mr Kean said.
“Local communities or private landholders can now conserve areas that would otherwise not be captured or recognised through any other legal instrument, such as in National Parks.”
Once identified, AOBVs are an ‘automatic priority’ for investment by the Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT), meaning landholders can access funds to manage the land for conservation.
Chair of the BCT, the Hon Niall Blair said AOBV’s will help improve conservation especially on private land.
“The BCT already has a number of mechanisms that provide private landholders across the state a financial incentive to conserve biodiversity on their own properties,” Mr Blair said.
“This new mechanism will help us capture areas and pockets of high value biodiversity that otherwise may have slipped through the net.”
Identified by rigorous scientific assessment, AOBVs are designed to conserve high value conservation sites, threatened species or critical habitats. This includes climate refugia, migratory pathways or areas with a high variety of biodiversity values.
AOBVs can only be declared with landholders’ consent, with nominated areas assessed against key scientific criteria set out in the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. Further info available HERE.

People with disability will be better supported to access services and support under the NSW Government’s new Disability Advocacy Futures Program.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said organisations can now apply for contracts under the program, which fulfils the intent of NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald’s report into the sector.
“Advocacy empowers people to overcome barriers that affect their ability to participate in our community,” Mr Henskens said.
“The Commissioner’s report provided a blueprint for a contemporary and sustainable advocacy system and now organisations have the opportunity to be a part of this exciting new chapter.
“I look forward to seeing the innovation, collaboration and new ways of delivering support that this commissioning process will deliver.”
More than $13 million under the Disability Advocacy Futures Program will be allocated to organisations across individual, systemic and representative advocacy types.
It will support the more than 1.4 million people with disability in NSW, not just those accessing services and supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The NSW Government is investing $3.6 billion in the NDIS in 2021-22.
“Our investment in disability advocacy and workforce development programs like More Jobs More Care are examples of NSW going above and beyond our multi-billion NDIS investment,” Mr Henskens said.
“We’re working to create a more inclusive and accessible NSW that supports all people with disability to reach their full potential and these investments are testament to that.”
For more information about the program, and to apply, visit the NSW Government’s eTendering website.

The NSW Government and NSW Farmers have launched a workplace safety program providing education and advice to the agriculture industry to help reduce farm-related death, injury and disease.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government has invested $2 million over four years for the Farm Safety Advisory Program to support farming businesses in developing an effective work health and safety culture and keeping workers safe.
“This $2 million investment from the NSW Government is part of our mission to create a safer and stronger regional NSW. All NSW small to medium farming operations with fewer than 50 workers are eligible to participate in this free program,” Mr Anderson said.
“The agriculture sector is the backbone of our regional economies and is a significant employer in regional communities. It is imperative as a government we do everything we can to support farm workers and keep them safe.
“The program will improve farm safety practices by providing education directly to farming businesses. This allows the NSW Government to continue to work alongside the agriculture industry on a wide range of farm-related safety issues.”
NSW Farmers President James Jackson said working life on the farm includes a diverse range of safety risk factors.
“Farming is a rewarding but potentially dangerous occupation; the more we talk and learn how to manage the risks and dangers, the better,” Mr Jackson said.
“The Farm Safety Advisory Program is a winner for me and other farmers in achieving this. The program has dedicated advisors who can provide support, advice and resources to improve WHS on farms.
“A session with an advisor can be delivered in various settings, including your own farm with discussions tailored specifically to your farm business operations.”
Delivery of the program will start on Tuesday 28 September with a Harvest Ready webinar from 6-7pm and the launch of the phone call back and email service.
The program’s COVID safe methods will enable one-on-one and group participation to occur through both face-to-face and online interactions as appropriate.
For more information and to register your interest, call NSW Farmers on 1300 764 000 or email nswfarmsafety@nswfarmers.org.au.

More than 500 people who were previously sleeping rough now have a safe place to call home, one year on from the establishment of the NSW Government’s landmark Together Home program.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said the program was supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the community to access housing and specialist support to rebuild their lives.
“The past 12 months have been incredibly challenging, but the success of this program demonstrates that we can support people to break the cycle of homelessness,” Mr Henskens said.
“Together Home is not just about putting a roof over their head, but instead addressing the complex needs of individuals, to ensure they get the support they need to improve their health and wellbeing.”
Together Home is being delivered in partnership with community housing providers, specialist homelessness services and healthcare agencies.
It involves securing housing for rough sleepers from the private rental market and connecting them to tailored support services to address their individual needs.
The NSW Government has invested a total of $122.1 million in the program, which is expected to help 1,050 people off the street and into housing.
“Together Home has already had a profound impact for the hundreds of people housed and I would like to thank all of the organisations that are working collaboratively with us to change lives for the better,” Mr Henskens said.
Together Home is a key contributor towards achieving the Premier’s Priority of halving street sleeping across NSW by 2025.
Anyone who is homeless or is at risk of homelessness can call Link2home on 1800 152 152 for information and referrals to services, including temporary accommodation.

Around 50 timber mill workers in Wagga Wagga who were set to lose their jobs with the relocation of the Big River timber mill have received free training and a personal skills matching service, thanks to the NSW Government’s JobTrainer program.
The workers, some of whom have been employed at the mill for more than 30 years, are ready to re-enter the Wagga Wagga workforce, following Big River’s consolidation of its operations in northern NSW.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said Big River Industries had received $10 million as part of the NSW Government’s Bushfire Industry Recovery Package in the aftermath of the 2019/20 bushfires.
“Following the devastating 2019/20 bushfires, these funds helped Big River relocate and expand its existing operations in Grafton,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Now, through the NSW Government’s JobTrainer program, we are retraining those who didn’t take part in the company’s move north, to support local industries in need of skilled workers.
“People in our regions have been severely impacted by not only the bushfires, but the pandemic that has followed, and the NSW Government is ensuring no worker is left behind.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the work to prepare employees for the mill’s closure will help reduce the economic hit usually linked to a company closing its doors.
“Training Services NSW has worked with Big River to support each worker who did not relocate north with the company to identify ways that they can upskill and retrain to help find other work,” Mr Lee said.
“The bushfires impacted so many of our regional businesses and industries, and I am committed to ensuring workers have the support to upskill for a new job or better job.”
Maintenance Manager at Big River, Damien Periera, said it was a bittersweet time for workers.
“Ultimately the log supply was in danger and there was not enough to make the mill viable, but Training Services NSW has been invaluable in making sure our staff are matched to other jobs,” Mr Periera said.
“That is a big relief for any business going through a similar situation in these circumstances. It’s great to know there is NSW Government support available to help people land on their feet.”
For more information on free JobTrainer Courses and for full eligibility criteria, visit: https://education.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/jobtrainer

Children and teenagers aged 18 years and under will be able to create a ‘friends bubble’ to allow home visits provided the adults in their homes are fully vaccinated, under an easing of restrictions for school holidays.
From 12 noon today, 21 September, people aged 18 years and under who live in stay-at-home areas and areas of concern across NSW will be able to create a bubble of three friends and visit each other’s homes for play and activity, subject to the following conditions:

• Each child is allowed to have two designated friends come to their house. These two friends must always be the same, creating a three-person “friends bubble”;
• All people older than 18 years in all the households must be fully vaccinated;
• The friends must reside within 5km of each other or in the same LGA; and
• If parents/carers are dropping children off, they must not stay to interact with other parents or carers.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said our strong vaccination rate has allowed us to make this change to support the wellbeing of young people.
“Parents and children have had a difficult few months, trying to balance both work, often from home, as well as home schooling,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This change will hopefully make a big difference for families during the school holidays and allow young children and teenagers to catch up and reconnect with their friends.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said at all times, the government has tried to strike a balance between the best possible health outcomes, whilst easing the pressures on families and individuals living in lockdown.
“These latest changes are aimed at giving children more opportunities to be together and balances COVID safety with their mental health and wellbeing,” Mr Hazzard said.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Sarah Mitchell said this change would also benefit older students, allowing them to create a study bubble ahead of the HSC.
“Year 12 students have had a stressful few months, and with the HSC approaching, a study bubble is a great idea to help students maintain motivation, receive support from a classmate and continue their preparation for the upcoming exams,” Ms Mitchell said.
If you have not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine please book in as soon as possible.
For the latest information or to book a vaccination appointment visit nsw.gov.au/covid-19

A new urban forest, the upgrading of a significant indigenous site and a waterside boardwalk are part of a $4 million program for new and improved public space projects coming to Greater Sydney.
Minister for Planning and Public Space Rob Stokes today announced the latest recipients of the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Greenspace Program (MGP).
“These are 13 brilliant projects across 12 local government areas which will create and improve sustainable and accessible green spaces for the community to enjoy,” Mr Stokes said.
“This program  recognises the value of our city’s parks and public spaces while giving councils the autonomy to create outdoor venues and attractions that suit the unique communities that use them every day.”
The successful councils are Blacktown City, City of Canada Bay, City of Canterbury Bankstown, Georges River, The Hills Shire, Hornsby Shire, Inner West, Lane Cove, Liverpool City, Northern Beaches, Strathfield and Woollahra.
Mr Stokes said the projects align with the Greater Sydney Green Grid initiative, a network of walking tracks throughout the city’s green spaces.
“Throughout COVID-19 lockdowns, we’ve seen just how important community greenspaces are to our mental health and well-being,” he said.
“The Metro Greenspace Program is the longest running open space grants program in NSW. It started  in 1983 and more than $45 million in funding has  delivered aprroximately  600 green spaces.”
Projects funded under the 2021 MGP  include:

• A new 1.8 hectare parkland with an urban forest at Strathfield;
• Development of a masterplan to protect and recognise a significant indigenous site at Liverpool;
• Construction of a waterside boardwalk along the Canada Bay mangroves;
• Upgraded pedestrian and bush paths at Pennant Hills Park and Lane Cove National Park;
• New accessible pathways between Charlie Bali Reserve and Blacktown International Sports Park;
• Installation of wayfinding signage along the Lane Cove Loop;
• Final stage of the Gannons Park upgrade in Peaklhurst; and
• Upgrades to North Harbour Reserve, a key stopping point on the Manly to Spit Bridge Walk.

The successful councils are required to plant at least one tree for every $2,500 received and match the grant funding dollar-for-dollar.
The MGP is aligned with the Premier’s Priority – Greening our City – to have  one million trees planted across Greater Sydney by mid-2022. So far, more than 600,000 have been planted.
A full list of successful MGP applicants is available at: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/metropolitan-greenspace-program.

Mayors and council workers are united in one voice to urge the state’s local government workforce to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said mayors are taking part in a social media video while council workers are featuring in case studies to encourage other local government workers to get the jab.
“There are more than 48,000 people employed by our state’s 128 local councils and they are vital to keeping our local communities ticking, particularly during challenging times,” Mrs Hancock said.
“These council workers are at the frontline of our communities keeping our streets clean, bins emptied and parks maintained, and we are urging them to get vaccinated so everyone can be and feels safe.
“I am delighted that mayors and council workers are united in their call for the NSW’s local government workforce to roll up their sleeve and protect their colleagues, communities and families from COVID-19.
“Mayors from Greater Hume, Hay, Hornsby, Parramatta and Tamworth feature in a video to spread the message to other mayors, councillors and staff to get vaccinated.
“Council staff from Ballina, Bayside and Gilgandra councils are profiled in case studies to spread the word to other local government workers.”
The promotional materials form part of a campaign launched by the NSW Government last month to encourage the state’s local government workforce to get the jab.
To book a COVID-19 vaccination, visit www.nsw.gov.au.

A woman has been charged with an additional offence over alleged breaches of the Public Health Orders in the state’s north.
Officers from Tweed/Byron Police District commenced inquiries yesterday (Tuesday 21 September 2021), after receiving information a woman from Greater Sydney had travelled to the area and since tested positive for COVID-19.
Inquiries revealed the 31-year-old woman had been granted an exemption to travel to the area for work-related purposes only.
She allegedly attended several businesses and venues in Byron Bay and Kingscliff over the weekend, which was in breach of the conditions of her exemption.
Further, she failed to check-in at those locations using the QR codes.
The Rushcutters Bay woman was issued with a Court Attendance notice today (Wednesday 22 September 2021), for five counts of fail to comply with electronic registration directive.
Following further inquiries, the woman was charged with an additional offence for person relying on permit not comply with permit conditions.
She is due to appear before Tweed Heads Local Court on Monday 8 November 2021.