Category: NSW News

The NSW Police Commissioner has confirmed that truck stops and roadhouses will be reopened to support the trucking and freight industry conduct its business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Commissioner has advocated for a solution which strikes a balance between road safety, delivery of essential goods, as well as enforcement of the Public Health Orders to limit the spread of the delta strain of COVID-19.
Commissioner Fuller acknowledged NSW Health for working closely with police to ensure this common-sense approach will be reflected in the Public Health Orders to ensure the state’s transportation workers are able to conduct their work safely.
“As the state is coping with lockdown measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, the delivery of essential goods is more important than ever,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Our essential transportation workers need to have the access to truck stop facilities to ensure that they can revive and refresh to ensure that they can manage their fatigue as they perform these vital delivery and freight services.
“Each day during this pandemic, we are encountering new and emerging issues and I thank NSW Health for working so swiftly with us to resolve this very important issue,” he said.
From 2pm today (Sunday 22 August 2021), roadside trucking services such as dedicated services stations and roadhouses will be open to ensure that trucking workers have the amenities they need to conduct their operations safely and efficiently. This will include dining, showers and toilet amenities. These services and facilities will not be open to the public.
Roadhouses will be required to develop COVID-safe plans to ensure that business operations can comply with Public Health Order restrictions to limit the spread of the virus. This will include:

• QR check ins
• Ensuring adequate spacing and cleaning, particularly in dining facilities
• Hand hygiene facilities
• Enforcing mask wearing requirements; and any other strategies to minimise the risk of the virus spreading.

Dining areas will not be available to the public and will need to be partitioned off to ensure that the facility is clearly marked as only available for truck and transportation workers.
***The definition of a truck and transportations worker is in accordance with the National Freight Movement Protocol and Code – a freight worker who drives a heavy vehicle over 4.5GVM, rail crew, or workers who support the supply chain of a heavy vehicle or train. ***
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

In response to the evolving Delta outbreak, NSW will extend the current lockdown in Greater Sydney until the end of September, and introduce new rules targeting the local government areas of concern, where the vast majority of new cases are emerging.
NSW Health and Police have worked together to develop a set of additional COVID controls for the state to reduce transmission and ensure compliance.
Additional rules for the LGAs of concern:
From 12.01am Monday, 23 August the following additional rules will apply for residents and businesses in the LGAs of concern:

• Curfews will be introduced from 9pm to 5am (except for authorised workers, emergencies or medical care) to help reduce the movement of young people;
• Outdoor exercise is limited to one hour per day;
• The following retail premises must close except for click and collect: garden centres and plant nurseries, office supplies, hardware and building supplies, landscaping material supplies, rural supplies, and pet supplies (tradespeople are allowed to shop in-store where relevant); and
• All exams and other education or professional development related activities will move online, not including the HSC. The government will provide further information on its educati­­on plan in due course.

The following new restrictions around workplaces and authorised workers from the LGAs of concern will be introduced:

• Childcare workers and disability support workers who live or work in the LGAs of concern must have their first vaccination dose by 30 August;
• Authorised workers who work outside their LGA of concern are only permitted to work if rapid antigen testing is implemented at their work-site or they have had their first vaccination dose by 30 August.
• From Saturday, 28 August, authorised workers from the LGAs of concern  are required to carry a permit from Service NSW declaring that they are an authorised worker and cannot work from home; and
• From Saturday, 28 August, anyone entering an LGA of concern for the purposes of work must carry a worker permit issued by Service NSW.

From 12.01am Monday, 23 August, workers from the Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland and Fairfield LGAs will no longer have to have been tested for COVID-19 in the previous 72 hours to work outside their LGA.
Special powers will also be given to the NSW Police Force in­­cluding:

• Power for the Commissioner of Police to lockdo­­wn apartment blocks while health assesses the COVID risk;
• Power for the Commissioner of Police to declare a residential premise a COVID-risk premise and require all people to present to police during compliance checks;
• Powers to allow police to direct a person who has been issued with an infringement notice to return to their place of residence; and
• If a person from outside an LGA of concern is found to be in an LGA of concern without a reasonable excuse, they will be fined $1000 and required to isolate at home for 14 days.

Additional measures for Greater Sydney (including regional NSW until 28 August)
From 12.01am Monday, 23 August, the following additional rule will also be introduced for Greater Sydney (including regional NSW until 28 August):

• Mask wearing will be mandatory when outside your home, except when exercising.

There have been a number of cases in Early Childhood Education and Care Services, so parents and carers across the state are strongly encouraged to keep their children at home, unless they need to be at those services.
For the latest information visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

For the latest COVID-19 advice & information please visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

NEW PROTECTIONS AND COMPLIANCE RULES TO CARRY NSW THROUGH TO VACCINATION TARGETS

• In response to the evolving Delta outbreak, NSW will extend the current lockdown in Greater Sydney until the end of September, and introduce new rules targeting the local government areas of concern, where the vast majority of new cases are emerging.
• Additional rules for the LGAs of concern:
• From 12.01am Monday, 23 August the following additional rules will apply for residents and businesses in the LGAs of concern:

• Curfews will be introduced from 9pm to 5am (except for work, emergencies or medical care) to help reduce the movement of young people;
• Outdoor exercise is limited to one hour per day;
• The following retail premises must close except for click and collect: garden centres and plant nurseries, office supplies, hardware and building supplies, landscaping material supplies, rural supplies, and pet supplies (tradespeople are allowed to shop in-store where relevant); and
• All exams and other education or professional development related activities will move online, not including the HSC. The government will provide further information on its education plan in due course.

• The following new restrictions around workplaces and authorised workers from the LGAs of concern will be introduced:

• Childcare workers and disability support workers who live or work in the LGAs of concern must have their first vaccination dose by 30 August;
• Authorised workers who work outside their LGA of concern are only permitted to work if rapid antigen testing is implemented at their work-site or they have had their first vaccination dose by 30 August.
• From Saturday, 28 August, authorised workers from the LGAs of concern are required to carry a permit from Service NSW declaring that they are an authorised worker and cannot work from home; and
• From Saturday, 28 August, anyone entering an LGA of concern for the purposes of work must carry a worker permit issued by Service NSW.

• From 12.01am Monday, 23 August, workers from the Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland and Fairfield LGAs will no longer have to have been tested for COVID-19 in the previous 72 hours to work outside their LGA.
• Special powers will also be given to the NSW Police Force including:

• Power for the Commissioner of Police to lockdown apartment blocks while health assesses the COVID risk;
• Power for the Commissioner of Police to declare a residential premise a COVID-risk premise and require all people to present to police during compliance checks;
• Powers to allow police to direct a person who has been issued with an infringement notice to return to their place of residence; and
• If a person from outside an LGA of concern is found to be in an LGA of concern without a reasonable excuse, they will be fined $1000 and required to isolate at home for 14 days.

• Additional measures for Greater Sydney (including regional NSW until 28 August)

• From 12.01am Monday, 23 August, the following additional rule will also be introduced for Greater Sydney (including regional NSW until 28 August):
  • Mask wearing will be mandatory when outside your home, except when exercising.

• There have been a number of cases in Early Childhood Education and Care Services, so parents and carers across the state are strongly encouraged to keep their children at home, unless they need to be at those services.

• For the latest information visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19.

INCREASED SUPPORT FOR LEARNING FROM HOME

• Learning from home has become easier for parents and teachers of primary school students, with the introduction of guided learning packs in NSW public schools and additional training for teachers.
• The guided learning packages are specifically designed for K–6 students and have been developed by a team of curriculum experts and designers to ensure they are easy to navigate for students, parents and carers.
• They include a full week of learning activities with stage-specific video content which includes teacher guidance, open-ended activities and wellbeing checks.
• All subjects within the K-6 curriculum are addressed on a weekly basis and each day begins with a student wellbeing activity, as well as a brain break during the day and additional activities for students who finish the work early.
• The packs are not mandatory but provide a way for teachers to supplement what is already working for them.
• The Department of Education is also running new learning from home professional development courses designed using insights from last year and the current learning from home period.
• The Learning from Home Hub is also constantly being updated with great materials for students, teachers and parents with over 2 million visits last month.

NSW GOVERNMENT EXTENDS FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR TENANTS AND LANDLORDS

• The NSW Government has announced it will provide increased security for tenants and financial support for landlords by extending the Residential Tenancy Support package.
• The Residential Tenancy Support package will now be paid for a second month and eligible landlords can now apply for up to $3,000 to cover the two months from 14 July 2021, assuming they have reduced rent for their tenant by at least that much.
• Landlords who have already applied can make an additional application and those who are yet to apply will be able to make one application for the total amount of rent waived, up to $1,500 a month.
• Landlords will also have the option to apply for the COVID-19 land tax benefit instead of applying for the Residential Tenancy Support Payment, which is an offset of the land tax liability equal to the rent reduction granted.
• Eligible COVID-19 impacted residential tenants who cannot meet their residential rent payments will be protected from eviction during the moratorium period commencing from 14 July and finishing at the end of 11 September 2021.
• For more information on the package or to apply go to Residential tenancy support package | NSW Fair Trading.

EXTRA COVID TESTING SITES TO SUPPORT FREIGHT

• Two additional freight-friendly pop-up testing sites are opening along key regional freight routes to support the industry and keep drivers COVID-Safe.
• The pop-up sites opening in Yass on Friday and in Ballina on Monday were in addition to the six sites already set up across the state to make it easier for heavy vehicle drivers to get tested.
• The new sites, which will be supported by onsite pathology staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week, will make it easier for heavy vehicle drivers to get tested and get back on the road.
• To find out more, visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/freight-hub/transport-for-nsw-response-to-covid-19-for-freight-industry.

URGENT ASYLUM SEEKER FUNDING BOOST OPENS

• Specialist organisations supporting asylum seekers and temporary visa holders who need emergency support can now apply for a share of a $5.5 million funding boost from the NSW Government, in response to the current COVID-19 outbreak.
• This funding will be available to NGOs who deliver immediate support to temporary visa holders, particularly asylum seekers, who are among the most vulnerable members of the community.
• The total funding package to support asylum seekers and temporary visa holders in response to the current outbreak is now $6.25 million, including $5.5 million for this program and $750,000 initially allocated for emergency relief.

• Eligible NGOs can apply for the latest grant through: www.multicultural.nsw.gov.au/grants.

NEW ACTION PLAN OUTLINES BOLD VISION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR

• On Thursday, the NSW Government released its first NSW Higher Education Strategy Action Plan to drive stronger and more effective partnerships between Government and the higher education sector.
• The plan addresses how the NSW Government will support collaborations with universities and the VET sector, and develop agile and future-focused education models that puts industry, university and TAFE in the same classroom.
• Key actions outlined in the plan include:

• Simplify procurement arrangements between the NSW Government, universities and VET training providers.
• Incentivise and encourage partnerships between universities and the VET sector through a ‘Collaboration and Innovation Fund’

• Support new education models including the Aerotropolis Multiversity, and the Institutes of Applied Technology.
• Increase participation of underrepresented regions and groups in higher education.
• Support and fund the reskilling and upskilling of displaced workers.
• Enhance experience of international students through a new integrated digital platform and promotion of global contributions of higher education providers beyond their educational offerings.

• The Action Plan is now available online and will be updated each year.

TARGETED EMERGENCY SUPPORT FOR ARTISTS AND ARTS AND CULTURAL ORGANISATIONS

• Individual artists and small to medium arts and cultural organisations impacted by COVID-19 restrictions will soon be able to apply for COVID Development Grants to support the development of new work.
• The NSW Government is providing emergency targeted support through grants of up to $5,000 for individuals and groups, and up to $10,000 for small to medium organisations to alleviate the disruption the pandemic has caused for the cultural and creative sectors.”
• Up to $300,000 in small development grants will be delivered through Create NSW.
• Funding is available for the creation, development and presentation of new works, employment of artists and arts and culture workers, skills development and training, marketing, fundraising and promotional costs, workshops and other public programs, and to purchase equipment or digital resources to deliver new programs and projects.
• Applications for the COVID Development Grants are now open on the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au.

HOSPITALITY AND SOCIAL MEDIA SKILLS BOOST FOR NSW VISITOR ECONOMY

• The NSW Government has partnered with Restaurant & Catering Australia and Facebook to deliver a suite of free, new skills development and training programs designed for individuals and businesses engaged in the State’s visitor economy.
• The programs, delivered by Destination NSW, will be offered to individuals and businesses wishing to upgrade their customer service skills and enhance their social media capability.
• The hospitality training modules and registrations for the social media webinars both commence in mid-August. The programs, part of Destination NSW’s NSW First industry development program, involve:

• 1,400 micro credentials available to tourism and hospitality staff across three modules: Managing customer expectations in terms of COVID-safe practices, emotional awareness in customer service, and an introduction to customer service (delivered in partnership with Restaurant and Catering Australia.)
• Five webinars about Facebook and Instagram for Tourism to help optimise a business’s Facebook presence; engage audiences on social media; create Instagram stories; capture social content on a smartphone; and inspire action on Instagram.

• For more information and to register for either program, go to www.destinationnsw.com.au/NSWFirst.

DATE SET FOR 2022 SENIORS FESTIVAL

• The date has been set for next year’s NSW Seniors Festival, with activities planned over 10 fun-filled days from 25 March to 3 April 2022.
• Events being planned include the free Premier’s Gala Concerts and the NSW Seniors Festival Expo at the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour, along with the NSW Seniors Festival Comedy Show.
• Seniors can also get involved in local events with the NSW Seniors Festival Grants Program supporting a range of activities across the state.
• Like this year, the 2022 NSW Seniors Festival is currently planned to be a mix of face-to-face and online entertainment and activities.
• The Premier’s Gala Concerts are scheduled to be held on 30 and 31 March 2022 at the Aware Super Theatre, ICC Sydney alongside the NSW Seniors Festival Expo.
• Information about ticket release dates will be announced on the NSW Seniors Festival website at www.seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au in the new year.

Traffic and Highway Police have today established three static checkpoints in the Lake Macquarie and Central Coast areas to discourage and stop motorists leaving Greater Sydney as part of COVID-compliance operations in Northern NSW.
Three high-visibility checkpoint locations were set up on the M1 and Wyee Road at Morisset, and on the Pacific Highway at Lake Munmorah, to interact with drivers on the main entry points to the Hunter region and Northern NSW.
From this morning’s operation:

• 2220 random breath tests conducted
• 17 PINs issued relating to the Public Health Order
• 18 vehicles turned around at checkpoints
• 31 Traffic Infringement Notices issued

Officers will continue mobile and static operations as part of Operation Stay at Home and Operation Boundary Response to ensure drivers are complying with current Stay at Home Orders in place.

The NSW Government has today released its first NSW Higher Education Strategy Action Plan to drive stronger and more effective partnerships between Government and the higher education sector.
Increasing post-school options for lifelong learning, improving participation in higher education and strengthening research partnerships are just some of the priorities the Action Plan addresses.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the Action Plan focuses on specific and measurable initiatives the NSW Government is doing to support the Higher Education Strategy released earlier this year.
“At the heart of this is a plan to elevate our higher education sector and ensure training and research remains cutting-edge for years to come,” Mr Lee said.
“The plan addresses how the NSW Government will support collaborations with universities and the VET sector, and develop agile and future-focused education models that puts industry, university and TAFE in the same classroom.”
“Across NSW, our agencies are working hard to harness the impact of our world-class tertiary education sector to deliver social, economic and environmental outcomes for NSW.”
Convener for the NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee, Professor Barney Glover AO said.
“The Action Plan builds on the wide range of partnerships, investment and collaborations already underway across universities and higher education providers.”
“I commend the NSW Government’s proactive approach in launching a landmark Higher Education Strategy Action Plan that works across government and with the sector to deliver on the Strategy’s vision.”
Key actions outlined in the plan include:
 

• Simplify procurement arrangements between the NSW Government, universities and VET training providers
• Incentivise and encourage partnerships between universities and the VET sector through a ‘Collaboration and Innovation Fund’
• Support new education models including the Aerotropolis Multiversity, and the Institutes of Applied Technology
• Increase participation of underrepresented regions and groups in higher education
• Support and fund the reskilling and upskilling of displaced workers
• Enhance experience of international students through a new integrated digital platform and promotion of global contributions of higher education providers beyond their educational offerings.

 

Two additional freight-friendly pop-up testing sites are opening along key regional freight routes to support the industry and keep drivers COVIDSafe.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said a pop-up site opening in Yass tomorrow and in Ballina on Monday were in addition to the six sites already set up across the state to make it easier for heavy vehicle drivers to get tested.
“The freight industry has stepped up during the challenging Delta outbreak and the NSW Government is doing all we can to keep freight moving and help drivers meet increased mandatory testing requirements across multiple jurisdictions,” Mr Toole said.
“Having seen unprecedented demand on our existing freight testing sites over the past few months, we’re rolling out the additional two sites on parts of the network where we see a high volume of interstate freight movements.
“The new sites, which will be supported by onsite pathology staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week, will make it easier for heavy vehicle drivers to get tested and get back on the road.
“We will continue working closely with industry to investigate more options for sites across the state that maximise accessibility for heavy vehicle drivers on their journeys and around key freight hubs.”
The NSW Government is continuing to work with the freight industry to ensure the safe movement and supply of goods to communities, and to support freight workers making those journeys.
To find out more, visit:
https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/freight-hub/transport-for-nsw-response-to-covid-19-for-freight-industry

Learning from home has become easier for parents and teachers of primary school students, with the introduction of guided learning packs in NSW public schools and additional training for teachers.
The guided learning packages are specifically designed for K–6 students and have been developed by a team of curriculum experts and designers to ensure they are easy to navigate for students, parents and carers.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the packs were helping teachers to keep their students engaged and connected.
“The packs are easy to use and cover all the essentials for teachers and students,” Ms Mitchell said.
“They include a full week of learning activities with stage-specific video content which includes teacher guidance, open-ended activities and wellbeing checks.
“All subjects within the K-6 curriculum are addressed on a weekly basis and each day begins with a student wellbeing activity, as well as a brain break during the day and additional activities for students who finish the work early.”
The packs are not mandatory but provide a great way for teachers to supplement what is already working for them.
Ms Mitchell said the department was also running new learning from home professional development courses designed using insights from last year and the current learning from home period.
“Teachers are committed to providing the best possible learning from home experience for their students, and thousands of teachers have engaged with the available professional development resources and webinars,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Teachers have told us that the support has been incredibly useful, helping to guide their students while learning from home and providing additional support for parents and carers navigating online systems.
“I know that learning from home can be challenging, and I’m incredibly proud of the work our principals, teachers, school staff and the department are doing to make this period as instructive, engaging, and supportive as possible.”
The Learning from Home Hub is also constantly being updated with great materials for students, teachers and parents with over 2 million visits last month.

A planetarium, aged care facilities and thousands of new homes are among $17 billion worth of development approved by independent planning panels in the last financial year that will aid NSW’s economic recovery from the pandemic.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said streamlining independent planning panels were part of reforms to reduce assessment times that had paved the way for approximately 27,000 new homes and 52,000 jobs across the State.
“Hundreds of new projects are in the pipeline because of these vital reforms which have helped independent planning panels clear their backlogs without compromising rigorous assessment processes,” Mr Stokes said.
“Collectively, Sydney, regional, and local planning panels approved 1,497 development applications during the 2020-21 financial year – worth $17 billion to the NSW economy.
“Resolving uncertainty in the planning system has been an important focus for the Government, and over the past 12 months regional planning panels and local councils worked together to clear the decks of DAs that had been stuck in the system for too long.”
Planning Panels are made up of independent experts in fields including planning, architecture, heritage, environment, urban design, economics, traffic and transport, law and government, and public administration. Panels also include representatives from local communities to ensure issues and considerations important in those places are captured in the Panel’s deliberations.
Panels help to safeguard against corruption and provide the community with more certainty of panning decisions.
“These fantastic results are a testament to the fact we’ve kept the planning system moving to provide new homes, jobs and great public spaces, despite the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Stokes said.

Proposed new planning rules will cut red tape, making it easier for homeowners to install solar batteries and for telcos to install technology to improve mobile and internet coverage.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the proposed changes to the Infrastructure State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP) are now on public exhibition and aim to  remove hurdles in the planning system for more sustainable energy and faster telecommunications.
“More people are working from home than ever and many of them want their homes to be powered by renewable energy,” Mr Stokes said.
“These changes to the Infrastructure SEPP will help telcos provide more fast, reliable telecommunications and make it easier for homeowners to power their homes with renewable energy.
“This will help homeowners save time and money, cut their future energy bills, reduce demand on the electricity network and contribute to lower energy prices.”
There are already around half a million homes in NSW harnessing power from the sun and it’s anticipated that 1,000 megawatts of batteries will be installed by 2035.
Proposed changes mean that planning approvals will no longer be required for:

• The installation of household-scale solar battery systems;
• The installation of NBN cables, speeding up its delivery;
• The repair or upgrading of existing technology;
• The installation of solar panels to power telecommunications facilities; and
• Site inspections, providing the location is not unnecessarily disturbed.

The changes support the NSW Government’s net zero emissions by 2050 target.
To view the proposed changes and have your say by Monday 13 September visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/isepp

Dapto and Shellharbour Junction train customers will benefit from longer and more accessible station platforms as part of an additional multi-million dollar upgrade to rail infrastructure on the South Coast Line.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the investment is in addition to an initial $600 million infrastructure upgrade package announced last year.
“We’re full steam ahead in getting our stations and other key infrastructure ready for the Mariyung fleet (New Intercity Fleet) which will provide an improved level of comfort, convenience and reliability for South Coast customers,” Mr Constance said.
“As our plans have progressed, we’ve identified some further improvements we need to deliver to ensure customers continue to get a smooth ride once our state-of-the-art new train fleet hits the tracks.”
The upgrade package is currently being delivered across the rail network, including on the South Coast, as part of the NSW Government’s $5.3 billion More Trains, More Services Program.
“The improvements at Dapto and Shellharbour Junction will include platform extensions to enhance accessibility for the new 10-car fleet of trains. Lighting, line markings and tactile paving work will also be carried out at both stations to boost customer safety,” Mr Constance said.
The multi-million dollar package of work includes upgrades to signalling, overhead wiring and the construction of a new maintenance facility at Dapto. Improvements will be delivered to enable train turnbacks at Wollongong, Thirroul and Port Kembla which will increase the efficiency of rail operations. An existing rail siding at Kiama will also have track, signalling and overhead wiring upgrades.
Work will begin on these projects within the coming weeks and be completed by late 2022.
The work will complement other rail upgrades already in delivery across other South Coast stations including at Thirroul, Bellambi, Wollongong, Coniston, Port Kembla and Kiama.
Planning is also underway to deliver an accessibility upgrade at Dapto Station as part of the NSW Government’s Transport Access Program.