Category: NSW News

More than six thousand additional first homebuyers have gained a foothold on the property ladder in just six months following the NSW Government’s decision to provide additional relief on stamp duty and help boost the economy and jobs.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the latest data indicated the great Australian dream of home ownership remained strong, with the total number of stamp duty exemptions and partial concessions granted rising 30 percent over the year, from more than 31,500 in 2019 to more than 41,000 in 2020.
“We all know how challenging 2020 was and our suite of COVID-19 support and stimulus measures – the largest of any state or territory – has helped cushion the worst economic impacts of the pandemic,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Additional stamp duty relief has delivered the twin benefit of helping more people achieve their dream of homeownership, while continuing to boost the economy.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Government’s continued focus on housing affordability had seen first home buyers as a share of the total owner occupier residential market increase from below 15 percent in 2016 to around 30 per cent.
“Stamp duty is a significant financial barrier to those buying a first home and this program has helped thousands of people go from renters to homeowners without saving for years to pay stamp duty,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Record low interest rates are putting upwards pressure on prices, but it’s clear if we can lower the financial burden the dream of home ownership burns as strong as ever.”
The total value of stamp duty concessions and exemptions granted by the NSW Government increased from $485.9 million in 2019 to $559.7 million in 2020.
Under the temporary changes the cap on the value of new homes at which stamp duty exemptions apply increased from $650,000 to $800,000, with concessional duty applied on higher values before phasing out at $1 million.
For vacant land purchases, the threshold for an exemption increased from $350,000 to $400,000 with concessional duty rates applying on purchases up to $500,000.
This additional relief will remain in place until July 31, 2021.
In the five months following the changes – from August to December 2020 –  the number of stamp duty exemptions and concessions granted topped 21,436, compared to 14,967 in the same period in 2019.
According to NSW Treasury stamp duty adds about $34,000 to the upfront cost of buying the average NSW home.
It now takes around 12.6 years compared to 8 years in 1990 for the average person to save for a deposit.
Stamp duty was introduced to NSW in 1865 and has continued for more than 150 years.
On 1 July 2019, NSW became the first state in Australia to index stamp duty brackets to the Sydney Consumer Price Index, to limit the taxation cost due to inflation.

Three continuous northbound lanes on the Pacific Highway near Finlay Road at Warrawee are now open to traffic, improving travel times and traffic flow for motorists between Turramurra and Wahroonga.
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the Morrison and Berejiklian governments had committed $120 million each to the Pinch Point Program to alleviate traffic bottlenecks.
“Under the Urban Roads Pinch Point Program, we have invested in upgrading the Pacific Highway and Finlay Road intersection to bust congestion for the 60,000 motorists who use the Pacific Highway every day,” Minister Fletcher said.
“We are investing in the Urban Roads Pinch Point Program to deliver small-scale road improvements such as this across the Sydney metropolitan road network.”
The upgrade involved installing permanent no-right-turns to and from the Pacific Highway and Finlay Road by replacing the right-turn lane with a road median to create three northbound lanes.
NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance MP said the upgrade will alleviate congestion at the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Finlay Road.
“Prior to the upgrade, the intersection had two northbound lanes and a southbound right-turn lane, forcing drivers to wait for a break in traffic to make the right turns to and from the Pacific Highway and Finlay Road,” Minister Constance said.
“The upgrade is allowing traffic to flow better in both directions without interruption from turning vehicles, especially during the afternoon peak with a continuous northbound lane to Fox Valley Road.”
“Work is continuing for the other intersection upgrades on the Pacific Highway near Fox Valley Road and Redleaf Avenue with construction due to finish in 2022.”
These upgrades involve widening the Pacific Highway to create three continuous northbound lanes and adjusting turning movements to and from a number of cross streets.

COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS UPDATE

• Restrictions have been eased and the 2sqm rule reintroduced across the Greater Sydney region following updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant.
• The following measures have been effective since 12.01am Friday, 12 February for the Greater Sydney region including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains:
  • 1 person per 2sqm will apply at all venues, except for gyms. Weddings and funerals will still be subject to a 300 person cap.
  • Masks will only be mandatory on public transport, but will strongly be encouraged in other indoor venues where social distancing is not possible.

• For the latest information and COVID-19 testing sites please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19.

DINE & DISCOVER LAUNCHES IN THE ROCKS AND BROKEN HILL TO HELP BOOST NSW BUSINESSES

• The commencement of the NSW Government’s $500 million Dine & Discover stimulus program is a step closer, with testing starting in The Rocks and Broken Hill.
• Phase 2 is expected to start later this month with pilots in the Northern Beaches, Sydney CBD and Bega Valley Shire Council. The state wide rollout is expected to take place in March.
• Following the state wide rollout, every NSW resident aged 18 and over will be eligible for four $25 vouchers worth $100 in total, to spend in participating businesses.
• Further information or to register for the program visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/dine-and-discover-nsw.

THOUSANDS OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY GRADUATES JOIN PUBLIC HOSPITALS

• More than 2500 graduate nurses and midwives will start work at about 130 public hospitals and health services from this week, a quarter in rural and regional areas.
• More than 54,000 nurses and midwives currently work in the NSW public health system, an increase of 24.7 per cent since 2011.
• The NSW Government has invested in a record total 8,300 frontline health staff over four years, including an additional 5,000 nurses and midwives, including mental health and palliative care nurses.

LOCKOUT LAWS LIFTED FOR KINGS CROSS

• Sydney’s nightlife will be revitalised and boosted, with the NSW Government set to remove the lockout laws in the Kings Cross entertainment precinct.
• The changes, part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan, bring Kings Cross in line with the Sydney CBD precinct where the restrictions were lifted 12 months ago.
• The following changes will take effect from 8 March 2021:
  • The 1.30am ‘lock out’ will be removed, so patrons can continue to enter venues like pubs, bars and nightclubs beyond that time;
  • The standard 3am ‘last drinks’ time will increase to 3.30am;
  • Blanket restrictions on certain drinks, shots, discounted cocktails and use of glass after midnight will be lifted; and
  • Requirements for RSA marshals and CCTV will no longer apply.

• The NSW Government will closely monitor the changes and any impacts and conduct a review in 12 months.

NSW INTRODUCES AUSTRALIA’S TOUGHEST SUITE OF ANIMAL CRUELTY PENALTIES TO PARLIAMENT

• The NSW Government has continued its crusade against cowards caught committing acts of cruelty to animals by introducing Australia’s toughest suite of animal cruelty penalties
• The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment Bill 2021 will dramatically increase penalties for animal welfare offences in NSW and the range of tools available to courts to better and more effectively deal with offenders.
• The proposed increases would introduce the following penalties:
  • Failure to provide food and shelter: increase from $5,500 to $16,500 for individuals, per offence, with corporate penalties increasing from $27,500 to $82,500;
  • Cruelty: increase from $5,500 and/or 6 months’ imprisonment per offence, to $44,000 and/or 12 months’ imprisonment for individuals. The corporate penalty will increase from $27,500 to $220,000; and
  • Aggravated cruelty: the maximum penalty per offence will increase from $22,000 to $110,000 for an individual and from $110,000 to $550,000 for a corporation.

RESTORATION OF STOCKTON BEACH ONE STEP CLOSER AFTER EXPLORATION LICENCE APPROVED

• A critical step towards tackling beach erosion at Stockton Beach has been given the green light with the NSW Government approving an exploration licence to identify sand suitable for renourishing the beach.
• The Geological Survey of NSW within the Department of Regional NSW applied for the offshore exploration licence in December to allow exploration work to begin.
• The licence approval brings the NSW Government one step closer to replenishing Stockton Beach. The exploration work is funded from $1 million announced in March 2020.
• For more information, visit www.resourcesandgeoscience.nsw.gov.au/stockton.

HOUSING REFORMS A WIN FOR RENTERS

• Renters will have more choice and the property industry will be transformed by a raft of planning and tax reforms that will make build-to-rent housing a reality in NSW.
• The planning policy sets out new provisions for build-to-rent housing, and to be eligible for the tax concessions, a build-to-rent property must meet criteria set out in legislation and in the Treasurer’s Guidelines.
• Eligibility criteria for the tax concessions include that a property has at least 50 dwellings used specifically for the purposes of build-to-rent, is held under unified ownership and is not subdivided in the first 15 years of receiving the concessions.
• The build-to-rent planning changes are effective immediately and will be included in the new consolidated Housing State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), which will be finalised in the coming months.
• For more information on the planning policy visit: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/build-to-rent.

INNOVATIVE PROJECT TO TRANSFORM YOUNG LIVES

• More than 50 young people leaving out-of-home care will soon move into a first-of-its-kind development in Sydney, providing secure housing and access to specialist services and support to help them break the cycle of disadvantage.
• Foyer Central would give young people leaving care the best possible start to adulthood as they undertake work, study or training.
• It is based on the globally successful foyer model and will be targeted at young people aged 18 to 22 who have left out-of-home care.
• Services delivered through the project will be funded primarily through a Social Impact Bond. The bonds combine investment and expertise from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to achieve specific social goals. Partners with the NSW Government in the project include SGCH, Uniting, Social Ventures Australia and the City of Sydney.

NSW GOVERNMENT STARTS PROCESS TO REMOVE HIGH-RISK CLADDING

• The NSW Government has announced further details of the project to facilitate the removal of high-risk combustible cladding from residential apartment buildings across the State.
• Project Remediate would provide interest-free, 10-year loans, to Owners Corporations to enable and fast-track the safe removal of high-risk cladding.
• Project Remediate will help drive the State’s economic recovery from COVID-19 by providing a pipeline of investment generating and supporting up to 3,500 jobs in the residential apartment construction sector.
• For more information please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/customer-service/projects-and-initiatives/project-remediate.

The commencement of the NSW Government’s $500 million Dine & Discover stimulus program is a step closer, with testing starting in The Rocks and Broken Hill today.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the program will help turbocharge local economies.
“We’ve heard loud and clear just how challenging it has been for businesses during the pandemic and this investment is exactly what the economy needs with things quietening down after a busy summer period,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Whether it’s a café, restaurant, museum or wildlife park, small businesses are the lifeblood of NSW, and we encourage people to embrace Dine & Discover and help support their communities and boost jobs.
“The testing phase will give businesses and customers an opportunity to test the technology and provide feedback, before the vouchers are rolled out across the state.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello encouraged eligible businesses to register and customers to download the Service NSW app now.
“These vouchers will provide customers with much needed hip pocket relief and encourage them to get out and about safely,” Mr Dominello said.
“Business registration is simple and can be done online in a matter of minutes.
“We are using technology to make life easier for people and I urge customers to download the Service NSW app now in advance of the wider rollout. The app can also be used to download a Digital Driver Licence, renew registrations and check-in safely to venues.”
Only businesses who have registered for the program will be able to accept the Dine & Discover vouchers, and customers are encouraged to check in advance.
Phase 2 is expected to start later this month with pilots in the Northern Beaches, Sydney CBD and Bega Valley Shire Council. The state wide rollout is expected to take place in March.
Following the state wide rollout, every NSW resident aged 18 and over will be eligible for four $25 vouchers worth $100 in total, to spend in participating businesses.
Registered businesses will be able to access a new app that will enable them to read, validate and accept vouchers. They will also be able to check transaction history and payments pending through their MyServiceNSW Business Profile.
Further information or to register for the program visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/dine-and-discover-nsw

A slice of Sydney’s historic parks, gardens, streets, and buildings dating to the first several decades of British settlement and associated with several people of importance in Australia’s cultural history including Bennelong, Governors Phillip and Macquarie and Francis Greenway has been added to Australia’s National Heritage List.
The 100 hectare site on the eastern side of Sydney’s Central Business District known as Governors’ Domain and Civic Precinct covers the First Government House site, Hyde Park Barracks, the Conservatorium of Music (former government stables), the Mint and Parliament House (former Rum Hospital), Hyde Park, the Domain, Macquarie Place and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said the precinct contains a rich collection of historic and archaeological sites representing important milestones in our national history.
“Governors’ Domain and Civic Precinct is a layered landscape which can vividly show how the area has evolved over time, from its earliest use by Aboriginal people through to its role as a penal colony and early European settlement, and vibrant modern city,” Minister Ley said.
“For the first several decades after the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, Aboriginal people and colonisers lived in close proximity, establishing relationships with each other within a wider story of Indigenous contact and colonisation.
“The precinct depicts a society in transition and its range of archaeological assets provide a rare and valuable source of research into Australia’s early colonial history.
“Among the treasures are Australia’s first hospital, Parliament and civic institutions, public parks, gardens and places of worship that ultimately helped to cultivate Australia’s independence from Britain.”
NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said, “many individual places within the precinct are already state listed, however National Heritage listing unites the shared history and better links the buildings as a heritage precinct.”
Nominations for new National Heritage listings are currently open until 25 February 2021 and Minister Ley has asked the Australian Heritage Council to prioritise Indigenous cultural heritage for the upcoming assessment period.
“Our First Nations people have lived here for tens of thousands of years, and I want to see more places listed for their Indigenous values,” Minister Ley added.
The National Heritage List recognises and protects places that reflect our unique landscapes, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and our development as a nation. Each year, more places are included on the List as our national story unfolds and understanding of our heritage deepens.
To find out more about Governors’ Domain and Civic Precinct visit: https://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/national/governors-domain-civic-precinct
To nominate a site for inclusion on the National Heritage List visit: http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/nominating-heritage-place

Restrictions will be eased and the 2sqm rule reintroduced across the Greater Sydney region following updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant.
The following measures will be effective from 12.01am Friday, 12 February for the Greater Sydney region including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains:

• 1 person per 2sqm will apply at all venues, except for gyms. Weddings and funerals will still be subject to a 300 person cap.
• Masks will only be mandatory on public transport, but will strongly be encouraged in other indoor venues where social distancing is not possible.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said this is about striking the balance between keeping the economy going and boosting jobs whilst ensuring COVID-19 is kept under control.
“We want to continue to give the community and businesses the confidence to move forward, especially with the expansion of the 2sqm rule which will allow most venues to double their capacity,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“However, as we ease restrictions it is important we don’t let our guard down – the community needs to continue to play their role in being COVID-Safe and coming forward for testing with even the mildest of symptoms.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said restrictions could be eased thanks to the great work of the people of NSW who have followed social distancing guidelines and continued to get tested.
“It is vital people continue to maintain their social distance, come forward for testing, don’t go to work if they’re unwell and wear a mask where they cannot guarantee social distancing,” Mr Hazzard said.
Dr Kerry Chant said we cannot become complacent when it comes to COVID-19 despite there being no recent cases of community transmission.
“We need to continue to practice COVID-Safe behaviours and stay home and get tested if unwell,” Dr Chant said.
For the latest information and COVID-19 testing sites please visit:
www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

A strategy to unlock Sydney’s cultural and economic potential will be championed by Chair of the Night-Time Industries Association Michael Rodrigues who has been appointed as the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Mr Rodrigues would bring the 24-Hour Economy strategy to life to make Sydney the best place to live, work and play that it can possibly be.
“Our tourism, hospitality and arts sectors have been hit hard by the pandemic, but now we have the opportunity to bring Sydney back better than ever,” Mr Ayres said.
“The Strategy includes a 24-hour Economy Acceleration Program, through which the Government will work with councils and industry to identify and activate unique and thriving economic hubs across Sydney,” Mr Ayres said.
“It will result in a network of activated 24-hour economy hubs across Sydney – each offering a distinct experience, and well connected by efficient transport options.
“This ‘Neon Grid’ of hubs across the city will represent Sydney’s diverse and vibrant night economy and we will collaborate with industry and councils to bring it to life, connecting consumers, creatives and entrepreneurs.
“Michael Rodrigues as the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner will spearhead the strategy and bring State and Local Governments and industry together to create safe and vibrant opportunities for people to enjoy the greatest city in the world.”
Mr Rodrigues said he was looking forward to getting down to business.
“I’m excited about the upcoming opportunities and to champion the 24-Hour Economy strategy as we deliver a nightlife that’ll sit alongside New York, London and Tokyo,” Mr Rodrigues said.
“As our city rebuilds from the COVID-19 pandemic, the 24-hour economy strategy is central to NSW’s economic and social recovery. So many industries have had a really tough 12 months, but we are seeing the green shoots of recovery across Sydney and NSW.”
The strategy will focus on driving investment while turbocharging job creation and night time business activity in the CBD and throughout Greater Sydney, by:

• Supporting more integrated planning and place-making within government to enable the 24-hour economy to thrive.
• Encouraging the diversification of night-time activities by supporting a wider variety of businesses at night.
• Nurturing industry and cultural development to help entrepreneurs thrive in the 24-hour economy.
• Exploring ways to enhance mobility and improve connectivity between 24-hour economy hubs through safe and reliable transport; and
• Changing the narrative to attract more local consumption, encourage healthy behaviours, and reinforce Sydney’s status as a global cultural capital.

Alongside his time with the Night Time Industries Association, Mr Rodrigues also co-founded Time Out Australia and has been its managing director for almost a decade. Mr Rodrigues will commence as Commissioner at the end of March.
For more information about the 24-Hour Economy Strategy, visit https://global.nsw.gov.au/24-hour-economy-strategy

Sydney’s nightlife will be revitalised and boosted, with the NSW Government set to remove the lockout laws in the Kings Cross entertainment precinct.
This move will help stimulate the local economy and boost jobs, while maintaining a focus on community safety.
The changes, part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan, bring Kings Cross in line with the Sydney CBD precinct where the restrictions were lifted 12 months ago.
The following changes will take effect from 8 March 2021:

• The 1.30am ‘lock out’ will be removed, so patrons can continue to enter venues like pubs, bars and nightclubs beyond that time;

 

• The standard 3am ‘last drinks’ time will increase to 3.30am;

 

• Blanket restrictions on certain drinks, shots, discounted cocktails and use of glass after midnight will be lifted; and

 

• Requirements for RSA marshals and CCTV will no longer apply.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said while the focus will remain on safety in Kings Cross, the changes will help boost jobs and revitalise a popular area of Sydney.
“Kings Cross has transformed considerably since these laws were introduced over six years ago,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The precinct is now well positioned to continue to evolve into a vibrant lifestyle and cultural destination with a diverse mix of small bars, live music venues and restaurants.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said these changes would help grow Sydney’s night-time economy and attract diverse businesses to the area.
“These measures will help breathe new life into the precinct and enhance Sydney’s reputation as a global city,” Mr Dominello said.
“The ID scanners system, which requires some venues to record patrons’ ID during busy times such as Friday and Saturday nights, will be retained in the Kings Cross precinct as an additional public safety measure.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the changes are key in helping Sydney to shine as a true 24 Hour city.
“Sydney is already an iconic international city and Australia’s number one tourism destination, it’s time to enhance our vibrant nightlife, arts and culture scenes as we bounce back from COVID-19,” Mr Ayres said.
“This is an important step towards implementing our 24-hour Economy Strategy to ensure Kings Cross flourishes into a vibrant, diverse, inclusive and safe precinct as our city powers ahead with confidence.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the new laws strike the right balance between supporting businesses and prioritising safety.
“NSW Police have done an amazing job maintaining public safety in the precinct, and the community can feel confident law and order will remain a top priority,” Mr Elliott said.
“Police will continue to have a strong presence in the area and I want to assure the community that the easing of these laws does not mean a return to a violent Kings Cross.”
The NSW Government will closely monitor the changes and any impacts and conduct a review in 12 months, as it progresses the implementation of its 24-hour Economy Strategy and engages with stakeholders like the Committee for Sydney and City of Sydney Council around a new vision for the precinct.
In 2019, NSW Parliament established a Joint Select Committee to examine regulations across Kings Cross and the CBD precinct.

A woman will face court after she was charged with allegedly committing nearly 80 fraudulent transactions amounting to over $650 000 while employed at an aged-care facility at Strathfield.
In August 2020 Auburn Police Area Command received information that a number of fraudulent transactions had occurred in relation to an employee of the Margaret Street facility between 2017 and 2020, and an investigation commenced.
Following inquiries, Auburn detectives attended a house in Australia Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park and arrested a 63-year-old woman yesterday (Monday 8 February 2021).
The woman was issued a future court attendance notice for 78 counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception.
She is due to appear in Burwood Local Court on Thursday 25 March 2021.

More than 50 young people leaving out-of-home care will soon move into a first-of-its-kind development in Sydney, providing secure housing and access to specialist services and support to help them break the cycle of disadvantage.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said Foyer Central would give young people leaving care the best possible start to adulthood as they undertake work, study or training.
“This landmark project will give many of our most vulnerable teenagers the chance to get back on track. Homelessness is a tragedy and it’s initiatives like Foyer Central and the access to secure housing and practical support they provide that can actually help break the cycle and change lives for the better,” Mr Perrottet said.
Foyer Central is based on the globally successful foyer model and will be targeted at young people aged 18 to 22 who have left out-of-home care.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the development includes 53 self-contained units in close proximity to transport, shops, services and education institutions.
“Foyer Central is about unlocking opportunities for young people and enabling and empowering them to achieve their full potential in life,” Mr Ward said.
Services delivered through the project will be funded primarily through a Social Impact Bond. The bonds combine investment and expertise from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to achieve specific social goals. Partners with the NSW Government in the project include SGCH, Uniting, Social Ventures Australia and the City of Sydney.
Uniting Executive Director Tracey Burton said a team of dedicated Youth Development Coaches will mentor and connect young people to education institutions, employment opportunities, health and wellbeing services and community initiatives.
“We want young people living at Foyer Central to feel proud of where they live, and that they can create the positive, diverse and dynamic environment they want. A space supported by talented, capable coaches providing 24/7 support,” Ms Burton said.
SGCH CEO Scott Langford said the property also includes 20 affordable units, managed by SGCH, for low-income workers such as childcare staff.
“Foyer Central brings together the capability, expertise and dedication of a range of partners with the common goal to change young lives through opportunity,” Mr Langford said.
For more information, visit www.foyercentral.org.au.