Category: NSW News

Apprentices working on the Sydney Football Stadium have contributed to its history, taking part in the official topping out ceremony of the world-class venue.
Minister for Skills, Tertiary Education and Sport Geoff Lee said the NSW Government, along with delivery partner John Holland, is proud to have completed the highest point
of the stadium’s structure.
A long-held tradition in the construction sector, the milestone is marked by lowering a tree to the highest point of the stadium.
“Topping out is a major milestone for the Sydney Football Stadium and I am pleased this project is supporting around 800 employees and apprentices in its construction
and even more jobs when it is complete,” Mr Lee said.
The NSW Government is funding an Aboriginal pre-employment program at the construction site of the Sydney Football Stadium to encourage unemployed locals to
take up jobs in the construction industry.
“All students involved in the pre-employment program have progressed to a full-time job with three graduates from the group employed right here at the Sydney Football
Stadium.”
“There is no better training ground for an apprentice than to learn the tools of the trade on the site of a world-class stadium.”
“To further boost local jobs, local businesses have been awarded almost $300 million worth of contracts to NSW-based suppliers and contractors.”
John Holland General Manager Matthew Bourne said it was a highlight for graduates to be a part of one of the biggest milestones in the building of the stadium.
“Now we have topped out the stadium, we are well and truly on the home stretch, with the stadium on track to be completed by the NRL finals next year, Mr Bourne said.
“In partnership with the NSW Government, we’re providing unemployed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with entry level industry skills to open up career pathways they may not have considered in the construction industry.”
The next construction milestone is to build the stadium’s roof, which will involve 4,000 individual pieces of steel, most of which is manufactured in Western Sydney by the same company who built the roof of the original stadium in 1988.
For more information on pre-apprenticeship programs, visit
https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw
For more information on the construction of Sydney Football Stadium, visit:
https://www.infrastructure.nsw.gov.au/projects-nsw/sydney-football-stadium-redevelopment/

Members of the public in the 40 to 49-year-old category have begun to receive the Pfizer vaccine after they were invited to book an appointment.
More than 16,000 people aged 40 to 49 have been contacted to make an appointment at Sydney Olympic Park after they registered their interest to receive the Pfizer vaccine.
A further 1,000 people in this age group from the Blacktown LGA who registered their interest have also been contacted encouraging them to book an appointment at the Blacktown Hospital vaccination clinic.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it was great to see 9,000 people in this group had already made a booking to receive their jab.
“The vaccine rollout is key if we want to open up our borders and live a normal life, that is why we are working hard to rollout the vaccine as quickly and as safely as possible,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I’m encouraging everyone in NSW aged 40-49 to register their interest to receive the Pfizer vaccine as soon as possible”.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said there would be additional Pfizer clinics available to receive bookings for registered 40-49-year-olds in the coming weeks including in regional and rural areas.
“I encourage all who are eligible to get a vaccination as soon as possible as getting the jab builds our line of defence against this extremely dangerous virus,” Mr Hazzard said.
People aged 40-49 can register for the Pfizer vaccine here: nsw.gov.au/
People will be contacted when a booking is available.
People aged over 50 can book their AstraZeneca jab at the mass vaccination centre at Sydney Olympic Park, if they are unable to obtain the vaccination from their GP. Bookings are available here: covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility.
Additional NSW Health AstraZeneca clinics will be available for bookings for people over 50 years of age from 24 May.
In addition, there are around 1,500 GP practices across NSW taking bookings for over 50s to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine.
More than 900,000 people have been vaccinated in NSW through NSW Health and the GP network and other providers, more than any other state.

A new Numeracy course for Year 11 and 12 students will be available to all NSW schools to support students to build functional and practical numeracy and mathematics skills for life and work in the 21^st century.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell joined Maths Ambassadors Michael O’Loughlin, Professor Nalini Joshi and Dr Matt Agnew to announce the new course and launch the 2021 Maths Trains Brains campaign.
Ms Mitchell said the new course was one element of the NSW Mathematics Strategy aimed at ensuring all students have the necessary support to develop core numeracy and mathematics skills and apply them to everyday life.
“Students who have been a part of the pilot course are more engaged in maths by up to 11 percentage points, which is a huge success and will help set them up for the future,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We’ve seen increased engagement particularly from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, students in rural and remote areas and students studying vocational education and training courses.
“Those are the results we want to see from the NSW Mathematics Strategy because every child in NSW deserves the opportunity to develop the mathematics skills and understanding necessary to succeed in life and expand their options for post-school pathways.”
The release of new course coincides with the launch of the 2021 Maths Trains Brains campaign, which aims to drive interest and engagement with mathematics.
“Mathematics is so important, and this campaign encourages everyone from students to parents and carers to engage with mathematics,” Ms Mitchell said.
AFL legend and GO Foundation cofounder Michael O’Loughlin said education and a strong mathematics understanding is crucial for young people.
“I’m a parent and advocate for empowering young Indigenous students through education. Mathematics opens doorways to success for students,” Mr O’Loughlin said.
Esteemed mathematician and the University of Sydney’s first female Professor of Mathematics, Professor Nalini Joshi said mathematics was essential for students’ understanding of new ideas and judging whether they are based on evidence.
“In the same way that learning to read as a child shapes how we communicate in our adult lives, learning how to do mathematics leads to rhythms in the way we think,” Professor Joshi said.
“I am extremely pleased to be involved in this program, by helping to communicate and show to students, parents and carers that mathematics is an essential skill we need to thrive in our fast changing, technologically sophisticated society.”
Astrophysicist, engineer and author Dr Matt Agnew has been involved in teaching students mathematics for several years, and is passionate about helping to reverse the falling interest in mathematics by students.
“Mathematical understanding and confidence is critically important to one’s confidence in and understanding of the world around us,” Dr Agnew said.
“Mathematics is everywhere and mastering it will help our students succeed in anything they choose to do.”
Parents and carers can visit the Everyday Maths Hub  curated by NSW mathematics teachers, to engage with their children on mathematics in everyday life.
Visit the NESA website for more information about the Numeracy course.

A striking, new nearly $15 million police station has officially opened in the heart of Inverell, the 37^th police station built or significantly upgraded since 2011 and the fourth this year.
The Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott, joined the Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall and NSW Police Force Commissioner Michael Fuller APM, at a formal ceremony, including the NSW Police Band, to officially open the new Inverell Police Station.
Mr Elliott said the impressive new two-storey facility houses general duties, specialist and tactical officers, including a dog handler and highway patrol officers.
“The Inverell Police Station is yet another boost to the public safety of NSW and is part of the $108 million Multipurpose Police Station Program, that is committed to upgrading smaller regional and metropolitan police station.”
“This station will house the growing number of police officers in the New England Police District, which has already added eight extra permanent positions since the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver an extra 1500 police officers over four years,” Mr Elliott said.
Mr Marshall said the station includes dedicated spaces for crime prevention and investigative units, as well as the unique inclusion of a dedicated police forensic facility within the complex.
“This station is a testament to this government’s election commitment to invest in a police station infrastructure program to support the vital work of our policemen and women,” Mr Marshall said.
“Designed to enhance connectivity with the neighbouring court complex, the facility also provides extra space and resources to support the growing number of police allocated to the region.”
Commissioner Michael Fuller welcomed the impressive new police station.
“This is a major investment in the crime fighting capabilities in the New England Police District. Fitted with state-of-the-art technology and fixtures, Inverell Police Station will give police the support they need to continue to drive down crime and keep the community safe,” Commissioner Fuller said.
The new Inverell Police Station will be staffed and operate 24 hours, seven days a week.

Drivers across Sydney can save money when parking, thanks to a new ‘park now, pay later’ feature rolling out across the NSW Government’s Park’nPay app.
Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the technology lets drivers pay for the exact amount of time they use a parking spot through the app.
“We’ve listened to drivers who were frustrated at having to pay upfront for two hours of parking when they only ended up needing 30 minutes,” Mr Dominello said.
“This smart tech means they only pay for the time used, and they won’t have to worry about having to pay until they leave the spot.
“So far users of the app have given it 93 per cent thumbs up, and this new feature is another way we are making life easier for customers.”
According to analysis by the NSW Government, drivers could collectively save millions of dollars because a customer will typically buy 20 per cent more time than they need in a spot.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said while it’s already possible for a customer to extend their parking by topping up their payment using the app, they previously couldn’t reduce their payment if they decided to leave early.
“The great thing about this new feature is it allows customers to pay for the exact amount of time they use. They simply have to select the ‘pay later’ option and they can go about their business, indicating in the app when they’ve left the spot,” Mr Constance said.
“Using the enhanced app could provide drivers with hip pocket relief – an average session time via the meter in Liverpool Council is 118 minutes while on Park’nPay it’s 98 minutes.”
The app exists in the following councils: Liverpool, The Rocks, Burwood, Hunters Hill, Mosman, Central Coast, Port Stephens, Willoughby, Cumberland, Northern Beaches and with Park&Ride. For more information visit www.parknpay.nsw.gov.au
The first NSW Government Parking Summit will be held on Monday 17 May aimed at improving customers’ parking experiences in Greater Sydney

Work on Parramatta’s ‘Eat Street’ has hit a major milestone, with 50 per cent of the light rail tracks installed along the dining strip.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the team has been working hard to get the tracks laid along Church Street, between Market and George Streets, as quickly as possible, while minimising the impact to the local community.
“More than three kilometres of track have been laid along the 12-kilometre route, with track laying on ‘Eat Street’ on schedule to be completed during the middle of this year,” Mr Constance said.
“The Parramatta Light Rail team has worked more than three million hours on the project so far, with about one million hours spent on ‘Eat Street’ to get us to this significant milestone.”
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said crews took advantage of the quieter roads during the April school holidays to accelerate track installation, avoiding up to 26 consecutive weekends of night works.
“Innovative technology has been used during construction to identify and move 300 utilities, including a micro-tunnelling machine to build drainage and stormwater capacity while reducing noise, dust and vibration impacts above the ground,” Dr Lee said.
“We want to thank the local businesses and residents for their patience during what has been a tough period for many. We look forward to celebrating the completion of major works along ‘Eat Street’ with a range of activities during the ‘Eat Street Uncovered’ event.”
The Parramatta Light Rail will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia, and is expected to commence services in 2023.
For more information, visit www.parramattalightrail.nsw.gov.au.

Drivers in the Northern Beaches will be able to pay for and top up their parking online, thanks to the NSW Government’s popular Park’nPay app going live in the region.
Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the app makes life easier for drivers by putting more power in their hands.
“This is a game changer for drivers saving them precious time and allowing them to manage their parking from anywhere via the app,” Mr Dominello said. “No one should be rushing back to put money in a parking meter in 2021.
“Smart city thinking should be about making life easier for the customer and so far the 56,000 drivers using the app have given it a 93 per cent thumbs up.
“I commend Northern Beaches Council for coming on board and putting their customers first. This is a big win for the community, and a region boasting world famous beaches and popular restaurants and shops which people want to get to.”
The technology will apply to many machines and Pay and Display carparks across the peninsula’s beaches and reserves.
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said: “Council has been keen to support the roll out of this initiative as it will benefit not just our community and visitors but also our local businesses.”
“It will promote parking turn over, reduce parking fines and ultimately provide us with information that will inform the ongoing management of parking across the Northern Beaches.”
The app also helps drivers avoid parking fines, by sending a notification when their meter is running low or their park is about to turn into a no stopping zone.
Drivers simply create an account on the app with their licence plate and payment details. Users have the option of paying with Visa, AMEX, Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Parking inspectors can search for licence plate details using an app on their phone to see if a meter has been paid. Parking meters will continue to accept coins and credit cards.
The app already exists in the following councils – Liverpool, The Rocks, Burwood, Hunters Hill, Mosman, Central Coast, Port Stephens, Willoughby, Cumberland and with Park&Ride.
For more information visit www.parknpay.nsw.gov.au

Construction is underway on the $39 million makeover of Mascot Station, which will reduce crowding for train commuters and congestion for road users.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the upgrade includes a brand new entrance/exit on the western side of Bourke Street, additional ticket gates, new escalators and a lift to the paid concourse area.
“We’re pressing ahead with this important upgrade to ensure this busy transport hub can meet the needs of our customers now and into the future,” Mr Constance said.
“Not only will it make life easier for train customers, but road users will also notice reduced congestion on Bourke Street with less people having to rely on the pedestrian crossing to access the station.”
Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said there will be some changes to traffic and pedestrian access in and around the station as a result of the work.
“As with any major project, there will be disruption to the local community but we will be doing everything we can to reduce the impacts as much as possible,” Mr Collins said.
“Transport for NSW will keep the community and commuters informed, and continue to work with affected residents and businesses to support them during this time.”
The Mascot Station upgrade is part of the NSW Government’s $5.3 billion More Trains, More Services Program, and is expected to be completed by late 2022.
The program is also delivering a new substation at Mascot (which was announced in May last year) to improve rail services for T8 Airport Line customers.
The program is aiming to increase services for Mascot customers during the morning peak by 80 per cent, meaning there will be trains every three to four minutes instead of every six.
For more information, visit yoursay.transport.nsw.gov.au/mascot-station-upgrade

Two new metro stations have been confirmed at Pyrmont and Hunter Street for the Sydney Metro West project, which will connect Parramatta to the CBD in around 20 minutes.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the Hunter Street station will have one entrance on the corner of Hunter and George Streets, and another on the corner of Bligh and O’Connell Streets, connecting customers to suburban rail lines as well as light rail.
“The city-shaping Sydney Metro West project will revitalise the western gateway to the Sydney CBD, while creating 10,000 direct and 70,000 indirect jobs,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The new Hunter Street station is strategically located in the heart of Sydney, allowing commuters to easily connect to Sydney Trains at Wynyard and Martin Place, and Sydney Metro at Martin Place.
“Commuters at Martin Place will be able to connect to the new Hunter Street station via proposed underground walkways, making it easier and quicker for people to change lines and travel right across our city.”
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the future Pyrmont Station will be located between Pyrmont Bridge Road and Union Street, providing easy access to Pyrmont Bridge.
“From Pyrmont, commuters will be able to travel to Hunter Street in just two minutes – giving them back valuable time with their families and doing things they enjoy, while also encouraging investment in the Pyrmont area,” Mr Constance said.
Hunter Street will become the fourth metro station in the Sydney CBD, with the Transport Minister today inspecting the progress at the new Martin Place station on the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project.
“Construction is moving quickly at Martin Place station with work underway to install the platforms, the new pedestrian tunnel 60 per cent excavated and the final design of the station recently approved,” Mr Constance said.
Sydney Metro Chief Executive Peter Regan said Sydney Metro West will double rail capacity between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.
“There will be massive and game-changing travel time savings across Sydney. For example, sports fans will be able to get from Bondi Junction to the new metro station at Sydney Olympic Park in just 27 minutes (interchanging at Martin Place) compared to 56 minutes now,” Mr Regan said.
Other faster journeys include:

• 12 minutes faster from Burwood North to North Sydney (Victoria Cross metro station) return – about 20 minutes (with interchange) using Sydney Metro, compared to about 32 minutes now (with interchange);
• Save 32 minutes a day from Castle Hill to Pyrmont – about 42 minutes (with interchange) using Sydney Metro compared to about 58 minutes now (with interchange);
• 14 minutes faster from Blacktown to Sydney Olympic Park – about  20 minutes (with interchange) using Sydney Trains and Sydney Metro compared to about 34 minutes now (with interchange).

Sydney Metro is liaising with the impacted owners and tenants of 11 commercial buildings in the CBD and another two commercial buildings in Pyrmont.
Pyrmont and Hunter Street now join the other station locations which have been confirmed for Sydney Metro West – Westmead, Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock and The Bays.
Sydney Metro expects to award the first major tunnelling contract for the Sydney Metro West project in the middle of this year, ensuring that tunnel boring machines can be in the ground by the end of next year.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet tonight welcomed the Commonwealth Government’s 2021-22 Budget, which delivers more than $3 billion in funding for road infrastructure projects in NSW, alongside tax relief and training initiatives designed to boost the economy and help drive unemployment below pre-pandemic levels.
Mr Perrottet said the Commonwealth’s strong focus on supporting working families and creating jobs was teamed with a strong focus on helping the vulnerable and those in need.
“Josh Frydenberg has delivered a Budget which is the envy of many countries around the world, it’s clear Australia is leading the pack on the way back,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This is a Budget which places people at its very heart, ranging from more childcare assistance, help for the aged care sector, medical support in the regions, $2.3 billion for mental health and suicide prevention as well as a billion dollar boost for women’s safety.”
Among funding for NSW in tonight’s Budget:

• $3.3 billion for priority road projects including $2 billion for the Great Western Highway from Katoomba to Lithgow, $500 million for the Princes Highway, including the Jervis Bay Road Intersection and Jervis Bay to Sussex Inlet Stage 1, $240 million for the Mount Ousley Interchange and $229.4 million for the M12 Motorway.
• $162.8 million over three years from 2021-22 to support clean-up of damage caused by the February and March 2021 floods.
• $51.2 million for Eurobodalla Southern Storage.
• $4.5 million in 2021-22 for a Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund to support those affected by the 2019-20 bushfires.

Mr Perrottet said the NSW Government was currently working on its own 2021-22 State Budget, which will be delivered in June.
“It is vital the Commonwealth and NSW continue to work together. We have been handed the biggest challenge in a generation, but also the opportunity of our generation,” Mr Perrottet.