Category: NSW News

The first tracks have been laid on the $2.4 billion Parramatta Light Rail, marking a major milestone for the project.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the start of trackwork at Hawkesbury Road in Westmead showed significant progress had been made on the project.
“The Parramatta Light Rail is essential for future-proofing this growing precinct, one of the largest medical, education and research hubs in the southern hemisphere,” Mr Constance said
“We will see ‘turn up and go’ light rail services running through here in the next few years. That will mean a tram arriving every 7.5 minutes in peak periods. Along with Sydney Metro West and our train and bus services, it will help to cater for an estimated population of more than 40,000 staff and 30,000 students.”
“Not only are we future proofing public transport for the area, this project is supporting 5,000 jobs as we rebuild the post-COVID economy here in NSW,” Mr Constance said.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said more than $650 million would be included in the 2020-21 NSW Budget to deliver this first-class infrastructure project and drive job creation.
“This Budget continues to build on our record infrastructure pipeline, which is delivering projects that will not only ease the burden on commuters but will spearhead our economic recovery from the pandemic by creating and supporting jobs,” Mr Perrottet said.
The track installed at Westmead consists of 18-metre lengths of grooved rail weighing almost one tonne each, set in a concrete slab that covers drainage and utility services.
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the 48-metre track installation follows months of preparation including the relocation of underground utilities and the widening of Hawkesbury Road, Westmead, in association with the Westmead Redevelopment, one of the biggest health infrastructure projects in NSW.
“The community and local businesses will ultimately benefit from the convenient public transport option at their doorstep,” Dr Lee said.
“We thank the community for its patience during the recent road closures and night works, both of which have helped to minimise disruption in this busy medical and residential precinct.”
Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor said Parramatta Light Rail would be a game changer for the entire region.
“It’s really exciting to see the start of track work here in the Westmead Health Precinct because it means we’re a step closer to this modern and convenient mode of public transport,” Mr Taylor said.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said this project will be key to connecting this critical health and education precinct with the Parramatta CBD.
“It’s exciting to see this city-changing project one step closer to completion,” Cr Dwyer said.
The Parramatta Light Rail will have a number of sections where it will be free from overhead wires to seamlessly integrate with the surrounding environment.
Track will continue to be installed in sections across the alignment as areas become available.
The 12-kilometre, $2.4 billion Parramatta Light Rail will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia, and is expected to commence services in 2023.

The NSW Government is paving the way for more women and mature workers to take up trades, with a $57.4 million commitment over four years for a new Trades Skills Pathways Centre in the 2020-21 NSW Budget.
The Centre will work with registered training organisations to help experienced but unqualified trade workers to attain certification. It will also look into delivering trades training in a flexible way, which would be attractive for many women and mature workers who are often balancing work and family responsibilities.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said this is a critical step towards addressing a skills shortage in NSW and boosting the number of mature workers and women in trades.
“We’re determined to ease skills shortages across the State to power our economy, and women and mature workers play a vital role in that,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The traditional apprenticeship model is not for everyone. Many workers acquire these same skills on the job, without formal training. This Centre will assist these workers to fill knowledge gaps and earn a nationally recognised qualification.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said we are moving in the right direction to attract mature workers and women to trades, but there is more to be done.
“This will be a ground breaking NSW innovation that will go beyond traditional apprenticeships and traineeships to capture workers who may have missed the opportunity to obtain formal skills,” he said.
“There is a wealth of experience and potential on construction sites right across NSW that is currently going unnoticed. We want all those workers to reach their potential.”
Minister for Regional Youth and Women Bronnie Taylor said the program would boost the prospects of young workers and women in rural areas.
“The Centre will ensure that young people in our regions with invaluable hands-on experience will be guided through which transferable qualifications they need to open the door to even greater career opportunities,” said Mrs Taylor.

The NSW Government is investing more than $700 million in this year’s Budget to expand the digital capabilities of the State and build new and flexible ways of delivering services everywhere from classrooms and living-rooms to courtrooms.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the funding formed part of the Government’s $1.6 billion Digital Restart Fund and will be used to boost regional and remote education improve cyber security, enhance NSW Courts and enhance ePlanning.
“COVID-19 has shown us just how important it is to have the digital infrastructure and the skills to match for a modern flexible society,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Streamlining and enhancing our digital capabilities improves efficiencies, makes our lives simpler and ultimately saves everyone time and money.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the funding was a down-payment on the future economic growth of NSW.
“The future belongs to the innovative and bold, and this investment will create jobs make doing business with Government easier and enhance reform,” Mr Perrottet said.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said today’s announcement kept NSW at the front of the line when it came to digital government.
“NSW is the most digitally advanced jurisdiction in Australia and this funding will empower us to enter a new frontier,” Mr Dominello said.
“Whether it’s transforming the way we teach children in regional and remote schools, or bolstering our cyber security systems, this investment sends the community a strong message that we are putting the customer at the centre of everything we do.”
A key component of the $700 million funding contained in the upcoming Budget is $366 million to close the digital gap in schools in rural and remote areas.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the funding is supporting the Government’s commitment to regional education.
“I want every student to have the best access to education, and this investment in the digital capacity of regional schools makes that possible,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The uplift will provide regional teachers with the tools, training and support they need to integrate digital resources into the classroom.
“Through upskilling the workforce and upgrading school technology, we will lift the educational opportunities for the 210,000 students who call regional NSW home.”
Attorney General Mark Speakman said thousands of people who come into contact with the NSW Justice system each year will benefit from an investment of more than $54 million to bring the best of 21^st century innovation into our courts.
“This investment will revolutionise court processes in NSW, providing a single digital point of contact for court users, bringing more proceedings online and digitising court files to help the move towards a paperless environment,” Mr Speakman said.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said funding for ePlanning would reduce assessment timeframes, reduce red tape and enhance productivity.
“Technology can help take a lot of frustration and time out of tiresome processes, and our challenge is to ensure we continue to improve all our systems,” Mr Stokes said.
The NSW Government’s digital investment initiatives include:

• $240 million over three years for cyber security maturity uplift, including an initial $20 million ($60 million over three years) investment in Cyber Security NSW, to help boost cyber security across agencies and departments;
• $366 million over two years to retool regional schools, upgrade learning spaces, upskill teachers and give students cutting edge distance education platforms and digital education resources;
• $54.5 million for the Digital Courts Reform project which will help to digitise courts and tribunals, enhance efficiency, improve customer experience, reduce technology risk and improve business continuity and build data capability;
• $45.8 million for ePlanning Phase 4 to be delivered over the next three years.
  Phase 4 will continue to enhance the quality and reliability of planning data, working to reduce assessment timeframes, cut red tape and costs for business;
• $17.5 over two years (including $13.6 million in 2020-2) for the Assured Revenue program to make the lodgement and collection of revenue simpler.

The NSW Government is urging venues to put the safety of customers and staff first and have a system for digital registration such as a QR code that records patrons’ names and contact details in place by 23 November, or risk facing penalties.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said digital registration, including QR codes, is fast, accurate and will give customers more confidence during a pandemic.
“Any business that is serious about safety should be using digital registration, such as a QR code or other method of capturing contact details electronically. There are no excuses,” Mr Dominello said.
“We can’t respond to a pandemic with paper. We must be fast and precise and digital is the best way forward.
“We have to move away from the walk-in culture to the check-in culture. This is about building resilience as we continue to open up as safely as possible heading into summer.
“The overwhelming majority of businesses do the right thing but inspectors have told us that some just don’t get it and have inadequate check-in systems.
“Complacency is our greatest threat and any business that thinks they are above the law will face serious penalties.
“I strongly encourage businesses to download a free NSW Government QR code and for customers to use the COVID Safe Check In through the Service NSW app.
“So far more than 16,000 businesses have used a NSW Government QR code and 94 per cent of customers have given the COVID Safe Check In the thumbs up.”
Scanning a NSW Government QR code captures the business name, address and the customer’s contact details. The information is securely stored for 28 days for the sole purpose of contact tracing and can be instantly accessed by NSW Health in the event of an outbreak. After this time, it will be destroyed.
For customers who do not have access to a smartphone, venues are encouraged to record their contact details and time of entry using a digital device.
If there is an internet outage, venues can manually acquire details digitally, for example in Excel.
MEDIA: William Sparling │ 0408 576 636
Digital registration will be mandatory for the following venues from 23 November:

• Amusement Centres
• Aquariums
• Business premises that are used for auction houses, other than clearing houses
• Business premises that are used for nail salons, beauty salons, hairdressing salons, waxing salons, tanning salons, spas, tattoo parlours and massage parlours
• Crematoria
• Drive-in cinemas
• Entertainment facilities
• Hospitality venues:
  • Casinos (all persons entering the premises)
  • Food and drink premises (all persons consuming food or drink on the premises, plus staff and contractors)
  • Micro-breweries, small distilleries holding a drink on-premises authorisation under the Liquor Act 2007 or cellar door premises (all persons consuming food or drink on the premises, plus staff and contractors)
  • Pubs, small bars and registered clubs (all persons entering the premises, but not if they are entering the premises solely for the purpose of collecting food or drink to consume off the premises)
• Function centres
• Funeral homes
• Information and education facilities (other than libraries)
• Party buses
• Properties operated by the National Trust or the Historic Houses Trust
• Public swimming pools
• Recreation facilities (indoor)
• Recreation facilities (major)
• Sex on premises venues
• Sex services premises
• Strip clubs
• Vessels used for hosting functions or for commercial tours
• Zoological parks and reptile parks

Events

• Corporate events
• Funerals and memorial services and gathering after funerals and memorial services
• Wedding services and gatherings after wedding services

Physical distancing and passenger occupancy notifications will now be available for customers using the Opal Travel app for trips on Sydney Trains and Metro.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said eligible customers will be able to receive real time alerts based on the capacity for the service they typically travel on, as well as the usual advice on trackwork, delays and major incidents.
“The new feature is a world leading piece of innovation that uses real-time capacity and predictive data to help customers make better choices when travelling,” Mr Constance said.
“We have already implemented the green dots across the network, and the notifications are another way we can help maintain physical distancing and keep people COVID safe.”
Transport for NSW worked closely with Amazon Web Services (AWS), Tigerspike, and AppJourney to deliver the COVID Safe travel notifications in just 12 weeks.
AWS’s Director for Public Sector in Australia and New Zealand Iain Rouse said the collaboration is another example of how technology can help prevent the spread of COVID.
“We understand the pressure COVID-19 has placed on the public transport network and are confident this new feature will make commuting a more safe and comfortable experience for customers,” Mr Rouse said.
Tigerspike Lead Client Engagement and Strategy Manager Oliver Poulter said Concentrix Tigerspike is proud to collaborate with TfNSW and leverage digital innovation to improve travel.
“This collaboration has been about building on the resources that already exist to deliver trustworthy data which will allow customers to make informed choices,” Mr Poulter said.
AppJourney Founder Rupert Hanson said the launch of this kind of personalised messaging is a significant step in improving the customer experience.
“Developing this new feature has been a huge team effort, and we can’t wait to see how it improves the journey for public transport customers. Hearing their feedback will allow us to keep improving the technology as it rolls out across other modes of transport,” said Mr Hanson.
For more information visit https://transportnsw.info/covidsafe-travel-notification

The NSW Government is continuing its record commitment to school infrastructure with three new and three upgraded schools across the state benefitting from more than $300 million as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Education Minister Sarah Mitchell today announced the site selected for the new primary school at Edmondson Park.
“We’re committed to delivering high-quality school infrastructure across the state, which is why we are building a new primary school in Edmondson Park and will also build new primary schools at Googong and Murrumbateman,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We will also deliver major multimillion dollar upgrades to Carlingford West Public School, Picnic Point High School and North Sydney Public School.”
Mr Perrottet said the school infrastructure projects would benefit those beyond the school gates by keeping people in work at a critical time.
“This stimulus package will not only deliver quality schools to communities across NSW, it will support economic growth through job creation, which is vital for our state’s recovery from this pandemic,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It is estimated these projects will support up to 1,500 jobs across metropolitan and regional areas of New South Wales.”
Ms Mitchell said the intention is to commence procurement, including construction, for the six projects as soon as possible.
“I’m proud that we are continuing our record investment in school infrastructure right across NSW,” Ms Mitchell said.
The NSW Government is investing $6.7 billion over four years to deliver more than 190 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.

Two of the state’s crash black spots are among the big winners in the 2020-21 NSW Budget, with $35 million in planning money for the duplication of Heathcote Road and another $44 million in planning money for the duplication of Picton Road.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said duplicating Heathcote Road is not an easy task and will take time but will be well worth it.
“Duplicating Heathcote Road will significantly improve safety for the 36,000 drivers who use the road every day,” Mr Constance said.
“We need to get this road right to accommodate future growth from the Illawarra to Western Sydney, and to ensure we have the right infrastructure in place for generations to come.”
“Last year alone there were 13 crashes with three people killed on Heathcote Road – these numbers are unacceptable, and this Government is committed to fixing road safety along this corridor as soon as possible.”
Today’s Heathcote Road announcement is in addition to the $183 million in state and federal funding already announced for duplication between Infantry Parade and The Avenue, and $73 million for Heathcote Road Bridge.
Preliminary work was carried out in 2019 in preparation for the upgrade, including the relocation of utilities and the gas main along Heathcote Road.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said this year’s Budget would continue the NSW Government’s investment in vital road upgrades to keep people safe while also supporting our State’s economic recovery.
“We know every dollar spent on these upgrades will make a big difference to motorists using these roads every day and at the same time will provide much needed jobs during our economic recovery from the pandemic,” Mr Perrottet said.
The additional funding for the Picton Road duplication in the Wollongong and Wollondilly areas will be delivered over the next four years, for planning to improve safety and connectivity along the road.
“Picton Road is a major arterial road providing connection between the Hume Highway at Wilton and the Princes Highway near Mount Ousley, linking Port Kembla, the Illawarra region and the south coast with Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne,” Mr Constance said.
“This commitment will allow Transport for NSW to complete the strategic business case for the upgrade, as well as finalise modelling and options testing at the Picton Road and Hume Highway interchange.
“The funding will also support the completion of the concept design, environmental assessment and planning approvals, and allow the development of the final business case and detailed design of the upgrade.”
Upgrading Picton Road was identified as key to meeting the demand for additional freight and improved safety in the NSW Freight and Ports Plan for 2018-2023.
The Picton Road strategic business case, including preferred upgrades, is due to be completed in the second half of 2021. Once completed, work will start on concept and detailed design.
Early work, for the already funded upgrade on Heathcote Road between Holsworthy and Voyager Point, is expected to start in early 2021, with major work planned to commence in September 2021 and completion expected in late 2024.

More than 9,000 jobs and $32 billion of private investment is expected to roll into the regions by 2030, under the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, released today.
The Roadmap lays out the Government’s 20 year plan to deliver Renewable Energy Zones, energy storage such as pumped hydro, and on demand supply like gas and batteries, needed to reduce emissions and provide cheap, reliable electricity across the State.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the Roadmap will deliver Australia’s first Renewable Energy Zones in the Central West and New England regions by 2030.
“The stimulus the Renewable Energy Zones will provide to regional communities will unlock over 9,000 new jobs and will be a huge boost to farmers and land owners, with $1.5 billion in lease payments expected to go to landholders hosting new infrastructure by 2042,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The Roadmap will make sure that renewables are developed where regional communities want them and where they are compatible with farming.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Roadmap will grow the economy, create jobs and deliver an expected $32 billion of private sector investment in electricity infrastructure by the end of the next decade.
“Coming out of this crisis, not only are we stimulating the economy to create jobs now, we are looking toward the reforms NSW needs to secure our future,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This is a big productivity plus. The Roadmap will help boost our energy security and deliver to NSW some of the cheapest prices in the OECD, cutting power bills for families.”
Energy Minister Matt Kean said the Roadmap will support the private sector to bring 12 gigawatts of renewable energy and 2 gigawatts of storage, such as pumped hydro, online by 2030.
“Our priority is to keep the lights on and get power prices down, with the Roadmap forecast to save NSW households an average of $130 and small businesses an average of $430 on their electricity bills each year,” Mr Kean said.
“NSW has some of the best natural resources in the world and this Roadmap is about acting now to leverage our competitive advantage and to position NSW as an energy superpower.”
Water Minister Melinda Pavey said the Roadmap includes $50 million in grants to support the delivery of pumped hydro projects.
“Pumped hydro is a proven form of large-scale storage and NSW has some fantastic pumped hydro opportunities,” Ms Pavey said.
“This plan delivers the long term certainty needed for the private sector to invest now and drive jobs and investment in the regions.”
Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the Roadmap cements the region as the renewable hub of the future.
“Our community is thrilled to have the State’s first Renewable Energy Zone right here in the Central West unlocking opportunities for jobs and investment that will be the foundation for our future prosperity,” Mr Saunders said.
The Roadmap sets out a plan to modernise the State’s electricity infrastructure by:

1. Cutting red-tape and speeding up approvals for transmission infrastructure in Renewable Energy Zones, while protecting the interests of consumers,
2. Creating a long term investment signal for new generation in Renewable Energy Zones, long duration storage such as pumped hydro, and on demand supply, like gas and batteries, and
3. Making sure that renewable projects proceed where local communities want them and in ways that are consistent with farming.

For further information and to view the Roadmap visit: https://energy.nsw.gov.au/government-and-regulation/electricity-infrastructure-roadmap

The NSW Government will encourage domestic and international business into NSW through payroll tax relief as part of a new $250 million Jobs Plus Program, which is part of the 2020-21 NSW Budget.
The Jobs Plus Program will support companies who want to relocate their head offices to NSW, or expand their jobs footprint in NSW.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new Program would create or support up to 25,000 jobs to 30 June, 2022.
“The challenges NSW has faced as a result of the triple crises of drought, bushfires and COVID-19 have given us an opportunity to change our approach and refocus on creating jobs for the future,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“NSW is the nation’s economic powerhouse and Jobs Plus will entice top-performing companies from interstate and across the globe to NSW, and cements this State as the best place to do business in Australia.”
Under the Jobs Plus Program, the NSW Government will provide support to businesses if they create at least 30 new net jobs. Support will include:

• Payroll tax relief, up to a four-year period, for every new job created where a business has created at least 30 new net jobs;
• Assistance with the NSW planning system, including fast-tracked planning approval pathways and advice, plus guidance on appropriate site selection to increase speed to market;
• Partnering to develop subsidised training programs in order to build specialised skills aimed at sustaining these new jobs into the future. This includes funding to develop and deliver bespoke skills programs which can be accessed by the wider NSW community;
• Providing enabling infrastructure such as building local roads, access to utilities and future-proofed digital infrastructure.
• Access to a one-stop-shop Jobs Plus Concierge Service in government to help businesses efficiently navigate and access government agencies and programs; and
• Access to free or subsidised government spaces and accommodation.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the $250 million Program will reduce the cost of establishment, financial risk and speed to market for businesses looking to scale and grow in NSW.
“This is a clear signal to the private sector that NSW is the best place to invest and grow your business,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We are backing private and non-government sectors seeking to invest in job-creating projects, proposals and partnerships by supporting them throughout the critical stages of business development.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the proposals that will create jobs in growth industries or support technology and knowledge-based job creation could apply for a number of support measures.
“Jobs Plus is focused on bringing forward private sector investment and attracting new investors to NSW. Driving job creation in the non-government sector is critical to a successful COVID-19 recovery strategy,” Mr Ayres said.
“We want to make it clear to world-class multinational and domestic businesses that there is no better place in the world than NSW for them to set up, grow and create and sustain the jobs of the future.”
The Jobs Plus Program will commence 15 December 2020 and conclude on 30 June 2022.

The NSW Government has worked with councils to unlock $850 million worth of investment in local projects following changes to infrastructure contributions policy.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said 488 community projects had been identified by 15 councils with significant funds across Sydney, the Central Coast and the Hunter.
“We’ve cut red tape to give councils greater flexibility to pool contributions funds and invest them in vital local infrastructure immediately,” Mr Stokes said
“It means communities from Parramatta to Lake Macquarie and beyond will benefit from new and upgraded roads, parks and public spaces, community facilities and recreation centres.
It’s all part of the NSW Government’s ongoing work to create a better planning system while ensuring councils step up to the challenge of creating jobs and supporting the state’s economy during the pandemic.
Projects on the list identified by the 15 councils include:

• Bayside Council: $7.3 million for improvements to Arncliffe Town Centre;
• Fairfield Council: $3 million for the Fairfield showground redevelopment;
• Ku-ring-gai Council:  $1.6 million for Stanley Street park in St Ives;
• Lake Macquarie City Council: $4.4 million for the Gymea Avenue and Myall Road intersection upgrade at Garden Suburb; and
• City of Parramatta:  $4.8 million for Hill Road and Bennelong Road upgrades, bus shelters and upgrade to Haslam’s Creek Bridge.

“Councils also have access to a range of low cost loans and grant programs provided by the NSW Government which will help them to deliver infrastructure and drive investment to support the growth of local communities,” he said.
For more information and a list of participating councils visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Local-infrastructure-contributions-policy