Category: NSW News

Regional communities across NSW will benefit from a new fleet of state-of-the-art intensive care ambulances thanks to an $11.7 million funding boost by the NSW Government.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the 69 intensive care ambulances will carry the most advanced equipment, including upgraded life-saving defibrillators, to bolster the frontline emergency response across the State.
“Every second counts in the race to save a life and these highly specialised vehicles give paramedics the best chance when transporting a patient on extended trips to a major regional hospital,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The NSW Government is building a safer and stronger regional NSW, with 50 of the 69 ambulances being based in rural and regional areas, supporting those who live hundreds of kilometres from the nearest trauma centre.”
The intensive care ambulances will be rolled out to Western NSW, Southern NSW, Northern NSW, Hunter New England and Central Coast regions as well as metropolitan areas.
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the new fleet is in addition to the 35 intensive care ambulances rolled out across the State last year.
“We will now have more than 100 of these highly specialised ambulances in NSW, the largest fleet of this type in any state or territory in Australia,” Mr Hazzard said.
“These specially equipped ambulances, operated by our fantastic highly trained paramedics, will give patients the best chance of survival before they reach hospital.”
The new vehicles carry cutting-edge equipment including upgraded monitor defibrillators, video laryngoscopes and mechanical CPR devices.
NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dominic Morgan said the equipment will make a big difference for patients suffering trauma, cardiac arrest, stroke or breathing difficulties.
“The equipment also provides our paramedics with greater protection when treating suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients,” Dr Morgan said.
In 2020-21 the NSW Government is investing more than $1 billion in NSW Ambulance, including $27 million for 180 new staff, the third tranche of the 2018 commitment to recruit 750 more paramedic and control centre staff over four years.

A 24-year-old man who is currently in Goulburn Correctional Centre has been charged by counter terrorism officers for allegedly planning acts of terrorism targeted at police, military personnel and corrective services staff while behind bars in NSW.
His charging yesterday by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) follows an investigation known as Operation Zellaer, which began in late 2018 into a number of people alleged to be engaging in terrorism-related activities. The 24-year-old was later found to be an associate of these people.
The man was also the subject of a separate investigation by the NSW Police Force’s High Risk Terrorist Offenders Unit (HRTOU), who had commenced an investigation into him concerning his eligibility for a supervision/detention order under the Terrorism (High Risk Offenders) Act 2017 (NSW).
As a result of that investigation, the man was placed on an Interim Continuing Detention Order, and evidence identified during this was referred to the JCTT.
In October 2019, the NSW JCTT, with the help of Corrective Services NSW, executed a search warrant on the man’s cell at Goulburn Supermax. The man was on remand for matters unrelated to terrorism at the time.
Police will allege evidence seized during the search warrant relates to the planning of acts of violent extremism within the community, aimed at police, military personnel and correctional staff.
The 24-year-old was charged yesterday with two counts of acts done in preparation for, or planning terrorist acts.
He is due to appear before Parramatta Local Court on 2 April 2021.
The man faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if convicted.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Scott Lee said any talk of acts of terrorism within the community was concerning.
“With the good work conducted by the NSW JCTT and NSW Police’s High Risk Terrorism Offenders team, this investigation uncovered alleged plots to harm the very men and women who our community members trust to keep them safe,” Assistant Commissioner Lee said.
“It shows why it is imperative for our officers to stay one step ahead of people who wish to turn to violent means to achieve their own ends. The AFP and our partners will tirelessly investigate and target this type of offending and bring perpetrators before the courts.”

NSW Police Force Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton, said the results demonstrate the full gambit of counter terrorism investigations in NSW.

“Our investigations teams are complemented by a range of specialist units, which seek to identify and disrupt potential terrorist plans by individuals or groups, monitor those at risk of radicalisation and detect those who seek to do harm within our community,” Assistant Commissioner Walton said.

Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400.

A woman will face court after she was charged with fraudulently receiving benefits from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
In November 2020, detectives from Quakers Hill Police Area Command commenced an investigation into fraudulent activities allegedly committed by a woman aged in her 60s.
Following extensive inquiries, a 66-year-old woman was arrested at Waratah Police Station just after 8am on Friday 12 February 2021.
She was charged with deal with proceeds of crime money/property, obtain a financial advantage by deception, and breach of bail.
Police will allege in court that the woman submitted fraudulent invoices to the National Disability Insurance Scheme for services never provided to her and subsequently received $174,000.
The Wallsend woman was refused bail and appeared at Newcastle Local Court the same day, where she was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court today (Friday 19 February 2021).

More than 35,000 critical staff in NSW will be among the first in Australia to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when the rollout begins on Monday, 22 February.
The initial three-week vaccination phase will see all hotel quarantine workers given the Pfizer vaccine – including all workers within quarantine hotels, those screening arrivals at the airport, health staff, cleaners, NSW Police officers and security guards.
Health care workers who have the greatest exposure to potential COVID-19 patients will also be included in the first round of jabs, which will be rolled out progressively. These workers include COVID-19 clinic workers, emergency department workers, NSW Ambulance clinical workforce including patient transport workers, COVID ward workers, critical care workers including support staff and COVID pathology lab staff.
The vaccines will be administered in three initial vaccination hubs at Westmead, Liverpool and Royal Prince Alfred Hospitals.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said vaccinating our quarantine workers is an important milestone in our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We know the biggest risk for an outbreak in Australia is through returning international travellers staying in the hotel quarantine system,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“With more than 3,000 people arriving in Sydney from overseas each week, priority is being given to quarantine workers to mitigate the risk of an outbreak, and protect those protecting us.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has determined both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines to be safe and effective for use.
“There is no silver bullet that will return us to pre-pandemic normality, which is why vaccination and continued COVID-safe behaviour is so important,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The NSW community has been outstanding helping our health workers to contain the virus, and I am sure we will see similar community support for the vaccine rollout.”
Dr Kerry Chant said while she welcomes the commencement of the vaccine rollout and its focus on our quarantine and border workers, we must all continue to be vigilant.
“High testing rates give us the best chance of finding new cases in the community, so even after the vaccine rollout starts, it is vital people still get tested,” Dr Chant said.
“Remember to keep coming forward for testing even with the mildest of symptoms, wear a mask on public transport, socially distance and maintain good hygiene.”
More information will be provided in the coming weeks about further rollouts of both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines.
For the latest information on COVID-19 please visit:
www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

The NSW Government has delivered on its promise to drive clean, reliable and affordable energy in NSW through the passage of new amendments in Parliament today that make it easier to install renewable energy into strata buildings.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson said the changes to the Strata Schemes Management Act make it easier than ever for strata committees to install sustainability infrastructure, such as solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicle charging points.
 
“The reality is that apartment buildings have been held back when it comes to installing renewable energy, and that had to change,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“For too long the high voting thresholds needed to approve these types of installations has made it far too hard for owners and residents living in strata.
“Today we’ve changed the law so that strata committees only need 50 percent of owners to agree to install clean energy infrastructure in their apartment buildings, making it drastically easier to make the switch.
“This Government is committed to creating a strong, safe and sustainable environment for the 82,000 people living in strata buildings in NSW. Every dollar counts at the moment, and I won’t allow red tape to stand in the way of those people accessing clean energy and the lower bills that come with it.”
Mr Anderson said the Government will now consult with key stakeholders on any other barriers to the uptake of sustainability infrastructure in apartment complexes.
“Now that we’ve made it easier than ever to get approval to install sustainable infrastructure, we want to ensure there’s nothing else standing in the way.”
To find keep updated with changes to strata legislation in NSW, visit the Fair Trading website.

Real estate, robotics and entrepreneurship are just some of the 20 new virtual Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses to be made available to every NSW Government high school by 2022.
As part of the Curriculum Review, the NSW Government committed to providing opportunities for credit towards qualifications in apprenticeships in high demand areas such as engineering and robotics. The virtual courses are the first stage of delivering on this commitment.
In addition to existing face-to-face VET, Year 11 and 12 students will have the opportunity to study teacher-led, digitally-enabled virtual TAFE NSW courses that will give them in-demand skills for the workplace. These courses will form part of their HSC and contribute to their ATAR.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new courses are part of the NSW Government’s Curriculum Reform.
“We want to ensure NSW students receive world-class skills training to prepare them for the jobs of the future,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“These courses will help students build skills across emerging industries such as advanced manufacturing, technology and engineering.”
The new virtual VET courses, specifically designed for high school students with digitally-enabled and interactive lessons, cover a range of future-focussed industry sectors including cyber security, big data, accounting, gaming, community and health services.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the NSW Government is committed to meeting skill shortages and enhancing access to exciting industries.
“These new virtual courses are a win-win for students. Not only does it make them instantly employable, they also have the choice to pursue further education in fields with plenty of career opportunities,” Mr Lee said.
“Demand for jobs like cyber security specialists is huge and growing, and these courses are designed to help meet that need. From 2022, a student interested cyber security will have access to this new online course to get started in the fast-growing tech sector.”
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said developing these online courses was also about making VET more available in regional NSW.
“These are exciting areas for young people to be studying and puts them in the best place to find a job in dynamic industries. Students with a keen interest in future-focussed courses will be able to link up with others, no matter where they go to school across NSW,” Ms Mitchell said.
Students will graduate with a nationally recognised VET qualification that forms part of their HSC and contributes to an ATAR.

The NSW Government is giving the State’s visitor economy a $6 million boost through funding and marketing programs to turbocharge Sydney and regional economies and create more jobs.
Three funding streams to support regional businesses engaged in the visitor economy open today, while an expanded multi-channel tourism campaign profiling Greater Sydney includes a new television commercial launched over the weekend during the Australian Open.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said these activities, led by Destination NSW, would help position the NSW visitor economy for recovery and long-term growth.
“NSW is open for business and welcoming visitors, and business owners and entrepreneurs are hungry for growth and new opportunities – these programs will help visitor economy stakeholders to achieve just that,” Mr Ayres said.
“We are confident our $2.5 million investment in the marketing campaign, ‘Sydney Love It Like You Mean It’ will complement other Government initiatives such as Sunset Piazza and Dine & Discover to restore vibrancy to Greater Sydney and be a welcome boost to get businesses back on track.
“The campaign has generated more than 42,000 leads to visitor economy businesses since launching late last year. Now we’re extending through to April, calling on Sydneysiders to book a multi-day staycation, enjoy a meal, a performance or retail therapy, and to visit an attraction to get city tills ringing again.
“We are also supporting the regions with $3.5 million to kick-start investment in attractions and visitor infrastructure, refresh existing tourism products and secure or create new business event opportunities.”
The $6 million NSW Government visitor economy initiatives are:

• Tourism Product Development Fund ($3 million – closes 31 March)

o   Stream 1 – Refresh and Renew Fund: offering $10,000 grants to regional tourism operators to update their product or experience
o   Stream 2 – Experience Enhancement Fund: provides between $50,000 and $150,000 in matched funding to assist operators upgrade existing accommodation to improve their star rating, upgrade business and leisure event venues and facilities, repurpose existing infrastructure to provide new facilities or experiences not currently available within the destination, or to create new tourism attractions or experiences

• Regional Business Event Development Fund ($500,000 – closes 30 April): grants of up to $30,000 to create, attract and support business events for regional NSW, and to motivate business event owners to incorporate regional NSW in their plans
• ‘Sydney Love It Like You Mean It’ campaign ($2.5 million): full program includes radio, billboards, digital and social advertising promoting experiences and attractions across Greater Sydney. Television commercial airing from 14 February.

For information about the funding programs and to apply, visit www.destinationnsw.com.au.
For more inspiration from ‘Sydney Love It Like You Mean It’, visit www.sydney.com/love-sydney.

More than $16 million from the NSW Government’s COVID-19 stimulus fund will help deliver more quality green public space on Crown land across Greater Sydney.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the new Greater Sydney Crown Land Open Space Activation Program would fund upgrades to Crown land and community facilities.
“The last 12 months has taught us the importance of green open space and creating public places where people can safely meet, congregate and relax,” Mr Stokes said.
“It makes good sense that by improving Crown land and public infrastructure we can make better use of the assets we already have to create more open space for the community to enjoy.
“These projects will also support local jobs and economies with work for tradespeople and materials suppliers.”
In addition to the funding, Crown land will be reviewed to identify sites for future activation.
Local councils will be invited to participate in partnership opportunities for activation and ongoing management of shortlisted sites for activation, which will include new or improved public parkland reserves, foreshore precincts and civic spaces such as town squares.
The program will also complement the Sydney Green Grid, which was bolstered by a $3 million metropolitan green space program launched in July to create more walking trails, bike paths and picnic spots that would build links between green spaces throughout Sydney.
An additional $500,000 over the next two years will be used to protect sensitive nature reserves being impacted by unauthorised activities such as four-wheel driving, dirt bike riding and rubbish dumping.
Mr Stokes said the funding will contribute to the installation of fencing, bollards, cabling, gates and signage on reserves where these activities have caused environmental damage.
“This funding will help local councils trying to manage hotspots where these inappropriate activities occur. Fencing and gates will also help manage bushfire risk by keeping reserves free of accumulated rubbish,” Mr Stokes said.
The projects are among a range of stimulus projects being funded on Crown land sites across Greater Sydney, with others including:

• $2 million to upgrade the Hungry Point walking track at Cronulla including construction of a coastal viewing platform;
• $1.5 million towards restoration of a former railway tunnel at Glenbrook in the Blue Mountains so it can be reactivated as a recreational trail;
• $1.5 million to help Penrith City Council restore a historic former police cottage at Emu Plains;
• $1.5 million to undertake essential maintenance work on the historic Meadowbank Bridge and its pedestrian path and cycleway;
• $1.5 million to remove dilapidated cottages from the Georges River foreshore at Illawong to restore the land to public open space;
• $1.135 million for maintenance and repair work at the former Prince Henry Hospital site at Little Bay including heritage-listed structures;
• $1 million to restore the heritage-listed South Head Signal Station at Vaucluse;
• $500,000 for improvement works at Bidjigal Reserve in Baulkham Hills including bushland restoration and upgrades to walking trails, signage and stormwater infrastructure;
• $250,000 to clean up and assess land at Northmead for contamination on the site of a mechanical workshop.

For the first time the State’s best teachers will have an opportunity to fast track their careers and become principals in half the time.
Each year 30 excelling teachers and 20 teaching graduates can apply to participate in a new NSW Government program to turbo-charge their careers to the level of principal within 10 years.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the rigorous program will require participants to learn from leading teachers at selected schools, participate in a regional placement and excel in a leadership position.
“The Fast Stream program will raise education standards across the State by training our best teachers in our best schools and then requiring them to continue teaching in areas of higher need,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The program will be a competitive and selective employment pathway in Australia. Participating teachers will have to achieve a number of milestones and demonstrate their leadership ability to be successful.”
“Setting a clear pathway to success for people who might otherwise choose a different career sends a strong message – excellent teaching is essential, valued and rewarded in NSW.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said bringing our best teachers to regional NSW will benefit both the students and the community.
“Once these teachers get a taste of rural living, the hope is that they will stay regional and take up the better quality of life we have on offer,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This is about building a safer and stronger regional NSW by giving our kids the best education possible while creating valuable teaching jobs in the bush.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the Fast Stream program is unapologetically selective, competitive, and incredibly rewarding in the long term.
“To enter the Fast Stream you have to be the best, and you must remain the best,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We want the future leaders – the ones that will transform the education system of tomorrow through academic excellence, outstanding ability in front of a class, and ambition.
“Ensuring our best graduates and teachers spend time in regional NSW will help lift our regional schools. In line with our Rural and Remote Education Strategy, this policy is focused on securing a safer and stronger regional NSW through improved student outcomes in the regions.
“For those who are successful, they will be fast-tracked into a principal role – which can take 20 years – in under 10.”
The Fast Stream program is a component of the School Success Model and will start in Term 1 2022. Teachers and graduate students will complete a rigorous selection process. Teachers will participate in the program for up to 10 years before being offered the opportunity of a Principal position.

Forty seven schools across NSW will open Out of School Hours Care Hubs by June as part of the NSW Government’s Before and After School Care election commitment.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian opened a new hub today at Camden Public School and said that more than $20 million Out of School Hours Care Hub Program will benefit families across NSW.
“The new hubs are an innovative way of providing additional before and after school care for more than 2,400 students across the state,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We know families are concerned about the cost of living following the pandemic, and I want to ensure affordable and convenient before and after school care is available to everyone who needs it and at a location that is convenient.”
Since July 2019, the NSW Government has created more than 11,000 after school care places and these new hubs will add to this capacity.
The Out of School Hours Care Hub Program, which will deliver modular buildings custom-designed for Out of School Hours Care services, will cut waiting times and allow more families to access before and after school care services.
Rental subsidy of the hubs will ensure affordable care is available.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said she was delighted to be launching the vital program that would benefit so many families in NSW.
“The NSW Government is committed to looking after families, and part of that is providing the infrastructure to expand Out of School Hours Care services,” Ms Mitchell said.
“This initiative supports NSW families – it will allow more students to have safe, fun environments before and after school and during vacation periods, and for their parents to have the flexibility to participate in the workforce.”
The new Out of School Hours Care Hub Program aims to fill gaps in access to services across the state, particularly in regional areas, as well as to clear waiting lists in areas of high demand.
Each Out of School Hours Care hub will have facilities for student activities as well as administration and storage areas.
The Out of School Hours Care Hub Program is part of the $120 million investment over four years to expand access to Out of School Hours Care for public primary school children.
The after school care hubs initiative is on top of the NSW Government’s record $7 billion school infrastructure program to deliver more than 200 new and upgraded schools to support communities. Nineteen of these projects are located in the Macarthur area.