Category: NSW News

The NSW Government today 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.
“The development of this equine training centre will see the Upper Hunter community have access to the very best of what the thoroughbred racing industry has to offer,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The thoroughbred racing industry generates a $3.6 billion economic benefit to NSW and sustains 27,600 full time equivalent jobs across the state so this is a major boost for local employment now, and for generations to come.
“The Upper Hunter will have the best of both worlds, with a world-class equine training centre in Scone and state-of-the-art learning facilities including the Connected Learning Centre in Scone and the Muswellbrook TAFE.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said Racing NSW’s investment in the Flemington Drive site will elevate equine training to a world-class standard.
“The community and local industry will benefit from specialised equine courses delivered by Racing NSW for local jobs such as stablehands, trainers, trackwork riders and jockeys,” Mr Lee said.
“It is the NSW Government’s priority to deliver the training industry demands and who better to lead the charge than the nation’s leading thoroughbred racing body.”
Racing NSW Chief Executive Peter V’landys said Racing NSW will offer extensive courses for the thoroughbred racing industry and other trades.
“We’re committed to working with TAFE NSW and the local community to ensure the training needs of the local community are being met for all trades,” Mr V’landys said.
TAFE NSW will lease back parts of the site for up to three years at nil cost and has committed to the continued delivery of equine training in the Scone community beyond 2024, as required.

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 today at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
“We need to continue to drive growth in Australia’s global city as we emerge from the pandemic, and today a diverse mix of people came together in Australia’s global city to help make this happen,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The Government will allocate an additional $20 million which will be used to help our city grow. We want more people back in the city, whether that’s working or shopping or coming in for entertainment and dining.”
The new funding brings the total CBD revitalisation investment to more than $40 million, including $5 million from the City of Sydney.
Minister for Small Business Damien Tudehope said the first Sydney CBD Summit supported initiatives such as increased public transport, flexible outdoor dining arrangements, and programs to attract people into the CBD.
“Since the first Summit, we’ve gone on to launch Dine & Discover, as well as new Sydney CBD accommodation vouchers which will be available later this year and we’ll consider other opportunities as they arise,” Mr  Tudehope said.
“However, commercial occupancy rates in Sydney remain around 50 per cent due to continuing flexible working, well down from the pre-pandemic rate of about 90 per cent.
“When people return to the office, they support small businesses and local jobs by buying lunch, shopping in store rather than online, and going out to visit cultural institutions as they stay open after dark.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the September summit saw changes to how spaces were used in the city, such as enabling businesses to operate with more outdoor seating and dining areas, and flexibility remained key to the city’s revival.
“We need to accept that the CBD post-pandemic will look and operate differently than it did before COVID-19 hit us and that’s why it’s important we have events like today’s summit to hear a range of perspectives on emerging issues,” Mr Stokes said.
“Sydney is our global city and we’ve got to do what we can to propel its growth and ensure we’re maximising business and cultural opportunities into the future.”
Minister for Tourism and Jobs Stuart Ayres said the CBD remained impacted by the halt on international travel, which supported businesses and jobs.
“International travellers to Sydney contributed more than $1 billion to the economy over the summer of 2020 and the city is still grappling with that loss, despite improvements on the domestic tourism front,” Mr Ayres said.
“The CBD needs to mature from being a place we go to work into a 24-hour destination with a diverse range of experiences.”
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said she welcomed the CBD Summit to help unlock further potential and build upon learnings from revitalisation programs like Sunset Piazza, Culture Up Late and Al Fresco dining.
“Last September’s summit led to initiatives that put us on the path of recovery, by making outdoor dining easier, supporting live entertainment and creating our fabulous Summer Piazza at Cathedral Square,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We have helped breathe life back into the city centre and it is vital we continue our support of businesses and jobs through creative programs.”

The NSW Government has today 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 Deputy Premier John Barilaro said COVID-19 had intensified an already-acute skills shortage for jobs, with local unemployment and a lack of overseas workers such as chefs, bar attendants and kitchenhands.
“The NSW Government is committed to working with the hospitality industry to get local people back in work and plug these skills gaps by providing hands-on experience in clubs across the state,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Right here in the Upper Hunter, Singleton Diggers, Muswellbrook RSL, Singleton Bowlo and Scone RSL will be among the first in the state to take advantage of the free training and equip locals with specialised skills delivered by TAFE NSW.
“Following the pilot in the Upper Hunter, the program will be rolled out to regional areas across the state, making it easier for jobseekers to find jobs in the future, keeping money in the local economy.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the partnership with Clubs NSW will not only help train locals but match them to hospitality jobs.
“This customised training employment program will deliver much-needed skills relief for clubs and regional economies, ensuring local jobs are filled by local workers,” Mr Lee said.
“Clubs play an important role in regional communities so it’s fitting they will also become a training ground for registered training organisations to deliver industry-relevant, hands-on skills and mentoring right here in their local club or at their local TAFE NSW.”
Clubs NSW Chief Executive Josh Landis said Clubs NSW welcomed the partnership with the NSW Government to create jobs in regional areas.
“Registered clubs employ more than 43,000 people across the state and are often the largest employer in regional communities, providing an opportunity for country residents to live and work in the towns they grew up in,” Mr Landis said.
The fee-free training will be funded by the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program with a pilot expected to begin from July.
For more information, visit www.training.nsw.gov.au/programs_services/funded_other/clubsnsw/index.html

The NSW Government has today launched a bold program to set aside a portion of coal mining royalties to ensure coal mining communities have a strong future for decades to come.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro announced the new fund in Breeza today and said the new Royalties for Rejuvenation fund will see $25 million set aside each year to ensure coal mining communities have the support they need to develop other industries in the long-term.
“Make no mistake, coal mining has a strong future in this state, but to ensure stability for the long haul we are setting aside funds so those coal mining communities, which produce such a valuable resource for our state, can plan what their future looks like,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Today we are announcing a future fund, for future generations and future jobs, to ensure long-term prosperity in regional NSW.
“The NSW Government’s Future of Coal Strategy is a roadmap for the coal industry in NSW, but we understand that mines have a lifespan, and we need to ensure coal mining communities keep quality high-paying jobs in their towns for the next generation and the generation after that.”
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government recognises that the coal mining industry is the economic backbone of this state and in turn coal mining communities need certainty for their future.
“Hundreds of millions of dollars will be invested in these communities over coming years to ensure jobs and investment in our vital regional areas,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We want to ensure mining towns continue to have highly skilled well-paid jobs in growth industries that will lock in their economic security long into the future, so young people have the opportunity to remain in the town where they grew up.”
This initiative follows the NSW Government’s introduction of the highly successful Resources for Regions program in 2012 which has seen $345 million invested in local mining communities.

As Term 1 of the 2021 school year begins there are still 24 new schools the Liberals promised before the 2019 election which they have not built.
The new schools promised across NSW that the Liberals have failed to build are:

Shadow Minister for Education Prue Car said the failure to build schools was letting down families and a missed opportunity to create local jobs.
“Building schools is a key way we can create jobs across NSW. It puts kids in classrooms and keeps tradies in their jobs,” Ms Car said.
“But under the Liberals all we have are false promises, overcrowded schools and results at an all-time low. Liberals just can’t be trusted on education.”

Five new and upgraded schools will open in Term 2 benefitting more than 4,400 students across NSW.
Three schools opened their doors today, including Picton High School (new), Mainsbridge School for Specific Purposes (new) and Parramatta West Public School (upgrade). Murrumbidgee High School (upgrade) and St Ives High School (upgrade) will open by the end of Term 2.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell and Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee visited students at Parramatta West Public School today.
The Parramatta West Public School upgrade includes 20 new classrooms, a new hall and a new administrative space.
Ms Berejiklian said the scale of the school building in NSW is unprecedented with more than 30 new and upgraded schools expected to be delivered in 2021.
“The NSW Government has already opened 10 new schools this year and in Term 2 we will open another five,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Even during the challenge of the pandemic, NSW has kept building. Students across the State are enjoying new classrooms, school halls, outdoor learning areas and libraries.”
Ms Mitchell said the new facilities at these schools and others across NSW are incredible.
“Communities are seeing real improvements at their local schools, with everything from new canteens and playgrounds, to new schools and major upgrades like we see here in Parramatta,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We will support jobs across the state as we look to recover from COVID-19, and at the same time secure the future prosperity of NSW by enhancing schools for our students and teachers.”
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the community was excited for another major school upgrade in the area.
“I want children to be passionate about education when they come to school. The work of dedicated teachers and staff is so important for learning outcomes, and we are supporting them with world class facilities right here in Parramatta,” Dr Lee said.
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.
New and upgraded schools opening in Term 2 2021:

• Parramatta West Public School – upgrade
• Mainsbridge School for Specific Purposes – new
• Picton High School – new
• Murrumbidgee High School – upgrade
• St Ives High School – upgrade

The long-awaited prequel to George Miller’s Academy Award Winning Mad Max: Fury Road is set to be filmed in NSW, and expected to become the biggest film ever to be made in Australia.
Furiosa stars Chris Hemsworth, Anya Taylor-Joy and Yahya Abdul Mateen II, and will become the largest production to ever be filmed in NSW when filming begins in June.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said securing the production of Furiosa in NSW was an important win for the State and our film industry.
“This is great news for NSW – Furiosa is expected to support more than 850 local jobs and bring in around $350 million into the NSW economy,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“NSW will be home to this major production providing a boost to the economy across the State with filming to take place in a number of locations including in Western Sydney and regional NSW.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the production confirmed NSW is the Premier film-making destination in Australia.
“There is no better place to make an international blockbuster than here in NSW. We employ 56 per cent of the Australian screen industry and we’re open for business,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It’s showtime in NSW and that means jobs not just for the Arts, but right across the trades, hospitality and transport sectors as well.”
Federal Communications Minister Paul Fletcher said securing the production was a significant win for Australia’s expanding screen industry.
“We are experiencing a boom in large scale global productions coming to film in Australia,” said Minister Fletcher.
“The Morrison Government has a clear focus on supporting the Australian screen sector to seize this opportunity.”
Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin said attracting Furiosa to NSW was a momentous moment for the local screen industry, which has seen a recent boom in blockbuster productions.
“Everything about Furiosa is as thrilling as it sounds, and I know this major production will further cement NSW’s place as an extremely competitive film production powerhouse, for delivering high-end international productions,” Mr Harwin said.
“I am thrilled Furiosa will call NSW home thanks to the support of the NSW Government’s Made in NSW fund.”
Director Dr George Miller said it was great to see the Mad Max franchise return to Australia.
“We are entirely grateful to the Berejiklian Government and for the advice and help extended to us by Graeme Mason, CEO of Screen Australia and Grainne Brunsdon, Head of Screen NSW. The support of the Federal and New South Wales Governments were pivotal. They made it possible for the film to be greenlit, shot in Australia and for the production to be based in our home state,” Dr Miller said.
The NSW Government’s $175 million Made in NSW fund and PDV Rebate and the Federal Government’s 40 per cent Producer Offset helped to secure the production for NSW.

NSW POWERS AHEAD IN JOB RECOVERY

• NSW is getting back to work with more than 14,500 people gaining full-time or part-time jobs last month, with figures released showing the state’s unemployment rate dropping to 5.4 per cent.
• Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW unemployment rate is 0.3 percentage points lower than last month and is the second lowest among the states after Western Australia.

LAST PIECE OF THE LINK IN SCENIC HARBOUR FORESHORE WALK

• Premier Berejiklian marked the opening of the 300-metre-long final piece of the 11 kilometre Barangaroo foreshore walk from Woolloomooloo to the Anzac Bridge.
• Premier Gladys Berejiklian said opening up the last piece of the 11 kilometre walk is a fundamental part of Barangaroo’s transformation from a once neglected and inaccessible area into a world-class cultural, residential, business and retail hub.
• More than 100 trees were planted in this section of the foreshore walk which contributes to our goal to plant one million trees by 2022.

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK DELIVERS BETTER BYPASSES FOR SINGLETON AND MUSWELLBROOK

• The NSW Government is powering ahead with plans for the Singleton bypass, announcing it will build a full interchange for the bypass with the Putty Road.
• Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the Singleton bypass would be the biggest road infrastructure project in Singleton’s history.
• Construction of the Singleton and Muswellbrook bypasses is expected to create more than 2000 jobs.

EUROPEAN AMBASSADORS ENERGISED BY INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN HUNTER REGION

• A NSW Government led trade mission in the Hunter region kicks off, showcasing the region’s investment opportunities in defence, aerospace, energy and manufacturing industries to ambassadors from 14 countries and the European Union.
• Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the trade mission is the fifth in three years and part of a targeted investment strategy that is making regional NSW a preferred choice for global investors.

NSW GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR WINE INDUSTRY

• The NSW Government and the NSW Wine Industry Association have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will deliver support to producers and provide a renewed focus on increasing exports and regional industry development and encourage further innovation.
• Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the agreement, signed at a Hunter Valley gathering of wine industry leaders who were meeting with a visiting Trade Mission from European Union nations, will deliver a range of support measures and commitments with an equivalent value of more than $3 million through to June 2023.

SMALL BUSINESS REBATE SCHEME KICKS OFF

• Small businesses are encouraged to sign up for a new $1500 rebate scheme to help cover the cost of NSW and local government fees and charges.
• Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate was designed to benefit tens of thousands of small businesses across the state as NSW continues its post-pandemic recovery.
• The rebate will be available until 30 June 2022. To apply and for more information, including the program guidelines, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/small-business-fees-and-charges-rebate

COMMUNITY URGED TO STAY ALERT DESPITE STORM SEASON ENDING

• While storm season has finished for another year, and the La Niña weather pattern has passed, NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is reminding communities of the need to stay vigilant and prepared.
• Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott reminded the community that although the storm season is over, the community cannot get complacent.
• For more information on how to prepare for storms and floods and for the latest warnings and alerts, visit ses.nsw.gov.au.

FLAGSHIP STRATEGY TO SUPPORT NSW VETERANS

• The service and sacrifices of veterans and their transition from military to civilian life are in focus with the NSW Government launching the State’s first whole-of-government strategy, developed using insights and expertise from ex-serving personnel and their families.
• Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said the NSW Government Veterans Strategy aims to improve existing support services and identify new initiatives.
• Read the NSW Government Veterans Strategy here: https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/assets/veterans-affairs/NSW-Veterans-Strategy-2021-24.pdf

• Read the NSW Veterans Action Plan here: https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/assets/veterans-affairs/Veterans-Strategy-Action-Plan-2021-22.pdf

MORE THAN $2.3 MILLION FOR COUNCILS TO MANAGE THEIR COASTLINES

• The NSW Government announced more than $2.3 million in coastal funding has been awarded to councils through the 2020-2021 Coastal and Estuary Grants Program’s planning stream which will provide assistance to councils in managing their coastlines.
• Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock congratulated the councils of Ballina Shire, Bellingen Shire, Byron Shire, City of Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield City, Kiama Municipal, Shoalhaven City and Wollongong City in partnership with Shellharbour City on their successful applications for funding.
• Further information on the program can be found here.

NSW is getting back to work with more than 14,500 people gaining full-time or part-time jobs last month, with figures released today showing the state’s unemployment rate dropping to 5.4 per cent.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW unemployment rate is 0.3 percentage points lower than last month and is the second lowest among the states after Western Australia.
“NSW is the engine room of Australia and we’re powering ahead with economic recovery,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Our state’s handling of COVID-19 clusters continues to be effective in balancing health and economic risks, and there’s no doubt we’re really seeing this pay off as more people re-enter the workforce.
“Challenges still lie ahead and we must remain focused, particularly as post JobKeeper numbers come through towards the middle of the year, but today’s numbers for March are a strong indication we have cause to be optimistic.”
Minister for Jobs Stuart Ayres said almost all jobs lost during the peak of the pandemic had now returned in NSW.
“In March we saw 7,226 people gain full-time employment and 7,421 people gain part-time employment, while just 1,435 fewer people are now employed in NSW, compared to pre-COVID,” Mr Ayres said.
“The state’s participation rate has risen above its pre-COVID levels, with a 0.1 percentage point increase this month to 65.7 per cent. We’ve also seen the female participation rate rise 0.5 percentage points to 61.3 per cent, a new record high.
“We remain cautiously optimistic of this improvement; however, we acknowledge with the ending of JobKeeper there may be some adjustment in job figures in the months ahead.”
“The NSW Government will continue to provide targeted support where possible, which includes our recent announcement of a $50 million tourism and arts package, designed to support the industries likely to be impacted the most by the end of JobKeeper.”

More than 45 NSW-based organisations will receive a share in $10 million to boost job opportunities and social and community participation for people with disability.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) grants are about creating a more inclusive and accessible community.
“We want to empower people with disability to live happy and healthy lives where they can exercise choice and control over the supports they receive,” Mr Ward said.
“These grants enable organisations to deliver life-changing initiatives that benefit people with disability, their families and carers.
“This program is about creating connections between people with disability and the communities they live in, so that they can thrive and reach their goals.”
The grants include support for programs focusing on creating job opportunities for young people leaving school, accessible arts initiatives and tailored support for people with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Multiple national organisations have also received funding to roll out programs that will benefit NSW residents.
ILC grants support both NDIS participants and people with disability who are not eligible for the Scheme.
People with disabilities in NSW have benefitted from more than $135 million in ILC funding since the introduction of the NDIS in 2015.
This financial year NSW will contribute almost $3.5 billion towards the NDIS.
The list of successful applicants is available online.