$32 million fund will support the Central West to ‘build back better’ local roads and bridges

Applications are now open for funding to help four Central West councils rebuild their transport infrastructure to better withstand the challenges posed by future severe weather events.

The $32 million Regional Transport Resilience Fund (RTRF) is jointly funded by the Albanese and NSW Governments to assist betterment work in the worst hit local government areas (LGAs) of the Central West:

  • Cabonne
  • Forbes
  • Lachlan, and
  • Parkes

Transport for NSW and the NSW Reconstruction Authority started working with eligible Councils earlier this year to identify opportunities for betterment projects and support councils to make submissions which are due by 31 May.

The RTRF package is part of the recently announced joint Commonwealth and State Government $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience Package.

The RTRF will see vital transport infrastructure like bridges and flood crossings replaced and roads improved.

Importantly, this program focuses on building back better to ensure communities across the Central West are better prepared in the face of future disasters.

Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery, Senator Tony Sheldon said:

“The Albanese Government is committed to working with the Minns Government to make sure communities in New South Wales are more prepared for increasingly intense and frequent severe weather events in the future, so they can respond effectively and recover quicker.

“Betterment work ensures that assets like roads and bridges are built back to an improved standard, helping Central West communities to bounce back faster after severe weather events.

“By investing now to improve the quality and durability of transport infrastructure, we reduce the need to close roads and important access routes, as well as the time it takes to clear debris and rebuild for communities, each time severe weather hits.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The 2022 floods in the Central West had a catastrophic impact on local government transport infrastructure, impacting a geographical area of about 11,000 kilometres, severing critical emergency access and community service connections, and causing extensive damage.

“These works will help reduce future costs of repairs to road and transport assets damaged by natural disasters, as well as improving safety, asset utility and connectivity during, and after natural disasters.

“Research shows that for every dollar invested in risk mitigation and betterment, up to $10 is saved in recovery.”

Further information:

The $32 million Regional Transport Resilience Fund (RTRF) is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Eligible councils will need to submit detailed project estimates by 31 May 2024 which will be assessed, and successful funding announced from June 2024. Successful councils must start work on their betterment work within 12 months from executing their funding instrument.

Projects will be prioritised based on their ability to:

  • Strengthen the regional transport network’s capability to withstand natural disasters
  • Improve the reliability of the regional transport network for regional communities during and after disaster events
  • Enhance the adaptability of the regional transport network during and after disaster events
  • Improve the regional transport network’s ability to respond and recover when disasters occur
  • Improve community safety through enabling a safer regional transport network readiness and ability to deliver the nominated program.

Transport infrastructure, including roads and bridges, was significantly impacted in these LGAs during the 2022 floods. These floods affected a geographical area about 11,000 kilometres across the Central West.

Major milestone reached in Rail Repair Plan

Sydney Trains’ Rail Repair Plan has reached a key milestone three months ahead of schedule with more than 1,916 high-priority defects and over 29,000 defects in total repaired since the NSW Government launched the work.

The $97 million program kicked off in June 2023 to improve reliability and resilience of the transport network. From September 2023 to March 2024 the seven-month average for peak on-time-running is the best it’s been since 2021.

When the Rail Repair Plan was launched, the target was to remove 75 per cent of high-priority defects (1,916) to get the maintenance backlog under control to “acceptable levels” within 12 months.

Due to the rapid progress of the Rail Repair Plan, Sydney Trains has committed to a revised target to remove 2,116 high-priority defects before the end of June.

Regular trackwork is critical for the safety, reliability, and efficiency for the millions of people across NSW who use the rail network to get around.

Trackwork, maintenance, and reliability upgrades are crucial across the ageing network, with some parts over 100 years old.

The Rail Repair Plan has greatly improved the ways trackwork and maintenance are delivered, including utilising additional resources within existing rail shutdown periods. Trackwork will continue after the Rail Repair Plan is complete, over weekends and during school holidays when patronage is reduced.

South Coast line repair work update:

Last week’s torrential rain led to significant disruption on the South Coast line, with damage occurring at Coalcliff and between Kiama and Bomaderry.

250 Sydney Trains crew worked continuously over a 90 hour period to repair 200km of track and restore services north of Kiama by Tuesday morning.

Services are running between Wollongong and Waterfall at a reduced timetable due to a significant landslip at Bald Hill. Workers will return to the line this weekend as work continues to enable the restoration of a full timetable.

Work between Kiama and Bomaderry is still underway, with truckloads of ballast being delivered to Berry station to restabilise rail lines.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Months ahead of schedule, over 29,000 defects on our rail system including 1,916 high-priority defects have been repaired as result of the NSW Government’s Rail Repair Plan.

“This critical work to repair our train network will make it safer and more resilient for millions of people who catch a train in our city with peak on-time-running the best it’s been since 2021.

“For too long, governments have prioritised flashy announcements over the basic running of our trains so I’m very pleased at the progress this government has made in getting our trains back on track.

“To the staff that have been working around the clock to repair our train network and minimise disruptions for commuters, thank you.”

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“I am very proud of everyone at Sydney Trains who has jumped on board the Rail Repair Plan and exceeded all expectations with the results.

“While we have made exceptional progress, there is still much work to be done and I will not stop until we have the most reliable and resilient network possible for the passengers of New South Wales.

“When I first launched the Rail Repair Plan in June last year, it was evident we had a lot of work to do, and getting on top of the maintenance backlog was the first step.

“I’d like to thank our passengers for their patience and understanding, and our hardworking staff for striving to deliver a rail network the people of NSW deserve.”

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said:

“We’re now on top of the maintenance backlog on the rail network, which will provide more reliable trips for passengers and less incident with infrastructure.

“I’m so proud of our teams who have worked really hard to exceed all targets months ahead of schedule.

“Our trackwork teams will still be out there working hard each weekend to keep on top of the maintenance task and maintain reliability, but we won’t see as many impacts for customers when buses replace trains during trackwork. And that’s a good outcome for everyone.” 

First land release to create new jobs and homes in Bradfield City Centre

A landmark opportunity to partner with the NSW Government to deliver new homes and jobs at Bradfield City Centre has today been announced by Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully.

A landmark opportunity to partner with the NSW Government to deliver new homes and jobs at Bradfield City Centre has today been announced by Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully.

The first ‘superlot’ land release in Bradfield City Centre is a groundbreaking prospect for the private sector to set the benchmark and shape the future of Australia’s newest city.  

This is a true mixed-use site that includes provision for 1000 new homes, as well as commercial childcare, hotel, retail, medical spaces and public domain. Set across 4.8 hectares, there are over 200,000m2 of gross floor area development potential.

On the doorstep of Bradfield Metro Station and early NSW Government-led developments, Superlot 1 has the potential to be a vibrant precinct providing much needed housing and employment opportunities in Western Sydney.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) builds on extensive engagement and feedback from industry about the exciting opportunity to partner with the NSW Government on the flagship precinct development in Sydney’s newest city.

The release of the first land for private development is a major milestone, in addition to the recent exhibition of the Bradfield City Centre Master Plan earlier this year.

The future city will support the creation of more than 20,000 jobs, 10,000 new homes, and unlock new economic opportunities closer to home for the people of Western Sydney.

Superlot 1 EOI submissions are encouraged from all developers with the capability to deliver this exciting project by Friday 24 May 2024.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Government has committed over $1.2 billion to kickstart development of the state’s newest city.

“Bradfield City Centre will deliver new jobs and homes for the people of Western Sydney and support our local industries to operate on a global stage.

“Creating smart jobs close to home for the next generation is what this airport was intended to do to. And today, we’re another step closer to delivering that.

“This is the first opportunity for the private sector to get involved as a flagship partner in the development of the new city.

“It is a huge opportunity to become a major player in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.”

ICAC investigation into Mr Tim Crakanthorp MP

Integrity in government and public confidence in the decisions of government are of the utmost importance.
 
Following the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s decision to terminate its investigation into Mr Crakanthorp, unanswered questions about his conduct as a Minister remain.
 
It is overwhelmingly in the public interest for Premier Chris Minns to release the ICAC report.
 
Since the Premier’s decision to remove Mr Crackanthorp from the Ministry over his alleged failure to declare conflicts of interest, the NSW Opposition has sought information regarding the decisions that he may have taken. The Premier has to date refused to release this information citing the ICAC investigation – this is no longer a valid reason to withhold this information. 
 
It is clear from that the ICAC has prepared a detailed written report in relation to its investigation concerning Mr Crakanthorp which contains the ICAC’s “factual and other findings concerning Mr Crakanthorp’s conduct” (in relation to his obligations under the Ministerial Code of Conduct).
 
The NSW Opposition calls upon the Premier, who has received the report, and the ICAC to take all reasonable steps to release the report to the public as soon as possible. 

Statement regarding Mr Timothy Crakanthorp MP 

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption conducted a preliminary investigation into information referred to it by The Cabinet Office concerning whether the then minister for the Hunter, Mr Timothy Crakanthorp MP, had failed to declare a conflict of interest.

The Commission has prepared a report pursuant to section 14(2) of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988 including the Commission’s factual and other findings concerning Mr Crakanthorp’s conduct in relation to the NSW Ministerial Code of Conduct. The report has been furnished to the Secretary of The Cabinet Office, and the Premier of NSW, who are the relevant public authority and responsible minister for the purposes of this matter. The report has been provided so that they are appraised of the outcome of the Commission’s investigation, the Commission’s findings and for the purpose of taking any action they consider appropriate.

As the Commission is satisfied that there are no reasonable prospects of finding Mr Crakanthorp’s conduct is sufficiently serious to justify a finding of corrupt conduct, it has terminated its investigation.

The Commission will not be making further comment.

LABOR’S MERGER REFORMS WEAK AND INADEQUATE

Labor’s proposed merger reforms are weak and inadequate, and show how much the party is in the thrall of big business, the Greens say.

“This is becoming a well established pattern for Labor – giving themselves a huge pat on the back for doing the bare minimum and caving into big business demands,” Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“Labor is just not doing enough.”

“This is Labor yet again failing to take the necessary steps to tackle the market dominance which is allowing the supermarket duopoly to gouge prices.”

“This reform will not give the ACCC the tools they need – and have asked for – to stop further concentration of market power.”

”This will not reverse the onus of proof for the substantial lessening of competition test, which means the default will remain to approve mergers.”

“The Treasurer has not substantially changed the test for assessing mergers, for example by including consideration of national market share – something which has been revealed to be critical to the misuse of market power by the supermarket duopoly.” 

“This is yet another example of Labor dancing to the tune of big business, instead of doing what is right by consumers.”

On a preliminary analysis, the Greens’ concerns with Labor’s proposal are:

  • It has not reversed the onus of proof on ‘substantially lessening of competition’ test. 
  • The Treasurer has not set the threshold for mergers that will need approval from the ACCC before proceeding. 
  • The ACCC has no call-in power for mergers below the threshold.
  • The Treasurer has said the ‘vast majority of mergers’ will be excluded from the threshold.
  • The Treasurer has not said whether supermarkets will be captured by the threshold, or how these changes will address the supermarket duopoly’s market power. 
  • The Treasurer has not substantially changed the test for assessing mergers.

GREENS WELCOME GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED DECISION TO REJECT NATURE-WRECKING PROJECT AT TOONDAH HARBOUR

Today Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has announced her proposed decision to refuse a development in Toondah Harbour’s globally significant Ramsar wetlands.

Greens spokesperson for the Environment, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:

“This is a huge win for the local community and environment groups that have been fighting for a decade against this development. Building a commercial development on protected wetlands should never have been proposed in the first place.

“This project rejection is an important first step in protecting endangered wildlife from extinction, including the endangered eastern curlew shorebird, dependent on this precious wetland. 

“Australians expect the Environment Minister to protect endangered wildlife, and decisions like this should be the norm, not the exception. To protect our endangered wildlife long term, we need strong new environment laws that stop destruction of critical habitat once and for all.”

Queensland Greens Senator, Larissa Waters:

“Dredging 40 hectares of Ramsar-listed wetlands for a canal estate with luxury high-rise residences no one can actually afford, makes no sense, except to the private profits of mega property developers like Walker Corporation.

“The community have made their voices heard, why keep them waiting with a ‘proposed rejection’?

“We are calling on Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to finally, reject this dodgy project once and for all, and save Toondah Harbour.”

SOUNDCHECK REPORT PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON LACK OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR FESTIVALS

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Spokesperson on the Arts and Chair of the Senate Inquiry into the National Cultural Policy said:

“The Albanese Government’s own Soundcheck report released today has highlighted that there is a lack of funding, grants and support available for the festivals sector from government.

“Festivals are an important part of the arts and live music ecosystem. Festivals support jobs not only for artists but also in hospitality, tourism and trades as well. 

“It is not a surprise to hear festival organisers say that extreme weather and insurance are among their biggest challenges. 

“We have known for some time that extreme weather events and climate change are making it harder and more unpredictable to put on large scale events. The first thing the Albanese Government could do to support the sector is assist in underwriting insurance for festivals. 

“I have recently written to the Minister for the Arts to ask that the Government commit to a funding and support package for festivals in the May Budget. This is not just about the big name, corporate backed festivals, but more importantly, it’s about supporting local and independent festivals.”

The Senate Inquiry into the National Cultural Policy will investigate the issues surrounding festivals at a hearing on Tuesday 16th April.

SUPERMARKET CEOS TO FACE SENATE INQUIRY

The CEOs of Coles and Woolworths will next week face the Greens-led Senate inquiry into supermarket pricing.

“They’ll have to answer for price gouging shoppers and putting the squeeze on farmers,” Greens Economic Justice spokesperson and Committee chair Senator Nick McKim said.

“They’ll have to explain how they are raking in billions in profits while millions of Australians are struggling to put food on the table.”

“People have spoken about skipping meals, being forced to dumpster dive and missing out on other essentials.”

“We’ve heard from farmers and suppliers who have been sent to the wall because of Coles’ and Woolworths’ abuse of market power.”

“It’s time for the CEOs to front the Senate and face the music.”

“They will need to explain why they are in denial of their market dominance and have fought any regulation that threatens their power over shoppers and farmers.”

The programs for next week’s hearings can be found here.

Waste levy scrapped for more flood-hit areas

Residents facing the challenging task of cleaning up after intense rainfall along the NSW coast can take flood-generated waste to the tip without paying the waste levy.

The NSW Government has lifted the waste levy fee for another 7 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to bolster recovery efforts.

The Natural Disaster Waste Levy Exemption now applies to the following additional LGAs:

  • Blue Mountains
  • Camden
  • Liverpool
  • Penrith
  • Sutherland
  • Wingecarribee
  • Wollondilly.

Hawkesbury, Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Shellharbour and Kiama LGAs have already received waivers.

Residents in these 12 council areas will not be charged for the waste levy to dispose of flood-generated waste and debris at landfill sites. Local landfill gate fees may still apply.

The exemption covers waste on public and private land, including damaged building materials, furniture, carpet, gardening debris, and any other flood-related products.

Lifting the levy fee makes it easier for locals to get rid of flood-affected household items safely and efficiently. It also provides financial relief as communities strive to rebuild as soon as possible.

The waiver for all 12 LGAs is in place until 30 June 2024, with requests for extensions to be considered.

As the clean-up process continues, the EPA could expand this benefit to support other areas impacted by heavy rainfall and flash flooding.