Category: NSW News

Dog and cat owners across NSW are set to benefit from a revamped NSW Pet Registry with a $2 million rebuild of the online platform to enhance functionality and improve the user experience.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock and Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the Government is building a new Pet Registry to improve registration and microchipping features based upon feedback from pet owners, animal welfare organisations, councils, and other key stakeholders.
“The Registry www.petregistry.nsw.gov.au allows pet owners to register cats and dogs, update their contact details, report missing pets, transfer ownership and pay lifetime registration fees all from a computer or mobile device,” Mrs Hancock said.
“It is a requirement in NSW for cats and dogs to be registered by the time they are six months old. They must first be microchipped and preferably desexed.
“Microchipping, registering and desexing your cat or dog is a crucial part of being a responsible pet owner and helps to reduce straying, aggression, fighting and antisocial behavior as well as added health benefits for your animal.
“Registering your cat or dog for a one-off lifetime fee and creating an online pet profile on the NSW Pet Registry gives you the best possible chance of having your beloved animal returned if it goes missing.
“Pet registration fees go directly to the Companion Animals Fund which pays for companion animal management by local councils including pounds/shelters, ranger services, dog recreation areas, and education and awareness programs.
“The fund is also used by the State Government to operate the NSW Pet Registry and carry out responsible pet ownership initiatives.”
Mr Dominello said the funding comes from the Digital Restart Fund, which invests in key digital transformation projects across the State.
“With the digital landscape evolving faster than ever, the time is right to take stock of how the Registry is serving the State’s pet owners and see how we can improve such an important component of responsible pet ownership,” Mr Dominello said.
“Pets bring joy to so many people’s lives but the current customer experience is poor and this funding will put pet owners at the centre of the process.
“From there the project will be geared towards streamlining microchipping and registration on the site, based upon stakeholder feedback on how the process can be made more pet owner friendly.”
The development of a new Pet Registry aligns with the Premier’s Priority of “Government Made Easy”, enhancing the way government interacts with customers, saving people time and improving the customer experience.
For more information on the NSW Pet Registry, visit www.petregistry.nsw.gov.au.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian has brought together the State’s leading experts in mRNA technology as NSW looks to create a new medical manufacturing and research industry.
Ms Berejiklian, Health Minister Brad Hazzard and NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant yesterday met with experts including NSW Chief Scientist Hugh Durrant-Whyte to discuss the capacity of NSW to manufacture mRNA vaccines.
Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines use mRNA technology. However, Australia currently has no long-form RNA manufacturing capacity.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the pandemic has shown us how the private sector, universities and the NSW Government can work together to produce world-leading technology, new-generation therapies and life-changing research.
“NSW is well placed to provide the advanced manufacturing workforce training, the scientific expertise and the physical location of a future RNA-based manufacturing hub.”
“The state has an established advanced manufacturing capability and is well placed to be the home of mRNA manufacturing in Australia.”
Unlike traditional vaccines which use an inactivated virus, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines teach cells how to make protein that triggers an immune response which provides protection from the real virus.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said RNA technology is projected to be a crucial tool in next generation vaccines, therapies and diagnostics.
“The success of RNA technology in rapidly developing a COVID-19 vaccine is just one early indicator of the potential of this technology to advance medicine,” Mr Hazzard said.
Hugh Durrant-Whyte, NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer said NSW has significant research expertise in RNA technologies that would benefit from stronger partnerships between academia and industry.
“NSW has world-leading research expertise in RNA, vaccine development and genetic therapies. Our objective is to translate this expertise into commercial medical manufacturing outcomes for the benefit of all,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said.
NSW is home to nationally and globally significant programs of genomic medicine development, particularly in the fields of gene therapy, gene-modified cell therapy and RNA therapy. These therapies treat a wide range of conditions including genetic diseases, cancers, infectious diseases and cardiac conditions.
NSW already has capabilities in the advanced manufacture of viral vectors, plasmids and short-form RNA, which are key technologies used for these therapies. The addition of mRNA capacity to this manufacturing network would significantly strengthen local research and development programs.

Investigations are now underway to make an 11-kilometre tunnel the central component of an upgraded Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Lithgow, forming the longest road tunnel in Australia.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the proposed tunnel would transform the state by better connecting the Central West to the East Coast.
“We have already committed to tunnels at Blackheath and Mount Victoria – this proposal would see those tunnels joined together, creating the longest road tunnel in the country,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This is an immensely complex and ambitious plan, but we’re working hard to make it happen because we know what a difference it will make to the lives of commuters, to regional businesses who need access to Sydney and vice versa, to freight companies, to families visiting relatives and to holiday makers.
“The NSW Government is committed to building a safer and stronger regional NSW and this corridor will enhance the state, significantly cutting travel times between the city and the bush.
“Completing the Katoomba to Lithgow section would deliver the final stage of a 130 kilometre upgrade, delivering dual carriageway on the Great Western Highway, a multi-decade program of works, making a safer, more resilient corridor.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the solution would link the two tunnels already determined for Blackheath and Mount Victoria to deliver a safer, more reliable connection through the Blue Mountains.
“The NSW Government knows how important this upgrade is to the people who use the Great Western Highway every day and in improving connections between Sydney and the Central West, which is why we committed $2.5 billion to deliver a once-in-a-generation upgrade to this key corridor,” Mr Toole said.
“As part of this upgrade, we’ve already committed to a 4.5-kilometre tunnel to bypass Blackheath and a 4-kilometre tunnel underneath Victoria Pass, one of the steepest roads in NSW.
“We’re now investigating connecting those two proposed tunnels into one longer tunnel. This would be a history-making project, delivering Australia’s longest road tunnel and
allow motorists to avoid all the current pinch points from Blackheath in the east to Little Hartley on the western side of Victoria Pass.
“It will also mean less disruption for local residents and businesses during construction and a smoother, safer journey for those travelling underneath Blackheath and Mount Victoria as well as those travelling above.”
Mr Toole said the eastern entry for the proposed tunnel will be on the outskirts of Blackheath to minimise impacts on local homes and be built in a section of National Park land to the south of Evans Lookout Road.
“At the Western end, the portal location in Little Hartley has been modified to improve safety and reduce property impacts in the valley.”
Transport for NSW is engaging with National Parks about the upgrade’s impacts on land adjacent to the proposed portals. Neither portal would impact the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.
Mr Toole said heavy traffic over the Easter weekend had reiterated the importance of the Great Western Highway Upgrade and safe, reliable connections over the mountains for locals and travellers alike.
“This is an immensely challenging project but, once complete, it will deliver dual carriageway in both directions for over 100 kilometres,” Mr Toole said.
“Should our investigations into a long tunnel determine that it isn’t viable, the community can be assured that we would proceed with a tunnel at Blackheath and a tunnel at Mount Victoria.”
Construction on the Great Western Highway Upgrade is expected to start at Medlow Bath in 2022, with the full upgrade expected to be completed within 8 to 10 years.
Mr Toole said the community would continue to shape the design of the upgrade as it moves towards construction.
“Later this year, Transport for NSW will consult with the community on the entire upgrade, including the proposed Blackheath to Little Hartley Tunnel.
“Between now and then, residents will see plenty of investigation work going on to make sure we have all the information we need to reduce the environmental impacts of the project.”
For more information on the Great Western Highway upgrade between Katoomba and Lithgow, visit nswroads.work/greatwesternhighway

Female sporting teams across regional NSW will benefit from new and improved facilities and regional towns will soon see even more investment in community infrastructure and programs that will make a big difference to everyday life in the bush, thanks to the $100 million Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor and Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said applications are now open for Round Four and communities are encouraged to apply.
“Up to $50 million is dedicated to the delivery of female sports facilities and programs, to encourage greater female participation in all levels and codes across regional NSW,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This NSW Government funding will make a big difference in the bush by delivering new and improved facilities as well as programs for female sports teams and is another step towards levelling the playing field for girls and women in remote, rural and regional communities.”
Ms Mitchell visited the Upper Hunter today to officially open the newly refurbished Scone netball courts at Bill Rose Sporting Complex and announced that applications for Round Four of the Stronger Country Communities fund are now open.
“A lack of adequate amenities, especially for females, can often be a barrier to participation. By improving and building purpose-fit facilities and developing programs, girls and women will feel more welcome, safe and encouraged to regularly participate in sports and active recreation,” Ms Mitchell said.
Mrs Taylor said getting facilities up to date, particularly women’s change rooms, will ensure all female athletes are supported to take part in a wide range of sports, including once male dominated codes.
“Facilities designed exclusively for women should be standard and this funding will help women all over rural and regional NSW overcome a major hurdle and feel empowered to play the sports they love with comfort and confidence,” Mrs Taylor said.
“We’re supporting female athletes of all ages and backgrounds to participate in sport, from grassroots to elite level and the Stronger Country Communities Fund is all about building a safer, stronger NSW for everyone.”
The Stronger Country Communities fund is part of the NSW Government’s $2 billion Regional Growth Fund. Applications for Round Four open 1 May 2021 and close on 25 June 2021. For more information, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/SCCF

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has welcomed 208 new firefighters to its ranks at a graduation ceremony this morning at the FRNSW Emergency Services Academy in Orchard Hills.
Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott congratulated the new permanent and on-call firefighters and wished them well as they commence their service to the community.
“Becoming a firefighter is no easy feat. FRNSW attracts up to 8000 applications each year, yet of these thousands, only a small number are chosen,” Mr Elliott said.
“These recruits will not only face fires. They are trained to respond to various incidents including medical emergencies, natural disasters, flood rescues and car accidents, environmental and hazardous material emergencies and counter terrorism.
“The recruits will be joining an elite organisation that prides itself on continued training and learning and I am sure that many in the community will feel much safer with these highly-trained recruits now on duty across NSW.”
Fire and Rescue NSW received a record investment of $900 million this financial year to support frontline firefighters in protecting lives, property and to continue being prepared for anything.
FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter congratulated the new recruits at today’s ceremony.
“There were 208 dedicated new firefighters standing before us today, each of them from diverse backgrounds but sharing one common goal – to protect the irreplaceable,” he said.
“These recruits have the diverse skills, capabilities and talents required to undertake the varied work that our firefighters do – from educating the community about fire safety and providing emergency medical care to responding to fires, natural disasters and hazmat incidents.
“They’ve been trained to be prepared for anything and I know they will uphold the high standards of integrity, courage and professionalism expected of a FRNSW firefighter.”
The new recruits come from all over NSW and a range of backgrounds, including a former Nepalese firefighter, a former school teacher and an accomplished television production editor.

Poor spectator behaviour at junior sport is set to be addressed, with the Shoosh for Kids Winter Awareness Month kicking off this weekend.
Following a hiatus in 2020 due to COVID-19, the campaign is making a strong comeback, with a record 21 sector partners and more than 600 sporting clubs and associations already signed up to take part in the initiaitive.
Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said with larger groups back at community sport it’s essential to keep sideline comments and behaviour positive.
“With a full season to look forward to this winter, the Shoosh for Kids message is more important than ever,” Mr Lee said.
“It’s great to see larger crowds and families back at community sport, and we all have a responsibility to ensure it is a fun, safe environment for children. One of the best ways we can do this is to keep comments positive so that kids want to keep playing and enjoying the benefits that sport offers.”
Founding partner of Shoosh for Kids and NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) CEO David Trodden said the campaign is vital in ensuring kids keep returning to junior sport.
“The NSWRL is proud to have helped launch this campaign six years ago and we’re thrilled the campaign has now broadened across the sport sector,” Mr Trodden said.
“We are very passionate about creating an enjoyable and positive environment to ensure kids want to come back each week, and most of all, have fun playing!”
In addition to new state sporting organisation partners, the network of 65 PCYC clubs across NSW have joined Shoosh for Kids for the first time, expanding the reach of the campaign to more than 70,000 youth that attend clubs and programs.
PCYC NSW CEO Dominic Teakle said the organisation was proud to join forces with the Office of Sport to help address negative spectator behaviour.
“The campaign aligns with one of our fundamental values – Respect – so we’re excited to be on board with this fantastic initiative led by the NSW Government,” Mr Teakle said.
“We know that young people thrive with positive adult role models and the Shoosh for Kids initiative reinforces positive, supportive behaviours in sport”.
Shoosh for Kids Winter Awareness Month will run from 1 to 31 May 2021, with free resources available to clubs and associations that sign up throughout the campaign.
For more information or to sign up, visit: sport.nsw.gov.au/shooshforkids

The next round of changes to NSW liquor laws comes into effect today to further support Sydney’s nightlife and encourage a vibrant and safe 24-hour economy.
Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the changes would boost jobs, provide the community with more entertainment options, and build on efforts to help revitalise the night-time economy.
“We’ve listened to industry and removed outdated and unnecessary regulations. The new rules give businesses confidence and certainty that we are serious about boosting the 24-hour economy,” Mr Dominello said.
“The economy doesn’t go to sleep at night and neither should our laws. This is about making life easier for businesses, while also prioritising community safety.
“These changes will breathe new life into one of the hardest hit sectors during the pandemic.”
Liquor reforms that begin today include:
Replacement of the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross licence freeze

• The freeze on new liquor licences for hotels, registered clubs, nightclubs, and packaged liquor outlets has ended and is replaced with a new evidence-based approach to manage numbers of licensed premises in the precincts and the related risks.
• The new approach is set out in a ‘Cumulative Impact Assessment’ which is available from the Liquor & Gaming NSW website.

Live music and entertainment changes

• Liquor licensing decision-makers are required under NSW liquor laws to consider the need to support employment and other opportunities in the live music industry, and arts, tourism, or community and/or cultural sectors when determining licence applications.
• NSW Councils have the option to take the lead in managing complaints about noise from inside licensed premises in their local area, including entertainment sound.
• Councils will also have new powers to establish ‘Special Entertainment Precincts’ where they adopt their own plans to encourage and manage live, amplified music.

Changes to small bars

• Eligible small bar applicants with the necessary planning approvals can be issued with an interim approval to start trading as soon as they lodge their liquor licence application online.

Further information about the 24-hour economy liquor reforms can be found here.

Secret tours will be held across the Sydney CBD this weekend with $10,000 worth of vouchers up for grabs for the first people to solve the riddles and unlock the clues.
The Secret City Trails Sydney website is part of the City Revitalisation Innovation Challenge, supported by Transport for NSW, to encourage people back into the CBD.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Sydney CBD was the economic engine room of the State and this exciting initiative would help people rediscover everything it has to offer and give it a much-needed jump-start.
“The pandemic has seen working patterns shift and we have to look at new and innovative ways to entice people back to into the city,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Nothing beats a day out in Sydney and this new and creative project will help more people rediscover the hidden gems of our city to support businesses and jobs in the CBD.”
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the challenge is about giving people exciting new reasons to head into the city.
“We are seeing more people returning to the CBD and we want that trend to continue. These unique experiences give people that extra reason to venture out of their suburb and into the CBD to explore all this wonderful city has to offer,” Mr Constance said.
“We are proud to provide more than $400, 000 in funding to encourage business to innovate new ways to help revitalise the city as we continue a strong economic recovery through COVID.”
The Secret City Trails Sydney will see participants discover the city through self-guided walks and by solving riddles to unlock curious stories about local landmarks. The first 2,000 people to complete a trail will receive $5 to spend at the final destination, on a coffee, ice cream or as a discount off the total bill.
The CBD will also play host to an outdoor art gallery called, ‘I Came to See’, a joint initiative with City of Sydney featuring work from Australian artists.
The Director of the Council’s city life program, Emma Rigney, said art plays an important role in Sydney’s cultural life.
“A thriving arts scene is a critical element of our vision for Sydney as a liveable, sustainable and dynamic global city, and is an aspect of our city that we are keen to promote to both Sydneysiders and visitors,” Ms Rigney said.
Explore Sydney’s Secret City Trails at: https://secretcitytrails.com/sydney.
The ‘I Came to See’ Outdoor Art Gallery will be in the Sydney CBD on:
Saturday 1 May – Friday 7 May at Martin Place
Saturday 8 May – Tuesday 18 May at Customs House Square
Wednesday 19 May – Sunday 30 May at Exchange Place, Barangaroo

Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee today announced TAFE NSW has signed a partnership with the Australian Institute of Sport to encourage more elite athletes to pursue vocational education and training pathways.
Under the memorandum of understanding, athletes will be given personalised support to balance their sporting commitments and vocational training.
The number of athletes seeking professional career advice through the AIS Career Practitioner Referral Network more than doubled in 2020 with around 20 per cent of these athletes going on to enrol at TAFE or university to support their post-sport career aspirations.
Mr Lee said TAFE NSW will join the Elite Athlete Education Network, firming its reputation as a world-class vocational education and training provider.
“This partnership cements TAFE NSW as a provider of choice for elite athletes who want flexibility and personalised support to gain employment skills while they compete at the elite level,” Mr Lee said.
“We’re proud to be partnering with the Australian Institute of Sport to help deliver the skilled workforce Australia needs now and into the future.”
Elite athletes enrolled at TAFE NSW will receive a nominated point of contact to provide advice and guidance on academic planning, course management and timetabling.
Australian Institute of Sport CEO Peter Conde said the agreement will support elite athletes who may have missed the opportunity to obtain formal skills.
“This is great news for elite athletes who can take advantage of the wide range of courses and flexible study options offered by TAFE NSW,” Mr Conde said.
“Education and training enable Australian athletes to learn, thrive and contribute to the community during their time in high-performance sport and life afterwards.”

The NSW Government will develop a new safety net for political staff following a review of policies ordered by Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
Former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Professor Pru Goward has delivered her report to the Premier.
Ms Berejiklian said she welcomed the findings of the Goward Review into Policies and Procedures in Ministerial Offices regarding bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct and will be accepting the recommendations made.
“I would like to thank Pru Goward for this comprehensive and forthright report,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It’s very important to me that we stress test everything that exists in and around NSW Ministerial Offices to make sure that we have in place good policies and culture.
“I am keen to adopt all the recommendations and there will be an opportunity for consultation in the next phase of this process. If we’re serious about making change, we have to do it properly and this will involve engagement with NSW Parliament and any survivors.
“I want to have a clear conscience that I’ve done everything I can to make sure that our workplace is supportive, respectful, and fair and that staff are always comfortable in coming forward in a safe setting.”
The review found shortcomings currently exist within the system, and 13 recommendations have been made including:

• The establishment of an independent process for those unwilling to have their complaint handled within a Ministerial Office;
• The establishment of clear and transparent processes to be followed where complaints are made, including where the complaint may constitute criminal conduct;
• Development of a best practice Respectful Workplace Policy, including investigative and reporting procedures to address bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct in Ministerial Offices to enhance the safety and security of staff;
• An increased focus on training for staff and Chiefs regarding their obligations;
• An anonymous survey to be conducted of all Ministers and their staff to establish a baseline for the subsequent impact of the new policies and procedures.
• That the independent structure report regularly to the Premier on emerging trends and proposals to improve the respectful workplace policy.

Full report can be found here: www.dpc.nsw.gov.au/gowardreview