Category: NSW News

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

Family and friends visiting loved ones at Dubbo Base Hospital will find it far easier to park, with the NSW Government doubling spaces as part of the $241 million hospital redevelopment.
Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders released the designs today for the $30 million carpark project – a new, multi-storey car park on the western side of the hospital campus and a new car park on the south eastern side, creating an extra 350 spaces.
“This is great news for the local community. The NSW Government’s investment in Dubbo Base Hospital has boosted carparking capacity to a massive 926 spaces – an extra 761 new and upgraded spaces constructed during the hospital’s redevelopment – ensuring one of NSW’s busiest regional hospitals is well equipped for the future,” Mr Saunders said.
“This important project is moving forward, with construction of the new car parks scheduled to start next year and be open in 2022.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard joined Mr Saunders at the unveiling of the carpark project during a visit to Dubbo for the joint Federal-State Bilateral Regional Health Forum.
“The NSW Government is delivering a record $10.1 billion health infrastructure program across the state, stimulating local economies and creating new health jobs, especially in regional and rural areas,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The $30 million investment in parking is on top of the $241 million for Dubbo Base Hospital’s major upgrade, ensuring the campus delivers world-class health care closer to home.”
The carpark project also includes local artwork for the façade of the multi-storey car park and infrastructure upgrades such as roadways, footpaths, hospital access, lighting and security.
The $241 million Dubbo Hospital Redevelopment and the $35 million Western Cancer Centre Dubbo (including $25 million from the Federal Government), are on track for completion in 2021.
Stages 1 and 2 opened in 2016 and included operating theatres, a short stay unit and a maternity unit. Stage 3, including a new surgical in-patient unit, opened in 2018, and a new renal dialysis unit opened in December, 2019. The Emergency and Medical Imaging departments opened in March, followed by the Coronary Care Unit in June. The rest of the new Macquarie Building under Stage 4, including the Ambulatory Care Unit and Emergency triage area, will open by mid-2021.

Surf Life Saving Clubs which became places of refuge for thousands of residents during last year’s bushfires have been given an additional $600,000 in funding from the NSW Government.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the Bushfire Support Program will help 11 surf life saving clubs on the NSW north and south coasts for upgrades, restoration or construction.
“During last year’s bushfires, surf life saving clubs turned into emergency evacuation centres providing comfort and sanctuary for thousands of people,” Mr Lee said.
“I am so grateful to our amazing volunteers and their clubs which supported the community during those devastating bushfires.
“These men and women always put their bodies on the line to save us from danger and this funding is essential to keep their facilities updated for future generations.”
The funding comes on top of $4 million provided to surf life saving clubs earlier this year under the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program.
Mr Lee will join Member for Bega Andrew Constance at Bateman’s Bay Surf Life Saving Club today to meet members and confirm funding for a new generator, pre-incident planning resources, external floodlighting, mobile VHF repeater station, 5000 litre rainwater tank, bedding and storage, ice machine and kitchen upgrade.
“This funding recognises the important role these clubs play and the sacrifices of these heroes, and is our way of saying thank you for your efforts in helping the community during a time of crisis,” Mr Constance said.
“These resources will enable the club to remain operational in all weather conditions if the mains power is cut which is vital in emergencies like bushfires.”
Other surf life saving clubs to receive funding include Broulee Surfers, Moruya, Narooma, Bermagui, Tathra, Pambula, Mollymook, Crowdy Head, Taree Old Bar and Blackhead.
CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW Steven Pearce said the latest funding would ensure facilities remained rescue ready, safe, accessible and secure.

Family and friends visiting loved ones at Dubbo Base Hospital will find it far easier to park, with the NSW Government doubling spaces as part of the $241 million hospital redevelopment.
Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders released the designs today for the $30 million carpark project – a new, multi-storey car park on the western side of the hospital campus and a new car park on the south eastern side, creating an extra 350 spaces.
“This is great news for the local community. The NSW Government’s investment in Dubbo Base Hospital has boosted carparking capacity to a massive 926 spaces – an extra 761 new and upgraded spaces constructed during the hospital’s redevelopment – ensuring one of NSW’s busiest regional hospitals is well equipped for the future,” Mr Saunders said.
“This important project is moving forward, with construction of the new car parks scheduled to start next year and be open in 2022.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard joined Mr Saunders at the unveiling of the carpark project during a visit to Dubbo for the joint Federal-State Bilateral Regional Health Forum.
“The NSW Government is delivering a record $10.1 billion health infrastructure program across the state, stimulating local economies and creating new health jobs, especially in regional and rural areas,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The $30 million investment in parking is on top of the $241 million for Dubbo Base Hospital’s major upgrade, ensuring the campus delivers world-class health care closer to home.”
The carpark project also includes local artwork for the façade of the multi-storey car park and infrastructure upgrades such as roadways, footpaths, hospital access, lighting and security.
The $241 million Dubbo Hospital Redevelopment and the $35 million Western Cancer Centre Dubbo (including $25 million from the Federal Government), are on track for completion in 2021.
Stages 1 and 2 opened in 2016 and included operating theatres, a short stay unit and a maternity unit. Stage 3, including a new surgical in-patient unit, opened in 2018, and a new renal dialysis unit opened in December, 2019. The Emergency and Medical Imaging departments opened in March, followed by the Coronary Care Unit in June. The rest of the new Macquarie Building under Stage 4, including the Ambulatory Care Unit and Emergency triage area, will open by mid-2021.

Hundreds of fee-free training courses are now available for school leavers, young people and job seekers, as part of the NSW Government’s Skilling for Recovery initiative.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said these courses come from the $320 million committed to delivering 100,000 fee-free training places across the state.
“There are more than 100,000 fee-free training places available for people in NSW as the workforce looks to reskill, retrain and redeploy in a post COVID-19 economy,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It doesn’t matter if you are a school leaver or looking for a new career path, I encourage everyone impacted by the pandemic to see what training options are available to them.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said enrolments are now open for in-demand skills leading to career pathways in areas such as aged care, nursing, trades, IT, community services, logistics and accounting.
“We are not training for the sake of training, we are training for real jobs with real futures and equipping the people of NSW with the skills they need to thrive in a post-pandemic economy,” Mr Lee said.
“There are hundreds of providers right around NSW who are ready to deliver this important training.”
As part of this Skilling for Recovery initiative, school leavers have the unique opportunity to experience a range of skills to find out what suits their passions using the Summer Skills program.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said some Year 12 school leavers are still deciding what they want to do next.
“In designing the Summer Skills program, the NSW Government has ensured the training on offer is aligned to local industry needs,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We need to provide opportunities that help the 2020 Year 12 school leaver cohort to find their feet during these uncertain times. That’s why we’re delivering practical, bite-sized and fee-free training opportunities this summer.”
The Summer Skills offered will cover a range of industries including agriculture, construction, conservation, fitness, engineering, coding, communication and digital literacy.
Full details of the courses on offer as part of Skilling for Recovery is here and the Department of Education Summer Skills program is available here.