Category: NSW News

The two major pipelines that provide 90 per cent of Sydney’s drinking water will be better protected from development under proposed new planning laws.
The planning guideline is designed to be a comprehensive resource for developers and councils to ensure new developments consider the impacts on the the Upper Canal and the Warragamba Pipelines in Western Sydney.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said there are currently no specific planning provisions protecting these pipelines from urban development and its associated environmental impacts.
“We’re proposing changes to planning rules that would require any new proposed development around the canal and pipelines to consider them as part of the planning and assessment process,” Mr Stokes said.
“This will ensure development is done carefully, enabling the pipelines to continue to supply safe and reliable drinking water as Western Sydney grows.”
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the main risk to the Upper Canal pipeline is the threat of water being contaminated from pollutants arising from nearby developments.
“There is also a risk of developers relying on existing drainage systems to service stormwater runoff from developments upstream of the Canal Corridor,” Ms Pavey said.
“The Warragamba pipelines are most at risk from storm or flood water which can undermine the infrastructure that support the pipelines. This risk is increased by development increasing runoff and the risk of erosion.”
Community feedback is encouraged and to view the proposed changes and make a submission visit www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/draftplans/exhibition/isepp-water-supply

High streets throughout NSW will be revitalised with more than $15 million in grants to boost local business, support jobs and create better public spaces for the community.
The NSW Government’s Your High Street program will provide 19 councils with up to $1 million to help them deliver projects that will permanently transform streetscapes into more liveable, accessible and vibrant public spaces.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the program builds on the success of the Streets as Shared Spaces program, which piloted street transformation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The pandemic has helped shift our perception of streets as more than just places to walk or drive. One year on from the lockdown, Your High Street is the second phase of the program which cements the role of our streets as places for people to gather, socialise, dine and do business,” Mr Stokes said. .
“From Penrith to Parkes, councils throughout NSW have answered the call to create more welcoming and attractive main streets for their communities.
“Nineteen councils have been successful in securing funding to transform their high streets, with a total of $8.2 million going to 12 regional councils and $6.9 million awarded to councils in Greater Sydney.”
The regional councils to receive funding are Ballina, Gilgandra, Shoalhaven, Maitland, Parkes, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Griffith, Wagga Wagga, Hay, Tweed Shire, Moree Plains and Newcastle), and in Greater Sydney, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Randwick, Inner West, Parramatta, Hornsby and Penrith.
Projects receiving funding include:

• Lakemba’s Haldon Street will be transformed with wider footpaths, more seating, extra trees and artwork to create creating a safe, comfortable and attractive space;
• Parramatta’s Philips St will become a “smart” street by revitalising the area with condition-responsive lighting, street furniture with built-in USB ports, smart irrigation, public artwork and lighting;
• Lennox Village Vision will upgrade the streetscape of Lennox Head’s commercial centre by slowing traffic, widening footpaths, adding street lighting and seating which will provide places for people to gather while retaining the village atmosphere;
• Heart of Drummoyne builds upon the Streets as Shared Spaces funding to create new public spaces next to Victoria Road by closing Formosa Street and providing seating, more trees, public art and an outdoor dining space;
• The Mill on Miller St in Gilgandra will link the heart of the town with the natural beauty of the Castlereagh River and Windmill Walk by providing landscaping, a new stage area for events, improved lighting and public art.

All 19 projects are expected to be completed within 12 months. Your High Street follows the success of the $15 million Streets as Shared Spaces program launched in 2020.
The Your High Street grant program contributes to the delivery of the Premier’s Priority to increase the proportion of homes in urban areas within a 10-minute walk of quality green, open and public space by 10 per cent by 2023.
For more information visit: https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/premiers-priorities/great-public-spaces/streets/grants-for-councils

The new $31 million Queanbeyan Police Station has officially opened following a formal ceremony attended by Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro, Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM.
Mr Barilaro said the impressive new police station is a substantial commitment into regional infrastructure and the Monaro Police District.
“The safety of our community is paramount and it is vital that our men and women in blue are equipped with the very best resources, equipment and a modern work-base so they can continue to protect our region now and into the future,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We all know what an incredible job the officers within the Monaro Police District do. This station will not only service the immediate region but will be the headquarters for the district, bolstering policing across the Monaro.”
Mr Elliott said Queanbeyan Police Station sets a new standard for regional policing and will provide a major boost to police resources in the district.
“The NSW Government continues to deliver on the election commitment to invest in a police station infrastructure program to support the vital work of our police men and women in all parts of the state,” Mr Elliott said.
“This state-of-the-art police station is the 33^rd police station to be built or upgraded by the NSW Government since 2011 and will ensure communities are well supported by our law enforcement agencies.”
The NSW Government has also committed to $583 million to deliver 1500 extra police over four years. As part of this investment, the Monaro Police District has received nine additional permanent police positions.
Commissioner Michael Fuller welcomed the new purpose-built police station.
“This is a major investment into the crime fighting capabilities in the Monaro Police District,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Our new police facility is something that this town can be proud to call its own – it will protect all, both the community and the officers that serve it,” he said.
The facility houses general duties, specialist, tactical, crime prevention and investigative units, including highway patrol, taskforce and region enforcement squad officers.

Australian netball fans will once again have the chance to see the world’s best netballers in action on home soil, with the NSW Government today announcing the International Netball Federation Netball World Cup will return to Sydney in 2027.
Secured by the NSW Government, in partnership with Netball Australia, the 2027 Netball World Cup is expected to deliver an estimated $31 million boost to the NSW visitor economy.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said winning the hosting rights for this major sporting tournament brings NSW one step closer to fulfilling the NSW Government’s 2018 pledge to secure 10 World Cups in 10 years.
“The Netball World Cup 2027 is the ninth addition to the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 years initiative, which means we are well on track to not just deliver but to exceed this target,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The NSW Government’s COVID-19 response has enabled our State to put a strong bid forward for major events like this and I have no doubt there will be more to follow, delivering enormous economic and social benefits to our State for years to come.
“This is the fourth Women’s World Cup event secured for Sydney alongside the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.”
Minister for Investment, Jobs, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the chance to host the prestigious event was testament to an exemplary record of hosting international sporting events throughout NSW.
“Sydney set the benchmark with a record-breaking Netball World Cup in 2015 and I have no doubt we will put on an even bigger and better show when the event returns to our shores,” Mr Ayres said.
“This will be the third time the Netball World Cup has been held in Sydney and with Australia winning the previous two tournaments in 1991 and 2015, all of NSW will be hoping Australia can bring the trophy home for a third time in 2027.”
“Hosting major events like this is crucial in helping our tourism and events industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, creating jobs and leveraging the extensive expertise our State has in delivering major sporting events throughout NSW.”
Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said hosting the Netball World Cup will grow participation and inspire future generations of netballers.
“In 2015 the Australian Diamonds shined in front of packed home crowds in Sydney, breaking records on and off the court,” Mr Lee said.
“NSW boasts over 115,000 netballers across the State, which equates to 25% of the national pool.
“I am very confident the Netball World Cup 2027 will see current and future generations of NSW netballers aspiring to wear the green and gold.”
International Netball Federation President Liz Nicholl, CBE, said she was confident in Sydney delivering an excellent event, whilst also focusing on the development of the sport across Australia.
“As our sport continues to grow and evolve at an unprecedented rate around the globe, we look forward to working with the Organising Committee and Netball Australia on netball’s growth and development whilst delivering a thrilling world-class event that will no doubt inspire all and work towards creating a better world through netball,” Ms Nicholl said.
Netball Australia Chair Paolina Hunt said securing the 2027 World Cup was another critical step in the rapid development of the sport.
‘’We know that netball plays a key role in connecting and empowering young women and girls and an event such as this is a North star for young athletes who can now dream of working to represent the Diamonds in front of huge home crowds,” Ms Hunt said.
A key element of Australia’s bid was a post-tournament legacy that will deliver lasting benefits for women and girls both within netball and the broader community.
Following today’s announcement, a Local Organising Committee will be established with further details about the tournament to be advised once finalised.
For more information on the 2027 Netball World Cup, go to netball.com.au.

War memorials across NSW can now undertake further conservation work, with applications opening for the NSW Government’s Community War Memorials Fund.
Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said applicants can apply for funding to support the repair, protection and conservation of war memorials across the state.
“Thousands of people pay their respects each year at their local war memorial and it’s important we protect these significant monuments,” Mr Lee said.
“Grants of up to $10,000 are available and can cover projects like conservation assessments, honour roll repair, cleaning, and repairs to war memorial halls.”
Organisations including memorial trusts, veteran groups and local councils can apply.
“We need to maintain our NSW memorials for future generations, whether it’s trees lining a reflection drive or an honour roll in the main street,” Mr Lee said.
“Big, small, living or manmade – all war memorials are an important way our communities can honour the service of former defence personnel and their families.”
Previous recipients include Hornsby Shire Council, which was awarded $10,000 for restorative work on the Beecroft War Memorial. Established in 1928, it lists the names of Beecroft servicemen, including a local solider who has no known grave.
St George’s Anglican Church in Parkes also received funding of $2,700 to repair and clean a memorial window displaying various representations of Australian Defence personnel.
Originally gifted by the Parkes Sub-branch of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers and Airman’s Imperial League of Australia, the Window is dedicated to all from the Parkes district who gave their lives during the First World War, the Second World War and the Korean War.
Community War Memorials Fund applications close on 26 July 2021. For more information or to apply, visit: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/community-war-memorials-fund

Thousands of public schools are being revamped and upgraded across the State as part of the NSW Government’s $450 million COVID-19 Recovery Plan to deliver school projects.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell today visited Carlingford High School to announce which schools will benefit from the first round of the $157.8 million LED Lighting Project, part of the COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the program was part of a $450 million package of works that will deliver better classrooms and school facilities for students while also supporting more than 3,500 jobs right across NSW.
“We are investing record amounts in education and these important upgrades will deliver modern facilities for schools with energy efficient lights in classrooms, libraries, halls and administration areas that will have great outcomes for our schools,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The LED lighting program will also benefit the environment with schools saving on energy costs every year and importantly as we continue to recover from the pandemic will help stimulate local economies, supporting hundreds of jobs in towns throughout the State.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said over the next two years LED lighting will be installed in up to 1,000 NSW public schools reducing energy costs for schools and improving the indoor learning environment for students, with almost 300 schools confirmed for delivery today.
“Schools are at the heart of our communities and this package of works is delivering improvements to the learning facilities for students whilst providing jobs for local trades,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Wherever possible, we’re engaging local contractors and suppliers to ensure that the positive impact of this stimulus is felt through the regions building a safer and stronger NSW.”
“This program is part of the NSW Government’s school focused COVID stimulus, delivering benefits for the economy, environment and students.”
Last year the NSW Government announced an education infrastructure package as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan to deliver high-quality school infrastructure across the state while also support jobs. The package included:

• $240 million Regional and Metropolitan Renewal Programs
• $60 million Regional Roof Replacement Program
• $157.8 million LED Lighting Upgrade Program.

The Regional and Metropolitan Renewal Programs is delivering school improvement projects including playgrounds, COLAs, science labs and canteens. The programs are co-funded with school communities and more than 1,300 projects have already been announced representing an injection of $286 million right across NSW so far.
The Regional Roof Replacement Program includes funding to repair and replace roofs at up to 700 high priority regional schools.
The NSW Government is investing $7 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver more than 200 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW.  This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.

The NSW Police Force has welcomed 204 new officers including 17 veterans from the Australian Defence Force after they were sworn in as probationary constables in Goulburn today.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and Acting Police Commissioner David Hudson APM at the attestation ceremony before the new officers join Police Area Commands and Police Districts across the state.
Mr Elliott congratulated the recruits and made special mention of the veterans who have joined the NSW Police Force ahead of ANZAC Day.
“It is incredible to see 17 veterans joining the NSW Police Force in Class 346, and a further 15 currently undertaking their police training at the academy.”
“The Police family is dedicated to supporting each other and it is wonderful to know that it is the choice of so many who leave military service, to continue serving their communities with the men and women in blue. This is a true reflection of the Anzac spirit.”
“I wish all of the Class 346 recruits the very best as they start their careers, you will be an important and valued part of keeping our State safe.”
Acting Police Commissioner David Hudson APM welcomed the latest intake of probationary constables.
“Our newest probationary constables join the Force at a critical time, as we move beyond the trials of 2020,” Acting Police Commissioner Hudson said.
“As an organisation, we are constantly forced to face new and emerging challenges and that is why a career in policing in so rewarding.
“I welcome the latest graduating recruits of Class 346, they will provide a valuable addition to our policing capabilities across the state.”
Class 346, including 149 men and 55 women, has completed eight months of foundational training and will report to their stations on Monday 26 April 2021.

204 NEW OFFICERS WELCOMED TO THE NSW POLICE FORCE

• The NSW Police Force has welcomed 204 new officers including 17 veterans from the Australian Defence Force after they were sworn in as probationary constables in Goulburn.
• Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and Acting Police Commissioner David Hudson APM at the attestation ceremony before the new officers join Police Area Commands and Police Districts across the state.
• Class 346, including 149 men and 55 women, has completed eight months of foundational training and will report to their stations on Monday 26 April 2021.

SYDNEY CBD SUMMIT TURBOCHARGES RECOVERY

• The NSW Government is investing an additional $20 million into the CBD Revitalisation strategy to help stimulate Sydney’s CBD economy and boost jobs.
• NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet announced the funding following a second Sydney CBD Summit of business, community, government and industry leaders held at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
• The new funding brings the total CBD revitalisation investment to more than $40 million, including $5 million from the City of Sydney.

LIGHTS ON FOR THOUSANDS OF SCHOOL PROJECTS

• Thousands of public schools are being revamped and upgraded across the State as part of the NSW Government’s $450 million COVID-19 Recovery Plan to deliver school projects.
• Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the program was part of a $450 million package of works that will deliver better classrooms and school facilities for students while also supporting more than 3,500 jobs right across NSW.

FREE HOSPITALITY TRAINING AT NSW CLUBS

• The NSW Government has announced jobseekers across the state will have access to free hospitality training to address growing skills shortages in the regional hospitality industry.
• A partnership between the NSW Government and Clubs NSW will be piloted in clubs across the Upper Hunter, giving unemployed locals an opportunity to reskill for a job in a club.

NSW GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES $3 MILLION MULTI-TRADES WORKSHOP FOR SCONE

• The NSW Government announced a major expansion of the TAFE NSW training facilities in Scone, with a $3 million multi-trades workshop and mobile training storage facility to be constructed at the Scone Connected Learning Centre.
• Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the $3 million multi-trade workshop will complement the existing $6.5 million Connected Learning Centre (CLC) to deliver hands-on training in a range of areas critical to the economy.

WORLD-CLASS EQUINE TRAINING ACADEMY IN SCONE

• The NSW Government announced the Upper Hunter will cement itself as the equine capital of the nation with the former TAFE site at 2 Flemington Drive to become a world-class equine training centre delivered by Racing NSW.
• Deputy Premier John Barilaro said Racing NSW will develop a state-of-the-art equine industry training academy that will significantly expand its current use as an educational facility.

HUNTER DEFENCE INDUSTRY IS GROWING STRONGER

• The NSW Government has reiterated its support for the Hunter region’s thriving defence industry, as the Hunter Defence Conference kicks off, bringing together prime contractors, businesses, defence researchers and training institutions to drive collaboration for the future of the industry.
• The Hunter Defence Conference 2021 shines a spotlight on defence industry skilling and workforce readiness, defence capability development, supply chain and contract opportunities for small and medium enterprises and driving collaboration across the breadth of the defence industry.

SPRINGWOOD TOWN CENTRE REJUVENATION COMPLETE

• The Springwood Town Centre rejuvenation is now complete, providing locals and visitors alike with safer pedestrian crossings, new guttering, plants and seating.
• Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the town’s rejuvenation was funded under the transformative Western Sydney City Deal

Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad detectives have extradited a man from The Netherlands on outstanding warrants for child sexual and indecent assault offences alleged to have occurred more than 30 years ago.
In December 2010, officers from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad received a referral outlining allegations of historic child sex offences between 1981 and 1983.
An investigation was commenced under Strike Force Boyd, and following extensive inquiries, a warrant was issued for the arrest of a man – then aged 60 – in September 2016.
On Wednesday 13 December 2017, an Interpol Red Notice was subsequently issued seeking the man’s immediate arrest.
As part of ongoing investigations, detectives issued a global appeal for information on Monday 9 December 2019, to locate the man who was believed to have been living in the United Kingdom or Europe.
The man subsequently attended a police station at Rotterdam, The Netherlands, where he was arrested by Dutch Police pursuant to the Interpol Red Notice on Wednesday 11 December 2019.
The man was held in Dutch custody as detectives worked with Commonwealth partner agencies to seek his extradition to Australia.
Last Saturday (17 April 2021), Strike Force Boyd detectives travelled to The Hague in The Netherlands.
On Thursday (22 April 2021), the man – now aged 65 – was surrendered into NSW Police Force custody at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, to be escorted back to New South Wales.
Their flight arrived at Sydney International Airport about 7.15pm yesterday (Friday 23 April 2021), and the man was taken to Surry Hills Police Station.
He was subsequently charged with outstanding warrants for numerous child sexual and indecent assault offences that allegedly occurred across Sydney between 1981 and 1987.
The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court via AVL today (Saturday 24 April 2021).
Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Stacey Maloney, said detectives have worked tirelessly to ensure justice is served for the victims in these matters.
“This result could not have been achieved without the assistance and support of our interstate and international partner agencies – particularly the Dutch Police, Australian Federal Police and Attorney-General’s Department,” Det Supt Maloney said.
“This has been a complex and exhaustive investigation for police, who have spent nearly 10 years investigating these matters and a further 16 months navigating the extradition process and the subsequent challenges imposed on worldwide travel due to COVID-19.
“It is a testament to the strength, bravery, and patience of the victims, together with the determination and dedication of police, that charges have now been laid in relation to these alleged crimes.
“The four detectives who travelled to The Netherlands have returned safely and have now commenced their 14-day isolation in hotel quarantine and will undergo all necessary COVID-19 health checks before returning to work,” Det Supt Maloney said.
Investigations by Strike Force Boyd are continuing.

The NSW Government has reiterated its support for the Hunter region’s thriving defence industry, as the Hunter Defence Conference kicks off, bringing together prime contractors, businesses, defence researchers and training institutions to drive collaboration for the future of the industry.
The Hunter Defence Conference 2021 shines a spotlight on defence industry skilling and workforce readiness, defence capability development, supply chain and contract opportunities for small and medium enterprises and driving collaboration across the breadth of the defence industry.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said NSW had more skilled people than any other state to meet the requirements of the defence industry over the next decade.
“This is no more apparent than in the Hunter region, where collaboration between defence Prime contractors such as Lockheed Martin Australia, BAE Systems Australia and Boeing Defence Australia, along with local companies and education providers is driving a pipeline of the defence industry workforce of the future”.
“The defence sector contributes $944 million to the Hunter region and the NSW economy and the NSW Government is committed to seeing significant growth to support more local jobs.
“Investment NSW is now open for business to attract investment and propel job creation by growing industries like defence. With a concierge for businesses and investors to navigate options to partner with the NSW government, we are excited to be able to drive more jobs for NSW, commercialise ideas, and connect our businesses to global markets.”
The Hunter-based Nupress Group has been supplying precision manufactured components in the Aerospace and Defence sectors for over ten years, including the Joint Strike Fighter global supply chain where Nupress Group supplies parts for the engine.
Nupress Group CEO Craig McWilliam said Nupress has been part of the Hunter manufacturing sector since 1971.
“We undertook our transition into the defence sector and were motivated to elevate the supply chain as part of our journey. The Hunter is full of very smart and efficient businesses and we are excited to be part of this region’s defence industry opportunities,” Mr McWilliam said.
“We understand that no one can do it alone in the defence industry. We’ve always tried to elevate and support our supply chain in the same way that the large defence companies have supported us.”
The NSW Government, through Investment NSW, is focussed on growing the entirety of defence industry across NSW and that will enhance our contribution to National security interests.
“I can’t wait to see the future expansion that comes – we are all striving for jobs and innovation which is exactly what our defence industry is all about,” Mr Ayres said.
Further details about Defence NSW are available at www.defence.nsw.gov.au.