Category: NSW News

The NSW Government has today outlined arrangements for a COVID-Safe New Year’s Eve fireworks and updated its advice on COVID-Safe restrictions for the Northern Beaches and Greater Sydney.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said today’s decision was necessary based on the latest health advice and the evolving Northern Beaches cluster.
“My strong message to everyone in Greater Sydney this year is to watch the fireworks on TV,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are also asking for a little more time from residents to help us stamp out this outbreak, especially if they live on the Northern Beaches.”
The following arrangements will be introduced from midnight tonight (Monday, December 28):

For New Year’s Eve Celebrations:

• The CBD frontline worker fireworks vantage point offering is cancelled. Frontline workers will be offered another opportunity in 2021.
• Hospitality venues will remain open but must adhere to the one person per four square metres rule.
• Council events may continue but they must be controlled and seated with no mingling, and record keeping requirements must be strictly adhered to.
• A short, seven minute fireworks display will continue at midnight.

Unless you have a New Year’s Eve Pass through Service NSW, you will not be able to enter designated zones around Circular Quay, North Sydney and the City.

For the Northern Beaches peninsula zone (North of Narrabeen Bridge, and east of the Baha’i Temple), the following rules apply until January 9:

• The health situation remains volatile and the current restrictions will remain in place to supress community transmission.
• However, indoor and outdoor gatherings will be allowed for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day but will be restricted to five visitors in total from within your zone (and includes at homes).
• Current arrangements allowing five people to gather outdoors (not at homes) for exercise and recreation, from within the same zone, continues.
• No restaurants, cafes, pubs or clubs (except for takeaway) will be permitted to open, including for New Year’s Eve.

 

For the remainder (southern zone) of the Northern Beaches, the following rules apply until January 2:

• The health situation remains volatile and the current restrictions will remain in place to supress community transmission.
• However, indoor and outdoor gatherings will be allowed for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day but will be restricted to 10 visitors in total from within your zone (and includes at homes).
• Current arrangements allowing 10 people to gather outdoors (not at homes) for exercise and recreation, from within the same zone, continues.
• No restaurants, cafes, pubs or clubs (except for takeaway) will be permitted to open, including for New Year’s Eve.

 

For Greater Sydney, Central Coast and Wollongong the following rules apply:

• Gatherings in the home remain at 10 visitors in total (including children).
• Outside gatherings (such as picnics) will be restricted to 50 people in total (down from 100).

For regional NSW there is no change to current arrangements.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the efforts of residents, particularly those in the Northern Beaches, are paying off.
“This hasn’t been an easy Christmas period, but our contact tracers have been able to get on top of this outbreak and the number of new cases remains low,” Mr Hazzard said.
People with confirmed bookings in the CBD for the NYE fireworks should contact their respective restaurants and bars for further information now that venues will need to adhere to the one person per four square metre rule.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government recognised that many businesses around Circular Quay relied on NYE customers as one of the biggest nights of the year.
“New Year’s Eve is the chance for Sydney and NSW to shine on the world stage. Despite being a smaller celebration to normal, this New Year’s demonstrates NSW will bring in 2021 with confidence,” said Mr Ayres.
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said NSW Health has worked hard to make COVID-Safe celebrations possible but it is important that the community continues to follow COVID-Safe practices, stay at home if unwell and get tested, wear a mask and follow good hand hygiene and physical distancing.
“Everyone needs to continue to be alert to the ongoing risk of transmission and to keep practising physical distancing and good hand hygiene, and most importantly to get tested and isolate if they feel unwell,” Dr Chant said.
More information in relation to New Year’s Eve will be available later today on www.nsw.gov.au

Police have issued a total of 21 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) over a wedding reception that breached a Public Health Order in Sydney at the weekend after nine further PINs were issued overnight.
Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were called to a venue on Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, about 5pm on Sunday (27 December 2020), after receiving information from Crime Stoppers in relation to possible breaches of a Public Health Order.
After speaking with staff and attendees, police recorded contact details for more than a dozen guests, who are Northern Beaches residents.
Police issued 12 PINs on Monday (28 December 2020) to attendees who are Northern Beaches residents.
Following further inquiries, another nine guests were identified as Northern Beaches residents and were spoken to by police before $1000 PINs were issued either in person or by post.
These include three men – aged 31, 41 and 75 – and two women – aged 42 and 71 – from Narraweena, a 32-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman from Collaroy Plateau, and a 36-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman from Frenchs Forest.
Inquiries are continuing.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.

Police have issued nine Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) and will issue another three following a wedding reception that breached a Public Health Order in Sydney yesterday.
Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were called to a venue on Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, about 5pm (Sunday 27 December 2020), after receiving information from Crime Stoppers in relation to possible breaches of a Public Health Order.
After speaking with staff and attendees, police recorded contact details for more than a dozen guests, who are Northern Beaches residents.
Following further inquiries and consultation with NSW Health, $1000 PINs for not comply with noticed direction s7/8/9-COVID-19 have now been issued to the following people;
– a man and woman, both aged 43, from Allambie Heights
– a 33-year-old woman from Narraweena
– a 27-year-old man from Frenches Forest, and
– three women – aged 19, 22 and 28 – and two men – aged 23 and 63 – all from Beacon Hill.
A further three PINs are expected to be issued to a 34-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman, both from Frenchs Forest, and a 26-year-old man from Beacon Hill.
Inquiries are continuing.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Police have issued 15 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) since Christmas Eve, including to 11 people at a house party at North Bondi on Saturday that breached the Public Health Order.
Just before 11pm (Saturday 26 December 2020), officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended a home on Blair Street after receiving multiple noise complaints.
Police located at least 40 people at the party, with most running from the home when officers arrived.
Officers spoke with 11 people, including two residents and nine visitors, who remained at the property.
Two women – aged 24 and 26 – and nine men – aged 26, 28, 30, 31, 32, 34, and three aged 24 – were subsequently issued $1000 PINs for not comply with noticed direction s7/8/9-COVID-19.
The residents were also issued a 28-day noise abatement direction, while the visitors were directed to leave the area.
Inquiries are continuing to identify other partygoers who were in attendance.
In addition, a further two people and two businesses have been issued PINs since Christmas Eve.
• About 7.40pm on Wednesday (23 December 2020), officers from Inner West Police Area Command attended a restaurant on King Street, Newtown, following reports of potential breaches of public health orders. On arrival, police noted a crowd on the footpath outside the restaurant and a large number of people inside. After speaking with the 45-year-old male owner, who stated he did not have a COVID Safe plan, officers determined there were 27 more people than allowed for the space. The owner was given an opportunity to reduce the number of people within the restaurant, however, the capacity was still exceeded. Following further inquiries, the following day the owner was issued a $5000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 COVID-19 -Corporation. A COVID Safe plan has since been submitted.
• As part of proactive patrols, officers from Campbelltown City Police Area Command conducted a business inspection of a restaurant on Tindall Street, Campbelltown, about 7.45pm on Thursday (24 December 2020). Police spoke to the manager about the business’ COVID Safe plan and determined they had exceeded their capacity by at least 15 people. During the conversation, staff continued to seat more customers inside the restaurant and police issued a direction for no more people to enter the venue. Further inquiries revealed the restaurant had been given a formal warning earlier in the month for exceeding capacity by more than 65 people. Police subsequently issued a $5000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 COVID-19 -Corporation
• About 11.15am today (Friday 25 December 2020), officers from Hawkesbury Police Area Command received information a Northern Beaches resident attended a home at Bligh Park in breach of the Public Health Order. Following inquiries, police attended the home on Porpoise Crescent and spoke to the 32-year-old Collaroy woman who confirmed she had travelled to Bligh Park in her car on Christmas Eve (Thursday 24 December 2020). She was directed to return to Collaroy and issued a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 COVID-19.
• A man has been issued with a PIN after a crowd of people gathered in Centennial Park on Friday night, in breach of the current NSW Health Directions (COVID-19). Officers attached to Eastern Beaches Police Area Command were called to Parkes Drive in Centennial Parklands about 8pm (Friday 25 December 2020), due to concerns of a large gathering. As police approached, the group immediately began dispersing; however, a 22-year-old man – who police allege had been moved on from the Bronte gathering earlier in the day – was issued with a PIN for failing to comply with a Public Health Order (COVID-19). When a 25-year-old man failed to comply with a move-on direction he was issued with an infringement notice.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

A woman from the Northern Beaches has been issued a Penalty Infringement Notice (PINs) over an alleged breach of the Public Health Act while travelling on the South Coast.
Officers from South Coast Police District commenced inquiries yesterday (Wednesday 23 December 2020), after receiving reports a woman from the Northern Beaches had collapsed at a pizza shop at Sanctuary Point the evening before and was treated at Shoalhaven Hospital.
Police were told the woman appeared to be experiencing symptoms – however declined to be tested – and left the hospital.
Following inquiries, police attended a home on Edmund Street, Sanctuary Point, and spoke with the 37-year-old woman and three other occupants. All parties were directed to self-isolate.
The Bilgola Plateau woman has since been issued a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with requirement of public health order – COVID-19.
It is understood the pizza store has closed for cleaning as a precaution.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages

Surf Life Saving Clubs across NSW will benefit from a $4 million funding injection following the opening of the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the program provides grants to Surf Life Saving Clubs for the upgrade and construction of new facilities.
“Surf lifesavers perform a vital service, protecting people in the water and helping the community in times of crisis,” Mr Lee said.
“It’s so important we keep their facilities modern and versatile so that they can continue to keep our beaches safe.”
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes said Warriewood Surf Life Saving Club was the recipient of a $46,000 grant in 2018/19 for the upgrade of its first aid and patrol room.
“The volunteers at Warriewood Surf Life Saving Club are on the beaches every weekend, no matter what the weather is, protecting the residents and visitors to our beautiful Northern Beaches,” Mr Stokes said.
“The upgrade to facilities at Warriewood and other clubs in the area allows our surf lifesavers to have the best equipment when protecting the community, particularly in the peak summer season.”
President of Surf Life Saving NSW George Shales OAM said ensuring rescue facilities across NSW remained safe, accessible and secure was a top priority.
“Surf Life Saving Clubs are home base for our volunteers and this investment allows significant upgrades to improve access for our 75,000 volunteers,” Mr Shales said.
“With 129 clubs across the State, volunteer surf lifesavers performed 3,800 rescues, 197,000 preventative actions and 7,000 first aid treatments last year.”
Grants of between $30,000 and $350,000 are available to eligible NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs.
Applications open until 3 March 2021: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/SCF

The freight industry will benefit from huge road safety improvements and time savings of up to three hours with the completion of the Pacific Highway upgrade.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said now the 657 kilometre Pacific Highway duplication between Hexham and the Queensland Border was complete, primary produce, supermarket goods and hospital supplies will hit shelves faster.
“It has taken over two decades to finish the biggest regional road infrastructure project Australia has ever seen and the benefits to the freight industry are immense,” Mr Toole said.
“The Pacific Highway is the second busiest road freight route in Australia, behind the Hume Highway, with freight volumes on the upgraded section forecast to nearly double over the next 40 years to 23 million tonnes a year.
“The completion of the Pacific Highway upgrade will support this growth, allowing modern Higher Performance Vehicles to safely and efficiently travel between Sydney and Brisbane.
“The upgraded highway not only reduces travel times by almost three hours, but more modern and efficient vehicles means fewer vehicles on the road which improves safety, increases productivity and reduces freight costs.”
Jim Pearson, who operates the long established family business Jim Pearson Transport, said one of the biggest benefits of the upgrade has been improvements to safety.
“We have a fleet of about 260 modern higher productivity vehicles which make over 60 trips a day and the dual carriageway means there is plenty of room for higher capacity vehicles, making it safer for all road users,” Mr Pearson said.
“It also means we can carry more goods in less time to get where they need to be, including supermarket shelves.”
The Pacific Highway upgrade has also contributed to significant regional growth on the NSW North Coast, including benefits to local services, tourism and the economy.
Sunshine Sugar provides more than 400 direct jobs and is one of the largest contributors to the local economy, producing around 25 per cent of the domestic sugar market.
General Manager Operations David Wood said the Pacific Highway was critical to the timely delivery of products to customers with the duplication providing quicker, safer and more direct delivery into the Sydney and Brisbane markets.
“The upgrade has definitely been a positive for us, delivering savings in journey time, increased productivity and safer conditions for our drivers,” Mr Wood said.
“The highway upgrade has reduced the amount of time required to move between our three sugar mills and has eliminated the risk for trucks turning directly on and off the highway at our sites.
The opening of the new Wardell Bridge across the Richmond River as part of the upgrade has also seen the last remaining load-restricted bridge for HML vehicles on the Pacific Highway bypassed.

To protect the people of NSW from the evolving Avalon COVID-19 outbreak, new restrictions will be introduced for Greater Sydney from tonight (11.59pm).
Following updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant about the growing risk to the community, the following restrictions will tonight be introduced for the greater metropolitan Sydney region:

• Household gatherings will be limited to 10 visitors (until 11:59pm Wednesday 23 December).
• The one person per four square metre rule will be re-introduced for all indoor settings including hospitality venues and places of worship.
• A cap of 300 people will apply for hospitality venues and places of worship.
• Singing and chanting at indoor venues will not be allowed.
• Dancefloors will not be permitted, except for weddings, when a maximum of 20 from the bridal party will be permitted.

People in the Greater Sydney area and the Central Coast, Illawarra-Shoalhaven, and Nepean Blue Mountains, are also asked not to visit aged care facilities until 11.59pm on Wednesday 23 December, unless it is critical.
Up to 8pm last night, 36 new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed, 30 of which were locally acquired.
These restrictions are designed to reduce the risk of further community transmission.
‘Stay at home’ orders for residents in the Northern Beaches Local Government area will also continue until 11.59pm on Wednesday, December 23rd.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the government then intends to provide further clear advice for the community ahead of Christmas.
“We realise the effect this will have on residents and venues, and hope to lift the cap and restrictions as soon as possible,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“But we must take this action now to ensure we keep on top of this outbreak.”
Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant urged the community to play their part in controlling the COVID spread, by getting tested if symptoms develop, by practising physical distancing and good hand hygiene, and by wearing a mask, particularly indoors.
“If these steps are not taken, we may see a rise in further cases,” Dr Chant said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the restrictions were a proportional and appropriate response to the threat.
“I want to thank everyone in the community for their patience and resilience. We are in the midst of a one-in-100 year pandemic and we are not out of the woods yet,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Now more than ever it is imperative that people continue to come forward for testing until we get this cluster under control.”
The government and health experts will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updated information and advice.
For more information on the cluster visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

The NSW Government is continuing to support councils and public land managers in parts of the State ravaged by last summer’s bushfires, providing a further $95 million of new funding to help manage waste from the ongoing clean-up.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the funding will provide a much-needed boost for cleaning up public land, provide valuable jobs for the regions and assist local recovery.
“Nothing is more important than a stronger and safer NSW which is why we are committed to assisting regional communities as we make our way forward,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Last summer it was fires and now we are starting to see floods, but regardless of the challenge we face we will continue to stand with our communities and support them to come back better than ever before.
“We have stood by our regional communities, providing more than $2.5 billion in bushfire recovery funding through grants, immediate clean-up, temporary accommodation and industry support.
“This new funding will play a key role in supporting our councils and public land managers to manage waste and keep the clean-up cycle moving.”
The $95 million funding, will be administered by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and be split across five programs:
·       Green Waste Program: $45 million to remove burnt and partially burnt green waste from stockpiles that pose pollution and fire risks.
·       Aboriginal Lands Program: $20 million to increase awareness about Aboriginal land protections and award clean-up contracts to local Aboriginal businesses.
·       Council Landfill Program: $15 million to cover the costs of accepting extra waste at local landfills.
·       FenceCycle Program: $10 million to recycle fencing, including up to 88,000 km of burnt boundary fencing.
·       Bushfire Dumping Program: $5 million for the safe removal of illegally dumped bushfire waste and implementing deterrence measures.
 
Environment Minister Matt Kean said the new funding will aid in the next step of the bushfire recovery process, helping to increase waste capacity, protecting the environment from illegal dumping and supporting our communities to rebuild faster and stronger than ever.
“Not only will these programs help with the ongoing clean-up they will provide local employment opportunities, with a relentless focus on engaging local sub-contractors and businesses where possible to keep the cash flowing to local economies,” Mr Kean said.
“We have worked with councils and land managers to make sure these programs address challenges they are facing on the ground, and we will continue to do everything we can to keep the recovery clean-up moving.”
The three programs targeting illegal dumping, fence recycling and council landfills will be funded by the NSW Government, while the green waste and Aboriginal land clean-up programs will be funded under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
All eligible councils and public land managers are encouraged to apply for funding for their local communities. For more information on eligibility and to apply contact the EPA via email bushfirerecovery.programs@epa.nsw.gov.au  on 131 555 or visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/grants/bushfire-recovery-programs
 

The NSW Government will co-invest up to $45 million over three years to accelerate the development of smart places across NSW.
The NSW Smart Places Acceleration Program will allow the Government to partner with councils and place-owners, such as government agencies, owners, councils or regional organisations, to accelerate the adoption of smart technologies and capabilities in their areas.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said this program will connect and empower communities by driving investment in new technology and data.
“This $45 million investment will play a significant role in helping deliver the Smart Places Strategy,” Mr Dominello said.
“We want to use technology to make life easier for people. Whether it’s busting congestion or improving health outcomes, this funding is about strengthening communities.
“We are calling on expressions of interest and encourage all relevant councils and place-owners to bring forward ideas.”
The Government is seeking ideas and initiatives that respond to the priorities our communities see, and that can be deployed across the whole of NSW if they prove successful in trials.
Initial initiatives that are progressing have been designed to tackle challenges around parking, water recycling, mobile coverage and managing kerbside open space.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock called on all councils to take advantage of this unique opportunity to deliver measurable benefits for their local communities.
“Smart Places will open up a range of improvements for communities, from the introduction of smart CCTV to reduce crime, to reducing water usage through the use of real-time meters,” Mrs Hancock said.
“I encourage councils across the State to put their thinking caps on and get involved in this innovative project.”
To successfully access the Smart Places Acceleration Program, councils and NSW agencies should be able to demonstrate that they can meet and apply the foundational requirements established through the Smart Places Strategy.
To learn more about the Smart Places Strategy and to view the criteria and details on how to submit an expression of interest, please visit https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/our-work/strategy-and-reform/smart-places/smart-places-strategy
For further information please contact Smartplaces@planning.nsw.gov.au