Category: NSW News

Support for drought and bushfire impacted regional communities across NSW is continuing through our public schools, with the NSW Government announcing the extension of the Drought Entitlement Maintenance Program to 2023 to keep teachers in rural schools.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell announced the extension of the program today, continuing the Government’s commitment to supporting regional communities hardest hit by drought and bushfires by locking in staffing numbers at local schools.
Mr Barilaro said regional communities need support from governments now more than ever, despite conditions improving across the state and this announcement reaffirms the NSW Government’s commitment to boosting jobs in the regions.
“Regional communities have done it tough over the last few years and we know how important our schools are when it comes to keeping life in country towns. That is why the NSW Nationals are committed to providing stability for our students by supporting schools to keep their staff, regardless of fluctuations in enrolments,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This program will support our regional kids, keep families local, provide crucial jobs in country towns and keep our regional communities strong. Every additional teaching job means an extra family in town, shopping at local stores and injecting money into local economies.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the Entitlement Maintenance Program began in 2018, in acknowledgement of the fact that enrolments in schools might have fluctuated due to the relentless nature of the drought, posing the risk of decreasing staff numbers.
“I know how crucial it has been to provide students and families with stability throughout some of the toughest years our state has ever seen,” Ms Mitchell said.
“With drought, bushfires, floods and a global pandemic, kids need consistent support from principals, teachers and school staff who they know and trust.”
Ms Mitchell added that the schools currently involved in the Entitlement Maintenance Program will automatically have their staffing numbers extended; meaning schools won’t have to reapply for these positions.
“268 schools in regional and remote parts of NSW will benefit from the extension of this program, which is a great thing for our country kids,” Ms Mitchell said.

Regional businesses that can increase employment by expanding production lines or relocate operations to regional NSW from interstate or overseas will have access to support grants of up to $10 million under a new program designed to create more jobs across the state.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the $100 million Regional Job Creation Fund will provide businesses with the money they need to fast track expansion plans, to create jobs and stimulate the local economy.
“NSW businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of drought, bushfires and COVID-19 and this unprecedented funding program will help them thrive instead of just survive,” Mr Barilaro said.
“I have set an ambitious target for the Regional Job Creation Fund to create at least 5,000 new direct jobs across regional NSW in the next three years by providing businesses with the equipment, infrastructure and capacity they need to create new opportunities and attract new customers.
“Regional NSW is the engine room of our state and this program will deliver immediate economic stimulus as businesses leverage new opportunities by providing work for tradies and suppliers.
“Regional NSW’s abundance of natural resources, its pool of skilled labour and the NSW Government’s record infrastructure spend is providing businesses and industry with everything they need to succeed.”
Mr Barilaro said the Regional Job Creation Fund will provide grants between $100,000 and up to $10 million to undertake projects that create jobs, including those that;

• Replace, upgrade or adapt existing plant or equipment, including technology or energy efficiency upgrades
• Enable existing regional NSW businesses to establish an additional production line
• Relocate a business from interstate or internationally to regional NSW, or onshore an activity currently being undertaken overseas to regional NSW
• Develop new tourism experiences and attractions to create new demand in a region.

Applications are now open and will close on Friday 14 May 2021 or when program funding is fully allocated.
For information about eligibility criteria and program guidelines, go to www.investregionalnsw.com/RJCFund

The NSW Government today announced TAFE NSW has partnered with key health industry players to deliver a virtual reality point-of-care blood testing pilot.
TAFE NSW joined with NSW Health Pathology, CognitiveVR, and global leader in in vitro diagnostic solutions, Werfen, to develop the innovative training solution.
Healthcare workers will use a virtual reality (VR) headset to perform hands-on blood testing and equipment maintenance in a safe, virtual environment.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the NSW Government is setting a new standard of excellence in the use of emerging technologies in training.
“I’m pleased to announce TAFE NSW has teamed up with Werfen, NSW Health Pathology and CognitiveVR to develop a world-first training simulation to expand and increase acute care PoCT capability,” Mr Lee said.
“Importantly, the PoCT VR pilot aims to provide medical professionals with greater access to practical training and ensure workers have the critical diagnostic testing skills they need to provide the right care for our citizens during this challenging time.
“This demonstrates how TAFE NSW is working with industry leaders to develop high-tech, immersive training solutions to address real-world challenges.”
Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard said it would overcome limitations such as travel time, social distancing or the availability of blood testing devices.
“The simulation aims to provide healthcare professionals across the state, including in regional and remote areas, with greater access to hands-on training scenarios, ultimately increasing the quality of care while also reducing time away from clinical care.”
General Manager of Werfen Australia and New Zealand Sally Hickman said the immersive technology pilot aims to determine if VR training methodology can deliver a user experience that is equal to, or better than, face-to-face on-site training.
“Designed specifically for the Werfen GEM Premier 5000 whole blood testing system, the VR solution seeks to provide a more tactile approach to training to improve muscle memory and reinforce processes,” Ms Hickman said.

The people of NSW will this season be protected from bushfires by the single largest aerial fleet of any fire agency in Australia.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Commissioner Rob Rogers AFSM unveiled the full firefighting fleet of the NSW RFS aircraft at RAAF Base at Richmond today, the largest aviation investment by any State in the nation.
From the impressive Large Air Tanker (LAT) Marie Bashir, helicopters and Citation ‘Birddog’ aircraft, the range of equipment and capabilities were put on show as firefighters were winched and water bombers tested during a training exercise.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said NSW is leading the way in tackling fires both from the air and on the ground.
“The NSW Government has invested $26.3 million to provide the LAT ‘Marie Bashir’ and Citation ‘Birddog’ aircraft that will undertake line scanning operations.  Last season, the LAT proved its value time and time again,” Mr Elliott said.
“We’ve also unveiled two new Bell 412 Helicopters, an investment of $6.3 million that will further enhance capability across the state.
“No matter what Mother Nature throws at us; we have the ability to respond. If we experience a wet summer, these aircraft can assist rescuing people in floodwaters, or they can transport our crews to fast moving grass fires this bush fire season.
“NSW RFS and Australian Defence Force aircraft successfully rescued 51 people from imminent danger last bushfire season. These new aircraft will double this capability, and along with the two BK117 helicopters, enhance our rapid aerial and remote area firefighting operations.”
NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Rob Rogers said that the RFS is committed to ensuring our firefighters have the tools they need year round to help protect lives and property.
“These impressive aircraft are just part of the fleet, with more than 100 call-when-needed and contracted aircraft, that have and will continue to support firefighting operations across NSW this bush fire season,” Commissioner Rogers said.
“Many of these aircraft have proved themselves already this season and the support from the sky will continue to be invaluable.”
“I also take this time to thank our volunteers who time and time again give so much to protect the people and property of NSW.”
The fleet of NSW RFS aircraft will be based at various locations including RAAF Base Richmond and Bankstown Airport and will deployed across the State and interstate as needed.
This follows the NSW Government’s recent announcement of $192.2 million over five years to commence implementation of key recommendations arising from the Independent NSW Bushfire Inquiry, including $5.4 million to enhance the existing RFS aerial fleet, training facilities and to trial night time aerial firefighting.

The new Sydney Fish Market has hit a major milestone with a contract awarded to begin construction, creating jobs for NSW now and into the future.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the award of a contract on the pivotal $750 million project demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to stimulating the economy while providing infrastructure for the local community and visitors alike.
“The new Sydney Fish Market, is set to become a world-class cultural icon for Sydney, creating jobs for the economy, boosting tourism and showcasing Sydney’s beautiful Blackwattle Bay,” Mr Ayres said.
“After careful consideration and a competitive process Multiplex has been appointed to start construction on the fish markets, with work to start early next year.
“Fast-tracking our infrastructure projects is vital in stimulating our State’s economic recovery in these challenging times.”
“More than 700 jobs will be created during construction, with a further 700 jobs to be supported upon completion in 2024, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.
“Once complete, the new Sydney Fish Market will play a vital role in attracting local and international visitors to bolster tourism in Sydney and stimulate the local economy.”
David Ghannoum, Regional Managing Director Multiplex said the new Sydney Fish Market is set to become one of Australia’s best tourist destinations.
“We are excited to have been awarded the tender and to work with the NSW Government on this game-changing project,” Mr Ghannoum said.
“With its award-winning design, the modernised Sydney Fish Market will retain an authentic marine and seafood market experience and strengthen its position as one of Australia’s leading tourist destinations.”
Greg Dyer, CEO of Sydney Fish Market said the new Sydney Fish Market will transform the area, returning the foreshore to the public, opening more public space, and improving pedestrian and cycling links.
“The new market will be world class. Representing the very best traditions of the present market but utilising stunning design and architecture to house our operations – fishers, wholesalers, retailers and restaurants – in what will be an amazing experience for local, interstate and overseas visitors”
The Sydney Fish Market redevelopment is one of many projects fast tracked through Government’s new Planning System Acceleration Program, introduced to keep people in jobs and the economy moving in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Multiplex will begin work in early 2021, after the completion of early works and site preparation, and the entire project is on track to be completed in 2024.
The current Sydney Fish Market site will remain fully operational while the new site is being built.
For more information, visit insw.com/blackwattlebay

New data has revealed the NSW Government spent more than $40 billion on goods, services and construction in 2019/20, with nearly half this amount going to small and medium businesses, reiterating its support for the business community.
Figures collated from NSW Government agencies revealed $19.1 billion was spent with small and medium businesses – from food catering to technical consulting and construction work – an increase of more than $3 billion from the previous year.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said small and medium businesses continued to be a key focus for the success of NSW.
“Small and medium business owners are the backbone of the NSW economy, and we’re committed to supporting these businesses to grow and employ more people,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Of the $19.1 billion spent with small and medium businesses, $16.6 billion went to more than 51,000 small and medium businesses located in NSW.
“This is more than just a big number – every time we engage a small or medium business, we support jobs, families and local communities.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said it was important for small businesses to be front of mind when departments were considering which suppliers to engage.
“There is no doubt that small businesses have been doing it tough, first with drought, bushfires, floods and now COVID-19.
“Almost half of the money spent by the government on goods, services and construction was with small and medium sized businesses demonstrating their importance to the NSW economy.”
NSW Government agencies are responsible for conducting their own procurements in line with the NSW Procurement Policy Framework to ensure suppliers are sourced with consideration for value for money, fair and open competition, economic development, social outcomes and sustainability.
Businesses can register and search for opportunities to supply to the NSW Government at: https://suppliers.buy.nsw.gov.au/

Young people experiencing homelessness will benefit from more accommodation options and support services to help them break the cycle of homelessness, thanks to a $6.1 million NSW Government investment announced today.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the package of support would help put young people on a pathway to housing independence.
“Secure housing is an important foundation for young people to live a happy and healthy life, and to realise their full potential,” Mr Ward said.
“With a safe place to call home, and support tailored to their individual needs, young people can live independently, study, train, work and pursue the things they love.”
The new funding will provide additional accommodation options for young people experiencing homelessness, including more medium-term housing options with appropriate support and supervision.
The NSW Government will continue to work closely with the sector to build on our responses for young people, informed by the recent evaluation of the Homelessness Youth Assistance Program.
Yfoundations CEO Pam Barker said the hidden nature of youth homelessness was becoming more visible through the pressures of the pandemic.
“Young people find themselves on the streets, without a permanent roof over their head, often through no fault of their own. Now more than ever, we need a pathway out of homelessness for our most vulnerable children and young people,” Ms Barker said.
“We welcome this desperately needed support from the NSW Government, and we will continue to work to keep seeing our youth homelessness services protect the increasing numbers of vulnerable young people.
The investment builds on the work the NSW Government has done during the pandemic to support young people at risk of homelessness. More than 360 people have been helped into housing through our Rent Choice Youth program since April.
Anyone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness can contact Link2home on 1800 152 152. Services and support are available 24-7, every day of the year.

NSW has strengthened its position as Australia’s number one destination for sports and live entertainment as Venues NSW supercharges the state’s major sports and entertainment venues.
NSW Parliament has passed legislation to enable Venues NSW to be the single entity managing sport and entertainment venues in order to attract blockbuster events and drive economic activity across the State.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the merging of the Sydney Cricket & Sports Ground Trust (SCGT) and Venues NSW will ensure taxpayers receive maximum bang for their buck.
“The NSW Government has delivered a reform that will deliver enormous benefits for the state,” Mr Lee said.
“Now we have one organisation which can take control of hosting the most exciting and in-demand events which will bring major economic windfalls for NSW.
“We have invested in world-class venues and facilities which are the envy of the world and Venues NSW will ensure we get maximum returns.”
Incoming Venues NSW Chairman Tony Shepherd AO said the stage is set to make NSW unbeatable in attracting major events.
“Venues NSW now has an asset base which is the envy of other states around the country, giving NSW tremendous firepower to attract the biggest and the best sporting and entertainment events,” Mr Shepherd said.
“We can also capitalise on the experience and history of the SCG Trust which forms an intricate part of this clever and dynamic merger.”
The new entity will also focus on affordability and access to sports venues in NSW, to ensure NSW communities make the most of their government’s substantial investment.
All Venues NSW and SCGT contracts, agreements and membership entitlements with sporting codes, clubs, partners and members will continue to be honoured and preserved by the merged entity.

The process of tracking, responding to and preventing deadly occupational dust diseases such as silicosis and asbestos has been vastly strengthened following the passage of new laws through the NSW Parliament.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said that under changes to the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Information Exchange) Bill silicosis, asbestos and mesothelioma will now be notifiable diseases and if acquired through workplace exposure they will be placed on a new Dust Diseases Register.
“These new laws will save lives,” Mr Anderson said.
“Making silicosis, asbestos and mesothelioma notifiable diseases is a huge step in our journey to stamp out workplace deaths by dust exposure.
“Under the changes, these occupational dust diseases become a scheduled medical condition, requiring our doctors and nurses to notify NSW Health of identified cases, who in turn will provide this information to SafeWork NSW.
“Once SafeWork NSW has these notifications our inspectors can target their compliance and enforcement efforts based on each diagnosed individual’s current or previous workplaces and ultimately prevent further cases.
“Over the past 12 months, 344 people were reported to have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease and more than 100 with silicosis. Where workplace exposure is the cause, I want these numbers to head towards zero.
“I want to thank the Opposition and the cross-bench for working with us on this legislation to eradicate illness, injury and death caused by occupational dust and keep our workers safe.”
Mr Anderson said the Dust Diseases Register will monitor and analyse the incidence of dust diseases that are notified by NSW Health to SafeWork NSW.
“The NSW Government is also set to release the first strategy in NSW’s history to protect workers from exposure to occupational dusts,” Mr Anderson said.
“A fundamental part of the NSW Dust Strategy 2020-2022 will be the requirement for SafeWork NSW to provide annual reports on the prevalence of dust diseases to test the effectiveness of the strategy, and ensure transparency by requiring these reports to be published and accessible to the public

The completed underground caverns for Sydney’s new metro railway station at Martin Place have been revealed for the first time.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance today inspected the new Martin Place metro station, where the caverns have been completed about six months ahead of schedule.
“In a few short years, Sydney’s new driverless trains will be running through the heart of the city every few minutes – a fast, new, reliable and safe railway extending from the Metro North West Line,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This is an extraordinary milestone: excavation, tunnelling and caverns completed – next stop is laying tracks and building the new station which will service the heart of the Sydney CBD,” Mr Constance said.
It took nearly two years to excavate and build the mammoth caverns that will house the metro platforms.
The caverns under Castlereagh and Elizabeth Street are each 28 metres below street level at Martin Place, are 220 metres long and 14 metres wide.
Excavation was completed ahead of the arrival of the first tunnel boring machine, TBM Nancy on 11 October 2019. TBM Mum Shirl was not far behind, breaking through into the cavern on 23 October 2019.
About 126,000 tonnes of rock was excavated from the two caverns and more than 5,500 tonnes of steel installed.
The smooth finished lining of the caverns required more than 21,500 tonnes of concrete.
Nine tunnels have also been built to connect commuters to the new station entrances as well as to the end of the platforms at the existing Martin Place Station.