Category: NSW News

The Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC), has been activated to support the severe weather operation.
The Public Information and Inquiry Centre can be contacted by calling 1800 227 228.
Members of the public can contact the Public Information and Inquiry Centre for information relating the severe weather and flooding. It will operate on a 24 hours basis until at least 5pm on Monday (22 March 2021).
State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, has appealed for the public to not become complacent.
“Members of the public in the flood affected areas need to heed the warnings and advice of the NSW State Emergency Service and all emergency services.
“Our message is clear – do not put your life or that of emergency service personnel in danger.
“Floodwater is extremely dangerous as it can have fast moving undercurrents that can wash people and vehicles away.
Everyone should always remember to never drive, ride or walk through floodwater,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
For the latest on road closures members of the community can visit the website www.livetraffic.com or contact their local councils.
Members of the public in flood affected areas should continue to listen to local radio stations, or check the websites listed below.
It should be noted this inquiry hotline does not replace the State Emergency Service emergency hotline.
Members of the public seeking emergency assistance during a flood or storm should call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500, or visit their website www.ses.nsw.gov.au
For all other emergencies, the public are advised to contact Triple Zero.

As severe weather continues to impact the NSW Coast, emergency services are continuing to urge residents to delay all non-essential travel at this time.
A coastal low is impacting the NSW coastline, particularly the Mid North Coast – with the system gradually moving south to the Hunter, Greater Sydney and Illawarra regions today and tomorrow (Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 March 2021).
Evacuation orders have been issued by the NSW State Emergency Service for low lying properties in these areas:

• Central Wingham and the Wingham Peninsular
• Taree Estate, Dumaresq Island and Cundletown
• Laurieton, North Haven, Dunbogan and Diamond Head
• Kings Point and Macksville
• Wauchope and Rawdon Island
• Bulahdelah
• Kempsey CBD
• Lower Macleay
• Port Macquarie

Detailed explanations of each evacuation order can be read on the NSW SES website: www.ses.nsw.gov.au
As a result, several evacuation centres have been set up to accommodate those impacted by floodwaters. These include:

• Wingham Golf Club, 30/32 Country Club Drive, Wingham
• Taree RSL and Golf Club, 121 Wingham Road, Taree
• The Laurieton United Services Club, 2 Seymour Street, Laurieton
• Kempsey Showground, 19 Sea Street, West Kempsey
• Port Panthers, 1 Bay Street, Port Macquarie (access via Bago Road only)
• Bulahdelah Central School, 8 Meade Street (Church Street)
• Auditorium at Macksville High School, 40 Boundary Street, Macksville (access via Park Street)
• South West Rocks Country Club, 2 Sportmans Way, South West Rocks

The Pacific Highway remains closed in both directions between Coopernook and Glenthorne, while the northbound lanes are closed at Moorland between Hannam Vale Road and Jericho Road.
The Oxley Highway between Mount Seaview and Walcha remains closed in both directions following a landslide.
Several towns on the Mid North Coast have been isolated due to floodwaters across the roads. A number of localised road closures are in place, for the latest traffic information please visit www.livetraffic.com or www.myroadinfo.com.au.
The Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC), has been activated to support the severe weather operation.
The Public Information and Inquiry Centre can be contacted by calling 1800 227 228.
Members of the public can contact the Public Information and Inquiry Centre for information relating the severe weather and flooding. It will operate on a 24 hours basis until at least 5pm on Monday (22 March 2021).
Members of the public in flood affected areas should continue to listen to local radio stations, or check the websites listed below.
It should be noted this inquiry hotline does not replace the State Emergency Service emergency hotline.
Members of the public seeking emergency assistance during a flood or storm should call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500, or visit their website www.ses.nsw.gov.au.
For all other emergencies, the public are advised to contact Triple Zero (000).

Millions of customers will be able to take advantage of the State Government’s much anticipated Dine & Discover NSW program, thanks to the program going live state wide.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the $500 million program follows successful testing and pilots in The Rocks, Broken Hill, Sydney CBD, Northern Beaches and Bega Valley.
“This stimulus will give businesses the boost they need after an incredibly tough 12 months, and will encourage customers to get out and about safely,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“These vouchers will help businesses keep their doors open and grow, while providing customers with much needed hip pocket relief.”
Dine & Discover NSW will be rolled out progressively across NSW, with the first two stages underway.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the program will bring much needed relief to some of the State’s hardest hit industries.
“We want businesses to grow and thrive and for workers to stay in jobs. This stimulus is exactly what NSW needs as our economy goes from strength to strength,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Whether it’s a café, restaurant, cinema or gallery, these industries have done it tough during the pandemic, and these vouchers will encourage more customers to come through the door and spend.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the vouchers are simple and easy to use, with customers able to spend them via the Service NSW app.
“The app is seamless, contactless and safe. We are using digital technology to make life easier for customers and businesses,” Mr Dominello said.
“Throughout the testing and pilot phases, customers spent an average of $39, which is almost double the money going straight back into the community.”
NSW residents will be able to easily apply online to receive their vouchers through the latest version of the Service NSW app and website, and a non-digital solution will be made available to customers who don’t have a smartphone or compatible device.
Every NSW resident aged 18 and over will be eligible for four $25 vouchers worth $100 in total, to spend in participating businesses.
Dine & Discover NSW vouchers will be divided into two categories:

• Two $25 vouchers to be used for eating in at restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and clubs 7 days a week, excluding public holidays.
• Two $25 vouchers to be used for entertainment and recreation, including cultural institutions, live music, and arts venues, available 7 days a week, excluding public holidays.

Businesses can register to participate in the program at any time and vouchers are valid until 30 June 2021.
The vouchers can only be used at eligible businesses that have implemented a COVID Safety Plan and are registered as COVID Safe.
Throughout each week, vouchers will become available in more Local Government Areas.  Customers will receive an email letting them know when it’s their turn to apply for their vouchers, or they can use a simple eligibility checker online.
The rollout schedule is available at: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/dine-discover-nsw-vouchers-local-government-areas.
For more information on Dine & Discover NSW, visit www.nsw.gov.au

Rubber gap filler technology is being trialed at Circular Quay, to improve safety and accessibility across the Sydney Trains network.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the technology is an innovative way of preventing people falling between the platform and the train.
“Circular Quay is one of the busiest stations and has one of the highest number of falls between the platform and train on the Sydney Trains network, with children and elderly customers most likely to fall and be injured,” Mr Constance said.
“Parts of the rail network are more than 165 years old and there is no one-stop-shop solution to preventing customer falls. Every platform has unique properties such as gradients, curves and varying heights, and requires a tailored, engineered approach.”
“The results of this trial will help Sydney Trains assess the suitability of using the rubber gap filler technology on other platforms similar to Circular Quay.”
Acting Chief Executive of Sydney Trains Suzanne Holden said on average, five people fall through the gap across the Sydney Trains network each week.
“We want everyone who uses our network to be safe at all times which is why we are committed to upgrading stations for improved safety and accessibility,” Ms Holden said.
“Sydney Trains’ engineers have studied the experience of other networks in Australia and overseas to adapt the rubber gap filler technology for Sydney.
“While there’s a long way to go, we are confident this technology may be a solution to improving safety and accessibility on some of our problem platforms.”
The design and manufacture of the rubber gap fillers was undertaken in Australia.
Customers are reminded to stay behind the yellow line at all times, mind the gap and station staff are available to assist with boarding if required.
The Circular Quay trial will run until the end of March.

The NSW Government is slashing red tape and removing barriers for tradies to work across state and territory borders, delivering a major boost for jobs and the economy.
The Government has introduced legislation to enable a new national Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme to take effect from 1 July 2021, as agreed by National Cabinet, making it simpler and easier for tradies and other licensed professionals to carry out their work in multiple states and territories.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the changes had the potential to inject more than $2.4 billion into the national economy over 10 years and are a huge step forward in slashing burdensome registration rules and licensing fees.
“This will make it easier and less expensive for occupational licensees and businesses to perform the same activities across state borders, increasing jobs, economic activity, competition, and innovation,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The previous system only served to discourage people from finding work and burden businesses with unnecessary regulations.
“The pandemic has thrown up many challenges for people, businesses and communities throughout NSW and this change will remove barriers so they can go where the work is instead of being buried by paperwork.”
Workers will be allowed to automatically perform the same activities covered by their occupational registration in their principal place of residence or work (home state) in another jurisdiction, without paying additional registration or renewal fees.
To aid the State’s economic recovery, the NSW Government has also introduced legislation to extend the relaxation of regulations brought in at the height of the pandemic to protect jobs and keep the economy ticking.
Some of the relaxed regulations have included:

• Allowing deliveries to retail premises to occur 24 hours a day
• More flexibility for businesses and communities to continue operating while practicing social distancing, including through the use of digital documents and audio-visual links
• Supporting communities and businesses to continue to operate or adapt through takeaway and delivery options for food and beverages

Mr Perrottet said he would lead a whole-of-government evaluation to determine which measures should remain in place permanently to support productivity and economic growth.
“We’re committed to cutting red tape and regulation to drive job creation and support businesses as we reignite our economy over the coming months,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This is also win for consumers making it easier for people to access the services they need as we all continue to adapt to life in a post-COVID world.”
“The pandemic has shown us we can do things differently and do them better. These changes gave workers and business operators in NSW the freedom to adapt and survive and as we come out of the pandemic their continuation will let them thrive.”
The AMR scheme will come into effect 1 July 2021 and follows the agreement reached at National Cabinet in December last year.
AMR will apply until the end of the duration of a valid registration held in the home jurisdiction. A registered person will need to apply for a new home state registration should their home state change.

The Berejiklian Government will embark on a new reform as part of accepting and implementing all five recommendations from the Gonski-Shergold Review of the NSW Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.
The NSW Government has committed to:

1. Establishing Careers NSW
2. Establishing a new form of tertiary education known as NSW Institute of Applied Technology (IAT)
3. Advocating for VET student loans, similar to the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS), to be established. Work will continue with the Federal Government on the scheme
4. Improving the quality of vocational education made available in high schools
5. Consulting with industry experts on VET course curriculums.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian thanked Mr David Gonski AC and Professor Peter Shergold AC who led the extensive review into the VET sector.
“Mr Gonski and Professor Shergold have provided the Government with new and innovative recommendations to ensure our training industry remains at the cutting edge and is relevant to a post COVID-19 economy,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The Government’s record $107 billion spend in infrastructure has created a huge demand for tradies but we also need to upskill the workforce for emerging industries like 3D printing, robotics and other technology industries.
“If we are serious about having the best skilled workforce in the world, we have to do things a bit differently.
“The exciting new model of education will see industry and universities partner with TAFE at Meadowbank and Kingswood campuses to ensure NSW is set up to take advantage of the changing workforce requirements.”
The NSW Government will use the report’s findings to advocate for the Commonwealth’s VET Student Loan scheme to be expanded to put VET study on an even financial playing field with university studies.
The IAT will be a new model of tertiary education that will fully integrate the theoretical study of university with the practical training of vocational education. Students will be able to study flexibly for example, a student can complete a Certificate IV in year one, progress to a Diploma in year two and have the option of achieving a Bachelor in Applied Technology in year three.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the recommendations will elevate the NSW VET system to an enviable standard.
“Our VET sector has already led the way in training frontline workers who have safeguarded our economy from the effects of a global pandemic and today’s announcement will further bolster the sector to a world-class standard.”
“The report highlights the skills industry needs are evolving and our VET sector must continue to evolve and remain accessible to ensure the people of NSW continue to undertake vocational education to drive NSW forward.”
Mr David Gonski AC said the recommendations were developed with a number of stakeholders.
“Consultation was undertaken with academics, industry associations, Government and non-government school sectors and training providers to provide a holistic review of the challenges the sector is facing,” Mr Gonski said.
Professor Peter Shergold AC said the recommendations will also seek to enhance the status and improve the quality and accessibility of vocational education in high schools.
“Furthering the relevance and breadth of VET available in high schools is a significant step towards getting students interested in pursuing a vocational career,” Professor Shergold said.
Today’s announcements are in addition to the establishment of Careers NSW announced yesterday.
The full Review into the VET sector can be accessed here: https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/strategies-and-reports/our-reports-and-reviews/review-on-the-nsw-vocational-education-and-training-sector.

A woman has been charged with high-range drink driving after allegedly being caught more than six times the legal limit in the Illawarra earlier today.
Shortly after 10am (Wednesday 17 March 2021), a Mazda 2 was travelling along First Avenue, South Warrawong, when it allegedly mounted the kerb and drove along the footpath, before hitting a tree.
Officers from the Southern Region Enforcement Squad attended a short time later and spoke with the driver, a 66-year-old woman.
She was subject to a roadside breath test which returned a positive result.
The woman was arrested and taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station for a breath analysis, which allegedly returned a reading of 0.306.
She was issued with a court attendance notice for high-range PCA and is due to face Kiama Local Court on Monday 3 May 2021.
Her licence was also suspended.

Students, graduates and adults looking to turbocharge their careers will have access to tailored career advice through the establishment of Careers NSW, a groundbreaking new service announced by the NSW Government today.
The bold initiative is an Australian first and will drive the NSW COVID-19 recovery by ensuring every worker and student in NSW has access to careers advice regardless of their job, experience or education.
The initiative is a key recommendation in the Review of the NSW vocational education and training sector led by Mr David Gonski AC and Professor Peter Shergold AC, which will be released shortly.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Careers NSW will allow our workforce to change and evolve following the threats of the pandemic, leaving no one behind.
“NSW is the driver of innovation, research and development in Australia providing unique and incredible career opportunities for people including at Tech Central, the Aerotropolis and in our record infrastructure boom,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The pandemic has forced us to reflect on the workforce and it has never been more crucial for people across NSW to access quality advice to make informed decisions about their professional future.
“Careers NSW will allow people to be guided by the experiences of workers ingrained in the industries they are looking to enter.”
The NSW Government will also target highly-credentialed volunteers from major and emerging industries, to lend their time and industry expertise to provide advice in areas including advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity and construction.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the NSW Government is committed to providing a dedicated careers service to people across NSW.
“Students and people looking to change careers or develop their skills deserve access to lifelong careers advice to make informed decisions on their future,” Mr Lee said.
“Careers NSW will provide a wrap-around service to not only connect people to accessible and quality careers guidance but to advise on educational pathways and qualifications that exist to match people to the skills they need to be employed faster.”
A pilot of Careers NSW will begin online through Service NSW later this year with a full rollout expected in mid-2022. For more information visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/careers-nsw

The NSW Government plans to call Sydney’s new ‘hi-tech’ city at Bringelly ‘Bradfield’, in honour of the engineer who helped shape Sydney.
The city centre will be built on the doorstep of the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. It will grow into Sydney’s third city, to take its place alongside the other great city centres of Sydney and Parramatta.
Bradfield was selected after the community was asked to have a say, with a panel settling on the final decision to honour John Bradfield’s enduring city-shaping impact on Sydney, including his major contribution the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said Bradfield will define Australia’s first 22^nd Century City, which will be a key driver of economic growth and deliver up to 200,000 jobs across the Western Parkland City.
“Bradfield was a renowned engineer who designed and oversaw the construction of both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney’s original railway network,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The name Bradfield is synonymous with delivering game-changing infrastructure and it sets the right tone for the area we have referred to as the ‘Aerotropolis Core’ until now.
“This area will be transformed into a thriving city centre, home to advanced manufacturing, research, science and education and we want Bradfield to be as iconic as the existing major city centres of Sydney and Parramatta.
“What are paddocks now will be a thriving, bustling city centre offering the best job opportunities anywhere in Australia.”
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the area to be named Bradfield is more than 100 hectares and sits north of the existing suburb of Bringelly. It is at the heart of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and will eventually lend its name to surrounding areas.
“The number of suggestions the community put forward to ‘Name the Place’ was overwhelming and we are thrilled with the level of participation and interest this project attracted,” Mr Ayres said.
“We thank everyone for having their say and want to assure the community the remaining suggestions will be considered as names for streets, parks and other landmarks in the new city centre.
“I look forward to Bradfield being the first name that people think of when starting a new job, creating a new business, learning a new skill and investing in NSW.”
John Bradfield’s Grandson Jim Bradfield has welcomed the announcement.
“It is a great honour that my grandfather’s name continues to be associated with major infrastructure developments in and around Sydney,” Mr Bradfield said.
“We hope his achievements will inspire generations to come, and help shape the future of our urban landscape.”
The name Bradfield was a popular community suggestion in the ‘Name the Place’ process and will now be put to the Geographical Names Board of NSW.
The NSW Government has 18 Foundation Partner commitments, including with Suez, Siemens, Hitachi, Sydney Water and Northrup Grumman, and continues to formalise relationships with a number of other partners, including FedEx, Romar Engineering and Quickstep in the creation of the innovative ecosystem at the Aerotropolis.

Construction of the $780 million Prince of Wales Hospital Integrated Acute Services Building has reached its highest point, marking a key milestone for Randwick’s new health and innovation precinct.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new state-of-the-art hospital building is a key feature of the $1.5 billion Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct, which includes an investment of more than $1 billion from the NSW Government.
“This new hospital building will deliver first class healthcare services to support the community as it grows, while opening up opportunities for ground-breaking health and education partnerships,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The community will also benefit from a real economic boost, with around 600 new jobs created through the building’s construction alone, and potential for thousands more flow-on jobs over the project’s lifetime.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government has partnered with the University of New South Wales to deliver contemporary clinical spaces to provide the best possible healthcare for patients into the future.
“This partnership will give the precinct a competitive edge on the global stage for health advancements, research and education,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Together we will bring innovative treatments and medical advancements from the bench top to the bedside to improve health outcomes for our community.”
The building will include a new emergency department, extra inpatient beds, a new helipad, intensive care unit, aged care services, a new psychiatric emergency care centre and shared operating theatres for the campus when it opens in 2022.
Under the next phase of the Randwick Campus Redevelopment within the precinct, Sydney Children’s Hospital Stage 1 and the Children’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre are on track to be completed in 2025 and UNSW Health Translation Hub is scheduled to open in late 2026.