Category: NSW News

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.

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.
“We worked with the veteran community to develop programs that reflect their interests, eliminate barriers and support a fulfilling life post-service,” Mr Lee said.
“NSW is home to more than 200,000 former Australian Defence Force personnel; a diverse group of men and women who served our country.
“Their experiences are at the core of this flagship strategy, thanks to the valuable input provided by the veteran community and their families.”
In addition to focus groups, more than 2,000 individual veterans, reservists, family members and supporters gave their input via an online survey.
By harnessing a whole-of-government approach, four key areas were identified to help achieve veteran wellbeing: recognition and commemoration, education and employment, community and volunteering, and support.
Parliamentary Secretary for Veterans James Griffin said the Strategy will help veterans to continue developing their skills and participate fully in society.
“The Strategy will guide education and employment outcomes, create social connections, and target services in health, wellbeing and housing,” Mr Griffin said.
The landmark strategy – endorsed by RSL NSW, Legacy NSW and the Australian War Widows NSW – includes initiatives such as the Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship, the National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare and funding for Veteran Sports Australia.
Read the NSW Government Veterans Strategy here.
Read the NSW Veterans Action Plan here.

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.
“Our November Budget committed nearly $500 million to this rebate, which will leave more money in the pockets of eligible small businesses, sole traders and non-profit organisations,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and supporting them equals supporting jobs. I encourage all eligible operators to register for the $1500 credit with Service NSW.”
Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said claiming the rebate would be simple and could be done online.
“Liquor licences, food authority licences, council rates and outdoor seating fees are just a few examples of the fees and charges that can be claimed back through this rebate scheme,” Mr Dominello said.
“Small businesses who have total wages below the new 2020-21 $1.2 million payroll tax threshold, and have a turnover of at least $75,000 per year, will be able to register through their MyServiceNSW account and claim back eligible state and local government fees and changes.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the launch of the rebate scheme coincided with a number of licence waivers coming to an end.
“It’s so important that we continue to support the small businesses of NSW,” Mr Tudehope said.
“Small businesses are the backbone of their communities and we want to make it easier for them to run a business and get ahead.”
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

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.
“Our November Budget committed nearly $500 million to this rebate, which will leave more money in the pockets of eligible small businesses, sole traders and non-profit organisations,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and supporting them equals supporting jobs. I encourage all eligible operators to register for the $1500 credit with Service NSW.”
Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said claiming the rebate would be simple and could be done online.
“Liquor licences, food authority licences, council rates and outdoor seating fees are just a few examples of the fees and charges that can be claimed back through this rebate scheme,” Mr Dominello said.
“Small businesses who have total wages below the new 2020-21 $1.2 million payroll tax threshold, and have a turnover of at least $75,000 per year, will be able to register through their MyServiceNSW account and claim back eligible state and local government fees and changes.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the launch of the rebate scheme coincided with a number of licence waivers coming to an end.
“It’s so important that we continue to support the small businesses of NSW,” Mr Tudehope said.
“Small businesses are the backbone of their communities and we want to make it easier for them to run a business and get ahead.”
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

The world’s smartest computer could be used to tackle Sydney’s complex transport problems, including updating schedules in real time if there is crowding on the network.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said a new partnership between the NSW Government and Australian company Q-CTRL will look at how quantum computing technology can create and manage a more resilient transport network.
“This is a rare opportunity for some of our leading transport innovators and quantum computing experts to come together to tackle complex transport network management and congestion problems,” Mr Constance said.
“Future applications of the technology could include mapping all transport modes and crowd movements simultaneously in real time, and automatically updating the schedule to solve disruption issues.
“We could see all trains, busses, ferries, trams and motorways essentially ‘talking to each other’ to find out where customers are and deploy resources where needed. It could be used for massive public events, like New Year’s Eve or Vivid Festival.”
Q-CTRL Founder and CEO Professor Michael Biercuk said Quantum computers are an emerging technology that replaces the traditional ‘binary’ computing concepts used in most computers today, and instead uses quantum physics to tackle tough computational challenges in a fraction of the time.
“This technology could completely transform the computing tools available to Transport for NSW in the next few years. The possibilities are endless,” Professor Biercuk said.
The quantum computing research project is one of several initiatives being launched as part of the Future Transport Technology Roadmap.

Construction is underway on the state’s second longest steel arch bridge, which will connect light rail users, cyclists and pedestrians when the Parramatta Light Rail opens in 2023.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the biggest of the six bridges being constructed for the project will stretch across six lanes of traffic on James Ruse Drive in Rosehill, and accommodate the new light rail and walking and bike-riding path.
“The giant bronze arches will be an amazing sight for locals and anyone travelling through the area. The new bridge has the second longest steel arch bridge span in the state, behind the Sydney Harbour Bridge,” Mr Constance said.
“This bridge is currently on a construction site next to James Ruse Drive, where the fabricated steelwork, each piece weighing up to 60 tonnes, has been assembled to build the 15-metre-high steel arch.”
The Australian-made steelwork for the bridge was fabricated by Western Sydney based company, S&L Steel, before it was transported to Rosehill for assembly.
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the project is committed to using Australian resources wherever possible and supporting local jobs.
“The Australian steel was fabricated in a workshop at Rooty Hill, creating around 50 jobs for Western Sydney,” Dr Lee said.
“The bridge will be a great asset for the local community as it will not only support the new light rail, but it will make it much safer for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the very busy James Ruse Drive.”
Over the coming weeks, the temporary support frames will be removed, and the arch will be fitted out with precast concrete, concrete deck, precast concrete barriers, and temporary steel railing and protection screens, before it is lifted into place.
The 1425-tonne steel and concrete structure will be moved into position during a weekend closure of James Ruse Drive in the coming months. Once in place, the bridge will be fitted out for light rail and pedestrian and cyclist use.
The Parramatta Light Rail will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia, and is expected to commence services in 2023.

Today marks 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.
“I am excited to open this stunning new foreshore walk in Barangaroo, which not only connects the natural surroundings of Barangaroo Reserve with the business district of Barangaroo South, but also completes the scenic walk along Sydney Harbour from Woolloomooloo to the Anzac Bridge,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The walk is a beautiful 15-metre-wide, tree-lined boulevard on Sydney’s waterfront and will be used by cyclists, commuters and visitors every day. It is designed by award-winning landscape architect Peter Walker, who also designed the Barangaroo Reserve.
“This new public space demonstrates our commitment to ensure more than half of Barangaroo is public open space and opens up this once neglected and inaccessible area for the community to enjoy.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the opening of the final part of the Barangaroo foreshore demonstrated the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to creating more public space throughout Sydney.
“In October last year, we opened Waterman’s Cove and today we make available another 300 metres of public space which runs alongside our world-famous harbour,” Mr Stokes said.
“The pandemic has showed us how vital public space is and with more people coming back into the CBD, we need more spaces like this one at Barangaroo.
“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.”

A childcare teacher has been charged over the alleged assault of a child in Sydney’s north west.
Between Thursday 11 March 2021 and Wednesday 17 March 2021, police will allege a two-year-old boy was assaulted on multiple occasions by his educator at a day care centre in Castle Hill.
The matter was reported to police and officers from The Hills Police Area Command commenced an investigation.
Following inquiries, detectives attended a home in The Ponds about 1.30pm today (Friday 9 April 2021), and arrested a 26-year-old woman.
The woman was taken to Castle Hill Police Station where she was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm; and seven counts of common assault.
She was given bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on 27 April 2021.