Category: NSW News

Plans to slash travel times for drivers and public transport commuters in Sydney’s north have taken a major step forward with the Beaches Link Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) released today.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the mega-project will include twin tunnels under Middle Harbour with three lanes in each direction, allowing commuters to avoid peak hour congestion on the Spit Bridge, Military Road and the Roseville Bridge.
“Beaches Link will transform the way people move to and from the Northern Beaches, bypassing 19 sets of traffic lights through The Spit, Mosman and Neutral Bay and help save up to 56 minutes between Dee Why and Sydney airport,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Residents in Neutral Bay, Mosman and Cremorne will experience less congestion and noise, with traffic volumes expected to reduce by around a third along Spit Road.
“The Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link program is expected to support around 15,000 full-time jobs.”
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the project will integrate with new and existing public transport connections.
“There will be the opportunity for new express bus services to key centres including St Leonards, Macquarie Park, North Sydney and Sydney CBD, and direct access to North Sydney to interchange with the new Sydney Metro,” Mr Constance said.
“We’re also planning more than five kilometres of new cycle and pedestrian pathways, including links to the Northern Beaches Hospital precinct.
“This is the next stage of the consultation process, giving the community another opportunity to have its say.
“Transport for NSW has adapted its community engagement in line with current health advice regarding COVID-19, and will be providing enhanced online engagement with virtual information sessions throughout January and February.
“We’ll also work closely with locals in Balgowlah, where we’ll be returning an area equivalent to around 90 per cent of the current open space to the community. Further consultation will be held with the community on open space in Balgowlah later in 2021.”
The tunnel will be up to 108 metres in depth (approximately 33 storeys) and include new connections on the Gore Hill Freeway at Artarmon, Warringah Freeway at Cammeray and direct access onto Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation at Balgowlah and Wakehurst Parkway at Seaforth.
The Wakehurst Parkway will be widened from one lane to two in each direction between Seaforth and Frenchs Forest.
The project is also expected to slash future travel times by:

• up to 38 minutes between Balgowlah and Sydney CBD
• up to 54 minutes between Frenchs Forest and Rozelle
• up to 32 minutes between Manly and Macquarie Park

The EIS will be on extended public exhibition from Wednesday 9 December 2020 until Monday 1 March 2021.

A man from the southern NSW city of Albury is expected to be charged with terrorism-related offences following a NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) investigation.
The 18-year-old man was arrested earlier this morning (Wednesday, 9 December 2020) and is due to be charged with a range of criminal counter-terrorism-related offences.
He is expected to face Albury Local Court once charged, and an application will be made to have the matter heard in a Sydney court at a later date.
The investigation began in August 2020 after NSW JCTT investigators became aware of a number of online posts containing an extreme right wing ideology that indicated potential criminal activity.
It will be alleged in court that the man has regularly used social media forums and communications applications during 2020 to encourage other people to commit violent acts in furtherance of an extreme right wing ideology.
NSW JCTT investigators became concerned about the escalating content of some of the man’s communications, which allegedly indicated his willingness to commit a violent and criminal act. The decision was made to execute a search warrant on his Albury residence.
Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism Scott Lee said NSW JCTT investigators were concerned about the man’s actions to date, and made a decision to act early to ensure community safety.
“The sole aim of today’s activity was to ensure the safety of the community by preventing further planning, preparations or advocacy by this man that could have resulted in an attack in Australia,” he said.
“The investigation into this matter remains ongoing, but we remain wary about the speed with which lone actors can progress from online activities to ones that impact the real world. It highlights the commitment and professionalism of the people and agencies involved in the JCTT, and their desire to protect the community by bringing people to account for their criminal actions.”
NSW Police Force Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton, said regardless of the nature of a person’s extremist views, there was no place for them within our community.
“The NSW JCTT will continue to work together to ensure the community is protected from those who seek to do us harm, and those who think they can exploit the online environment to spread their extremist ideologies.
“If we see activity that concerns us – as we have during the course of this investigation – we will act swiftly to ensure that activity does not escalate.
“I would like to take this opportunity to remind the community that they are our eyes and ears – so if you see something online, report it. Your information is often invaluable in assisting investigations such as this one.”
The man is expected to be charged with one count each of the following offences:

• Urging violence against members or groups, contrary to section 80.2A (1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is seven years imprisonment.
• Advocating Terrorism, contrary to section 80.2C (1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is five years imprisonment.

The NSW JCTT is comprised of members from the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police Force, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission.
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.
There is no ongoing threat to the community relating to this investigation.

A new social media campaign from the NSW Government and eSafety is cracking down on image-based abuse by providing advice and support to people who have had intimate digital content shared without their consent.
Reports of image-based abuse to eSafety increased by 172 per cent between March and September this year when compared to the same period in 2019.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said women aged 18 to 24 are among those most at risk, but warned it can happen to anyone regardless of age, sexual orientation, race, religion or socio-economic status.
“Sharing an intimate image or video of someone without their clear consent is never ok. We want people to know exactly what to do if they fall victim to this appalling act,” Mrs Taylor said.
“This campaign highlights everything you need to know about image-based abuse, from reporting an offence to accessing counselling and having images or videos removed from social media and search engines.”
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman welcomed the campaign and said image-based abuse took many forms.
“This abuse also includes threats to share intimate images or videos and digitally altering material to appear sexual or nude,” Mr Speakman said.
“Recent Government reforms aim to address this abuse too, with courts now able to order an offender to remove, retract, delete or destroy an intimate image when found guilty of threatening to distribute it without consent to give traumatised victims some peace of mind.”
The eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said it will take a community effort to stop this behaviour.
“Parents, carers, friends, partners or siblings – we can all create positive change to stop image-based abuse by calling out anyone misusing intimate content,” Ms Inman Grant said.
At the age of 18, Noelle Martin discovered that pictures of her had been stolen and digitally edited into explicit content. She said that raising awareness is important to help stop this kind of exploitation.
“To those who may be experiencing image-based abuse – please know you are not alone and there is help and support available. Please know that it does not have to define you and you can get through it,” Ms Martin said.
Anyone experiencing abuse can report it to esafety.gov.au/report or call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for 24/7 support and referrals.

The NSW Government has announced 11 organisations will collectively receive more than $500,000 in grants for innovative ideas to help workplaces reduce the impact of mental health issues and to aid recovery.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the Recovery Boost program, administered by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), provides up to $50,000 in funding for projects that promote seeking assistance early, supporting an individual’s recovery and reducing stigma around mental health.
“Workplaces play a pivotal role at the coal face in promoting mental fitness and these grants will empower them to provide staff with help and support when needed,” Mr Dominello said.
“I congratulate the successful recipients who have proven their commitment to the mental health recovery journey.”
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the grants would support employers to create and maintain an environment that promotes and encourages good mental health.
“Everyone in a workplace can contribute to a culture where people feel safe and supported to talk about mental health and these grants will help the recipients embed tailored support for individuals and teams,” Mrs Taylor said.

A bold rescue-and-return mission by the NSW Government has successfully seen more than 60,000 Murray Cod released back into the Darling River near Menindee today, two years after severe drought triggered fish deaths.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Western NSW Adam Marshall at Menindee to oversee the restocking of the Darling River.
Ms Berejiklian said the return of the Murray Cod to the waterway was part of the NSW Government’s ambitious plan to help restock the Darling River.
“This is a historic day for the Menindee community and the Barkindji people in particular,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Two years ago widespread fish deaths were caused by high temperatures and record low rainfall so it gives me great joy to see these Murray Cod returned home and swimming through our healthy waterways.”
Mr Marshall said the fish were offspring of 70 Murray Cod rescued after the NSW Government last year took unprecedented action to launch the State’s largest-ever breeding program.
“Fast-forward to today and our virtual ‘Noah’s Ark’ has docked home, returning a massive 60,000 Murray Cod to their native river, a major milestone in the NSW Government’s $10 million Fish Rescue Strategy,” Mr Marshall said.
“The iconic Murray Cod is particularly special to both the Menindee region and local indigenous communities, so to stand here today with key community members and First Nations representatives as these fish are returned to country is very moving.
“This is just the start of something special. These 60,000 Murray Cod are only the first of more than 400,000 fish to be stocked across the State this month alone, and we will continue breeding 2.5 million native fish species each year to keep our rivers stocked.”
Mr Marshall said the Murray Cod restocked today were the offspring of fish rescued by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries from Menindee in the sweltering summer of 2019, and more saved the following summer.
“The rescued Murray Cod were taken to the NSW Government’s flagship fish hatchery at Narrandera, where they stayed until conditions improved,” Mr Marshall said.
“DPI has done a phenomenal job in breeding these offspring. This program ensures the survival of our fish species, no matter how severe future summers might be.”

Entrepreneurs and innovators will have more opportunities to bring ideas to life with Western Sydney to become home to the State’s second Startup Hub.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Western Sydney Startup Hub project would cement investment, technology and innovation as the centrepiece of the Government’s COVID-19 Recovery strategy.
“This new Startup Hub will be an exciting step in activating the historic Parramatta North Heritage Core and is set to provide 1,500 square metres of affordable co-working space and programs to support Western Sydney startups, scaleups and businesses,” Mr Ayres said.
“It will form part of the revitalised Parramatta North Heritage Core and will honour our past while preparing us for the future, by providing the space to create the jobs of tomorrow.
“It will draw on the successes of the Sydney Startup Hub in the Sydney CBD, which has already housed almost 500 companies, generated more than $280 million in investment and created more than 1,000 jobs.
“This project will bring the innovation revolution to the heart of Western Sydney, complementing the growth of the broader Westmead Health and Innovation District, including the recently announced Innovation Quarter development, which will deliver over 1,000 jobs and 28,000 square metres of health, research, education and commercial space.”
The Western Sydney Startup Hub is expected to open in late 2021 following a sensitive restoration of the circa 1876 Hospital Spinal Range Building and circa 1892 Kitchen Block.
Expressions of interest to operate and manage the Western Sydney Startup Hub will be open to respondents until 18 December 2020. More information can be found here

A bold rescue-and-return mission by the NSW Government has successfully seen more than 60,000 Murray Cod released back into the Darling River near Menindee today, two years after severe drought triggered fish deaths.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Western NSW Adam Marshall at Menindee to oversee the restocking of the Darling River.
Ms Berejiklian said the return of the Murray Cod to the waterway was part of the NSW Government’s ambitious plan to help restock the Darling River.
“This is a historic day for the Menindee community and the Barkindji people in particular,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Two years ago widespread fish deaths were caused by high temperatures and record low rainfall so it gives me great joy to see these Murray Cod returned home and swimming through our healthy waterways.”
Mr Marshall said the fish were offspring of 70 Murray Cod rescued after the NSW Government last year took unprecedented action to launch the State’s largest-ever breeding program.
“Fast-forward to today and our virtual ‘Noah’s Ark’ has docked home, returning a massive 60,000 Murray Cod to their native river, a major milestone in the NSW Government’s $10 million Fish Rescue Strategy,” Mr Marshall said.
“The iconic Murray Cod is particularly special to both the Menindee region and local indigenous communities, so to stand here today with key community members and First Nations representatives as these fish are returned to country is very moving.
“This is just the start of something special. These 60,000 Murray Cod are only the first of more than 400,000 fish to be stocked across the State this month alone, and we will continue breeding 2.5 million native fish species each year to keep our rivers stocked.”
Mr Marshall said the Murray Cod restocked today were the offspring of fish rescued by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries from Menindee in the sweltering summer of 2019, and more saved the following summer.
“The rescued Murray Cod were taken to the NSW Government’s flagship fish hatchery at Narrandera, where they stayed until conditions improved,” Mr Marshall said.
“DPI has done a phenomenal job in breeding these offspring. This program ensures the survival of our fish species, no matter how severe future summers might be.”

New targets for NSW public schools announced today as part of the School Success Model will ensure that improving student outcomes sits at the heart of the NSW education system.
The School Success Model replaces the Local School Local Decisions policy and will use targets to ensure shared responsibility for student success – from principals right through to senior executives at the Department of Education.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the success of every student is at the heart of what we do as an education system, and that responsibility needs to be shouldered by everyone.
“The School Success Model provides the transparency and support mechanisms for schools to successfully manage their record funding and make decisions that will benefit their students,” Ms Mitchell said.
Schools will be given individual targets benchmarked against similar schools for HSC, Student Growth, Phonics, Attendance, NAPLAN, Wellbeing, Aboriginal Education, and Pathways.
Schools that exceed their targets will provide a database of best practice – with the Department of Education to explore whether their teaching methods can be scaled across NSW.
Schools that fail to meet their targets will trigger intervention – with the Department providing additional support. This will range from looking at whether teaching practices and learning programs reflect evidence based best practice, to exploring whether a school’s unspent additional funding might be better used on providing extra staff in an area of educational need.
“Schools are receiving record funding, and many have used this funding to build truly incredible places to learn. These are the schools the system can learn from. These are the schools whose teaching practices can be scaled across similar schools who are not meeting their targets,” Ms Mitchell said.
Ms Mitchell said that schools are diverse and complex places, and these targets will reflect that complexity.
“From 2021 we will begin collecting data on the different components of the School Success Model, allowing us to work with schools to have individual targets in place from 2022,” Ms Mitchell said.
“While the Department will be held accountable for ensuring that schools across NSW meet their targets, they will also have their own targets based around reducing the administrative burden for principals and teachers.
“The School Success Model will drive systemic improvement; it will champion our best schools and help those who are struggling. At its heart lies an understanding that  principals, directors, executives and the Secretary have a responsibility to deliver the very best education to each NSW public school student.”

NSW drivers have more than two million reasons to download a Digital Driver Licence (DDL), with the significant milestone achieved only a year since its launch.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the DDL is safe, secure and can be used as proof of age and ID at a range of venues and police roadside checks.
“Two million people (36 per cent of all driver licence holders) can’t be wrong. Drivers simply love the technology, with 95 per cent giving it the thumbs up,” Mr Dominello said.
“Most State borders have reopened and many people will be traveling and visiting venues during the festive season, so do yourself a favour and download the DDL.”
Customers have used the DDL to sign into venues more than 562,000 times.
In September, NSW Parliament passed legislation that expanded the use of the Digital Driver Licence, giving it the same legal status as a plastic driver licence card. The DDL is now accepted by Police in every Australian State and Territory.
Mr Dominello encouraged customers to download a DDL in advance of the NSW Government’s Dine and Discover program going live.
“To download a DDL you need to create a MyServiceNSW Account, which is also a requirement for Dine and Discover. So the sooner you create an account, the sooner you can reap the rewards,” Mr Dominello said.
The DDL is hosted securely on the new Service NSW app, locks with a PIN and can be accessed offline. It provides additional levels of security and protection against identity fraud, compared to the plastic driver licence.
To get a DDL, licence holders will need to create a MyServiceNSW Account at www.service.nsw.gov.au and download the Service NSW mobile app on their smartphone. The digital licence will always be opt-in only.
Licence holders are recommended to carry their plastic card as a backup when travelling interstate.